Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance (9 page)

Emily walked closer to one of the shelves so that she could examine the books. “There are so many.”

“Most all of it is European literature ranging from the sixteenth to twentieth century.”

“Absolutely amazing,” Emily stated again. “How could one person collect all of this?”

“I’m sure Mr. Morgan had some help. But I think when you have a true passion for something, as he did, it can be quite easy to get carried away.”

“Thank you so much for bringing me here Alexander, this is perfect. I came here as a little girl, but I really don’t remember it all being so glorious.” Emily finally turned her attention to Alexander, who was watching her the whole time.

“I’m glad you like it. Not everyone would be so excited about a bunch of old books, and you’ve only viewed a small portion of the museum so far. There is more if you would like to see it.”

“Of course!” Emily felt like a kid in a candy store. She loved books and she loved history. To be completely surrounded by two of the things she treasured was almost too much.

The next few hours Alexander and Emily explored the museum and looked at each and every artifact. Many things on display were books and scrolls, which were fun to try and read through the protective glass cases. There were also many drawings and prints and even artwork from the Medieval and Renaissance eras as well.

Alexander proved to be quite the history buff, commenting on almost every piece they viewed. It made for a unique tour, one Emily absolutely loved. She was astounded with his knowledge and insight concerning the items and their history.

For the most part their conversation was kept to the details of the artifacts they were viewing. Some of the conversation was about Emily’s childhood as she shared a few of her favorite memories. Alexander only asked questions, mostly wanting to know how she felt about things. He acted as though dates and times and places were facts he already knew. He wanted to know what was going on inside Emily’s heart and mind.

She wasn’t bothered by the personal questions, and surprisingly, she did not hesitate to honestly share her emotions.

After they visited what Emily thought was every corner of the museum Alexander indicated he had one last surprise and took her to the lower level. They walked through a lobby to a set of closed doors. Emily glanced up at him with a questioning look.

“Remember, I said you could enter any door you like today; even if they’re closed.”

She slowly pushed one of the heavy wooden doors in front of her, and then Alexander stepped in and opened it the rest of the way. Emily was taken back a little; she wasn’t expecting the sight that was now before her.

In front of her was a long theatre-style room that, besides the red-clothed chairs, was completely covered in wood. The floors were wood, as well as the walls, ceiling and stage. A solitary grand piano and bench stood in the center of the stage.

“What is this room for?”

“It’s the performance hall. They have readings and lectures and other live events here. Right now it looks like it is set up for a piano concert.” Alexander began to walk down the steps toward the stage and motioned for Emily to follow.

She fell in closely behind him.

The hall was empty besides the piano and it didn’t seem as though there was anything else in the room to look at. Alexander walked up the steps to the stage, over to the old ebony-colored piano and sat down on the bench. He patted the spot beside him, inviting Emily to sit next to him. With a quick glance around Emily made her way to the bench.

“This is a Steinway built in nineteen ten. It was Pierpont Morgan’s piano. His son donated it along with the entire library after his father’s death.”

“It’s absolutely beautiful.” Emily was hesitant to even touch it.

“Yes, well, it had to be restored, but it still holds its original character. This grand piano plays the most beautiful music.” Alexander gently struck a key and let the melody of the single note echo off the walls. “Do you play the piano?”

Emily nodded “I’ve played since I was a young girl.”

“Would you play something for me?” Alexander scooted off the bench to provide Emily with the room needed to play.

“Oh no, I couldn’t, I don’t think they want me touching an antique like this. What if someone caught us?”

Alexander gave a boisterous laugh. “How many times do I have to tell you? You can do whatever you want, no questions asked. It will be fine, I promise.”

Emily twisted on the bench to face the piano. She had never played for anyone besides her parents and teacher. They had all often tried to convince her to take part in recitals, but Emily was always too nervous. They never pushed her to overcome that fear. When she played the piano it was always for her own enjoyment. It was relaxing for her, a way to let her mind escape and dream. So without delay, she could feel her nerves forming into a tight ball. She wasn’t sure she could do it.

“I don’t have any sheet music.” Emily’s excuse sounded pathetic, even to her as she glanced over at Alexander.

“Just play a song from memory. I am sure you know something.” Alexander gave an encouraging smile.

She turned back to focus on the piano, placing her hands on the keys and her feet in the proper position to use the pedals. She waited a few moments, took a deep breath and then began to strike the keys. The tune was rich and cheerful, “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven.

As soon as she was through the first measure, the melody seemed to come from within her, flowing through her fingertips and spilling out on the piano. This was a favorite, a piece of music that had often lifted her spirit when she was feeling sad or depressed. This time was different though, Emily played because she was feeling joyful. As she reached the middle of the song she played softly and quietly, inserting a few of her improvised notes that she had added in throughout the years.

The music echoed off the wooden walls and carried all the way to the back of the hall. The room was alive with the melody that was coming from the old piano.

When Emily finished she sat as still as a statue. She relished the moment. It was undoubtedly thrilling, a measure of time that could not have been doused.

“That was by far the most beautiful piece of artwork I have witnessed today,” came Alexander’s soft deep voice.

Emily fully turned around on the bench to meet his gaze.

“Thank you. That’s the first time I’ve played for anyone besides my family.” Emily let out a deep breath.

“Well, you need to do it more often. I’m not sure you realize how talented you are.” Alexander sat down beside her on the bench.

They both sat in silence, replaying the music in their heads.

“Alexander, can I ask you something?” Emily questioned hesitantly.

“Anything at all,” he replied softly.

“Are you… well, I mean--” Emily searched for the right way to phrase her question. She was afraid she would end up sounding like some silly little love-struck teenage girl, but she had some strong feelings she could no longer keep bottled up. “Do you ever feel like we were supposed to meet?”

The short silence that followed felt like minutes to Emily. Even though in reality, it was only seconds.

“No, I wouldn’t say I feel like that.” Alexander paused briefly.

Emily felt her heart sink in her chest.

He continued. “There is a difference between just feeling something and the surety of knowing something…Emily… I know we were supposed to meet.” Alexander’s voice was almost a whisper as he gently took Emily’s hands in his.

Her heart reversed its downward course and now felt like it just might pound its way right out of her chest. She welcomed the warmth of Alexander’s hands surrounding hers as she glanced up at him. This all had to be a dream. There was no way this was really happening.

They sat in silence for close to a minute. It wasn’t an awkward silence. Emily could tell they were both trying to absorb all that had taken place and figure out what it meant, and where it would lead.

“Does this mean you enjoyed your day with me?” Alexander gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

“Of course. I don’t think I would want to be anywhere else right now.” Emily blushed a bit. These feelings were still so new to her; it was a bit embarrassing expressing them out loud.

“That settles it. I can come around more often then, yes?” Alexander asked playfully.

Emily gave a slight laugh. “Yes I would like that very much.”

The door to the hall opened and Carl peeked his head through. “Sorry Alexander, it’s time to prep the hall for tonight.”

“That’s fine. I think we’re finished in here. Thanks Carl, we’ll be on our way.” Alexander stood in one swift graceful motion and using Emily’s hand, guided her up from the bench.

They walked off the stage and made their way to the door. As they passed by Carl, Emily noticed some sort of silent exchange between the two men, but before she caught a glimpse of what was being conveyed, it was over.

“Everything is ready for you in the dining room.” The old man smiled, his crystal blue eyes sparkled.

“Excellent. I must thank you again, Carl.” Alexander gave him one last glance and then led Emily out the door.

“This place has a dining room?” Emily was stunned with what kept turning up at this museum.

“It does, and the room is actually located where the original Morgan family dining room was. Of course they have renovated it and made changes, but it is still in the same spot it used to be.”

“This place is amazing; I absolutely love it. Thank you for such a wonderful day.”

“It’s not over yet.” He paused. “Unless you want it to be. You have to be starving by now, so I think you should at least let me feed you before you call it a day.” Alexander’s light tone and humor could be found in almost anything he said.

Emily had questions that had developed throughout the day and were now acting as splinters, festering their way out, if she didn’t release some of them she just might burst. “So I have to ask. How have you arranged for all this special treatment?”

“I’ve made a few contributions to this museum. Artifacts, not money, of course. I have also known Carl for a very long time. He is a good friend, and I can always count on him to help me out.”

“Of all the information you leave out on our tour you chose not to tell me that some of the things I viewed were here because of you.” Emily’s voice was full of lighthearted banter.

“I don’t like to toot my own horn. Besides, the items weren’t from my personal collection. I was more like the middle man or delivery boy, that’s all.”

“So what were the items?”

“Just a couple Egyptian scrolls, some original copies of various seventeenth century books and two Renaissance paintings. Nothing big,” Alexander explained nonchalantly.

“Oh, just that. That’s no big deal then,” Emily said sarcastically. She couldn’t believe it.
“How on earth did he get all of those things?”

“So how is it that you came across such old and rare pieces of history?” Emily voiced her thoughts out loud.

“
That is a long story. One I shall save for another day when you are getting bored with me. For right now let’s worry about getting you something to eat.” Alexander ushered Emily through the doors and into the dining area.

The room was classy and held the same old-fashioned elegance that the other original rooms possessed. The walls were an antique white and were generously covered in all types of wood molding and embellishments. Several large columns surrounded them reaching all the way to the ceiling, sporting a slight Italian flare. It was a warm and inviting atmosphere and Emily wondered if she would ever find a place like this again.

“These rooms make me feel like I’m stepping back in time. It’s so wonderful.”

“I know what you mean. I come here often because I love the feeling I get when I’m in some of the rooms. These walls are rich with history.” Alexander pulled Emily’s chair out for her and then went to seat himself.

He had ordered the food ahead of time. As soon as they were seated the food was brought out to them on finely decorated Staffordshire plates.

Emily didn’t realize how hungry she was until she smelled the roasted chicken sandwich. It was almost two o’clock and she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The day was so fascinating; so very stimulating that Emily hadn’t paid any attention to what her stomach was saying. She had a hard time not devouring the food like a starved animal.

Alexander, however, didn’t seem hungry at all. He took a bite here and there but mostly just watched her enjoy her meal. Embarrassment washed over Emily when at the end of the meal she realized she had cleaned her plate entirely and Alexander still had food on his.

“How could he have gotten that big eating like that?”
Emily wondered.

After the meal they began their walk back to Emily’s apartment. They kept to a slow stroll to give themselves as much time as possible. Their conversation was mostly about how fantastic the museum was and the history behind it. Alexander seemed to know so many facts concerning the original Morgan home and library, it was almost like he was there himself for the construction of the buildings.

Emily absolutely loved history. Her grandfather was a history teacher and had a true talent for making the stories come to life. She had always been captivated. Alexander had that same effect. He gave such detail that it made her feel like she was there witnessing the events he spoke of.

When they arrived at Emily’s building she wasn’t ready to say goodbye even though she knew she would be seeing Alexander again.

“Since tomorrow is supposed to be warm again maybe we could spend some time just strolling around Central Park,” Alexander suggested.

“I would love that,” Emily replied enthusiastically. Tomorrow was forecasted to be the last day of this odd heat wave and she was more than willing to soak up the warm weather before it went frigidly cold again. But more importantly it meant more time with Alexander.

“Perfect! When is a good time for you?” Alexander was now leaning in toward her.

She was starting to feel flustered. Her stomach felt like it was about to leap up into her throat and prevent her from responding. “How about right after lunch? My dad and I always spend Sunday mornings at church together, so around one o’clock would probably be best.”