Walking through the house after putting Little Robert to bed
Rosalie turned the lights out as she made her way to the computer room with hope
and trepidation. Sitting down at
her desk she busied herself shuffling things around on the desk as her computer
booted up.
Stopping tears as the sprung in her eyes as she went back to
remembering their first night together well their only night together. He’d been
just as awkward and nervous as she’d been but as always he set his feelings
aside and guided her through every step. The next morning was a shock she never
saw coming and one she had yet to forgive him
for.
Lifting up just a bit so she could get into her back pocket she
pulled out a small folded crumpled up paper. Setting it down on the desk on top
of the keyboard she reached for the box of Kleenex to wipe the tears still
rebelliously pouring down her face. Throwing the soiled tissue in the waste
basket with shaking hands she picked up the paper next and began to carefully
unfold it.
Setting the letter aside she pushed her chair up the desk and
keyed her password into the computer. Then wiping her eyes again she picked up
the worn letter and began to read it.
Rosalie,
I don’t know how to say this so I’ll just be blunt. I’m so sorry
I had to leave but I wasn’t given a choice. I’ve been called into active duty
I’ve actually been chosen for a special task force and I leave tonight no one is
given a choice in the matter. Forgive me for saying goodbye like this but if I
had looked into your eyes I wouldn’t have been able to leave you. You have never
looked more beautiful to me then you do right at this moment. I’m sorry I won’t
be here but remember this is for us try to focus on that.
I Love You, Robert
As the pains started in her chest again she worked on the
breathing techniques Bishop Wright taught her as her mind traveled back to that
dreaded morning.
Jamaica 2001
Rosalie read Robert’s letter three times in disbelief after
searching the entire suite for him. Still hoping the whole thing was some sick
joke she got up and went into the living room to use the phone.
Picking up the phone she noticed a large brown envelope with the
words ‘the first of more’ written on it in Robert’s handwriting beside it and
put the headset back on the receiver to reach for it. Breaking the seal she tore
into it hoping for what she didn’t know.
Inside she found information for a joint bank account along with
a new bank card, credit card and starter checks for her. Setting the items down
she dove back into the envelope hoping something would be in it telling her
where Robert was. Tears stung her eyes as she pulled a set of keys out taped to
a stack of papers. Skimming over the first page she realized it was the deed to
a house. “Oh Robert” she sobbed touched but still almost hysterical “you fool of
a man I only wanted you”. Opening the envelope again she put all the items back
inside to tuck securely in her luggage
later.
A knock at the door drew her attention and she ran to it at full
speed unable to let go of the tiny shred of hope that it may be Robert.
Opening the door her entire body fell in disappointment to see
the concierge at the door with a food cart instead of her husband. She
must have starring for awhile because the man cleared his throat twice to get
her attention. “I’m sorry” Rosalie apologized snapping herself out of it “I
think you have the wrong room though. I didn’t order anything
Sir”
“Good morning Madam” the older greeted her as if she’d hadn’t
spoken “your husband ordered you breakfast on his way out early this morning. I
also have your appointment card for your spa visit today which begins at noon as
well as the itinerary your husband took the liberty of arranging activities for
you that he thought you may enjoy for the duration of your stay here”.
Stunned and touched she backed away from the door “okay come in
please” she said only for lack of anything
else
Smiling gently at her he went straight to the dining room and
began setting up her breakfast. Her mouth watered as one by one he revealed what
was under the silver covers. There was a large plate of exotic fruits, some
breakfast pastries, also scrambled eggs with turkey bacon and a large carafe of
coffee with cream and sugar and mango juice. He also placed a large vase of
fresh hibiscus and Jamaican orchids before her in the center of the table. He
also pulled out a long velvet jewelry box out of his pants pocket along with a
small envelope and placed them beside her flowers. Leaving the cart there he
bowed to her and began to walk to the
door.
“Wait! “Rosalie yelled stopping the man “what’s that? Tell me”
she asked him her voice coming out shaky as tears sprung from her eyes
again.
The man turned around “I truly don’t know madam you must open
it” he said kindly as if he sensed how fragile she was at the moment.
“He’s really gone isn’t he” she whispered flopping into one of
the chairs as she tried to admit to her rebelling subconscious that he truly was
gone.