Chapter 13 begins

     Charles lie there next to her resting his head upon her chest as he drew in a deep breath and summoned up the courage to tell Melissa his story. And long were words, but the quiet breast he leaned upon altered not its quiet beating, and so he told her all. About losing his medical license after becoming a vicodon addict. No matter how many times he was caught, or however many patients lost their lives due to his negligence, he was only ever reprimanded then moved  from hospital to hospital. Finally when he was arrested, for selling prescriptions, he was fired and stripped of his license. So he, in disgrace, jumped bail and fled the country. Here he paused looking up at Melissa who said nothing, gazing off in the distance as she listened.
     "Then, on the very night, I arrived in Argentina.., all hell broke loose and my life was changed forever." he sighed placing his head back on her as he continued. "I had arrived in Buenos Aires very late and the restaurant in the hotel had closed. The man at the desk told me of a little cafe around the corner where I might, if I hurried, be able to get a sandwich or something. So off I went, but when I got there I did not see any people inside and it looked dark, but being jet-lagged and hungry I opened the door and went in. I waited for a few seconds waiting for someone to greet me but no one came. Disappointed I turned to leave but was drawn back by the sound of a man's angry voice as a woman cried out in tears and desperation. I went into the kitchen and there, on the dirty floor I saw a man, a filthy, disgusting man, forcing himself upon a young lady. She looked up seeing me there, and I will never forget the terror in those dark eyes, and before she could say one word I reached for a butcher knife on the counter beside me and  I pulled the wretch's head back and I slit his throat and he collapsed in front of me and he bled to death at my feet."
     Melissa sat up little straighter engrossed by his tale. "You saved her!"
     "Yes.., it was the right thing to do." he exhaled as he continued. "I summoned the police and medical assistance for her, as she had been choked quiet severely. I refused to give any information about myself to the authorities and did not want draw any attention to myself in the local media, so I begged her to forget about me, but she was so grateful and she insisted I meet her family so they could show me their appreciation; which I did and that is where I met the man that I work for now." Charles wanted to tell her Xation's name, but he did not dare.
     "Well, that's not such a terrible story." she said with a sigh.
     "I'm not finished. It gets much worse."

End Chapter 12

     It was well after midnight when Melissa awoke naked beside Charles. The wood in the fireplace had long since burned down and she was cold. She gave a soft quiver as Charles stirred from his peaceful rest holding her tight in his arms. She turned her face towards him beaming as if she were an Earth bound Angel who had just been told she could, at long last, return to Heaven. Melissa reached up touching his cheek slightly as she smiled saying. "Are you as hungry as I am?"
     "How hungry are you?" Charles asked kissing her soft pink lips.
     Melissa arose naked before him and as she lifted her arms above her head stretching out her long lean body as he admired the contours of her soft, young neck, and her smooth, round, perfect, pert, breasts and she laughed and turned and smiled, giving a well knowing look saying "As if I have never eaten before!"
     Charles stared up at the exquisite creature who stood naked before him. She had all the appearance of a warrior coming home from a victorious battle, or an Amazon woman who has returned from a successful  breeding campaign through Sparta. The two were cold now and so they adjourned to a large shower where they cleaned the sweat and sweet smell of sex off their bodies, carrying on as two old familiar friends would, though they barely knew much about the other. They did not care much, and they bathed and laughed and splashed about enjoying each other's company. Then, wrapping themselves up in robes they went and explored the kitchen for something to fill their hungry tummies.
     Melissa was happy to see her chef had left a large container of tomato basil soup and home-made chicken salad; of which the two spread on wheat bread and devoured. Then, still not sated, she made for Charles the most delicious omelet, stuffed with spinach, olives, mushrooms and feta cheese, he had ever tasted and after they finished off four glasses of milk they sat across from on another at the large glass table, where they sat smiling at each other. And it was at this moment when each of them felt the most happiness and joy they had experienced in quite sometime, here in this house, in this place, in Texas. They felt both honored and privileged to have gone through the night together. A secret they could keep forever.
     Then they began a light discourse with one another, he asking about the difficulties of being a Psychiatrist. And she went on explaining the strange cases of a few patients with auditory hallucinations. At one point Charles was reminded of his career as a physician and he, off hand, without thinking, made the comment. "Yes, I know. I was a doctor once."
     Melissa put her fork down, amazed and asked him. "Well what happened?"
     Here Charles froze up for a moment not realizing what he said, so he played it off stating. "Well, that is a very long story."
     "Well, that's not fair!" Melissa exclaimed as if insulted by his reply. "I told you my sad secret." she smiled giving him a discerning look. Charles stared at her and he felt a warm, very calm feeling come over him. He, for the first time, felt unafraid to bare his soul and tell her all. For he had the sense that the world would collapse all around him at any moment. So he stood up from the table, took her by the hand as she led him to her bedroom where she laid him down in her massive soft bed. She pulled him down on top of her, his head resting on her ample breasts as she sat back on the many silk pillows as she held him close to her body softly stroking his hair saying "Draw me into the closer circle of your heart, and I will be your friend, and I will listen." she softly spoke as she knew he had much to tell, and heretofore, no one with which to speak.

More of Chapter 12

     Charles and Melissa felt the warmth of each other as they pressed closer, tighter together as they sat upon the large couch the fire burning brightly, filling the room with a great heat that brought sweat to the brow and soft kisses to the mouth. Charles and Melissa were like two people who in their sadness were of a like mood and it was strange that they should be brought together on this long, good, night. They came to drink in one another, but not like a young person, who drinks only to get drunk and amuse himself, but more, rather like, two discerning, knowing, mature persons, who cared about the flavor and vintage of the grape from which they drank. Charles knew there are many paths that lead to truth, and Red Wine is one of them.
     Charles felt her long, lean form shudder underneath the weight of his hard muscular body pressing deep into her. Charles knew that to hold her was to grab hold of God's greatest masterpiece. He moved ever so slowly, watching every move on her face as her pupils dilated as she opened her mouth slightly, parting her soft sweet lips, as she let out a little gasp of excitement.  Her body was like sugar to him and her skin was like silk. Then she gazed up at her strong lover with a wild knowing look in her eyes, as when someone has just discovered a wonderful, ancient secret. And he himself felt like a boy opening a present on Christmas morning.
     So it was with much care and gentleness that he lay her upon the floor pulling down the pillows in front of the fire. In so doing not once did their naked bodies separate from on another and they carried on in the deep dark night together until at one point she wrapped her legs around him and squeezed hard saying, in a whisper as warm as an embrace, "Make me forget." she smiled like a white-hot angel, her breath smelling of sweet apples and honey. Charles smiled as if he had never known what happiness was before now, and he took her wish not only as her command, but as a challenge. So he, with much vigor, passion, desire and rapture brought himself to bare upon her as if he would never be allowed to take a woman under his possession ever again.

     This, indeed, would be a memory he would carry with him forever and re-live in his mind over and over, but now he was with her still and he emblazoned every feeling and thought,smell, and sound into his mind as they progressed in a coiled embrace like two angry serpents, and you could not tell if they were making love or trying to kill on another.

More Chapter 12

     Melissa said not a word as Charles entered the room gazing around at what he saw. "What is all this?" he asked staring down at four unopened crates of Moet Chandon; which had beautifully wrapped presents  placed upon them. But the strangest objects in the room were a tall mannequin dressed in Marine Corps Military Dress Blues and next to that was another mannequin; which was attired in a long, flowing, white wedding dress; which had a few bloodstains on the bodice. Melissa did not answer him, nor would she enter the room as Charles noticed a newspaper open to the obituaries, and there he read the obituary for a one Nathaniel Hurchow, Captain in the Marine Corps Military Air Group #41. Charles read the terrible news turned to Melissa and said with a terribly sad look in his eyes. "Dear God Melissa. What happened?"
     "I didn't mean for you to see this.., but if you come back and sit by the fire with me I will tell you everything." she replied looking down at the floor not able to meet his gaze. She turned off the light and taking Charles by the hand she shut the door and led him to the bathroom, then went and sat on the large couch in front of the roaring fire as she nervously waited for him to return; Which he did so presently, and sitting close to her he leaned over and whispered softly in her ear. "If you are uncomfortable you don't have to tell me anything. I only wish to help."
     She gave him a little laugh and smile though her eyes were full of sadness as she began her tale "We were supposed to get married at ten o'clock.., that fall.., at the Highland Park Methodist Church, you know right off Mockingbird Lane." here she paused looking off into the fire as if she were seeing the day clearly in her mind. "It was a Sunday.., I had about twenty minutes before I had to walk down the aisle. I was dressed waiting with my mother and my bridesmaids, when we heard an unforgettable crash of twisting metal and breaking glass.., I turned to my mom and said 'I think someone just died.' Then we looked out the window and there on the corner, flipped over, was my fiance's car. He was late getting to the church and a young boy of 17 drunk out of his mind crashed into his car. I ran, though my mother tried to keep me from doing so, and I ran to the car picking up the long train of my wedding dress so I could go quickly. I looked through the shattered windshield but he was not there. Then I heard my mother screaming and as I turned I saw his crumpled, lifeless body lying under an old oak tree. I ran to him clutching his bleeding head in my arms, but it was too late." she sobbed, tears streaming down her face as she looked away from the fire and deep into his eyes and she said. "But it was too late. Nathaniel was dead... He wasn't wearing his seat belt and he was thrown from the vehicle." Melissa let out a deep sigh as she sat a little closer to Charles leaning her head against his shoulder. He did not know how to respond so he put his arm around her holding her close as she pressed her ear against his chest. The slow, rhythmic beating of his heart helped her to regain her composure and it was about ten minutes of uninterrupted silence when she sat up and wiping her tears away she apologized to him and thanked him for listening. Charles felt it had been a long time since she had spoken of this tragedy so he asked a few questions.
     "How long ago did this happen?"
     "Almost two years." she said taking his hand in hers, she drew her feet up underneath her as she leaned against the strong handsome man.
     "And, you've been.., alone this whole time."
     "Yes." Melissa answered in a sad low tone.
     "Now, I know we only just met recently but, may I say,  it is not healthy to live like this, with that room full of memories, It is not healthy and you do a disservice to Nathaniel's memory by keeping that room like that." he said in a caring voice and a loving tone.
     "What would I do?"
     "Well, for a start you could auction off all those wedding presents and crates of Champagne and buy some presents for Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps charity that gives Christmas presents to poor children. Just think how many presents they could get if you sold all those, things." he said trying to encourage her.
    "And my dress?"
    "You need to set that on fire."
    "On fire?" she asked astounded by the suggestion.
    "Let the smoke and ashes rise to Heaven and be scattered by the wind so you can be free and happy again." Charles smiled at her as he softly took her face turning it towards him so he could look in her eyes when he said "Because you are far too bright and too beautiful to be sad. Despair should never live by thee... My only wish is for you to be happy, always, for that is what you deserve." he said in a whisper and her nearness stirred something deep inside his heart. Taking in short, shallow, breaths Melisssa looked into his caring eyes and then she realized she agreed with everything he had to say. She closed her eyes, tilting her head up slightly moving closer to him and then with a soft and gentle kiss Charles closed his eyes and embraced her tightly pulling her close to his body as he kissed her deeply with much passion and unbridled vigor.

Chapter 12 continues

         Charles had awoken in the back seat of the taxi as the driver pulled up to an enormous white Georgian style house with huge white columns; which wrapped around all sides of the structure. In the cool night he stepped out of the taxi and on to the long porch lined with white rocking chairs, he looked back at the landscape, perfectly manicured oak trees  were strategically lit up casting dark shadows as a gentle wind blew softly through the canopy of leaves. All was quiet and peaceful here save only the sound of the door chime as Charles waited anxiously for Melissa to answer. When she opened up the great wooden red door to her luxuriant home Charles held his breath as she stood there wearing a long pink cotton dress with no shoes. Her bright green eyes lit up as she smiled at her handsome visitor and it did her heart good to welcome him to her home. Melissa laughed and said something Charles could not hear as he was too enraptured by her sweet smile and charm and grace. Melissa hurried out, paying the driver a small fee along with a generous tip and she turned back to Charles embracing him warmly. As he held her briefly in his nice strong arms he felt her long silken red hair under his hand so he gathered a few strands up in his fingers  rubbing her soft hair between his fingers. He apologized for disturbing her and she insisted she was not disturbed by his presence in the least.
     In truth she had not had many visitors since the incident and she was in all reality quite sad and alone, but she did not speak of this to him. Rather she gave him a brief tour of her home filled with fine furniture and art and large expensive handmade rugs. It was one of the most expertly decorated homes he had ever had the privilege of seeing as he looked around mentally computing the value of some of the items he saw, he realized this woman came from a very wealthy, prominent family.
     "Do you live here all by yourself?" Charles asked as she ended the tour in a massive library flanked with endless shelves of books, a massive desk and an exquisite painting of a young beautiful woman that resembled Melissa hanging over the fireplace
     "Oh no, I can't run this household alone." she said her eyes widening at the mere thought. "No, I have a man named Sydney who looks after everything, and a driver, on the weekends I have a chef here, but I gave her the night off. Oh and Oliver is here with me. He was not doing well out in Dallas on his own. So he's here with me, taking a break from the fast lane. I think he's out in the pool house playing video games." Here she paused as she poured out two glasses of sparkling water. "You know with all the work that needs to be done in this world and full grown men sitting around playing computer games. I'll never understand." she shook her head as she bade him to come and sit by the fire.
     "Nor will I." he agreed with her as he sat back in a large overstuffed comfortable wing-back chair.
     The two sat there a moment as he talked of the books and rare objects in the room, the two made small talk of art and the old battle maps hanging on the wall. This is when he noticed a degree hanging on the wall. It was from S.M.U. and was a medical degree in Psychiatry. This information gave him pause as he did not want to be analyzed so he became a little nervous.
     "Now then, dearest Charles." she said smiling in a gentile manner making him feel more relaxed as she reached out touching his hand. "What would you really like to talk about? You sounded so troubled when I spoke to you earlier.., and I notice, you have a small cut above your eye and your knuckles are all red and swollen." she said rubbing his hand with a look concern in her eyes. "Were you in a fight this evening?"
     Charles felt a wave of numbness sweep over him from his head to his toes and he did not know what to say to this beautiful, perceptive woman. So he only laughed. Then Charles told her all of what had transpired at the club. She was mortified when he told her what Mr.Pruce had said to him. Melissa shook her head and said he was right to act the way he did and she prayed she would never ever have to see that fat, bald, loathsome Englishman man again.
      Charles at this point had to empty his bladder so he excused himself to the restroom; which Melissa told him was the second door on the right, but he being drunk and unfamiliar with the house counted the hall closet door and went into the wrong room. When he flipped on the light switch he was shocked by what he saw filling the small room then Melissa, fearing he had made a mistake,  ran after him; but it was too late and she ran up beside him not knowing what to say as he stood there in the doorway a look of bewilderment on his face. "What is all this?" he asked his jaw hanging open his eyes wide in confusion.

Chapter 12 begins

     Charles hesitated before he spoke.., "Melissa, I am sorry to being calling so late on a Saturday night." he said trying not to slur his speech and he could not believe she was on the other end of the line.
     "Late? Why it's only 9:30." she replied in a gentle soothing tone. "Who is this?" Melissa asked.
     "Oh, I apologize, this is Charles, I met you at Oliver's, my friend fell and hurt his head."
     "Oh, of course, tell me, you neglected to inform me of his condition." she asked worried as he had not phoned her in weeks.
     "He's fine, nothing to worry about." he reassured her.
     "Wonderful! Now tell me, how have you been? Well? I hope." she asked with genuine care in her voice. 
     The past three weeks blazed across his mind and he tried to think of something positive to say, "I'm still alive." he gave a little laugh then said, without thinking "I just wanted so very much to meet with you again, as I find so charming and exquisite." Charles flattered her then he explained his situation.
     "Where are you?" she asked with great concern.
     "I'm in Sundance Square, across the street from The Worthington."
     "Go to the valet and grab a taxi, my house is in South Lake, about twenty minutes away, give the driver my address and you can come visit me for a little while. Sounds like you need someone to talk to." she said sensing the trepidation in his voice.
     "That I do, and I thank you. I'll see you in about twenty minutes then." Charles answered then she gave him her address and he was on his way.
     Meanwhile, Mr.Pruce was walking towards his Range-Rover when he spotted two pretty girls in their twenties; whom had locked the keys in their brand new black BMW. They called out to him in distress and he, trying to be kind, assisted them by picking up a loose brick from the sidewalk and smashing it through the driver's side window. The security alarm wailed as the two enraged girls began screaming at Mr.Pruce, beating him with their huge leather purses.
     "Get off!" he shouted at them as he picked up the brick off the seat amidst the shattered glass then  raised it above his head, as if he meant to strike the ladies with it. The women backed off of him with looks of sheer terror in their frightened eyes. Mr.Pruce only laughed at them as the cowered from him then he turned, dropped the brick on the sidewalk, then calmly walked away.
     He heard one of them shout after him "What is this world coming to?"
     "An end ladies! AN END!" he laughed.

End Chapter 11

    The club was crowded as a local band played loudly. Charles and Mr.Pruce made their way to the back bar where they ordered shots of Crown. Bengiman tried to talk to Charles about his anger towards Xation and he explained that when he showed up at dinner tomorrow he should apologize to Xation. Charles just rolled his eyes and ordered another shot irritated by his suggestion. As two young beautiful women joined them at the bar his mood and Mr.Pruce's mood improved. Charles introduced himself to the ladies who were over joyed to see such a tall handsome man with a fantastic muscular body, however Mr.Pruce was a different story. The two women basically stood between Charles and Mr.Pruce; whom they slowly pushed down to the end of the bar; which really hurt his feelings.
     Meanwhile, Charles is busy chatting and flirting with the young lasses and they begin taking shots together, Stoli Penetraters, licking sugar off the back of each other's hand before slamming back the ice cold Russian Vodka. Here Mr.Pruce began making comments to the girl's but they only ignored him. It was when one of them turned to him and said, "You know, if you had blue eyes and were in better shape.., you would make a great Nazi." she laughed along with her friend and Charles, who found this comment absolutely delightful. Charles ordered three more shots for himself and his young admirers when, just as they were tipping back their glasses, fat, bald, angry Bengiman Pruce said "Yeah cheers Charlie! Maybe if your lucky they'll go home with you and lick your hemorrhoids!" he shouted loudly as the three spit out their vodka all over the bar as not to choke. Charles was livid, he got up from his bar stool, picked it up, smashing it against the bar. The girls screamed and ran away as Charles lunged over at Mr.Pruce beating him with a broken piece of the shattered bar stool. Security surrounded the two who began throwing punches and it took four big men to pull them apart.
      Charles was thrown out the front door while Mr.Pruce was tossed out back in the alley. Mr.Pruce pulled himself up off the pavement next to a dumpster then staggered off trying to find his car. Charles got away from the club quickly walking off down the street when he suddenly realized he didn't have his cell phone and he wasn't sure if he had any cash on him. He opened up his wallet and found no cash then a white card fell out onto the sidewalk Charles bent over and saw written on the back, Melissa Christian along with her phone number. Charles felt a sudden rush of blood to his head at the thought of her and he remembered how beautiful she was and how she smelled of jasmine and gardenia's. He stumbled to a pay phone dug out two quarters from his jeans pocket and dialed her number. His heart raced with every ring and after what seemed like an eternity he heard her sweet southern voice come over the line "Hello." Melissa answered.

More Chapter 11

     Charles looked over at Xation but his attention was drawn to a table of four that were laughing loudly. Charles noticed the two empty bottles of champagne on the table where there sat a woman in her mid fifties, two teenage boys, and a very attractive young woman with long deep red hair; whom began singing 'Rocky Racoon', by the Beatles. The group were having a wonderful time and Charles wished he were sitting at their table. He wanted to be happy like they were.
     "You see?" Xation said turning to look at the woman who was singing; which made him smile. "This is one of the reasons I enjoy being in Texas! The people here really know how to enjoy life." he remarked to the men at his table as he cast his gaze upon Charles saying  "Unlike someone I know."
     This comment angered Charles but he tried to think of something clever and said "I apologize everyone, but you must forgive me as my mind tends to wonder to graver matters."
     "Such as?" Xation asked.
     Here Charles paused taking a long deep breath before he said "Eternal damnation."
     Now here is where the conversation turned ugly. Charles wasn't quite sure how it came to be, or what was exactly said as he had been drinking whiskey, way too much whiskey, all day. But he was clear on the facts when Xation yelled at him and told Bengiman to get him the hell out of there. So it was about five minutes later, back in the car, when Charles demanded Bengiman take him to a bar in Sundance Square, and when he saw the young beautiful women standing outside a hip local bar he was happy to oblige him.
  

Chapter 11 cont's

     Now, as it happened, Charles was a little drunk by the time Mr.Pruce picked him up, and Charles was not in a good mood. Bengiman tried to engage him in conversation asking question's about Leah and how they enjoyed the trip. He asked how Ol' John was doing and expressed his fondness for the man.
     "You, know if it weren't for him I would still be smoking to this day." he went on as the two headed down highway 30, west to Fort Worth. "Did you notice a huge stack of wood by the lodge?" he asked and Charles did recall a massive stack of firewood, enough for several winters. Charles shook his head yes as Bengiman Pruce continued. "Every time I had a craving for a ciggy, he would send me out, for hours, chopping wood 'til the cravings passed." he reminisced "Took a long time, but after three trips to the lodge I was finally cured. "You know, if I weren't such a pig-headed, oaf I might have understood more of his wisdom." Mr.Pruce sighed as Charles gave him a strange look for he had never heard Mr.Pruce say anything negative about himself.
     "He is an extraordinary man, I am glad to have known him." Charles added.
     "Good ol' John, one of a few good men left in this world." Mr.Pruce sighed as they pulled up to the valet at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House. Charles grit his teeth as he unbuckled his seat belt and exited the vehicle. He had a bad feeling about having dinner with Xation so he tried to smile and be polite as he walked upstairs to large round table where Xation and Hays were waiting. The two men stood and shook hands with Charles and Mr.Pruce. All seemed well, no tension. Xation appeared relaxed, but that could be due to the nearly empty bottle of Shiraz on the table.
     "Charles!" Xation greeted them as if they were friends; which they were not. "Come sit, have a look at the menu."
     "Thank you Xation." Charles replied as he hurried to order a shot of Johhny Walker Blue from the attentive waitress.
     "Now, they still have some of the Grand Champion steer from Live Stock Show. So we should order some fillets." Xation informed them.
      "No!" Mr.Pruce said staring at the menu. "I want a Porter-House."
      "Of course my friend order whatever you like." Xation smiled. "Do you know how much the steer sold at auction?" Xation asked going on about the animal they would soon be feasting on. "$116,000.00" he said answering his own question.
      "Damn!" Hays commented. "Well that explains why these steaks are so expensive!" Everyone had a good laugh except for Charles who sat there gazing down at the bottom of his shot glass. He had a twisting, aching feeling in the pit of his stomach and the strange ringing returned to his ears.
     "Charles?" Xation asked staring over at him from across the beautifully set table. "Are you feeling alright?"
    

Chapter 11 continues

     "Yes." Charles answered with a long heavy sigh.
     "I am sorry, but this is required of you now, and besides," Serena spoke sweetly "Xation will be away most of the time on his many business trips, so you will not be forced to endure his presence for too long." she laughed a little knowing full well the two men did not get along well with one another.
     This provided little comfort to Charles who sat in his kitchen chair for a few quiet moments after the phone call. He did not know what to think or what to do so he sat there in shock and silence. Then he received a phone call from Xation Day. "Yes?" Charles answered.
     "Charles, I am glad I reached you. My sister informs me she has made you aware of the situation.., and I would like to invite you out to dinner this evening so we can discuss the issue at length." he said in a commanding voice giving out his invitation to dinner more as an order. "You can also inform me of my wife's progress."
     "Your wife is doing very well, after our trip."
     "Excellent, then you and I shall celebrate a little tonight. I will send Bengiman to pick you up at six."
     "I am perfectly capable of driving myself to the restaurant." Charles answered a bit of rudeness in his tone.
     "No, I will not hear of it. I want you to just relax and not worry about anything." Xation said knowing Charles had been through so much over the past few years in his service. Xation was actually trying to be nice.
     "Fine. Where are we meeting you?"
     "Del Frisco's, in Sundance Square. Be ready to leave by 6:00."
     Charles hung the phone up and after a few more minutes of silence he got up poured himself a small glass of Jack Daniels over ice and went outside to sit by the pool. He lingered outside soaking up the sun rays and three or four more glasses of whiskey before he went to get ready for his dinner appointment with Xation.

Chapter 11 begins

     Now it was very early when Charles awoke the next morning. He had been so weary from the road trip to Oklahoma that he had fallen into a deep sleep and, thankfully, the terrible dreams did not terrorize his mind in the long dark night. He awoke refreshed and in a very good mood. Charles opened up his windows and took in the fresh fragrant morning air as the birds twittered in the trees. He turned on his stereo as a sonata by Grieg came over the radio. Charles slipped into a nice hot shower and shaved preparing himself for a lovely day. He went to his kitchen and prepared a sumptuous breakfast of French toast with blueberries and fresh ground coffee from the Kona Coast; which he enjoyed outside by his crystal clear pool as the sun arose over the North Texas countryside. The sky was streaks of amethyst and deep shades of blue, not a cloud in the sky. A perfect day he thought.
     However, when he went upstairs later he went into the guest room where he found every item that had been brought for Leah..,Lexa were missing. Charles quickly called Serena, who was upset as he had interrupted her tennis lesson.
      "What is the problem so early in the morning?" she asked setting her racquet down.
      "What has happened to all her clothes and things?" he asked a worried tone in his voice.
      "Relax! Would you please? I took all her things to Xation's house, where she will be living." Serena informed him. "So when you bring her to the house from the spa all her things will be there for her. I placed everything away for her myself. Oh, and there's one more thing." she paused realizing her brother Xation must not have explained to Charles what was going on.
     "What is it?" he asked as a deep sinking feeling filled the pit of his stomach.
     "Xation is afraid she might try to runaway again, so he has arranged for a room to be prepared for you to come and live in, on the estate so you can keep an eye on Leah. Make sure she is happy and healthy. He needs her to have a close friend with her at all times. So we need you to be out of the house by Monday and all of your collection of antiques.., you need to find somewhere else to store it. I want to remodel the house, re-do the stone fireplace make it more modern." she  said very nonchalantly. Charles went numb and there was a strange ringing in his ear, he thought he was having a mini-stroke, though he was not. "Charles? Are you still there?"