Tropical Storm

by Stefanie Graham

  Cairo stroked Storm’s hair and crooned encouraging words. He was tender and considerate to her, surprising himself. He was certain that he had forgotten how. Sensing his own vulnerability, he pulled away. From that point, he was all business.

  “Tell me where you last saw him and tell me where you have looked so far.”

  The swiftness of his attitude change startled her. Once he agreed to help her find Shane, he was intent on his mission. Together they searched the beach, then the rocky area just beside the dunes, and then finally they trudged through the thick shrubs and beach grass bordering the beach and the hotel property. Each time they came up empty-handed. Storm was visibly on the edge of despair when Cairo stopped abruptly and turned to her.

  “I think I know where Shane is. It’s the one place we haven’t looked. If I’m right, he’s been there all this time. Come with me.” He said taking her by the hand.

  Storm noticed the change in her surroundings instantly. The meticulously groomed landscape near the hotel fell away and was replaced by a rougher and poorer section of the parish. She ran after Cairo as he passed raucous young men and Rastafarians in the street drinking Red Stripe beers, and smoking thickly rolled joints outside of bars nearly shaking the ground with the pounding bass of reggae music. As he passed, no one seemed surprised to see their white faces among so many black ones. Cairo had nothing to fear, he was an honorary yardie, and having grown up in the parish he knew most of the men there by name. A few of the young men, their dreadlocks tied up high on their heads even called out to Cairo, joking about his “foreign girl.” In response, Cairo smiled good-naturedly, and then hurried by, he was on a mission.

  She was still looking nervously over her shoulder when he motioned her up a steep and rocky path shielded by shrubs, and looming palm trees. From the many sounds coming from the bushes, the thick vegetation hid various forms of wildlife. Storm instinctively moved closer to Cairo as they made their way carefully up the path. She was breathing heavily when he motioned her into a small house at the top of the hill. Startled, she looked up at Cairo when he pulled a key from under the doormat and fitted it into the lock. Putting his fingers to his lips to indicate silence, he led her inside. She reluctantly stepped over the threshold and then stopped in her tracks holding her hand over her mouth.

  Shane was asleep on the bed, his curly mane spread over the pillow and his cheeks wet with tears. Storm rushed over to him, pulled him up from the bed and held him close. He didn’t stir. Storm looked at Cairo in thanks. He acknowledged her look with a nod before he left to give her a moment of privacy.

  Storm met him in the living room moments later.

  “This is where you live, isn’t it?” It was a statement not a question.

  Cairo gave her a defiant nod. “Of all the places he could have chosen, he came here to be with you. He ran to your house because in the short time we have been here, he has grown to care for you so much. You’ve made an impression on him. Thank you.”

  Ignoring her thanks Cairo asked, “What did you two argue about?”

  There was a long pause before she answered.

  “He wants me to find him a father.” She admitted.

  “But he has one!” Cairo exclaimed, confused.

  “Yes, he does.” Storm agreed. “But he can’t be a father to him.”

  “How long have you been divorced?” Cairo asked, instantly regretting the question. Without waiting for an answer he said, “Your parents really made a mistake when they chose James for you. Not only is he an incompetent husband but also a lousy father. A marriage can fail, but shirking his duty as a parent is inexcusable. If I had a son like Shane, I would be more than proud to call him my own.”

  “Would you?” Storm asked quietly. “Well, things happen I guess that no one can anticipate. Shane’s father and I haven’t been together for a long time now.” Storm added carefully.

  Cairo responded to the first statement and ignored the last. Yes, I’d feel honored to have a son like Shane. He’s a fine boy. He has strength and courage like his mother.”

  Storm took a moment to digest his words then she said, “Cairo, no matter what has happened between us I want you to know that I will always be grateful for your help tonight. Shane is the only thing I live for; I couldn’t survive without him. By finding him, you saved me.”

  Cairo didn’t know why it surprised him that Storm felt so deeply for her son. For the last six years he’d thought of her as callous and unfeeling, incapable of love. But she was now a mother and her love for Shane had changed her for the better.

  Later he would say that it was the night, the emotional upheaval of the search and mutual feelings of relief. But secretly he would know that it happened because he wanted it to, because he had longed for her all those years. He would know that despite their breakup and her subsequent marriage to another man that she belonged to him and always would.

  “Come here, Jessica.”

  She didn’t hesitate. She came to him willingly. When he pulled her down onto the couch and into his arms, she didn’t resist, she knew it was where she belonged.

  The first kiss had them both trembling. The first touch was so exquisitely pleasurable that Storm moaned without him having to do a thing. She sank into his arms and reveled in the moment.

  Cairo’s brown eyes held her green gaze steadily. Then with tormenting slowness, he kissed each eyelid closed. Then he kissed her lips tenderly, like a soft breeze gently caressing her, his mouth exploring hers. His hand trembled as he slipped it into the thick expanse of her hair. A long forgotten ecstasy rocked and moved him. The intensity of the feeling made him pull away, but Storm wouldn’t let him go.

  “You won’t escape me again Cairo, you’re mine.” She declared firmly.

  Cairo didn’t deny it, how could he? It was true.

  He took her mouth in a fierce movement. Their tongues dueled in passionate battle. Storm held on to him and taught him how it felt to be devoured. She taught him how it felt to be caught in a tempest. Before he knew it, Storm’s thighs straddled his and held him captive. She didn’t give him a chance to think, she consumed him and by doing so she left him no escape.

  He didn’t want to go anywhere.

  Where it all would have ended, Cairo couldn’t say. Had she not spoken, maybe he would have made love to her, maybe he would have undressed her and made her his again under the soft moonlight. Storm had her head thrown back and Cairo was nibbling her neck when she spoke.

  “Cairo?”

  “Mmm?”

  “Cairo, this is so right. It feels so right.” Storm said breathlessly.

  Cairo silently agreed.

  “On the summit you said you hated me. If you hated me do you think you could be here with me now like this? Do you think it would feel as if six years had not come and gone?”

  The cool absence of his lips made Storm stare into his eyes. They smoldered.

  Cairo abruptly pulled away from her. “You’re right,” he said freeing himself from her embrace. “I shouldn’t be here. All I can say in my defense,” he said pulling away from her. “Is that you’re a desirable woman and I’m only human.”

  Storm couldn’t hide the hurt in her eyes.

  “I don’t mean to be cruel, Jessica, but I can’t go down this road again. We’ve done this before and failed. Once was enough, I’m sorry.”

  “I’m sorry too.” Storm said her voice thick with unshed tears. “I’ll get my son.”

  When Cairo stopped her, she turned to him with hope in her eyes.

  “He’s asleep.” He reminded her softly. “He’s had a rough night. Stay here with him tonight, there’s enough room. I’ll sleep here on the couch.”

  When Storm hesitated Cairo took it the wrong way.

  “I know my house is not what you’re used to, but one night won’t kill you.” He
said his mouth curling bitterly.

  “I didn’t mean . . . ” Storm stopped herself. “Thank you for your hospitality, Cairo.” She said instead. “Good night.” Storm then went into the bedroom and slid into the bed next to her son, tears glistening in her eyes.

  Chapter Five

  There are certain events that Cairo will never forget: the day Storm walked down the aisle and into his life was one. The day Storm prepared to walk out of his life with her suitcase in hand was another.

  “The easy way would have been to leave without telling you, but that would have been cowardly. I’m no coward. I came to say goodbye, Cairo. My son and I are leaving Jamaica for good.” Her eyes were full of sadness.

  He told himself it was what he wanted. He should have been elated. But the looks of despair that Storm and Shane wore made him feel something very close to desolation. Was it just last night that their heads had rested on his pillow? Had it been just last night that he’d watched them sleeping and wished fleetingly that they belonged to him? Why did it now seem so long ago?

  Cairo looked down at the Louis Vuitton luggage at her feet.

  “Why now? You don’t have to leave right away.” He said his emotions in turmoil.

  Storm sighed wearily.

  “Cairo, Shane and I came to Jamaica for a reason. We were both searching for something we’d lost and wanted back. We thought that Jamaica had what we needed but we were wrong.”

  What could he say? She had been wrong. If she had come to Jamaica to find him and rekindle a long dead love, then she had made a mistake. He was not, and would never be, willing to make himself vulnerable again. Loving her hurt too much and had caused him too much pain. No matter how much he had once loved her, he could not and would not allow himself to get involved with her again. She had almost destroyed him once; she could easily do so again. He had to let her go.

  Cairo dropped to his knees and held his hand out to Shane. The child came immediately.

  Cairo stroked his curls with fondness and regret.

  “You and I got off to a rocky start, didn’t we little one?”

  Shane nodded.

  “But I must say,” Cairo continued softly. “That I have found a real friend in you. I will truly miss you when you’re gone.”

  Shane’s emerald eyes were wide.

  “If you’ll miss me, then ask us to stay, Cairo. I know if you asked us mommy would change her mind.” The boy’s expression was hopeful.

  Cairo looked up at Storm and they stared at each other for a long time, a million questions in their eyes. In the end, it was Storm who looked away.

  She then reached down and took her son’s hand.

  “Goodbye, Cairo.”

  Don’t go!

  Cairo wanted to shout it. But in the end, all he did was watch helplessly as the chartered taxi made a dusty trail down the dirt road. He watched until it was out of sight. They were gone. Cairo stood and watched the vehicle until it was a speck on the horizon. He gazed on even after it was lost from sight.

  “Go after her.” Tyrone said from behind him.

  Stricken, Cairo could only stare at him.

  “Go after her.” Tyrone commanded. “Cairo, I know you better than anybody. You loved her then, you love her now and you will always love her. If you let her go, there will never be another chance. Can you live with that?”

  He stared at his cousin his mind trying to decipher his words. What was he talking about? How could he love Storm after all she had done to him; after all he had suffered because of her? He had sworn he would never forgive her. How could he go back on his vow now?

  “I can’t, Ty. Yes, I still have feelings for her, but I also hate her for what she did to me; the memory of her lies and manipulation are ingrained in my consciousness. The pain burns as hot now as it did then.”

  “So does the passion.” Tyrone declared. “If the two of you could just see yourselves. When you’re together it’s like no one else exists. The hate is only there as a barrier to love, Cairo. Certainly you know that.”

  “It doesn’t matter what I know!” Cairo said angrily. “I can’t forgive her. I can’t trust anything she says. I can’t trust that she’s changed. I can’t!” What if she hurts me again? Only his heart could hear his thoughts.

  “Who are you trying to convince, Cairo, me or yourself?” His cousin asked softly. “You and Storm are grownups now. Her parents have no sway over either of you. If you don’t let go of the past it will trap you forever. Go to Storm: find her, touch her, love her and find out what’s the secret to this hold she has over you. The only way to deal with the past is to confront it.”

  The only way to deal with the past is to confront it. Cairo repeated his cousin’s words during the long torturous drive to Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport. He didn’t know when Storm’s flight was, but he had to get there in time. He fought the thick traffic the whole way, dodging bicyclists, and shuttle vans as he sped down the congested road.

  At the airport Cairo parked the car haphazardly in the taxi queue and jumped out. As always, the airport was a mass of chaos and confusion. There were throngs of people streaming out of the building hailing taxis, looking for loved ones and their luggage. The crisply uniformed porters tried to maintain some form of order. Cairo ran up to one of them, grabbing his arm.

  “What you want, mon?” His impatience was obvious.

  “I’m looking for a woman.” Cairo began.

  The porter sucked his teeth hard. “So am I.” He said sarcastically before he started to move off.

  Cairo ran after him. “No, I’m looking for a specific woman. You couldn’t have missed her. She’s a blond, curly hair; tanned, tall, beautiful and traveling with a young boy?” Cairo described.

  The man scratched his head theatrically. “Let me see.” He said.

  Cairo hurriedly slipped a U.S. twenty-dollar bill out of his wallet to hurry his memory along. The man’s amnesia instantly cleared up.

  “Yes, I did see a woman like that. If I’m not mistaken she was headed for the JetBlue terminal flight 322 bound for New York City.”

  Cairo was off running before he had even stopped speaking. He ran the entire length of the corridor in record time, and in the end, he had to purchase a ticket to some unknown destination just to get past security. When he arrived at the gate, the flight was already boarding. Cairo was afraid that he was too late, but then a flash of white-gold hair caught his eyes. What if she doesn’t want me? The voice in his head made his heart skip a beat.

  Heads bent together, Shane and Storm were oblivious to the crowd of people streaming by them. They had been next in line for a long time but neither of them made any attempt to move. Shane was crying and Storm was speaking to him quietly.

  Don’t go!

  Cairo knew what bringing Storm back to his hotel meant. The knowledge trapped the words in his throat.

  Would he have said it? Cairo would never know. The choice was taken from him.

  “Cairo!”

  Shane’s frantic search for something over his shoulder was finally rewarded. He spotted him and was off running before his mother could stop him.

  He launched himself into Cairo’s arms. “I knew you would come for us.” He said hugging him fiercely. “I just knew it.”

  Storm’s approach was much slower. “We’re going to miss our flight, Cairo. Was there something you wanted?”

  And that was that. No tears, no joy and no emotion, period. Storm’s face would have put a poker player to shame.

  It was up to him to make the first move.

  With a beaming Shane in his arms, Cairo found the words.

  “Don’t go, Jessica. Stay.” He forced the sentence out while unclenching hands that he’d curled into fists. She couldn’t know what those words cost him, but he should have known
she wasn’t going to make it easy.

  “Sorry, I can’t.” She said.

  Cairo’s heart sank; he was stunned, but only for a moment. He didn’t know why he was surprised. He had forgotten whom he was dealing with.

  She was smiling. Now that he had come to get her, there was obviously room to negotiate.

  “Don’t go? Stay?” She repeated looking into his eyes. “What does that mean? Why do you want us here when you were so determined for us to go? If you have changed your mind then I want to know why.”

  Cairo groaned. She was not going to make it easy.

  “I . . . I . . . I” For the life of him he couldn’t think of what to say.

  Storm crossed her hands over her chest and waited.

  Cairo swallowed and tried again.

  “I . . . I behaved badly.” He admitted finally. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re leaving.”

  “Last call for flight 322”. The announcer said from an overhead speaker. Storm looked at him and then turned away.

  “If that is what you’ve come all this way to tell me then you’ve wasted your time and mine.” Her hand closed over Shane’s and she turned back toward her gate.

  “Wait!” Cairo took a deep breath and plunged in. “Stay Jessica. Stay because I want you to. Stay so that I can get to know you and you can get to know me.”

  The smile started small and then spread. “It certainly wasn’t the declaration I was hoping for, but it will do for now. You wait, Cairo.” She said with a smirk. “You won’t regret this.”

  Cairo wasn’t so sure.

  Storm and Shane chatted happily all the way from the airport back to the hotel. In contrast, Cairo was silent and reflective. He had Storm with him but what was he supposed to do with her now? She was not the kind of woman one could ignore. He had promised her another beginning, could he deliver? He didn’t know. What he was sure about was that Storm would make him keep his promise, even if it killed him.