The Afterlife of Alice Watkins 2

by Matilda Scotney

  “Do you understand the language of a passionfruit rose?” he asked, doubting she did.

  Each bloom was cream-coloured with purple fringes. Long-stemmed and plushly elegant, Alice had never seen any flower so exquisite and with such a divine fragrance.

  To his surprise, she nodded.

  “Auntie Mary told me. They’re long-lasting, to signify a long-term relationship.”

  “One rose does, Alice. Two dozen? That’s optimistic.”

  Alice looked at the roses again, unmoved. Noah imagined indifference or disinterest in her expression.

  “Well, he’s an optimistic person. He’s aware of my feelings, Noah; perhaps he’s just being pleasant, I didn’t read anything but that into them.”

  She didn’t tell Noah that Auntie Mary also explained to her the sexual nature of the rose, their form and meaning. Alice felt embarrassed by the revelation, particularly in the light of her recent awakenings, but she couldn’t say so to Noah. As a rose grower, he’d be aware of their significance and she hoped he would change the subject, but he didn’t want to dwell on the roses either.

  “Principal Katya is hoping you’ll visit her. She’ll call you soon.”

  “That would be nice. Are you still coming back?” Alice felt forward in asking him, but he only smiled.

  “I am. Statesman Evesham’s examinations here conclude tomorrow. I’ll be free then. I would like to stop by and see my family, then I thought it would be nice to engage in more of your ‘sightseeing’.”

  “I’d like that. It’s only a few days now before you leave, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Alice,” he didn’t want to speak of leaving. “I should be able to get away within the next 48 hours.”

  Later, Alice gazed at the passionfruit roses. Then at the red ones, then the yellow ones in the fish box. Patrick was a sweetheart. She hadn’t wanted to hurt him but couldn’t fathom why he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Did he really believe flowers would turn her head? Alice Watkins never received flowers in her life. She wondered whether Alexis Langley had.

  The next afternoon, Noah put in a call to his Aunt.

  “Good afternoon, Noah.”

  “Aunt. Statesman Evesham is just about to leave. I’ll come by the Tabernacle in the morning before going home.”

  “Alice is here.”

  “Oh? Since when?”

  “She arrived yesterday afternoon. Her aunties would not let her refuse an invitation from the World Principal, even though Alice says she spends too much time away from them. They bundled her up into the shuttle and sent her on her way.”

  “You did well in finding her such lovely people.”

  “I did. And they have Alice’s best interests at heart. When I invited her, I intended to be free for a few days, but as you know, life in the Tabernacle is unpredictable, and now, issues are presented which may demand my full attention. If so, and as you are coming here, you won’t mind entertaining Alice until you depart for your parent’s home?”

  “We discussed visiting one or two historical sites.”

  “That would be good Noah, I believe Alice is not looking forward to your departure. Now, I will expect you before breakfast.”

  “Yes, Aunt.”

  The next morning found Alice and Principal Katya in the garden. Principal Katya purposely didn’t tell Alice Noah was arriving. She mischievously wanted to gauge Alice’s reaction and interest. Fortunately, Principal Katya was unaware Noah and Alice were in such regular contact, and that he’d already informed her when he would be free, nor did she know Alice spied Statesman Evesham arrive late the night before.

  Alice dressed for the occasion. She loved her yellow slacks, but today she teamed white shorts with her favourite off-the-shoulder floral blouse. Auntie Mary gave her a pair of sparkly sandals which she loved.

  Her heart leapt when she saw Noah walking from the direction of the courtyard. He’d abandoned any semblance of uniform, instead wore casual grey slacks and a white shirt. Alice guessed her reactions were on display but maintained composure in front of the eagle-eyed Principal Katya.

  Noah bent and kissed his aunt, then turned and bowed to Alice.

  “Aunt. Dr Langley.”

  “Sit down, Noah, and have tea. Have you eaten?”

  He hesitated. His aunt had instructed him to arrive before breakfast.

  “Yes, thank you, Aunt, I brought it with me on the shuttle.”

  “You shouldn’t eat while you are moving around, should he, Alice? For one so stuffy and steeped in protocol, Noah, you do some odd things.”

  “Well, we used to have ‘take away’,” Alice ventured, defending the concept of eating on the run. “Dishes designed for us to have while we were on the move, as well as for convenience.”

  “Take away?” Principal Katya’s face lit up with interest. In an instant, another old Earth tradition surfaced for Principal Katya to examine and possibly, implement.

  “Hamburgers came in little boxes or containers so you could eat them walking around or driving. You got them from places called fast food restaurants.”

  “Didn’t anyone choke?” Principal Katya would consider such a project if it could be proved safe. She had no idea the concept was already unofficially implemented in starship engine rooms and had been for some years.

  “Probably, but it was an accepted way of eating.”

  “Did you do this take away?”

  “Seldom, only once or twice.”

  A councilman interrupted the conversation; he bowed low to whisper urgently to Principal Katya, before acknowledging Noah and Alice formally. Principal Katya stood to leave.

  “This is important, I am afraid Alice that I am needed in Cloisters. I planned for us to have at least this morning, we three, but it seems it will not happen, as I suspect this will take many hours. Noah. it is unlikely I will see you before you leave to see your parents. Give my love to my sister and your father. Alice, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish, but I would understand if you chose to go home. I am sorry I brought you here under false pretences, I know you understand my position.”

  “No need to apologise, Principal Katya, our time together yesterday was delightful, and of course, I can come back whenever you wish. I enjoy my time here. It’s like my second home!”

  “Give your aunties my best wishes, won’t you? Come and embrace me, sweet girl.”

  Alice stood and kissed Principal Katya. Noah did the same. Alice felt disappointed not to be able to spend more time with her; her gratitude toward this amazing woman often overwhelmed her, and she felt privileged to be welcomed as her friend. She watched until Principal Katya and the councilman were out of sight.

  Noah sat down as soon as his aunt left, pushed back his chair and leaned back, placing his left ankle over his right knee, one hand resting on his boot, his elbow on the armrest and curling his fingers on the side of his mouth. She sensed his eyes on her.

  Her whole body felt warm, a warmth not due to the morning sun. She turned her head to meet his gaze; she didn’t smile, simply stood, looking into his eyes, and even when the trembling in the pit of her stomach shifted into her thighs and up through her spine, she didn’t move. This feeling, she knew, though she’d never experienced it before, was the feeling her mother warned her of so many times.

  Even in informal dress, Noah was still too big not to be a presence, maybe 6 feet 5 inches in old money, she guessed, with a large collar size in a shirt. His hair was thick, soft and fair, and the silver highlights glinted in the sun. He was a sweet and kind giant of a man, watching her with those deep blue eyes, and she, watching him right back, desperately tried to hide her trembling.

  Noah didn’t try to read her. He possessed none of his aunt’s intuition, he wanted only to take in Alice’s loveliness. The soft paleness of her shoulders, her hair loosened and shining in the sunlight, her green eyes sparkling, singularly sweet and feminine today.

  “I got your message,” he said, his voice deep and soft, keeping his eyes on her
face.

  She sat down, a blush stealing across her cheeks.

  “I appreciate you keeping in contact, Noah,” she started to babble. “I didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you. I hope it was OK, putting the message on your private signature, but I left quite suddenly, just after you and I spoke. My aunts said I should not refuse Principal Katya but...” Alice stopped when he smiled.

  “And you shouldn’t refuse her, Alice. She’s fond of you, and delighted you said the Tabernacle is like a second home.”

  “I meant it,” she said, her nervousness subsiding.

  “My aunt is dear to me, Alice, but she likes to govern. I told her we might look at a few historical sites, but now, she thinks you may go home.”

  “Historical sites sound nice,” she smiled, really wanting to spend time with him, even it was just one day.

  Noah paused, an idea presented itself, an idea that would keep Alice with him for as long as possible before he had to leave.

  “There’s no reason you can’t come with me to my parents’ home. I’d like to take you. It’s an historic site itself.”

  “Wouldn’t your parents mind?”

  “They’re not there. They weren’t expecting me.”

  “And they wouldn’t mind a total stranger in their home?”

  “Believe me, Alice, my mother prefers total strangers. Blank canvasses to her. If she was home, you would be organised and sorted. She’s Principal Katya’s twin. They are identical. My mother’s friends are acquainted with her organising ways, but this time, you’re safe—they’re away on respite. I planned to surprise them; they didn’t say they were going away.”

  “I’m sure your mother means well.”

  “Yes, she not only means well, but anyone who plans a visit can expect only the best of everything. She is a master at planning. I know you’re fond of Principal Katya, my mother has all her best traits, plus some of her own. You’d get on well with her, but even without them there, I think you’ll enjoy it. And there are horses.”

  “I love horses.”

  “I know. When do your aunts expect you back?”

  “Not for days. They won’t worry.”

  “I only have a few days before I need to be back here for the final briefing, meanwhile, would you indulge me in something? Trust my judgement?”

  “Of course.”

  “Can we keep this to ourselves? My aunt will assume we may make one or two visits to ancient sites today, but I won’t be advising her I’m taking you to my parents’ home. I didn’t get as far as telling her they’re away. I have my reasons for privacy.”

  “If you say so, but not even tell our aunts?”

  “Especially not our aunts. Meet me in the courtyard,” then he grinned, “pack a toothbrush.”

  Chapter 22

  Alice hurriedly gathered her belongings and joined Noah in the courtyard, elated to be spending this time with him, but wishing the butterflies in her tummy would settle.

  Although she trusted him, she wondered about the secrecy. Principal Katya seemed to realise they’d become friends. He smiled when he saw her watching him.

  “Am I allowed to ask why this is such a big secret?” she asked.

  “Maybe later, but in part, I’m well-known at the Tabernacle for not socialising, and I don’t care for our friendship becoming a subject of speculation or gossip.”

  “I didn’t realise they indulged in gossip in the Tabernacle.”

  “It happens,” he grinned, then changed the subject. He would tell her, but not right now. He wanted to wait and see what developed over the next few days, reading signals was not his strong suit, and there may be no need for secrecy.

  “You’ll like my home, Alice,” he said, “besides horses, we have ducks and geese and dogs; mother acquired a goat with a leg missing a few weeks ago, I expect she kept it. Incidentally, we also have a piano. My father plays.”

  “You’re so lucky playing musical instruments—and remembering you played them,” she added drily.

  “My father plays piano and cello, and both my sisters play the cello. Zoe plays the saxophone as well. She likes twentieth-century music—jazz, that style didn’t last much past 22nd century.”

  “I don’t like jazz,” Alice shook her head. “Too noisy.”

  He laughed. “I agree. I’ve always leaned towards the classics, and there are many excellent composers from the last four hundred years. Speaking of classics, I know for you, history is up until the 21st and 22nd centuries, but now, there’s more history to explore.”

  “What sort of history?”

  “In all its forms. Inventions, architecture, medicine, but I know you have a particular interest in architecture, so I’m going to show you something from our history, but what you would have said was your future.”

  Alice and Noah settled into their easy discussions, just as they did on the registry; he even gave her instruction in flying the shuttle. Seeing Noah and Patrick piloting had seemed impressive, but now she realised it was only a matter of coordination with fingertip interaction to the console, mainly to correct altitude and speed. Even with those, the shuttle could mostly be automated and set to sense changing requirements. But it was such fun! And his confidence in her abilities, in turn, gave her confidence. At the end of an hour, she felt completely at ease at the controls, but needed his help to make a manual landing in a clearing, where a structure towered above the trees.

  “Is this what you wanted to show me?” she said, as she jumped down onto the grass.

  “Yes, I’m interested to know what you think of it.”

  It looked like an enormous glass rectangle, well, almost a rectangle, because one corner lacked symmetry, bulging out like a swollen eye. The entire central glass section was topped off with a wooden roof. Supporting the glass from below, similarly asymmetrical, another wooden rectangle, somewhat wider than the roof, acted as a balcony or terrace. The whole structure, supported by four slender columns, reminded Alice of a 1960’s coffee table, or possibly, an artist’s rendition of an oversized glass sandwich. It rose from the earth beneath and the sun reflected like fire in the glass, imposing itself on the landscape, higher than all the trees crowding in on one side.

  “What do you think?” Noah smiled down at her, quietly eager for a response.

  “It’s very modern, Noah—futuristic even,” she said, trying to make an honest appraisal. Her interest in architecture had been piqued by the older buildings like the Tabernacle, and the Colleges and Universities, but this was a monstrosity.

  “It looks like it just landed, or recently returned from stalking the countryside.”

  He frowned. Clearly, his opinion differed from hers. She hadn’t meant to be disparaging.

  “Landed from where?” he asked.

  “Outer space.”

  He looked back at the house, trying to gain her perspective.

  “I’ve never seen a ship in space that looks like this, Alice, and though to you it might seem futuristic, to us, it’s history. It’s 250 years old.”

  “250 years old? I can’t believe it!” she gasped. Learning the age of the building influenced her attitude, but possibly not as much as his next announcement.

  “Welcome to my home!” he laughed, his arms outstretched towards the house.

  “Your home.” Alice surprise was genuine. “Well, in that case—show me around!”

  Walking through the gardens, listening to his voice, Alice could hear Noah’s love and enthusiasm for his home. Personally, she failed to find any real beauty in its exterior but appreciated its historical appeal. Before he showed her the inside, he wanted her to see the rose garden at the rear of the house.

  A wide paved area skirted the building, and judging by the outdoor furniture, appeared to be used in much the same way as the verandah at the aunties house.

  On the paved area, a gangly dog lay inelegantly on a hammock, just moving his head to watch the visitors. Two other elderly canines, languishing on blankets, thumped their tail
s against the ground in welcome but didn’t trouble themselves to get up to greet them.

  “Those are Dogs,” Noah waved his hand towards the patio.

  “I can see they’re dogs, Noah.”

  “Yes, of course, sorry. They’re all called Dog unless they’re puppies, then they’re called Puppy until they grow up. Only the horses have names,” he pointed to several horses grazing a distance from the house, then took her hand and led her to the rose garden.

  Alice imagined the garden might be small and manageable, for the times when he was on leave—but this rose garden, walled and gated with an old-fashioned wrought iron gate (to keep out the animals, he told her, and aesthetically more pleasing than a force field) had an abundance of well-trained, shiny green ivy lining the wall. Mingling deliciously with the perfume from the roses, wafted the heavenly scent of honeysuckle. Archways bearing the glorious vines dotted the pathway. As they meandered through the rose beds, each growing many varieties of rose, she saw no sign of blemish or damage to any bloom, each bud, each flower, a perfect creation. She wanted to linger here, her hand in his.

  “Did you grow all these?”

  Alice reached out to touch a magnificent bloom, its petals velvety soft and deep red.

  “Mostly. I created the garden when I was about eight, so the roses are well-established, the honeysuckle is my mother’s idea. She spends time out here now, so I can’t take all the credit.”

  “You are too modest, Noah. I don’t know what to say; it’s just beautiful.”

  “I knew you’d love it. Shall I show you the inside of the house now?”

  As they closed the gate behind them, a camel rounded the corner, casting a mere blink of a disinterested glance their way as it strolled past.

  Alice looked at Noah.

  “Don’t tell me—that’s Camel,” she smiled.

  “Yes, Dad hand reared her from a baby, but she fell in love with Carl, our neighbour and she lives with him now, but she still visits us.”

  Noah took the camel visit in his stride. For a moment, Alice watched the retreating rear end of the animal. This was an extraordinary place, and Noah, an extraordinary man, full of surprises.