CHAPTER 10
Jakob and Marlene quietly drove away from the castle. "You looked beautiful today," Jakob began to talk. Marlene remained silent searching her mind as to what she would say to him. He, pulled, over to a small park that bordered the river, they got out finding a bench to occupy. Jakob spoke first, "You know when I first met you all those years ago I thought to myself how lucky any man would be to have a woman like you by his side," Marlene listened to his confessions she admired his honesty. "I was hopeful when you moved to L. A. I wanted you but I thought your heart, had been broken by Tristan," Marlene touched the sleeve of his jacket. "I can explain Jakob," She calmly spoke, "No Marlene," He sighed, "Please let me finish what I have to say." She obliged allowing him to continue.
"When you arrived in L. A. it was apparent you had been suffering, I never brought up Tristan because you needed time to heal but I fell in love with you and when you decided to leave it broke my heart," Jakob paused loosening is necktie, "I thought if I bided my time you would feel the same way about me, I questioned your motives when you decided to return to Dusseldorf," He looked to her for answers.
Marlene lightly chuckled, "Tristan and I were happy in those days, I had everything a woman could possibly want," She stated and continued with confidence. "At least I thought so but the one, thing, I never really had was true love, I had no idea that falling in love with a woman, Tristan's sister Rebecca would happen but the more I fought it the more deeply I fell, the more she would distance herself from me the closer I would draw her back," Jakob grasped a lock of her hair in his hand brushing it back from her face.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked with sadness in his voice. "I wanted to Jakob there were so many times I could have told you but I was in denial about the foolish things that broke us apart, I was terribly hurt, I just wanted to forget, I wanted to forget her," Marlene pleaded she felt numb. "I needed a change, I needed to find me," Jakob took his thumb and wiped away a tear that had fallen down to her cheek. "I'm sorry for you Marlene," He honestly spoke. "You're a wonderful man and I'm grateful for everything and if you felt I led you on I never meant to," Jakob took in a deep breath, "I never thought that for one minute that's why I stayed in the background for so long I knew you were hurting," She looked at him with a grin, "I struggled when I realized who I was and pretending to be someone else, well," Marlene explained relaxing herself against the back of the bench, "Rebecca made me see that who I was wasn't really as important as who I loved and how I chose to live my life for myself."
Jakob thought of what she said, "I never believed in labeling someone but I never thought you would," He stuttered momentarily, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that knowing you in the past, I," Marlene braced her hand against his chest stopping him, "You would never believe I would fall for a woman," She giggled answering him.
Jakob once again became serious looking her in the eyes, "What will you do? Two years is a longtime with no contact it's obvious she's met someone else and moved on you can't expect for her to just drop what she has and run to you," Marlene listened carefully to his point of view. "True, but I love her and I have to know for myself if we can find our way back to what we had, I've been told too often in my life that I should listen to my heart and I've been able to finally forgive her, my heart has mended but I guess the question is, has she and can she forgive me," Marlene remarked emotionally.
Jakob placed his arm around her shoulder, "You have a lot to think about not only from where Rebecca is concerned but the woman she's with, one of you will be hurt, are you prepared for the fall out?" Marlene began to rationalize what Jakob thoughts were. "No one said it would be easy but I'm in love, will I be hurt? Yes there's always that possibility but as long as a tiny spark remains I have to take that chance," She spoke candidly. He stood up from the bench and in his kind manner took her by the hand and led her back to the car.
He looked at her with some apprehension, "You'll need your sleep if you're going to win her back," He opened the door brushing his lips against her cheek, "I want you to know that if you change your mind I'll be there I'm just a phone call away." She smiled without a word and he drove her home.
Rebecca lay in the arms of a sleeping Katherine, she rolled over hearing a slight groan as Katherine nestled herself in the small of Rebecca's back. Her head began to ache from the ribbing she took seeing Marlene with someone else. The tears began to fall from her eyes like raindrops. Katherine groaned again as she positioned herself even closer to Rebecca.
Rebecca cocked her head to the side and listened for her to speak, she didn't, she laid her head back down the tears still streaming she sniffled wiping them on the bedspread she had clutched in her hand. Rebecca felt sick, guilty only thinking of Marlene. She tried sleeping but Marlene haunted her every thought. The probing questions Katherine had asked earlier weighed heavily on her conscience.
The morning came early, Katherine arose, sitting up she yawned and stretched pulling the covers off and exposing Rebecca's nude body. She bent over and softly kissed her ear placing her arm around her shoulder and chest.
Rebecca rolled over onto her back her eyes swollen and red from lack of sleep. "Did you not sleep well?" Katherine asked climbing out of bed as she began to dress. Rebecca rubbed her eyes clearing her throat, "Would you like coffee, breakfast?" Katherine shook her head, "No thank you I'll pick up something on the way to the loft, I have a lot to do my flight leaves early this afternoon and I haven't even packed," Rebecca slipped out of bed and put on her robe she embraced Katherine, "I'll miss you," Katherine grinned, "Are you ignoring my question?" Rebecca frowned, "What question?" She replied in a whisper, "Obviously you didn't sleep well last night your revelation about Marlene caused you to toss and turn," Rebecca grimaced and swallowed hard, "Please don't Katherine," Katherine gathered her purse, "Get some rest we will talk when I get back," She kissed her cheek and showed herself out.
The regular hustle and bustle of a normal Monday morning at LCL came rolling around. Marlene placed some family pictures on her desk and began arranging them neatly she opened her purse and pulled out a small framed photograph of Rebecca she rubbed it gently with her thumb before placing it inside her desk drawer. The door to her office suddenly swung open startling her, "Kim!" She exclaimed with surprise, Kim extended her arms out with a smile. "I heard, dad told me, I'm so happy for you, it was late when I got in last night and I didn't get to see you" They hugged, "How was Paris?" Marlene asked as Kim sat down in front of her desk. "Beautiful of course and the fashion is rather trendy, enough about me, Art Director huh?" Marlene giggled, "Can you believe it? A chance for me to use my skills." Kim frowned, "And what about Rebecca?" She asked picking up a picture of their mother and placing it against her heart, Marlene stared. "Right now I need to focus on this job, Rebecca and I have talked and at least we're cordial," Marlene moved closer to Kim, "Katherine knows," She added.
Kim whistled out loud, "Ok and how did that go?" Marlene wasn't sure of how to answer her, "Well she told her after the wedding and we haven't exactly talked about it yet," She hesitated for a moment, "I would appreciate you not saying anything to either of them there's no sense creating problems we can't control," Kim sat the picture frame back down on the desk and got up from her chair, "I see and how will you deal with Katherine? I mean she works here," Kim's questioning concerned her, "Katherine seems to like me I just hope we can keep it professional, we really haven't been able to talk she's out of the office right now her mother had an illness," Kim walked to the door, I'm sure she'll have questions," She replied honestly, "I should go to Tanja's office we have a meeting shortly," Marlene closed the door behind her leaning against it.
Rebecca laid out material samples with many colors and designs she compared them to the sketches she had set aside for Riga. "Rebecca" Tanja called out. Rebecca attempted a smile, "Yes Tanja," She answered with a blunt look. "I've met with Kim and have gone over her portfolio for the Paris trends did you get a chance to look at those?" Rebecca sat the material samples down, "No, no I haven't, Kim and I haven't had the chance to meet as you can see I'm busy preparing for Riga," She abruptly pointed to the material bundles she had on her table. "Did Katherine have an idea of how long she would be gone?" Tanja questioned further, "I assumed when she talk to you she told you her mother was very ill and she probably doesn't know," Rebecca remarked shrugging her shoulders. "Hmmm, meet with Marlene after lunch I want a theme for Riga prepared as soon as possible, I'm assuming that Katherine has left instructions regarding her line up for Riga? I suggest you get with the other designers and assistants today, I don't want to be disappointed," She ordered leaving promptly. "Shit," Rebecca uttered under her breath she picked up the material bundle and then tossed it back down in a fit of anger she collected her purse and left for an early lunch.
Marlene spent the early afternoon taking an inventory of the clothing props in the storage room with a vast array of shoes, belts, jewelry and other significant fashion paraphernalia she felt comfortable and positive that she and Rebecca could work up a good theme for Riga. She took her clipboard and pencil and began taking notes and drawing rough sketches with some ideas on paper and in her head she exited the storage room.
Rebecca studied her sketches and penciled in some minor changes, her mind totally focused on her work. "I see your still very much fashioned minded," Marlene chirped as she stood in front of her work station. "Oh hey," She quickly looked up and then back down refocusing on her work. "Tanja phoned me earlier about the Riga theme," She spoke trying to regain Rebecca's attention. "Yes we talked before lunch and to be honest Marlene Tanja worries too much and as you can see I'm busy right now, I haven't met with the designers or the assistants yet," Rebecca replied as she began to pull and separate the cloth samples.
"Perhaps you could look at some of my ideas before you leave, I mean I could stay awhile this evening," Marlene probe with a soft voice. "I don't know Marlene, I know Tanja is pressuring you and I really don't have time for her games," Rebecca looked at her with a serious frown. Marlene smiled and slightly nodded her head, "Ok then, I'll start drafting some ideas and whenever your ready," Rebecca glanced up at her, "Sure but if you don't mind I have a lot to do," Marlene turned from her and headed back to her office. She sat down to her desk and powered up her computer she could feel the tension Rebecca was radiating the uneasiness of her past fragile health burdened her thoughts with fears and concern for her.
Rebecca briefly glimpsed at her wristwatch, noticing the time she looked up and could see the light from Marlene's office shining through the cracks in the blinds. She sat down resting her aching back and closing her eyes her thoughts on how abrupt she was with Marlene she grinned opening her eyes and made the decision to walk over to her office. Rebecca picked up her renewed sketches and portfolio she started towards Marlene's office when the tall blond who had escorted her to the wedding came up the stairs with a small bouquet of flowers in hand. She stopped suddenly without being notice by him as he knocked and entered her office.
Rebecca felt the ache of jealousy in her bones. "Damn," She spoke turning back towards her station, "Rebecca," Marlene called out she composed herself before turning around she did so with a smile facing them. "Hello," She murmured, "Actually I was on the way to your office to go over your ideas but I see you have company," Rebecca could feel a lump forming in her throat.
Jakob stepped forward and extended his hand to her, "You must be the Rebecca Marlene has spoken so highly of," He voiced in a gentlemanly way, "I've heard a lot of nice things about you," Rebecca shook his hand, "Oh you have," She smiled with some embarrassment. Marlene placed her hand on the lapel of his jacket, "Rebecca this is Jakob Bailey," She further introduced him they conversed briefly.
"It was nice meeting you but I have a flight to catch, Rebecca," He remarked kindly, "Take care of Marlene," Marlene looked at him strangely he gave her a wink. "Jakob, let me walk you out," She grasped him by the arm, "It was nice meeting you," Rebecca replied. They hurried down the stairs Rebecca watched them from the top of the balcony until they were out of sight. She returned to her station the reality of Jakob caused her anguish and despair.
Marlene quietly climb the stairs and noticed that most of the employees had made their way out for the evening the lights were dimmed and the usual noises of sewing machines were silent. She looked around the room for Rebecca but found no sign of her she went back to her office and began to close up for the night. "Marlene," Rebecca's voice startled her she looked up, "I didn't realize I was gone that long, I came back to an empty building," Rebecca smiled, "It was late already and I'm sure after the meeting we had they will enjoy what little time they'll be having off," She crossed her arms standing in the doorway. "I see, I guess you'll want to wait until tomorrow to look at those ideas I came up with," Rebecca walked to her desk, "So show me," Marlene gladly pulled up the designs they discussed them and made changes.
"It's getting late," Marlene, remarked slipping on her jacket and turning off her computer, "I should go dad and Biggi will be wondering where I am," Rebecca walked her to the door, "I'll see you out let me grab my things," They met at the top of the stairs, "Jakob seems nice, I didn't realize you two were a couple," Rebecca hinted. Marlene chuckled, "No, we are just good friends he wanted more but he's not my type," She reminded her with a look of sincerity. Rebecca stared a sigh of relief encompassed her. "I'm sorry, I assumed," Marlene quickly stopped her, "It's alright really Rebecca," They made their way to the parking lot stopping at Marlene's car, "Tomorrow is going to be busy, we should start working on a physical theme before Tanja is on the war path." Marlene remarked getting in and closing the door.
Rebecca laughed loudly at Marlene's comment and for a small moment felt relaxed and uninhibited. Marlene quickly drove away avoiding any further discussions. Rebecca waved goodbye as Marlene watched her figure in the rearview mirror fading into the darkness.
Marlene entered the apartment she removed her jacket laying it and her purse on the table. "Oh, hello Biggi," She spoke, Biggi walked from the kitchen and into the living room, "Long day?" She asked sitting on the sofa, "Yes," Marlene joined her. "Where is everyone?" She asked looking around, "Tommy was a little cranky this evening so I put him down early, Kim's already in bed and your father hasn't made it home from work yet, are you hungry? I could fix you something," Biggi offered. "No, no thank you, late lunch," She answered appearing distracted.
"Biggi I've been thinking, I've lived the last two years by myself and I'm considering a place of my own something small like I had in L. A. maybe a flat or an efficiency apartment," Biggi smiled tapping her hand to the top of Marlene's knee, "Marlene you know you can stay here as long as you like but I understand living alone and then moving in with a whole family can be uncomfortable and not much privacy," Marlene smiled, "Thank you, I know that with Emilio away and then returning from Spain in a few weeks Kim will want the bedroom back, Tommy is now in a room by himself and I think it's for the best." Biggi nodded in agreement, "I have a friend that's an agent maybe she could help you to locate something, shall I call her?" Marlene's interest was spiked, "That would be great, tomorrow?" Biggi grinned, "Tomorrow."