When Worlds Collide Part Two

What We Do in Life …

When Worlds Collide –

Part Two

by

Reagan Kavanagh

This work of adult fiction, loosely based on characters portrayed by Russell Crowe, includes adult language and experiences; you have been warned. No copyright infringement on the original work is intended. ©Reagan Kavanagh 2006.

REAGAN
After my telling Max we were flying to Baltimore the next morning – and not giving in to his refusal – I don’t think we spoke three words to each other until we were on the plane. Given my Irish temper, it was better that way. We were in the first class cabin; I’m a spoilt bitch these days, and as we can afford to fly in the first cabin, there’s no way in Hell I’m flying coach. That goes double for a short trip I wouldn’t be making were it not for my husband’s obstinacy and refusal to consider he just might have misinterpreted the words and intentions of a dear friend. The flight attendant came by after we’d settled into our seats and asked if she could get us something to drink. Max nodded.

“Glenlivet on the rocks, thank you.” He was getting an early start. She nodded and looked at me.

“A Virgin Mary, please, and thanks so much.” She smiled before she spoke.

“A Virgin Mary? You must be pregnant. Congratulations.” I smiled back, perversely delighted at the flush that was now creeping up my husband’s face.

“Not yet, but we’re trying.” She laughed.

“Well, half the fun is trying, isn’t it? It took us six months, but the little guy is worth it.” She walked away and Max turned to me with a scowl.

“It was not necessary to tell her of our efforts.”

“Oh, for Christ’s sake, Max. She was just being friendly, and all women talk about trying to get pregnant. She meant no harm. If you’re offended, you need to get the stick out of your royal Roman arse.” He sat back with a huff and said nothing for an hour other than ‘Thank you’ when the attendant brought our drinks. When I’d finished my Virgin Mary, I stood and headed down the aisle to the galley and the restrooms. Karen – our flight attendant – saw me coming.

“Mrs. Espan, you could have just buzzed me, and I’d have come to pick up your glass.” I grinned at her.

“No need. I’m peeing every hour on the hour so thought I’d bring it myself. Actually, I think I am pregnant but haven’t done the test yet. Given the spousal unit’s mood lately, there’s no way I’m telling him until I’m positive.” She laughed aloud.

“Spousal unit? I love it!” We laughed together, and she spoke again.

“Is this your first?” I nodded.

“We’ve only been married three months, and I think he expected me to be pregnant when we got home from our wedding trip. He hasn’t blamed me, but I do think he considers it a slur on his masculinity.” Karen leant round me to peer up the aisle at Max.

“If that man is worried about his masculinity, the rest of the world’s male population is in serious trouble.” We laughed again; I handed her my glass as I stepped into the restroom. When I got back to my seat a few minutes later, Max looked at me as I re-buckled my seat belt

“I heard your laughter. Shall I assume it was at my expense?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” He sulked the rest of the way to Baltimore; like most men, he has that sulking bit down to an art form.

MAXIMUS
We checked into our hotel shortly after three, and Cassandra disrobed and got into bed. It is unusual for her to rest during the day, and I was instantly concerned, sitting on the side of the bed to speak with her.

“Are you unwell, Cassandra? It is unlike you to take to your bed during the day. Shall I cancel our meeting with Jack?”

“I’m fine, and no, you may not cancel our meeting with Jack. I didn’t rest well last night, and I’m taking a nap. Join me or don’t; your choice.” Given the state of her temper these last hours, I decided it would be both wiser and safer to remain fully clothed. I went to the desk where I had placed my briefcase and set up my laptop. I perused my e-mails. There was nothing from the office. I checked basketball scores; the Mavericks had been defeated on the road. I checked the various stock exchanges for the status of my investments; they were robust. I went to the site for the New York Times and read the day’s news. The carnage in the Middle East continued unabated. There was rumour of another alleged plot by Al Qaeda, but there was nothing to confirm its existence. I shook my head at world politics, preferring my own time for the moment, as one could see his enemy in that day.

I worked my way through the London Times, Le Monde, and the Sydney Morning Herald. The world was faring quite well without my assistance. I looked at my watch; it was just after five, and we were to meet Jack at six. I went to wake Cassandra so that she might ready herself.

She dressed in a severe black pantsuit with grey pinstripes. I had seen her in that suit but once before. On that day she was going to court to testify in a criminal trial in which she had been called as an expert witness for the prosecution; it was a death penalty case, and the State of Texas prevailed. Cassandra referred to this suit as her Take-No-Prisoners attire. I was not comforted to see her wearing it this night.

We entered the hotel’s lobby bar at five minutes of six. I requested a table in the corner in order that we might speak quietly. Jack arrived just as we were shown to our table and made his way across the room to join us. He held out his hand to Cassandra, but she stepped into his arms, embracing him and leaning up to kiss his cheek.

“How are you, Jack?” Her hand went up to touch his still swollen and discoloured right eye, and she glanced at me. “I trust you’re healing well.”

“I am, dear Lady. And how do you fare?”

“I’m doing very well, thank you. And I apologise for my husband’s brutish behaviour of two days ago.”

“He was sorely provoked, Reagan, and I apologise to both of you for my own unseemly behaviour.” My wife turned to look at me as I extended my hand to him. He took it, and we shook firmly. She clearly expected some comment from me.

“I regret having struck the first blow, Jack.” Cassandra turned to me, her eyes widening. I had not previously told her that part of the sorry tale. “I am more than embarrassed at having lost my temper.” That much was true. I would have preferred he strike the first blow as it would have served to mediate my wife’s temper had I been the one in a defensive posture. In addition, I was most chagrined at having lost control of my emotions; it ill becomes one of my Stoic persuasion. I motioned toward the chairs as I spoke and moved one for Cassandra to sit.

“Please, let us sit and attempt to come to an understanding.” My wife did not sit but looked at both of us.

“I’m not staying. You two are going to talk. I don’t care what you talk about. It can be rugby, the stock market, the war in the Middle East, or the turning of the tides, but you’re going to talk. You’re going to behave like adults rather than two adolescent boys fighting over a girl in the schoolyard. I’m going back to our room, but I’m stopping to have a word with the maitre d’ on my way out of the bar. I’m going to tell him that if either of you creates a scene of any sort, he’s to immediately call the police and have both of you tossed in jail for disturbing the peace. I’m also going to tell him you tried to kill each other two nights ago, so he’ll be watching you closely. I don’t want to see either of you until you can behave like grown men.” She turned on her heel and stalked away from us, stopping to speak with the maitre d’ as she had promised. I looked at Jack as his eyes came back to me.

“I believe we have been put firmly in our places.” We had indeed.

REAGAN
I was awakened by raucous laughter from the hallway followed by a knock on the door. I got up and pulled on my robe before crossing the room and looking through the peephole. A man in a suit was standing there with a silly smile on his face. I opened the door to discover that my husband and Jack Aubrey were being partially supported by a pair of bellmen. The man in the suit was wearing a name badge indicating he was the hotel’s night manager. I groaned.

“Please tell me they didn’t get into another fight.” He shook his head and laughed.

“Not at all, Mrs. Espan. In fact, they were having a bit too much fun, and we had to break up their party. Your husband said we could bring them up here, and they could sleep it off.” I shook my head.

“No way. Is the room next door occupied?” It was connected to this one, and I hadn’t heard a sound from it.

“No, Ma’am, it isn’t.”

“It is now. Bring them in before they wake the dead and open the door on the other side. We can drag them through, and I’ll lock it on this side so they don’t keep me awake all night.”

We got them into the adjoining room, and I was relieved to see it had two beds. I couldn’t see either of those two men sharing a bed. That would have started another knock-down/drag-out. The silly bastards were laughing like a couple of loons and managed to stagger their way to the small table and fell into the chairs on either side of it. I looked at the Night Manager.

“Clean out the alcohol in the mini-bar, and bring up more water. They’re going to need it.”

“Right away, Mrs. Espan. Can you safely handle them if they get rowdy?” If they got rowdy? I wondered what he considered ‘rowdy.’ “If not, call me, and I’ll send Security up to deal with them.” He handed me his card.

“If they get any more ‘rowdy,’ I’m shoving them off the balcony. That should calm them down.” We were on the 18^th floor. He wasn’t sure whether I was joking or not. For that matter, neither was I.

“Uh, yes, Ma’am, that should do it.”

“Thanks for getting them upstairs. I can take it from here.” He smiled again.

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Espan. Have a good night.” He walked out of the room and into the hall, closing the door behind himself. Max and Jack were whooping it up like long lost friends and didn’t even know I was in the same hemisphere. I went back to my own room, closing the adjoining door on their side, then closed the one on my side and locked it. I knew both of them would feel like hammered shit tomorrow, but sometimes alcohol is a good thing.

I slept in the next morning. No alarm set, no wake-up call, just blissful and uninterrupted sleep. It was almost nine when I opened my eyes and rolled over to look at the clock. I bolted from the bed and ran to the door between the rooms, half afraid to open it and see what was on the other side. I needn’t have worried. They were dead to the world. Max’s suit coat and Jack's blazer were in twin heaps on the floor. Their shoes were all over the room. They must have had a contest to see who could kick his the farthest. At least they hadn’t kicked toward the plate glass balcony doors. Both of them were snoring loudly enough to wake the dead. I looked round the room to see an empty bottle of scotch lying on its side on the dresser. Whoever ordered that must have really cleaned up his act to call down for it. So much for having the Night Manager empty the mini-bar. I punched Max to see if he’d move. He just grunted and grabbed the pillow he was holding tighter. I went to their exterior door and hung the 'Do Not Disturb' sign out for them before I crept through the connecting doors, closed them softly, and locked the one on my side.

I had a leisurely shower, dried my hair, and dressed before calling American Airlines. I hadn’t made firm return reservations for us but had left the round-trip tickets open. I booked a return flight for myself early that afternoon and then called Dee to ask if she could pick me up at the airport. She said she’d be there. She didn’t ask about Max. Before I left my room, I went back to check on the men; they were still unconscious. I moved Max’s things into their room so he could find them, propped a note for him on the bureau and pushed the door closed on my side of the adjoining rooms without locking it, grabbed my bag, and took off. I smiled all the way back to Dallas.

“What the fuck is going on? Terry said Max had been to Baltimore earlier in the week.” I love Dee’s directness because I always know where I stand with her.

“Max and Jack got into it a couple of days ago – that first trip you mentioned – and beat the shit out of each other." I briefed her on their 'disagreement,' and she laughed. "I made him go back with me, and I gave both of them Hell. We met Jack in the hotel bar at six, and I left at six-oh-five. I told them they were going to talk, and I didn’t care about the topic as long as they talked. I threatened to have them both thrown into jail if they misbehaved. I went back to the room and went to sleep. The Night Manager brought them upstairs around midnight because they were getting a bit too rowdy and annoying others in the bar.”

“Another fight?”

“Inordinately cheerful.” Now she was laughing so hard she nearly drove off the road.

“Sorry, go on.”

“The room next to ours was empty, so we put them in there to sleep it off. They were still alive when I checked on them before I left, but I couldn’t wake Max …well, in truth, I didn’t try very hard.” Her cackle erupted again; I'm not sure it ever stopped. “I left Max a note telling him I wouldn’t shoot him on sight when he came home and that I loved him. So, here I am. He’ll find his way home eventually.” She shook her head, still laughing.

“You two are never going to have a quiet, calm relationship, are you?”

“I can’t imagine how. With my temper and his bull-headedness, I don’t think that’s in the cards. God alone knows what any children we might ever have will think of us.” She glanced over at me as she checked traffic before changing lanes on the interstate.

“Any news on that front?” I shook my head.

“Not yet, but after Max, you’ll be the first to know.”

“That means Terry will be the fourth. You do know I have to share the news about the fight with Terry, don't you?”

Max called just after seven that night. He and Jack had just awakened, and he was more than a bit sheepish; I loved it.

“Cara, I do not know what to say to you.”

“Have you and Jack kissed and made up?” He laughed then stopped abruptly. I suspect his head was killing him.

“We have, figuratively speaking.”

“Then I’m happy. Call me when you get your reservations made for home. I’ll be waiting, and I love you.”

“And I love you, Cara.” He called just after noon the next day and said he and Jack had just finished lunch; he would be in on the mid-afternoon flight and home in time for dinner.

MAXIMUS
Jack and I did not awaken until almost seven in the evening. When my eyes opened, it was dark, and I was disoriented. Cassandra was not beside me, and I heard loud snoring. She does not snore unless she has a head cold, and even then, it is not so loud as what I was hearing now. I pushed myself up on my elbow and turned on the bedside lamp. Jack Aubrey was in the next bed, and my head was pounding as if all the demons of the Underworld were resident and torturing me with their hammers and tongs. I staggered to my feet and managed to reach the toilet before being violently ill for several minutes. I could not recall having been in so dismal a state since my promotion to Tribune. By the time I was made General, I had learnt to comport myself with greater dignity. It would appear that veneer of dignity deserted me last evening.

I stood at last and flushed the toilet, washed my hands, and rinsed my mouth. I finally dared look in the mirror. I had two days growth of beard, and my eyes were bloodshot. My skin was almost gray under my tan. The skin round my left eye was a bluish purple; the reddish tinge had now faded. It would change to a greenish hue, then yellow before fading completely over the next two weeks. The bruising along my jaw and on my fists was of a similar shade to my eye. I was indeed a sorry sight. I turned back to the room and looked about in confusion before realising that the door to the adjoining room was open on this side. I tried the one leading to the next room, and it pushed open with no resistance. It was empty; she had gone, and I was plunged into a state of despair.

I returned to the room Jack and I occupied and noted the envelope with my name on it resting against the mirror on the bureau. Looking about, I saw that my bag was in the open closet, along with the suits and shoes I had brought with me. My briefcase and laptop were on the desk in the corner. My hands shook as I opened her note, though whether from fear or the hangover, I was not sure.

I kissed her signature and tucked the note into my briefcase before going to Jack’s bed and shaking him to wakefulness.

As the room Cassandra and I had occupied prior to her departure was still empty, Jack and I made arrangements for him to occupy it that night. We went to his flat and collected the things he would need for the morning and returned to the hotel. We agreed that a sober discussion between us was best conducted on neutral ground, thus we did not stay at his flat. We had our dinner, returned to our rooms, and passed a good evening in deep conversation.

We discussed the meaning both of us assigned to the word cherish. At the end of it, we had agreed that we applied the same import to the term. I do cherish my wife; she is more important to me than my own life, and I would willingly die to keep her from harm. I was successful in assuring Jack that I will endeavour to tell her of my care for her in addition to doing those physical things – such as seeing to her safety and comfort – that bear witness to my feelings. He was satisfied. We agreed that words exchanged by electronic communication often fail to convey our true meaning, and it is easy to make assumptions not intended by the writer. We resolved to telephone and speak with the other should either of us have doubts or concerns in the future.

Fortunately, Jack did not have a class the day we spent in sleep, and had nothing the following day. He asked if I would care to accompany him to the Academy for a tour. I accepted. Though I have heard much of the various military academies in this time, I had never had the opportunity visit any of them.

The flora present on the Academy’s grounds in the spring and summer was gone, as we were in the dead of winter. The various buildings rose in stately grandeur against the leaden grey sky; the dismal weather could not eclipse the solemn dignity of this place. We observed a group of midshipmen in drill on the parade ground, and Jack showed me about the various edifices. The Chapel was more grand than anything I had seen since the temples of my time. We stood on the dock where the Academy meets Chesapeake Bay and felt the cold wind blowing off the water; we were shielded from the winds off the North Atlantic by the bridge of land that comprises the remainder of Maryland and the State of Delaware.

I pulled the collar of my coat closer about my neck and turned it up in an effort to block the wind whipping round me. In looking at Jack, I noted the far away look in his eyes as that same wind whipped his hair loose from his queue. I thought back on his film, remembering the light in his eyes as the storms of the Antarctic lashed his ship and tossed it on the waves.

“You miss the sea, do you not?” He smiled and nodded once.

“I shall always miss that most favoured of my mistresses.” Though it would sound perverse to many, I understood his sense of loss. I, too, missed that former time. I recall clearly rising well before dawn on the days of my battles for Rome to walk in the mists of Germania or the rising heat of the deserts of North Africa. I would stand on the field of battle and look toward the fires of the enemy’s camp, sadly eager for the fray to begin. Though command is a stern mistress, she was truly all that I had in that time. She kept me company through countless cold nights when I lay alone in my bed. She occupied my thoughts even on those rare occasions I was at home in Spain. I hungered for her; the heat of battle was well known to me, and I understood it. Though my heart is with the land, I am also a soldier and will always be such. I sighed and realised Jack had done the same.

“Were you able to stay through the week’s end, I should take you to sea for a day. It is but a short voyage to the open ocean, and I think you would enjoy the salt spray in your face.” I thought on that for a moment.

“I would, Jack, though I had never considered it until now. I would like to experience the sea on a sailing vessel. I am sure it would be more pleasant that the wallowing of a Roman galley.” We laughed heartily.

“Then you must come again, and we shall set sail. Does your wife enjoy the sea?” I could not but smile at his use of the words ‘your wife’ rather than her name.

“She does, and she has sailed in the past, though it has been some time since she last did so. She has told me that following viewing your film, she took a week’s holiday in Galveston and crewed out on one of the sailing vessels there. Like you, she wished the feel of the ocean’s spray in her face once more.”

“Then we shall do it! Perhaps in the spring when the wind is fair and warm.”

“If she is not with child in the spring, we will endeavour to come back here. We would both enjoy more time with you.” He considered my words before turning to face me.

“Is it settled between us, Brother?” That was the first time since his trip to Dallas for our wedding that he had called me by that endearment.

“If you can forgive my unwarranted jealousy and suspicion, it is.”

“There is nothing to forgive. She is all the world to you, and you would hold her close against any who might wish to take her from you. Any man who cherishes his wife would do the same.”

“Jack, I apologise with all my heart for my doubts of you with regard to Cassandra. I know you are an honourable man. I know you would not attempt to seduce her. I fear the strain of attempting to conceive a child has taken its toll on me. I am no longer young and fear I may be unable to father a child on her. I had but one child survive me in that first life and wish with all my heart for issue in this one. It grieves me to think that may never come to pass. I know it pains Cassandra as well, possibly more so, as she misses holding a child close to her breast in the way only a mother can.” He closed the distance between us, and his arm went round my shoulder.

“In time, Brother, in time.”

We were driving back to Baltimore for my flight when I turned to him.

“Jack, would it inconvenience you if I were to remain until tomorrow evening?”

“Not at all. Have you something you wish to do here?”

“If it is permissible, I wish to attend the classes you teach tomorrow and then have you come to Texas with me for the weekend. Cassandra would welcome you in our home, and I should enjoy your company a bit longer.” He smiled as he signalled for the exit that would lead to his flat.

“If you are certain she would not object, I would enjoy that above all things. Let us drop your baggage at my flat and find our dinner. I know a delightful little restaurant, and the barmaid there has a most lovely bosom.” She did indeed.

REAGAN
Max had called the afternoon before and said he was spending one more night in Baltimore. I thought that was a good idea. I heard his key in the lock, and the pups barking in delight. I’d been in the kitchen and walked through the dining room to the foyer as two bags thumped onto the floor. I’m not sure I would have been more surprised if Russell Crowe had been standing there.

MAXIMUS
I looked at her face, watching it go from surprise to delight. There was no hint of lust for Jack, only the joy at seeing a dear friend come to visit. She stepped into his arms and kissed him on the cheek, her happiness plain on her face. She turned to me, and I held her close as Jack offered another of his malapropisms.

“Home is the hunter, under the sea, and the sailor still hunting for port. No, wait …that ain’t it.”

The End

NOTES

“Home is the hunter, under the sea,        "Under the wide and starry sky
and the sailor still hunting for port.”       Dig the grave and let me lie.
                                                                  Glad did I live and gladly die,
                                                                And I laid me down with a will.

                                                                This be the verse you grave for me;
                                                                Here he lies where he longed to be,
                                                                Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
                                                                And the hunter home from the hill."

                                                                Requiem. With apologies to Robert Louis Stevenson.
                                                                Jack Aubrey's malapropism is compliments of the
                                                                Author's Spousal Unit.

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