Inspiration Cove: An Odyssey of the Heart

I pulled myself together and decided to give the Goodman’s a call. I wanted to see when it would be a good time to visit. Mrs. Latimer answered the phone and said, “Please, come by anytime. I’ll let everyone know you are coming. However, I believe Mr. and Mrs. Goodman will be at the store for a long day. The holiday season is such a busy time for them you know. Why don't you come by for lunch? Mr. and Mrs. Goodman will stop in at that time.” I thanked her and decided I should find a nice outfit for the reunion with John. I thought of wearing jeans and a pullover because it had clouded up and was beginning to snow a little. I tried on a dozen outfits before I finally decided on my straight wool lavender skirt and matching long sleeve sweater. I let my hair hang long and pulled up the sides with a lavender ribbon.

I noticed when I drove up that the car I had seen the night before was still in the drive. Oh! Well, I was invited. I grabbed the painting from the back seat. I had rewrapped it so it would be a surprise. I was nervous about John’s reaction. I had barely knocked on the door when Grace threw it open and threw her arms around me. Paul was right behind her. “Hey!” I said. I just saw you a couple of weeks ago.” Grace took my hand and led me toward the dining room. The table was set with crystal and china. It looked as if they were expecting the queen. “Whoa, what’s going on? Am I interrupting something?” Grace shook her head no, but there was an unusual tension in the air.

John came into the room, and I was so happy to see him; I ran to embrace him. He hugged me back, and it appeared that at least he was comfortable. I told him he looked well, and he replied that I was as beautiful as ever. I was in mid-blush when a statuesque blond entered the room and put her arm through his. I felt my heart jump to my throat, and I just looked at John. He was looking at her. Don’t show your feelings Anna. Don’t cry. John spoke, “Anna; I want you to meet Sylvia Dormer, my fiancé.” Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

Sylvia held her hand out, palm down, fingers limp. “Sweetie, it’s so good to meet you.”

Somehow, automatically, I switched the picture to my other hand and took her limp fingers and said more softly than I had intended, “It’s nice to meet you also.”

Sylvia said, “We enjoyed your letter about your driving lessons so much darling. We felt we were in the back seat.” Darling? Did she just call me darling?

John noticed the painting, and asked, “What do you have there?”

I held the painting up for him to open. “You said you wanted to see my work.”

He released the painting from its wrapping and gasped. “Anna, it’s exactly the way I pictured it in my dreams. It’s beautiful. You are wonderfully gifted.”

I said, again too softly, “It’s yours. I painted it for you.”

He set the painting down gently and wrapped me in his arms in thanks. Sylvia again wrapped her arm in his and said, “Darling; it will look so nice in your office.”

“Yes,” he said.

Grace and Paul stood quietly to the side watching the drama. Grace finally indicated that we should all have a seat. I can’t eat. I just can’t. I know I’ll be sick. “I’m sorry,” I said. I can’t stay; I’m helping Lydia get ready for the wedding you know.” I hugged John and went over and hugged Grace and Paul. “It was good to meet you Sylvia.”

Sylvia rushed toward me and threw her arms around me in a hug and said, “Thank you for the sweet painting. I know John will enjoy it.”

Mrs. Latimer came in and I made my apology to her for leaving. She squeezed my hand and walked me to the door. “I’m so sorry dear; I didn’t know how to let you know. They are making the formal announcement to Mr. and Mrs. Goodman when they stop by for lunch.” I kissed her cheek and said I would see her at the wedding on Saturday.

I sat in the car outside the Goodman’s house for a few minutes. I couldn't stop shaking. I drove to the woods and parked at the path to the cove. It had snowed a little and the sun had popped out again. It was a sparkling wonderland. I reached the cove and sat on the big rock above the inlet. The dam inside of me broke, and I sobbed for a good fifteen minutes. Finally, I calmed down and prayed. “Let me accept these changes, and help me find peace. I pray that John will be happy and fulfilled in his new life.” I sat for a long time with an empty mind and grief filling my soul.

The grief finally subsided, and I felt my feet, and my bottom, freezing. I rose to walk back, and I saw my fox friend peek out of the brush. He cocked his head to the side as if to say, “Don't worry I still love you.”

I smiled and said, “I love you too my friend.”