Here I sit – alone. I’m glad I thought to bring along a book to read. I’ve brought freshly baked bread from the market, Coeur de Chevre cheese wrapped in a chestnut leaf and a bottle of his favorite wine. How could Patrick do this to me again? He said he’d be here. You’d think I’d learn and start searching for a new beau.
It’s such a beautiful day and so very few people in the park. Maybe no one will bring along their barking demons on leases. How I hate dogs! Cats are much more civilized.
Well, I’m here. The shade is refreshing. I have my lunch with me. I might as well enjoy it.
***
Aubrielle! Sweet Aubrielle. I know she’s out there waiting for me, thinking I have stood her up again. Indeed, I have stood her up. But how can I ever explain?
Nanette came into my life about six months before I met Aubrielle. I was lonely, depressed, and needed comfort. Nanette gave me that and so much more. Now she insists we be together at all times.
But sweet Aubrielle. I met her at the governor’s ball two weeks ago. She was stunningly beautiful in her sequined gown and pearls. But if she knew about Nanette… Well, to say the least, that would create a bit of a problem for me.
In many ways, Aubrielle and Nanette are alike. Both demand my full attention. Actually, it is more than that – much more. Both have a jealous nature, possessive, and uncompromising. I see it in their eyes.
So here I sit again beside my beautiful Nanette. I can’t leave her this time. Not now. She needs me. It all started about a week ago. First the coughing, then the fever. Poor Nanette. Surely the doctor could do more.
I had planned so much for us – hiking in the Alsace forest, swimming underneath the Cascade de Madeleine waterfall, frolicking in the park —
The park – Oh! My sweet Aubrielle. She’s out there now, waiting for my arrival. She’ll never forgive me.
A Carib grackle perched just outside the window, reminding me of the first one I saw on the beach in Marseille.
Nanaette is originally from Afghanistan, but we met on a beach in south France – Marseille, to be exact. Depression had pulled me back to the bottom rung on the ladder of life. It was Nanette who broke the bonds of my despair.
But here I sit by her bed, running my fingers through her long gorgeous blond hair, picturing it furling out from behind like a flag when we did our morning jog, as we always did. Her eyes, once glistening ebony like polished marbles, are now drab and longing. How could her health have deteriorated so quickly? I asked the doctor about her prognosis. All he would say was, we just don’t know. But it’s possible she could bounce back and surprise us all.
My poor Nanette; no I can’t possibly leave her bedside.
But then I know Aubrielle, sitting there under our favorite tree in the city park, anticipates my arrival. Why couldn’t I have been honest with her? I’m such a fool Now I may lose both Aubrielle and Nanette.
But wait! Nanette is sitting up, smiling at me. I feel her forehead; the fever is gone. This is amazing! I start to run my fingers through her long blond hair. To my surprise, she looks at me, bounces up from her bed and encourages me to come go for our morning jog.
A jog! You have got to be kidding!
This is miraculous! But then, wasn’t this what her doctor was talking about when he said, Afghan hounds are resilient like that. Sometimes they surprise us and bounce back quickly.
Enjoy the journey!
Eldon
Eldon Reed c2015
Photo: Carl Soerens