BIOGRAPHY OF THE PAST
AND
DREAMS OF THE FUTURE
Chapter 4
After Amélia came back to the United States, the letters between Lyon and New Bedford, continue to fly, however the style was somewhat different, no more promises, of love, as use to be, now they are more like letters between a married couple.
They speak more about the pain of separation, the plans for a future together, and they already talk about dates for their marriage.
They still have, at least three more years of school, but as soon as they finish they will marry.
She can find one apartment before, and they will have all the paper work ready, Jonah will fly to the United States as a tourist, they will marry as soon as he arrives, and file with the Immigration Department for a permanent residence as soon as possible.
Jonah told Amélia, that his parents want to move from Lyon to Paris, they are looking for a house or apartment, and already have their house in Lyon, listed for sale; as soon as he knows the new address, he will communicate it.
For some reason the letters from Lyon, stopped coming, Amélia continue to write, but didn`t get any answer, she calls by phone, but from the phone company they answer, that number had been disconnected.
This was a heart breaker, Amélia don`t know what to do, but cry, her mother try to comfort her, by helping to find what happen, a few phone calls to the phone company in Lyon, and finally she speaks to a Jonah`s neighbor, who inform her that this family, had move about two months before, but they don`t see Jonah the III at the time they move, it looks like if they are in a worry.
Darwin told her daughter that sometimes the men, after they have a specific relation with a woman, begun to lose the enthusiasm, and many times they just move to another relation, and it could be one explication for all this.
Amélia was sure that something else happens, her Jonah never would do a thing like that, and she will wait to find out, no matter for how long.
About a month and a half, after those phone calls to Lyon, Amélia receive a letter from Paris, Francesca writes to give her the horrible news, Jonah had pass away, a terrible accident left him in coma, and when everybody thought, he would start to recuperate, he die unexpectedly.
The reason Francesca didn`t write before, was the fact that the doctor`s diagnostic his recuperation in just a few months, and she does not want to alarm, Amélia.
Now she just burns the letters from Amélia, and will never forget this tragic accident, just asks Amélia's forgiveness, if for any reason did anything that could be less correct.
Darwin would like to write to Francesca, but the letter from Paris, didn`t have a return address, they have to get over all this, nothing else could be done.
For the younger lady it wasn`t easy, she will never fall in love again, and will not be interested in men anymore, but one day she will find the place were her love one is buried.
She will finish school, get a job, and may be one day she could have a vacation in France, to investigate in Lyon, may be somebody could know the last address of Jonah, and from there, anything may pop up.
However Francesca, would make sure that it never happens, in fact they move to Paris, Jonah had a terrible accident, had been in coma, but he didn`t die. When he came out of coma, the first person he calls for, was Amélia, his mother told him she would come.
This old French lady loves her son, but it was a love different, from that love we know, and was defined by so many writers.
On her love was room for selfishness, for distrust, and revenge; she never was shy to use any opportunity, that comes along, to further her objectives, and this had been her main window.
She tears off the letters from Amélia, but save some small pieces, with words she could use in her faulty, stingy and meanness intentions. Some words like New York, move, forgive-me, sorrow, away, last letter, and so on; she let some drops of glue fall in the waist basket, and made sure, those pieces of paper get stuck in the same basket.
Two days after Jonah get out of coma, he got the Francesca version of what happen, with the "so called" change in mind, heart, and attitude of Amélia.
Francesca write to Amélia as soon as she knows about the accident, and told her about he being in coma, the first diagnostic in which the doctor said, not to be sure if he would recuperate his mind fully.
Amélia write back to her asking for forgiveness, but she had felt that her relations with Jonah, had been a mistake, they will never be completely happy in America or in France; she had known somebody else and is moving to New York to pursue her career, and start a new relation.
For Jonah, this was hard to understand, and asks his mother how she disposes that letter; she did tear it off, and drop the pieces in the waist basket, but it was about a month ago, and the basket was empty every week.
The young man sat behind his desk, looks all around, pick up a paper pad and write a couple of lines, tear the leaf off, crush it and drop it into the paper basket; he saw some pieces of paper, and curiously pick them up.
Those words, forgive-me, move, New York and forget, had been enough evidence, his mother couldn`t do nothing else, Amélia had been infidel to him, after she had that experience with him, she couldn`t wait, and another man has taken his place in Amélia's life.
He would get over this, will finish school, find a job, and there was so many young girls in France, some on his class had been trying to cause an impression; never go to a vacation in Portugal, unless he have a happy family to show that Amélia had made him a big favor.
Jonah promise all this to himself, and his determination, wisdom and intelligence, paid off; five years later, we had seen him on the plateau he had choose for himself
Meanwhile Amélia, also got over that first love experience, she accomplishes her goal in school, and now is a secretary in the United Nations.
She had her owner experience with men, some dates, some companionship, but she never did fall in love again; now is more selfish, and the lost of her love one, left some marks, she went to Portugal just three times, but she had seen more of the Unite States and the Caribbean.
Her experience in languages and politics, combined with her propensity for mediation, gain reputation, and now while she continues to be a secretary, her job is more like a prospector they use to put together, those coalitions that do not run the World, but influence the running of the World.
In the United Nations, Amélia is now known as Secretary Amy; somebody decided that would be better for everybody, if she changes her name; however she never changes it officially, but no mind to be called Amy, for long time she had been laughing, because nobody could pronounce her name, now on her late twenties she feels that would be better to go with the flow.
Chapter 5
When Amy move to New York, she left her parents in New Bedford, but had been luck, met this gentleman, his name is Dave, an attaché to the French embassy in Washington D. C., doing work as a negotiator in the United Nations.
Dave introduces Amy to his wife Anna, who was about twenty years older, don`t have children, but talk all the time of her niece Joan, daughter of her very sic sister, back in France.
Even with that difference in age, the two women became very friends, the older lady, had problems to adapt herself to the life in New York, and for the first time have somebody, who she can speak to, in her native language, the mutual plight of being separated from their families, help to create that bond of understanding.
Dave became like an older brother to Amy, always ready to help; many times when Amy has to travel for meetings, if he wasn`t too busy, she could be sure to have an escort, sometimes two, because he likes to take his wife with them.
Amy have her owner ideas about politics, and politicians; knows that in those times politics belong only to a men`s club, but she wasn`t shy of making her observations.
A few politicians took profit from conversations with Amy; many come with different intentions, but for a lady with all that experience, were just a motive for laugh, specially when she gets together with Anna, and tell about those meetings.
On weekends, many times they go out to the beach or to the park, and have a good time together; unfortunate this wasn`t for long.
Anna gets sic, a terrible pain, one day in the morning, her husband took her to the hospital, she has an operation, but the doctor told him that he has to be prepared for the worse.
Dave and Amy, agree not to tell her about the diagnostic, and the medication she took, was just to kill the pain; she lived for about six months, but the last three, couldn`t be called life; we couldn`t understand how God gives a so painful end to somebody who has been so faithful in life.
Before she dies, she asks her husband, not to forget her niece, and if some worse happen to her sister, to make sure she have a good education; this was one thing Dave will never forget.
Amy and Dave continue to be good friends, but meanwhile Amy became friends with other secretary, Deborah; but now that Dave needs so much help to get over, she will be all the time ready to help, and the two ladies made sure he wouldn`t be one more lost soul, alone in that jungle as New York is.
Two years later, the two ladies invited Dave to go on a cruise to the Caribbean, he would find a friend to go with him, and the four would have a good time. He accepts, but couldn`t get a friend to go with him, and wouldn`t invite just somebody he didn`t trust; he will go, if the ladies still want to go.
They call the travel agency, and on the next vacation they will be on their way to the Virgin Islands, this happens by Christmas time.
A large group left New York to Miami to embark; the party Amy, Dave and Deborah, decided for a large table on the first seating, this way they could meet many people and make friends.
On the second night in the ship, Amy and Deborah couldn`t sleep, they had been dancing, swimming and enjoying that sun, they didn`t see, since summer.
Deborah asks Amy, you know Dave for so long, had been friends, why you?
Why what?
Why you didn`t marry him?
Amy pause for a second, well my dear, I love Dave as an older brother, he and his wife help me like family, and I will never marry a man twenty years older then me; I would, said Deborah. Are you sure?
Yes, I am, he is ten years older, but isn`t old, and very interesting, I`m so sorry but I would be a lot happier if he was here, instead of you.
Amy has to laugh.
In the next morning the two ladies met Dave to have coffee together, but they start to laugh every time they look each other, and couldn`t stop.
Dave was apprehensive, but Amy, taking advantage of Deborah`s looking to a man passing by, made some sign to him, and now he was sure that she will tell him all about the reason for so much happiness.
In the afternoon, after they came from shore, while Deborah went to the room for change, Amy told Dave every thing that happens the prior night, he breathes deeply, and asks, are you sure? I believe so, but only she can give you a straight answer, I really hope you guys can understand each other.
At the evening they all went dancing, Dave dances a lot with Deborah, and Amy could see some conversation going on, but don`t know about what, she was eager to get in the room to ask Deborah how far that conversation went, but she has to wait till three in the morning.
When those two ladies got back to their room, Amy just said, you not go to sleep before you tell me all about that conversation, that took almost all the night long, Yes, I will, but the problem is, I no have much to say, we talk a lot about ourselves, and he appears to be preparing the conversation for a final proposal.
However he asks if we could continue the conversation tomorrow. And you, Amy asks?
Oh yes.
Am I crazy?
I`m going to get that proposal, even if I have to get a fishing rod to hook him, you may write this on your book. It is okay Deborah, but look, he is a nice man, suffer so much already, you shouldn`t play with his sentiments.
Well, who told you, I`m going to play with that relation? I wait long enough, and those chances don`t come all the time, I had been a by-stander because I though you were interested, but since our conversation last night, I felt free, and will pursue it to the end, so help-me God.
Amy smile, I wish you happiness, and I`m sure you will get it; you are very luck, not only because he is a pretty man, but his qualities, I happen to witness when he lived with his late wife, and I tell you, is nothing more, a woman could expect for.
Now time to bed, tomorrow is another day, and even today, you will have so many things to tell; no forget is four already
They miss the coffee in the morning, and gone up deck to the coffee bar; there was Dave seated on a side chair looking the ocean. Amy went close to him, from the back, and said, good morning sir.
He almost jumps, and said good morning ladies, what happen? I though you had swim to the shore, didn`t see you at coffee time, and figure you would come here, unless you have a reserve in your room.
Well, we miss the coffee down there, but is plenty here; what are the plans for today?
At nine we will be at Barbados, if you ladies agree, we go out for a ride around the Island, the people on that table, will go too, it is the right number of people for a van.
Amy looks, she saw two gentlemen and a lady, she though, will be good enough for the day, okay my friend, we don`t have so much time, why you don`t go down to the lobby, and get the reservations, while we have our coffee.
Dave wave to the other table, and the younger gentleman went with him, at nine everything and everyone, were ready to go ashore.
It was a good trip and a good time; the couple from the other table, came from Boston, and new the New Bedford area.
The other gentleman that came with them, said to be from Augusta, single and working in Boston, his name was Francisco, and a close friend of that couple.
Amy got a nice incentive, the name Francisco, is a Portuguese name and could be an excuse to ask many questions about the origin and life of the gentleman; he wasn`t sure of his ancestry coming from Portuguese or Italian, but he had red about the hero Pedro Francisco, and know he comes from Portugal. Francisco and Amy enjoy the conversation and the trip, they agree to invite the others, to go on a seemlier arrangement, next day.
Back in the boat, before they went to their cabins, decided that in the morning, will meet at coffee time, make reservations, and get ready for a journey around Martinique.
As soon as Amy and Deborah got to their rooms, became the history telling, first was Deborah time; He did propose, she said, but was so nervous, I was afraid he could have a heart failure.
Amy, oh! That`s why you said yes so fast. Deborah, exactly; but now seriously, he was nervous, and that made a difference, I was planing to be a little restrictive, but at that moment, I just said yes, and I`m glad I did.
We agree that we should be honest and forward, meet as frequently as it is physically possible, at this age don`t make any sense to waste much time; so my dear friend as you see, will not be far-away.
I believe we can understand well each other, and I can`t see nothing to impede our marriage, so get ready, because you will be one of the few invited for the ceremony.
Now is your time, throw out all those thoughts and happenings, I`m eager to know what is going on, go ahead Amy.
Well, I would like to have a report like yours, but this is a bit different; this is like us women, when there is no past, the future is cloudy, but one thing I can be sure, in a few days he will be far away, and we will forget, the only thing I can think of, is to enjoy it while it last, you got a companion, and I have to grab this one, and take advantage of all those moments; we have nothing to loose.
When they got ready they went up deck to eat, met Dave at the table, but Amy could feel that the conversation wasn`t the right one for the occasion, and as soon as they finish the meal, she said; I forgot something in the room, and they depart in opposite ways.
While Dave and Deborah went to the bar, Amy went to the casino, she tries a few quarters in the slot machine, but could see it wasn`t the right time for her success in the game; may be it could be better in love, she always could try the ball room, however before going out of the door, a familiar voice shout.
You had no lucky, the same happen with me, and Francisco comes to the rescue.
The two went dancing, drinking, taking a good time, latter they went to the mid night buffet, but couldn`t find Deborah or Dave, after a while they went down toward Amy's cabin. On the way, they met Deborah and Dave, coming out; where you go now, Amy asked?
Well, it is too hot down here, we go to the top deck catch some breeze. May be we meet there, now I have to go to the room said Amy.
Amy went to the cabin, Francisco stops at the door, but she said you may come in, will be just a minute, he got in and close the door, after hanging the sign, do not disturb, from the outside.
Two hours later they went up to meet the other couple; they found them near the swimming pool, and immediately they depart to their rooms.
In the morning, they met at the coffee table, the older couple decided to go for a trip across Martinique, but Amy and Francisco, settled for a day around the swimming pool, for a time of resting and sun bathing.
On the last three days of the cruise; all went ashore, in Antigua, St. Martin and St. Thomas, and try to have a good time; what they did; made their last purchase in St. Thomas, and on the last night in the boat, everybody at the table, promise to get in touch, and exchange those little notes with addresses.
Those notes are good only for pollution, because as we all know, they will end in the paper basket, they will be forgotten as the dollars they spent there, nobody will write or phone.
They disembark in Puerto Rico. Before Francisco took his flight to Boston he said, I will call; may be he was decided to do just that, but the address and phone number, Amy gave him, nobody knows who it belongs to.
Amy, Dave and Deborah, took a direct flight to New York, to begin their normal work, and try to put in motion the plans for the wedding of the older couple.
Chapter 6
Back in New York, Amy as the best friend of Deborah and Dave, was all the time ready to help in anything this couple need, especially in relation to their wedding, she not only helps with the paper work, but as-well on the arrangements for the ceremony, invitations and party.
Two months after this cruise, took place the wedding, a small, simple, and beautiful ceremony, Deborah and Dave went for their honeymoon, to the same area, where they begun their relation.
Deborah moves in her husband apartment, which is close to the same building, where Amy's apartment is located; those two ladies not only are friends, but become neighbors and have daily contact.
One day Dave got the bad news, his sister-in-law pass-away; now he has to be in contact with his late wife brother-in-law to fulfill his promise, to help Joan Dupont, her wife`s niece.
Joan was a beautiful girl, thirteen years old, and attending classes at a Junior High, in the suburban of Paris. She was well prepared by her late mother, to confront the adversities of life; for now she is the one to help her father, getting over that loss, and the one to take care of the household.
Her father was a man in his early forties, has a high paying job in an electric company, but didn`t have experience in running those things related to the household.
Joan use to go with her mother weekly to the super market, to buy provisions, and sometimes buying clothing for them and for her father, they had been very close and very communicable, right to the end.
She has begun to write frequently to her uncle and wife Deborah, a few months later it was like if Joan and Deborah had been friends for many years.
One day Deborah asks if she would like to visit the United States on her next vacation, Joan get enthusiastic, talk it over with her father, and he agrees to let her go after she graduates from middle school, just few months away.
Joan told the news to her friends in school, as it happens with all the people at their age; all begin dreaming a vacation overseas. The idea and spirit of adventure, was in the souls and fabric of young people since the old ages, and they have been the ones, that influenced the discoveries of the fifteen and sixteen centuries.
In July of this same year, Joan came to visit New York. The same day she arrived, was introduced to Amy, a close friend of the family, and any time Deborah is to busy, if Amy has the time, she would take Joan to some events, museums and stores.
On the second week of July, Dave, Deborah, Joan and Amy, went to Orlando, Florida; (Florida is a Portuguese word, that means; covered with flowers or "flores" the Portuguese word with the same meaning). Amy and Joan would take the same room, while Dave and Deborah, use the next one, in the Red Roof, on International Drive.
They Visited, places like Sea World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and many more. From there they ride to Cypress Gardens, Bush Gardens, and stay at the Journey In, in a similar arrangement.
Amy was the principal guide, and companion of Joan, no matter if it was on the scare of the wild ride, or in an explanation in Epcot Center, the two ladies had been together all the time, and Joan always listen attentively to her cicerone.
Amy, tried her best, to help make this young lady`s vacation a success; it was like if she was helping her late friend Anna, she remembers too well her wishes in relation to her niece Joan.
However Joan never dreamed to discover in the United States, so committed friends like uncle Dave, Deborah and in especial this lady, she never heard about before, and is called Amy.
The time went flying, and the date for Joan to depart back to France comes in an apace, it was a sad day, for her, she was eager to see her father, but in America, it is like if she was leaving behind another father, and those two ladies, that make her remember her owner mother.
She departs with the promise that will be back someday, the crying, the tears and the embraces, appear not to have an end, only after the Air France, aircraft disappears into the infinity of the skies, those ladies come to the realty of the facts of life.
It was a very instructive, and a good time for Joan, this vacation in the United States; when she went back to France, her father was very proud of her accomplishments.
He didn`t tell her, but in his mind, was the possibility of an ingress of Joan, in a University in the United States, but this was at least, four years away, and he didn`t want to plant that idea, in her mind, at least for now.
When the time comes, he will contact his brother-in-law in the States, to see what they may come up with; for now he already knows, she will take English as her second language, and this already is an accomplishment towards that possible decision.
At this time Joan grandmother was already with a big healthy problem, her mind begins to fail; she lived on the outskirts of Paris, but in the opposite side from Joan place of residency; she never had a good relation with her daughter-in-law, Joan`s mother, and for that reason Joan never had a close relation with her.
Her husband, an old man in its eighties, at least ten years over her age, had been forced to make arrangements for her internment in a Nursing Home, she all her life had her own and twisted mind, and now become impossible for the old man to take care of her.
Joan and her father, went to visit her, but she wasn`t interested to see her granddaughter; asks her son for forgiveness; said that everything she did was for his well being, and one day later he will find the reason for her action. For now she thought the best thing he could do, his to get ready of his wife.
The last time Joan`s father had seen his mother was on his wife funeral, she had been so out of touch with reality, that for him it was a relief to see her depart, and for those years he never did look for her again, only call his father a few times, but couldn`t understand how the old man could take so much abusive language from his wife
They tried to get the old man to move to their house, but he already made arrangements with the Nursing Home, to be his last address, he wants to be close to his wife, don`t want to be an obstacle in his son`s life.
He asks his son to go with him to his apartment to pick up some papers, and get instructions how he should proceed, in case of his death, or when he moves to the Nursing Home.
Told him to contact his brother only after he pass-away, and the two should open that sealed red envelope, because there was their last will, that had been written by him, and his wife long time ago.
Together with all those papers, two hard cover books, belonging to the lady now in the Nursing Home, one has the name in golden letters, over a black cover, "Francesca`s Diary," the other has a sticker on a red cover, that reads "Accomplishments of a Life Time."
Those books have locks, but no keys; those locks look easy to open, but Joan`s father has no interest in opening them, could be some instructions in the will, about those openings, and who knows, if those accomplishments of a life time could be interesting enough for publication.
Joan, from now on visited her grandfather frequently, all the times she went there, she tried to see her grandmother, but never gotten closer, and avoid to be seen by her, this way does not upset her.
About one year later the old man die; it wasn`t a surprise, everybody was waiting for that to happen; life is like a high wheel in an amusement park, when we sit on that basket, we rise, see big horizons, go up and down according with the time span of the ride, and when we come down on the last turn, we catch all the dirt, the ones up there drop on us.
However no matter how much we expect it to happen, always is a motive for sorrow, to be understood only by the ones who suffered the lost.
Francesca survive her husband by two years, had been confine to the some Nursing Home, until the last day of her life; only after her death, her sons opened the diary and the red book.
The Accomplishments of Francesca`s Life Time, had been so twist and so repugnant, as her heart and mind, along her life.
It has been to hurt, to defame, to persecute and antagonize, everybody she came in contact with, but has by far past what her sons could imagine.
What she did to Amélia, (now Amy), and I described two you; this time was written with pride in that red book; Jonah could understand now how everything happens.
One thing he will never forget is; the way he felled for his mother`s web, and what he did to Amélia!
Is she alive?
How many children?
How much she suffered?
Did she move to New York?
Oh! So many questions, and no answers.
If he could repair all the bad he did to that young girl; why his mother has to write this red book, just to make him suffer too?
Those were the problems Jonah has to get over with; sometimes he wonders if it worth, for a woman to go through so mush pain, to bring somebody into this World, to endure through all the vicissitudes of life.
Chapter 7
For Darwin, it becomes lonely since Amy moves to New York; at first her daughter call almost every day, but after a while it was weekly, and lately, sometimes she stays as much as a month without calling her parents.
This is a fact of life, common to many families, and dolorous for many parents, especially when they get to their golden age.
Darwin wasn`t yet on that stage of her life, but as a housewife, the days begun to get monotonous, she felt the need to get her time occupied with some else besides the house work.
She got involved with a group of people, trying to get liberated from the claws of some kind of ethnic cartel, that try to control economically, the lives of those immigrants and people less fortunate.
In all the areas where there is a large ethnic community, those cartels appear, however they come in different formats, some are hard core, and go to the extreme, even crime.
Others edge the crime, but avoid drastic actions, begin by controlling the ethnic business, radio, television, and printed media; try to keep those ethnic groups from become integrated in the American Society, making sure that only themselves could progress.
Was a cartel with the format of this last one; the one controlling the area of Darwin residency, a predominant ethnic area.
This was a group of businessmen, most of them with business on the old country, and even in many other countries; usually they sponsor those corrupt politicians from their own circle
From time to time, somebody comes to challenge them, but they withhold any business with those newcomers, and many times discredit them; however, if they can`t derail such individuals; then they try to buy them, or give them some kind of partnership; most of the times they are successful.
At this time the battle was fought around a large amount of money approved by the government of the old country, to improve communications, aiming to a better development of ethnic culture.
Those businessmen saw the opportunity to make a few millions, and with the complicity of some high officials from the old country, seize the occasion to organize a system to benefit themselves, with the monetary strip of the community.
At first they had been very successful, and even took a few millions; but some people begin to write letters to the President, Prime Minister, and many other officials in the old country, to denounce the happening.
Later come the organization of committees, demonstrations, rallies and massive correspondence to the old country.
From the cartel side, the strings had been pull under the tables, behind the scenery, using all the tactics common to those wolves, so called, (leaders,) of the community, who even enlist some congregations interested in keeping that community not integrated, by reasons of control spiritual, and in some cases, monetary reasons.
It was a long battle, but after so many up and downs, finally the authorities in the old country change the rules; it was a drawback for those unpatriotic, that don`t care about country or nationality; but the money, that seems to be their God.
They didn`t gave up, instead, begun to work in the dark, in their perverse way, trying to eliminate by economic means, one by one, all the outspoken voices on their opposition, and many of those who spoke out, had been discharge from their jobs, with no other reason.
Darwin was a very good speaker, and using some time bought by the committee on a local radio station, she made one appealing discourse, denouncing what was happening; and ask the people to be united, with perseverance and patient, always to the final victory.
The people in the community love it, but the lords don`t like it, and they have to find the way to silence her; however she was a housewife, and they couldn`t be too drastic, it could spring a big rally.
Two weeks later, Darwin husband, Jack, was called to the plant manager`s office, right in the morning, but he thought it could be a problem in any other plant; usually he was called to solve some problems of productivity, in plants in other states.
However when Jack opens the office`s door, the plant`s manager didn`t get up to salute him, as it was usual. Those two gentlemen had been friends for long time, (at least Jack always thought so).
Good morning Daniel, what happens? Any problem?
Yes, we have a problem, or I shall say, you have a problem; take a seat Jack. The older man pick up a few papers from the right side of his desk, moved them to the left, and then to the right again.
Well, Jack, I`m going to play it straight with you.
What happen is this; your wife made an inflammatory speech, that was divisive; division is bad for business in the community, and is bad for all of us; I believe you can do some, so we can do business as usually.
While Daniel was speaking, Jack was thinking, I can see you had been bought, however the many years of experience, in solving problems with Unions, and workers in particular, gave him the good sense of avoiding confrontation at the first round.
He just said, well, I will see what I can do, thanks to be frank with me, and walks out of the office.
On the way out of that office, Jack was thinking, how low a man may come, to let somebody buy himself, but from now on Daniel would know, that not everyone was for sale, and he will get even.
When Jack got home in that afternoon, Darwin could see that some had been wrong in the work place, and she asks, another problem in the plant?
No, he said, this time wasn`t in the plant, this time you had been the problem, but this will be only for us here.
He told Darwin everything that happens in the plant, and they decided to plan any kind of strategy.
The last time Jack had been in Atlanta, he was called to the headquarters, to meet the president of the board; they want to promote him to the post of manager, in a plant in Atlanta.
He didn`t accept it at that time; it was a surprise and he never did talk with his wife about moving.
Now if he can get that job in any plant, he would accept it, he knows that as soon as he gets out of this plant, the manager will lose control, specially now that the Union contract have to be negotiated.
Jack call the headquarters to talk with the President of the Personal Division, he would like to know if any opening was coming out soon in other plant.
The secretary told him that the President was in conference in the Board of Directors, but suddenly she said; hold on, he is coming out; she told who was in the line, and the man said pass the call to my office.
The President said, Jack I was about to call you, can you fly here tomorrow?
Tomorrow, I have to go to the plant in the morning, but if I can catch the plane before noon, I will be there before four.
Well, said the President, the best for you is to take your time, come in the afternoon, and be prepared to stay over night, we have dinner together and talk things over.
Jack didn`t know, what it was all about, but one thing he can be sure, the plant`s manager didn`t call headquarters; could be a problem in any other plant, but if that happens he would tell him by phone.
Next morning, Jack went to the plant a little sooner then usually, he has a few things to get in order before he leaves, and as soon as those foremen come in, he gave the instructions necessaries to carry over, while he was out.
When the plant`s manager comes in, Jack went to his office, this time he didn`t just get in, he knocks on the door, and ask, may I come in?
Yes, the manager answer, what`s up?
Well, I did get a call, I have to fly to Atlanta today; already gotten together with the foremen, everything will be all right, may be here Monday in the morning.
It can`t be, they suppose to call me before, I`m the one who give orders around here. Well unless you give orders over there too, those calls will continue, why you don`t call back and resolve the problem?
If they keep calling you to go out there, I have to replace you; Jack looks, and just smile, before he walks out.
Before he leaves the plant, Jack asks the foremen if they need anything else; when they answer no, he went out the door.
He arrives in Atlanta`s airport at one in the afternoon, took a taxi to International Boulevard, to meet a friend in the Chamber of Commerce, and at three, was the right time to go to headquarters, of the World Enterprises Corporation.
He got there a few minutes before George Monroe; the receptionist told him to wait in the executive waiting room; he pick up a book, and look in the last pages, while tasting a coffee, not because he likes coffee that much, but not to refuse everything the young girl offer
When George Monroe comes, he went to meet him in the executive room, and from there they went together to George Office.
Well, George said; I was about calling you, when you call, who begin first? My case can wait to other time, said Jack.
Okay!
My case is our case, said George; what happens is this, the Board of Directors voted to promote me to General President, and I have to find someone I can trust for President of Personal.
They ask me to submit names for Mondays meeting, and I can`t thought of any other one, but you; what you say?
Well, looks like I have to tell you the reason why I did call yesterday.
I was looking for openings; good Jack, you just got one, now I have to make a few calls, we will talk things at dinner, we meet down at seven, if it is okay with you?
Good at seven I will be there.
When Jack went out, he looks for a place to make a call to his wife, he doesn`t want to call from the company, he would like to be alone and relaxed.
He made the call; Darwin became so happy, for her wasn`t any problem to move to Atlanta, it is a very big city, with the second busiest airport in the United States, and the idea of seeing this plant`s manager, direct under orders of her husband, would be more then enough, to worth the move.
At dinner, George and Jack talk about very important accomplishments, and goals of the company, Jack was very frank about the reason he wants to move, he wants to avoid controversy, but he knows his wife was right, and he never would be the one to interfere with her thoughts.
Was decided that Jack would be there on Monday, possibly the board would like to see him, and if everything goes through as expected, they would go through all the plans, George has on hand, and review the principals changes George had been working on.
On Monday everything went as expected; George calls the plant manager in New England, to tell him that Jack would be busy for a while, and may be he will not go back, he may replace him as he told.
Next day the plant manager`s wife call Darwin, trying to make some kind of apology, she said that when her husband spoke about replacing Darwin husband, this has nothing to do with Darwin, but just because Jack was a person almost indispensable in the plant.
Darwin said, she didn`t know anything about that, she only knows that her husband, when calling last night, said that possibly they have to move no another city; if they have problems at work, it is a case to be resolved by themselves; they are grownup men, and could be responsible, for what they say and do.
Her husband, never had nothing to do with her activities, and they never talk about any problems in the plant.
Chapter 8
Darwin calls her daughter Amy to tell about the promotion of Jack, and the fact that they have to move to Atlanta, possibly to the Emery area, the company`s Division of Real State, would take care of the move, and possible sale of their house in New England.
She was glad to move, the people in this area, seems glad being controlled by those lords of the community, and as always happens the politicians are the mirror of the people who elect them, she didn`t like that image; let the ones who do, to have what is suitable for them.
Amy feels it was very good for them to move out to the South, her mother wouldn`t have any problems to adapt, and could be active in a new community, where the ethnic population is more diversified.
She was glad, she moved to New York, where there isn`t any neighbors looking over the shoulder all the time, and the people she associate with, are in a different level in the society.
Sure, in the United Nations, there are so many ethnic people, but they are busy working, dealing, and moving all the time, there is no time to look for what others do with their private lives.
She could date everyone she feels like, and nobody says anything, or watch how many dresses she uses in the same week.
She goes on vacations, and the people she goes with, she doesn`t care for their nationality, or where they came from.
On her last trip to Europe, she went with Dr. Perez, a high officer from the Bolivian Embassy, his wife, and her friend Alice, a secretary that use to work with her in a project related with Central America.
They did flew to Madrid, from there they ride in a bus to Malaga, spent three days in Torremolinos, two in Algarve, one in Lisbon, and the last seven in the Viera`s mansion.
The place was beautiful, and well care, her uncle Danny and her cousins, had pride in keeping it in the high standard of conservation.
The Perez couple was enthusiastic with the place, they said, it was better to stay there, then anything in that trip by the South of the Peninsula.
However for Amy and Alice, it was a little monotonous, but one day they decided to go by the some trail Amy went before with Jonah, on their last vacation together, and she did try to forget, but it never went away.
Amy explains everything to her friend, and they did drink from the same springs, she did so many years ago.
For Alice, all this was marvelous specially that entrance to the tunnel; they went through, but when getting to the center Amy breakdown, crying and weeping like a baby missing his mother, only could say this is the place.
Alice tries to infuse good spirit on her friend, saying; the only thing missing on this trip is, we didn`t bring any escorts as you did.
But, that tentative to elevate her spirit didn`t work, and even Alice thought that it was a very bad idea to come to this place, but now she has to help her friend getting over.
The two ladies finally walk always up to the place of meeting with Amy's cousin; when they got there, he noted that anything went wrong, but Alice said it was a fall, and everything is all right now.
Now Amy knows that she never can liberate herself, from that traumatic happening, and she decided not to come back to Portugal, at least for long time.
The only thing she misses from there was the mansion, and her relatives, she didn`t care too much about some people from that region, and couldn`t understand how they can be detrimental towards their peers, who work in other countries, and come for their vacations to the land and the nest, to their bird place.
Her mother Darwin, had told her about that prejudice, when she was a young girl, but she never felt that discrimination on herself, because she was an alien; and this people seems to have some kind of predilection, for anything that originate in other countries.
Once she was taking coffee on an esplanade in Justiça do Pau; and with despair, listen to a conversation among three people seated on the next table, she has problems to control herself, and not addressing them the way she feels they need.
All happen, when a gentleman comes to the counter to have coffee, and before he leaves gave a large gratuity to the waiter.
When the gentleman walks out at the door, one of the man seated at that table said; they already are coming, those miserable work like slaves year round, sleep in barracks like gypsies, and after come here with their pockets full of money buying anything on site.
The other said, the problem is, in August the prices go up because of them, and we have to by at the same price, I hate those F... fellows.
While the last one calls the waiter to pay, saying; that bird of passage gave you enough, you don`t need my tip. The waiter smiles and said, well, the emigrant is an endanger bird, we pull the feathers off and discard the bird.
This was good enough for Amy to lose all the consideration she could have for these people, and that was the reason why on her last two trips to Portugal, she spent all the time on the mansion, and never adventure to go to the town.
Now that this trip brought her some bad memories, they start to accumulate, and together with the hardness of her personality, come her disillusion with the land of her ancestors, and the reason why she feels not to come back.
Her friends came from there, very enthusiasm with the place, and brought many photos to show to their friends; talking marvels about the mansion, and in special the land escape.
For Amy was the beginning to divorce herself from the ethnic moral`s constrain, that had been the lemma of a family with a so long tradition.
What a metamorphoses, in personality and life of Amy!
From the young girl reading at mass in Saint John`s Church, to the young lady near the water-wheel, speaking to the shepherd, the secretary at the United Nations, and the lady at Saint Patrick`s Church.
The difference is unrealistic.
There are actors, and good actors.
People, who believe in people, and people who believe in people with different personalities.
Amélia and Amy:
Two ladies, one person, three personalities.
Amélia: - The lady serving food to the homeless in Saint Patrick`s kitchen.
The lady helping to make Joan`s vacation be a success.
The lady helping her friend Anna in her sickness, the friendly hand touching Anna's forehead at the separation of the soul from the body.
Amy: - The secretary at the United Nations, taking notes, addressing diplomats, helping to build coalitions, and making parties together with other secretaries.
Lady on vacation: - The liberal lady marked by the episode of Jonah; the lady that refuse male initiatives, and the lady that can have the initiative
Amy can be a soften, hard, and very hard lady.
We remember to see Amy addressing a committee of politicians, studding and drafting laws to stop crime in New York.
In one sentence she asks the politicians to visit a museum in the city of Ouro Preto, first Imperial capital of Brazil, and told them to stop, pause in meditation, in front of a stone memorial with the legend that reads: - Joaquim da Silva Cunha, (O Tira Dentes,) first Imperor of Brazil.
The first man to represent the King of Portugal, in the Lands of Vera Cruz, had the reputation of being a man of justice, and the translation of, (O Tira Dentes,) (The Teeth Extractor,) said everything.
This looks like a fundamentalist idea, but the Imperor of Brazil was a Catholic man, and according with history, the crime on his mandate was very low.
Another time this politician was at the door of a club shaking hands, and asking for votes on a primary election, when Amy came out and he shakes her hand, she said I`m sorrow, but I can`t vote for you on this election; just change party affiliation.
He asks, why you change? Well, she said; a politician is the mirror of the voters who elect him, and when I get up in the morning, I couldn`t look to the image, it is repugnant.
Now that I refresh your memory for the kind of woman Amy is; and you have a pretty good idea of her past biography, from being a young girl, always to her late thirties; I will give you an account of the fulfillment of her dreams, and how her life made an impact on the life of others.
Chapter 9
The past of Amy, and the life in a big city like New York, had help to make that complexion of liberty so present on her, but so artificial, that could free her from a moment of submission and passion, to become, rebellious and aggressive
Nobody could know this so well, as Ted a young man that had the misfortune of falling in love with her.
They met for the first time at on wedding of a receptionist, from the Brazilian Delegation to the United Nations.
Ted did saw her coming out of the bride`s party limousine; and the way she dresses, her beautiful complexion, together with the walking, and the almost romantic way she speaks, made a big impression on him.
Throughout all the ceremonies, his looks had been on her, he could see that she is methodical in her dressing, in her actions and the way she moves around.
The helpings she did to the bride fixing her dress, her buck-eye, and sometimes the discrete, almost invisible signs, she made to her, denote to be a person with much experience and sense.
He was in the presence of a distinctive lady, that much he is sure; that she didn`t use a wedding bend, is another factor, however he didn`t know her.
Must know if she has any special companion, and from where she came from.
It happens that at dinner, he was seated on the next table from her, and looking frontal to each other.
Throughout the long dinner, he stares on her, but she seems determined to ignore him, a couple of times he catches her green eyes gazing on him, however she disguises so naturally, that himself feels as if he was the one caught.
After the dinner, began the dancing, the orchestra start with an English waltz.
Ted stare on Amy, waiting to catch her gaze, she was looking in the direction to the dancing floor, and as he expected she took a gleam look.
He seized that very small fraction of time, to signal pointing his finger to the dancing floor; she smiles in a positive reaction, he got up and walks towards her, she got up too, and start walking between the tables in direction to the dancing floor, followed closely by Ted.
When she did get to the wooden floor, turns around, posing her left hand on his shoulder, while he holds her right hand; with his fingers from his right touching her back, just over her waist.
She sways in his arms like a feather; seeming like taking off in a short flight, bouncing back like commanded by an automatic sensibility to the music and transmission of mind of her partner.
Only after going about three quarters, around the dancing floor, they broke the silent, he said, you are a very good dancer, I`m very pleased you accepted dancing with me.
She smiles saying; us women are good or bad dancers, according with the command of the men we dance with.
Ted began; when I first saw you, I got the idea that you would be not only a good dancer, but a sensible lovely lady, that any men with brains and heart on their right places, would like to meet.
For Amy, those stretches of gallantry, don`t make any impression, and while smiling, she answers; thanks, but I should advise you that I`m not that young girl anymore, that get impressed with an unworthy gallantry, or be affected or abash by staring.
I wasn`t staring, I just was trying to read; and I believe you don`t take it as an offense, but when a man gets so impressed with the presence of a lady, he doesn`t know, and see for the first time, I think it is one case common on our society, to try to read some about her.
Is no offense; this is one thing that makes a woman proud, but I can tell who I am; a woman with a past, and dreams of a future never fulfilled.
At this moment the music stops, and while he escorts her to the table, he asks if they could continue their conversation in another dance?
Yes, she said, but, I`m not the kind of girl, that stays on the side line waiting for a man to come dancing, when he feels like. I feel like dancing the next one if you give me the honor, yes she said.
Before she sit, the music start again, they turn to the floor, it was a classic from the thirties, to be danced slow, and sometimes with emotion.
Ted resumes the conversation, you just told me some about you, now is my time to say some about me, I`m one who also have a past; an intensive love, terrible disillusion, and a future not defined.
As you see, at least we have some common in our past; I wonder if we could have some common on the future.
Amy got out of her silence, to say, I don`t believe too much in the future, it sometime is rich, in dreams, expectations and plans, but most of the times, bring us pain and disillusion.
For this reason, I don`t like to plan the future, take it as it comes, and just hope for the best.
You may be right he said; I believe it was the same kind of reason why I`d been those last ten years, not planing ahead, no dreams for the future, but plenty nightmares, indicative of the pain in the past.
The music stop again, they walk to Amy's table, he asks permission to sit there, and brought his chair, they didn`t dance any more, the reason was the conversation, developed around the past life of Ted.
He appears to be a trustworthy man, and she was eager to know more about him.
So far, he was born from a poor family in the South, came to New York at twelve to live with an aunt.
His parents, figure that he would have a better chance to get a good education, and a better future; however the only chance he got, was a job working on a restaurant`s kitchen, cleaning after they close, he has to pay boarding to his aunt, she was very poor too.
On day time he did attend school, and was able to finish High School.
At this time he already was a chef`s helper in the restaurant where he began cleaning at night. As soon as he accepts the proposal to take the responsibility of chef, the old man retired.
In fact, the man would like to retire sooner, but the owner of the restaurant, had pleaded with him to stay until Ted finish school.
Four years later, was the time for the owner of the restaurant to retire, and this was the chance of the life time; the older man proposes to him, to take over the business.
He could buy the restaurant, the old man would be the mortgagee, and facilitate the payments according with the growing of those same business, further he would be there for any counseling needed.
In few years he was able, not only to pay the mortgage, but he renovates, and leases a store next door, to increase the capacity.
He did change the restaurant name to, Restaurant & Coffee, International; the name was a necessity, because the location is close to the United Nations, and most of his patrons come from there.
Was next to that period, that the thoughtlessness happened.
He has to pause a little, Amy could detect some emotion on him, a phenomenon she would like to stay away from, but he continues; he did fall in love with a waiter, she looks like e decent lady, beautiful, conservative on her dressing and relations with the customers.
Was the kind of lady, he feels shouldn`t be in that business, he proposes with the condition that she wouldn`t continue to be a waiter, and she accepts with the condition that they have no children for the first four years.
They married in a simple ceremony, she begun taking care of the paper work in the business, and they had been very happy for sometime.
One day, when he was about to write a check for an amount a little over what was normal, decided to look the ledger, the balance seems to be far off from what he expects, but going a little back he found what appear to be an honest mistake, involving a reasonable amount.
He did check with the bank, and the money was there, it was only on her paper work, and he felt it didn`t need to be corrected; matter o fact it was a good idea to have that kind of cushion, to avoid bouncing checks.
Happens that they never talk about that, not because he has any problem with it, but it never happens.
The businesses look active enough, but the accounting sheets didn`t show it, however he has no reason not to trust his wife, and never gone through the paper work, looking for more mistakes, he trusts her that much.
It happens again when he was about to write another larger check, he looks the ledger, and this time wasn`t enough money to cover it.
He calls the bank, and once more, the money was there, this time when he joins his wife at dinner, he told her what happens, and she answers; you are right what I`d been doing his trying to surprise you.
I did make a few mistakes, to see if I can hide the money from you, and when we have enough for a new apartment, I would surprise you.
He explains to her that it would be better to withdraw that money, and buy a CD to get more interest, they agree that on the next day she would go to the bank in the morning, and do just that.
On the next day, she didn`t appear in the restaurant`s office, it wasn`t a surprise for Ted, she could get late from the bank, and come in the afternoon, however the afternoon did pass, and she didn`t come.
He called the house, but nobody answers, decided to go there, she wasn`t there; he begun to be nervous, and call the police to know if any accident happens, but he got a negative answer.
In the morning Ted wen to the bank, in fact she had been there, withdrawn the money and bought some saving bonds, but one strange thing; she got the bonds on her owner name.
A couple of months pass without getting any kind of lead on her.
One day he got a letter from her lawyer, asking him to come to his office for a meeting about his wife.
On that meeting, the lawyer proposes a friendly divorce, but she asks for half of everything; Ted refuses, and told the lawyer that she had falsified the accounting, and he has all the proofs.
A few days later, the lawyer call again with another proposal, this time she only wants the divorce, and the promise of no further litigation.
He decided to accept, and on the day, they sign the papers, she came escorted by a man that uses to work for him as a waiter, and was dismissed, because he had been catch three times, not registering the customer`s receipts and taking the money as tips.
Curiously, happen to be the same man, that recommend her to the job.
This was my story, Ted said, I`m so sorry to take your time, but it was the first time I tell, and I promise it will never happen again.
Amy got up and told him, sorry for that, and sorry because I have to go, we will talk again in another time.
When, and where, I don`t know your address, not even your phone number.
Well, you don`t need my phone number, I know the Restaurant & Coffee, International, and I will get in touch someday.
Can I take you home?
Ted asked!
No, the limousine is waiting, will be the next time.
She left.
For Ted it was one disappointment more.
Chapter 10
When Amy told Ted that would be in touch, her intention was to forget that evening; Ted did show some emotion when he told his story, and she would like not to be caught in more emotions.
However, the gentleman had been very candid in his presentation, and she feels that she owe him some information about herself, or at least let him know that it had not been, just a boring time
About a week later, she decided to have lunch at the International, she sat at a table, orders her choice in a hot plate, and the usual tea.
She took a long time having her tea, and was about to leave, when the waiter came again to see if she needs anything else, she said no thanks I have to go; but one thing, I didn`t see Ted around, anything wrong?
No, he uses to be in his office all the time, when we need to call his attention for anything, we just press a special bottom on this calculator, we all have in our change pockets, and he will come see what is up.
I think he isn`t in, this morning he had been call to his house in Lake George, something wrong with the boiler.
I didn`t know he has a house in Lake George, said Amy, he never told me; well, he is a man who doesn`t talk much, is reasonable with the employees, always ready to listen and to help, but is the kind that does not admit disrespect.
There he comes.
Those are the last words the waiter said, before move to clean the table Amy just vacates.
Amy couldn`t see from what side he was coming, but instinctively she walks to the door, when she raises her sight towards the door, she met those green eyes gazing on hers.
Welcome to this house, this his your house, it is a pleasure to receive you; I was on my way out, but if you insist I can stay for more a few minutes, Amy reply.
Good said Ted.
He signals to the table far away in the corner, the waiter comes almost running, to clean the table that was already sparkling, he asks Amy, what will be?
She said, nothing.
I just had my lunch and my tea.
I didn`t know you are my customer, but I`m glad you do, did think you never come or call, had been a little importunate with my story, and you no have to take it, wasn`t your fall, and I shouldn`t make it your problem.
You wrong, I do appreciate your trust, and hope it was been good for you, to come out of silent.
I did come, not only because it was time for lunch, but I listen to your story, and I owe you a story too, hope you have the time and disposition to listen to me, if not today, at any other time.
I have time today, and at any other time, Ted said, if you are not too busy now, we can move to my office, at least we have better chairs, if you no mind.
Okay, we do it.
They walk upstairs to a large room, well furnished, a big desk near a large window, three big single chairs in front of it, and two large sofas along side of the wall just in front.
The two other walls were covered with closed shelves, the ones on the left side of the desk, were filled with books, arranged in a neat position.
On the back side we could see ledger books and folders; like on a ninety degree extension of the desk, was some kind of special table with a computer, printer and photocopier on top.
Under the window, and under the table, two electronic panels; arranged in a way that look like a cockpit of a Boeing B-29 aircraft.
When they got in, he left the door open, and pointing to the chairs, said, make yourself comfortable, she choose to sit on a single chair, he sat on the next one.
Music?
He asks.
No, unless it is mourning, Amy answer.
He lean to the desk, and with his long arm, rich to the panel and press a bottom, looks to Amy and asks, what you will drink?
The waiter comes in and he asks for a beer, Amy asks for a coffee, black please.
While the waiter went out to get the drinks, he said, it was a long drive and I`m thirst, usual I no drink much but now I need it.
Amy begun to tell her story; not the full story, but he could imagine the rest of it, and the readers already know.
After she finishes, Ted asks, and now you live alone?
Yes, my parents just move to Atlanta, and my two closest friends got married.
And about you, don`t think about marriage?
No, I don`t, I believe in love, women and man, in physic attraction and mutual comprehension, but marriage, what for?
Is like a prison, I think everybody, should live together at least five years before they marry, and only after that, they could get the license; unless they are waiting for a child.
Ted agrees on that, but in some cases, could be an exception, and an example, when a couple met at a later stage of their lives, and want to have children, it could be hard for them.
Amy said, I have to go, it is getting late, and I have things to do in the house, she gets up.
Ted got up too, and ask; when we will meet again?
I think we should?
Yes, I would like too.
Well, we may do that sometime.
About next weekend, he asks?
Next weekend, I think so, Amy answer.
Ted told her about his state in Lake George, and they agree to go there on the weekend, he will call the live in housekeeper, to arrange a room for Amy.
Will pick Amy at ten in the morning, and have lunch on the way up to the North, towards his summer house.
When Ted picks her up on that Saturday morning, Amy wearing tight blue jeans, and a white blouse, not too tight, he could see all the form of her beautiful body.
Her greenish hair was loose covering her shoulders, in an arrangement that looks like trying to hide her beautiful face.
Any man could be tempted to move those silky skeins back; Ted was no different from any other men, but his maturity and experience, had been enough reason to control himself.
He took the suit-case, and the small basket from her hands, and place them well positioned in the trunk of his silver-mercedez, open the passenger door and help Amy getting in.
Ted was proud of himself, he could persuade a so beautiful lady to go on a weekend vacation with him, and further more it was to his summer house, that he likes so much, and have pride to show.
Before he starts the car, he helps Amy on the hooking of her safety belt, and they began the journey to the North, in a beautiful day, sunny, and not too hot.
They got out the high-way close to Albany, he knows a restaurant where they could choose from a big menu, a propriety belonging to a friend of his,
After lunch they sat for a while in a bench, under a (frondouse) tree; he proposes the plans for the evening, and for next they.
At night they will go to have supper in a well-known restaurant, dance if they feel like; tomorrow we go sailing in the lake, goes all around to see the shoreline, and have lunch in a small restaurant on the opposite side of my house.
Is it Okay with you?
Yes, you are the boss; if I don`t like the job I will leave, but only when we get to the shore, I`m a bad swimmer.
Good, now we go up there, you will meet Miss Georgia, a beautiful young lady that made the favor of being my live in house-keeper.
One thing before we get in the high-way North, could it happens, that the young Georgia has a bottle of poison hidden in some place?
No, she is a nice girl, and you will be good friends, that much I can be sure.
Georgia was an older lady, on her late sixties, she was a midwife, back in Alabama, curiously was the one who assist Ted`s mother when he was born; and the one who help her on the last days of her life.
Ted loves her as a mother, and wants to make sure she has everything that could make her happy in the last stages of her life. He promises that her niece and nephew would have a good education, and plan to tell her that he already arranges for them, to come next month for a vacation in the house.
However, he didn`t tell Amy about this, wants to see the surprise when she met the older lady and her husband Tom, a man older then his wife, and has suffered all the misfortune of being born from a slave couple.
They drove North and didn`t take too much time getting to Lake George; turning right by a narrow and twisting road, shaded by oak and pine trees; in ten minutes they saw an entrance to a lane on the left side.
Ted turned left between those two big stones looking like the jambs of a huge missing door, the woods on the sides were full of ferns and mosses.
The unpaved lane, twisting downwards to a dug park in front of a big cottage, built on top of a cliff on the Lake.
Tom was seated under a pine tree, on a bench built with three stones, two smaller ones as legs, and the longer one as a seat, he comes up to greet them, and opened the door on the passenger side.
Ted introduces the older man as his representative for matters of rural real state, and Amy as a good friend from the Big Apple, he gave him the car keys and said, there are things in the trunk.
They walk towards the cottage door, when the older lady comes out; good afternoon Ted you came late, and the young lady, how are you Amy?
What a beautiful lady you are.
And looking to Ted in a grave posture, said: took you enough time, but you really have good taste, looking again to Amy.
Then, Ted said, Amy meet Georgia, my second mother.
Amy gaze on him, like looking for a confirmation, turning to the other side; Georgia, and embrace her; Georgia how are you?
Amy couldn`t hide the emotion, when finding out that Ted had lie about the older lady, but had time to inform Georgia of her name, and may be some more.
Georgia leads the way into the house, put her hand on Amy's shoulder, and guide her to a bedroom and said; this is your room, the bath is there, if you want, may take a shower before you rest on the balcony looking to the Lake.
What you will have, coffee or tea?
If you have a soda, would make it, yes, come here, she leads Amy to the balcony, and open a big refrigerator, help yourself, if you prefer glass cups, they are back inside here.
Please do it like if it was your home, Ted told me I could be very liberal with you.
Yes, Georgia, he told you a lot about me, but didn`t told me the truth about you; he said I will meet a beautiful, very smart young girl, but a little sophisticated and selfish.
That boy never changes, still being the some child who shut me in the room, to ate the cookies; I believe he wants to make you jealous.
He never tells me nothing about, just call me yesterday to say; Geo., we will have a special guest, I did ask how special?
He answers, like a family member; told me your name, and how beautiful you are, but not how long he knows you.
Well, he knows me for about four weeks, and we became friends because both of us have disillusions in the past; not quite the same kind, but disillusions, we met at a wedding, went dancing and...
Ted comes in, and the ladies cut the conversation short.
Georgia did show me the house, it is beautiful, and that balcony looking to the Lake is fabulous; yes sometimes I sit there at night to see the lights on the other side, and some ships going by.
Georgia turns back and asks, for what time you want supper?
Oh! No.
I forgot to tell you that we will go for supper in town said Ted; Georgia glaze to him, and smiling said; rascal, now after I have everything ready.
Amy intervenes; why not? We could have supper here and enjoy the night view of the Lake.
Georgia smile to say, you are an angel Amy.
Amy appearing not to listen, asks where is Tom?
Taking care of the boat, answer the older lady.
Ted and Amy went to see the boat; it was two sections of stairs to get down to the water line; the boat was anchor in a receptacle like, carved in the cliff just in front of the cottage.
Tom was getting out telling Ted, that everything is all set for next day; they look the boat from outside and went back all the way up to the balcony.
The Sun`s rays becoming obstructed by the Adirondack Mountains far in the horizon, and Tom pulling the mosquitoes net around the balcony, in preparation for supper.
Ted help with the enclosure, while Amy went to the kitchen to offer her help to Georgia.
The two men unfold the table legs and set it in the balcony, pick some chairs from a pile set against the cottage wall, placing them around the table.
Amy comes out with table cloth setting the table, while Georgia gave the last touches to the food, that was smelling so good.
The two couples have supper together in a romantic ambient, with dim lights, and a panoramic view of the town with all the lights on, and the big cruise ship on her night sailing.
After they finish eating, Georgia and her husband start to pick up the dishes and cleaning the table; Amy offers to help, but they refuse, and in a few minutes the young couple was alone.
This was the right place and the right time, to talk about many things from their past, analyzing ideas and habits, and as well as talking about their professions.
Amy describes to him the family mansion in Portugal, and the land escape around it.
After they have tea, they went to their rooms late, but with the promise that will awake up early, for a long day sailing in the calm waters of Lake George.
Chapter 11
Came the morning and with it, the arrangements to go aboard, some food, water, beer and other beverages, had been dropped down from the balcony in a well-wheel.
Amy was dressed in white shorts and a blue blouse with white bottoms, the last two on the top unbutton, her hair loose and a jovial smile.
In the boat, Amy expelled a deep sigh of contentment, she close her eyes, picturing the brisk wind on her face.
Her hair whipped by the wind, move freely to cover her face, she frequently tosses her head back, while the boat sliced through the calm waters of Lake George.
She climbed to the front of the boat to raise the sail, and sit at the bow; there the warm breeze ruffled her breast, in a luxuriating sensation of freedom, she found nearly overwhelming.
She doesn`t look back, not even to see Ted who was on the back manning the helm, with the engine already shut off; she wanted to capture that sensation of the wind hugging on her breasts for ever.
Ted was looking to her, to see how so carefree and happy she was at her like childish spirit, not common on a lady of that age.
The boat now keeled sharply, and cut a path through the water, he felt as if he should caution her, and smiling he call her.
Amy, be careful, it is deep water not suitable for swimming, she turns around and the wind blows her hair to her face, she tossed her head back without result, he had to laugh, but she made a face and shouted something to him.
The wind whirled her voice away, and he didn`t get what she had said, but the joy could be seen on her face, and he could see she was a natural sailor.
He enjoyed watching her, and realizes how fortunate he was to share that kind o relationship they have; he known her for less then two months, and when that unbound hair, uncovers her face, he could see how beautiful she is.
Her figure and grace-fullness were almost provocative; when he looks on her round hips, and the ways she moves them, generate on him like an electric sensation that can only be felt by the opposite sex.
What a lost, what a crime, a lady like her alone for so long, without a man to please her, he imagines how it would be.
Abrupt he shook himself to avoid those disturbing thoughts, grabbing the helm and looking far away towards the shore.
She was looking to the houses hidden in the luxurious forest off shore, but holding her hair turns and asks; and about a drink?
Yes, I need it, low the sail and we rest for a while.
She comes back and sat near him, I think I had been selfish going to the bow, and let you stay back here alone, but it is my first sailing in a small boat and was carried out too far.
That`s okay, now get some cookies while I get the beer, Amy went picking up the package and on her way back said, are those the kind of cookies, that drive you to shut Georgia in the room, while you eat them?
She slipped and was falling, when he grabbed her tight to his chest, he felt her breasts, and in that lap of time, they find themselves kissing like lovers.
When they break up, she said, come on, we are grown ups, and this isn`t the time and place, we better behave like adult people.
Ted was feeling ashamed, saying; it was my weakness, I owe you an apology, promise that it never happens again.
You don`t have to promise anything, and is no need for apologize, it wasn`t your fall; it was our fall, and will not change our relation.
He could be more tranquil now, he knows he didn`t ruin their vacation, looking far away he said, you are amazing Amy, how you understand, and comprehend all the vicissitudes of life, God bless you.
Amy never did ask, what religion was his, but could see an opening to ask now, and said; I didn`t know you are so religious.
Are you catholic?
Yes, I am, and by what we did talk about your past, I concluded it is your religion too?
You are right, I am Catholic and try to go to mass every week, "At least I have some to occupy my time."
Good for you Amy, the good moral doesn`t just grow like trees, it has to be cultivated, and our parents have some to do with it, even now I admire Georgia for what she is, and what she continues trying to instill on me.
You really love Georgia, don`t you?
Yes, I do, she was my mothers best friend, when my father was killed in France, she was on her side to hug, to help, and when my mother ceases to live, she was there again.
She has been very considerable to me for all my life, when my wife disappears, Geo was the one who try to help.
Well, Ted, we better not become emotional, why we don`t continue the sailing?
You right Amy, we should forget the past, and look to the future; if I can have a future.
Drink your beer, I will raise the sail; good we still far away from the restaurant, and there is plenty to see.
Amy moves towards the bow, raised the sail and fasten a couple of ropes according with instructions from Ted, she walks back and sits near him.
Let me try the helm she asks, yes, you could try, I will show you how; in a few minutes she was guiding the vessel like a ship-master.
About one in the afternoon they got to the restaurant, the sailing was a spring for a good appetite.
They ate in an esplanade like, extended over the water, talk about the beautiful morning, and the sailing; after lunch they resolve to sail just across to the cottage, so they can stay a couple hours with Georgia and Tom.
When they got to the other side, and anchored the boat, Tom appears on the balcony and shouts, already, he drops the rope from the well-wheel, and Ted put their things in the basket, to be lifted to the balcony.
Geo was thinking about cooking a special supper, but Ted told her, they will eat on the way down. Oh no! You don`t, she said; the food I cook will be better then the one you find in any restaurant.
Is this okay?
She gazes to Amy to see the reaction; Amy looks to Ted and the two have to smile; Geo I let you win, but only because I think it is a good idea, and not because you insist.
They all laugh, and Amy said, we could eat a little early and leave after.
Everybody agrees, and they spent the rest of the afternoon talking, and for the younger couple, they took a few minutes walking in the woods, around the cottage.
When they left the table, Ted and Amy said, good-bye to Geo and Tom, got in the car and drove away; the traffic was light, and they didn`t stop on the way back to New York.
When they got to Amy's address, Ted after opening the car`s door on the passenger side, help Amy out, pick up the suit-case and basket, she asks for the basket, and they went up to the second floor, of the three floor tenement house.
Amy opens the door and looking to Ted, asks, do you care for a coffee?
You no have to insist, after driving all the way down, I need it.
Come in she said, I don`t have a Georgia to help, but I can make a good cup of coffee. While she brews the coffee, Ted pushes the bottom on the TV control and listens to the news, however as soon as she comes with the tray, he shuts it off and helps her to set it on the table.
The coffee was smelling so good, and they drink it with no sugar.
They talk, but not that much, look each other, sometimes staring, and some time after they finish the coffee, Amy looks towards the clock, he appears to get the message and getting up said, it is time to go.
He moves to the door followed closely by Amy, when he opens it, he looks back gazing sadly to Amy, almost as if a hungry child in front of a glass-jar filled with cookies.
She stares on him and abruptly said, what a hell, we have nothing to lose, close that door.
He close the door, turning to Amy, they embrace and begun by kissing intensively.
He got out the house at about sunrise.
Chapter 12
Meanwhile in France, Joan is finishing High School, and her father Jonah written to his brother-in-law, asking for help, in the arrangements for her ingress in a University in the United States.
Dave and his wife Deborah met with Amy, and after analyzing the advantages and drawbacks, they decided to try the closest University in New York. Dave writes back to France, and explain what had been their conclusion, about the University to choose, and asks for all the documentation necessary for the application.
In a little more then a month, Dave got all the documentation from his niece, and they file for the ingress on the City of New York University.
With the help of Amy's lobbing, Joan was accepted without any problem, and they arrange for her to move in Amy's apartment, at least for a while, until she gets used to the life in New York.
Jonah would like to come to visit New York, and it could be the right time to accompany his daughter, however after he had made his plans, a cyclone devastated a large area on the Paris` suburbs. The reconstruction was imperious, and as a supervisor he couldn`t take the time off on this occasion, however he feels he has to come someday.
Joan was joyful to come to New York, and the news that she would be in the same apartment with Amy, only adds to her gladden. The only thing was the fact that her father couldn`t come for a visit.
She had been telling him, about Amy and Deborah, and he looks interested in meeting them, special now, that he knows his daughter will be in permanent contact with them.
In fact he would like to have as much information as he could, about the life-style of Joan in the United States, through another person, without her knowing that he got information through another party.
However he has to rely on his brother-in-law for the time be, and wonder if some time later Amy could be of any help.
According with his daughter, she is a very trust person, and would be in the right spot to know what is going on.
Sometime in the future he may decided for the trip, and after he met Amy, he could get a better idea of what kind of person she is, as well if she could be of any help.
In three months Joan came to the United States, Dave and his wife Deborah went to the airport, and pick her up. She was a beautiful lady, her uncle has a problem to identify her, she looks mature, about five-ten, not too skinny; brown hair and brown eyes.
She was speaking fluently, but using more the United Kingdom English, however this gave her a little more personality, and anybody listening to her, could detect her knowledge and good education.
When she met her uncle and wife, she asks for Amy; they told her that Amy was working, but she supposes to be home before they get there.
As they said, Amy was already home when they arrive, and comes down to the front door, to welcome the young lady.
When Amy saw Joan said; what happen, how you do it, how you become so beautiful?
You have to keep your brains in the right place, because in this town, many people would become crazy enough to hurt you! And I don`t mean hurting you just physical, but playing with your emotions, sometimes offering jobs, and trying to make you a star.
Dear Amy, I`m counting with your advice, and your help; how do you do?
I`m fine, just a little surprise, I was picturing you like the girl that had been here not long ago. Come up; They carry the bags up to Amy's apartment, she shows Joan her room and they place the bags there.
Amy had cooking for all them, and after Joan took a shower they have lunch; they have chicken soup and cockerel Portuguese-style.
They all enjoy, and Joan said, she would like to know the way it was cooked; Amy would like to teach her, and said; you will have to cook because I don`t have the time, and you may lunch in the University, but those foods are not too good, and you can`t keep that figure eating in the restaurant.
Well, I use to cook for my father and me, all the time; use to eat lunch in the school, and when I did get home, cook supper for us; after we eat, I do my home-work, and he cleans the kitchen; he always tries to help.
Deborah looks to her husband and said, take note.
Nice said Amy, tomorrow we will talk about this, I have the week off, and next Friday we have the University tour, for new students and their parents; I believe somebody has to be Joan`s mother for the day.
Late in the evening Dave and his wife, depart to their house with the promise of coming back after work, on the next day, leaving the two ladies talking about plans for the next day.
In the morning while taking breakfast, Amy sways the conversation in a direction to a subject, she feels Joan would be lacking of some information, since she didn`t have a mother to speak with, on the transition for her adult life.
Almost as if a carbon copy of one of Darwin`s lessons, Amy gave Joan a vast array of information; told her that when she was a young girl her mother had been very open with her, but despite all of that, she had lost control of herself, and she believed that any inexperienced girl could fall in the same trap.
For that reason, the best way, is avoiding any situation, that could lead to a temptation that only a very experienced woman can get out.
Joan was happy, since she lost her mother, she never had a so friendly conversation with somebody, who has the experience and the will to help.
As was planed, on Friday Joan went to the University for the first time, while other students took their parents with them, she took Amy, and never was ashamed when somebody addresses she, as her mother.
On their way back from the University, Joan was thoughtful, Amy noticed that, and asks what happens, you don`t like the school?
Oh yes.
I like it, but my mind just was in another subject.
Well, I know what, is your daddy. Yes but not only him, I was wondering why he never married again, and how happy I would be if it was a lady like you.
Are you crazy?
I`m a woman with a past, and have a friend, I go with sometimes, his name is Ted, but you can be sure he never will go to our apartment; he may call and ask for me, but he knows you are there, and the house is out of limits.
Was this, the mother you would like to have?
Not quite like that, but I know you are not a bad woman, and if you marry a man, you would be faithful.
Well, that would be; but the man I would marry, got killed, and I suffered enough, so, better take it day by day.
You may be right Amy, but if you know my daddy, it may be different; but life is life anyway.
That is okay Joan, I`m not your mother, but you can be sure I will act like one; you need me and I need you; my mother moved to Atlanta, and I don`t like to live alone.
We could have a good friendship relation, at least until the time comes, when you get somebody from the opposite sex to divert your attention.
Joan answered, that will not be so soon, I have four years of school to go through, and even then, would not be so easy.
Okay young lady, we will see, for now we enjoy it, and the future will tell.
The two ladies went home and agree, to go to the shopping mall at evening.
On the next few months Joan was on a period of adaptation to a so different school, the habits, regulations and moral, differ from the ones back in France.
However with Amy's help, and the, (like admiration,) from other students interested in the French culture, all the obstacles had been overcome.
Her preparation for the University, seems to be better then the one from some students coming from schools in the Unite States, and when she writes to her father, she already could report some progress.
However, the matter she heightens more, was the help, the advice, and friendship of Amy; the fact of her visiting the University, visits to some very big shopping centers, the way she teaches Joan to choose the best food, and the best way to buy good and modern clothing, without spending much money.
Amy by herself, had distanced more and more from the boy friend Ted, not only because she spent more time with Joan, but her mother keeps giving her some lessons.
Darwin didn`t like that relation, she feels that they should marry or break up, even the association of the words, (boy and friend,) in the some sentence, is enough for her not being comfortable.
She wants Amy to schedule a vacation in Atlanta, but it wasn`t easy to do for now, she has to wait for Deborah to have a vacation too. This way Joan could stay with his uncle, for the duration of Amy's vacation.
She told her mother, that she will consider a vacation, that could be taken at the same-time as the school vacation in the summer.
Since Darwin moves to Atlanta, she didn`t see her daughter Amy, they only talk by phone, and most of the time just about health, Amy's work, and the new home in that big and beautiful city as Atlanta is.
However Darwin, wasn`t the kind to be inactive, she already was a member of The League of Women Volunteers of Atlanta, and plan to be active in the next election.
Her husband was right when he told Darwin, that the plant`s manager in New England would have problems; the productivity drop, and the Union seems not wanting to negotiate while he stays as manager.
He was called to Atlanta, to explain how he plans to get through all that unrest, and they decided that somebody else would take over, at least for a few months.
They did promote to manager, a man that had been foreman in a productivity line for long time, Jack knows him, and feels that the only reason he was on that line for so long, was because the plant`s manager didn`t like him.
However, now he can prove his talent, qualities, perseverance, and power to persuade the Union to accept the new clauses in the proposed contract.
The workers seem not to care that much about the contract, but they didn`t like that manager, and the news of a man they know as a friend, being promoted to run the plant, was enough for them to accept one contract, that on the end happen to be good for the two sides.
The old plant`s manager was sent back to the same plant to a lower position that he couldn`t accept, and asks Jack if he could find any other opening, but he answered that it was the only one for now, but if he doesn`t wont to go, he has to wait to see if some happen; however he feels he would be better looking for work between the friends in New England.
Darwin rejoices with the news that the old man was looking for a job, and call her daughter to tell her about that event, and saying, she supposes to leave to Portugal in a few weeks to resolve a matter related to real state, and used the occasion to visit Our Lady of Fatima, to fulfill a promise she did, when her husband calls the company in Atlanta looking for openings.
Amy has to laugh, when she heard about her mother`s promise, but she did like the news, and would be happy if many more of those corrupted people get the same fate.
Meanwhile Jonah still planning to visit New York, on his daughter`s school vacation; however it will be a surprise for her.
In Atlanta, Darwin continues to be active, she is running as a democratic for the city council, she will not have opposition in the primaries, the incumbent decided not to run again, and nobody else comes out.
However in November she will have some opposition, a business man, a republican will run, but he is too old, and almost everybody in that precinct is registered as democratic.
She feels everything will be smooth, and next year she will not have a vacation, those three weeks she will spend in Portugal next month, could be the last ones for at least three or four years.
Her husband was a very busy man, and she need some to occupy her time, but now she is about to have her hands full, and a program that would be very difficult to accomplish.
However as she demonstrates before, she isn`t the kind to runaway from any controversy, once she feels comfortable with her decision, and the rightness of the program she is concerned about.
After she comes back from Portugal, with the hospital`s of a few friends from The Women Volunteers, her campaign got in full swing; going through the neighborhood, introducing herself and listening to the concerns of her neighbors.
She was well received by everybody, and could see she was making friends; already was looking for her daughter`s vacation, to introduce her to some of them.
Finally Amy went on her vacation to Atlanta, her mother was delighted to have her daughter with her, she want to introduce her to everybody, and Amy wasn`t shy on that.
They walk by the streets of the precinct, speaking to people, and looks like it was a big burst on her campaign.
On the evening and weekends was the time for the family to go out for supper together, and a few times to some stores, but Jack even on the evenings was busy most of the time, and Amy could understand now, why her mother embarks in politics.
One day Darwin asks Amy, you didn`t told me nothing yet about Ted, do you continue to see him?
Not lately, you know, since Joan comes we had been together most of the time, and don`t have too much interest in seeing him, he would like to marry, and I think I don`t love him enough to do that
Think he had noticed that, and didn`t call for close to two months, I hope he can find someone who can make him happy, because he is a nice man and suffered so much.
And why you don`t marry him, if you like him and is a nice man?
Mama, I told you this is not the love to be married, and you know how much I suffered before, if one day the right man comes out, I promise I will take him, I have plenty time.
You know, there are so many good men in this area, and some working for the same company your father works for.
Some of them use to meet us in some parties organized by the company; mama I don`t live here, I do live in New York, my job is there, and I didn`t wont to change jobs.
I know you have to find some to do, to occupy your time, and for me the work I like to do, is the work I have now.
Sorry.
That is okay, nobody will push you; it was only because I don`t like to see you alone; you know that.
Yes, I know that, and I understand your concern, but for now I have Joan, and meanwhile we will see what happen. Why we don`t change the subject?
Tell me about your trip to Portugal, how is uncle Danny? I have to go there some day; I have nostalgia.
Would like to talk with that shepherd, near the water- wheel, and sit at the balcony listening to the nightingales.
Too bad, we couldn`t move the mansion and the place to the United States; we can see good places here too, but they belong to somebody else.
Well, Amy, you can go there from time to time; but the shepherd is gone, Mister German is becoming crazy, he tried to put some obstacles on the lane, and uncle Danny has to take him to court; however the thing is resolved for now; he agreed to clean everything out off there, and we don`t have to go further.
Chapter 13
Jonah comes for his so waited vacation in New York; made the flight reservations to coincide with his daughter`s school vacation, he wants to spend time with her.
He would like to see Deborah and Amy, specially Amy, the lady his daughter talks so much about; may be they can come to some kind of agreement, so he could have some parallel line of information about Joan.
One of the reasons he wants to surprise her, was to find out how she was coupling with the way of life in the Big Apple, without having nobody waiting for him.
When disembarking in the Kennedy Airport, he didn`t know what kind of public transportation to take; only has the address of her daughter and Dave.
He would like to talk with Dave before he meets Joan, and the only solution would be a taxi.
After he passed by customs, comes out, waits a couple minutes and signal to an empty cab, the driver stops, he opens the right back door, and pushes his bag in, he sat on the back seat.
He tried to tell the driver what the address is, but looks like they have a problem to communicate.
The driver speaks with a Spanish accent, while he speaks UK English with a French accent.
He gave the driver a note with the address, the driver calls on the radio and after getting some instructions, he said, this will be about twenty minutes, it is a little far away.
After driving through those New York streets like a mad-man, the driver stops the car in front of an old brick building, and said, okay is here.
After paying the fare, Jonah comes out with his bag, he looks to the building, it looks like unfit to be inhabited by any human.
The number was the right one, and it has three floors, but he didn`t picture his daughter living in such place, he looks back and saw the taxi disappear on the end of the street.
The front door was open, he entered, walks up to the second floor, knocks at the door, and heard some noise inside.
After waiting about a minute, he knocks again and a Chinese woman unlocks the door, open it just a little, but with some kind of a chain holding it from opening any wider.
Once again they couldn`t communicate by way of spoken word, he shows her the same note the driver had seen; she points to the name of the street, and said, no, not, no.
Jonah got the message, this was the wrong street, he went out and looks to the right and to the left, he decided to walk to the next corner; a busy one; he stood for a few long minutes waiting for a taxi.
A police cruiser comes in sight, and Jonah decided to flag it down; the officer stops, and when Jonah shows him the address, and told what happens. He call a taxi by radio, and wait till it comes, gave the address to the driver and write it's number.
This time the driver took Jonah to the right address, it looks like a better area, and the wooden building looks like a big cottage.
When he gets to the front door, a lady who happens to be on a small balcony, extended from the first floor, got up from her chair and asks, may I help you Sir?
Well, I`m looking for Dave or his wife Deborah, Jonah reply; they are not in, said the lady, they went out this morning with a niece that had been with them for a few days.
I believe they went for New Jersey; there is a good beach there, and they usually go there for the weekend, should come tomorrow, usually late in the afternoon; are you French?
Yes, I`m Joan`s father.
Oh the young lady`s; you are Dave`s brother, I can see.
No, I`m not; my late wife was Anna`s sister.
Oh, oh, I see; and Amy is a sister of any of you?
No, she is a friend, and I believe a good friend, who makes a favor of helping my daughter.
Right, Mr. who?
Jonah. Yes Mr. Jonah, they are friends, the first time I did saw them together, I though Joan was Amy's daughter, they come here many times, they are like sisters.
However I don`t understand, why they are not here waiting for you?
Well, they don`t know I was coming; want to make a surprise and now I have problems to find the place, and they are not here, do you know any hotel not far from here?
Yes is a motel just up on this road, if you give me a few minutes, I do take you there, thank you so much, but if you make me a favor of calling a taxi, it will do.
No, if you are a Dave friend, you are my husband friend, in this neighborhood we are all friends.
The old lady just went inside for a few minutes, and comes out looking completely different, with other dress, and looking ten years younger.
Told Jonah to put his bag inside the trunk of her car, and to get in.
Not far from the place was a very good motel, the lady stops the car on the places reserved to the handicap, and told Jonah, get your bag the room is waiting for you.
They went inside, and when they got closer to the counter, a young lady comes out, the older lady asks, where is my daughter?
The receptionist replies, is inside, and shouts through an open door, is your mother. Other young lady comes out, and the older introduce her as her daughter Daniel, and said to Jonah, you are in good hands, but she is already married.
Jonah was lucky this time, as soon as the older lady said, he is a relative of Dave, everything comes like if he was already a friend of them too.
The older lady explains what happens with the taxi, and they talk about his idea of making a surprise; Jonah asks about a restaurant, and the younger lady just point through the window.
Finally, after a long and tumultuous journey, Jonah could take a shower and have lunch, next day at evening he could meet his daughter and their friends.
In the morning about ten, the older lady comes with a grandchild, about five, and asks Jonah if he cares for a ride on the neighborhood.
He accepts the idea, and they went around a quiet area, lunch in a fast-food restaurant, the ones Joan talk about, and she promises to pick him late in the afternoon, to go make his surprise.
About six-thirty, the old lady appears in the Motel, accompanied by her grandchild to pick him up, looks like she wants to see the surprise encounter between Joan and Jonah.
When they got to the house, Dave didn`t come yet, the lady told Jonah to leave his bag inside, and they agree, to watch from a window, to see when they come.
He would go out from the back door, come to the street, and offer to help with the bags.
It didn`t take too much time for Dave and his family to come.
As soon as she saw the car coming, she told Jonah to get out by the back door, while she went to the balcony.
The car stops and all come out at about the same time, Dave went to open the trunk, and the ladies stood one on each side of him.
Jonah coming from the back, wasn`t seen by them and he asks, may I help with the bags?
While Dave and Deborah turn their heads to see who was there, Joan shouts, Daddy, Daddy, and hug him by the neck, almost toping him to the ground.
Dave and Deborah, couldn`t see his face, and stood astonished like some mental retarded people, trying to understand what was going on..
When Joan lets go, she said, Deborah meet my daddy, what a surprise Deborah reply, all embrace and begun speaking about the happening, but the old lady from the porch, got in the conversation to remind them, that they could speak in the house.
They pick up the bags and went inside, Joan has a thousand questions for her father, and they all spoke together about the most various subjects, including Jonah adventures with the taxi.
It was very late when Dave and Joan took Jonah to the Motel, when they got there, before he went inside they agree that Joan would be there about nine in the morning, to get him.
One thing that surprises Jonah, was the fact that nobody mentions the name of Amy, some could have happen, for Joan being with her uncle, he would know without having to do the questioning.
However when Joan went back to the house, comes to her mind that she didn`t told him about Amy, and couldn`t understand how it slipped her mind, but may be the older lady did tell him, because he didn`t ask.
In the morning Joan awake up early, so did Jonah, a quarter before nine she was already in the Motel, when she got out of the taxi, saw her father walking in the parking lot.
She shouts, daddy, and he turns and begun walking towards her.
After they talk for a few minutes, she said, daddy we go to take your bag and go to my apartment, for now I will use Amy's room, and you use mine.
She is on vacation with her mothers, and when she comes back we arrange some; I`m so anxious for you to meet her, you just have to see, how a beautiful lady she is, I love her so much.
Okay Joan, I begin to believe that, no say much more, it could be a disillusion, and I hope she doesn`t get mad because you are abusive using her room.
Daddy, I can see you don`t know her, she passes most of her spare time trying to help everybody, not many ladies with her position, go to the church`s kitchen to feed the poor.
You go to meet her, will be only four weeks, and you see by yourself if I`m right.
Four weeks, said Jonah, I don`t have four weeks, it will be less then three weeks, for me to go back to France.
Oh no, you are playing you go to stay more time.
No, Joan, it is the truth, I have the reserve for the flight, and have to be on my job on the next day after I arrive.
Joan got restless, and said we go call her to come sooner. No Joan you shouldn`t do that; it will be troublesome, for me and for her, is like if we had anything more then curiosity.
Curiosity that you implant on me, I know she helps you so much, and I`m grateful for that, would like to know her, but this will not be my last trip to the United States.
May be next year I can have more time, and it will not be a surprise; unless you decided to pass your vacation in Paris.
No daddy, I would like to go there only after I finish school, and it will be only two more years. You promise that would come back next year, don`t you daddy?
Yes, I do.
On the weekend Amy calls Deborah as usually, and got the news of Joan`s father being there.
Deborah told her about the arrangement made by Deborah`s niece, using the room, and Amy feels it was a good idea.
She would like to know Jonah, but wouldn`t shorten her vacation; this way Joan may use the room until Jonah goes back to France.
Joan took her father to all those places Amy shows her before, and all the time said, Amy explains this, and Amy explains that.
Jonah could see how those two ladies had been so close, and he couldn`t be more impressed by what that estrange person can do, helping his daughter.
On the day prior to Jonah depart, he made a suggestion to his daughter; why you don`t invite Amy to come with you to a vacation in Paris?
She could spend as much time as she wants there, and you may go together, on the way back, if she wants come sooner, she could do it.
Joan likes the idea, and promise she will talk with Amy about that, she remembers that. Once Amy mentions that one day she will spend her vacation in Lyon and Paris, for some kind of investigation.
When Jonah departs, Dave gave him a ride to the airport; they went all together, Deborah and Joan accompanied them.
In the airport before they say good-bye, Joan took advantage of being alone with her father and said; daddy, please promise that you will not marry before you had seen Amy.
Jonah smiles to say, no be a baby, your father married once and will never do it again. I don`t want to forget how happy I was with your mother.
Looks like the same words I listen from Amy; she had one love, and says she will never marry again, but I`m almost sure, if you know her and she knows you; you guys could have a different idea.
By Joan, I see you next year in Paris, I will call as soon as I get there.
(Bon voyage papa)
Chapter 14
On the flight to Paris Jonah`s mind, was already in the promise his daughter ask him to do, he wonders if Amy had anything to do with this, sometimes ladies get ideas, but by everything he listens about Amy, she wouldn`t do such thing.
He call his daughter as soon as he got home, to tell about the flight, and that everything was okay; at least he didn`t have problems to find public transportation to his house.
However this trip to the United States, had made him think a little more; was like a spring that impulse more activity, that awakes him for the reality of life. He has to get over the past and look ahead, his daughter was right when she talks about him getting her a new mother.
He knows she is a grown up, and don`t need a new mother, but may be she can be a little more free, more independent, if she knows her daddy has somebody close to him in case of need.
If The Almighty Creator thought that a man should have a woman as a companion, why should we fight that?
He promises himself that from now on, it will be different, moreover his daughter was the one who begun all the fuss, and wouldn`t stand on his way.
However when she talks about him, marry again, she has in mind Amy, he could see that; but Amy could be another problem, he remembers too well his episode with Amélia.
Would be another mistake to get involved with someone from other country, may be he should wait, at least to the next vacation, things will forget, and in one year could happen some changes in the States.
For now Jonah would be more liberal, go out more, and may be work a little less; other colleagues of him, make the same money, and didn`t work so hard.
A young widow, that her late husband was killed in an accident, when working in the same electric company, Jonah works for, use to appear in most of the events organized by the company`s committee for public relations.
In fact she works in an office of the same company, and did try to make an impression on Jonah, months ago. He didn`t take much attention at that time, and she feels, the time would be lost; however now she could see that some is different, and may be the right time to catch the bird, before it begun with long flights.
She fixes her mind on that, and would make sure it didn`t fly away; she tries to find out, what events he goes, the days he uses to go to the Super Market, and as much as how frequently he visits his late wife`s grave.
She will appear in all those places, and make sure he see her.
One day, after watering some plants, around his late wife grave, Jonah got a surprise, this lady stops her car, and shouts, good morning Mr. Dupont, do you come to water the plants?
Just did the same on my husband grave, those people don`t take care of the cemetery like they supposed to do, I come every week to clean the place.
Good morning Mrs. Mathias, I also use to come here every week, but never see you here before today`s, perhaps I had been too busy taking care of the plants.
May be not only that, she said, but I use to ride directly to the gate, the grave his up there, and it is closer going that way.
However today I had the time, and just decided to come around to see how they take care of the cemetery, but I don`t like what I see, if weren`t for the people who come here taking care of the graves, it would be a shame.
You may be right, he said, but what can we do, besides cleaning the place, at least around the graves, we come to see. However many of those graves have nobody to remember them, and after we die, God knows what happens to ours.
Well, God knows, and I guess, I have no children, and if I have them, it would be the same, she said, these young people are so liberal, that they will never spend the time like we do.
Sometimes this is good for us, just to get out the house, the walls don`t speak, and the friends are busy with their lives and their families, what else can we do?
Not much, he said, I have a daughter, but she is in school in the United States, and the way it is going, when she finishes, two years from now, I believe she will stay there.
Then I don`t know what I`m going to do, she has her friends there, and I will be alone here, just wait and see.
The lady was glad with the direction the conversation was going, and answer. You have a daughter to think about, and sometime to call or write, but me, I have nothing, days like today, I go back home, cooks and listens to the talk show, if it happens to be about any subject that worth the time.
Well, he said, the only thing I can do, is to invite you to have lunch with me, at least we can choose the subject of our conversation, that is okay?
Yes, but you no have to go out for lunch, just because I happen to open my big mouth, complaining about the vicissitudes of my life, you may have your plans already done, and I don`t wont to be a spoiler.
No, nothing to that effect, I have to go out for lunch, and looks like I have the same problems you have, the walls don`t speak and the friends are not that many, however I don`t know if you like the place, but I may let you choose.
Me, choosing the place, she replies; any place would be good, I use to eat a sandwich, usually on a fast-food restaurant, so, you no have to go out of your way, just tell me the place.
Okay, I don`t go that much for fast-food, I do like a place that serves good food, and isn`t too fancy, I may tell you the directions, or if you don`t mind, I can pick you up and we ride together.
That is okay with me, but this is a place where I can go casual, or do I need a dress?
No, you can go exactly as you are. I use to go there when I`m working, and as you know, sometimes I have to put the overalls on. This place, isn`t the place to pass an evening of (lazer,) is more a place where the people just go for food, or talking business over a lunch.
Sounds nice, at what time you pick me up, do you know the Place?
Not quite, I do know the area, but the street and number, I don`t; you tell me; yes, that is on Second Street, and the number is twelve, a gray cottage with a fenced yard.
Okay, I will be there at noon, if you didn`t think it is too early.
Good see you then, and the lady drives away; she was smiling, her plans just work, he is falling in the trap, now she only has to lead the conversation, and he will not have other alternative, but saying what she wants him to say. If not right away, will be soon.
She went home, and dress simply, but almost provocative, jeans to let the forms of her body show, and just a blouse.
She tested it; sat on a table, in front of a mirror and try a position. A little sideways, bending to the front; it works, she could see one of her nipples in the mirror, she would make sure he sees it.
Jonah, just took a shower, put a little of (ténéré,) clean clothing, and was ready to go; he got out the house a little bit early, and just walks around the yard for a few minutes, just to pass sometime.
Finally, he got into the car and drives away in the direction of the Second Street; gotten there a little early, and stop in front of the gray cottage.
Mrs. Mathias was already waiting, but saw him from the window, and went in, sat for a few minutes, and after came to the door, looks to the car, went inside to pick up her hand bag, close the door and walks to the car.
Jonah comes out to open the door, she said I didn`t know you are already here, but when I come to the door, and saw you, I felt guilty for letting you wait.
I hope I can compensate for that, it is not my habit to let people wait, and now that somebody invites me for lunch, it is indefensible, hope you don`t take it offensively.
No, he replies, I did come a bit early, and that was the reason I was just a few minutes, but this is one of the things that happen every day, and you don`t have to think more about that.
He starts the car, and began the driving, that wasn`t too long, the restaurant was near a bridge that spanned across a small river, he stops and opens the passenger side door to help the lady out.
She said thank you, I did pass by this road a few times, but never did stop, the area is beautiful, and the restaurant looks nice, how you find it?
Well, I use to pass here alone, and once I did stop, because I did need a drink, from then on I do come here at least on the weekends, they already know me, what kind of wine, and everything.
When they got through the door, she exclaims, what a beautiful place, the waiter comes and said, your table is waiting for you, sir; pointing in the direction of a table near the large window, looking to the river.
This was the place where Jonah use to lunch, and meditates looking to the water flowing down to the bridge. An old bridge with sidewalks used by the fishermen, as a stand to catch some fish, that happen to be a very special menu in the restaurant.
He pulls a chair back, for her to sit, but she asks, if she could have the other one; the one where she could have her back to the center of the room, and looking to the river, Jonah would be on her left.
On that position, she doesn`t have to turn sideways, and nobody else, but Jonah could see her breast.
Everything perfect, the scenery she plan was in motion, just bending to the front from time to time, and observe his reaction.
When the waiter comes to pick up the order, she asks, if he had news from his daughter; he replies, yes, may be she comes for a vacation next year.
I would like to see her she was so beautiful, said the waiter.
Mrs. Mathias, could see that he was a client in this place for long time, and she felt this would be a moment for her, to say some, to make believe she does care for the young lady in the United States.
She comes out of her silence to say; she was beautiful and very smart, one thing that impresses me most was the way she behaves when she lost her mother; a child behaves like an adult.
Jonah didn`t have any idea that this Mrs. Mathias could have been somebody who cares about the Dupont`s family, however she did work for the same company, for long time, and may be somebody talk about the Jonah`s problems, at the time.
During lunch time, she steers the conversation in a direction to included, the talking about solitude, marriage, the happiness of some families, and the trips some of her friends did, but only the successful ones. The ones that include new friendships, love and finally marriage.
Jonah didn`t go so much for that kind of conversation, however that beautiful, roused, and stubborn nipple, trying to spy through that small opening on a dazzling white blouse, was making an impression on him.
At a time, she said, I have to go to the lady`s room, and the way she moves her hips in front of him, was in fact enough to make him lose his sense of civilization. It would be so much easier, if they belong to a group of un-rationals.
After lunch, they went to a ride through those woods on the outskirts of Paris; she really did implant on him another sense of humor, and desire for life.
When Jonah, stops in front of the gray house, she asks if he wants to go in for a tea, he accepts without any question, she passes a key to his hand, he opens the door and lets her go in first, giving her the key back.
She drops her hand bag on a chair, and told him to sit on a sofa in the living room.
A counter divided the living room from the kitchen, that was large enough to accommodate a small table and a couple of chairs.
She went to the kitchen, and made the tea, when she finished, he was already with his elbows on the counter.
Well, I guess you better come inside, and sit at this table, good he replies, just walking in; she set the table, and they sat one in front of the other.
They didn`t say that much, he said the tea was very good, and she explains what the kind, and the medicinal values of it. Most of the time they look each other.
Once, she stares on his eyes for a little longer; he has to break the silence to say; you make me lose my head.
She replies, isn`t it the way you choose?
We choose to be singles, and we have to behave like singles.
He almost falls in the trap, but came to his mind the promise to Joan, and reply.
I don`t choose to be single, and I never said that the marriage was out of question, however I would like to see my daughter with her school finished, and may be a job. After that I will feel free to do what I want, and then I believe marriage would be a priority.
She replies, making it as casual as it can be; I hope, I will be on the candidate`s list!
You will be on the first list, if you are available at that time, he said, meanwhile we can be friends, if you give me that honor.
Yes, we can, she said, but don`t promise; we never know, two years is a long time, and some interesting things could happen, when we are not bind with a compromise, we are free.
That is a problem he said, we should think, and don`t do anything we could regret later.
This conversation made them lose a little of their enthusiasm, and the subject changes a bit, they talk about some events organized for the company employees, and his trip to New York.
They agree to meet on the next weekend, after Jonah, got up, and when getting out, they old the hands for a moment, and stare each other for a few seconds.
For her, this wasn`t really the plan she had drawn, but she feels, she could salvage it; next weekend she will be very understandable of his problems, and continue to go out with him.
She has nothing to lose, could have a relation with him, even an affair, and meanwhile he should fall.
For Jonah he went home, and only after he got there, he starts to do a balance of the happenings of the day.
Already in bed, he began to analyze how it happens in the cemetery, the way she shows her breast, and the way she steers the conversation; now he could see it was all planed.
Glad he didn`t fall, it could be danger, but he will be out with her again. Will be clear, she should know that he will not marry, before his daughter finish school, and will not be any biding before that.
However he will not avoid her, if she wants him, she will have him, but he thinks she isn`t the right lady to be Joan`s mother.
On the next weekend, they met in the cemetery, they went out for lunch, and agree to continue to see each other. He was clear when he told her, not to let herself become emotional, because for now he can`t make any promise, before he see what happen with his daughter.
Mrs. Mathias, was very understanding, and on the end they agree, that they have nothing to lose, if they are not made to marry each other, at least they could be lovers and have a good time. Back on her mind, the idea of trapping him in a marriage, was very alive, and she will take a chance. She couldn`t have any other one, to have an affair, like him, single and not bind with any one. She wouldn`t care if her friends know what is going on.
Chapter 15
Amy was ending her vacation in Atlanta, her mother was well positioned for the election, and it is time for her to be on her job.
When she got home, Joan was anxious to tell her about Joan`s father, and all what happen; he would like to meet Amy, but was disappointed because he couldn`t.
Joan was about to call her, and ask her to come, but her father said, it wasn`t fair, and she didn`t .
Amy explains, she had thought about that, but feels it was better not to come, she shouldn`t be there while father and daughter have so many things to say, after being so long without see each other.
Amy, Joan said, my daddy suggested to me, that I should invite you to pass the next vacation with me in Paris.
And You, what you think about that?
Do you will invite me?
Amy, you accept!
Yes, I do my angel.
Don`t get too excited, it is one year away, and I can`t be so much time with you there, I want to go to Lyon, I would like to trace the whereabouts of the family of somebody.
One day I will finish to tell you the story of my past.
Amy, don`t think about the past, think of your future, you still have a future waiting for you.
You right Joan, I don`t know if I have a future waiting for me; but I know I will pursue it, however the historians don`t abandon the future when they investigate the past.
I will be able to search for the past, and for the future at the same-time; may be one day I can be completely in peace, with no more memories of the past.
Joan writes to her father, and said, if nothing goes wrong, Amy will be there with me, for a vacation next year.
She accepts the invitation, said that could be there just for a few days, but I have a feeling that once she got in our house, she will forget the rest of her planed trip.
She has been in Paris once; so many years ago, and I believe if I go around with her, she will enjoy it, but we have to wait and see.
Jonah red that letter, and began to wonder, what would be, if Amy comes, and he still going with that girl friend, he just begun to go with.
That would be a problem, his daughter will be disappointed; and he should have time to attend his guests. Some is wrong here, he thought, may be he made a mistake to suggest to his daughter, to invite Amy.
However he already decided, that this Mrs. Mathias wouldn`t be a good mother for his daughter, and the best way, is to begin scaling down on his relations with her.
He missed a meeting with her, and when she calls, he apologizes and said, that he did have some kind of indisposition; believe it was some food, but now is feeling better.
She noticed that some wasn`t the same, he was a little more cool, and she would find out what happen.
She began to investigate, but through some friend of her, she finds out that it wasn`t on the job; everything was normal. The only girl working there, was a friend, and the one who tried to find out if anything was going on.
He appears in the cemetery, and all the other places where he uses to be, and at time, like if he was looking to a clock all the time.
He didn`t look sick, and she could see, he was spacing their meetings for longer intervals; it was one thing that she doesn`t understand.
She couldn`t ask questions, because he seems not to like it, and she doesn`t want to scare him away.
That kind of situation, become to cause some attrition between them, and one day when he was coming out off the office, chatting with the girl that work there. Mrs. Mathias appear from behind of a car, making a big scene, accusing the young girl, of being a traitor, insinuating she has a relation with him.
This was too much for him, he cut his relation with her, once and for all, but his prestige suffered a blow, and he starts to be uneasy on his job.
Some of his colleges, who had been known to show some kind of jealousy before, begun saying some indirect remarks.
Jonah knows that all this will fade away, however he wasn`t the kind of men, who likes to work in such environment.
While going on without letting them know, he didn`t like the way things happen; he begun to prospect for availability of other jobs.
In less then two months, he did find one he would like to try.
It was a multinational company, with production in a few countries, has a plant in Paris, producing electric capacitors, and it was an opening for a line supervisor.
Jonah did apply, after an interview he got the job, however he asks for a delay of a month to start the new job, he wants to give enough time for the company he works for, to find a replacement.
He got an interview with the president of the old company, and when he communicates that he was about quitting the job, the president reply.
We regret it much, after so many years of experience, wouldn`t be easy to find a replacement for you, but we understand, it is hard for you to continue.
If you want to wait a month or two, may be we can have an opening in other office.
I do appreciate your good will, but I think I shouldn`t accept that, there are a few men waiting for promotion, and I believe you will get someone.
No, Jonah, I believe I will block any promotion in the company ranks; those gentlemen had been more interested in their promotion, then the welfare of the company.
When Jonah return to the office, could see that everybody was eager to know what the meeting was about, and he just said, well gentlemen, looks like will be some opening for a superintendent`s job.
At the evening, Jonah got three phone calls, all them asking him, for recommendations, however he did reply the same to all.
After what happen his recommendation, wouldn`t help anybody, and he would stay away of more controversy.
On those four weeks, Jonah did enjoy the fight from the side lines.
Everybody scrambling for a position, that nobody will get, and sometimes disregarding any sense of moral, just trying to take down the next fellow.
Jonah never told, what company he will go work for, and he would make sure that he will move to other place, were Mrs. Mathias or those so called friends, never find him.
A few more months, and he could tell his daughter the new address, he sold the house, and bought another one in a beautiful area, just at twenty minute drive from the city.
For Joan it was hard to understand, why her father sold the house she likes so much; but he tried to explain, that the new one was closer to the job, and the neighborhood he left was deteriorating rapidly.
Joan remember, that she didn`t have friends there, because as her mother uses to say, was nobody there that could be trusted.
The house Jonah bought, wasn`t so big as the one he sold, but big enough, and a better floor plan.
It was on a wooden hill side, about a hundred feet back from a road, that stretches along side of a river.
He loves that place, and was sure Joan would like it too; took some pictures of it, and sent them to his daughter.
She likes the place, and show those photos to her uncle, aunt, and Amy.
They all love it, however Amy thought, why he didn`t get someone, to take the pictures, so he could be seen too.
However, she wouldn`t mention that, because it would be enough for Joan, to scramble to get her father`s picture, and Amy doesn`t want to feed any more illusions, on this young lady`s mind.
Those last months before the vacation, could be very monotonous, if not for Deborah, that had a baby girl. Dave couldn`t be more happy, and they gave her the name of Joan.
Further more, they ask Joan to be God mother, when they baptize the baby.
It was the first time, that Joan was involved in something like that; Amy has to help on the arrangements, and made sure that Joan would look good.
The God father of the baby, was a military attaché to the Brazilian Embassy, a long time friend of Dave; a man about forty-five years old, with a beautiful wife, and two daughters already attending school on the New York State University in Albany.
Joan took that ceremony very seriously, those words the priest said, about her taking over the care of this baby, if God took away her parents, sunk deep on her mind and heart.
She did come out of Saint Patrick Church, with a sense of responsibility, that wasn`t common to people living in a big city.
Usually, is on rural and poor areas, that the people have that sense of unity, and aid.
Joan became very occupied, when she could spare any time, it would be consumed attending her God child.
Amy, could see that this love for a child of other woman, wasn`t that common, however she could understand it.
When a girl lacks the love of her mother, usually she looks for love with somebody else, this could be the reason of Joan`s love for Amy, and now for baby Joan.
Amy felt it was to much, but she wouldn`t tell her anything, it would be disastrous if this love was directed to somebody who doesn`t deserve it, and take advantage of it.
Jonah never thought about this problem, and this was the reason, he doesn`t understood why a lady like Amy, did so much for his daughter.
While Joan was all that occupied with the baby, Amy has more free time to do things; and those things include, writing a few more pages in a pad, were she paste the description of events of her life, and observations of Joan.
She wonders how many girls lost their mothers, and don`t have a friendly hand, and a like mother`s person they can trust and lean to, in moments of solitude and disillusion.
Amy was thinking, about prospecting among the ladies of Saint Patrick`s Church, to see if it was feasibly the organization of a group, to assist and counsel those young girls.
One day if she meets Joan`s father, she will show him the observations she did on his daughter, if she feels he is a man that could understand such events.
Right now, she was sure, if he has any idea of the lacks of love his daughter suffered, he never did let her go alone to a country like the United States.
However, this happens to be the best he did, and Amy is glad, things worked this way.
Chapter 16
In Atlanta, Darwin was very happy, in her precinct, was like a land-slide; she got sixty per cent of the votes; now will be more three months, and she will start her mandate.
Amy and Joan began planing the trip to France; getting new luggage, appropriate clothing for the season, and setting the dates to depart.
Joan wants to come back in the same plain as Amy, so they did agree, that Amy, after doing her investigation in Lyon, would come back to Paris to join for the trip back.
Two months before the school vacation, everything was ready, and now is counting the days.
Joan already knows the dates, for her last classes for the school`s year, and Amy did set the dates to begin her vacation.
They bought the airline tickets, but would wait a little while, before they tell Jonah the dates. However, Joan assure her father, that they will travel together.
Jonah knows that for this summer, wouldn`t be easy for him to choose the time for his vacation; and wasn`t that much interested to know far in advance when they come.
One week, would be enough for him to arrange things to take a day off, to pick them up in the airport, but would be better if it happens on the weekend.
For the first time he was involved in purchasing furniture for bedrooms, without having somebody else to decided what kind to buy, but with the help of a sales-woman, everything comes all right.
The sales-woman, told him that he should buy a few things for her daughter, and advise him of the best store to find those articles.
In that store, he explains that he was looking for some to have on his daughter room, and after he said she comes from the United States, to a house she didn`t see yet, the girl in the counter calls a sales-lady.
The middle-aged lady, after a breve conversation, begun writing a list, and after explaining to him what it was about; he told her to fill the order.
The lady further asks, if he has any special doll or any other article, his daughter seems to prefer, on her younger age, and to have that in some place in the room.
After searching his mind, he could remember a little teddy-bear; his daughter uses to have it on her bed, after doing the room.
When getting in the house, he went to the basement, and found the teddy-bear in a cardboard box, clean it as he could, and place it on his daughter`s bed.
Tried his best to get everything in the right places, but wasn`t that successful, the articles he bought end up just on a pile in a corner.
Not so far from his house was a restaurant he likes, and this would be the place he recommends.
Already talk with the manager, and he agrees that they could send the meals to his house, and if needed, could send somebody to serve.
For each of the two bedrooms, he decided for red roses, and two eighteen carats golden bracelets; they will be equal in quality and size.
Now he just waits to know the day and time, to be in the airport.
Finally, Joan writes to her father, telling him the date she will arrive in Paris, it would be in the morning, and the airline will be, Air France.
She asks him to be there early, because she don`t wants to have an identical experience, to the one he has in New York.
Joan doesn`t have any idea where the new house is, and only now, she asks herself, why she didn`t make any more questions, about the location, and how far the International Airport was.
However Jonah calls her on the phone, to assure, that he has received the letter, and will be there in time.
This time Joan asked a few questions, about how far, and transportation, as well as proximity of commercial centers.
For the first time Joan was become apprehensive, of navigating in the streets of Paris, she never thought about that before.
Those three years, far from Paris, the new area of the house, and the experience of her father in New York, all together contribute for her apprehension.
Contrariwise, Amy seems not to have any problem, she has more experience in traveling, is more independent, and is sure of her ability to fend by herself.
She becomes to wonder about Jonah, what kind of man he is, how he behaves in front of a woman, is he tall, kind, and comprehensive?
From his attitude, depend how much time she will be with Joan, in his home.
Other thing that starts to bother Amy, was the fact of Joan saying: "If you guys know each other, you may change your mind."
If she is right, what will happen?
If she is wrong, would be a disillusion for her, and the best for everybody.
Amy wonders if it was a good idea, to go with Joan to Paris, but now is to late, and will be on the Hand of God.
The only thing she could do, is to depart to Lyon, as soon as, things begun to develop in a way she didn`t like. She has to put in her mind, that the reason of this vacation, was to investigate, where is the burial ground of the other Jonah,
It was planed years ago, and the fact that in her way appear Joan, and now the trip together, didn`t mean that it would be clouded by a shadow of other Jonah.
She is determined, that first things first, and all the others could be just happenings, that will come as they happen to come; the best is not to think about that.
Jonah has his problems too, he was the one who suggested the invitation of Amy, and now that she is about to come, he doesn`t know what to do with her.
If wasn`t for his daughter`s ideas, it wouldn`t be a problem; but he wonders if his daughter told her, the same she told him, about knowing each other.
Once more come to his mind, the idea that it could be a plan, designed by Amy, however a secretary in the United Nations, wouldn`t come as low as Mrs. Mathias.
Sure in New York are many people ready to be trapped, hand she doesn`t have to wait so long to catch one.
His daughter will have to understand, that sometimes people have incompatibilities, they can be very good people, but are not made to live together, and don`t have anything in common.
It could be the case between him and Amy, he will have to go to work, and his daughter will take care of the guest.
On the day prior to departing from New York, when Deborah came to Amy`s apartment, to wish a good vacation, she said to her; Amy, and if Joan was right and you guys understand each other?
Amy seems not to like the conversation that much, and reply, you have to fly over there for the wedding, better begin looking for a dress, and tell Dave to be the best man.
I tell you one thing Deborah; right now I wonder what will happen, I made a mistake, when accepting the invitation, but now it is too late, and I have to deal with it.
Just pray to God he is a sensible man, and don`t cause me any problems.
Deborah reply, Amy, he isn`t the kind to do that, I know him, he was almost three weeks with us, and we could see, he is a responsible man.
I`m sure you will not be disillusioned with him, I not want to say, you will love him, but if somebody tells me, you understand one another, will not be a surprise for me.
You too, Deborah?
It is too much, if you continue speaking this way, I will begin to like the man, and I don`t need another Jonah.
One was enough!
Okay Amy, have a nice vacation, and don`t call me to fly to the wedding, better come back with him, and make the party here.
Those days had been flying, and now the hours had been sleepless, special for Joan, she got up early in the morning, at noon she already has her luggage closed.
At three, Dave gave them a ride to the Kennedy`s Airport, Deborah went too, and all the way she tried to tease them, but Amy just replies, jealous!
Those two hours they spent waiting in the Airport seem like eternity, they don`t have much to say, and trying to read the news paper, didn`t seem to help.
When they heard the call to embark they breathed deeply, and walk almost in silence, through that tunnel, but when they got to their seats, everybody speaks.
The aircraft begun to roll, and everybody stops the conversation until they see the ground far down.
As soon as it levels off, up in the sky, Joan and Amy imitate other passengers, waiting their turn to go in the lavatories.
After a while, they have their supper, followed by a movie, next a doze, and when they awake everybody went to the lavatories.
The sun`s rays already shining ahead in the horizon; the flight was long, but the night was short.
Amy told Joan that now would be the right time to change clothing, after breakfast everybody would be in line to the lavatories.
The two ladies want to look good when they disembark, and before the plane touches the ground, they are ready but tense.
For Amy the time was coming, for her to meet Joan`s father, and no matter what she said, and thought, she was eager to see the man Joan talk so much about.
Joan was eager to see her father, to introduce him to Amy, she will try to observe the reaction, and from there anything could happen.
Chapter 17
Jonah came early to the airport, and was watching the planes coming in, trying to find out, through the monitor, which ones come from the United States.
After he saw that the one he was waiting for, was already in the ground, he moved to a place where he could see the passengers coming from customs.
In about thirty minutes, after the plane touches down, he saw his daughter coming, and went fast to help her with the suitcase.
Amy was coming next, and when Joan shouts, daddy, daddy, she looks, wonder if was becoming crazy, something passed through her mind, she drops the suitcase, and raise her hands to her eyes, trying to figure what happen to her.
Joan turns to introduce them, and when Jonah looks to Amy, stops breathing for a moment, stunned, wondering if he was on his right mind.
After a few seconds, he recuperates a bit, and articulate, "Amélia, Amélia."
Amy heard Jonah call her name, was no doubt, was him.
She lost her sense of life, and fell to the floor, many people come to see what happen.
Joan was astonished, couldn`t understand what was happening, and her father continues to be stunned, while the paramedics remove Amy to an ambulance.
Somebody grabs the luggage, and call the police to take care of it, while Jonah and Joan got to a taxi, to follow the ambulance to the hospital.
On the way, Jonah told his daughter that Amy was his first love, Joan reply, how could you do that to her, daddy?
He tried to explain to his daughter, how it happens, but she has her mind clouded by the scenery in the airport, and couldn`t understand.
They wait in silence in the hospital`s waiting room, for the diagnostic, and conditions of Amy.
The minutes seem like hours, and when the doctor comes in, they got up simultaneously.
The doctor looks to them, and asks; Amy`s husband and daughter?
They look each other in a suffocated sense of wrong doing, and he replies, like husband and daughter.
The doctor detected some embarrassment, and said, she is okay, we gave her some to help her rest for a while.
In about an hour she will awake, and may be she need some counseling.
How it happens?
Jonah said, it is a long story, but in resume; we had been friends many years back, she thought I was killed long ago, and I did lost her trail; only now I find out she is the lady who helps my daughter.
When she recognizes me, the worse happens.
The doctor reply, looks like you have a lot to explain each other. And you young lady, you have to be the psychologist to Amy. Nobody else can do, what you can, to help her go through all this confusion, you may need help from somebody else, " he looks to Jonah, turning again to Joan," but you are the one who can help Amy.
The doctor went in for his duties, and they decided that Jonah, would go to pick up his car, and the luggage.
Joan and Amy should check in a Hotel, at least till Joan could explain to her what happen.
Jonah went to the airport, got the suitcases, but on his way back, he drove to his house, look in those cardboard boxes in his basement, until he found Francesca`s Accomplishments of a Life Time.
On his way to the Airport, he passed by the Hotel, to drop their luggage.
When he got to the hospital, gave the book to his daughter, pointing that section, where Francesca proudly narrates the Amy`s episode.
He left before Amy wakes up, but would be in touch with his daughter all the time.
A nurse comes out, and call Joan to go inside, Amy was already on her feet, the tears sprung out abundantly, like a fountain, the two ladies embrace, but couldn`t say anything.
The nurse told them, when you are ready, come in my office to fill some papers. They went in and filled those forms, and after walk out from the Hospital, at the door, Amy asks, what happen to my suitcase.
Our luggage is in the Hotel, we just get a taxi, the room is ready.
No, Joan, I go to the Airport, and try to get a flight home, my vacation and my investigation, are done.
You go to your house, take your vacation as planed, and come back to New York to finish your school.
Amy, you can`t find any flights tonight, the doctor said, you have to rest, so I will go to the Hotel with you, and tomorrow, we arrange the trip to New York.
She didn`t like the idea, but Joan insist, and they agree to stay to more days, but Joan shouldn`t talk about her father, she could go see him, but not to mention him.
The two ladies went to the Hotel, at night Joan asks Amy, if she wants to go out, but she declined, Joan said, she will go to the lobby to make a phone call; okay Amy reply.
Joan call her father hand assure him, that everything is okay for now, they are in the Hotel, and Amy wants to fly back as soon as possible.
Jonah told his daughter, that if possible she would try to avoid that so sudden departure, but if that happens, Joan should go with her.
They couldn`t let her go alone now, after so many disillusions on her life, she has to feel that somebody is on her side.
Joan went up-stairs, and told Amy she would fly back with her, she could see the new house next year, and don`t feel like taking that vacation now, besides the doctor said that her duty with be with Amy.
Amy didn`t agree with that, but after they reason for a while, finale agree, that they would stay for seven days.
Joan would see the new house, and they will have time to notify Dave, that they will be back sooner.
While Amy was watching television, Joan pick up the red book, open it on the section her father pointed before, and began the reading,
She couldn`t believe it, and begun to cry in silence, the tears begun to roll out, and she couldn`t avoid her crying from be heard by Amy, that already was staring on her.
Amy, got up, put her arm around Joan and asks; what is this now, are you the one who suppose to help me?
Poor Amy, poor daddy!
What she had done to you!
Those were the words of Joan, before embrace Amy, crying, but this time loudly.
Amy picks up the book, and looks the cover, "Accomplishments of a Life Time."
Who writes this book she asks?
Francesca, my grandmother.
Amy`s heart stops for a second; may be some explanation, may be Jonah wasn`t that rabble, that ill-doer, she thought he was.
The book still open, and Amy began to read the same pages, that drove Joan to the state of mind she is now.
She drops the book and said; was she -- My God -- what a devil mind, how she could?
For a few minutes the two ladies stood silent. This was unspeakable; how the humankind can come so low?
The animals in the jungle, fight for food, and sometimes for love, but never for the pleasure of seeing the other suffered so much; the selfishness of some people makes us wonder what are the values of the humankind.
After a while, Amy picks up the book again, and this time she red the full chapter, then she became more relaxed.
Amy was thinking already, how Jonah would be coupling with all this.
Now comes the time for questions, Joan know that her father didn`t have a good relation with her grandmother. She mentions the fact, that uses to see her from a distance, not to upset her, when she uses to go to the nursing home.
The two ladies exchange ideas, about the way things had happen, how much they know, and what else, could have been done.
Joan remember the way her father behaves after the death or her grandmother, but now she can understand more, why at the time, he became more upset, a week after the funeral.
At one time she thought, he had a fight with his brother, because when they came to the house, she remembers one of them said; we had been two miserable all our lives.
Amy asks, but at that time your mother wasn`t alive anymore?
No, before was my mother, after my grandfather, and next my grandmother,
My uncle never was close to the family, I only remember to see him in the funerals, and about a week after my grandfather's death.
The last time was, when they open some envelopes, and red all the papers, gran gave to my father, before he went to the nursing home.
At the time, I could see they were a little upset, but I never understood why, but now I wonder what the reason.
Could have been those revelations.
Amy, spoke again; but before that, your father had been happy?
Only before my mother die, and on the last months of her life he was miserable, it was the time he began speaking more with me.
Before that, he never was so close with me, I Was most of the time with my mother, didn`t have friends, but a few in school.
He uses to come from work, we have supper early, and while my mother took care of the kitchen, he sat reading the news paper.
Only on weekends he uses to go out with us, most of the times we went outside of the city, for a beach in a lake, far from the city or driving in rural areas. I only saw the sea a few times, when he has his vacation, but not after my mother`s death.
Joan ask, Amy, could you meet my daddy, if he wants, may be he can relax a little more, I saw him so upset, he walks around, making no sense, and after he stays still, not listening to what I say?
Yes, we can if he wants, that way we could be sure, there is no more animosity between us, and he could be sure I still be your friend, may be he can be more relaxed, knowing that.
We will talk about that tomorrow.
In the next morning they got up late, and after breakfast they went for a walk in down town, seeing some stores.
At noon, Joan went in one of those little cabins on the sidewalk, to make a phone call to her father, as was decided the day before; it was Monday and he was working.
Joan told him, that Amy did red the book, and when she asks her, about meeting him, she answers that could be, if he wants.
He replies, that was very interested in doing that, and they agree, that Joan would talk with Amy, and may be it could be arranged for that evening.
Joan talk with Amy, and they decided that Joan could tell him to come to the Hotel, but advise her to stay with them, and be part of the conversation.
Joan communicate that to her father, and he comes to the Hotel.
Amy was very casual, not even took the time to arrange her face or her hair, while Jonah just happens to do the same.
Looks like it was a to serious meeting, to think about ornamentation, and for some reason those two one time lovers, seem to be very content, to have Joan being part of the meeting.
They spoke about their lives, after living Portugal, those phone calls Amy made to Lyon. The way they moved, loosing any possibility of Jonah finding anything about her, when he did red the red book for the first time.
How it happens, that not even a picture, appear to uncover all this.
At one time Joan said; but on the end, God wishes that you meet, and now... Amy cut that short, to say; now is too late.
On the end they came to the conclusion, that the ladies, would stay, for the full vacation, that would be three weeks.
They stood in the Hotel, but went a few times to Joan`s house, when Jonah was working.
The red roses, he had put in the rooms, had lost their leaves, but the two bracelets still beautiful, however Jonah never did talk about them.
He took his guests for a few rides, to show some of the principal places in the city, and agree that he would call more times to the United States.
A few days before they depart back to New York, he gave the bracelet to his daughter, and asks if she feels that would be appropriate to give one to Amy.
Joan told him to do just that, and the day before departing, he gave the other bracelet to Amy, she accepts it gladly.
When he saw the way she behaves; he asks; Amélia, I would like to give you another jewel, do you accept it?
She hesitates and replies, you don`t think it is too late, your job is here and mine is there?
Amy, I don`t care about my job, just say yes, and I go to any place, no matter what,
Yes, Jonah, I will accept it.
They call Joan, and ask if she agrees?
Joan jump, with hoopla kissing them, and turning to Amy asks, do we have to go tomorrow?
Yes, we have too.
On the next day, Jonah comes with the engagement ring, and once more, Amélia has to leave, and her love one stay back.
Chapter 18
On their flight back to the Unite States, Amy and Joan, agree not to tell Deborah, anything about what happen in the Airport.
Amy said, she is going to let her find out, only when she sees the engagement ring.
They arrive in Kennedy`s Airport, about three in the afternoon; after they went through customs, met Dave and Deborah, that had come to pick them up. Amy before getting closer to them, turn the ring, with the diamond to the inside of her hand, it was a little bit uncomfortable, but she didn`t want to show it to them, right away.
She would tell them with more time; it was an event that Deborah could understand; but Dave, who doesn`t know nothing about the relations with Jonah, would be different.
Joan was eager to see her God child, but Deborah told her, that the baby was with the baby sister.
Was very beautiful, and Joan would find a big difference; Deborah will go pick her up at seven, and will pass by Amy`s apartment, so they can see her.
Dave asks how the trip was, and they just said, it was beautiful, nice weather, good food, and beautiful places.
Deborah didn`t see the engagement ring, but saw the bracelets, and said, not only beautiful places, but beautiful jewelry too.
Looks like you ladies, had been very lucky, I wonder how much?
You will find out, it was so much, that I even check in a Hospital.
What happen?
Well, it could be food, but I feel good and happy.
Dave stops at a restaurant, before they get to Amy`s apartment, and they have a late lunch.
While eating, they spoke about the trip, about the new house, prices, and the ladies begun to talk about fashion; but Dave tried to change the subject; asking how Jonah is doing with the new job.
Amy reply, I don`t think he likes it too much, not be surprise, if he decided to quit that one too; not because he complains, but I have that feeling. Me too; Joan let that one escape, but with no apparent consequence.
After lunch, Dave took them home; he offered to take them to the supermarket, when Amy said, that they still have to go there, but Joan would like to pass by the house before.
While Dave helps Joan with the luggage, Deborah asks Amy; what impression you have, of that Jonah?
Amy smiles and said; what an impression, we will talk about that tomorrow.
Dave and Deborah left, and while Joan began to put things in order; Amy went to the supermarket, to pick up a few diary products; she did it in a worry.
Wants to be home when Deborah brings the baby in, she his eager to see her.
Meanwhile, Jonah calls to know how the voyage was, he did call before, but nobody was in the house.
Joan told him, that Amy went to the store, he asks if she looks happy, and what Dave said about the happenings.
She explains, that Dave doesn`t know yet, but Amy looks very happy; her main thing, going to France, was to find out the place of the burial.
It, by itself, demonstrates how alive was her sentiment. Now after that sudden impact begun fading away, she realizes that her dreams of most of her life, could be fulfill.
Those thoughts, by themselves, are enough for Amy to look happy.
Those are the explanations, Joan gave to her father, and this demonstrates her maturity, on the observations of Amy.
What a difference in communications, from a few years back when Joan came to the United States, "just three years ago."
Jonah, to call his daughter, had to call the operator first. Now he can dial directly to her number, saving time and money, to listen to a clear voice.
He will begin to call more times, didn`t make any sense to write letters, and wait for the mail to arrive.
Amy, got home before Deborah appears with the baby; Joan told her that Jonah had call, and will call again tomorrow about the same-time.
He had ask for the reaction of Dave, but Joan told him, that they didn`t know yet, but Amy will tell them soon.
Amy, became more eager to tell Deborah about the engagement. When she came with the baby, she picks up the baby, and at the same-time made sure, that Deborah sees the ring.
While she starts to talk to the baby, and making faces to her; Deborah looks again to Amy`s hand saying; what a hell you have here?
Yesterday it looks just like a simple bend. Now it looks like an engagement ring, let me see?
It is an engagement ring, you didn`t told me anything.
I did get it in the morning, but I can tell you now.
Joan cut the conversation to say; give me the baby, poor thing, they are more interested in the ring then in you; and she walks away to her room.
Deborah asks, how it happens so fast?
I believe you did change your mind fast, when you saw him?
Amy smile, to say; and who told you it is the same guy?
Not Jonah, it was two Jonahs in one; and almost cost me my life.
What you say?
You better spell it now.
Well. I already told you, that I was in the Hospital, and the reason was two Jonahs, and not the food.
Did they fight over you?
No, they suffered, as I did, but finally they are only two of us, and we will be happy.
Well, I`m I crazy, or you are crazy?
Can you get to the point?
Yes, when I disembark, in Paris and saw Joan`s father, find out that he was the same Jonah from the past, and couldn`t take it. Only remember seeing him, and some passing by my mind.
When I did awake in the Hospital, just try to go to the Airport, to catch a flight back, it was too late, and Joan didn`t let me.
We went to the Hotel, and only when Joan began to cry over a book, we find out, how everything happens.
Just because, some ill mind, had the pleasure of making us suffered, to the limit of how much, our hearts can support.
Amy, told Deborah what she red on that section of the red book, and what had been her thoughts, when she did recognize Jonah in the Airport.
Looks like you guys, have a lot to make up; and when you think the wedding, will be?
We didn`t spoke anything about that, he purposes just yesterday, and this morning he comes with the engagement ring.
When we went to see the new house, we saw the rooms he has prepared for us; was one bracelet, and red roses in each one.
The roses had already lost theirs petals, but still there.
Only the day before yesterday, he gave the bracelet to his daughter, and get her opinion, about offering me the other one.
Yesterday he gave me the bracelet, and looking very timorous, he said; Amélia I would like to give you other jewel; and trying to read my mind, he furthers it, by asking, do you accept it?
I said yes; we went to give the news to Joan, all of us talk together, and this morning he came with the ring.
We just agree to speak by phone, and will decide, how things would be.
Who will move, Deborah asks?
He will come to the States, I know that much, may be tomorrow we agree a few more things.
Deborah went Home and told the story to Dave; going back to the time Amy was just a child. He just answers; poor Amy.
On the next day Jonah call again; Joan had gone to see the baby, and Amy was alone; for the first time in close to twenty years, they have the chance to speak freely, about their past.
In fact they decided that the twenty years old plan still up to date. He would come to New York, and the wedding will be held as soon as possible; he will male all the papers needed, so she could have everything ready.
Then she will tell him, and e will come as soon as possible.
At that same day Amy told Joan what has been decided, and they passed by Dave`s house, told them how everything will be.
Dave knows he has to be there, it will be simple, and private. Amy had use all her vacation time for the year, has only a few sick days, but she always could arrange for a few more.
In France, Jonah began with the arrangements; he will quit the job when he finds what is the date to go.
He has some investments in banks that send monthly payments directly to his checking account. It was from this same account, the bank uses to transfer the money for his daughter.
He will arrange for the bank, to make transference to a bank in New York.
The house will be for rent, and under the administration of a real state company, that will make monthly deposits in this actual account.
It comes to a point, that if he has to stay long time without working, wouldn`t be a big problem.
He just has to wait for a date.
One day he went to the restaurant where he uses to go, with Mrs. Mathias, and the waiter told him that Mrs. Mathias just left.
She had ask, if he uses to be there; when the waiter reply, that didn`t see him for a while, she just had said, son of....., and walks out in a worry.
He decided not to go there anymore, and began avoiding that area. One thing he doesn`t need now, is for her to make another scene.
For now he has to concentrate in getting everything ready for his departure to the United States.
Would tell only to his brother about the wedding, and may be later he writes to some of his friends, but only from the United States.
He never thought that he could have that kind of problems with a woman. He has to quit his job, and now already is afraid she discovers his address.
Jonah wonders, if she finds out, he is going out of France, she could appear in the Airport on the day he departs.
Looks like Paris was already too small for two people, that use to understand each other, so good; but this time he will be very careful, he works in a plant, and when he gets out, goes directly to his house.
His mother never looks so nervous, when she did all those unspeakable, things.
He didn`t felt comfortable, just trying to avoid somebody, who appears not to have her brains in its right place. Come to his mind, what could been happen, if he had taken Amy and his daughter to the restaurant where he uses to go, and that lady appears there.
In the United States, Amy was happier then use to be, showing the engagement ring to her friends in the office, and people from delegations, that use to contact with her.
When she calls her mother in Atlanta, to tell her that was already back in the United States, was eager to tell her the news.
She asks, mammy see if you can guess what is the principal news, I have for you?
Darwin pause, for a few seconds, and said; you did find a man you like.
Mammy who told you that?
Nobody told me, but the way you sound, seems like happiness had stricken.
But, tell me about that!
Mammy, you know him; I met him in France, I don`t believe you could guess.
Darwin was afraid to say what comes to her mind, but she adventures; somebody who rises from the dead.
Again, mammy?
I`m becoming afraid, you are a fortuneteller, in fact looks like somebody who comes from the dead; you sit down before I tell you.
Is he, mammy, is Jonah; but didn`t happen as you are thinking!
He was a victim as I was; I`m so happy mammy. The wedding will be soon, and he is coming to the United States, as soon as I get everything ready for our marriage.
I tell you how everything happens, when we couldn`t find a new address of his family, and how we met now.
Do you believe, he is the father of Joan?
Amy, narrates to her mother, everything about the red book, and how it happens in France.
Darwin was more surprise, the way it happens, that she was to find out that Jonah was alive.
She became very enthusiastic with the wedding. At night, when Jack comes, she explains everything; he listens very attentively, and when she finished, he replies; I hope everything comes right; sometimes when things begin so twisted, it is very difficult to straiten them.
How they plan the wedding?
Darwin told him, everything she found out, and they have to wait to know how things will be.
Didn`t took Amy much time to get everything ready for the wedding.
It will not be so simple as she planed before. The ladies of Saint Patrick, want to have a say on it, and Amy agrees to let them do the planing.
She told Jonah, when everything will be ready, they agree on the date, and the honeymoon will be short, in the suburbs of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Jonah gave the note of resignation to the company, just a month before his departure to the United States, and begun to lose interest on his job.
His mind was on the move, he packed a big box, with his personal and most heavy things, to send by freight, leaving the light stuff to go in his luggage.
When a couple went to see his house to rent it, he said that the furniture, would be sold publicly; the couple became very enthusiastic, and they agree on the sale price, so the things no have to be removed.
Finally he comes to the United States, nine days before the wedding, Amy and Joan wait for him in the Airport, and they ride directly to Amy`s apartment.
Those next few days had been very busy, not only with the finale arrangements, but with the introduction of Jonah to the friends of Amy.
The wedding was a beautiful ceremony in Saint Patrick`s, and the reception was held in a beautiful club, in Mount Vernon.
After they came from the honeymoon, Jack calls them to say, the company has an opening for a nice job; but Jonah refuses, he settled for a job, as foreman, in a Public Works Yard, in the City of New York.
He wants to be near his house permanently, because he had been far away from Amy, long enough.
END
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RED ROSAS |
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