The Covenant - Chapter Twenty-One

"Ahhh... Lydia Russell so good to see you again" exclaims Walter Elliot reaching out with one hand but as he poses in front of the hall mirror to check himself once again for the day  and then glancing over towards his daughter "My Annie, it seems that you have a tan! Peru actually tanned your skin rather than burn like it usually does."

"I got burned, but then the tan came" explains Annie giving her father a hug and then heading towards her younger sister, Beth, to give her one as well.

"Be careful with my hair.  Ariel just finished putting it together.  I don't want you to mess it up!" warns Beth politely tapping her sister's back in her rather distant embrace.

"It's good to see you Beth!  Hope you had a good summer!" greets Annie bracing herself for the response.

"I suppose if you call leaving your home and all your friends a 'good thing'.  Although I was glad to have my best friend, Ariel, with me.  We've had some good times together these last few weeks" explains Beth looking over at her friend as if sharing a few secrets unknown to the others "It hasn't been as bad as I expected it would be."

"It's been great!" giggles Ariel Clay as if she has been involved in some mischief of her own looking over at Walter Elliot "This is a fantastic city!  I would love to live here all the time!  But of course, you would need plenty of money to do that.  Your father has been very generous and we've been able to see quite  a few shows as well as visit some of the top restaurants in town. Your dad spared no expense to make sure we had a fabulous time here so far!"

The color drains from Annie's face fully aware of her father's rather limited budget to stay here for so long a period of time. Cautiously she acknowledges their experience "Sounds interesting.  You'll have to fill me in on the details."

"I'm sure Annie would like to tell you about her summer too!" intercedes Lydia Russell feeling the tension starting to rise in her friend "Tell, them all about it Annie. I'm sure they are dying to hear all of your wonderful adventures."

"Well, I worked at a children's home" begins Annie watching her family's feigned interest begins to dissolve "I loved working with the kids.  Major Smith was a wonderful mentor and it was so good to see Harriet Smith again too!"

"Oh yes.  Harriet is Emma's friend" remembers Beth wiping imaginary lint off of her skirt "I think she liked a cowboy or something like that"

"That's good. I'm glad you had a summer that was meaningful to you" dismisses Walter Elliott already a little bored with the conversation that does not center around himself "You'll have to tell us more later when we have more time."

"Okay" agrees Annie not really all that enthused to share how special each person was that she met with those who will not appreciate the love she had for them "I'm sure there will be another time."

"Annie, I forgot to tell you.  We met this gorgeous guy that Beth and I have been going to a few plays with.  I'm sure you'll be quite jealous when you meet him.  I think he positively adores me!" conceitedly gushes Beth raising her voice in a condescending tone "He can hardly keep his eyes off me! Don't you agree, Ariel?"

Ariel looks down and then towards the window not meeting Beth's gaze afraid that the truth will be too obvious. Believing in her opinion that the admiration appeared to be more one-sided and not from him half-heartedly agrees "Yes, you seem to like spending  quite a lot of time with him."

"He's coming to see me this afternoon" firmly states Beth with special emphasis on 'ME' while looking towards the clock "He'll be here any minute now."

Just at that moment, there is a knock at the door.

"Annie, get that would you? I've got to freshen up" explains Beth heading towards her bedroom "Come on Ariel, you can help me."

Opening the door, Annie stares straight into the eyes of the stranger whom she met in Peru. "Hi!" he stutters "I don't know if you remember me.  We met in Peru earlier this summer. What are you doing here?"

Overwhelmed by some shock of her own "I'm staying with my family.  I just got into town a few hours ago."

"It's really great to see you again! I'm sorry that I didn't catch your name before, but I haven't forgotten meeting you" gushes Elliot "I guess it's time we finally introduced ourselves. My name is Elliott Wilkinson. Now, what is your name?"

"I'm Anne Elliott, but my friends call me 'Annie'.  Your first name is the same as my last" amused by the coincidence Annie smiles back at him "It's good to finally meet you! Thanks so much again for the water!"

"I was here to see Beth and Ariel because they invited me to a matinee this afternoon at the theatre on 47th.  Would you like to go with us?' asks Elliot  but seeing her slight reluctance to immediately agree counters "If not, we can do something else.  We could catch up by telling our own stories of Peru".

"What are your plans for this afternoon?" asks Elliot hoping that she might have some free time to spend with him even if it is without her more ambitious sister and friend.

"I was hoping to take a walk down Broadway to see the different shops and sights, but not exactly going to any place in particular" explains Annie "I didn't realize that Beth and Ariel had already made plans with you."

"A walk sounds like a great idea!" offers Eliot believing that if Beth were present she might monopolize anytime available to get to know Annie better  "I'm sure Beth and Ariel will be able to find their own way to the theatre on the subway. I don't think they'll mind.  They've been down to Times Square many times already."

"What's this?  Do you know Annie?" accusingly asks Beth not liking how much attraction there seems to be between her potential boyfriend and her sister "How do you know her? Annie, where did you meet Eliot?  You can't possibly be already making a move on him.  He just walked in the door!"

"I met Annie in Peru up at Machu Picchu.  She was thirsty and I offered her a bottle of water" explains Elliot a little surprised by the possessive tone in Beth's voice. "We're catching up from our summer together."

"Not quite together" interjects Annie for fear of her sister's wrath at not having met him first "We saw each other a couple of times the last few days I was there."

Beth's eyes glare at her older sister "Umm... that's interesting. You never mentioned anything about it. Was this some sort of surprise for me?"

"No, no ... it was by chance we ran into each other.  It's great seeing Annie again.  I'm going to be spending the afternoon with her.  I'm going to show her some of my favorite spots in the city.  You've already been here awhile and don't need to repeat the same places.  Go ahead and enjoy the show. I'll catch up with you later tonight" firmly suggests Eliot with a charming smile winning Beth over in spite of her flare of jealousy.

"I'll be looking forward to seeing you tonight.  Don't think about how much you're missing me too much!" flirts Beth winking her eye at him with a little flip of her hair and then looking directly at her sister to make sure that she knows her 'property' has been claimed and then back over to Elliot with a sweet smile  "You have my number.  I'm sure you must have it on speed dial by now."

"Okay, I'll call when we're done taking my personal guided tour of the city" replies Eliot moving closer to Annie and places his hand on the middle of her back "Are you ready? I've got a few places in mind that I think you'll like".

"I'll be ready to go in a minute.  Just let me grab my jacket and phone" replies Annie quickly picking up her things on the sofa not wanting to be left alone with her sister to hear her disgust and anger over how the arrangements turned out for the afternoon "I think I've got everything."

"Promise you'll meet us later" demands Beth childishly with a fake pout "I don't know how we'll make it without you."

"I'm sure you'll do fine for the afternoon" assures Elliot escorting Annie out the door while he follows closing behind "Have a good time!"

As the door closes, Beth can be heard inside "How do you like that? Annie actually managed to pick up a guy while she was down in Peru.  Who would have thought? I certainly never would have believed it!"

 

The Covenant - Chapter Twenty

"I think that is all of it" sighs Annie reaching for the last bag the yellow taxi driver hands to her while leaves a good tip for the friendly driver who thoughtfully pointed out a few stops to see as well as some concise history of the city of New York on their way from the airport "Hope you have a great day!"

"Thank you ma'am.  Best to you and yours!" he nods his head with a smile and then while getting back into his car contented to find some rather surprisingly pleasant and talkative passengers to share part of his day  "Be careful and have a good time!"

"Come on, Annie.  I believe the entrance to The Camden Residence where your family is staying is just around the corner" states Lydia Russell fixing her hair and adjusting her skirt before taking a few steps forward down the sloped sidewalk on the upper west side "Mostly seniors live at the residence, but your dad was able to make arrangements to stay for a few months with his cousin who is the manager."

"That was extremely thoughtful considering our situation.  It's in a lovely location in the city with access to everything" observes Annie quite pleased and wondering what the next weeks will hold "We'll definitely have to go out for a walk later to investigate the city."

"Oh, I don't know about going out at night.  Maybe Beth or Ariel Clay will go with you instead.  I'm sure there are plenty of things to do and see" suggests Lydia Russell "I can keep your dad company while you are away and having fun.  I'm sure he'll want to hear about everything that has happened in Kellynich while he's been gone."

"Well, it's you're loss ... I think you would really enjoy a walking tour" chides Annie taking in a deep breath of air to consume the various scents surrounding her that comprise a large urban city. "I love the smell of the restaurants and bakeries!"

"I don't know what you are talking about. I smell day old garbage and exhaust" sniffs Lydia Russell whipping her eyes looking up at the rather musty sky "So much noise too!"

"I think it's great!  Everything is alive and breathing here ... so many people, each with their own stories of challenges and accomplishments" dreams Annie lost her thoughts and shifting her scarf to keep her a bit warmer in the fall breeze "Wasn't the park beautiful as we drove in?"

"Yes, I suppose so with the changing leaves.  It was rather scenic in the middle of a city" agrees Lydia Russell checking for any scuffs on her designer boots which she purchased yesterday "Maybe we can go for a walk tomorrow through Central Park."

"That's a deal!" cheerfully agrees Annie double checking the instructions she wrote down on the piece of paper from her pocket "We're suppose to ask for Major Zwalsky who has keys for us."

The women walk through the open doors to find a friendly security guard keeping watch over the entrance.  After explaining who they are, the security guard gives them directions on where to find Major Zwalsky in the chapel for the residents.

The lobby is decorated in fall colors with phrases of friendship on the pillows and a warm homey atmosphere.  The picture frames on the walls display gardens from all over the world. It is a peaceful and inviting place.  The residents are scattered throughout the lobby.  Some men playing a game of chess in the corner with a couple of best friends sharing photos on the loveseat.  A group of four is playing a rather competitive game of canasta near the dining room entrance.  An older gentleman has fallen asleep in the oversized recliner snoring rather loudly with a open history book resting on his chest while one leg hangs down from the foot rest.  Another friend is explaining the most recent beauty tips that she found in her Best Housekeeping Secrets magazine to the preoccupied woman waiting anxiously for her granddaughters to arrive for a visit.  Soft music echoes through the lobby as they listen to someone playing the piano in the chapel providing a beautiful ambiance among the treasure of friends.

 

"Shall we go this way?" asks Lydia Russell leading them towards the lovely arrangement of a well-known hymn from the songbook.

 

"You're playing one of my favorites" warmly states Annie after he has finished his arrangement of the piece "Fewster is probably at the top of the list of all time favorite tunes".

"It's one of my favorites too!" he broadly smiles "Where are you from? My name is Alfred. What's your's?"

"My name is Annie, and this is my good friend, Lydia Russell" explains Annie with a polite nod from Lydia who is admiring some of the intricate stain glass in the chapel "We're going to be staying here for a little while with my dad and sister."

"Oh really?  You'll have to come down and sit with me for awhile. I'll play for you. I use to take requests at a piano bar when I was younger, I know quite a few of the standards but those recent songs on the radio just don't have much melody, you sort of have to make it up as you go along to give it any flavor" smiles Alfred wrinkling his nose with a chuckle "Do you like Broadway tunes? Or, Frank Sinatra?  I suppose you probably know Michael Buble songs which are practically the same thing."

"Yes, I listen to both and I like Broadway songs too!  It would be fun to spend an afternoon with you!" delighted Annie smiles back at him  "It might be kind-of fun to sing along with live music too!"

"Great idea!" agrees Alfred "It's a date!  Just let me know when and I'll meet you here.  I've got to go check on my Isabel.  She wasn't feeling so well this morning.  I'll talk to you later."

"Is Isabel your wife?  I hope she feels better soon!" sincerely offers Annie.

"He,he,he ... she thinks so.  She's bossy enough.  No, Isabel is my shihtzu.  She's fourteen years old and such a sweetie" states Alfred taking a photo out of his pocket "Florence went to be with Jesus about seven years ago.  Here's a picture of her, such a beauty both inside and out,  I miss her every day."

"She's lovely" agrees Annie feeling sorry that he would have lost someone so dear to him "You look very happy together in this photo."

"Yeah, we do" smiles Alfred lost in sweet memories of the past "Wait for the right one.  She was my second chance and made life rather wonderful for both of us.  I'll always love her."

"I'll remember that" states Annie looking him directly in the eyes and finding a small tear there "Thank you for sharing her photo with me."

"Next time we meet, I'll play some of her favorites for you" suggests Alfred heading towards the elevator while leaning on his cane. "It was good to meet  you Annie! Who did you say your family was again?"

"I didn't yet.  My dad is Walter Elliot and my sister's name is Beth" explains Annie while grasping her purse a little tighter feeling that the mention of those names suddenly made the room more tense.

"Ahh ... yes" listens Alfred bunching up his lips and looking towards the ground not sure how to blend the impression of her family versus this lovely lady he just met "Well,  I'll see you later"

"Bye!  Looking forward to hearing you play again!" yells back Annie as the elevator doors close feeling as if she just made her first friend in New York.

"I think Major Zwalsky just arrived" notices Lydia Russell walking to meet the administrator and stretching out her hand to greet her "My name is Lydia Russell and we have made arrangements to stay here with the Elliott family."

"Oh yes.  Commissioner Darylmple made me aware of your visit.  I've prepared a guest room for both of you.  The other members of your family are staying on the guest rooms two floors above you" curtly explains Major Zwalsky.

However a few minutes later having  met with an abundance of enthusiastic compliments from Annie about how impressed she is with the residence,  Major Zwalsky kindly returns "Thank you so much!  We do our best to make everyone comfortable here.  If there is anything you need, please let me know and I'll try to find a solution for you.  Enjoy your stay!"

"I already love it here!" exclaims Annie in the elevator excitedly looking forward to the new adventures that lay ahead of her.

"Mmmm that's interesting.  We've only been here twenty minutes" snidely remarks Lydia Russell taking off her scarf and coat before the doors open "It's so hot in this building.  I wonder if they always keep it this warm?"

"Probably, it helps the residents from catching cold or feeling uncomfortable" thoughtfully answers Annie "I get cold all the time and my circulation issues haven't been around for as long as some of the others here.  I can't imagine what I'll be like when I'm older .  I'll probably have to wear three coats inside to keep warm in the winter!"

"Let's see.  Major Zwalsky said your dad was in room 1463 which looks like it is just down the hallway" instructs Lydia Russell grabbing her handbag having left the rest of her luggage behind the check-in desk down in the lobby for someone else to take to where she is staying at a later time.

"Okay" states Annie picking up a bag and throwing it over her shoulder along with her purse and then on the other shoulder a book bag  and a smaller bag of tourist items she bought at the airport while she drags her large suitcase down the hallway. 

As Annie passes an adjoining hallway, she sees the back of a figure headed in the opposite direction who seems vaguely familiar but can't place where she might know him from at the moment. "I'll have to think about that" she tells herself "I think that I should know him.  Maybe I'll remember who it is later."

 

The Covenant - Chapter Nineteen

“Are you ready?” politely calls Lydia Russell in a sing-song voice taking another last minute to look in the mirror to see if there is any hair out of place and then reapplying her lipstick just so “We don’t want to miss the Annual Craft show.  The Home League is counting on us to help with the registration table. I don’t think they can manage without me.”

“I’ll be there in a minute” answers Annie frustrated that she can find her car keys yet again this morning, opening every drawer of her dresser wondering if someone they could have dropped down in some unexpected place “Here they are!”

“Mrs. Croft has volunteered to help us with the registration table.  Since she’s new, it was decided to let her shadow me so that I might have an assistant next year” explains Lydia Russell being surprisingly impressed by the newest member of the corps.  “So, are you ready for our trip to New York?”

“I’ve been looking up as many things as I can and I’ve planned a schedule to make the most of our time while we are there” offers Annie handing Lydia a copy from her purse of what she has organized so far “Of course, it can be adjusted as we want it to be once we are there.”

“Looks like you’ve found some interesting places to go, see, and eat!” excitedly Lydia confirms Annie’s ideas “We just have to work out transportation.  We can rent a car, but parking might be expensive.”

“I thought that we might take the subway.  We can buy a week long pass which is somewhat reasonable.  The train is available throughout the city and most things to see are only a few blocks walk from a station” explains Annie hoping that Lydia will consider her suggestion “Many of my friends find it safe and convenient.  Although, I know it is not something you are used to doing, however, I think it will be a rather exciting adventure to use.”

For a moment, Lydia contemplates this suggestion imagining what life would be like traveling on the train in an urban city “Well, I guess if I don’t like it, I can always rent a car instead.  However, the thought of driving in downtown Manhattan horrifies me!”

“I can hardly wait for our trip!” Muses Annie while pulling out of the driveway and only softly hitting the curb this time, “It will be good to have a change of scenery and see some new things.”

“Mrs. Croft just sent me a text.  She wants to know if we can pick her up.  Evidently her car is in the shop for the next couple of days” explains Lydia Russell checking her mascara in the visor’s mirror and wiping her excess lipstick with a kleenix, “I told her that we were on our way.”

“Hello girls!” warmly greets Mrs. Croft climbing into the backseat of the small SUV tapping each of the on the shoulder in her welcome “I’m looking forward to the show today!”

“Did you make something for the craft show?” asks Annie having missed the plans that were made earlier over the summer while she was gone.

“Yes, I have some quilts I’m selling for world services.  Hopefully, they will bring in enough to be helpful” shares Mrs. Croft “I made different styles for a boy, a girl, and a couple of seasonal ones too.”

“They’re beautiful!  I’ve never seen such intricate and delicate work.  It’s quite impressive” explains Lydia Russell “I think she is the best quilter we’ve had so far for the show.”

“Have you heard from your brother?” shyly asks Annie “Has he said much about his time in Peru?”

“Yes, we’ve heard from him quite a bit.  It seems like Lauren is coming along nicely and healing at a steady pace” remembers Mrs. Crofts from the emails “Lauren is improving daily and it won’t be long until she’ll be returning home. It will be good to have Rick back in town for awhile too.”

“So, how are things going between Rick and Lauren?  A little bird told me that they were enjoying each other’s company” asks Lydia Russell having heard from Ethel Maysom the other day after Sunday School with the other intriguing weekly gossip.

“How does Ethel know about what happened in Peru?” curiously asks Annie trying to control the sound of jealousy in voice while wondering if Rick is writing to others what is happening between them.

“Well, evidently Lauren wrote Mary who told Maud who happens to be Ethel’s neighbor at the Catherin Booth Senior Center” thoughtfully explains Lydia Russell “I’m sure they are quite the couple now.  Lauren has hinted that she thinking seriously of someone.  Who else could it be except Rick?”

“Rick does seem very cheerful in his letters, happier than I’ve heard him in years” considers Mrs. Croft “I’m guessing my brother is finally considering settling down.  Maybe it took an random accident to make that happen.”

Annie bites her upper lip trying to constrain her feelings of disappointment at this news “He’s very kind.  I’m sure he is taking good care of Lauren while she recovers.”

“Oh Annie, I forgot to tell you.  Ben Wick sends his greetings to you.  Rick is sending a few things home since it would be cheaper than taking it on a plane.  Evidently there is a book in there that Ben Wick wants you to have” absentmindedly explains Mrs. Croft “From what Rick told me, you and Ben hit is off with your interest in poetry.  He even has Lauren reading some poetry now.”

“That’s really nice and thoughtful of him ” considers Annie finding a place in the parking lot of the church wishing that Rick had thought enough of her to send her something too.

“Evidently, he’s hoping to come back for a couple of weeks at Christmas and mentioned that he hopes to see you again” explains Mrs. Croft “It sounds like Ben Wick might be interested in you, Annie.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.  We’re good friends but that is really it” explains Annie not wanting there to be any confusion about her feelings with Rick’s sister should things not work out with Lauren “Ben’s a great guy and we get along well.”

“I also forgot to tell you, Rick was so complimentary of the way you handled the emergency with Lauren as well as your entire attitude and enthusiasm this past summer” shares Mrs. Croft “He thinks a lot of you.  You’re a very good friend to him.”

At the kind words, Annie smiles to herself feeling a rush of warmth that Rick noticed her concern even though it wasn’t expected.

After the craft show, Annie drops off Mrs. Croft at her home and then heads back to the Hargrove’s house.  She notices that their car has moved in the driveway.  Walking in the door, she can hear Mary’s voice coming from the dining room.

“Boys, put your toys away!  I have a headache!   It was such a long trip and I want to sleep.  Go find something else to do so I can sleep!” whines Mary pointing her kids towards the backyard carrying a large bottle of aspirin in her hand “Leave me alone for awhile!”

“Mary?” asks Annie helping the boys find some their baseball and bats to keep them occupied for awhile “How was your trip? I didn’t expect you home yet.”

“We took an earlier flight.  I didn’t like waiting at the airport when it seemed just as easy to get on our way” explains Mary feeling only slightly guilty for the expense involved in the exchange of flights “We’re here five hours earlier and it was worth every penny.”

Annie can hear a disgruntled “humph” coming from the other room as footsteps disappear down the hallway.  “How is Lauren doing?  How was Peru?”

“Lauren is fine.  Between Rick and Ben Wick she had plenty of attention to take care of her needs” offers Mary “Charles and I had plenty of time to enjoy all the sites and go all over the country.  I don’t think Lauren missed us at all.”

“Oh” sighs Annie understanding Mary having grown-up with her “How is Captain Wentworth doing?”

“Totally in love” snidely remarks Mary knowing that he often asked about Annie but jealous that her sister should have so many admirers. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there is not a wedding somewhere soon in his future”.

“Really? Are he and Lauren serious?” cautiously asks Annie knowing that her sister likes to indulge the truth to make it more entertaining for those who want to listen to her gossip.

“Yes, of course he is.  He was reading so much poetry while we were there, I thought he was losing it a little” explains Mary noticing that her sister seems to have been inspired by this, changes her aim “He shared all of his favorite poems with Lauren who was absolutely enthralled with him.”

“When is he coming back?” asks Annie hoping it will not be too far into the distant future.

“I’m assuming when Lauren is better and they can come back together.  They’ll probably announce their engagement then, I suspect” imagines Mary watching her sister squirm at this recent news “Maybe she’ll ask you to be a bridesmaid.”

Before she allows this thought to sink in, Annie changes the subject “I’m going to New York with Lydia Russell on Monday.  We’re going to be spending a month there with our cousins.   Ariel Clay is also still there with our sister and dad.”

“That was such a nasty divorce” starts Mary “Fortunately she had a prenuptial agreement or else Willoughby would have taken her for everything she had.”

“Isn’t her income though mostly an inheritance from her dad rather than her own earnings?” asks Annie “Although he’s a lawyer, it doesn’t sound like some of his risky investments have worked out lately”.

“Obviously, since he was managing our father’s money as well” sulks Mary having spent many hours angrily discussing the loss of her rather large inheritance in risky stocks “Strangers have taken over our house that we grew up in! It’s not right!”

“The Crofts are lovely people.  I can’t imagine more kinder people to move into our home” sincerely reflects Annie “I’ve had a great time becoming better acquainted with them.  You’ll like them too, Mary, if you will give them a chance.”

“So, what was your impression of Captain Wentworth?” asks Annie wanting to her more about him.

“Well, if I were not already attached, I definitely think he would have been looking my way, but in that I was already with Charles, he missed his opportunity” eagerly boasts Mary pushing her ego just a little further up  than necessary “He spent a lot of time talking to me about our family and what life was like when we were younger.  He enjoyed my stories so much.  He found us quite amusing. I think he knows about anything significant that happened in our family over the last twenty years.  He was such a great listener.  Seriously, if I had been single then he would be mine now, but of course now he belongs to Lauren”

Overwhelmed by her need to know, Annie pushes herself to ask “Did Captain Wentworth ever talk or ask about me?”

“Ummm…. Let me think” Mary considers whether to tell her sister the truth but chooses not to “I guess once in awhile if I brought your name up.  But then he spent hours asking about me.  He wanted to know everything” watching her sister’s discomfort, Mary conceitedly adds “I’ve never seen someone so interested in me, but of course I’m already taken.”

“It’s nice to hear he asked about me once in awhile” acknowledges Annie wishing that he missed her as much as she was missing him.

Mary analysis of her sister takes a turn for a moment, “I guess he did ask a few more times now that I remember a little more. But he seems to be enraptured by Lauren and I’m sure all of his thoughts are for her now.  They’re flying back together next week, but you will already be in New York by then so I guess you’ll miss seeing them”.

“Yes, I suppose so” reluctantly agrees Annie wondering if absence will help her forget how much he means to her.

 

 

The Covenant - Chapter Eighteen

Rapping at the door, Annie rushes to answer it after tucking the kids into bed for the night.  She quietly answers the door to find her good friends bearing gifts.  Annie giggles as she reads Jennings bright fuchsia striped t-shirt “Things that improve with age:  Wine, Art, Coins …. And of course  –ME!” and couldn’t agree more with that statement.  Fidgeting next to her is Alice Hammer broadly smiling wearing a colorful sombrero with a matching woven poncho that hangs nearly to her knees.

“I told her it was the wrong country, but she insisted on wearing it anyway” informs Jennings rather flatly “She wanted to ‘blend in’ so you wouldn’t feel so out of place until you have a chance to adjust now that you have returned home.”

“I think the sapphire blue matches my eyes quite well, what do you think Annie?” enthusiastically ask Alice Hammer for her opinion gently placing one hand on her cheek and slightly tilting her head as if posing for a professional photograph from the 50s glancing into the hall mirror  “I think that I need to wear this more often!”

Watching her friend, Jennings giggles and sarcastically asks “What movie are you going to star in this week? They’re really into remakes lately you might talk them into giving you a part.”

“OH!  Wouldn’t that be exciting!  I always wanted to be Katherine Hepburn” without any effort Alice Hammer changes her voice to mimic her movie idol and huskily states “I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun!”

“Yeah, you do that quite well” agrees Jennings patting her friend on the back “Every day is a new adventure with you, Alice. I don’t know what I would do if we had never met.”

“Would you like to come in?  The boys are asleep but we can sit in the living room.  Would you like some tea or coffee?” politely asks Annie remembering that there some brownies leftover from when they were made earlier in the day for the boys.

“Sure, but I need decaffeinated and I like instant too if they have it” explains Jennings “The instant has a more tart bitter flavor, a bit like candy to me. I like sour patches, lemon drops, and even the jalapeno bites are quite good.”

With each example, Alice Hammer sits next to her pursing her lips and gradually making more horrific faces as if she is tasting each one at that moment and bulges her eyes out “No, thank you.  I’m more into the sugar and spice things, give me a brownie or cookie any day and I’m fine” raising her eyebrows and giving her rather full tummy a tap here and there.

Taking a bit of brownie and a sip of rather polluted coffee Jennings exclaims “These are delicious!  I could eat a whole plate by myself!”

“I brought you the scrap book I’ve been working on for you” explains Alice Hammer taking it out of the oversized bag with a logo from a popular anchor store at the mall “Do you like it?”

The large album is covered in glitter with a feather frame surrounding a photo of just her and Rick which was taken the day they left for Peru at the airport.  Others were in the photo, but Alice Hammer clipped them out.

“I see this as a ‘Hope Album’ like some people have ‘Hope Chests’ for things they collect before they get married” dreamily explains Alice Hammer “My hope is that you and Rick will end up together!”

“Well, thank you for the thought” acknowledges Annie softly placing her hand brushing the photo of Rick before adding “I think he has found someone else.  Life moves on.”

“How could he?” asks Jennings while contemplating her next move to change this situation around “You’re a wonderful person and suit him quite well.  You always seem very happy together. Who is it?”

“Lauren Hargrove, Mary’s sister-in-law” sighs Annie determined not to let her feelings overwhelm her in front of her friends as she can feel her eyes well up with tears never having been able to keep any secrets from them.

“Oh, no” exasperated Alice Hammer hits her forehead with the palm of her hand “I didn’t see that one coming. She’s a nice girl with a good head on her shoulders, but unfortunately a bit of a flirt.  Rick would be a great catch, no wonder she went right for him.”

Shaking her head trying to compare Rick with Annie and then Lauren in her thoughts, Jennings bluntly counters, “How is that one going to work out?  Lauren is about as deep as a puddle. Rick likes to swim around in the ocean. I can’t imagine what they have in common to talk about.”

“I don’t know. I think he likes the attention and she is always available to offer some” considers Annie not entirely sure what they have in common either but trying to come to terms with it “She isn’t such a bad choice. She’s a good person.  They’ll have to grow into finding mutual ground with each other.”

“Whatever …” snaps Alice Hammer pursing her lips while wiping her mouth with her napkin before sincerely speaking “You can’t teach a fish to be a bird. My honey and I made an excellent match, but I had to wait for him. It’s a lifelong commitment keeping the right one and making each other happy, might as well get a head start with the pieces at least matching the same puzzle.”

“I got a postcard yesterday from Rick” offers Annie taking it out of her purse “He sends one about three or four times a week. “

“Ummm… that’s definitely encouraging “ surmises Alice Hammer “How many has he sent to you in the last three weeks?”

“Eleven, but they don’t say much except to explain what he has been doing” offers Annie wondering how he can only see her as a friend when she cares so much about him.  “For example this one starts: Dear Annie – I thought this postcard might look good in your scrap book.  Lauren seems to be improving.  She’s starting to read some books of poetry that Ben Wick let her borrow while she recovers. Things are going well.  I’m having a good time enjoying the area and seeing places we didn’t have time to see with the team while you were still here. Hope things are going well for you – Rick”.

“He doesn’t say much” agrees Jennings wondering if his care is more evident in volume rather than substance “It’s good he keeps you updated with what is happening”.

“If he’s sharing books of poetry with Lauren at least she is trying to learn more and develop herself” offers Annie wanting to accept the situation rather than prolong her feelings of loss “She probably fits him much better than what we are giving her credit for.  They’ll make a good couple.”

In response to Annie’s resolution, Jennings and Alice Hammer exchange knowing glances.  They recall Lauren like a chameleon transforming her look and attitude to adjust to whoever her current love interest was at that time.

“It’s better for a woman to discover who she is first, and then give themselves space to let someone  fall in love with who they really are” Jennings reflects on many years counseling couples “It seems the best marriages are made this way. That way there is no pretense, false expectations, or delusional dreams.  What you see is what you get. As a bonus for honesty, love has a habit of finding its way and deepening in clarity.”

While chatting, Annie flips through the scrap book which Alice Hammer has taken all the odds and ends of the trip such as ticket stubs, flight schedules, programs, candy wrappers, beads, brochures and making it into something she will treasure for a lifetime. Her heart aches as each token reminds her of a shared moment with Rick that is now just a sweet memory.

“So what are your plans when your sister and brother-in-law get back?” asks Jennings as she fills a second scoop of instant coffee into her cup of steaming hot water smacking her lips after taking a sip.

“As you know my family moved into a condo that my cousins own on the outskirts of New York City.  I thought that I might go and spend some time with them for awhile” explains Annie not wanting a front row to watch the courtship of Lauren and Rick once they return “It’s another territory so I might make some new friends while I am there.”

“How long will you be gone?” asks Alice Hammer not wanting her young friend to go too far away.

“Only a couple of months, I’ve been offered a job so I’ll have some income while I’m there.  I don’t think I’ll be charged rent since I’m staying with my own family, but who knows ….” As Annie’s voice trails off knowing that it is likely her father will ask for something since he never can live within his means due to his selfish and rather arrogant “necessities” at the cost to the needs of his own family.

“They’re returning on Friday, so I’m planning on leaving on Monday to help them get over jet lag before I leave” explains Annie realizing that she has to let go of Rick and find her own happiness without him “I’m looking forward to the trip and a change.  I think it will be good for me. I need to let go of some things here and move on with my life.  Leaving for awhile will help me do that.”

“Well, don’t stay away too long!” giving Annie a warm hug of encouragement Jennings continues “You always have a home with me when you want to come back. I’ve got plenty of room in my house. As you know Alice just lives down the street in her senior complex, so she’s wouldn’t be too far away either.”

“Thank you, I may take you up on that offer” gratefully replies Annie helping Alice Hammer with her poncho, “ I’ll definitely give you a call and let you know how things are going as well as when it will be likely that I’ll return. “

“I love you Annie. We’ll take care of you.  Don’t worry. ”  Kindly waves Alice Hammer doing a rather original rumba dance while shaking imaginary maracas along the sidewalk to silent music in her head “Chao! Adios Bendiga! Hasta Luego! Auf Weidersehen!”

While closing the door, Annie can hear Jennings mutter to Alice Hammer “Wrong country again.”

 

The Covenant - Chapter Seventeen

“Annie, we’re almost here” quietly whispers Rick shaking her arm to wake her up before the plane lands “Did you have a good rest?  You’ve been asleep most of the flight.”

“Are we really nearly there?  I didn’t expect to sleep for so long.  I guess the summer took more out of me than I knew” yawns Annie massaging a cramp in her neck and then noticing a rather damp spot on the shoulder of the passenger next to her while the retired older gentleman smiles back at her.  Horrified that she might been the cause for the mark Annie profusely apologizes “I’m so sorry I borrowed your shoulder to sleep on.  I was so out of it. I didn’t realize what I was doing.  I hope that I didn’t drool too much.”

“Not too much…” he warmly says with a comforting smile “When my children were little, they would often fall asleep on my shoulders.  They are now all young women.  You remind me a lot of my goddaughter, Faith Price who lives in Mansfield. She likes to read too.  She’s always carrying around a bag of books with her.  I don’t understand how she expects to read all of them in one day.”

“Faith Price? I knew a girl by that name when I was a counselor at Camp Long Branch many years ago.” Surprised responds Annie, “She was attending sunbeam camp with The Salvation Army.”

“You know my goddaughter!  I’m soldier with The Salvation Army too!” happily responds Mr. Bartram “What corps do you go to?”

“I attend Kellynwich Citadel” replies Annie “But I’ve been with  a children’s home in Lima, Peru for the summer with the Northern Territory summer service corps.  My friend Harriet’s mother, Major Fiona Smith, has been stationed there as the director for many years.”

“What an interesting way to spend your summer!  So, I see you read a lot too.  Do you also carry a bag of books around as well to read whenever you want to?” asks Mr. Bartram wanting to know Annie a little better.

“It’s not so much about reading them all in one setting, but having the option to chose which one and how much of each throughout the day” explains Annie not entirely joking with a smile “I usually have at least two with me, and I might be reading four different books at the same time during a week.”

“Too much reading for me, but I value your effort.  I’m more into facts and figures with my company,. I don’t know if you’ve heard of them, Bartram Enterprises?” states Mr. Bartram enjoying the company and discussion the last few minutes of the flight. “It’s been nice to meet you and Captain Wentworth.  I spoke with him earlier while you were resting and recovering.  It’s good to make a new friend who is even a Soldier on the plane home.  Hopefully we’ll run into each other again soon, most likely at a congress or perhaps a divisional meeting or band concert.”

As Mr. Bartram exits the row to freshen up, Rick leans across the aisle to talk more with Annie.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” giggles Annie embarrassed at her unintentional gaffe.

“I tried to reach over and knock your foot, but it didn’t work and you were completely out.  Mr. Bartram mouthed over that it was all right and not to worry about it” explains Rick laughing at the memory “Your head was bopping up and down, and all the over the place. Then at one point you were leaning halfway over into the aisle.  The flight attendant had to squeeze by to get through.  I think Mr. Bartram partially felt sorry for you and offered his shoulder as a pillow instead.”

Taking a Kleenix from her backpack , Annie glares at him and rolls her eyes as his stifled giggles continue. She takes out a mirror and horrified realizes that every single hair on her head appears to have gotten lost in its own peculiar direction.  She slumps in her seat wondering why Rick has to see her like this and why she can’t look like those actresses in the movies who wake up perfectly beautiful instead of the foreign creature she has become instead.

Brushing thru her hair, she glances back over to Rick who is putting his things away as well to prepare for landing.  Annie feels a sense of comfort and wonder that she can be so at ease with him, longing for him to feel the same way about her once again. He catches her looking at him and smiles back with a nod and wink.  Blushing Annie shakes her head and shrugs her shoulders, but smiles too.

After the pilot announces that the plane is descending, as she watches Rick double check his seat belt, Annie kiddingly asks Rick but not expecting an answer “Do you need me to hold your hand?” 

“Yes, I think I do!” jokes Rick and places his hand out across the aisle. 

Stunned Annie stares at it for a second as if it might be poison and doesn’t move.

Seizing the rather unexpected opportunity, Rick wiggles his fingers pleading, “Come on.  You said you would hold my hand.  I need you.  I’m not sure I can get through this without you.”

Peering over the rows of seats at the flight attendant who has already found their secured position, Annie shrugs her shoulders and throws her arm out. Rick grabs her hand and squeezes tightly as if he might actually be afraid to land.

One the tires tightly squeal along the tarmac pushing all the passengers forward near to the seat in front of them, “Thank you for rescuing me.  I’ll owe you when we get back” kids Rick wanting to spend a few more minutes with her “How about if I take you to dinner after we talk to Lauren’s parents?”

Quite pleased at this unexpected invitation, Annie replies “What a wonderful idea!  I’ve been craving French fries and a Dr. Pepper.”

“Great!” excitedly agrees Rick finding his satchel in the luggage compartment and letting Annie walk in front of him out of the plane towards home.

After finding their luggage in the baggage claim, Rick gently places a hand on the middle of Annie’s back to lead her to customs before exiting the airport.  Annie unexpectedly feels electrified by his touch and blushes while opening up her passport to have something else to concentrate on instead before Rick notices how much she likes it.

They walk near to each other glancing back and forth without saying anything as they enter the parking garage.  “Do you remember where they told us the van would we parked?” finally asks Annie.

“No, not really … the yellow “D” on the large pillar over there sounds vaguely familiar” replies Rick searching in his pocket for the spare key.  “But to be honest, the “Orange A” in the corner seems just as likely”.

“I have an idea.  Why don’t you hit the clicker for the alarm and maybe we can find it that way” suggests Annie having done this many times before when she couldn’t remember where she parked at the mall and had to ride with a security guard on his golf cart to find her car “I’ve had a little experience in this area”.

Rick presses the red button on the key chain as the van alarm echoes throughout the parking garage, making it appear the van has been parked in opposite directions because of the echoes of the acoustics. The shuffle together around the rows of parked cars with their wheeled suitcases and heavy bags strapped across their shoulders, aiming for a louder pulsating sound somewhere in the massive concrete  garage.  They pause for a breather as the alarm continues to blow, both of them chuckling to themselves

Shaking his head, Rick out of breath suggests “I think it might be coming from over there.  If not, we’re probably going to have someone else help us.”

“Okay” agrees Annie willing to follow his leadership after giving up attempting her suggestions with no happy resolution.

“I found it!” points Rick elated that the search is over. “Do you need some help with your luggage?”

“No thanks, I think that I can make it a few more feet.  I think we did walk a couple of miles today though” giggles Annie enjoying making a new memory with him.

Rick helps Annie load her luggage into the back of the van and then finds his place in the driver seat. “I should let you drive, you know this area better than I do.”

“Sort-of …. I have to use my GPS anywhere I go because I’m awful with directions.  Even the woman on my phone can’t understand my accent” explains Annie and then offers a few examples “The other day I asked multiple times for directions for Pizza.  It gave me directions to Lisa’s Nails, the Peace and Love gift shop, the Pieces of Art gallery, and finally ended with the Plaza of the Sun – none of them quite the same thing.”

“Ummm … maybe I will drive this time” jokes Rick “I vaguely remember you having a difficult time with finding your way.  Do you still use your hand motions for North, South, East, and West?”

“Hahaha … yes, I actually I do.  But the probably is, I don’t know where North is so it doesn’t really help figuring out where I am” shares Annie a little embarrassed that she is so clueless.

“What about the Sun.  It always rises in the East and sets in the West” curiously asks Rick wondering what her response will be.

“Yes, but when I look in the sky it always looks like it’s just up there.  Depending on where I am standing, I can’t really tell where it is at” sincerely explains Annie attempting to find the sun out the side window of the van while he is pulling out of the parking lot.

Not knowing how to respond to this but not wanting to hurt her feelings because he can’t understand how she could not know, Rick weakly replies “I guess I can see your point.”

Acknowledging that he really can’t comprehend how she could not know where the sun it at, Annie smiles and waves her hand back at him, but glad that he was at least attempting to understand her and that he remembers something that little that she did so long ago.

Reluctantly, he pulls into the driveway of the Hargrove’s home.   Annie and Rick walk up side by side to the doorway.  Mary meets them at the door before they can ring the doorbell.

“What took you so long?  We’ve been waiting for you!” angrily exclaims Mary with her hands on hips wearing a frown.

“I’m sorry.  We got here as quickly as we could after going through customs” politely informs Rick.

“You’re taking us to the airport.  We need to leave right now or we will miss our flight” sharply explains Mary as her boys hurriedly drag their mother’s luggage towards the van.

“I’ve left you $20 on the kitchen table for things you will need this week with the boys.  I went grocery shopping yesterday, but I forgot to pick up more bread, milk, eggs, and butter.  You can use that money to buy it with. I’m sure it is plenty” instructs Mary, “ You can do whatever you want with what is leftover.”

Annie nods wondering how much remains in her bank account to cover any expenses for the week that will most likely come up. “Thanks.”

“Charles!  Come on!  We’re going to be late!” shouts Mary up the stairs.

“I’ll come back and pick you up so we can meet for dinner” softly whispers Rick to Annie still standing in the doorway.

Mary overhears this suggestion “Oh no, you can’t.  You won’t have time. I already picked up your ticket from territorial headquarters and with my help you are booked on the same flight as us back to Peru this afternoon.  They gave me a package that's on the dining room table with the legal papers you are needing and some expense information to give that I was to you when you arrived” looking over to her sister in triumph and then back at Rick “Lauren is waiting for you.  She woke up and has been asking to see you.  She will be ecstatic to see you again.”

Hiding slightly behind the door, Annie closes her eyes trying to keep back the tears of disappointment “I guess this is goodbye then.”

Sighing Rick bites his bottom lip for a moment before replying “I’ll send you word on what’s happening with Lauren and how everyone else is doing”.

“That would be really nice.  Thank you” replies Annie not sure what to do next.

Rick moves forward to hug her, but Mary stubbornly places herself very close to Annie so it is difficult for him to get closer to her.  He awkwardly bends towards her for a hug as his elbow bangs against the front door and reaching as far as she can with Mary rudely standing in the way Annie closes her eyes and politely pats him on the back.

“I hope you have a safe flight!” wishes Annie as she sees Rick walking towards the van. 

Charles rushes out the door, but whispers back to her “I left $300 in my top drawer.  Go ahead and use it for whatever you need to or if you just want to keep it that’s all right with me.  I’ll pay you for the week when I get back, but don’t tell your sister.  She felt you should volunteer to take care of the kids because you are family.”

“Thanks Charles” kindly replies Annie wondering how two so mismatched people could end up staying so long together.