Brisonovog absence. Still, she could not, and neither she ad the right to demand too much of her.
After all, It was required from Corin to meet only what is in the contract. However, Terry asked
Korine to appear at the party, which will be held the last night on board before ship sails into New
Yorks harbor. Corin has agreed to sing for the simple reason that she wanted to thank the lovely
Terry and her sincere friendship during the cruise.
Corin was very pleased that she will be perform solo, at this big party, because that meant she have
the right to choose the repertoire and wardrobe. If Brison was here, everything will not be the same
for sure.
Then came the last day of the cruise. Corin felt weird. She was not sad, but she just was not looking
forward to parting with all those people she met, and who was cheering during performances. Again,
it was clear that she was in love with Gerda and that parting with him will be very difficult. In fact,
she has already parted with him, but she was very angry because he did not suffer because of that.
Why would he suffer when he will be married with Delia Winthrop soon. Tomorrow will be the end of
all their troubles and hopes. The ship will sail into New Yorks harbor, and everyone will go their own
way. The passengers from the ship will bring good memories from this cruise, and as for her, just a
pain and an empty heart will remain.
For the tonight performance, she decided to be nice and very carefully dressed. This event not only
meant the end of the cruise, but her singing career also. She had enough money to immediately
upon her arrival in New York, buy a plane ticket and go back to her Indiana.
She decided to put one of her dresses, the one that she liked the most. It was a white, silk dress with
very simple cut, long to the ground, surrounded by a green, velvet ribbon. With that ribbon the color
of her eyes came to the expression.
When she came on stage, she was very calm and concentrated. She was pleased with herself and she
knew that she had never looked better.
The audience filled the hall to it’s full capacity. It was completely dark, except for that part of the
stage, where she sat with a guitar her hands. She sang beautifully and inspiringly. The audience
listened in such peace that, after the last chords of the song "Looking for you" were played, in the
hall there was only silence . Only when Corin began to
bow, applause erupted in the room. He was so strong and he lasted so much, that Corina had a few
more songs to sing in encore. And besides that, she was very pleased. Her singing career did not
lasted for long, but the end was great. Each singer wanted to end his career like this.
After completing the program Corina returned to the dressing room. She came to take a box for the
guitar, but her eyes remained riveted on the title in an open magazine. She wondered who broth this
magazine in the wardrobe, because it was not here before.
PLAYBOY AND INHERITOR, BRIAN HAMILTON! WHAT NEXT?
On almost half of the side in the magazine, there were photos of a tall, slender man with dark hair
and a beard. No, her eyes is not deceiving her! It was a picture of a Hugh Brison. Now she just did not
understand anything about Brison. The photo was his, but the name is not. She remembered that
Delia once asked her if she ever heard the name of Hamilton. In excitement, she started to read the
article, so she did not notice that someone opened the door and walked into the dressing room.
- Do not bother to read the article – she heard Gerdov voice. When she looked up, she saw Delia too
behind his back.
- Did you leave this journal here? - Corin asked Gerda quietly.
- I did. As you can see, this is one of the first issues of "People" magazine. He had then about twentythree
years. He seems very young, right? I suppose you know about who I'm talking, right? Then I
began my career too. Do you mind if I sit down for a minute?
Instead of answering, Corina looked to Delia and shook like in a fever. In a while, the woman will
become Džerđova wife and he would do everything to make her happy.
- It does not matter whether you like it or not that we are here - Delia turned to Corina. - I'll tell you
what I wanted to tell you - she went and sat in the first chair.
You'd better listen to me, because you will save the embarrassment for yourself and for us this way.
- It's about Brison, right? - Corin stammered and looked at a picture in a magazine.
- Yeah, it is. It took me a long time to find him. He changed his hairstyle, posture, everything, but I
still managed. His real name is Brian Hamilton.
- I guess Hugh Brison was his stage name - Corin tried to say something in Brisonovu defense.
- No, sweetie darling, no. It's his false name, and that's a big difference. When this photograph was
made, your Brison was married and divorced twice all ready. He was on a path to lose all his wealth,
and a huge inheritance.
- Delia - Corin interrupted nervously - I do not care about Brisons past.
- But I want to know, my hany, and all his fans. I would not be on this board if I did not felt something
should be done regarding this, we need to expose a cheater. Gerd helped me in this work and
because of that I want finally to see him happy and satisfied.
- I have no idea what you're talking about - Corin said and looked down.
- Let me finish, and everything will be clear. My little darling, Brison is a gambler. I can not say that
gambling is his pleasure. I'd say it's his passion, a disease. He lost huge sums of money, he loses more
than he receives. He lost all the money he inherited and then the money, who inherited his two, ex
wifes. All the money of his friends from he is always borrowing, and is unable to return it to them.
Corin, he's a sick man. You as no surprise about what you heard?
- Well, it does not surprise me. Once I went to the casino with him and then I saw how he behaves.
When he was winning, he did not know for himself of luck when he lost, he went completely crazy.
He ran from one machine to another, shouting, swearing, losing his nerves. However, I think
successful career is ahead of him and that we should not stand in the way of his success. He was
offered the opportunity to become a film actor. I think it is not nice from your and Gerdove side that
you want to disable it.
- My darling, you don’t know what are you saying and that’s why it is no wonder that you can not
free yourself from a certain beliefs. Now it is clear to me, why Gerd has so many problems with you.
Sit down, my baby, and try to bear with me until the end. Brison was not going to concert in Paris
because neither he was engaged. He was in Monte Carlo and at all times, while we toured Athens
and Rome, he was gambling. He lost a lot of money, and now he is seriously ill. In desperation, he is
not aware about himself, he is not capable of anything, let alone to continue singing. My magazine
sent me on a cruise so that I found out truth about Brison. At this point I am ready to submit an
article that will cause a sensation. Can you imagine that? - Delia said enthusiastically, her eyes was
shining with unusual flame.
Corin was very excited. It seemed to her that she was just as desperate and sick as Brison. She stud
there in silence, because she was not able to say anything. She was not angry at Brison, even he was
not obnoxious to her. She felt sorry for him greatly, and she wanted to cry. The article, which Delia
will write for her magazine, will destroy Brisons career completely.
- And now - she heard Delia’svoice that seemed to come from a distance, if you want to hear what
Gerd has to do with Brison? Gerd knew the parents of a Hugh Brison, and Bryan Hamilton and he
knew how much they wanted their only son succeed in life. Then Brian suddenly lost it, and Gerd did
not see ever again shim until he got on this ship and...
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When the last light, after frenetic applause, went out on stage, Corin sighed and closed her eyes. It
was hard for her to re-open her eyes, because it meant that she will go back to reality, which has a
many uncertainties. When she felt Gerdovu hand in her, she went with him to the exit from the
amphitheater. Without a word they went out on the road, stopped the first taxi and drove to the
boat. Corin was grateful to Gerdu that he was silent the whole time. She was full of impressions,
feelings are being changed every moment, and she had to pull herself together in quiet. In fact, she
was happy becouse the Italian opera and the Gerda, who suddenly appeared.
When they met at the door of her cabin, he gently leaned to Corin and her lips touched hers.
- There are so many things we should talk - he began to whisper. - No, we will not talk tonight,
because I do not want anything what can ruin such a beautiful evening. Good night, beautiful
Nightingale - he finished, turned and went.
After so many days, Corin woke up the next morning happy and satisfied. Still she thought she was
dreaming. She dressed quickly and went to the main deck, to see Rome once again and she wished to
return at least one more time in this beautiful, old city. The boat was supposed to depart in seven o'
clock, and now it was only a few minutes to seven. Corin immediately thought of Brison. He already
had to be on board, even she has not yet seen him. She sighed on a thought of meeting him. She
knew that the famous singer will be very disappointed when she said that she decided to give up the
singing career in favor of a peaceful life in Indiana.
Her thoughts switched to Gerda again, as many times before. What he had to tell her? He was so
kind to her, she knew that he must be given the opportunity to talk to her when he wanted that. All
her life, she will be grateful for the last nights evening, that she spent so nice, and such that night can
never happen again.
Corina looked the clock. It seemed to her that they were standing here that for a long time, and she
heard the machine is working, and the distance from the shore was always the same. It's been seven
and fifteen. Odd, this is the first time from the time they left New York that the ship is not sailing
according to schedule. Corina began to look around. She saw that Terry was very urgently discussing
with Delia. She turned and leaned on the fence, because she did not want to meet with Delia.
- Terry, dear - she heard part of the conversations - why do you not believe me that all will be
disrupted just because of one man?
- But, Mrs. Winthrop, how we can go without him? Maybe something prevented him to arrive on
time?
- No, my dear, it is not that. The captain had just received a telegram. Oh, Corin - Delia shouted and
went to the girl, who want to avoid a meeting with her by all means. - Here's a telegram for you. I'm
sure it is from a famous singer. I got it from John and I promised to find you and give you this
message. Here you go - she said, and handed the envelope to Corin. - I'm dying to hear what a big
star is sending you.
Corin took the telegram from Delijine hands with a great feeling of unease. She looked questioningly
to Terry, who also wanted to find out from her what is going on. Since Terry was silent, Corin
cautiously opened the envelope and began to read the telegram.
I AM STAYING IN EUROPE stop I KNOW YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RUN THE PROGRAM UNTIL SHIP
RETURNS TO AMERICA ALONE stop I WILL SEE YOU IN HOLLYWOOD stop BRISON
Corin's read this telegram twice. She could not believe that was the truth.
- My dear, can I read? - Delia asked and she almost grabed the piece of paper from her hand. - Well,
this is exactly what I have said. It all fits, and the story finally have it's end. Today I will be able to
send the report to my newspapers. And, one more thing!
The wedding between Winthrop and Mr. Bain Gerda will be anounced. Girls, you can congratulate
me - Delia finished triumphantly.
- Congratulations - Terry muttered and looked to Korine, who was pale as a death.
Corin immediately retreated to her cabin. She explained to Terry that she was very tiered, after such
a large sightseeing of Athens and Rome. She said to John, when he came to ask her if she needed
anything, that she did not need anything except the rest.
Late in the afternoon, someone knocked on her door. Corin did not intend to respond, to open the
dor, but when the knocking became more and more persistent, she had to alter her decision.
- Yes?
- Nightingale it is time to talk about something.
- Gerde, I do not know about what we have to spoke, at this time. Otherwise, I am just getting ready
for dinner, so I would not want to ...
- let me in - Gerd interrupted rudely - or I'll talk to you this way, through the keyhole. There are a lot
of passengers that will find our conversation very entertaining.
Corin had no choice. She opened the door and let Gerda to enter the cabin.
- Gerde, I already told you that I am in a hurry. What do you want? - Corin asked coldly but with calm
voice.
- I already told you that I want to talk to you. Corin, I have no idea what you know or what you think
...
- I'll tell you what I think, and then I'm going to ask you to leave my cabin - she interrupted him with
determined voice. - By now I was very naive and childish, but, one learns from the mistakes and
experience. I should realized sooner that you and Delia Winthrop are meant for each other. I'm
absolutely sure that Brison is not on the ship because the two of you, and that I never want to see
you again! I think you understand now what I am thinking, and that I want you to leave my cabin as
soon as possible.
- Corin, I still do not understand ... and, it seems to me that you do not understand some things -
Gerd began with falTerryng voice.
- You are absolutely right. I do not understand some things, and I do not want to understand them. It
seems to me that I am not able to understand it, so there is no need to strain yourself.
- I've said so many times that you are unreasonable, stubborn child - Gerd began to shout – and that I
am just wasting my time with you. You stubbornly refusing to be reasonable, to open our eyes to the
truth!
After these words, he rushed out of Korinine cabin and slammed the door. Corin was shaking from
anger, she stood and watched after him. When she calmed down, she decided not to go to dinner.
She did not want to meet anybody, or to speak with anyone. And this time, as before, she found ony
comfort in her guitar. She took her favorite instrument and slowly began to play a Beethoven sonata.
Voyage back to America was monotonous and even boring. Days was passing slowly and Corin was
looking forward to the end of this cruise, so that she can return to Indiana.
Brison did not contact her again. Corin was not worried about what happened to him, but because it
was difficult to perform the program every night all alone. She did not understand why he, because
he was pursuing a career, broke his contract with no explanation, and putted his reputation and
popularity on the line. Consequently, Corin was worried, confused and offended. Her heart was hurt
by Gerdovom decision to marry Delia. All the time he was giving attention to her and she even
thought he was in love with her, and he decided to marry with a more experienced and rich Delia
Winthrop.
Terry was very grateful that Corin tried to fill the void in the program, which was caused by the...
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..that I wanted to be a singer and achieve some sort of career. I'll probably find someone to marry and
begin a peaceful life. Most of all I would like not to see Delia Winthrop to the end of this jurney so
that I can be nice and calm rest of the voyage.
- Well ... this, even Delia Winthrop is not on board - Terry began reluctantly, fearing that this
statement will excite Korine very much.
- Really? Excellent! But why are you so weird? - Corin asked and looked her friend straight in the eye,
and then as she realized on her, she said. - She went with Gerdom, right?
Terry just nodded, confirming her words.
Late in the afternoon, the ship sailed from Tunisia and went to Greece. Since Terry had a free day, all
the time she was with Korin. The girls are planning how to make the most of a short stay in Athens
and Rome.
Athens was so beautiful and interesting that two days passed very quickly. The girls were on the
Acropolis, Plaka and at the museum. To view the remains of an ancient. Greece and buying souvenirs
that will always remind them to this attractive voyage was a wonderful entertainmment.
When the ship arrived in Rome, Corin was sad. Arival to this city was the end of the cruise on the
Mediterranean. She remembered that Brison and Gerd will get back to the ship and that she will
have to meet with them. Only now she was clear that she did not want to meet with either of them.
Spending time with Terry was perfect, and she would be the happiest if it could be like that till they
return to home. In fact, she knew that Brison will get out of her head quickly, but not Gerda. Day and
night she thought of him and wanted to see him again. He was missing her very, very much . Worst of
all was that she knew he is with Delia Winthrop. That woman was so skilled that she still managed to
catch him in her net.
- Today we're a little moody - Terry said to her for breakfast. - I heard that the Italians are very nice
and aggressive lovemakers. I would not be sorry if they kidnap me a little bit.
- Oh, Terry, you're crazy! - Corin shoute and laughed.
Two days is not much time to visit Rome so the girls decided that the first day they will see Vatican
and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral and other churches in the city. On the second day they were
at the Coliseum, the Spanish Square and finally in the famous Via Veneto. They had lunch in a small
restaurant, and then headed out to shopping. They were very tired, but now they were in Rome, and
perhaps never again they will be here.
- I could stay here for a few weeks - Terry said to Korin, when they returned to the ship in the
evening with hands full of packages. - We're still here one night. How to spend that night?
- Terry, I agreed to your every suggestion, but I would not want another disappointment like this with
opera, its so hard to find the tickets.
- I know, Corin, but what can we do? We had no luck. It is a great thing to hear Italian opera in Italy
and I even engaged the captain of the ship tu purchase me the tickets. We have to think of
something else.
- I think it would be best to get in a shower, to rest and then we can talk over dinner about how we
will spend this little time we have in Rome. In any case I am very grateful to you, you're working so
hard to get the tickets for the opera.
Corin has entered the room and threw packages on the bed. When she looked in the mirror, she
realized that she needs more than a shower and a short rest. She wanted to look very nice for this
evening in Rome. She already headed to the bathroom, when she saw a small, white envelope, which
was standing by the large bottle of perfume. She took and opened it cautiously. She was very
surprised when she read the note. She placed it on the table and rushed to the door. When she
opened the door, she saw Terry, who just turned around the corner of a hallway.
- Terry, come back! – She shouted excitedly.
When Terry came running, Corin hugged her and began happily explaining to her.
- We made it! Take a look!
And Terry was surprised when Corin told her what it is all about.
- FTW! Tickets for "Aida", how could this happen? Where'd you get that envelope? – Terry said, and
entered the room with Korin.
- Here - Corin said to her and pointed to the white envelope. - So, the captain was able to purchase
our tickets. Oh, Terry, I am so happy!
Her joy did not last for long, because only one card fell out from the envelope. - Oh, Terry, what does
this mean? Is this some kind of a mistake? Maybe I pulled out another card with a letter?
- Corin, I think it's not a mistake, and I'm not sad because of that. I wanted to tell you, but I just did
not want to spoil your mood, I would rather go to a nightclub. Just go to the opera and enjoy it, and
I'll have to find someone who would be happy to accompany me to a nightclub.
- Thank you, Terry. I think I will enjoy like never before in my life. Corin was overjoyed. All her life she
wanted to go to the Italian opera, and what happened to her now, it was like a realization of the
sweetest dream. Of course, she immediately decided not to go to dinner in order to have enough
time to get ready and arrive on time to the amphitheater in which was supposed to be performance
of Aida.
She was brushing the hair for so long until it shone like gold. Although there was still a lot of time to
the show, Corin called a taxi and, as she expected, she was the first visitor in the vast auditorium,
specially adapted for this purpose, in the old Roman bath.
Soon, the audience started to come. The night was bright, quiet and warm. Stars shone on the dark
sky, and Corin was anxious to hear the first chords of her favorite opera. In this beautiful and exciting
moments, she thought that she must be endlessly grateful to the captain of a ship, which enabled her
to experience something unusual and authentic like this.
It was completely dark, when the lights came on the stage. Overture began, and Corin entirely
committed to enjoyment. Seat beside her was empty and she turned discreetly, because she seemed
that a man, slightly bent to not disturb others, is coming right where she sat. But her attention was
drawn back to the stage where the curtain began to rise, and she turned toward the stage. The
scene, was so large and rich that Corin forgot about all what is happening around her. She no longer
cared whether the seat left from her was empty or someone, meanwhile, sat on it.
The music was quiet and magical, and Corin fully enjoyed in what was happening on stage. Then she
felt a strange uneasiness, like the one we feel when we are being watched, and we do not know who
is watching us, and even where it is. Corin discreetly shifted in her seat, because she realized that the
chair, on the left, is no longer empty, and that she is watched by exactly the same person who
arrived in the meantime. She had to look at who it is, because she even thought it could be a ship
captain. When her eyes met Gerdovim, her heart knocked strongly.
- Good evening, Nightingale - she was greeted by a hushed voice, and, as usual, he smiled warmly.
Corin did not dare to answer him, because she were afraid that the audience, who sat around them,
will react with indignation. She always hated, when somebody talks during a play or performance at
any stage. She was so excited and confused, that she could not concentrate on the music, and what
was happening on stage. How did Gerd come here? Any coincidence was completely excluded. Also,
it was clear that the ticket for this opera is not purchased by the captain of the boat, but Gerd. Once
the two of them talked about music on the board, and she said she loves opera, mostly Italian, and
she would like to hear "Aida." But why he took her to the theater? Where was Delia?
None of Corin could not understand, and that is why he decided to focus all her attention on the
divine play, which took place in front of her.
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