The Writers' Circle

Chapter 6. Miracle Baby

The following morning, John went to the beach and spent a couple of hours poking at the tiny keys of his palm-top, enjoying the cool sea breeze at his favorite spot among the rocks that provided a natural shelter from the sun.  After a while, he felt hungry and the summer sun was getting a bit strong, so he decided to head for the Main Street to have an early lunch.  He was carrying two sandwiches in his bag this morning and two bottles of natural guava juice.  

He stopped when he came to Judy's Boutique, looked at its storefront for a couple of seconds and went inside.  It was not a big store and he spotted its owner right away.  Judy was talking to a customer near the back of the store where she kept her more expensive merchandise.  She was wearing a yellow T-shirt over calf-length denim jeans and a pair of red embroidered silk loafers.  She kept her hair up with a wood hair clip that was fashioned after the ancient Chinese design - its long wood pin sticking out from both ends.  

She saw John as he walked in, and she smiled.  "Hi, John - please browse around, I'll be with you in a minute."

As John has expected, the store carried mainly women's clothing and accessories.  While the selections were limited, they were all very tasteful and seemed to target the middle-aged segment who was worldly and who wanted something distinctive and yet not necessarily expensive.kind of Gloria Vanderbilt on a budget.   Shopping was not a favorite activity for John, so he was scanning the merchandise while keeping an eye on Judy.  

The customer (a middle-aged lady) made the purchase and left.  Judy came up to John.   He smelled a wonderful scent of rose petals approaching.  
"Find anything interesting today, sir?" she teased.  
"Yes, does this come in my size?"  He held up a lady's pink silk lingerie.
"No, not the pink one, I'm afraid - but I have a red one that you might want to try on," she said, laughing.  "Welcome to my store, John.  How are you today?"
"I feel wonderful today.  Thank you!"  He put down the pink lingerie.  "I really enjoyed your homemade oatmeal cookie yesterday, so I wonder if I could return the favor by treating you to my homemade sandwich today?"
"Lunch?  This early?"
"Well, yes.  I feel hungry early today."
"OK. What have you got?"
"Sliced tomato and smooth avocado on rye - slightly toasted," he said with pride.  "And guava juice - all natural."
"Oh, John - you really know how to treat a lady, don't you?"
"I'm glad you like my lunch selection.  Now where should we go?"
"Why don't we eat it here?  I always have lunch in the shop." She pointed to a small coffee table and a couple of chairs at one corner.  She walked to the door and flipped over a small sign that read:  Sorry, Out for Lunch! 

They sat around the coffee table at the corner and proceeded with their lunch.  
"This is excellent sandwich, John.  It's so tasty and healthy!"
"I'm glad you like it.  I must warn you though - I'm a creature of habit.  I eat this for lunch almost everyday."  
"I wish I am a careful eater like you, John. I have a weakness for cookies.  I know they're not good for me, but I just can't resist!"
"I don't know.  I think they look pretty good on you," he said, his eyes lingering just a second too long over her bosom.
"John, you're making me blush!" she said coyly. "Tell me about yourself, John.  What do you do and what brought you to Lamma?"  She was eager to change the subject.

"I'm divorced - have been for 5 years.  I retired six months ago from a bank, and now I'm basically not doing much of anything," he said while chewing his sandwich.  "I moved to Lamma because it's a quiet place and the rent is cheap."
"Any children?"
"No, no children.  Now it's your turn."  He was eager to know more about Judy.
"My husband died in a traffic accident almost 30 years ago, while we were on honeymoon," she said in a soft voice.  "I have a daughter.  She's my miracle baby."
"Miracle baby?"
"Well, it's kind of personal," she sounded reluctant.
"Sorry, I don't mean to pry."
"I'll tell you after we get to know each other better, OK?"
"Fine, now tell me how you became a boutique owner?"

"Well, I was a primary school teacher when I got married.  My husband was a doctor working for the Health department.  He had saved up some money and had a very good life insurance policy.  Also the government pension was very generous so I quitted my job and cared for my daughter full-time.  After my daughter started college, I went back to teaching for almost ten years.  I retired three years ago and bought this boutique from a friend, and I enjoy every minute of it."

"And your daughter?"
"She teaches primary school - following my footsteps."  She took out her wallet and showed John a picture of a young lady cradling a baby in her arms.  "I became a granny six months ago!"
"Wonderful, Judy.  You must be very proud!  It's such a cute baby!"
"Yes, she looked just like her mum."
"Another miracle baby?"
"No, she's a cute baby, but not a miracle baby," she said.  

"Now that we know each other better, John, I'll tell why I called my daughter a miracle baby."
It doesn't take her long to get to know me better, does it?  John waited in silence.
"I was a virgin when I married my husband.  We went to Bangkok for our honeymoon.  The first time we made love on our wedding night turned out to be our last time.  He was knocked down by a car in front of the hotel the next morning, and he died on the way to the hospital.  I found out I was pregnant a couple of months later.  It's a true miracle - a gift from God so I could remember my husband always."

For a while, the two looked at each other in silence, finishing their sandwich and their drinks.  John reached out and touched Judy's face.  She tilted her head towards his hand, eyes closed.  
"What is it that you're wearing?" he asked, leaning toward her across the coffee table, taking a slow, deep breath.
"Rose water.  I like rose water in the summer," she answered slowly, eyes still closed. This tender moment could have lasted only a few seconds but it felt like much longer.  Then they heard someone knocking at door.  

"This must be a very impatient customer.  I'm afraid our lunch hour is officially over, John."  She went over to the door, opened it and let in a lady.  
"I'm sorry, Judy.  I need to pick up my dress in a hurry.  I left it with you for alteration last week.  And I need to get to the pier in ten minutes."
"No problem, June.  Your dress is ready.  I'll get it for you."
A couple of customers also walked in the door.  Judy has a very steady clientele.
"You're busy, Judy.  I'll stop by some other time," John said, heading to the door.
"Some other time, John - and thanks for lunch!"  And she turned to her customers.
John walked out of the boutique and headed towards The Coffee Pot.