Trish was resting at her nursing station after getting through the morning rush while sipping on the cup of black tea she had made herself. Her mind was recouping from the emotional rollercoaster she had been on all weekend. Being away from Scott and not knowing what was going on made her realize just how much she was in love with him. Last Saturday evening had been the worst but yet the best experience in her life.
Worrying about her own situation while trying to calm down her mom’s growing anger with her father had been emotionally draining. Looking back at that night made her realize just how much her world had changed since her birthday. In reflection she had to admit that meeting Scott had allowed her to find a way to trust again. She was now wondering if she had been looking for Scott to do something like this would she had caught him.
Having Scott popping the question out of the blue when she had been ready to kill him had caused her to experience the whole emotional gambit at the same time. At that moment anger, love, relief, and surprise had been felt by her at once. It was going to take a long time for her to accept the fact that her father had conspired so well with Scott. She had turned her ring upside down on her finger, so her new diamond engagement ring remained hidden.
She was trying to savor a few more minutes of the solitude of feeling protected and secure in a loving relationship that she had given up on ever having. She was waiting for the right time to break the news to her girlfriend Jennifer. In part, she was worried that Jennifer would be overwhelmed with emotions also, because of how far she had traveled emotionally and mentally since her birthday.
It had been devastating when she realized that Jesse had bolted after standing at the alter waiting for her just before her father and her started the walk down the aisle to give her away. She had still been carrying the hurt and pain the day she met Scott. It made her wonder if she had taken it out on Scott that day because he was the first man who challenged her as an equal more than a female.
At that time, she had been sure that Jesse was the one, now she was wondering if she had ever been in love with him. Never could she have imagined the love she was experiencing and living with now. When Scott had gotten down on his knee to propose there had been no hesitation or doubt on her part.
This morning before dawn, she had awakened to see Scott sound asleep beside her. It had caused a sense of peace and tranquility to enter her that she was still carrying inside. Never had she felt so blessed. She was in love with the man that had made love with her last night. Never had she seen her life becoming so complete.
Over breakfast that morning they had decided on the second Saturday in December as their wedding date. It had been a childhood dream that was now was going to be fulfilled. They had discussed the pros and cons of Pat’s offer. Scott was worried that Pat might want to turn it into a media event. Trish decided to allow Pat’s firm to pay for everything after making it clear to him that they would have the final say on everything.
********
“Jennifer, do me a favor,” Trish asked after the morning rush was done. “Open up your calendar on your cellphone to December for me and let me know when it’s done.”
“Ok it's open,” Jennifer said, “But it’s completely blank as it always is this time of year.”
“Type in ‘Dfgs Mmoh’ on the second Saturday of the month,” Trish said. “And be sure to hit save.”
“Okay, done that.” But what does that mean,” Jen asked?
Trish turned her ring back up to expose the diamond before turning her swivel chair toward Jen. Holding out her hand she said, “Daughters flower girls, Me maid of honor.”
“Omg your engaged to Scott and have set the date. Congratulations,” Jennifer said in surprise. “That’s great. Tell when did this all happen?”
“Better than telling you,” Trish emailed the video of it and said, “Watch it on your break then we will talk.”
********
Helen Malley walked into her office ready for another normal Monday. Wondering if Pat had already made contact with the general manager. She had just sat down at her desk when her assistant stuck her head in.
“I don’t know what going on,” she said. “But Mister Big has been here since seven and calling down every fifteen minutes wondering if you were in. It sounds like he has a burr stuck up his butt that is bothering him. I just talked to him again and he’s on his way down. I’ll get you a strong coffee because I think you’re going to need it.”
“Glad to hear it, best hold all of my calls until he’s done talking to me,” Helen said with a smile.
She was setting the coffee on Helen’s desk when the overall boss walked in. “Would you like me to get you a coffee?” she asked.
“Yes please,” he said in a tone of voice that made it clear that he was in an extremely good mood. “Double cream and double sugar please since I’m going to be here for a while.”
When she returned with the coffee Helen again asked her to hold all calls until their meeting was done. Helen’s assistant noticed that the general manager left Helen’s office two hours later he was wearing a bigger smile on his face then he had when he came in. It was obvious now that something good was happening.
“Amy grab us both a fresh cup of coffee,” Helen said over the intercom, “and lock the busy signal on our phones because we got to start discussing on how to proceed to accomplish a new project our boss has just given his approval on.”
While she waited for her assistant, she texted both Trish and Scott to let them know that on her end it’s a go.
*********
Jen came back from her break wearing a huge smile on her face, “Your Dad and Scott got your mother and you really good. The look on your face when Scott first spoke to you in his normal voice is priceless Ms. Maureen O’Hare.”
“I think I’m going to get that frame blown up to poster size for when I throw you your wedding shower,” Jennifer said. “Captioned with that name and one up of Scott in drag and call him John Wayne. Be sure to tell Scott that I never saw it, but he is right you’ve always looked like her.”
“I should have known something was up because Dad kept telling Mom that it was going to be an anniversary that she would never forget because he had not planned anything different,” Trish said. “Up to that point it had been the worst ever. I didn’t have a clue why my father would say that but he was right. I was in complete shock when I heard Scott’s voice. I got so angry at him because of what he had put me through that I was going to knock his block off. Then Scott surprised me by getting down on his knee. It was the last thing on my mind thanks to those two and their scheming.”
“So why was he away for so long then,” Jen asked.
“He went to New York to get his disguise completely made up. He knew in order to pull it off it had to be something that I had never seen,” Trish explained. “And to pick up the wedding set for me from Tiffany’s. I realized later that Scott already knew my ring size from when we picked out my promissory ring. They did it delibrately to keep us off balance and confused. It worked because both my mother and I were expecting Scott to propose but did know when. They caught us when we were not looking for it.”
“I don’t know how your dad was able to keep it a secret,” Jen said. “He has a long history of blowing it.”
“Mom thought he was tied up with an insurance rep who was inspecting the plant. He had told her numerous times over the last two weeks that the company’s liability insurance was under review. Then on Friday, he called her to inform her that the Insurance company was sending in a rep on Saturday for an inspection of the plant as they always do when renewing or changes are made. Dad figured it would take most of the weekend.” Trish said before continuing.
“Mom had been bitchy about what was going on all day on Saturday. Dad’s job responsibilities were ruining everything about their special day. Dad did not say a thing he just took all in stride. Mom rode his ass big time because she held him responsible because his employer was ruining their special day. When she saw Scott, unveiling himself in front of us all she lost it,” Trish disclosed. “I think, worse than I did. She was still crying when Scott and I made it back to our table. She had been riding my dad’s ass all day and she knew it. In guilt, Mom said she would never live this day down.”
Jen broke into laughing. It had to be shocking for Helen to learn that after all those years of marriage John was able to get one over her. Even before they were married, she had always been able to get him to reveal things that were supposed to be kept secret.
Just then Stephen showed up. “Trish, I got to warn you, the head of human resources is on his way down to talk to you and he’s not alone. The Chief Financial Officer is coming with him.”
“What do they want to talk about? Do you know?” Trish asked.
“Most likely The Woods, Scott, and you,” Stephen said. “There’s more to this than we know. Otherwise, they would have called you up instead of coming to you.”
Jen and Trish found something to do quickly on the computers. Trish was reflecting on everything when she saw them approaching and had come to the conclusion that it must involve Scots alter ego Mr. Claus. Trish had already decided that no matter what was said she was going to discuss it with Scott first.
When they approached her, they suggested that they should go into her former supervisor's office that way they would have some privacy. Nothing made sense because upper management was never seen on the floors because they had their own private entrance to the hospitals offices. Jen noticed the meeting went on for a long time. When the big shots came out it was clear that were not pleased with how things had turned out. It apparently had not gone as they had planned.
As soon as they left the floor Jen asked, “What was that all about?”
“The reason our department head was fired was that her conduct cost the hospital a three million dollar annual grant to the maternity ward from the Mrc foundation,” Trish disclosed. “They learned from billing that all of Woods medical bills were to be sent to Scott since he is on the board.”
“It seems the grant was to cover cases like Carla Woods and the hospital’s staff’s conduct proved that the money wasn’t being used in the way it was intended,” Trish explained. “Stephen had to disclose my relationship with Scott to them when they asked him what he knew about the whole situation. I think the Hospital management is trying to use me to get back on good terms with Mrc because of my relationship with Scott.”
“So, they were grilling you trying to find a way in to perhaps getting it back,” Jen said. “That’s low, putting you in the middle like that.”
“That’s not all,” Trish said. “They offered me the job of being the head of the department.”
“Are you going to accept it,” Jen asked?
“I told them what I am telling you,” Trish said. “I cannot give them an answer before I discuss it with my future husband, but I promised to give them an answer within two weeks.”
“Looks like they are trying to put you between a rock and a hard place,” Jen said, “In order to force you to go along with their plans to get the Mrc foundation to reconsider. From what I know about Mr. Claus I don’t think that’s ever going to happen.”
“Let’s just say that when they saw the size of my engagement ring, they saw their chances of manipulating me going out of the window,” Trish said while smiling. “That was when they increased their offer by throwing in a huge raise.”
********
Helen had just disclosed to her assistant Amy that with the general manager's approval she was now assigned to set up and organize a pre-launch book party to announce the release of the ‘Silent One’ newest release planned for November second. As a result of his approval the party by invitation only would be held the night of the first.
The books would be coming in bulk under an assumed name at no cost for giving away the night before the official release to the retail market. It was being done this way as a layer to protect them from being stolen well in transport. This added protective level was also to ensure that nothing got slipped out in advance to the public. Helen also informed Amy that his true identity would be revealed on ‘fox and friends’ earlier that same day.
During the next week all of their clients would be receiving a special drop of ten copies of every book he had ever written, and a contest box for submitting their name into. The books were already on the way from the publisher. They would have until the third Sunday in October to enter. Fed ex would pick up the boxes and have them delivered back overnight. The winner would win a complete set of all his works plus get an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the launch party on November the first.
“How in the hell did the general manager swing that,” Amy asked? “Everyone is dying to know who the silent one is. The author writes into his stories an emotional tug that you know before the book is done, you’ll have been crying or laughing aloud. Read one of his books and your hooked. You end up learning as you read it a second time just how much you missed when you read it the first time.”
“He didn’t I did, but before I agreed to do it for the publishing firm, I told them I needed his approval. They contacted him at home yesterday to get his approval. He came down this morning to learn just what I my thoughts were and together we put a tentative plan together. As a result, both you and I have been given a ten percent raise effective at the start of the last pay period,” Helen said.
“The boss is so excited for us to be given an honor like this because the media hype about it will be worth millions in free publicity within the media itself. He feels that as a result a lot of publishers will be contacting us to start handling their products. We have to find a location, order catering, decide on decorations, order invitations and to have them all sent out asap,” Helen added.
Amy was in awe. Not only was the ‘Silent One’ her favorite author but Helen by what was happening had to have a direct connection to him. The rumors about the silent one living in the area had just been confirmed to be true. Amy spent the day trying to figure out just how Helen knew him or her.
********
Trish had gotten home to discover Scott had dinner ready and was waiting. Scott had made meatloaf, potato wedges with cheese, green onions, sour cream, and a side salad. The meal had been delicious. They were in the middle of clean up when her cell rang.
“My aunt Shelia is calling,” she explained as she answered it and turned the speaker on, she said, “this should be a hoot. Her annual birthday party is coming up. That’s why she’s calling. She wants to get over the bad news she expects early.”
“Hi Aunt Sheila, it’s been a while, how are you and Uncle Eve doing,” Trish asked?
“Oh, we're both doing ok, but enough about us,” Shelia said. “I’m just trying to keep myself busy so I can just get through it this year.”
“What’s wrong you always seem to enjoy making it one of the outstanding events of the year,” Trish said. “And they always turn out so well that its talked about for weeks. So, what's really bothering you?”
“This birthday celebration has got me feeling old because I’m hitting the big five 0. I’m just calling to see if you would be attending my birthday get together this year or not?” Shelia said. “Knowing what the answer usually is, I figured I might as well get the bad news over with early.”
“Well, I haven’t attended in nine years, but this year I think I will attend if I can bring someone with me,” Trish said knowing her aunt's curiosity would be rising fast. “Will the dance be beginning at the usual time of nine pm?”
“You’re coming! You’re bringing someone. This is unbelievable. What is going on in your life Trish Nicole?” Aunt Shelia asked with excitement. “How come I have not heard anything about this from your mother?”
“Mom has been keeping everything to herself deliberately,” Trish said. “She is afraid to say or do anything that might jeopardize what was happening in my life. You know damn well that she really has not let go of the guilt she feels because of what happened years ago.”
“That’s fine with the family history and with what happened I can understand that, but why has she been so distant these last few months?” Shelia asked. “If something was troubling her, she would always confide in me.”
“Aunt Shelia, You and I both know that she can’t be around you if she’s trying to keep a secret. Especially if the secret concerns me,” Trish said with a giggle. “And what's going on with my life.”
“Trish you’re not being fair. Answer me this, is the person coming with you a male or a female?” Shelia asked. “Friend or something else?”
I was watching Trish as she was having fun playing with her aunt. She exchanged the hand she had the phone in and whispered for a pen and paper. She wrote on it can we loan my dad the Chevy impala on the first Saturday in October. I nodded my head in yes.
“Aunt Shelia all I will say for now on anything is that on the first Saturday in October at four pm I expect you to be standing with your husband at the entrance to your ballroom all dressed and ready for the evening to meet me,” Trish said. “At that time, you will start to get the answers to your questions. During the dance, I promise you that things will be brought out that will bring a bit of excitement to that night in ways you can’t imagine. You can call mom, but she will not answer your questions.”
“That’s just under three weeks away, Trish you’re not being fair,” Shelia said. “I’m your aunt for god sake show me a little mercy.”
“OK I will give you this,” Trish said. “There’s been a lot of changes in my life. One big one is the fact that I no longer live in the apartment with Tina. I moved out and she has a new roommate.”
“What? you moved, when? Trish this is not funny I demand answers,” Aunt Shelia said forcefully.
“I promise you will get them that night. I love you Aunt Sheila, goodbye,” Trish said before she ended the call.
“What is going on in that mind of yours,” I asked. “I saw a bit of mischievousness come into your eyes.”
“Aunt Shelia and Mom have been distant with each other since you came into my life, for the reasons you just heard,” Trish explained. “Aunt Sheila is not actually a relation. She and Uncle Everett were best man and maid of honor for our parent’s wedding, as my parents were for theirs. She knows mom better than anyone.”
“Neither one of them is good at keeping secrets from each other. That’s why mom has become distant. She’s afraid she will spill everything to her when they speak and that will put a jinx on everything,” Trish revealed before going on. “Mom has also been afraid she is going to wake up one morning to find out it was all a dream. With your help, I think we can mend their relationship and keep my aunt in surprise all night.”
We discussed everything that we knew about their relationship with each other. Trish explained that her aunt Shelia used her birthday party as a way of raising funds for her favorite charity.
I told her I would try to find all the police reports the local area had on the four of them during their teenage years before they got married and settled down. I had thought by doing that it might help us develop a plan.
I suggested that we use a scheme I had used in my books. On the night of her birthday celebration, we would tie the past, the present, and the future into a bundle that would keep her twisting and turning all night. By doing that Shelia will end up feeling confused, emotional, and excited because of being off balance and unprepared for what happens next.
Trish reminded me of the fact that when we took her mom out for dinner in Marble Hill that we had used the Impala. It became important because Eve’s father had owned one and the four of them had used that car whenever they could.
We also discussed her work situation.
“Look dear I am not going to tell you what to do,” I said. “The money I gave them was to cover people like Carla Woods which they proved by their conduct that they were not doing. I feel the hospital was just taking advantage of me and my giving nature figuring that I would never know what the money was being used for.”
“We just need to keep in mind that we have a lot of choices ahead of us. If you want ‘au pairs’ so that you can keep working when we have children, we can afford it. If you want to quit and stay at home that’s fine too,” I said. “I will support you no matter what you chose to do. Once we have children our priorities will become them and their needs.”
********
It was Saturday when Mom and Dad dropped over unexpectedly. Mom wanted to throw some idea’s in front of me concerning the upcoming Book Party. They had been here for about an hour when Dan, Carla and the twins arrived.
I let them in. Dan and I were assigned the responsibility of carrying in the twins. Carla brought with them all the baggage that every parent has with babies. It was the first time we had seen them since the hospital.
Trish’s mother loved newborn’s and was all over them as soon as their protective blankets were off of them. Carla like any new mother was busy talking all about her pride and joys. I was surprised by how much they had grown Trish was not.
“Okay,” Trish said. “Dan and Carla, I want you to meet my parents John and Helen Malley.”
They all shook hands and returned to look at the babies.
Then Trish reached down and picked up one of the babies and handed it to me before picking up the other.
“Mom and Dad, we wish to introduce you to our godchildren Trish and Scott Woods,” Trish said. “Would you take a couple of pictures of us with them? We want to start our first album for them.”
“What, really?” Helen said. “Congratulations I guess that makes John and I unofficially great godparents.”
Helen took over like the mother hen she was. Carla and Dan soon found out that both of them and the twins were expected to be at family dinners every Sunday from now on. I stood at the sidelines and watched the show.
‘Is your future mother in law always like this,” Dan asked when he came over to stand beside me? “It’s like we're already considered to be part of the family.”
“The first weekend I met Trish, Helen seemed to know I was going to end up becoming a permanent member of what she considers her family,” I explained. “When we disclosed our relationship with the twins. That meant in her eyes you were automatically part of her extended family. Get used to it because she will smother your children with her love as if they were her own.”
Carla came over as Dan and I were making us all something to drink and said “I can’t believe it, Dan, we got two babysitters whenever they are needed. Helen wants us to go over tomorrow and go through their attic to see if there is anything stored there that we can use and stay for dinner.”
“I laughed and said, “Welcome to my world.”
*******
It was two weeks to the day that she had been approached by upper management. Her Aunt's birthday celebration was happening this coming Saturday. I had set up the second of the carousels in our home. When the third was done we would have them appraised.
Using the home office, she had typed out her response to the hospital's offer. After a long discussion with me, I had provided her with the answer without me even knowing.
“Trish, everything I do I love doing,” I said. “Life is too short to waste it on things that help you just to get by. My uncle James was born death so when I could afford it, using the foundation I had the best doctors in North America look at his case without his knowing who was funding it. With the special implants they were able to design and install they were able to give him for free what he never had. He may never be rich but to him, he is rich because he can now hear a bird sing. He has a quality in life that most can’t see because he appreciates the gift of hearing and sees the beauty of it.”
By saying that I had put everything in perspective. It had made her look at her situation with a new freedom. As a result, she in her spare time was helping me restore the third carousel. This last Saturday we had gone out looking for items that we could restore in a short time for those needing families that Mr. Claus could help in December. Everything Mr. Claus did was done to improve those he helped in their quality of life.
It seemed that there were quite a few that I had come to know over time who if they saw something that was a quality that was worth restoring It would be set aside to make sure that I got the first chance to look at it.
Most of them would either buy it as cheap as possible or if they got it for nothing sell it to me as cheap as possible because they understood from experience that it always ended up in someone’s hands who needed it. Most of those who worked me in this way believed that I was one of the many of Mr. Claus’ many helpers.
Some of these items were found during the hundred-mile yard sale they held in the area every year. Most of these were the average joes who knew that for me the joy was seeing it restored and being used. My network of acquaintances was amazing. Trish finally had a clue how I learned who needed help and when.
Trish had asked me if I went to auctions. I had replied that I wished I could but with my busy schedule, I really didn’t have time.
When she told me, she was going to go to work for the foundation full time. I asked her if, she was sure. When she said she was I had tears in my eyes. I felt that she was doing it to support me, and I was overwhelmed by it. For the first time in my life, I utterly understood I no longer walked alone.
********
The letter she was carrying with her to work was her resignation. She would only work until the end of the month of November. That way she would have extra time to look after those last-minute details concerning the wedding.
She had just come through the doors of the hospital to start her workday as Stephen did.
“Stephen, can you do me a favor,” Trish asked as she took the envelope out of her purse. “Drop this letter off at Human Resources this morning during your regular tour.”
“Not a problem,” Stephen replied as he took possession of the letter. “Can I ask if they will be pleased with your response?”
“Stephen, they put me in the situation with the offer they made that I am always going to be asking if I earned it or was it offered to me because of Scott. As a result, it’s my letter of resignation effective at the end of November,” Trish said. “Sadly, they really left me no choice but to leave. I won’t work for anyone under those conditions.”
Stephen smiled and leaned towards her whispering, “I think the future Mrs. Claus is making the right decision. Tell that man of yours if he needs my help for anything, he’s got it.”
Trish stood there for a moment just lost in thought. Stephen wondered if he had said something wrong. Then a glow took over her face with a smile that was all-consuming.
“Thank you, Stephen,” Trish said. “For giving me an insight into something I hadn’t seen. Your words say so much and show a truth about the life I am building with Scott. If anyone asks what I’m going to be doing just tell them that I’m going into restorative work full time.”
Stephen watched Trish as she walked off to start her day. Something had just happened, but he did not know what. He just knew that most around her would be caught up in the happiness she was showing.
It was around ten that morning that the head of Human Resources came down the Nurse’s Ward holding Trish’s letter in hand.
“Trish is there any way you would consider relooking at your decision?” the department head asked.
“No, I’m sorry there’s not,” Trish replied with a large smile. “I have found meyself a postion that I cannot refuse. Mr. Claus has approved of me coming aboard and working for his foundation full time.”
The head of the Human Resources department face went white. He had learned because of what happened that Mr. Claus was a private man who lived in the area but remained behind the scenes instead of being in front of it. As a result, he had a reputation that was beyond reproach. He stayed out of sight as much as possible.
Those who helped him were known to be very protective of him. Push for information and you were shut down fast. For Trish to be offered a position with his organization spoke volumes about how he saw her as a person. No one but a few knew who he really was and that was the way it was going to stay.
“Well congratulations, I must say that it is we who are losing here. You will truly be missed,” The department head said before walking away.
“You're leaving and going to work for Mr. Claus,” Jen said in shock. “How in the hell did that happen?”
“Jen I can’t answer the question by voice,” Trish said. “I will send a text, but you have to promise to erase as soon as you read it and keep it to yourself.”
“Okay agreed,” Jen said wondering why she thought she had to state that.
Trish texted; on the second Saturday of December, I will not only become Trish Nicole Tait, but I will become Mrs. Claus too.
Jen read the text looked up at Trish before she let her tears flow. Now the Woods family situation made sense. “How long have you known? Do Terry and Robert know too?”
“I had my suspicions the first weekend I met him, but it was not confirmed until he got shot,” Trish said “Terry found out the weekend of mom's birthday. No one else knows.”
Jen smiled and said, “The hospital never had a chance, so when are you leaving.”
“The last day of November is my last shift,” Trish said.
********
At ten to four on the first Saturday afternoon In October Shelia and Eve walked out to the hall from their home dressed in their formal clothing for the evening. Shelia was a bundle of nerves because of her anticipation of what was about to start happening. Trish had deliberately left a lot of questions unanswered, and she was dying to know why. At five to four they saw their best friends John and Helen Malley drive-in.
“What are you guys doing here?” Eve asked as soon as they got out of their car. “We were not expecting you to arrive until later this evening.”
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Trish called us this morning asking us to be dressed for the evening and to meet her here at four?” Helen said. “So, where is she?”
“That’s what I would like to know John,” Shelia said. “Trish left me with a lot of questions without answers the last time we talked. I’m waiting for her because she promise to answer them all this evening.”
“She will,” Helen said having knowledge of what her daughter was planning to do. “Trish made me promise to keep everything a secret and to do that I had to distance myself from you. I hope that once you know what I do that you will be able to forgive me.”
Eve said, “Look what's coming down the country road, everybody!”
They all saw the black Chevy nineteen sixty-four Impala driving down towards them. It was in mint condition and a thing of beauty. To the four of them, it was a walk down memory lane.
All the times they had been stopped by the police came back. The many times they had been escorted home to have their parents waiting. John now understood what Trish and Scott were doing and why?
“Were we ever that young John?” Eve asked. “It seems like it was a lifetime ago.”
As it approached the driveway it slowed down, signaled for left and waited until the oncoming traffic drove by.
John said, “I think we're about to have the opportunity to experience it all over again this very afternoon.”
As it drove up the driveway past the house towards the hall, they began to realize that the driver of the car was Trish.
“Where in the hell did, she find that car,” Shelia asked? “It looks like the one my father in law used to own.”
Trish parked the car six feet in front of them. After shutting off the car she got out.
“Dad and Uncle Eve, can you please put the hood down for me if you remember how?” Trish asked. “Happy birthday Aunt Shelia.”
Eve and John started doing as requested, Trish then walked around and popped the trunk before going and standing beside her mother. Trish could see that her aunt was trying to figure out what was going on because it was the first time, she had seen her dressed in blue jeans in years.
“Aunt Shelia, the reason moms been distant is because I made her promise not to tell you anything. So, blame me for what's going on between you two and let it go,” Trish explained. “I want you to promise me that you’re not going to pester mom about it, at all. It’s my story and most of it I promise will be revealed to you by me over the course of the evening.”
“I’ve been on pins and needles for almost three weeks young lady thanks to you,” Aunt Shelia said. “I will say I will try not to, but no guarantees.”
By this time, the guys had the hood down and were walking around checking it out. Uncle Eve was filled with the excitement of having this car so close to him. It was noticeable by all when he got quiet as he read the vehicle identification number. The way he ran his finger along its line was very telling.
“Trish, I can’t believe it,” Eve said. “I’ve searched for this car for years. Who owns it?”
“The person you will all be introduced to later this evening,” Trish replied. “Why are you asking?”
“I remember the identification number well,” He explained. “My father would always go out and check it to make sure it was the same vehicle that he had allowed me to use when I brought back home. it was his pride and joy. Especially if Shelia and I had been on a double date with your parents and had not got back when we were supposed to.”
“Uncle Eve get in the driver’s seat, ladies in the rear. Dad I will need the keys to your car so I can go home and get ready,” Trish said. “You also need to get the beer out of the trunk.”
When all four were in the car Trish handed her uncle the keys to the car, “She got a full tank of gas. I expect you to be back at seven.”
Trish saw the look on her uncle’s face. It told her that he did not believe what was happening. When Scott and she had been reading the police reports from back then they had discovered by accident that Scotts Impala had at one time been owned by her uncle’s father.
As soon as Eve started the car Trish opened up the glovebox and said, “Sirius early sixties plus do-wop music.”
As they back up to head out Trish could see her father twisting the caps off and passing the beers back to the ladies. She went home to get changed and head out to the regional airport to pick up Aunt Shelia and uncle Eve’s parents who had moved to the state of Florida when they retired.
“Eve said as he pulled out of their driveway, “I always thought this car had a special feeling. Just being back in it behind the wheel empowers me. I thought I was invincible when I was driving it. The girls I could pick up with it before I met Shelia is a story I had forgotten about until today.”
As soon as they were out of sight of the house Shelia turned her face towards Helen and said, “Helen what's going on with Trish?”
“I got the daughter I thought I had lost over nine years ago completely back, blue jeans and all,” Helen said with all the tears flowing. “How, when, and why will be explained by her tonight.”
That one statement had explained a lot of things. Shelia understood how rough a few years that had been for John and Helen. For a long time during that period, they had felt that they had lost their eldest daughter. For it seemed to the four of them that Trish had drew most of herself inside of herself and locked it up tight.
The four of them drove the back roads as they had back in the days. Eve and John were laughing at their wives as they sang along with every song they knew. It was nice to relive and talk about the good times they had shared back then. It was Eve that realized that time was catching up to them; they were heading back home trying to catch up with the petal to the metal.
An old classic Beatles song “Twist and Shout” was blazing through the speaker systems. The girls were standing up hanging on to the back of the seat jiving to the music holding a beer in their hands when the police siren came on.
Eve pulled over and cursed “Every frigging time we drove my father‘s car we got pulled over, and we never learned. I can’t believe it’s happening all over again. We should have known better at our age not to behave like young teenagers again.”
As they waited an older gentleman got out of the police car from the passenger side and walked towards their vehicle. A young African American police officer stood back watching the events unfold from behind.”
The older man approached the car and looked at the four sitting in it before saying anything. The four of them were surprised to see who it was. It was the same police officer that had stopped them the most when they were young.
“Eve, John, Shelia, and Helen. Shit, I can’t believe they brought me out of retirement for this,” the former officer said with a sense of humor. “You know the drill pour the open ones out over the side.”
Reaching into the car grabbing the key he threw them to the rookie and said, “Check the trunk, confiscate any unopened booze you find. Then take what's still unopened in the car.”
“Everett, I told your dad years ago to sell this dam car because you all were good kids. The problem was when you got behind the wheel of this car you all became blubbering idiots,” he said as serious as he could. “I never expected you four would prove me right, but today you just did. You know the drill we will follow you back to where you picked up the car. Got it.”
“Yes sir,” the four said to the officer.
The officer said, “Oh, by the way, happy birthday Shelia.”
John looked back at Helen and they both started laughing. The rookie officer had been Dan Woods the latest addition to their expanding family and they all had been set up by Trish and Scott.
Eve kept saying over and over again, “I can’t believe it. Seeing Bill again wants me to buy this car even more. I used to think Bill was an ass but in truth he gave us so many breaks that we didn’t deserve back then.”
Sure, enough the police officers followed them back. As they drove in past Eve’s and Sheila’s house the four of them caught the image of Eve and Shelia's father’s standing together with their arms crossed in front of the hall. Both of them displaying a look that the four of them knew well.
Helen looked over at Shelia who was blushing. She had to be thinking can this be any more embarrassing.
The old, retired officer walked up to their fathers and talked to them for a while. When he left the four of them got out of the car. Eve and Shelia were given the talking too as if they were sixteen all over again.
Trish and I were watching from the house laughing because it was going as planned. Shelia looked like she was flustered, embarrassed, and ashamed as if she didn’t know how to handle what was being thrown at her.
I went out of the front of the house and got the beer back from Dan and thanked the former police officer for his help in our plan. Bill Conner thanked me for giving him the chance to be in on the sting and for bringing him back for it. I could tell that we had taken a lot of his strength out of him because of his age so I asked Dan to make sure he got into his daughters house safely when he was dropping him off. When I came back Trish was heading out to greet the crowd.
Trish had a wonderful smile on her face while listening to Aunt Shelia get the big happy birthday’s from her two fathers. Once their fathers headed into the hall. Aunt Shelia spoke.
“You set this all up, didn’t you?” Shelia said to Trish. “Who helped you?”
“It took us a while to find out where Bill Connors was but yes, I did. When my date and I told him what we wanted to do he was all for it. My date for the evening found him through his daughter who still lives in the area,” Trish admitted.
“Here you go, Aunt Shelia and Mom,” Trish said as she handed both the ladies one of the two files she was holding. “This is a copy of all the police reports filed when the four of you were caught in a car like this back in your younger days.”
“Oh God! Did you read them?” Her mother asked.
“If I had known back then what I do now,” Trish said with a smile. “The things I could have gotten away with.”
Trish was trying not to laugh because both her aunt’s and her mother's face were beat red. One of the police reports had them caught half-naked with their breasts swaying in the wind while they were standing in the backseat of the car while John was driving.
“Trish,” Eve asked. “Do you know if this vehicle is for sale?”
“You best ask my date for the evening,” Trish responded. “I believe you both know him.”
I walked up with the confiscated beer in my hands. I set it on the front hood and began passing them around after opening them. Throwing the caps back into the case. Sheila and Eve could not believe it was me.
“Scotts your date!” Shelia said. “We have known him for years. Our lady’s book club all consider him an adopted son. He has done so much for a lot of us and never has asked for anything in return. When we offer him something he just says he will bank it for when he needs a favor down the road.”
“Here you go Shelia and Eve,” I said as I handed them to them.
“You know Scott how?” asked her aunt.
“I met him when I tried to arrest him,” Trish said honestly. “On my twenty-ninth birthday.”
“You're kidding me,” said Sheila.
“No, I am not,” Trish said. “I ended up being cuffed to him for about six hours.”
“Here you go mom and dad,” I said handing them the two I just opened.
“Scott why did you call Helen and John, mom and dad,” Shelia asked?
“Because your best friend told me she would box my ears,” I responded. “Until I did.”
Shelia turned and looked at her best friend with questioning eyes before saying, “Helen, you didn’t!”
“I did and I would do it again,” she answered quite proudly as her eyes started to tear up, “after what he did!”
“Now come on don’t put all the blame on me all I did was ask the question,” I said as I gave Trish her beer. “Nothing could have happened if it wasn’t for Trish.”
“Trish!” said Aunt Shelia. “What did you do?”
Holding up her hand allowing her aunt to see what she wore on her left hand she said, “I said yes.”
Shelia looked at Helen as if what she had just learned was unbelievable “Is this what the secret was?”
Helen in tears said, “I’m still having a hard time believing it. Thanks to Scott I got my daughter back. Do you know how hard it was for me watching their relationship unfold over the last few months? With all the changes in my eldest daughter’s personality I am still having difficulty at times believing it’s actually happening.”
“Next time you need a pinch of reality,” Shelia said. “Call me because now I am right up there with you. This is unbelievable because it’s so unexpected. We all had accepted the fact that Trish was never going to get married.”
“Trish and I were wondering if you would like to announce our and engagement publicly tonight,” I said.
“Yes, I would be honored too,” Shelia said. “When did it actually happen?”
“On our anniversary,” said John. “It was a complete surprise to Helen and Trish. It’s the first time I was able to get one past them.”
“Aunt Shelia are you still feeling old?” Trish asked.
“No, I haven’t felt this young at heart in years,” Shelia said honestly. “Thank you for that.”
Aunt Shelia hugged her favorite niece. After congratulations Eve told me to name my price. I told him it was not for sale. Helen now free to openly discuss our relationship started telling Shelia about our first weekend together. Once our beers were done, we headed in the hall.
I stayed behind to put the beer away and to transfer a surprise from the trunk of dad’s car before joining them.
At the start of the dance, I got up on stage to announce that, “it was on her sweet sixteenth birthday Shelia first met her husband Eve at a junior high dance. Her father had arranged her escort for her sweet sixteenth birthday. He was a son of an acceptable family that was well known in the area.
At the time of their meeting her date was drunk, disorderly, and was treating her with disrespect. She dumped him but he would not let it go lightly. Eve had stepped in and protected her.”
“During the next dance, he came back to attack Eve for making him look like the fool he was. John seeing him coming stopped him flat, as a result, their friendship started,” I explained.
“That night Helen and John went with them to Shelia’s parents place after the school dance so that they all could explain to her father why she wasn’t being returned by her date,” I explained. “The way Eve explains it that was the night that he got her father’s permission to date his daughter.”
“We would like to call Eve and Shelia Brown and John and Helen Malley to dance the very first song the four of them danced together,” I said.
The band began playing the song “Down in the boondocks” as the four came on the floor to start the first dance.
About halfway through the first session before the band took a break The MC for the night came on and said that Ruby needed someone to help her as a dance partner doing the Fred Astaire part to a song called ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance.’ If Ruby could still do the routine the Mrc foundation would receive a ten thousand donation.
I stood up and walked over to her and offered my hand. Ruby and I went to the center of the floor. The soundtrack from the original musical started playing. We were both rusty, but we were barely able to pull it off. When I escorted her back to her seat, I thanked her for making me look so good. The captain got a sparkle in his eye over that.
Shelia had to get me up on the floor for a slow two-step which suited me fine. I needed to recoup from the routine I had done with Ruby.
During the first break, I slipped out and brought in the surprise Trish and I had put together for Shelia. Placing it on her guest table were friends signed in without them seeing it I returned to me seat. During that time Shelia and Eve had just gone from table to table to thank all for coming. When they had headed back to their seats that’s when she noticed the package.
Going over to look at it Shelia saw an image of her parents when they were younger. Putting on her reading glasses she discovered it was a copy of her birth announcement from the newspaper back then. The whole gift was wrapped with copies of that image.
Then she noticed that the ribbon wrapping it had her date of birth on it. She picked up the envelope sitting on it and opened it up. It too was specially made. The one paged card read.
Happy birthday Aunt Shelia.
You will need this key to unlock the mystery hidden within.
Its secret must be kept until it’s time for it to begin.
It must be guarded with the strength of your heart.
Until it’s time for it to start.
Only then can what you see,
truly be.
Love Trish and Scott.
Shelia teared up and began removing the key attached. She was looking forward to seeing what was inside. Once that was done, she unwrapped the gift very carefully to save the wrapping paper. Inside was a small oak chest.
Trish and I were watching her as she opened the top up with the key. We saw the total surprise look on her face as she quickly closed it down again. She looked around to make sure no one was looking towards her before she peaked again.
It was during the third look that it registered. Shelia instantly had tears running down her face and she started calling Eve’s name. Eve came running to her side to find out what was wrong. Very quickly he came to our table saying his wife wanted us. As soon as we got there Trish moved around beside her.
Whispering into Trish's ear Shelia asked, “Is it real.”
“Open it up, and look at the back cover very carefully,” Trish replied.
I watched as Shelia did as she requested. “Omg does your mom know. How do I lock it back up?”
I said, “Hold the lid down and pull the key out.”
After she did that Shelia said “Eve take this and lock it in our safe. Trish open the silver chain on my neck and slip the key on with the cross.”
As Trish complied with her wish she whispered and said, “Terry and Fran’s fight was over what Fran said about Scott. Terry asked her to take it back and Fran refused. Terry slugged her hard and Fran said let’s take this outside. When we get married in December, I will be taking two names. Not only will I become Trish Nicole Tait, but I will become Mrs. Claus.”
Shelia had to put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from screaming out. She was totally in shock. The tears she was shedding were ones of pure joy because Trish’s words had explained so much. Mr. Claus had helped her daughter Fran out a while back. Fran had never been appreciative of the help she had been given. Yet Scott had never said a thing.
“One more thing Aunt Shelia,” Trish whispered. “Scott and I expect you and uncle Eve to come for lunch after your parents go home. That way you get a chance to see our home.”
“But I don’t know where you two live,” Shelia said.
“Sure, you do. It’s your favorite house,” Trish teased. “The one you call the Christmas Cottage.”
Shelia was unable to move because her mind was still trying to grasp everything that had been revealed. But now with what she now knew it made perfect sense why Helen had been distance. Their friendship would have ended because she would not have believed her.
Helen having figured out what we had done came over to join us to give her girlfriend the support she needed. Shelia just squeezed their hands until she calmed down.
“Helen you could have told me, and I would not have believed you,” Shelia said. “It still seems too unbelievable even with the proof. Will we ever come down from where we are now emotionally and mentally?”
“Not until they are on their honeymoon, I’m afraid,” Helen said. “With the book launch party and the wedding, I’ve got to help to organize it’s going to be a crazy couple of months.”
“Book launch party,” Shelia replied. “What are you talking about Helen?”
“The firm I work for is handling it for the publisher because Scott will only allow it if it’s done locally,” Helen replied. “So, it’s my baby to put together and promote. For Scott and my daughter, I have to make it perfect.”
“Well, Trish and Scott this building is yours to use if you want it rent-free, for both events,” Shelia said.
I looked at Trish who was nodding her head, so I said. “We accept it for both events only if the ladies book club agrees to help us organize them.”
I thought that her smile could not have gotten bigger, but I was proved wrong. Shelia kissed Trish on the cheek then did the same to me. By the time Eve got back his wife was calmed down.
During the band's second session I got to dance with all the Malley ladies at least once. Ruby got me on the floor for a waltz so did Marge who was excited to see that Trish and I had a relationship.
It was during the second intermission that Shelia took to the mike. “I want to thank all in attendance for coming, but I think an explanation is needed concerning my conduct. My niece Trish Malley decided to make this event an emotional rollercoaster ride for me tonight because I told her a couple of weeks ago that this birthday was making me feel old.”
“At four pm today with some help, Trish took my husband, her parents, and I for a three-hour ride down memory lane. For those three hours, it was as if we were young teenagers again. Even the music that was playing was a blast from the past. We were caught up in it when we got stopped by the police. The moment we saw who the officer was we all knew that the four of us had been set up. He had stopped us so much when we were young that he knew us by our first names. He followed us back to where we had been loaned the car.”
“Upon our return to the hall, I discovered Eve’s father and my father waiting for us just like they did when we were young. Both of them had their arms crossed. Seeing them like that brought back memories of the scolding we got for what we did back then. Just like when we were teens, they once again read Eve and I the riot act.”
“I don’t care how old you are when your fathers are standing there with their arms crossed ready to read you the riot act, you’re still that scared little girl.”
We could hear a few chuckles coming from the many quests and friends.
“I then got introduced in a sneaky way to Trish’s date for the evening. Boy was that ever a surprise. I didn’t even know that they knew each other. It was a man that Eve and I had come to know quite well over the years,” Shelia said. “Never if someone had told me could I ever had pictured these two being together.”
“Their secrets were revealed to us who did not know in such an innocent way that I was being overwhelmed emotionally by them to the extreme. But those two were not done playing with my life yet.”
“At the start of the dance, thanks to Trish and Scott the four us relieved how the four of us all met and became friends,” Shelia said. “Trish and her boyfriend later gave me a priceless gift that showed me the faith and trust they had in me. As a result of that gift, I was pushed to my emotional limits, and I lost it.”
“Trish and Scott, will you join me,” Shelia said.
We walked up and stood beside her.
“It is with great honor that I announce the engagement of my favorite niece Trish Malley to my adopted son Scott Tait,” Shelia disclosed. “They have set their wedding for the second Saturday in December.”
Everybody stood up and clapped. Shelia waited till they sat down.
“I have offered them the use of this building to them which they have accepted. It has led to this question. To the ladies of the book club who are in attendance,” Shelia said. “I need to know If you are willing to help them plan and organize their wedding and one more event. If you are willing, please stand.”
About twenty-five ladies from all walks in life stood up just as I figured they would. For years the ladies had tried their damest to pay back the favors I had done for them.
“We will meet here next Friday to start organizing the two events along with Trish and Scott at one pm. Please, this meeting has to be a member-only meeting and by the time we are through it you will understand why,” Shelia stated.
“To my niece Terry, with what I now know if I was you my daughter Fran would still be in the hospital.”
“Everyone knows my favorite author is the “Silent One.” In his writing, he always has a scene in which one of the main characters is faced to confront the past the present and the future in a unique way. This is what Trish and Scott did to me tonight. It turned a birthday that I was not looking forward to, into an event that has become one of the top ten in my life. I’m now going to have to reread his works because of what I experienced tonight.”
Fran, who was in attendance, was stunned by her own mother's comments. It really upset her to see her mother go over and hug Terry.
Eve came over later to Trish and me and thanked us for making the evening event an unforgettable one for his wife and him. He once again made a ridiculous offer in a second attempt to buy my Chevy Impala.
Later the MC announced that over twenty thousand had been raised for the Mrc Foundation by the event and that Mr. and Mrs. Brown was matching it.
*******
Trish and I were having a lazy Sunday morning lying in each other's arms cuddling. Neither one of us was in a rush to do anything. Trish was pleased that we had gotten her aunt's and mothers' relationship back on track.
I asked her what she wanted to do for our honeymoon. Her response made it clear that our honeymoon discussion would have to be postponed until after the New year. After all, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be busy spreading Christmas cheer.
Pat Roseburg flew in on Thursday around suppertime. Trish and I took her out to a classy downtown restaurant then drove back to our home. We set her up in my old bedroom before giving a tour of our house.
With the three master bedrooms upstairs, all furnished with antique furniture, she found the size of the house quite large. The three bedrooms and the dining room downstairs all done with furniture in the same style she asked me if I had restored them all. I admitted I had gradually done it all over time. Only the kitchen and living room could be considered modern.
She asked me how much my place was worth. I told her, and she responded why that’s less than half of what my twenty-four hundred square foot condominium cost us. Then I said it comes with twenty acres of land.
When I bought this place the first thing, I did was plant the property line in Canadian Hemlock, a tree that’s commonly used as a shrub because it grows about ten feet high and when planted four feet apart grows into a thick tight wall. Then I planted a second row to divide the house from the rest of the operation. My workshop, storage center, and secondary garage are all hidden from view thanks to the height of the trees that are quite often used as a privacy fence.
We were all sitting in the living room sharing an evening drink.
“Pat, we decided to accept your offer to have the company cover our wedding cost,” Trish said. “The place where we are going to have the meeting is where we will be holding the wedding. If it meets your approval, we will hold the pre-launch party there to. We have gotten the use of the building at no cost.”
“The wedding party itself will the maid of honor, two ladies in waiting, two flower girls, and her parents,” I explained. “The best man, two ushers, and two ring bearers since it will be a double-ring ceremony.”
“Have you set the date and the wedding colors,” Pat asked.
“The ladies will be in red, I will be in white,” Trish said. “Scott will wear black, and the rest of the men will be dark grey. Our wedding date is the second Saturday in December.”
“Tomorrow we will be meeting with the Ladies in Red Book group that will be helping us with both the book launch and our wedding,” I said. “All of them I have known for years and I trust them.”
********
As the ladies walked in for the meeting at Sheila’s they were handed a one-page non-disclosure form to sign on behalf of the publisher. At five after one Pat, Trish, Helen, and I walked in. I introduced Pat once it was established that all those present had turned in and signed the form. She disclosed which publishing firm she represented.
“I know that you’re here to start to help planning Trish and Scott's wedding, but we would like you to help us prepare the prelaunch party on November 1st for the “Silent Ones” latest book called “Tearstained Buttercup Eyes,” Pat said. “Trish and Scott will be passing out a file and we ask you not to open it until all have received it.”
There were a lot of ooze and awe’s as Trish, and I quickly passed them around.
“Ladies your about to learn one of the secrets that were revealed to Shelia at Shelia’s birthday party,” Helen said. “Please open your files and learn why we are requiring complete secrecy.”
Each of them opened the file that contained a copy of the book cover which revealed my identity. After a few gasps of surprise, Marge said, “I called Bill and booked his restaurant to do the catering and service for both events. He just needs to know how many and the budget to work with.”
“Scott is this Bill acceptable to you?” Pat asked.
I replied, “Bill’s food is always above and beyond. For me, it will be over the top. Ladies, we realize that once the secret comes out there’s going to be a lot of questions. If you are asked just say that friends don’t reveal a friend's secrets and leave it at that.”
For the next three hours, we were asked questions upon questions. Shelia’s house staff came out with snacks and drinks for us all. A lot of the ladies had pictures taken with me with their cells. Before they left, we collected back all the files so there was no permanent record.
Marge told me that Linda was recovering slowly from a big heartbreak and only time would help her to move on. Bill had her working as much as possible at the prep table to keep her mind occupied. Pat had explained to Marge what kind of food she wanted for the book release party and gave her a business card so she could be contacted and emailed.
At five we drove her to the airport and saw her off.
-----------------------
We were getting ready to go out on Saturday when Trish got the phone call to come and pick up her diamond necklace. No one had put a claim in on it and nothing had been found in data searches of stolen property. After picking it up we took to our favorite jeweler for evaluation.
Jayson’s franchise owner was impressed with it. He said the quality of the work done on it was outstanding. He could tell it had been custom made around the turn of the century in the early nineteen hundred. Based on current market conditions and costs he gave us an appraisal value of twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars because the diamonds of were of good quality. Trish decided that she would wear it for the first time on our wedding day. We ended up purchasing a set of diamond earrings that compliment it.
We took it home and put it into the safe in our walk-in closet before going grocery shopping for the house.
When we arrived at Mom and Dads on Sunday we learned that Shelia and Eve had been there most of the day. Mom had to show them all the videos they had of us from day one. Uncle Eve milked the situation referring to Trish and Tina as the dimwit and the halfwit all day. Carla and Dan were the last two to show with their twins. By the end of the day, they got them back after having to pry them out of Shelia and Mom's hands.
Terry had taken me aside and asked if I had any special wishes in relation to the wedding. I said no I just wanted to make sure that both sides of the sitting area were used and not reserved for family sides.
I never noticed that Terry had gotten Trish aside and had chatted with her for a few.
-----------------
Cathy Fendley was sitting at the kitchen table when her house phone rang. After answering the call, she heard a woman explain that she was hunting for some relatives of her future brother in law. She said I need to verify that your husband had been born deaf and had just got his hearing back a few years ago. When she affirmed that what the lady said was true. She asked if she could send her by email two pictures to look at. Cathy reluctantly gave her the email address then went to turn on her computer.
“Look for an email address from [email protected].” the lady said.
It took her going into junk mail to find it. The first picture was of her, and her husband James taken years ago. It had been the first time in their married life that they could afford to have professional photos taken. The second was a current picture of their nephew Albert who had disappeared years ago on his sixteenth birthday.
“How did you find us?” Cathy asked in excitement. “And how is Albert?”
“My name is Terry Helen Carson. Your Albert now goes by the name of James Scott Tait, and he is about to become my brother in law in December. He has your picture hanging on the wall in his house. On the back of it was the name of the photographer's information who took it. I Googled it and they led me to you,” She explained. “If I am right the Mrc foundation paid to have your husband's hearing restored.”
“Yes, we often wondered why we were given that gift,” Cathy responded. “That has never been disclosed since we were sworn to secrecy.”
“Scott as we call him runs the foundation,” Terry explained. “Years ago, he helped my family out. Until just recently I had no clue either. My sister explained to me that he had taken your husband's first name as his, his second name which he uses from his father and his last name from his best friend a farmer to the north of where he grew up.”
Cathy was on the verge of crying. Terry sensed it. “I will call you back in an hour after giving you time to adjust.”
Cathy responded,” What's your cell phone number I will call you after I talk to my husband.”
James Fendley was working on his tractor when his wife came running from the house crying. He was wondering what was up because she had a smile on her face a mile wide. She ran into his arms.
“Albert is alive,” She sobbed.
James, once he had gotten his wife to calm downed learned what she knew. When he learned that his sisters boy was behind him getting his hearing it had raised a lot of questions and he realized that for the rest of the day his work was done. On Sunday it would be Albert's birthday. He could not help but wonder if he finally celebrated them.
His mind went back to the last day he had seen him. They had just welcomed his own parents back into their fixed home. His brothers and sisters were in the house taking full credit for what was done when he noticed Albert beside his truck. He had gladly given him the ride into town not knowing it would be the last time he saw him.
It had taken a week before his own father came to their farm trying to find out where Albert was. They had talked in sign language about what he knew. Towards the end of the conversation, he handed his father the unopened letter. After reading it he asked in sign if Albert had provided the dining furniture and the kitchen cabinets. He had said yes. It was the first time in his life he had seen his father break down and cry.
His father had gone to see Albert's friend in the nursing home, whom he had never liked in an attempt to locate Scott. The only thing the man would say is that Albert had endured all that was thrown at him and had become a solitary man. He was going to find what he has never had with you and that is a life that has value. He’s changed his name and has left his past behind. Rest assured that with the values he holds he will go far in his life.
When his own father was near death in a private moment, he told him what Albert had written. All he had said. “Best have new kitchen evaluated your most likely underinsured. Room and board paid in full. Your mother and I did that boy wrong all his life and I regret it. Our hate for what his father did was taken out on him. Promise me if you ever see him, you will tell him I’m sorry and that I was wrong.”
His mother was still alive. He needed more information before deciding what he should do. What he had learned since getting his hearing given to him had changed a lot of his views. Most of his own brother and sisters he no longer considered as a family because of their piss poor self-centered attitude towards most things.
They went back into the farmhouse. He poured them both a strong acholic drink before sitting down beside her. Cathy called the number Terry had given her and threw the speaker on.
“Hi,” said Terry. “I’m glad you called back.”
“Terry, James and I have a lot of questions do you have the time,” Cathy said.
Terry started by telling Cathy and James what Scott had done for her when her twin sons were born. She then went on to talk about the Christmas drop he did every December and how it had grown over the years. Cathy and James were surprised to learn that he had gone into and excelled at being in law enforcement.
They learned how his love for wood had brought Terry’s sister and him together. They were afraid to love, but by working together on two major projects they had been brought together.
Terry learned for the first time how bad it was for Scott growing up. They had talked for two hours when Terry asked if they would be interested in coming to where they all lived to take part in a surprise birthday party, they were throwing for him. They said yes. Terry said she would email them the details and three videos for them to watch.
For the next hour Terry sat holding a tea as her eyes shed for the man who to her would always be a saint. For her it explained so much about the man she loved more than her father and husband. By the time she had settled down she had come to the belief that her future brother in law had been chosen for a pacific purpose that was not yet known.
On Sunday morning James and Cathy walked through the doors into the Cape Airport to meet Terry in person for the first time. Terry was holding a sheet of paper with their names on it.
********
Trish and I were headed over to her parents. We had spent the last three days working on a lot of minor things on some of the things we would be gifting out during the Christmas season. She was beginning to appreciate the organization and space needed to pull off what we would be doing. For some reason, we had to be there early. I knew it was to celebrate my birthday, and I really didn’t want it to be made out to be a big deal. Trish was well aware of the fact but did not know the reason why.
It was a warm day. Anyone living in the State knew if you didn’t like the weather this time of year just wait a day or two and it might be completely different. After two days of rainy periods, the sun was out the temperature way up. No winter coat today so I was just wearing a t-shirt with my gun shirt and blue jeans.
Terri had gotten so sick of seeing its frayed edges that she had sat down and used her fancy sewing machine to clean it up. Embroidered into its pocket was designed by BBBB. She had covered over the buttonhole section with an extra layer of blue jean material stitched in, then matched it on the other side turning a piece of junk into a fashionable blue jean vest.
Mom and Dad heard us pulling in. By the time we had parked the car they were outside sitting in the patio having a beer when we walked around the corner. Trish said she was going to join them and asked me to go grab us each a beer.
I was bent over at the fridge reaching for them when I heard James’s voice. “The first drink I’m going to have with you Albert better be stronger than a beer.”
I straighten up turned around and saw both Cathy and James standing there at the entrance to the dining room. All three of us lost it. It had been eighteen years to the day.
“How?” I asked.
“Your girlfriend and her sister,” Cathy said as Trish walked in through the back door.
“Dad said to get the good scotch out the bottom of his desk. A moment like this deserves the best,” Trish said.
Trish poured the drinks for the four of us while I hugged my uncle and aunt. I then introduced Trish to them.
“Let’s go sit in the front room so we can chat,” Trish said, “before the rest of the tribe show up.”
“You still leave your mark on what you do,” James said as we were walking through the dining room.
I laughed, Trish said, “Scott leaves a mark where is it?”
James said, “It’s the back leg right side, of both the captain's chair. You have to turn the chair over to see it. I discovered it by accident on the set he did for my mother years ago.”
Trish set her drink on the table and went and turned the captain's chair over and saw it for the first time.
“This table had a huge gash in it,” Trish said, “I stood outside while he was doing it and watched him without him knowing. If there is real magic in the world, I was witnessing it that day. I saw him do what was impossible with a patience that went to the extreme. I figure it took him about 12 hours of repetitive procedures to restore it to a point that you would never believe that damage had ever been done.”
“After Scott left my dad had an appraiser come in to look at his new kitchen. The man told him that when he had written it off, he had placed a value of twenty thousand on it. It shocked him to see that it had been brought back to the point of perfection. What Scott had saved was about eighty-five percent of what it had been before,” James said. “When he looked at the dining set, he lost it saying he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.”
“Scott’s skill and knowledge,” Trish said, “Goes back before the time of the machine and he uses modern things to enhance what he is doing nothing more.”
For the next two hours, we chatted about family history and my new life. I learned about my grandfather's last words about me. We ended our private chat when we heard Billy and Bobbie asking, “Where’s uncle Scott?”
Terry surprised me once more when I unwrapped her present from her side of the family. She had custom made me a new shirt made in the fashion that her sister had destroyed. It even had the weights on one side to counterbalance the shirt when it was hiding my gun.