Chapter 11 – Another Gift

It was late afternoon and Louisa was resting in her chair in the corner warmed by the sunlight. The school year was finally over for her. The rooms had been empty of students for three days. This morning she had prepared the last of her reports, locked the door to the school and walked home. Friendly greetings followed her like a continuation of the well wishes she had received at her farewell party.

Louisa set down the box of miscellaneous things she had brought with her just inside her door. She would sort though it later tonight. Right now she needed to let her body and mind slowly wind down from the many varied claims on her attention at school that were now finished. Tomorrow she could focus solely on her final preparations for her trip.

She was surprised to find that she had fallen asleep when she was suddenly startled awake by a loud pounding at her door. When she opened it, there stood Martin.

"Are you all right?" he asked as she asked him, "What is the matter?"

She answered him quickly, "Yes, Martin, I am."

He replied, "I tried calling you several times today. So I finished work and came over. But you did not answer my knock, although your neighbor told me you were home when I got out of my car. I'm sorry if I woke you."

"Come in, Martin. I'll fix us some tea."

"That's fine, I mean I'm glad you're fine. I have something for you. I'll just get it out of the car."

Louisa put a glass of water on the table for Martin and also set out butter and grape jelly along with several slices of bread. Martin returned with a small bag from 's chemist shop clutched in his fist and he rolled the top of the bag down one more time before he sat at the table. Louisa thought he seemed a bit nervous or unsure about something. As she brought the teapot to the table and poured tea for both of them, she asked, "Martin, is something the matter?"

Martin spread butter, very thinly, on a piece of bread and replied. " Oh … no, no."

Louise spread a large dollop of jelly on hers.

Martin pushed his package toward Louisa as he said, "I … I saw you were getting presents last night, so I got one for you too."

Louisa acted surprised. "Oh Martin, were you at Bert's? Why didn't you come to wish me well like everyone else?"

His face was rather stern as he replied, "I am not like everyone else. There were too many people there. You were having a good time, so I went home."

Louisa felt guilty for being a bit dishonest. "I have to confess. I did see you near the door. It pleased me that you had come. Why should I be surprised that you left again when socializing with the residents of Portwenn is not an activity you choose to do."

"Open the bag. It's for your trip."

Louisa smiled at him and said, "You didn't need to give me anything" as she reached into the bag and pulled out a container. She turned it so she could read the label.

Martin said, "It's Miralax. It's a laxative."

"Yes, Martin, I can see that."

He quickly explained, "Many times when people travel they have trouble with constipation"

Now Louisa had a big smile on her face that turned into a hearty laugh as she said, "Oh, Martin. You should have given this to me last night. All the people would have seen that you properly look after your patients' health in all circumstances." In fact, she could hardly finish her thought, but choked out, " … including when they are on a trip to America."

Martin stood up, turned and quickly walked out of her house. At once Louisa realized an apology was necessary. She ran out the door after Martin and soon caught up with his long strides.

"Martin, Martin, I'm sorry I laughed. It was a bad joke."

Martin kept walking.

"When people are comfortable with each other, they tease each other a bit and laugh together. That's all I was trying to do."

Martin slowed his walk but he did not look at her.

Louisa ran ahead a few steps and stopped right in front of him. As she turned to face him, she said, "Martin, please don't be so upset. I'm sorry. I truly am."

Martin stared over her shoulder and replied. "Louisa, when you leave on Tuesday, I will still drive you to the train station. Please call me when you have decided on the time you wish me to arrive to fetch you."

Louisa held out her hands to him. "Oh Martin. I hate to see you so upset. But think of me too. I've been working such long hours these past few days to finalize everything for the school year. I was just being very relaxed ... and apparently very thoughtless too."

Martin finally looked at her. "Louisa, I think we've seen enough of each other for today. Good evening."

Louisa dropped her hands to her sides. He was hopeless and she was without hope. This man just could not lighten up. And a few days ago, it had seemed promising that there might be something in the future together for them.

"If that's the way you feel, maybe we should just say goodbye right now. I can certainly call a cab to get to the train station."

"There's no need for that. I intend to keep my word."

"Martin, think of what you just said. You mentioned your word. What about my words ... Martin, my words? This is me, the way I am. If you can't understand that my words tonight were said in jest, I am sorry for that. You also say things that hurt. You do not understand how your words can wound and those are not said in jest. So I am sorry for you. You ... you ... No, I shouldn't try to tell you what to think or do. I'm just sorry."

Louisa started walking away from him down the hill. Her thoughts were in a jumble. What had happened to the relief she had expected to be feeling tonight because the school year was successfully completed? Wasn't that accomplishment enough now? At one time or another Martin created every possible emotion in her. She certainly had lost control.

Behind her, she heard him say, "I'm sorry too, Louisa."

His steps grew fainter and then she heard no more.