Chapter 68

68 Waterfall

Leon stood on a spot admiring Ella’s disappearing frame. His mind drifted momentarily to the first time Ella visited his country home garden. Her fascination was like that of Alice in Wonderland. Her love for nature was contagious. He was tempted to go after her but on a second thought, he changed his mind.

When Ella was completely out of sight, he turned his attention to the entrance of the bungalow.

All this while, he had been so lost in his peaceful thoughts that he hadn’t noticed his Nana open the door or step out of the house.

Nana Esther had a mysterious way of approaching someone without them ever seeing her coming. It was as though she wasn’t a human being but a spirit. On so many occasions, she had scared the living light out of her children; Rex and Maxwell, and also her grandchildren.

When Nana Esther’s husband, George Treshvire, died mysteriously during a hike back from the world’s coldest mountain, it was rumored that his spirit drifted into her. Also, the rumors said that before he died, he received a gift from the cold mountain spiritual beings which he passed on to his wife. Hence, she was declared a queer woman, who possessed supernatural powers.

George Treshvire was the fortune pioneer of the Treshvire family. He married Nana Esther when they only had love and dreams but no money. Life was unfair to them and people made a mockery of their love. However, this did not deter their spirit to succeed. Together, they struggled with their two precious children until their hard work paid off.

Before George embarked on his journey that took his life, he called his two sons and advised them as though he knew death was coming for him.

Ever since then, the two toughened and ruthless brothers’ bonds were inseparable. Together, they built the Treshvire empire and ruled it with iron fists.

“Bubble!” Nana Esther called softly. Her calm and serene voice was like the gentle touch of nature.

.....

Leon quivered slightly as he hadn’t noticed her creep up on him. “Miatisa!” Leon turned around and hugged her tenderly. “I’ve missed you.” A warm and happy tear escaped Leon’s glimmering eyes.

“I have missed you more, Bubble.” Nana Esther breathed happily in her grandson’s arms. “It’s been almost seven months since you last visited. I even thought you had abandoned your dear old Nana.” She pulled away from her arms, cupped his face with her frail hands, and kissed his forehead tenderly.

“I can never abandon you, Nana. You mean the world to me.” Leon returned the kiss on both of her cheeks. “You look heavenly beautiful as ever.” Leon complimented her. Although, from the corner of his eyes, he could observe his Nana scrutinizing him like a wise old tortoise.

“I could say the same for you.” Nana Esther smiled mysteriously. “Ella has positively affected your life. You are glowing, grandson. There is a magnanimous difference between your look the last time you visited and now.”

Leon’s eyes sparkled at the mention of his pretty wife’s name. At that very moment, something strange hit him. He directed his gaze to the garden Ella had disappeared to. “Nana...”

“Don’t worry, Bubble, there are no wild or harmful animals in my garden. Also, she is doing great.” Nana Esther read Leon’s alarmed expression and soothed him with her reassuring words. “However, if you must see for yourself, let’s take a walk into my garden.” She tenderly took Leon’s arms and led him into her garden like a little child.

Between a rose bush and a rare endemic Flora,- the Islafub immaculate specie Hibiscus, – Ella lay on her side, on the soft flavored grass. She was crying and lost in her emotions, that she did not notice Leon and his Nana approach.

Leon was heartbroken when he saw her in that state. He was about to move toward her when his Nana restricted him.

“Leon,” Nana Esther whispered into his ears. Go into the house. I would like to have a word with my granddaughter-in-law.”

Leon hesitated for a while but later did as instructed. He knew his Nana was up to the task. Although, he was curious to know the reason for Ella’s outburst of emotion.

Ella was lost in her chaotic world when her nostrils picked up an overwhelming scent. She quickly sat up and wiped her face with the back of her hands.

“Don’t do that.” Nana Esther’s magical voice fell like soft flowing freshwater on Ella’s troubled soul. “Unburden your heart. He misses you too. Also, he has given you his blessings.” She sat on the grass floor beside Ella.

“W...what!” Ella’s broken voice was more like a whisper. From Nana Esther’s enchanting demeanor, she perceived that this was Leon’s grandma. She was also startled at the fact that Nana Esther knew the reason she was crying. “I...I...I...”

“Shhhh! Don’t say anything.” Nana Esther pulled Ella into her arms and gently stroked her hair. “He will reincarnate as one of the seeds that would grow in you.”

“Huh...” Ella stopped sobbing at Nana Esther’s words. Her distraught face was replaced with an alarmed expression. “What seeds?”

“It’s okay love, just calm down and pour out your heart to me.” Nana Esther kissed Ella tenderly on her head. “I am here for you now. I will help heal your broken heart.”

Ella resumed her sobbing in Nana Esther’s arm. However, a new calming aura enveloped her. It felt as though something was mending her heart within. Every tear she shared was replaced with new hope and determination.

After ten minutes of sobbing in Nana Esther’s arms, Ella felt better. She sat up and thanked Nana Esther for soothing her.

“You are welcome, my love.” Nana Esther leaned closer and kissed Ella on her forehead. “Before we go inside and join your anxious husband, I want you to tell me everything between you and my grandson. Do not spare any information from me.”

“Okay, Nana.” Ella smiled genuinely.

....

Leon was eating his fifth favorite cookies when Ella and his Nana walked into the room.

“Baby,” Leon dropped the cookies he was munching. He stood up and walked towards her. “Are you alright?” He took her into his arms and hugged her tenderly.

“I am, thanks to Nana.” Ella felt blissful in Leon’s arms.

Leon looked in the direction of his Nana and thanked her with his beaming eyes.

“Leon, take Ella to that secret waterfall I showed you the last time you visited. You both should take a swim. You will find the experience relaxing.” Nana Esther’s eyes glinted queerly. “Also take along some of my delicious cookies and the flavored tea to keep yourselves happy.

“Thanks, Nana, we will.” Leon smiled.

“If you come back and don’t find me in the house, make yourselves comfortable.” Nana Esther instructed firmly. “I’ll be going out any moment from now to see a dear friend, who will be leaving us soon.” She turned to Ella and said, “Pumpkin, I’ll see you this night when I get back.”

Ella smiled in gratitude. “Thanks, Nana, I can’t wait to see you too.”

Nana Esther quickly left the room to give the couple their privacy.

“I can see you’ve bonded with my Nana,” Leon kissed Ella tenderly on the lips.

“She’s so sweet. I love her so much. I even wish you were my mum. She understands me better than my mum does.” Ella couldn’t stop herself from singing Nana Esther’s praise.

“Didn’t I tell you that you’re going to love her?” Leon smiled bewitchingly. “Let’s quickly go to the waterfall before the sun starts setting. You’re also going to love that place.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Ella beamed excitedly making Leon wonder what his Nana had told her to change her mood.

Chatting heartily and laughing out loud, they took enough cookies and the flavor tea for their picnic at the waterfall.

After walking hand in hand for a few minutes, they got to their destination.

The view of the waterfall was priceless. The fascinating water cascaded down vertiginous cliffs and mountains which acted like backdrops, giving a breathtaking view of heaven on earth. As the sunlight reflected on the falling water, dazzling lights shimmered colorfully.

“Oh, Leon, l love this place.” The view is simply breathtaking. Ella’s eyes sparkled as she marveled at the placid beauty before her.

Leon carefully placed the snacks he was holding in a safe place and came up close behind her. He sensually held her waist from behind and started brushing his warm lips on the side of her neck. “Let’s go into the water.” He whispered into her ears and started nibbling her earlobe.

Leon couldn’t explain the force that was pulling him deep into Ella. He felt like emptying his entire being into her. At the moment, something about her was driving him nuts. He couldn’t tell if it was her flavored perfume or her sweet shampooed hair or her smooth and delicate skin. All he wanted to do right now was consume her whole. He gradually started undressing her but she stopped him halfway.

“Leon, people could be watching from a distance. I don’t think this is a private place.” Ella protested. Although, deep down, she wanted Leon more than he wanted her.

“Then let’s go into the water and swim towards the cave. It’s private there.” Leon didn’t wait for her response as he lifted her into his arms and jumped into the water. They swam towards the cave through an opening in the heavily cascading water, like coupling fishes looking for a safe place to lay their eggs.

Feeling alone in this romantic space, the two love birds locked themselves in an electrifying kiss. Their hands explored each other’s bodies as they gradually peeled off their clothes.

With nothing but a spring-like shallow water surrounding them, Ella opened up her entire being, allowing Leon to take her into unknown worlds. She felt consumed by his passion as her entire body was aroused by his every touch. For reasons, she couldn’t explain, tears started falling from her eyes again, with Leon thrusting in and out of her. Something unusual possessed her as she screamed Williams at the peak of their lovemaking. This was the first time they had both climaxed simultaneously.

Leon, breathing heavily, noticed her tears. He was also worried at the mention of another man’s name instead of his.

“Ella, why are you crying again and who is Williams.”