Natasha's Legacy (15 page)

As the concert approached, Sarah’s days were
busy. Once the mercantile closed, she walked to the conservatory to
practice for a couple of hours before returning to her apartment to
eat and sleep. As usual, Alex telephoned before she was finished
eating. The two talked until she began to muffle yawns.

The closer the concert got, the more hours
she spent practicing. With her schedule exhausting her, Alex sought
ways to help her. They sat in a restaurant on Saturday evening. His
mind was elsewhere, wanting to wait until they were at her
apartment to talk. Sarah also seemed preoccupied. After a short
stroll in her neighbourhood for some fresh air, they returned to
her building. Without speaking a word, Sarah closed her door,
reached for Alex’s hand, and led him into her bedroom.

Afterward, Alex rolled onto his back. Sarah
rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. He stared at the
ceiling, attempting to gain nerve. The speech was well rehearsed;
he’d gone over it a million times.
Stop
procrastinating. I must do this, now.
He inhaled,
deeply.

“I love you, Sarah. I told you months ago I
wouldn’t say those words unless I was certain. I no longer doubt my
feelings. I’m in love with you. I enjoy hearing your voice on the
telephone and cherish Saturday and Sunday. I am hopeful you will
consider living in my home. I want to fall asleep every evening
with you in my arms and wake to see your beautiful face. Once I am
certain you’re happy, I will place a ring on your finger and with
God and our families as my witness, commit my life and heart to
you. I’m asking you to share my home, my room, and my bed.”

Proud of himself, he grinned.
I did it.
The room was silent. Too silent.
She's thinking. Patience. I must be
patient.
An eternity passed. Sarah never uttered a sound.
Enough. I need a response.

“Sarah, what are you thinking?”

She didn’t respond. Focusing his attention on
her, she was breathing deeply. Very relaxed breathing.

“Sarah?” He listened for a few seconds and
then it hit him. “Ugh. No-o-o.” He clenched his eyes shut. “You
fell asleep without hearing a word I said. The evening I have
something important to say, you fall asleep. You were to accept my
offer and allow me to seduce you. If I’d realized the extent of
your exhaustion, the conversation would have taken place the moment
we returned from the walk.”

“Huh.” Alex pulled the blanket over her bare
shoulders. He put his arm around her, closed his eyes, and
eventually drifted off to asleep.

Waking before dawn, Alex crawled out of her
bed and dressed. Sarah’s deep restful breathing continued. Leaning
over her, he gave a gentle kiss.

“If you plan to join my family for breakfast,
you must rise, sweetheart.”

“Sleep,” she mumbled. She never opened her
eyes.

“Shall I ask Rose and Richard to give you a
ride later?” he whispered.

“Uh huh! Love you.”

Sarah was in a sound sleep when Alex walked
out the room and returned home.

His grandfather and parents were sitting in
the dining area when Alex entered the room.

“Where is Sarah?” his momma questioned.

“Sleeping. She’s exhausted.”

“Sit and relax. I’ll get you coffee.”

Moments later, his momma returned and took
her usual seat across from him.

“Did you speak with Sarah?” she asked. “You
must tell me her reaction. What you are suggesting is
accepted
in this building, but it is not
customary.”

“We haven’t spoken. She will arrive after
church.”

On the eve of the concert, Sarah was in a
solemn mood when they spoke on the telephone. Alex found himself
dominating the conversation, something he was not accustomed to
doing.

“I’m nervous. I can’t relax,” she
admitted.

“There is no need to be nervous. You are a
magnificent pianist.”

“You are too kind.”

Her tone was flat without any emotion. It was
disheartening.
I have to help you.
“I’m
coming over.”

“I
need
rest.”

Did the operator hear
that?
Alex’s cheeks burned. Prickly heat rushed throughout
his entire body. “You can sleep with your head resting against my
shoulder.”

“I appreciate the offer, but it’s not
necessary. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Alex. I love
you.”

About to respond, Alex heard the click. Sarah
had ended the call.

The following evening, dressed in his Sunday
suit, Alex parked the car in front of Sarah’s home. Sarah stepped
out in a brilliant blue gown and pearl necklace. Her hair was tied
back and fringes framed her face. He placed his free hand on his
chest.
Breathe Alex. Remember to
breathe.

“You are
stunning
.”

She never responded, but touched her temple
to ensure her bangs were held in place by the barrette. Bringing
his hand from behind his back, he produced a corsage with a red
carnation and baby’s breath.

“Don’t feel obligated to wear this. I found
myself questioning whether it’s appropriate this evening.”

“It’s not necessary, but I would be honoured
if you would attach it to my gown.” He finished pinning it to her
dress.

Once at the hall, Alex noticed his father's
horses.

“My parents are here with Papa and
Izabella.”

“I'm so pleased they came.”

“They are looking forward to this evening. I
have raved about you since the concert.”

“There is my momma and poppa. With Ingrid and
Andrew.”

Sarah retreated to the back of the stage,
allowing Alex and his family to go to their assigned seats. Greeted
by Andrew, Ingrid, and Sarah’s parents, Alex introduced his family
before taking his seat beside her brother.

“I had hoped to speak with Sarah before she
performs,” Andrew grumbled.

“She has barely spoken to me in two days,”
Alex admitted. “The tone of her voice has been cold, almost
emotionless. I don’t understand her mood, her nerves. The last
performance didn’t bother her.”

“Didn’t Sarah explain the importance of this
evening?” Andrew questioned.

“The importance? No.”

“Ugh.” Andrew’s groan was filled with
disappointment.

“Sarah and her professor are expecting a … a
guest this evening. The gentleman has the authority to offer Sarah
a professional contract. Sarah could fulfil the dream she shared
with her late husband. She has been struggling with her decision.
My sister must decide on her future. She is torn and confused. In
my opinion, she would be a fool to decline an offer.”

“What…” The lights dimmed and the curtain
rose, silencing Alex.

Sarah emerged from behind the black curtain.
With applause echoing in the building, she stood in front of the
instrument, looked toward Alex, and winked.

“Sarah, you must focus,” Andrew lectured
quietly.

Sarah made herself comfortable on the bench
and looked at the piano. The moment her fingers touched the keys,
Alex turned and looked toward his family. They were mesmerized by
the sound she created. He turned his attention back to Sarah, but
his mind wasn’t on the melody.
Why didn’t she
speak of the contract? She should be speaking with enthusiasm
bubbling from her being. I’m so proud of her. She’s brilliant on
the instrument.
During all three pieces, Sarah’s eyes
remained closed. It was magical witnessing the melody become part
of her being. The world around her seemed to have disappeared. The
music ended. There was silence and then the instructor walked onto
the stage. Sarah was glowing when he presented her with a bouquet
of roses. Alex looked down to the single red rose on his lap.

“Sarah will be pleased to accept your
flower,” Andrew assured him. “Hand it to her with pride.”

Entering the lobby, he saw Sarah’s portrait
hanging prominently on the wall. Even without a smile, the artist
captured her radiant glow. Beside it, an outline of her background.
As expected, John’s name was mentioned. After reading her
biography, he stepped back and scanned the crowd for Sarah.

“Alex.”

He jumped at the sound of Ingrid’s voice. He
turned to acknowledge them.

“Sorry, Alex. I didn’t mean to startle you.
Sarah isn’t coming out. She asked us to bring you and your family
to her.”

Once behind the black curtain, they saw Sarah
speaking with a tall, lean gentleman with grey hair. After
introducing her academy professor, the gentleman excused himself
and left.

“You were magnificent tonight.” Alex handed
her the rose.

“Thank you.” She stretched up and kissed his
cheek. “My apologies. I wasn’t myself this past week.”

Too upset to respond, Alex stood like a
statue. During their time together, she spoke of the importance of
communication, yet she had not spoken of the decision, of the
contract. They had spoken every night during the week but she never
mentioned the potential contract or her music. The topic should
have dominated their conversation.

“It was truly an honour to be in this
building, Sarah,” his grandfather remarked. “Thank you for the
privilege. Goodnight, Alex. We will see you tomorrow.”

“We’ll also be leaving,” Sarah’s mother
said.

Sarah chatted during their
ride to her apartment, but her words didn't register in his
mind.
His conversation with Andrew and the melody Sarah had
created filled his thoughts. He parked the car outside her building
and walked Sarah to her door. Normally he would enter the parlour
and place a fresh log on the fire. Instead, he remained at the
doorway.

“You’re quiet this evening. I’m reminded of
the man I first became acquainted with. I appreciate the number of
strangers in attendance, but we’re alone now. Please, join me
inside,” she pleaded. “Speak with me.”

“Andrew spoke of the guest this evening. Were
you offered a position, a contract?” he asked, his tone
intentionally cold.

“Damn, Andrew.”

Alex crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“You weren’t planning to discuss your career, yet you are adamant
when stating the importance of communication.”

“I love you, Alex, and value your opinion,
but this is my decision.”

Sarah reached for his hand and led Alex out
of the entranceway and into the adjoining room. Once on the sofa,
she turned to face him.

“I was offered a contract, but I didn’t
accept the position. I will be contacted within a week to confirm
my decision.”

You declined?
No-o-o.
“Sarah! You must accept the offer. If this had been
discussed, I would have encouraged you to accept. We would be
celebrating your achievement.”

She shook her head and exhaled. “It’s obvious
Andrew did not explain the details of the contract.”

“The details? You will be performing at this
hall. Captivating the audience the way you did this evening.”

She pursed her lips together and shook her
head. “No. If I were to accept this position, I would commit
myself, dedicate my life to my music. It would involve a great deal
of travel. If tickets can be sold, I would be travelling the world
to perform. It would be difficult to see you or my family more than
a few times a year.”

Travelling outside the area never entered his
mind.
We won’t see each other
. Turning his
head away from hers, he didn’t want Sarah to see the anguish in his
expression. The tears forming in his eyes. It would be selfish to
expect Sarah give up her career for a life with him. His world
changed when Sarah entered his life. Now, it would change again, be
turned upside down while she fulfilled her dream.

“A year?” He placed his hand over his mouth
to hide his shock.

“A year,” she repeated.

His heart tore to pieces. He didn’t want to
live his life without Sarah, yet her passion for the piano was
equal to his passion for the orphanage. Performing, becoming
professional, was within her grasp. As much as he loved her, he
would step back and allow her to be a professional pianist. Sarah
deserved it and the world deserved the opportunity to hear her.

“Playing by John’s side, I would have
accepted the offer with enthusiasm, but my life has been
transformed. This has been on my mind the entire week. Having lost
love and then been given a second opportunity for companionship in
my life, I’m not willing to risk losing you.”

His emotions were mixed. He didn’t want to
lose Sarah, but he had to persuade her to accept the offer.

“Having watched and listened to you play, I
know the passion for music that exists within your soul.” Although
it was difficult, he managed to keep his voice steady. “You have
been offered an extraordinary opportunity.”

“Alex, please,” she begged.

“Being aware of the talent you possess, I
will not allow you to decline the offer. You would be celebrating
if I hadn’t entered your life. You possess a gift.”

“I
do not
recall
asking your opinion.” Tears were streaming down her cheeks. “The
decision is mine, and one I alone will live with.” She wiped her
cheeks, stared toward the ceiling, and took a breath. She looked
into his eyes. “When God brought John into my life, I was too young
to appreciate how privileged I was to be loved until I lost him.
You walked into the mercantile and I knew God had not forgotten me.
Perhaps your emotions are not as strong. You are not aware how
special our relationship has become.”

“My heart is breaking, but I can’t live with
myself if you spend the remainder of your life regretting your
decision. Please Sarah. Accept the contract.”

“How can I? Our relationship won’t survive
this. Perhaps when you spoke of your relationship with Christine
and Elaine, you overestimated your emotions. It’s possible you will
forget I existed within a day or two, but I will never forget
you.”