The Book Yet to Be Written

It has been a week since the death of my grandmother. I can still see her smiling face sitting across from me at the dining room table, cracking jokes and laughing at the “sprites” dancing in the kitchen. She was always an odd bird, set in her ways and walking her own path. All who met her were bewitched by her words and charisma.

My own smile fades as I watch my memories fall from view and the chair she once sat in is empty once again. Peering back down at the mahogany table in front of me I look at the red envelope she had given me while she was laid up in bed the night she passed.

As per her instructions, I must wait until the reading of her will before I could open it. Tonight was the night, the hours had drudged on leading up to this very moment.

There would be two of us in attendance, myself and my Uncle Ruben, along with one of my grandmother’s lawyers, Cassius Cane. My uncle and I did not get along all that well, he was my deceased father’s twin brother and although they looked alike, there was something about him that never sat quite right with me.

My uncle and Cassius should be arriving any moment.

Oh, how I have been dreading this moment. At least Cassius will be here.

The kettle on the stove began to whistle and the doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. Traipsing about the kitchen I gathered three tea cups, a tray, milk and honey for our tea. Setting them out on the table before approaching the door, the floor boards creaking beneath me as went.

At the door stood Cassius, his tall frame towering in the door frame, a weak smile appearing on his face. He was an attractive man, salt and peppered dark brown hair, green eyes, and a scar down his left cheek against his tan skin. My grandmother had adored him, he had always been so kind to her.

She had always said there was something about men with scars, they always have a story to tell.

“Hello, Viv,” He let out huskily, taking off his hat revealing his tired eyes “may I come in?”

“Oh, yes, of course,” I fumbled, stepping to the side, “I have tea prepared in the kitchen. Uncle has not yet arrived.” I breathed out as Cassius passed me, the scent of his cologne hitting me like a ton of bricks, evergreen and mahogany, as he began heading straight for the kitchen.

“Where’s Jin?” he called out as I shut the door, his tone sounding much more energetic than before. I smiled, knowing full well that he was asking where the cat was hiding away today. I could not help but let out a laugh. “Never mind, my boy has found me.” he laughed in response.

Walking into the kitchen I saw my little white cat, Jin, cuddled up in Cassius’ arms, perfectly content, flicking his tail around with what appeared to be a smile on his face. I swear he loved Cassius more than he loved me.

Maybe it was that Jin knew that Cassius needed him then, the look floating in his green eyes spoke the truth, he was just as sad about my grandmother’s passing as I was.

On the table next to my red envelope sat another addresses to Cassius. Running my hands through my black hair, I sighed. Cassius’ eyes locked on mine, before he proceeded to look me over, concealing his own emotions around today’s events.

“Viv...” he trailed off, giving me a disappointed glance “You haven’t been sleeping. Do not dare tell me otherwise, it is written all over your face.” I could feel my cheeks redden as he read me like a damn book, he was always doing that.

“I have just been running through my mind what could be in the envelope.” I sighed, sitting myself back at the table, pouring Cassius and myself each a cup of tea. “What tricks she could have played, the surprises that may lay inside the envelopes.”

“You know, I have not the slightest idea of what is inside,” he chuckled taking a sip of his tea, “Miriam was always a loaded deck and Roger handled the writing and sealing of her will. All he told me was that Miriam always has the last laugh and that I would be the one to deliver part of the punchline.” A smirk crossed his lips as I felt my mouth gape open.

Maybe whiskey would have been better for this occasion.

“You weren’t the one to write the will with her?” I asked curiously. Taken aback, grandmother had always liked Cassius to take care of most of the paperwork. She said she liked his flair for the dramatic in his work.

“No. You seem surprised?” He asked lifting his brow and tilting his head. He always oozed cool and composed.

“Perhaps a little bit,” I smiled, taking a sip of my tea “Maybe you’re in the will.” I suggested glancing back down at the envelopes. It would not surprise me, Cassius was one of the few people that my grandmother enjoyed having around and letting in on her eccentric life.

Suddenly a cold air overtook the room as my Uncle walked into the kitchen. I hadn’t even heard the door open. Just like the breeze flooding the kitchen, across from me stood my Uncle, towering above, his black hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail and his silver eyes hidden behind tinted glasses.

“Hello Vivienne,” he stated as he pulled up a chair across from me and stealthly took his seat, “Cassius, a pleasure.” The look of mischief heavy in my Uncle’s eyes as he slid the red envelope addressed to him out of his black pea coat and placed it on the table. What tricks did he have up his sleeve, hopefully nothing that would end up in a sword fight. Would a duel be so certain to accompany this meeting?

“Hello Uncle.” I responded, pouring his tea and adding a dash of honey.

“Thank you.” he replied coldly, staring down at the table and swapping over to his poker face.

The tension in the room thickened as we sat there sipping our tea for what seemed like hours. Setting down our cups, each of us picked up our envelopes, glancing briefly around. My heart was pounding in my chest and my fingers trembling. Cassius nodded at my uncle and then at me. Rip.

There was no going back, the envelopes were open. In unison we pulled out the letters enclosed, unfolding them, and glancing down. Falling out of each was a check. Why would there be a check?

Looking back at the letter it read:

My dearest,

I will always be with you.

I have left our home to you and Ruben so you may both run the Apothecary together.

Do not dare complain Vivienne. You and your uncle are more alike than you care to admit.

Enclosed is $20,000 from my estate.

Tell Cassius, yes, you know you want to.

Love, Gran

PS. Burn this note to receive your gift.

I looked up. Uncle was burning his letter. Dropping into his hands in it’s place was a photo and birth certificate. My uncle peered over at me, with tears welled in his eyes. He never cried.

Standing up he pushed the photo and birth certificate toward me, “She said there were some things I should know.”

I glanced down at the photo and birth certificate. Definitely no sword fights now, right?

I was his daughter.

My uncle and I looked at each other in shock as I spoke “She said we were more alike than I would care to admit.” He smiled knowingly, appearing lost in his own thought. She must have written a similar sentiment to him.

Glancing over to where Cassius sat, he looked nervous as he burnt the letter from gran. Jin looked up at Cassius, purring with that smile still draped across is little face.

Appearing in his hands was an emerald green jewelry box. My stomach dropped as he locked eyes with me, “She said this would be the death of a bachelor.”

I knew that box, that was a box my grandfather had given my grandmother. Her engagement box.

“Yes.” I murmured, biting my lip before returning my attention to my letter.

Grandmother, what in the world are you up to?

Cassius handed me his lighter, his fingers brushing up against mine his cheeks blushing a light red. Glancing back down at my own letter, feeling my own cheeks aflame, I held it up.

What surprises were in store for me. Bracing myself I lit the letter.

Appearing in it’s place was a little black book. Opening the book I saw the familiar script of my grandmother, without realizing it I read aloud “The book yet to be written.”

*********************************************************************

My grandmother was always full of surprises. I never would have suspected a real life plot twist of this magnitude. Where I thought a story was ending, a true beginning was at hand…

A knock on the door pulled me from my little black book, peering around the other side was my father. A smirk graced his lips, his steely eyes shining ever with mischief, “Vivienne, I don’t think you want to keep Cassius waiting do you?”

I smiled back, glancing at myself one more time in the mirror, admiring the emerald green dress from grandmother’s closet. It fit like a glove.

Walking out the door, we walked through the halls of the house and through our family Apothecary to the backyard. In the distance I could see Cassius pacing back and forth with Jin in his arms in front of Roger, who was laughing. One last laugh and surprise shared between him and my grandmother.

I cannot wait to see what chapters are ahead.