Across The Pond

Opening Chapter

London, England

A lifetime native of London, Luis is the son of Jim and Caroline Mortensen. Married in 1983, Jim, at fifty-two, is a philosophy professor at Imperial University while Caroline, at fifty-one, is a notable emissary to the English government.

Imperial had gained prestige by graduating gifted scholars, and thus Luis aimed to pursue a law degree while furthering his passion for ecological issues.

Jim and Caroline felt most elated when graduation day arrived, but despite his own enthusiasm, Luis' thoughts dwelt on Karen. They'd been in love since childhood, but as one might expect, acted naive and defiant.

For this reason, Karen's mother, Jessica, thought it better if the family moved away--a decision that left Luis heartbroken and distraught. On top of that, many of his and Karen's friends began attending an occultist church of the Wicca doctrine: the Lady of Victories.

Among them were Sienna Quinn, Lesley Ashton, and Dena Pierce: sisters of enchantment Karen had bonded with and considered family. Yet nowadays, her mother remains assertive and, with the aid of Archbishop Leon Luen, stifles these relationships.

Karen wasn't like other girls, in fairness, and suffered from a mysterious affliction, so Jessica sheltered her daughter amid her continuous treatment. Even still, three years had passed, and Luis was determined to find her again.

Meanwhile, Caroline had organized a post-graduation banquet at London's lavish Clove Club, knowing it'd be an ideal setting to relax and forget. After which, she hoped to remain secretive while hiding the surprise.

"How do you feel?" Jim asked as his son drew close.

Oddly enough, Luis didn't answer immediately, but based on their expressions, he'd made them proud, and for him, such feelings of fulfillment were agreeable.

"I don't know..." he replied. "It's been a long journey."

His mother cuddled him close. "We're so proud of you."

Everything felt routine at the end of the day, so Luis wanted to get away and enjoy a lengthy and calming summer.

"I need space," he announced eagerly as his father seized his cap and gown.

"You deserve it," Jim proclaimed. "Though, there's one more thing."

Luis chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?"

Caroline hurried everyone along in the interest of time, hoping to make their reservation. But while doing so, Luis again recalled his mother's fondness for the extravagant and, despite not sharing her vitality, it was something he expected.

"Where are we going?" he questioned while sitting in the back seat.

Caroline peered over the headrest. "That's for us to know and you to wonder about."

Slowly but surely, the sun was waning and the evening had become muggy, but Luis savored the sights even amid the neighborhood's deteriorating conditions. Sad to say, disease and poverty were grave concerns, so he aimed to broaden his involvement with the environment.

Meanwhile, routes to the Clove Club were impeded by recurring traffic delays, so Caroline had also reserved a suite at an elaborate hotel within London's economic sector: the Four Seasons at Park Lane. Yet another costly expenditure, Luis believed, but one she presumed was worth the peace of mind.

"This is madness," Jim bellowed.

Caroline giggled and caressed his hand. "Relax, I've taken the liberties."

Needless to say, Jim always followed the rules, and punctuality was expected for someone of his stature and upbringing. Nevertheless, Luis was continually the voice of reason.

"Don't worry," he expressed. "They'll honor the reservation."

Jim glanced into the rear-view mirror. "I hope so."

They arrived at the parking garage in short order where his father unveiled an access card.

"Good evening," an attendant greeted. "Surprising that you overcame the traffic."

Jim gestured. "You know how it is."

The attendant scanned the card and returned it. "Will there be anything else?"

"Nothing, thank you," he answered.

Luis was acting reserved but maintained a stout and well-defined expression, so his mother again twisted in her seat and sniggered.

"When we arrive, circumstances will be different, I promise."

Soon after, they were surrounded by a vast crowd of hotel employees, but the Four Seasons was infamous for its service, so as patrons arrived, such professionalism was expected.

Amidst it all, Jim and Caroline occupied a nearby curb while Luis surveyed the surroundings. His parents afforded luxuries, but he felt that reserving another expensive domicile was extreme. Just the same, he stayed vigilant while crews arranged suitcases.

"It's been some time," an attendant asserted while welcoming the group.

Jim grinned and shook hands. "It has indeed, but you'll see to the bags?"

The bellhop promptly twinkled and accepted a tip of one hundred pounds. "Right away."

Luis made light of the gesture like always and centered on the evening ahead. Granted, he wasn't acquainted with the other patrons but knew what they embodied.

Lest we forget, the Four Seasons also catered to an exclusive clientele, and though Luis echoed the lifestyle, it never signified to him what it did to others.

Unfortunately, economic status held everyone under a whimsical spell. Thus, Luis grew weary of the ever-present stereotype and wished to ease his anxieties.

"Luis and I are going to the suite," Caroline proclaimed to Jim, gesturing upstairs.

"An excellent idea," he rebutted. "I'll tend to things here."

She nodded and motioned to her son. "Come on."

He tenderly took her hand, and together they entered the vestibule, heedful of only each other.

"We know this is breathtaking," she explained. "However, I hope you can share our excitement."

Luis again embraced his mother. "I do, but I feel overwhelmed."

Caroline leisurely worked through his dark hair. "You miss Karen."

He looked solemnly into her eyes. "I wish she could've been here."

Caroline struggled to think of a clever retort initially but said nothing since Luis was right. Karen's absence had created an immense void he was still struggling to manage, but his mother appeared prideful no matter who noticed. On a related note, hundreds of parents were in attendance, but none were more spirited than Caroline.

"Everything in order?" she contested as Jim returned.

He nodded. "It is, and our bags are waiting."

Luis followed his parents into the suite a while later, drew the draperies, and surveyed the English countryside. The room was as he envisaged, lavish with striking resemblances to home, so Jim relaxed and took liberties with a bottle of champagne.

"A cocktail before we go?"

"No, thank you," Luis declined.

Caroline regarded him thoughtfully. "I tried to reach Jessica; sorry."

His parents felt sympathetic, but Karen's exodus had also taken an emotional toll because following graduation, he'd renounced several long-standing friendships. As a result, life was going through notable changes with upheavals of emotion, but regardless, Jim wanted to see his son happy.

"Take this," his father insisted, once again offering a cocktail. "It'll take your mind off of things."

Grasping the glass, Luis sulked. "I hope so."

In due course, everyone entered an elegant conference suite reserved for the most elaborate guests: the Continental Room. Expectedly, Luis was to be the focal point of attention, but Jim soon found his son seated alone.

"Is it that bad?"

His eyes lifted. "I miss her."

Jim despised his son's heartbreak, but there wasn't anything that he could say or do to ease Luis's transition, yet he tried to choose the right words.

"I know Karen wanted to be here."

"Then why'd she leave?"

"You'll have to ask her one day," Jim told him. "But, I suspect that Jessica was involved."

Luis accompanied his father inside. "Karen's changing," Luis clarified. "Though, she's still a loving and compassionate woman."

Jim agreed. "Perhaps," he replied. "Although, never assume anything."

Later on, Luis petitioned his mother as she chatted, and though eager, he didn't interrupt. After all, the dialogues sounded repetitive and consisted of stories about old times. But thankfully, by chance, a distinct timbre would entice his attention.

"Are you going to ignore me?" a youthful damsel stated.

Luis gawked with instant recognition, but despite not seeing Heather in years, they embraced, wondering why they hadn't reunited sooner. It's no secret that she always favored Luis even amid Karen's pursuits. Otherwise, Heather Sage was the sort of woman who sparked interest--an attractive redhead with a well-pronounced silhouette accentuated by an inviting smile.

"You're off to college?" she inquired.

"Yes--Imperial."

"Impressive," she indicated. "So, you're following your dreams?"

Luis nodded.

"That's phenomenal," she declared while caressing his hand. "Plus, your father being a professor helps."

Luis seemed irritated but let the comment pass as friends Trina Sinclair and Jasmine Lloyd arrived. They were his age but often acted older than their 18 years dictated, yet they'd become friends despite Karen's objections. Anyway, everyone soon adjourned inside, and though Luis appeared happy, his thoughts often dwelt on the past.

With this in mind, Jim wanted to convey his feelings without distressing his son, so he grasped a champagne glass and stood. Observing this, Luis tittered, sensing that his father was about to squander his integrity, but Jim never spoke publicly, so he settled back and listened.

"On behalf of your family and friends, congratulations."

On that note, Luis felt elated, but his father needed to elaborate. At first, he had no idea what Jim intended to say, or at least judged so from the beginning. Nevertheless, as they stared out at the Four Seasons gathering, his intent was clear.

"Your mother and I are delighted that you've chosen Imperial," he professed. "Plus, having you close is a blessing."

Luis gradually smiled despite a discreet candor. "What's on your mind?"

Jim withdrew at a slow pace and rubbed his chin. "Don't worry about an opportunity following graduation."

Luis was instantly baffled, knowing that his father held influence in many areas of commerce. Given this, it appeared as though he'd arranged a favor and opened doors.

"What do you mean?"

"You'll intern for Smith-Wellington & Davis in Wales."

They're a prestigious and well-known firm, so it presented a chance to learn from several esteemed attorneys. Even so, Luis was learning how the business world worked--together with the benefits of wealth and power.

"What can I say?"

"Two simple words will do," Jim joked.

Luis chuckled and embraced his father. "Thank you."