Penthesilea's Wish [Vol.2]

Chapter Thirty-three

Daniela had also bathed that evening and put on the clean clothes professor Vasiliou had left on Myrsini's bed for her. They were a snug pair of sun-faded jeans and a light green peasant blouse which gathered at the shoulder. The top showed off the sun she had recently acquired during the morning ferryboat cruise and their lunch excursion into Hora. As Daniela looked into the mirror while combing her hair, she took note of her face and how it reflected the time she and Nicasio had spent in Greece-soon completing one week. She saw a young woman notably relaxed and happy. There was something about this incredibly beautiful island and the escapist atmosphere of the professor's house and village which gave her such a sense of exhilaration and at the same time peace. She felt she wanted to hear music-any kind of music, and had the sensation it would not take much encouragement for her to dance to what ever rhythm presented itself.

As she passed by the study on her way to the stairwell, she peeked in and saw the professor seated at her desk in front of a large screen with groupings of text and small pictures. She seemed to be chatting online quickly and copiously. The room was dim with the curtain closed and the illumination of the monitor its only source of light.

"Thanks' for the clean clothes," Daniela said softly, intending not to disturb her further.

"You're quite welcome," Dr. Vasiliou answered in a monotone voice, continuing to type. "Just finishing up . . . a few messages . . . to my many friends for the evening . . ."

She then finished her messaging, closed the computer, and turned around.

"So Daniela. let's look at you in these clothes. . ." She stood and approached her, stopping framed in the doorway. "See? They fit perfectly!"

"They really do. And they're very comfortable." Daniela smiled.

"Well, comfortable is the key here," the professor replied, smiling back. "Wait . . . you're missing something. Come with me."

The professor passed her quickly in the doorway, leading her down the stairs past the main room with the books and fireplace. She guided her further back into the house. They came to the master bedroom and Daniela waited a little nervously as the professor entered and opened a large, antique armoire. It covered a great portion of the room's back wall. She quickly slid out several small drawers, seeming to look for something specific.

"Ah, to vrika!" she said finally, obviously locating what she wanted. "For that color combination, you must wear these. . ." She handed her a large, iridescent abalone shell necklace and small, matching earrings. They were, indeed, a perfect turquoise blend, complementing the shades of blue and green she now had on. Daniela took them in her hand while the professor motioned her over to the mirror. She put the earrings on with the professor watching, feeling a bit like adolescent sisters playing 'dress up' in their mother's room.

"There you are . . . Stunning!" The professor began helping Daniela with the necklace clasp. She hardly had a moment to see the total effect in the mirror or even thank her when a phone rang somewhere in the house. Dr. Vasiliou left abruptly, this time returning to the living room.

Daniela followed, lagging behind her. With cell phone in hand, the professor had taken a seat on the large chair across from the divan. She was quietly engaged in what seemed to be a serious conversation in Greek when she pointed to the coffee table for Daniela's benefit. Obviously earlier, she had set out a large platter of bread, celery, cherry tomatoes, and an inviting terracotta bowl of tsatziki, a Greek yogurt garlic dip with cucumbers. Next to this was an open bottle of red wine and two tall glasses.

"I'm afraid this will have to be our dinner tonight," she whispered, holding her hand over the phone momentarily.

Daniela just nodded with a look of satisfaction.