Thursday, I woke at 5:30 refreshed and eager to get to work where I could stop thinking about Amelia. By the time I reached the office, Iād ratcheted my work mode up to a new height and attacked my work. I went non-stop to 7:30 before calling it a day. Having purposely worn myself out, I retired early and was asleep immediately.
Friday was a repeat of Thursday until mid-afternoon. I left the office, taking a walking break to clear my head. When I returned, Iād a voice mail message from Amelia inviting me to her house in the suburbs tomorrow at 4:00 PM. I knew the area of her home from my map, but wrote down the detailed directions she gave. Wanting to her real voice, I tried calling her back but got her answering machine.
Saturday, I managed to find enough errands and chores to keep me busy until it was time to leave. The drive out was uneventful and I turned onto Ameliaās road ahead of schedule. I slowed down for the final leg of my trip with the road winding through huge wooded estates. High brick walls or wrought iron fences limited my view of the residences. Some were set back so far off the road they werenāt visible.
I found Ameliaās and easily negotiated entry through her security gate. An older Hispanic-looking maid met me at the door and, using broken English, led me through the house to a swimming pool in back of the massive home. She seated me at a table shaded by an umbrella and went back inside.
I waited, enjoying the pleasant summer day, the secluded quiet and admired the wall of tall trees where the manicured lawn ended. From the map Iād studied, I guessed the woods beyond had to be the start of a large forest preserve. Living and working in the city as I did, Iād forgotten the peace and privacy offered by rural areas.
About fifteen minutes later, I heard a noise. Expecting Amelia, I turned towards the house where itād come from. Wearing a short white terry cloth swim cover, she walked towards me. As she neared, I though the bright sunshine was affecting my eyes. She looked and walked like Amelia, but appeared to be fifteen years younger! Blinking didnāt change what I was seeing. My mouth dropped open in amazement. She halted, standing before me and said, āHello, Garrett.ā
I stared up in stunned disbelief. I knew The Fountain of Youth was a legend. Also, if a way to reverse the aging process it would have had to been reported in the media and Iād have read about it. What my eyes beheld, my mind knew wasnāt possible. Sheād Ameliaās body, her hair, her eyes and her face. Her mouth formed the exact same amusing smile of Ameliaās. I muttered, āWho? How? What?ā
The young Amelia giggled and extended her hand to say, āIām Cassandra, Ameliaās younger sister. Everyone calls me Casey.ā
It took a few seconds to sink in and unfreeze my body. Waiting for me to take her out stretched hand, she again giggled and continued, āJust about everyone is surprised at how much Amelia and I are alike. But, youāre the first Iāve met to be shocked speechless.ā
I sprang up in finally being able to take her hand, āIām sorry. Amelia never mentioned sheād a sister. The two of you look so much alike I couldnāt believe my eyes. Iām very happy to meet you, Casey.ā
After our handshake ended, our hands stayed joined while we studied each other. She broke the silence, āNice to meet you too, Garrett. Amelia described you as handsome. I see what she meant.ā
āThanks for the compliment. Iāll remember to thank Amelia when she gets here. Will she join us soon?ā
āNo, sheās not here.ā
āNot here?ā
āShe said youād probably be disappointed and asked me to explain why. This might take a while. Itād be best if we both sat down.ā
In taking our chairs, we both heard the sound of the rear door closing from the house. It was the maid carrying a tray with two glasses on it. Casey said, āI asked Maria to bring us two gin and tonics, Garrett. I thought it might help if you had a drink in hearing what Iām going to tell you.ā
I was both puzzled and disheartened. As soon as the maid set my drink on the table, I took a full swig then asked, āWhereād Amelia go?ā
āShe took an early morning flight to Europe and will be there for three months.ā
āThree months?ā I was sure my disappointment on my face.
āYes. She only decided to leave yesterday. Sheād something to tell you and didnāt want you to hear it over the phone. Since the two of us are very close, she called me, explained her problem and asked me to take her place. I agreed to take her place and tell you in person.ā
āHow much did Amelia tell you about the two of us?ā
āIf youāre asking whether I know that the two of you were intimate, the answer is yes. It was one of the reasons I agreed to meet you. She wanted you to know that itās also one of the main reasons she thought it best to go away for a while.ā
āHow so? I donāt understand.ā