Requiem of the Labyrinth Angie Wu 1
Requiem of the Labyrinth By Angie Wu
Written by Angie Wu of E4B Composition 1 Instructor: Mr. Kenneth M. Smith Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages Kaohsiung, Taiwan June 2010 2
Words checked = [7186] Words in Oxford 3000 = [92%]
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Content
About the Author -------------------------P.5
Characters ------------------------------- P.6
Prologue ---------------------------------- P.7
Chapter 1: Born on Monday ------------- P.8
Chapter 2: Christened on Tuesday ----- P.14
Chapter 3: Married on Wednesday -----P.21
Chapter 4: Took ill on Thursday --------P.35
Chapter 5: Worse on Friday ------------ P.40
Chapter 6: Died on Saturday ----------- P.51
Chapter 7: Buried on Sunday -----------P.58
Epilogue ---------------------------------P.62
References ------------------------------P.67
Acknowledgement ----------------------P.68
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About the Author
My Dear readers: thank you for reading my story. It is my pleasure to share great intension with you all. I am Angie Wu, 19 years old, from Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages, 4th year composition 1. I am fond of reading all kinds of stories, especially romance. To me, reading is like traveling all over the world through pages and verses. It is wonderful chance for me to let my imagination run wild and begin my first story. Hopefully every of you will have a great journey while reading the story. Thank you with my whole heart! 5
Characters
Alexandra Newton A doctor returning from London
Angela Knight A young lady serves Mrs. Newton
Leila Knight Angela’s older sister
Marie Newton Alexandra’s grandmother
Martin Jones Angela’s ex-lover
Lucy Goddard An old lady works for the Newton’s
Sebastian Parker The Newton’s master manager 6
Prologue
Dear Angela I will read you a letter, just as I promised. I hope you will hear it--- in heaven.
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Chap 1. Born on a Monday
She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies‌ (George Gordon Byron, 1788-1824)
It was five o’ clock in the morning. The air was fresh after the morning dew. The wind was chilly. After five years, this was the first time I returned from London. I left school and returned to Wood Bridge, my hometown. Last month, my 69 year old grandmother passed away. And, today, was her funeral. Marie Newton, my dearest grandmother, raised me from my childhood when I lost my parents fourteen years ago. She offered everything to me; therefore, I did not lack anything in my life. 8
The old lady was the person I knew best in the world. Although I felt piety for her, time would never be back again. I hate, from the bottom of my heart, the heart attack which took her away from me. However, there was only one thing which would comfort me. At least, she was peacefully in heaven with God. It was now five twenty. I shut my car door but not wanting to take anything with me. I could hardly hear the noise around me as it was too early in the morning. The place was unrecognizable. The rural part of Wood Bridge I had not visited since my parents were buried. The road to the graveyard was so foggy that I could barely see the way. Was I lost? Was I afraid because I was on 9
the way to face the truth of my dear grandmother? I checked my watch. It was five thirty. In fact, the ceremony would begin at seven. It seemed I have arrived too early. The sun rose into the sky. Everything for the funeral was well-prepared before I arrived. Even at the last moment, I did nothing for her. Silently, I entered the room where the old lady would be permanently to rest. When was the last time I said goodbye to her? I could no more remember. Once I lifted my head, I was surprised to see there was another person in the room. The scene suddenly fell into my eyes and directly upon my heart. 10
A small lady was sitting near the cold, brown coffin, with tears in her eyes. The light of the rising sun dramatically gilded her face which resembled in a golden noble goddess. Her long black hair was budging smoothly across her shoulder as if silk fabric falling down from heaven. Her profile suddenly turned into the most perfect divine of all. I have never seen such a beautiful girl in my life. It was definitely a wonderful man-made piece from God. I fell in love with her at first sight. It took me almost a minute to wake up from the amazement of beauty. I tried to move forward but it was hard. Her beauty was so irresistibly attractive. Unnoticeably, I made a noise and the girl turned around and saw me. “Mr. Newton?� she asked and was looking at me with a familiar smile. 11
Was the sound from heaven? All, not all of it, was a tug on my heart. “Grandma… did you send me an angel?” as I wished you had? *** Alexandra Newton (21) He is the main character of the story. Alex lost his parents at age ten due to an earthquake. He was then raised by his grandmother, who was running a local hospital as their domestic business. Marie, the old gentle woman, sent Alex to London to study medicine and biology, in order to inherit the hospital in the future. From his youth, Alex liked to read and write. He was also kind-hearted and honest. Because of his cleverness and diligence in study, he was successful and trustworthy among every one. 12
Angela Knight (19) A young, beautiful girl who came from Little More ton, East Anglia three years ago and who was working for the Newton’s. Her background was known by nobody but herself. Serving Mrs. Newton and organizing all the house chores were her daily business, and the old lady treated her as if she were her daughter. In return, Angela respected old Marie the most. She was silent but kind. Mysteriously, she liked to stay alone at night in the glasshouse. She was not easy to get along with and her mind was far from the realistic world.
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Chap2. Christened on Tuesday
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, Whose goal will be high; One who will learn to laugh, Yet never forget how to weep‌ (Douglas MacArthur, 1880-1964)
Time flies. It was dawn in spring. In spring, winds blew gently and the sunshine was warm. The sights were light and captivating. Flowers competed with each other in such splendor. The beautiful scenery made me feel relieved. It has already been two months after my returning from London. There was a lot to learn in hospital and that was a whole new life I 14
needed to get used to in Woodbridge. At first, everything was completely different from what I had learned in school. However, thanks for all the coworkers in the hospital, for their kindness and warm-heartedness, I could efficiently catch up with the work. There was always too much to be done and my time was completely consumed. Even though the work was hard; there was still one thing I expected to happen every day. Every morning Angela and old Lucy would come to my room and serve me. They brought me tea, breakfast, and sometimes I liked to have it with newspapers. And, when I was having breakfast on the veranda, they would rearrange my bed and prepare things ready for my work. 15
We did not actually speak to each other, but watching Angela busy around relaxed me from the heavy work ---or something, something more. The work at the hospital almost cost all my time. Therefore I came back to the house very late at night. Probably I would have my dinner at nine, but I was too tired to finish the whole meal. Later in the evening, I need to read some notes and prepare for work tomorrow. There was so much reading to get through. Pretty soon I felt sleepy and struggled concentration on what needed to be completed. *** However, tonight, the weather seemed so cool and freezing. I decided to take a walk 16
around the yard and then afterward I could go back to work. Just as I passed through the glasshouse, I saw a shape of a young lady. Without second thought, I knew it was Angela. It was so late at night and wondered what’s she doing there? Due to the dim light, I was not able to see her face. I felt that she was like an angel being imprisoned in a huge cave. There was no reason why I felt this way. Originally, she worked here and served my grandmother, but since the old lady had passed away, there was no reason for her to still hanging around. Didn’t she have anywhere else to go? We hadn’t really spoken to each other yet, not in a Master-Servant relationship. Angela’s characteristic was adorable, sensitive and soothing, but actually too mysterious to 17
understand. She seldom revealed her feelings. I could feel the air around the glasshouse was not welcome about my approaching. The night, which was full of sadness, belonged to her alone in that isolated small room. The chilly wind hurts my body, so I walked quietly back into the house. I thought if I could speak to her, everything would change and would be fine. Little by little as I walked, this kind of gentle, mild voice came over me. *** The morning light shone brightly through the thin curtains into my bedroom. I smelt a special aroma that I had never smelt before. I slowly opened my eyes and saw a bunch of lily. So, it was lilies that I smelt? “Good morning, Mr. Newton.� It was the 18
voice of fair Angela. “Lucy is sick, so I will serve you this morning.” Staring at her, I got out of bed, feeling a little bit backward. “How long has she been in my room?” I thought. Although I was not a little boy anymore, my heart was beating as if I were a teenager with first love. She genteelly put a robe on my shoulder, but her eyes were looking somewhere else. Again, she seemed very far from me. “So, Angela, You are my grandma’s best friend?” Honestly, I just wanted to start a conversation. But, her hands stopped, and she raised her head and frowned. “Hum, listen, please, I was really grateful that…” It might not be a suitable topic I guessed 19
and hoped it was not too late. “Since I was far from home and all of you did your best taking care of my grandmother, and I think…” Oh my goodness, how come? Why was I stammering! “Angela, you like flowers, don’t you? These flowers are lovely, Thank you very much.” For a second, she stepped back while kept her gaze on me. Unexpectedly, a tear ran down her long, pale face. “Mr. Newton, you spoke very much like her…” Through such a clumsy way, this was how, and this was when we started our indescribable relationship.
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Chap3. Married on Wednesday
But seas between us braid hae roar’d Sin auld lang syne… (Robert Burns, 1759-1796)
Everything turned out like magic. We started to get along with each other ever so well. Every morning, from then on, Angela would spend more time talking with me. “Good morning, Mr. Newton. The weather is nice today. Would you like to have some coffee first?” Generally speaking, people usually felt waking up too early was miserable. However, when I got up every morning, I felt blissful in seeing the prettiest girl at my first sight. 21
“Yes. But two cups, please.” “Two?” she frowned. “Yes, one is for you. Come and sit here. I want to tell you something I read yesterday.” Her emotion was not difficult to understand. When I showed her books of flowers, she couldn’t stop smiling and keeping asking questions. This was how time happily flies between us. “Angela, I was thinking. How would you like to visit some botanical gardens with me? They would be more interesting than just reading books.” I should say this was the best way to keep her attention on me. To tell you the truth, I was not that smart, but I knew, if you really wanted something, you should use all your strength to get it. 22
From then on, we went to several botanical gardens, but it was mostly the morning we spent our time together. That is, I would invite her to have breakfast with me and have a walk in the back yards. We talked a lot, especially topics around flowers. It was interesting and I liked it, however I had no ideas why she liked flowers so much. “Angela,” I paused, “Could you tell me why you like flowers so much? I’m quite interested.” She looked at me, as this was the stupidest question she had ever heard. “Hum…When I was little, very little, my grandfather told me stories of flowers. I thought they were romantic. Weren’t they?” I nodded. 23
“Also, it was a little bit surprising for me that men were crazy about flowers and honestly speaking, my grandfather has very similar characteristic like Mrs. Newton.” She seemed to become thinking about something, showing a deep, complicated, woeful look. “Any way, I have once learned…oh! It was told by a friend. There was a kind of blue rose, which its color was very, very, very beautiful. Have you ever seen that?” “They were legend; it meant a romance was incapable of coming true.” Through her face, I understood she was disappointed at my answer. I sighed silently. I felt sad, was it a question that she had kept hidden in her heart for so long? I hoped not. 24
I knew that she like me, but maybe we were just friends now, at least for her. Angela, for a clever girl, must have known that I liked her or in reality in love with her. An impossible romance, a legendary flower, did that meant there was somebody? However, in my mind, I could be sure, that she was now much closer to me and she certainly trusted me. *** Several days later, I received a letter from work. It had mentioned there was a medical study meeting in Little More-ton, where Angela came from. It was a good chance to check out Angela’s hometown, since I have been working for so long. This has the potential to be a great holiday anyway. 25
The next day, I tried to invite Angela to come with me, in order to take care of my daily things while I was away on work, and she could enjoy her hometown. At first, I was really afraid to make such an invitation that she would feel embarrassed so she might refuse. Surprisingly, she agreed to go. She said their old cottage was very near to where I needed to go so we could live there. It was at the sea and no one had used it for a long time. Gotten a good idea, I suggested we could stay longer and spend more time, or more days, a week or so, to enjoy a short term holiday. She smiled in her own way from everything I asked her. I was so excited for the holiday. Also it was the first time that works had become a happy task. How nice was the holiday going to be? I 26
just could not imagine. *** A week later, we started our journey. The weather was good. The blue sky was dot with small white clouds. Angela was very energetic and pretty. During the time we were taking a train, we talked more, and I could feel her heart completely open to me. Moreover, she could not stop TALKING. “Angela, you look wonderful today.” Her face turned pink instantly. “Oh, really, do I?” We both laughed. For the reason we both understood. *** My work went on very well that in the first 27
three days I had finished everything I needed to work on. By this time, Angela was cleaning the cottage and busying around. This was her place, where she belonged. On the fourth day, I got up very late. It was so wonderful to sleep till noon. A few minutes later Angela came in with some fresh bread and offered me a cup of coffee. “The weather is great. Would you like to go outside today?” “What can we do?” I turned my body, feeling a little lazy to wake up. She asked if we could go for a swim and I agreed. My work was done and her cleaning around the cottage was finished too. “What a good place for holidays!” The sky was azure blue and the water was clear and 28
deep, which I only remember seeing in my dreams when I was youth. I looked out to the ocean as far as my eyes could see. I stayed on the beach, reading, while Angela was swimming. It was very surprising to see that she could swim so well, just like a fish! She smoothly dived into the water, and her shape was shining like a brilliant star. I could hardly imagine that she was so confident. It showed how much she liked this place. I watched the setting sun sink down to the far reaches of the ocean. After the long swim, we both were tanned, but not sunburned. The brown color skin made me feel healthy and good. I should come here more often if possible. Next, we went to the downtown market. 29
Angela showed me so many things that were quite new for me. It was like a mother taking her child and showing him the surprises of the world. She introduced interestingly some fruits and vegetables to me, and at this moment, I thought she was back to her childhood. We were mixed up by the joyful atmosphere of this wonderful place. We had a lot of fun, and I realized I was more attracted to her. At night, we went to the local bar to have some fun. She wore a new red dress that was totally perfect. She was shy, but everything was alright. The candlelight was beautiful. Her eyes were shining brightly in my eyes. For this moment, at this second, I was sure she had me in her heart. I was the only person, absolutely. 30
After the great meal, we walked along the coast in order to get back to the cottage. The wind swayed smoothly and I got an intention, which somehow I could not tell. Angela, however, suggested we should have a night swim. She said I didn’t swim this morning and recommended I had better try now. This time, she swam very slowly as I followed her. It should not be called swimming, we were not serious. Our bodies were carried by the waves, which took away all the troubles. Two young people were playing in the water. What ecstasy! Something started to change. The mood inside me, I could tell, I really wanted her. I reached out my hand to her and pulled her toward me. She came very easily and her 31
body was weightless in the water. I kissed her and tasted the sea. She looked a little bit shocked. However, she put her hands up to my cheek and touched it. Before I knew, she was touching my neck. “You are strong,” she said smiley. “But not too strong.” Suddenly, I was kissing her wildly. Then we fell onto the sand, which was still warm from the sun, and lay together till the moon came up. *** The next morning I woke up in my bed but couldn’t find Angela. Where was she? I quickly rushed to the front door to check out. Suddenly the door opened and the girl came in. We saw each other’s eyes and words were lost. She looked at me silently and smiled. 32
“Good morning, breakfast is ready.� She said kindly for the first time and not calling me Mr. Newton. I came near her and looked down. We were looking at each other with amorous eyes. There was a silent question, and a silent answer. Then I closed the door behind us. *** The rest of the holiday was great. Everything was like dreams, beautiful dreams. When we were on the train back to Wood Bridge, Angela said she was going to bring me a drink and left her seat. Accidentally, she was crashed into by another passenger. I went immediately to her to see whether she was hurt or not. But instead of getting hurt, she seemed rather much more 33
frightened. Her face was pale, very pale. Her body was shuddering, holding onto me very tightly. “Alex, may I… go back to my seat? I was feeling…uh…a little bit tired……” Her voice was trembling.
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Chap4. Took ill on Thursday
Tonight I can write the saddest lines. I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too… (Pablo Neruda, 1904-1973)
The relationship between us might go well, after the holiday in Little More-ton. However, Angela began to behave strangely. In the morning, she didn’t come to my room or bring me anything. Instead of her, loyal Lucy brought me breakfast every day. I tried to ask Lucy what was happening, but she was not able to tell me. “Miss Knight was sick …and better not to disturb her.” In addition, I felt people in the house were not so comfortable when I mentioned her name 35
these days. I really didn’t know why. Because I had to work at eight, I was supposed to leave very early. It was hard for me to concentrate on my job. Questions were swirling in my head. Sick? Could it be? When I got back home, it was even late than ever. I thought I should go to Angela. If she asked me to do something, I would definitely offer everything immediately. Walking through the back yard, I saw her, but not in the glasshouse as usual. Instead, she was sitting at the edge of the fountain. “Angela?” I called in a soft voice. I came near, but the strong wind was tumultuous and pushed me backward. She didn’t notice me. There was sadness, hopelessness and sorrow around her. Our 36
holiday was perfect, didn’t we both agree? Gradually, I heard a voice singing. The melody was sad. Why did she feel this way? I turned and sat down on a bench behind the tree. We had no wine this evening, but somehow we were drunk by love and romance. I was woken up by a loud noise on the next day. Someone or more than a person was shouting at the front door. I quickly ran down to the door and I saw Angela with Sebastian, my master manager. “Let me go!” shouted Angela. “Please do not do that! You know Mr. Newton would be angry with this!” Sebastian’s voice shouted even louder. Surprisingly, Angela was carrying one or two baggage of luggage and Sebastian was 37
pulling her bags. Their argument made me so angry. I separated the two and took Angela to my room. “Why don’t you just leave me alone?” She had tears in her eyes. How long has she been crying? I put my arms around her, feeling her body shaking. “I love you. I need you to stay…” Pretty soon I wanted to cry too. She held me backwardly. “I was not the right person for you, Mr.…” I kissed her, kept the word close in her lips. No more Newton. Please. I couldn’t bear it. “I love you. I love you. You did know. Stay here…” I whispered, shouting, touching her face, her long black hair. I could see my worried, miserable face 38
through her eyes. But her eyes kept silent like a mirror, telling me how I was hurt but nothing on her mind. I cried. I cried hard. She kissed my cheek, but it was cold. It was despair, ruined--- by love.
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Chap5. Worse on Friday
To hear the immense night, still more immense without her. And the verse falls to the soul like dew to the pasture. (Pablo Neruda, 1904-1973)
I cried so long then sobbed myself to a long, deep sleep. Angela’s hand, her fine fingers, ran through my hair, just like playing the melody of a requiem. From my youth, or started from the time I lost my parents, I have stopped crying. Grandmother taught me not to cry, because when people cried, it showed that the person was weak. If I cried, my parents would be sad, so I didn’t want to show my weakness and 40
worked very hard. When I final success, my parents would be very proud of me. Trying so hard and working non-stop, all I wished was to be the pride of the Newton family. Then I had a dream. I saw my parents, very clearly. “You worked really well, my boy.” The sounds in my head were so real. I tried to embrace them, but they fled away, waving, smiling. Then they were gone. When I opened my eyes, I felt tear stains on my face. After a second or so, Angela came into my room with a cup of tea in her hand. She then sat at the edge of my bed. I took her hand, softly, “Tell me, Angela.” I pleaded looking at her with my eyes emptied and tired. 41
Angela touched my head, “You were sick, probably got a little cold, I had already phoned Dr. Tailor.” She helped me lay down into my bed and covered the blankets on me. “You had better rest, big DOCTOR.” She was looking at me so sweetly. All led to my heart with pleasure and great pain. There was some melancholy in her mirth. “If you love me, once in your life, please tell me what has happened.” I didn’t let her go. I held her more tightly. Silence. Angela watched me, and then turned away. She took a deep breath, and this was how she began her story. *** 42
“When I was still living in Little More-ton, not the place we went last time, I was living with my sister.” I nodded, and then she continued. “I was in love with a man named Martin.” So there was a man! “We were so much in love. Well…I loved him so much, and I thought I would be with him forever.” She was trying her best not to hurt me, I thought. However, listening to Angela’s own story almost stop breathing. “Alex, you look bad, should I let you sleep more?” I shook my head. I must have looked worried. She smiled and kept speaking. “My life was perfectly simple. That was the kind of life I liked so much. But, things changed.” 43
Her voice started to get cold. “My two year older sister Leila was the prettiest girl in our town and all the times we were struggling from jealousy.” She looked at my face, which was so surprised by hearing of another lady who might be prettier than her. “Unfortunately she had an accident and her face was hurt badly. After the operation and the surgery, she was almost fully recovered but there was a scar, a long scar on her face.” I felt sorry when I heard this. “And what happened?” I asked. “She was so full of shame and locked herself in the room. To tell the truth, the scar was not obvious at all.” “After all this happened, I felt Martin was quite strange. From a way I could not tell. Then, I thought Martin liked my sister.” 44
Angela looked sad, or older. She became an old lady with sorrow in her heart. “It was true, how could a man refuse such a beautiful woman? One day, I found out they were lovers before I met Martin.” She sighed. “Leila was hidden from Martin. She just didn’t want Martin to despise her. From the bottom of my heart, I knew he cared about my pretty sister.” “Everything was clear, but I stilled liked him and I was happy. I could have my own love, anyway.” Her voice was deep and far, imprisoned in the old story. “I asked Martin if he would marry me, but he always smiled, yes…a crooked smile. But he said he would, when he built up his business and then soon thereafter he would marry me. I 45
believed everything he was saying.” “After a few months, my sister had recovered and she was beautiful again. She started to meet her old friends again including Martin.” “One night, I asked her what if I was getting married. She still needed someone to take care of her. From that moment on, she went mad. She had not recovered completely. She just wanted to see a person, a SOMEBODY!” Angela screamed, trembling so I held her instantly. “She got worse, so I had to put her in a hospital. I felt sorry. She used to be the kindest person I knew. Since then, I felt guilty and hoped I hadn’t destroyed her life.” My heart ached. “I didn’t want to let my fortune flee away. I 46
told myself firmly.” Her tears fall…like rain drops continuously. “A few days later, when I came home, I saw a tall, long-haired person sitting in the living room. I was so scared and questioned who it was.” “There came my beautiful sister. She smiled in an unusual way, and said, ‘My lovely Angela, I have a surprise for you!’ I stepped back, feeling everything was so strange. Why was she here?” I felt cold, as if my blood had stopped running. “‘Angela, I am pregnant! I have Martin’s child!’ Leila said in a cheerful way. She held my hands dancing, singing happily. I was so afraid…” “‘Martin said he would love me and he 47
would buy me a great house by the sea.’ She did not stop talking like that! Her words started to turn me upside down.” “‘No! It is not true!’ I shouted at her very loudly.” “I screamed and ran out of the living room. I called Martin, with my hand shaking. No answer. What happened? Everything was black.” “Suddenly Leila spoke, ‘my dear, why are you here? Come, I still have a lot to tell you.’ Now I was with a mad person. What should I do?” “‘Are you calling Martin? Lovely, he won’t come.’ She laughed sharply.” “I collapsed. Falling onto the ground, I could not stop trembling. I took my cell-phone and dialed the number of the hospital.” 48
“She frowned, then knelt down on the floor, whispering ‘Angela, what should I name my lovely child…….................’” Tears came out from Angela’s eyes. “Martin was killed on the day Leila came back to the house……” “I felt the world was broken into pieces. I cried and cried but no matter how hard I cried, life was never coming back. I went to bars and gone myself drunk. I didn’t mind at all. My world was completely ruined.” There was a long silence. “One day, I carelessly visited Woodbridge. Then I met Mrs. Newton, and finally I had met you…” I kept looking at her. 49
“Alex, the woman, I crashed into on the train driving back here was her. Leila, my sister, it couldn’t be wrong.”
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Chap6. Died on Saturday
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood; For nothing now can ever come to any good‌ (W.H. Auden, 1907-1973)
In the next days, after the horrible event, I recovered from the sickness. Angela stayed with me and took care of me. I could feel her love and when I touched her, she smiled at me just as if the whole story was a bad dream. Time still went on. I could smell the smell of peace. My workload was heavy. However, I worked very hard and got back as early as possible so I could see if Angela was well or not. 51
Tonight was a special day. Therefore, I rushed to finish my job and went home. “Welcome home, do you want to have a drink?” It was only seven, very early for me to return. Angela was in my room ironing my clothes. “How’s work today? You come back really early.” she said smiley and closing my wardrobe door. “Come here, Angela, I’ve got something to show you.” She was curious but couldn’t stop smiling. Hey, not flowers all the time. “Happy Birthday!” I gave her a box with a red ribbon tied on it. There was a card on it and some letters written in Italian, “Buon Compleanno.” “I bought it in Bella Boutique, and I 52
promise you will love it.” “Oh? Really?” Straightaway, she opened the box. Inside the box was a yellow dress with a bunch of lilies. “Oh, Alex, these are too expensive!” Her eyes were shining with delight. I kissed her cheek, but this was not the most romantic gift, my pretty girl. *** The next day, I took Angela to a luxury restaurant. I ordered the most expensive sweet liquor and we had a good time. She was dressed in that new yellow dress, which was so pretty and caught a lot of attention. When we were having our meal, I took a small box out of my pocket. I knelt down and she looked very surprised at me. 53
“Would you marry me, Angela?” She was so surprised, but she nodded so gladly. I got her, finally. Even though the story of her past was terrible, I loved her. When we were in the car, I kissed her lips. I could feel her strongly that I almost went into crazy. But suddenly, she pushed me away. “Leila! Leila!” And then she had her head in her arms, screaming aloud. Why did she mention this again in such way? I was soon overcome with great anger. “Angela, Angela, what happened?” In order to let her calm down, I held her tightly. “Every time when I am about to get my love… You are always against me!” She held me back tightly but I had no idea what happened. “I am leaving, or she would get us. No... 54
She will find me!” Now her eyes were full with tears. I was chronically tired, so all of a sudden it made me irritable. Angrily, I locked the car and drove quickly back home. Why did this happen? Originally, everything was so great. I was worried about her. I was afraid of her story. I asked Sebastian to watch her and made her stay in her room. We struggled again and again whenever I persuaded her to let all the things go. I could marry her. I could protect her. I could offer whatever she wanted, that’s true. I hated to say it, but without me she was nothing and had nowhere to go, really! What did my love really mean to her? However, she didn’t listen to my words. She looked terribly dejected and sighed all 55
day long. She was preoccupied and in low spirited, even not wanting to eat. Why would she wear such a sorrowful look? I hated jokes, and she was a great joke that seduced me easily. Finally, I decided to let her think more carefully and insisted I would still marry her. Never would I give up loving her. I promised I would not let bad things happen, not even a piece, and nothing needed to be worried. Then, I went to live in the hospital. It might be better for her to think without disturbing. One evening, I coughed so hard that I felt so afraid. I was afraid of something, which was approaching. My phone rang. The sound was larger than ever. It was old royal Lucy. “Nr. Newton! Our house is on fire!� 56
My heart beat rapidly. Immediately, I fell into a flutter. “Only Angela…she is...” I ran out. Everything was swirling in my head. “Only Angela has not escaped.” It started to rain. I was misty-eyed. Please still not too late!
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Chap7. Buried on Sunday
I ran fast back home. All of the servants were standing outside the house. Lucy saw me. “Sir, Angela was not with us. It has been a long time since the fire started!” “What happened? How could it be?” “There was an oil lamp, which accidently…” Our house was on fire. Smoke rushed out from the old house. Police and fire trucks had already arrived trying to put out the fire, but the smoke was still very strong. No matter what would happen, I ran into the burning house. Behind me were people screaming and crying for help. I came to the second floor, where Angela’s room was. It was at the end of the corridor, and at this moment, 58
the room seemed even furtherer and longer. I crouched down, avoiding the dark black clouds coming out from the door. It was getting harder and harder to breathe, and I could feel my lungs were aching. It took me a long time to reach her front door. The door was locked from outside, of course she was certain to be locked in. Without a second thought, I crushed the door and broke in. The smoke was so thick inside that I nearly fainted away. I could not move, getting more and more paralyzed, and finally I collapsed. Before I lost consciousness, I saw Angela. She was lying on the ground in front of me, not moving. I scrambled and wanted to hold her hand, but everything was over. I couldn’t save her lithe, easy and elegant shape haunt me forever. The girl, who was extremely suave, 59
then became a sleeping goddess. *** I was in the hospital, feeling nothing. A sense of desolation overwhelmed me. Angela was past recovery. I was grieved to the extreme. My life was broken. Everything went to pieces, which I could never rebuild. My face bathed with tears, the pain of losing her was overwhelming me. My longing was like madness that couldn’t stop. Winds blew through my window. I saw something on my bed. It was an envelope which was damaged from the big fire. Now I was tired, no more strength in my body. But my hand moved forward and picked up the letter, a burned dirty letter. 60
Dear Alexandra Every minute with you is so wonderful I owe you a lot Read me, write to me Thank you, for loving me If we meet again, let me be your lady All, you and me than no more I will miss you Goodbye
The last “Goodbye” was written illegible. I cried and spoke horsefly, “You are now in heaven…my Angel.”
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Epilogue
This is the end of Solomon Grundy, and so does ours. People said lives are various. Some took it seriously, but some took it as play. Some worked very hard to reach goals in their lives, however, some faced it when things occurred. Some said if you waste a second, you’ll never be able to repay, and, some said nothing was ever too late. If life was predictable, we won’t respect our lives. Last time I bade my old lady goodbye and 62
that’s when I encountered a whole new life. The scene would remain in my memory forever. I had no chance to say goodbye, either I could see your last sight. You nourished me; I grew up in your arms, and I tasted something called sweet and solitude. I studied for my whole life and worked all for it, but I just didn’t know that there were love and joys. Until the day I met you. I fell in love with you. I hated you when you broke my heart, and I regretted all I had done. Life was tough, filled with love and hatred. When’s my second chance to dance with you? Holding you in my arms? Touching you? Feeling you? Nights with you watching stars shining in the sky and we were like a prince and a 63
princess in old fairy tales? Endlessly, I would keep longing for your beauty and passion. *** Today, I was standing in front of a white, beautiful coffin, with a young, sleeping beauty. I took out a bunch of blue roses, putting them round her. Blue roses were very difficult to find, so I tried my best to have them. Staring at her face, I grew older and older. Memories were now again pulling me away from the real world. After a few seconds, I took out a book, and turned to the last page, then read the following letters.
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Dear Angela, We fell in love with each other at the funeral, and it was the place I bid you farewell with tears in my eyes. Blue roses mean something impossible, but I interpreted it into, “I’m possible and incredibly in love with you.” This is the end of our story. Thank you for love me once in your life, dear Angela. Love, Alexandra.
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If certain, when this life was out--That yours and mine, should be, I’d toss it yonder, like a Rind, And take Eternity---
But, now, uncertain of the length Of this, that is between, It goads me, like the Goblin Bee--That will not state----its sting. (Emily Dickson,1830-1886)
-End-
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References
Books 1. When summer comes / Helen Naylor ; series editor by Philip Prowse 2. Jungle love / Margaret Johnson. 3. Just good friends / Penny Hancock ; illustrations by Mike Dodd ; series editor by Philip Prowse 4. The house by the sea / Patricia Aspinall ; series editor by Philip Prowse
Pictures 1.
http://www.google.com.tw/images?um=1&hl=zh-TW&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1 &q=%E8%97%8D%E7%8E%AB%E7%91%B0&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq=&gs _rfai=
2.
http://www.google.com.tw/images?um=1&hl=zh-TW&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1 &q=%E9%BB%91%E7%99%BD%E9%82%8A%E6%A1%86&aq=f&aqi=&aq l=&oq=&gs_rfai=
3.
http://www.photophoto.cn/fencengtuku/caihuirenwuqingjingmoban/xiushibe ijing/
4.
http://www.google.com.tw/images?q=%E4%B9%BE%E7%87%A5%E7%8E %AB%E7%91%B0%E8%8A%B1&hl=zh-TW&tbs=isch:1&ei=PUgcTOGrLZiek QWziKmHBg&sa=N&start=21&ndsp=21
5.
http://www.google.com.tw/images?hl=zh-TW&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=%E 8%9D%B4%E8%9D%B6%E7%B5%90%E7%B4%A0%E6%9D%90&aq=2& aqi=g4&aql=&oq=%E8%9D%B4%E8%9D%B6%E7%B5%90&gs_rfai=
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Acknowledgement
To Dear Mr. Smith: It’s my honor to have you as my writing instructor th in 4 year writing class. When I was in 2nd year, I began to love READING because of intensive reading. And from now on, I start to love writing. Both are interesting and full of excitement! Thank you for teaching me and gave me a great number of instructions. Student Angie Wu
To Dear Smiler: Thank you for dubbing for Alexandra. It’s great to have tonic music when reading or writing. Hopefully, you can find something attracted you while reading the story. Excellent to cooperate with you. Thank you with all wholehearted! Friend Angie
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“The light of the rising sun dramatically gilded her face which resembled in a golden noble goddess.”
Alexandra fell in with fair Angela at a funeral, and from that moment, their lives started to change. Surrounded by all kinds of emotion, they became different. Times flies. No longer were the couple same…… Ask yourself, “What’s life all about?”
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