Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  After taking great pains with his appearance, Alex took the buggy to collect Christine. While speaking with her father by the front door, he heard movement from the second floor. Looking up, Christine descended the staircase in a yellow dress and matching bonnet. His breath caught in his throat at the sight, choking him. Alex walked Christine to their buggy certain she could hear his pounding heart. Having Christine sitting by his side, the journey to his home was nothing but a blur. The orphanage came into sight. Thank goodness I didn’t miss our road.

  His parents, along with Papa and Izabella, were in the parlour, waiting when they arrived. After the formal introductions, Alex motioned for Christine to join him on the love seat. His father poured the wine.

  “Alex speaks highly of you,” his papa remarked. He returned to his seat on the sofa. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  “Finally? Alexander?” His mother glared at him.

  If Alex could melt into the area rug and disappear, he would have.

  “Papa,” Alex moaned.

  Izabella shook her head, showing her disapproval. Papa took a sip of his wine and then leaned back on the sofa. The awkward silence filled the room.

  “You must tell us how you met,” Izabella remarked.

  “I’m studying nursing. My minor is in child psychology,” Christine explained. She accepted a glass of wine from his father. “For two months, to no avail, I attempted to attract Alex’s attention. I decided to take matters into my own hands and arrived early to class one day. Alex was sitting alone, and I requested permission to sit beside him.”

  Alex shifted his focus to his mother. She seemed pleased by the information, smiling.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear,” his mother replied. “Alex would only invite a young woman he was serious about to meet his family.”

  Mortified, Alex tilted his head to the floor. His cheeks burned.

  “Hope,” his father chastised.

  “My husband believes I have spoken out of turn. Both my son and his father are very shy. When they speak, their words are of value. My apologies, Alex.”

  “Alex was reserved with my family, but spoke a little with my siblings,” Christine admitted.

  “That does not surprise me. We only heard of your existence the evening he dined with your family. He’s only really relaxed in the company of his sister. Rose has a bubbly demeanor with the ability to put anyone at ease.”

  They are speaking as if I’m not here. How humiliating! But the room would be dreadfully quiet if I was expected the carry the conversation.

  “I hope to meet his sister.”

  “Rose assured me she would return home before we dine,” Momma assured her.

  As if on cue, Rose entered the room. After introductions were made, Rose took a seat on the chair beside the sofa. The girls began speaking like long lost chums and got along splendidly.

  Dinner was announced, and they made their way to the dining room. After the meal was complete and coffee over, Alex offered to take Christine on a tour of the building. He showed her the main floor, then up the stairs to the infirmary, the nursery, and allowed her to peek into the attic.

  “Where do you and your family sleep?”

  Do I show our rooms? No. It isn’t proper. I can’t possibly show her where I sleep. “Our rooms are located on the floor directly above the parlour and dining area. That is the family’s private area.” Alex pointed toward the hallway and door when they returned to the medical area. He continued down the main staircase.

  * * *

  Christine appeared to be a well-mannered woman, full of pleasure and a good fit for her shy son. In the office with Rose when Alex and Christine descended the steps from the second floor, Hope and Rose stepped into the lobby. Rose began chatting to Christine.

  “Alex,” Hope whispered. “Invite Christine to join us tomorrow evening for supper.”

  Alex nodded.

  Christine enjoyed being at the orphanage, playing with the children and lending a hand when needed. Christine and Rose bonded like sisters and Alex seemed happy. Hope couldn’t be happier.

  Their first year at university ended and Christine arrived at the orphanage every morning to spend the day with Alex, Rose, and the children.

  * * *

  “Alex. Will you join us for a game of football?”

  Alex stepped back from the swing and turned toward a group of orphanage boys. Since Rose never joined their games, Alex never even considered Christine. He nodded. “Of course. I will recruit some others as well.”

  Alex went to the shed for the ball and supplies. With the markers in place, they began to organize teams. Christine approached the tallest boy in the group.

  “We’re playing ball,” Alex reminded her. “It can be quite strenuous and unladylike.”

  “I’m aware of that.” She scowled. “Do you not believe I’m capable? I assure you, Mr. Venderkemp, with two brothers, I’m quite adept at this game. I don’t believe I will turn an ankle in these shoes.” She held her foot out to display her sturdy footwear.

  The ball hit the ground and Christine pounced on the opportunity. She gave it a hefty kick, sending it a good distance through the air, demonstrating her ability. The boy’s jaws dropped.

  “You cannot play on the same team, Alex,” one of the older boys remarked.

  Rose ran off, returning with ribbons and small pieces of rags. Christine pulled her hair back and tied it into a ponytail. The rags were attached around the children’s wrists to differentiate the teams. Captains Christine and Alex picked their teams while Rose stood on the sidelines to keep track of the score. The game began.

  The score was close and the children were enjoying themselves. A raindrop tickled Alex’s nose. Fiercely competitive and with his team behind, he was not ready to send the boys into the orphanage until they tied the game. His attention shifted to the sky. Behave, he warned. Only twenty feet from the markers and in scoring position, he eyed the ball as it was thrown toward him. Hands grasped his shoulders, pulling him down. He tumbled to the ground. Turning his head he saw Christine on top of him, grinning in triumph. The raindrops pelted down. He exploded with laughter.

  “Children!” Tom called out. “Come in, quickly.”

  Grumbling echoed around Alex. So loud, it sounded like distant thunder, but it was the children, loud and intense.

  “You must do as Tom says,” Alex ordered.

  The sky opened and blankets of rain distorted the view of the orphanage. The children ran for cover with Rose leading the way. Alex looked at Christine, expecting her to jump to her feet and follow the children, but she never moved. Instead, she looked into his eyes.

  “Kiss me, Alex.”

  “Here?” He gulped. “Anyone could see us.”

  “The children are indoors. I doubt your family is eating or in the parlour at this hour. Do you not want to kiss me?” Christine pushed her bottom lip out in a mock pout.

  Glancing toward the building, he didn’t see any sign of onlookers. Alex turned his attention back to Christine, placed his hand on her cheek, and kissed her in a gentle caress. Christine pushed Alex onto his back, leaned over, and engulfed him with an open-mouthed kiss. A crack of thunder penetrated their state of bliss. They scrambled to their feet and ran hand in hand toward the building, laughing hysterically. Rose stood just inside the entrance, waiting with towels.

  * * *

  Two weeks into his second year at university, Alex invited chums from school to a ball game at the orphanage. Isaac McMurray, a shy, first year student expressed his delight at the invitation. The following afternoon, when the school day was over, Isaac, Alex and Christine left for the orphanage. Rose arrived shortly after, rushed indoors and reappeared with paper and a pencil to keep score. Knowing most of his chums by name, she looked at their faces and scribbled their names. Should I introduce Rose to Isaac? Alex chuckled to himself. Rose is not shy. She can introduce herself.

  Alex watched Rose step up to Isaac. His focus sna
pped to the ground. I react in the same fashion when I’m attracted to someone. Rose wrote his name down and returned to the sideline.

  * * *

  Hope walked out the main door and over to her daughter. Seeing a glimmer in Rose’s eyes, Hope glanced toward Alex’s friend. There was one unfamiliar face.

  “He is an attractive young man,” Hope remarked, nodding at Isaac in greeting.

  “Indeed, and as shy as Alex. Perhaps more so,” Rose admitted.

  “Yes. Shy and attractive,” Christine agreed. “Two facts the female student body is well aware of.”

  “Once the game is over, I plan to speak with him,” Rose announced. “I feel I must wait for a private moment. If he is as timid as my brother, he might never forgive anyone who embarrassed him, especially among his peers.”

  “I find myself envious, Rose,” Christine admitted. “You have such an understanding of his reticence and how to handle it. I struggled to become acquainted with your brother.”

  “I might have an understanding, but I lack patience. I have no intention to wait months to approach a man of interest. If Isaac is not courting someone else, he shall be my beau,” she stated confidently.

  Hope never questioned the truth of the comment. Her daughter was a Donovan. Hope returned indoors, leaving the young people to their game.

  The following Saturday evening, the nervous young man joined the family for dinner. Christine, Rose and Alex kept the conversation flowing. Slowly Isaac joined in and the dining room was filled with chatter. The vibrant conversation and high spirits kept the family smiling and giggling.

  * * *

  The following year, after spending the Christmas holidays visiting family, their bubbly, social daughter was eager to see her school chums.

  “Momma. There is a new female student transferring to Picton. This girl has left a trail of gossip and questions. It was the buzz at school today. I must contact Mary. She will know, or at the very least, have heard of this student.”

  “Rose,” Hope groaned.

  “Momma. I must speak with her. Mary will know details. I won’t sleep until my curiosity is settled.”

  Hope chuckled and walked out of her daughter’s bedroom, shaking her head. Two days later, Hope knocked on Rose’s door. “You have a telephone call.”

  Rose raced out of her room and almost flew down the stairs as Hope followed behind.

  “Well?” Hope asked when the call ended.

  “According to Mary, this girl, a Miss McClaire, is as beautiful as she is rich, but her grades did not warrant acceptance at Picton. Mary said Elaine was adored by the men and detested by the females. With that comment, it is doubtful this woman has many friends.”

  “Rose, this is nothing but third hand information.”

  “Elaine’s father had made a substantial donation to the university to secure her acceptance and gain an exception from the Dean.”

  “That is not fact but a rumour,” Hope criticized. “Do not spread gossip, Rose,” she warned.

  Rose pulled the loose strands from her ponytail and twirled them with her fingers. “Oh, but it is fun gossip, Momma. You must admit that.”

  “Scoot. I have work to do.”

  Rose giggled and walked out of the office.

  * * *

  Elaine McClaire entered Picton’s hallowed halls with her head held high. She moved confidently down the hallway, her stylish blue dress swishing as she walked. She examined anyone who looked her way and smiled in welcome. Within minutes of her arrival, the male students worshipped the ground she walked on. As expected, her very presence attracted attention, much to the dismay of the female student body. Alex found this jealousy rather comical, wishing for an ounce of the woman’s confidence.

  By the second day it was obvious Elaine was seeking a mate. Hopeful men approached her, but she barely looked their way. Alex caught himself glancing her way regularly, but was thankful their eyes never locked. He would die of embarrassment if he was caught staring, admiring her appearance. By her third day, she had her sights on a law student, Isaac. Accustomed to a certain lifestyle, Miss McClaire needed a husband that could provide for her. To keep her in her lavish lifestyle. A lawyer husband would work for her father’s firm.

  Alex saw Miss McClaire approach Isaac. His polite chum stood and listened politely as Elaine chatted. Once they parted, Alex met up with his friend during their next class.

  “Well?” Alex asked.

  “I found her overbearing and pretentious. I much prefer your sister’s company. Rose isn’t aggressive, but pleasant and personable. I informed Elaine I’m courting a young woman. Elaine was not easily deterred. I excused myself, pleading tardiness for my next lecture. I left Elaine chatting away.”

  “That must have been difficult.”

  “More so than you will ever understand. I wasn’t raised to be rude.”

  The following day Alex stepped out of the university building with Christine. Seeing Rose standing at the gate, they walked over to join her.

  “Shouldn’t you be at school?” Alex quizzed his sister.

  “I finished my exam early and was allowed to leave,” she informed him. “I wanted to surprise Isaac.”

  Isaac emerged from the building a few minutes later with Elaine rushing to his side.

  “What does that girl think she’s doing?” Rose questioned. “Hanging all over Isaac like that.”

  Isaac stopped by their side. Alex looked at his chum, expecting introductions, but Isaac remained silent.

  “Rose Venderkemp.” Rose confidently extended her hand in greeting.

  “Rose, allow me to introduce you to Elaine McClaire,” Isaac responded reluctantly.

  Elaine looked pointedly at Rose’s school books. A loud snicker escaped her lips.

  “Isaac, she is a child,” Elaine declared, making a tiny moue of distaste with the perfect bow of her lips. “She is barely out of the cradle although she appears sweet in her youth.”

  Rose drew herself up to her full height. “I am not a child. I am almost sixteen.”

  “She is still a schoolgirl. I doubt she has any idea of how to capture and hold a man’s interest, Isaac,” Elaine teased, “You are blinded by her youth and innocence. You deserve a mature woman.”

  “Allow me to enlighten those gathered here,” Rose responded, raising her voice well above a normal speaking volume. “You are only a year my senior. Unless, of course, you are much older and lack the intelligence to pass the entrance exams and must rely on your father’s influence to procure you a place here.”

  Elaine’s face reddened as her eyes bulged. Humiliation spread across her features to be replaced with spiteful rage a moment later.

  Isaac extended his hand toward Rose and pulled her away from the confrontation. “She is not worth the breath it takes to argue with her, Rose. Leave it be,” he advised her.

  “You have been misinformed. I’m…,” Elaine ranted.

  Isaac and Rose kept walking. Alex grasped Christine’s hand and hurried after his sister and Isaac. Rose was still ranting when they reached the orphanage.

  Later that afternoon, Alex and Isaac played catch with some older boys while Christine and Rose pushed two girls on the swings. Christine and Rose had their heads together over some plan and began to smile.

  “You must tell me the reason for the smiles,” Alex pleaded. “What pray tell are you planning?”

  “You are the reason for the smiles,” Christine answered.

  “Me? Why?”

  “It is my plan to keep you guessing.”

  Alex winked at her and shook his head before he continued playing catch.

  * * *

  Hope and Adam were in the office, completing paperwork when Alex took Christine home. Rose entered the office and ranted about the altercation at the university.

  “Rose, are you certain you’re not exaggerating the situation. I can’t imagine anyone being as obnoxious.”

  “I’m not Momma. She is a horrid, beastly woman. I’m
exhausted just thinking about it. I’m going to my room.”

  Hope rose from her chair. “I wish to speak with Poppa and Izabella before they retire,” she informed Adam.

  Hope walked up the steps and knocked on her Poppa’s opened door. Sitting on the sofa, she discussed the conversation with Rose.

  “I don’t question an altercation occurred, but is it possible Rose took it out of context?” Stewart questioned. “We should wait to hear if Alex discusses this conversation. It’s likely Rose is being overly dramatic.”

  Izabella nodded.

  * * *

  Alex left his accounting class, still laughing at a comment a classmate made. Walking the hallway, a hand touched his shoulder. Turning, he found himself face to face with Elaine. His heart thundered, pounding against his chest.

  “I’m Elaine McClaire. I’m going for a cup of coffee. Join me.”

  The confrontation between Elaine and Rose clouded his mind. Dismissing it, he looked at her face. Exotic deep brown eyes were a contrast to her creamy olive complexion. Beautiful, she intrigued him. His gaze lingered on the perfect cupid’s bow of her lips. Like every other male at the school, Alex was enthralled by her appearance. Coffee. An excuse to sit and look at her. What harm could it do? My chums will be envious. The very idea of being seen in her company brought a smile to his face. What will I say to her? He didn’t know many men that wouldn’t agree to joining this woman. He nodded.

  Entering the cafeteria, he pulled out the chair for her at a table for two and went to fetch the coffee. Returning, he took the seat across from her. Elaine spoke of her family, her father’s business, and the success he had achieved. He lost all track of time, just listening to the sound of her voice and watching that beautiful face. Pulling out his pocket watch, he had missed his last class. Christine completely slipped his mind. Alex was still grinning when he walked home, later than usual. Thankfully, his tardiness wasn’t questioned.