And I think that she’ll be happy to learn I’ve made my decision. Nothing like sitting on a boulder in a thunderstorm and a levelheaded conversation with Sarah to help clear up my thinking. I’m staying in Moss Point one more year. Time to do what I can with Bella, and time to see what other changes may come—changes I haven’t even dreamed about before.
Roderick bounded through the cockpit door, stopping to grab a soda from the small refrigerator. “I have more chocolate, the kind you like.” He reached into the snack cabinet.
“Can’t say no to chocolate.”
He sat across from her and handed her the candy. “I think I owe you an apology. I invited you to Kentucky, and the first time you set foot off Rockwater property was for the foggy drive to the airport this morning. No Paris or Versailles. I fear I kept you captive.”
“Shackled with only bread and water. I can’t wait to report you to the proper authorities.” She unwrapped the chocolate. “Roderick, I had no desire to leave. You and Lilah were grand hosts, treating me like royalty.”
“I intended to take you for a drive over to Paris and out to dinner last night to celebrate your wonderful performance Thursday evening, but it just didn’t happen. Maybe next time.”
She didn’t miss the “next time” part.
“Normally on Fridays, I’m wrapping up all the loose ends of a busy workweek and getting ready for Monday. Caroline, I can’t remember spending a whole day talking like we did yesterday.”
“Oh, but after Thursday night, I was emotionally drained and exhausted. That chair next to the window in the library hugged me all day. I hope it wasn’t too much for you. I’m usually quiet. You can ask Betsy.”
He smiled. “I trust you. I hope I didn’t bore you with talk of business and projects.” He pulled the tab from his soda can.
“Oh, no, I found it extremely fascinating. That’s a new world to me.”
“Well, as much as we talked, there was a very important subject we didn’t address.” He put down the soda can and wiped his hands on the paper napkin.
Caroline swallowed the last bite of chocolate. “Let’s see, we covered everything except how to eradicate kudzu and how to get bakeries to make half loaves of bread again.”
“You have a real knack for deflecting serious conversation with your humor, madam. But you’re not getting away with it this time. We must talk about your compensation for the recital.”
“Compensation?” she said before laughing out loud.
He did not join in her mirth this time.
“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes, businessman serious.”
“Me too.” She sat up straighter in her chair and put on her best I-have-to-be-serious face.
“Oh, but you’re not really serious. You didn’t raise your right eyebrow.”
She laughed again. “You’re right, I can’t be serious about this. Roderick, I would have paid you for the chance to play my piano, and you’re talking about paying me. That’s why I can’t be serious.”
“I didn’t expect you to take four days, come to Kentucky, and do a stellar performance for my friends without compensating you.”
“Sorry. The recital was my gratitude for your allowing me to play the piano. And you cannot repay gratitude with money, Roderick.”
“I sit fully chastised and corrected.”
“Besides, now I can say I’ve been to Kentucky. Let’s just say we’re even.” She raised her right eyebrow and extended her hand for a handshake.
“Something tells me I’ll never be even with you, Caroline.”
Acer called for Roderick.
“We’ll see about this later.” He returned to the cockpit.
I hope there will be a later. She felt unexpectedly okay with that revelation.
The plane descended, and she could see the ground. As they neared the runway, she spied Sam and Angel leaning against his car at the fence just as Sam had when she left. Sam and Angel were the same, but Caroline wasn’t.
While Acer took Ray, the airport manager, and Sam aboard the jet to satisfy their curiosity, Roderick took Caroline’s bags to the car and greeted Angel.
“How can I thank you, Mrs. Meadows, for all your help? That copy you sent of Caroline’s last university recital added quite a nice touch to the program and surprised the guest artist, I might add,” he said, smiling at Caroline.
“Well, this precious girl has needed a few surprises.” Angel hugged Caroline. “I’ll admit, though, Sam threatened me with the duct tape. It’s hard for me to keep secrets. Well, tell me, how did she play?”
“A notch or two above adequate,” Caroline answered quickly.
“Shush, girl, I’ll get your version later, and I already knew what you’d say. I’d like to hear Mr. Adair’s response.”
“Please, call me Roderick. And let’s see . . . My version? Well, this heavenly creature floated in on a pink cloud, and she dazzled the entire crowd with her beauty and her music.” He saw a hint of dimple and the raised eyebrow from Caroline again.
Angel smiled inside and out. “I knew it. I just knew it. I wish I could have been there myself.”
“Enough about me. How are you doing, Angel?”
“Well, sweetie, I’m just as fine as frog hair, and you know how fine that is.”
“You look good.”
Angel wore her muumuu with all the ribbons and buttons. “I’m feeling stronger every day. Sam and Hattie are smothering me with attention, and the doctor says I’m improving right on schedule. Satisfied now?”
“Almost.”
Acer interrupted their conversation, “Mr. Adair, we need to go. Ray says the weather is not improving up our way.”
“Be right there.” Roderick turned to Angel, kissed her cheek like he would have kissed his mother, and said goodbye.
Angel took her cue and went to the car.
Roderick stepped closer to Caroline.
She lifted her head and eyes to see his face, waited, and then extended her hand. “Roderick, thank you for making my world perfect the last few days. This has been a most unusual and fulfilling experience for me, and I have you to thank.”
“You have brought music and laughter and warmth to Rockwater and to me—and to Lilah, I might add. I think your fan club might have a new president.”
“She’s a dear one, and so devoted to you.”
“Don’t know what I’d do without her. I know you’re in limbo right now about your future, but I know you’ll make the right decisions.”
“A trout stream provides fresh perspective, you know.” She wanted so much to tell him of her decision, but she knew not to let the words slip from her mouth. Once gone, she couldn’t bring them back.
“I’ll be in touch, Caroline, and until I see you again, you’ll be lovely to remember.” He kissed her hand.
“Thank you, Roderick. Thank you for everything.”
With a last smile, he turned to walk away. He was halfway to the plane when she called to him. “Don’t disturb the fish population too much, and take care of my . . . Take care of the piano.” She waved and walked to the car, finding herself strangely reluctant to get in.
“Quick, before Sam gets back: did you dance?” Angel asked in an excited, adolescent schoolgirl whisper.
“In my heart, Angel. In my heart. But you’ll be happy to know I laughed from the inside out.”
Caroline watched Roderick climb the steps to the plane. He turned and waved one more time before closing the door.
Angel and Sam were nonstop questions all the way home, but something—perhaps caution—kept them from asking about Roderick. Caroline described Rockwater and told them of her activities.
“Well, you must know you’ve been the talk of the town,” Sam said.
“I figured as much when I saw three heads duck in Polly’s van Tuesday as we pulled out of the driveway.”
“Yep, GiGi’s been up to her usual. Of course, when Brother Andy explained your absence at choir rehearsal Wednesd
ay night, he poured a little more fuel on the fire.” Angel chuckled.
“Then Ray came down to the Café on the Square to drink coffee with the boys Thursday morning and told them about this private jet. And poor Ned and Fred, why, they’ve been worried silly about you. They even came by earlier this morning to see if you had gotten back home safely.”
“Well, I’m back to reality in Moss Point.” Caroline smiled with secret thoughts running through her mind.
“What about coming up for supper? Hattie has enough food in my refrigerator to feed Pharaoh’s army,” Angel said.
“You know, I think I will. I’ll unpack my things and make a couple of calls. Then I’ll be up.”
Inside the stillness of her studio, Caroline put her bags on the bed and started the unpacking. It had been more enjoyable to pack, especially with Gretchen’s help. She really wanted to call Gretchen but refrained, thinking that Mr. Silva might be home on the weekend. She would wait until Monday.
She opened her garment bag. On top was a plain white envelope with something handwritten inside. She opened it, hoping it was another surprise from Roderick.
Dear Caroline,
I write this Thursday evening, still in the afterglow of your recital. I asked Lilah to make certain this note was in your bag before you left. You were so drained that I decided to write these things for your reading when you were more rested.
You were simply dazzling this evening. I sat tearfully absorbing your music, remembering times when my mother’s music filled the hallways at Rockwater.
Your warmth and vitality bring life wherever you are. Thank you for coming and for the gift that you’ve been to my brother the past few days. He needed to hear the music again.
I sense the responsibility you have regarding Bella, and I’ve heard your questioning. My offer to help is sincere. I have enclosed my card. Please call me when you’d like to talk further.
I have many reasons to think we’ll be friends and that we will see each other in the days ahead. Thank you again for your music and for giving Roderick and me opportunities to remember sweeter times.
Warmly,
Sarah
Caroline read and reread the note. Her trip had been far more than she’d expected.
When she’d put everything away, she made herself a cup of tea and went to the phone to listen to her messages. Her mom and Betsy wanting full reports; Wyatt Spencer wanting her to call back as soon as she got in; Dr. Martin inquiring about the reunion with her piano; Delia Mullins wanting a return call; Brother Andy with some changes in tomorrow’s worship service. She truly was home again. But home looked different somehow after her Rockwater experience.
She phoned her mom and Betsy and gave them abbreviated accounts. Betsy quickly halted Caroline’s report and began asking questions. Caroline was cautious because Betsy knew her too well. There was an unspoken conversation between them that wasn’t ready to be voiced.
Wyatt Spencer wanted to set a time to meet with her and Bella. Caroline had learned from Sarah to proceed with caution.
She simply was not ready to return Delia’s call, but she had to. She didn’t want to chance running into her tomorrow at church. She told Delia there was really nothing of interest to the Moss Point readers unless she wanted a copy of the recital program. Delia pushed and Caroline stood firm. Delia finally gave in and said she would just take a copy of the program. Caroline was home free. Few in Moss Point would read an article when they saw names like Beethoven and Bartók.
Monday morning’s first call came from Gretchen. Eager to hear all about the trip, she and Bella were at the back door within minutes of hanging up the phone. Caroline greeted them, and all three headed for the kitchen to start the teakettle. She was surprised Bella did not make a beeline for the piano.
Bella carried a hatbox. Gretchen took it from her and gently placed it on the breakfast table. The box was covered in fabric pansies. The seams and edges of the box were outlined and decorated in a narrow, deep-purple ribbon topped with a gold braid.
“Oh, this box is beautiful. Gretchen, where did you find something like this?”
“Find it? I did not find it. Do you remember the day you dropped your favorite teapot with the pansies on it?”
“Oh, yes, I remember.”
“And you told me that pansies were the symbol of friendship. I found this beautiful fabric and covered the box for you. Please open it.”
Caroline nodded and picked up the box. “It’s heavy. What’s inside?”
“I made the box, but Bella made what is inside. Open with care.”
Caroline untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. She carefully removed the crinkled-up brown grocery bags protecting the contents. Something solid sat in the center of the box. She lifted it and began unwrapping it. The last layer of brown paper revealed a remarkable work of art.
The sculptured piece, ten to twelve inches high, was a mold of a delicate hand holding a heart. With a more careful look, Caroline recognized shards of her broken teapot. She was stunned. Her questioning eyes forced Gretchen to speak.
“Bella loves puzzles, and to her, your broken teapot was like a puzzle she could put together. She made the mold of her hand from papier-mâché. I mixed the plaster for her, and she shaped the piece bit by bit, adding the broken pieces of china before the plaster dried.”
“Oh my, I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Gretchen took the piece from Caroline’s hands and positioned it on the counter with the hand facing upward, showing the heart gently cradled in the palm. “This is how it should be displayed. Notice right here at the top and center of the heart, Bella put an opening. I didn’t understand why, but there is no coaxing her when she is creating. A couple of days after the piece dried, I found flowers in the opening. She made the heart to hold your blossoms.”
“I don’t know what to say. I’ve never had a gift like this before. Not in my whole life have I been given such a treasure.”
“You had the treasure all along, Caroline. It was a teapot, but it was broken and you assumed it was destroyed. But now it’s been made into a new treasure for you.”
“Yes, and it’s more beautiful than it ever was,” said Caroline as tears moistened her cheeks, “because it’s been touched by your hands, Gretchen, and by your hands, Bella. It’s such a treasure.” She hugged them both.
“Did you hear yourself, Caroline? You said, ‘It’s more beautiful than it ever was.’ Remember, that’s how God works. He sweeps up all the broken pieces and puts them back together again.”
The tears that had only moistened Caroline’s cheeks now streamed down her face. The last few days had churned her emotions—playing her piano, completing “David’s Song,” and meeting Roderick. Her joy in what the future might hold had been clouded by fear and thoughts of her unfaithfulness to her love for David. It all seemed to erupt in this moment. “My life has been so broken. David disappeared in the jungle, and I disappeared in my music. I kept asking God why, and I never got the answer.”
“That’s because you’re asking the wrong question, Caroline.”
Bella stood quietly. Gretchen took Caroline’s hands and moved her to sit at the breakfast table. Caroline wiped the tears from her cheeks with the palm of her hand. “But I still don’t know why God would do such a thing.”
“You’re assuming He did it.”
“Well, if He didn’t, He surely could have prevented it.”
“Yes, He could. Not everything that happens is caused by God, Caroline. Sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes evil just steps in. But God’s always present to pick up the pieces. Look around you. God gave you your perfect studio. He gave you Sam and Angel and your family and your students. You’re not alone.”
“I know, and I’m ashamed for not being more grateful.” Caroline wiped her eyes.
“Do not be ashamed, Caroline. You’ve been broken, and I know about that. But remember, God is a potter and He takes the lumps of clay that we are and shapes
them into vessels that can hold Him. When our vessels get broken, He just puts them back together again. It may take time, and it might not look just the same, but He’ll fix it. Just like Bella. Look what she did. Your teapot’s no longer a teapot, but it will hold beautiful flowers. Do you think God will do less with your life?”
“How did you become so wise, my friend?”
“Wise? Oh, not me. Whatever I know—it’s from living and looking and listening to God.”
“I want to hear Him again like I used to. I’ve just been in so much pain. I’ve stayed near people who hear Him and obey. I watch them and listen to them.”
“You’ve been wondering where He went. Your heart was so full of sadness and your mind was so filled with questions that you couldn’t hear Him. But He went nowhere, just waited for you to return. One day, when it is right, I’ll tell you the rest of my story. Then you’ll see how I know.”
“You’re such a gift to me—the two of you. Maybe God is using some of the broken pieces of your life to mend mine.”
Gretchen smiled quietly as Caroline examined Bella’s work of art once again.
“Bella, would you like to play the piano?” Caroline asked.
Bella flashed a huge, surprising smile and headed straight for the keyboard.
“Gretchen, would you like to sit and listen, or would you like to go out on the terrace?”
“I think I should like to have our tea on the terrace to hear about your trip.”
The morning sun still hiding behind the magnolia tree provided shade for the terrace. Gretchen allowed Caroline to tell her all about the trip without interruption. She told her about Sarah McCollum. “I think that Dr. McCollum will help us, Gretchen.”
Gretchen finally commented, “I think maybe Dr. McCollum is another answer to my prayer. I knew that God would provide in His time.”
“We need to move slowly and very deliberately through the next few months. Sarah affirmed what we already know about Bella, and she also knows that as people learn about Bella, your life will change.”
Return of the Song Page 34