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Could Have Been Colder
CHAPTER 13
'In the era of giving dwindling in lew of paying off the house in the South of France. The ACCO managed to get the tight- pocketed open ego crowd to donate one million dollars to cancer research. One would have to flip a coin to firmly decide what evening highlight was the actual cash exploiting moment.
Christine Cabot, the foundation's co-chairwoman, gave an inspiring speech. Allowing the passion for this cause to come straight from her heart. Her daughter, Alex Cabot, the once front- runner for New York City DA and the foundation's namesake, was also in attendance. This was her first time to appear at the any of the foundation's galas. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2004. '
Jack straightened the frame that contained the article of the most successful night in the foundation's history. A photo of Christina, Evan, Alex and Olivia was artfully placed at the right corner of the frame. He took a moment more to stare at it before retreating down the hall to his office. He could hear a phone ringing and the clicking of a few keyboards has he walked steadily down the hall. He stopped and smiled at his secretary before entering his office. The view was spectacular. Windows floor to ceiling on two sides. He was high enough to be over the brown haze that lingered in the air in the summer. Yet low enough to still see people and cars below. Has he took his seat; he turned his chair to face the windows like he had a million times before. He looked out the windows at nothing in particular. Just the buildings surrounding his, the harbor in the distance and a few birds that ventured up to these tall perches. He is amazed at how short life can be, but how long it can live?
Olivia picked up her brush for the third time this morning. Brushing her hair slowly and patiently. She looked at how long it had gotten. Alex had encouraged her to grow it out. It got in her way at work, but she did it for Alex.
"Mine will take so long to grow." Alex said running her weak hands through Olivia's hair. "Please, for me."
'How can I say no to you, my Love.' Olivia replied kissing Alex's stomach. It had grown rather large in just seven months. Olivia liked to rest her head and listen to their child. A few times, he would kick causing the couple to laugh has Olivia's cheek would bounce.
Alex had taken a risk. She had pretended to go to chemo. Her doctors warned her of the stress it would put on her already weak body. She didn't care. She wanted to complete her family no matter the cost.
Olivia was furious when she found out that Alex was not in chemo like she had been assuring Olivia.
'Where have you been going?' Olivia's eyes were ablaze with concern. 'I show up at the clinic and they said you hadn't been there in quite awhile.' She was pacing in front of the kitchen island while Alex was making dinner.
'I called your mother and she was just as shocked as I was. She thought I had been taking you to chemo.' Olivia stopped pacing and stared directly at Alex. Feeling the heat from Olivia's stare, she looked up and smiled.
'I have a surprise for you. Now just go and change your cloths. Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes.' Her face still glowing. Her eyes sparkling blue. Olivia was defeated. She would have to retreat and try again.
Somewhere between pass the butter and how do you like the couscous with truffles, Alex blurted out. 'We are going to have a baby.' The fork full of food Olivia was about to shovel into her mouth suddenly fell to her plate. Couscous and peas scattered on the table and floor.
'Say that again slowly, please.' She was half praying she had not heard what she thought.
'I am six weeks along. The doctor says I am a little weak, but that's to be expected.' Her smile lights the room. Olivia did her best not to show how concerned she was. Alex was happy right now. She could bit her tongue for a few more minutes. She pushed back her chair from the table and walked over to Alex. She knelt down next to Alex's chair and placed her hand on Alex's stomach.
'I love you.' Was all she could say.
Daniel came into the room slowly and quietly. He had learned over the last few days to be gentle when entering his moms' room. Olivia heard the familiar footsteps behind her and looked at the approaching figure in the mirror. She smiled and scooted to the left on the vanity seat allowing the younger her to sit. The pair looked at one another in the mirror. Odd that he should look so much like her. But her brother was the donor so not too surprising. He had her dark complexion and Alex's long legs. Light brown hair that always needed a trim. Sparkling blue eyes and a square jaw. She turned her head and gave him a soft peck on the cheek.
"You look handsome." She leaned a little to the left to see his attire from head to toe.
"You're beautiful, mom. But do I have to go?" He was tugging at the hem of him jacket.
"You could stay here, but I think in years to come you will have regretted it." Olivia said putting a little lipstick on.
"I suppose. But it will be hard." He said still pulling at the hem.
"Only has hard as you make it, son." She was looking at him again in the mirror. She took a deep breath. "There are things to like about this and there are things to cry about this. There are days I want to scream and days I want to sit in my room and cry. But I can't." She reached for his chin and turned his face towards her. "It feels like the end of the world. But a new one had already started." She gave his nose a little tweak and gave him a hug.
If only she believed her own words.
I am sorry all. Now that summer is over and the house no longer is busting with activity. I will have the freedom to finish these tales and then spin some more.