Blossoms of Love (12 page)

David had just gotten down the stairs when Dora and Ralph came in the front door. David grabbed Dora’s hand, “Come in the den. I want to talk to you.” Ralph followed. David shut the door. Dora looked at her brother, “You know?” David answered, “Yes I know. Monty told me.” Dora said, “It’s disgusting. Our own sister. Dave she’s nothing better than a whore.” David said, “Dora don’t talk like that.” Dora said, “Do you mean to tell me that you don’t think she did wrong?” David said, “She did wrong, but don’t we all do things we’re sorry of. A lot of us just don’t get caught.” Dora asked, “Are you saying I did those things? Well I tell you little brother, I was a virgin when Ralph and I got married.” David said, “I want you to promise me you won’t tell anyone about this. I know Ralph won’t.” Dora said “I think Mother and Dad should know. They think Monty is such a good, nice person and that Natalie is perfect.” David said, “You really are jealous of Nat. I’ve thought it for a long time. For once in your life Dora be a decent person and not hurt Mother and Dad.” Dora scorned, “Oh I was so embarrassed. Dad gave me and Ralph a key. We’d planned to spend a few days on the beach. It was raining hard and I didn’t see Natalie’s car parked at the back. I unlocked the front door and while Ralph was brining in the bags I thought I’d open some windows to air the place out. I opened the bedroom door and there they were. I was so shocked I couldn’t move until Nat yelled for me to get out. I ran out of the house and told Ralph to go. I told him as he drove away.” David said, “You and Ralph go on out there now. Mother and Dad don’t know you’re here. Dora argued, “They should know Dave.” David got angry, “Dora will you please do this one thing for me?” He kept looking at his sister, “Monty’s my best friend. He’s like a brother to me. Nat is our sister. That should be enough reason to keep quiet about this.” Ralph spoke, “I agree with Dave.” Dora asked, “Who asked you?” Ralph said, “That is enough Dora. Come on let’s go to the beach and forget the whole thing.” She looked at her brother then her husband, “I think you’re both wrong but I’ll go along with you.” Ralph got her arm, “Come on let’s get out before anyone sees us.” David sighed with relief when Ralph and Dora drove away.

He went out to the swimming pool. His Mother and Father were laughing about something. Mr. Agar told her a joke.

Lamont called the airport. A plane would leave in three hours for Montana. He sat down in the hall on a bench. David came back into the house. He saw Lamont’s bag beside him, “So you’re really leaving?” Lamont said, “I have to go Dave. I’ve got to get away so I can think this thing out.” David said, “I understand. I’ll see you in about two weeks. I’ll take you to the airport. I’ll go change clothes.”

When David was upstairs, he tapped on Natalie’s door. When she didn’t answer, he opened the door. She was sitting by the window staring out into space. David said, “Want to go with me to take Monty to the airport?” She answered, “He wouldn’t want me to.” David went over to her, “Look sis, give Monty time. This has hit him pretty hard.” Natalie looked at her brother, “What has? Dave I really don’t know what’s hurt Monty so much. He knows I love him. That should be enough. It is for me.” David said, “His ego Nat. Let me tell you something, a man takes great pride in his sex life. With a woman he loves, he wants to give her the sweetness he feels. He wants her to share the fulfillment of paradise on earth the same as he does. Monty found this with you but when you told him you were ashamed and dirty and that sex was ugly, that hit him below the belt.” Natalie said, “But Dave I tried to explain. I wasn’t ashamed of Monty or feel dirty because he made love to me. I felt this because Dora saw us.” David said, “Monty thinks you’ll always feel this way.” She sighed, “Oh Dave that’s silly.” David suggested, “Then go downstairs and talk to him. Tell him exactly how you feel. Natalie, don’t let this man walk out of your life. He’s a wonderful guy and he’s still in love with you.” Natalie said, “Monty is so stubborn.” David agreed, “I know he is. He’s also in love.” She combed through her hair, “Okay. I’ll give it another try.” David said, “Buy the way, Dora and Ralph were here. Don’t worry, their not gonna say a word. It will be forgotten.” Natalie breathed, “Thank goodness. I was afraid she would tell Mother and Dad.” David said, “I gave her a good talking to. She knows I know a few things I could tell on her that she don;t want known.” Natalie hugged her brother’s neck, “Thank you. You’re the greatest brother a girl could have.”

Natalie saw Lamont sitting on the bench from the top of the stairs. She took a deep breath and slowly came down the steps. He looked up when he heard her. He looked so disturbed, so unhappy, and so sad. Natalie said, “Dave said you were leaving.” Lamont answered, “Yes, in a little over two hours.” Natalie asked, “Can we talk? I mean really talk to each other?” Lamont said, “Sure.” She said, “Please let me say what I’ve got to say without stopping me.” He just looked at her. She began, “First of all I want you to know, if I’ve hurt you I’m very sorry. You’re the last person I’d want to hurt. You misunderstood what I said. When I said I was ashamed, it wasn’t of you or our lovemaking. It was because Dora saw us. When I said I felt dirty, it wasn’t because you’d touched me or you’d given yourself to me. It was because of the way Dora looked at me. Darling sex with you could never be ugly. Oh Monty, when you love me, your kisses, your touches, and yourself, it’s beautiful. I’ve never felt such ecstasy, such sweetness. I need all of this from you to finish my life happily. I’m begging your forgiveness Monty—I’m begging for you to not stop loving me. Don’t you see darling, I’m not alive until you touch me or hold me. I belong to you. I’ll always belong to you and no one else. I love you Monty. Oh God how I love you.”

After what seemed like an eternity to Natalie, Lamont just sat there looking at her, studying her face. Then he got up, walked over to the door, and looked out, “It’s no use.” Without turning around he said, “This on and off relationship of ours isn’t worth a damn.” She turned to go upstairs when he turned around and said, “I guess we’ll have to keep this relationship of ours on won’t we baby?” Her face brightened as he held out his arms. She ran to him. As his arms circled around her and he held her close she said, “Oh Monty I was so afraid this was the finish for us.” He put his hands on each side of her face, lifting her chin until their eyes met, “I don’t know what our life together will be but I do know I don’t want to live without you.” She said softly, “Our life together will be beautiful.” His face came closer to hers and then he kissed her with the sweetest, most tender, kiss she’d ever had.

David came down the steps and smiled, “The storm’s over I see. Now will you two get married and stop worrying the hell out of me?” The phone rang. It was Johnny calling Lamont. Mr. Ellman had suffered a severe heart attack. At the airport, Lamont held Natalie in his arms, “When you get back from Europe we’ll get married. Try to cut your stay over there short.” She said, “Yes darling. Six months is a long time.” The PA system called out Lamont’s plane. He kissed her, “I love you Nat.” She clung to him, “I love you.” As he started toward the plane, Natalie yelled, “I’ll write often.” He looked back, “Don’t count on an answer. I just don’t write letters.” Natalie said to David standing beside her, “There goes my heart.” David said, “There goes the best friend I’ve got.”

Johnny met Lamont at the airport. When they were in the car, Lamont asked, “How’s Dad?” Johnny said, “He’s not gonna make it Monty. It seems he’s just hanging on to see you. He’s seen all of us except for you.”

When Lamont saw his Father, he knew there was little hope. He was under oxygen, his big, strong body in so much pain. His face wasn’t tan and healthy looking as he was the last time Lamont saw his Father. Lamont stood by the bed, “Dad, it’s me, Monty.” The elderly man opened his eyes. His voice was only a whisper, Lamont had to lean over to hear him, “Monty, I was afraid I couldn’t hold on so I could see you.” Lamont said, “Dad I’ve come back to stay. I’m gonna help you on the ranch. I’m also going to get married later this year. We’ll live here.” The elderly man who’d fathered six sons and worked hard all his life said, “At last—you’ve settled. Now—I can go—peacefully. All of you boys—take care—of your –m-o-t-h-e-r.” He closed his eyes and the last breath left him. Lamont motioned for the nurse to come. She took his pulse, then his blood pressure. She turned to Lamont, “I’m sorry Mr. Ellman.” Lamont looked at his Father. His face seemed to have a smile on his lips. At last he was free from pain and suffering.

Lamont slowly opened the door. He couldn’t believe his Father was dead. When he got to the waiting room, he saw six young men huddled around their mother. Johnny and Berry’s wives were there. Leon’s wife was expecting their baby any time now, she was at home. They all looked at Lamont when he came into the room. Everyone was afraid to ask him if their Father was gone. Finally, Mrs. Ellman said, “Oh no.” Paul said, “I can’t believe it.” Lamont said, “He died about five minutes ago.” Mrs. Ellman stopped crying, “I know he is better off. He has suffered so much for the last month, but I’m going to miss him so much.” All the boys tried to comfort her.

When they got home Ellen, Johnny’s wife, made coffee. They all gathered around the table. They were all quiet. Then Lamont said, “I could have helped Dad more. I could have spent more time with him.” Leon said, “We’re all guilty of that Monty.” Allen said, “Monty helped Mom and Dad more than any of us. He sent money every month.” Paul said, “I should have stayed on the ranch instead of going to medical school.” Johnny said, “I should have stayed on the ranch and helped Dad after I married.” Berry sighed, “Yea, me too. The old house is plenty big enough” Mrs. Ellman said, “Hush boys. You have no regrets. You all have your own lives to life. Your Father knew that. I don’t want any of you blaming yourselves. Your Father was sixty eight. He knew he shouldn’t get out and work like he used to but he was happier that way. Everyone feels this way when they’ve lost a loved one. All of you boys have been extra good to us.”

Mr. Ellman was brought home until the funeral. It was his request. Johnny and Lamont seemed to be hurting the most. Ellen called David. He answered the phone, “Hello.” Ellen said, “you don’t know me, I’m Monty’s sister-in-law, Johnny’s wife. I thought you should know that Mr. Ellman died about two hours ago.” David said, “Yes, I’m certainly glad you let me know. Natalie and I will be there on the first plane coming that way.” Ellen said, “Good, I think Monty would like for you to be here.” David asked, “How is Monty?” She answered, “He’s taking it pretty hard.” David said, “Thanks for letting me know.”

David was still in his cast but nothing was going to stop him from going. He was going to be by his friends’ side at a time like this, and of course, Natalie wanted to be near Lamont in his time of grief.

It was late that night when David and Natalie arrived in Montana. Johnny and his wife met them. In the car, everyone was introduced. Then Natalie asked, “”How is Monty?” Johnny said, “He’s pretty low. He blames himself for not being with Dad more often.” Natalie said, “Poor darling.” David said, “He shouldn’t blame himself for anything. I know for a fact Monty sent them money every payday.” Ellen said, “Monty said they needed him more than they needed the money.” Ellen looked at her husband, “Johnny blames himself too, for not helping on the ranch after we married.” David said, “Listen Johnny, we all have regrets, I know. Believe me, I know, but we have to go on rather we like it or not.”

Natalie looked at the mountains with the jagged tops covering the snow. Lamont had told her about them but she didn’t realize how beautiful they really were. It was so odd for here, for it to be 105 degrees, look up, and see snow covering the mountains. Natalie said, “We have mountains in Alabama but nothing like this. Monty said I would like it here and I already do.” David said, “I like it here too. I fell in love with this place the first time I was here.” Ellen smiled, “We’re proud of it.”

As they turned the long curve to the house, David said, “There’s the house Nat.” A lot of cars were parked in the front yard. They belong to people who came to sit up all night with the family. People had brought enough food to feed an army. Johnny drove around to the back of the house. Ellen took Natalie and David into the kitchen while Johnny took their luggage upstairs. The kitchen was very large. At one end of the room was a long table with eight chairs. The first one they met was a neighbor who was cutting cake and had made coffee. Paul came into the kitchen. When he saw David he held out his hand, “Dave, glad to see you.” Paul then looked at Natalie. David said, “My sister Natalie, who will soon be your sister-in-law.” Natalie thought, “He doesn’t look a bit like Monty. His hair and eyes are dark brown.” Paul said, “Glad to meet you Natalie.” Natalie smiled, “Thank you.” Berry and his wife, Alice, came in the back door. Berry was carrying a year old child. They were introduced. Natalie thought, “Now Berry has blond hair, but has brow eyes. He was about the same size as Monty.” David asked Paul, “Do you know where Monty is?” Paul answered, “The last time I saw him, he was upstairs taking a shower.” David said, “We’ll find him.” David took Natalie’s hand and led her out of the kitchen. He saw Mrs. Ellman in the den talking to an elderly woman. David said, “There is Mom Ellman. I want you to meet her. She’s my second mother.”

Natalie saw where Paul and Johnny got their dark hair. Mrs. Ellman was a pretty woman. When Dorothy saw David, she excused herself and met him. David hugged her, “Mom Ellman. I’m so sorry this happened.” With tears in her eyes she said, “Thank you for coming son.” David said, “Mom Ellman, this is my sister Natalie.” Natalie said, “I’m so glad to meet you Mrs. Ellman. Monty and Dave have talked so much about you.” Dorothy said, “So you’re the girl who finally got Monty to settle down. I always said Monty would pick a pretty one. Glad you came dear.” Someone came over to Dorothy and began talking.

They went to the living room where Mr. Ellman lay. Leon and his wife Ann were talking to an elderly couple. Ann was a small girl, except for her pregnancy. Natalie caught herself thinking, “Leon would almost pass for Paul’s twin, except he was shorter and heavier than Paul.” Natalie was introduced to Leon and Ann. David said, “We haven’t been able to find Monty.” Ann said, “Here comes Allen, maybe he knows where Monty is.” Natalie looked at Allen. He looked very much like Monty except he was much taller and bigger. His hair was blond like Lamont’s and his eyes were almost as blue. Natalie met the last of the Ellmans. Leon asked, “Do you now where Monty is? Dave and Natalie can’t find him.” Allen said, “He went for a walk. You know Monty, he likes to be alone when he’s thinking or worried.” Ann asked Natalie, “Would you like to freshen up?” Natalie smiled, “Yes I would.” Ann said, “Come with me.”