Novel

 

  

Chapter I

 

           My eyes are heavy... I have to wake up, it must be late... Oh my head hurts! The sunlight was breaking out through the shutters, letting sparkles of light to illuminate my room. After another 10 minutes of struggle, juggling between dreams and the sight of the yellow countertop from the corner of my room, I manage to open up my eyes. The room was spinning and my head felt suddenly very heavy, like it was weighing a tonne and then... fell down. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that I'm in my bed, at home, and not at James’s. Snatches of memories from last night filled my mind with regret... oh my Gosh I'll never trust him again... ‘‘It’s gonna be just a gather of friends! It is not a party!''.

I looked up at the clock and I knew I was in big trouble. I've just lost the early course of Mrs Windsor, the grumpy, old, British lady, whose main purpose was to torture all the students, with the biography of ancient architecture of Britain. As we all know that all the buildings in UK are made of brick... she insisted with the gothic style of the chapels, especially the Westminster Abbey's architecture, which indeed was extraordinary.

Before going to my own ''funeral'', I dared to grab an apple, to put on some large clothes, which I found on the armchair, put on my filthy sneakers and hurry up to the University. After 15 minutes of breaking the law, by driving my bicycle almost drunk, I arrived at Princeton. It was the intermission between Mrs Windsor course and the Art Club.

As soon as I parked my vehicle, James punched me in the shoulder.

- Hey!!! You’ve missed the torture!

- Yeah tell me something that I don't know!

- She didn't come!

- What!!! You’re serious!?... This is bad!! She never misses a class... it’s like... it's like she’s glued on the desk.

- Yeah someone told me she had a heart attack, last night, and there are weak chances for her to survive!

- Oh my Gosh! Maybe we will manage to find some time to visit her.

- You're going alone then! And by the way Will wants us to meet after classes.

- Us?!

- Yeah! I mean the group, for the History assignment.

- I'm not capable to cooperate! Tell him I'll recover at the machete.

- You have to come it's important he said.

- Yeah right! I said to him and went to the Art Club.

 

1

I was feeling so angry on James, he knew I don't like to drink and I was suspecting that he put something in my glass, I hope it wasn't drugs, cus' if it was, and I’d found it out, he'll be dead.

After classes, we went to meet with Will, the leader of our next assignment. The group was: me (apparently poor)-the always annoyed, the scholarship girl, the orphan who has to work and who gets help from the government; James (rich)-the rebel always bored; Will (ultra-rich)-the leader; Sally (her father owns the oil industry, from the east-centre of the USA)-the curious; Tom (the fortune of his parents can't be estimated, security matter)-what exactly is Tom doing in our group?!,;Jessie (her father is the lawyer of most of the celebrities)-the pretty girl who always gets what she wants and Carl (rich)-the ''you don't know shit about me'' guy, who we all know every single shit about him.

- So guys... I know this one is really tough, but we have to be the winners!!! Said Will

- So Will what exactly are we looking for, at this Spa? Asks Sally. All of us got informed later that day, that we were about to go at a resort in NY for research, I was too tired and I couldn't assimilate the news for excusing myself to leave, I was practically sleepwalking.

- I know the owner! And he will give as an exclusive tour of his empire, one of the most exquisite architecture, born in the New York’s Gilded Age, where an elite group of supremely wealthy families rose to form the country’s first aristocracy. Among them were such illustrious names as Carnegie, Vanderbilt and Rockefeller. The leaders of this new social class were the Astors, with matriarch Caroline Astor at the helm of high society. Visionary and tenacious, “The” Mrs. Astor created the first true expression of New York society by hand-selecting those with whom she associated – known as the “400.” This new experience of exclusivity made even the wealthiest and most renowned eager to become a member of her inner circle.

- Wow you really are passionate about this! I said to him after I wake up a little bit, from my dizziness.

- Yes! St Regis is...

- What!!! St Regis?! We’re going at St Regis??? Interrupts James.

- Yes! Why? Is there a problem? Asks Will.

- Oh... no! It's just that I'm not dressed appropriate! He liked to be noticed by his appearance.

- As you can see no one is. Sorry guys I didn't had time to announce it.

Oh no... now I really wasn't in the mood to go there, but it was too late to escape we were already in front of the masterpiece, the most impressive structure seen by now in NY and with the outfit and the cents that I had in my wallet, I really felt out of the picture.

 

2

- Here we are guys! I present to you the first St Regis, here is where the magic happens and prepare to be amazed… and take notes we’re going to have a harsh assessment. This is my idol and best friend Paul Nasch!

- Thank you William, your presence has been always a pleasure, how is your father doing?

- He is very well thanking you. This is my team and we want the best that you can offer!

- You'll sure have it! I welcome you all and we are very pleased, to offer our resort as an example in a project based on design because as you can see we have plenty to offer and my good Will you've made the best choice. St. Regis hotels and resorts can be found across the globe. London, Singapore, Bali – each is an entrance into a captivating world of seduction and a unique expression of its location. The standard of opulence and sophistication established by the original St. Regis, were we are now, is honoured in every address, but has evolved to include five distinct design interpretations: Metropolitan Manor, Glass House, Hemispheres, Journey’s End and Paradise Found. In each, the essence of the brand and its rich traditions is brought to life through signature features such as grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, handsome libraries, vast wine vaults, iconic murals and bronze façades.

Paul's description was sounding outstanding, I was feeling suddenly awake and very lucky to have the opportunity to observe and research on such an amazing structure. As we were going deeper and deeper, into the history of the resort, all of us was getting more fascinated and interested, to make a project out of this, even James who was more about the practical stuffs and not the theory, got charmed by the enthusiasm of Paul, in relating the history.

- Lady Astor’s son, Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, began developing a new style of luxury, focused on tangible advancements in the comforts afforded the wealthy. These innovations were debuted inside Astor’s classic Beaux Arts landmark, The St. Regis New York, when it opened in 1904 on 55th Street and Fifth Avenue. Before his untimely demise aboard the Titanic, Astor was able to fulfil his vision of creating a hotel where gentlemen and their families could feel as comfortable as they would as guests in a private home. This was in no small part due to the acumen of Lady Astor, who helped cultivate a sense of luxury and refinement in all aspects of the hotel’s operation. Fresh flowers were brought in daily, an English-style butler and afternoon tea services were implemented and exclusive social gatherings such as a midnight supper created an air of grandeur inside the St. Regis that enthralled its guests.

That was just absolutely stunning, a great experience, an amazing chance to make part of this group. I felt really lucky. I knew with a leader like Will we'll always get good marks. The trip lasted all day and I was completely exhausted, I got home at 9pm and went straight to bed.

 

3

Next morning I was sitting in my shared office, at the ''Art's dead point'', a growing up company, where I worked as a part-time assistant designer (I was given rubbish, insignificant projects, so I can’t call myself a full certified designer).

Surprisingly the business was going very well, our schedule being full, all the time. We had a few projects with distinguish names, as Neville Johnson and Tony Fretton, which was enough to take the business to another level.

At about 9am, I was laying down the notes and pictures that I took yesterday, when Stacy, the secretary knocked at the door.

- Yes!

- MJ the police is here, they want to speak with you!

- What? Why? Send them in! Now I was feeling really nervous I never ‘‘have spoken’’ with the police before.

- Good morning! I'm detective Mike Spencer and this is my colleague Edward McCaby, we are from LAPD NY. Are you Miss Joanne Muller?

- Yes! How can I help you?

- We are investigating a robbery which took place at St Regis the previous day. We are supervising all the visitors who had access to the main office of Mr Nasch, between the hours of 19:30pm and 20:00pm. Where were you Miss, in between these hours?

- Aaamm... I was definitely in the resort... I and a small group of students, from Princeton University, were there for a research on a project... and our guide was itself Mr Paul. He presented us the office... but I don't know exactly the hour. What have been stolen? I dared to ask the officers, I was certainly very nervous right now and I knew probably James had something to do with this. The officers saw the nervous state of my presence and they knew that I might know something about it!

- I'm afraid now we are not allowed to give any information, but we need you to come down to the station and give a declaration!

- Now?!

- Yes!

Usually this type of situations scares the shit out of me, but I adopted a confident attitude and saying repeatedly in to my mind, that my record is spotless and I have nothing to worry about. It didn't take that long to write the declaration, I escaped 'unharmed’, I went out like a storm and stepped in to a cab. I was heading at the Crusaders on Lewis street from Perth Amboy it was James's second home, in fact it was the only place where you can find him during the day, in that old carpeted pub with small dark windows and wooden furniture, stained with wine and coffe... and the smell... oh... the smell of alcohol was wearing you down since you stepped on to the door. The taxi driver started the engine and turned on the radio. In my mind was going all sort of stuffs, but the most suspicious one, why was the LAPD taking over a robbery

case… aren't they supposed to be on the branch with crimes, drugs or terrorism? Did they knew something about James… why robbery?! This was really weird.

4

Thirty-five minutes later, I arrived at the destination. Holding my breath, I go in the pub and look after James but no sight of him.

- Hey Nick was James here? I asked the bartender.

- Hi! Do I know you?! Who are you?

- Come on now don't play shit with me…! I think his in trouble!

- And your name is?

- I'm his girlfriend for the Goodness Sake! MJ!

- Got you!! You never admitted that you are his gal! His in jail!

- What!!!

- Yep! They’ve got him arrested for some kind of robbery from a fancy hotel!

- I have to go bye!

- Nice to see you again James's girlfriend! Nick yelled after me for the entire asset to acknowledge that.

I couldn't believe that James actually did that... he stole the compass... why!? Why will he do that? Why the LAPD was checking this thing, what was the real value of the compass? I couldn't understand what was happening, but I was about to be cleared out… or to get more in trouble. As soon as I step out of the pub's door, the police was waiting for me outside.

- Miss Muller you are being arrested. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say it may, or not be used against you in court. You have the right to an attorney when being questioned!

- What!!! Arrested for what?

- We are suspecting you and your partner for being drug dealers.

- Drug dealers?! I think you officers are making a mistake, you got the wrong person! I am a respectable women, I have nothing to do with that!

- Yes! We know! This is all of you are saying when you get caught... Lower your head and get in the car! Oh I so hated that line ‘’ all of you are saying the same… tomato/tomato’, I was stunned! Ok... was this really happening? Or it was a nightmare!

We arrived at the police station and they allowed me one phone call, of course I called my attorney. After the call, they took me in one of those police cells, to wait for my lawyer. There is where my eyes crossed with James's, I knew he was a nutjob but sometimes, being out of control, I let myself dragged in situations like: being the girlfriend of a ''totally not my type guy''. He is the exact opposite of what I hoped for me, small height, brown eyes and hair, very fit with big muscles, the type which scares me (in the case if there's a fight between us, he will have the advantage), of course I like fit bodies, but not that exaggerated, he had to be always right, no one was allowed to cross his words, except me, he had a weakness with blonde (brunette undercover) girls, with grey eyes (contact lenses) and childish face (that's original), but you know what they say opposites attract each other. I liked his sense of humour, above all his bossy figure he was polite and got good taste of fashion.

5

- Hi MJ! Said James with a squeaky voice. I'm entering into ''my'' cell without saying anything. He approaches the bars which separated our cells, to try to comfort me. I looked up in his eyes and in the next second, I put my hands between the bars, grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him against the bars. His nose started bleeding straight away (he has a sensitive nose, it wasn't entirely my fault).

- What the heck is happening? Why the heck I'm being arrested for drugs dealing? I whispered in to his face with the most threatening voice I've ever had.

- Calm down gal! Oh look what you did... seriously?! He touched his nose and saw blood on his fingers.

- I've already cleared that out, they're just checking it now and you’ll be out in no time!

- Check for what I've never touched drugs! Tell me what is wrong right now, before I break your head!

- Common MJ it's gonna be fine! Said the king of confidence.

- How did you have me involved in this… spell it out! I shouted.

- Well initially they brought me here, for the robbery thing and they found drugs in my bag, LAPD came and it derivate to something else now.

- How is that related with me?

- Hmmm... they found also... ermm... a slip with something wrote on it.... James's voice was trembling, he knew how mad I will get, at the hearing of his next confession.

- What was written on the slip?

- Well something like... kind of... ''give those drugs to MJ''! Said James fast.

- What?! You drugged me! I knew it! I so fu... arghhhh!!! You are so dead! I shouted at him and willing to tear down the bars and kill him in that instant.

- Hey!!! The guardian shouted. He heard us fighting. - Keep it down there will you!

Silence. Both of us were silent for the next 2 hours.

- Miss Muller? Your lawyer is here! I went with the officer to the interrogation room; Mr Henry Clark, my attorney, was there, with the detective Spencer. They asked me all sort of question and Henry was smart enough, to shut them down and to make my image a lot better than it actually was. Also my clean record, without at least one parking ticket, well I don’t have a car, or a license, helped me more than enough. So they had let me go.

- Miss Muller I have to go now and take care, I don't want to see you again in trouble!

- Yes I hope this is it! Bye!

I went home, Ohh dear home I’ve missed you, I thought I'm not gonna see you tonight! What a lovely place to be after a bad day. My place was in the Lower East Side of NY, a one terraced bedroom apartment, on the top floor of a 20 stories building, on FDR Drive Street. It had amazing views over Corlears Hook Park, between the bridges Brooklyn and Williamsburg .

6

The place was a wreak, but it had amazing potential and with my DYI, skills it became a great place, with some good pictures to go in my portfolio. As you step in the door, the focal point is an extra-large baroque mirror, about three feet tall, steel framing, leaning on the brick wall of the small hallway, massive dark wooden doors, which is taking you to the living room. The brick wall design continues here as well and the view, is taken by the big arcade window in front, from where you can see the Corlears Park. I chose a quite manly design, for this place, but the fur blankets and stuffed bright coloured pillows, softens up the air. On the left side is the fitted kitchen painted white and with classic touches, the silver appliances stand out like a burst of modern out of the vintage. On the right, in front of the kitchen, are the double slide wooden doors of the bedroom, a boudoir, where the feminine touch really stands out, with pale yellow floral wallpaper, king size bed with turquoise sheets and salmon pillows, flowers and candles on all the shelves big white glass slide doors wardrobe, it is a small heaven of relaxation. A quarter of the terrace I transformed into an office, a narrow room with views over the park and a wall full of book-shelves. I've spent the rest of the day inside, relaxing, because the following day it was busy.

In the morning, I had to go to a meeting with Mr Steve Anderson, an old man, sixty-five was my guess, wanted an extension and makeover of a maisonette, after that, I had to go to the University to assist my classes and work on the ''Regis project''.

Next morning I wake up, I took a little bit more time, to spoil myself in the mirror and at about 9:45am, I was ready to go. The traffic was light, so I got there earlier, I went in at the Office Coffe shop, I ordered a hot chocolate (I don’t drink coffe), I eyed a table next to the window and raced before anyone else takes it. I was still shocked from the previous day experience and as fast I was going into my routine, as fast I was recovering. I had a few more minutes to pass through my files, I had to pick up the plans of the house to see how I can rearrange that maisonette.

- Excuse me can I sit here? Someone disturbs my thoughts, and sits down, laying out his props, without even waiting for my answer. My rage was increasing to the maximum I was not that person, ‘happy to share’, but as soon as I looked up, I was completely blank. I start shaking; my heart was thumbing faster than the metronome on full speed. The ‘item’, sitting next to me, was no other than an old crush from Romania. Yes I’m Romanian but I decided to bury this side, since everything related to it, were moving sad memories in me. I’ve met this guy, four years ago and never seen him since, I was fired from the restaurant where I was working as a Waitress, he was a student at one of the chain Universities next to the restaurant, so he was a daily client. I remember perfectly how all started, at the beginning I wasn’t interested, he was just a simple guy, in fact I was kind of pissed, when he said so friendly his’ ‘Hello’,

7

who does he think he is, my friend!? He doesn’t even know me, I am the new

girl there. Anyway after long time, I realized he was just being polite, a rarity between Romanians, to say casually to unknown people; hello, thank you, or sorry, but the most embracing thing is that when they say it, they actually mean it. Then it was when I discovered my type, the polite, well groomed, patient and with beautiful eyes, kind of guy, this was the man on which I will fall in love with.

The restaurant was a long hall, painted in orange stripes and what was once a faded duck egg colour, now was quite brownish, the cigar smoke has made its presence pass the years, the furniture, thin wooden tables and leather chairs with metallic legs, laid out in three rows; on the window side, were three tables, divided by pillars, in the middle, a row of five tables, each of four persons and on the wall side, six tables. Usually he and his colleagues, were sitting on the last table from the window side, at the back of the hall it was more private there.

It was a bad day of April for me, I had problems at home, at work and my exams were getting closer, I was studying Law, in the second year of University and too many exams, even from the first year. I was kind of sleepwalking that day, really immersed in my thoughts. I was cleaning a table from the back and coming towards the bar, holding a tray full of coffee cups, ashtrays and used tissues, when I hear a ‘Hello’ I look up and it was him, our eyes have meet in a different way that morning, a way which made me realise that I liked his eyes. Even though I’ve seen them so many times, I never really looked at them.

From that morning I started to realise, that I really liked this guy, the way he behaves, he speaks, he dresses, he looks, everything. I thought that he might be interested in me, the way how he treated me, was really nice, no one was treating me like that, if there wasn’t interest. For weeks, I was dreading at the idea of, how it will be if we gonna be together, to actually be with someone which I liked and fell in love with, not just hooking up with guys for the thought of having a boyfriend, to show the rest of the world that I’m normal and desiring of being married and having kids. But no relationship that I had, last more than one week. I couldn’t be with someone that I didn’t like. I needed sparkles, chemistry, butterflies and with this boy, I had it all.

I’ve spent weeks, making courage, to ask him his number, but I didn’t want to decade that much a boy should ask that, I didn’t wanted to be that obvious that I liked him, which was more obvious, than a light in a dark room. I was putting everything in between of the big question, either he was not alone, I wasn’t serving at his table, or I was too shy, but one day I decided that the next time he’s alone, it doesn’t matter if I’m serving or not, I’ll ask him.

8

So here it comes, one sunny day, the early morning of opening the restaurant and the first client is him (I’m not gonna say his name, because he might read this one day. I know, if he is that smart as I think so, he will recognise himself in the character, but at least I’ll have the delight of not admitting his name), entering the door saying hello to my colleague and asking for a coffee. I was behind the wall and he didn’t saw me, so I thought what more perfect moment can I ask for. I asked my colleague if I can take over the service and he was delighted for being able to finish his cigar.

I prepared the coffee, putted on a tray and heading to the third table at the window. I was thinking all kind of answers: ‘No, yes, I would love to, I have a girlfriend, I don’t have one’, I was really nervous, of course I thought that, a such nice guy as he, has a girlfriend, but I didn’t wanted to waste my chances on a hunch.

- Salut! I put the coffe in front of him and waited for his reaction.

- Bună, mulţumesc! Weird pause!

- Pot să te rog o favoare?

- Da spune!

- Vrei să-mi dai ID-ul tău de mess? I've chickened out and asked him his Yahoo ID instead.

- La ce-ţi trebuie? I didn’t thought of that answer, actually I didn’t know if it was an appropriate answer, wasn’t it obvious, I needed to take in touch with him, dumb. So thinking that he was new in the technology of chatting I said:

- Să vorbim!

- Ăăă OK! And he writes on a piece of paper his ID and hands it to me.

- Nu prea îl folosesc şi să ştii că plec în America luna viitoare şi nu cred că o să fiu online prea des!

- Waw te duci în America! Foarte tare şi ce faci acolo?

- Mă duc cu programul Universităţii, Work and Travel! A program for students who want to experience the life overseeas.

- Super! Şi eu mă gândesc să plec în Anglia cât de curând! Of course that soon will be when I was going to convice my Mum to let me go.

- Fain! And I took the paper and made myself unseen. Oh my! I couldn’t believe it! I had it! I had his messenger ID. I was so happy, I had a huge smile on my face and I was all cheering and thanking. After half an hour he was heading to the door and I was around, our eyes meet again and he says bye and that he will be back in a couple of minutes. I said OK and I was like: What?! he didn’t needed to give me this information, It’s like I’m not gonna ask for him, where he’s going, or doing, anyway I could see him from the window, in front of the Uni waiting to go to classes, when I was making coffee I had the perfect view, but I had to rise myself on the toes and I actually burned myself, twice, miss balancing and felling over the hot espresso machine. I thought, wow he’s confused, he is acting silly, does he like me? I didn’t want to go again over an

9

impossible love (I had one before, in High school, lasted four years -ended, when I moved to another city). After an hour or so, he comes back and says Hello! he already said hello in the morning, when he first came, there is no need to say it twice, he never said it twice, he was definitely acting silly.

The day went fast and we couldn’t talk anymore, because his colleagues were around all day, we couldn't speak for days, because it was weekend and he didn’t come in weekends and on the messenger, he added me after four days and entered only once, saying that he was busy filling some forms for his leave. A bad idea crossed into my mind, to look up for him on Hi5, a famous site back then, before Facebook was popular in Romania and guess what, I did found his profile and in the picture, was him kissing a girl and at his status was written married. Crushed! I was on the floor, almost crying, I checked the date, it was less than a month ago, so he couldn’t had separated in one month, I checked her profile, she wasn’t that pretty and four years older than him, she had experience and he liked that, I realised it after checking the profile of his next girlfriend (after two years since we've met), older than him with a couple of years.

The things got distant, with my exams and his leave, I failed the exams and lost the year, I was devastated, I wanted to go to UK only if my Mum could let me go, but she said to repeat the year and not to give up now, so this is what I did even though it was shameful for me, I was not a giver.

I worked at that restaurant for all summer and when autumn came, so did he. I asked him how it was and if he wants to go out in one of this days, if he didn’t had a girlfriend and he said that they broke up, hurray… kind of, but he can’t really go… his phone rang and the discussion finished, I felt gutted I decided that I’m gonna give up. He was not interested, no matter of his behaviour or politeness. I’ve just got it wrong. I was feeling very sad incomplete, like I couldn’t attract the guys I like only the weird and ugly ones. Fortunately I moved to London the next year and… that’s another part of the story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Chapter II

 

 

 

I was standing next to him, what a coincidence, after so long and so far, our roads meet again, so what should I do? Did he recognise me? I don’t think so cus’ if he did he will not be sitting next to me. Should I say something, to remember him who I am, or should I pretend like we’ve never met. Yep second choice!

- Why’d you’ve asked, if you are already sitting? I said after I calmed down, with a 'bitchy' voice.

- Uhmm…sorry! I’ll go!

- Thank you! He rises looking confused and annoyed at the same time. I gave him a cold, superior glare, stood up and preparing myself to go. I was looking very good that day, I liked to think. I was wearing black chiffon, blouse, with a stiletto white silky dress, high heels and a red trench coat. My blond hair was looking stunning, long and curly, making my grey eyes stand out, helped also by the eyeliner of course.

He takes his time following my moves and asks annoyed:

- Are you leaving?

- Yes isn’t that obvious? I said bemused.

- Then why’d you asked me to go?

- I’ve never asked you that! I said to him and went out before he could answer.

I looked back through the window and I could see him standing up with his coffee and lunch, not knowing to sit or not.

I had five more minutes, just perfect to be at the maisonette in time. I check the address again, I look at the building and at the address again, something didn’t matched, in fact nothing matched. A maisonette was supposed to be a converted, living, roof top. The two stories building in front of me had no roof or any resemblance of it. OK maybe the maisonettes nowadays are a tad different. The area was very nice, quiet and with Chesnutt trees along the sidewalk, covering with their shadow the large iron grilled windows. I rang at the massive wooden gate and waited approximately for five minutes for someone to come.

- Hi! You must be Miss Muller, I’m David! My father told me about this idea of converting the garden in to a maisonette!

- Hi! Nice to meet you David… Oh I see…

A thirtyish man, David, still living with his Dad, which looks kind of immature, but at the size of the house, area and wellness, I doubt I’d ever moved either. He was tall and handsome with a cheeky smile, that type of man who ‘loves’ all the women near them, because they have so much love to share.

- Come on in… let me show you the garden! As we were walking through the

11

hallway in to the foyer, the house was tall and narrow, walls painted in dark brown and grey, with white big mouldings and hard flooring. Black and white family pictures, were hanging on the walls, antique lamps and the railway, made from wrought iron, was matching perfectly with the grills from the windows. In the foyer, the focal point was the stone fire place, complemented by the iron chandelier and the large windows, taking us in to the garden.

- This is the garden. I don’t know what it’s my father’s idea but I’ll call him and you will be informed. Can you wait for a moment? Oh… and sorry I haven’t offered you something to drink. What would you like?

- I’m fine thanks!... Next time maybe. He smiled and left.

I was looking around the garden, a closed space, with medium plants and young exotic trees a fountain and a sitting area in the middle, surrounded by big arcades in Spanish style. I couldn’t see where the maisonette will be, it was such a pity to ruin this garden. I had no vision, so I waited to see what Mr Anderson was thinking.

- Oh! Hello dear!

- Hello Mr you look very well today!

- Oh yes the age will never defeat me! Mrs Windsor cross in to my mind hearing this words, she was the same... a mighty old lady, now resting on a hospital bed, which reminded me to pass and see her later.

 - So what would you like to change to this beautiful house Mr?

- Please call me Steve!

- Ok… Steve… what should we do to this beautiful garden?

- Well I want a change… I’m bored… I don’t want to wake up every morning and see the same picture again, I want something to make me fill alive, because of my condition I can’t go out of the house that often as I want to… so I want to be connected with the outside… and I thought at a tree ha… maisonette… there on the top of the garden…

- Did you mean a tree house?

- Oh!!! Well… he giggles… You see I’m not young anymore…

- It doesn’t matter the age, didn’t you said that the time can’t defeat you? If you want a tree house we’ll gonna make you a tree house!

- But what people will think?

- That you are a thoughtful Grandpa and you are giving your nephews a tree house.

- Oh oho!!! What are you saying dear are blessed words… I don’t have any nephews, because this stubborn son of mine doesn’t want to give me any.

- Well don’t rush the things the greatest things happen in seconds, so you have to be patient!

- Ho ho at my age I don’t have much time.

          Dear Mr Anderson fighting with the thought of leaving this world, it

 

12

impressed me, made me think at my parents and how much do they have left. A sad feeling suddenly made place in my heart. The amount of feelings from the last days had cumulated, putting me on a breaking down spot. It wasn’t the moment or the place for that, so I gathered my strength and ended the meeting.

          On my way to Uni random thoughts circulated my mind, will I see him again, should I call my mother, is James still in jail and how can I build a tree house in a garden without any adult trees. In fact, he said, he just wanted to change the view, so after all a tree house would probably look out of space.

          After two weeks of research and thinking, I finally made up a concept for Mr Anderson’s garden. Leaving the idea of the tree house for those who actually have trees, I proposed to Mr Anderson (I can’t call him Steve, his forty years older than me), a makeover. Whit the space and light provided, it could turn out a nice relaxing space with a big waterfall falling from the terrace of the first level, small ponds with exotic banks of fish and a shaded place for reading and relaxing at the warmth of the sun, will be heavenly for an old man. He loved the concept and the restoration started a month after, when the spring season was finally installing in the landscape. That also meant that the end of the second term was here and loads of exams, essays and assignments should be given in.

          I didn’t had time even to breathe between work and school my social life reached a dead point. I caught the routine like the flu and it didn’t seem to go away. James was taking time in prison. Apparently the dealers from where he provided his goods were the big boys, and from loyalty to his ‘brothers’ he didn’t gave them in, converting himself in to an accomplice, making his father’s affairs drop with 24% (bad publicity), so this was the perfect lesson for his son. I visited him once to tell him that it’s OK between us, but we can’t be a couple anymore (that was obvious from our last meeting), and he could count on me if he needed something… beside drugs, cigars or money.

          The restoration took longer than I thought, we were in week three and nothing was moved beside the plants and the bench. The builders went on a strike and left our project in a complete fiasco and above all that Mr Anderson got sick and had to be taken to the hospital to run some tests. The job was handed to David his only son, who didn’t look too interested on the project. But a work already started had to be finished. So the next morning I call David.

- Hello Mr Anderson, I am Joanne Muller the…

- Oh hi I’m busy… Bye! What the fff… that was rude!!!... definitely that bloke didn’t come out from his father.

          My project being stuck for the moment and a whole morning to waste, I decided to do some shopping. I needed some detergent, a new light bulb for the bathroom (I was doing my things in the dark for a couple of days) and a couple more stuff, so I’ve left wandering the streets. Two hours later my work phone

was ringing, I look at the caller ID and saw David Anderson, I put the phone on

13

silent and throw it in my bag, it rang a couple more times during the day but with no answer… honestly I took it personal. The day passed and before I went to bed I sent an e-mail to David:

 

to: danderson@gmail.com

from: JoanneMuller@quartzdesigns.com

 

Mr David

 

Our company professionalism is nationally recognised, being known as one of the top design companies from the industry, dealing with different clients and respective different projects, so our program is very busy and we would like in respect towards our other clients to have a minimum two days’ notice before cancelling a meeting.

          Regards, assistant designer - Joanne Muller.

        

 

          Our next meeting was scheduled a week after, but with no progress on the site it had to be rescheduled. So my secretary booked me a full Thursday on the ‘no tree house possible’ project,  which meant a total of four days left, to find a new landscaping company and actually study something for my final exam of the semester. I was so dreading for that week of vacation from both school and work, but I had to endure two more weeks and then I could embrace some relaxation. I was trying to fall asleep when my phone rang… I look at the caller ID and it was a new number, usually I don’t receive this type of calls and out of curiosity I answered:

- Yes!

- Oh!!! Finally I’ve got you! I was about to go and search through hospitals!

- Huh?! Who is this?

- Anderson, David Anderson! My annoyance was at a breaking point.

- From where did you got my number?

- Well I saw your e-mail and I thought your work line must be busy, so I called the office and asked for your number… it’s amazing how late you people work there.

- Hmm yeah… Claire was kicked out from her apartment and now was living at the office, actually no one works on Sundays.

- I wanted to apologize for wasting your time this morning, but it was an emergency at the hospital…

- Oh I’m so sorry is your father OK? I snapped!

- Yes he is much better now it was just a false alarm… hopefully we’ll have him home soon.

14

- Oh thank Goodness!

- Yeah I know it’s a pain working with me…

- I didn’t mean it that way, although it’s true…

- You are judging a book about its cover, why don’t you let me, offer you that drink and get to know each other… I mean speak about the tree house. Tell me from where to pick you up…

- Now?! You want to speak now?

- Well it’s Sunday evening and still early, I don’t think you are in bed by now…

- Hmmm no I’m not… FDR Drive street, No 16, call me when you’re here bye!

I hung up the phone hoping he didn’t understood the address or ever call again, I normally don’t do this type of stuff but I felt guilty for his father and like I said sometimes I let myself dragged in situations like this. I was wearing my pyjamas and still tugged in bed when the phone rang again after fifteen minutes, the same number.

- Yeah?! I answered with a sleepy voice.

- I’m here! I’m waiting for you down stairs!

He hanged up not giving me any chance of excuse, so I threw some jeans and ‘save the polar bears’ t-shirt , put on my sneakers, took the jacket from the floor, checked for money - five bucks should be fine - and race down the stairs, since the elevator has broken down, so challenge your memory to remember the floor I live on, like I challenge my legs for two days now (I was riding the railway actually… imagine how much fun), I opened the front door of the building and I see this Lexus LFA edition, parked in the drive way, since no one else was around I assumed its him so I headed towards the car. When he saw me he stepped out and opened the door:

- Wow you look dazzling tonight! He smiled and offered me the seat.

- Hmmm… Thanks, you don't look bad either!  He was wearing a crisp white shirt with black buttons, from Gucci my guess, navy suit pants Armani written all over them, a fancy scarf covered the Adam's apple, complemented by a nice hairstyle. He is a six feet build man, with blond sandy hair and hazel eyes, a killing smile and a presence that always made you feel comfortable. And still I founded him unattractive, annoying and with no future so enough reasons to put me off.

- I recon you like heights… I know the perfect place for you. He started the car and headed west.

- Don't assume that you know me, don't judge a book by its cover.

- But I love doing that!

The rest of the conversation was boring, 20 minutes after, we stopped in the front of a skyscraper, located in the financial district and we entered the building from the left corner of the streets Pearl and Whitehall. At the floor 46 we made our exit from the lift and headed towards, what it seemed, a floor with apartments, he reached for his pocket and takes out a set of keys, unlocking the

15

door no 363.

- Come in… the view from here is amazing on this weather. It was foggy outside, I approach the window and what I saw was unbelievable... We were above the clouds, or fog whatever you want to call it, and towers were piercing through the clouds, reaching for the clear sky. The ground was like a blanket of light orange snow, with bulbs of green, red and blue lights, which were reflected from the lighting of the city. It was heavenly.

- Wow this is amazing… you live here? It was so typical for guys like him to take the girl from the starters home and then never call again… he was so not getting what he wanted… 

- I used to...

- Why on Earth would you move?

- Well my father got sick… so I wanted to spend more time with him… when my mother died, I was in a business trip in Europe, I didn't had a chance to say goodbye, so I promise myself it won't happen again

- Oh I'm sorry to hear that.

- Thanks!

- So have you found another landscape company to do the work?

- Yeah kind of… I made some calls but I want to double check… we don’t want any troubles again.

- We should leave it as it is…

- What are you talking about everything is a mess!

- Not really!! Only the plants are gone… that can be fixed!

- OK… let me understand… why you’re against the remodel?!… I knew it was a beautiful garden but it’s gone now we can’t go back in time…

- Hmm… yeah… never mind! What drink would you like...? I have beer, wine, champagne, whisky… hmm what else… martini…

- Do you have pear juice or tea? If not…some water will be fine…

- You don’t drink alcohol or you don’t trust me?

- Both!

- Very funny…

- Indeed!

          We were sitting on the couch he put on some music, I couldn’t tell the volume was to low… I was having an apple juice and he a free alcohol beer.

- So… you don’t drink or you don’t trust me?

- I drive!

- Fair enough!

- You like copying my lines or you’re making fun of me?

- Both!

16

- OK… I got that!

- Can I look around? The en-suit looks nice.

- Sure… let me give you a tour. Living room here, kitchen on the right, bedrooms – to the left, bathrooms next to the bedrooms and office there…

He was standing on the couch and pointing the directions on where each room was located, so this is his idea of a tour.

- I meant, moving and look through space…

- Aren’t you a snooping little lady!

- If you don’t mind…

- Ok let’s start from there… he was heading to the terrace hoping that the view will stop my curiosity but instead I suggested starting with the office… I know I was pushing it to the limit. He’s fault for bringing me there. So we entered the office, which was filled with books, architecture lectures from what I could guess, and from the fact that there were two motion plan desks one next to the window smaller in size and a larger one in the middle of the room.

- You’re an architect?

- Yeah this is what I do for a living…

- I thought you’re working for your father. His father owns a editure

- It wasn’t my dream!

- So why didn’t you do the landscape

- You're still going there aren't you?

- What do you mean?

- Never mind

- Come on you can trust me…

- Really?! Hmm fine then... Awkward silence.

 

 -To be continued-

The dialogue in Romanian language:
me- Hi!
him- Hi, thanks!
me- Can I ask you a favour?
him- Yes! Speak!
me- Would you like to give your Yahoo ID?
him- For what do you need it?
me- To chat!
him- Aaa Ok!
him- I don't really use it and for you to know I'm leaving in America next month and I don't think I'll be on line often!
me- Waw! You are going to America! So cool and what you gonna do there?
him- I'm going with the Work and Travel program of the Univerities'
me- Great! I'm thinking on going in England soon!
him- Cool!