Hearing his name, Nash and Abby quickly pulled away to see Edna and Myrtle ambling their way. “Those two have the lousiest timing,” Nash grumbled.
“Maybe not,” replied Abby, wearing a sheepish expression. She reached for her tote.
Nash tipped her nose. “Don’t start up the maybe game.” Nash hopped out of the vehicle. “Good early evening, ladies. To what do I owe the honor?”
Myrtle reached him first. “Hello, Mayor. We saw your car and wanted to bop over and share our latest idea about the September Pie Baking Festival. Hi, Abby. Don’t forget teatime Monday.”
Abby gave a little wave. “Thank you, Myrtle. I won’t forget. Please excuse me. I’ve got to change for a dinner invite.” Amused, she saw Nash attempt to protest her leaving before Myrtle grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her sister. Mayoral duties demanded flexibility.
Orchid greeted Abby at the door with her sweet mews. Gathering her up, Abby went to check the food and water dish. “Empty. I see you’re a big eater.” She sprinkled more food in the kitten’s bowl and tidied the area. “I’ve got time to play, and I know something purrfect.” Abby grabbed a paper sack and sat on the floor. The game lasted until time for Abby to dress for Gita’s.
She gazed at the clothes in her closet and chose white pants and a turquoise blouse that she could tie in front. With only two earring style choices from her weekend getaway, Abby slipped on the gold hoops. Rose lipstick and a shimmery taupe eyeshadow, with a touch of mascara, completed her look.
Orchid sat perched on the vanity, ready to seize an opportunity to play with the shadow brush.
Abby tucked her makeup in the drawer and gave the kitten a cuddle. “I’ll buy you some toys in the next day or so. Before I leave, let’s go turn on some lights for you. How about music for company?”
Answering with a loud purr, Orchid trotted into the living room. She settled in a comfy chair near the speakers.
“You’re a smarty. Do you know how to make this thing play?” asked an amused Abby.
Orchid shook her head and began washing.
Abby touched different places on the odd-looking soundbox. It said something about musical tones on the outside, so she’d made assumptions it was Charm’s version of a player. “Geez, Orchid, I don’t know how to get it to…play something.”
Ethereal sounding music filled the room, the same melodies Abby had heard in Building Three. She glanced at Orchid, who’d entered some catnip like state of euphoria. The feline was on her back, wriggling and purring.
“This isn’t at all what I had in mind.” Abby touched the box. “Stop playing,” she said in desperation, relieved when the music ceased.
Orchid righted herself and looked dazed.
“Sorry, girl, I need to get educated on that box before we wake it up again.” Abby sat next to the kitten and scratched the furry ears. “You’re back to normal, and I need to dash. Stay out of mischief.” Abby grabbed her bag, Gita’s directions, and the cheesecake she’d purchased from the market. Her questions for the sage traveled in her head.
While driving, Abby passed where her detour road once existed. Mixed feelings flooded her. Catching a glimpse of the gate, she wondered if that portal lock would ever appear. She assumed the final decision to stay or go rested within her. The surprise of seeing Sander’s car turn onto the road leading to Nash and Bella’s brought a hopeful glimmer to Abby’s face.
Moments later, Abby viewed an elegant French-style chalet at the base of a majestic mountain. The size, far from lavish, seemed ideal for one person. “Of course that’s Gita’s home. It complements her to perfection.” Abby followed the circular drive to the front entrance.
Stepping out of her vehicle, she paused, taking in the breathtaking view. Two robins landed on a nearby tree limb and chirped hello. Arms full, Abby stepped up the steps leading to the door.
Gita appeared, smiling. “Abby, welcome. It’s lovely to see you again. Please, won’t you come inside?”
“Thank you, Gita. Here’s a white macadamia cheesecake, which I confess to purchasing.”
“I’m sure it’s going to taste delicious.” Gita waited as Abby took in the home’s décor.
“I’m spellbound by your chateau’s beauty and can’t wait for a tour. Of course, I’m anxious to meet those two cats.” Abby entered the foyer, admiring the intricate wrought iron staircase circling to a second floor. The embossed cream-colored wallpaper served as the backdrop for oil paintings depicting scenes from the French countryside. “Gita, I adore the simple elegance of your home. It’s as if I stepped into Provence. Where are the lavender fields?” teased Abby.
“Actually, it’s not a field, but I do have an impressive lavender garden surrounding my veranda. The flowers are quite fragrant this evening. Perhaps you’ll enjoy dining outside?” Gita motioned for Abby to follow her through an archway.
“You know I’m a fan of outdoor dining. Oh my, I see two pairs of Himalayan blue eyes watching me from under that table.” Abby knelt down. “Hello, Abra and Cadabra. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you guys.”
Both cats ventured over to Abby and started sniffing her shirt with exuberance.
“They must smell Miss Orchid.” Abby stroked both felines under their chins. She glanced at Gita and gave a tiny grin. “Might you know something about the latest addition to my cottage? She’s a lovely lilac point Himalayan kitten that purrs and eats non-stop.”
Gita smiled and tapped her forehead. “A lilac point Himmy, you say? Why yes, I believe I may know a little something about her. I was told Orchid needed a lift to your cottage to keep you company. Even though she and I had the briefest of encounters, I became quite smitten by your kitten.” Gita laughed.
“A rhyming confession. How original. Gita, I confess to adoring Orchid, but if I must leave, promise me something.”
“What’s that?” Gita led Abby into the kitchen. She lifted the lid on a beautiful ceramic soup tureen.
“You’ll bring Orchid home with you. I know she’ll be well-loved here. Will you make me that promise?” Abby’s expression changed to pleading. Thinking about abandoning her kitten brought up a well of sadness.
Gita came over and touched Abby’s wrist. “Remember, dear one, you get to make a choice if the chance to leave Charm comes your way. But yes, if you go, I promise Orchid will join our happy little family here. Now, let’s have no more said on that subject.”
“Thank you, Gita. May I sample that delicious smelling soup?” Abby went toward the tureen.
“I can do better than that. Take this breadbasket and head through the double glass doors. Supper is served.” Gita followed with the tureen.
While they enjoyed their meal, Abby recounted her doings since last with Gita. She omitted all reference to her budding romantic feelings for Nash. Abby was pleased when Gita encouraged her to devote time to the botanists’ research and see where it led. She avoided peppering Gita with questions for specifics on portal functioning. It was enough to let the sage know of her doings.
“I must say, dearest Abby, you’ve done an exemplary job of detailing your progress. However, I’m hungry for one answer that hasn’t been touched on by you.” Gita placed her napkin to the side.
Abby smiled. “What have I left out?”
Gita looked straight into Abby’s eyes. “I’d like to know if you’ve forgiven yourself for the past work in Crestview.”
Abby choked on her sip of coffee. It bought her time to gather words. Did she want to confess the worst part? What she’d hidden away at her lab? If so, she’d also have to explain the potential consequences if her notes were discovered and reformulations happened. That took Abby to a dark place in her head. No, she couldn’t share any of that with Gita. It was her cross to bear, but she’d share where she was on the forgiveness path. Abby looked at Gita and took another second to thank God for bringing this wisdom-filled woman into her life. “I appreciate your patience while I considered the question.”
“Of course, you needed time to collect your thoughts and feelings. My question carries a weighty burden.” Gita’s expression changed. She leaned over to smell the lavender. “So nice. I’ll send some home with you.”
“I’d like that. To answer your question, if I’ve forgiven myself? Yes, I have to a certain point. I forgave myself for stepping off the path of doing no harm. I forgave myself for allowing my ego to drive and define my life. I forgave myself for things, for actions, that I’d become desensitized to. But Gita, there’s one area that’s blocked from my making full amends and gaining total forgiveness. Unfortunately, it’s something I can’t discuss. Still, I wanted you to know there’s an existing inner roadblock that I can’t move past. I’ve gone as far as I’m capable to accept and forgive myself and the others involved.” Abby sat back and drew a cleansing breath.
Gita remained silent for a few moments. “Abby, the inner cleaning and sweeping you’ve done has opened pristine space. That’s wonderful.” Gita laced her fingers. “Know this. You will be tested. You must continue to forgive yourself when you falter. There’s a wonderful quote from Emerson I want to share. Consider making it your creed.”
“I’d like very much to hear what Ralph has to teach me.” Abby smiled and then closed her eyes to receive.
“Mr. Emerson said, ‘Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.’”
Abby returned her focus to Gita. “Now, that’s a call-to-action quote. He’s reminding us of our mind’s power, or maybe I should say control. Boy, do my thoughts ever bear watching.” Abby shook her head. “I see how they seed my destiny. Thank you, wise lady of Charm, for showing me a nobler path.” Abby stirred the ice in her glass, contemplating the future. Her mind desired to create all manner of scenarios. She quashed the thoughts and focused on what was real. “Pardon the momentary lapse. My thoughts tricked me into taking a ride.”
“Yes, the mind is most wily.” Gita stood. “Why don’t we take a pause? Would you enjoy a tour of my home? Then, if you’re willing, we’ll open a lesson.”
“Sold.” Abby rose, craving a reprieve from her thought prison. “I was hoping you’d show me around. I definitely intended that thought to reap me this destiny.” Abby needed a dose of humor. In fact, she vowed to make more laughter her destiny too.
“You’re a wit, Abby Drake. Come along.” Gita led Abby into the foyer. “I’ll anticipate your honest feedback on my décor. There’s one room that flirts with shabby, and it’s past time for a refresh. You must give me your ideas,” encouraged Gita.
“Geez, I don’t know what decorating advice—”
“Says the young lady who imagined her adorable English cottage.”