Ophelia (7 page)

“You'll be back soon, right?” No matter how much he kept saying he wanted me happy, wanted me to achieve my goals, I knew he was desperate to keep me all to himself at home. It was really hard for him when we are so far apart. It was hard for me too, but when I was away, it meant I was working and keeping myself busy.

I smiled at the distracted sound in his voice. “Yes, soon.”

“Good, I can’t wait to have you back.”

I smiled even more at his words. “It will be good to be home and sleep in my bed.” That’s something I had learned over the years; there was nothing like my own bed. I missed it every single night. That was one of the downsides of travelling.

“And me. Your bed and me in it,” he joked.

“You are such a guy.” I laughed. “You’re right. Sex is definitely on the “to do” list when I get back.”

“Who said anything about sex? You're so naughty. I just meant cuddling.”

I laughed out loud. “Yeah, right.”

“Aren't you tired yet? It’s getting late for you.” He was right. I was exhausted but I had to hear his voice. He was my safety net.

“How’s the concerto and everything?” he asked. Teo was always curious about what I was working on. It showed me how much he cared.

“It’s doing pretty well. Everything is at its best, I just keep on practicing.” I sighed. “After the House of Opera, I’ll need a break and I really want us to move forward.”

“The time has come, baby.” I loved when he called me baby. Teo had the sweetest voice ever.

“Yes. After this concert, everything on my list will be checked. I’ve kept you waiting long enough anyway. That was selfish.”

“I told you I wouldn't leave and I didn't.”

I was so thankful for that. I had been in love with him for years, but I never thought it was fair to him to commit if I was never home. It was time for me to settle down. I had accumulated thousands of hours in therapy I was still battling commitment issues but deep down, I knew he was the real deal for me. It was obvious. He’d moved to California partially for me, he showed me his support, he got his life back on track. Everything he did was for us. He got a diploma in management and he found a good job in a restaurant. He had the potential to become an owner soon if he was interested. How could I not be proud of him?

“Thank you for keeping your word.” I meant it.

“Ophelia, you don't have to thank me.”

I knew that. “I love you, Teo.”

The line went silent and it scared me. Was he still there? Was he upset? No, he couldn't be upset.

“Teo?” My fingers started trembling. Opening up about my feelings was a huge deal for me. Hearing nothing was not exactly how I had imagined his reaction.

“Ophelia, this... I waited so long to hear it. I’ve always felt it, I knew you loved me but I never thought I would hear you say it. It’s the best sound I've ever heard.”

Tears were sliding down my cheeks. I felt bad because all these years, he’d been waiting and doing everything for me and I‘d known all along that I loved him. I was too scared to say it, so I avoided it in fear of getting hurt.

“I should have said it a long time ago, Teo.” My voice sounded raspy. “I’m sorry.”

“Say it again, please.”

“I’m sorry.”

He chuckled. “Not that, tell me you love me.”

“I love you.” I said it more freely, the words rolling on my tongue. “I’ve always loved you and always will.

“It’s the best damn day of my life.” I could imagine the smile on his face. God, I missed him. “I love you too, Ophelia.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

“Soon, baby, soon.”

If Australia wasn't so far from San Diego, I would ask him to come here, but I couldn't do that. He had his job and the fees it would cost would be too much.

“You should get some rest now.”

“I should.”

When I hung up, I just wanted to squeal in joy. I had finally told him and that was a big step for me. My parents would have loved him, I had no doubt, but it saddened me that they would never meet him. Teo was my other half, the one I wanted to be married to.

My eyes finally decided they’d had enough. I fell asleep in bed reading my sheet music. I had become that obsessed with my music. I liked staying in at night to work on my music projects. I made some friends here in Australia but on the whole I was quite the loner. This trip was more emotional for me. It was the apex of my career, everything I’d wished for. I knew my life wasn’t going to end here, but I had achieved most of my dreams. Friends had come in second because it was important for me to spend as much time as possible preparing myself for my concert.

I had to be at the university first thing in the morning. The main reason why I was here in the first place was that I was assisting the teacher in the composition class. I liked it. I got to work with different genres of music and I was learning a lot from that experience. The fact that they approached me to join them was truly flattering.

In class, I had befriended a nice gentleman, Evan, who introduced me to his father, Sean. He was a veteran when it came to organizing musical events. He played the trumpet in a way I had never heard before. Absolute talent. Soon after, I got an invite for a concert at the Sydney Opera House as a guest of honour. It touched me deeply. After he heard me play the piano, Sean offered me a bigger part in the concert, which made me so proud.  I’d worked hard all my life for this, I’d dreamed about this thousands of times, and then it happened, just like that, out of the blue. No need to fight or to prove myself, it was handed to me with the promises of a great experience to add to my resume.

As I was closing the door of my small rented cabin, my cellphone started playing Magic by Coldplay. I knew someone from home was calling me.

“Hello?”

“Say it.” I heard Teo and a smile immediately traced my lips.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” I repeated grinning even bigger. Teo was making me feel so blessed.

He laughed and it sounded like a pure happiness kind of laugh. It came from the heart. “I think I’ll keep on calling you just to hear it.”

“I agree. You can call me any time of the day. The more I hear your voice, the better my day goes.” But the more I missed him and wanted to hold him in my arms.

“I’ll do it. I’ll call you every chance I get. You’ve been away for too long, baby. I need you home with me.”

I sighed because he was right. “I feel like this trip will be the last.” I paused. “For a while anyway. I want to take a break and as weird as it sounds, I want to feel at home. I’ve been everywhere but home, and that’s what I need now. I need you, Teo. I miss the girls, too.”

“We all miss you. This trip was hard for us. Clara has been sick a lot and Beverly, very emotional. It will be good to have you back.”

Why didn’t she say anything to me when we talked? I hated that she was hiding it from me. Probably didn’t want to worry me, but it did upset me.

My throat tightened as the tears in my eyes threatened to burst. “Are they okay? Are you able to help them out?” I asked, trying to hide my feelings.

“Ophelia, don’t cry, please, baby, I’m taking care of them as much as I can. Her mother is supposed to fly here in two days to visit. It will all be okay, trust me.”

I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m emotional today, I guess.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, everything is under control. Now tell me, what are your plans for the day?”

“I’m on my way to the university and then after that, I might stay a little longer to practice for my concert.”

“You sound tired and you say you’re emotional. Don’t push yourself too far, Ophelia. I don’t want you exhausted and sick when you get back, okay? Take good care of yourself down there.”

“I’m trying really hard, bab – Teo.” The endearment startled me as much as it did him.

“Babe? Did you just call me babe? That was hot as hell.”

I knew my face was probably cherry red. “Yes, I did. It caught me off-guard.” I laughed. “So you like when I call you babe?”

“Very much so. I’m yours, baby.”

“You’ve been calling me baby for a long time now. I love it. It’s cute.”

“I love my baby. We’ll be together soon. I can’t wait to kiss you. I miss your lips and everything else about you.” His soft voice was like music to my ears.

“Teo, don’t get me all turned on when I have to get to class. I won’t be able to stop thinking about you.”

“That’s exactly what I want, Ophelia. You are my babe, mine.”

My heart was overwhelmed by him and missing him too freaking much. If I could, I would fly back home for two days and come back for the concert, but it wasn’t exactly realistic. The flights from Australia to San Diego were way too long, around fifteen hours.

I had to stop myself from thinking about it, I had a job to attend here and Teo would be home when it was time to go.
Remember the plans, Ophelia.

I climbed into my car and drove myself to work. I was getting used to driving here, but it was quite different than America. The radio was on and I was singing along. I felt good today, my heart was light and Teo’s call made it all better. God, I loved him. I smiled.

I parked my car and noticed Evan walking few rows away in the parking lot. “Evan!” I called after him.

“Hey, Ophelia. Are you ready for class?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I just want to grab a coffee first. I can’t survive without my morning coffee.”

“I can’t drink that stuff, but I can go with you. How’s the concert and practicing going?” He asked.

“I think I’m ready. It’s such a big project, so exciting. I’ll forever be thankful that you spoke to your father about me. You have no idea how happy it makes me.” I didn’t think I would have been able to pull it off without his connections. This opportunity was the epitome of my life.

“I just told him you were teaching me. I didn’t have to explain anything. He knew who you were.” Evan clarified and I blushed. My reputation preceded me.

I knew I had talents, but it always surprised me to know that people knew me or had followed my career. I had played piano with the biggest names out there. All of this I did for myself, but also to make my parents proud. I believed they would have been.

We arrived at the small cafeteria on campus and I got myself a black coffee. This had become my drug, it kept me awake after a sleepless night.

In the morning class with Evan, I got to play piano for the students. They wanted to see what I had created and I explained the whole process of writing a concerto, something I had been working on for many years. It all started with my father. It had evolved a lot through the years and at the moment, it exceeded all of my expectations. Each and every chord brought something special and different. I could play with my eyes closed. Each time my fingers hit the keys, I knew exactly what was coming. The tips of my fingers danced, giving the rhythm to the music. While playing, everything in my head was clear, light and easy. Playing piano was the only time I felt so much at peace. Since my parents were gone, this hobby had transformed into something I needed to survive.

The students asked questions and I answered the best I could. Sharing my knowledge about my passion represented something that I cherished. I wanted all of them to have the same opportunities that I had. Making a living off something I loved so much seemed like the best way to live.

I stayed in the classroom late. I played for a little over two hours, but it felt like twenty minutes. My hands were getting tired and so was the rest of my body. I had survived on very little sleep all week, so I thought going to bed early would be good after all.

The music was playing softly in the car. I was driving and thinking about my Teo. My desire to call him persisted, but I was too exhausted to take action. I promised myself I would call him in the morning. A smile appeared on my lips just at the thought of hearing his voice.

The more I thought about it, the more I knew I wanted to spend my life with him. I hadn’t been home a lot in the past few years, but we tried to keep in touch every day or two. Our friendship had been filled with steamy passion, and a deep connection. We always acted like a couple, we held hands and cuddled on the couch while watching a movie. I always remained faithful to him, I wasn’t sleeping around. But as long as I was travelling, I didn’t think my heart could be with him a hundred percent. The difference wasn’t that significant but now, I wanted it all with him.

I wanted us to be official. The time had come.

... O ...

The sun was beginning to rise when I heard noises coming from the front door. Small knocks echoed in the cabin. Who could it be? I didn’t have friends here. It scared me, but the curiosity stopped me from going back to bed. I hoped it wasn’t some jackass playing games on me. Quietly, I tiptoed to the door and opened it just a little to see who was hiding behind it.

“Baby?” My voice broke with emotion. “You travelled all the way here?” I jumped into his arms and kissed every inch of his face. I never expected to see him. My heart filled with joy, I couldn’t believe he was standing there at my door.

“For you, Ophelia, only for you, my baby. I love you so much.” He returned my kiss and his arms took me in a warm embrace. I missed those strong arms around me so much. I wanted to stay there forever.

“Come on in. It’s small but big enough for us.” I let him enter, never letting go of his hand, never leaving his sight. So many emotions were expressed only by the look in our eyes.

He let his backpack fall on the floor and he lift me into his arms. “You are gorgeous, baby, you are so fucking perfect. I want to give you the world and make you happy.” He laughed out loud. “I’ve been thinking about what I would say to you for over sixteen hours, but seeing you here, now. There is only one thing you need to know. I’m in love with you and I want to share my life with you.”

“That makes two things,” I teased. “I am, too.” The words rolled off my tongue. “I’ve always love you and always will.”

We stood facing each other. Our past had been quite confusing at times. He’d waited for me, but whenever I was home, we were one. We acted like a couple, we were very involved physically. That was always our thing, our connection.