Seven Days Away

by Ruth Hay

Megan my dear, it’s time for your father and I to have a talk with you and Maurice about the future.

  Please meet us here at four o’clock. We have decisions to make as a family.

  We want you to see Portia today, so be prepared. She is very fragile.

  Tonight, all of us will be eating together in a private dining room on the resort. It’s to be a farewell celebration.

  Try to have a splendid day in the sun, my dear, and don’t worry too much.

  Love,

  Mother.

  Zoe and Wesley planned a day at the beach. Zoe had her new sunscreen to try out and also another new product. It was an outfit, consisting of jacket and pants of a soft light material that was supposed to prevent sun exposure. Nevertheless, she was not about to take any chances with her porcelain, English complexion and intended to start their walk early in the day, returning to the apartment well before noon. Their appointment with Portia was arranged for three o’clock in the afternoon and she needed some time to collect everything she wanted for Portia and to do the final packing. Tomorrow they would return to Dunstan’s Close and their normal lives with such good memories of seven days in the sun. Perhaps this would be the first of many holidays away from the hustle and bustle of London. She was certainly surprised at how well she had adjusted to hours of free time and no immediate plans. Wesley insisted he had never known her to be so relaxed and jolly.

  “Jolly? It’s a word that belongs with Christmas and Santa Claus. What on earth do you mean?”

  “It’s supposed to be a compliment, my dearest. Your funny side has emerged here. I even heard you make several jokes.”

  “Well, Wesley Philips, I can’t say the same for you but I have seen another side to you that reminds me of how we first met. You are a consummate healer, my darling. The way you talked to that poor girl brought tears to my eyes. Yes, it’s a desperately sad situation and yet it has made me appreciate your people skills all the more.”

  “Thank you.” He had swept her up in a kiss then added, after some seconds, “I must give credit to my mentor, Aylward Beck. Working with him here has been a highlight of my holiday and something I will always remember.”

  Just then the house phone rang. It was Marion Beck inviting them to a family celebration later in the evening. She repeated the time for their session with Portia and wished them a happy day.

  “Now,” said Wesley. “Our last evening here will once more be in the midst of an interesting family.

  I can’t wait to revisit the dynamic. It’s a situation neither of us has experienced. Our family group is so small. If you exclude your father and our friends, we are almost alone. How do you feel about this, Zoe?”

  She knew at once to what he was referring. Their previous discussions about children had been brief. She could not see herself as a mother. It had been quite a transition to become a wife. Somehow, this time in Mexico had brought modifications she had not expected. It might be time to reopen the discussion.

  “No promises, Wes, but I am willing to talk again when we get home.”

  He tried to conceal his joy and failed miserably.

  “Who’s jolly now?” she taunted, and ran away from his outstretched hands, knowing he would pursue her.

  * * *

  The weather cooperated and their final day sped by in sun, surf and sand. They saw the whales jumping in the bay and found out this was an annual pilgrimage to the warm waters where the young were born.

  They turned back to land, reluctantly, but by three, they were knocking on the Becks’ apartment door.

  Marian led them up the stairs and commented on the bags they were carrying.

  “Isn’t it strange to have to deal with luggage after a week of walking around freely? I wish a wrist bracelet would unlock all my doors at home. I am always losing track of keys and Aylward is the same.”

  Portia was waiting. They went into the master bedroom for privacy while Wesley chatted with Aylward and Marian.

  As Zoe unpacked one bag to display a selection of summer outfits she had chosen from her wardrobe, Portia smiled and touched the delicate fabrics, commenting in a natural way about what she saw.

  Zoe thought it would be preferable for Portia to choose whatever she wanted to wear and she finally settled on a pair of loose trousers with a high waist that emphasized the girl’s slender shape. On top she wore a lacy shirt with long sleeves caught at the wrist and at the neck with a soft ruff. The colour was a pale shade of blush pink. Zoe added a dramatic touch with a black and silver necklace and matching bracelet. She would not allow Portia to look in the mirror until the final effect had been achieved.

  The make-up case was opened and in only a few minutes, Zoe used her brushes to bring emphasis to the girl’s features and brighten her complexion. Portia’s deep-set eyes were enhanced with eyeliner and mascara and a concealer gently applied to disguise the shadows underneath. With better nutrition, and her grandmother’s daily brushing, her brown hair had the beginnings of its natural shine. Zoe allowed it to fall on either side of her face and used her scissors to snip a few strands to add softness near her eyes and cheeks.

  When she was finished, she stepped back to view the transformation and was pleased with the new, brighter appearance. Now, to see if Portia approved.

  There was a large mirror over the dressing table. Zoe took Portia’s hands and led her over to the mirror.

  At first, there was a stunned look on the girl’s face. She had been avoiding mirrors for so long, imagining unwanted changes happening to her body that she did not want to acknowledge. Wesley had warned Zoe of this. She stood back with her hands clasped to her chest wishing and hoping she had done the right thing for the girl.

  Moments stretched into minutes. Zoe noticed a change in posture as Portia’s shoulders slowly straightened, but there was no sound. Then the girl turned to left and right looking at her image from all angles.

  Still no sound.

  At last, when Zoe could hardly contain her impatience any longer, she heard a low chuckle, then a laugh, and then the girl spun around and Zoe saw a gleam in those eyes that had been missing before. It was not only the effect of the make-up; it was also coming from within.

  “Do you like your new look, Portia?”

  “I look happy and free and beautiful. I have never looked like this but I want so much to be this person in the mirror.”

  “The person you see now is you, Portia. I am going to take some photographs. I have a new camera that will produce colour pictures almost instantly. You must keep these pictures beside you and remember how you feel at this moment.”

  “I will remember, you, Zoe,” she said shyly, and Zoe felt a tear roll down her cheek. She risked a gentle hug. Wesley had warned her not to be too physical and yet she could not resist the impulse to give some of her own warmth and faith to the damaged child before her.

  Wesley was waiting outside the bedroom door in case he should be needed. When he heard the sounds of laughter, he knocked softly, hoping to be admitted. Zoe flung open the door with photographs in hand and welcomed him in. other photos were spread out across the bed and Portia...... was it really the same, sad girl?...... was lifting one after another and exclaiming about them in a positive tone of voice Wesley had not dared to hope for. He watched in amazement, without interrupting.

  Zoe had, assuredly, performed a miracle. There should be a bullet-type break here but it makes the line change somehow.

  * * *

  Maurice and Megan Anderson entered the apartment for their four pm appointment with some trepidation. They had spent the day in various venues around the resort talking and walking and eating very little as they discussed their parents’ intentions for the meeting. For the entire time the bright sun and happy, holiday atmosphere of the resort passed them by unnoticed. Eventually, they concluded it could not be good news they were about to hear, but by the appointed hour, they were anxious to get it over with, whatever it would be.

  Aylward and Marion were waiting. Tea
had been brewed and they sat in the shade on the main balcony at the dining table there. Megan was relieved that no other family members were present. They exchanged small talk until Aylward cleared his throat and began to speak.

  “My dears, we need to discuss your daughter.” He raised his hand to ward off any protests. “I am not interested in delving into past mistakes. It’s well past the time for that. What we need to do now is to ensure Portia receives the best care for the next part of her recovery. You already know her condition is serious. We must get her back to Canada without further incidents. Your mother and I have two suggestions. We will take her with us on the plane tomorrow. I have an extra first class ticket. She will sit between us in a quiet section of the plane and I will have a mild sedative to use, if she seems anxious.

  When we reach Toronto, we feel it best if Portia remains with us in Forest Hill until I can find a suitable psychotherapist for her. Once she is established in a routine of treatments, other options can be considered.

  I trust it is obvious to you that Portia cannot continue in her workplace. There are several issues regarding this which I will leave to your legal decision, Megan. There could be a case for assault, although it might be hard to prove at this point, but it would be devastating for her to be dragged through the courts enduring accusations and counter-accusations.”

  Megan was overcome with relief. She closed her eyes and gripped her husband’s hand.

  Marian saw Megan’s expression and added her suggestions.

  “We want Portia to sleep in your old room, Megan. Many of your youthful interests are still reflected there. I think it will help her to get to know a different side of you before you became so focused on your career.”

  Once more Megan closed her eyes; this time it was to hide the shame she felt.

  Aylward noticed and moved on. “Of course we want you, her parents, to visit often and there should be opportunities to take her out for a meal or for a day in the fullness of time. It will depend on the rate of her progress. You will be kept fully informed. We also have some better news about Portia but first we need to tackle other issues.”

  He took a breath and glanced at Marian for support. She nodded. He carried on.

  “We appreciate the financial consequences of Megan reducing her work commitments and also paying off Maurice’s debts. I want to offer an incentive. I will fund a research expedition in Europe for you, Maurice.”

  He immediately opened his mouth to give profuse thanks for this unlikely gift but his father-in-law had moved on.

  “There are two conditions. You must successfully complete a course with Gamblers Anonymous and, subsequent to your research, there must be a published book of some significance in your field.”

  “Of course! Of course, Aylward! That is immensely generous of you both.”

  The unspoken condition was regarding gambling in his life. That was over. For good.

  The tension in the group now lessened slightly and Marian revealed the positive news.

  “You met Zoe and Wesley last night. You don’t realize, as yet, what an active role they have been taking toward Portia’s recovery. I am going upstairs to bring Dr. Philips and his amazing wife down here. With them will be your daughter and I warn you not to overreact when you see her. This is a trial to find out how she responds to her parents after this time apart from you both. It could be she does not wish to be in your presence. If so, we will take her back to where she now feels secure.”

  “In either case,” stated Aylward firmly, “You owe the couple a great debt of thanks. I assure you what has been accomplished here, in a matter of hours, has been crucial to my granddaughter’s mental health.”

  Megan and Maurice steeled themselves for this encounter while Marian went upstairs. Each had fears and images related to their last dealings with Portia. This was a vital test.

  Zoe led the way, followed by Wesley. Megan took some comfort from the smiles on their faces. Next descended a slender, beautiful girl in lovely clothes. Had her mother, Marian, not been holding the girl by the hand, Megan might not have recognized her own daughter. The contrast between this beauty and the dark, troubled image of their last encounter was too great to absorb.

  After a moment, Portia’s parents breathed out and summoned the strength to say a tentative “Hello, Portia, dear”. The words were totally inadequate to express the turmoil of feelings they were experiencing. Megan felt the impulse to rush forward and embrace her daughter but her parents’ cautions held her in her seat.

  “Hi, mother. Hi, father. How do you like my new look?”

  It was another shock to hear Portia speak in such a normal, calm fashion. Maurice recovered first.

  “My dear, dear girl, you look stunning. Your mother and I hope you feel as good as you look. We are so pleased to see you again. This is a new beginning for all three of us. You will be in good hands until you feel completely well and we have your grandparents and Dr. Philips and his wife to thank for your wonderful progress.”

  “Please know, Portia, everything will change now for the better. Your father and I are determined about that. When you come home again, it will be to a better, happier home life. I promise.”

  Portia managed a tiny smile. Her parents’ words were too much for her to absorb. She was still in the phase of living in the moment. This future her mother described was unintelligible to her.

  Aylward caught her distress and signalled to Marian to usher Portia upstairs. At the top step, she turned and waved to Zoe and Wesley.

  Aylward had a few words for both couples regarding the evening’s events. He waited until Megan had dried her tears and Maurice had shaken hands enthusiastically with all three in thanks for their interventions. Megan spoke up.

  “I can’t believe the transformation. I have been so worried. How could we ever thank you for this?

  I am so ashamed that things with my daughter got to this point without my knowledge.”

  Before Megan could dissolve in tears again, Aylward reminded them of the evening’s celebration.

  “It’s a command performance. There will be some surprises, I assure you.”

  Both couples departed with plenty to discuss and consider. It had been an extraordinary experience.

  * * *

  Maria and Aylward had just enough time for a restorative snack of fruit and cheese, washed down with iced tea, before the junior Beck family arrived for their appointment.

  The group bustled in bringing an air of satisfaction with them. Marian realized she had never seen them looking so relaxed and happy together. The contrast between this tanned, cheerful assembly and the morose, uncomfortable Becks who endured the usual Christmas Day in her Toronto house, was noticeable.

  Aylward started by asking what they had learned from this week in a tropical paradise.

  Terrence was the first to reply. “Mother and father, I think I can speak for all of us.” He glanced around the lounge where his family were seated as close together as possible and noted their agreement.

  “This week has been one of discoveries. Jill and I have found each other again.” Jillian blushed as her children all clapped spontaneously. “I think it safe to say Devon has emerged from the basement forever, and found he has two sisters whose company he can enjoy.” The room erupted in laughter at this comment and Devon rose to take a mock bow.

  “On a more serious note, you have given all of us a chance to stop and think about how our family life was being derailed by work, worry and the daily grind. I promise we will get together once a week for a family meal, either at home or in the restaurant and we will stay connected no matter what.”

  He smiled again and called out, “Have I got it right, team?”

  The chorus of assent made it clear they were a family bonded together with a common purpose. What had happened to Megan and Maurice and Portia had obviously had an impact on the Becks.

  Aylward sighed in relief. This was what he had hoped for. This success made the Andersons’ failure ea
sier to accept. He took command of the meeting again.

  “I can’t tell you how happy this makes us.” He looked directly at Terrence as the acknowledged head of the family and exchanged with him a meaningful look.

  “Now, I will tell you our plan to help you with your promise. We wish to provide a significant cash infusion for the restaurant.”

  There was an audible intake of breath and raised eyebrows as all the Becks looked at each other to see if this was already known to any of them.

  “Wait, before you say anything, Terrence. There is a condition.”

  The group quietened down at once.

  “You mother and I have been so impressed by the way Jillian and you, Terrence, worked together here organizing and cooking food for all of us. We feel the restaurant should be a similar joint effort, with Jillian bringing to you her expertise in sourcing fresh produce and managing personnel. With two partners working side by side, the pressures would be lessened and the work load shared. What do you say to that?”

  The response was immediate. “We’ve been discussing the very same idea, father, but we couldn’t see how to overcome the loss of Jill’s salary. You have just made our dream possible. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say, yes, my boy.”

  Jillian said it for both of them. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

  While the excitement was still rolling around the lounge, Aylward moved on to the next phase of the plan.

  “I haven’t forgotten the rest of you. As you three are our grandchildren, we are very interested in your future. Our Canadian economy is not the best at the moment and obtaining full-time occupation is difficult these days. We want to help out.

  Louise, we will rent an apartment for you for one year so you can complete your studies without the distractions of a noisy shared living space. You should not feel rushed into relationships just to get a quiet place to live.

  Abigail, you appear to be set on your career track with a good income, so your grandmother has a special gift for you.” Marian opened her hand, revealing a jewellery box.