The Lily's Splendor

Chapter 9

“Ok Kyra, I want you to hold those flowers and tilt your head towards them as if you are taking in their fragrance. Smile as if they are telling you a secret.” The photographer directed as he took different shots while a huge fan blew my hair away from my face and back. We had moved to a room with a green screen behind me that would be replaced with some tropical island or a meadow full of wild flowers. They still couldn’t decide. I didn’t understand why they didn’t want to just walk outside and have me pose next to one of the lighthouses where the scenery was beautiful. One crew-member had suggested it, but then my grandmother and Dimitri had made identical horrified expressions at the potential risk of getting the dress dirty.

“Perfect!” the photographer finally said. This had been his sixtieth shot.

“I’ll have the shots delivered to your home tomorrow, Charlyze,” Dimitri said.

“Splendid!”

“May I change now?” I asked. Though I loved the dress and heels, I desperately just wanted to go back to my t-shirt and sneakers.

“Yes. Do you need any help?” my grandmother asked, already taking a step forward.

“No. I’m good. I’ll be extra careful with the dress and shoes.”, I promised before going behind the dressing screen.

Ten minutes later, I zipped up the gown and placed it back into its protective covering along with the shoes which were put back in their box. I clipped my necklace back on but decided to leave my hair down before stepping out from behind the screen.

“Ready? I know this cute café for lunch.” My grandmother strapped on her purse before setting her sunglasses on.

“Yup. I am pretty hungry though . . . won't Jacques get a little offended?” I asked as we made our way out of the studio through the back and began walking to this café.

“Oh he won’t mind.” My grandmother smiled before taking out her cell phone and giving Mathew instructions to pick them up at the café once they were finished.

“Here we are.” she said as a waiter opened the door for her.

“Ms. Derketo. Your usual table?” the waiter asked.

“Yes please.” she said as we were led to the back where there was a quaint old table with two padded chairs and a white lace table cloth.

“This place is very nice,” I commented as I took my seat that faced the booths.

“It sure is. And they have wonderful food here. Of course nothing that can compare to Jacques’s cooking.” My grandmother actually rolled her eyes. No doubt Jacques had quoted that a million times. I smiled as I placed the cloth napkin on my lap. When I looked up, my eyes instantly found Henry’s.

He was sitting across from us in a booth with that petite girl next to him. Soon the other guy’s head was poking around to see what had captured Henry’s attention and he flashed me a smile. His hair was a dark reddish color, matching the petite girls’ hair. Perhaps they were siblings. I wondered what the relationship was between the girl and Henry, who had his arm around her in such a familiar and caring way. I swallowed a lump in my throat as things began to connect. Looking away from his mesmerizing, probing eyes, I focused on the menu.

“Is there something here that you wish to recommend?” I asked my grandmother, who had been conversing with the manager who had personally come out just to chat and bring a complimentary glass of their finest wine.

“Oh Alex, this is my granddaughter Kyra. She is living with me now, so I’m sure you will see her face around here a lot.” My grandmother made the introductions and I shook Alex’s offered hand.

“I hope you can stop by anytime. Of course you shall get your grandmother’s usual table.” he said, eyes going back to my grandmother in adoration.

“How nice.” Was all she said before turning back to me and my question.“The fruit bowls here are exquisite, as well as their onion rings, which I know you are fond of.”

“Okay. Enough said. I know what I want.” I folded the menu closed and placed it back on the table.

“Well, go on and tell Alex,” my grandmother said as she took sips from her wine glass. Alex turned expectantly at me, waiting.

“I’ll have those onion rings along with a virgin piña colada. That’s all.” I smiled up at him. Alex nodded before walking through the swinging door that led to the kitchen.

“What about you? Aren’t you going to eat anything?” I asked.

“I ordered the garden salad,” she said before getting up.“I’ll be going to the restroom. Be right back.” I watched her walk away, seeing all heads turn to follow her every move. Sighing, I set my hands on the table, letting my fingers tap against the cloth until a waitress came over and set down my drink.

“Thank you.” I said before plucking the pineapple wedge off of the rim and taking a bite out of it. My eyes averted when they had naturally gone to Henry, whose gaze kept flickering my way before going back to the conversation with the guy across from him.

Why isn’t he even saying a ‘hello’? Maybe I annoyed him. Okay, so I won’t bother him anymore. Perhaps he doesn’t want to let his girlfriend know that he knows me. Oh well. I am not that helpless. I can always Google for information. The past two days never happened. Just forget about them Kyra . . . I know . . . easier said than done. But I have to try. He obviously doesn’t want to talk to me if he can’t even do a simple wave. I sighed, dunking my straw in my drink to mix things up before taking a long sip.

“I’m back,” my grandmother announced as she took her seat. “I can’t wait to see those pictures. Of course, I will also put them in your portfolio.” she said, just as the waitress came back with our food.

“What portfolio?” I asked when the waitress left.

“In case you want to model. You don’t have to. I just want you to have a portfolio just in case.” she said defensively before forking a piece of dark green lettuce and bringing it up to her lips.

“I kinda did enjoy modeling but I don’t think I want to do it as a career.” I admitted as I took a bite out of an onion ring. “Mmm, this is good.” I said before finishing it off and starting on a new one.

“By the way,” my grandmother started, putting her fork down as she gave me all of her attention, “Jacques has been telling me that you have been spending most of your time out on the beach.” she arched her brow.

“Yes, I have.” I picked up my drink. “Is there something wrong with that?” I asked when she said nothing. “I am being careful. And I’ll get around to unpacking, but I just wanted to spend some time on the beach before school starts.”

“Okay. Are you going in the water?”

“Yes.”

“With or without your necklace?” she asked. I nearly toppled my drink over as I was setting it back on the table.

“What does that have to do with anything? What is it with you and Jacques and this necklace?” I asked, hearing my voice grow louder and seeing that Henry had heard when his eyes had snapped to us. Lowering my voice, I said, “Jacques said it wouldn’t ruin in ocean water in case I did wear it.”

“So nothing funny has happened?” my grandmother asked with concern tinting her voice.

“Like what?” I challenged her. I was tired of these puzzle games and I had a feeling that she knew.

“Alright. There is no use in beating around the bush about this.” my grandmother finally relented. “I want you to come to my room later on tonight. Sooner or later, you will have to know about your heritage. I don’t know why your mother decided not to tell you,” she sighed before returning to her salad.

“Wow. And here I thought that I would have to Google.” I was surprised at how fast she had given in. She startled me by laughing out loud.

“Ha! You may have found a few helpful sights on Google but it wouldn’t have been enough and some have really twisted us up.” I was about to open my mouth to ask what she meant but she raised her fork up.“We shall discuss to our hearts' content later tonight. Right now, let’s enjoy our lunch.”

“Okay.” I said, looking up when Henry and the girl slid out of the booth along with the other guy that had sat across from them. I looked away, wondering why Henry had decided to smile at me as if he had finally noticed me. When I heard them go out the door, I ventured to look out the windows. There was a hurt expression on Henry’s face, but just for an instant before it vanished when the girl said something and both boys broke out into laughter.

The girl was very pretty. She reminded me of a porcelain doll with her milky white skin, protruding cheek-bones and long, wavy auburn hair that was pinned back from the sides with matching silver butterflies. Her patterned blouse complimented her small frame, as did her dark, pencil-legged bluejeans.

“Who are they, dear? I remember them from the ones that were staring at you back at the studio.” My grandmother had pivoted in her seat to look at them when I had ignored the rest of my food.

“I don’t know them.” I stuffed an onion ring in my mouth.

“Really? Because I was so sure I heard you name that guy that had been staring at you and who is staring at you now.”

“Oh, well, I guess I probably met him at the beach, but I don’t know who the other two are.” I said after I swallowed.

“Why haven’t you mentioned him? He is a definite looker. I wonder if he has ever modeled. He sure has the body and face.”

“No, I doubt that he is a model.” I pushed my empty plate away from me before settling into finishing my drink.

“Well, are you ready to leave? I think my bed is calling my name.” she waved to the waitress for the check before placing a couple of twenties down.

“Sure. I’m done.” I got up and followed my grandmother out the door and to the waiting Limo. My head went down when passersby stopped as soon as they recognized my grandmother. Many murmured and whispered as they pointed. Some even sneaked out their phones to snap some pictures.My grandmother surprised me by tilting her head and giving them a flirtatious smile.

“Thank you Mathew.” My grandmother said when he held the door open for her before she slid in. I smiled at him my thanks before joining my grandmother in the backseat.

“What a day.” she sighed.“I’m so happy you modeled for me.” she patted my hand before fluffing the curled ends of her hair with her perfectly manicured fingers.

“No problem. It’s the least I can do for taking me in.” I said before wincing.

“What? Kyra, you are my granddaughter! My blood! How can you say such a thing?” she exclaimed with a hint of hurt in her eyes as she stared at me.

“I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have said that but it is how I feel. You had your life here in your big house and here I came to ruin it.”

“Well, quit lying to yourself. You haven’t ruined anything. As a matter of fact, I would have eventually asked you and your mother to come and live with me. One can get lonely in such a big house. And you are the only family I have. I enjoy and value your company.”

“Thank you. I’m really glad that you’re my grandmother and no one else’s,” I said with affection.

“It’s because you get a personally designed wardrobe, isn’t it?” she grinned as she winked at me. I nudged her with my elbow before leaning back into my seat while she struck up a conversation with Mathew.

Why am I feeling sad? I only met Henry just a few days ago. I couldn’t have possibly fallen in love with him even though he did save me. He obviously didn’t want his two companions to know that he knew me or I him. Perhaps that girl he was sitting next to was his girlfriend. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat at the thought of Henry being in love with someone else. I sighed, glad that we had finally reached home so I could spend some time alone in my room, though I was tempted to go down to the beach to see if I could run into Henry.

No Kyra. You will not bother him anymore. You’re acting silly. Like those girls on T.V. who follow the guy around like lost puppies. You will not act childish or foolish.

“Kyra,” my grandmother’s voice broke through my thoughts and I realized that she had been trying to get my attention for a while now.

“Yes? Sorry, I sort of went into a daze.” I said sheepishly as we got out of the car and began to walk up the front steps.

“I had some new sets of clothing sent over from the dry-cleaners. They should be in your room. Check and make sure that nothing is amiss and that they fit.” she said before going upstairs and to her room. I followed close behind her, quickly pivoting to my room and shutting the door behind me for privacy. I ran a hand through my hair. There was no stopping her, that’s for sure.

Going to my closet, I found about a quarter of a dozen of dry-cleaned clothes hanging on the pole. Beneath them were pairs of patent, leather shoes, and a variety of winter boots. Taking my sneakers off, I tried on a pair of the shoes. Perfect fit. Replacing them back with the others, I picked up one of the hangers covered in a long plastic dress and held it out. A beautiful purple cashmere sweater peeked out from the plastic covering.Lifting the end of the covering, I lovingly fingered the material. Putting the sweater back, I picked up another hanger that held a white button-down blouse with slightly puffy sleeves. There were at least two of these same blouses. The other hangers held more blouses and sweaters along with designer jeans of all kinds; pencil-legged, hipsters, and the ones that flared out at the bottom for boots.

“Thank you grandma.” I murmured as I put the stuff back and walked to the French door that opened to my small balcony. Resting my elbows on the smooth rail, I gazed out into the ocean. A cool breeze went by, reminding me of the end of summer. In a way, I was glad. Summers used to be fun, especially with an adventurous mother.

Pain pierced my heart at the memories I had had with my mother. Oh, there were some with my father, but they weren’t as memorable as being with my mother. My brows creased as I remembered that it had always been my mother who would have to tell my father to spend the day with me; to take me to the park or beach. I had always run to him, tugging on his arm for him to play with me, but his eyes always seemed sad, almost vacant of any life before he would murmur something about my mother. Then he smiled and took my small hand in his before letting me lead him to my pile of sand-castles. Quickly pushing those strange memories away, I went to my bed and curled up in a ball. In seconds I was fast asleep.