by S J Crabb
Aunt Alice nods. “Yes, and I must say, Jack, your staff could do with some more training. That girl was most unpleasant.”
Shaking his head, Jack smiles apologetically. “I’m sorry about Emma. She can be a little… um… emotional, from time to time but overall she works well enough.”
Shrugging, Aunt Alice gestures to the seat beside her. “Take a seat, Jack, because I have something I need to say.”
I don’t miss the anxious look enter Jack’s eyes as he does what he’s told and we look at Aunt Alice expectantly.
She smiles and says in a low voice. “I’ve come to say goodbye.”
I feel a little anxious as I try to guess the meaning behind the sentence. Goodbye as in going away, or goodbye as in she really is leaving – life!
Ever since I heard about her will, I haven’t been convinced that it’s all as straight forward as everyone thinks.
Jack says with surprise. “What do you mean, goodbye?”
She laughs. “I’m heading back to Miami. To be honest, I would have gone weeks ago, but I was intrigued as to how things would progress with your challenges. However, the pull of the sun is too great and I need to recharge my sunshine batteries. The house is depressing me and I have grown tired of all my friends.”
She says in a whisper, “They’re nice enough but so old, if you know what I mean. Always moaning about their illnesses and aches and pains. It’s enough to sink me into a depression.”
She laughs out loud. “No, it’s time to head overseas and enjoy life again. However, I didn’t want to leave before I wrapped things up here first because I won’t be back for several months if I can help it.”
I feel a little in the way and say nervously, “Um… do you want me to give you some privacy?”
She reaches out and grasps my hand, saying firmly, “Absolutely not. You’re one of the family now, Nelly and can stay to hear what I have to say.”
She looks across at Jack and her eyes soften. “My gorgeous great-nephew. How I love spending time with you and of everyone, I think I’m proud of you the most. You have turned into a fine young man and make me the proudest great Aunt in history.”
She looks across at me and smiles. “Nelly is a great girl and I’m glad you saw beyond the obvious and reached for the stars because Nelly is a rare thing. She has heart, and that is why I think you will be happy together. There is a depth to her that doesn’t come with everyone and so make sure you treat her right and learn from your parent’s mistakes.”
I feel a little uncomfortable as Jack nods slowly. He looks across at me and smiles sweetly, saying gruffly, “I am lucky, Aunt Alice, I realise that.”
Shifting on my seat, I hope they change this topic of conversation because this is embarrassing. Luckily, she turns to him and says seriously, “I have decided to give you your inheritance, Jack. You have done everything I asked of you and did it well. This place is thriving, and it’s all because of you. You have put your heart and soul into realising what was my dream and I can’t thank you enough. However, I don’t expect you to chain yourself to it forever. Take the money and do with it what you want. Employ a manager, close the shop, or do whatever you want because life’s too short to do something you don’t want to. Go and travel and see the world because it’s a big place to enjoy. All I ask is that you stay true to yourself and approach everything with caution and care. Don’t act on a whim and think everything through because success needs good planning.”
Jack stares at her in shock and she smiles sadly. “I know things haven’t been easy at home for years. Your parents are good people and I had hoped their challenge would bring them closer. I think it has to a degree but I’m wondering if it will be enough.”
Jack stares at her morosely and she reaches out and takes his hand in hers. “Whatever happens, they are your parents. They love you and have always wanted to do the right thing for both you and Ariadne. If the right thing is to go their separate ways, you must respect their decision. There is no certainty that what seems right at the time will last forever. Real life has a habit of getting in the way and sometimes it’s for the best. If your parents can’t re-discover what made them love each other in the first place, then they should be allowed to find it elsewhere. They owe it to themselves to live the best lives they can and that may be apart. It won’t change what they think of you and you will be happier if they are happy.”
Jack says sadly, “Do you think they will split up?”
She shrugs. “I think they will but I hope they won’t. I am going to give them the inheritance and if anything, it will give them the choice. Your mother’s company will continue. Your father can still run it, even if he lives elsewhere. Your mother would be happy to let him because she was never interested in it in the first place. She was chained to something she never wanted, and it had dragged her under. Maybe if they break those chains, they will fly. Be happy for them, whatever they choose because they deserve to live the best lives they can.”
She smiles and says softly. “The same goes for your sister. I may never understand what goes on in that young lady’s mind but I’m proud of the woman she is becoming. To be honest, I thought she would fold first and was waiting to see how quickly that would happen. Of everyone, she has surprised me the most. She has embraced her challenge like a true hero. I visited the home she works at and saw the genuine love she has for the residents and they have for her. She has taken an impossible situation and made it her own. Ariadne has qualities that are genuine, wrapped in a gaudy packaging. She can’t change the decade she was born into and I have to accept this is their world now. I may not understand it but times are changing fast. Things I once considered important still are but in a different way. Technology has moved on and there are much more opportunities out there for the young. Ariadne sees those opportunities and is right to pursue them. I am disappointed in my own lack of foresight in judging her by my own standards. So, Ariadne gets her inheritance and if she wants to blow the lot on a holiday, I’m not going to judge her for it. However, I think of everyone, she will surprise me the most.”
She smiles and then turns to me and says warmly. “You’re a good girl, Nelly. You remind me of myself and what’s not to love about that?”
She laughs and we smile as she claps her hand with excitement. “So, I am going to love you all and leave you and look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for you all. Will Jack and Nelly throw everything in and travel the world? Will Ariadne become a superstar on social media and live life jetting all over the world, or will she train to be something as mundane as a nurse instead? And what about your parents, Jack? Will they celebrate their golden wedding anniversary one day and look back on a life well spent, or will they meet new partners and discover things about themselves they never knew? That’s what’s so amazing about life, we never know where it’s going to take us but we can’t get hung up on the details. Just enjoy the ride and any decisions you make, make sure they are the best ones for you because when the dust claims our bodies and our souls are set free, we ultimately leave on our own.”
She stands and places an envelope on the table in front of Jack and a lump forms in my throat as I see the tears in her eyes. Pulling him towards her, she says softly “I love you, Jack. Make sure you live the best life you can.”
The tears fall as I see Jack hug his Aunt tightly and say gruffly, “Thank you, Aunt Alice. I mean that with everything in my heart. I love you and make sure we see you soon.”
Wiping her eyes, she sniffs and turns to me. “Come here, Nelly. I haven’t forgotten you either.”
I stare at her in disbelief as she hands me another envelope. She laughs at the shock on my face as she says softly, “This is for you. I felt bad that I caused you problems with your business in encouraging Jack to open up opposite. This covers the rent for a year and like Jack, I want you to use the money wisely. Don’t feel as if you have to use it to keep the business going if there’s something you would rather be doing. Remember to sampl
e every sweet delight in the chocolate box of life and look back on a life well spent. I should know because I’m still doing it. Don’t do what’s expected, do what’s right and sometimes the hardest part is recognising what that is.”
As I hug her tightly, the tears spill onto her shoulder as I say gruffly, “Thank you so much. I can’t possibly accept this, it’s too much.”
She pulls back and says sharply, “Nonsense. It’s nothing, really. One thing I have is money. Lots and lots of money and I want to see it do some good while I’m still alive. I have more than I need, so I want to make someone else’s life a little easier. Just write and visit me from time to time and tell me of all the amazing things you are doing.”
She whispers, “I hope it works out with Jack but I’m not holding you to it. He will have to sharpen up – a lot if he wants to hold on to you.”
She winks and I laugh as Jack takes my hand and smiles. “I’ll look after her and we will definitely be out to visit you in Miami as soon as we can.”
Straightening up proudly, Aunt Alice places some money on the table and winks. “For the tea and cakes. Now, make me proud and I must be off. I haven’t time to stand gossiping, I have a flight to catch – I’m going home.”
As we say our goodbyes, again - I can’t quite believe what just happened. In fact, I think I’m in shock for days because lately the unexpected has become normality. However, now I need the magic to work for a little longer because next week it’s the salsa competition finals.
33
Fairmeadow Halls. The name is spelt out in lights as we stand in line outside. Tonight, is the final of the salsa competition and the winner will walk off £20,000 richer.
I feel nervous for Amanda and Jack but if they don’t win it will be fine, just as long as Violet and Ken don’t.
I haven’t seen much of them and made sure to leave three months’ rent up front under their door to keep Violet away from me. I felt guilty using Aunt Alice’s money but Jack assured me it was what she intended it for anyway and not to worry.
Jack and I have grown closer since she left and spend every minute together that we can. I feel a little guilty that I have neglected my friends, so have asked them along tonight to join us.
As I look behind me, I laugh. Richie is standing with Roger, looking excited and he says loudly, “Ooh, I can’t wait to see the men dressed in their lycra and sequins. You know this is pure genius. We should take it up, Roger.”
He rolls his eyes. “I may have a new knee but it doesn’t work miracles. I’m facing months of physio before my dancing days are back again and…”
“Oh, give it a rest. You know, next time you have surgery, remind me to book a world cruise for one - for a year. You’ve become really boring you know.”
I grin as they continue bickering but I know it’s all part of their act. Richie and Roger are like an old married couple that enjoy winding each other up. They are always laughing and love each other with the fiercest kind of love possible.
I laugh as my eyes fall to my friend Angela, who is standing hand in hand with Gary the chocolate rep who I introduced to her. They have been secretly dating ever since and nobody was happier than me when they told me. They make such a cute couple and I have never seen Angela so happy. She smiles as she sees me looking and says with excitement. “I wish you were in the final. I think you must have been cheated.”
Jack laughs. “Spoken like a true friend. No, the right decision was made. Nelly and I are best left dancing privately. I blush as they all laugh and then we notice the line starts moving and Richie yells, “OMG this is it! I can’t wait to letch at all those gyrating bodies. Come on. We should try to get a seat in the front row.”
We join the crowd milling towards the ticket lines and soon find ourselves seated in the second row in the middle of the large theatre. As we wait, I whisper to Jack, “Are your parents nervous?”
He nods. “I think so. Luckily, they’ve been kept busy so haven’t had much time to dwell on it.”
He looks around and says with interest, “Are your parents here yet?”
Checking my phone, I see the text my mum sent me earlier. “They’re helping your parents with some last-minute preparations. I think they’ll take their seats just before it starts.”
As we wait, I laugh as I think about my parents and Jack’s. They have grown quite close as the extra lessons James and Amanda took were with my mum and dad. Despite what I first thought, they get on well and are now firm friends. I think James and Amanda are trying to make a go of things because they are spending much more time together and appear to be getting along well.
Suddenly, Jack gets a text, and he reads it and then looks up with excitement. “Showtime.”
An anxious smile breaks out across my face, as I say nervously, “What - now?”
He nods and takes my hand purposefully.
“Come on, we need to see this.”
Ignoring the curious stares of my friends, I follow Jack backstage. My heart is pounding and I say nervously, “What if it doesn’t work?”
He shrugs. “As Aunt Alice said, you can but try. Some things aren’t meant to be and we can’t help that.”
As I follow Jack, I see Ariadne gesturing madly from a doorway. “Hurry up, guys, they’re almost here. You don’t want to miss this.”
We enter a room where all the contestants are getting ready. It’s full to the brim with sequinned costumes, little tables with mirrors attached, covered in trays of makeup and hair extensions.
I see Amanda and James laughing at something my mother says and they smile as we draw near. I hug my parents and then say fearfully, “I hope this works.”
Amanda nods. “It will, trust me.”
Looking around, I spot Violet and Ken getting ready nearby and as she sees me looking, Violet sneers. I take a moment to throw her my most withering look before I’m aware of Ken’s expression changing quite drastically. He looks stunned and as I turn around, I can why.
Heading into the room is a spectacle that leaves me breathless. Looking utterly amazing and like something out of a fairy story, walks Patty. She is dressed like a princess and has been totally transformed. She’s wearing a silver, figure-hugging gown, that clings to her curves in all the right places. Her hair is styled and piled on top of her head and woven with silver jewels that sparkle in the spotlights. She looks ten years younger as her make-up accentuates a beauty that never really dulled. Patty looks magical and I say to Ariadne, “Oh, well done. You are amazing.”
With obvious pride in her voice, Ariadne says sincerely, “It was easy. True beauty shines from within, I just helped it out.”
Quickly, I look behind me and see Ken is astonished. He can’t take his eyes off Patty and I see every emotion passing across his face. Then I see Violet’s expression and dance a victory parade inside my head. “Gotya!”
Her expression is one of pure unadulterated lust. The pound signs have revealed themselves in her eyes because she is looking at only one thing.
Accompanying Patty is a man who looks every inch the rich playboy he portrays. Godfrey has scrubbed up like we knew he would and is playing his part perfectly. He is dressed in a tight-fitting dark suit, with a silver tie and polished black shoes. His hair is gelled back, and he looks around him with the air of the super-rich as he looks down his nose at everyone before him. His well-educated voice floats across the room, as he says loudly, “Darling, let me find you a seat. You must rest before the competition. As soon as we win, I’ll treat you to the villa in the Caribbean as a thank you.”
Violet’s eyes can’t stare at him hard enough and I watch as she moves away from Ken and heads towards the glamorous couple. However, Ken moves faster and reaches Patty first and says with emotion, “Oh my god, Patty. Is that really you?”
We all listen as Patty nods coolly. “Hello, Ken. It’s been a while.”
Violet looks at them and says in disbelief, “Is this… her?”
Ken ignores her and says soft
ly, “You look beautiful, Patty.”
She shrugs. “Thank you. Anyway, I should introduce my partner, Godfrey Rosenbalm. You may have heard of his family; they own the steel company, Rosenbalm Industries.”
Violet thrusts out her hand and takes hold of Godfrey’s, squeezing it and giggling, “Charmed. My name’s Violet. Maybe we could swap notes on dancing, I’m quite the professional.”
Godfrey looks at her with distaste. “I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?”
She bats her eyelashes and says in a girly voice, “Violet Monroe. You may have heard of me because I am quite famous in my own way.”
Godfrey frowns. “Yes, I thought that’s what you said. It’s funny but I could have sworn somebody told me you were Soraya Bellfield.”
Violet visibly pales and says quickly, “No, you’re mistaken. My name’s Violet. You must be mistaking me for somebody else.”
Reaching inside his pocket, Godfrey pulls out his phone and taps into it. Then he holds it up and says loudly, “No, I don’t think so.”
Ken looks at the phone sharply and then takes it from Godfrey, saying incredulously, “I can’t believe it.”
Ariadne marches over and says in disgust. “I think you’ll find Godfrey is right. Soraya Bellfield is a known con artist. She cheated a man called Max Williams out of a small fortune before fleeing the country. They never found her but then she popped up again, this time as Simone Hughes.”
She holds up the phone with yet another picture of Violet in view and reads, “Simone Hughes was questioned by police amid fraud allegations, when she cheated her fiancé William Edwards out of a small fortune. Nothing could be proven, and she was last seen leaving the county protesting her innocence.”
Ariadne sneers. “So, it appears you make a career out meeting gullible men and cheating them out of their money. You call yourself a different name every time and even though you operate within the law, you break every moral one. These men believe you love them and want to make a future with them. You take whatever you can from them and then leave for the next gravy train. It’s just a shame you picked the wrong man this time because I happen to be rather a good professional stalker. There is nothing I can’t find out on social media and you, my dear, have just been found out. What do you have to say for yourself?”
