Chapter
Seven
When I arrived at work,
“W.T.” was already at his desk. The florist driver handed me
these outside. I brought them into my office without
thinking…..then, I noticed the attached envelope with your name.
Here, they’re for you. Anne, may I ask, what are you doing
receiving so many pink roses? There is obviously something going on
with you that I know nothing about, or you have stock in our florist
shops! Blushing, I reach for the roses as I hurried off for a vase
and water. “W.T.” doesn’t need to know anything right now. I
really need to see where this situation with Jonathan is heading
before an explanation about my personal life is made, and maybe not
even then, I thought!
It is difficult to
concentrate today! Every thought is of Jonathan, and our recently
shared moments…..especially yesterday at the estate after that long
embrace. “W.T.,” I need to run a few office errands and deposit
today’s checks in the bank. Do you need anything? No, he
replied…..think I’m OK!
At the bank, I see of
all people…..the florist deliveryman. How did I know he would
comment? Mrs. Mayo, evidently, someone knows you are fond of pink
roses. Yes, I replied! It takes a special friend to know how to
make a day special. I imagine your florist appreciates the business
with the economy the way it is though. Oh, yes mam, he replies
red-faced ….. sheepishly lowering his head.
I’ve almost finished
my office errands when off in the distance I see Jonathan’s car
approaching. Anne, I’ve been called away for a few weeks. I was
just on my way to your office to tell you. Can you get away for an
early lunch? Not today! “W.T.” has right much lined up for me
with immediate deadlines. Then, I’ll phone you once I’m settled.
If you’d like we can plan a dinner outing when I return from
Europe.
Anne, I really enjoyed
our time spent together yesterday! I did too…..It couldn’t have
been nicer! (now, my countdown begins until his return back into
my life.)
This evening, as I
walk…..it is a time for reflection. It is a time I now realize I
needed. Somehow, today, I had forgotten my butterflies, turtles and
photography. I could only think of how much I already missed him,
and the fact that he would be abroad for several weeks or more.
The following day,
“W.T.” called me into his office, and upon entering I find him
looking tired, and as though he has lost his best friend.
Anne, He says…..I’ve
always considered you not only an employee, but a dear friend. You
know I’ve been out of town a lot this past year. Well, I haven’t
been completely honest with you…..they have not all been business
appointments and trips. I’m sorry to report that I have discovered
I have a very serious health issue.
I will be trying to
sell my business as I’ve decided to retire. If you’d like, you
may take the remaining weeks of your vacation…..effective
immediately. I would hate for you to lose any of your benefits with
the company. It looks as though I may have a buyer for the
business, and I have told them what a good employee you have been
for me the past years. Your status will probably not change, but I
was concerned about you losing your vacation days. Also, I consider
you a close friend, so I wanted to be honest with you at this time.
I certainly didn’t want you to hear the news from any one on the
street other than me.
“W.T.,” is there
anything I can do? I am in total shock and speechless with
disbelief! The town and I are going to miss seeing you in your
business each and every day. It goes without saying, I am so sorry
about your health issues.
Anne, everything is
going to be alright! My surgery is scheduled in a couple of weeks,
and my treatments will soon follow. I’m told the prognosis is a
good one, but this has made me take stock of my life. I’ve passed
retirement, and should have stopped to smell the roses long ago.
Please, don’t worry…..this too, shall pass. This really isn’t
about my health issue…..it is all about realizing that I should be
enjoying my retirement and remaining years with my wife. There is so
much we haven’t done or seen in life, and it isn’t too late to
begin now!
Chapter
Eight
(With much concern, I
decided at “W.T.’s” insistence to use my remaining vacation. I
returned to the beach, made my final decision to sell the cottage,
and with mixed emotions…..I phone the realtor.)
While packing the
contents of the cottage, I come across so many things with some
fond memories. There is the old tarnished oil lamp that belonged to
my grandmother. As a child, I remember it sitting on the center of
my grandmother’s circular oak table always on a starched lace
tablecloth. On my mantel, is an oak clock that had belonged to my
dad.
I come across the woven
sewing basket that had belonged to my mother, and still contained her
needles, threads, and some of her crocheting needles. The sewing
basket doesn’t hold many good memories of the era, but does hold
fond memories of the pretty dresses that she made for me.
On a closet shelf, I
find the box containing my childhood doll. I cannot recall the
doll’s name, but I do remember my mother taking the doll (she would
explain) to the doll hospital before each Christmas. On Christmas
morning, the doll would be under the tree complete with a
new dress, wig, shoes,
stockings, and a natural straw hat always with turned back brim.
In another box, I find
my mother’s little ruby and clear cut glass candy dish with
matching lid. I had given this to her one Mother’s Day, and it
was returned to me after her death.
The final box I remove
from the closet shelf is filled with pictures. I find the portrait
of my mother as a young woman. What a sadness she had in her eyes,
and such an emotionless expression on her face. My heart goes out to
her for the life she always wanted, and never was able to obtain.
The next morning, I’m
awakened by the sound of breaking waves and noisy sea gulls
overhead. I hurriedly dress and rush to the kitchen for coffee.
This is my last walk in
the ocean this vacation. With coffee in hand…..I long to linger
for another day or two! Realizing this is impossible, I
head back to the
cottage to ready myself for the return trip home to my Bedford.
Upon
entering the cottage, the sun has fallen on and illuminates a former
wooden candy box holder. I had forgotten the box on the library
shelf, and as I raise the lid to view the contents and forgotten
treasures…..my eyes fall on a letter from my dear sister, Sheryl.
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