The trail made a surprise ninety-degree turn, setting up the magnificent reveal of an extraordinary waterfall. Abby felt sure what she gazed at couldn’t exist on planet Earth. Yet, here she stood, awed as water cascaded off giant slabs of granite sculpted in shapes that defied any rational explanation. Glimpses of angels and cherubs’ faces were visible as the water shifted flow from the ledge. Once more, the sun’s refraction and reflection qualities transformed the falling water into a liquid rainbow.
The lush green vegetation served as the backdrop, but one more surprise greeted and challenged Abby’s senses. Her excitement bubbled inside as she gazed at the unknown varieties of colorful orchids and flora begging her discerning botanist’s eye. She basked in the waterfall’s mist. Charm kept presenting its enchantments, making her doubt the concept of the mind’s reality.
“See? I told you this was worth the walk.” Nash stole a breath. “Spectacular splendor is what my friend, Gita, calls Angel Cascade. I find the name fitting. Don’t you?” Nash’s arm indicated wood slatted chairs scattered around the area.
“I think the name’s perfect. Actually, I met Gita earlier today over our sorbets.” Abby shook her head. “At this rate, I’ll have to stay here forever to get all my questions answered. The list is flirting with becoming endless.” She sat down next to Nash.
“Now I know you and Gita will soon enjoy more of each other’s company. She’s quite the wisdom teacher, though she hates all labels we try to hang on her.” Nash’s words held a lightheartedness.
“So, that declaration produced another half dozen questions. I may need to put duct tape on your mouth if we’re going to make any progress before I leave Charm,” Abby volleyed back.
“Point made. I knew you were an avid questioner. My best suggestion is to consider avoiding any esoteric stream of thought since you only arrived.” Nash stretched out his legs.
Abby judged Nash’s expression. He was serious, so she swallowed her sassy retort. “Since the next order of business involves me making these difficult phone calls, can you offer Charm’s brand of guidance on what I’m to say? Notice there isn’t a drop of esoteric woo-woo in that question.”
Nash’s eyebrow lifted. “It’s chock full of both, but worry not. I’m told side-stepping is one of my talents. First, who do you need, not want, to contact?”
Abby’s eyes connected with the pool of water at the base of the cascade. “Hmm, I guess there’s a difference between who I want to call and who I need to call. Would you mind if I take a stroll over to the falls? I’d like a closer look at what my eyes and brain can’t process.” Abby extended her arm, pointing toward the flowers. “I’ll bring the answers back with me.”
“Enjoy. I’m not going anywhere.” Nash closed his eyes, signaling Abby she was free to do as she wished.
Finding a smooth rock by the pool, Abby slipped off her sandals and sat down. She dangled her feet in the cool multi-colored water and felt an intriguing kind of energy humming through her body. Never had her studies and research led to a discovery of such a diverse habitat. Fascinated, the scientist part of her decided to do an experiment. As the rose-colored water swirled past, she dipped her index finger in and was rewarded with what felt like a gentle pulsing. When she repeated the exercise choosing violet water, the feeling intensified, proving violet’s frequency exhibited greater energy. Was there documented research on this phenomenon? Did all colors carry influencing powers? How did this moving liquid rainbow affect what grew nearby? Abby’s keen inquisitive nature awakened like never before. Her mind now fully engaged, she hungered to delve deeper into Charm’s many secrets.
Abby reflected back in time. As a child, all colors had spoken to her. She recalled arranging her jumbo box of crayons to mimic a prism. Abby thought of the clothes hanging in her closet. They were organized the same way. Color had always fed her spirit, and what Charm offered flooded her with joy.
Abby’s attention shifted to the flowers and plants scattered around the pool, inviting her to draw closer. The fragrance coming from a group of orchids made her stop. Mouth agape, she stared at an unknown variety. The perfume identified the flower, but the petals weren’t typical. What she touched in reverence and awe were two long azure blue tendrils growing in a place they didn’t belong.
Taking in the array of altered flora produced the needed answer to explain her fate. Acknowledging the present irresolvable circumstances that had befallen her, Abby returned to Nash, ready to make the calls.
She noticed Nash’s eyes were still closed, allowing her the opportunity to study him. Well over six feet tall, he owned a face and body any Hollywood director would cast as the hero. There was an indescribable something about the guy, a kind of magnetism. Perhaps she finally understood the power of attraction. Was Nash asleep or meditating? Should she disturb him or slip away to make her calls? His voice jolted her.
“So tell me, fair maiden, if you’ve completed your assessment of me, did you find clarity for making the calls?” Nash’s dimples appeared.
Abby ignored the embarrassing flushing of her cheeks. “Depends,” she tossed back.
“On what?” countered Nash.
“On if you’ll let me snap a few photos of the orchids. I need them for my pitch.”
“What pitch?” Nash frowned.
“The pitch to explain the reason for my tardy return when I call my employer. You see, I work for a large skincare company. We formulate products by emulating and tweaking the properties found in flowers. Never mind all of that.” Abby marveled again at how nonchalant she was handling this brave new Charm world she was inhabiting.
Nash looked perplexed. “Might you elaborate on this grand telephoning plan?”
The corners of Abby’s mouth turned up. “My grand plan, as you call it, begins by identifying the problem and solution. The problem is I need my boss and friends to buy what I’m selling.”
“What are you selling, Abby?” Nash took the bait.
“First, I’m selling my boss on the discovery of the rare orchids growing by the pool. Orchids that shouldn’t exist in Charm but do. I’m selling that these orchids have chosen different colored corollas while maintaining their genus. I’m selling that by allowing me to remain here and study this phenomenon, I’ll bring him notoriety and garner us no shortage of research funding. That’s why I need pictures of the flowers as my proof. Understand?” Abby’s unbridled enthusiasm was evident.
“I comprehend now that you elaborated. It’s a great strategy. In fact, I’d buy what you’re selling, and I’m not easy.” Nash chuckled. “Take the photos, but with one caveat. You can’t divulge your location to your boss or the others.”
Abby’s eleven lines appeared between her eyes. “But—”
“No buts. Remember that Charm doesn’t exist on traditional maps. You must tell everyone to do this research you’ve agreed to keep the location a secret. Surely you see the wisdom in that caveat.” Nash paused. “Will you accept my terms?”
“I suppose,” replied Abby, considering the merits of Nash’s words. As far as running her day-to-day life, if she was gone for merely a few weeks, her bills and condo would fare fine. To play it safe, she would ask her friend in the next condo to handle things. They’d exchanged keys years ago to help each other during extended away trips. Abby could dismiss that worry.
“Got things set in your head?” asked Nash.
She turned her focus back to him. “Yes, I believe I’ve got things figured out. You’re right. Not telling where I am is the best way to handle my abduction by Charm.” The corners of her mouth turned up against her will.
“Super. How about friends and family? Any problems there?” Nash settled back, relaxed.
“I don’t have any family. I’m adopted, and both my parents were botanists. Five years ago, they traveled to the Congo Basin. They couldn’t resist the call of ten-thousand species of tropical plants.” She felt her throat tighten with emotion.
Nash nodded. “So, your love for plants got imprinted by your parents. I’m sure they were proud of you.”
Abby’s face brightened for a moment. “Yes, they were. Anyway, my father heard stories about some remarkable changes taking place with the Heliconia.”
“Pardon?” asked Nash.
“You can call it a parrot flower,” Abby replied, amused. “You see, my parents’ work focused on the healing properties of plants. I’m about to digress, but did you know that one international institute has found over fourteen-hundred plants to fight a single disease?”
“I did not. Fascinating. Go on. I’m intrigued.” Nash pushed his sunglasses atop his head.
Abby gave a quick nod, wanting to hurry past the last part. “I’ll give you the short version. My parents went missing while on a field study. The authorities found no evidence of them, so eventually, they were presumed dead.” Abby swiped at the stray tear.
Nash touched Abby’s forearm. “Perhaps while you’re in Charm, more healing can happen.”
Abby nodded. “Since they weren’t found, I never got any real closure. That healing gift I’d gladly accept.” She grew quiet, letting her thoughts return to who to call first. “Guess I should get this drill done. I’ve one close girlfriend who lives in my condo building. She can inform my other friends that I’m off doing field research.” Abby paused, considering Edward. “I imagine my soon-to-be-ex boyfriend, Edward, warrants a call. That’s everyone.”
“So, by my tally, that’s three calls. You’ve got a simple story to tell that’s true and meets Charm’s criteria. Ready to get this done?”
“I suppose, but what answer do I give for when I’m coming home?” Abby reached for her cell phone.
“Want to hear what I told my family and friends?” Amusement claimed Nash’s face.
“Judging by your expression, this should be entertaining. At this moment in Charm time, I need levity, lots of it. Don’t disappoint this wayward woman.” Abby leaned forward, anticipating.
“I told everyone that I was prospecting for gold in these here mountains.” Nash released a laugh.
“Seriously? Gold?” Abby joined in, laughing.
“Before you pass sentence, I’m a geologist and archeologist. Like any explorer, ancient texts spoke my language. I’d read about a rich vein of gold hidden in these mountains. Did I say rich vein?” asked a playful Nash.
“I believe you did. Is there more to tell, or do you plan to leave me hanging?”
“I plan to leave you hanging for now. Just know the tale brought out no small amount of skepticism and teasing from my six people. Listen, I’m going to sit on that slab of diorite by the falls, so you have this space to yourself. Join me once you’re done.”
Abby stood. “I plan to snap a few photos first and then call my boss. Wish me luck.”
“You’re in Charm. No luck required. Good luck,” joked Nash before walking away.
Armed with a handful of spectacular shots of the rare orchids, Abby took a cleansing breath and rang her boss. She suspended expectations and discovered that it felt freeing. “Good evening, Maurice. It’s Abby. Are you still in the lab?”
“I am. We’re making significant progress with altering retinoids at the molecular level and making nature’s Vitamin A superior and highly stable. Your discovery last week really pushed us ahead of schedule. Here’s some good news. The corporate dynamos on the top floor have stopped threatening to cut our staff. Sorry, I got carried away. Wait a sec, you never call me after hours unless you’ve had some breakthrough. What’s up?”
Abby forced a chuckle to keep the easy comradery going. “To tell the truth, Maurice, I do have kind of a breakthrough story to share. It’s exciting and couldn’t wait. Coming home, a sudden road detour brought me to the most incredible orchid find. Prepare to have your lid flipped. I texted you seven photos as a sampling. Take a gander.” Abby waited with breath held.
“What I’m staring at is impossible. A species of orchid morphed into colors never seen before. And the other two rarities with the same changes….”
“Incredible, aren’t they? As you know, I’ve postulated the rarer orchids possess anti-aging properties that haven’t been studied.” Abby’s enthusiasm took off and surprised her.
“Yes, yes, tell me more.” Maurice mirrored her excitement. “By the way, I thought you were going someplace in southern Georgia and not a tropical locale.”
Abby laughed and dodged the answer. “You know how I love spur of the moment. Anyway, I’d like to remain here secreted away so I can study these novel plants in their natural habitat. If I can prove my claim and deliver you a paper, it means our department—”
“Will garner serious acclaim, and investors will flock. Yes, Abby, you must do this work. You’re gifted with instincts like no other botanist in my sphere. Take the time you need, and I’ll protect your position with the company. Bring home the ‘fountain of youth’ and revive Ponce de Leon’s claim.”
“I’ll try to make you and Ponce proud. So, you’re fine with this plan?” pressed Abby.
“Of course. All I ask is that you check in with me weekly. Again, I’d appreciate knowing your exact location,” Maurice stated.
“That brings us to the two stipulations placed on me. I can’t divulge where I am because the village doesn’t want all manner of people showing up. It’s a private and unique community of…nature lovers. And swallow your coming oath. After we hang up, I can’t use any form of technology while here. They feel it corrupts—”
“I’ve heard enough. Those types can be tricky to work around.” Maurice grew quiet. “Okay, okay. Have it their way. I assume you’ve got what you need to stay on and do this work. Without those pictures to show and tell, I’d not agree to any of these terms. You know this, right?”
“I do. Thank you for trusting in me. I’ll deliver on my promise, Maurice. Unless you have more to add, I need to go. Don’t worry about my safety or wellbeing. I’m in a place that I can only describe as enchanting.” Abby glanced around, thinking if her boss only knew the whole story.
“Makes me wish I was there too,” Maurice sighed. “Hurry back to us, and good luck, Abby.”
“I’m told luck isn’t needed here, but thanks. Goodbye, and tell everyone there I’m already missing them.” Abby disconnected, feeling a touch of sadness, but only a touch.
Next on the short list was her best friend, Lisa. She pushed the button noticing her bar had dropped to one, and the battery was nearly depleted. “Charm’s effect,” she said out loud. She got Lisa’s voicemail. Abby activated her story. She laid the cell phone to the side, feeling disappointed not to have spoken to her friend. Refusing her mind’s attempt to interfere and bring more niggling doubts forward, she called the jerk. This time it felt like a reward that Edward didn’t answer. Abby left a brief message that her research was delaying her return for an unspecified time, and under the circumstances, he should move forward dating others. That was the only call that left her feeling liberated. They should have ended things long ago. Abby took that emotion with her to where Charm’s mayor waited.
“Mission accomplished?” Nash patted the boulder next to him.
“Mission accomplished. This all feels so nuts to me. What am I saying? It is nuts.” Abby sighed.
“Do you want to talk about the three calls? I guess reality—”
“Reality? Who knows anymore what’s real? Here I sit, cocooned in la-la land and wondering what’s going to happen next.”