3-6. Chasing Shadows - Eileen

"At least he accepts me for who I am and doesn't judge me!" Eileen retorted stubbornly. "We just don't know him, Eileen. That's why we're concerned." Eileen's mother responded patiently. "Why don't you invite him to the summer house in the Eastern Townships next week. We can spend some time together and get to know him a little better." The relief showed on Eileen's face. A storm averted. She relaxed and immediately proceeded to make arrangements over the phone. "Okay, he's coming. I know you'll love him as much as I do. He's brilliant, gentle and so spiritual. My guru means everything to me, Mom." "By the way, I bought a house last week in NDG. We're setting it up as an Ashram. Everyone's welcome to visit. Come and join us in meditation and prayers." "Let's take things one step at a time, Eileen. You know I don't have a problem with your adoption of the Hindu religion. I'm just concerned that he might be taking advantage of you." "Never, Mom! He's deeply religious. He's my spiritual guide. I offered to buy the house and turn it into an Ashram. He didn't ask. This is something I wanted to do. He's not taking advantage of me anymore than your Rabbi is taking advantage of you when you contribute to building a new synagogue." "Your brother Harry and a couple of his friends will be coming as well, so if you want to invite any other friends ... ?" "I'll ask a couple of other people from the Ashram." "Don't you see any of your old friends anymore?" "Mom, you know what they're like. They're so judgmental and uptight. No-one's talking to me anymore, I don't know why, and I'm not sure I care. These people are my friends, now." "You carry the Ratman name Eileen. You're going to be dealing with a lot of pettiness and jealousy. It's what happens when you're as wealthy and well known as we are. You have to learn how to deal with it and not just cut people off. You also have to learn how to protect yourself from people who want to take advantage of you, your wealth and connections." _____________________________________ "You went to the Eastern Townships?" the Weasel smirked over the phone. His bug eyes shone with mirth. "So everyone's buying it? Good work. The next step is to arrange for the Guru to move the Ashram to India as soon as possible. The remoter the location the better. I'm counting on you to maintain control of this situation and of Eileen. I need to get her out of the way. As long as she's here I have to be careful how I go after Rani because they'll retaliate against Eileen. Trying to explain all of this away to the family is also getting complicated. If they or Eileen knew what's really going on, that all of the problems Eileen is having is because of me and what I did to Rani ... ." 2007.06.30