The Diary - scriptfiles.meetup.com/223265/the diary.doc · Web viewThe Diary. a Novel. by. Harris P. H. Tobing (in hand written text) Fall 1984… …I dedicate the culmination

The Diary

a Novel

by

Harris P. H. Tobing

(in hand written text)

Fall 1984…

…I dedicate the culmination of these words written through out this

closely protected diary as a personal journal and memory of a man

who I promised to love; who - after the Creator - made me live a living, lively, and full-life. He brought breath into me, even when not amidst my presence, full-filling the lonely emptiness. I

breathe when he breathes as he breathes when I breathe - 'til this day…

we are one, even in our distance and years apart. I pray that I will always be his butterfly and a joy to him - who sculptured my

heart with love, passion, reason, and wisdom of life.

To a gentleman that he is - whom I shall cherish and deeply love, and take into the depth of my final abode - secretly, admirably,

and willingly. His love haunts me 'til this day…endlessly.

With passionate love xoxo

Butterfly

The Diary (sample chapters by Harris P. H. Tobing) 2

Note by the author: If you put your nose up to these pages, you can still smell the perfume that she would wear when writing in her diary, in remembrance of Gabriel.

Chapter 1:

Gabriel's sedan pulled to a halt in his driveway. It had been a long but rewarding day, caring for the elderly - volunteering; one of the things he does on a weekly basis. He does this to keep himself busy, active, and useful for someone who has also passed the retired age of 65.

Gabriel takes a deep breath, mainly to catch his breath and muster enough energy to exit the car and enter into his house. He's been doing this for over 3 years - caring for the elderly, and he loves every minute of it, every time he's with them - for he knows, his time will come when he will need special care. And what brings him about routinely is the stories that they tell, of how they lived with passion, with the hunger to live full lives - even in their ripe ages of 70 and above.

Gabriel takes his time, easing his thin athletic body as he stands, towering at just 5 foot, 11 inches, straightening and stretching his legs and back from the long 3-hour drive. He selected Davidson Nursing Home near the Shenandoah Mountains because of its location - out and up in the hills, away from hectic traffic noise and business of today's overflowing suburbs, cities, and towns. With his spring jacket and personal belongings in hand, he stepped up on to the porch and entered into his cozy home.


The familiar smell of his house is welcoming to him, the smell of flowering plants that grow year long, and a hint of coffee from earlier that morning. But even a warmer welcome is his cat, Jack.

“Jacko. How you doing buddy?” he asked, as he took a moment to pat Jack with long strokes who proudly stands at the edge of the chair by the door. “You like that don't you? You miss me? Bet you did, and I bet you’re hungry.” Jack responded by raising his rear-end to get the most of the rough strokes from Gabriel's strong hands.

Jack is a quiet cat; seldom does a verbal sound come out of him, but his loud, very loud purr makes up for his silence. Gabriel and Jack have a simple agreement - feed me, and you can pat me. Simple and to the point, which is equivalent to very low maintenance; most guys can appreciate that.

“Look what we've got here Jacko, mail! Just what we need - more bills.”

Jack has turned his back on Gabriel, curling on top of his jacket that was thrown on the couch; and digging his claws - paw by paw as his loud purr roars. Gabriel eyes him, but ignores to discipline Jack out of exhaustion.

Gabriel has an old house, build right after the war - with a wrap-around porch that he built years ago, and the only one on the block. Inside is bright from the sun's glorious evening rays that penetrate through the many windows. Each room is decorated in simplicity, each accommodating to a specific need; functional, minimal, and clean. The uniqueness of this house is that it is simple, cozy, and simply – home.

* *** *

Gabriel finally finds himself behind his desk after a shower and dinner. He sits comfortable in his old, worn-out leather office chair with his chocolate-raspberry flavored coffee placed on a ceramic coaster by his side. The medium-size den is warmly lit with natural-dark tone furnishings through out the room. Jack lays stretched out by the floor vent near the window, cleaning his paws with his tongue.

Gabriel goes through the latest mail; one-by-one.“Junk. Junk. Bill. Another bill.” Gabriel stops as he comes upon

an unusual letter, “What’s this?” On the left, top corner heading of the envelope it reads, ‘Estate & Funeral Coordination’. Gabriel opens the envelope – cleanly cut with his father's old, letter opener. He reads -

Dear Mr. Gabriel P. Miles:

We are sadden to inform you that Mrs. Maria Grace Bancroft has recently passed away after a short battle


of cancer. According to her will, you are requested to attend the will and estate meeting on Dec 12, as an inheritor, and as we are advised by the State of Maryland.

We look forward to your attendance, and our condolence to you and the lost of Mrs. Maria Grace Bancroft. She will be missed greatly.

Sincerely,

Gabriel's eyes swelled, holding back unexpected tears as his hands collapsed with the letter still in hand - onto the desk. He quickly reached for the phone and began to dial, but stopped - placing the phone back into its hold. He breaks into an emotional sob. This is one of the few times that Gabriel can remember where he broke down into an uncontrollably flowing sob; this being the most difficult and hardest for him in many years.

* *** *

At the driveway entrance gate, a guard controls the flow of the attendees entering, checking off names of those who are on the selected short list to be admitted onto the grand land of Bancroft’s estate.

"Good afternoon, sir," said the guard."Good afternoon," replied Gabriel."Your name, sir?""Gabriel Miles.""Yes, please - they're expecting you. My condolence to you - Mr.

Miles.""Thank you." Gabriel moved his sedan forward and passes

through the tall, gothic-style iron gates that protect this property’s estate. He drove up to the front, and parked along the edge of the asphalt driveway. He sat for a moment - pondering over the significance of this event. He knows he doesn't belong here, but only out of respect and love for Maria, he is presenting himself in this awkward position; while simultaneously, he too needs closure, and for some reason, there is a feeling of nervousness that haunts him, a feeling he hasn't felt since his first days with Maria, many, many years ago.

As he stood by his vehicle looking at the estate, he took a few minutes to absorb the grandeur of this mansion of a property. He heard that Maria and her husband were wealthy, but to the extreme of


this was not in his understanding or comprehension; not until this very instant, it finally hit him with a swooping awe.

The mansion - not your typical modern mansion, had a history. It was built in the mid-1800’s and past down from generation to generation, until the great depression of ’29. For several decades the mansion sat, unoccupied, deteriorating slowly. Stories of the house being haunted – unfolded, causing hush-tone gossip and people to stay far away, until an oil tycoon by the name of John H. Bancroft purchased it. After extensive renovation work, the mansion came alive, and people started to come from every corner of the country – mainly because of the kindness of the Bancroft’s extensive charity; helping many of the unfortunate.

From the outside, the mansion was covered in light beige, brick color finish and wrapped with an awesome trim package that detailed the cornices, lavishing windows, and tall, solid Brazilian-Oak, multi-panel doors. Over watching the property from the roof line are custom made ‘eagle’ sculptures, with their wings spread – soaring against the bluest of skies, produced by a copper finish bronze that has now been iodized by time.

Inside, the mansion stood 5 floors tall, an old but well maintained structure. Grand in all its aspects, it stood alone, unique in its design and craftsmanship. The hardwood floors are solid with a high-gloss finish; and in some areas creaked when winter struck hard. Authentic wood finish trim bled up from the base and up onto the walls accenting wall openings. The high ceilings were majestically stroked with ‘holy’ figures set in a softness of mystical clouds. In the middle of this mansion is a grand set of stairs that encouragingly invokes ones eyes to look up and stretch the neck back as ones eyes falls onto the stainless-glass ceiling that protected the fifth floor. Yes, its structure and craftsmanship is grandeur and detailed in precision, and nothing resembled it; and all who witnessed it were amazed by it.

* **** *

Gabriel stood at the main entrance of one of the grand room and found it filled with fewer than two dozen attendees that he had never met. From his deduction, it seemed that each chair was calculated for the expected guests in attendance. There were several representatives from the funeral company that stood in designated areas, dressed in black formal attire curtailing the needs of the guests. A representative noticed Gabriel's presence and approached him.

“Mr. Gabriel Miles, I presume,” she asked softly in a very polite manner.


Gabriel was shocked that this person knew him – his name. “Yes, I am – how’d you know?”

“They’ve been expecting you. Please, follow me.”Gabriel followed the representative as he was shown to his

designated seat. The other attendees in the room curiously turned to watch as Gabriel made it to the last empty seat, on the end of the front row. Before he sat, he noticed an elderly man, close to his own age, who sat in the middle of the front row who frowned with curiosity at Gabriel. This is Mr. Henry Bancroft, the husband of the late Maria Bancroft.

Henry Bancroft’s presence was that of elegance and power. Dressed in the best of European attire, he sat with a straightness of formality – attentive, with a commanding demeanor, even in his senior age. His white hair enriched his solid-frame structure, and his eyes were piercing with strength and kindness, and his voice would be soft and sincere. Next to him was a young lady that looked half of Henry’s age, this was Olivia, Maria’s daughter.

Gabriel politely and subtly nodded to them in respect, out of his good gentle and kind manner when their eyes met with his; after all, he is a stranger at this formal estate meeting – at least to the extent of his knowledge.

Gabriel sat down and crossed one leg over the other and stared in the direction as the others did – straight ahead. What he discovered in front of him and through out the room was a marvel of intricate craftsmanship of nick-knacks that filled the glass-display cases. As his eyes wondered, he realized that the room held a collection of souvenirs from ones travel, items that ranged from culture relics to books, photos, traditional statues, and more. The more he looked, the more intriguing the idea became – the idea of how, when, and why these items were collected and saved. It was an awesome display of diverse culture identity and curious discovery.

Before his mind could completely escape into a wonderland of imagination, Mr. George Konstanzi exited from a side-door entrance and entered the room. His entrance was that of grace and stern-liness as he diligently placed several folders and other articles on the table in front of him; which got the attention of the attendees. He was dressed in an exquisite and pristine black suite, and his pressed shirt was buttoned to the top, tightly - without a tie or bow.

“My name is Mr. George Konstanzi,” he stated. “I am representing the late Mrs. Maria Grace Bancroft in accordance to her last will and testament. Directly in front of me are her husband, Mr. Henry J. Bancroft, and their daughter Olivia J. Bancroft.”

They both nodded politely in response.“We will abide by the will as of Mrs. Maria Bancroft’s last request,

and honor it with respect and in memory of the good person she was.” Mr. Konstanzi took a moment and looked around the room and then


said, “I am told that all of you are present based on the list, request by the deceased. Are there any questions at this time?” He looked around again and then said, “No questions, then we shall begin.” He sat down - properly, placing himself on a black, leather chair, behind an antic wooden desk.

The room was quiet as they all sat in suspense. A few of the guests turned and looked around the room and at others who were attending this gathering – curious, wondering who’s who, and who will get what, and for what reason, but for the most part, most knew each other; and nobody knew who Gabriel was. Gabriel politely sat patiently, waiting to see how this would play out and wondered why he was summoned to this meeting. Mr. Konstanzi looked and exchanged a brief glance with Gabriel before turning his gaze onto Mr. Bancroft.

“With your permission Mr. Bancroft, we shall begin?” said Mr. Konstanzi out of respectful honor to the widower.

Mr. Bancroft agreed with a slight and polite gesture. “Very well. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. There are nine

items on Mrs. Maria Bancroft’s will, and among us there are seven family names listed on it and specified by the decease. Until now, this list has been disclosed from all those present today, including Mr. Bancroft.” Mr. Konstanzi glared around the room and at each member present. “At the moment, there are two rules that must be followed, both requested by the deceased, and we will abide by it - all of us; with no exceptions.” Mr. Konstanzi took a moment to reflect on the guest’s reaction within the room. “For the most part, most of you are confused by your presence here or the presence of others, in which we shall soon all discover shortly.”

There is an un-easiness in the room, with that said. Among the guest, some shift in their seats, others look around curious to what others were thinking, while Gabriel, and both Mr. Bancroft and Olivia sat un-moved, except for a quick glimpse between Gabriel and Mr. Bancroft.

“Rule number one, under all circumstances there is no haggling; an important request by the deceased – no matter what you think or believe should be or should not be yours; her request stands. Rule number two. All of you who are here were invited here because you will honor rule number one, with dignity and respect – with honor to yourselves, with honor to the others who are present, and to honor the late, Mrs. Maria Bancroft for her good will.” Mr. Konstanzi took a moment to observe the room, looking into each attendee’s eyes. “Am I clear, or are there any questions?”

The room is silent. “By your silence, I take it that every one is in agreement with

both rules that were mentioned.” Mr. Konstanzi said sternly. “Then, we shall begin with the first item on the list.”


An assistant came out from the side door and stood next to Mr. Konstanzi, carrying a silver, decorated tray. Gabriel noticed that Mr. Bancroft straightened up a bit, seeming slightly nervous.

“Mrs. Rachel Sanchez, you have worked for Mrs. Bancroft for over 20 years, diligently and dutifully at the Bancroft Salon. Therefore, because of your hard work and dedication, she has rewarded you as the rightful owner of the salon.”

Rachel Sanchez trembles in disbelief. Her hands covered her gracefully aging face as tears rolled down. Her husband, Mr. Sanchez comforted her. They are both from Argentina, in their late-50’s. The assistance walked over with the tray. Rachel Sanchez shaking-ly reaches for the small box. She opened it, and discovered a key with a gold tag that read, ‘Bancroft Salon’. The assistant then hands over a folder to her husband as part of the award deal; the details and rules of ownership and so-forth.

“Mrs. Sanchez, with your key is a folder that contains papers for you to sign that will declare you owner of ‘Bancroft Salon’ and some of the legalities that come with this responsibility. Congratulations to you.” said Mr. Konstanzi.

Mr. Bancroft nods in agreement to Mrs. Sanchez receiving ownership of the Salon.

“Mr. Bob Washington?”“Yes sir, present,” he said nervously, standing in respect of the

occasion. Mr. Washington is African American in his late-40’s, still athletic and strong with a deep, booming voice.

“Mr. Bob Washington, you have been an inspiration to the community with your involvement at the ‘Bancroft Youth Club’, mentoring, inspiring, and reaching out to the youth and community at large. Therefore, because of your dedication and determination for improving the community, Mrs. Bancroft has awarded you as the owner and president of the ‘Bancroft Youth Club’.”

Mr. Washington clasps his hands together and lowers his head for a brief moment of prayer, closing his eyes. His thick-rimed eye-glasses hid his emotions. The assistant walks over and delivers a key with a gold tag that reads, ‘Bancroft Youth Club’.

“Mr. Washington, you too have a folder that contains papers for you to sign that will declare you owner of the Youth Club. Congratulations.”

Again, Mr. Bancroft nods his head, agreeing to Mr. Washington’s award.

“Mr. Samuel Dexter.”Samuel Dexter stands up with perfect posture as if he was on

call, and out of respect for the late Mrs. Maria Bancroft. He is in his late-60’s and has a difficult time standing up, but does so in respect for the late Mrs. Bancroft.


Mr. Konstanzi continues, “Because of your endless sacrifice to serve Mrs. Bancroft for over thirty-six years as her personal driver, she was only able to learn one thing from you. She writes and I quote, ‘Samuel deserves more than words can mention. No gift will due justice to his kindness, dependability, or to his appreciation for simplicity and modesty. I know that he will take nothing that is of value from this earth because he is one that seeks the justice and rewards of paradise. But for what it is worth, I beg for him to care for one last thing I did treasure – the S-Type, Jaguar. So, I humbly ask you, Samuel to accept this one worldly gift that doesn’t equal your heavenly character. Thank you Samuel – for everything’.” Mr. Konstanzi places the letter into an envelope, and hands it to the assistant with the key to the Jaguar.

Mr. Dexter still standing, accepts the Jaguar key and a gold tag that reads, ‘Mr. Samuel Dexter’. He holds it tight, clasped between his hands and nods to Mr. Bancroft, Olivia, and Mr. Konstanzi with humble appreciation. He attempts to hold back his tears, but it over takes him, soaking his short stubbed beard. Olivia gets up and moves to where Mr. Dexter stands, giving him a long hug of appreciation.

“Thanks,” Olivia said softly. “She really loved you and learned from you – and I too. Thank you.”

“May God be with her,” Mr. Dexter softly replied as he slowly sat still with tears in his eyes; and with the help of Olivia.

“Chad Williams and his parents David and Judy Williams.” announced Mr. Konstanzi as he continues.

Mr. Bancroft turns and looks to his right and smiles. He finds Chad, a young man of 13-years of age sitting in a wheel chair, flanked by his parents. Chad has Multiple Scleroses.

“Mr. Williams, for your inspiration and celebration of life, you and your parents - have all inspired Mrs. Bancroft to look deep into the value of life, the value of struggling, the value of endurance and perseverance. And because of your enduring story, she wants to reward you with two gifts. The first are Frankie and Tinny, her two cats – that Chad adores and is fond of, and the second is a two-million dollar check to cover your past and future medical expenses.”

Mrs. Williams can’t believe what she just heard, briefly frozen in shock at this unexpected news, breaks into tears and gasping for air. Chad looks at his mom’s reaction and smiles, and then with difficulty, struggles to raise his hand that uncontrollably shake as he sticks his thumb up in approval to Mr. Bancroft. It is an amazing feat for him, and an emotional moment for all present.

The assistant sets down two large animal cages with Frankie and Tinny - who are inside the cages in front of Chad, then handing over an envelope to Mr. Williams, who cautiously takes it from him unsure of its magnitude.


“Mr. David Williams, that check is only meant and dedicated for medical bills to pay for all of Chad’s needs. And you will be working with Mr. Bancroft’s personal accountant to legitimate all transaction.” continued Mr. Konstanzi.

Mr. Williams sits there in awe struck. Then, unexpectedly - Mr. Bancroft stands and kneels next to Mr.

Williams and says as he pulls out an envelope from his breast pocket, “This is an additional check for two-hundred thousand dollars, donated by the Bancroft Foundation for you and Mrs. Williams to help with the needed renovation to your house to accommodate Chad’s physical needs.”

Tears flow from Mr. Williams; he is extremely touched by the incredible generosity that the Bancroft’s have done towards him and his family. He humbly stands and gives Mr. Bancroft a hard hug, squeezing the air out of him; tears still escaping from him. He finally releases his squeeze, as they both looked at Chad who now has both thumbs up, and smiling. Mrs. Williams is still in shock and is assisted by a representative who serves her a glass of water. After several minutes of the emotional commotion, they all return to their designated seats.

Mr. Konstanzi continues, “The Bancroft’s were inspired by your story Chad, and your struggle to contribute back to the society, giving tirelessly to bring the awareness of MS to the attention to higher society and the like. Your inspiration inspired Mrs. Bancroft, and she thanks you.”

Chad acknowledges the words, and signals with a slight smile and minute nod to Mr. Bancroft.

“The rest of Mrs. Bancroft estate will be divided between Mr. Bancroft and their only daughter, Olivia Justina Bancroft. Olivia, your mother loved you and she thanks you for being the daughter you are. She writes, ‘what your worth, is not in dollars or material things, it’s your heart, and that’s what you are all about’. This is a direct quote from your mother.” Mr. Kontanzi continued and said, “She has a letter here for you to read, prior to the time the sickness over took her.”

Olivia and Mr. Bancroft hold hands.Mr. Konstanzi continues, “Therefore, the rest of the finances and

estate will be divided between Mr. Henry Bancroft, who will receive half of the fortune, and to Olivia Justina Bancroft who will receive a quarter of the fortune. The other quarter of the fortune will continue to go towards existing charities until the agreed duration and in accordance to her will.”

Olivia and Mr. Bancroft hug each other and are happy with the declaration. Mr. Bancroft begins to get up, but is stopped with Mr. Konstanzi’s soft but stern voice. “Please Mr. Bancroft; there is still one last article that needs to be distributed.”


“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” He sits back down. “Please, continue; I deeply apologies for my rudeness.” He turns to the other attendees. “To all of you, forgive me.” Those who respond, wave him off, are not offended and sit patiently for Mr. Konstanzi to continue.

Mr. Konstanzi gets up from his chair and moves in front of the table. He takes a moment and looks around the room, resting his eyes on Gabriel. Mr. Bancroft follows Mr. Konstanzi’s look, and he also rests his eyes on Gabriel.

“The last article that I will distribute, I find very difficult for me to do. But I have to abide by the last will and testament that was requested by Mrs. Bancroft. Truthfully, I don’t understand it – and I have no right to, but maybe we will be enlightened by it – shortly.” said Mr. Konstanzi.

Every person in the room is on the edge of their chair, curious in suspense wonderment. A murmur of whispering begins as they all look around to those who haven’t received anything yet; and their eyes all rest on Gabriel.

An assistant comes out with an old, worn-down, leather bounded book. Mr. Konstanzi reaches for it and holds it in his hand, looking it over. “This is a diary. I’ve had this ‘diary’ in my possession for more than a week. And I’ve not opened to see what is in its contents or why this book will have a significant out-come that may transpire at this very moment. And I too am curious to find out.” Mr. Konstanzi looks around the room as he holds the diary up for all to see. He continued, “This is Mrs. Brancroft’s diary. Have any of you seen this diary before or know of it?”

There is no response. Everybody shakes their head. Nobody could claim that they’ve seen it or knew of it. All are curious to know whom this diary will go to.

“Olivia?” Mr. Knostanzi asked. Olivia shakes her head also.“Mr. Bancroft?”Mr. Bancroft struggles to remember if he ever saw the book – the

Diary; pondering in deep thought as he rubbed his chin and squinted his eyes. He too shook his head.

“I was instructed to read the first written entry by Mrs. Bancroft before giving it to the inheritor. And I must say that I am bewildered by this request, and hopefully it will be clarified – soon after.”

All the attendees, including Mr. Bancroft began whispering and looking around the room. Gabriel held his gaze towards Mr. Konstanzi, holding his tongue in silence. Mr. Konstanzi looked directly at Gabriel for a brief moment before Gabriel turned away; closing his eyes and waiting for the read. Mr. Konstanzi gave a quick glimpse to Mr. Bancroft, then opened to the first entry and began. “It reads,”


Fall 1984…










Butterfly

The attendees were all froze in silence; not a single attendee moved - mesmerized by the words spoken from the words written in the diary. Words that were sewn together by a heart filled with love, hope, and emptiness. Tears escaped from a few of the attendees, more so from Olivia and Mrs. Sanchez then others, as they wiped away their tears.

Samuel Dexter whispered loudly to himself, “Beautiful.”“I didn’t know she could write like that.” Olivia said as she turned

to her dad and asks, “Did you dad? Was that meant for you? Maybe a long time ago?”

“I never knew she had a diary. I don’t know of any of this,” he stammered!

Mr. Konstanzi walked around the room. All eyes were on him, fixed and following him, as his footsteps echoed across the room. “I find these words to be extremely profound, in every dimension.” He looked around, watching the reaction of the attendees in the room. The attendees too, were looking around in wonderment.

“I don’t believe that belonged to my mother.” cried out Olivia.


“This ‘Diary’, does belongs to you mother, Mrs. Maria Grace Bancroft; there is no doubt, no doubt. And she has requested it to go to one person.”

“She’s my wife! It belongs to me.” exclaimed Mr. Bancroft.“True, she is your wife,” answered Mr. Konstanzi, as he stopped

just short of where Gabriel sat. “But this book, this ‘Diary’ is dedicated to non other than, Mr. Gabriel P. Miles.”

“I’m sorry?” Gabriel exclaimed in surprise as he looked up at Mr. Konstanzi as Mr. Konstanzi placed the diary on to Gabriel’s lap.

“Excuse me!” Proclaimed Mr. Bancroft. “What’s the meaning of this? Who are you? How do you know my wife?” He exclaimed as his soft voice increased into anger, out of confusion, and into rage.

“Oh my God!” exclaimed Mrs. Sanchez.Olivia stood up and moved towards Gabriel. “I don’t believe this

either! Who are you?”Gabriel stood up in defense, reacting to the sudden hostility, and

holding up his hands and surrendering to the questions. “Hey, I don’t know anything about this,” he said in his defense to the Bancroft’s. He turned to Mr. Konstanzi and said, “Look, I don’t want this book! I don’t know anything about this, or where it came from, or why is it for me?”

“You better explain yourself Mister!” exclaimed Mr. Bancroft.“STOP!” Commanded Mr. Konstanzi. His stern voice resonated

within the walls of the room and silenced them all. Everybody froze in place. “You’ve all forgotten the rules that you promised to abide by. You have dishonored this event. You have dishonored your promises. You have dishonored Mrs. Maria Grace Bancroft.” He looked around the room to see everybody displaced from their formal position. “Now sit down! All of you; please.”

Everybody breathed a few breaths to release the sudden tension, before sitting back down in their designated seat.

“Rules are NOT meant to be followed under conditions such as this.” exclaimed Mr. Bancroft, still standing. He then directed his questions to Gabriel. “Did you have an affair with my wife? Did you?” As he raised his cane in anger.

Everybody stayed silent at that moment, waiting to hear an explanation that will exempt Gabriel from this accusation.

“Mr. Bancroft, no, I did not have an affair with your wife, nor do I know anything of this ‘Diary’ that has been handed to me.”

“Then, who are you? And how do you know my mother?” asked Olivia as she moved closer towards Gabriel, interrupting her dad. “I don’t believe you.”

“I am sorry. I don’t know why she would want me to have her Diary?”

“You know something, and you’re not telling. ‘Cause why would she give you something that obviously pours out love and passion? Huh?”


The room went silent again; and it was an expression that spoke volumes – it was enough. Gabriel looked throughout the room as everybody waited for an answer. Their gaze looked onto him, waiting for his response, begging for a legit answer. Mr. Konstanzi just stared directly at Gabriel; neutral in his position. Gabriel faced Olivia to respond. His voice was that with sincerity and regret for what had just transpired as he softly explained, “I do know Maria - your mother, but I didn’t come here with any expectation except to pay my respects to a great woman,” defended Gabriel.

“A great woman? How do you know she’s a great woman?” Mr. Bancroft asked angrily. “You are a liar!”

“No, I’m not. I’m telling you the honest truth!” said Gabriel as he defended himself again from the onslaught of accusations.

“How dare you present yourself here in my house? How dare you insult me with your presence?” exclaimed Mr. Bancroft.

“Who are you anyways?” Asked Olivia.Gabriel turned to Mr. Konstanzi for support. Mr. Konstanzi

stepped forward and stood between Gabriel and Olivia. “Please stop for one moment; everybody, please!” He took a breath so to ease the tension within the room. “This is Mr. Gabriel P. Miles. He is an architect by trade and has a distinguished reputation for his work and for his contribution in the industry – nationally and internationally. His name was presented on the list by the late Mrs. Bancroft, and that is why he is here. The late Mrs. Bancroft requested his presence, and I deem that you honor her request by not asking why he is here.” he said as he looked through out the sudden silent room. “His right was given to him by her invitation.”

“Maybe so, Mr. Konstanzi,” said Mr. Bancroft, “but I still warrant an answer as to why he is receiving a personal book – such as my wife’s personal diary; a guy I don’t even know; none of us knows him.”

“This is getting way out of hand,” Bob exclaimed as he moved his way towards the front where all the action has been taking place. “Getting upset is not going to help this situation, now you know that Mr. Bancroft,” he said softly, counseling the group. “Now, we all agreed to follow the rules that Mr. Konstanzi read to us earlier, and here we are up in flames. And I’m quite sure that this gentleman, Mr. Miles, has an explanation; right?” as he turned to Gabriel for support.

Gabriel looked him for a moment and said, “I am extremely sorry if I ruined this honorary event. I had no intentions to cause chaos in this time of difficulty; in this time of honor. I am deeply sorry Mr. Bancroft; truly,” said Gabriel. Then he turned to Mr. Konstanzi and handed him back the diary. “I can not take this, not if it causes this type of turmoil. I won’t. Please, give it to the rightful owner; not me.”

Mr. Konstanzi accepted the diary and took a step forward. “There is one more rule that I did not mention, because I hoped that it wouldn’t come to this.” Gabriel turned and headed towards the exit.


“I wouldn’t leave just quite yet, Mr. Miles,” his voice trailed behind Gabriel.

Gabriel stopped in his tracks and turned to face Mr. Konstanzi and the attendees.

“Rule number three has major implications based on the last article, which is the possession of the diary.” Mr. Konstanzi looked directly at Gabriel. “If you leave this room without honoring the late Mrs. Bancroft’s request, then all will suffer the same consequences. Do you know what that means Mr. Miles?”

“This is outrages!” pronounced Mr. Bancroft angrily. “You can’t do that.” said Gabriel. “What kind of rules are these?” asked Olivia. She turned to her

father, “Can he do that?”“Oh, on the contrary Mrs. Bancroft, these are not our rules.

These are your mother’s direct stipulations, and we are only here to apply them; and my job is to follow these stipulations which have been underlined under article 63, section 8 of the State of Maryland.”

“Meaning?” asked Mr. Bancroft.“Meaning, if I do not execute my job according to an individuals

will, it stipulates that I loose my license and my service fee for today’s services; which I must say is a very handsome reward. But on the contrary, my lost is not as valuable as all of your lost”.

“Why don’t you say what you have to say, Mr. Konstanzi?” asked Bob Washington.

“You should ask Mr. Miles.” answered Mr. Konstanzi. “He understands exactly what I am saying.”

Everybody turned to Gabriel for the answer.Gabriel looked out into every eye with in the room. “What Mr.

Konstanzi is saying is that, if I don’t take this diary as requested by Maria – excuse me, Mrs. Bancroft, then all of us will forfeit the inheritance that she so delicately distributed to each one of us,” he said before turning to Mr. Konstanzi. “Is that correct, Mr. Konstanzi?” asked Gabriel as he looked directly at him to confirm his interpretation.

“Bravo Mr. Miles.” said Mr. Konstanzi. He then turned towards the Bancroft’s and asked, “Are you willing to loose your inheritance, and yours too Mrs. Olivia, and the inheritance of the others because of a book that the both of you knew nothing about, Mr. Bancroft? And I am quite sure that even Mr. Miles was just as surprised and awestruck by this event – innocent of all accusations.” He looked around the room, waiting for anybody to disagree with him.

Their response was silence; un-sure how to answer under the new exposed circumstance. Mr. Konstanzi turned back to Gabriel and asked, “And will you, Mr. Miles, deny the rights of the other inheritors because you choose not to accept yours, thou small in comparison; still are you willing to take that risk?”


Before Gabriel can answer, Mr. Bancroft shouted out his thoughts as he stood up and said, “This is outrages! It’s just not right. This man’s decision does not and can not determine the outcome of all the other individual’s earnings.” Mr. Bancroft turned to Gabriel and said, “I don’t know you, and I certainly don’t appreciate what has transpired here today or what has transpired between you and my wife in the past. You’re not walking out of here with that diary! It doesn’t belong to you.”

“Dad you can’t do that. You’ll be sacrificing everybody else’s inheritance that mom gave to them.” exclaimed Olivia. “Don’t you want to honor Mom’s wishes?”

“I’ll do what I damn want! This is my house. And she’s my wife!” proclaimed Mr. Bancroft. “What about my honor?”

“Dad, please, don’t get mad. It won’t help.”“This is ridiculous. I’ve never heard of a thing.” said Gabriel. He

turned and began walking out of the room.“Don’t you walk away from me! I’m talking to you,” Mr. Bancroft

yelled after Gabriel, and as he began to follow after Gabriel.“Stop Daddy!” Exclaimed Olivia as she tried to hold on to him.

But he was too strong for her and brushed her aside. She fell to the floor, un-hurt.

“Where’re you going, Mr. Miles?” he asked as he continued after him.

Mr. Washington got in front of Mr. Bancroft, and thou Mr. Washington was a bigger, stronger, and a younger man than Mr. Bancroft, Mr. Bancroft was able to move Mr. Washington backwards, for a moment. “Mr. Bancroft, please stop. This is not going to help the situation.” said Mr. Washington urgently.

Olivia got up and grabbed onto her dad’s arm and began pulling him back. “Daddy, stop. Please!” Exclaimed Olivia; almost in tears.

Now, all the representatives who were passively watching moved towards the exit, to avoid a break out of violence as they held Mr. Bancroft back. Mr. Washington turned his back on Mr. Bancroft to go after Gabriel. “I want answers right now Mr. Miles. What kind of person are you to walk away from me,” continued Mr. Bancroft. “I did nothing to you. How could you…” Mr. Bancroft stopped his questionings and comments at that moment. His cane fell from his hand as he reached out for something – anything to support him as he began to loose consciousness and fall towards the floor.

Fortunately, some of the representatives caught him and helped him lay comfortably on the floor.

Olivia sat next to him and asked, “What’s wrong dad? What’s happening?”

He tried to answer, but nothing came out at that moment. His voice was barely a whisper. He just laid there as his eyes began to roll back.


“Does anybody know CPR”, shouted one of the representatives.“Mr. Washington, Mr. Washington.” yelled out Olivia. “My dad

needs your help!”Mr. Washington and Gabriel rushed back into the room from

around the corner. “Move!” warned Mr. Washington, as he made his way between the observers and slid next to Mr. Bancroft. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know,” said Olivia panicking. “He just fell.”As Mr. Washington worked on helping Mr. Bancroft, Gabriel

jumped on the phone and dialed 911. “Yes, is this 911?”

Chapter 2:


That night, Gabriel could not sleep. He wondered aimlessly throughout the house in the dark; lit only by the full illumination of the moon as it glowed against the window blinds that established his path into the kitchen, where he finally turned on the lights and dimmed it down. He eventually sat in his favorite chair in the living room - the leather recliner, with his favorite cup of hot tea - ‘Good Hope Vanilla’; and sipped it to comfort his restlessness as he wondered and pondered at the day’s event. He stared at the diary as it lay under the table light on the side-table, taunting him to open it up and read; but he refused un-budgingly, to a point he cursed it. It already caused him a lot of confusion and agony; and pain and anger to people he’d never met before.

He couldn’t imagine that Maria would dedicate her personal diary to him to trust, and hold, and own. How could she do such a thing? Openly instructing this last article in her will to be announced in front of her husband, her daughter, and the others? It had a profound impact on him, and it bothered him deeply. He was angry – because that was not her style, but sub-consciously that was her too, somewhat – self assuring and direct with a hidden meaning that only somehow - she knew, with a greater outcome that would benefit the whole.

The turmoil that frustrated him with more concern was the condition of Mr. Bancroft’s health. Gabriel blamed himself for Mr. Bancroft’s incident - sending him to the hospital, leaving a restlessness within him. And thou he wanted to visit Mr. Bancroft, he was uncertain if his presence would be welcomed, or worst – possibly initiate another health scare. All of this was upsetting to Gabriel – and he did not know what to do or how to go about dealing with it. All he knew was that in this moment of his life – it was simple routines of habitual weekly outings and tasks that fulfilled his world, his desires, and his needs – until earlier today; when he was asked to be the guardian of Maria’s diary.

He leaned back on his recliner exhausted over the thought of all of this – and in the morning, he found himself still slouched in the old leather chair – and stiff.

* *** *

It was late in the morning and Olivia patiently sat outside of her father’s hospital room, on a hard and uncomfortable visitor’s chair. She sat silhouetted against the window at the end of the long hallway


as the sun’s glare penetrated life into the silent and grey-lit hallways. She has been by her fathers’ side ever since, forging a new lifestyle and forgetting all her responsibilities to the world, and has done what all righteous daughters would do – pray and be patience. This was especially hard on her since she was here only weeks ago for her mother’s ordeal, the cancer that over took her mother’s life, who was courageous during the ordeal; and now she still sits brave, waiting, and alone.

Along the hospital corridors, a few nurses could be found wondering in and out of patient’s rooms as they executed their daily tasks – caring for the sick. In the background, standard medical sounds and dialogue could be heard eerily echoing though out the hospital floor; thou at times, announcements over the PA system seemed to bring temporarily life to the quiet, white-sterile halls.

A small bag held her personal belongings, and a novel that she reads during her free time, laid tightly by her side. She sipped hospital coffee from a disposable cup which has become a necessary staple. She has been waiting for the latest results while thinking of her father – who she loved tremendously.

A door opened across from her, instinctively forcing her to stand to attention to discuss the health condition of her father with Doctor William Stephens; who also cared for Olivia’s mother when she was a patient and in the very same hospital. And now she is here by her father side as he too lies in the hospital – all because of a diary that was given to Mr. Gabriel P. Miles – a stranger to her and her family; a name unfamiliar to her and her father.

“How could my mom’s personal diary be given to him, a stranger?” She thought to herself, referring to Mr. Miles as she contemplated over the present situation. “Who is he?” and, “Why him? Was she crazy?”

Thou she stood in attention to her fathers doctor, Dr. Stephens; as she was battling those thoughts in her head.

“Ms. Bancroft? Ms. Bancroft?” The Doctor whispered softly. “Are you okay?”

Snapping out of it, she answered politely, “Yes, Doctor Stephens, I’m doing as good as I possibly can be. Thank you for asking.” She smiled and then asked, “How’s my father doing?”

“Actually, he is doing better than expected,” he answered, reassuring her with his comforting but robotic voice. “He’s strong and that’s important, which will help him with a faster recovery, hopefully.”

“When can he go home?” “Soon - at least in a couple of days or so. We still have to wait

for more test results to clear before we jump to any premature conclusion, okay?”


“Yes, I understand.”“Otherwise, he’s doing impressively.”“Great. Can I see him now?”“Yes you can, but I think he may be sleeping already.”“Really? Well, that’s good for him,” she said with a sadden tone.“Yes it is; I’m sorry, but may still see him.”“I can?”“Yes, but you’ll have to excuse me, but I’ve got to do my rounds,

so – if you need anything – anything, you know what to do. You’ve got my number, right?”

“Yes, I do. Thanks Doctor Williams,” she replied kindly.“You’re very welcome,” he said as he turned on his heels and

then stopped for a quick moment. “Oh, I forgot, don’t get him excited or anything; he needs his rest. So make sure there are no distractions or anything that could possibly get him all excited. Okay?” He instructed her.

“Yes, I will do my best,” she replied.“Ms. Bancroft, we’ll take good care of him. I promise.” He

politely reassured her. And with that, he turned and disappeared down the hall and around the corner.

Olivia walked up to the door of her father’s room, and stood there for a long moment. She contemplated the idea of what to say to her father, who to her was this tall and strong and an un-moving boulder of a man; strong in all his moments, yet soft and gentle in all his movements, and principal in old-fashioned character. Through the narrow-pane glass in the door, she saw him, lying motionless; attached to medical tubes and electronic wires. If she stared any longer from behind the door, she knew her emotions would get the best of her and so she entered with both feet under her.

Henry Bancroft basked in the soft glow of the early-noon sun. He lay motionless except for his normal breathing, which was being monitored through medical digital machines; he barely moved. There were more tubes and wires attached to him than initially noticed by Olivia, but it was okay she acknowledge in her mind, as long as everything was doing its duty to help her father improve – she was okay with it all.

She kissed him on the forehead and gently stroked his arm softly. “Dad? Can you hear me?” she whispered. She looked at him as he continued to lay motionless. “I’m right here. I won’t leave.” She quietly pulled the chair closer by the bed and sat. Her eyes were heavy from the tears and lack of sleep. Moments later, her head was resting on her fathers’ bed; her hands clinging onto his for comfort and strength she emotionally needed.


* *** *

It was just before two o’clock in the afternoon when Gabriel looked up at the clock on the wall. He was woken up by Jack, who was hungry and ‘meowing’ by the foot of his recliner, staring up at him.

“Hey Jacko.”Gabriel patted him, then got up and went into the kitchen; Jack

followed. Gabriel returned and sat nervously in his leather recliner –

fidgeting, and staring at the diary that still sat on the side-table – unmoved; untouched. Since the diary has been under Gabriel’s possession he has been passive to it – staring at it while contemplating the impact of its unknown contents and its secrets. This diary has derailed him from his habitual work around the house, which has made him uncomfortable and unable to focus on anything – let alone being productive by any means. He felt the weight of this diary on his shoulders as if he was chained down, and in affect made him unsure of how to handle this drastic change.

The ‘ticking’ sound from the clock’s second-hand echoed within his head at every strike, which made him fidgety and added to his restlessness. He squeezed the leather arm rest in frustrated anger – unable to take it any longer, he suddenly stood up and headed straight into his bedroom. Moments later he came out dressed in casual dress attire – looking quite nice, wearing a sport jacket. He grabbed his necessary personal belongings and car keys, and was out the door without even looking back.

* *** *

She hadn’t moved. Olivia spent most of the afternoon by her father’s bed holding on to her father whom she dearly loved, resting in an uncomfortable position.

A nurse walked in and gently woke her up. “Ms. Bancroft?” She whispered softly to Olivia. “Ms. Bancroft?”

Olivia woke up slowly, squinting from the light. “Yes?” she said as she stretched herself from the uncomfortable stiff position and tried to grasp her bearings.

“We need to wake your father and wash him down,” the nurse said.

“Yeah, sure,” she said, still waking up.“Could you step out for about an hour or so during this time?

Maybe after you freshen up and get something from the cafeteria, he’ll be ready,” suggested the nurse.

“Yeah, okay, I think I’ll stretch my legs or something.”


Olivia looked at her dad for a moment with awe, who was still sleeping. When she got up, she gave him a kiss on his forehead. “Love you dad,” she whispered lovingly to him. She looked at him as he continued to sleep - peacefully. Then she turned and left her father to the care of the nurse.

* *** *

Gabriel’s car came to a calm halt in the parking lot of the Shady Grove Hospital, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He turned off the engine and quickly pulled out the ignition key and sat in the car looking towards the seven-floor, white-glassed building that housed the sick and weak. He reached for the car door handle and opened the door, and before he could get out he closed the door on himself, shaking his head as he gazed again towards the hospital structure. He wasn’t sure why he came or why he didn’t go in. He just sat; contemplating, and staring at the upper floors, at the windows – guessing to which room Mr. Bancroft’s was being cared for.

“Why am I here?” he asked himself loudly. “I don’t know this guy? I didn’t do anything to him?” He looked, pondered; then, “Maria did this to him, not me. To hell with it.”

He stuck the key back into the ignition and fired up the engine. He grabbed the gear shift, but he didn’t move it. His hand held steady and firm on the gear handle without any notion of movement, as his eyes raced for answers before resting his forehead on the steering wheel, shaking it subtly side to side. Inside of him, he knew that he had to go in. He had to go in for his own peace of sake, and for the sake of Mr. Bancroft.

He looked up and then released his grip from the gear handle, and turned off the engine. With a deep breathe, he exited the car.

* *** *

Gabriel approached the nurse’s station. In his gentle manner, he religiously took off his cap and patiently waited for the nurse to finish her conversation on the phone. He looked around at the station, looking at the desk that was filled with charts and medical monitors of the patients under their care, and the clean organized area until his eyes fell onto the white board. He scanned the board until he found Mr. Bancroft’s name and saw that he was placed in room number 236.

“May I help you sir?” asked the nurse as she hung up the phone.“Yeah, ahhh, I’m just here to stop by and see a friend – Mr.

Bancroft. He’s in room 236,” he said as he pointed to the whiteboard.


“Yes he is. Are you a member of the family?”“Actually, somewhat, in a way – I am, but I just want to talk to

him and apologize for what happened.” “I see. Well, at the moment, only family members are aloud to

see him. I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in.”“Is there anybody I can talk to then? The doctor? Or someone to

give me permission to see him?”“His daughter is here, well, was here. She just stepped out. You

can talk with her when she gets back or maybe if you come back tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow!” He said with a raised voice, disappointed with her answer and not in context of his character. “I’m sorry,” he said softly – lowering his voice, “I just need to solve this issue.” He paused for a moment, and then said, “That’s okay. If you don’t mind, I’ll just sit by the door. I won’t go in.”

She looked Gabriel over and then said kindly, “That’s fine. And I’m sorry. I know it must be hard during this time, but these are the hospital rules and they are made for a reason. You do know that sir?”

“Yes. Thanks.” He pointed down the hall and said, “You don’t mind if I just sit and maybe wait for his daughter to show up?”

“Yeah, go ahead. Maybe she’ll be back?”“Thanks.”Gabriel turned and walked down the hall before the nurse called

out after him, “Sir, sir but it’s the other way, that way,” as she pointed in the opposite direction.

Without a word, Gabriel u-turned himself around and walked passed the nurse with a smile and a tip of his cap. He continued down the hall until he found Mr. Bancroft’s door with the number - 236.

Gabriel stood at the door of Mr. Bancroft’s room; staring through the window pane - unsure of what to do now that he was there. But deep inside of him, he had to come and explain himself; at least explain to Mr. Bancroft who he was and convince him of his innocents. But with his latest promise to the nurse - he didn’t dare to enter Mr. Bancroft’s room. He stood there staring into the room – observing; taking note of Mr. Bancroft’s condition and all the medial attachments adhered to his body.

As Gabriel stood at Mr. Bancroft’s door, unknown to him from down the hall, Olivia had stopped by the nurse station. She chatted for a brief moment before the nurse pointed towards Gabriel’s direction. From a distance her demeanor spontaneously changed, and she quickly waved off the nurse and headed straight towards Gabriel.

“Excuse me!” she sternly whispered loudly. “What are you doing? Haven’t you done enough for one day?”


Gabriel was shocked by her sudden presence. He quickly backed away from the door and held his head low; and quickly removed his cap out of habitual politeness and due respect.

“Forgive me, I don’t mean to offend you,” he said softly. “I was only wanting to apologize for what had happened.”

She was taken aback by his chivalry and she quickly retreated to her normal being; also shocked by her spontaneous outbreak. They stood for a moment in awkward silence before she quickly apologized for her offensive remark. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…it’s just that…” she stopped in mid-sentence. She continued, “I’m Olivia Isabella Bancroft, and that’s my dad in there, Mr. Henry Bancroft.” She stuck out her hand to shake his. “And you’re Mr. Miles, I believe?”

Gabriel reached out shook her hand. “Please, call me Gabriel.” “Gabriel.”Their eyes connected, out of curiosity or out of respect; but it

was just for a brief moment that brought a sense of easiness to this needed moment.

“Olivia Isabella - nice name. Your mother gave you that name.” He said it with conviction.

“Yes, she did.” She looked at him with curiosity. “How’d you know?”

“I didn’t, it just feels like she would.”They released their befriending grasp and settled into a

comfortable stance; curious of each other while simultaneously cautious. Neither knew the other and neither knew of the others intention, but they were game and willing to learn and discover the unknown.

She continued by asking, “How’d you know my mother? I mean, that’s why all this fuss, right?”

“Well, I did know your mother, and – but, well - I just wanted to apologize to your dad for what had happened. I mean, I – I am just as surprised as any of you were. Really!” Gabriel stared at Olivia as he was talking, and he couldn’t stop staring at her - at how much she looked like her mother. And she noticed his deep stare towards her which made her quickly uncomfortable.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked as she protectively stepped back.

He again looked down and away, embarrassed by her direct remark. But he was embarrassed in a good way because it brought back memories of a time that he hid all his adult life; even for that brief moment, it was an awesome moment. “No. I mean I’m – sorry,” he calmly replied in a voice that spoke of love, “You remind me of your mother, she had – I mean, you have her eyes.”

Olivia loosened up at his comment, smiled and then a sadness over came her as she held back a self-fish joy, holding back tears and covering her mouth. She turned away with her back towards Gabriel,


struck by his kind comment - was reminded by the recent lost of her mother. For some reason, his comment was soothing and assuring, which erupted her compressed emotions. He gave her a moment of needed solitude, thou he didn’t understand all of it, he got it. He was quiet, patiently waiting, and defensively trying to understand this moment.

“My father used to say that to me - when my mom was away; that we had the same eyes. And now you! But, you don’t know me,” she said softly; still with her back to him as she wiped away her tears.

He didn’t answer. He didn’t know that his instinctive comment would have this type of an affect on her by his simple words of love that he still had for a woman he longed for and remembered. He stood in silence. He slowly reached with his hand towards her shoulder – wanting to comfort her, but he stopped and withdrew his hand, while simultaneously stepping back. This was not his place; it was not the right time, and he had no right of being a comforting friend. He was here for Mr. Bancroft to ask for forgiveness for what had happened; and that’s it.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to bring back memories; I only came to see your father. And maybe now is not the best time. But possibly I could see him – another time, another day?”

She didn’t answer right away. She was busy wiping away her tears and taking a deep breath to strengthen her spirits. He stood a moment more – unsure, and feeling ignored; he began to back away and moved down the bare hall.

“Don’t leave,” she whispered - loud enough for him to stop in his tracks.

He stopped and turned, looking slightly over his shoulder.“Wait please.” She said, as her head slightly turned in his

direction. And then she disappeared into her father’s room, leaving Gabriel alone in the hall.

Minutes went by. He respectfully didn’t dare to spy into the room, and so he found himself sitting on the hard and uncomfortable chair that was adjacent to the room; waiting, hoping, wanting to encounter Mr. Bancroft and explain himself – actually clarify himself of something he didn’t do.

Moments later, the door opened from the room. Gabriel sprang into attention, while subtly straightening out his appearance. Olivia exited and let the door close behind her. They met in the middle of the hallway.

“My father is asleep. I couldn’t wake him, so I’m sorry. But I’m quite sure that he’d like to talk to you when he finds his strength and just chat. He’s a very fair man,” she said diplomatically, “I believe he’ll talk to you.”


“Well, that’s good that he’s getting his rest. He’ll need it.” Gabriel then reached back for his cap that rested on the chair and said, “Then I will be back another day, if that’s okay with you?”

“Yeah, that’ll be great.” she said with a smile.“It has been a pleasure to meet you Olivia. Your mother must

have been proud of you.” And with that, he smoothly glided his cap on to his head and tipped it with a slight nod to say good-bye and started down the hall.

She watch him walk a bit down the way, then followed him a few steps before asking, “Are you hungry?” He stopped and turned.

She met him at his stance and asked, “Would you like to grab something to eat? I mean, I don’t want to impose on you, but - I don’t think I want to eat alone, either.”

Gabriel looked at her with a smile and replied, “Yes, I’d like that.”

* *** *

The cafeteria was a nice, comfortable sized room, but mainly it was clean. It offered a large selection to choose from the buffet and the special-order menu section, but in general it was good ordinary hospital food; and a-bit pricy.

Olivia and Gabriel sat at a 4-seat table that ran along the side wall, under a painting that was painted by a previous patient. It was quiet at the moment, filled with only a few employed doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who sat through out the room, chatting.

Olivia sipped her coffee, while staring at Gabriel – analyzing him. To her, he is a stranger, but for some reason she felt totally comfortable with him; and she was determined to find out more about him rather than to hate him.

“Mr. Miles, would you mind if I ask you a few questions?” she asked as she placed her coffee cup back on to its saucer plate.

“You may, but please, again – call me Gabriel,” he replied with an accompanied smile.

“Very well – Gabriel,” she answered as she leaned forward, resting her folded arms over one another on the table. “How did you know my mother? I mean, I’m in my 30’s and I’ve never heard her mention your name or heard of you, and I certainly didn’t know anything about this mystery diary of hers until yesterday.”

“Really!” he replied. He nodded to himself, understandingly knowing why no one knew of the diary. “Then, as it should be.”

“Can you explain your relationship with my mom? And the diary?”


“Well, I too didn’t know anything about the diary. I am just as surprised as you are.” he answered. “You know, your mother has placed me in a position of accountability that I have no power over. It was unknown to me as it was to you; and to the others there.” He looked at her in rightful defense. “And as for how I know your mother? Well…” he looked away from Olivia and drifted into a past thought for a brief moment; reminiscing a cultivated memory, “it was a long, long time ago; before you or your father became part of her blessed life.”

“Tell me,” she asked curiously, “If you don’t mind?”Gabriel took a deep breath, a breath for both him and Maria –

even as she laid in her grave; it was a breath of love, a breath of life, a life that brought out his smile – that brought something good for him. His eyes shinned with a distinguished aged wrinkle; a twinkled re-freshness of love he hibernated for many longing years that had escaped him. It took him some time to say the words he wanted to say; being very hesitant and precise to how he remembered her and would describe to her – her mother, the one he loved.

Olivia saw his genuine and immense feelings he still had for her late mom. And she should be disturbed, even upset for observing this awkwardness of fascination, but for some reason – her curiosity, she knew, would grant her a deeper understanding and love of who her mother was; a wonderment that itched in the back of her mind for a mother who held a diary in secrecy and had given it to a stranger. She sat unaware that she was mesmerized by him; and she waited patiently, fascinated to hear his words.

“The moment that I met her – I knew; we both knew.” Gabriel chose his words carefully as if the moment was fresh as the moment he met her. “She was an un-discovered treasure presented in front of every eye that saw her; bright, precious, and worthy in all her beauty.” He paused looking off into a distance as his voice trailed slowly and softly as if he was speaking directly to her this moment.

He turned and locked into Olivia’s eyes and said, “Her beauty was pure, innocent, fresh, and it shook me that very first moment; none before had ever done to me, and none after her. I was instinctively determined to prove my worthiness to her – no matter what it took.” He laughed to himself for a brief moment. “And it took a lot. She worked me as hard as I worked her – tastefully, and it was worth it. No regrets – either of us, I believe.” His smile grew as his eyes squinted into a distant yesterday that evoked a passion of bitter sweet memories, revealing seasoned wrinkles of lines around them.

Olivia continued to sit in awe – watching him observantly with her eyes keenly focused on his expressive demeanor, listening to Gabriel as he took only a few moments to describe to her – her mother, a mother who swept the heart of another man other than her fathers – and she was glued. She could feel what he felt as she smiled with an emotion of happiness for him. There was a sense of love that he had


for her that still lingered ‘til this day – and she saw that in him, in his eyes, and in how he softly spoke of her - her mother.

“You love her – still.” she asked convincingly.Gabriel was briefly stunned by her direct statement, but also

because it was that obvious; and without hesitation he said, “Yes, I do – still; even today.” He thought for a moment and then, “I miss her. You could say that she carved my heart with a deep love that could never be filled by another; and that’s been over forty years ago.”

“And how’d my mom feel about you? Do you know? Can you tell me?”

“Back then, she loved me; I definitely know that; with out a doubt.”

“And in the later years - before her death?”“I would hope she still did; but truthfully, I don’t know.” Gabriel

answered slowly with hope that in the back of his mind, Maria always loved him as he loved her. “I guess we’ll never know, will we?”

They both sat back thinking about the last words that Gabriel said, while a custodian came by and grabbed their empty dishes and wiped the table down with a damp rag. “Excuse me, let me just clear your table.” he said as he quickly finished and moved on to the next tables.

“Thank you.” Olivia gestured to the employee.A lingering of silence went by before Olivia asked, “What about

the Diary? What did she write in it? What did it say?”“I don’t know,” answered Gabriel. “I have not read it, or even

touched it.”“What!” Olivia was confused and perplexed by his answer.

“Why not? I mean, don’t you want to know? You know - all those un-answered questions that you have? The why’s and why not’s?”

“I don’t know if I want to know.”“Excuse me?! I don’t understand. Then give me the diary. I’ll

read it. Are you insane?”“No. Maybe.” he said calmly, confidently.“Where’s the diary?”“At the house.”“Can I pick it up? I’d like to know what happened between the

two of you, if it’s even in that book; or at least know more about my mom that I didn’t know. Maybe she has other secrets?”

“That book – the diary, is not meant for you. It was given to me.”“So, why don’t you read it? I mean, don’t you want to know?

Aren’t you curious?”“Yes, I suppose so; but inside of me – I’m not ready.”“You’re not ready? What does that mean?”“It means, I’m not ready to read her diary.”“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand?”


“Young lady, my heart has been broken several times in my life, but none so damaging as it was with your mother. I loved her, and I still love her. My life has been empty for all those forty years ‘til this very day. Empty without a full filled love.” Gabriel took a breath as he searched for the right words. “I don’t know if I’m ready to have my heart broken again, should I find out something that I don’t want to know or need to know. I am too old to go through all that again – that pain; not at this age. So please, give me some time to have the strength and courage I need to read her words, her story, her life; a woman’s secrecy.”

Olivia heard his words with a revealed understanding. She realized that the diary could possible hold answers to an old wound or possibly - damage a fantasy un-lived. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would…” her voice trailed off as she sat back against the chair, looking down and unsure of what to say and a bit embarrassed. He had a point and she accepted his answer.

They sat for some time and it was getting late. Gabriel looked at his watch and realized that they have over extended their stay. “Whoa, it’s late.”

Olivia looked at her watch too and agreed. “Yes it is. Oh my gosh.”

Gabriel stood up and grabbed his jacket and cap. “Well Olivia Bancroft, it was an honor to meet you and I truly enjoyed this chat. I also hope that I didn’t offend you in any way.”

“Oh no, you didn’t. It is I that probably offended you,” she said forgivingly as she too stood up to go. “Will you be by tomorrow – to visit my dad?”

“Yes, I’d like that – if you don’t mind. Do you think it will be okay?”

“I think so. I’ll tell him that you would like to come by and visit him. I’ll see what he says.”

“That would be great.” Gabriel pulled out a ‘business’ card from his old beat-up leather, brown wallet and handed it to her. “You can reach me on any of those numbers. I should be home. And yes, I think that is a good idea to let him know a head of time.”

Olivia looked over the business card. “Gabriel P. Miles. What does the ‘P’ stand for?”

“Peter. My mother gave me that name.”“Gabriel Peter Miles. Hmmm. And what did my mom call you

by?”Gabriel was surprised by that question but smiled at the thought.

“Ahh.” He smiled; he really smiled as he kept that information to himself.

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?”“No. No way.” While slightly shaking his head and still smiling

to himself.


“I see.” Olivia extended her hand to him, and he accepted the invitation. They shook hands. “Well Mr. Gabriel P. Miles, it is an interesting honor to meet you; especially under these circumstances. Never the less - thank you.”

“Thank you too, Olivia. I thoroughly enjoyed this moment and look forward to tomorrow – I hope.”

“Yes, me too.” “Please, give my greetings to your dad, and I hope that he gets

well quickly; God Willing.”“Thank you, I will. Oh,” she said suddenly, “I’m going to check

on him before I leave. Which way are you going?”“Right though those doors and to my car.” as he pointed to the

exterior doors just down the hall and past the cafeteria doors.“Okay, then good night.”“Good night Olivia.”Hesitantly, they both went their separate ways; both with more

questions, and curious to know more about each other and about the secrecy of the diary that Maria had accumulated all these years.

Gabriel sat in his car for a moment, though it was a bit chilly, he welcomed the freshness that it offered as he recaptured the day’s event. In his mind, he knew that he had to eventually read Maria’s diary, only problem was – will he willingly be ready to re-live those moments.

“She still haunts me; even now.” he whispered to himself. “Even now.”

Gabriel took a deep breath of fresh air before turning over his engine and backing out of the parking space. He took one last glance towards the hospital before speeding away towards the traffic light at the end of the hospital driveway. The light was red and he sat behind two other cars waiting for the light to change.

Usually, Gabriel does not listen to music while he drives; he listens to WTOP, a radio-talk station that always has the latest update on news, traffic, and weather. But for some reason, on this night - he scanned the stations and landed on an old song that reminded him of a time that he and Maria were together. A song by Journey entitled, ‘Faithfully’ had just begun. And he cranked it; with his windows still open – he sang…softly.

It brought him back to a different world, a different time. And as the music played, his mind wondered to the time he and Maria were first together. He distinctively remembered this song, because this is truthfully pretty much the only song he knows by heart; well maybe a few other songs by now, but this song – the lyrics, were ingrained in him like no other song.


Highway runInto the midnight sunWheels go round and roundYou're on my mindRestless heartsSleep alone tonightSending all my loveAlong the wire

They say that the roadAin't no place to start a familyRight down the lineIt's been you and meAnd lovin' a music manAin't always what it's supposed to beOh, girl, you stand by meI'm forever yoursFaithfully

Circus lifeUnder the big top worldWe all need the clownsTo make us smileThrough space and timeAlways another showWondering where I amLost without youAnd being apartAin't easy on this love affairTwo strangers learn to fall in love againI get the joy of rediscovering youOh, girl, you stand by meI'm forever yoursFaithfully…

He didn’t shed a tear, but it brought back good memories of Maria and him. It was a time when Gabriel and Maria were just getting to know one another. And at that time he was traveling and working on a project in Portland, Oregon, and Maria wasn’t able to visit because she too was busy with her own work. But he remembered that night in particular because it was late and he was just about to return to the hotel when Maria called his office number; and thou he was reluctant to answer it at first – he did and was pleasantly happy to discover her voice.


It was just him alone, sitting in the high-end contemporary office building, where offices were separated by glass pane walls – decorated with intricate lighting designs to give it ‘the new-look’. It was a temporary office that was provided for him; just enough for him to do his work and over-see the others on this project.

He sat comfortably slouched in the office leather chair on the second floor office that led to the open balcony, which over looked the first floor. The main lights were turned off, just the few security lights were on, accept for his desk lamp; and so it created a bit of a romantic atmosphere as he happily sat and chatted with Maria on the phone.

“Hey, how’re you doing?”“I’m doing good. Just thinking about you, before I sleep.” she

said in a happy by tired voice.“Really? I like that.” he said happily, then realizing the time.

“Whoa, it’s late for you, isn’t it?”“I know, but - I just wanted to hear your voice.”“Well now that you’ve heard my voice, what do you want me to

say?”“Tonight, don’t say anything.”“Nothing? Are you sure?”“Yup. But…” she fell silence, teasingly waiting for his reply.“But – what?” “Tonight, I want you to sing.”“Me sing?” “I want you to sing me a song – any song.”“Excuse me, but? You’re the singer, not me.”“Yes, but tonight – it’s your turn. Sing to me, please.”It was an awkwardness for Gabriel to be requested to sing. He’s

never ever sung in front of anybody – ever before, and he certainly didn’t want to use his voice to break up a perfectly healthy relationship.

“Are you sure you want ME to sing?” he asked again, not sure if she was really serious or joking.

“Yes. Tonight, Gabriel P. Miles, you are going to sing for me.” She waited for a moment during his silence and then added – in an irresistible voice, “You’re not going to disappoint me – are you, honey?”

“No,” he said as he pressed his hand against his forehead in fear of screwing this up. “Uhhh, I’m not really a singer and plus, I don’t know any songs; really I don’t.”

“That’s fine; you can even make up a song if you have to. I just want to hear you sing - to me - tonight. That’s it.”

“Hmmm.” Gabriel has been put though some tough challenges before, but none so difficult as this one; and he was racking his brain and thinking how to pull this off. “Ok, but you’ll be sorry. I do know one song, but I must warn you, I’m not a singer.”


Maria cut right into his sentence with conviction and stated one more time in her sexy and tired voice, “Gabriel – just sing.”

And so he sang ‘Faithfully’ by Journey from beginning to end without any mistakes - through the phone, as Maria listened from over 3,000 miles away, late at night as she laid in bed wrapped in blankets. And she was happy, even with him missing the high notes and being out of tune in some areas, she was content. She loved him even more for that; for all the strength and manliness that he was, she loved it when he was shy and bashful to do things in awkward moments for her – this being the most awkward situation for him. This is what she treasured from him, and she found them – finding his weaknesses per say and then prying on them. But this moment, this courage to sing at her request for her was not a weakness in him, it was a gift for her and he didn’t know it yet. It meant everything to her and she cherished it.

“Thank you. I love you for that,” she said in a very soft, sexy, and tired voice. “Good night love.” And she hung up.

“Good night Maria,” he said softly after he too hung up his phone.

He never made it though the green light as he sat day dreaming through the entire song on the radio until the car behind him pressed on their car horn. By then it was too late. The light had turned red again. And it didn’t matter to him. That moment, that song brought something good back to him and he was extremely happy; laughing and smiling to himself. He just shook his head and thought – all of this is because of a diary.

Maria certainly knew what she was doing. God Bless her.


Chapter 3:

For the first time in many years, Gabriel woke up late, extremely late by his time. It was just past ten o’clock AM when he turned over and looked at his clock. At the bottom of his bed, laid Jack – cuddled by his feet; content, and blissfully purring away, ignoring Gabriel’s movement. Gabriel got up as quick as possible to relieve his full bladder, and returned to his cozy warm bed. He laid around, lazily and comfortable – spaced out; not thinking about anything drawing blank thoughts. It took him about an hour to finally get up and move.

When he did get up he first washed his face with cold water before he moved about the house and twisted the vinyl blinds open – unleashing the welcoming sunlight through out the still darkness of the house.

He stepped outside onto the front porch and inhaled the freshness of the day. The sky was bright blue and the fall whether filled the air with a crisp freshness from the north- western winds. He welcomed the moment.

He stared out over the railing, scanning the neighborhood that he once knew well. But now, after the swarm of new, diversity of residence that has taken over, he barely knows many by their given name; mostly by their family names. What’s most impressive is the fact that he can remember most of their names, even thou they are


tongue twisters, but because mainly - majority of the neighbors are from different lands with different heritage. And even thou he is one of the last few original residence of this neighborhood, he has admittedly confessed quietly that this community has grown and enhanced as a diverse group of ‘global America’; and he rather enjoyed the multi-cultural neighborhood.

He closed his eyes and continued to intake the freshness of the day; listening to the many beautiful sounds of God’s Creation chirping away above in the trees, or in the ruffles of the dry leaves blowing in the wind, or the scouring of the squirrels busyness in search for sustenance for the coming winters hibernation. He appreciated the simplicities of life; and unfortunately most people missed out – busy like the squirrels; caught up in the daily hectic lifestyle needed to survive.

Gabriel stood out on the porch for some time, enjoying every bit of it and unconsciously ignoring the obvious – opening the diary.

Luckily, today’s planned event – working as a volunteer at Wheaton Regional Park’s, Brookside Garden was closed just for today because they were pouring concrete at the front entrance gate. These new entrance gates were weight-sensor so that when visitor’s vehicles entered or exited the tall, iron-metal gate, they would open automatically. They installed these sixteen-foot gates around the perimeter to the Brookside Garden area because of the over population of deer’s roaming the grounds; and they wanted to protect the planned growth from the animals for the delight of the visitors. He enjoyed working there, being part of a The Maryland – National Capital Park and Planning team. It was a joy to see the many faces, nationalities, and generations that walked this vast beauty of a park; and it was a joy to be able to work in such a peaceful and astounding place.

Gabriel turned back into his house, eyeing the Diary as he passed by and into the kitchen. His stomach was grumbling and so breakfast was the first priority; ‘really how can anybody dive into reading this mysterious Diary on an empty stomach?’ he thought to himself.

And so after a delicious breakfast of eggs and toast and yogurt, he got busy doing the dishes, cleaning up the kitchen, taking out the trash, doing the things he should have been doing had it not been for the incident of the Diary. He intentionally kept busy, avoiding it – even as he passed it a few times while keeping an eye on it; he even worked around it as he spontaneously decided to vacuum and tidy up the living room where the Diary sat – left, placed where it was placed the night before, and the night before that – on the table stand under the table lamp. He had no more reasons not to approach the Diary after he had done all he could do with cleaning and keeping occupied from reading its content. So, he sat on the couch, on the other end from the Diary,


staring at it and gritting his teeth as he tried so hard to turn away from it, while inside of him he was burning up for two reasons. Part of him wanted to dive into it and discover it; and another part of him wanted to lock it up and rid him from its unknown contents. He was torn, and he was curiously anxious. He stood up and moved towards the Diary, but then stopped within inches from placing his hands on it. He had looked down for a brief moment and saw that he was still in his sleep clothes; remembering that he hadn’t showered or changed yet. And so he straightened up his posture and pulled his hand away from the Diary - staring at it one more time before retreating towards the bathroom for a late morning shower.

The phone rang, and Gabriel had just buttoned up his trousers when he answered. He answered the phone, “Hello.”

“Is this Gabriel Miles?” asked the voice on the other end.“Yes, it is. May I ask who is calling?” “This is Olivia. How are you Mr. Miles?”“Great, I’m doing good,” he answered as he sat on his bed. “And

you?”“Good I think. At least I got some sleep last night.” “I’m happy to hear that. And how’s your father doing?”“Well, that’s why I’m calling you.”“Why? Is something wrong?”“No, nothing is wrong, well – I mean, he’s still in the hospital and

– but, today might not be a good day for visitors, I mean…”Gabriel interrupted her, “I understand. You don’t have to

explain.”“No, I do,” she urgently replied. “I am here at the hospital and

my dad just went back to sleep again. I mean they wake him up to do what they have to do and make him do his exercise, but then he just goes back to sleep. He’s still exhausted from all of this.”

“I understand,” he repeated. “It’s not easy what he’s going through, and I hope he gets better soon.”

“Thank you. Thank you for understanding.”“Is there anything that I can do for you?” he asked curiously. “I

mean, did you eat? Can I cook something or make something for you to eat?”

“Oh, that’s very kind of you, but I’m already accustomed to the food here. It’s not too bad.”

“Are you sure?”“Yes, but thank you. I really appreciate it.”“Okay. Ahhhh, but if your dad does wake up, would you inform

me; please?”“Yeah, I’ll do that, God Willing.”


“Yes, God Willing.”“Mr. Miles,” she stated slowly, “have you – I hope I don’t offend

you, but - I’m just wondering if you had a chance to read – anything from my mom’s Diary?”

“No, I haven’t.” He answered with a heavy heart. “I plan on it, but I…”

“No, I know you will. It’s just that…”“Olivia.” he said as he interrupted her to clarify his position.“Yes?”“I am trying to; I really am.” he answered softly. “It’s tough, you

know. But I will, and,” he continued, “when I do, I’ll let you know. I promise; you’ll be the first to know.”

On the end of the line, Gabriel could just hear a sniffle from Olivia. He honestly couldn’t tell her anything more than what he already did. As much as he wanted to read that Diary, he still had to courageously find the strength to open himself to it. “Olivia?”

“Yes, I’m here.” she answered. “I know you will.”“I will.” He assured her.“Mr. Miles?”“Yes?”“I don’t know you - and I know I just met you, but I – I trust you

for some reason,” she said convincingly. “I hope that there is a good end to this all; at least that’s what I am praying for.”

“I hope so to, Olivia. I hope so.”“Okay, thank you. Talk to you soon, okay?”“Yes, talk to you soon Olivia.”“Bye.” She said and hung up. The mundane tone of the phone sounded for several seconds

before Gabriel pressed the off button. He held the phone in his hands as he sat on his bed shirtless, defeated by the knowing task at hand – to read the Diary. “Bye,” he said softly to an empty room. He sat staring out through his bedroom door, down the hallway, and towards the living room where the Diary was placed - untouched.

He thought in his mind, at that moment, that this may be the most daunting task that he has ever had to face in many recent years. He somehow knew that it would take most of his strength to build the necessary courage to begin the task and stick to the task of rediscovering his past with Maria; through whatever words she had written in the Diary. Not an easy thing to do for any man at his age. But maybe, he was over evaluating the Diary, and maybe it wasn’t about him; but he had to find out somehow or another. He had to open it up and read it.


The moment had arrived, and he had placed himself on the living room Crimson chair by the window and used the day’s natural illumination as the source for his reading. The aroma of a cup of Amaretto coffee lightly filled the air besides him. His reading glasses already in position and he dressed comfortable as he readied himself to the task.

The Diary. He looked it over before bravely reaching for it. It was a unique diary, a hand-crafted book from a time from the past; an old, worn-down, leather bounded book. Its washed away color showed its age and its usage. Across the middle was a thick leather strap that was part of the diary, sewn onto the binder that buckled the book together. Its buckle was polished-silver and it was also worn-down from constant usage. Gabriel took a deep breath and held the Diary in his hands. Its leather cover felt good in his grasp. He brought it close to him to smell it, where he could smell a hint of its authentic leather aroma mixed with a perfume long forgotten. He took another sniff at the Diary’s cover to confirm the mixed aroma; and yes, a hint of her perfume was there. He remembered it clearly – Badgley Mischka, an old ‘Hollywood’ perfume. It was light in its fragrance, yet it would linger for an entire evening. He loved that smell. His eyes closed; soaking in the fragrance of yester-years, taking in a deeper breath – he remembered, he remembered those days well.

Gabriel opened his eyes; registering his bearings and returning to the reality of him sitting comfortably in his living room – thou alone. He smiled and un-buckled the leather strap. He gently flipped open the cover to discover more than just diary pages between it’s leather ends; it was filled with inserts of hand-written letters and notes from the past that were carefully folded or placed in its rightful position; in an organized fashioned and kept precisely together, and in its proper place. He let the pages breathe freely as they brushed through his right thumb, loosening it up from its bound. Each page flipped - and released a crisp, crackling sound from the Diaries paper. This was a diary that he could admittedly recognize as a product of the past; structurally sound, authentically textured, and superior by today’s standard – and beautifully preserved.

Gabriel began from the beginning, from the same page that Mr. Konstanzi read only days before, re-reading Maria’s first written entry. As he read each word, it was not his voice that he heard – but Maria’s. Her voice was soft, and elegant; full of love.

Fall 1984…











Butterfly

Gabriel sat speechless. Quietly. Alone. Touched by words that

represented a woman with such grace; a woman that he loved a time long ago. He was mesmerized by her words; surprised by her words; humbled by her words. How could someone write words so powerful, so moving, and so personal and then dedicate them to him? He wondered. He wondered how those words could be about him? Did he have those qualities? Did he do all that – affected her that drastically that they lived separate lives? His mind pondered as the ‘what if’s’ raced through his mind of past moments, and he questioned what was it that he did that encourage her to write words that were sculptured and directed to him. A new, driven curiosity to know the full contents began; but he knew it would take patience, strength, and time to read its entirety; to grasp its full understanding and appreciation. Just reading the first passage had penetrated the surface of his feelings, interest; and it will evoke a rollercoaster adventure into the dungeons of his past emotions.

Deep inside within him, he knew from that moment, that this Diary was dedicated and definitely meant for him, and that this was for his eyes only; because of one defining reason – the word ‘Butterfly’. He gave her that name; Butterfly.

This first entry from her, the first read he read from the Diary was enough for him for one day. It brought back good memories of Maria and him. He closed the Diary and leaned his head back against


the chair, slouching a bit - staring up at the bland painted ceiling. He unconsciously brought the Diary close to his nose again, inhaling the fragrance with a deep breath. His eyes closed as he slowly exhaled, depicting her smell – the perfume she used to wear. He remembered her clearly; and as a result - he smiled.

* *** *

Gabriel entered a three-story; brick-façade building that was located in the heart of Rockville’s industrial park, right off of E. Gude Drive.

“Good morning Silvia.” Gabriel said to the receptionist as he walked through the glass front door. Gabriel was young, handsome, tall and athletically lean. He sprung pass her and climbed up the steps carrying his standard armor – a soft-leather brief case and a black drawing tube strapped over his back like a bazooka.

“Mornin’ to you too, Gabriel.” she replied with a bit of a Southern draw as she watched him zip past her. She sat behind the reception desk that was designed with a thick, clear-glass top, and was supported by a finished satin-polish, mahogany stained base skirt. Behind her were five separate free-standing, tall, glass-pane walls that reflected the wet less ‘water-fall’ and followed the convex wall pattern, and ended by the two-tiered open stair well. The entrance foyer was really a dazzling display to see and enter into, especially targeted to possible future clients; and just an awesome working environment for the employees.

Today was one of those awesome late-spring days that either made you motivated to want to work hard, or made you want to take the day off and run off to your favorite park, barefooted and bask in the sun on an open grassy field and do nothing but dream. The air was filled with the fresh mowed lawns – landscaping crews already hard at work on the property, and its smell bled into the openness of the building each time the front door opened. And if a gentle breeze happened to slip by when the door opened, it would blow just enough to invite Silvia’s spring dress to dance innocently below her seat.

Gabriel passed a couple of colleagues before he made it to his work station; quickly exchanging courteous greetings as he passed by them. But usually on most mornings it would have been at least a fifteen minute social event where they would have chatted about non-paramount discussions full of last-nights empty and meaningless stories.

Gabriel had recently been hired by his old professor, Professor Earl Van Henson to work as a Junior Architect for his architectural firm after he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from The University of


Maryland School of Architecture over nine months ago. Professor Van Henson taught architectural design courses twice a week at Montgomery College, Rockville at night; which was about ten-minutes away from the office. He was tough with his students - demanding, but very professional because he cared and wanted to see his students become just as good as him or better. He challenged them and encouraged them, and they learned to appreciate his determination for integrity, intelligence, and a vision towards quality design.

Professor Van Henson was well renowned for his contribution in the field for designing intricate structures, functional flow patterns, and being among the elite leaders in the AIA community. Most of his work focused within the tri-states of Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, but some projects found his penmanship beyond the tri-state boarders and into other States, and even two very huge and important projects in Canada; one in Toronto, Ontario, and another in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When he decided to retired after thirty-eight years of corporate onslaught, he immediately started his own architectural design firm, which has since grown to nineteen full-time employees, many part-timers – including a few interns, and several contractual employees. Six years prior to him retiring, he decided that he wanted to teach, and so after a year of searching and applying - Montgomery College needed him for their new architectural program, and it has given him great joy and pleasure to teach and watch his students mature into professional draftsman; even if it was two evenings a week.

Gabriel and Professor Van Henson created a likeable student-teacher relationship since the moment Gabriel took his first architectural design class at Montgomery College over five years ago with him. Their friendship blossomed and they kept in touch even after Gabriel graduated with an A.A. Degree from the college and after, while he attended The University of Maryland School of Architecture. Professor Van Henson liked Gabriel because he reminded him of himself when he was younger; determined, eager, hungry, and a sponge for seeking complete architectural knowledge. And Gabriel took to the professor because he was inspired by his sincere professionalism and know-how. Professor Van Henson completely understood the business and had a rich source of knowledge, and he was willing to fill his students with all that he knew as long as they wanted to learn and grow – and Gabriel was one of those few students that wanted that. Gabriel loved to watch how easy and clean and sharp the Professor’s penmanship was; he was amazed by it and he wanted that. Gabriel learned from the Professor and was one of two who was always at the top of the class; whether it was to create a miniature-scale model structure, or design a set of plans with functional flow patterns, or just an abstract sketch – he stood above the rest. There were times when Gabriel would call Professor Van Henson late into the night, just to ask his thoughts on the newest local


structure going up, or why the ‘Pike’ had so many different design schemes along a four-mile stretch of commercial shopping and office buildings, or discuss about the newest construction product out on the market – its pro’s and con’s, or just anything – just so that he could learn from the Professor’s thoughts, and hopefully hear stories from his collective years of abundant experiences and challenges.

Gabriel used the butt of a pen and tapped lightly on Professor Van Henson’s glass-door, giving it a light ‘ting-ting-ting’ sound. It was a sign of politeness and respect for a man he admired. “Professor, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes Gabriel, come in.” he replied without looking up as he concentrated on penning the final touches on the latest drawings; sitting behind his drafting board. Professor Van Henson was in great shape for a man who has been drafting over tables for more than 40 years. His posture was straight and proper even after years of abuse of bending his upper body over hundreds and thousands of intense and detailed drawings. His glasses were tightly placed in position, comfortably snug against the bridge of his nose. And his silver-streak, grey hair fell freely; while his loose bangs partly covered the rim of his thin-frame glasses and hid his blue, old eyes. For all of his professional working life, Professor Van Henson has always worn a suit and tie, and black dress shoes to work; and this distinguished him from all his other colleagues and peers. It didn’t matter how hot the day was or how many more hours of overtime he had to put in – he was almost always looking the same walking into work as he did walking out from work.

Gabriel moved across the office and stood to the side of the Professor and watched him work, waiting for his next command. Professor Van Henson’s room was fairly large, spacious and pretty clean. His office desk was similar to that of Silvia’s desk – a glass top with a mahogany skirt; thou you wouldn’t know it with all the drawings and paper work that laid on top of it – covering it up. Four black, leather chairs curtailed the comfort for clients and employees that accommodated the grand desk in the middle of the room. Against the wall by the door was matching black leather couch and a custom imported coffee table, usually used for end-of-the-day informal meetings. The entire back wall behind his desk was a gridded-sheet of double-pane glass-window wall that admitted God’s natural, indirect-light through out the day. During the summer when the earth would tilt according to its predicted axis-rotation, it would bless the Professor’s room with some direct sunlight from the afternoon’s sun; granting an extra warmth and glow to the already well positioned room. It was the best room in the building, at least that’s what it seemed.

Professor Van Henson finished what he was doing. “Please sit Gabriel.” he instructed Gabriel before turning to him. They moved to his office desk as they sat across from each other.


“Yes?”“Tell me how is the Murphy project coming along?”“Well,” Gabriel thought for a moment. “I think that it is going

well. Most of the designs for the floor plans are pretty much locked; other than that, once it’s approved by Mr. Murphy – which I think will be by mid-next week; then I believe we can start working on the structural and mechanical drawings.”

“How long ‘till it’s completed? Everything?”“Everything? All the drawings?” Gabriel asked a bit shockingly.

Professor Van Henson has never asked him to give a time frame when drawings would be done; he usually knew the answer.

“Yes.”“I would guess at least, easily about six to seven weeks, add

another few weeks or so for the interior design; maybe.”“That’s what I was guessing too.”“Why? Is that too long?”“No. That’s correct, that’s what it usually takes with a project

this size and with its particulars in accordance to the specs.”“So?”“Well, Mr. Murphy has requested to try to get everything done in

six weeks or less – for personal reasons which we don’t need to discuss. Aside from that, I was planning to bring you on another project; bigger and more demanding.”

“Alright!” Exclaimed Gabriel excitedly.“But, because of Mr. Murphy’s sudden request, I am now in a

bind.”“I can…” Gabriel said, jumping in.“But,” Professor Van Henson said, cutting Gabriel off as he

leaned back in his chair and looked at Gabriel for a moment, staring at him and calculating his next words. His bright eyes were always piercing, dissecting, but never insulting. “I’m going to try something; and…” he held up his hand, indicating to Gabriel to let him finish. He continued, “I’ve never done this, but I’ll gamble on it.” Professor Van Henson took a breath before he explained himself. “I want you to continue on the Murphy project, to over see it – just as you are doing now, focusing on the design and structure plans, etc. But what I want to do is bring in an interior design team to finish the project – to work out the details, the back end; of course with you still overseeing the project ‘til completion. Once they get involved, and hopefully sooner then later, you will begin working on the Higgins project with me; which I will discuss with you later.”

Gabriel stared back at the Professor, his mind working – thinking. “Then who should I get to do the interior design work? Usman’s team? Colleen’s team?”

“Neither.”“Huh? Gabriel asked a bit confused. “Who else then?”


Professor Van Henson reached into his shirt pocket and leaned forward to hand Gabriel a business card. He took it. “Call Mrs. Sterling, who is an old colleague of mine, and discuss with her what you need for a team to meet the vision of the Murphy project, and bring them on board as soon as you deem they are needed; like I said, the sooner the better.” He leaned back into his chair and continued. “Now, I’ve already informed her that you will be contacting her and that’s about it. It’s all on you to explain to them the task at hand, manage and delegate the project. Just make sure the team you assemble will pull their weight. Be firm but convincing.”

“That’s my job?”“Yes.”“But, I don’t know them.”“But, you will. That’s part of expanding and growing.”“But why not work with our team? With Colleen or Usman?”“Gabriel, you do want them to go home sometimes to see their

family; don’t you?”Gabriel realized that the Professor was correct. Thou the working

environment are extremely comfortable, flexible, and fun – it was hard work with long, endless days; not to mention the fact that both Usman and Colleen were consistently going home after normal hours; almost every night. They did loved their job like everybody else did, but they also had family and kids and responsibilities that they had neglected. “Yeah, I do, and they should.” he said with understanding. Gabriel looked at Mrs. Sterling’s card again and then asked, “She must be good if you recommend her.”

“She is, and she will comply to your needs when it comes to an interior design team.” he said as he looked directly at him. He then looked at the wooden-carved clock sitting on his desk and said, “Call her this morning and get them up to date as soon as you can. You understand? Right?”

“Yes, I understand.”“Good.”Gabriel stood up. “Gabriel,” Professor Van Henson said warmly, “The Higgins

project needs you too, so, be ready.” he said with an encouraging nod. And before Gabriel could make eye contact with the Professor or respond, the professor had already turned back towards the drafting table; focused on his drawings.

Gabriel understood the intention of the Professor. And in basic real-working-world terms, don’t get too comfortable with you environment; move forward and expand into new territories, you never know what you’ll discover. He stood in place for a moment, nodding in agreement to the professor’s last statement, while watching him dive into what he loved most – being a master architect.


* *** *

The phone rang twice before the secretary picked up, “Sterling’s Interior Design, may I help you?”

“Yes, good morning.” “Morning sir.”“Ahhh, my name is Gabriel Miles, and I was wondering if I may

chat with Mrs. Sterling?” he asked as he flipped a regular ‘no. 2’ pencil in the air. His note pad was out, and so were the necessary drawings as he was ready to get into details with Mrs. Sterling if need be.

“Mrs. Sterling? And you are with which company? Mr. Miles?” she asked.

“I work for Van Henson Architect and Design, and believe she is expecting my call; mam.”

“One second please.” The secretary put the phone on hold which immediately went to programmed ‘pop’ music. He flipped his pencil several more times in the air as he waited. “Mr. Miles?”

“Yes.”“She has been expecting your call.”“She has? Great.”“One second; I’ll transfer you.”“Thanks.” He said as his voice drifted off. He rolled and

stretched his head loosening up any accumulated stress or tightness in his neck. Cracks in his neck could be heard, loosening up the inner joints. He was ready.

“Mr. Miles?” Mrs. Sterling said nicely and in a friendly tone, with a bit of an English accent.

“Yes, this is. Is this Mrs. Sterling?” Gabriel answered and then asked as he straightened up his posture as if she was entering the room.

“Yes, I am Mrs. Sterling.” she answered. “Mr. Miles, before we jump into some of the details of the project; may I ask you a question or two?”

“Please.”“May I call you by your first name? Ahhh, Gabriel? Is that

correct?”“Yes, it is.”“And Gabriel, I see that you are a recent graduate from UM, and

already working for Earl and on a very sizable project. I am impressed. You must be a very good architect.”

Gabriel was stunned for a few seconds as he thought to himself, ‘who’s Earl?’ Then he remembered. “You mean - Professor Van Henson?”

“Yes.”


“Oh, ah, well, he was my professor at MC and my mentor while I went to UM, and when I graduated, well – here I am.”

“My congratulations to you.”“Thank you.”“So tell me about the project, Gabriel.”“Okay – uhmm, basically, this is about a two month project from

start to finish – more or less, but the owner, Mr. Murphy, has asked us to speed it up by half – one month, basically, is what we have.”

“And how far have you come along so far on the project?”“Actually, I just got off the phone with him - Mr. Murphy and I will

try to finalizing the floor plans by the end of this week and hopefully meet with him. If he approves everything, then we’ll begin the structural and mechanical drawings. With that in mind and with us moving forward, I’d like to sit with you and go over the basic scope of what Mr. Murphy has envisioned, and then introduce your team to him following our preliminary meeting.”

“How about tomorrow? In the afternoon?” she asked suggestively.

“Tomorrow?” Gabriel jumped on to his feet and grabbed his leather case from the floor and placed it on his chair as he reached in and grabbed his daily planner book. “Well let me see – here on my calendar. How does three-o’clock sound?”

“Three o’clock sounds great.” She said agreeing to his terms. “Okay then, I’ll see you tomorrow.”“See you tomorrow Gabriel.” With that she hung up the phone.Gabriel also hung up the phone then sat and leaned back in his

chair for a brief moment; flipping his no. 2 pencil into the air. This is his first experience working with a team outside the Van Henson norm; a feeling of nervousness and excitement encompassed him at the same time. And thou the pressure of the project had doubled, it was a challenge that he welcomed; and another opportunity for him to meet others in the business and of coarse new faces. You never know who’ll meet in this business – whether it is a client, a colleague, or a vendor; or where ever it will take him.

As he sat staring blankly at the clock, watching the second hand go by, he realized that he wasn’t accomplishing anything by just sitting there. Not only did he have to finalize preliminary floor plan drawings by the end of the week – and get them approved, but he now had to spend some of his valuable time sitting with a new group of people prematurely, but much needed. And he didn’t want to disappoint Mrs. Sterling’s given impression of him; courtesy of Professor Van Henson. He snapped out of his laid-back position and jumped to work. He brushed away any hidden and accumulated dust or particles from his drawing board, picked up his drafting pencil and attacked the drawings. These plans had to get done. He was ready for a long, long day.


* *** *

Mrs. Sterling entered the Van Henson office building fifteen minutes ahead of schedule; her usual protocol. She was flanked by James Thomas and Maria Grace Severiano; members of her design team. James immediately found a seat by the entrance as Maria followed Mrs. Sterling to the reception desk. Silvia welcomed them both. “Hello, may I help you?”

“Yes. We’re a few minutes early, but we have a three o’clock appointment with Gabriel Miles. I’m with Sterling Interior Design” She said.

Silvia looked through her appointment book. “Yes, he’s expecting you – Mrs. Sterling. Correct?” she asked in her southern voice.

“Yes; that’s right - I am; and this is Maria.” she said, indicating towards Maria with a tilt of her head.

They both exchanged warm smiles with kind ‘hello’s.’“Let me contact Mr. Miles and let him know that you are here.”

said Silvia politely as she dialed the phone.“Thank you.” said Mrs. Sterling. “Oh, by the way, is Mr. Van

Henson here?”“Yes he is. Should I let him know that you are here, Mrs.

Sterling?”“No, no. I’ll just surprise him after the meeting. Thank you.”

Maria and Mrs. Sterling both turned and sat with James; who was responsible for their ‘product-catalog’ samples and portfolio for Gabriel to review for the Murphy project. He dragged everything in a closed-cart type box, similar to a carry on luggage with wheels – it made it easier for him to follow and keep up with Mrs. Sterling. Plus it had most of the supportive information needed for any and all meetings; catalogs, drawings, broachers, and samples for clients to look at.

Before they could get comfortable, Silvia approached them. “Mr. Miles will be down in just a few minutes. If y’all come with me, I could set you up in the meeting room, while you wait for him there.” She said suggestively.

“That would be great.” said Mrs. Sterling.They all got up and followed Silvia down the hall and into the

meeting room. Mrs. Sterling was slightly taller than you average woman yet still attractive; just a bit heavy as she aged, but well dress in a light colored, two-piece outfit and matching flats. James was a young man, who had interned for the company the prior two summers before, and now worked for Mrs. Sterling full-time; working directly for his well-seasoned and respected boss. He was a bit stiff and the quiet


one of the group; wearing dress pants and a jacket, but he was sharp, and he will be Maria’s assistant on this project. And Maria – well, she came prepared as she always did – ‘dress to kill’. She wore a flowing long dress that covered most of her - from her shoulder down to the floor. The tail end of her dress almost swept the floor as she moved. A thin, black shawl with red intricate designs covered her shoulders; hiding her frame. Her semi-dark sunglasses that she was wearing was now raised above her forehead and was used to hold back her long, black, silky hair as it fell freely and blended into the darkness of the shawl. Her eyes were dauntingly beautiful, full, large, and dark. Her skin was light, almost pale against her full, red natural lips. She was well built, athletically-thin, and stood just under five-and-a-half feet tall; a good but average height. She carried her purse and a large, cloth bag that hung strapped over her shoulder.

As they entered the room and found seats around the glass-top table, Silvia asked them if they would you like any coffee or tea, for the meeting.

“Tea, please.” answered Mrs. Sterling.“Coffee would be nice.” said James, softly but politely.“Actually, could I trouble you for some water?” asked Maria.“Yeah, sure; that’ll be no problem. ‘Kay y’all, I’ll be right back.”“Thanks.” They all somewhat collectively said.“And if you need anything else, please let me know; my name is

Silvia.”“Thank you Silvia.” commented Mrs. Sterling.Before Silvia could turn and exit the room, Maria approached her

and asked her in a low tone, “Silvia, could you point me towards the restroom?”

“Oh yeah, sure. I’ll show you.”Maria followed Silvia out of the room while James and Mrs.

Sterling got comfortable – waiting for Gabriel and the meeting to begin.

Gabriel entered the room carrying several rolls of blueprint drawings under his arm; Mr. Van Henson trailed behind him by a few steps, wearing a welcoming smile. He was excited to see Mrs. Sterling; his old colleague.

“Nancy.” Mr. Van Henson said as he reached out to give her a warm hug, happy to see her. They looked each other over since it had been years since they last saw each other.

“Earl, I’m so delighted to see you.” she replied.“How long has it been?”“A long time; a very long time. Congratulations with your

company. It’s outstanding what you’ve done.” “Thank you; and you too.”“That’s very kind of you.”


“Well, you’re here for business, so here he is. Gabriel, this is Nancy Sterling. Nancy, Gabriel Miles.”

Gabriel and Mrs. Sterling both greeted each other with a warm exchange and a solid hand shake.

“And this is James Thomas who will be assisting Maria on the project – who should be joining us shortly.” Mrs. Sterling said as she slightly turned towards James, introducing him to both - Mr. Van Henson and Gabriel. James was still standing, a foot or two back from Mrs. Sterling – filling in her shadow and politely smiling. He stepped forward to shake their hands, a bit shy and non-aggressive.

“Why don’t we sit so that you guys can get started?” suggested Mr. Van Henson.

“Yes, please.” Gabriel said as he gestured for his guest to sit in any of the seats around the table.

They all did, falling into place around the rather large, rectangle glass-table; similar in style to that of the front desk. They sat across from each other; Gabriel sat with his back to the door. He handed them two rolls of blueprints – mainly the preliminary floor plans and some 3D elevation sketches that he had drawn for Mr. Murphy to help him visualize his own vision. Gabriel kept a print for himself, a source of reference that he needed for the meeting. They automatically unrolled their set of prints and placed it in front of each of them; skimming through the drawings quickly before the formal meeting would proceed.

Mr. Van Henson stood up and said, “Excuse me, but I need to step out for a second; go ahead and start with out me.” He looked at Mrs. Sterling then to Gabriel and finished off by saying, “Gabriel, you are in good hands with Mrs. Sterling; show them your stuff.” He smiled as he quickly exited the room.

“Well, Gabriel, it’s your show. Shall we?” suggested Mrs. Sterling.

“Okay - yeah; ahh, but aren’t we waiting for somebody?”“Yes, Maria.”“Maria. Yeah, ahh, should we wait?” Gabriel curiously asked as

he kept busy – readying himself for this meeting. He was a bit nervous because of the urgency of the project, but at the same time - confident enough; especially since Mr. Van Henson had spoken very highly of him to Mrs. Sterling.

“She’s my assistant. She should be here any minute now.” answered Mrs. Sterling.

And just as the words came out - Maria entered the room escorted by Mr. Van Henson himself. “Here she is.” Mr. Van Henson announced.

Gabriel stood up out of courtesy just as he would with any other guest or client or colleague. But this was different, this was extraordinary. Maria’s entrance was like a breath of fresh air when he


turned and saw her for the first time. She was not what he expected, she was more. It seemed as thou the room felt brighter and warmer with her presence; and then to have Mr. Van Henson by her side? How did that happen?

Mr. Van Henson stood by Maria’s side like that of a father protecting and introducing his daughter to a prospective gentleman. “Gabriel, this is Maria Grace Severiano. Maria, this is Gabriel Miles.” he said in a fatherly voice and stood back a step after he introduced the two, watching them meet for the first time. Mrs. Sterling watched too; as well as James.

“Hello Maria.” Gabriel said as he greeted her. His eyes did not move from hers and neither did hers; they were locked.

“Nice to meet you Mr. Miles.” she replied with a mix of confidence and modesty in her voice. She moved gracefully across the room and placed herself next to Mrs. Sterling. A hint of her perfume trailed her as she made her way. It was the first of many times that he would be acquainted with her scent. It was different from other women’s perfume; it was an old, authentic and light fragrance scent. For some reason, it fit her just right; representing her young and healthy woman-hood. He saw her as a composed, strong, and elegant woman, confident in herself and her work; but inside she was nervous, over taken by his kind chivalry; and her heart was pounding feverously. She was aware that Gabriel watched her every move, and so she gave him what he wanted – a bit of elegance mixed with a touch of subtle tease.

Gabriel sat after everybody else had sat; unconsciously holding his gaze on Maria.

Mr. Van Henson noticed Gabriel’s unintended distraction of Maria. “Nancy,” he said as he fell into a chair, “You didn’t tell me Maria was working for you.”

“And how are the two of you acquainted, may I ask?” she asked curiously as she stared at her colleague, waiting for his answer.

Gabriel’s eyes shifted from Mrs. Sterling, to Maria’s, and then landed on Mr. Van Henson. He was just as curious as Mrs. Sterling.

“Maria was a student of mine, a couple of year’s ago.” he answered. Then he directed the question to Maria. “You were in two of my classes, right?” he asked her, not quite sure.

“Yes. I was in your drafting classes; 101 and 102.”“Yes, that’s right. She was very good then – one of the top

pupils; and I’m quite sure, even better now.” he commented with out turning his gaze off of her. “Nancy, am I right?”

“She’s excellent, and that’s why I hired her.” Mrs. Sterling said proudly.

“I might convince her otherwise – after this project.” he said jokingly with a coy wink and accommodating smile.


“Maybe?” Maria replied. “But I must say that, I’m very pleased to be with Mrs. Sterling; I enjoy what I do; and I’m in good company – always learning.”

“And - as you should.” agreed Mr. Van Henson as he pushed the chair back and then stood up.

“Earl?” Mrs. Sterling said wondering why he got up.“Actually, Nancy, I have a meeting to attend to in Bethesda. But

– as I said, you’re in good hands with Gabriel.” He said as he looked directly at Mrs. Sterling and put his hand on Gabriel’s back; standing beside him in a supportive and confident stance.

“Oh?” Mrs. Sterling sounded disappointed. “Well, I am terribly sad that you can’t be here, but since Gabriel has your stamp of approval, then at least we were fortunate to see each other.”

“Yes we were.” acknowledged Mr. Van Henson. “All thou, Nancy, I have another project that I may need you to be involved with, a much bigger project that I think you would like.”

“Oh?” she responded in wonderment, interested in the idea of working on another project with him. “I rather like that.”

“Do you think we can set up a time next week or so?”“Yes, I believe we can. I’ll check my schedule, if that’s okay with

you?”“Yes, that’ll work.” he said as he moved towards the door.

“Okay, good luck guys. Gabriel, it’s your show. Nancy – it’s always a pleasure.” He said it with a pleasant smile and with a gentlemanly nod. Everybody said their good-byes to Mr. Van Henson in some form or another as he exited the room quickly, leaving Gabriel to helm the initial meeting for the project; Mr. Murphy’s project.

“Okay Gabriel, give us the brief of this project,” said Mrs. Sterling as they all looked at him to guide them through his preliminary blueprints, “so that we can get a clear picture of what is happening and what is expected out of us – if you don’t mind starting from there.”

“No, I don’t mind.” he said as he straightened out his posture and presented himself in a professional manner. “Ahh, let me start by providing for you some background information.” He took a brief moment to calculate where to begin. “In the past, Mr. Van Hanson has developed and designed three of Mr. Murphy’s residential properties; all in the Potomac and Mclean area, nice areas – as you know; and each property over looks the river. Mr. Murphy travels a great amount through out the year; consistently.” Gabriel took a moment to look at each member of his new team as he explained. “Now this project is our first commercial project with him, and he wants to bring that cozy but somewhat homey-feely feeling into his work environment; which is more in your line of expertise, as you know - the finish look. This project is located in downtown Chevy Chase, one block off Old Georgetown Road; and technically it’s not a new structure – but it is.”


“What do you mean by that?” asked Maria, giving him a chance to breathe.

“Well, it means that we will be demoing everything accept for the existing façade, preserving the original exterior structure in order to keep within the compliance of Chevy Chase’s city ordinance, in which they want to keep the building’s original authenticity – city codes and rules. But at the same time, this is technically challenging in both the design phase and the construction phase because of the ordinance particulars.”

“And he’s willing to pay for it with out significant difficulty?” asked Mrs. Sterling.

“Yes; that’s correct. But he is also a very cost conscious man, very smart man. He knows when to hold and when to spend – if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do.” she said, understanding everything that Gabriel has said up to now. “And how many flats will this be?”

“Flats?” asked Gabriel, unclear of her choice of word.“I’m sorry, floors. How many floors?”“Ahhh, three floors.” he said, realizing what she meant. He

shifted forward and lowered his head as he focused his gaze onto his drawings; trying desperately not to be distracted by Maria’s presence. Her eyes were on him, observing his professionalism and what he will be expecting of her for this project. “Now, if you look at these preliminary sketches, you can get a basic grasp of what he wants and how detailed this project is leaning towards; and we haven’t even dived into the trim package or the details of the finish schedule – and that’s where you come in.”

Everybody’s eyes were on the drawings in front of them, scanning over the lines and layout of the floor plans that Gabriel had drawn.

Gabriel’s original drawings were always penned on standard 18” x 24”, clear print drafting vellum paper; but for Mrs. Sterling and crew, they were given the blueprint photocopy. Gabriel always started by sketching the ideas of the owner’s vision on traceable sketch paper and in accordance to the permitted boundaries of the existing lot, where he would freely mold lines together - negotiating between the function of the intended facility against the wants of the owners vision, and incorporating them onto paper. His main focus at all times – as a Junior Architect, is to make sure that everything flows and functions towards the need of the owner, and then in the end, he would add the glitz and eye-candy finishes as need-be; depending on the budget which finally, always determined the type of finish the facility would portray. To him – the initial design, this was the first and most important part of getting any drawings done by adhering to the vision of the owner. And he loved this phase - the designing phase of the architectural business, this initial phase - the creative phase. To him it


was the challenge of creating something from a mere conceptual idea and then penning it onto paper; and eventually erecting it into a functioning and tangible structure that will then be used and seen by many.

“What is the function or purpose of this building?” asked Maria.“It will served as two purposes; mainly it will be used as an office

space, something he can attach himself to as a mailing address, but also to entertain his guests per say.”

“What does he do?” she continued.“He’s a lecturer, in education; a consultant for Universities –

mostly foreign institutions. He wants this place to be like a think-tank facility, where his guest can just relax in a ‘home-type’ environment as they discuss – intellectual things; I guess.”

“You have two entertainment rooms?” asked Mrs. Sterling as she looked up from the drawings. “That’s unusual, but interesting.”

“Well, yes, but one is like an open multi-purpose-meeting room for ‘people to mingle and have in-depth educational debates and discussions’ as he said and asked for, and the other is a home-theater room; for movies or for some form of an art show or whatever cultural event that may take place – lectures, art displays, and so-on. I mean at the end of the day, this facility will be geared to be a fully functional office, but at an intimate and intellectual level for friends, guests, and scholars; mostly foreigners – I believe.”

“How about the parking situation?” asked James as he continued to flip through the set of prints in front of him.

“Yes, that is somewhat of an issue at the moment, but something that we’re working on.”

“What kind of issue?” James asked, following though with his thought process.

“Well, because the lot is a bit tight and can only accommodate five spaces, we are presently working on neighborhood parking as one of the alternate solutions. Actually, it’s not that bad if you look at it.”

“You mean because Bethesda Metro is within walking distance?” answered Mrs. Sterling.

“Exactly. The station is between four and five blocks away. Not bad right?” remarked Gabriel.

“Not bad at all.” Mrs. Sterling replied as she leaned forward, eager to get into the details that her and her company would be responsible for. “So, Gabriel, how does Mr. Murphy feel about these preliminary drawings; and what are you and he looking for from us?” asked Mrs. Sterling being direct as possible and straight to heart of the meeting.

Gabriel sat even straighter as he joined his hands together, interlocked his fingers, and leaned forward as his forearms pressed on the table. “At the moment, I presently have a meeting set up with Mr. Murphy tomorrow afternoon in which we will go over these drawings


and make any last minute adjustments; but for the most part he is happy with the initial outcome. Most of the challenges that he and I discussed have been tackled but there are some details that he is particular on and I am still working on that – just need the time to finish up. So by tomorrow evening – I hope, I’ll have an approved preliminary drawing that you can work from. As for what we are looking from you and your company, Mrs. Sterling, is for you to sit with him and work out the finish details; and he pretty much knows what he’s looking for but he’s not sure where to begin. And in the end, he needs your expert opinion - for his comfort. We are talking wall color, carpet – floor finishes, furniture pattern, furniture, nick-knacks, just about anything that deals with the interior finish.”

“I see. Then I presume that Mr. Murphy is primarily entertaining scholars of culture; foreign guests.” she summarized.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much right.” Gabriel agreed.“And he’s looking for something that feels cozy, almost ‘homey’ –

would you say?” she directed her thought process towards Gabriel, but didn’t give him a chance to answer. “Yet just enough class for an elite group to feel as though they are at a 5-star resort – nice.” As she finished her words, James was already digging out pallet samples of color, material, and photos from their sample cart and displaying it out on table – spread out and organized; but none of them were paying attention to any of it at the moment. They were brain-storming, and looking at the samples was not within the immediate peripheral canopy.

“I’m thinking earth-tones.” suggested Maria as she began jotting down some notes on her pad of paper. “Maybe textured wall paper in some areas, depending on the furniture?”

“It has to be warm, but not too warm – and not dark, but softly dimmed with high-lights.”

“You know strategic lighting could play an intricate part - you know for those high-lights you mentioned on certain areas without everything else being too dark? Like a splash here and there, depending on if there are any art works.” suggested Maria.

“Yeah, that could work, perhaps.” replied Gabriel, “but that’ll be a finish thing that you’d have to elaborate with Mr. Murphy; maybe if had wall paintings in mind?”

“Yeah, that could help enhance certain areas while the main rooms are low-key and cozy; tailoring the environment towards the elite – scholars.”

“What were you thinking for the floors?” asked Gabriel.“Carpet certain areas – maybe in the offices and entertainment

rooms, while the most travelled area – like the foyer and hallway are designed with a pattern, maybe with some type of dark-finished hardwood; I’m thinking. That would accomplish the warm feeling


environment that you mentioned earlier Gabriel.” suggested Mrs. Sterling.

“How about the ceilings? Are the ceilings tall?” asked Maria?“Good point.” Mrs. Sterling said.“I did discuss that with Mr. Murphy and I think we will be able to

get away with ten-foot ceilings or at least nine-foot ceilings, but I’m not quite sure just as of yet.” answered Gabriel. “I still have to check the codes for the maximum building height line for Montgomery County, but for the most part we’re aiming for ten-foot ceilings if it’s possible. And I also have to play off the existing exterior structure that we are preserving, remember?”

“That’s right, but that would be excellent if the ceilings were higher; the more elegant and warmer the rooms will become as per his desire; especially if window treatments are incorporated into the finish, it would be incredibly captivating.” Suggested Mrs. Sterling as she nodded her head, content with how the meeting was going and was still looking hard into the drawings. “And I must say,” As she looked up to Gabriel, “these are very nicely design drawings, Gabriel. A well, thought-out design; and I especially liked how you turned the front entrance around and opened it up a bit. Very nice.” She turned to Maria and asked, “What do you think, Maria?”

Maria was lost for words and hesitant in her response because when she looked up from the drawing, she noticed that Gabriel was staring at her; looking at her in a non-offensive way, but in an admirable and kind way that caught her unexpectedly and took the breath out of her. His smile showed inner joy and his eyes gleamed as hers connected with his; frozen together for a few seconds. But those few seconds - with their eyes locked together, were invaluable seconds and it exchanged unspoken feelings that words couldn’t express at that instant - that moment. It was a good moment; a moment they both would cherish. Her heart raced, beating twice as fast, and as each second went by - she felt her heart pounding harder. Her eyes began to glaze with a rush of nervousness that over took her.

“Maria?” Mrs. Sterling called on her again as she turned and looked towards her assistant.

Maria quickly pulled her gaze away from Gabriel and looked back down onto the prints that laid in front of her; taking in a quick, un-noticed breath to answer Mrs. Sterling while she avoided eye contact with her. “Yes, the design is very nice.” she said, barely mustard out the words, almost like a loud whisper.

“I thank you for your kind words Mrs. Sterling, and Maria,” said Gabriel, cutting in - to sorta change Mrs. Sterling’s direction of attention away from Maria. Gabriel realized what he unintentionally did – he made Maria nervous; at least blushed and caught of guard. “Most of it was Mr. Murphy’s ideas,” he continued, “but what’s


important is your invaluable contribution to the project and locking down the finishing touches; and I’m sure he won’t be disappointed.

Gabriel complimented them on their on-going, brain-storming input as they continued to discuss the propensity to finish Mr. Murphy’s interior style of design, including other details and concerns of the project. Even James began to voice his input as they referred to some of the samples that he had neatly displayed on the table. Through out the conversation, Gabriel kept Maria within the peripheral margin of his vision while simultaneously entertaining and courting his guests. He was intrigued by Maria; intrigued by her down to earth character – open, sincere, especially for someone with her magnetic beauty. They exchanged friendly smiles towards each other and made eye contact at times when Mrs. Sterling was occupied looking or referring towards the drawings. They all chatted about the project for another half-an-hour before small talk took over - discussing some local and worldly issues when Mrs. Sterling glanced at her watch and said, “Oh my, look at the time.” She quickly gathered her stuff with James following her lead; and even then, both Maria and Gabriel didn’t have the immediate urge to get up and end their first meeting; hesitant in ending the afternoon gathering. By the time they did stand for good-byes, James had already safe-guarded all the displayed samples back into his cart and was standing by the door ready to leave, courting Mrs. Sterling’s side as she rummaged through her purse. “I thought I had my business cards with me. I guess I ran out.” she said disappointingly. “Maria, do you have one to give to Gabriel?”

“I think I do.” she replied as she happily dived into her bag and pulled out her card for Gabriel. “Here you go.”

“Thanks Maria.” Gabriel said as he happily accepted the card. They turned and exited the room and down the hall and towards

the entrance. Gabriel diplomatically escorted them to the front door.“In case you can’t get in touch with me Gabriel, feel free to

contact Maria, since she will be on this project.” stated Mrs. Sterling as she continued, “She’ll be easier to reach than myself at times.”

Gabriel looked it over to make sure that her direct extension line was printed on the card. “And this is your extension number so that I can reach you?” he asked Maria.

“Yes.” Maria replied.“Great.”“I am delighted to be part of this project, and to work with you

Gabriel.” said Mrs. Sterling. “I think we all are.”“Thank you Mrs. Sterling.” replied Gabriel. “That means a lot.”“Earl was right, we are in good hands.”“You’re very kind Mrs. Sterling, and so am I.”“And I will tell him what I just said, when I meet with him next

time.” she said, extending her hand to thank him as they stood by the entrance door.


“Please brief us for next week, after you meet with Mr. Murphy. And good luck.”

“Thanks, and I will.”Gabriel said good-bye to each of them; first to Mrs. Sterling, then

with James, and last with Maria. Gabriel and Maria both did not want to end this day, but inside their thoughts they knew another opportunity will grant them to meet again; hopefully. Thou their hands parted, their eyes did not. He watched her leave through the doors as she exited, and she, looked over her shoulders as she trailed behind the rest of her team. Gabriel stayed by the entrance and looked on until their car drove off, out of the parking lot, and turned onto E. Gude Drive and out of sight. He was content with the meeting, and happy that Professor Van Henson introduced the idea of having Mrs. Sterling’s team join them in this venture. It was a good day. It was a very good day. He smiled.

* *** *

Gabriel woke up, still preserved in the chair of his living. It was late in the afternoon and darkness had entered the house. The sun was just about to set for the evening. Time got the best of him and he had dreamt the afternoon away. In that time, he had remembered a time that was lost to a time of a forgotten past. He remembered what he had forced himself to forget.

The Diary had slipped between him and the arm rest of the chair, safeguarded. He grabbed it and held it in his hand; clutching it dearly. He remembered; and then he smiled again.


Documents

The Diary - scriptfiles.meetup.com/223265/the diary.doc · Web viewThe Diary. a Novel. by. Harris P. H. Tobing (in hand written text) Fall 1984… …I dedicate the culmination