Chapter 20

The journey to the sanatorium was quite a few hours long, but actually she didn't mind at all. As the distance slowly grew between them, her mind became more and more clear and that was a fantastic feeling... after many years of subjection she finally felt she could breathe again.

So when she arrived to the sanatorium she was completely relaxed. The doctor escorted her to a private room, where she found the whole place was more like a boarding house in the countryside than a sanatorium. Her room has flower printed wallpaper and chabby-chic furniture, giving it a holiday home feeling what she liked so much. There was already prepared some lemonade on her nightstand, from which she poured herself a glass and stood out to the little balcony. The world outside was simply amazing... the little inside garden was literally empty, but it was full of life at the same time. It was summertime, so everything was alive. Birds on the trees, beetles in the grass, while the sun warmed up not just the air but her heart also. It was that kind of a moment when you breathe in the sweet warm summer air and you know in your bones that a magical time awaits you...

She couldn't tell how much time she spent on the balcony, but as she went back to her room Joseph was already standing at the door. For a moment or so they just looked at each other and exchanged a knowing smile, they knew they've done it... and a moment later he was already hugging her tightly, finally feeling she really belongs to him.

Joseph's family home was about ten minutes away from the sanatorium and it was much bigger than he told her before... actually it was a huge estate with ancient trees, a lake and a beautiful imposing house on it...

"Dad!" cried Joseph happily, as he hugged the old man in front of him. "It's so good to see you!"

"Then you should come home more often."

"I know and I'm sorry... I have not much spare time you know."

"And as I see," he looked at Clarisse with a smile, "I start to understand why you work so much..."

"Oh, yes." he chuckled, "Let me introduce you to Clarisse," he turned around lovingly.

"Hello," she stepped closer, holding out her hand. "My name is Clarisse and I'm really grateful to be here."

"I'm Martin," he smiled shaking hands, "And you really do not have to be grateful my dear. I owe you thanks for bringing my son home to me... come, Joseph will show you the guest room upstairs. I'm sure you would like to relax a bit after this long journey."

"Yes, that would be fine indeed, thank you." she smiled sweetly.

"The guest room is upstairs, next to Joseph's old room." He explained. "I do not use the stairs about my knees, so the whole floor will be completely your place."

"That sounds nice."

"So just go and make yourself at home, while I'll start to prepare the grill for tonight... I've planned a little welcome party for the two of you. "

"Oh, how kind. I can't wait for it." she smiled gratefully, because this warm welcome was such a good feeling for her.

OOOOOOOOOOO

"What do you think..." started Clarisse on the top of the stairs, "I mean how much did you tell your father about us?"

"I just told him that I'll bring Clarisse home," he smiled mischievously.

"I see... and that means?"

"I'm sure he knows what it means," he smiled and added, "After all, I'm always talking about you."

"I see," she nodded, her eyes shining.

"Wait, that's not the guest room." he stopped her at the last moment before she would opened the door.

"Really?" she teased him, her hand still on the doorknob. "So I guessed right which room was yours... Don't you want to let me into your place?"

"Of course it's not about that, but I would need a few minutes." He chuckled, "You know a little advantage..."

"Oh, so you want to hide all the lipstick imprinted photos from your ex-girlfriends, right?"

"I'm really glad you think that."

"Okay..." she changed the subject. "So there's the guest room?" she pointed to the other door.

"Yes, come on. Let me show you." he smiled and opened it for her. "It's actually a brand new room, I mean no-one ever used it before."

"It's lovely and cosy," she smiled as she looked around.

"The bed is comfortable...I mean I hope," he chuckled, "And there's a private bathroom."

"Fantastic, then I think I'll take a shower first."

"Of course, whatever you want. I already forgot that you're in the same clothes as yesterday."

"Yes, and for now I start to feel a bit uncomfortable."

"Then just go to the bathroom, while I'll take your suitcases upstairs."

"Thanks," she smiled gratefully as he headed to the door.

"And one more thing," he turned back. "Take your time. I mean I would really like you to make yourself at home. Take a shower, then sleep a bit, anything you like. I do not want you to feel the urge to come down and chat. You're not a guest here, okay?"

"Yes, I perfectly understand it." she smiled sweetly and gave him a kiss.

OOOOOOO

The bathroom was cozy and tidy with an enormous bathtub in it. As she quickly filled it up with hot water and used some lavender fragranced bath cream, she let herself sink into the hot smooth water and closed her eyes what completely relaxed her... now she felt safe and warm, somehow who finally arrived home.

After the bath made its effect and she nearly fell asleep in the water, she slipped into a white fluffy bathrobe and laid down for a few minutes... what actually turned to three hours, so when she woke up she felt it was the most relaxing sleep she has ever had. The window was opened, letting in the sweet summer air... as she looked around she saw that Joseph took up her suitcases and a glass of iced tea with some fruits. She smiled instinctively on his sweetness as she refreshed herself with the juicy bits.

OOOOOOOO

After she dressed up comfortably she went out to the garden checking the boys...

"You look stunning." smiled Joseph, finding pleasure in the view as she stepped closer.

"Yes, because I feel so good." she answered with shining eyes. "The hot bath was amazing and I've never slept better in my life."

"I'm glad to hear that," Joseph put his arm around her and escorted her to the big garden table.

"That's all for dinner?" she asked amazed, looking at the various ingredients on the table. The colors and shapes were simply amazing. "It's beautiful..."

"Just taste whatever you like," Martin turned around with a smile from the outside stove. "I love trying new combinations."

"Yes, Dad is a real hobby chef. He has an enormous vegetable garden, many kind of fruits and a beehive in the end of the estate."

"Bees?" Clarisse was a bit frightened.

"Yes, but don't worry, they won't hurt you." he smiled. "Tomorrow I'll show you everything."

"Okay." she nodded relieved as Joseph stroked her back lovingly. "Um... can I help you with the dinner?"

"Just enjoy your time," said the old man kindly. "I've heard about your eating problems... but you will surely recover soon, believe me." he winked, what Clarisse rewarded with a shy smile. "Just taste and try whatever your eyes like. There are no rules..."

"Thank you... really." she smiled, "Then I think I would like some corn, it looks so nice."

"Very good choice." agreed Martin, and seeing as Joseph kissed her head, he added "For both of you."

The grill party was slow and relaxing. They chatted a lot, while she ate quite a few things, what was a nice surprise for herself also.

"I think it's time to say good bye for me." said Martin after a while, "It's almost ten o'clock and my tv show is just getting started."

"Good night, Martin." she said kindly. "And thanks for this lovely evening, I really enjoyed it."

"The pleasure is mine," he smiled and took a last gratified look at his son, who cuddled on the bench with Clarisse.

"A penny for your thoughts?" asked Joseph fondly, stroking her arm as they remained alone. They were just sitting there, looking at the sky full of stars.

"I'm just happy..." she sighed, snuggling closer. "Utterly, tremendously happy to be here with you."

"Because you belong here," he remarked with a smile as he kissed her head lovingly.

OOOOOOOOOO

At the King's office...

"That's all for today Charlotte?"

"Yes, Sir." she nodded and gave him a big pack of documents he had to sign as he sat down at his desk. "Oh, and there's one more thing."

"Hm?" he looked up nonchalant.

"Here's a letter from Joseph," she handed it.

"Oh... it seems he finally realized that he has nothing to do here," he smiled with satisfaction as he opened it, but a moment later he brushed everything down from his desk without any warning and rushed out shouting, "...That bloody bastard!"

Charlotte was used to his manner, but now she was really frightened for a moment from his vehemency. As she remained alone, she leant down and picked up Joseph's letter from the ground... it was just a single line...

"You will never see her again."

To be continued...