THIRTYFOUR.
That special place
Marlene arose before Rebecca she quietly slipped into her clothes and crept into the kitchen of the newly bought cabin. "This is so cute," Marlene whispered gazing up at the beamed ceiling she looked out the large windows to the porch that they had stood on the night before the water in the small lake glistened from the rays of the early morning sun. "Enjoying the view?" Rebecca walked up behind her, "I am, I was just admiring what you've had done here," She wheeled back around embracing Rebecca, "Seems your still not over the shock," Rebecca added, "No, I'm over it just amazed, should I call dad and check in on the boys?" She had a worried look. "The boys are fine, your father knows exactly where we are," She mentioned, "So why don't we have some coffee," Rebecca took her hand as they walked into the kitchen preparing themselves some. "Its cool this morning," Marlene noted, "Its going to be a nice day, I thought we would spend it here, well for a while anyway," Rebecca chuckled, "I don't have a thing to wear," Marlene giggled, "That's the idea, however I did take the liberty of preparing you a travel bag, it's in the car," She told her plainly but with some sexual overtone. They finished their coffee, "I should freshen up," Marlene spoke, "I think that's a good idea," They made their way into the bathroom together a large garden tub looked enticing Rebecca turned on the water and then began to unbutton Marlene's shirt, "You little tease," Marlene whaled as they stripped climbing into the warm soapy water together.
"You've done nothing but picked at your breakfast this morning," Elisabeth stated looking at Carla. "I'm not very hungry," She cut Elisabeth an eye of despair, "Is something wrong?" Elisabeth asked in concern, "Probably her love life," Ansgar interjected, Carla looked to him, "Shut up Ansgar," She snapped back, Tristan grinned sheepishly as Monique elbowed Ansgar in the ribs, "Stop making trouble," She ordered firmly keeping her voice calm, "What? Trouble, I wasn't making trouble just stating a fact," He remarked laying his napkin on the empty breakfast plate in front of him. "Please," Elisabeth implored, "Lets not argue, I'm sure Carla has her reasons," Ansgar began to pick again, "She's seeing Abby Wilkes," He whispered under his breath catching Tristan's attention, "What did you say?" He looked closer at Ansgar. Carla dropped her fork breaking the tension, "Ansgar, do you mind, my personal life or who I see has nothing to do with whatever's gotten up your ass," She stood up walking away in a huff. "Abby Wilkes huh?" Tristan sarcastically questioned, "Tristan!" Elisabeth exclaimed, he cleared his throat, "Excuse me but I have Emily and Zoey to tend to," He quickly left the table. Monique sighed deeply, "Really Ansgar?" She became huffy, Ansgar felt cornered, "I'm sorry but my sister's life is bullshit at times, always meeting the wrong women," He rolled his eyes. "Elisabeth looked surprised, "And you know this how?" She shook her head in asking, "Some time back I saw Abby leaving the castle, Carla never knew, I kept it quiet, she's acting strangely and that usually means lover's trouble," He surmised stunning Elisabeth and Monique.
Matthew helped Thomas fold the blanket used to make a tent, "That was fun papa," He grinned widely, Thomas smiled, "I'm glad you boys enjoyed that he rubbed the top of his grandson's shoulder, "I'm proud that you've decided to take up soccer," He added as they headed for the dining room, "I have practice, is mom coming home?" He questioned, "She will meet us there, don't worry," Matthew looked around his brothers were busy eating their cereal and not talking. "Thomas may I fix you coffee?" Ruth asked, "Please," He watched his grandsons, "Papa can we build another tent later?" Wolfgang asked, milk dripped from his chin, Thomas chuckled looking up to Ruth handing him a cup, "I've missed this," He spoke to her, "And I will dearly miss them," She eyed them longingly. "Boys finish breakfast and go up and change, Matthew has practice shortly," He ordered. Thomas helped Ruth clear the dishes. "So you've decided on retirement," He dried each dish she handed him. "I have, in the fall when they return to school," She seemed sad to him, "Are you sure?" He placed the last dish back in the cabinet, "I am, my son wants to spend more time with me and I have family back home, I do miss them," She sat next to him at the bar. "Best thing I ever did," Thomas goaded, "But at times I miss the things I used to do, working with my hands," He flinched in a sigh, "But Biggie and I enjoy traveling, trying new things," Ruth listened closely to him.
Thomas brought all of the boys to Matthew's soccer practice, Kurt walked up to the car thinking Marlene was there, "Oh, hello," He extended his hand to Thomas, "Kurt Voss," He shook his hand, "Thomas Wolf, I'm Marlene's father," The boys all scrambled from the car. "I'm Matthew's coach, quite a talent, your grandson," They walked towards the practice field, "He's been kicking a ball since he was two," Thomas sounded off proudly, "Here for a visit?" Kurt asked, "Yes, not sure how long, however I'm excited about Matthew's first game Saturday," He replied. "Well stay along the sidelines if you'd like, watch," He smiled gathering the boys around him, practice began. Marlene and Rebecca drove up making their way to the bleachers, "Mommy, mommy," Wolfgang met them at the bleachers, Thomas turned around to see them he waved, "Looks like Kurt has already made friends with your father," Rebecca noted shifting an eye to Marlene. "Yes, well you know how much my father loves the game and to watch his grandson," Marlene remarked, "Mommy, where have you been?" Brandon asked Rebecca loudly, "Mom and I had business to take care of," She answered him firmly, "Are you coming home?" Nicholas chimed, "Of course, now go and watch your brother," Marlene ordered shaking her head, "Wolfgang loves his grandfather," Rebecca mentioned watching him attached to Thomas's hip, They laughed enjoying the practice.
Carla sat on the sofa of the orangery silently brewing over Ansgar's rude comments, a knock came to the door, "Come in," She answered feeling like a wounded animal. Elisabeth entered closing the door and sitting next to Carla, "Want to talk about it?" She gazed at her. "Ansgar had no right to discuss my personal life at the table," She whaled picking up the tissue she had in her hand earlier and wiping her eyes, "It is your decision who you see, it isn't anyone's business, but I have to ask you why you've been so secretive about it?" Elisabeth inquired, Carla cocked her head towards her, "Some things you like to keep private, Abby and I have a sexual relationship, I won't deny it but its not serious in nature and what would have been the point," She lowered her head in disgust of the situation. "I don't know it's a well known fact she's caused problems for Marlene and Rebecca, however she's been a stable employee for us for many years and she deserves a chance at happiness as well," Elisabeth relayed. Carla grimaced, "I can't make her happy, I'm not in this relationship for that, we've both suffered great losses and I think we're just content with being companions," She offered. "Then why are you so offended and upset? Yes Ansgar can be a heel, no doubt but I think something else is troubling you," Elisabeth had a keen sense something was different about Carla.
Carla took in a deep breath, "I've done something I shouldn't have and I feel just awful about it," She began to confess, Elisabeth's hand found its way to Carla's shoulder, "What happened?" She questioned further. "I don't know that I should even talk about it, I've managed to ruin a friendship with my carless advances," Elisabeth stared briefly, "I would assume something happened between you and Marlene," Carla felt her throat tighten, "Yes, I made a grave mistake I would say," She straightened the look on her face, "What did you do?" Elisabeth prepared for the fallout. "I kissed her," She got the words out, Elisabeth sighed, "What were you thinking?" She mildly scolded her, "Apparently I wasn't thinking clearly, I do have an interest in her, I won't lie and I know she's married and happy," She answered clasping her hands together in a fury of disappointment. "I don't mean to upset you," Elisabeth began, "But you have a track record of involving yourself in other peoples marriages," Carla took in a deep breath, "I take full responsibility," She remarked shaking her head, "How did Marlene take it?" Elisabeth probed further. "Not very well, she was appalled, hurt and angered, I can't believe how foolish and stupid I was," She tried to make amends, "Marlene will tell Rebecca," Elisabeth warned. "What was I thinking?" Carla stood up angry with herself, "I begged Marlene not to, Rebecca will be extremely angry with me," She surmised. "You should prepare for the storm that's about to happen," Elisabeth added, Carla could only stare at her.
"I would like to have a quick meeting with everyone before you all head home," Kurt spoke up as most of the parents gathered around him, "Our game has been scheduled for ten o'clock Saturday, we will need someone to collect for parking and to work the concession stand," He looked around at the parents, "I could do the collecting," Travis Roth's father, Albert spoke out raising his hand, "I could run the concession stand or start it at least," Marlene chimed in, some of the other parents nodded offering to help. "Good then, we should gather about eight thirty Saturday morning," He expressed the meeting disbanded, "Mom, mom," Matthew ran up to Marlene and Rebecca, "Yes Matthew," Marlene looked down at him, "Can Eric and Travis sleep over tonight?" Marlene quickly shifted an eye to Rebecca, Thomas watched, arms folded together, "I don't see why not as long as their parents are alright with it," Rebecca answered. Marlene, Thomas and Rebecca walked to their cars, Kurt caught up with Marlene and Rebecca. "Erik may stay, what time should I bring him by?" Kurt asked clearly, "Say five, actually why don't you join us for dinner," Rebecca stated, "My father in law loves soccer and would enjoy the talk about it all," Marlene smiled as did Kurt, "Sounds like fun, we will be there, five o'clock sharp," He parted ways from them, "Excuse me," Albert Roth walked up introducing himself they shook hands, "Thanks for allowing Travis to sleep over, I have a business meeting downtown this evening and if Stephanie and I could we'd like to drop Travis off a little earlier," He implored. "Certainly, what time?" Marlene inquired, "Four? If that's not too early for you all," Albert furrowed his brow as he asked. "Not at all four is fine," Rebecca answered his question, a plan was made.
Tristan and Emily quietly walked the grounds hand in hand, "Take it slow," He politely ordered, Emily smiled listening to the caring voice of her husband. "I actually feel good today, the first time in several days, I think a ride in the country and dinner at that little inn we found last year would be great," She added. Tristan fished his cell phone from his pocket and dialed Rebecca's number, "Rebecca," He sang in the phone, "Brother," She remarked, "I know its late but I have a favor," He talked, "And what might that favor be?" She laughed on the other end. "Emily is feeling better and we'd like to have a night out," He replied, "And you want us to watch Zoey?" She teased in question, "If it's no trouble, yes" He slid his hand into his pocket awaiting an answer, "Bring her," She finally spoke answering him an arrangement was made. "Your sister has been a godsend Tristan," Emily relayed, "Yes, I think not having a daughter of their own makes it easy, besides Wolfgang really loves her and she him," He chuckled they walked a little further. Emily rubbed the bulge in her belly, "I hope we have a boy," She looked down staring at her hand, "I do too, however as long as it's healthy I really don't care," He advised grasping her and kissing her gently.
"I will walk over to the castle and pick Zoey up," Marlene offered she hadn't had her mind on Carla but felt the need to talk to her. "Fine, I'll have Ruth ready the guest room for her, I assume your father will have all the boys sleeping under a tent again," She grinned gazing at Marlene. "I'm sure you're right," She locked her arms around Rebecca's waist, "I guess we couldn't slip away to that little hide away again," She winked in a giggled. "Uh, I don't think tonight," Rebecca answered pulling her closer, "We have company coming, our house will be full and I just can't see us leaving your father or Ruth alone," Marlene lowered her shoulders at Rebecca's words, "Your right," She whisked the tip of her finger across Rebecca's nose, "But maybe later we can meet upstairs for some relaxation," She was hoping Rebecca would be in agreement. "I think we can arrange that," She arched her brow. "Well let me go on over to the castle, Ruth should have dinner ready around six and I think Kurt and Erik will be along soon," Marlene resounded. "Ok," Rebecca kissed her cheek walking her to the front door, "I'll be back in a bit, oh and don't forget Travis's parents will drop him off," Rebecca shrugged her shoulders, "I didn't forget, now go you don't want to be late getting back," Rebecca closed the door, Marlene made her way to the castle but quickly headed for the orangery. Carla tied the sash on her robe as she stepped from the shower and started to dry her hair, Marlene rapped hard on the door.
Carla swung the door open, Marlene stood and stared, "Marlene," She remarked throwing the towel she was drying her hair with across the arm of the sofa, "We need to talk," Marlene was stern, Carla showed her in. "I think earlier you made yourself clear, I was wrong and I shouldn't have kissed you," She replied with a cracked voice, "I haven't told Rebecca yet, this is going to be difficult at best she won't take it very well and I can't say that I blame her, I blame myself for not seeing through you, Rebecca warned me," Carla raised her hand stopping Marlene, "I know how Rebecca feels about me, I've told you that already, I don't have a good track record when it comes to my love life," She turned away from Marlene as she said those words. "If Rebecca warned you why did you pursue me? Why?" Marlene begged to know, Carla wheeled back around to face her, "When we first met you intrigued me, mystified me, I wanted to know more about you, you're charming and worldly," She answered honestly. 'And I'm also married and devoted to Rebecca, your closest cousin," She spoke in a raised voice, Carla thought for a moment. "I can't take it back Marlene, I know it was inappropriate and I put you and myself in a situation, I will just have to prepare for the fallout," She crossed arms furrowing her brow. "I will tell Rebecca when the time is right," She reminded her, Carla nodded in acceptance, "I have Zoey to pick up, if you'll excuse me," Carla walked her back to the door leaning against it and watching her as she left.
Marlene bumped into Elisabeth as she came down the hall, "Marlene what a surprise," Elisabeth voiced looking past her and down the hallway from which she came, "Visiting the orangery I assume?" Marlene turned her head back to the long hallway, "Yes," She answered her, "Carla told me," Marlene lowered her shoulders in disappointment. "Well I shouldn't be surprised she will try to find someway of wiggling out of this," Marlene was stoic as she spoke, Elisabeth pulled her into the study, "You didn't have an idea she was interested in you?" Elisabeth asked finding it hard to believe she was clueless. "No she told me she was looking for a friend, someone she could confide in, I knew she was lonely, sad and hurt," Marlene noted. "I have to ask," Elisabeth began, "But did you allow her to kiss you?" Marlene's mouth gaped open, "I wasn't expecting it, I was confused and floored if you must know," She whispered to her not wanting anyone to hear their conversation, "I told Carla that you wouldn't keep a secret from Rebecca," She looked sad as she spoke those words. "What should I do Elisabeth, lie? Rebecca is notorious for keeping secrets, its what caused us so much grief in the first place," Marlene became adamant, Elisabeth sighed. "Maybe you should rethink telling Rebecca you've discussed it with Carla I'm sure, it was simply a kiss, nothing more," Marlene listened closely to what Elisabeth had to say.