Amanda was still collecting her emotions but managed to nod in agreement. She then thought to ask, “On what occasions would I wear the nicer clothes?”
Barla did not hesitate as she answered, “Tualans find many reasons to get together socially; dinners, crystal ceremonies, dances, and the like. You won’t have any problem on that account, don’t worry.”
Amanda could not imagine being as social as Barla had become. Maybe her solitary experiences since coming to Tuala had had more impact on her than she had imagined. She usually liked being in crowds and meeting new people. She had never had any problem fitting in with a group. Amanda shrugged as she imagined all the things Barla had explained and said, “I’ll just have to trust you on that! I can’t thank you enough for this unexpected wealth of clothing. It’s like getting an early birthday present!”
“When’s your birthday?” Barla asked curiously.
“It’s next month on the twenty-eighth,” Amanda replied then asked, “Why?”
“Well then, let’s just call this an early birthday present!” Barla smiled and laughed as she heard Amanda’s stomach growl loudly. “It seems all of this excitement has made you hungry. Do you want to wear one of your new dresses down to dinner?”
“Definitely,” Amanda agreed as she picked up the first dress she had tried on, excited for her first opportunity to wear it in public.
At dinner, Captain Ahn complimented Amanda on her new outfit as she entered the room. They sat in the kitchen around the island instead of the formal dining room, since it was so late and there were only the three of them eating.
“I’m sorry to delay your dinner so long.”
“Don’t be silly,” Barla admonished. “You needed your sleep and I needed the extra time to have all of your outfits completed by the seamstress.”
Barla made it all sound so commonplace, but Amanda knew they were making special dispensations for which she was grateful.
“Where’s Corva?” Amanda asked.
Barla smiled and answered, “She’s staying over at the neighbor’s house for the night.”
“What about the other four kids you said lived here with you? I haven’t seen anyone except Corva the entire time I’ve been here.”
“I made arrangements for them to have a campout with some friends of mine. They were terribly excited for the adventure, but Corva’s just a bit too young to go. Likewise, I gave the household staff the weekend off.”
“You sure went to a lot of trouble just so I could spend a couple of nights here,” Amanda said quietly and looked down at the table.
“It was no bother at all. Like I said, everyone is having a good time this weekend. It was a win-win situation all the way around. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you and talking about Earth. It’s been forever since I could talk freely and have someone understand what I was getting at!” Barla turned and patted her husband’s hand and said, “No offense, honey.”
“None taken, my love. Let’s eat, shall we?” Ahn announced with a broad smile.
“I wouldn’t want to keep my man from his food!” Barla laughed and began serving the dishes.
Dinner consisted of roasted foxl served with foxl gravy and krumpli, which was a mashed tuber much like a potato. It was a simple dinner, but filling and flavorful. They ate mostly in silence until the forks scraped empty plates.
“Barla tells me you’re going to be leaving mid-week,” Captain Ahn cut right to the chase. “Do you think the shipping records will be updated before then?”
“I believe so, as long as I can work on it tomorrow as well,” she quickly assured him.
Barla scowled at Captain Ahn then spoke to Amanda, “Don’t let him pressure you. Amanda, I want you to work at your own pace and whatever doesn’t get done, my unorganized husband can enter himself!”
The Captain grunted, but smiled at Barla as he said, “Or my pushy wife might be persuaded to help out.”
“Don’t count on it, mister,” she replied sarcastically. She turned back to Amanda with a serious expression as she said, “I’m serious, Amanda, I don’t want you to overexert yourself trying to get it all finished. Just do your best. I can complete anything which still needs to get done. I’ve had lots of experience at it!” She rolled her eyes back toward her husband and pursed her lips.
Amanda smiled and said, “I don’t think that’ll be necessary. At the rate I’ve been going, I should have it done in time. You saw the office yesterday, Barla. Didn’t it look like I had it well in hand?”
“Yes, dear, your progress has been nothing short of miraculous. I believe you will finish, but please promise me you won’t burn the midnight oil just to make us proud.”
Amanda looked down at her folded hands, abashed, because it was exactly what she had planned on doing. She nodded as she looked up at Barla and said, “I promise.”
“Well,” Captain Ahn spoke into the awkward silence, “since that’s settled we should retire to the library for an after-dinner drink. I’d like to hear what progress you’ve made in learning Tualan culture.”
With warm tea in delicate cups, they sat in front of the fire and talked. Captain Ahn’s curiosity about Earth led to Amanda describing her family, friends, and hobbies to the captivated audience. The more she spoke of Earth, the more homesick Amanda became. Not having to feign fatigue, Amanda set her empty cup onto the coffee table and said, “It’s getting late; I think I’ll head up to bed now.”
“Goodnight, Amanda,” Barla gave her a quick hug. “Don’t bother getting up early, either, since we won’t be getting out of the house until after lunch, okay?”
Amanda smiled and said, “Yes, Barla.” She smiled to the two of them seated side-by-side on the loveseat, and said, “Goodnight.” She left the room and headed off to spend her last night in the luxurious bed.
Amanda slept later than she had intended and had just enough time to take a short bath. She dressed in one of her new work outfits and went downstairs to see if she were keeping the others from eating. She was early, but not by much.
Barla and Ahn, busy preparing lunch, gestured for Amanda to seat herself at the island while they finished the provisions.
Amanda had not seen or heard anyone else in the house on her way through to the kitchen so she asked, “Where is Corva?”
“We’ll pick her up from the neighbor’s house on our way back from the office,” Barla replied cheerfully. “We really think the fewer people who see you, the less likely Petre will know where to look for you. Don’t you agree?”
“Definitely,” Amanda agreed and then frowned. “So what are the chances of Petre coming after me?”
Captain Ahn looked up from watching the skillet he was tending and replied, “One hundred percent. He’s already been asking questions a couple of gania south of here. I heard from some friends of mine that he is looking for a woman named Jesisca.”
“Do you think anyone has told him about me?”
“I doubt it. Not many people would tell him the truth in any event. He doesn’t have a very good reputation around here,” Ahn reassured her.
“Well,” Barla commented, “I guess it’s a good thing the arrangements for Amanda to leave so early worked out the way they did, then, huh?”
“To be sure, Barla,” Ahn replied. “I’ll hate to see you leave so soon, but I’ll sleep better knowing you’re safely out of Petre’s reach. Now, who’s ready to eat?”
They ate grilled cheese sandwiches and more of Barla’s favorite chips as they discussed the arrangements for getting Amanda safely back to the office unseen. Barla decided Amanda should wear a couple of her outfits under the shapeless garment she originally had Amanda wear to the marketplace. With the hood covering her face, she would be able to walk through the streets and into the harbor office without being identified. Barla told her she would bring the rest of her things the next day in a duffel bag she could travel with once Bryon arrived.
With all the plans set in place, Amanda went back up to her room and did as she
was told. It was with sadness Amanda walked around her room, touching the window casing, one of the four posters on the bed, wandering through the bathroom, letting her fingers trail over the vanity and the items resting on it; she tried to memorize every detail. She did not know what her future with Bryon would entail; the next part of her adventure was about to begin. She was ready.
She donned the shapeless garment and pulled the hood to cover her hair. She looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror and smiled at her reflected self. Even though she was leaving the luxury of the house, she felt she was taking one step closer to going back home to Earth.
Barla met Amanda at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer. She smiled at Amanda and offered her arm to her as she stepped toward the front door, “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Amanda said with forced cheer. She was feeling nervous knowing Petre might be somewhere in town looking for her. She really did not know how she would react if she saw him even if she were wearing a disguise.
“Everything will be fine,” Barla spoke easily. “We’ll get you back to your room at the office, and you can stay tucked away until Bryon comes. I think we should have the two of you leave town after nightfall, just in case, though.”
“That sounds good,” Amanda replied as they left the safety of the house and walked down the crushed gravel walkway. “Where will we go?”
“Oh, I think you should ask Bryon once you’re well on your way. Sometimes I think even the walls have ears around here,” Barla replied too casually as she turned to the left and led them down the wide street toward the harbor.
Once they reached the office, they walked straight to the back as planned. Luck was on their side, the office was empty of everyone except Ceren, so they did not have to pretend to be other than they were. As soon as they were back in her private room, Amanda removed the shapeless garment and held it out for Barla.
Barla shook her head and said, “Keep it. You’ll need to wear it when you leave.”
Amanda nodded, folded it neatly, and set it at the end of her cot. She looked around the room and realized just how abysmal it was compared to the luxury of the last two nights’ accommodations. She was, however, thankful for the security.
“I’ll have Ahn bring dinner down here tonight,” Barla said to fill the silence which entered the room.
“Okay,” Amanda replied as she slowly sat on the cot.
“I guess I’ll leave you to your work then. I’ll come by tomorrow morning with the rest of your things,” she said as she turned to leave.
“You’re right; I do need to get back to work. Thank you for the wonderful weekend, Barla,” Amanda smiled and stood up to watch Barla close the door behind her, leaving her alone in the office.
She sighed as she looked at the stacks of invoices and bills of lading around the perimeter of the room. When she had first arrived, the paperwork had filled the room until only trails remained. She had made significant headway. Since she had established a rhythm, she felt certain she could have everything entered into the patil in time to leave. With almost four days left to work, she made a goal to finish one wall’s worth of papers per day. She picked up the first stack and sat down in front of the patil.
Amanda kept up with her work schedule, interrupted only by meals, and by Barla dropping off her clothes. She started work early and ended late each day, but she would finish as planned because it was as important to her as finding Neal and going home.
She was finished! Sitting on the cot, leaning her back against the wall, Amanda looked around the paperless room and smiled at her accomplishment. She expected Captain Ahn to bring dinner shortly, and she wanted to see his expression as he entered the room.
Unexpectedly, Amanda heard several voices conversing outside the office door. She wondered if she should try to hide under the covers of her bed or if they would go past the office door. When the door started to open, Amanda looked around quickly to assess her options; she almost dived under the desk when she recognized Captain Ahn walking into the room first. His smile reassured Amanda as he entered the office, followed by another man and, lastly, Barla came in and closed the door behind her. Amanda was surprised at how similar this new man looked to her missing fiancé. While he was significantly taller, his build and coloring were the same. They even had the same short, brown, spiked hair.
Barla stepped forward and addressed the stranger, “Bryon Kesh, I’d like you to meet my friend, Amanda.” She gestured toward Amanda, then turned to Amanda and said, “Amanda, this is Bryon.” Barla smiled and stepped back so Amanda and Bryon could shake hands.
Bryon quickly crossed the room at the same time Amanda came out from behind the desk. They shook hands and said in unison, “Nice to meet you,” and then smiled together as well.
Barla stepped forward into the silent moment which followed and said, “We brought food for dinner.” She held up a large basket and deposited it onto the desk. She noticed how clean the desk was and then she quickly looked around the room and gasped. She turned back to Amanda and asked in amazement, “Did you finish?”
Amanda beamed proudly as she answered, “I did!”
“Well done, Amanda,” Captain Ahn praised her and smiled while looking around the room. “I knew you could do it.”
“I must say, I’m thankful I won’t have to come down here to bail you out again this year,” Barla teased Captain Ahn.
“You only do it so you’ll have the extra bonus money to go shopping after the audit is complete, Barla. Don’t try to pretend you do it to help me!” Captain Ahn bantered back.
“Let’s eat dinner,” Barla replied quickly as she tipped her head down to hide her grin. She rummaged around the basket, pulled out four plates, and handed them around to each person. She set up a buffet on the empty desktop and gestured for Bryon and Amanda to go first.
After everyone had filled their plates, the three of them sat on the cot while Bryon sat in the desk chair facing them. They made small talk while they ate the foxl stew, corn on the cob, krumpli salad, and garlic bread.
“I brought my letter for you, Amanda,” Barla said quietly to Amanda as Captain Ahn and Bryon were talking about shipping fees. Barla reached into the deep pocket of her tunic, and she pressed it into Amanda’s hand. “I wrote the events of your time here as you’ve told me, so you’ll be able to explain where you’ve been. I also wrote the last memories I have of my family, including their names and the last places where they worked and lived. They may not be there anymore since it’s been twenty-two years; for all I know, they may not even be alive anymore, but it’s all I have.”
“It’ll be enough,” Amanda assured her as she discreetly took the letter and slid it into the side pocket of her duffel bag under the cot.
“When you change clothes to leave tonight, remember to put the letter in your pocket so you’ll always have it on your person, okay?” Barla insisted with an almost desperate plea.
“Don’t worry, Barla. I promise you when I get back, your letter will be with me!”
Barla nodded as her eyes misted. She hugged Amanda and whispered, “As much as I want you to find your way back home, I’ll miss you. I’ve come to think of you like my other daughter,” she confessed.
“I’ve felt it,” Amanda replied and added sincerely. “You’ve been like a second mother to me, and I love you for it.”
“Do you know what makes this so hard for me?” Barla asked suddenly.
“No, what?”
“It’s just I’ll be saying goodbye to you forever. I’ll never know how you spend the rest of your life, if you get married, or if you have children. This’ll be our end and for that I’m sad.”
“This is goodbye, but I’ll still be alive. You know I’m going to get married to Neal, so there’s something you won’t have to worry about. I’m sure we’ll have children, but how many, I can’t say for sure.” She smiled at Barla and thought about what else to tell her. “I won’t be alone either; I’ll have my parents a
nd my two older sisters, too.”
“Those thoughts do help, but I won’t be able to talk to you or see you, either.”
“What if you were to give me a crystal like the children? Would it work across the veil, do you think?”
“I think it would, but it would mean I would have to tell a wise-woman or an Elder about you, and that won’t work at all.”
“Well, look on the bright side, with the letter you gave me, I’ll be able to help your family know you are alive and happy,” Amanda smiled and reached out to touch Barla’s arm in comfort.
“True! Thank you, Amanda. Now, do you want to take any of these books with you when you go with Bryon?”
“No, thank you. I think I’ve read them through enough to have them memorized,” Amanda responded. “When do you think we’ll be leaving?”
“It should be late enough in about half an hour. The streets should be nearly empty as everyone will be home eating dinner.”
“Let me know when I should start getting ready, okay?” Amanda asked. She was beginning to feel nervous about leaving with a stranger and not knowing where they were going.
Barla shooed the two men out of the room about fifteen minutes before they were going to leave. She decided which outfit would be best for Amanda to travel in, along with the shapeless garment over it all. Barla retrieved her letter out of the duffel bag and handed it to Amanda to put into her pocket. Barla rechecked the contents of the duffel to make sure everything was in order before she buttoned it closed.
Amanda remembered her items she had left in the bathroom, so she went out of the office to retrieve them. She was on her way back when she overheard Captain Ahn and Bryon talking. She did not plan to listen to them, but when she heard her name, she paused to hear what they had to say.
“Petre MacVeen’s in town, and he’s looking for Amanda. I don’t know which direction you’re planning on traveling, but last I heard he was staying just south of town. Please try to steer clear of him. Amanda has been through enough without having to deal with him as well,” Captain Ahn spoke quietly.
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