I always liked the evening sun on my face so I make sure that through a silly excuse I will come out to the lake…and after five minutes Roxton will come trotting with the famous 'You know you are not supposed to go alone….' Today I decided to do my laundry. But this also reminded me of one place, a place I held in my heart for almost 2 decades. I never had a wonderful life or never hope to have one but this was a very special time in my life…I wonder if Roxton remembers it.
I was so lost in my thoughts that the cool wind iced my wet hands.
Roxton: A sunflower to the lady who outshines the sun!
John hand circled to my face and held a large sunflower with its saffron petals spread out finely. I looked at him in surprise, not even moving to take it from him as he nodded at it as to encourage me to take it. Recovering from the charm, I stood up wiping my hands on my skirt and took it from him.
Me: That's very sweet!
Roxton: Well I'm a sweet person!
He took my hand and kissed it lightly.
Roxton: My, your hands are gone all cold!
Me: I had been washing my blouses.
Roxton widened his eyes and slapped his hand to his cheek in mockery.
Roxton: No!
Me: Very funny! Look at you!
Roxton: Why what's wrong with me?!
Me: Look at your shirt! It's all soiled. What do you do for God's sake roll all over to tempt the raptor?
Roxton: No but you know me…you knew me…
I knew what John was going to say next and decided that a change of subject would do both of us good.
Me: Come, I'll wash it for you.
Roxton: Ohhhhhhhhhhh
Me: You breathe a word to anyone of them and I'll break your neck!
Roxton: I knew the niceness wouldn't last long.
Me: take off your shirt!
Roxton: Uuuu implusive…you know Marguerita there are easier ways to get me undressed.
Me: Ya like a voodoo doll! Give it before I change my mind!
Roxton: Si Marguerita.
I rolled my eyes as made these comments and placed turned to get a pail of water. When I turned back, there he was holding his shirt out. His many adventures had tanned his body and his hardy chest rose and fell sending beads of sweat rolling from his neck to his firm abdomen.
Me: Gi…
My voice so unexpectedly collapsed that he instantly knew the cause of it.
Roxton: See anything you like?
Me: NO!
Roxton: Mmmmmmmm impulsive and also in denial.
Me: Roxton!
He sat on a rock behind me as I washed his shirt. From behind, I can sense him tracing me with his eyes so much so that I thought the wind was his touch. Even his shirt was so soft and …and…and charming like him. Knowing that he would know of my dreaming, I got up and squeezed the water out of his shirt.
I took my clothes and started to go when I realized that he was lost in his thoughts too.
Roxton: It's so much like our lake. The back part I mean.
Me: I know I was thinking the same thing.
Roxton turned in surprise and practically jumped off the rock.
Roxton: You DO think about it then!
Me: Sometimes. Er… let's go…
Roxton grabbed me from my elbow as I saw his temples colour.
Roxton: That's why you come here, don't you? You come here because it reminds…
Me: No! I come here to wash clothes!
Roxton: Marguerite! Tell me you did not forget!
Me: There was nothing I remembered that I needed to forget.
Roxton wanted to make it a point. He wanted me to admit it as he now grabbed me tight and turned to face him. My lips felt numb that I could not even beg him to let me go.
Roxton: I'm sick of pretending! I am sick of pretending for almost 15 years that I never knew you! How can I when you are right here next to me? How can I when you act like you never met me?
I felt my face turn pale as I trembled to answer.
Me: Rox…Roxton don't do this!
Roxton: NO! I did not do this for so long…I'm sick of waiting!
Me: Why are you putting me through this!
He shook me hard and answered loud that the lushes leaves echoed each word back.
Roxton: Why did you do this to us?! To me?! To my mother?!
Roxton: Marguerite she loved you! You couldn't have been more selfish! Oh Marguerite why?! I asked you not to why?! Why did you go?! Why did you leave?!
Tears welled up and blurred my vision and I shivered in pain.
Me: No Roxton! You will never understand. How was I to…
Roxton: It has always been about you!
Me: RICHARD! Will you listen to yourself?! How could I come back? How could I? what would they have told?! How could I come and see William in a coffin?! Richard…
Ummmm now what's all this?! Well I guess we all would have to wait very, very veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery loooooooooooooooong, answerless, suspenseful, nail-biting day.
Oh ! Another lesson from my darling old tree!
I turned to look at John with my eyes trying to hide the truth in what he said. The rest of them
looked dumfounded, wondering what childish argument we were having now.
Veronica: Okay what's wrong now? Water was too cold Marguerite?
Me: Veronica not now!
Veronica: Then plea…
Me: I SAID NOT NOW! Which part of it don't you understand!
Veronica instantly got the idea that this was not one of my silly arguments and instantly
backed out as Melone comically ducked under a table. I made my way to my room and sat on
my bed. I knew one day I would have to face these facts…that I and Richard…Richard?! Oh
God I've started to call him Richard now.
How could I ever deny or avoid it, as I knew it would come up one way or another. How could I
have ever thought that it would be here and now? No…why? Why didn't I listen to him?
When I had done wondering, the evening amber of the sky had already tuned to a dark teal
with specks of gold as stars. I got up and walked towards the balcony, as my eyelashes suddenly
felt cold. It was then that I realized that I had, in fact, been crying.
Melone: Marguerite?
A whisper came from the entrance and I instantly recognized Melone's voice.
Melone: I don't suppose you are hungry? We have…
Me: The same thing as yesterday. Go away!
Melone: Well actually it's vegetable stew with…
Me: Go before I stew you!
Expecting Melone to go off at this, I was quite surprised to hear the firm answer of, 'No!'
Me: What?!
Melone: I said no, I'm not going away till you tell me what's wrong or at least tell me how to
make you more comfortable. Hell Marguerite as unbelievable as it is you are my friend…so is
Roxton and I hate to see you two like this!
I was shocked at Melone's replies that I just stood not able even to protest.
Melone: I know you must be thinking that here comes a reporter to splat the story all over the
papers but it's out of …er…love I ask you this. Let me help. Talk to me about it. Don't think you
are cast out. How do you think I feel? Roxton and Veronica run the show here and I'm the tag
along, you know the sidekick who just stand there and be the scapegoat…the beauty without
brains! More or less we are in the same boat so its time that you start rowing it with me!
I looked at this poor soul who almost poured down his soul just to make me feel better and
pondered at his words. He was right, I did need someone to talk to but not Ric…er...Roxton. I
needed someone just to listen without arguing. The best person was Melone. Not receiving an
answer from me, Melone made towards the door.
Me: Melone?
Melone: Yes?
Me: Let's row the boat.
He pulled a chair and sat on it while I opted to pace around.
Me: You know…um…when you don't know your own elements…what you are made of and you
get a chance to find it out, it's a very good offer. Too hard to resist. That's what happened to
me. I'm sure you know that I grew up in convents all over England actually but unlike other
girls, I was sent to good schools through a benefactor.
I never knew who that person was or did not even care but one day…
St Agnes Convent, 1905:
Me: are you sure about this? will it work? What if we were caught?
Adreana: Oh don't be worried! What's this! You're supposed to be the naughty one over here!
Me: I'm naughty outside the convent. Not here we are sure to get caught!
Adreana: We won't get caught because the 'penguins' are busy with the rosary. Now we did not
spend hours in the swamp catching frogs for nothing
Adreana and I made our way, hidden in the evening light towards the convent wall. Because
of the church, my convent and the prestigious St Aloysius Boys School, where all the arrogant
brats from high class 'society' was schooled, shared one vast area separated by a wall of about
six feet. Our plans of ambush came after some of the boys had teased Mary yesterday about
what a nice 'maid' she would make and had kissed her. Now let's see if our noblemen can
handle frogs.
The time was just right. The nuns and priest were off to the cathedral for the 6o'clock mass
and with 150 girls. We went in with them and had our communion so that they would not
notice we were gone. After that it was hard to find that two were missing. Moreover, they
would be coming out any minute and we can blend in and disappear before they can spot us.
And best of all, the boys are now currently changing after their cricket game. What can I say,
I'm brilliant!
With ease, we climbed over the wall and creeped into the change room. Ducking under the
lockers we listened till they have completely undressed.
Guy 1: They want to have a party on my honour. And I said it was highly unnecessary but
you know mother. Let her have her way.
Guys: Agree, agree.
Guy2: Mine is gone to Paris for shopping.
Guy1: Oh Pari is nice. I was there last summer.
Guy3: Last summer? Oh so was I.
Guy4: These clothes are filthy. Have to get Amanda to wash them immediately.
Guy2: I give mine to George.
Guy1: George?
Guy2: Yes, I hired a butler for me. The other three are too busy with our manner.
We listened to their vain complains and prepared for battle as the showers stopped. Laying
the bag on the floor, we encouraged the frogs to hop out and waited.
Guy1: Did you go to yesterday's play?
Guy2: The merchant of Venice?
Guy1: Yes, yes…splendid was it!
Guy2: most…did you hear something…like a frog?
Guy3: Frog? Good heavens you are running a high fever man!
Guy1: Well what is it?
The guys got on their knees and peered under the cupboard.
Guy2: Wot is it?
Guy4: God knows? I think…I think…. IT'S A SNAKE!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Guy2: Kill it, kill it!
Guy4: You do it!
Guy2: ME! Well if you…
Guy3: keep quite! It's not a snake…there are more of them…THEY ARE BLOODY FROGS.
Guys: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The frogs being exited with all the running and screaming stared to 'run' and 'scream'
themselves. Getting the slime creatures to their heads and not thinking, the 'noble gentleman'
threw open the doors and ran into the churchyard. And Oh I would die to see this again for as
they ran out, the girls were going from mass. Surprised by the screams, the girls turned only to
see a butt-naked cricket team and the whole place erupted with screams from both parties.
Adreana and I laughed our heads off before we were able to compose ourselves for the
escape. Through the screams, we were also able to hear father Francis volunteering to see
what's wrong.
Adreana: We have to go now!
Adreana got up and dashed towards the door but as I was to, my locket unexpectedly fell and
slid under the cupboard. I had to get it. I treasured it with my life! I knelt before it and reached
it but I was not able to. One last effort and I managed to set a finger on its chain. Pulling it
out, I was about to exit when I heard Fr. Francis.
Me: Oh God!
Spotting a door in the opposite corridor, I ran towards it. But to my utter shock, the door
opened and a strong arm pulled me in. At that moment, I knew I was done for.
The person closed the door shut and leaned me against it. He then cupped my mouth and
looked deep into my eyes.
I kept repeating over and over in my head that I should not have done this. It was made worse
by the footsteps of Fr. Francis approaching. I knew I should not have done this!
He stopped at the door and turned the knob.
Fr.: Who's inside?
Guy: It's me father. I'm getting dressed.
Fr.: Come out if you please.
Guy: Yes father in a minute.
He moved me towards the window and opened it. Popping his head out, he checked if there
was anyone around and motioned me with his head to climb out. I climbed out and ran
towards the other girls without even thanking him.
Few hours later:
Me: And that's what happened.
Adreana: Oh was he handsome?!
Me: I was scared out of my life! Do you think I will have time to be charmed by him!
Adreana: A rich husband is not bad after all!
Me: Adreana!
Adreana: Anyway, I'm sorry I gave you a shock.
Me: It's okay. Now go to sleep and do pray we won't get caught!
The next morning after our ambush, we were walking after our morning prayers when I spotted
that same young man as yesterday talking to Father Francis.
Me: Oh Adriana! I knew he would tell. Oh dear!
Adreana: Margie, he might be talking of something completely different!
Me: Like what?!
Adreana: Something different okay!
Me: Oh Adreana!
Before I could conclude, Sister Margaret walked into our dormitory.
Sister Margaret: Marguerite! The Mother Superior wants to see you!
I felt all my blood turn to water in me and my lips went white with fear. I was caught, I lost.
Adreana threw a glance at me, a glance of fear.
Sister Margaret: What is it girls? You look like you have seen a ghost! Hurry now!
Me: Uh…ye…yes sister.
Adreana stood up to go with me but I motioned her to stay off this. The walk to the office was
the longest I had ever taken in my life. As I passed through the teak corridor, all I could think
of was the ways in which Mother Superior was going to deal with it. She was a short, plum old
nun but had a face as if she had eaten something sour. Above her twisted mouth were a few
hairs which had turned white and everyone knew of 'the notebook'. It was something she hid
under the front pleat of her robe and each and everything about even an ant that goes against
the rules were written down. She always narrowed her eyes whenever she talked and she talked
fast and secretly as to whisper our 'sins' to our ears. Considering the things Adreana and me, she
was not necessarily found of us!
We neared the office door and Sister Margaret knocked on it. It boomed at my ears and I felt
as if I was to pass out!
Mother: Enter!
Sister Margaret: Marguerite Krux is here to see you sister.
Mother: Send, yes, send her in.
Me: Good morning Sister.
Mother: Come in. Close that door now, yes, that door.
This was worse than I thought.
Mother: I had visitors this morning and…
Me: Sister I can…
She slammed the ruler on her desk and looked at me.
Mother: Talk when and only when you are spoken to you! Now LISTEN, you never did you
know Marguerite. You never listened. But God had sent someone to redeem you of your life.
Mother: I had visitors this morning and they were from your benefactor's family.
I looked at her in utter surprise but dare not speak.
Mother: Since you are 18 Marguerite, they wish to take you completely into their care. They
would look after you and you would learn their way. Please remember that you are who you
are now because of them. So any favor they ask or any wish they seek should not, and I say
should not be ignored. Did I make myself clear?
Me: yes Mother.
Mother: is there anything else you would want to ask?
Me: Who are they? Are they related to me?!
Mother: I myself was not let into those details. Pack your bags now. Tomorrow, they would
send a guardian to take you to their home at sharp 8. Do you understand?
Me: Yes Mother.
Mother: Now go.
At the tree house:
Roxton looked with a smile of child like innocence as he told Veronica how Father Francis
punished the whole Cricket team for quote : 'Running around with the aristocratic asses
uncovered"
Veronica: So you never knew who it was?
Roxton: Well I did not then but one morning…
The Roxton Manor, 1905:
Roxton: Mother, I'm going to Harry's house. He bought a new shotgun and would like me to
look at it.
Lady Roxton: Oh love, how can I ever make you listen!
Roxton: Um I know my Mother!
Roxton leaned over gave a peck on his mother's cheek.
Lady Roxton: I would have allowed any day but not today.
Roxton: Mother!
Lady Roxton: There's someone I want you and William to meet. If Grandaunt and your father
were to know that you would not be present, there is a possibility of you being disowned!
Roxton: But Mother…
Lady Roxton: No buts! Richard you will be twenty-four in a week and you act like a baby!
Roxton : I'm still your baby aren't I.
Lady Roxton: Yes and a spoiled one!
Roxton: Alright I'll stay. I'm going to send a message to Henry.
Lady Roxton: That would be nice.
Roxton retired to his room to write the message but was unexpectedly caught up in some
other work. It was almost half past eight when he made his way to the garden where this ' somebody'
he should meet was. It was not unusual for them to suddenly meet 'somebody' as in there
would everybody was somebody! This was actually routine for them. He neared the seats when
his mother got up from her seat and made towards him.
Lady: Ah I told you he would come! Richard I want you to meet…
At that moment, a lady who was seated at the opposite seat stood up and turned to face him.
They looked at each other in utter awe before simultaneously screaming out.
Roxton: YOU! The Lady: YOU!
Guy4: Her what's…there's something under the cupboard.
Adreana and I looked at each other and mouthed 'snake'. Frogs yes but snake! By now, they
were all with their cricket bats to kill their 'snake'.
