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.

The Covenant - Chapter Twenty-Seven

As they climb the stairs into the theatre, Annie begins to unravel her winter clothing.  First taking off her gloves, and matching wool scarf, and then the heavy thermal knee length coat designed for the snow.  She debates whether to take the button down sweater off as well.  She remembers what Jennings reminded her just before leaving on her trip that the best way to stay warm is to dress in layers as needed.

Just behind her on the stairs Elliot is following while chatting with Ariel Gray who is very artificially enthused about the upcoming musical.   Annie smiles to herself recalling that when she made the suggestion to go to this particular musical last week, Ariel Gray scoffed but evidently her tune changed when she found out what company she would be keeping.

The theatre is warm with a chorus of voices humming in excitement.  The musicians in the pit can be heard tuning their instruments and doing a quick personal run through of more difficult sections of a piece.   The soft recessive lighting reflect off the backdrop on the stage in preparation for the performance.  The velvet curtains sway gently with the air conditioner attempting to cool down the theatre as the program is about to begin.

Directly by a tuxedoed usher to their seats, Beth rushes in first but then decides she doesn't like the view, "Annie, why don't we switch seats.  I think you'll can see better here than me".

Not caring where she sits only appreciate of being there for the performance, Annie lets Beth move back into the aisle and then finds her place.  Beth starts to move in next to her but is thwarted by Elliot who quickly moves in next to Annie.  Not wanting to be upstaged, Ariel shuffles in next to Elliot and leans gently falls against Elliot's knee while placing her purse on the floor.  Ariel then decides rather than placing her coat on the floor and laid back evening in the chair she is sitting in, she moves her coat to take over the left side of her assigned seat so that she is 'forced' to move closer to Elliot touching his arm and knee because of the closed-in space.  Elliot returns a smile as they touch but politely adjusts himself to move even closer to Annie who is right up against the wall.

Beth jealously noticing what is happening leans over to Ariel and vehemently whispers, "Put your coat underneath you or under your seat like everyone else.  It is taking up my space to store your coat!"

Unwillingly and a bit miffed but feeling obligated to, Ariel moves her coat to the proper place and finds that she has more room to breathe this way in the small compact area.  Elliot relaxes and stretches his legs for a moment that were beginning to feel cramped in the balcony area. 

Pretending to be unable to see the orchestra pit, Ariel leans over into Elliot brushing herself against his shoulder, "Can you see the violins from here?"

"No, not really.  I don't think that anyone was meant to" offers Elliot rather startled by her closeness.  "I think all of us have a good view from where we are sitting though".

"Yes, I suppose so" agrees Ariel taking out some lipstick and refreshing her makeup in the darkened theatre and then moving closer to speak softly to Elliot " Beth is so bad at these things, can you tell me Elliot, is my lipstick on correctly?"

"From what I can see it looks fine, Ariel" flatly states Elliot turning in his seat towards Annie "What do you think so far?"

"Well, it hasn't started yet.  But I've really been looking forward to seeing this even though it has been on Broadway for years" explains Annie having read all of the cast profiles in the program.  "I've seen quite a few of the actors before in other productions.  They were quite good, so this should be too!"

"I was surprised to see Rick again.  What is he doing in town?" asks Elliot with a sharp tone in his voice and rolling up his program into a stick at the same time and pounding it against his leg.

"I don't know exactly.  I didn't have a chance to ask him why he was here.  We just had a few minutes to speak together before you arrived" explains Annie wanting to keep the memories of her conversation with him private until she has time to reflect on it.

"Well, I'm glad you're here with me.  He's such a bore.  This is a much better way to spend an afternoon than with your head stuck in a book" bluntly replies Elliot not appreciating anything that might have to do with literature.

"Rick's a great guy once you get to know him and quite intelligent too" defends Annie acutely aware that she would rather spend a boring afternoon discussing a book than at a musical with Elliot while her sister and best friend flirt with him.

"Maybe there is more there than what meets the eye, but I certainly don't see it" reflects Elliot trying to make an impression that will devalue Annie's respect of Rick.

Annie can feel her anger rising but attempts to ignore his comments.  "How long did they say the musical lasts?  I have some things that I need to do afterwards."

"Let's see, I think it is 2 hours and 40 minutes with the intermission" offers Beth at the other end of the aisle wanting to be included in the conversation.

"We need to play to go to one together every week!" exclaims Ariel cuddling into Elliot shoulder for added affect of her excitement at the prospect of more time together.

This time Elliot smiles back at her and then leans over towards her  "Not a bad idea.  We'll definitely have to make plans for that to happen."

In response Beth glares at Ariel as the lights begin to flicker in the room to let them know that the show will be starting in five more minutes.

Remembering to silence her phone, Annie takes her cell out of her purse and notices the first call is from Rick but that he didn't leave a message.  Another call is from Alice Hammer who did leave a recent message for her.   She dials her password and then listens:

"Hey Annie!  This is Alice Hammer.  Remember me?  I'm sure you do, I'm just joking.  Jennings and I have been scheming together again and thought that a trip to New York this weekend might be a lot of fun.  We're taking the train up and will arrive tomorrow.  I was wondering if you could meet us at the train station and if there might be a place at the Silver Crest Towers where you are staying.  Just let us know.  We are on our way!"

As Annie shuts down her phone, she giggles and is thrilled that her friends will be joining her soon.  She hopes that they will maybe provide some encouragement where Rick is concerned with her family too.   The loud speaker announces that the show is beginning giving a little background history to the story that will unfold in great dramatic display before them.

The Covenant - Chapter Twenty-Six

Walking into the large chain bookstore after wiping her wet boots on the welcome mat, Annie quickly aims for the rows of novels with special highlighted red tags discounted at a lower price.  The large mahogany bookcases are filled with many literature treasures. The books are bound in a variety of hard cardboard, leather, flimsy  bendable paper, some with embossed covers or sketches of a likely scene of the story within.  Some carry titles of "how to ...", others with gorgeous landscapes,  a few with a tempting review on the back cover, but all with a plethora of fonts trying to attract buyers.

In turn, Annie glances over each one recalling a series of adventures, mysteries, and love stories that she has enjoyed in the past.  Glancing through the stacks, she wrinkles her nose at a book that reminds her of a less than satisfying plot line, while most of the others rekindle of warm glow of time well spent reading.   As she tediously peruses the shelves,  Annie pauses over some new releases as the aroma of fresh ground coffee and hot bakery items fill the aisles.  Hearing an unexpected growl  in response to her senses, she considers perhaps a snack might be in order and heads towards the in-store cafe area.  She grabs a book that challenges her interest and finds a comfortable seat to indulge her imagination.

After buying her latte and lemon cake, she moves about comfortably in the sofa in the corner of the cafe and opens up to the forward to read who the book happened to be dedicated to.  She always finds this interesting and wonders who the person is and what they did in the author's life to inspire them to dedicate a piece of their creative soul to them.  Often it is a parent, a spouse, an editor, perhaps a best friend, but there is usually generally someone that the author is reminding them of this gift of their heart.    She wonders how much the story is based on truth versus the author's own imagination or wishful thinking.  Annie smiles to herself and continues reading.

Without looking around her, Annie smells a familiar cologne lodging itself not too far from her.   While staring down at her novel, she finds herself blushing remembering the owner of such a wonderful scent.  She shuffles in her seat again and returns to her story from her temporary break of concentration. 

In spite of her reading reverie,  she hears a man next to her politely clear his throat.  Without glancing up, she begrudgingly shuffles more to her left away from him expecting that he needed some more room to sit down than she was offering in her comfort.  Breathing deeply in annoyance, she slightly tilts her back towards him and tries to locate her last sentence in the chapter again.

A few seconds later, she hears a pin drop at her feet and roll across the tile flooring.  She considers for a moment whether she will be polite and help it to pick it up, or let the owner scavenger across the room to capture his loss.  She decides to be helpful.  Bending down, she claims the errant pin and raises her head just in time to knock against the chin of the competition claiming to find the lone pen.

"Oeww" she hears him moan next to her, as Annie hovers her hand over the pain now increasing on her  own temple too.  She closes her eyes hoping that somehow darkness will attempt to make a speedier recovery.  "I'm sorry"  Annie whispers in her agony without opening her eyes  "I was just trying to help".

"It's okay" she hears a familiar voice respond while rubbing his chin "I was trying to surprise you. I've been trying to get your attention, I guess that I got it now even if my jaw is hurting a bit.  I hope you are okay too."

"What?" asks Annie looking up into the face of a well-known friend "I didn't know you were in town!" 

"Yes, just got in a few hours ago" Rick responds still cuddling a red spot on his chin "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well!  I didn't know you were coming here!" gushes Annie blushing in excitement in seeing him again.

"I'm glad you found my pen" offers Rick holding his hand out to her as Annie is nervously flipping it back and forth in her hand  "I've been dropping it all over the place and you didn't even notice.  I finally had to kick it over your way.  I wasn't even sure you were going to pick up then."

"Yeah, it took a moment to consider whether I wanted to interrupt my story or not to help a stranger" giggles Annie very pleased to see him again "We've got a lot to catch up on!"

Moving closer to her on the sofa, Rick appears to be just as delighted to see her again, "So, how is the visit going with your family?  Are you having a good time?"

"Ummm ... that is rather debatable depending on the day.  But things have gone much better than I expected.  I have a few friends in town which have made things a lot better too" explains Annie taking a sip of her hot coffee.

"I hoped that we would run into each other.  I know that this is one of your favorite places no matter what the city and that you are staying just around the corner.  So I took a chance and thought I might run into you here" offers Rick smiling into her eyes "It's really good to see you again."

Annie blushes but then remembers one annoying fact, "So, when are you getting married?  I haven't heard a date yet?"

"What?" shocked asks Rick "I guess eventually, most people do. Once you find the person you want to be with, you make that happen as long as both are willing."

"Yes, it appears that time has come" agrees Annie feeling a big dejected that he is already attached and there is no longer hope "It's always important to find the right one and not settle."

"I agree completely.  It's good to have a friend to marry but you need someone whom you are attracted to as well and share many things in common with especially core values too" continuing the conversation adds Rick unsure where Annie is leading them.

"You'll make a wonderful husband.  You're a good listener and caring.  You're smart and wise. Anyone would be happy to spend their life with you" suggests Annie wanting to support him in his decision and feeling that Lauren doesn't quite measure up to him.

"Well thank you.  I hadn't really considered those qualities in myself before and I'm flattered that you noticed" gushes Rick quite taken with all the sincere compliments. "You could say the same for yourself too."

"Yes, I guess so.  At least I hope to make someone happy one day" humbly states Annie wishes that he was that 'someone' rather than an unknown figure in the future.

"So you still didn't answer my question, when are you getting married?" impatiently asks Annie not wanting to delay the horrible answer too much longer.

"Uhhh.." begins Rick not sure what he is suppose to answer "I don't know.  I hope soon."

"Oh" deeply sighs Annie feeling that a relationship between them is truly hopeless "Well, I hope she ends up deserving you."

"Who?" confused asks Rick realizing perhaps they might not be communicating on the same subject.

"Who?  What do you mean 'who'?  You know.  Stop teasing me" remarks Annie slightly annoyed that he won't bring up Lauren's name and acting like he doesn't know who she is.

Feeling that Annie is playing a game knowing that it is her that he actually is thinking about marrying even though he has not admitted it to anyone states confidently with a smile "Oh, I see what you're doing. I think you know" moving a bit closer to her to see how her eyes are responding.

In response to his closeness, she tilts her head a little further back wondering why he is putting a move on her at this moment in the cafe while talking about his fiance, "Okay, I guess you're not going to tell me and I'll just have to guess."

"This sounds like fun" agrees Rick not sure what she is doing but thinking the game of sharing their feelings is rather entertaining.  He places his arm behind her on the sofa and is charmed by the whole conversation.

"Are you getting married next month or six months from now?"  politely asks Annie wondering how long she has to find a dress to attend his wedding.

"Let's see.  I think three months is actually a good time.  It's long enough to get things together and merge two lives.  What do you think?" smiling at her, Rick takes another sip of his coffee waiting for her response.

"It's the time I would have chosen too" sighs Annie despondent that he cannot even see how much even in little things they share in common with each other  "I'm sure you'll be very happy."

"I'm sure too" confidently states Rick too tickled that they are discussing their future life together in such an odd manner without even a formal proposal. "I think when two people love each other many wonderful things can happen quickly."

"Yes, quickly ..." Annie can almost feel a tear forming and wonders why Rick cannot see how much she loves him  "I'm sure you and Lauren will be very happy together."

Acting as if he has just been slapped, Rick moves a foot away from her, "Lauren?  What do you mean, Lauren?  I'm not marrying Lauren.  Ben Wick is marrying Lauren." And then looking into her eyes and seeing the forming tears, reads Annie entirely wrong, "Are you upset that Ben Wick is marrying Lauren?  I knew you liked him this summer, but I thought you would be over him by now."

Scrunching her nose, Annie responds, "No, I don't care about Ben Wick.  I'm incredibly happy to hear Lauren and Ben Wick are getting married!  I had no clue!  When did they get together?"

"You didn't know?" puzzled asks Rick completely surprised that the gossip had not reached her yet.

"No, I didn't even know they were interested in each other" truthfully admits Annie recalling that Ben Wick didn't seem all that impressed with Lauren's shallowness in a few conversations with him.

"They got together within the few hours I was flying back to the states with you.  By the time I returned to Peru, they were already settled as a couple.  Didn't your sister tell you?"  bluntly asks Rick.

"No, she gave me the impression you were very much still with Lauren and that you were going to be engaged soon" honestly replies Annie confused by her sister's deception.

"She was there.  She saw Lauren and Ben Wick together.  I don't understand why she didn't tell you" angrily confirms Rick "Did she give you the box I sent home with her for you?"

"No, I didn't get anything except for the occasional post cards you sent me" replies Annie "I enjoyed them very much.  Thank you for sending then to me.  I didn't wonder why you didn't really mention Lauren in them, but it was nice to hear from you."

Rick sits silently for a moment trying to digest what he has just been told and realizing that Annie may not fully be aware of his feelings for her yet again.

"I wondered why I didn't hear from you too often.  You mentioned that you had run into Elliot again. Do you see him very often?" tentatively asks Rick unsure how Annie feels about him.

"Yes, we see each other a lot" informs Annie but seeing that Rick appears not too happy with this as he sulks back into the sofa adds "But we're just friends.  I think Beth and Ariel Gray are more in a competition for his attention."

"I was wondering if you were going to Sunday Evening at the Temple tomorrow?" asks Rick hoping to set a time to see her again.

"Yes, I'll be there!  We can meet and sit together if it's all right with you" offers Annie "They are having Captains Will and Liz Darcy as the special musical guests."

"It would be really good to see them again" agrees Rick "I'll look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.  What are your plans for tonight?  Would you like to have dinner?"

"That would be lovely!" blushes Annie excited to spend more time with him when she hears a voice calling out from across the bookstore.

"Annie!  Hey, Beth and Ariel are waiting outside for you.  Remember, we're going to the play tonight?" rushes up Elliot looking Rick critically up and down as Rick glares at him.

"Oh .." sighs Annie looking apologetically at Rick "I forgot".

"I already bought your ticket" firmly states Elliot not giving her any leeway to change her mind.

 Looking over to Rick and smiling in a very hopeful manner, "Umm ... I will definitely take a rain check on dinner.  We have to go soon!"

"That would be great!" politely states Rick hating for his afternoon surprise to be interrupted.

As Annie grabs her coat and begins to walk away as Elliot is leading her by the elbow, she breaks free for a moment and returns back to the table and leans up to give Rick a peck on the cheek.  "It was really good seeing you again.  I'm looking forward to tomorrow night!"

Rick smiles back at her but throws silent daggers at Elliot impatiently waiting behind her.

The Covenant - Chapter Twenty-Five

 "So do you know what today is?" excitedly asks Eliot mugging and leaning over towards Annie trying to capture her attention.

"No, not really.  Saturday, I guess ..." bewildered responds Annie trying to remember if there is any significance to the day.

"Of course you know" teases Elliot taking her hand "It's a very special day for us".

"ummm" sighs Annie not sure of any event to mark the date "Let me think ..."

"You're kidding me!" retorts Elliot "It's been three months since we met again in New York!"

"Oh ... I didn't realize it, sorry" states Annie a little flushed that it would have been a milestone to him since they've been going out together as friends "I'll have to put it in my calendar so I remember the it next time it rolls around again."

"Well, today we are celebrating" informs Elliot not deterred by her lack of memory of dates "I'm taking you to my favorite Peruvian restaurant."

Recalling sweet memories, Annie smiles "I'd love too!  Are we going there now?"

"Yes, I thought we would start there and spend the rest of the day together" suggests Elliot having thoughtfully organized the day for the two of them.

"Let me just grab my coat and I'll be right back" offers Annie quickly heading towards the other room.

Noticing in the mirror her lack of fashion accents, she looks into her jewelry box on the dresser and finds the long looped red and green beaded earrings that Beatriz made for her at the children's home as a parting gift.  Holding the earrings in the palm of her hand, she tenderly smiles and says a silent prayer for the children, Harriett, and Major Smith at the home.

"I'm just about ready" she calls out to Elliot patiently waiting in the other room.  Her thoughts linger and she wonders how Rick is getting along.  Thinking sadly to herself, "He must be engaged by now, it's really time for me to move on."

While attempting to pick up her purse, it accidently tips over and out of the side pocket falls the most recent postcard Rick sent to her a couple of weeks ago.  It was friendly and warm with news of current events but devoid of any personal impressions of anything more than friendship towards her.   After tracing the signature slowly with her fingertips, she gently places it in the top drawer of her dresser and shuts it with a firm hand.

As they walk towards the subway, Elliot is very chatty about recent conversations in his life with influential people around the city.  He tells her of his new wardrobe and how impressive he looks wearing it. He repeats many of the charming stories he has told several times before.   Annie encourages him but her thoughts remain elsewhere.

As the trek up the sloped sidewalk, Elliot places his hand on the small of her back to make sure she doesn't slip on the wet concrete among the overcrowded walkway.  "It's just up a handful of blocks, it won't take us long to get there."

Moving past a floral shop on the corner, Annie senses fill with the scent of orchids which remind her of Peru.  Looking over, she sees baskets filled with colorful orchids of maize, mauve, and violet and notices also the magenta-hanging belled flowers with a sunburst in the center.  The Cantuta daintily mixes in as accents amongst the buckets of orchids.  She tenderly remembers gathering the wild flowers on an outing with the children and then keeping the collection fresh in a paper Dixie cup to decorate her simple room for the summer.

"Would you like to carry a few with you for the day?" asks Elliot noticing how much the flowers seem to be affecting her.

"No, thank you.  They just bring back some memories" responds Annie quickly boxing those sweet moments in to recall at a later time.

"Just wait a minute" as Elliot walks into the store leaving her alone to peruse the other options of flowers.

Quietly Annie picks up a single orchid in her hand inhaling the fragrance as it sooths her thoughts.  She looks over at Elliot through the window and notices he has a small bouquet in his hand.  He is chatting with the young woman in the somewhat rather long line behind him.  She notices that he is taking out his phone while she seems to be repeating a number to him. 

Sighing, Annie shakes her head and is grateful that her feelings have not moved any deeper beyond friendship towards him in spite of his attention and mock devotion.

"Here, I got these just for you!" exclaims Elliot handing her a small wild flower bouquet and quickly giving her a light kiss on the cheek.

"Well, thank you very much!  They brighten my day!" sincerely responds Annie holding the bouquet between both her hands and taking a moment to breathe in the beautiful kaleidoscope of scents.

As they near their destination, Annie can hear rhythmic drums and flutes with a familiar beat and tune. She can feel her feet unintentionally move to the rhythm of some of the traditional dances the children taught to her over the past summer. She giggles to herself knowing that her uncoordinated ability to dance left a lot to be desired but the attempt was greatly appreciated.

"What are you doing?" curiously asks Elliot noticing that Annie is moving in an unusually slightly awkward way.

"I'm just having fun, trying to remember how the kids taught me to dance" replies Annie and then more sincerely with some laughter "I wasn't a very good student as you can see".

Placing his arm around her in a shoulder hug, Elliot laughs with her and attempts to mimic some of her moves as well which amuses both of them.

"Please come this way" offers the hostess carrying two green leather bound menus and guiding them to a quiet corner table.

The waiter greets them with "Hola! Como estas esta tarde?"

"Muy bien, muchos gracias." replies Elliot with his limited knowledge of Spanish and then burying himself within the folds of the menu hoping there are no more further questions to answer.

After chatting some with the waiter about the menu choices, Annie orders her meal in Spanish that she was eventually able to pick up and recall from her service corps experience. 

"Well, I hope what you ordered for me is good" teases Elliot not very daring where food is concerned but wanting to please Annie.

"I think you'll like it, if not I'll trade you" offers Annie feeling quite a home there and placing a finger on her cheek as her earring dangles against her hand while noticing the decorations and atmosphere of the restaurant.

"This is delicious!  What is it again?" asks Elliot taking another portion from the appetizer plate.

"It's called  "papa rellena" which is fried mashed potatoes stuffed with meat, raisins, olives and a hard boiled egg.  It was one of my favorite snacks" remarks Annie taking another large bite "I've ordered a squash soup and for the entree Tacu Tacu with fried Bizcochito bananas.  I think you'll like it."

"You're always having me try new things" admits Elliot with a smile "Most of your ideas haven't turned out to be too bad.  I'm going to trust you this time."

While Elliot excuses himself to respond to a text with a return call, Annie looks around the room.  Framed photos of the Peruvian landscape of clouded mountain peaks and Machu Picchu outline the dining room. Annie's thoughts drift to conversations she once had with Rick.  Her heart aches for a moment as she shuffles her cloth napkin in her lap trying to place the memories aside.

As Elliot returns to the table, he seems a bit flushed and agitated.  "I have to change our  plans for this afternoon.  A personal emergency came up that I need to deal with.  Do you mind if I take you home and I could meet you later on for coffee?"

"That's fine.  Don't worry about it.  I was thinking of going to the book store anyway because one of the books of my favorite authors has just come in" offers Annie wanting some time on her own to think and to sort-through all of her emotions that have been stirred today.

"All right, I'll meet you at the 'Adventurous Sleuth' since I know it is typically where I will find you at 6 pm.  How does that sound?"  suggests Elliot relieved that Annie is not upset that he has to leave earlier than expected.

"See you then!" graciously replies Annie "Thank you so much for lunch, it was very thoughtful of you!  We'll have to do this again in three months."

"Sounds like a date!" jokes Elliot kissing her on the cheek before heading out on his way to deal with other private matters.