As the rain beat against her windowpane, Alexandra felt as though her heart was being ripped from her chest. The ticking of the small clock on her side table pounded like thunder in her ears. September 15th, 1955 had become the worst day of her life. By 2:30 the tears streamed endlessly down her face as she sat in her window. She had desperately hoped to see Ghassan’s figure in the street so that she could signal him. So that she could find some way to let him know that she had wanted to see him. But no one had appeared on such a miserable day and Alexandra stared through her tears into the rain and across the rooftops into a gray mist.
Frau Hanauer had been so apologetic. She told Alexandra that she knew that Alexandra’s heart was breaking but that Professor Cochrane, Alexandra’s father, had tied her hands. She couldn’t allow Alexandra out on such a day to meet with a man. She sat with Alexandra in her room for a long time with her arm around the girl’s shoulders in a motherly fashion. Alexandra had appreciated the gesture but her anger at her father had intensified to the point that she couldn’t be comforted. Her first instinct had been to lash out at Frau Hanauer but when she looked into those soft, kind eyes, Alexandra realized quickly that this would have been a mistake. Instead she thanked the woman and asked to be alone for a while.
It was that horrible loneliness that accompanies anger and grief, that hung in the room like an invisible demon. As the last gray light of the afternoon stretched across the floor, the dark shadows threatened to creep from their corners and to slowly devour the light. Alexandra shivered as the dampness from outside pervaded any inner warmth. How could she face Ghassan after this? The poor man was likely soaked and cold by now and as miserable as the day because he was fruitlessly waiting for her. Alexandra began to sob loudly as the hopelessness of the situation engulfed her.
Downstairs, the other girls at the residence had gathered, as usual, in the salon for some social time. Today, however, instead of their usual giddy banter, they spoke in hushed tones. Alexandra was aware of their presence but had no desire to join them. She figured they were talking about her. But there was something else. Some other commotion that was out of ordinary. She couldn’t make it out and soon pushed it from her mind. Being wrapped up in her emotions she felt no desire to investigate. She was looking longingly at her bed with a need to curl up under the warmth of the covers, when Frau Hanauer’s voice startled her.
“Alexandra!” Frau Hanauer called sweetly, “Come downstairs Frauline, bitte!”
“Please, Frau, I’d rather not.” Alexandra begged from her doorway.
“Dear, you must.” came the reply.
Reluctantly, Alexandra made her way downstairs, wiping her eyes and face as she went. She imagined that she looked quite wretched but she hardly cared. She met Frau Hanauer at the base of the stairs in the foyer. The gentle woman embraced Alexandra and whispered in her ear.
“I’ve explained the situation, Leibschen. Together, we will find a way to make this work. I promise you.” Cooed Frau Hanauer and smiled sympathetically.
“What situation, Frau? What do you mean?” Alexandra was confused.
Without answering, Frau Hanauer ushered Alexandra into the salon. All of the girls sat watching Alexandra expectantly. As she looked back at their faces, Alexandra almost hadn’t noticed the anomaly. At the far end of room, huddled in a chair and wrapped in a blanket, sat Ghassan. (to be continued)
Mariyah
abufares
Jillian C. York said,
December 11, 2008 at 3:58 am
Oh wow! How did he know? How did he find her? And did Frau Hanauer later attend their wedding?
Waiting with bated breath for part 13.
saint said,
December 11, 2008 at 4:38 am
Very tense, but the oriental way, the 50s way, For a second I remembered the story of Season of Migration to the North, to Al tyeb Salih, no reason but as a contrast between two concepts, soft romantic love and violent romantic love.
Keep it on,
abufares said,
December 11, 2008 at 10:49 am
Mariyah!
Your story started off great but somehow you\’ve managed to make it even better with every new episode.
I am one of your devoted fans and you know it. What might make me a little bit different from the others is that I don\’t usually follow a romantic lead, well not anymore at least.
Somehow you\’ve nicely upset my inner balance and I find myself waiting for Ghassan and Alexandra and the way it used to be.
Mariyah said,
December 11, 2008 at 3:23 pm
To Jillian: Ghassan would have brought Alexandra home after their outing to Wilhelma. You might also remember that he left her a note for them to meet. So he is well aware of where she lives. Can’t let the cat out of the bag!! Nice try though!
Thanks for dropping in and your comment.
To Saint: So glad you’re still enjoying the story. Its interesting that you’ve drawn this comparison. Thank you for your comments.
To Abu Fares: I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying the story. I always look forward to your comments so its fortunate that its been able to hold your interest. Of course, anyone could tell by your writing that you’re a romantic at heart!!
Gabriela said,
December 11, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I’m starting to think that Frau Hanauer became this couple’s Jinni… You have the plot for a complete book. Please, let us know when you release it.
All the best from Lima.
Mariyah said,
December 11, 2008 at 7:27 pm
To Gabriela: LOL! Thank you and thank you for visiting again all the way from Lima! Always nice to see you here.
jilliancyork said,
December 16, 2008 at 4:57 am
Aha, of course! I must learn to read more carefully.
Mariyah said,
December 16, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Jillian, it was never explicitly written, so you can be forgiven.