Someday
By Jeannette Hetfield
CHAPTER 5
Michael stood on the front porch anxiously watching for signs of his sister. She was not back yet. He had been keeping watch on the front porch since his father and Fadil Tamal left. He wasn't waiting alone either. The Med-jai also awaited their chieftain's return, but Michael could not see them. Their black robes concealed them from view. He felt uneasy knowing they were camouflaged in the darkness, lurking about without so much as making a sound. He wondered if they even breathed like everyone else. Michael didn't care to be in the company of the desert warriors, and would never admit it to anyone, but he feared the Med-jai and because he feared them, he hated them. Naturally, the hate his father had for the tribe transferred to him. The sooner Jensa was home, the better. Michael could barely stand her being with Ardeth. The very thought of him touching his sister turned his stomach. What did she see in him? Of all the men in the world, she had to pick someone he despised. Michael considered Ardeth his enemy, but what could he do about it? Jensa was headstrong and would never listen to anything he had to say about the matter.
One of these days, Ardeth Bay would get what was coming to him. Michael didn't know when or how, but he wished he could be there to watch. Little did he know, that he would later on in his life regret having wished that.
Michael blinked a couple of times, squinting out into the darkness. Riders were coming. He recognized the familiar figures in black. Great, he thought, that's all we need around here, more Med-jai.
"Hey, Mom! The Med-jai are coming!" Michael yelled.
It was very late now, but no one in the James household had been able to sleep. Mr. James was also riding in with the Med-jai. He had reached about halfway between Cairo and Hamunaptra when he ran into the warriors. When Jensa's brother saw that she was not with them as they rode up to the house, he feared it was too late. Mrs. James and Kerri came running down the stairs and out the door Michael held open for them.
The large party of Med-jai warriors and Mr. James came to a halt. Mrs. James' pained features carried to her voice. "Where is she? Where is my baby?" Mr. James jumped down from his horse and rushed to her. "She's dead?" she gasped.
"No, Jennifer. She's fine," he consoled.
Mrs. James glanced over to a Med-jai who had dismounted and stood right behind her husband. She looked around Mr. James' head to the warrior. "Are you Ardeth Bay?" she asked the veiled man.
He pulled the covering down. "No, I am Madir Bushan, Ardeth's second. Your daughter is alive."
"Then where is she?" Michael stalked up to stand next to his parents with cold eyes focused on Madir.
"She is with Ardeth. Mr. James we have told, but now it is your turn and I will be frank with you, Mrs. James. When we found her she was unconscious, tied to the statue of Anubis in Hamunaptra."
"Hamunaptra!" she wailed. "Why on earth would her kidnappers take her there?"
"It is possible she was to be their sacrifice," he answered simply. Mrs. James sharply turned her eyes to her husband.
"What's the matter with you? What kind of tact is that to just blurt out 'sacrifice'?" Mr. James scolded. "Can't you see my family is worried sick?"
"I merely answered your wife's question," he retorted.
Mr. James ignored him and looked down into his wife's frightened eyes. "That was not the reason, remember?" he reminded her softly then looked back to Madir. "We found a ransom note in my study. They wanted money or else they threatened to kill her."
"Why isn't she with you? And where is your brave leader?" Michael asked angrily.
"Once we rid ourselves of the kidnappers, Ardeth did not yet know the extent of her injuries. He could not chance jostling her around on a horse for two days until he was sure she would be all right.
"When he's sure, he'll bring her back?" Mrs. James blinked several times to keep her tears back.
"Yes."
"You don't really believe that do you?" Michael's temper flared.
"Ardeth is an honorable man. He will bring her back," defended Madir.
"Get a hold of yourself, son." Mr. James placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Mr. Bushan," Mrs. James said, "for coming to tell us. We appreciate your help more than you know."
"You are welcome."
"Do you know who the men were that took her?" asked Kerri.
"No, I had never seen them before. When we searched for her in the alley, we were fortunate. A young girl in the souk witnessed your daughter's abduction and she told us what she saw. We would not have known anything, if not for the child."
"Bless her heart," Mrs. James smiled warmly.
"It's late. I suggest we go back inside and wait," announced Mr. James. "You are welcome to stay until Mr. Bay returns, if you want to. You may use our stables as well."
"That is kind of you, Mr. James. We thank you for your hospitality."
Jensa's family shuffled back inside their home and gathered together in the den to wait for their daughter's return.
* * *
Ardeth and Jensa arrived the next night. He led his horse into the stables and found the horses of his men. They are still here, he thought, wondering if that could be a good or bad thing. The James' would have no doubt been upset seeing the Med-jai return minus he and Jensa. He prepared himself to face the fury of Mr. James and Michael.
"Jensa, wake up. You are home."
She stirred and moaned quietly, still in deep sleep. Her head was snuggled up to the back of his shoulder and her hands were clinging to his waist. He managed to pry apart her tightly laced fingers. Jensa was very strong for a girl. Ardeth swung his leg over Ahmar's head and jumped down. Jensa opened her eyes and sleepily looked around. She was not fully awake yet and looked down at him as he threw the reins over a stall railing. She held out her hands to him like a child wanting to be held. He pulled her off the saddle and swiftly held her in his arms. By the time they reached the house, Jensa had fallen back to sleep. Two Med-jai stood guard at the door. At his approach, they placed their hands over their hearts and raised them skyward in the traditional Med-jai greeting. He bowed his head to them slightly and one opened the door in a wide arc for him to enter.
Many pairs of eyes were instantly on him as he emerged from outside. Mr. James stood and opened his mouth to speak. Ardeth shook his head. "She is sleeping," he whispered.
Her mother and father quietly approached to inspect their daughter. Her calm and quiet sleep was a relief to them all. Mrs. James stroked her tangled hair and kissed her lightly on the forehead. Her bruised face was a reminder of the ordeal and Mrs. James gasped quietly, "Is she all right?"
"Jensa has a few bruises, as you can see, but otherwise, she is well. Show me her room so she may sleep."
"Of course," she said, "Follow me." Mrs. James turned and headed up the stairs, opening a door and stood aside for Ardeth to enter. Kerri came in behind Ardeth, ready to aid Mrs. James in the care of her daughter.
Jensa was so small in his arms, contrast to his large frame, Mrs. James noticed. His reluctance to release her was apparent. She knew her daughter and Ardeth had been friends for many years, but wondered if it was more than that. Ardeth laid her down softly on her bed. His fingers brushed her cheek.
"May I wait in your home for her to wake?"
"Yes, of course."
"I will be downstairs."
Mrs. James followed him to the door and before shutting it, replied, "I'll come get you as soon as she is awake."
Ardeth exited the house and gathered his men together. "Return to the village. I will remain here awhile longer." The Med-jai went into the stables and quickly saddled their horses. Ardeth walked along side Madir, who touched his leader's arm to stop him.
"Do you think it is wise to stay here alone?"
"Yes, why?" He gave him a puzzled look.
"When we arrived, her brother was very agitated to learn you and the girl had not returned with us. He was trying to insinuate—"
"I know what he was trying to insinuate!" Ardeth interrupted sharply. Madir stared at him in surprise. Ardeth sighed and clasped Madir's shoulder firmly. "Forgive me, sadik (friend). It is not you my anger is directed at."
"I know, My Lord, but you may become angry with me after you hear what I have to say."
Ardeth's hand dropped from his shoulder and he folded them across his broad chest, giving Madir a stone cold face. "What?" he hissed.
"I have to question this friendship with James' daughter. You have known her for years, but lately you seem much closer than just friends."
"I do not see what business it is of yours to the nature of our friendship."
"I am your second, Ardeth. It is my responsibility to make it my business. You also have responsibilities. You lead the Med-jai, but you are still young. I am nearly twenty years your senior and I have more experience."
"In what?"
"Matters of the heart. I have been married many years. I know what a distraction they can be."
"You think Jensa distracts me?" His stone cold eyes narrowed slightly.
Madir hesitated, not sure of what Ardeth's reaction would be. "Yes, I do. You constantly worry about her safety. She is always on your mind. I know, I have been there. You have to admit, Ardeth, she keeps your mind from your important duties."
Ardeth sighed in irritation. He understood what his second was trying to tell him, but he did not really care.
"Look, I am not saying you should completely abstain from her, but remember what your priorities are."
"Jensa is my priority."
"You have always been quiet, Ardeth. Lately, you have seemed more distant than usual. Your mind appears to wander. I suspect you are thinking of Jensa quite often."
"I will always think of her. I could not do otherwise."
"You are in love with her more than I realized," he said gravely.
"So? Is that so terrible?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"Whether or not she gets in the way of what needs to be done."
"She would not. Besides, it does not matter anyway. She will be gone by the end of two weeks. They are leaving—back to America. So you do not have to worry, even though your worries are unjustified. If I could keep her here, I would, but I cannot." Ardeth's eyes were full of sorrow none could quell. He backed up, slowly turned and left Madir standing in the stables.
Madir stared after him with regret. He did not know Jensa very well. It was not only the problem of her being a distraction, but he believed she would not last more than a week in the desert. She and her family had lived in Cairo for many years, but they did not live in the desert. It was a completely different world apart from the busy city. She was a wealthy, well-bred girl from a prominent and respected family throughout the museum world. Madir could almost picture Jensa throwing a hissy fit if she did not get her way, and she would not in the middle of the desert. It would be in everyone's best interest for Ardeth to marry a woman from his own tribe, someone used to the life they lived. He did not think that Ardeth would marry any time soon, though. He was sad now, but if Jensa returned to New York, he would forget her in time and eventually settle down.
Madir mounted his horse and felt like running after Ardeth, but he knew better considering the mood he was in. He had never seen him so depressed…and all because of a girl he could not be with. Yes, it was best for the James girl to leave. The sooner the better. Ardeth will forget her and hopefully move on with someone else. Some of the villagers were promised to each other for matrimony since they were born, but as leader, it was Ardeth's born privilege to marry whomever he wished. He had had many offers in the past and would no doubt have many more, but he had refused them all. In fact, he rarely kept company with the Med-jai women. Madir knew Jensa was the cause of Ardeth's marriage refusals. He was young and love could be fleeting and perhaps would not last long for Ardeth. The right woman would come along in time.
Madir led the horse out of the stable to find the others patiently waiting.
"Yallah! Emshe!" The group headed away from a busy last few days to their village for some much needed rest.
From the shadows of the house, Ardeth watched them leave. The anger and sorrow burned within him at the same time. Who was Madir to tell him what he thought was right? It was no one's business, but Ardeth's. He took a deep, calming breath and closed his eyes. It would not do well for Jensa's family, especially her father and brother, to see him this way.
Ardeth needed to keep his hands moving while he waited to see Jensa. He went into the stables and looked around for the grooming tools and began care of Ahmar. He took his time and slowly brushed the black hair of the Arabian until it shined. An hour later, he decided to leave the stable and head back to the house. As he neared the steps, voices floated down from the house to his sharp hearing.
"Where is Mr. Bay?" The voice belonged to Jensa's mother.
"He was outside the last time I saw him," answered Mr. James.
"Tell him to come back inside. Jensa is awake and asking for him." Ardeth's face lit up. Jensa wanted to see him. He quickly took the steps two at a time and surprised Kerri at the door. She wasn't expecting him to be right behind it.
"Oh, Ardeth! Good, you're still here. She really wants to see you." Kerri glanced past him. She didn't see the Med-jai. "Have they gone?"
"Yes," he said as he climbed the carpeted stairs, "I told them there was no need for them all to stay. They are returning to our village," he said as he turned the corner to go up another section of stairs.
"Oh." Kerri was disappointed. She had hoped to speak with Fadil again and thank him for being kind to her during this ordeal. She shrugged her shoulders and disappeared into the kitchen.
Ardeth stopped at the door and knocked. "Come in," a voice called. He pushed the door open and stepped over the threshold. Jensa was lying in bed. He had never seen a lovelier sight than Jensa alive and safe, albeit a trifle melancholy. She had taken a bath and was wearing a blue nightgown with a matching robe draped over her shoulders. Her dark hair hung loose, cascading in waves over the pillows she leaned against and her left shoulder was elevated with a scarf tied around her neck. Both of her wrists had been redressed with fresh bandages.
Michael and she were engrossed in conversation.
"Yes, siree. I'm going to teach you how to defend yourself in case something like this happens again."
"Michael!" Their mother reprimanded.
"What, Mother? I only said in case it happens again. Besides, she needs to know. I'll teach you to shoot and maybe even fight with a sword. Dad taught me and he's the best."
"A sword? Really?" Jensa grew excited.
Ardeth felt a stab of jealousy. He had actually been thinking along the same lines as Michael. Jensa did need to know how to keep her herself protected, but he wanted to teach her these things himself. He smiled inwardly at the thought of Jensa with a sword in her hands. A sword and Jensa just seemed to fit.
Jensa smiled warmly at Ardeth and beckoned for him to come over to her. Michael's look, however, was far from warm. Mrs. James took her son's hand and pulled him out the door. "Take all the time you need," she said shutting it.
"I shall have to smack him for that," Jensa said.
"Smack who for what?" he asked as he pulled a chair over by her bed and sat down.
"Michael gave you a dirty look. He's not very grateful. You did save my life after all."
"He can give me all the dirty looks he wants to, it will not change anything."
"Good, let's just both ignore him. By the way, did I thank you for saving my life?" she said with embarrassment.
He shook his head.
"Shame on me. Thank you, Ardeth and thank all of your men for coming after me and rescuing the damsel in distress," she said mildly humorous.
"I will always be here when you need rescuing, Jen."
"I'll remember that."
Silence ensued. They had many of these moments where they just sat in each other's company quietly, watching each other. Jensa acted first and put her arm around his neck. Just with one hand in a sling and the other free, she squeezed him so hard his breath caught in his throat. "Oh, I'm going to miss you so much!" she exclaimed.
Ardeth stroked the length of her hair. "I shall miss you too." More than you know, he thought. He nuzzled her neck gently. Jensa closed her eyes and savored this moment of closeness. She had to capture every moment because she didn't know if one such as this would ever come again. All of these new sensations crept into her body, tickling her senses and making her aware of him in a completely different light. Just the other day, she had told her father she had no feelings for this man whose lips were on the soft skin of her neck. Funny how things changed so quickly. Ardeth slowly left a trail of kisses up her neck. She smiled slightly as his whiskers tickled her face. First, he gently kissed her bruised eye and then her bruised jaw before finding her lips.
Her alabaster skin was delicate under his lips. Ardeth pushed the robe off of her shoulders and stroked her arm. He moved to the edge of the bed, needing to be closer to her. He maneuvered around her injured shoulder and slid his hand onto her waist. She brought her hand up to his head and pushed his turban off to engross her fingers in his wavy hair. It was unruly from the time in the desert, but the disheveled look heightened his handsome masculinity. Jensa was amazed at the sheer softness of it and dug her hands as far into the waves as she could. She inhaled deeply and caught the scent of vanilla, musk and sandalwood in his clothes and skin. He pulled her closer to him and they could feel each other's hearts pounding.
This could not go on any further. Before Ardeth lost control, he broke off the kiss. She was not ready, but maybe someday…
As they breathlessly pulled away from each other, Ardeth felt relieved that he had finally found the courage to kiss her. Jensa had been secretly hoping he would. The kiss was enough to make them realize that there was no one else for them, except each other. Ardeth had not wanted to overwhelm her and wanted to make her first kiss memorable. He felt he had accomplished just that.
"Ardeth?" Her hand found his and held onto it tightly.
"Hmm?" Ardeth shook his head a little to clear away the fog of his emotions and concentrate on her words. He brought her bandaged wrist up to his lips and gently kissed it.
"I want to apologize again for the little outburst I had while we were in the desert. You're right about everything you said. I was frustrated and angry and should not have taken it out on you."
"Please do not apologize. Know that I want you more than anything else in this life."
"I know." Her gaze fell to his full lower lip. She untangled her hand from his and traced the smooth curve with her thumb. "I promise you. I'll come back. It may be awhile, but I promise I will come back…to you."
He smiled revealing snow white teeth, matching the youthful olive complexion. "I like the sound of that." Just as soon as the smile appeared, it faded. He glanced downward and fingered the soft lace material of her nightgown.
"Is something wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"I do not think I will be able to see you again before you leave. I have been away from our village for many weeks. I need to return." That was part of the reason, but Ardeth knew saying good-bye to Jensa would rip him apart and he did not want her to remember him that way. He wanted her to remember him as he was now. Happy. He was happier with her now than he had ever been.
"Oh." She laid back on her pillows and stared up at the ceiling. Jensa felt the tears forming in her eyes.
"Please, Jen. Try not to be sad. You did say you are coming back someday. We have that to look forward to."
Jensa blinked as hard as she could to keep the tears from falling and sniffed quietly. "Yes, I did say that. I'll be impatient every step of the way." She closed her eyes and sighed tiredly.
"As will I." He cupped her chin in his hand. "Open your eyes and look at me." She obeyed. Ardeth stared long and hard at her green eyes glistening with tears and felt himself drowning in them. "I love you."
Her eyes filled with joy. "I love you too." Their lips met again and he reluctantly stood, moving the chair from her bedside back to where it had been. "If you do come back, you will make an excellent Med-jai warrior," he said placing his turban atop his head.
"You think so?"
"Yes," he said nodding, "You already have the battle scars to prove how brave you are." His finger caressed her black eye. She laughed softly and felt her cheeks flush. "Goodnight, Jensa. Sleep well."
"Good night, Ardeth." He reached down and gave her hand one final rough squeeze. The ring on her finger crushed into her skin. She didn't even notice it. Ardeth let go and walked out of her life. It would be a long time before they could be together again.