The Marigold Scripture

Mara and Antonio left Mrs Devlin tucking into a bit of tiramisu, shock and excitement evident on her face as they peeked in through the window and noticed her fork kept missing her mouth, she was so deep in thought.

“I think this was a great idea! Mrs Devlin has been a big help to me over the years I’ve been here!”

Antonio looked away, feeling a little guilty. “It is a good idea. I’m just sorry I never came to you sooner. In truth, the book gave me the confidence to do so; without the book I don’t know how I would have the courage to approach you after failing you as I did.”

They were again walking through the woodlands back to the house, the birds still singing and the sun had hidden behind a few fluffy clouds, casting shadows between the trees. Mara studied Antonio’s face while he looked in the opposite direction, refusing to meet her eyes. Her eyes softened a little when she saw he was being sincere.

“It’s forgiven. It was in the past, Antonio. I’ve moved on from it all.”

His eyes turned sharply back to her, narrowed. “Moved on? You have met another?”

Mara sighed. Why did people always assume moving on meant finding someone else? “No. As a matter of fact, I’m still free and single. When I say moved on, I mean I’ve grown past the hurt you caused me and become a better and stronger person. I’m at the stage now where I don’t think I require another in my life at the moment. I’m happy as I am.”

Antonio knew he had no right to even ask her that, considering the first thing he did after running was hook up with another woman to try to forget his mistake. Being with Mara was never the mistake, but leaving her was something he would always regret, especially with their history and the depth of their relationship. There had been nobody else who even compared to her. He nodded, acknowledging Mara’s statement and forcing a smile.

“I’m glad you are happy now. I just wish it was with me. But let’s not hash up the past right now. Well, not THIS past. We need to delve further into the Scripture and work out what that green light was and why it was shooting a beam through the ceiling. That first, then treasure seeking.”

Mara looked up and realised she had swerved off the pathway in the woods and ended up in an orchard, filled with predominantly apple trees. She remembered walking this way once and had found herself enthralled with the idea of being able to pick her own fruit, but then thought that this place probably belonged to someone, so she would have had to ask permission. She recalled asking Mrs Devlin about it, who had told her that the previous owner of the orchard and the farm near it had passed away, leaving both the farm and orchard to his daughter, who had moved away to the city. It was a pity. It was beautiful and needed some tending to.

At the end of the orchard, where she could see the farm through the trees, stood a single pear tree, it’s twisted branches reaching out and covering the front of the farmhouse. She gasped as she could see the first fruits of the tree and walked quickly towards it, leaving Antonio behind as he continued to walk at a sedate pace.

“Antonio look! Pears!”

Antonio chuckled at the sight of Mara sprinting towards the tree now. She really hadn’t changed. He loved watching her run, she looked so excited. Catching up to her, he helped her to pluck a couple of pears from the tree.

“What do you want to do with them? Shall we take a few to your Mrs Devlin?”

Mara turned to him, beaming. “That sounds like an amazing idea! Better not take too many though. I doubt the owner would be too pleased with us picking the tree clean.”

Mara was glad she had her backpack with her. She opened it and threw the pears in before closing it and standing back up, placing the bag over her shoulder.

“Let’s go. We’ve got a book to read.”

Antonio smiled at the ‘we’. It meant she was allowing him to work with her on this. He was grateful for any chance to make amends and helping her with this quest seemed the best way.

Mara led the way out of the orchard and back onto the path, making it through the woods and back to her home in no time. She froze and looked at the house, noticing one of her patio doors had been smashed and was left hanging open.

“Antonio…”

“I see it, Mara. Just stay behind me. He reached into his back jean pocket and withdrew a switchblade, making Mara glance at it.

“You still carry that old thing with you?”

“Everywhere I go, bella. It means the world to me. It was a gift from you. Now, let’s see what is going on…”

Mara stopped suddenly, clutching Antonio's arm. "The book! What if someone took it?..."

To be continued...

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