Chapter 6

Chapter Six

The drive into the camp was as spectacular as ever and Amelia smiled as she got her first glimpse of the island. She parked the car in the lot and saw Aunt Mere emerge from the kitchen door in the back of the main lodge. George stood silently in the doorway as Mere rushed forward to meet her and Amelia was encircled in Meredith's arms. Relief flooded over her as Mere held her close for a few seconds and whispered, “I'm so glad you're here. I've been so worried.”

Amelia pulled back and nodded, tears springing up as she tried to speak. “I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm just glad to be here. I don't know what...” she started gulping down the lump in her throat and Meredith interrupted.

“Now you stop right there, no need to apologize.” Meredith said. “I'm just glad you are here.” Meredith looked up at George and they exchanged a look that made Amelia miss Jack all the more. George was watching them closely with a small smile on his lips. With Meredith's arm around her they made their way to George who moved forward to embrace her as well. The three stood together like that for a few moments and exchanged brief hellos. George asked after her bags so that he could take them to her room. Amelia directed him to the trunk of her car and he took the bag and headed toward the boathouse. Amelia watched silently then gave Meredith a curious look.

“He's going to the boathouse. Aunt Mere, I don't have to stay in the boathouse. You shouldn't go to any trouble. My old room in the lodge will be just fine.” Amelia said anxiously.

“Nonsense, it's no trouble at all. We're used to guests coming at the last minute. It's the least we could do for our girl.” Meredith smiled her motherly smile, the one that meant there would be no more discussion, and lead Amelia into the lodge's dining room. “Your room in the lodge is being used for offices at the moment. We converted many of the bedrooms this last year to accommodate more staff. Besides, you love the boat house.”

Amelia hugged Meredith's shoulder again, “Yes, thank you, I really do.”

“I've been using the extra room in there for storage of some of Camilla's old things. I hope you won't mind a few boxes while you're here. I've been rearranging things lately and can never find enough places for things.” Meredith went on. “Perhaps you could help me go through some things while you're here.” They sat together in the smaller breakfast nook that was already set with three place settings and a basket of bread.

Amelia smiled at her friend who had always been better than her own mother to her and she realized how much she had missed seeing her face. “Aunt Mere, you really didn't have to do this. I'm not even sure if I am hungry.”

Meredith searched Amelia's face for a moment, a look of understanding passing between them. Amelia felt the feelings of the last few days creeping up again.

“Why don't you tell me what happened.” Meredith said kindly.

The drive had done much to calm her and she was able to tell the story without tears. Meredith sat in silence, listening carefully to every detail. When Amelia finished, Meredith sat quietly, waiting for more. When Amelia didn't continue, Meredith frowned.

“Isn't there more? So you saw them together. Did you confront them?” Meredith asked.

Amelia shook her head, “I was too angry, and embarrassed. I didn't know what to say! I just couldn't DO anything.”

“So, there they were right in front of you and you didn't just follow them and knock on the door and demand to know it all?” Meredith shook her head defiantly, “I think I would have charged in and showed them what for. What did Jack have to say?”

“I haven't talked with him yet.” Amelia said. “He doesn't know I'm gone.”

“Oh, but he does.” Meredith exclaimed, “I told him you were coming here.”

Amelia paused, nodding her head, “I'm glad. I wondered if you would.” Amelia's curiosity got the better of her, “Did he say anything else?”

Meredith watched her before replying, “Yes, he said to tell you to call when you arrived. He was very concerned for you.” Amelia nodded, wanting to know more but not wanting to ask.

“Did he really sound concerned?” Amelia asked, “I would have thought he would be too busy with Sam to care much about me.”

Meredith gave her a disapproving look, “Amelia, how could you say such a thing. Of course he cares about you. He loves you very much.” Amelia turned away for a moment, the pain fresh in her heart made eye contact difficult.

“I don't know, Mere. I thought he did.” Amelia said sadly.

“Of course he does.” Meredith said, matter-of-factly. “But you have to talk to him about this. These things shouldn't be left to fester.”

Amelia nodded, “I just couldn't do it. I couldn't call.”

Meredith reached for Amelia's hands across the table and squeezed them tightly.

“My dear, you must. You need to talk or this will be worse.” Meredith said directly. Amelia nodded sadly.

“I know.” she said quietly, “I know we need to talk.” she paused looking for the right way to continue. “Mere, it could all be over. It could all just go away.”

“What, dear?” Meredith asked, searching Amelia's face.

Amelia paused for a few moments, feeling the anxiety that had led her to run in the first place rise up to meet her. She pushed it down and let out a sigh, “Us. Jack and me. Us. It could be the end.”

Meredith smiled, comfortingly, “But you don't know that. Not for sure.”

“I know, Mere. Can we talk about this later. I just can't right now,” Amelia sighed again as she pulled a piece of bread on her plate and buttered it, taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully. Meredith did the same and one of the kitchen staff that Amelia didn't recognize came to fill their glasses. Meredith realized that it might be wise to continue their conversation later.

“Well, you're here now. No need to worry about anything tonight.” Meredith said, pausing to take Amelia's hand again, “I'll call Jack tonight to let him know you're here. Would that be all right?”

Amelia paused before answering, “Yes, that would be all right. It's too late tonight anyway.”

Meredith smiled and noticed George coming through the dining hall. There would be time enough to get to the bottom of this.

George approached the table with a grin, “I'm starved! Let's eat.”

After an amazing dinner, George and Meredith walked with her to the boathouse to make sure all was well before she turned in for the night. The camp was dark at night so they carried flashlights with them everywhere. There were a few pathways that were lit up but with such a large area and no other guests to speak of the camp was dark. They hugged Amelia goodnight and then Amelia was alone. She looked around the boathouse with wonder. The new leather furnishings looked comfortable and rustic but still felt like home. The fire in the fireplace beckoned her to sit down in front of it. The high wooden walls reminded her of the lodge and the view opened up to the lake. She ascended the stairs to the loft. The feather bed was made up with white duvet and luxurious pillows that were very inviting to her tired body.
She decided to take a quick shower before she went to bed.  She wanted to wash some of the grime of the day away. She could still hear the buzzing of the road in her head and she was anxious to sleep.  After a quick shower she toweled off and reached for one of the white robes to wrap up in. Jack always said the robes at Camp Camilla were the most comfortable he had ever worn. Pulling the robe closely around her she remembered the package that had arrived the first Christmas they were married with a robe for each of them monogrammed with their initials. Jack still wore his often. The thought of Jack pricked her consciousness and she imagined him there with her. The thought made her happy and aching all at once. She had never wanted him to be there more than right now. She needed to talk to him and hear his voice. She could almost see him there with her and she realized what a terrible mistake it was to let this go on further.

She walked over to the phone and dialed their home phone. It rang four times until the message picked up. Amelia hung up the phone and dialed his cell number, hoping that he would answer. She wished she could call from her cell phone so that he would know it was her. He might not recognize the number here. A message came on to say the phone was out of the service area and to try the call again later. It was disappointing not to at least hear his voice message.  Jack traveled quite a bit with his sales job so maybe he was out on a call, she thought, or maybe he was out with Samantha somewhere. The thought hit her hard and she hung up the phone again.

She walked out onto the deck of the boathouse. The sun had gone down hours before but the moon was bright on the water. The night was chilly for June and she was glad she had the robe to keep her warm. She walked out on the deck and sat in the chair overlooking the water. Her thoughts raced as she thought about Jack. She couldn't help but remember their time here in this very spot. She closed her eyes to remember Jack sitting with her, laughing in the sunlight, diving off the end of the deck into the water, canoeing on the lake, riding out to the island. So many great memories together here flooded over her that she felt an overwhelming sadness fill her. If she had wanted to forget Jack, she had come to the wrong place. The island was full of their memories together.

The island had trail lights that were barely visible from her vantage point. She stood and walked to the edge of the deck looking out over the water. The island's lights glimmered in the reflection of the lake. The mist hung placidly over the dark, clear blackness of the water. Through the trees she could barely make out the shape of the cabin. The lights inside the cabin were dim but visible through the trees. It was odd that they were on but it wasn't that unusual.  Amelia was glad to see them shining back at her.  Sometimes the staff forgot to turn them off before leaving or perhaps someone was out cleaning tonight.
Amelia sat on the deck for a long time until she felt too cold. She went back inside and filled the jetted tub with warm water and lit a fire in the bathroom fireplace. Maybe it was overkill to take a bath after a shower and some might think such luxuries seemed out of place in the middle of the woods but for Meredith they were very important. Each of her guest houses were well equipped with jetted tubs and multiple fireplaces. Amelia turned on the jets and allowed her body to relax for the first time that day. She breathed deeply and longingly thought of Jack. Darling Jack when they first met and as they were just two days prior. She wanted him here with her. Wanted all of this to be done with. Wanted her regular life back. Her tired mind labored on with thoughts of him. She got out and dressed quickly in the robe again and climbed under the covers of the freshly made bed. She sunk down into the pillows and fell listlessly into a deep sleep.
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As Amelia slumbered in her room, Meredith paced the floor in her apartment in the main lodge.  Jack was supposed to call at 9:30 and it was nearly that now.  She and George were early risers and preferred to sleep early and arise early for their morning walk around the lake.  George had fallen asleep around 9 and his soft snoring rhythmically marked the passage of time.  There was a ring and Meredith immediately picked up the phone.
"Jack?" she asked anxiously.
"Hi, Mere, is she there?" Jack asked, his concern evident in his voice. Meredith was relieved to hear it.
"Yes, she is." Meredith answered.
"Thank goodness, she made it. I've been worried all day." Jack said.  "How is she?"
Meredith paused, "She is okay.  Upset.  Confused."
"I figured that," Jack said earnestly, "What did she say?"
Meredith related the whole story to Jack as Jack sat quietly on the other end.
There was silence for a minute while Jack contemplated what to say next.
"Jack, I hate to ask but what is going on?" Meredith asked, "Carrie told me some about Samantha didn't mention that you were at the hotel with her.  I'd like to know what you were doing there with her and why you didn't tell Amelia any of this."
Jack sighed quietly,"It's a long story, Mere.  It's really complicated.  Just know I never meant to hurt Amelia."
"Do you want my help with this or not?" Meredith asked.
"Of course, I do." Jack replied quickly.
"Then tell me everything and start at the beginning," Meredith said.