Heartbeat Echoes

by Brittany Yeats

  As the two girls climbed the tree, Melissa was suddenly overtaken by her emotions. Instantly outraged, Melissa scrambled up through the branches quickly in her short black dress. She didn’t want to be encumbered with pain and hurt. She had to be strong. Especially if she was going to help Conner with some of the duties of the business. Settling herself on her favorite branch, Melissa looked out over the vast lawn. Liz settled in beside her friend and prepared herself to offer whatever Melissa needed. Ears to listen to her rant, silence to let her brood, or mindless chatter to help Melissa wipe the look of utter fury off her face. They looked out over the lawn together. Melissa clamping down on pain and Liz wondering if her friend would ever really smile again.

  It was a massive property. The house was three stories with the basement and attic not included. White stone covered the outside to make it look like a palace. The wide circular drive in the front of the house held cars. Hers and her brother’s because they refused to use the five-car garage next to the house that still held all their father’s toys. What Conner didn’t want was probably going to be sold. No one wanted to look at them anymore. The back of the house opened up onto the acres of land around the house. A basketball and tennis court.. Off to the right was the big pond she had spent countless hours swimming in and then sun-bathing by when swimming was un-cool for teenage girls to do. She realized her father would never splash her again while she was working on her perfect summer tan. It was a blow to her heart that was almost unbearable. She had never really believed herself to be a daddy’s girl, but with his sudden and violent absence, apparently she was.

  “Would you mind some company?” Melissa and Liz looked down and saw Conner standing at the base of her tree. He was still dressed up in his funeral suit, looking like an FBI agent. His hair was a mess as if he had been running his hands through it. He was looking up at them with a plea in his eyes. Melissa hesitated at first. She desperately wanted solitude. Her rooms were always invaded by her mother and so was the library. Her tree was the only real spot she could call her own. Her feelings were at war with themselves. Shaking herself for even considering refusing him, Melissa called down to her brother.

  “Come on up, Conner.” She sighed as she watched him climb her branches. Nothing seemed to be really hers anymore. As Conner settled next to her, Melissa wondered what he had come to say.

  “Why didn’t Father have a plan in case something happened? Like his Vice President would take over until I was trained? I know the basics but I need more in-depth knowledge. I would love to postpone my involvement until I am sure I’m ready.”

  Melissa shook her head. “How do you know you are not ready? From the talks we’ve had you seem to be very well-versed in the business world. Everything is going to work out fine, Conner. You’ll see. It’s going to be hard because this is all going to be new and different but you will come to possess the same sort of uncanny knowing that our dad had. I’m sure that nose for business has transcended to you.”

  Conner nodded but looked far from convinced. They started to trade stories about Max. Melissa told of her earliest memories of their father during the years before Conner was born. He smiled for the first time.

  “You smiled. I was beginning to think I’d never see your lips curve again.”

  Conner shook his head and looked toward the house. He opened his mouth but silenced himself as he spotted a maid rushing toward the tree.

  “Conner, Melissa, your guests are beginning to pull up to the house. Anna asks that you come inside.”

  They both nodded at the maid and even though they knew they must go quickly, they took another moment of joined peace and turned back to each other. The look that crossed Conner’s face made Melissa laugh out loud. Liz was shocked.

  “If only you two could stay this way. That was a real laugh and it was so good to hear.” Melissa laid her head on Liz’s shoulder. Liz nudged her a little and Melissa nodded.

  “Come, Conner, let’s go be the good children Mother wants. For Dad.”

  Conner nodded and began to descend the branches. Melissa followed more slowly, making sure she didn’t rip her dress or her skin. It would never do to come into the house bleeding. When they were all finally on the ground, no one moved. It was if they were on the same thought process, total dread of the happenings inside the house. Melissa laid her hand on Conner’s cheek for a moment and tried to give him the strength he seemed to doubt he had. He smiled slightly and nodded.

  As the trio entered the house, they took their places next to their mother in the receiving line. Liz stood off to the side of Melissa, even though she was mostly family, it wasn’t her place to be in the family line. None of the guests had entered the house yet and Anna took the opportunity to admonish her children.

  “Well, let me guess. You two were up that infernal tree your father refused to have cut down no matter how many times I begged. If it wouldn’t break your hearts and turn you against me completely, I’d have had it cut down by now. You should have been refreshing yourselves. We will be having guests shortly and the first thing you do, Melissa, is climb a tree and entice your brother to do the same? My nerves are already shot to hell from pain and I have to worry about you getting leaves in your hair.” Her words came out in a hiss-like whisper.

  Melissa sighed and squared her shoulders. Liz laid a hand on Melissa’s shoulder and squeezed. Melissa nodded and swallowed the nasty things she really wanted to say. Being defensive and petty was not a good idea at that moment.

  “We’re sorry. The funeral was harder than even I expected to deal with and I needed a moment to collect myself privately, a little solace. Conner needed some comfort. You’re right, of course. We won’t leave you again.”

  Upon hearing her son was struggling, the transformation in Anna was astonishing. Everything about her softened. She walked over to Conner and enfolded him in her arms. Not used to such displays of affection from their very proper mother, Conner grabbed on to his mother and hugged her back with all his might. He seemed to age in that hug. Accepting love and the understanding that his mother finally understood his troubles made him feel more confident in himself. Letting go, Anna placed her hands around Conner’s face.

  “Oh my poor son. I did not even think of how the role you will be inheriting for this family would affect you. It’s up to you now. The future is going to be exceptionally tough. It’s time we stood together and showed how bonded this family is.” Anna reached out a hand to Liz.

  Liz stepped forward with a slight hesitation and let herself be pulled into the line of family in between Melissa and Conner.

  “If I am going to deal with the rest of this terrible day, then I am going to do it properly, with all my children. I know how much Max loved you.”

  Melissa was shocked but did not at all question her mother’s decision. She quickly kissed her mother’s cheek and then braced herself for the onslaught of unwanted sympathy heading toward the parlor door.

  She smiled with grace and dignity. She accepted each person clasping her hand and the whispered “I’m sorry.”

  Most of the people who came to their home she did not know. But they knew her father and that made them important. She could see the strain around her brother’s eyes. He was doing exactly as the new head of the family should. Conner shook hands, accepted words of condolences, and made sure the guests were comfortable. Liz was the silent but much-loved sibling that said very little and gave a small regal nod when her hand was shaken. Melissa felt like she was in a play. As if everything was rigidly scripted.

  Melissa dragged her attention back to the door. Christian was walking up to the family line to give his condolences. Melissa ordered herself not to blush at the way his eyes traveled over her body. She knew for a fact it was indecent of her, but Melissa couldn’t help the tingle of attraction racing over her skin, knowing exactly what Christian could do to her body.
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br />   Melissa smiled to herself. He was beautiful by any standards, but in the social world he had the reputation of being a heart-breaker. At thirty-two, he was breaking the hearts of hundreds of mothers by refusing to get married. He had perfected the art of staying unattached.

  Until the Steven’s charity auction two years ago. Melissa had been shown a level of attention most girls would kill for by Christian. He had danced several times with her, always making sure she had a fresh drink and when dinner was called, they were seated next to each other. Her mother had begun picking out china patterns, sure there was going to be a wonderful future for them. Melissa knew that nothing was going to happen and did her best to dissuade her mother. After six months of nothing, Anna did indeed accept failure.

  As he walked up to her mother, Melissa felt the elbow nudge to remind her to stand up straight. Because Melissa’s posture was sure to get a spontaneous proposal at her own father’s repast. If only her mother knew of all the secret rendezvous the two of them had. Melissa mentally rolled her eyes and smiled at Christian’s beautiful face. She took his hand and as always felt the spark, a little jolt that made her want to do nothing more than leap into his arms and fuse her mouth to his in a kiss so searing the hurt she felt would be burned from her body. Fearing she was drooling, and catching the telltale look in Christian’s eyes that told her he knew exactly what she was thinking, Melissa smiled for real.

  “I am so sorry for you loss. Your father was an excellent man. If I can be of any help, please let me know.”

  Melissa nodded and murmured a thank you. He held her gaze for a moment longer than typical then he moved into the living room with the other guests.

  “I still do not know why there was never a serious offer from him. He was practically glued to your side all night. And don’t think I’ve forgotten the happy little gem that Liz let slip about the two of you talking. It’s well past the time the two of you settled down. Why not do it together?”

  Melissa took a breath and did her best to ignore the urge to yell.

  “Mother, really. On this day you want to plan my marriage? Leave it alone. It was almost three years ago and I knew nothing was going to happen. We talk some here and there as I told you but it’s just a friendly conversation. Cutterson is a bachelor and is not the marrying kind. Look, all our guests have finished arriving. Let’s go make sure everyone is all right.”

  Melissa took her mother’s arm and together they walked into the room, already smothered in sympathy. It was like a fog that no one but Melissa could see. The quiet glances. The slight head tilt, as if bending their heads will make them see the hurt in the eyes a little better. Melissa finally started to feel the sadness she had kept at bay all day. It wanted to claw its way to the surface, with its tears and sense of hopelessness. Melissa just had to keep it at bay a little longer.

  It did not end until almost five that evening. The last guest was ushered out of the house and into their car with just a hint of forcefulness. Melissa was sitting on the edge of her chair, perched as if ready for flight, or more accurately, escape. The servants would clean up and Mother had already gone to lie down, refusing the offer of food. When Conner came back into the room, he nodded at Melissa. She sat back and let out a huge sigh of relief. All she wanted to do was change into her sweatpants and the old sweatshirt she had stolen from her father’s closet. It still held his scent and she wanted that comfort for the long night ahead. Apparently her brother wanted still more conversation.

  “I thought that man was never going to leave. How much did you have to bribe him with?”

  Conner smiled again and Melissa felt her duty as a sister was complete. She had gotten her downcast brother to smile twice in one day. Getting up from the chair, she walked over and hugged him.

  “Everything will be different now, but it will be all right. I’m going to lie down as well. This was exhausting.”

  Conner nodded and waved her off. For the second time in one day, Conner found himself drawn to his father’s study. Well, his study now. It was time to start accepting his new role. After a scan of the room, Conner went to his bedroom to get out of his funeral clothes.

  In her own room, Melissa was aching for some peace. Grace was undoing her hair from the funeral formality and was chattering on about the weather and all the people that came. Finally, Grace finished and went to put the worn clothes away. Melissa lay down on her bed and sucked in a breath as if she had been underwater. Liz walked into the room from the bathroom Grace knew her friend would be taken care of. She put her hands in her pockets and felt the folded slip of paper resting in her pocket. She walked back into the room.

  “Lissa, there’s a note here for you. From Christian. I’ll put it here on your dresser.” Without further talk, Grace left the room.

  Melissa stared at the folded paper. She had wondered if he was going to leave a message. Melissa was aching to be in his arms again. She let out a little laugh. There may not have been an offer of marriage, but Christian had offered Melissa something much more satisfying. A companionship.

  “It looks like you will be getting some comfort after all tonight. I’m going to get a bottle of some type of alcohol from your parents’ very impressive stash and pick a room. Sleep well.”

  Liz kissed Melissa’s head and quietly left the room. Melissa didn’t even hear the door close. She was in a totally different place.

  They were two people that did not want to fit marriage into their life plans. Melissa wanted to travel and learn everything she could about the world. Christian wanted to keep his life unencumbered of a wife and family responsibility. Yet, both of them knew it had to happen. Melissa was going to be forced into marriage when her mother stopped mourning. Christian’s main responsibility was to produce an heir. His family was very wealthy and getting more so each day. Christian needed a child. To leave everything to.

  Rising, Melissa grabbed the note and went back to her bed. She read the few short lines and felt her mouth explode in her first real smile in almost a week. It said even in black she looked stunning and he wanted to meet her somewhere in the next day or two. He would pick her up from their usual spot. A bench in a park that neither their friends nor family frequented. Tomorrow she would have Grace send a reply. It was very olden days. He could have sent a quick text or made a phone call, but instead he had sent a note. It was very charming.

  Being alone, it was time for Melissa to shed her own tears. She padded to her armoire and went to the bottom drawer. She unfolded her father’s tattered Princeton sweatshirt and slipped it over her head. The scent of his cologne and aftershave assaulted her senses and demolished the dam she had on her emotions. Melissa stretched across her bed and stopped fighting the tears. They raced down her face, making little pools on her pillow.

  ~ ~ ~

  Three days later, Melissa wondered if the grief in her heart would ever subside. It was another beautiful spring day. She was sitting on her favorite park bench but she felt no joy. She was waiting for the rain, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Her book was interesting. If anyone saw her, she was just a girl sitting on a bench reading a book of poems. They would never suspect a plan afoot of a secret meeting. Mothers jogged by pushing baby carriages, strangers strolled around her, enjoying the sun. Businessmen and women took their breaks outside instead of stuck at their desks.

  Her perpetual gray cloud shrouded her, the rays of sun impenetrable. When she heard the power of a sports engine, Melissa looked up and recognized the yellow shield on the hood of the machine. It came to a halt in front of her bench and after looking left and right, Melissa gracefully climbed into the passenger seat.

  He looked magnificent. He was in an expertly tailored suit and looked ready for a ball rather than their secret rendezvous. His hair was tousled already, even though it was early in the day. Melissa’s fingers began to itch, because all she wanted to do was dive her
fingers into those locks and lose herself in his embrace. But he was driving and she valued her life. Besides, a lady never made the first move, so Melissa waited.

  Christian lifted her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her palm. She lifted a hand to his face, needing to touch him even in that smallest of ways. Skin to skin contact strained all the chains on their control and Christian pulled into his driveway faster than they ever thought possible.

  Once they were out of the car, he held her for a moment, savoring how she felt in his arms. Then he captured her mouth with his, a ravishing kiss that left them both aching. Aching for the love she wanted to give, aching for the desire he wanted to quench. They entered the house breathless, each needing the other to make the first move.

  He took her coat and offered Melissa a glass of the wine he had chilled. The pair settled on the couch and Christian talked of his vacation home. It had been in unlivable conditions when Christian had first taken interest in the property. His family did not care about simple country living when the excitement of city life kept them very entertained. He had been the first of his family to visit the house in decades when he had showed up three years ago.

  It was located in Washington State, surrounded by trees and built right on a lake. The years of neglect had taken its toll and Christian had stayed to oversee all the renovations. The scale of decay had called for the house to be completely gutted. From the way he described it, Melissa could picture every detail in her head. Her family had a country home as well but it was in Oregon. It was no wonder they hadn’t crossed paths.

  “The country was pretty boring, honestly. Washington is a beautiful state but it rains frequently, making travel a real bitch. All the neighbors were stuffy. They see there’s a new neighbor and it’s a man and they go crazy. There’s enough home-cooked meals in the fridge that I won’t ever go hungry again.” Christian looked horrified even for himself.