Hello! Is it me you're looking for?
I can see it in your eyes,
I can see it in your smile...
Lionel Richie (Hello)
Oliver's heart twitched a little as he saw his wife retreating to the shady confines of the garden; he knew how happy Sara was at Frank's arrival. It almost felt as if their family was complete now. It felt like yesterday again, the three of them together: flourishing and happy; each supporting the other through thick and thin.
Even though, his brother had walked away from him in his pursuit of wealth and security; yet, he was confident that there will come a day when this little brother will return home to his family. Until then, they must hold on to faith and patience.
As they rode towards The Cottons, Oliver took out his phone and dialed a number. The phone rang twice and then a lady's voice was heard – "Hello! Who is this?"
"Hannah, is Lydia home?" Oliver said.
"She is. Should I call her?"
"Yes; I will hold the line...put her through."
Frank's heart-beat froze. He felt his blood gush to his cerebral quarters as he heard his brother say-- "Lydia, would you do me a favor?"
Frank strained his ears to hear the soft muffling sound over the phone. "What is it?" she sounded concerned,
"Would you go directly to Sara; she is all alone today and feeling low too." – Oliver said
The faintly muffled sound of Lydia teased Frank and he hungered for more. He drew closer to his brother to hear better, but no luck.
"Thank you, I will see you in the evening then." – saying so, his brother had disconnected the line.
"What? Just that?" Frank looked at his brother in anguish.
"What do you mean? What was I supposed to say?"
Frank recovered himself realizing the fact that Oliver did not know what the name 'Lydia' meant to him. Since he would not say more, which means, he would have to drag the information out of his brother.
"Who is Lydia? What's her full name?" asked the impatient brother
"Lydia is Sara's cousin. She stays by the lake - a wonderful girl, I must say."
"What is her full name? Does she have a family?" Frank was not yet sure of his good fortune. Could this girl be his Lydia?
"Lydia Rivers. Sara is her cousin, her only family. Her parents expired in an accident, five years back. She was in Glensfield then. Poor girl couldn't even meet them."
"So that's why she disappeared in the night. She came back home for her parents." Frank thought. The mystery was finally solved. His heart went out to her, "To think that she suffered two big blows at once!"
"So, she is all alone in the world?" he asked; curiosity and pity were overpowering all other emotions in Frank.
"She has a nanny - a faithful and motherly lady; Hannah has been with her all those years Lydia was growing up. She takes care of her like her own child. We are also there for her. Sara and Samaira are very fond of her."
Frank's heart exhilarated and blood gushed in his veins to dizzy speed. His lips murmured words of gratitude to the almighty. His prayers of so many years had finally been answered.
He wanted to laugh or perhaps to cry; to shed all those sorrowful tears he had locked up inside him for so long. He would gladly release those tears now! All his trials were finally over; his search had after all come to an end.
Frank lowered the window glasses and craned his neck out a little; the cool fragrant air revived him a little but his frenzy was nowhere near submission. It grew undaunted and vigorous, until he feared he might make a fool of himself.
"John, stop the car." – he told the driver.
"Why, what's the matter with you Frank?" – Oliver asked. The request surprised him not by its suddenness; instead, it was the pitch and the tone of entreaty that rather stunned him.
"Let's go back home." He said decisively.
"Am I missing something?" Oliver looked at his brother in alarm.
"I have altered my plans; I have decided to stay here at St. George's a little longer. Let's go back home and have Sara prepare us a feast."
Oliver was surprised by his brother's sudden change of heart but he couldn't be happier because he was going back to his wife. He looked at his brother in delight and said - "Ok. As you say."
The limo took a U-turn and sped on the dusty road. Frank did not know how to control the joy his heart felt. He wanted to run to her, to shout out loud her name, to thank God for giving Lydia back to him - they were such contrasting emotions he felt all at once! Not knowing what more to do he just let himself loose and let his heart take charge.
Oliver was amused to watch his brother act like a lunatic. Frank was always well guarded, well behaved; his reactions and the play of those feelings on his face was unreal and unbelievable.
He laughed, "What's wrong with you?"
"What do you mean?" Frank was surprised
"Why are you acting like a lunatic?"
"Lunatic? Me? What are you saying?" Frank was taken aback. To him, he was outwardly calm even though there were waves of emotions rising inwardly."
"You should see a doctor, I dare say. You don't look well to me. Have you had a stroke by chance? – Oliver teased.
Frank let out a sigh and looked out. Oliver's sarcasm could not diminish his feelings. He couldn't help riding on those emotions…if his brother could see through him…so be it!
They were home soon. Happy feet gladly stepped out of the car, walked through the garden until they had reached the foyer. He was met by the butler. "Where is Madam?" he asked
"She is in the kitchen."
"Who else is there?" hoping to hear the dear name,
"The two chefs and I think one of the girls."
"The girls?" Frank was surprised at the casual tone of the butler. "Is that what you call Miss Rivers?"
Oliver had caught on to his brother by now; "What is it?" he asked
"Oh! I meant one of the girls attending to Madam." The butler stammered and explained to his master. His heart was almost in his throat.
"And Miss Rivers?" Frank asked sharply,
"You mean Miss Lydia?" the butler stammered again. "She is there too."
Frank's heart exhilarated and he walked directly to the kitchen. He stopped as he heard voices from within. He heard Sara say something and Lydia reply. Sweet words from that well remembered sweet voice of that dainty girl…he held his breath and opened the door a little so he could see her form.
It was Lydia indeed! His Lydia – the girl he had been searching for so long…
He had never experienced such bliss and such contentment ever before. All the walls were shattered and he was near his dear girl. He could see her and hear her... what unspeakable bliss!!!
"Aren't you going in?" Oliver's voice came from behind and startled Frank. He shut the door at once and turned to his brother.
Oliver was surprised; "You look like a thief being caught red handed. What's up little brother?"