“So glad you came,” Robin murmured. “This feels amazing.”
We relaxed in silence for a few minutes.
“Did you see that masseur out at the reception area?” I asked.
“Mmm… the guy, yeah.”
“He was cute. You should ask him out.”
She laughed. “Yeah, right.”
“Seriously.”
“Maybe, he is cute.”
We stayed there for a few more minutes, then put on the white plush robes. Next was lunch in the spa café. Everyone wore their robes in the café. Relaxing music filled the space. I could have gotten used to that kind of relaxation.
“Oh, I needed this.” Robin pierced the romaine lettuce of her grilled chicken salad, same as me. “The first weeks of school are so exhausting.”
I nodded. “Yeah, Archie’s wiped out too. Well, you not only have class; it’s all the meetings and after school paperwork that adds up.”
“True, but I love it,” Robin said. “I love helping children learn and grow. It’s so rewarding to me.”
“I imagine so,” I remarked.
“I can’t wait until I have my own kids,” she said, smiling. “I’ve always wanted to be a mother.”
“Really?”
One topic that gave me hesitancy was motherhood. I didn’t know if I wanted to have children. Archie and I had pushed the subject to the side. We didn’t want kids now, we knew that and maybe our feelings would change, but until then, we were fine with it being just us. The thought of being responsible for another human being scared me. I didn’t know if I possessed the abilities to handle it, or if I wanted the task.
“What about you and Archie?” Robin asked. “When do you want to have kids? Oh, he’ll be such a good dad.”
I looked at her. Funny how she left me out of that statement.
She picked up on her slip.
“You’ll be a great mother, of course!”
Of course I will. I stabbed my romaine lettuce and shoved it into my mouth.
TWENTY-EIGHT2016
The Commune
Dream
Raindrop’s property wasn’t far from hiking trails and outstanding vistas in the Santa Monica Mountains, which boasted some spectacular lookouts and dramatic deep canyons, we frequently visited. Today we planned a sunrise chant at a stunning spot with panoramic views of the canyons. All our family perched on large, red rocks, our hands raised as we swayed and chanted, welcoming the burgeoning oranges and yellows of the glorious sunrise given to us by Mother Earth. Sunny and I sat toward the back. She didn’t like heights.
Brother Jim sat on the center rock dressed in a white gown with gold embroidery around the wide V-neck. We were all dressed in similar garb, men and women, a sea of white flowing gowns with golden highlights. Moonbeam and Lilac made each garment with love for their fellow brothers and sisters. The gowns were knee-length to allow for hiking up the sometimes difficult trails. We all wore sturdy hiking sandals.
“Brothers and sisters, we gather at this beacon of nature’s beauty to celebrate our life, our freedom, and bringing our manifestations to reality!” Brother Jim stood up, lifting his arms; swaths of white fabric hung like wings on him as he lifted his arms. The imagery of him against a dramatic morning sky was impressive, even to me. I knew how far Jim Bob was from being an angel.
“Our work here at Listening Lark has only just begun. Brothers and sisters, we must cling to one another, open ourselves up to new experiences in order to maintain our current utopia and higher understanding.” Brother Jim paused for effect. “We are all one in this family. One beating heart that is Listening Lark!”
He signaled to River, who began playing his guitar, and Branch, who played the bongo drum. The family raised their arms high and fell into a familiar chant. Brother Jim swayed on the rock, arms raised, white gown swaying, obviously enjoying the hum of his flock.
My arms were raised too. I liked the unity of Listening Lark. I embraced it even if I knew Jim Bob was a con man. I chose to ignore that fact, and his secrets, just as he ignored my secrets. Maybe that made me no better than Jim Bob.
Afterward, we broke up into smaller groups. Some brought picnic baskets with food and had a bite to eat; some members explored the numerous hiking trails. Sunny and I joined Jim Bob and Raindrop on a nearby trail.
“What a great morning for a hike,” Brother Jim exclaimed.
“A bit early for me,” Raindrop grumbled.
Brother Jim glared at her.
Things between them had gotten tense over the last few weeks, and in any other relationship Jim Bob would be done with her, but he needed Raindrop’s wealth; it made his life, and all of our lives, better, so he’d give more effort, hopefully. I certainly didn’t want to move out of the guesthouse.
“I really enjoyed your talk this morning,” Sunny chimed in. “So inspiring.”
Brother Jim smiled. “Thank you, Sunny. There’s something special about chanting in the mountains that bonds us as a family.”
Sunny nodded, and we walked along the trail at a leisurely pace, chatting with each other as we moved along. Sunny and I stopped to admire some deep purple flowers while Jim Bob and Raindrop moved ahead. They were a distance ahead of us when we resumed walking, but still visible. And I realized that they were arguing.
Sunny and I stared in shock as we watched Jim Bob suddenly slap Raindrop across the face and grab her arm.
“What’s he doing?” Sunny asked, moving forward. “We have to help her.”
