The Diarist

(Prelude to: Spring Awakening)

At

The House of Four Seasons

By Atonia Walpole

I’m starting a new book. I guess you might say I am a diarist. I’ve been keeping diaries since I was twelve. They’re all stacked up in my ro…no, they aren’t. They’re in a storage building, one of those little mini warehouses, the smallest one they had. That’s where all my stuff is right now. I’m staying in a motel, but not for long. I found a house to rent on the internet. It’s not that far from here. I can drive it in a day. I rented it for a year. I think that will give me time to figure out what it is that I want to do, where I want to go, and by then the settlement should be in the bank. They say it takes a while for everything to finalized. Meanwhile I’ve been part-timing at the local library.

You see, I’m an orphan now at twenty-five years of age. My parents scraped and saved all their lives to put me through school and I finished last year. They had a little left over for an anniversary trip, flying out to California…the plane crashed in Nevada. There was enough insurance money to take care of the memorial service and pay their debts. I’ve been stretching it out as far as I can as it’s hard to find a job now with the economy the way it is. They never owned the house they lived in and when the lease ran out I got a visit from the landlord. He was raising the rent and had a family lined up. So I had a yard sale and moved my things into a storage building. Motel 6 is not my idea of home but it’s the only thing I can afford right now.

Finding the house was a stroke of luck. The pictures look nice but for the small amount of rent they’re asking I wonder how old these pictures are. I mean, the place might be a ruin by now. It doesn’t matter anyway. That was the last of the big money I’ll see for awhile until the settlement from the airline comes through. It makes me feel good that I’ve got a place to go. Just hope Dad’s old car will make it to Salem, MA. I’m supposed to be met by a guide to take me to the house. Odd way of doing things I thought. I don’t know if I’m supposed to pay him or what. I don’t have a credit card anymore, not since college. Dad cut it up. There was no address listed to send the money to so I’ve got a check for him if he is the one I pay. I’m excited about moving and tomorrow is the big day.

Hallie Madison

Spring Awakening

At

The House of Four Seasons

Part 1 – The Guide: Andy

He positioned himself in a booth so that he could watch people come and go. He liked doing that, trying to figure out who they were and what they did for a living. Some were obvious and some were not. He had a large coffee in front of him and sipped it while he waited for her.

He almost missed her coming in. She followed a family with children, probably ten to twelve in age. She wasn’t much bigger than the girl in front of her, a tiny little thing, but she was no child. Sunglasses were pushed up on her head, concert tee shirt over a pair faded jeans. She wore flip flops on her feet. It was a warm day for spring. She looked a little lost as she looked around the coffee shop then ordered a Coke and found a seat.

He waited a beat, got up, walked over and sat down at her table. She looked up quickly with wide, dark blue eyes.

“Hi, I’m Andy and I’m your guide.”

“I’m Hallie Madison. Glad you found me. I didn’t know who to look for.” She offered her hand for a shake.

“I did. Finish your Coke.” He shook her hand and picked up his coffee, eyeing her over the rim of his cup. She didn’t look twenty-five and he was beginning to wonder.

“So you just finished school…high school?” he asked smiling.

“No, college. I know, I still have to pull out my ID to buy a beer.”

“Mind if I see it? You know, just to make sure you’re who you say you are.”

“No.” She dug in her big leather bag and came up with her wallet.

Andy checked her birth date. She’d just made it under the wire. There was an age limit at the House. He smiled and handed it back to her. She was three years younger than him but she looked like somebody’s kid sister, not the sort that usually came to the House. They were a little more worldly. He handed it back. “Ok, looks good. Are you anxious to get to the House?”

“Oh, yeah, am I! You have no idea.” She flashed him a smile. But he did; he knew all about her. At least he thought he did.

Andy gave her a rundown of the amenities available at the house during the drive. Once through the drive she stopped the car.

“This is not it. It can’t be! Oh, my God, Andy!” She turned and looked at him. “The rent…I forgot to give you the check!”

“That’s okay. There’s no hurry. I’ll be here for a couple of days until you get settled in. There are things you’ll need to know about the House.”

“Okay if I park here by the garage?”

“Sure, we can unpack later.” Andy was a little uneasy about her…something wasn’t right.

She turned around in circles walking to the house, amazed at what she saw. It was something out of a book of fairytales. She couldn’t believe it as she bounded up to the door. Andy followed her, laughing at her reaction.

“The door is unlocked!” She turned to Andy

“Well…go in.” He held it open and she cautiously walked through the door.

“Oh, my goodness, look! I love it!” The large living room held a huge stone fireplace at one end, an armoire in one corner held the TV and CD player with a stack of music and movies. The long comfortable sofa was done in a blue and white stripe with two matching blue velvet chairs. The throw pillows were hot pink and yellow. Fresh flowers, iris and pussy willow, daffodils and tulips filled a vase in front of the large bay window.

Across the hall lay a small dining room with French doors leading out onto a slate patio and a garden beyond. The Dining room was painted red and done in shades of pinks.

Down the hall she found a library and then turned into the big kitchen. A blue and white checked tablecloth covered a square table against one wall, glass doors led out onto a stone terrace and beyond that green lawn to the edge of the bluff that overlooked the ocean and a strip of beach below.

Hallie ran from room to room oohing and ahing.

“What do you think, kid? Will it do?”

“It’s marvelous! Too much! How will I ever take care of all this for a year?”

“You won’t have to worry about that. Want to go up and see your room?”

“Oh, yeah, I can’t wait. If it’s as grand as the rest of the place....” When she walked back inside the House she felt she was welcome there, a strange feeling but it was true. She followed Andy up the stairs.

Andy opened her bedroom door and blinked. It was painted purple. He turned a surprised face to her.

“Oh, oh, Andy! You won’t believe this! My old room was purple.” She walked in, admiring the bedding done in all shades of purple, violet and green. It smelled of violets. A long sofa was covered in the same trailing vine fabric with violets. There was a fireplace with TV mounted above, built in sound system, and a dressing table fit for a queen she said. Andy thought more for a princess as she pranced around the room and opened the doors to the balcony. He couldn’t wait to get down to business with her.

“Hallie, we need to talk. There are things about this House you need to know.”

“Oh, sure. Here okay?” She indicated the sofa.

“Ah, yeah, this will be fine.” He sat down and looked at her expectant face, thinking about what he was going to tell her. “Look, um, Hallie, this House is not like other houses. There are things that happen here…well, it’s a magical place. The House is built on an ancient magical site. The magic is the magic of love. It’s called The House of Four Seasons because there are four seasons of love, like the four elements that sustain life, air, water, earth and fire.  Do you have any idea what I’m talking about?”

“No, but it sounds good. I like your voice. Where are you from?” She liked his looks, too, prettiest green eyes.

“Australia. Now listen because this is important, Hallie, very important. It may change your idea about staying here. You have rented this place for a year. That’s four seasons. You won’t be alone here, Hallie, each season someone different will come to be with you…someone…a man, Hallie.”

She laughed, “Andy, I didn’t rent a man! I rented a house. Nothing was said about men being here.”

“I realize that but understand this House chose you for a reason. I told you it was magical…it really is. You will find all your wants and needs taken care of. The house is self sufficient. It replenishes the food supply and your meals will be provided for you, but you can cook if you want to. You will have a never-ending wardrobe with clothes to fit the season. Each season brings a companion. You do understand that bit?”

“You’re dead serious…” She looked away toward the fireplace. “What, um, kind of men? I, uh...what is, uh....”

“You will never be in any danger here. The House protects you. You won’t even get as much as a hangnail while you’re here. You have the option of choosing a companion for a season or the House will choose for you. The House does a good job. Trust it.”

“I won’t be hurt…what about…well…I.” She looked down at her hands, embarrassed.

“You’re worried about sex? Nothing will happen unless you want it to.” Her face was red and she was blinking fast. He had an epiphany. “Hallie, have you ever been to bed with a man?”

She didn’t answer for a moment, looking everywhere but at Andy. Finally she shook her head no.

“So you lied on the application?”

“Well…I didn’t think it was anybody’s business. Besides I’m twenty five, a little old to still be…a virgin.”

In all the years he’d been a guide for the House this had never come up. His first reaction was to put her in the car and send her back to where she came from. “You don’t belong here. You should go home.”

“I don’t have a home, Andy! I was living in a motel.”

He remembered about that and about her parents being killed the year before. She was digging in her bag again and came up with a check that she handed him. He looked into her eyes and folded the check, slipping it in his back pocket. It would never be cashed but she didn’t need to know that.

“Look, I’m sorry, Hallie, but you just seem too young and innocent. That’s my opinion anyway. This is a house of love. I don’t think you even know how to spell it.”

“Maybe I am but I have to grow up sometime. I was raised by two very over-protective parents. I loved them dearly and miss them every day but I’m on my own now. There is nobody but me. You said I would be protected here.”

“You will. No one who comes here would ever wish you harm.”

“But they will want something else?”

“Yeah…probably. It’s up to you and them.” He wasn’t liking this whole thing.

“You said this was a house of love. What do you mean? Is it some kind of…house of ill repute or whatever they’re called?”

“No, not at all, a place to discover love, fall in love, be loved.” He couldn’t go on. She looked just like his mate’s kid sister, only no braces. “I just don’t think you’re ready for this, Hallie.”

“It doesn’t sound so bad to me, being loved. I don’t have anybody, Andy.” She got off the sofa, walked over to the CD player and looked through the music. “How old are you?”

“Twenty-eight, but a lot older than you.” He sat back on the sofa. He could send her away. He could but where would she go?

“Meaning you’ve had a lot of girlfriends. Do you have a girl now?” She selected a disk and shoved it into the player.

“No, not now.” He ran his hand over his face. What to do?

Hallie turned back and sat on the sofa with him. He was so cute she couldn’t imagine him not having girls all over him. “How long are you staying?”

“I’ve got three days. Today is one of them and then I have to leave. Spring will be coming.”

“Who will be Spring?”

“I have no idea!” He spat the words out.

“Are you angry with me?” She sat back, pulling her knees up.

“A little. You shouldn’t have lied. It puts it all on me now.”

“Puts what on you?”

“You, and what happens to you. You’re going to lose your virginity here…you know that.”

“You act like it’s something special. Well, let me tell you what a roadblock it is.  I’ve dated a few guys and as soon as they find out I haven’t ever done it they’re gone. At this rate I’m never going to do it. I can’t give it away.”

“You shouldn’t be trying to. It’s something special, not many of you around anymore past fourteen.”

“Have you ever had a virgin? Would you want one?” She raised her brows.

“Don’t…don’t ask me, Hallie, just don’t”

“See what I mean.”  She got up and walked toward the balcony.

Andy got up and walked around the sofa. “Let’s go eat a pizza.”

In the end she stayed against Andy’s wishes. He treated her like a kid sister and that pissed her off. She was hoping maybe to get rid of her problem while he was there.

Excerpt from Hallie’s diary:

I am embarrassed to death. I’ve practically thrown myself at Andy and he’s been really nice but keeps me at arm’s length. I even thought about going down the hall, finding his room one night and just presenting myself but thought better of it. He probably would have covered me up and brought me back in here to my room. He’s leaving this morning and says tomorrow somebody will come. The room next to mine has been busy. Andy said it was preparing for Spring. This sure is a strange place but, hey, it’s mine for a year so whatever. I like the food service and the clean up. The house is really nice and what he’s shown me outside is too. He’s coming down the hall now ready to go. Maybe I’ll at least get a kiss goodbye…or not.

Andy stopped by her room and found her laying across her bed writing in a book. “I’m off…last chance to change your mind, Hallie.” She got up from the bed and came over to him, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was sweet and he kissed her back. “Take care, Hallie.” He looked at her a moment then bounded down the stairs and out the front door, heading for the gate.

“Bye, Andy!” she called from the front door. She liked his kiss. Now why hadn’t he done that before?

Part 2:

Of all the things in his life he’d had to do, he’d never been asked to do such a thing. He’d called Toni Thorne and talked to her at length. She was the owner of the House of Four Seasons and she’d told him if ever there was one to teach a woman the art of love it was him. She said he’d taught her and she would be forever grateful to him. He was well aware she talked him into it. But then she could do that with him.

And so he found himself in the stables at The House of Four Seasons taking care of his horse, Argento. His mission…seduce a young virgin. He put away the brushes and taking a deep breath, set out for the house.

Hallie was in his room. All the bumping and scraping had stopped the night before and this morning the door was standing part way open so she went in to have a look around. This was the room prepared for Spring. Her first impression was that it was a little exotic, multi-colored silken cushions, a bed piled with soft jewel-toned pillows, a low bed-like thing covered in furs near the fireplace. But it was the scent in the room she liked. She was unable to identify it but it seemed to encircle her and cling to her when she left the room. It smelled ancient, was in fact amber, cinnabar, bergamot, coriander and myrrh.

Andy had reluctantly given her a clue. They were characters created by the actor Russell Crowe and she’d gone through all the DVD’s wondering who might come. She need wonder no longer. She heard his steps on the stairway and leaned against the wall outside of his room, a little frightened and apprehensive.

Maximus stopped at the top of the stairway and looked at her, this child-woman given to him. He bowed his head slightly, “My lady Hallie.”

Hallie’s fist was in her mouth. She was dumbstruck, unable to speak. It was Maximus from Gladiator in full fur regalia. He took her breath away standing in the shadowed hallway. She wished she’d dressed, anything other than her jeans, socks and a long-sleeved sweater. He was….

“Do you speak?” he asked, moving slowly toward her and smiling slightly.

“Um, yes…Maximus.” Her dark blue eyes hadn’t blinked.

He took her hand, raising it to his lips. “You are a most beautiful young woman.”

“Th…thank you. So are you…I mean…wow.”

Maximus had been to the house many times, was well aware of the effect of the General’s attire on young women. He’d never met one as young as this one appeared to be in this House.

“Will you help me get out of this costume? It is rather heavy and cumbersome.”

“Y..yes, if you’ll show me what to do.” She followed him into the room and the scent was stronger now, pulling her in. She felt nervous and excited at the same time.

He turned and looked at her again. Was she child or woman?

Hallie met his eyes for a moment and something turned over inside of her. He was the one who was going to take her virginity. She began trembling and reached for the back of a chair.

“Come, child.” He pulled her to him and she rested her face in fur, finding her eyes were wet.

“I’m okay,” she managed.

He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “No, you are not and I know why. Do not fear me, Hallie.” He spoke softly.

“Oh, I’m not afraid...not....”

“It is all right to be afraid of what you do not know, but do not fear me. You will know me well and I shall know you.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “Now if you will, I am strapped into this armor.”

She helped him with trembling hands and when he’d divested himself of his cloak and his armor, he took her hand and led her out of the room. The warmth of his hand was somehow comforting as he led her downstairs and into the kitchen. It was mid- morning and a pot of coffee and a plate of bread, butter and honey awaited on the kitchen table.

“Ah, just what I had hoped for. Will you sit?”

“Yes. I know I’m acting silly. I usually have a little more sense than this.”

“Not at all. How do you find the house? Is it to your liking?” He buttered a slice of bread.

“I love it! I’ve never lived in anything so grand but it still feels like home.”

“Does it, indeed?” He studied her for a moment. “You’re to be here for a year?”

“Yes, I was lucky, I guess, to find this place.” Two sugars and a dollop of cream she stirred her coffee.

“Perhaps the House is lucky to have found you?”

“You know about this place?”

“From the beginning. I know all about it, its mysteries, its faults. Oh, yes, it does have them, though it does not like to be reminded,” he smiled and bit into the honeyed bread.

“You do it, too. Andy spoke about it like it was a…person or something.”

He smiled and touched a napkin to his lips. “It is many.” Looking up and around, he added, “It is a living thing I have always felt.”

Hallie was calming down. A simple thing like bread and honey brought her feet back  to the ground.

“It was hard for me to believe about the magic at first but now I’m okay with it.”

“Are you also okay with the rest of it, Hallie?”

“Well…yes, I mean, it’s isolated out here. Having someone else here will be good, I think.”

“I hope it will be so for you.” He took a sip of his drink.

“Andy told me how it’s done and the House selects who’s to come. “

“Not always. You have that option.”

“Yeah, but…I don’t think I could have done a better job.”

“May I take that as a compliment?”

She smiled, “Yes, it was meant as one.” She met his smiling eyes again and he held hers until he looked away. This was no boy she was sitting across the table from. She’d never met anyone like him before. “Maximus, can I ask you how old you are?”

“I am ageless, Hallie…actually I am thirty-six. Do you think I am too old for you?”

“Oh, no, I wasn’t thinking that at all. No, I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“There is no one like me. How many Roman generals do you think exist?”

“Ha, none…none but you.” She thought what a magical moment this was for her. She’d seen Gladiator and knew him from the movie, what he’d suffered, what he was capable of, his strength and most of all his honor.  “I’m glad you’re here. I feel honored to be sitting across from you.”

“The honor is mine, Hallie.” However, he did not feel so honorable for what he knew he must do. “Tell me, if you had known before you came exactly what was involved here, what must happen with the seasons, would you still have come?”

“I would have, yes. I was in rather dire circumstances but…I know what you’re getting at…yes, I still would have come. I guess you know…”

“I do.”

“It’s a burden, Maximus.”

“A burden?” He raised his brows.

“It is. Guys my age are afraid of it, at least the ones I’ve met are. Like I’m some kind of a goody-two shoes or something. It’s not my fault, not like I haven’t…wanted to…you know?”

“We shall take care of your…burden, in time.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“Do not ever feel embarrassed with me. I want you to feel you can talk to me. You can do anything with me. I will not judge.”

“You’re certainly a lot easier to talk to than I first thought.”

“Good. We are beginning.”

Part 3:

It was Maximus’ idea to bring her along gently, to gain her trust and perhaps affection before taking it to the next level. Hallie was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. She watched him over the next few days, the way he moved, the quiet way he spoke. His voice sent shivers down her spine sometimes. She could sense something just beneath the surface building inside her.

She walked with him up to the stables one morning to feed his horse Argento.

“He’s a beautiful animal, Maximus.”

“He is, yes. Do you ride?”

“I took lessons one time so I guess I do.”

He smiled and ran his hand down Argento’s neck. “Would you like to ride with us? He can carry us both. You are but a butterfly.”

She smiled, yes, she would like to ride with him. He saddled Argento and set her on the saddle before him. It was the closest she’d been to him since helping him remove his armor. He’d been with her all during their waking hours but had only offered a hand to help her across a stream on one of their walks.

Now she was against him, his arms on either side of her, holding the reins, his scent surrounded her again, pulling her closer in. Soon they were racing across the paths and roads of the property. They rode for some time before stopping by a stream. Maximus dismounted and lifted her down, light as a feather, but when her feet touched the ground she didn’t move away and he held her there, his hands on her waist and looked into her eyes. She gently placed her hands on his chest and he bent his head and kissed her softly.

“You do ride well.”

“With your help.” She still did not move away.

He dipped his head and stepped away to Argento to let him drink from the stream.

Hallie moistened her lips, tasting his soft kiss and turned. “Maximus…when?”

“When I think you are ready,” was his reply.

She went over and squatted down by the stream, splashing water on her hot face.

He lifted her back up on the horse and mounted behind her. Taking the reins once again, he said into her ear, “Do not think I do not want you or that I am afraid of you and your burden, for it is not so.” He turned Argento and they rode back to the stables.

Once there she walked back to the house. He watched her for a moment and, sighing, picked up the brushes and attended to Argento’s needs. She was young but she had a woman’s body and she was coming alive for him. He would not leave it for much longer.

Hallie couldn’t understand what he was waiting for. She was afraid he still thought of her as a child, but she wasn’t a child and it made her a little angry. She ran upstairs to her room and passed by the full length mirror. True she was petite, she couldn’t help that, but she was twenty-five, not fifteen. She looked at her clothes, jeans and a tee shirt. She thought maybe if she didn’t dress like a fifteen year old maybe he would notice…and then.

She took a bath then searched in her wardrobe for the clothes the House had added, finding a short black skirt that fit her snugly and a pale blue silk blouse, which she tucked in. She played with the blouse in front of the mirror and looked at her face, adding a little mascara and a touch of lipstick, a pair of strappy heels. She didn’t look fifteen anymore. Maybe he would notice.

He did notice. He’d come from the stables and stopped in the kitchen for a drink. Something smelled good in the oven. He walked to the stairway and stopped as she was coming down. He met her eyes, holding them for a while. “You look lovely, Hallie. I will join you shortly.” He passed by her up the stairs. Hallie took a breath and walked into the kitchen to see what was for dinner.

She wanted to eat in the dining room. She was building up to something tonight…would it be tonight? Pulling out china, she set the table and lit candles. It looked romantic, she thought, and pulled the drapes, blocking out the late evening sun. To help her out the House started the CD player with soft background music. Hallie smiled. She needed all the help she could get.

The House had been shocked by her revelation but did not share Andy’s reluctance for her to stay. It chose Maximus for her. It knew him very well.

She knew he was there before he entered the living room, his seductive scent finding her and she turned. He’d dressed in modern clothes tonight, well-fitting black slacks and a cream silk shirt open half way down his chest. Once again he left her speechless. He smiled, walked over to a drinks cabinet and opened a bottle of wine. Wine was a great relaxer and he felt he needed it himself. She’d sent the invitation. It would be tonight. He walked over and handed her a glass. “To you, Hallie Madison.”

She touched his glass with a nervous smile and sipped her wine. There was something different about him tonight. His eyes were soft but hid a deeper meaning when he looked into hers. He moved with such a sensual grace. The simple act of pouring wine wrote itself in her memory.

“I think dinner will be in the dining room tonight, lamb, I believe.”

Maximus smiled to himself…lamb to the slaughter. “I like lamb.”

He took a good drink from his glass and still held her eyes. “What made you change your attire?”

“I was…I found this in the wardrobe.”

“It suits you tonight.”

“Thank you.” She wanted to go to him. He was too far away but something kept him there and she did not move to him.

“Are you ready to go in to dinner?” he asked, refilling his glass.

“Um, yes ,I am.” She moved from behind the coffee table and led the way to the dining room. He held her chair for her and filled her wine glass again with the bottle he'd brought from the drinks cabinet.

“I don’t have much of a head for wine,” she remarked.

“Is that so?” he smiled slightly and placed his napkin in his lap. “Perhaps tonight you will indulge me.”

They finished their meal and the bottle of wine and walked back into the living room. He stood very close to her and touched her hair, letting it fall through his fingers like silken threads. Her eyes were centered on his chest, bare above the buttons of his shirt. His fingers strayed to her jaw, tracing down to her chin. He lifted it and kissed her gently and then his arms went around her and he kissed her again, this time probing her mouth with his tongue.

“You are sweet,” he said against her lips.

His soft beard against her lips made them tingle. “Maximus.”

He picked her up and carried her to his bedroom, placing her on the fur-covered low bed in front of the fireplace. He undressed her and himself and lay down beside her,placing his hand on her stomach.

“It is time, little one.”

“I’m ready.” She was more than ready. The wine made her feel as though she were floating, his hand moving on her body and his scent had her reeling.

He kissed her, cupping her breasts, first one then the other. He bit them softly, leaving a trail of kisses down her body. She was a rosebud and he tasted her and gently probed her with his fingers. She was wet; he wanted her wetter.

Hallie was drowning in sweet sensation. "Let it go," she heard him softly say and she did, pressing herself to his lips and his tongue. She convulsed against him and he moved up her body, kissing her deeply, giving her a taste of her own sex. He moved on top of her and entered her to her threshold.

“I am going to hurt you a little, Hallie,” he whispered and took her mouth with his and trust himself into her, holding her tightly and not moving. He felt the door give way and lay joined with her a moment before beginning to move within her.

Hallie began moving with him, her arms tightly around his shoulders. She felt it building again and let him take her with him. She was all sensation, her whole body alive with the need. He brought her to a climax again and then let himself enjoy her.

Two tears escaped from her eyes, rolling down into her hair. “I didn’t know it could be so beautiful.”

“Now you are a rose.” He kissed her again and moved to her side, pulling her close to him.

She cuddled against him and slept.

A few hours later she woke still in his arms. “Are you all right, Hallie?” he asked softly.

“Yes, oh…yes.”

 He pulled her from the bed and took her into his bathroom where he had a sunken tub. The water was warm and fragrant when they entered.

Days went by and they hardly left the bedroom. Their meals appeared and the remains disappeared. He fed her grapes and figs and wine. He taught her how to please him and encouraged her to tell him what she wanted. All traces of the child were disappearing. He could see it in her eyes, she had become a woman.

Hallie felt different and lost all her self- consciousness with him. She became playful, loving and sure, and she fell in love with Maximus.

“I have created a monster.” He tossed one of the soft pillows on his bed at her.

“I think you have! Now you have to live with it.”

“The sun is out today. I think we should go out and see if the world still exists.”

“Do we really care?” She lay back on the pillow.

“Yes, we do. Come now, let us dress and go out.”

She hated to leave his room. It had become so familiar, his scent had become hers. The haunting music that emanated from the walls would be with her forever and forever she would remember him.

Time had passed. There were only a few weeks left of spring. Hallie had given no thought to his leaving. He was her everything. He spoke to her often about the four seasons and the four elements. She laughed, he WAS the four elements. There could be no more.

“But there will be, Hallie, Summer, Fall and Winter…will arrive. You have taken the house for a year.”

“I don’t want to think about that…think about you leaving. No, I want you to stay, Maximus.”

“I cannot and you know this.” He would not discuss it with her until she came to her senses.

There were only a few days left and it was raining again, which brought them back inside and they were in his bed again, leaning against the headboard of the big Spanish four-poster bed. Maximus had enjoyed the little monster he’d created but it was time to talk to her about his going. She’d ignored it and would not talk about it.

“You must face it, Hallie. In three days I will leave. I cannot change this magic. I would prefer that you make plans for summer.”

“I can’t, Maximus! Who would I invite after you…I can’t make that decision. Maybe I’ll just be by myself, I don’t care. That might be better anyway.”

“That will not happen. If you do not choose a summer, the House will.”

“The House chose you. I don’t care who it is, who comes. It won’t matter, don’t you see! I love you, Maximus. After you…there isn’t anything.”

“That is foolish talk. You have a long life ahead of you and immediately three more seasons to come.”

Hallie started crying. “Help me, Maximus! I can’t face this!”

“Come to me, little one.” He pulled her across his lap. “You have grown into a woman in these months. You must learn to live as one. A woman may cry as is her due but she will also reach deep within herself and find the strength to do the next thing. You may think a man is strong for his muscular strength but it is you, woman, who has the real strength. You can bring me to my knees, Hallie. No man can do that. Learn to use that strength you possess. Pull yourself up and you can face anything, anything.”

She looked into his eyes, believed him, and took his face in her hands and kissed him.

Excerpt from her diary the day he left:

I came here post-student, still wearing my college clothes, and not knowing anything, I realize now. I have spent three months with the most wonderful man. He has taught me more in this time than I learned in all my twenty-five years. He has made me a woman and I will never ever forget him. Maximus, there is nothing else I can say but that I loved him.

He has prepared me for what is to come. Summer will arrive tomorrow and I have let the house choose a companion for me. I don’t think it will ever top Maximus. He has only been gone for a few hours, but I miss him.

ON TO SUMMER ROMANCE DISCOVERED

BACK TO HARVEST OF HOPE

BACK TO A VACATION FROM LIFE

BACK TO SUMMER IS SUMMONED

BACK TO A PAINTERLY EYE ARRIVES

BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF THE ORIGINAL HOUSE STORY

BACK TO INDEX OF ALL THE HOUSE STORIES

BACK TO LIBRISCROWE