by Linda Gerald
ELEVEN: TOAST
The end of the year remained planned for some time. Although Don Donahue was not a part of their small group of friends, they invited him to their New Year’s Eve dinner party. Harry continued to reach out to the nasty, sensitive man.
Their intimate group of friends delighted Elizabeth. What beautiful evenings they shared since meeting the three couples who composed their inner circle. Sure, they had many “companions,” but only six real friends. Those, who seemed to love and accept them despite their many faults.
Time flew quickly past. Elizabeth had now lived at Mr. Grover’s home for almost four months. They established their pattern and schedule for life. Gladly, she accepted Harry’s insistences that she would not work in “his” house. Each day spent together; the couple enjoyed their life. Elizabeth especially loved the nights in the City. There, they attended musicals and enjoyed excellent dinners. Many times, they revisited the Met. She enjoyed the tours, on their own, with the digital guide.
This evening would hold Elizabeth’s first party. Dottie’s help was all that she needed. Most of the food, Elizabeth and Miss Dottie prepared together. They spent days planning the menu. Harry shook his head at the laughter which happily bounced from the red walls. Life was jubilant and complete once again. Each day, several times each day, he thought of his beautiful Edwina. However, such thoughts no longer shrouded him in sadness and melancholy.
Days instead were spent with the young Elizabeth. Together, they played golf. She seemed to possess a talent. Lessons, at the club, intensified her game. She was a formidable player now. Just wait until spring when she had hours of sunlight to practice.
Long walks, around the estate, were treasured; as they laughed over the previous evening. Miss Dottie was loving, as her eyes glowed with mischief. Her jokes were legendary. They had become a small but happy little family.
Elizabeth studied the dining room table. It was without flaws. Dottie always had such great ideas. Simple arrangements, of white calla lilies, adorned the red damask cloth. There was enough food for an army instead of the three couples and Don Donahue. Now, much more confident than her previous interaction, she still was not sure that she could spend an evening with one so difficult as Harry’s oldest friend. She seldom had any interactions with him.
Don was dating Gloria Johnson but had not asked to bring her tonight. That was just as well, neither Harry nor Elizabeth understood the bizarre personality of Don’s friend. Elizabeth removed a piece of lint from the table as she sighed. Gloria always appeared nervous and moody.
“What was that sigh about, my Elizabeth?” The young woman smiled contently at Harry’s question.
“I was thinking how perfect the end of the year would be if I didn’t have to face him.”
Harry knew who she meant. He gently hugged her. Their relationship had not changed very much in all of the past months. Instead, they maintained a deep friendship. They had kissed a few times, but it had not seemed right. They were always together. Elizabeth thought back on some of his earlier promises such as never trying to seduce her, or use her in any way. He had been true to his words. All the things, which he spoke, he fulfilled.
“Come on, Elizabeth; we have discussed the life out of this. I thought we had decided to share our joy. We don’t need to be afraid of anyone. Least of all Don Donahue is not someone whom we need to avoid. Come on, let’s share our happiness.”
“Enchanted has filled with joy and laughter again. Elegant parties fill her quiet passages. All of this is a source of joy. Don’t forget that I have a big surprise for your birthday on the second day of April.” He smiled mysteriously.
They attempted to make Elizabeth’s life just like everyone else’s. Together, they decided that April was the perfect month to celebrate her birth, even though they had no clue about the actual date. They guessed that she must be around forty, so this birthday held importance.
He had, indeed, scheduled a tremendous surprise for her. Four more months, if they maintained the joy which seemed to penetrate their lives, he would show her the true depth of his feelings. Three months of bliss, since they met at the Metropolitan. Elizabeth bloomed from an emotional, scared young woman into a confident and charming one. Harry was so proud of her accomplishments. His life filled with laughter and delight once again.
As he turned to Dottie, who just entered, Elizabeth hugged him gently. Dottie smiled at this rare display of affection.
“Come on, Miss Elizabeth, kiss him once. You can do better than that scrimpy old hug.”
Elizabeth blushed, as usual, at the taunts of Miss Dottie. Immediately, the two began critiquing the table. Harry waved, as he picked up the car keys. He had promised to purchase some wine and champagne for the party.
Harry drove his car slowly to the store. Grover smiled at the change in his life. Once, he thought that he would never be able to find love and contentment. How quickly, his life had changed.
He slowed down a little, as he passed Don Donahue’s house. Suddenly, Don’s blue Jaguar came charging at him. The car missed him by inches. He could see the sharp teeth of his once best friend. Swerving off the road, he barely missed an oncoming truck. Anger filled him. What was wrong with Don?
“Hey, neighbor, I don’t call you friend anymore, since I guess that we aren’t. Where’s ‘hot stuff’?” Don yelled nastily.
“You know what Don, I don’t need your cheap insults about Elizabeth. Please don’t refer to her in such a demeaning way. Apparently, your jealousy is deeper than I ever thought.”
“You think that I am jealous of that? Please! Edwina was a reason to be jealous. She was a real woman. That is just a slip of a woman not a whole one like Edwina and my Gloria.”
His yellowed teeth, from all of the red wine, were disgusting. Harry could not believe that the two men were once the best of friends. Now, they detested each other.
“Okay, Don, maybe you should not come tonight. No one was looking forward to an evening with your caustic remarks. I’m sorry, this was not a good idea.”
“Oh, you don’t need to apologize. I didn’t want to come. My plans were just to bring a little class to this fateful evening. Does she even know how to give a party? You should be happy that Edwina worked with Dottie. At least, she knows how to entertain.” Again, his disgusting laugh.
Harry thought about punching his once friend but knew that would only upset Elizabeth. Don stumbled out of his car and staggered toward Harry. Apparently, he was drinking again. Don put his hands on the door of Harry’s car.
“At least, I have a real woman. Gloria is not only beautiful but capable of conducting a proper conversation. She is substantially different from your little friend; everyone laughs at Elizabeth’s inability to carry on a conversation. What do the two of you discuss?”
“Don, you are not privy to anything in my life anymore. Take your angry insults and shove them.”
He wanted to say much more. As he drove angrily away, he thought about Elizabeth. Maybe he should have told Don that he adored this stranger. It was the time to face his feelings. With Elizabeth by his side, he could face anything or anyone. Harry had joy back in his life and determined to surround his new love with the same feelings that she had given to him.
Later in the evening, Harry felt the excitement of the end of the year. He always had a tingling as an old year left and a new one entered. What wonder did this new year hold? Studying himself, in the mirror, he approved. Harry dressed in a dark cashmere sweater and linen slacks. The white shirt, under the sweater, looked perfect. Quietly, he descended the stairs. It surprised him to see his love standing by the front door. She was facing a large window. As she turned, he lost his breath.
Her resemblance to Edwina was staggering. She dressed in a bright cobalt blue gown covered in tiny sparkling rhinestones. Her dress was an eye catcher. She pulled her long dark hair from her small face with a large silver comb. The effect was extraordinary. He sighed. When would he finally tell her that he didn’t ca
re about her past; he wanted her future? There would be such relief when they could stop worrying about “what if.” What if she was married or had children? The possibilities were endless and mind-blowing. He wasn’t sure when he became aware of his love for her, but it was recent.
Her smile enveloped him into her very essence. Connected by a bond that no one could break, at least not in this world. His arms encircled her small frame. Briefly, they were lost in the smells and feelings of only each other. Gently, she kissed his lips. He always thought of a small child when he held her. Innocence and vulnerability caused a desire to protect and cherish her.
All too quickly, Dottie George pranced into the room. Here was another part of the equation for his happy home. He and Elizabeth loved this zany woman. Her presence brought such joy to them. She had a soothing effect that few could muster. Their arms pulled her into their hug. No one spoke for the longest time.
“I want you both to know that if I die tomorrow, don’t cry for me. Remember, I found heaven on this earth, at least for a while. That is something that few can say. Eh?” He smiled tenderly at the two women whom he loved most.
The door bell rang, and the party started. One by one, the other three couples arrived with bottles of wine and small presents for their hostess. Each understood the importance of establishing good friends. The sort of friends that you trusted to have your back or be there when you needed help. This group knew that they were blessed. Love of God, country, mate, family, and friends drove each of them daily.
Profuse hugs and kisses greeted each arriving partier. After all, who could ever receive too many hugs and kisses? The background music was the Platters. When they cooed, “Enchanted,” no one spoke. Instead, they swayed together, as a group, to the delightful harmony. It may appear silly, but no one cared.
Once the song was over, small groups softly broke apart and quietly talked. Not one of these friends was overly loud or demanding. A rare occurrence, this was a group of people who cared and listened. Instead of biding time, while someone else talked, they listened and valued what each was saying.
Slowly, this particular evening slipped past, until a large clock somewhere down the hall beckoned the bewitching hour of midnight. Just as they hugged and toasted their wishes for future joy and continued success, a loud polarizing sound erupted outside. They looked at each other in horror. It sounded like gun shots.
The men grabbed their coats, from the hall closet, and ran outside. Was that crazy Joe Johnson drunk and hunting on Harry’s property again? All the women, also hurried out, wrapped in beautiful long capes and stylish covers.
All looked up into the sky at the beautiful explosions filling the darkness. The twinkling stars paled in comparison to the showers of colorful patterns of light filling the night air. Never had there been anything to compare with the fireworks offered before them. As the evening revelers caught their breath, they spied a small boat on the lake by Harry’s home. Two men waved. They had set the fireworks from the vessel.
Across the water stood a couple. They were standing close to each other for warmth. Finally, the man waved to the group. Harry knew instantly; it was Don Donahue. He waved back to his once friend.
Slowly, as if to avoid confrontation, the couple approached the group. Not a word uttered. Everyone waited for Harry’s response. They all knew of the rift between the two friends since the arrival of Elizabeth. There was no contest for the loyalty of this group. They loved the young woman with no memory.
Finally, Harry yelled, “That was some fine pyrotechnical display. Thank you for doing this Don. You and Gloria have made a fantastic night even more memorable. Won’t you come inside and join us for a final toast?”
Don only smiled and walked with Gloria inside. His demeanor seemed almost humble. They appeared grateful for the inclusion. If they had friends, no one knew who they were. Don played golf, with a small group, but did not seem included in other activities. He was either alone or only with Gloria. Harry felt sorry for his previous friend. He walked toward him with a smile and a glass of champagne. Elizabeth carried one for Gloria. The four hugged quickly and lifted their glasses to each other, but a toast did not occur.
Soon, all the others excused themselves except Don and Gloria. The evening ended on a somber note. It was not sad; the ending was thoughtful. All of the other friends desired to spend a little time with their partner.
Harry quickly tired of the company. Don never knew when to leave. Now, all of his irritating faults arose to Harry’s mind. Briefly, he had considered asking him for a game of golf the next day but quickly changed his mind. On and on the tedious conversation of Don echoed through the room.
Did Donahue not notice that no one else was speaking? Finally, Elizabeth yawned and excused herself. The kind smiles previously bestowed were replaced by Donahue with a snarly look of resentment.
“Go on upstairs, Liz. You are a child and unable to stay up with the likes of us.” His smirk appeared out of place.
“I agree with Elizabeth; the night has been long. Let us say, ‘Adieu.’” Harry tired.
Donahue pushed Gloria toward the door. He whispered under his breath. Yes, something was broken in this man. Elizabeth felt fear around him not for the first time.
TWELVE: ANOTHER EVE
One thousand two-hundred and one miles away, another couple joyfully celebrated New Year’s Eve. Jackson smiled, as he watched his new love interact with his two children. Last year, he celebrated the New Year with his wife of twelve years. This young father had thought that they were happy. How quickly things changed? Christine, his wife, seemed content all the years they were together. Never did she complain. He knew that she loved him and their two children. He adored her and would do anything to ensure her happiness. What had caused this sudden change in her affection for him?
The change, in their marriage, occurred when Christine insisted that she must go to Las Vegas with four sorority sisters. This plan occurred suddenly. Her behavior became confused and argumentative. He did not want her to go. The weather was predicted to be horrible for that period. He feared for her safety. In their fifteen years together, she never left him. This trip took on such importance that he questioned where she planned to go. The closer, the time to her journey came, the quieter and more withdrawn she became around him. It broke his heart to see their relationship change.
On the day of departure, he begged her not to leave their family. She pushed her bag past him and slammed the door. The children cried that she did not say goodbye to them. During the six coming days, she never phoned to check-in or talk with the family.
On the day that she planned to return, the children hung “welcome-home signs,” on the front door. They bought a small cake. The hours slowly passed. They looked at each other in disbelief. Silently, they ate the cake and went to bed. He pushed the rest of the story from his mind. Now, he flicked a tear from his cheek, as he observed the growing love between Susan and his two children.
Maybe there was a new future waiting for him and his daughters. He desperately hoped that they could move on with their lives. Since the loss of his wife, their futures had been placed on hold. Now, there was a chance of a new life and true happiness, like they once knew. His daughters loved Susan. Her many gifts delighted them. Jackson believed that he comprehended this woman and understood her simple ways. She may not be the beautiful Christine, but she was lovely and kind. Most importantly, his girls loved her.
A silly giggle, from Madeline, pulled his mind back to the present. His girls were playing a board game. Quincey was throwing the dice. All of their heads bowed so seriously. Jackson wondered, at the damage done to the girls by their selfish mother. His world was torn apart when Christine did not return home. Susan had been one of the sorority sisters who accompanied Christine to the meeting in Las Vegas. Her story was deeply disturbing.
According to her, and the police confirmed it, the women changed their minds about the trip. The others canceled, except Susan and Christine,
because of the terrible weather. Those two had left three days early because of the inclement weather. This trip appeared of great importance to both women. They looked forward to time with old friends. Fears that their plane may be delayed or canceled caused them to leave early. Even with that, the weather pattern arrived earlier than expected that caused total disruption of the trip. Terrible storms ripped throughout the South. Hail, tornados, and fierce wind postponed most flights. The women stalled in Tallahassee, Florida. Susan said they canceled all plane reservations and rented a car. Even though they would be a day late, they decided that it would be worth it to see their friends. Susan always attended these events, but Christine had never been able to go because of family obligations and limited money. Jackson made an excellent living but with two children and a large home, finances were often tight.
Susan stated that she started out driving in the horrible weather. After hours of driving, conditions worsened so drastically that they were afraid. Tornado warnings caused them to seek shelter at a motel. She stated that she was unsure of the location. The next morning, she went to a local diner. Christine was already there. She sat in the diner with a man named, “Charlie.”
Jackson remembered a Charlie. He did extensive work on the new addition to their home. Jackson thought there was an affair between his wife and the man at the time of renovations. He had confronted her. This incident occurred about eight months before the trip to Las Vegas. Charlie had been relentless with phone calls to Christine. He and Jackson argued at one point. Jackson demanded that he stay away from his wife, or he would obtain a restraining order. Charlie had laughed at his claims. The “handy man” professed a deep love for Jackson’s wife. Christine denied all of this. The change in her behavior started around this time.