Chapter 1: The Gift

Beth Collins regarded her best friend with an exasperated expression from across her kitchen table where they were having tea.She knew Emma meant well,but sometimes it got to be a bit much. For once,could she just give it a rest? 

“I mean,I know the divorce was hard on you,”Emma continued,”but really,it’s been eight months.Your life must go on.”

Beth smiled tiredly.”When I’m ready Em,I’m sure I’ll start dating again.What's the hurry?”  “You’re not getting any younger.34 is practically ancient in today’s world.”

Beth gave up trying to change Emma’s opinion as her friend rambled on.

Yes,the divorce had been hard on her,but surely it was her prerogative to take as much time as she needed to heal. 

When Edgar walked out on her,her whole world had shattered.10 years of marriage had gone down the drain with no warning whatsoever. 

Husbands leaving their wives for younger women was a staple of soap operas and the wealthy.Never in a million years could she have imagined someday that fate would be her's.Yet the stark reality was,she had to own it and accept it.

Edgar had left her and as they never had any children,she was now truly alone in the world.She had no family to speak of.Her parents had died in a plane crash when she was 19,she had no siblings or cousins,just...nothing.  

After the divorce she had thrown herself into her work.Nursing had always been her passion and her sense of accomplishment when comforting and helping to heal those in pain,eased some of her own sorrow,made the lonely days seem just about bearable.

“Emma,”she finally said softly,”I appreciate your concern,but I need time.Healing from such betrayal doesn't happen overnight.” 

Emma continued in a more gentle tone.

“I know Beth,I just want my friend back,the woman who was happy,enjoying life every day.You cannot allow Edgar to still have so much power over you.”

Beth took her hand in her’s.”I’ll be fine,I promise.” 

She almost believed it herself.

The knock on the door came just as Beth was about to settle down and watch a movie.Who could it be?she wondered.She wasn’t expecting anyone.Ever since the divorce,Emma was basically the only one of her friends she still had contact with.Life had truly come to a standstill after Edgar.For months her routine had consisted of alternating being at work or home. 

Opening the door,she found a man with strangely familiar hazel eyes,as if she had seen them somewhere before.  

“Mrs Collins?”he said in a rich,deep voice.”Sorry for arriving unannounced.My name is Ethan Hollingsworth.I believe you knew my mother,Polly.”  

The name rang a bell.Months ago,a patient by that name had been admitted to the hospital and she had been the attending nurse. 

Polly Hollingsworth was a vibrant old lady with an unquenchable zest for life who had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.Her doctors had only given her a few months to live. 

In spite of this death sentence,Polly continued living her life to the hilt.During the few days she had spent in the hospital,before she had left for home-based care,Polly had found a friend in Beth.Every chance she got,Beth would be in her room,loving the stories the old lady would tell of her world travels.Her heart skipped a beat as it dawned on her why Ethan Hollingsworth was there to see her,he with the same eyes as his mother.

“Of course Mr Hollingsworth,please come in.” 

Ethan followed her into the livingroom,his eyes taking in the tasteful decor.  

“Please,have a seat Mr Hollingsworth,”she motioned. 

“Thank you,please call me Ethan.”  

“Beth,pleased to meet you.” 

Only then did she notice he was carrying a small box.Probably some last minute shopping before coming to see her. 

“My mother has passed on,”he announced.”The cancer finally beat the old girl.”

Beth noticed the pained look that marred his handsome face.So her initial thought had been correct.Polly was gone. 

“I'm so sorry to hear that.Please accept my condolences.Your mother was a fascinating woman.I have to ask though,why come all the way to see me,to tell me in person?”  Ethan smiled.”My mother was extremely fond of you Beth,she spoke of you in the highest regard.You made quite an impression on her.One of her last wishes was for you to have a few of her possessions.Its all in here,”he said,handing the box to her.”All my mother wanted you to have.”

After Ethan left,Beth poured herself a glass of wine,sat on the couch and stared at the box for the longest moment,her amazement soon replaced by curiosity.

Polly had given her a gift from beyond the grave.She never expected this.  

Their friendship during those few days had seemed like a moment in time,a special memory to be locked away and at times remembered with fondness.  

She smiled with tears in her eyes as she opened the box and saw what had been bequethed to her.Inside were a few of Polly's treasured journals,diaries she had kept of her travels.There was also a photo album and every shot captured the essence of a woman enjoying life and loving every minute. 

Carefully laying the journals and album on the coffee table,Beth turned back to the box.There was still something inside. 

Wrapped in a light blue silk cloth,Beth found a pearl necklace.   

Surely this was a mistake,Beth thought to herself.The delicate pearl necklace must have gotten into the box by mistake,as Ethan had gone through his mother's things to find everything she had wanted her to have.Why would Polly give her anything so exquisite?  Almost afraid to touch it,Beth gently wrapped it in its silk protector and went upstairs.  Tomorrow she would find a way to contact Ethan Hollingsworth and return the necklace.