Chapter 26: A Short Break
Santiago
I understand she is looking for answers to what is happening to her and I'm not going to broach the subject, at least not just yet.
“I know you are upset right now, but once you have recovered from your emotions, we will talk again." I said to initiate a conversation.
Deeply melancholy, her silent gesture, a simple nod, betrays a tacit understanding of the difficulties she is going through. Reaching for my hand, she seeks comfort, a connection that transcends words. Her slight smile, though fragile, lights up her face, revealing an inner strength.
We get into the car, and I turn on the ignition. The engine purrs softly but the sound seems strangely distant. Aware of his torment, I put on some soft music, a soothing melody floating through the air, like a caress.
After the refreshing little show earlier that stirred up some chaos, at least from my perspective, Iam driving Orely back home. It's the smallest effort I can make at the moment. She remains silent for an instant, just long enough to regain her composure. As soon as we reached our destination, we got out of the car and her mother ran to join us and give Orely a big hug. A stirring and emotional moment is taking place right in front of my eyes. However, I have never felt this kind of bond with anyone, least of all my dad. I’m a resolute solitary person, but I don’t reveal that.
"Ah my daughter! Thank God you are safe," she cries, crying.
"Oh Mom, it was horrible. But I am here, don't cry."
In these words, his heavy silence from earlier explains everything. But despite her fragility, I know she is a young woman full of life and with a strong, determined character. It is just a shock what she has been through and I will be there for her to get through it.
"Santiago kept his promise, bringing you back just as he told me he would before he went looking for you. Thank you so much, my boy," she confessed, all emotional.
I move closer to her and give her a hug.
"It is all in the past now, let's forget about it, right?" I said, reassuring her.
She straightens up, wipes her face and speaks.
"You are right, the main thing is that Orely's home. Come on, I'll fix us a nice meal."
"Ah, but first I am going to take a shower. I really need one," she says, stretching like a cat who's just woken up from a nap.
"Go ahead, darling. And you, Santiago, stay for dinner too. Your refusal is non-negotiable. "
"All right, I'll taste your good food."
"She is the best in the kitchen, you won't regret it." Orely replies, winking at me.
A tiny smile forms on my lips as I watch her pull herself together. This house with its beautiful garden is full of love, which is far from my home. Big as it may seem, my home is an environment that exudes coldness and incomprehension.
Perhaps only the servants, whom I have noticed on the sly, know how to be happy, sharing simple moments in conviviality, busying themselves in the kitchen, preparing meals, sitting at the table or laughing at the gardeners' anecdotes. The spirit of the table, which is very different from the one where I'm sitting with my family, if I can really call it that, "a family" where you can smell the stench of hypocrisy circulating between us to the point of nausea.
Out of the blue, an orange and black butterfly brushed lightly against my nose, snapping me out of my deep reflections. I watch it flying away to collect nectar from the flowers, and finally land on the swing next to a large tree. In the far-off view, I spot Mrs. Lucia hastening towards the house to whip up something for us to eat. Turning my head, I make out Orely walking away towards the back of the house. Aroused by curiosity, I decided to follow her without attracting her attention.
Being so close, I lean over to find out where she is disappearing to. She retrieves a miniature key from a white ceramic flower pot decorated with green leaf motifs, placed next to a staircase, before climbing up. I discreetly go upstairs and at the entrance a wooden door engraved with the name "Florely". Pushing the door gently open, I find myself in front of a strikingly beautiful perfumery workshop.
An explosion of colors and fragrances fills the room, opening onto a bright, welcoming space. Large windows bathe the studio in natural light and offer a breathtaking view of the garden. The scent of fresh flowers mingles with that of essential oils, creating a soothing and inspiring atmosphere.
The walls are covered with wallpaper in shades of green and white, both delicate and colorful, bringing a touch of freshness to the whole craft room.
To the side, light wood shelves are lined with glass bottles of various sizes, each containing carefully labeled essential oils, flower extracts and natural ingredients. In the center of the room is a large solid wood table surrounded by comfortable chairs, bouquets of roses, jasmine, lavender and other fresh blooms I vaguely know about are laid out on the table, ready to be transformed into bewitching fragrances.
In a basket, on a white cloth, perfumery tools such as pipettes, beakers and precision scales are meticulously organized within easy reach. As I approach a small bedroom with a soft, welcoming atmosphere, the walls are painted in shades of pastel pink, creating a soothing mood. A bed with soft cotton sheets and colorful cushions that invite you to relax. I can see Orely, from behind, taking a bath towel from the chest of drawers. She unbuttons her blouse and removes her blue jeans. Then she sensuously removes her bra and panties, tossing them into the laundry basket.
I can't help but gaze at her lovely body and catch a glimpse, slightly to the side, of her ample bosom as she makes her way to the bathroom.