Violet

An old story. Based on fact, it may ring "lyrical" to a few readers.

The carnival party in Violet's house was in full swing. Laughter and singing could be heard from every corner of the room. Couples of various persuasions were busy doing what couples do when drink is plentiful and lips are sealed.

Violet, Vi to her friends, paraded through the rooms in the guise of her serene royal highness, a role that suited her well. She and all others had come to accept that she was always the most beautiful woman in the room, the most desirable woman of all.

Violet was a "party girl", living at the edge of propriety. Suitors came and went, leaving their hearts and wallets behind.

Vi surveyed the scene.

"I have made love to most of the men and nearly half the women in this room. I must be doing something right."

Her inward chuckle was interrupted by a deep cough. Two of the men that seemed to always be trailing her offered their assistance. She waved them away saying it was a peanut that went down wrong. The two men retreated just far enough away that they would be able to hear any signs of distress.

A third young man knew it was not a peanut. His eyes had never left her since she came into the room. His name was Alfred and he loved Vi like no other. He was worried that it was her non stop partying life that was robbing her of her health. He had even checked on her condition every day of Vi's recent bout with illness.

He approached her and begged her to move out to the countryside with him. "The fresh air and my love would soon return you to health", he vowed.

Vi smiled and kissed him lightly on the cheek. She said "you're sweet. Get me a drink please, and see if you can get everybody to agree to sing the same freaking song. This place sounds like a train station".

Alfred was very happy to do anything at all for her. He commanded every ones attention then led them into a rousing drinking song

Vi inwardly groaned. It was the song her father had written many years before.

Violet was the illegitimate child of Joseph Green, perhaps the most popular composer for the stage of his time. In public he had denied Vi's existence, in private he loved her like a prodigal daughter. The song the crowd was singing was one of his greatest hits and Violet was tired of hearing it. To the crowd, however, she gave a radiant smile. She understood they were just seeking her approval, and it had been Alfred's choice.

"Poor Freddy", she thought. "He has no idea that love and fresh air wont help. "

The two most important words in her life echoed in her brain.

"Terminal."

"Remission."

She had been in remission for several months. She partied like there would be no tomorrow, knowing that for her it would soon be true. She had been ill for a few days prior to carnival. She suspected her period of remission was over.

Alfred returned with her drink.

Vi had in fact thought about moving to the countryside for a while. She thought it may buy her some time. Alfred had also been gaining some unexpected headway in her heart. Nothing is more appealing to a woman than a man with adoring eyes.

Alfred presented her with a small gift box. It contained two camellias . Her favorite.

Vi had always treated Alfred like an adoring puppy. He was one of the few in the room she had not bedded. She decided to remedy that.

She took one of the camellias and attached it to his costume.

"Come back to see me when the bloom fades", she said.

She resumed her rounds, kissing and caressing many as many kissed and caressed her.

Alfred remained glued to the spot, wishing with all his might that the flower would wilt, NOW!

It would take two days of eternity for the flower to fade. The second he saw a blemish on a petal Alfred appeared at Violet's door with dozens of camellias. Ann, Violet's nurse-companion, ushered him to the bedroom.

Violet looked as pale as the flowers, but this was a good day. She greeted Alfred with ardor and their love making lasted through the night. He was the most considerate lover she had ever had, giving his all insuring her pleasure. She had several breathtaking orgasms before he allowed himself his first. By dawn he had won her over by his gentle passion.

They soon moved to a country home as their love for each other intensified. Vi had many more good days than bad and wondered if her love for Alfred or the Eden-like setting and the fresh air was most responsible. She was as happy as she had ever been.

Their love making became intense at times, draining Violet of all energy. Alfred would then shower her entire body with gentle kisses until Vi slipped into a peaceful sleep. They made love in the garden by sunlight and moonlight.

There were times in which they both knew Ann was watching them consume their passion, but they did not mind. Violet had made herself a promise to make love to Ann, as proof of her fondness for one who cared so much for her.

Months passed and their life was bliss. There was, however, a mounting financial problem to be solved. Alfred was the son of a prominent man and when he took up with Violet his finances had been curtailed. Violet sought to remedy this by selling some of her property and sent Ann to the city to do just that on more than one occasion.

Ann could clearly see the benefits an adoring lover and the fresh air brought to Violet. She also saw the concern over finances as a potential set back. Before leaving for the city she took Alfred aside and explained the situation to him.

She said to Alfred, " I know she has been keeping things secret from you, but I think you need to know. Vi has been selling off property to keep the two of you here. Bills are mounting and I am now on my way to sell some more. I am sure you can find a way to help her in this".

Alfred had been so enraptured by love that the thought of money had never crossed his mind. He followed Ann to the city and set out to get enough money to repay Violet and keep their lives together worry free.

Violet was alone when George, Alfred's father, came to visit. He was a leader in the community with a reputation to uphold. He could not abide the gossip linking his son with a kept woman.

He at first tried to impose his will on his son but to no avail. In desperation he had come to the woman. The impending wedding of his daughter, Alfred's sister, was the catalyst. The possibility of Alfred attending the social event of the season with a "courtesan" had filled him with dread.

George challenged Vi by saying, "if your love for my son is real you will not harm his families reputation or his future. You will give him up".

Violet was devastated. His arguments rung true. She had heard from her friends that Alfred had been ostracized but since he had spent all his time with her he probably did not even realize it. That was why she had silently been supporting them.

Violet realized her last chance at happiness had evaporated. She knew her life would be short. She hoped Alfred would live a long happy life.

Vi tearfully agreed to leave him.

George had come into the room feeling only contempt for Violet. He left with admiration for her and a small portion of regret. He could now see in her what his son saw in her.

Alfred returned as Violet was leaving. She hurried past him without an explanation. After she was gone she sent a note back to him effectively ending the relationship. She did not mention his fathers visit.

Alfred was confused, furious, heartbroken. His rant took him to a table and as he looked for clues he found a party invitation from Flo, Violets closest friend.

He took this as an indication that Vi was bored with their life and wished to return to her previous party filled existence.

The following week, with invitation in hand, Alfred went to the party. Flo had a few words with him to gauge his mood but he assured her he was there only to party.

Some time passed before Vi made her entrance. She was escorted by a prominent business baron. Alfred fought back a jealous rage and immediately pleaded Violet to return to him. Her heart breaking, Violet claimed to now be in love with her new suitor.

Alfred sulked until a card game broke out. Seated at the table was Vi's purported new love. In a cold fury Alfred joined the game and quickly had a major portion of his rivals money. Trash talking had become insults. The game ended in acrimony.

Alfred sought every ones awareness and announced, "it has come to my attention that I owe this woman some money", pointing at Violet. "Let no one say I do not repay my debts".

He threw the money at Violet. The shock and outrage in the room immediately engulfed Alfred. Among those stunned by his crassness was his own father, that had arrived just in time to witness his behavior.

The overwhelming emotional pain that devoured Violet was felt by all. Protecting and consoling her became the sole goal of the gathering. Challenges were issued and accepted. The evening ended in turmoil.

Time passed. It was once again carnival time. The sounds of revelry filtered from the street into Violets bedroom. She lay in her bed and remembered the last carnival, the one in which Alfred had given her camellias.

Ann saw the saddest of smiles cross the loveliest face she ever knew. She held back the tears as well as she could.

Ann had loved Vi from day one. She knew that Violet's time was a limited but somehow she had allowed her to become the most important person in the world.

Ann and Vi made love only once, under the stars in an Eden-like garden, long ago.

Her first duty remained as a nurse. When chills threatened to overwhelm Vi, Ann joined her naked in bed, adding her own body heat under the blankets. When the chills subsided Ann stayed with Vi, kissing and caressing her until Violet fell asleep.

Violet was dying.

The doctor provided by her father had confirmed to Ann that all her time was gone. The two were now just waiting for the end.

Vi was holding on by a thread of hope bestowed to her by a letter. It was from George, Alfred's father. He begged her forgiveness and said Alfred had been told of her sacrifice for him. He promised that as soon as his son returned from the exile imposed by his confrontation with the business baron they would come to see her.

Violet held on to the promise for dear life, it was all she had.

Her life was down to just a few moments when Alfred and his father arrived. Violet's heart soared as the love of her life embraced her.

Alfred asked her forgiveness and promised to never leave her again.

His kisses and his love made her pain disappear. She felt whole, at peace.

Violet was smiling when her last breath left her body.