Sublime Adoption ~ A Tale of Love and Mendacity

By M. Oliva

The theme of this general fiction novel will vastly appeal to a mixed-age range, starting with young adults.
Although true love and romance abound and may appear to be the crux of this story, they subtly merge with other divergent topics, mainly the humane aspects of adoption - both sides of it.
The story begins with coming of age situations that result in four young adults quickly maturing by the mere force of life turns and poor choices. The senseless reasoning of two young lovers, who always wanted more, resulted in a plethora of lies and deception. Their selfish, egotistical actions got them deeper and deeper into a tumultuous sea of mendacity very difficult to escape. Their actions changed the lives of a couple in love, who chose to undertake the humane task of raising an adopted child.

In one way or another, the story delves deeply into the drama of a young woman longing to undo her deceptive past, and a tortured man trying to emerge from an interrupted, unfulfilled life. To their credit, they never tried to hurt anyone; nonetheless, their convoluted thinking caused anxiety and pain - with other unintended consequenses.
The new events in the final chapters sealed the fate of many in a grand finale surprise ending. No one could have predicted the reaction of those involved in the final saga and the lessons learned from it. All happenings combined opened the path to forbearance and new beginnings for all. There is no telling as to what else might happen in a sequel ...

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. Oliva
• Release date: Jul 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476304755

M. Oliva

ABOUT MIRTA, THE ARTIST-WRITER Once a writer, always a writer! As a child, I used to write about anything that came to mind; later on,my writings were focused on essays, anecdotes and poems. But I also had a passion for painting, initially drawing the human figure, followed by oil renditions of landscapes and animals. When it became necessary to divert my full attention to a successful career path in banking, I had to put aside my artistic dreams. Down the road, after selective antiques collecting and planning, I opened my first store "Antiques are Forever," now inactive. My involvement in antiques brought me back to art. My new emphasis was to study the masters' techniques by visiting museums or from acquired antique paintings. My new artistic vision included abstracts and modernism. New creations included a series of over one hundred comic animals, several abstracts and, more recently, a series of paper birds set in a somewhat realistic environment. One day I realized that the paintings told a story; thus, the book-writing began. Birdyjosh and Birdylu, a Paper Birds' Story was published in 2011 in both paper back and eBook format. In 2012 a General Fiction young adult novel - Sublime Adoption, a Tale of Love and Mendacity - was published in Smashwords as an eBook. Another fully-illustrated book is in the works plus the Spanish version of the paper birds story, "Joseliyo y Lorilu, Mis Dos Pajaritos de Papel." Other projects include several novellas. For the artist at heart, the calling never fades . . .

Book preview

SUBLIME

ADOPTION

A Tale of

Love and Mendacity

M. OLIVA

Sublime Adoption ~

A Tale of Love and Mendacity

By Mirta Oliva (a/k/a) M. Oliva

Cover illustration and design By M. Oliva

Copyright © 2012|

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever, in any and all currently available means - or any others as they may be devised in the future - without the prior written permission of the Copyright owner, Mirta Oliva (a/k/a) M. Oliva.

This publication contains events, situations, and material that are fictional, including all aspects of the adoption process. All names, persons and their persona are the product of the Author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or to any real-life event is pure coincidence. City and country names may be real; related stories or events are pure fantasy.

SPECIAL DEDICATION

This labor of love is dedicated to all natural and adoptive parents of the world, and to all adopted children of all ages.

As the title implies, this is a tale of love and mendacity - resurging acts that surround a unique sublime adoption theme. The story does not lead to a merciless condemnation of certain characters for mistakes or actions in their past; instead, it focuses on the cumulative ill effects of lies and deception as the only way to deal with difficult situations. In the end, repentance and forgiveness prevailed, providing a new insight into the spectrum of adoption.

Relevant passages throughout the story may provide adoptees with a better understanding of the emotional complexities of the adoption process – fictional material that mimics many of the conflicts affronted by such endeavor of love by the parties involved.

There is no better feeling than feeling loved and wanted - two different concepts independent in their values... but - when put together - they elevate the meaning of the word ‘love’. This far-reaching phrase, in whole or in part, appears elsewhere in the book and it is germane to heartfelt adoption matters.

In most instances, birth parents do love their born or yet to be born babies, but for some valid reason, cannot keep them. In that case, the humane thing to do is to surrender the creatures for adoption following legal procedures. Usually, the adopted children feel loved and wanted by their adoptive parents who chose to have them in their lives. Consequently, most chosen children or adults do not feel rejected or abandoned; on the contrary, they tend to joyfully embrace the fact that one or two souls elected to have their hearts broken so that their natural child could enjoy a better life.

Toward the end of this novel, two of the characters had a meaningful discussion concerning if and when to tell. Should age be a factor? Should the dreaded hurtful talk be considered if there is a medical need or simply as a voluntary or needed gesture? Or should the secret be guarded forever? One of the characters concluded that the timing depends heavily on the child or adult’s ability to comprehend and absorb the new reality brought upon them. For example, if one particular child finds out, or is told at an early age, would he react the same as any other child or as an adult would? Too complex a question involving different individuals, and relevant in scope to unique situations.

The essence of this story - in a small or big way – may enlighten those who have not come to terms with their newfound status. In today’s world, there is no reason for the chosen ones not to feel loved and wanted – only because they were adopted. In the majority of the cases, they can embrace the love received with a high degree of acceptance and self-pride.

THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS - TOC

Sublime Title Page

Copyright

Special Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

About

Websites

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

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To all those who inspired me over the years to carry on with my various artistic and professional endeavors:

Your actions or encouragement made a difference.

CHAPTER ONE

His voice was like an inspiring murmur that kept the studious young women in the American literature class in sublime meditation – hiding a myriad of inner emotions. It was the soft, engaging voice of Mr. Edward Porterlang.

As part of his theatrical routine, the professor was reading Edward Allan Poe’s enigmatic poem - The Raven – with a sensual inflection each time he whispered Nevermore.

I often wondered why our teacher showed a marked preference for The Raven, among so many other poems written over recent and past years. Although he read other titles to us, perhaps he loved all the attention he received with Poe’s memorable piece. During his sporadic recitals of the poem, it seemed as though each girl believed in her heart the professor was reading the catchy lines for her–and for no one else. That’s not to say he was openly trying to seduce us, although it was obvious he did not spend his classroom hours casually throwing words to the wind. Could it be the good-looking professor saw himself as an actor and, aware of his suggestive enunciation, was enjoying his charade?

The senior high school years were a revealing awakening for the girls. Though it appeared we were capable of falling in love with a voice – the voice of our literature professor - we never discussed with anyone Mr. Porterlang’s alluring style or that certain infatuation we seemed to profess for him. Even my close friend Emily and I never talked about his demeanor. Mr. Porterlang had captured an audience most anxious to hear his every word. Only he could enliven the class with his passionate narrative. So the classes continued and the Lit Professor had become our favorite teacher...

Albeit, situations in life can suddenly change, turning from sublime to extreme disappointment. One day our impressive teacher did not come to class. Staring at us on the blackboard, in big print, was the word NEVERMORE.

Although the professor may have posted the above message in an impromptu moment in order to cement the repercussive word in our minds, we reluctantly took it as a presage: Our enchanting teacher had said a final goodbye, never to return to read for us timeless pieces in his own charming way. Our premonition turned into an irrefutable truth when the next day the school’s Director announced Mr. Porterlang had officially resigned.

During the rest of the school year, other teachers came and left... the faculty could not match the literature reader with one of equal theatrical abilities. It was apparent that the girls could not provide them the same undivided attention they had given the professor or the same grade of spontaneous affection.

As the days passed, the memories of Mr. Porterlang were fading away. What we once admired – the man and his voice – did not exist anymore. The initial feeling of abandonment that had presided over our subjective illusionary state was gone as a new chapter began to emerge in most of the girls’ lives. Some were able to find young love, as opposed to a short-lived infatuation.

In time, I also caved in when I began going out with a studious fellow student. We shared civic and moral values plus many common interests, something I had hoped for since my early teen years. It was easy to feel attracted to Bryant and to begin dating him exclusively since he had made me aware I was his girl. In this new chapter, I was ready to love for real–without reservations. As the days passed, we became closer and closer... We were seriously in love!

The thought of losing Bryant – as I had lost the ephemeral presence of our likable professor –– was more than I could handle. This was reason enough to move on with my life, perhaps allowing a timely melting of my heart.

During this evolving period in the girls’ lives, my close friend Emily Colvin seemed to have walked away from all her friends in a sudden, strange manner. Even though we both attended most classes together, she stopped communicating with me or with any other classmates. My calls were not returned. It appeared as though she preferred to be alone in a world of her own. In the past, Emily used to visit my dorm to play games or watch television. Now I rarely saw her and, when I did, she was always walking in the opposite direction, even as we exited the school.

What could have possibly made Emily to distance herself from her school pals and–all the while – walk around with a glow in her eyes as though she was living in a fairyland? It would take a little bit of time for me to find out.

A few more days passed and Emily had continued her self-imposed withdrawal from our prior social activities; then, when least expected, I came across her as I was walking in the park close to my dorm. At first, it seemed as though Emily was trying to avoid me as she had been doing so far; however, she suddenly turned around and sort of whispered she was sorry for having been so elusive. Now it appeared as though my friend was ready to confide in me some personal happenings. Hesitant in the beginning, the evasive Emily began to disclose with gradual excitement the events that had kept her distant from everyone.

Please don’t be mad at me for turning my back on you and the rest of my friends. I have kept a secret for too long and it is time now to confide in someone I can trust. My parents will not hear any of it. I am in love, Kate! I am in love with a man we both know and admire... and he too is in love with me! He is Edward Porterlang, our former literature professor. I know you are going to be extremely surprised since we have kept our forbidden affair to ourselves – perhaps making it all the more passionate and intriguing.

Noticing the effect her words had on me, Emily continued in a serious tone.

Even though we are both adults, it would not be proper to be seen together. Obviously, Edward had to make a choice: either quit teaching at our school or perhaps accept the fact he may lose me forever. You already know his decision... my sweetheart put an end to his promising career by transferring to a neighboring adult center– all for the love of me!

On one hand, Emily was not trying to hide how proud she was of her catch; on the other, her clamorous confession had left me dumbfounded. How could it have happened right before my eyes and for me to be unaware of it? I suddenly felt bad thinking that I could have probably fallen for the poetic idol as well!

Seemingly relieved to have told me about her clandestine amour, my friend started walking away in slow motion, as though there was more to it, mumbling a few more words while raising the tone of her voice as she disappeared.

Please, Kate, don’t tell anyone... let this be our little secret!

Upon hearing Emily’s last words, I felt the awful guilt of being an accomplice to an immeasurable situation – keeping a profound revelation I wished I had not heard. One thing was certain, her romance with the professor did not affect me... I no longer had that insidious feeling of having been among the admirers of his voice. Moreover, there was someone new in my life. This young man’s integrity and responsible traits perfectly fit the set of values I expected to find in a man. I was in love... forever-lasting love... definitely not a caprice or fantasy! I honestly hope Emily will be able to say the same thing about the professor.

Difficult as it may be, I will have to pretend ignorance if there was ever a gossip among the girls about the sudden departure of Mr. Porterlang. At lunch, my sweetheart and I sat outside to eat and chat about the events of the day. Did I break my loyalty to Bryant by not sharing what I had just learned? Suddenly, I felt uneasy in front of him. I would eat small bites and take sips of the milk to make them last until the end of the break. At some point, Bryant asked me if something was the matter. I vaguely replied that I was tired – nothing else.

Oddly enough, I was able to keep the secret from everyone, including my boyfriend. For the moment, there was no point in resuming my brief chat with Emily days earlier. I did not have any advice to give her, and she had not requested any. Despite her rush to confide in me, she has not tried to look me up. It is apparent that her new love has kept her for himself.

In a way, I preferred to stay away from further conversations with Emily about her romance. It did not seem right that she could not tell her parents about it. I sincerely hope he has good intentions regarding my friend.

A short time after the school was over, Bryant asked me to marry him right away. Our new curriculum – including CPA and computer-oriented programs - was so extensive that a formal wedding would take away from our studies, so he suggested that we could both work during the day and go to school at night. The love of my life expected an answer – an answer I could not give to him right away. What would our parents think?

Despite our legal age and maturity, I felt Bryant should talk to my father. Without hesitation, he agreed to ask for my hand in marriage the old-fashioned way. On that momentous day, Bryant gave me the engagement ring and asked me to marry him in a private ceremony in the family chapel. Even though my parents had always envisioned giving a big wedding to their only daughter, they did not object to our big decision. Perceiving we had settled the matter already, they showed parental wisdom by going along with our rushed out plans despite the unusual circumstances. His parents were also quick to bless this significant chapter in our lives.

After the private nuptials, we left for a short, enjoyable honeymoon in beautiful Miami Beach, returning a few days later to the same old city where new jobs and school were awaiting us. As a level headed couple, we started saving as much as we could – holding off on expensive outings and unnecessary things. We envisioned buying a house big enough to accommodate two kids. Yes, we had agreed on having two children – one at a time! Deep inside I knew our sincere love and respect for each other would help us conquer all the challenges ahead – challenges we could hardly imagine during this idyllic period in our lives. If there was ever a disagreement – we avoided arguments. We found it more productive to discuss the pros and cons or the whys and why not.

When I think of a man, I can only think of one: my virile and adoring husband. Our relationship was such that I often wondered what was I thinking when I had allowed the suave professor to possess my mind with his recitals. Yes, only my mind, for he never got a hold of my soul. Days before our wedding - as I reminisced about the romantic turns in my life that brought Bryant and me together - a logical muse inspired me to write a poem defining past and present feelings.

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SHADOWS OF MY PAST

The present is here

Real love and no fears

The past is just that

Vain memories won’t last.

I was never in love...

My heart was not touched!

Life can still be a blast

Without shadows of the past.

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I was still a newlywed when I received a phone call from my old friend. With a trembling voice – and secretive as once before – Emily asked to talk to me privately, to which I agreed. What could have transpired in her life since our last encounter? I did not pressure her to say anything over the telephone sensing that this time the news might be more alarming. Bryant was not aware of Emily’s affair, my reason to agree that we meet for coffee after work. Despite feeling uneasy about the upcoming news, I was glad to see her; after all, we had not been in contact for some time.

So what is new with you, friend? I asked in order to start some form of conversation.

"Hi Kate, thanks for joining me for coffee and – you probably guessed it – a necessary confession. What I am about to tell you is so personal that you may abhor every bit of it. If I had known what I know today, I would not have succumbed to the professor’s advances. I am not looking for excuses... I accept most of the blame for my actions involving the professor...

... Our love affair started somewhat platonic, which gave way to our needing more as we kept seeing each other. One day Edward did what he had not done before. We were at a desolate beach and he started kissing me and... Well, you can imagine the rest. There was no rejection on my part. I had finally become his, and my love for him was such that I wanted to be with him forever. As we made love, I could hear his voice sensually reciting poems in my ears, repeating the word ‘nevermore’ in his soft-spoken ways. Tell me, Kate, how could I resist?

Keep going, Emily... I do not like where this conversation is heading. Is he going to marry you?

"No, sadly enough, he will not. It is imperative that you allow me to finish.... After minutes of ardent lovemaking on the soft sand, Edward said something that suddenly broke the spell. I could not have imagined what my adoring professor