The various struggles, difficulties and joys of Jaquelene Kauffman, a young lady in her own business, driving her way towards success in the modern world. A character that is of determination, will and strength, mixed with love and light. Mingled in this story are a number of other characters that wary and weave the story into one single piece.
It was ten years ago. That last time they were together. Jaqy closed the bedroom door and leaned against it, her eyes tightly shut to keep him out of her mind. She had much to think, and was in panic. Her heart would not slow down, she put her hand as if to stop the beating, but it kept throbbing against it, shaking the tiny green heart on her bracelet. She looked at this piece of jewellery and with it memories rushed back into her thoughts. She gulped. Gaining control of herself, she walked towards her chest of drawers and dragged out the top drawer, bringing out a neat photo frame. She gazed into the picture it had. Her fingers traced the black hair, the sturdy jaw, and her heart shrinked at the memories that kept rushing in and out of her. This man, once very close to her; the fragrance of his perfume, the songs that he treasured, the warmth of his presence… that was ten long years ago and Jaqy was left with only broken dreams and hopes that would never come true. And this picture… how many times had she attempted to destroy it, but had failed for her feelings for him. Even after all these years, her heart was still with him. Despite all, her love was for him and that was the very bitter truth. Cavin still had the first place deep within her. She sighed and returned the photo frame, then glanced at her watch. She was late for the meeting, so she hurried to go, but the ringing of the telephone brought her back in.
“Kauffman Residence.” Jaqy spoke into the receiver and listened to the sounds at the other end.
“Jaqy, make it here soon, the guests are arriving.” That was her elder sister Maggy, so like herself, but yet so different, happily married and a mother of a beautiful baby girl.
“I’ll be there, right away.” And putting down the receiver, Jaqy got into the car and drove to their Holiday Apartments. This certainly was an overtiring, hectic day. In the evening, there was to be a banquet for all their special customers and important business persons and partners. This was an occasion on launching their new project – a series of luxury apartment homes. This was a big day, a big step forward in their business. Ever since Cavin left Jaqy, she turned her concentration onto the family business.
Jaqy’s mother had to run the apartments when her husband died. That was almost twelve years ago; the two girls were teenagers then, Jaqy was just sixteen. It was then a difficult and unsteady path, but now, with both daughters in the business and a son-in-law, the Kauffman Apartments were doing very well. Most of the credit goes to Jaqy. She was never a business-minded person; her aims of a career were far from it. However, after Cavin, it was for this business that she lived for. Putting her every bit of energy and sense into practice, she had achieved miracles. Now this latest project was another brain wave and Jaqy was to head the meeting tonight. It was not a hard job, for she was the ‘pretty, witty, clever Jaqy’. The thought brought a smile to her lips. It was the title Cavin bestowed on her, and the others took to it, no matter how she despised it. No good came out of her objections.
She drove up to the guest hall, and was just in time. The champagnes corked open, the evening went fine, just the way it was expected to go. Only at night, just before she went to bed, Margret came to talk. They usually had a sisterly chat before going to bed, but today’s chat much to Jaqy’s surprise, was about Cavin.
“How do you know we bumped into each other?” Jaqy asked Maggy. She thought no one knew as yet.
“Cavin phoned me.” Maggy explained, “I was going to tell you. He wrote to me a couple of months back.” Maggy then gave the envelope she held in her hands. It was not a business document as Jaqy had first thought.
“He says he cannot stay any longer in USA,” Maggy said, “his mother would help to look after David… I think it was hard after his wife died.”
To be continued – N.N
Beginning of Evil
Long ago in an ancient country, there lived a pious man called Nerescher. He had a wife called Mariguana, who was as curious as a cat. One day the chief ruler Ozimarios came to their house carrying a big black box. In this box he said were dreadful things, so they were not to open it. But as Ozimarios was journeying to a faraway land, he had to keep it at the husband and wives house.
"Of course, you can rely on us." smiled Nerescher, happy to think that the chief had such confidence in him. So the box lay for two whole days, when Mariguana asked her husband, "Can't we just peep in?" "Oh no! Do you want the chief to get angry with us? Besides it’s locked with many chains.” So Mariguana no longer asked her husband, but went quietly to see the box. Now this country was free of evil and only happiness and love existed. So, stooping low towards the box she suddenly heard chattering voices coming from the box. She listened and was sure that it must be some little birds, that she laboriously after many hours opened the box. As soon as she opened the lid, swarms of black, evil-looking, bat-like creatures flew out, uttering bad oaths and words. They brushed on her face. She screamed and got into an angry mood, and yelled at her angry husband, violently. However, from the box came a last creature; a beautiful bird called Hope. It touched them with her feathers and their upset tempers relaxed. “Now the Evils will create trouble. My job is to try to soften the hurt of the people.” Said Hope, and flew away. And even today, through all unhappiness, Hope still touches us with her wings.
-N.K
New version of "Pandora's Box" ... nice one! :)
ReplyDeleteer.. actually, it's the only version. :D
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