Ladies and gentlemen, here we go. Let's say hello to Theresa and Garrett at the time when Garret is visiting Theresa in Boston, having spent together a really fine weekend so far (just as described in the original story). We're going to join both of you on your way back to Theresa's apartment when just a little small talk turns into much more, filling the evening with
Questions and Memories
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Theresa had arranged this weekend very carefully. She wanted to please Garrett with all the bells and whistles that a city like Boston could probably offer. Yet she had also seen to that they could spend an undisturbed evening together in her apartment.
In fact, the hardest part of it was Kevin. With quite the same stubbornness as his mother's, he insisted that he be with Garrett too. Therefore, Theresa was glad the sports camp that Kevin was looking so forward to, took place on just the same weekend. "Don't you be sad dear," she told him, "sure Garrett will be in Boston once again and all three of us will have fun the next time". Kevin realized that there was no such thing as a free lunch and gave in. "OK, next time then," he grumped "but say hello for me, will you?"
So at long last, Theresa took Garrett to her apartment after that really splendid evening. Some hours of togetherness were supposed to lie ahead of them. However, this time, she wasn't sure of the outcome.
On their way home, Garrett asked her, without knowing it, a very embarrassing question: "Tell me," he said, "what was actually the most impressive response you ever got for writing the parenting-column of your magazine?"
Theresa thoughts, even without batting an eyelid, made "Ouch!" Just to tell him "Of course it was your message in a bottle" was out of the question. In order to find a credible excuse, she started stumbling: "So... you see... ah ...I recall there were a few themes which created a reader's response quite amazingly above average. If you're interested, I can look it up when we're at home."
To her big relief, Garrett didn't consider the question that important. Why, he was just trying to do small talk and simply started another, not too meaningful subject to discuss with her.
But how crooked, how stupid that was! Theresa knew well that she could not and must not go on with that kind of dishonest masquerade. Inevitably, there would come the moment she'd have to tell him the truth about how she found him. It had to be and sincerely, she intended to get it over this evening. However, she was afraid. Was it already too late and he would curse her to hell or could she hope that he would understand? Oh God, she prayed to herself ...help me make it...
Garrett had of course been in Theresa's apartment before, but only now his attention was drawn at the two paintings that made up very nice in the living room. One showed a landscape in water color while the other was a fine pencil drawing of a flower bed in a park. He took a closer look: "But these are originals. Very fine artwork indeed. They truly make this apartment classy. As classy as its owner, to say the least."
Theresa smiled; "Oh, thank you. These were among my favorite pieces I did, when I used to do drawing, painting and calligraphy as my hobby."
Most surprised by Theresa's statement, Garrett replied, quite admiringly: "So this is your work then? My compliments, that's great! But you sound as if it's not the case anymore. May I ask what made you refrain from doing it?"
Theresa bent her head for a moment and then looked right into his eyes: "Well, let's sit down and have a glass of wine before I start talking, will we?" Garrett agreed with a smile and Theresa prepared two glasses, lighted a candle and finally began:
"So, why did I give up my hobbies? You see, this was the time when Kevin's father left me and his son for good." She hesitated to continue and Garrett realized that he had touched one of her painful memories. "Theresa, I'm sorry. I wouldn't like to spoil this wonderful evening with you by discussing something you don't want to talk about."
Theresa gave him a little bit of a sad smile: "Ah, never mind, why shouldn't you know. Kevin was three years then and up to this time I was really persuaded to have a good marriage with my husband. It wasn't a rose garden but I thought we managed quite fine together and I couldn't think of a reason to distrust him. But I was apparently wrong: He left all at once, choosing a day when I was away with Kevin, and when I returned, he wasn't around anymore. His private belongings were lacking, there was no message whatsoever. Phoning up his company the next day revealed that he quit his job the very same day. They told me they saw him driving away with a woman. Obviously, it wasn't me.
I haven't seen or heard of him since, to say nothing of the fact that the law didn't get him and he never paid any support for Kevin and me. He had it all planned. Hell knows why but he didn't say a single word before. Why couldn't we talk this over like two grown-ups? I never understood his acting and finally, I stopped trying to understand, even if for some time to come, I had that famous feeling that some broken hearts never mend. Of course, it was no good and in the end, I filed a divorce suit against him.
I really felt bitter, having to accept that Kevin would never again be 'our' son, he would just be 'my' son from now on. It was almost too much for me and I had a hard time to keep things running. You'll certainly understand that since then, I barely had the time to do painting and drawing any longer nor have I ever really been in the mood for it since."
Garrett understood completely: "I see. Such times are bad and they're wearying. I think I can say so, because I've been there too. Even so, if you ever consider going back to painting and drawing someday, then I'll be no doubt looking forward to see some more of your really fine artwork." Theresa blushed: "Thanks a lot! I'm glad you like it. Well, who knows, one should never say never, but for now, let's leave it at that, only time will tell."
Evening was turning late and Theresa knew that there should now really another thing be discussed with Garrett. Why, she wondered, is it so damned hard to get started with it? She knew it had to be, but she still hesitated to go on with it directly. Instead, she decided to continue with small steps: She had long noted that he didn't seem to feel at ease and was glad to turn the subject on him for a while.
"Garrett, may I ask you something now? I thought we had a very fine evening with Brian and Deanna and also the performance at the theatre was really first class. However, it seems to me that you've not been very chatty tonight. Please tell me, didn't you enjoy the evening?"
"You see, I am not that chatty but it's not about that" he replied. His thoughts turned rather slowly into words. "I really enjoyed every moment with you. Deanna and Brian are wonderful people, it was a pleasure to be with them. Actually, it was tremendous from you to arrange such a beautiful and interesting weekend for me here in Boston. Let me put it this way: I guess, you wanted to show me your world from its best side, the one you're living in, the one you're at home. And, believe me, I am deeply impressed."
"But...," Theresa turned onward "there's a 'but' coming now, isn't it?"
"Oh, I just wondered, if I could ever get used to all that, including perhaps to everyday life."
"What do you mean by that?" Theresa's curiosity arose. "Are you really thinking of..." her voice broke off for she really hadn't expected Garrett saying that.
"I wish I could." He filled the silence. "But somehow... without you, I would be completely lost here." Now braking off himself Theresa completed his thoughts: "You don't think you could feel at home here?"
Garrett nodded somewhat hopelessly. "Theresa, since I saw you for the first time, you have turned into something wonderful to me. You became the most important thing in my life. These summer days you spent with me in Wilmington, the places we went, the things we did, it was the best time I had ever since..." he tried hard to avoid saying "...Catherine had gone..." and went on with "...ever since I've been on my own. And I hope these weren't bad days for you either."
"Of course they weren't," Theresa replied, "these were the most precious moments ever since I had to care for myself. And Kevin, he really likes you, you know"
Garrett smiled. "I guess, me too, I wanted to show you my world from its best side. However, I don't think you'd consider Wilmington a town for you to live in, now that I see how good you're doing here in Boston."
Theresa couldn't deny it: "Yes, it's true. But Garrett, I'm not overly proud to say so. Boston wasn't my birthplace, I'm a Nebraska girl, you remember. I just can't see me giving it all up here and get along elsewhere. I must keep my income, Kevin's doing well in school and my job really means much to me, now that I'll probably get this chance to publish in a big journal. I can't let go now. But get me right, Garrett, me too, I don't like it the least that we be so far from each other."
He took a long look in her eyes. "Have I ever told you how lovely your eyes are? Believe me, I understand you. This seems to be the one question that neither you nor I can answer for the moment. Hopefully, we'll find a way out of this some day."
Theresa caressed Garrett's hands "I too wish I could change that but actually, I'm afraid of something else. I have to confront you with..."
Finally, Theresa bit the bullet and pushed herself forward:
"I have to tell you something."
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Theresa, we heard you! Now that you turned your fine time with Garrett into a rather serious matter, we'll see you dealing with what is going to be for you the weekend of truth.
To be continued.
