It was Elise’s first plane trip. He sat in the window seat, looking
out at the landscape below. He was so engrossed, that he didn’t
notice the elderly lady on the aisle seat looking at him. He pulled
his eyes away from the window finally and rested his head back..
Already, a deep homesickness was settling in his stomach. The elderly
lady leaned and asked,
“Is this your first trip, son?”
Elise
looked over at her, “Yeah. I’ve never been on a plane before.”
“This
must be so exciting.”
He
gave a half smile, “Sure, I guess…”
“Are
you traveling alone?”
Elise
looked back out at the unfamiliar landscape, “ My Mom…she’s
sick. I’m
going to go live with my Grandmother.”
“Oh,
I’m sorry, hon. At least you have family though.”
“Kind
of…I don’t really know them.”
“Well
what’s their name? It’s a small area. I might know them.”
He
looked over at her, hopeful “It’s Swanson. Do you know them?”
The
look that crossed the lady’s face was not pleasant. It made
Elise’s stomach turn
He had never met his mother’s side of the family. She had run away
when she became pregnant with him.
The lady looked back at her magazine, “I’ve heard of them…an old
family. They’ve been
established for many years in Oak Harbour.”
“What
are they like?” Elise
asked
She
looked at him, scrutinizing him, “What’s your name son?”
“Elise.
Elise Johnston.”
“That’s
interesting…I don’t remember an Elise ever being mentioned.”
“Do
you know them well?”
“No.
Just through the grapevine sort of speak. Just rumors.”
He
wanted to ask what rumors, but had a feeling she wouldn’t tell him
anyway.
“Have
you ever visited before?” The lady asked
He
shook his head, “No. This is the first time. I didn’t even know I
had family until my
mom got sick.”
“Why
did your mother send you to live with them, if you mind me asking?
Don’t you
have any friends?”
“Yes.
She thought staying with family would be better.”
The
lady frowned again, but didn’t say anything. Elise wanted to ask
more but the flight
attendant came on the intercom, telling them to prepare for
landing. Elise leaned back and
gripped the arm rests, preparing for his first landing.
The plane dipped and sped toward the ground. Elise gripped harder,
holding his breath.
He looked out the window briefly and immediately felt sick from the
sight for the land
coming towards them. He looked away and closed his eyes for the rest
of the trip. The
plane touched down and slowly came to a stop. It wasn’t until the
other passengers had
started to leave that he opened his eyes again.
The
elderly lady stood in the aisle with her carry on bag. She gave him a
smile, “Don’t take things personally son. You’re mother’s
actions aren’t your fault..” Before Elise could ask what she
meant, she left with the stream of other passengers. Elise unbuckled
himself, waited a minute to get his legs, and then also left.
He
walked off the plane, searching through the crowd for the unknown
uncle that was
supposed to meet him there. He had never seen him, and his mother’s
description
was fifteen years out of date. He slowly moved into the airport,
looking for
anyone looking for him. A man suddenly stood up and waved to him from
the crowd,
“Hey
stop – over here!
Elise
stopped and waited for the man to reach him.
“Are
you Elise?”
He
nodded.
“I’m
your Uncle Jonathon. I’m pleased to finally meet you” He held out
a hand.
Elise
tentavly shook it, remembering the look on the lady’s face when he
had mentioned
his family name. His uncle didn’t appear threatening though. He was
in his early thirties, with
dark black hair and brown eyes. A bright smile lighted his face. Elise
relaxed a little
“Here,
let me take your bag. How was your flight?”
He
gave him the bag “Okay-“
“Great.
Tell me all about it while we get your luggage.” He left into the
airport. Elise
followed, trying to keep up with his large stride. Elise talked about
his trip as they waited
for his luggage to come.
“Oh
– there it is!” Elise said just as it passed.
“Dang
– just missed it Hold on!” Jonathon jumped on to the turntable and
picked his way
over the bags until he reached Elise’s. He grabbed it and jumped
back to the floor. Elise
had to laugh. If everyone was like his Uncle, he wouldn’t mind
staying with them. Maybe
the lady on the plane just had the wrong family. Jonathon came back
him. He slapped
Elise on the shoulder,
“Come
on. My truck’s in the parking lot.”
Elise followed
his Uncle into the parking lot. As soon as he stepped out a gust of
wind
lifted his hair. As he followed his uncle, he held his flapping jacket
closed and frowned up at the clacking flagpoles. Jonathon glanced back
at him,
“It’s
not so bad once you get used to it.”
Embarrassed,
Elise blushed, “I’m sure it won’t be.”
“Am
I guessing right that you’re lived inland your whole life?”
“Yes sir.”
Jonathon
laughed, “Really, you don’t have to call me sir. Uncle Jonathon or
just Jonathon
is fine.”
“Sure.”
They
reached the truck and Jonathon loaded his bags in. He closed back door
and they
got in. They pulled out from the small airport and started on the
highway.
The
highway winded along the coast. Elise looked out at the waves crashing
against the cliffs and the seagulls screaming overhead. He had never
been to the ocean. Jonathan
looked over at him,
“What
do you think?
“It’s
nice, I guess.” He wished he could relax and enjoy the scenery, but
the thought of
the lady on the plane and the eventual meeting of his unknown
grandmother made him tense.
Jonathan glanced over at
him again, “I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine. Once you get used
to
it I mean.
“I’m
sure I will.”
"How
come I don’t believe that?”
Surprised, Elise looked
at him, “I mean it. I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m looking forward
to
meeting my grandmother.”
“You
don’t have to lie to me. No one looks forward to meeting mother.”
He
tensed more, “What do you mean?.”
Jonathon
looked uncertain, ”Well….first tell me, how much do you know about
your family?”
“Not
much, “Elise confessed, “I didn’t even know you existed until a
month ago.”
"So
Natalie never mentioned us? Not even once?”
“No.
Never.”
“Odd.
I wonder why she would send you to live with us.”
“What
do you mean?”
“Huh?
Oh, nothing. I was just thinking out loud.”
“Why
didn’t my Mom ever say anything?”
Jonathon
gave a short laugh, “Hey, fair is fair, if they disown her, why
can’t she disown
them? She was always a stubborn one.”
Elise
was confused, “Disown?”
Jonathon
glanced over at him, then back at the road, “Um, nothing. Forget I
said it. The
past is the past. You have plenty of time to learn about that.” He
changed the subject,
“Look
– there’s the town.”
Elise
looked down the road. The highway took a turn and across the wide bay
was a small
seaside village. Docks jutted out of the rocky shore and a sea walk
circled the other
half, ending at a tall lighthouse. Buildings rose on a steady slope
behind the docks. As
they neared Elise could see cars and people on the roads, and
sailboats on the ocean.
“It
looks pretty, “ Elise said, trying to sound convincing.
“Don’t
worry about things, “ Jonathon said, “You’ll get along with your
Grandmother fine.
Elise
wished he could believe him, but he didn’t.
They
eventually pulled onto the main street of the town. As they drove down
the
congested street, Jonathan pointed out various landmarks. Elise tired
to listen to him,
despite his disinterest.
“There’s
two parts to the town, “ Jonathon was saying, “The tourist side,
and the working
side. The working side is the fishermen. I live no the working side
with your Uncle
Daniel and cousin Maddie. Mother’s house is in between both sides.
That’s where you’re
staying. It’s one of the oldest houses in the city. I think you’ll
like it. It’s within walking
distance of everything.”
”I’m
sure I will.
Jonathon
gave him a wry smile, “I know you don’t believe that.”
“No,
I do”
“I
see Nat raised a polite one. It’s okay not to agree with me.”
Elise
slumped a little in his seat, “I’m just…nervous.”
Jonathon
reached over and gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder,
“I’ll give you
my address. If you ever need any help, just get me.”
He
felt slightly cheered, “Thanks.
"
They
pulled out of the downtown core finally, and onto the residential
streets. Elise
looked out at his new home. Large character homes sat back from the
streets, flowers and
trees covering the front lawns. Large oak trees shaded the streets,
growing on the
manicured boulevards. An occasional person was seen walking a dog, or
carrying
groceries. They turned and started up a steep hill. There were only a
few large houses on
it. He pulled into the driveway of the largest house and stopped
“And
here’s the old home,” Jonathon announced. Elise got out and looked
down the hill.
From there he could see the end of the sea walk and the lighthouse.
Jonathan grabbed his bags and started for the house. Elise followed
him. They went along a stone walkway
and up steps to the front porch. Jonathan reached for the knocker in
the shape of golden
lion’s head and knocked.
“It’s
the family crest, “he said.
“Oh,”
Was all Elise could say, He had never known a family with a crest
before. And the
tree-lined streets and three story houses, were far removed from his
small apartment
in the city.
The door opened then and tall, boney lady in her early forties gazed
at him with cool gray eyes
"Is
this the bastard child?” she said finally.
Jonathon
responded before Elise could, "Anna! It’s your sisters son, for
god’s sake!”
“Do
not being god into this. And I have no sister.” She stepped aside,
“If it were my
choice, he wouldn’t be here at
all.” She turned her back on them and walked down the hall.
Jonathon
lead Elise in, closing the door behind them, “Just ignore here.”
A
moment later there were steps on the staircase. Elise looked up as a
tall elderly lady
appeared on the landing. She must have been the illusive Grandmother.
Deliberately, she
stepped down the stairs, eyeing Elise. Elise shifted uncomfortably
under her scrutiny. She
reached the bottom landing and continued to watch him. Elise let his
eyes stay on the
floor. He felt he should say something, but didn’t; know what.
Jonathan, too, remained
silent. Finally, his Grandmother spoke. Her voice was even and cold,
“He
looks just like his father.” She stood a little taller and
continued, “I do not want
you to be deceived into thinking that I want you here. I do not. But
no one will say that I
am stone hearted. You can stay here because you are my daughter’s
son, but never, ever,
think for one moment, that you are part of the family. You are a
bastard child, and no
bastard child will ever carry the crest of the lion. Your room is in
the attic. Go put your
stuff then and then come down to tea.” She turned abruptly and
walked away down the hall.
Elise
glanced uncertainly at Jonathon. He shrugged,
“Try not to take it personally,” And then more cheerily, “Come
on lets get you settled
in.” He swung his bags over his shoulder and started up the stairs.
His things put away, Elise followed his Uncle into the kitchen at the
back of the house.
The table was set with china, tea, toast, and various jams. As he
entered the kitchen Anna
gave him a cold glare, then looked away out the window. His
grandmother just ignored
him. Elise slide into a seat. Anna then spoke,
“There
goes Madeline.” She shook her head in a gesture of disgust; “She
dresses worse
then a boy.”
“Who?”
Elise asked, forgetting briefly how unwelcome he was.
Anna
stiffened at his voice but answered, “Daniel’s daughter, Madeline.
“Your
cousin Maddie,” Jonathon said.
Grandmother
looked at her youngest son, “Her name is Madeline. You will call her
that.
You too Elise.”
Elise
lowered his eyes to floor again and mumbled, “Yes Ma’am.”
Aunt
Anna looked back out the window, “IT is really time Daniel found
himself another wife. That girl needs a female influence.”
“And
you two lovely ladies don’t count?” Jonathon said, layering jam on
a piece of toast.
“Not
with you working against us!” Anna retorted, ”And why don’t you
pour the whole
jar on?”
Jonathon
saluted her with the toast, “Good suggestion. I’ll do that with
the next piece.
Anna
gave a disgusted snort and looked away. “With you and Daniel always
with her, no
wonder she had grown into such an uncouth savage!”
“Savage?”
Jonathan laughed, “She’s a fifteen year old girl.”
“And
knows nothing of what a fifteen year old girl should know! She
doesn’t even say ma’am half the time. With you two for an
influence she won't stand a chance to turn into
a decent, proper girl.”
“You
mean she won’t know ho to walk with a stick up her butt?”
Anna
gave a shocked gasp. Grandmother instantly turned on him, “Jonathan
Martian
Louis – you apologize this minute! I will not tolerate such speech
in this house.”
Jonathon
looked down and mumbled a ‘sorry.”
Aunt
Anna looked away and continued her tirade.
“That girl
should sent to a finishing school where she’ll have proper
instruction, before
she becomes just like that bastard child’s mother,” She finished
by throwing a hateful
glance at Elise.
Elise
spoke up, “There is nothing wrong with my mother!
Anna’s
mouth pressed into a tight line, “You will not speak to one of your
elders like that
in this house.”
Jonathon interrupted, “Give it a rest Anna,
this isn’t the eighteen hundred anymore. Daniel isn’t sending
Maddie anywhere.”
“Her
name is Madeline, and he will if mother orders it.”
When
Grandmother spoke, her voice was drawn and tired, “Please. I do not
want to argue about this now. I am tired today and just want to rest.
I will decide in one of my own time.”
Anna
gave a stiff nod, “Yes mother. It’s time I was leaving anyway.
Paul probably misses
me.”
Jonathon
gave a short snort. Anna cast her ice glare on him. He quickly looked
down at
the table. Satisfied with the response Anna nodded gain to her mother,
“Goodbye mother.
Goodbye Jonathon.”
“See
ya sis.”
Anna
put he head in the air and marched out the kitchen and down the hall,
her shoes
clunking on the wooden floor. The front door opened and closed.
Grandmother
looked at Jonathon, ”You’re behavior was really atrocious Jonathon
Martian.” With a look of sadness, she shook her head, “I have
tired so hard to raise your
children right, but always, you insist on harassing me.”
Jonathon
looked contrite, "Aw, come on Mom…”
“No,
I’m too tired to here excuses. I have a had a long week, “She cast
a look at Elise as
she said this, “I need to rest, I am going to lie down for a bit.”
She nodded a goodbye to
Jonathan and left, gong up the stairs.
Elise
lay on his bed, looking at a worn photograph of his mother. It was
evening. He had
only been at his grandmother’s house one day, and he already missed
his mother terribly.
He could see not resemblance of his warm mother in the cold family he
had been thrown
into. His melancholy was interrupted by a sharp whistle outside the
small attic window. He stood up and went to it. Below, in the yard, a
girl stared up at him. She looked about
his age, wearing cut-off’s and t-shirt. She stared at him for a
second then turned and ran
down a path leading from the backyard to the street. IN a minute she
had disappeared.
Confused, Elise went back to his bed.
