Hadrian's Wall

by Felicia Jensen

  “You said that everyone seeks the truth, but nobody finds a perfect bubble to live in, so basically, that’s it. Think about that—the publication of an article does not guarantee the supreme truth about something. Be very suspicious of what you see and read. Question the sources.”

  “So...if everything I read was questionable material, why did you give it to me to read?” He smiled again and so I answered my own question. “To question what I was reading and form my own opinion about it.”

  “So where’s the fun in reading something that you cannot discuss?” He raised his eyebrows. “Besides, if you’re really going to work for Adrian Senior, you will have to learn to carefully research the sources for your illustrations in order to be as faithful as possible to the events reported in his diaries. You will need to know a bit of Celtic culture too. Until now, you’ve only had a brief contact with it.”

  This was true...I remembered Macha, Morgan, Merlin, Math...all beginning with the letter “M.” I giggled. My name also begins with the letter “M.” Definitely, my dad would have said, ‘It’s a sign.’

  “Well...” I stood up. “I want to say ‘bye for now. I know that next week we will have another consultation, but I think, symbolically speaking, I had to do that before ‘leaving the nest.’”

  He also stood up.

  “I understand perfectly.”

  I reached out to shake his hand.

  “I could take some questions about the terms that I found on the websites?”

  He smiled and shook my hand, which received amazing shocks followed by a cold sensation between my fingers. The grip was so fast that I couldn’t tell if it was his hand or mine that was cold. Automatically I looked down and noticed for the first time that the doctor was without his surgical gloves.

  “If your doubts are related to your diagnosis...yes,” he said, glancing at his hand. I could swear that he also felt it. “After all, this is our agreement, but in the case of myths, I think you’d get better answers if you talk with a specialist. I think you should meet Timothy Sands, the history teacher at the Pine Tree High School. I’ll give you his number phone later.” Dr. Barringer walked to the coffee table. “It’s better to confine our consultation meetings to consultations and studies to the classroom, don’t you think?

  Mmmm.

  “Right!”

  I approached him, grabbed a cup, and reached for the same red carafe from which he usually served himself.

  “What are you doing?” he doctor asked with his eyes wide open.

  I stopped with my hand frozen in the air.

  “I thought I’d have a cup of coffee, to ward off sleep,” I replied, embarrassed.

  “Oh, you will not like this coffee. It’s very strong,” he said emphatically, placing the black carafe in front of me. “Serve yourself from this one.”

  He was so emphatic that I didn’t dare explain that strong coffee is just what I needed. Silently, I served myself from the black carafe. While Dr. Barringer stirred his own coffee with a spoon, I drank a long swallow and deposited my cup on the tray.

  “I must go.”

  “See you, Melissa...and good luck.”

  At that moment, Dana put her head through the doorway and announced the arrival of his first patient, so I had no chance to assess whether or not he was anxious to send me away.

  I passed through the open door and walked to the exit, while Dana led an old man into the office. However, before I left she asked, “You know where you’re going?”

  I think I’d heard this same question another time in my life.

  “No, but that’s okay. I’m okay.”

  Dana frowned, showing some hesitation. At that moment, her phone rang and she ran to pick it. Of course, my answer should not make sense to her, but it made sense to me.

  * * *

  I took the elevator and went back to my room. I was not surprised to find a tray with breakfast on the coffee table. I was being pampered with that routine. I was surprised to find a note under the cup.

  Do not worry about your stuff, because it’s already been moved.

  Be in the reception area of the hospital at midday.

  Short and sweet No “hello” at the beginning or “Goodbye” at the end. No signature.

  I looked around and confirmed that my suitcase and the bag of clothes had disappeared. For a split second, I wondered if the message was written by Charity. After all, she said she’d meet me today, but the handwriting seemed too firm, too masculine. Adrian? No. The message must have been written by someone at Charity’s request.

  I helped myself to a slice of cheese and looked at the digital clock.

  8:45 a.m.

  I wondered what to do to pass the time. Perhaps it was a good idea to go back to sleep? Mmmm...I had a notepad in the drawer and a pencil next to the computer keyboard. Sketching makes the time go faster.

  13

  12:01 p.m.

  I walked quickly to the hospital’s reception with my heart in my mouth. Even amid the nervousness, I noticed that the hall was a part of institution that I had not seen before. The environment distracted me a little. I remembered when Charity came to take me sightseeing we went a different route which led us directly to a private parking area. Now I was at the public entrance. There was a side door located across from the elevator. Through the sliding glass doors I saw another room with a perpendicular entryway and a ramp leading to another larger parking lot. It was the ambulance entrance to the Emergency Room. According to Charity, they came by the flattest part of the town. I approached the counter where two employees were answering phones and dealing with computers.

  “Good morning. My name is Melissa Baker and I...”

  “Yes, Miss Baker. Someone is waiting for you out there,” he said, pointing to the front door.

  I opened my mouth to ask who was expecting me, but he was intent upon listening to the voice he was hearing through his headset. Rude technology

  Hesitantly, I looked outside where the sun was shining brightly. Fascinated by the light effects on the glass, I slowly walked that way where I saw an unexpected sight in front of me on the other side of the automatic glass doors. Adrian Cahill was casually leaning against the side of a red car that was almost as fabulous as the Lamborghini that I’d seen him driving before. I couldn’t say what make or model it was, but... Wow!

  This was the first time I’d saw him wearing something other than his hospital scrubs. He was very casually dressed—white T-shirt, blue jeans, sneakers...and sunglasses with very dark lenses, which gave him an adventurous look. Gusts of wind mussed his magnificent black hair, constantly re-framing his handsome face, making him appear even more attractive in a raw, savage way.

  He crossed his arms over his chest and seemed to look directly at me. Unsure that he might have been expecting someone else, I glanced over my shoulder, trying not to attract attention, but there was no one behind me. What a relief! I didn’t want to look like an idiot, stopping to stare at him like a starstruck teenager. When I looked ahead, I realized that he’d noticed my insecurity and had a smart-alecky grin on his face.

  “Yes, I’m waiting for you,” he confirmed aloud.

  I approached slowly, trying to buy myself some time to calm my pounding heart, but the closer I got, the taller Adrian seemed—not that he was a giant or something like that. Well, he’s roughly six feet tall to me. Too handsome, too tall, too hot. That’s when I realized that this very good-looking guy, leaning against his gorgeous, powerful car was causing turmoil among the pedestrians. Men stared at him with blatant envy, women with admiration. Nurses, medical students, doctors, visitors...without exception, everyone looked at him, but Adrian didn’t seem to notice anyone else...only me.

  My heart rejoiced.

  As I got closer, he stepped from the car and started toward me.

  “Where is...” I started to say, but Adrian interrupted me with a gesture that stopped me in my tracks. I stood there, giving him a blank stare.

  Suddenly he
gave me a knockout smile. His finger pointed above my head. I turned and saw a huge clock situated upon the face of hospital, just past the sign. Exact time: 12:01 p.m.

  So what?

  I turned to face him. Adrian was smiling—a feeling of peace outlining his perfect lips.

  “You’ve been discharged from the hospital and now you’re exiting the building.

  I didn’t understand what he was trying to tell me. Sensing my confusion, he explained.

  “From now on, you are no longer a patient under my professional care.” His smile changed, radiating dangerous intentions that portrayed his comment.

  “Where is Charity? I thought she’d continue to be my nanny.” I tried to seem blasé, but I wasn’t successful. When I broke the eye contact, it was hard to hide my nervousness.

  “She has been relieved of that task. Now, I assume...” He reached for my hand and held mine firmly.

  “It just so happens that I don’t need nannies,” I protested weakly. The electrical current that came from him undermined my will. As if he knew it, he pulled me towards the car, not the least bit flustered at my remark.

  “Are you hungry?”

  Hungry? I couldn’t tell which part of my anatomy was in my stomach right now.

  I sat in the passenger seat and Adrian gently closed the door. When I realized that he was sitting next to me, adjusting his seat belt, my first thought was ‘Have I missed something or what?’ He seemed to have moved in the blink of an eye. While I was recalling the laws of physics about time and space, he was putting his fantastic machine into motion.

  The car was fast, very comfortable and rode smoothly. I felt like I was floating.

  “Are you all right? You became quiet all of a sudden!”

  I heard the concern in his voice. Adrian seemed to have this ability to understand what was going on with me in a single glance. Unlike him, I tried, but was unable to guess what was going on in his head.

  “I’m fine. Where are you taking me?” It hadn’t occurred to me ask something else. In fact, what I really wanted to know was why he was here with me?

  “To lunch,” he responded, pure and simple. Adrian smiled again in his mysterious way.

  I could easily get used to riding in this incredible car. Adrian drove with the expertise of a racing driver, turning the steering wheel with one hand and making the car glide smoothly through the curves. As if by magic, we were out of the parking lot.

  Adrian drove in silence. Although he seemed focused on something, he kept a serene expression. We went down the hill toward the lake, soon reaching the pier. We turned onto a longer street and then parked in front of the Club Bluewater. He turned off the engine and released his seatbelt. Still feeling silly, I did the same.

  I was confused about the direction that things were taking. One minute I’m in hospital and the next I’m with the “object of my desire.” I looked around and for one instant felt afraid because he’d disappeared. In one second, Adrian was releasing his seatbelt and in the next, he was standing on the passenger side of the car, opening the door for me. How can he move so fast? No, you’re daydreaming. When will you realize that other people have done what they had to do while you continue in the same place, “falling behind other walkers.”

  With a shy smile, he helped me out. For a moment I wondered if he might be feeling as nervous as me. What nonsense! Adrian was a stronghold that not even a nuclear bomb could destroy. On second thought, he looked more like the nuclear bomb itself...Oops! I was daydreaming again—a sure sign that my nervousness had reached high levels and I would soon begin to make stupid comments. Not if my life depends on it. Great! The voices inside my head are arguing! That’s the last thing I need.

  “Why is the lake named Bluewater?” I asked as we walked toward the front entrance of the club. I was desperately looking for a distraction.

  He raised his arm and pressed a device that locked the car doors and then glanced at me in a mysterious manner.

  “One day I’ll show you...”

  His look dazzled me and at the same time, I felt curious. Is there anything surprising in the lake?

  He offered his arm to me and I sighed with relief. I didn’t have to worry that my legs were shaking and I’d fall flat on my face because he wouldn’t allow it.

  We climbed some stairs around a wooden deck. From that angle, I had a magnificent view overlooking the lake and the small beaches that dotted the lakeshore. Bluewater was so big it looked like the ocean.

  Adrian politely waited for me to enjoy the view before leading me into the restaurant where the headwaiter awaited the arrival of all guests. He received us with all the pomp and circumstance imaginable, as if he knew exactly what to do to please us. His emotionally charged face revealed his excitement when addressing Monsieur Cahill...which apparently was what he called Adrian all the time. Adrian gave me an embarrassed smile. I touched his arm, assuring him that it was alright, but in fact, my intention was less noble. I just wanted an excuse to take advantage of that strange electric current which stole my strength and it gave me goose bumps from head to toe. I was becoming addicted to it.

  Half-distracted, I looked around and I realized that this was a much more refined place than I’d expected—only elegant people here. The background music was sophisticated, but at the same time the ambiance seemed cozy and intimate.

  “Do you want to get drink something before we’re seated? Perhaps a fruit juice?”

  I looked at the bar, where several heads turned in our direction.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Your favorite table is ready, Monsieur Cahill,” the headwaiter announced with satisfaction. Mademoiselle...Monsieur... follow me, si’l vous plait.

  Resting his hand lightly on my back, Adrian guided me to the VIP section. The feeling was indescribable! I thought I would faint with excitement.

  “Adrian...” I glanced at the back of the headwaiter who walked ahead of us and whispered, “I’m not properly dressed to be in a place like this.”

  “So,” Adrian whispered back, in a conspiratorial tone, “...neither am I!

  Ah, but it was different...completely different. He was the kind of person who could walk around wearing a potato sack and still continue looking like a movie star. But I was no Marilyn Monroe. Suddenly, I remembered that movie in which she danced and sang wearing just a thick wool sweater which made her seem a little fat. Undoubtedly, it was not her best appearance and even then she looked gorgeous! I wish I had a little of her charisma.

  My musings were interrupted by the slight pressure of Adrian’s hand on my back. We were at our table. He made a gesture to the headwaiter who was pulling the chair out for me. The man nodded his head and with a knowing smile left to Adrian complete the task.

  Once we were alone, Adrian approached the chair, waited for me to get into position and then helped me get seated. He briefly rested his hands on my shoulders, as light as the wings of a butterfly before sliding his long fingers down my arms, stopping at my elbows. Wow! Our physical contact was interrupted when he moved around to the opposite side of the table and sat in the chair opposite to mine. I was still feeling a strange tingling sensation where he’d touched me.

  Unexpectedly, he took off his sunglasses. We sat facing each other in silence. He seemed in no hurry. There was an expression of joy on his face. His jade-colored eyes, sparkling and attentive, constantly roamed my face, like a tourist studying a stunning landscape for the first time. In fact, that’s exactly how I felt when I was looking at him—he was my favorite secret landscape, but I couldn’t understand what he saw in me to look at me the same way. His insistent gaze was driving me crazy, even though it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation. It felt as if we were surrounded by several lighted lamps.

  Very perceptive about my mood, Adrian lowered his gaze, providing a lull in the intensity of energy that flowed between us so that I could breathe normally again.

  “We need to talk,” I said after some time.

  He lo
oked up and smiled again. Then, without further ado, he became very serious.

  “Are you ready to ask me?” he whispered.

  I shook my head.

  “There are things for which I am prepared. However...”

  He straightened and squinted, puzzled.

  “Such as?”

  “I am prepared to accept the job that your father offered me. Even for me, it all seems surreal.

  He shook his head, waiting for me to continue.

  “I am also prepared to try college.”

  Adrian smiled.

  “Will you let me support you then?”

  “I will let you encourage me, which is a very different kind of support. You may be ‘mighty in battle,’ but I want to win my own battles, understand?”

  His expression was suddenly shrewd. He raised his eyebrows in an innocent way.

  “Sure! Encouragement is my middle name.” He rubbed his hands enthusiastically. “The infantry can always rely on his rear contingent.”

  I couldn’t help myself. He always left me totally disconcerted with his comments. Even though I knew I was being manipulated, I was already laughing. He knew he could be irresistible when he wanted to be. His smile widened.

  “However...” I began tentatively.

  “However...?” he repeated, lifting one eyebrow.

  “Why do I have the impression that you’re not surprised by my decision?” I lost my train of thought.