Taffeta Belles/Silence
As the plane made its landing, the Roarke's and Tattoo waited for their guests to disembark. The first guest off the plane was a man in his thirties who seemed abnormally shy as the welcoming women handed him a drink. He took it with a smile and a shaking hand. As they watched him, Mr. Roarke spoke.
"Mr. Ian Crenshaw. He is a nice, well respected scientist who is the leading authority in his field of medical research. He is here because he only wants one thing, something that is missing from his life."
"What's that, Boss?" Tattoo asked.
"He wants a wife.
"Immediately?" Hecate asked.
"Yes, he came here to find a wife and to married before leaving the island this weekend. However, he does have one major problem that will make finding a wife difficult."
"What's that?" Tattoo questioned.
"He is extremely shy around women and unable to speak to them. While he can talk to them in a professional manner and setting, he is unable to have a conversation outside of the office."
"Sounds like a challenge." Hecate smiled.
Roarke nodded as he watched the next group head down the walkway. Looking at them in confusion, he did not know who they were. Before him were four ladies, in their mid to late fifties smiling and looking around. They each had graying hair pulled up in a style reminiscent of a bouffant, and their nice dresses were long, with solid colors showing a very modest style of dresses.
"This group I do not know." He admitted.
"They're mine." Hecate answered.
He looked at her as she spoke.
"The four ladies used to be a singing quartet back in the late forties and early fifties. They called themselves the Taffeta Belles. Unfortunately, the group broke up due to an inside argument before they could make the big time."
"What happened?" Tattoo asked.
"A guy. Two of the ladies fell for the same man and it broke the group apart. They are here to patch up their friendships and let the past remain behind them. They wish to sing together one more time."
"Sounds easy enough." Tattoo nodded.
"Maybe not as easy as it seems. Sometimes the past has a way of repeating itself." She warned.
Roarke looked over at her. She was studying them intently, obviously reading them. This time it was Roarke who didn't know what was going on. Their drinks arrived as he toasted their guests. A short while later, the four ladies walked into the office, smiling and happy. One of the ladies, Nancy, spoke.
"Mr. Roarke, it's so nice that you agreed for us to have this little reunion. It's been so long since we've all seen each other."
Clearing his throat, Mr. Roarke spoke.
"Yes, well I'm afraid that it was my wife who arranged for your fantasy weekend. She handles different fantasies as well, so she is the one setting yours in motion. My dear, why don't you go ahead and tell them what you have planned."
Hecate nodded. Looking at the women, she smiled and handed each of them a small glass, holding a clear liquid within it. They looked at her as she spoke.
"You told me that you wanted not only to sing once more but to be young and reclaim your youth as well."
"Yes, that's true."
"The liquid in your glasses is from a rare plant that grows only on the island here. It will temporarily give you back your youth but only for forty-eight hours. Before drinking it, I would suggest that everyone be seated. It does kick."
Raising her glass to her lips, Nancy spoke.
"Well girls, let the Taffeta Belles sing once again."
Quickly drinking the liquid, she waited as the others followed. All four were soon swaying in their seats as disorientation took over. When they could focus once again, they all sat there a moment, staring at each other. Not long after, they all spoke excitedly at once. Finally, another of the women, Charlotte, spoke.
"Mrs. Roarke look at us. We're all young once again. You really did it."
"Yes, but remember it's only for forty-eight hours. Now, the four of you are expected in the lounge this afternoon. You will all sing once again."
"Imagine, our old songs given voice once more."
They cheered and left as Roarke looked over at her.
"What is it that you are not telling me? To bring a fantasy of youth here simply for a reunion and a few songs is not a special request but more of an average fantasy."
"Maybe, but aren't you the one who's always saying that surprise is part of the fun?"
She smiled as he frowned. He never did like having his words used against him. An hour later, the office door opened once again, and a man entered. Although he was probably only about sixty years old, he was frail and gaunt, barely able to walk. Roarke looked at him for a moment. He had the shadow of death heavy around him, and he wasn't long for this world. It was then that Hecate spoke.
"Mr. Harrison, I'm glad that you could make it." She smiled.
"Yes, I was thrilled to hear that you agreed to give me back my youth for a final weekend. One last hoorah before I pass on."
"Yes, well here is what I promised."
Handing him another small glass filled with the same clear liquid, he lost no time is swallowing it. Sitting down in a nearby chair, he watched as the world started spinning around him. Once it stopped, and he was able to focus again, Hecate handed him a mirror. Looking at himself, he smiled.
"I was a very handsome man in my youth."
Taking the mirror back, she spoke.
"I know that there are a few singing groups preforming in the lounge tonight. You said that you enjoyed music and beautiful signers. May I suggest that you begin there?"
"That sounds like a truly wonderful idea." He smiled and quickly left the office.
Roarke turned to her and spoke.
"I saw the shadow of death. All he wanted was one final good time before departing this life?"
"Not exactly." She smiled.
She noticed Roarke standing there with an annoyed look as she continued.
"It's nice to see you on the confused side once in a while."
"Hecate." He said, his tone dark.
Giving a short laugh of enjoyment at his slipping composure, she spoke.
"Mr. Harrison arrived by boat this morning. He is the reason that the Taffeta Belles separated so long ago and both him and the belles wish to see each other once more to make amends."
"Do you believe that is how it will work?" He questioned.
"No, I believe that it will work itself out, true, but I also believe that it will take a lot of coming to terms with the past to accept what is in the future."
Roarke nodded as they left the office, needing to look in on their other guest, Mr. Crenshaw. Walking down near the pool, they found him wandering around, looking lost, and avoiding all contact with the females around him.
"Good day, Mr. Crenshaw. You seem to be a little bit confused." Roarke said.
"Yes, I am. I came here to find myself a wife and I thought that I would be able to speak to women in order to find the right one but I am still unable to say anything whenever one is around."
"May it's the location. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable in a different type of setting. There is a book reading and open discussion starting soon over a new scientific idea. The title of the book is called 'The Modernization of Man'."
"Oh, yes. I've read it and it has some very interesting points of view although it is a work in psychology. It was written by Dr. A.C. Maxwell and he seems to be quiet cutting edge in his thinking."
"Yes, and I know that there are several lovely women who are going to be there as well. It is being held in the café just down this trail out front and to your left."
"That sounds more like my type of entertainment. I'll be on my way then, thank you."
"My pleasure." He smiled as Mr. Crenshaw left and headed to the café.
Hecate looked up at a smiling Roarke and smiled as well.
"This time I believe I can see the set-up."
He nodded as they continued on their way around the hotel. In the lounge, a young man sat in a darkened corner as the Taffeta Belles finished their songs. The room was surprisingly receptive to a group of songs from so many years past. They were dressed as he last remembered them in the early fifties, wearing light pastel colors with crinoline petticoats under flowing skirts. Their hair was pulled up in ponytails and tied with scarfs while their shirts were white cotton. The man smiled. Never would he have imagined that they would actually all be here and singing once again. As the girls left the stage, he approached one of them. Her young form and shining black hair reminded him of their past. Walking up behind her, he spoke.
"Hi, Nancy."
Turning around, she gasped in surprise.
"Edward."
He smiled and nodded.
"It's wonderful to see you once again. You are so beautiful. Can you sneak away for us to talk?"
"I always could for you." She smiled.
Heading backstage to the dressing room, she told the girls that a handsome gentleman asked her out, and she would return soon. The girls laughed and nodded. They were here to relive their youth, so why not have some fun with a young man as well? Emerging from the back a few minutes later, she was now dressed in a short dress. Her hair down and long, cascading around her shoulders and down her back. Nancy and Edward headed off to the discotech, where they laughed and danced all night long, remembering the old times and the fun they had. Heading back to the bungalow at two the next morning, Edward spoke.
"I'm sorry to hear about your husband's passing." He said.
"It was almost two years ago. I've accepted it."
"What did he do for a living?"
"He was in city planning. A nice government job and well paying. He left me a nice insurance sum."
Growing silent and thoughtful, he looked at her and spoke.
"Listen, Nancy. I'm glad that I was able to see you again. I can now tell you that I am sorry for the past."
"Me too. So much time has gone by and I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you as well. Please, don't tell the others that I'm here."
"I won't. It'll be our secret once again."
Smiling at her, he leaned down, gently kissing her lips. They parted as she seemed to glide into the bungalow and to bed. The next day they were sitting in the dining room having breakfast as the others questioned Nancy about her mysterious date. She just smiled and politely avoided their questions. After breakfast, they decided to separate and explore the area. Each one of them having different personal enjoyment on how to spend a few hours. They weren't scheduled to sing again until that evening. As the group went their separate ways, a figure followed one of them into the trees. On the nature trail, Vivian walked along, enjoying the smell of the forest. Thinking of her husband, she sighed, she had lost him three years ago due to a massive coronary that surprised everyone. Hearing a twig snap behind her, it brought her out of her reverie as she turned and studied the trail. Soon a tall figure emerged as she backed away.
"Please, don't be afraid. I would never hurt you." The shadowy figure said.
She stopped trying to remember where she had heard that voice before. It was then that the person entered a patch of sunlight that shown down through the trees. Catching her breath in shock and surprise, she spoke.
"Edward?"
"Hello, Vivian." He smiled.
"What are you doing here?"
"Just fulfilling a fantasy." He answered.
"Us too." She nodded. "Edward, we're all here again. The Taffeta Belles, we're together once again. Please, I've wanted the group to talk once again. If they find out that you're here it will open up old wounds. What about Nancy? She and I haven't spoke a word, not even a Christmas card in almost thirty years. Now, it feels like we've never been apart."
He nodded as he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Pulling her close to him, he spoke.
"Don't worry about the others. Right now, it's only the two of us and we're here together, now. At last I'm able to hold you and tell you that I'm sorry for what I did in the past."
Smiling up at him, she nodded as they walked along the trail. The day was beautiful as they laughed, enjoying each other's company once again. In their office, Roarke sighed, looking over at Hecate he spoke.
"You are aware that you're setting them up for history to repeat itself?"
"I know. Sometimes the beginning must be repeated for the ending to happen."
He nodded in understanding as suddenly Mr. Crenshaw burst excitedly into the room. Heading over to Roarke's desk, he smiled triumphantly.
"You did it. I don't know how you managed it but I'm on my way to get married right now."
"Congratulations, Mr. Crenshaw. Was it someone at the book reading?"
"Indeed, it was. I walked in and there was this beautiful dark-haired lady standing there at the podium reading. I was in love the moment I saw her. Once she finished the excerpt and everyone begin moving around discussing the reading, I walked over to her and immediately begin asking questions. Me. I stood before the most beautiful woman that I'd ever seen and was able to speak casually to her. I've never even been able to approach a woman without getting nervous and sick my stomach. With her I was able to talk to her without any problem at all. I wasn't nervous or sick. What's more, do you know exactly who it was that I was talking to?"
"Please, enlighten me." Roarke said with a smile already knowing the answer.
"Dr. A. C. Maxwell. I thought that Dr. Maxwell was a man, but it turns out that the beautiful woman I was speaking with was Dr. Anna Cynthia Maxwell. A leading name in the field on psychology. Can you believe it?" Looking down at his watch, he continued. "I have to go, or I'll be late for my own wedding. Thank you again."
Shaking Mr. Roarke's hand vigorously, Roarke smiled at him and spoke.
"You are most welcome, and I wish you and your new wife every happiness."
"Oh, and before I forget. I won't be leaving on the plane tomorrow."
"You won't?"
"No, Anna is here with a group of scientists and doctors on a large yacht sailing around the islands. Once we're married, I'll be sailing out with them in a few hours."
"Then may safe winds be with you on your journey." Mr. Roarke smiled.
Mr. Crenshaw rushed out the door as Hecate looked over at Roarke and spoke.
"I always enjoy seeing to souls find one another."
"As do I, my love, as do I." He nodded in agreement.
The evening approached as Vivian rushed into the changing area where the others were waiting for her.
"I'm sorry, I lost track of time. I met someone who you wouldn't…" She stopped not wanting to say anything more.
If the others knew that Edward was here, then old wounds would reopen, and she didn't want that to happen. Changing the subject, she dressed as they all talked happily. Tonight, they would be singing a new song that they had written as a group on the plane. After working on the music, it was now ready for its premiere. Nancy peeked out into the audience once again, hoping to see Edward setting out there. She knew that he hadn't wanted the others to know that he was here as well. Still, she wanted to see him. She had told him about the new song last night and how she had wanted him to hear it.
"Who are you looking for?" Charlotte asked.
"Oh, no one in particular." She immediately responded.
"Tell us, is it the mysterious man that you danced with all night last night?" Lucy teased.
Nancy smiled but didn't answer as Vivian looked at her for a moment, wondering if Edward had approached her as well. Suddenly Nancy smiled,
"He's here." She whispered.
She was unaware that she had said it loud enough to be heard until the rest of the group suddenly surrounded her, all looking out into the audience.
"That looks like Edward." Lucy said.
"It is." Vivian answered.
Everyone was silent and nervous as Nancy slowly turned to face Vivian, frowning at her.
"No, Edward chose me. He said so last night. We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. He promised."
"He promised me that this afternoon." Vivian said.
"Did he, really? You haven't changed in almost thirty years; you're still trying to steal the men that I love. You hate the idea of me being happy with a man that you can't have."
"Nancy, that's not true. Edward was the only one that has ever come between us and if you remember right, I saw him first."
"But I was the first one that he asked out. You just couldn't let go." Nancy shouted.
As Charlotte and Lucy tried to calm the situation, people could hear the shouting outside in the lounge. The Roarke's walked in as Hecate headed backstage while Mr. Roarke and Tattoo walked over to where Edward was sitting.
"Mr. Harrison. You seem upset over their squabble. Is something wrong? I'm sure that my wife will have the misunderstanding taken care of in just a moment."
"It's not a misunderstanding. I messed it all up, again. I wanted to apologize to the two women I hurt. The problem is that I really do love both of them and because of that I can't ever decide between them. So, I just end up hurting them both."
"So, the backstage argument is about you?" Roarke asked.
"Yes, you see, it's my fault that they broke up the first time. I promised a lifetime to both of them and when they broke up, forcing me to make a choice, I ran as well."
It was then that Hecate came out onstage to make an announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I apologize but the Taffeta Belles will not be preforming tonight. Instead we will be bringing you one of our most popular groups on the island, Neptune's Daughters. Thank you."
As she left the stage, Edward frowned.
"I really wanted to hear their new song. They were all so excited about it."
"Maybe, instead of disappearing again, you should talk to them?" Tattoo suggested.
"Now? It's to late. The potion wears off in three hours and I'll be that feeble old man riddled with cancer."
"But do you need to be young to speak from your heart?" Roarke asked.
As the Roarke's and Tattoo left, Edward sat there thinking about what he had said. If he genuinely cared for either of the girls, he would talk to them and explain. An hour later, he stood and headed to where the Taffeta Belles were staying. As he approached, he saw Nancy, he suitcase in hand, heading down the sidewalk. Stopping her, he spoke.
"Nancy don't leave. I need to talk to you. All four of you in fact."
She nodded as they headed back into the bungalow. He stood as all four of them sat around the room. Vivian and Nancy sat on opposite ends of the room, as far away as possible. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.
"I'm sorry, to all of you. Once again, I broke up an amazing singing group and friendship. I wanted to relive my youth this weekend, but I'm surprised at how literally the Roarke's took my request. I've done many things in my youth and even recently that I am ashamed of and one of my biggest was falling completely in love with two different women. Nancy and Vivian, please, believe me when I say that I never meant to hurt either one of you or put the two of you at odds with one another. Deep down I am just a coward and I couldn't make a decision on which one I loved more. You were both perfect in your own ways and my indecision caused this rift among the entire group. If I had just called forth a little bit of courage and decided, I don't believe this would ever have happened. I just couldn't and when you broke up last time, I ran away as well. I am so sorry; you truly have no idea how much."
"You told me last night that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with me." Vivian said near tears.
"You told me that as well, this afternoon." Nancy responded.
"And I meant it, both times."
"You can't have us both." Nancy shouted, her frustration evident.
"I know, in truth I can't have either one of you. When I say the rest of my life, I mean it literally. I'm dying and I won't be leaving this island. In fact, I feel like I only have a very short time left."
"What?" All four of them shouted.
He listened as all four spoke at once. Many questions about what it was, how long had he known, and why hadn't he called anyone before? Finally, the shouting quieted down, and he continued.
"This weekend is my last farewell. I only wanted to be young and strong once again."
"But why die here?" Charlotte asked. "Surely someone would miss you and want to have you buried near them and not on some island far away?"
"Charlotte, you told me long ago that I was nothing but a bum, and you were right. I have no one who will miss me. I've been married four times and have seven children, none of whom speak to me anymore or even acknowledge my existence. I've tried to make amends but there is no response. My letters are returned unopened and my gifts are all sent back as well. At least, being buried here, I will be surrounded by the beauty of nature as well as a never-ending supply of beautiful women."
They all sat there a while, no one speaking. Each woman was deep in thought, struggling with their own past. Finally, Vivian and Nancy stood up and crossed the room, meeting each other in the middle. Tears in their eyes they hugged one another tightly. Sitting Edward down on the couch, Nancy and Vivian each sat beside him, holding one of his hands. They all spoke until the clock struck midnight, and everyone fell silent. Soon the room began to sway and spin as they returned to their correct ages. They all looked at Edward, as Nancy and Vivian looked down at the trembling hands they held. His hands were no longer firm but weak and trembling. His muscular frame now nothing more than a hollow shell as a thin, pale man sat there staring back at them. Soon they continued to talk once again, the past coming together with the present. All five fell asleep, seated around the room as the sun rose over the tree line. Waking up sometime later, they decided to have breakfast. Walking into the bright sunlight, Edward sighed.
"I am sorry that I ruined your final performance last night. I really did want to hear your new song."
"The song isn't important. We're all together, and that's what is." Nancy smiled, winking at Vivian, who nodded in response.
As they sat down for breakfast, Nancy excused herself and headed to the office. She needed to speak with the Roarke's immediately. Returning to the others sometime later, she smiled.
"We're not leaving on the plane today. I asked if we could stay here with Edward for the time that he has left."
"They agreed?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, and they have arranged for the Taffeta Belles to sing one last time together, tonight at the lounge. But we have to sing like we are now. We can't go back in time again."
They all agreed to stay as everyone spoke excitedly about the music and the upcoming performance. They all spent the day together knowing that this time they would part as friends and keep in touch with one another long after their return to the states. That evening, four ladies in their fifties took the lounge stage once again. Edward smiled, watching them as they sang some of their older songs. As he listened, focused on the music, Hecate came and sat down next to him, watching them on the stage. Looking at her, he smiled and spoke.
"They sound great. Even at fifty years old their voices are still as beautiful as ever."
"Yes, they are." She said, still not turning to him.
"You're not here to listen to them, are you? I get the feeling that you're here for me, because my time is up."
"Don't mind me, just listen to their songs." She said, still focused on the stage.
They listened a while longer as they sang their final song. It was the new one that they had written on the plane, and although the wording style was more modern, their soft blending tones made the song fit perfectly into their lineup. Edward smiled happily, watching them bow to the audience before leaving the stage. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he watched them go. Turning in her chair, Hecate looked at him as he nodded. Not long after, the group emerged from backstage into the lounge to see Hecate standing there watching them approach. Beside her, Edward was sitting quietly in his chair, looking to be asleep. As they approached, all four women knew exactly why Hecate was standing there waiting on them. The next morning Edward was laid to rest as four beautiful voices joined together in a perfect A Capella harmony of Amazing Grace. A soft, gentle breeze blew across the small cemetery lifting their voices high. That evening the plane was ready as the four ladies smiled at Mr. and Mrs. Roarke and at Tattoo. Nancy spoke first.
"Thank you, for an amazing few days."
"Yes," Vivian said, putting her arms around Nancy's shoulders. "We're all friends once again and it's both the good and the bad memories that make us who we are."
Mr. Roarke nodded and answered.
"I am glad that all four of you have reconciled."
Lucy then chirruped up and spoke.
"What's even more surprising is that all four of us live near each other. We can see one another whenever we want to, not just every great now and then."
"We're also thinking about singing at our convention center. They do a lot of fundraising for the elderly in the community and we believe that our old songs would do well for their fundraising nights." Charlotte continued.
"Then we wish you the best of luck." Mr. Roarke said with a smile.
As the four ladies headed for the plane, the Roarke's and Tattoo waved good-bye. Turning to Hecate, Roarke smiled at her and spoke.
"Well, I must say that it was an interesting weekend. You did very well in setting everything in motion for the perfect outcome."
"I learned from the god of trickery and deception. Guess he's rubbed off on me after a few thousand years." She answered, smiling back.
Gently kissing her, they headed back to the hotel to continue working on the daily fantasies and get everything prepared for the next plane's newest arrivals.