| Subject: The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove62 |
Author:
Schnee
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 17:48:38 03/07/01 Wed
In reply to:
Schnee
's message, "The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove" on 17:45:20 03/07/01 Wed
Instead of locating a hotel to check into, I choose to bring Nikita to the Old Port section of the city. Specifically to Jardin des Vestiges.
The Garden of Ruins. A place steeped with ancient history. Brilliant green grass surrounds the stone walls and towers, remnants from 2000 years ago. Nikita leans into me as we walk together through this archeological garden.
“Who built all this?” a curious Nikita asks as she eyes the structures.
“The Ligurians settled here first. They were a rugged, strong people that settled along the mountainous coast from Spain all the way to Italy. Including here and in Monaco. Later Phoenicean navigators landed here with their boats. Their leader, Protis, arrived on the special day for the local Ligurian tribe. The Ligurians were amidst a feast celebrating the “coming out” of the king’s daughter. This banquet was held for Ligurian warriors seeking the hand of his daughter. She would indicate her choice by entering the banquet with a glass of wine, setting it before the warrior she desired.”
“So she actually got to choose? I can’t see it as much of a choice, though, if she did not know any of these men. Choosing a man is not like picking a dress in a department store. Where is the love in that?” Nikita ponders.
“Interesting you should say that.” I reply finding her observation amusing but not unexpected. “Since Protis arrived on that day, he was invited to the banquet. It was to Protis that the girl presented her cup of wine. She chose a complete stranger. They were soon married and it was under Protis’ direction that the town of Masallia was built on land that was his new wife’s dowry. A town that would grow to be Marseilles.”
“How do you know all this…this history and stuff?” Nikita questions as a big smile forms on her face.
“Mama.” I answer, pausing and remembering.
“She loved history and handing down that history and heritage to her children. Teacher was only one of several roles she played. Housekeeper, Nurse, Confidant…she was all those.” Roles that Nikita will likely become familiar with soon.
“You loved her a great deal.” Nikita’s eyes shine at me as her golden hair flies in the wind.
“Yes.”
“And your Father?”
Nikita’s normal curiosity shows as I struggle to answer her suitably but without being dishonest. My emotions surrounding my Father are complex and I feel conflicted as to what answer to give.
“My Father found his calling as a disciplinarian. I loved him but I cannot compare that love to that for my Mother.” I begin walking again as I long to avoid further discussion of this topic.
Soon I hear Nikita’s hurried footsteps behind me.
“Michael.” Nikita calls out. “Michael, I didn’t realize it was a sensitive topic. We don’t have to talk about it. But please don’t shut me out.” Her voice touches me.
Feeling guilty, I clasp her hand as I turn to face her. Seeing the distress etched into her face, my guilt deepens. Instead of closing the topic, I’ve slapped up a wall and made the subject to appear more onerous than it should be. In order to make it up to Nikita, I resolve to give her a peek at my previous life. I owe her that much.
~~~~~
Picture of the Garden of Ruins:
http://www.beyond.fr/villphotos2/marsP12.html
(Giving link rather than directly linking it)
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 
