The Hawk and The Chipmunk
Copyright© 2005 R. Michael Lowe aka The Scot
Chapter 39
After the bellhop left the room, an anxious Maria walked out on the balcony and looked in awe at the far ranging ocean. She was almost spellbound as she watched three foot waves breaking just off the beach. This feeling was magnified when she observed several men being almost knocked off their feet by the force of the waves. Everything was so different from anything she’d experienced before. Even the gulls that soared on the cool, salty ocean breeze added to her new list of sensations. Maria leaned against the wrought iron railing that wrapped itself, like a mother’s arms, around the small patio. As her brain assimilated all the new sights and sounds around her she felt Hawk’s hands gently caress her upper arms. It felt so loving and tender it almost caused her to grab her ‘man’ and drag him off to bed. Unfortunately, the thought led to memories of the rape and slavery by the real Robert Gray Hawk and his parents.
Hawk felt her shudder, and asked, “Are you OK?”
“Yes and no, my husband. My heart wants to drag you into that bed and not leave this room for the next week or so. Unfortunately, my mind and my memories make me want to freeze in pain and fear.”
“Chipmunk, the only thing Robert Gray Hawk and I share is his name. I’m nothing like that person you fear.”
“I also know that, but for us to move forward I need you to be patient and understanding just a little longer.”
“Will the rest of our lives be long enough?”
Maria replied, “More than enough, my sweet husband.” As she spoke, she reached back and ran her right hand along the side of Hawk’s cheek. She was surprised to find that her hand was wet. He was crying for her.
Hawk gently wrapped his arms around her chest, holding her close as he asked, “Then, what would you enjoy doing today?”
“Well, I’d say the first thing would be to get something to eat. After that, why don’t we try the trolley tour Dan recommended, and just see how the day flows. I’d like no schedules or itinerary, but only to relax with each other and enjoy what ever catches our attention.”
“My lady, it sounds like a prescription we both need. Do you need to get, or do, anything before we go?”
“No. I’m as ready as I can be.”
The newlyweds left the room, and the rest of the day was a blur. They ate a delicious salad in one of the charming Victorian restaurants found in and around the magnificent hotel. The one they chose had the appearance of a gentleman’s club, set in nineteenth century London. The chairs were deeply tanned leather, and the octagonal tables had leather stretched over the center. The walls were lined with bookshelves that went from the floor to the ceiling, and they were later to learn most of the books were autographed first editions that had been given to the hotel by the authors when they, themselves, had stayed there.
When the couple finished their meal, they purchased tickets for the next trolley. The ride was fascinating, and the sights and sounds were enhanced by the informative and funny antics of the driver / tour guide. Though neither Hawk and Maria was interested in the huge margaritas found in Old Town they loved plundering through the shops. Balboa Park was beautiful, and they were amazed at all the trees and flowers that seemed to thrive on so little rain. The drive through the Zoo on a double decked bus was enthralling, but it just ‘whet their appetite’ for a full day’s excursion. At most stops along the way Hawk and Maria got off and did a walking tour of the area. They’d then catch the next trolley when it came through with another group. As the different trolleys carried them around the city of San Diego the couple were fascinated by the differences in architecture. There was the influence of the Spanish Missions scattered among a huge collection of fully restored Victorian houses, a style Maria had never seen. She was so drawn to the quaint, colorful houses with so many gables and ‘gingerbread’ trim that the modern steel and glass buildings were actually a distraction. Probably the stop the couple enjoyed the most was Horton Plaza. This is a unique shopping center that spirals up seven levels, and is spread over six and a half city blocks. It contains entrances to many of the larger stores that surround it, such as Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, but many of its shops and restaurants are locally owned. One of the small shops sold airbrushed t-shirts, and Maria was captivated by one of the shirts on display. Thus, while Hawk was at another shop paying for some gifts his wife had purchased for Andy and Brenda, Maria and the shop’s owner discussed an idea of hers. They’d just finished when Hawk joined her. “What was that all about?” Hawk asked.
“I asked him to do a t-shirt for me. He’ll have it ready tomorrow afternoon, and if I like it, I’m going to have several others made.”
Curious, Hawk asked, “Can you tell me about it?”
“Not till I’m satisfied with the design.”
Trying to look pouty Hawk responded, “Well, OK.” Maria laughed, and kissed his pushed out lower lip, causing him to join her in laughter.
The couple teased and played like little children for the rest of the day. Their smiles and cheerfulness even seemed to lift the spirits of many of those around them. Finally, at the end of the day the big orange ball of the late afternoon sun found the couple back on the balcony of their suite. They were sitting in wicker chairs watching that same fiery ball sink into the ocean. When the sun finally disappeared Maria stated, “I don’t think I have ever experienced anything more beautiful.”
“I know what you mean. I personally think this entire day has been something extraordinary.”
“I agree. I don’t know when I’ve felt so relaxed and free. It’s like all the pains and memories of my life have suddenly been lifted off of me and made to disappear. It all seems so magical.”
Hawk replied, “I get the feeling many people have found this to be a magical place.”
“Hawk, it’s more than the hotel, or even San Diego. It’s everything, but it’s mostly you. All these months you’ve been patient and tender, yet valiantly protective. I had all but given up hope of a normal life, and suddenly here comes this wonderful knight rescuing me from my slavery and bondage. But he didn’t just set me free. He wrapped me in tender compassion, cherishing me with his heart and his arms. Then, when I was completely under his spell he offered complete understanding without judgment.”
A puzzled Hawk asked, “But, what else could I have done?”
“You could have ridden off to rescue another fair damsel. Instead, you stayed, making my family your family. With all this, and everything else that has happened, my heart and mind were primed to show you my love and my heart. It’s a love set free to soar, yet like the falcon, I return to my master. Not because I’m forced to, but because nowhere else but in your arms will ever seem like home to me again.”
“Maria, sweetheart, I really don’t want you anywhere else either, but does this change Brenda’s status?”
“Afraid you’re going to lose part of your harem?”
“No, just trying to know who fits where.”
“Good answer, Cowboy! No, it doesn’t change that relationship at all. She’s still my blond haired, gray-eyed sister, as well as my co-wife. It just says I feel more safe and sound in your arms than I do anywhere else on this earth.”
“What about your Grandfather?”
“There’s a security in your arms that’s far deeper than he can give me. He can try to protect me physically, but you’re also able to operate at other levels, sexual and emotional levels, he can’t. He can love me as a grandfather or parent, but you love and cherish me as a husband and lover.”
Ignoring the lover comment, for the moment, Hawk replied, “You do realize I’m just learning what love is. I barely remember my mother. I now realize my father loved me - in his own way. The problem is it wasn’t demonstrated in a physical or emotional manner. I thought I was in love with my ex-wife, but look at the betrayal I received there. I honestly think if it hadn’t been for ‘Jumbo, ‘ I’d never have had any idea what love was.”
“Who is Jumbo?”
“He was my friend in prison. He died trying to protect me. In his dying I started to understand love. Your and Brenda’s responses when I rescued each of you taught me more. Brenda’s aunt, her friends, and Jason added to that education. I’m still learning, but I hope I continue learning how to love you and Brenda for at least another sixty years.”
“So do we. Now, what about dinner? I’m starting to get very hungry.”
They made their way back down to the lobby where they reviewed their options, finally settling on the Sheerwater Restaurant. Here they found though its ambiance was different than the rest of the hotel it was very romantic. With no waiting they were ushered to a table that looked out over the waves breaking in the distance. When they declined any drinks, other than water, the waiter quickly brought them menus. While they both perused the menu Maria said, “I can’t believe all the seafood they have. I don’t know what to get, as I’ve never eaten anything from the ocean.”
Surprised, Hawk thoughtfully replied, “Then I’d suggest you hold off trying any seafood for a while. With the week ahead this wouldn’t be a good time to learn you’re allergic to it. Why don’t we each get a ‘hearts of butter’ salad. I’d also suggest you get the Char Crusted Filet of Beef while I get the New York Strip. We can share with each other so we’ll have a better idea of what we like.”
“That sounds like a good suggestion, but do people really have allergies to seafood?”
“It’s a lot more common than people realize, especially with shellfish. I knew of one person that the swelling reaction closed up his throat where he couldn’t breathe. Luckily a couple of EMT people just happened to be in the restaurant. They performed an emergency tracheotomy and rushed him to the hospital. It took him weeks to recover.”
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