The Covenant - Chapter Thirty-Two

“Ready to go?” asks Annie taking Jennings by the arm bundled in her green snow suit and leading her through the doorway “We’ve got a lot to see today!”

“I think that I should be warm enough” explains Jennings tying one last knot into her purple scarf “They always say dressing in layers is the best thing to do, but I can hardly move in this get-up!”

“I’m nice and cozy” joins in Alice Hammer nibbling on the last piece of donut she found on a tray displayed on the welcome counter as traces of powdered confection kiss her cheek.

“So am I” adds Alfred walking up behind them putting his industrial gloves on “Helga offered to keep an eye on Oscar for me today so I thought that I might join you.”

“Oh, I’m so glad you could come with us!” delighted exclaims Alice Hammer enthusiastically bouncing on her feet and clapping her hands “You can show us the best places to go.  I’ve never been here before!”

“Where are we headed to first?” asks Jennings pulling out a large map and twisting it back and forth, realizing that upside down is probably not the most helpful direction.

“I thought we might try The Met” offers Annie snuggling into her coat in the brisk wind “It’s one of my favorite places to go.  The have an excellent collection of Impressionists, Cubism, and medieval art as well as Egyptian antiquities.”

“Sounds good to me” agrees Jennings keeping in step with Annie as Alice Hammer and Alfred trail behind chatting away about the Neoclassical architecture of the buildings lining the street explaining how Frederick Law Olmstead built many of the structures in Central Park.

“Did you know Bryant Park was named after the poet, William Cullen Bryant?” asks Alfred hoping for encouragement of further discussion on the subject “He also was a driving force behind the idea of creating Central Park”.

“No I didn’t.  But I know one of his poems” shares Alice Hammer and then quoting with dramatic effect of memories in her sophomore year “The moon is at her full - and riding high -  Floods the calm fields with light.  The air that hover in the summer sky are all asleep tonight.”

Nodding his head and smiling Alfred contributes one of his favorites looking directly at her “I like this one:  ‘Thine eyes are springs in whose severe  - And silent waters heaven is seen.  Their lashes are the herbs that look On their young figures in the brook.”

At this they both giggle, Alice Hammer responds “I’m not sure I’m quite the young duckling that I use to be”

“Awww, but time has turned you into a lovely swan” counters Alfred feeling full admiration for her.

Feeling elated at this compliment, Alice Hammer blushes and gives him a friendly little hug and a pat around the shoulders, “You’re too sweet. You just made my day.”

Tapping on her arm to get Annie’s attention, Jennings raises her eyebrows nodding her head back to the couple behind her and jokingly adds, “I think you may have to keep an eye on them.”   Annie grins happy to see her friend having such a good time.

As the walk up the long cascade of stairs, Jennings stops and takes a few pictures of the building at different angles.  The gothic revival cement faces trimming the top of the building fascinate her.  A stranger offers to take a group photo for them as they say ‘cheese’ and smile their best.

Looking above her, Annie notices the high vaulted ceilings and archways with large roman columns leading them deeper into the museum.   The crowds meander and willingly provide a variety of reactions from meditation to amusement or bewilderment and ridicule, and even utter adoration.

 Just before the grand staircase, Jennings spies a large ornamented silver cup and finds it to be the ‘Chalice of Antioch’ which many thought for centuries was the Holy Grail. Jennings remarks to her friends, “Personally, I like the Indiana Jones version.  A simple wooden cup seems more like Jesus’ personal style.”

 Later as they wind their way around the museum, the bright skylight floods the American Court illuminating the sculpture of ‘Diana the Huntress’, giving the room an impression of pristine clarity.  Annie feels the light radiate as if it is a cleansing of her thoughts and soul.

They wander along the Impressionists Halls to the Post-Impressionists displays to ‘Cypresses’ by Van Gogh.   Informatively Alfred explains “This was painted not long after Van Gogh lost his ear and a year before his suicide.  It was a darker moment in his life very different from Sunflowers which was about birth and new beginnings.  He made seven versions of Sunflowers which the yellow meant Happiness to him and to the Dutch devotion and loyalty.”

As they wearily enter the next exhibit showroom, they see large room size stone arches in front of them.  The Temple of Dendur was built during the time of Augustus Caesar in 15 BC along the Nile River, with carvings of papyrus and lotus blossoms outlining the Temple base.   While each are overwhelmed by the display of antiquities Alfred explains, “Actually Caesar Augustus of Rome who ruled Egypt was a little vain.  He had his own image carved in Pharoah’s regalia and carved into the stone of this Temple of Isis, and the long oval shapes around his image read ‘Pharoah’ to make sure everyone knew who he would be in Egyptian history as the kings before him”.

Finding their way to the gift shop, each finds a perfect memento of the day.  Looking at the rows of magnets, Annie chooses a print of her favorite impressionist painting by Monet “Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies”.   Next to her, Jennings tries on a beautiful peacock feather shawl in bright blue hues and hazel tones inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany’s iridescent glass vase in 1900. Jennings turns to Annie, “My grandma many years ago use to have a lamp similar to this one, not the real thing of course, sitting on her desk where she use to keep her correspondence.  She was a great letter writer.  I’ve kept some of her journals over the years.  Maybe I’ll let you borrow them one day, and you’re a good writer maybe you can make a story of her life.  She was a bit eccentric but lots of fun.”

 

Wanting to find something practical, Alfred carefully peruses through the glass display case and chooses a Rohde Deco watch in its own unique design. He puts in on his wrist holding it up to the light using several angles as he squints to tell the time and finds the watch to be exactly what he wanted.

Across the shop speaking to another clerk who explains the different replicas of jewelry available for purchase, Alice Hammer decides to buy an Egyptian amethyst stone Hepy necklace made of lapis Luzuli beads in remembrance of her visit with Alfred.  After the clerk hands her the receipt, she puts them on and then as in the Bangles, “Walk like an Egyptian” advances out through the security doors with Jennings silently shaking her head behind her. 

“Where would you like to go next?” curiously asks Alfred grabbing a quick hot dog from the vender cart in front of the museum “You’ve got to try one of these.   They’re the best!”

“I’ll take two!” orders Jennings feeling a rumbling in her tummy “I’m hungry.  I skipped breakfast which wasn’t a terribly good idea”.

“Yeah, you get awfully cranky if you don’t eat anything before noon” reflectively remarks Alice Hammer turning to Alfred to explain “Some days you just know not to go near her.  She’s like an old grizzly bear if she doesn’t get her coffee first thing.  It is not a pretty site” feeling as if this doesn’t represent her entire description continues “I always know because her hair has a way of standing on end just like this” taking her hand and pulling up Jennings hair beside her to show him an example, Alice Hamer continues “if she hasn’t had any caffeine.  She has a crazy look in her eye too,” jutting her eyes as if she has just seen a unexpected ghost.

In return Jennings furrows her eyebrows and smirks, “Thanks so much for sharing.”  Annie giggles but tries not to catch Jenning’s look knowing that Alice Hammer is a very good mimic of her best friend.

The busy street vendor in matching baseball hat and t-shirt hands Jennings two hot dogs through the metallic food truck window with “The Original Dominick’s Dogs” colorfully plastered on the side with other bright pictures of items available on the short order menu. She stacks with mustard, relish, jalapeno peppers, with plenty of onions too and topped with a long sliced dill pickle.   She immediate takes a very large bite and explains “Delicious … absolutely wonderful!  It hits the spot ….”

As they finish their snack, the wander through the streets making every effort not to brush against individuals in the crowds heading in many directions across the city. As an ambitious stranger glares at Alice Hammer and as he pushes right past her, Alfred gently reminds Alice Hammer that it is better if they walk two by two or single file if there are too many people on the sidewalk.  He slows down so the two of them can share a conversation of their love of music.

Up ahead Jennings and Annie are lost in conversation about some of the places Annie has visited so far in the city, when they hear a familiar voice coming across the other end of the crowd standing on the corner waiting for the walk light to changes to white, “Annie!  Wait up!”

“Hi!  How are you?” asks Annie feeling a moment of exhilaration at the unexpected arrival of her friend and brushing her hair to the side hoping that it looks like there was at least an attempt to look nice.

“I’m doing well.  Are you guys out touring today?” politely asks Rick glancing down to make sure everything is somewhat in place. “Where have you been so far this morning?”

“We just went to The Met and a hot dog stand.  I confess that I was starving and needed a bit of a boost” explains Jennings slowly tapping her full and satisfied tummy “The museum is huge and it feels like you walk for miles to see all of the sculptures and artwork. I think we still had a few sections that we missed that we will have to catch next time, but it was definitely worth it.”

After visiting the special exhibition at the Guggenheim nestled in the Frank Lloyd Wright circular inverted ziggurat building of winding sloping ramps Rick suggests “Would you like to take a detour through Central Park?” They all agree and head in that direction.  Winding through the ravine, they pass the waterfall at The Lock, the pool of weeping willows, pass the Huddlestone Arch and eventually find their way to the Conservatory Gardens between 104^th and 106^th streets on the Upper East side.

Rows of white flowers with bright yellow centers encircled with a mustard crown known as Japanese Anemone mixed with violet cranesbill and the deeper imperial purple scented sage with line the walk avenues of floral design.  It is a quiet and tranquil place.

After a few minutes of walking through the park, Alfred and Alice Hammer find a delicately carved cement bench to sit and reflect on the beauty surrounding them. Further down the tier, Jennings inspects some of the leaves and bushes considering ideas of what she would like to do with the corps garden at back at home.  She contemplates making an atrium a project for the corps cadets this upcoming spring.

As they stroll through the efflorescent conservatory, Rick wonders how to prolong his time with Annie.  Feeling unusually subconscious he debates whether to take her hand as she enthusiastically shares stories of her less than successful gardening experiments from earlier years.  He can’t remember a moment when he felt more content and at home with her.  The conversation comes to an end and just as Rick is about to speak from his heart, they are interrupted by an alarming female voice shouting for their attention, “Hey!  What are you guys doing here?”

As if obtrusively caught, Rick and Annie immediately take a step back from each other to turn to see who is speaking to them.  “I guess we all that the same thing in mind” offers Eliott with Ariel trailing behind him.

“I didn’t know you were coming to the gardens today” pouts Beth but in an insincere tone “We could have joined you.”

“I tried calling earlier today and you didn’t answer” blurts Eliott not sure that he likes that Rick is standing there with Annie “Did you get my message?”

“I accidentally left my phone at home” truthfully answers Annie but surprisingly grateful that it was forgotten today.

“Oh.  I was wondering what time you would like for me to pick you up for the Army concert tonight.  I thought about five so we could have dinner too before the meeting” firmly suggests Eliott in a tone that is not quite optional.

Feeling uncomfortable but not wanting Rick to feel like she will be on a date with Eliott turns to Rick, “Are you going to the concert tonight too?”

“Yes, I had thought about it.  I will see you there” flatly states Rick quickly turning on his heel to find the others “I have some things to do this afternoon.  I will see you later.  Enjoy the afternoon with your sister and friends.”

Staring at the back of the person she would prefer being with as he rigidly walks away, Annie wonders why life has to be so complicated.

The Covenant - Chapter Thirty-One

What do you think? I got it on sale!” exclaims Alice Hammer proud of her designer purchase at a bargain rate as she pretends to walk down a runway at the beginning of spring season.

Crossing her arms, Jennings rolls her eyes and asks “Do you think there might be a reason it was on sale?”

Determined to defend her choice, Alice Hammer looks her squarely in the eyes, “Yes, because it was meant for me” fastening her magenta fussy fur hat more tightly on her head. 

“At least they’ll know you’re coming in the dark when you try to cross the street” remarks Jennings wondering how many ‘deals’ Alice Hammer brought in her wardrobe.

“Let me grab my coat and then we can go”, Jennings digs into her hanging bag and pulls out a large lime green puffy parka with leopard trim and begins to zip up her coat. Then she pulls out her violet mittens out of her pocket while Alice Hammer stares her down with disgruntled pierced lips.

“What?” asks Jennings seeing Alice Hammer’s lack of approval of her personal choice of fashion, “It’s warm and it works.”

Alice Hammer doesn’t say anything but glares at her for a few moments while she squeezes into her remaining magenta boot and gloves that were sold on sale as a matching set.  “At least I’m coordinated”. 

Jennings looks at herself in the hallway mirror as Alice Hammer puts on her chapstick standing just behind her. After a short pause of tension, they both begin to giggle. 

“Well, at least we’ll be able to find each other if we get lost” considers Jennings as they head out of the door of the guest apartment.

“I told Annie to meet us in the lobby at 10, we have about twenty minutes to wait” explains Jennings pushing the letter “L” on the elevator register.

The elevator beeps as the number 3 lights up above the door.  An elderly gentleman walks onto the elevator with the sounds of bells ringing with each step.  Jennings glances at Alice Hammer sharing a look of understanding while the gentleman politely folds his arms in front of him and begins to introduce himself asking in a friendly tone  “Hello, my name is Alfred. Are you new to the towers?”

“Hi!  This is Brigadier Martha Jennings and my name is Alice Hammer.  We’re visiting from Crestwood in the Northern Territory for a few days” explains Alice Hammer as Jennings nods to him and shakes his hand.

“I’ve been living here six years and it is a wonderful place.  You should move here if you ever have the opportunity” finding that he likes his first impression of both of the new strangers adds “There are lots of things to do.  The activity director does an excellent job of planning special events, guest speakers, social clubs, plenty of activities for a variety of hobbies, and of course the food is quite good in the dining room.  I hardly ever feel like cooking.”

 

“Alfred, I’d like to ask you a question if don’t mind.  Why do you have bells on your socks?” bluntly asks Jennings whose curiosity has overwhelmed her.

“Oh that.  It’s for my dog, Oscar.  She can’t see very well and sometimes she gets out and runs the hallways. So, I came up with this idea that if I wear bells Oscar can find me wherever she goes” lifting up his pant leg to reveal Christmas socks of red and green with tiny bells attached, he continues “I sewed them on myself.  Christmas socks seem more festive and just make you happy while you wear them, also they are quite warm when it gets cold outside.”

Smiling as her eyes twinkle with anticipation, Alice Hammer is delighted with his socks and creative thinking, “Such a clever idea.  I may do that for Peaches when I get home.  She’s getting older, you know.  The bells are a good idea, better than a whistle.  I don’t whistle very well.  Some people can use their fingers and have quite a range.  I whistle softly in monotone.”

By contrast, Jennings stands beside her with a look of disbelief not sure if she would be willing claim her as a dear friend if she starts to walk into their weekly painting club with a new pair of bell socks.

The elevator doors reach the lobby and open.  “Where are you going?” asks Alice Hammer seeing him turn the corner heading towards the sign that announces the Chapel is down the hallway with a left arrow.

“I’m going to play the piano for a while.  It’s a beautiful grand piano, such a lovely sound.  They keep it tuned on a regular basis not like some places that leave it to the elements and then to hope to sing in key once in a blue moon” explains Alfred almost skipping with a light step down the hallway “Why don’t you join me while you wait for your friends?”

“Come on Jennings, let’s go” orders Alice Hammer tugging at Jennings lime green sleeve looking more like an green abominable snowman rather than a person.   Jennings waddles slowing behind Alice Hammer with her arm’s stretched out to the side to accommodate for the three layers of clothing hiding underneath her coat.

“I like Jazz.  Do you like Jazz or the Blues?” asks Alfred as his fingers lightly touch the keys in patterns of complex music that joyfully fill the room.

“Yes, my sweet Fred liked to listen to Miles Davis and Count Basie on Sunday afternoons after church on the record player” explains Alice Hammer “I use to imagine that I could sing like Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday. Do you know ‘How Deep is the Ocean’? It’s one of my favorites.”

“Yes, I do.  Why don’t you sing it with me?” as Alfred begins to play and create a beautiful introduction uniquely his own.

Tenderly closing her eyes, Alice Hammer begins to sing as memories brighten into the present “How much do I love you? …. I’ll tell you no lie ….”

Sitting in a pew a few feet from the piano, Jennings seems quite amazed that her friend is staying in tune after listening to her the last few weeks in songsters with less than stellular results.  When Alice Hammer finishes singing, Jennings provides loud applause with sincere appreciation for her effort.

Alfred also joins in admiration as Alice Hammer curtsies and takes a bow to an imaginary audience. “Let’s do another one.  That was fun!”

“How about this one?  Do you know it?” asks Alfred as he begins to play “My Funny Valentine” with expertise and flair.

Immediately Alice Hammer jumps in with the lyrics and adds her own dramatic interpretation, making faces and twirling around a bit in her pink fussy boots and hat.  For the grand finale, Alice Hammer leans back and throws her arm up as if she is Liza Minnelli on stage.  This cracks everyone up, but Alice seems a little stuck before returning to a normal posture, “I think that I might have moved more than my arms there ….,”  while rubbing her sore back with a bit of awkwardness.

“I didn’t know you were going to have a concert!  I would have come down earlier!” sincerely states Annie thrilled to know her real friends are in town and that they will be spending the day together.  “I see that you’ve met Alfred.  I was going to introduce you tonight, but I’m glad that you’ve already become acquainted.  He’s been a very good friend to me during my visit and I thought that you would like him too.”

Getting up from the piano bench Alfred reaches out to give Annie a big hug with bells sounding in rhythm with each step.

The Covenant - Chapter Thirty

"I hope that I'm not late!" murmurs Annie to herself hopping around on one foot while trying to put a boot on that remains elusive.  Running a quick brush through her hair only to be stifled by a knitted cap because of the cold weather, she rushes out the door taking the more convenient stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.

After reaching the subway station, she rams her weekly pass into the slot and pushes past the turn stiles.  The train fortunately arrives on schedule as she heads towards Penn Station to meet Jennings and Alice Hammer.

Rushing down the yellow tiled hallway lined with beaux-arts sculpturing and high vaulted ceilings, Annie searches for the right Amtrak concourse to meet her friends.  Talking out load, Annie mumbles "I've got to find track 8 where that is ..."

Finally Annie arrives at her destination just in time with only a handful of minutes to spare.  She finds a bench and collapses into the wooden panels.  After taking a deep breath, she looks up to find Rick about five feet in front of her with his hands in his coat pockets appearing to be waiting for someone as well.

Without stalling, Annie yells as loudly as possibly over the noise of trains arriving on other tracks not too far in the distance  "Rick!  Rick!  Is that you?"

Surprised to hear his name, Rick turns around to find a wind-blown Annie very elated a few feet from him.  Rick smiles enjoying the image of seeing about 60 percent of Annie's hair in some other direction other than where it was intended to be.  The scuff of her jeans are stuff in her left boot and it appears that she was one button off when trying to match up the holes and buttons on her shirt.  He begins to chuckle while walking over to see her as she stands to greet him.  She gives him a hug and then looks down and realizes how uneven her shirt is.

"Oops, I was in a bit of a rush this morning and it looks like I might have been a little off in the calculation of my buttons" giggle while trying to speak through some of her embarrassment and then tugging at her jeans to bring them at least even with her heel.

"I didn't know you would be here" delighted explains Rick "I just arrived a few minutes ago myself.  I'm here to meet Jennings and Alice Hammer".

"So am I.  Alice Hammer left a message that she wanted to know if I could pick them up" explains Annie horrified as she moves a hand to the top of her head and can feel all of the misplaced hair and then while attempting to smooth it down while she continues to talk "Did she call you too?"

"No, actually Jennings called me and let me know when they would be in town and if I could pick them up.   I guess they were both making plans at the same time" amused offers Rick "Would you like to go to lunch?  I found a very good deli around the corner if you are interested.  Then we can fight over who gets to take them home."

"Sounds like a wonderful idea!  But I might need a moment to fix myself up first" laughs Annie feeling a bit disheveled and hoping a ladies room is not that far away to put on some makeup too which she went without not expecting to run into anyone she knew except for Alice Hammer and Jennings whom wouldn't care.

"No, that's all right.  I think you look perfectly fine. I like you just the way you are!"  jokes Rick but sincere in his meaning too.

The whistle blows  interrupting their conversation and the train pulls into its docking station.  Rick moves closer to Annie to block some of the blistering wind from the movement of the train.   Annie mouths "thank you" knowing that he cannot hear her from all the noise of the train's arrival. His eyes meet her smile feeling content for a moment.

"Yuuu-hoooo!" rings a familiar voice behind them.  "Rick!  Annie!  We're here!" screeches in a sing-song voice of Alice Hammer.

"Alice,  you forgot your hat!" instructs a voice just beyond her "I'm wearing two, so it didn't get left on the train."

As Jennings makes her appears she is wearing a t-shirt with the statue of liberty in sunglasses stating in big bold letters "I Love New York!" . She is wearing a fushia southern belle summer hat with large plastic roses as well as a fisherman's hat with tons of pins attached from every vacation spot that Jennings has visited in the last thirty years.

"I think this is your hat" informs Jennings plopping the pink floral puff ball onto Alice Hammer's head.  "I told her she would need something warmer, but she thought this hat would be much more prettier.  I didn't want her sticking out or anything like that" as a couple of travel pins reflect the light from Jennings own original cap.

"It's cold here!" reflects Alice Hammer "I may need to wear two sets of thermal underwear!  By the way, I found some great ones, they're camouflage.  I bought them at the Army/Navy reserve store on discount.   If I ever get stuck in the wilderness, I can hide from the other wild animals if I need too."

"Yeah, that'll happen .." shaking her head but then Jennings reconsidering their track history together on assisting with the  Girl Guard camping emblem each year that it might be possible offers instead "Well, I guess it wasn't such a bad idea."

"I like your t-shirt" offers Annie taking on of Jenning's bags into her hands to carry for her.

"I got it at the Home League white elephant sale.  I thought it was appropriate for the upcoming trip" explains Jennings pointing down at her plaid pants "I got the jeans there too.  It matches pretty well, I think."

"It will definitely make you stand out and we'll be able to find you if you were to get lost" offers Rick noticing that everyone else on the platform is dressed in subdued colors of black, navy, and dark taupe.  "I'll get us a taxi since we have the luggage and we can drop it off before going to lunch together."

"Do you think the taxi driver will let me ride of front?" excitedly asks Alice Hammer "There's four of us, it might make it easier if I did."

"We can always ask" suggests Rick not sure that he's ever seen someone riding up front with the driver.

As they climb into the yellow cab, the friendly taxi driver agrees to let Alice Hammer sit up front with him.  "I just love the view! Have you ever seen so many buildings that were so tall?  Look at all the people!  This is where the US began!"

"Not really, it was Jamestown, Virginia" informs Jennings "I'm sure you've seen "Pocahontas".

"Oh yes, "Colors of the Wind" is one of my favorite songs" as Alice Hammer begins to sing in her natural vibrato operatic voice " ... you think you know the land you live on ..."

"I thought it was Plymouth Rock" interjects Rick wanting to break into the musical interlude "but I'm not so good at history.  What do you think Annie?  I know you've always been good at trivia."

"Well, since you asked me ... Jamestown started in 1607 with the Virginia Company of London and Plymouth Rock was in 1620 with William Bradford and the 'Mayflower' Pilgrims.  I read some of his writings in college along with Edward Winslow." noticing the captive audience Annie continues " Another piece of trivia you might find interesting is that William Bradford was actually English but came from Holland with the Pilgrims for religious freedom.  Henry Hudson, a Dutchman working for the East India Trading Company found New York in 1609 when he landed in the bay.  But of course, the native tribes were actually living here for centuries before then."

"Who is your favorite writer of the colonial period?" curiously asks Rick wanting to divert his attention from the rather reckless feeling of the journey.

"Probably Anne Bradstreet from Salem, Massachusetts" considers Annie "She also wrote a lot of poetry too and was a bit of a theologian as well."

"So what you're telling me was that the Europeans found  Virginia first, then New York, and finally Plymouth Rock"  summerizes  Jennings "Annie you ought to be a tour guide".

"I've thought about it.  I think it would be a lot of fun to meet new people every day and share the stories of what has happened in the past" sincerely offers Annie but not sure the pay would cover her rent, car payment, and other things she would like to do on vacation.

As the cab takes off, Annie grabs on the front seat to brace herself as she is squished between Jennings and Rick holding Alice Hammers hard plastic baby blue makeup case on his lap.  Jennings rolls down her window sticking out her head to peer at the sky above.  "Hey that cab was getting a little too close!"

As they whiz between cars, people, and other amber lights, Alice Hammer cheers "Ohhh... this is fun!  I've never driven like this before!"

"It feels more like a derby ..." mumbles Jennings knocking against Annie once again as the cab turns the corner as yet another yellow cab inches its way next to the car "I could actually touch that car next to us if I put my hand out the window!"

They finally reach their destination of the Silver Crest Towers.  Jennings climbs out of the cab sincerely grateful for the solid ground below her.  After the cabie unloads their luggage, handing him a tip Alice Hammer offers him a hug to which he robotically slowly pats her back unsure of this unusual friendliness from another foreign state, while she assures him "Next time we need a cab, I'm going to ask for you!  I haven't had that much fun in years!"

The Covenant - Chapter Twenty-Nine

The cool rain slowly drizzles against the pavement keeping its own rhythm of time and space.  While trying to dash between the raindrops, Annie notices a collection of water huddles above her in the green canvas veranda with simple white trim of the flower shop.  Observing the potential collision, Rick reaches out to move her away from the oncoming waterfall.  He keeps her hand in his own and doesn’t let go.

Outside the little storefront café former Christmas lights decorate the bare tree branches as their soft glow illuminates the local favorite restaurant.  Scents of fresh baked bread and other candied delicacies radiate into the night air as the wind catches the movement of the entrance doors.

The neatly organized hostess directs them to a corner table set for two.  They comfortably settle into their seats and absorb the menus laid before them.  After a few moments, Annie steals a glance at Rick and observes the way his forehead wrinkles as he concentrates, kindly remembering how he naturally sets his jaw before making a decision even if it is a basic choice between pie or cake.   She smiles to herself as some things appear to never change.

Looking up he rubs his chin while locking eyes with Annie just before her eyes fall back down to focus on her menu of assorted desserts and coffees.  There is so much he wants to say but his thoughts fumble as they experiment with words on how to begin as he overhears the most generic words tumble out of his mouth, “So, what looks good to you?”

For a second Annie slightly blushes acknowledging the awareness of her first impulse to respond “you do”, but then tempers her summation and answers more politely, “I think that I might try the carrot cake, I saw it in the display case as we walked in.  It looks delicious!  A hot chocolate sounds good too. What are you going to have?”

“Let’s see …. “, perusing the menu again Rick responds while closing his menu and handing it back to the waitress who daily challenges herself to accurately remembering orders without writing them down “I’m going to have the key lime pie with coffee.”

As Annie quickly surveys the room, trying to gather her thoughts on what to say next, she hears Rick ask “So, what have you been doing these last few months since we were in Peru?”

She stares blankly at him for a moment trying to remember what happened between the time she last saw him and now but nothing comes to mind except for the reality of how much she missed him, “Not much … my family was invited to spend a few months in New York so I came along with them.  I’ve been working at DHQ for the development department writing ads, mail appeal, thank you letters, etc.  It isn’t exactly my long term dream, but I’m able to write in the meantime.  How have things been going with you?  I saw that you are on leave between your new appointment and missionary service.”

“Yes, I have a couple of months to relax before beginning in a new place.  It seems likely that I will be stationed at the school to teach” replies Rick having just had a conversation with the personnel secretary a couple of days before “It will be a new experience."

“I think you would make a great teacher and mentor for the cadets” compliments Annie feeling as if there really couldn’t be a better choice.

“Thanks.  I hope the cadets feel the same way next year” replies Rick sincerely hoping to make a good mark that will impact them for life and teach them more than words from a book.

As Annie sips on her hot chocolate, a trace of whipped cream remains at the top of her lip. Rick without thinking, reaches out to wipe it away with his thumb. She giggles while smiling at him. He hears himself involuntarily say out loud “I’ve missed you.”

Slowly looking up Annie catches his eye and quietly whispers “I’ve missed you too.”

While absorbing her words, Rick looks down at her purse and finds the edge of a book protruding out of her bag and his thoughts retrace steps from years ago.  “Rick! Rick! Wait a minute!” yells Annie swiftly moving up next to him, “Are you going to the Young Adult retreat? Today is the last day to sign up.”

“Can I help you with that?” asks Rick watching Annie fling the heavy backpack onto her back while trying to loop her arm into the strap at the same time.

“No, I’m fine” determined Annie responds while struggling and failing at her attempt to secure it.  He reaches out and helps her find the strap securely fitting it to her, “Thanks.”

“Yes, I was thinking of going.  Will you be there?” asks Rick hoping to have the opportunity to have more time to spend with her. “We could ride together if you wanted to and don’t have other plans”.

“I signed up last week but noticed that your name wasn’t on the list” blurts Annie then realizing that it might be too obvious she is interested in him explains, “Jennings showed me the list this morning at the corps and there were still quite a few she wanted me to check with if I ran into them … ummm I’m glad to hear you’re going.  Riding together sounds great!”

“Where are you headed?” asks Rick hoping for a chance to talk for a little longer.

“The library as usual, I have a paper that I need to do some research for” dejectedly explains Annie wishing that she hadn’t waited until the last minute so that she would have more time to spend with him.

“Really?  I’m on my way there too.  Maybe we could study together, if you don’t mind” offers Rick having finished his actual homework earlier in the day but not minding a second trip to the library if it means spending more time with her.

“Sure!” smiles Annie for the first time ever grateful for homework “Do you have a paper to work on too?”

Unsure of how to respond, “I just have a few things to catch up on some reading for” quickly replies Rick hoping he doesn’t sound overly eager revealing  his true motive for wanting to go to the library which he rarely tolerates on most occasions.

“Oh, well maybe we could help each other out” suggests Annie “My paper is on the correlation between Mark Twain and modern American humor and dialogue.  What are you studying?”

“mmmm… I uhhh… it’s a mixture of things” replies Rick silently berating himself for a lack of an answer that makes any sense “it’s rather complicated and hard to explain.”

“I’d like to hear it” but then sensing his quiet aversion to do so counters “Do you think that it’s too difficult for me to understand?” asks Annie not appreciating that he would think that she is not as smart as he is.

“No, no, it’s not that at all” answers Rick realizing that she is offended about his fake subject and then stretching the truth to not reveal his secret replies “It’s just that it is very technical and the concepts are a little hard to grasp”

“I like theories, why don’t you try me?” challenges Annie with an urge to prove to him that she could comprehend even the most complex abstract suppositions.

“I … uhhh .. well… “ Rick pauses but then feeling her temper rise in the silence and unsure of how to respond to his blunder offers “You could probably help me.”

“I might be able to” assures Annie feeling as if she has accomplished a long sought after achievement.

Rick sighs feeling the tension dissipate and relief that the truth hasn’t been revealed - at least not yet there is still time before reaching the library to make up something.

But as they draw closer to their destination reaching the entrance, Rick worries about his lack of imagination and to prevent further misunderstanding rushes to explain. Finding himself stuffing his hands into his pockets and looking down at the ground intentionally not looking at her, Ricks slowly responds “I need to confess. I don’t really have a topic that I’m researching. I just wanted to spend the afternoon with you so we could get to know each other better.”

Hearing his words, Annie is so overwhelmingly pleased at his confession that she doesn’t know what to say so for a moment blankly stands there staring at him before coming to terms with an answer.  “Well, maybe you could help me then if you don’t mind reading through a few boring books of critique and analysis”.

“Sounds like a great afternoon to me” replies Rick relieved and content to find that she is not angry with him, but actually waiting for him to follow her into the library.

Bringing his thoughts back to the moment, Rick states “I see you still like to read.  What are you reading today?”

“It’s funny you should ask.  I’m reading a Mark Twain book.  Do you remember when you helped me with my paper?  I thought it was so sweet of you to help me.  I think that was the first afternoon we spent together” and then with a slight smirk Annie adds “You know, I intentionally gave you the stack of the dullest authors to read to see if you were sincere about spending time with me.  I don’t know what I was thinking.  But even if I didn’t tell you then, you actually understood the commentaries much better than I did.”

Rick chuckles remembering how he wondered why anyone would ever consider being a literature major if this is what they would have to commit their life to reading. “I learned more than I ever wanted to know. It was worth it though ….” Then adds more softly “… for a variety of reasons”.

“Yeah, you helped me get an A though in one of my toughest classes!” remembers Annie sincerely grateful many years later.  “How many critiques have you read about Mark Twain since then?”

“I think that I discovered all I needed to know then” smugly replies Rick “I’ve retained the information over the years”.

“So, did you ever finish those cooking classes?” whimsically asks Rick remembering her making a few rather unique dishes for him.

At this Annie laughs out load, “No, just as horrible a cook as ever but with a little more flair now!”

Taking another bite of her dessert, Annie thoughts drift to another time in college “I think that’s Rick!  He’s on time and I’m not ready!” running and limping to the door with one shoe on and the other dangling from her hand while trying to finish pinning her hair with the other hand.  She wipes out just as she reaches the couch tripping on the throw rug as Rick opens the door himself “I thought I heard you say ‘come-in’. Do you need help?”

“No, I got it” attempting to stand up but losing her balance while grasping the corner of the couch to pull herself up on one heel and then stalls to pose in an attempt to look graceful and elegant as her up-do falls apart in perfect timing. 

“Yeah, I can see that” replies Rick chuckling while heading over the kitchen counter “I brought some dessert which we can have later if you would like”.

“As you know I’ve been taking cooking classes and I’ve made something special for you tonight” encouragingly instructs Annie “I hope you like it!”

“What are we having?” asks Rick usually looking forward to her surprises.

“It’s meatloaf with a twist” offers Annie suddenly feeling slightly insecure about her creative choices.

“Ohh… sounds interesting” offers Rick not as confidently but believing that the outcome might be good.

“I added a few ingredients” explains Annie then reflectively “I like my classes, but cooking would be so much easier if you didn’t have to measure and just ‘knew’ how much to put in of this or that.”

Rick’s eyebrows raise but he manages to keep a somewhat even tone, “Do you like your classes?”

“Yes, for the most part I guess.  It just really isn’t my thing, but I do try” explains Annie feeling a bit anxious and wanting to please him and then looking at the clock above the stove, “I think it is about done”.

As he observes the trophy of meatloaf in front of him, he congratulates Annie “This looks really good.  It has a rather savory and sweet scent.”

“Yes, that is the ‘secret’, can you guess what it is?” excitedly asks Annie.

Not sure of what to say and a little afraid of the answer, Rick replies “Maybe I’ll try it first” while taking a small bite.

“What do you think?” asks Annie  “Can you taste the sweetness?”

“Uhh … yes” Rick answers trying to swallow and smile at the same time while reaching for a glass of water “It’s spicy. Did you have some?”

“No, I thought that I would let you try it first” explains Annie watching Rick’s eyes tear up and feeling that perhaps she might have added a little too much of her special ingredients.

“I thought a dash of curry and cinnamon might give it some zing …. but maybe not so much ….” suggests Annie “I wasn’t sure how much to put in so that you could taste it.  I might have estimated more than necessary.”

“No, it’s good” states Rick gagging while drinking some more water to cool down the mass of flavors exploding in his mouth.

For a moment Annie observes him as one loose tear falls down his cheek and feels some pity.  “You know, how would you feel about going out tonight instead?

“Uhh … only if you want to” gently replies Rick hoping to not hurt her feelings because of her obvious but failing effort to make something for him.

“Let’s go to one of your favorite places” suggests Annie already grabbing her coat not feeling hungry but not having enough courage to try her culinary experiment either.

“Sounds good … last week I drove by a place that I was thinking we might like to try” offers Rick heading towards the door “I think you’ll like it.”

“I can hardly wait!” agrees Annie leaving the burnt pan to soak in the sink and hopeful of a good dinner tonight instead.

After a few hours of sharing their memories, the waitress interrupts their conversation and kindly as she can in order to retain a good tip begins “I’m sorry, but we’ll be closing in about ten minutes. I hope you had a great evening and will visit us again some time.”

“Thank you” responds Rick leaving some cash with a friendly tip on the table.  As they walk out the door, Rick quietly takes Annie’s hand as they walk out as the clouds are gathering for a stormy night.

 

 

   

The Covenant - Chapter Twenty-Eight

Picking up her jacket from the seat behind her, Annie considers the last words of the play that the lead gently whispers to his heroine “It isn’t just a moment, but the beginning of a lifetime”.  Cynically, Annie quietly retorts to herself, “If it were only that easy to just be in the time for anyone” flopping her coat around her shoulders to protect her from the bristly air.  “What did you say?” curiously asks Elliot rushing to walk next to her with a smile while knotting his maroon scarf and tucking it into his winter coat for better warmth.  The theatre doors are large and heavy with delicately edged glass designed in a garden with the tree of good and evil.  As only a gentleman would do Elliot steps in front of the door to allow Annie to walk out onto the bustling pavement before him.

“It’s so crowded tonight, I don’t think  I’ve ever seen so many people in one small place” chimes in Beth, wrapping her arms between Elliott’s and snuggling in as if she is afraid of the cold rather than just in need of warmth.  Elliot smiles at her, taps his hand on her left glove tightly sealed to his arm and politely wiggles away from her, “I think you might find my scarf more useful” taking it from his neck and handing it to her while moving closer to Annie and putting his arm around her uninvited shoulder. 

In response Annie can feel herself stiffen but not entirely sure as the cause of her motive. Her thoughts quickly wander to what Rick might be doing this evening and disappointed that she had not accidentally run into him at the show tonight.  She finds herself pretending to reach into her handbag pulling herself away from him while she tries to find a mystery item in her purse.  “Can I help you find something?” kindly asks Elliot looking over her shoulder to see into the chasm of a warehouse full of surprising items.

“No, thank you.  I was just looking for some chap stick.  My lips are a bit dry because of the wind”, pulling out the first thing she could find to answer his question and holding it up between them to create more space with a natural barrier.

“I have some Burt’s Bees if you would like some” offers Elliot looking into her eyes and leaning close to her as if to offer a secret that is only shared between the two of them.  He pauses for a moment as if waiting for her answer before slowing moving away.

“Thanks, but I have mine” nervously responds Annie not entirely sure what to do or how to react to how she is feeling.  She looks over his shoulder to see her sister offering sheer daggers of jealousy and death.

“I would like some” grabbing it out of his hand and quickly applying some to her lips and then turning to Elliot offering a smoldering look with her lips slightly apart “Does it look like I’ve got it covered?”

Without thinking, Elliot gives her a quick glance looks away and then looks again, returning rather flatly “I think you’re fine.”

Tightly forming her lips together in a thin line, her eyes narrow into two small creases while tossing back her coiffed hair, “Annie never bothers to take care of herself” then pausing for dramatic effect to stare Annie down from head to toe “She would really benefit with a trip to my stylist, because she’s too oblivious to even notice what’s in fashion.” 

Feeling her words sting, Annie subconsciously closes her coat more tightly around her.  Noticing the slight, Elliot counters “I like the way Annie dresses, her beautiful personality comes out in her own unique flair and style”.

Puzzled Annie looks at him in disbelief and takes a quick inventory of what she is wearing silently considers, “Perhaps glancing at a fashion magazine once or twice in a decade might be rather useful ….” Elliott notices the moment of insecurity and adds “I like Annie just the way she is and I wouldn’t change anything about her.”

Regaining her composure Beth loudly huffs, disconcerted replies “I think we’re heading the wrong way.  We should get a taxi instead of walking.  It’s too cold to be outside tonight!”  Jumping just off the cement curb, raises her hand trying to flag down a taxi in the middle of the busy street.

Walking just behind them, Annie notices that Ariel seems a little sad tonight and lost in her own thoughts.  As Elliot places a hand through his hair, Ariel watches him intently as if considering the purpose of each action and disappointed in her own conclusion.

In spite of Elliot’s kindness and support tonight, Annie’s thought can’t help but drift back to her conversation earlier in the afternoon with Rick and wishing he were walking with her tonight rather than Elliot who now seems to have finally noticed that Ariel is also with them tonight and lost rather animatedly in a story with her.

As they squeeze into a taxi with Ariel and Beth cohesively flanking Elliot on each side in the back side, Annie moves to the front passenger seat next to the cabie who greets her with a kind smile of understanding and empathy.  “I remember you”, he begins as Annie recalls a memory of recognition and joins “Yes, you were the very first person I met when I came to New York. I immensely enjoyed your kind tour of NY for a naïve novice of the city.  How are you?  I hope you and your family are doing well!” ecstatic to have randomly met someone who feels like an old friend.

“Can’t complain, things have been good”, he warmly replies “I hope you have been enjoying your time in the city.”

“It’s been great!” sincerely exclaims Annie “There are so many wonderful and exciting things to see and do here.  I don’t think that I could ever be bored…” while losing herself in her thoughts of how many different experiences she has had in such a few short months.

“I was hoping there might be a chance of running into you again and catching up with your adventures.  You’ve been one of my nicest customers over the years” genuinely explains the cabie “Most of the time my customers are in a hurry to get shuffled from here to there and don’t have much time to chat.”

After asking him several questions about his family and getting caught up on the current happenings of his daughters and the latest in his wife’s cooking, Annie feels rewarded in renewing a friendship.  He offers his card with his cell phone number neatly written in pen at the bottom, “If you ever want to get away and try something different my wife makes an out-of-this world lasagna.  Bring a friend if you want to, she always makes plenty.”

“That sounds great!  I may take you up on your invitation.  Homemade Italian food sounds terrific!” warmly returns Annie and thinking of a possibility of a future outing with Rick “I’ll bring a friend too so we can both meet your family.”

As Elliot gets out of the taxi in front of the Senior Residence where the Elliotts are staying, he opens the door for Annie and helps her out of the car, only overhearing the last of the conversation slightly jealously adds “You make friends rather quickly.  You’ve already been invited out to dinner by a stranger”.

With a smirk, Annie responds “He was the first person I met when I came to New York.  We talked mostly about his family while he told me about the best places to see in the city.  He was only being kind.”

“You always met the strangest people.  You talk to anyone, doesn’t matter who they are.  I don’t know how you have the nerve or courage when you barely speak to people you have known for years” snidely remarks Beth trying to somehow belittle Annie even in her ability to make new friendships.

“Some of the kindest people we will ever meet were once a stranger to us” retorts Annie “I’d rather have a moment of meaningful, than a lifetime of solitude” wondering if this might be her own personal answer to the last words of the play.  Her thoughts drift again to the gentleness in Rick’s voice and how he made her feel just to be near him once again. 

Standing a few feet away, Elliot appears to be flirting with Ariel trying to cheer her up from earlier in the evening.  Ariel grabs a hold of his arm while she laughs at one of his jokes that was not particularly amusing but which she finds artificially hilarious, while tossing her head back and leaning in towards him as if she has never found anything funnier.

A few minutes later, Elliot offers to walk Ariel around the block to McDonalds for a coffee since she says that she needs something to warm up with before returning to the apartment.  Beth decides to join them not wanting to be left out of the party that was originally meant for two.  After offering her apologies for being tired, Annie heads into the glass sliding security doors alone. 

As she stands at the elevator in the front lobby after pushing the arrow to go up to the seventh floor, she hears a familiar voice behind her.  “I was wondering when you were going to get back tonight.  If it is not too late, I was hoping that you might be interested in trying a new chocolate dessert that I found at a deli around the corner.”

Waiting for a moment to collect her thoughts before turning around, Annie is so happy to hear his voice again she can feel the moisture gathering in her eyes, “I would love to! Dessert sounds perfect right now!”

Connecting with her smile, Rick amicably helps her put her coat back on as they head out the door into the welcoming night air. They walk in silence for a few minutes unsure of what to say next but each contemplating a thousand silent options within seconds of elapsed time, “It’s really quite a cozy place.  There were quite a few locals having lunch when I was there the other day.  Do you have any favorite places that you like to visit so far?” endeavors Rick to begin the discussion.

“A few, maybe next time you can come with me and I’ll show you some of them” shyly invites Annie opening that every answer will be a ‘yes.’

“I’d love to.  I’d like to explore the city with you.  You always had a way of finding the most unusual or unique places that were interesting.  Most of them were pretty intriguing, only a few were a little scary” jokes Rick as they both fall into memories of a past time of their adventures together.

Rick can still hear Annie’s voice “Come on!  It’s not that bad” while they struggle to see through the grease stained windows of the diner marked “Tim’s Place”.  “It may not look the best, but it smells wonderful” chides Annie attempting to get him to comply. “I guess it does, but the view looks like it might need a visit from an inspector” Ricks responds while placing a small peck on the tip of her nose “If I get food poisoning, you have to nurse me in the hospital until I get well again!”  “I promise” sulkily replies Annie disappointed that he does not greet the visit to the local diner with the same enthusiasm.

The sit and chat for a couple of hours, laughing over many of the stories of the eccentricities of their former professors while the conversation switches to goals and dreams for the future. He tells her of his desire to be an officer and to have a day to day ministry with people that will make a difference. She appreciates the sincerity of his calling but also struggles with the reaction of her family if she were to join him in his life of service.

Both of their memories seem to stop and begin in the same place as they look at each other with knowing eyes without a word being spoken. “Do you still feel the same about officer-ship as you use to?” anxiously asks Rick trying to downplay the tremor in his voice.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t like it before.  But sometimes family obligations or opinions can stifle what you really should be listening to.  God’s voice is rarely a shout. I wish that I had been still enough to listen then.  I think He would have worked everything out in His timing.”

Softly Rick counters “Maybe He already has” not looking up at her but hoping that she can feel and understand the weight of his words.

As the wind blows the leaves at their feet, Annie moves closer to him.  Rick gently places a hand on her back to guide her around the puddles blocking their way to the entrance of the diner.