Chapter 19
In the Reservatory, the Captain and Keo quietly walked down one of the many paths that weaved in and out of the trees, bushes and plants. When they reached a lilac bush in full bloom, the Captain stopped. Gently he cupped the violet color blossoms in his hands and took in the fragrance.
Keo spoke, “No doubt, you still think of Eve?”
Without letting go of the flowers, the Captain turned his head to Keo, “I think of her every day.”
A few paces away, Keo settled himself down on one of the benches that was formed from the Great Old Oak that fell recently. He watched the Captain with interest.
Treating the lilac bush with sacredness, the Captain stepped back and waited as if Eve would step out any time now. A few minutes passed and there was no Eve. Bowing his head for just a moment, the Captain turned and joined Keo on the bench.
“She took my heart when she left, you know.”
“Yes, my Granddaughter has a way with the heart. But you know, she left you a son. Take peace in your heart and know he is alive, or Shell would not have agreed to be left on the Mother Earth.”
A few birds fluttered into the lilac bush, as the Captain replied, “I love my son and have faith he is doing well, but he does not fill my soul like she did. It is just not the same. However, I appreciate your words. I know you miss her too.”
A sadness overtook Keo’s face, momentarily. Bringing himself back to the here and now, the ever breathing present, Keo managed some enthusiasm, “It is time you focus on letting go. When time comes for us to cross over, Eve will be there with open arms. Your heart will be filled again. You are the only love she ever had in her life. I was only her Grandfather.”
The Captain replied, “Sometimes I simply miss her so. We had such a short time together.”
Looking over at the lilac bush, Keo announced, “I will leave you here to yourself. I am feeling very tired and want to rest. These bones are getting way too old.” Keo smiled at the Captain as he placed one hand on the Captain’s shoulder to help push himself off the bench. “You will be fine.”
“As always, Keo, I have faith in you and your words. I will take them to heart.”
The Captain watched Keo as he disappeared down the path, as if swallowed up by the green growth of the Reservatory. Sitting on the bench, he took in the big picture of his surroundings. A light breeze kissed his cheeks, while butterflies chased each other and the smell of lilacs filled his nostrils.
He had to admit to himself, he missed Keith also. As the Captain watched the birds play in and out of the bush, his mind went back to the day Eve left.
Just as quickly as she came into his life she also went away. That was the day Keith was born. Eve died giving birth……
“Now I know that this wonderful event is usually a woman’s chore, but I will stay here with you through the whole ordeal“, Malcolm gently spoke to Eve as he stroked her damp hair.
She was sitting in a chair as the contractions continued to become closer together. Despite her sweat and pain, she was still beautiful.
“Malcolm, I am so in love with you and this baby will be our treasure. But before all is said and done, there is something I must confess to you. Something that I have known since I first laid eyes on you.” Eve looked him in the eye then grabbed his arm as another contraction began.
Malcolm waited for the passing spasm. When Eve finally lessoned her grip, Malcolm replied, “Eve, whatever you have to say to me, I am all ears. No matter what, I still love you and always will.”
A small smile went across her face as she grabbed for both of his hands. With Malcolm on his knees and in front of her, she looked him deep into his eyes as if searching for something.
Finally she took in a deep breath and began, “I am dying for the second time.”
Malcolm’s eyes grew big, “What do you mean? You are as healthy as a horse! Second time? You are just riddled with pain and it is making you silly, little sunflower.” His face turned into a gentle grin.
Another contraction began. Eve breathed through it, then relaxed again back into her chair. Malcolm lovingly wiped her sweaty face with a cool rag. She looked at Malcolm again and spoke, “I am dying a second time. I have already died once, when I was just eighteen. I was very ill. I died in my Grandfather’s arms.”
“Keo’s? I am sorry, I still do not understand. You are breathing now. I know you are real. We are having a baby!”
Eve smiled and in her very angelic way continued to explain, “I know this is difficult to take in, but when I was young, Wakan Takasila needed me in the spirit world for a more important matter. I died and did not live here in this world again until the day I stepped out of the lilac bush! Oh, you were such a handsome sight for me to lay my eyes upon. The Creator has been preparing me for you.”
There was moments of silence and then another contraction began. Malcolm was simply speechless.
After Eve’s breathing became steady, she began again, “I know some things about the spiritual world are hard to understand. You have to use your faith….feel what is in your heart.”, she lightly touched his chest. That is where the Creator lives. In all our hearts and of all living things.”
Malcolm simply stared at Eve. Her beauty was radiant in the sweat of labor. Her words were indeed hard for him to swallow yet they poured out of her mouth like honey. After another contraction began, Malcolm again wiped her brow and held her hand, “My Eve, my beautiful and loving Eve.”
Eve rose from her chair and announced, “It is time to walk to the woods.”
Gently Malcolm took her arm and led her down the passage to the Reservatory. As they entered the great hall of trees and plant life, Eve stopped long enough to look back into Malcolm’s face. She reached up and cupped her companion’s face. “Our son will have the life and energy of all that lives in these woods. He will be a great gift to the People.”
With a turn she moved down one of the trails that led deep into the thick of the trees. Malcolm stood back and watched the great woman do what she has been blessed to do……give birth.
Eve reached for a thick twig and snapped it off the tree. She found herself a spot by the small stream and knelt down between one fallen log and a young aspen tree. Placing the broken twig between her teeth, she began to bear down with her first push.
Soon she opened her legs wider and the grunts came with more force. Beads of sweat began to multiply as they raced down her red face. Malcolm could only see the back of her. He tried not to interfere unless needed. He began to fidget and pick at nearby tree.
With one final push the baby came forward and Eve gently received the wet head in her hand. As her breathing became more steady, she rose and moved down to the water with grace. She took her knife from the sheath hanging on the back of her belt. Sitting cross legged, she cuddled the baby in her lap as the cut the umbilical cord.
Using the water from the stream, she cleansed the baby and then retrieved the cloth that was hanging from her hip fastened over her belt. Gently she swaddled the child and laid him beside her, then contended with her afterbirth.
Before she left the river stream, Eve pinched some sacred tobacco from her pouch and offered thanks to the river and to the Mother Earth and to the Creator for allowing her experience of giving life. With both hands raised above her head and her face toward the treetops she let out a trill, a woman’s cry of honor. Echoes could be heard drifting all about the Reservatory.
With great pride, Eve picked up the swaddled bundle and moved over to where Malcolm patiently and respectfully awaited. Eve’s eyes locked with Malcolm’s as she presented the baby to him, “Meet your new son, Keith Ambrose“ she smiled “……he breathes great immortal wind.”
Malcolm tore his eyes from her beautiful smile and for the first time looked down upon his son. The boy carried the same radiant glow as his mother. He had her eyes. Her chin. Slowly Malcolm lowered himself
down to the ground and coddled the newborn. Eve sat down next to him and with a sigh laid her body around the back of Malcolm. “He is beautiful”, were her last words as she closed her eyes, never to open them again. She wore a smile on her forever glowing face……
Chapter 20