Page 24 of In Just a Year
With a gentle smile, Ben looked up from his ledger and met Greg’s gaze. “There’s a world of wonder hidden within these seemingly humble pebbles.” His voice held a sense of reverence. “Just as a cloud carries the potential to transform into a mighty storm, so do these rough gems hold immense possibilities to capture light within their unassuming forms.”
“But what if they crack or crumble when you cut them?” Greg asked.
“That could happen.” Ben picked one of the larger ones from the tray on the table. “Sometimes cracks already exist and the forces of polishing the stone aggravate them.”
“Doesn’t the gem lose its value if a large one turns into many small ones?”
“Why do you say that?” Ben asked. “Is a firework less than a stroke of lightning?”
“Because Caleb worked so hard when we were on the ship back from America to keep the large aquamarines intact.”
“Oh, that’s because an aquamarine’s virtue lies in the crystalline clarity. The facets we cut direct the light to the plateau up top.” Ben tapped one of the gems he’d already cut. “The larger this is, the better you can see the clarity within.”
“And not every stone needs to have such an even cut?”
“Yes and no. The cut should follow the natural form of the gem and enhance its beauty.”
“Because it’s too rigid to impose something else?”
Ben looked up. “Precisely.”
“And are you too rigid in your heart to embrace the beauty of this journey?” Greg’s question stung.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Ben, you are only half here. I see it in your eyes. You’re easy to read because I know your brother well.”
“And which brother is that?”
“Caleb, of course. Gideon, too. And Raphi. All of them really.”
“Ah!”
“You’re evading the question.” Greg’s foreboding tone reminded Ben how Greg came to the Pearlers and to Caleb, so he probably had no chance to deflect his probing. This was not the first time Greg had traveled half way around the world with a Klonimus to collect gems.
“I’m here, I can’t be in two places at once,” Ben said.
“Your body is here but your heart is not.”
Ben quieted. He sucked in air to give a sly retort but then thought the better of it. Greg had been there when Esther kissed him goodbye.
“It’s Esther Solomon, isn’t it? Hannah’s little sister?”
Ben nodded.
“Are you worried that she’s with child?”
“What? No!” Ben stood abruptly, and the table wobbled, knocking some of the gems off the tray.
“Then why can’t you embrace being here? It’s a journey of a lifetime. I know you like her, it was plain to see but—”
“I know it’s a chance of a lifetime. I know, Greg.” Ben’s eyes flashed with frustration as he struggled to keep his composure. “But do you know how long I’ve waited to be with her? To kiss her?”
“You only kissed her?” Greg’s left cheek lifted into a half-smirk and his eyes grew wide.
“The evening before, yes. That was our first kiss. And then … well, technically, the goodbye was our third.”
“Wait a minute, Ben. You kissed her—only kissed her—three times and you’re like … this?” He gave Ben the scrutiny of a big brother akin to the one Gideon gave when he’d caught Ben and Esther in the hallway. “You’re smitten with her, Ben. You’re lovesick.”
