by Anne B. Cole
“We can stay as long as you want.” His words were comforting, giving her the decision. She was compelled to go, needed to go, but knew Theo would leave her. She didn’t understand why that terrified her.
Taking a deep breath, she stood. Her legs wobbled. The trees and fields around them began to spin. When Theo steadied her by the arm, she didn’t cringe. He supported her down the path she had taken hundreds of times throughout her life. This time, however, she felt different, much different. As they approached the store, Anya froze.
Theo’s touch tightened, encouraged her on, but Anya refused to go closer. She heard Theo’s deep voice call out. Familiar footsteps came rushing to the door. Alec burst through, engulfing her in his arms.
“Please, tell me you’re all right.”
Anya nodded as she pressed her face against him. She felt safe, safe with Alec.
“I’ll never forgive myself for this,” his voice resonated in her head.
“It’s not your fault,” Anya murmured.
Alec rocked slowly, holding her tight. Now that she had found her voice, she glanced around for Theo. Like Lorenzo, he was gone. She felt herself begin to tremble.
“Theo,” Alec’s voice boomed.
Theo instantly appeared from around the bend. The back of his hand touched her cheek as Alec lowered her to the ground. The urge to run returned, stronger than ever. When she realized she was pressing her face against Theo’s hand, she jerked away.
“She needs water and rest. Have someone stay close. Assure her that she’s safe.” Theo then turned to Alec. He spoke a few words, inaudible to her.
Afraid of what he might have told Alec, Anya again lost her ability to speak.
Sadness filled Alec’s eyes. “Thank you, Theo.” Alec lifted Anya to her feet.
Theo watched them. When she did not waver, he tipped his hat and walked away.
Alec loosened his hold. “Come now. Your mother is better today.” He squeezed her hand then let it go.
Instantly, fear returned. Lorenzo and Theo were both gone. Alec had to care for Mama. Anya grabbed his hand as they went to the house. She needed to be strong for Mama.
Chapter 24
Letters
The days grew shorter, the winds brisk. The warm days dwindled as autumn began. Mama’s life paralleled the weather, gradually changing with fewer bright days and, more fierce ones. The only difference was that spring would return after the cold winter. Mama would not.
With one month to wait for Lorenzo’s return, Anya sat in church, alone. Mass was over. Yia Yia helped Henry gather and replace extinguished candles. Alec remained at home, tending Mama. Anya returned to her knees to pray.
A young couple approached the priest near the front of the church. Seeing them took her thoughts back to September.
Michalis, the merchant ship captain, came to the store with an invitation to Anna and Daniel’s wedding. Mama pressed Anya to go with Henry and Yia Yia. Alec hesitantly permitted. It was her first trip to Athens since she was a baby. With so many buildings and people, how different it was from their small island.
Daniel and Matthew had met them at the dock and escorted them to their home. Anna and Kaiti were thrilled to see them, insisting that Anya be included in the wedding preparations.
Lydia had skipped into the room, wearing Lorenzo’s hat with the biggest smile ever until she realized he wasn’t present.
Anya took her hand, explaining that he was with his navy ship, but a little part of him was always with her. She shook her head disagreeing. Anya told her that if she closed her eyes when the sun touched her face, she could feel him. Reluctantly Lydia removed the hat and faced a sun ray, which beamed through a window. At first, her expression didn’t change but then the corners of her mouth turned up. Anya squeezed her hand. She could feel him too.
The girls’ happiness was evident. Together they stitched dresses, planned the dinner menu, and chatted endlessly about their futures. The camaraderie of sisters was something Anya had no prior knowledge of. It soothed her fears.
The night before the wedding, the men took Daniel away as Anya ushered Anna upstairs. She combed her hair, pinning it in curls as Mama had done hers. With Anna, she revisited the good memories. The painful ones of Lorenzo leaving, of what happened that day, and of Mama’s illness were all pushed back. And then it happened.
Anya held her breath. Am I imaging things? Anna eyed her suspiciously when it happened again. Fear engulfed her mind as she hugged herself. What if? Anya gathered every bit of strength she had and revealed her news to Anna.
Anya leaned back against the church pew. Her knees were beginning to ache, but Yia Yia was not finished helping Henry. She reached into her apron pocket, fingers curling around a worn letter. She had read it over and over until she committed it to memory in both English and Greek.
In mid-October, Michalis had visited to deliver the letter in person. Lorenzo penned English on one side. A Greek translation was on the other. Anya had flipped the letter over several times to understand each and every word.
September 26, 1829
Athens
My Dearest Anya,
Time goes by ever so slowly without you. I thought it would get easier, yet I long for you more every day.
Pirate activity has slowed. Our duties have been refocused primarily to special cargo on American ships. We stopped in Athens overnight to purchase supplies.
To my surprise, Kaiti and Matthew met me on the dock and took me to their home. Lydia clung to my leg. She told me she felt me every time the sun warmed her face. My heart nearly stopped beating. Kaiti explained that you had come to Athens for Anna and Daniel’s wedding. I missed you by three days. I cannot describe the disappointment in my heart.
Before I left, Anna took me aside and shared your news. I became the happiest man alive! I want to hold you, to love you like never before. In less than three months, I will be at your side. I will request to be dropped off as close to Milos as possible. My release date is December ninth. Michalis often travels during the winter months. If I cannot find him, I will find another ship to take me to you.
Soon we’ll be together. Give my love to Tatiana, Katarina, Henry, and Alec.
My love is forever yours,
Lorenzo
PS: Anna promised to rewrite this in Greek and send it on the next merchant ship to Milos. I pray you receive it.
Kneeling, with his letter clutched in her hands, Anya closed her eyes to pray. A faint smell of smoke drew her attention. It was not the familiar scent of lingering incense or extinguished candles, so she opened her eyes. Theo knelt next to her, his head bowed in prayer. She searched frantically for Lorenzo. Theo turned to her, shaking his head.
“I’m deeply sorry. I failed.” He handed her a letter and folded his hands, returning to prayer.
Sinking to the pew, her heart skipped a beat. Her name, beautifully written in Lorenzo’s hand, graced the front. Anya slid trembling fingers underneath the seal. She flipped the letter over, gasping softly. No translation.
October 23, 1829
Sicily
My Dearest Anya,
I love you. I hope this letter finds you well. I’m with Theo. I agreed to his plan to ‘kidnap’ me. I made a mistake. I should have confided our plan with Thomas. I was wrong. Thomas is a good shot. The bullet in Theo’s leg was removed. I asked Theo to stay with you until I return to Milos. I count the days. Be strong, Anya.
With all my love,
Lorenzo
Anya read it over and over. There were only three words she could not translate. Theo remained deep in prayer. After what seemed like hours, he lifted his head, blessed himself, and eased into the pew next to her. Anya could tell by his movements that his left leg pained him. Lorenzo wrote the letter over four weeks ago. The wound must
have been bad.
Pointing to the first word she didn’t understand, she raised her eyes to Theo. He studied her for a minute then gazed at the letter.
“Mistake,” Theo translated.
Lorenzo blamed himself for the failure. Anya pointed to a word in the next sentence.
“Confided,” he replied, appearing upset.
The last word she didn’t understand concerned her the most.
“Removed,” Theo stated softly.
Anya closed her eyes, thankful the bullet was out and not something worse. She folded the letter and carefully placed it with the first inside her pocket.
Theo stood, offering his hand. Anya placed hers in his, grateful for his support. Her shawl remained in the pew. Bending over to pick it up, she felt a sharp kick in her ribs. She rubbed where a tiny foot had just been.
Theo’s brow rose. His mouth dropped open. Anya looked to her feet, but all she could see was her protruding abdomen. A long moment of silence had passed before Theo continued.
“Lorenzo wants me to make certain you’re safe. If that’s what you wish, I will stay.” At the deep sound of his voice, the baby kicked harder, causing Anya to take in a sudden breath.
Theo stepped closer. His hand remained in hers as she clutched her midsection. Another kick, the hardest yet, struck their hands. His face lit up.
“He likes you. Mama said the baby is a boy.” Theo took his hand away at the sound of her voice. Anya smiled just a little. Theo would protect her and the baby until Lorenzo returned.
The next several weeks were difficult. Mama’s illness progressed. The twenty-fifth of December arrived. Despite Alec’s protests, Mama insisted on going to church. He carried her the entire distance. Theo offered his assistance, but Alec refused since Mama did not weigh more than a sack of barley.
After mass, the priest gave Mama a special blessing. Alec held Mama, Henry held Yia Yia, and Anya held the baby within her womb. She felt a desperate need to run away from her fear and sadness, but she could never leave her mother.
That evening Mama took Anya’s hands then closed her eyes. After a minute, she announced, “Lorenzo and Anya will soon be together.” A single tear trickled down her thin, pale face. More tears ran down Yia Yia’s. Anya shed tears of joy and tears of heartache. Mama’s foresight gave her the hope and strength she so desperately needed.
Hours later, the Lord took Mama in her sleep. Alec held her all night. Mama was not afraid. Her pain was over. However, theirs continued. Months ago, Yia Yia had confided that when her husband died she hurt terribly. But when Jozef died, her own son, part of her died, too. A hole formed in her heart, one that could never be filled.
Anya’s heart ached, but it could not compare to Yia Yia’s pain. The hole in Yia Yia’s heart had doubled.
At the church, they stood outside long after Mama was lowered into the ground. Alec and Theo knelt on either side of Mama’s grave. Anya stood next to Yia Yia and Henry. A young man approached. He gave his condolences to Yia Yia then turned to Anya.
“Mrs. Taylor?” his voice clearly identified him as American. “Your husband asked me to deliver this to you.”
Anya accepted the letter, stepping away from the group. Theo had taught her much English over the last month while they worked in the store. She had little trouble reading it.
December 1, 1829
Malta
My Dearest Anya,
I pray this letter finds you and our baby well. I love you both more than I can write in words. I was released by Captain Kearny today and reassigned to a final tour. Thomas and I must travel to the States with an American merchant ship. The cargo we will guard is a secret, even to us. Once we port in Virginia, I will be free of all naval obligations. I will immediately seek a ship back to Milos and never leave your side again.
Sadly, travel is much slower in the winter months. I hope to arrive by the end of January. Give my love to all.
Love Always and Forever,
Lorenzo
Anya read the letter over again. Lorenzo was going to America. Crossing the ocean this time of year was very dangerous. He would do so twice. She took comfort in her mother’s final foresight. They would soon be together. Anya knew she could wait another month.
A gust of bitter wind nearly blew the letter out of her hands. Anya shivered, making her way back to Mama’s grave. Alec and Theo remained kneeling. Anya felt alone for the first time since Theo’s arrival. Despair filled her. He always seemed to understand her thoughts and feelings even before she did. Over the last few weeks, Theo had grown close to Mama. He read passages from the Bible to her as Alec and Anya were unable to read the Latin words.
Her hand suddenly touched Theo’s shoulder. Despite her grief, she wanted to console him. His eyes blinked then reached hers. The lost look on his face changed to concern, concern for her. He blessed himself then slowly stood, staring back at the uneven ground.
Anya spoke to Alec, but he didn’t seem to hear. A single tear rolled down his cheek. Anya had never felt another’s pain like this before. She became light-headed as sorrow filled her heart. The feeling of Theo’s grasp on her arm, guiding her away from the others, brought her around.
“You shouldn’t be out in this cold.” He wrapped her shawl tighter. Instead of feeling comforted, hopelessness and despair filled her heart. She jerked away in a sudden burst of fear. Theo’s forehead creased. “I will tell the others we’re leaving.” He turned, heading toward Yia Yia and Henry.
“Don’t leave me. We must go,” Anya begged as tears streamed down her cheeks. She had to get away. The desperate feeling to flee resurfaced with a vengeance. Theo immediately walked her home.
Anya didn’t understand. Lorenzo’s letter should have given her hope, not sadness. She did not share the letter with Theo for she sensed his despair was equivalent to hers.
Where are you, Sam?
Chapter 25
The Promise
The sea calmed. The cold, blustery winds had finally ceased. Everyone aboard the clipper welcomed the clear blue skies. A fierce storm delayed the small ship from departing Crete for three days. He had no idea this journey would be so difficult, so demanding, both mentally and physically.
He studied his hands. They were much stronger than in the beginning. Raw blisters had scabbed over. Calluses formed, protecting against the ropes, which he held firm. The work was hard but worth it. The money he had brought from the States ran out long before he reached Crete. For over a week, he worked tirelessly at the dock for anyone who would pay him. Each night he counted his earnings, bought a little food, and fell asleep for a few hours. He returned at dawn to do it all over again. He had promised that he would arrive as soon as possible.
The captain of the ship was fair but failed to relay that he had no provisions for workers, only for paying passengers. He had enough money for the fare, but his destination was not Athens. The captain said he would take him to Milos for all the money he had plus work on deck. He had readily agreed. He would do anything to get there.
Hours remained. The clipper would reach the island before sundown. His heart broke at the thought. He tried to picture in his mind what Anya might look like. She would be eight months pregnant. He remembered his mother before his sister was born. She was huge, swollen, nothing like her normal self. He was certain Anya would be beautiful despite her shape or size.
The storms were over. Nothing stood in his way. His excitement grew as he never dreamed he would live anywhere but Virginia. How quickly things changed. He made a promise, one that he would keep. He would stay in Milos as long as Anya wanted.
“Milos,” a crewman called out from his lookout.
He turned in the direction the man pointed. A small island came into view. They sailed on toward his final destination, his long journey nearly over. With tears in
his eyes, he bowed his head in thanks to God.
Small fishing vessels were docked with larger ships anchored in the distance. He quickly thanked the captain and hurried toward the village. Within minutes, he stood in front of the store. He took a deep breath and touched the soft pouch that hung around his neck. He rubbed it between his fingers, gently outlining its contents. Not once had he opened it. Even when he had no money, he never considered selling or trading its contents. Slowly, he took the pouch off and placed it inside his pocket. After another deep breath, he opened the door to the store.
From behind the counter, a huge man watched him enter. “My God, Lor—” He froze then slowly closed the ledger he was writing in. “What can I get you?” he continued dejectedly in English.
This must be Alec. He stared back, walking slowly to the counter. “I cannot pay but will work for a drink.”
The Greek man eyed him suspiciously. “I have work to be done.”
He nodded his head in thanks without looking up. “A double of the strongest you have.”
The storekeeper reached for a bottle that appeared untouched for months. Dark amber liquid flowed into two glasses. The familiar scent of bourbon gave him courage. Lifting his glass, he downed it in one gulp.
“I’m looking for a woman named Tatiana,” he struggled to keep his tone even and without emotion. The huge man’s eyes narrowed in anger, then sadness. Taking his time, the Greek man drank his entire glass before responding.
“Tatiana has been dead for some time.” His voice wavered with pain.
In response, the young man gripped his glass, cringing at the news.
Glasses were refilled, but he found it impossible to drink. He bowed his head in silence for several moments. “Sir, I’m terribly sorry.” The young man glanced around the store after rubbing a hand over his face. “Is her daughter here?”