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2011
5IF5SBJO
5IF#PPL$MVC
IT WAS WEDNESDAY EVENING. e book club was to start
soon. I was expecting eight women for the gathering. I gifted a copy of
the book for each gal, placing it into an artsy, recycled gift bag.
In the late morning, several of them had called to say they couldn't
make it. I was a tad disappointed but have learned over the years that
stu happens." I believe what is supposed to be will be. Acceptance is Acceptance is Acceptance
one of my great forty-something-year-old" revelations.
By late afternoon a few more women had phoned to say they couldn't
make it either. e only ones who hadn't called by then were my newly
found friends, Lucinda, Maddie, and Bea. It was a sign: it was to be just
the four of us. e fact that they were the only ones coming now con-
nrmed my suspicions about the interesting way we had met and bonded
straight away.
After a long meditation I decided I would reveal my intuitive feel-
ings about our unique connection and its association with the book we
were about to begin reading. I was prepared for whatever would happen
after making that revelation, knowing it would either make or break our
novel new friendship. I had a feeling the night would be full of surprises
and prove the Universe does indeed work in mysterious ways.
I could barely compose myself as I anticipated revealing my theory
to them and seeing their reactions. I slipped into a pair of washed-out
jeans and chose a black tee-shirt with Peace on Earth" woven across the
front. I ran my hands through my choppy-cut, medium length, brown
-JOEB$PMVDDJ
hair, then put on a dash of eyeliner and mascara, making my brown
eyes pop.
I set out light refreshments: red and white wine, crackers, shaved
cheese, fruit, a salad topped o with toasted nuts, and chilled water
from a stream near a volcano. e house was warm and inviting. I lit a
few candles and chose harp music to play quietly in the background.
When the doorbell rang, my dogs barked frantically and rushed to
the door, nearly taking me down in a race to greet the callers.
Hi, howdy, hello!" sang Lucinda, Maddie and Bea.
Hi! Welcome to our home, come in!" I replied while calming the
dogs.
Hello, babies," Maddie said, rubbing each dog's head. Her smooth,
bronze, Filipino skin and cropped jet-black hair highlighted her mil-
lion-dollar smile. She was petite like me, but looked and moved like a
tomboy.
Did you girls carpool?" I asked.
We sure did," Bea said, gently shooing our male dog's snout from
under her skirt which hugged her tiny waist and shapely bottom. Her
hair was golden and wavy, her eyes hazel and nirty, and her voice soft-
spoken with a Southern twang.
Wonderful," I smiled. I'm glad you're environmentally conscious
and I'm so glad you're all here." I scooted the pooches to another room
and showed the girls around the house.
Is anyone else coming?" Lucinda wanted to know.
Nope. Just us four."
Some might mistake Lucinda for the infamous Barbie Doll" tall,
slender, make-up perfectly applied, bright big blue eyes, caring smile
and tiny tight buttocks. But underneath the pretty package I sensed her
authenticity.
Everyone was hungry so we helped ourselves to refreshments, then
crossed to the living room. Interestingly, we sat ourselves down in a
circle like a beautiful human mandala.
For the nrst half hour we munched and unwound, getting to know
each other a bit more. Sharing casual information about our careers and
5IF5SBJO
hobbies, it was as if we'd been friends for years. Just as I did on the day
we recently met on the beach in Malibu, I thought; we must have known
each other in another lifetime!
I'd like to make a toast," Lucinda announced nrmly. To new
friends. May we be blessed with good health and prosperity-to four,
forty-something women!"
To four, forty-something women!" we echoed.
As the words left my lips, my soul smiled. Wait till they see the book,
I thought.
Maddie looked at the gift bags on the table. Go ahead, take one.
It's for you," I urged.
She reached into a bag and pulled out the book. So this is the book
we're reading?"
Bea took a sip of wine as she reached into her bag. ank you," she
puckered, looking over the book. Hmm, 'e Four-Forty Train'!"
I was getting excited; soon my theory would be revealed.
anks, this is very generous of you. 'e Four-Forty Train'." Lu -
cinda furrowed her brow, also looking at the cover.
Uh-huh, 'e Four-Forty Train'," I said, crossing my legs Indian-
style.
e title sounds familiar." Bea shook her head. I know I've seen
this somewhere."
I'm thinking the same thing," Maddie said, skimming through
the pages.
Lucinda splashed more water into her glass. I feel I have too."
Wait! I know! You just toasted us as four, forty-something women!"
Maddie noted.
Oh, my gosh! at's an unexpected coincidence!" Lucinda nod-
ded, looking at each of us.
My eyes were wide, watching their expressions. Be patient, I silently
told myself. After all, the particular set of circumstances that brought
each one of us here is a story within itself. We're four stories that deserve
to be told, because it's all about the journey . isn't it?