Wings Of A Nightingale

Sonata Of Love

“Jonathan, you do realize that all eyes are on us, right? This makes me uncomfortable, and I hope I will not step on your toes.” Melody whispered as they danced in a room full of family and acquaintances in Natalie’s wedding. Jonathan flashed his bi-dimpled smile and spoke in his melodic voice. “Relax. They are not looking at us. They are looking at me, envious, as I got so lucky to dance with a gorgeous woman. So, let’s give them what their curiosity’s worth, shall we?” He gently eased her closer and swayed to the rhythm of Matt Monro’s ballad.

*****

Jonathan Lombardi was a successful and famous concert pianist. Melody Johnson was a nurse and the Executive Director of a plush Senior Living Facility, where Jonathan and Natalie’s mother resides.

When his mother became seriously ill, Jonathan cancelled his upcoming tour overseas to be at her bedside. He regularly conferred with Melody for updates. She made sure that their conversation was primarily within the scope of his mother’s condition.

Over the years, Melody had amassed professional decorum when dealing with her employees, residents and their family, and medical professionals. But for some reason, she was drawn by Jonathan’s charming personality oozing with elegance, confidence, and sensibility, posing a threat on the way she carried herself personally and professionally.

“This couldn’t be happening.” She mused. Having been through a relationship that caused emotional turmoil, she vowed to preclude involvement with men. Jonathan Lombardi will be another colossal heartbreak looming in her horizon. Because of his international fame and stature, he had a lifestyle opposite hers. And then, there was the beautiful Ludmilla, a famous mezzo-soprano who had been rumored as his significant other.

The sooner she distanced herself, the easier for her to protect her vulnerable heart. Every time Jonathan showed up in her office, she made up excuses in a subtle way; that she was either busy attending to the operations of the facility, or had scheduled meetings. Jonathan felt that she was deliberately distancing herself, but could not think of the reason why.

He missed her, and wanted to spend more time with her before leaving for another concert tour. He planned to open up his feelings; that what he felt for her was more than friendship…he was falling in love.

A couple of days before his trip to Europe, Jonathan waited for Melody to leave work. He would no longer accept her excuses. He was determined to win her heart.

They dined at a cozy waterfront fine-dining restaurant with a peaceful and intimate ambiance. They had a heart to heart talk. Melody was somewhat convinced that Jonathan’s intention was sincere. Much as she kept her emotions at bay, she was falling in love with him as well. Both avowed to face the challenges of a long distance relationship, holding on to fate’s favorable intervention.

Towards the end of his two month tour, Jonathan kept on hinting that he was ready to finally settle down. But, was she? Although she was sure of her love to the man she entrusted her heart again, she was still beset with uncertainty, anxious of what will their future hold.

One Monday morning when she arrived at the office, her assistant pointed a glossy envelope on top of her table. It was an invitation to Natalie’s wedding. Jonathan will be back home by then. She missed him so much.

So there she was at the party among the two hundred or so guests. She looked stunningly beautiful in her off-the-shoulder royal blue gown that flawlessly follow the contour of her slim body. Her caramel brown hair was styled in updo accentuated with a rhinestone barrette. Jonathan could not take his eyes off her. He moved towards her and in a split second they were standing close to each other. Her heart skipped a beat. He was dashingly handsome and dapper in tuxedo that perfectly sculpted his athletic frame.

Timely, Matt Monro’s ballad filled the room. He smiled, then slowly took her in the circle of his arms. For the first time in a long time, Melody was certain that she was ready to take a leap of fate.

When the song “You’re Closer To Me” ended, Jonathan ushered her towards a private corner of the balcony. He held her close, cupped her face and tenderly looked at her. Passion and love mirrored in his eyes. “I have been searching my entire life for someone like you. Now that I’ve found you, I’m not gonna let you go. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you, Melody Johnson.”

They exchanged vows in a garden by the lake with lush greenery and vibrant colored flowers. As they shared their most endearing kiss as husband and wife, Jonathan and his music filled Melody’s heart that echoed in her soul.

-©Lark-

(2018)2024

Return To Rose Point

As Autumn Rose sat on a wrought iron chair at Rose Point Botanical Garden, she remembered what Bernard once said: “Love changes people; even those who do not believe in destiny.” How will fate intervene after she made the most difficult decision of her life?

*****

Autumn Rose became the site Administrator of Rose Point Botanical Garden after she graduated from California School of Biology and Botany. Bernard Marchand was an exchange student from France pursuing a degree in Marketing at San Francisco State University.

One afternoon in spring, Bernard passed by the Botanical Garden before going home. As he was leisurely walking along the pathway admiring the enchanting colors and sweet scent of the flowers around him, he accidentally tripped on a bag of potting soil. A beautiful woman kneeling on the ground holding a garden trowel was caught by surprise when he landed next to her. “Oh my God! Are you hurt?” She asked anxiously. “Just my ego, I guess.” He answered, an impish smile inching his face.

Bernard became a constant visitor in the garden. Autumn Rose was eagerly expecting his visits. As they spent more time together, intimacy developed and soon fell in love.

The wrought iron chair where they frequently sat was a witness to numerous happy and sad memories. It was where their first kiss happened; where she cried on Bernard’s shoulder when the hybrid rose that she propagated did not thrive; where she said “Yes” when Bernard proposed and asked her to spend their future together.

The future…when and where will it be? They knew that time will come when Bernard will go home to manage their family owned vineyard and winery. Will Autumn Rose go with him, or stay? Both avoided to seriously think about it, promised to cross that bridge when the time comes.

Bernard was summoned to go back home. Their finance and marketing manager resigned. He was to take over the management of the business. Delaying his trip could cause disruption of the operations and the company will suffer financial setback. He could not let that happen.

Bernard travelled back to France. For the first few months, they exchanged communication regularly, but later on dwindled until it totally stopped. Autumn Rose could no longer remember when was the last time she heard from him. Her calls were neither answered nor returned.

She was desperate, torn between hope and letting go. Although it will break her heart, she made a difficult decision…to send Bernard a break up letter. It was better to end the relationship so she can move on.

Spring was in the air. As always, Autumn Rose sought solace in this beautiful garden, her haven of peace and quiet. She could smell the scent of each flower in bloom even with the gentle blowing of the breeze. Sitting alone on her favorite wrought iron chair, she retrieved the letter from her purse. For the last time, she wanted to read it again before mailing. Halfway through, she took a deep cleansing breath. A familiar floral scent reached her nose. She turned around to check where was it coming from.

Autumn Rose could not believe her eyes, thought she was dreaming. But it was real. Standing close was Bernard, his endearing smile made her heart leapt with joy. Her Bernard was back! He sat beside her, then hugged and kissed her. As he handed her a bouquet of long stemmed red roses, a ring dropped on her lap. Surprised, she picked it up, stared at the beautiful diamond solitaire. Tears welled up in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. No words uttered. Bernard took the ring and slipped it on her finger. With love mirrored in his eyes, he said: “No sides and no end. As my love for you, an everlasting one.” Autumn cupped his face, and kissed him tenderly. Everything around them became bright and colorful…just like heaven on earth.

-©Lark-

(2018)2024

Summer’s Romance Novel

A single word was all she needed to jumpstart her creative imagination. But nothing came… She had been staring at the blank screen of her laptop for the longest time she can remember.

*****

Five years ago, Summer left Carmel, California for New York to pursue her dream as a romance novelist. Her first written novel “Whisper Of The Waves” published by Skylark Publishing Company gained commercial success. Two other best sellers followed.

Her next book was due in a couple of months. But somehow, her creative juices stopped to flow. Her agent may be right. A change of scenery and ambiance was what she needed. A familiar place that she deliberately avoided to revisit could be the key to unlock an inspiration.

Summer decided to leave New York and headed back home to Carmel.

Sitting in her writing nook overlooking the vast ocean, she watched in awe the rhythmic rising and falling of the waves as they danced their way ashore. She felt the urge to wet her feet and bury her toes in the sand. Closing her laptop, she hastily treaded the wooden steps down towards the beach. As the gentle touch of the breeze caressed her face, vivid memory flashed back.

When and how Antoni De Marco fit into her life? Both of them grew up in Carmel. They were inseparable, happy, and in love. She graduated with a degree in English Literature, he became a Physical Therapist.

An opportunity of a lifetime came when her first novel was accepted for publication thus, she had to leave home. Toni supported her aspiration to chase her dream and succeed, though he wanted her to stay. He was willing to put their plans for the future on hold.

While she was in New York, Toni accepted a job as a Physical Therapist in a hospital in the Middle East. Long distance relationship did not play well in their favor. Their personal and professional priorities changed with the passing of time. Five years went by…

Summer was craving for her favorite crabmeat sandwich and clam chowder so she drove along the picturesque coastal highway to Nick’s seafood Bistro.

“Hello, Summer. I heard you’re back.” The greeting came from a person she very well knew and longed to see again. Toni! He was at the corner table where they used to sit. It seemed that this meeting was destined to happen.

He walked towards her. His tall, lithe, muscular physique, bi-dimpled smile, and deep blue eyes still possessed the power to make her heart shift into overdrive. She needed to calm down her nerves. This would be the opportune moment to clear and settle whatever misunderstanding and misgivings between them. To meet and talk to him was one of the main reasons why she returned to Carmel.

When they stood close to each other, Toni caught her hands with a firm yet gentle grip. Without saying a word, he ushered her back to where he was sitting. As soon as they were settled, Summer summoned up her train of thought to air out her feelings.

“Toni, I’m glad that we had this chance to talk. But before you say anything, please hear me out… You supported me when I followed my dream, and understood the pressures I went through on the process. I accept that I was partly to blame why our communication started to dwindle and finally stopped. But please believe me that it was never my intention to hurt you nor took your feelings for granted. Honestly, the reason why I kept my silence was…I could not trust myself on what to do or say. I was afraid of rejection. I sincerely apologize for the consequences of my shortcomings. If you can find it in your heart to still consider me even as a friend, I would be grateful.”

All the bottled emotion suddenly kept flowing. She could no longer control her tears. Toni just looked at her, his own emotion building up, constricting his chest. He truly love her despite everything they’d been through.

“Please don’t look at me like that. Say something!” Summer begged.

Toni slowly pulled her close, looked tenderly and lovingly into her eyes, and said: “Woman, seriously? A romance novelist was running out of words that’s why she kept silent and stayed out of touch?” He smiled and eased her closer. His kiss was full of love and passion.

“Oh, Summer. I missed you so much. I loved you then, I love you now and for the rest of my life. Now that you’re back in my arms again, there is no way I will ever let you go! “

She looked at him, her whole body radiating with love. A love so deeply rooted and nurtured, that no time or distance could forestall.

This was her inspiration. Her book of life and love waiting to be written.

-©Lark-

(2018)2024

When Fate and Love Collide

How long ago has it been?

Thirty minutes before 9:00 A.M. Dr. Zeth Gellert walked hastily on the cross walk to beat the rid light at the intersection near his office building in downtown San Francisco. On this Monday morning, he needs to be at the office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled conference to set up his prepared presentation and finalized plan for his company’s next project. Zeth accepted the position offered as a senior adviser for the second largest non-profit organization in the continental US, coordinating and scheduling medical missions in different parts of the underprivileged countries around the globe. The outreach programs “Operation Restore Smile”, performs surgery to children with cleft lip and palate, and “Healthy Living Focus” which educate and assist families on disease prevention and healthy diet.

Six years ago, Zeth took over his father’s medical practice in his small hometown in rural Ohio. He loves taking care of the medical needs of the community, but much as he wanted to convince himself to settle, his restless heart is not totally in tune in this line of medical practice, that’s why when he received an unexpected call from his former colleague and co-worker, he decided to pack up his suitcase and relocated to San Francisco, CA. In the near future, he hopes to again, travel overseas to participate in such an honorable and fulfilling mission…just like the old times.

While waiting for the arrival of the 10 members of a team of doctors and nurses who were scheduled to be deployed overseas, Zeth’s mind circled back some 6 years ago, when he was a volunteer doctor along with other medical professionals, in a rural area in northern Philippines. However, his last rotation overseas was cut short when he received an emergency phone call from his sister that their father died due to heart attack. He rushed back to the US, stayed, and practiced community medicine.

As the volunteers arrived in the conference room, Zeth saw a familiar figure among the group. Amber! She was among them! Suddenly, his whole body became numb and his heartbeat was racing. How could he forget Dr. Amber Gleason? They were partners in every medical mission overseas, which later on, found emotional and physical compatibility; even had plans for their future together. But everything changed after that last night they were together, when Zeth went back to the US, with no formal and final goodbyes. Although beset with questions of how, why, and what if’s not one of them had the courage and drive to try any means to get in touch with each other.

Amber could not believe her eyes when she came face to face with Zeth. How could she ever forget that familiar face of the only man she gave her heart to, the only man who until now occupies her mind, heart and whole being; the man who is the father of her 5 year old son, Andrew.

Through all the past years, Zeth and Amber have each developed wings that made their dreams fly and both their careers as medical doctor somehow thrived under different circumstances of their choosing. Whatever happened in the past, there will always be a reason for two people to find each other again, when fate and love collide. From here on, as long as Zeth and Amber are together, beautiful music will continue to play as they dance in synch, to the rhythm of life’s challenges in a home where their hearts belong.

-Lark-

8.6.2018

Passing The Nightingale’s Lamp

Treading through an unmarked trail in this multi-directional path of life as we aim to choose which direction to follow to reach our destination, takes a lot of courage, conviction, and determination.

While I was growing up, I was lucky enough to have been given with options as to where to go and what to do in my pursuit of happiness and fulfillment, both personally and professionally. Thanks to my family for paving the way, encouraging, and supporting me in whatever path I decide to take.

At age 13, when I reached that step of the ladder of educational pursuit, I was torn between pursuing a career in nursing and being a writer. Honestly, I first fell in love with writing, long before I fell in love with nursing. Growing up, I would create stories in my mind of just about anything. Every book that I read, or every story that I hear, in my young mind, I used to create an epilogue or a sequel to stretch the ending according to what I want it to end. I would also write short stories combining reality and fiction. I also started to write poetry, without a slightest clue as to how it was written. I just write what I feel and feel what I write. These manuscripts were just archived in a pathetic-looking journal, as I was too shy to show it, thinking that it was not good enough.

It was until a year before my graduation in high school, when a pivotal moment took a final course, a vision that veered towards pursuing a career in nursing. My aunt, the sister of my father, was the person who long been instilling in my young mind and heart how rewarding a nursing profession will be. She herself studied to be a nurse, then followed her calling to be a catholic nun of the order of St. Paul of Chartres. No, to become a nun never did cross my mind. Instead, I pursued the nursing profession, and, I did not regret it. I love everything about nursing, and practiced the profession from the time I graduated, until now.

Well, that was such a long time ago. During the time that I was so focused and prioritize my chosen profession, I have had doses of fighting uphill battles along the way. It was not an easy journey; taking calculated risks with not much wiggle room was part of the whole package,  most especially when aiming to be the best of who I will be. Because I love what I do, the challenges were considered as the steps up the ladder. Each single step that I took, at the right time, coupled with conviction, determination, and genuine love and caring, I reached the peak of my career that I envisioned as to where I will finally be…a Director of Nursing Services, and as a Director Of Patient Care Services. For 18 years, in this rewarding yet serious, salient, and challenging role, I had been a team player and a leader; never did it cross my mind to be less of what was expected of me. Every night, when I go to bed, I look forward to wake up in the morning, energy renewed, to pick up where I left off the day before.

So, what’s next for me? Looking back, I asked myself. What else and to who will I have to prove my worth? Will it now be enough and the right time for me to finally hang my stethoscope? Truth of the matter, it was not a dreadfully hard decision to make as I previously thought. One morning, as soon as I woke up, I made the best unplanned life-changing decision, even if I am not yet sure if I will miss the regimented life of a nurse that i have been living for the past 40 years.

Needless to say, I look forward to go back and rekindle my first love…to write, that was put on hold while I focused on and prioritized my professional advancement, and when I embraced the role of a mother to my daughter. But one thing for sure, even if I will finally hang my stethoscope I will always be the same person who chose to be a nurse, and practiced the best profession that is second to none according to my hierarchy of what I will be.

Passing the torch will never make me any lesser than the nurse that I was. I will still carry on with pride everything that I did at my best through the years of my professional career. I will always be the epitome of who Florence Nightingale was. But in the next chapter of my life, I will perhaps be following, although way far behind, the footsteps of Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, or Jane Austin. If and when will this happen, I could finally and positively say that the Nightingale’s lamp  that I chose to carry has been and will always be my guiding light even if I may be following a different path.

-Lark-

7.22.2018