Complete

This contains all the chapters

NO SEX in this story. Maybe later in the series… If you want a series 🙂

Complete

Here is the second chapter to complete the opening of the series. I broke it into two parts because I didn’t have the whole thing planned out. I write the stories as they come to me and hope that those who read them enjoy the tale I spin. TY again for taking the time to read my stories. For those who are following Modern Mage; I am working on the next chapter but felt that I should introduce this place before continuing that tale.
Being that they walked in here I knew they were meant to find the place or had been brought by someone else who had been here before. The fact that they sat at my table with impunity told me that they knew the rules of the place and chose to display contempt for either me or my place. I didn’t appreciate that kind of attitude. I finished serving the drink orders I’d taken and let the other bartenders know I was stepping away for a few minutes. I took my time walking around the bar to head for my table. I used this time to size my visitors up. There were three of them sitting at the table and four more who positioned themselves around the room behind them. The guy sitting in the middle, directly across from my chair, appeared to be in his mid to late Fifties. His body language displayed someone who was there to enjoy the environment and relax, up until you looked at his face. He was smiling and acting like this was an evening out, however the truth was revealed in his eyes. He had dead eyes, no emotion showing in them; the look of a predator. I’d seen enraged werewolves and vampires in bloodlust that looked friendlier than this man sitting at my table.
The two women on either side of him had a similar dead look in their eyes. I tagged them mentally as bodyguards due to a few factors. They never looked at the gentleman they sat with; instead observing the rest of the room constantly. I’d give them credit for intelligence if they had even thought to look up; the security team on the catwalks went unobserved. They looked like arm candy being tall curvy blondes with blue eyes wearing short dresses, however the clothing was cut to not restrict their movements. I spotted Sam and George moving into position near the other four members of their party in case trouble started as I sat in my chair across from Mr. Dead Eyes. “Good evening and welcome to my place. Can I assist you with anything this evening?”
My new friend smiled with all the warmth of a hungry shark before he began to speak. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Masters, however I am not here to be assisted. I have other plans for this night.”
I kept a friendly expression on my face and sat back in my chair. I brought my foot up against the table leg, using the leverage to lean my chair back onto the rear legs only. “Since you’re obviously not hear to enjoy the atmosphere let’s both speak plainly. You and your bodyguards are welcome to stay, but don’t start any trouble. My staff and I will stop it and there will be no second chances here.”
He didn’t look in the least disturbed by my statement, nor did I expect him to be. He looked around the place slowly, eyes flicking from place to place. I gave him more points for intelligence than I did his bodyguards when he looked up and spotted the catwalks. The look of a hungry shark came back as he started to reply, “While I applaud the impressive security you have here, if I decide to start trouble they will be useless to your survival. If I kill you first, you don’t think I can buy their services. While I may at some time test that idea, tonight I’m not here for you. I have a job to do here tonight and can’t let you interfere with it. Stay out of my way and there won’t be any trouble.”
“If you came to talk to me first you know my rules and that I can’t and more importantly won’t let you do anything to violate the sanctuary I offer to anyone who comes here. If you choose to try and do so, you will answer to me and my staff. As for killing me,” I gave him my own predatory smile, “many have tried just that through the years and I’m still sitting here talking to you. Explain to me why you are really here and I’ll see if I can assist you.”
“You spoke plainly and so will I. I’m here to retrieve someone who is a frequent visitor. This is the only place where they aren’t surrounded by a small private army of bodyguards. I’m going to take the person out of here and return them to the person who hired me. You and your staff members will stay out of my way and not interfere. That is how this evening will go unless you want more trouble than you can handle.”
I sighed, dropping my head to my chest. This was a signal for Sam and her security people that things may be going south very fast and to be ready. I looked back up into my visitors face, “Final warning, if you try to star something in here you will fail and I’ll give you to the people you are trying to interfere with for punishment. If you knew anything about me or this place you’d know I’ve handled more trouble than you can bring to bear against me. If you want to go to your graves tonight, I can oblige you; otherwise drink, relax and obey the rules or get your asses out of my bar. Your choice either way.”
When things started they happened quickly. One of the original supernatural patrons entered the front door. Her name was Ynara and she had the potential to be one of the most powerful Ascendants in time. Her father had been an Archmage of legend and her mother was a Fallen Angel. She stood at an even five feet, trim build with perky B cup breast and an apple bottom. Her hair was a deep fiery red highlighted with black, it fell wavy all the way to her knees. She had blue eyes the color of a twilight sky with little fleck of red burning in them. She made everyone who met her think of the Love & Theft song Angel Eyes. She was wearing a conservatively cut white sheath that made her look hotter than any club wear could have. She was under the protection of several of the supernatural leaders in this City. Ynara was from Los Angeles originally and I knew of several groups who wanted her back there where they could control her. The moment she stepped through the door I knew things just got very messy.
Mr. Dead Eyes stood quickly, extending his right arm toward me as his bodyguards turned to face any threats coming from the sides. I reacted immediately, pressing my foot against the leg of the table, tipping my chair back to get clear of his line of fire. Two of the Mr. Dead Eyes other bodyguards moved to grab Ynara as soon as he had stood. George grabbed the one he was closest to by the back of his neck holding him from moving towards her. Sam being a vampire moved with inhuman speed kicking the other man who approached Ynara in the knee shattering the bones in the joint to splinters with the impact interposing herself bodily between the remaining men and their target. All this happened in the time it took my chair to hit the floor.
The second I hit the floor I was already rolling away to regain my feet. As I came to my feet, I drew two throwing spikes from my sleeves prepared to throw them. The place went silent except for the man screaming in pain with a shattered knee as I faced the man who disturbed my peaceful establishment. I held the spike ready to throw even though I expected I wouldn’t need them. The security team on the catwalks had weapons drawn and aimed at the three standing before me. Sam had her sidearm out pointed at the head of the third man that came in with our friend. The last of his men was standing still with his hands up right where he was when everything started. That’s when I noticed JD standing behind him and the edge of a sword pressed to the side of his neck. “I warned you that my staff and I could stop any trouble you started in here. Now I proved it to you. You have two choices left to you and I’ll recommend the first one. Walk away now, leave my club and get out of my city. Don’t come back again. She is under the protection of too many people for you to mess with. Now that you violated the sanctity of my establishment to grab her I am placing her under my protection as well. The second choice is to die, whether that is by continuing in your actions here, leaving the bar and not the city, or coming back after you leave the city. I don’t have the desire the kill you but I won’t hesitate to do so. Which choice are you taking?”
He looked like I pissed him off, and I liked that fact because it would make him sloppy. “You have no idea who I am or what you’re messing with. I’ll offer you a similar choice and we’ll see how the rest of the evening goes. You can get out of my way, hand over the girl and let me walk away with her or you can choose to die here and now.” He had a look of confidence on his face that spoke volumes about his opinion of his skills and those of his people. I hate standoffs like this, invariably both sides think they’ll win and people, usually innocent bystanders, wind up getting hurt. The Bar area was slowly clearing out while we were talking. The only people left in this area were my staff members and his people.
“Like you said to me earlier, do you think your people will continue to fight if you’re the first to die? My people know exactly what happened to this club and for them when I do. They know they’ll be taken care of and the Existence will remain an Elysium long after I’m gone. Can your people say the same about you?” He paled a little at that last question which may just give me the edge I needed to resolve this situation peacefully. I had my doubts but I would try. I have killed enemies in the past and would do so again when needed, but I always tried to resolve the situation first. Unfortunately some people just needed to die. “Last chance to leave, anyone who stays to cause trouble doesn’t see another sunrise.”
The guy whose knee had been shattered started to drag himself across the floor towards the door. The man being held by George was also trying to get to the door; George assisted him in making a quick exit. He picked him up and threw him out the open door as the other guy crawled outside. The two men with weapons trained on them and his bodyguards stayed. We were all watching each other closely waiting for someone to make the move that sent this situation to hell in a hand basket. The bodyguards started it up again as the one on his right placed herself between me and her charge. He swung his aim toward JD to get his other man clear. I threw both spikes I was holding, the first towards Dead Eyes head and the second towards his weapon. The first spike was intercepted by his bodyguard, burying itself to the grip in her neck taking her out of the fight as she grabbed her neck and fell. The second missed his gun as he swung his are to aim at JD. It glanced off his arm because of the angle it hit at. His shot didn’t hit JD cleanly, but clipped his ear as it went past him. JD spun away from the hit pulling his sword away with him allowing that man to act. The other bodyguard stepped up onto the chair and dove across the table at me with a blade in her hands while the man Sam was watching moved to spear George. The man who got clear of JD’s drawn sword started to draw weapons from under his coat. Sam was of course pissed at me and I’d pay for it later because I had given her only one choice of action in the situation. Sam and I had been fighting side by side for some time and she took my safety as being more important than her own, but when I put Ynara under my protection she had no choice but to get her to safety and leave me in this fight.
JD moved quickly, closing back in with the man he had been guarding. JD positioned himself so that the man he faced was between the boss’s weapons and himself. As the man drew his weapons on JD, he was moving to try and get him into a cross fire. JD took one hand off the hilt of his sword extending it towards his opponent and spoke, “Present Firing Pins.” There were suddenly two small objects in his palm that he dropped to the floor before taking hold of the hilt again. The man brought both pistols in line with JD and pulled the triggers. They failed to fire. The man looked shocked at this and dropped the firearms. JD stepped into him swinging low with the sword he slashed into the man’s leg on the outside of his knee severing the muscles and tendons causing him to drop to the floor.
George took the spear without moving. The man that charged him obviously didn’t know what he just attacked. George grabbed the man by the arm twisting it up and behind his back hard enough that you could hear the bone snap over the noise of the fighting. He kicked the guy in the back of his knee causing him to fall to the floor. George held him there by placing his foot onto the back of one of his legs and shifting his weight onto it.
As the bodyguard came over the table at me I spun away to the side. While my reflexes were pretty good, she was better with that knife. It sliced into me, cutting a gash from just next to my spine around the right side under my ribcage. I’ve had similar injuries before and forced myself to ignore the pain for the moment. During the spin, I drew the knife I kept on my side. As her blade exited the flesh under my ribs, I drove my knife down at her waist severing her spinal cord. She landed poorly rolling across the floor with the hilt of my knife protruding from her back as she stopped against a couple of barstools. I stood to face the man who started all of this. My jeans and shirt ruined as blood flowed from my side down my leg onto the floor. I refused to let Dead Eyes see the pain I was in so I straightened up to my full height and looked him in the eyes.
The fight had only lasted a few seconds, and behind him Elayna stood with a Derringer pressed against his skull. His arms were raised and his sidearm was being held by Jarvis who as always was at his mistress’s side. I knew I’d pay for what I was about to do, but the reputation I and the club had about how we handled trouble would get a major boost from it. I walked around the table, feeling my muscles stretch and tear with every step I took. When I stood directly in from of him I looked in his eyes and spoke, “I gave you every chance to leave here and not cause trouble. You chose to ignore our reputation and my warning. I also told you exactly what I’d do if you didn’t leave.” I looked over my shoulder to see a pissed of Sam standing with Ynara. I nodded to same, letting her know I wanted her to come over here. She walked over behind him, grabbed him around the waist with one arm and using her other drew his head back and to the side exposing a long line of his neck to her. “You’re dead now, as is anyone in your crew who isn’t already dead or gone.” With that said Sam extended her fangs and bit down. She drained him fully while the surviving members of his group watched. We moved his body along with the rest of his survivors into one of the private rooms to be fed on by any vampire that wanted them. I didn’t like it very much but I kept my word once given. No one messes with the patrons in my place.
As soon as they were removed from the main bar area I headed for the stairs to our apartments. I knew that I’d be fine, but I couldn’t let my patrons know exactly what I was. Made them think about things before violating the rules. Once I got upstairs into the common room I grabbed a talisman I kept in there. I ran it over the wound, closing it instantly and repairing the damage under the surface as well. I set the talisman back where we kept and headed for my room to jump in the shower. Just as I entered the hallway and turned toward my room, Sam came up the stairs and decked me. She was being kind apparently because while it hurt the punch didn’t shatter my jaw. “Boss, if you ever do that to me again I will shatter your jaw. I know what you are and what you can do, but you aren’t any more immortal than me.” She spun on here heel and went out onto the catwalks over the club area to watch the dance floor. I’ll admit that I deserved the punch. I jumped into the shower and cleaned he blood off of me while a few members of my staff took care of cleaning up the bar. After the evening started the way it did, I decided to be prepared for any more trouble. I dressed in black jeans and a black silk shirt. I put on my holsters. I was a pure righty when it came to firearms. I carried three pistols, all of them 45s. One each in a shoulder, back and hip holster each loaded for different targets. Silver in the back in the event I had to deal with a Were creature, Tracer rounds for the Vampires in the shoulder rig and jacketed hollow points for all the rest in the one on my hip. Over those I slid my leather duster with my Benelli M3 Super 90 inside the front in a specially designed holster for it. This is the shotgun I would hang under the table when I sat there. I think that more than anything is why Sam punched me. If I’d had that from the beginning we’d have had less people to deal with during the fight and I’d likely not have been injured. I didn’t go back to tending the bar, I took my chair on the catwalk between the bar and club. I watch the people going about their lives and I’ll tell you a secret. Whether human, vampire, mage or anything else; they are all still people with personalities and lives. I wouldn’t let any of them be harmed while here. Once under my roof, you were my responsibility. Some would call me as much a monster as the vampires for handing the survivors over like that. I say that the choices we make every day make us monsters or not. My choice to provide a safe place for all people may not make me a saint but protecting those same people doesn’t make me or my people monsters.

Read 18888 times |
Rated 95.1 % |
(226 votes)

Vote list (Close) :Wolf_Knight
: POSITIVESlickler-Saveen
: POSITIVEpyroclast
: POSITIVE

Please rate this text:   

I’m trying to write an erotic piece that doesn’t really have sex in it.

(This is completely fiction and the combat teams as I described are not the way it is)

Complete

James and Megan’s life continues

In our last chapter Kathryn gave birth at the same time as Misty, actually, Misty delivered Marshall Junior or MJ ten minutes before Kathryn delivered Amanda. As we shared our first breakfast together with the newborns, Misty’s father had finally come to accept Misty and Marshall’s marriage. To say he was a little surprised at finding out about his daughter’s wealth would definitely be an understatement.
Misty’s parents had struggled all their lives. Carl did not want to see the two go through the same trials as he and Sarah had done. I can understand that, no parent would like to see their child struggling to put food on the table, and barely managing to keep a roof over their head.
The Ten of Them Chapter 28
Written by Hard93.
Shortly after breakfast, Mom finally managed to make it up to our room. The first thing she did was take Amanda into her arms. I see the love and joy that shined from her face as she held her granddaughter, it was easy to recognize because she had that same love and joy when she held Sam and Crystal for the first time.
I noticed Sam and Crystal watching and I pulled them into my lap. Whispering into their ears I say, “See how your Grandma Maggie loves Amanda. She looked at you the very same way the first time she held you.”
Sam and Crystal’s faces turn to look into mine. I can already see the tears of joy beginning to flow. I shake my head confirming what I have told them. The two girls throw their arms around each other and me as we hug with their faces against my chest.
Kathryn giggles, comes and sits beside us she says, “Can I get a little of that too my beautiful little princesses.”
Giggling the girls move so they too can hold Kathryn in a hug that brings joyful laughter to my family. Across the room, Misty is hugging her father as he holds MJ for the first time. Sarah is hugging Marshall, as Uncle George followed by Alyssa and Johnny, finally makes it to the room as well. The rest of the family that had been helping in the kitchen quickly follows them.
Kara coming over to us rubs Kathryn shoulder and ask as she looks at her mother who now holds Amanda, “You think it is going to be like this for me?”
Kathryn giggles as she stands to hug her sister, looking into Kara’s face she says, “No.” Kara’s face shows her shock at her sister statement. Kathryn quickly says, “You are having twins, both Mom and Dad will have their hands full.” That begins the two sisters laughing as they hug each other.
Karen sliding into the hug with her sisters after rubbing Kara’s belly says, “I am going to have so much fun spoiling my nieces, and possibly a nephew or two.”
Kara giggles, “I guess I better behave myself when it comes to Amanda. Kathryn, I will probably need your help after all you will have a little more experience dealing with the baby.”
Michelle giggles, “You mean you do not remember us diapering her ass.”
Maria has been away at college and just managed to return, she is paused outside the doorway listening for a moment. Maria giggles coming up to her sisters says, “Michelle that was mostly me and you. You have to remember Kara was only three years old at the time.”
Michelle turns to hug Maria, the other three sisters quickly followed. The four surround Maria until they all back off from her. Michelle is the first to complain, “Damn, Maria you are cold.”
Maria looks Michelle in the face and replies, “You walk from the airport and see if you are not half frozen.”
Her sisters quickly strip her coat off and hug her again, as Maria still shivers. Joan quickly returns with a cup of hot coffee for Maria. Joan says, “This should help warm you up, it is black but we could get sugar and cream for it.”
Maria takes the cup, taking a long sip before she thinks Joan, “Joan thank you. It is perfect because it is hot.”
Helen comes to her daughter who is just arrived from college wrapping her in her arms she says, “Maria, I love you. I am glad you managed to make it in, now I can stop worrying about you. You could have stayed at college perfectly safe.”
Maria looks at the baby and her father’s arms and says, “What and let you and Dad be the only ones spoiling my baby niece, speaking of which where is my nieces?”
Sam excitedly says, “I am here Aunt Maria.”
Crystal becoming excited as well says, “Me too, Aunt Maria.”
Maria hands her mother the coffee as she extends her arms to her nieces. Both girls jump from my lap into their aunt’s arms. Maria pulls the two close kisses each on their cheek and says, “I missed you two something awful.”
The two girls hold tight to her and reply, “We missed you too.”
Cindy, Sam and Crystal had become close to Maria over the Christmas break and her them. I think she identified with Crystal the most being the second daughter. It was very hard for Maria to return to school. Maria would often Skype the girls. They would chat for quite a while.
Cindy breaks away from Daniel and moves to Maria as well, Maria letting go of Sam and Crystal, takes Cindy into her arms. “How is my oldest niece doing?”
Cindy giggles before she replies, “I am doing great aunt Maria. I started homeschooling like Sam and Crystal. It is a lot of fun hanging out with them, but I do miss some friends from school. I do not miss the bullies. I just started the third grade. Sam and Crystal are helping me catch up.”
Maria turns to Sam and Crystal still holding Cindy, “I am proud of you for helping each other.”
The three girls smile and say simultaneously, “We are family.”
Maria smiles saying, “Yes we are.”
Coach has given Amanda to Alyssa who has definitely fallen in love with my third daughter exactly as she had with my older two. Coach comes and pulls Maria into his arms saying, “I missed you something crazy.”
Maria giggles in her father’s embrace looking into his face she says, “Me too Daddy.”
As Kathryn’s hand slipped into mine, I could not help but think what a lucky man I am. The Edwards came into my life and showed me what family is about, the ten of them living and loving each other. In that same moment of realization I realized my father had saved ten lives when giving up his. According to our premonition, Kathryn would become pregnant ten times. Now I knew why I always considered ten to be my lucky number. Another connection to ten, so far we had helped seven of our close friends become millionaires, three more were soon to join us making the total ten.
I disbelieve we would stop with the first ten that we help, but possibly ten times ten over our lifetime or more likely the next ten years. Those that we have helped, continue doing the same so in a matter of decades who knows how many will come to have a better life.
Our friends Bobby and Mary along with others, now that I think of it eight more, would be in financial ruin if it were not for Kathryn and me. Moreover, so many more with my family’s help have come to have a better life, their businesses now more profitable. Not claiming that we did anything extraordinary, we simply helped where we could. What was the odd thing, we helped others to stand, only to find ourselves standing higher. Our small town has turned around in the few months since we began to help. I know now that some of the people we assisted are helping others either directly or indirectly.
Later that morning Kathryn released, we pay the $2,604 and make a doctor’s appointment for next week. That amount of money seemed a little high for the short amount of time Kathryn was here. However, we had certain things that we required that most families would not opt for having. The two thousand six hundred and four dollars hard for most families to afford was rather easy for Kathryn and I.

Read 36492 times |
Rated 95.6 % |
(436 votes)

Vote list (Close) :120489
: POSITIVEShariar lonleyboy
: POSITIVEDaringDad2
: POSITIVEScrapDawg32
: POSITIVECaptnapa
: POSITIVE

Please rate this text:   

Second part

In our last chapter, JJ and Kathryn found Crystal a missing piece to their family, they immediately began the process of adopting her. Although unable to adopt Cindy, JJ and Kathryn will take care of her by acting as her foster parents

no sex at all in this one

In our last chapter we dealt with the situation with Cindy’s Mom, Sylvia was serving the last six months of her jail term. Sylvia rushed to the emergency room and hospitalized after she nearly died in front of JJ and Kara. During her initial evaluation, her diagnosis was brain cancer requiring emergency surgery. Uncle George helped get her released early for medical treatment and her good behavior.
Storyteller’s notes: I need to warn you, this is another chapter that deals with death and more importantly the death of a loved one. I have tried not to make it to graphic, and deal more with emotional side of this story. This is a real emotional chapter, but I feel it advanced and enriched the overall story. It shows that JJ is not always the hero, and allow some of his other family members to shine. If you been waiting for some of this, you can think Demik.
Demik private messaged me several times, sometimes with a critique sometimes with encouragement and lately with some very good ideas so I included them into the storyline.
Please remember this is fiction, and the facts portrayed are not reality, any and all names were products of my imagination. Please forgive misspelling and misused words. I have done my best to edit and correct them but I am sure I missed a few in the nearly 9293 words. All thanks to Microsoft Word and its recent improvements. Please enjoy it in spite of my failings. I do appreciate the positive comments I have gotten, along with the votes. If I continue to make a mistake, kind of like Kata feel free to PM me.
The Ten of Them. Chapter 26
Composed by Hard93 and Demik.
It is an early Saturday afternoon, and we are relaxing after lunch. Crystal sets in my lap and Sam leans against me both asleep in the warm sun light that shines through the glass keeping out the cool air of late winter. We enjoy the quiet after a boisterous morning. Ms. Clark brought the girls over so they can enjoy the pool. We took the opportunity to have a makeup birthday party for Cindy; it was a surprise to Cindy and her mother Sylvia as well, Because Cindy’s sixth birthday had passed during early December nearly two months before. Sylvia imprisoned at the time, and the orphanage could not provide one for Cindy.
Sylvia had begun her cancer treatment, although she was only beginning to feel the full effects of her chemo she was weak and had very little energy. Sylvia did enjoy watching her daughter splash in the pool and enjoy yourself. I was still Cindy’s foster father, although we were letting her sleep at Sylvia’s apartment during the weekends. Daniel, Kara and Karen left to help Sylvia this afternoon.
The Coach was working on this project with his crew, I tried not to think of it because Kathryn would learn of her surprise but given her smug grin, I think it is too late. I think, do not ruin the surprise for the rest of your sisters. Kathryn sticks her tongue out at me in response to my thoughts.
Charles, Jane, Mitch and Jim walk in followed by Ron and Reese. Charles grins seeing the sleeping girls, Mitch shakes his head with a smile, Ron and Reese’s eyes spark with laughter, and I can tell Jane just wants to scoop them up.
Ron says quietly, “Major Denton call this morning he wanted to know how Sam is doing.”
I raise an eyebrow not knowing whom he refers to. Charles says quietly in a voice so smooth it would not wake the lightest sleeper, “He was our executive officer, and he just decided to retire. He was the last person to challenge you on the punch omatic.”
I smile and softly say, “The officer who gave me my coin.” Without disturbing the girls, I slide one hand in a pocket and remove the silver dollar sized coin. I roll it across my knuckles. When Ron, Mitch and Charles removes a similar coin from their pockets, I remember what they told me of unit coins. As long as you have one when someone else brings one out you do not have to pay for the next round at a bar or restaurant, if you are the person who brought it out you are the challenger. If everyone else has one and displays it, the challenger buys the next round.
Smiling I say, “I guess Bobby’s and Mary’s for dinner tonight.” Jim instantly notices that, it is not that he does not appreciate his mother’s cooking; he is just very sweet on Bobby’s youngest daughter Debs. Charles, Ron, and Mitch suppressed their laughter as Jim, even thou he works there and it is his night off, eagerly shakes his head yes.
Ron asks, “How did you get that coin?”
I reply, “Major Denton gave it to me.”
Ron and Charles look a little shocked. Ron says, “I have only seen him hand out three in the time I was in service.” Charles shakes his head in agreement knowing the Major.
Therefore, I began telling the story about how he challenged my parenthood of Sam. I explained what I told him, and what he said when he tossed me the coin. Ron, Mitch and Charles grins and shake their heads.
In her sleep Sam mumbles, “Love you Daddy.” That brings a bright smile to my face.
Charles says, “One of the only other coins he gave was to Sam’s father. I guess he knows you’re her Daddy now.”
Ron says quietly, “He asked me about you, and if you have done what you said. I related the story about Lester, the pizzeria, and then pointed out that he witnessed one time himself. I reminded him that I was Sam’s godfather and I believe she is exactly where she should be. He chuckled over the phone and he told me you are exactly like Sam’s father in spirit. Then I told him in spirit you are Sam’s father.”
Sam mumbles, “That is right Daddy you are just like Angel Daddy, my father.”
Crystal mumbles in her sleep, “My Daddy too.”
I smiled brightly filling the pride of fatherhood. It is unlike anything else, loved by a child and to love that child totally, is true happiness. Not all the money in the world can buy the feeling you get, you only have to love them that is all it requires to receive this bliss.
Mom takes a photo she is getting very good at catching these lifetime moments I really like to see them, share them with the rest of the family. Mom sets the camera down, gently takes Sam in her arms and Jane takes Crystal, and they are going to put them on their beds.
When they are out of the room Charles chuckles, “You know the more they sleep the faster they grow.”
Remembering a conversation with Alyssa and a promise I made to Joan I say, “I wish I could keep them small forever, but I know that is not possible. All I can do is enjoy the time I get with them.”
Charles looking at his son knows exactly what I am talking about the early years of a child can be the best for the parents. The frustrations come as that child begins to try to prove that they are not a child any longer. I will have to remember that when they wants more responsibility, more freedom that is part of growing up. The long road to adulthood can be very trying to the parents. I really do not know how Mom and Helen did it. They could have told us to stop trying to be an adult too soon.
Charles and Jane asks if they can use the TV room, and I remind them that they should treat this home as their home, remember your Sam’s and Crystal’s grandma and grandpa.
Charles chuckles, “It is just that Jim and Mitch are always playing Xbox or something. Jane and I never get to watch a movie.”
Reese asks, “What movie?”
Before I know it, Ron and Reese have joined Charles and Jane in watching the movie.
Mom, Helen along with Michelle and Kathryn are in the kitchen, and they bring a snack to the dining table, one of Kathryn’s cravings has me ravenous. Kathryn set the plate made for me beside hers.
Kathryn craved an Elvis sandwich that is a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. If you are unfamiliar with it, first you take two pieces of white bread spread peanut butter on one slice add bananas slices until the next piece of bread barely sticks together. Place the sandwich in a hot skillet with melted butter, toast both sides of the sandwich until the banana is warm soft and sweet, by that time the peanut butter is nearly liquid. Serve with a large glass of milk. They can be heavenly, but very hard on the waistline.
My sister-in-law and our mothers giggle at us as we tear into the sandwiches. Kathryn glares at her sister giving her a look that says, as if you never had one.
Michelle giggles and says, “I swear if I pinched JJ, Kathryn would shout. I hope JJ can stand it when you give birth baby sister.”
That causes Kathryn to think, wanting to test it she reaches down to pinch her rib only to find my hand in the way. On impulse, Kathryn pinches the back of my hand, when she quickly lets go and says, “Ouch!” Michelle begins laughing so hard she nearly fell from her chair. Mom and Helen giggle along with Michelle’s laughter.
Looking at Kathryn I say, “You are the one wanted to test Michelle’s theory. Before you ask, I think I can filter it. So yes I can share your pain and you mine, or filter it out.”
Helen says, “I hope you can, because giving birth is not easy.” After taking a deep breath Helen says, “Speaking of hard things, how is Sylvia? She looks a lot better it has been a month since her surgery, and she seems to be recovering quickly from that.”
I begin, “Kara, Daniel, and I took Sylvia and Cindy to that new treatment center they opened downstate. It is only forty-five minutes from her apartment. The doctors there gave her a ten percent chance of recovery, the week after her surgery. A recent breakthrough and MRI done this week and the doctors has increased her chances to sixty percent.”
“Kara and Daniel are overjoyed at the news. Kara and Sylvia have really become great friends. Poor Daniel when he is in the room with the two, is usually outvoted in just gives them whatever they want. I know Sylvia will become weaker because of her treatments in the next few weeks. The effects have just really started hitting her, you saw how week she looked this morning. For the next few months, she is going to spend every weekday at the treatment center. They let her come home on the weekends. She is going to spend the weekends at her apartment with Cindy, Kara and Karen have volunteered to stay with her just in case. That means Daniel probably spent most of his weekends there too.”
“Sylvia impresses them both. Now free of her addiction Sylvia is a great mother to Cindy. Kara and Sylvia have planned out a vacation for after her recovery; together the four of them are going to see the Grand Canyon.”
Before this latest development, Sylvia was watching how Cindy got along with Daniel and Kara. Instead of being jealous of Daniel and Kara, she came to me. She asked if I could get the legal documents drawn up that if something ever occur to her, and giving her condition probably would, that she wanted custody of Cindy to go to Daniel and Kara. Sylvia also asked that I not tell Daniel or Kara. That is something Kathryn knows, but because of my promise to keep it secret, she will keep it too.
Mom states, “It has been a lot busier around here than normal, Crystal’s adoption how is it going?”
Kathryn replies with a smile, “It is going really well, another three weeks and Crystal will be ours permanently. Ms. Clark came back yesterday, we became Crystal’s executors last week, but yesterday she was checking up on Cindy and Crystal. She informed me that the judge in this case has approved Crystal’s adoption is just a matter of time before it becomes legal. Then the signing ceremony like we had with Sam.”
Helen asks, “Did you guys get an invite over to Kara and Daniels tonight for Dinner?”
I reply “Yes, I asked what Kathryn and I should bring but they said nothing just ourselves.”
Helen asks, “I understand she had some news to tell us. You have a clue to what it could be?”
I answer, “No idea could be anything, I know Daniels business has really picked up, and he has been designing everything from businesses, to new homes and doing renovations. Kara has been helping Sylvia as much as she can after school. I know she has been busy as well with school, and the martial arts classes though she does seem distracted, maybe a little depressed.”
Helen says, “You think Daniel and her are having problems already? If he is hurting my daughter so help…”
Cutting Helen off I say, “No I think it is more to do with the fact she is torn over the situation with Cindy, and she is envious of Kathryn.”
Kathryn is startled; her emotions erupt as she says, “Jealous of me, why?”
Addressing Kathryn on what I have observed, “First, everyone has been fawning over you and your pregnancy, petting your belly, rubbing it telling you how special you are. Kara wants that too, she wants to be Cindy’s mother so bad, but as Sylvia improves something she wants too, she sees the situation for what it is.”
Now directing my observations to Helen, “Okay this is going to be hard to say Helen and I mean nothing mean by it, but just events I have observed. I know Kathryn is your baby, and mothers tend to be closer to the youngest. However, your older children especially your daughters still feel a little left out. Especially Kara and Karen, they love Kathryn but they still are a little jealous of the affection you and the Coach lavish on her. I know that might be just their perception and you truly do not love them any less. Occasionally you should try a little harder on giving them affection. I know you can fix the situation, it should be easy enough just tell them how proud you are and how much you love them.”
Helen startled says “Really?”
I reluctantly remind Helen at one time when her daughters received mixed messages, and could easily misunderstood her motivations. I began, “Helen remember the party three years ago, and sure your daughters got wild. Nevertheless, you dressed all them down the same except for Kathryn. I know that was because of our engagement, you saw it differently. However, I am unsure if your daughters realized that. Some people must think that they had all done the same thing; they should receive the same punishment. Maybe you should have explained it better to them then. I know you did try, it is just probably hard to think when you are standing there naked in front of your mother.”
Helen is a little shocked and says, “I was trying to motivate them to stop their wild behavior, to do like Kathryn and find someone special for them.”
Kathryn can sense where I am going, although unhappy about it she allows me to continue without her interrupting. I say, “That might not been the impression they got. They may have thought you favorite Kathryn. They did not realize that you and Michael had already accepted our engagement, and eventual marriage. That when you allowed Kathryn to move in with me, it was not them seen Kathryn as a young woman like I did, they so you letting their little sister move-in with a man.”
Helen realizing that her sisters could easily see Kathryn as the spoiled pampered little sister who always gets her way even if that was not the way she saw it. Helen says, “I had no idea, I really do want what’s best for my daughters, all of them, and I never ever meant to play favorites. How do I fix this?”
I reply, “That is up to you, but I have faith that you can. Talk to them, let them know how you feel it could be that easy.”
Michelle had been listening; although she tried to remain out of sight, I caught her out of the corner of my eye. Finally getting her courage up Michelle walks back in. She stops in front of Kathryn and gives her a hug in whispers into Kathryn’s ear, “I know you love me that is one thing that has made it easier. I was jealous of how Mom treated you. Here you are my baby sister and so young moving in with JJ.”
Tears spring up in Kathryn’s eyes as she looks at Michelle she says, “You know I would never do anything to hurt you. It is just that I have never felt that young.”
Michelle with tears of her own gives Kathryn a smile saying, “I know, and I come to realize that even though you’re younger in years, in some ways you’re my big sister. Mom is right you and JJ are the two most married people ever. You have been since you met, and I do have a right to be a little jealous, who would not be. I am also very, very happy for you.” Michelle and Kathryn wrap each other in a warm hug.
Michelle begins giggling pulling back from Kathryn. Michelle has green eyes, and says, “Look at you, our baby big sister.”
Kathryn begins giggling along; she uses Michelle’s analogy and playfully refers to her, “My big little sister.” They both stick their tongue out at each other as only sisters can tease each other.
Helen comes and hugs the two, looking into Michelle’s eyes she says, “Michelle, I am sorry if you misunderstood what I wanted to do. I love you, and I am so very proud of you. Even when I did mess up you turned out so good.”
Michelle hugging her mother tightly says, “I know Mom, I love you too.”
As the three embrace my phone rings, I wipe a tear away as I answer, “Hello.”
Karen is on the phone and she is nearly frantic as she explains, “JJ, can you get Mom and Dad…” After a deep breath she continues, “It is Kara she is in the hospital… It is really bad… They need to get here.” This is the most upset of ever-heard Karen to be. Karen hung up the phone unable to go into more detail. As I turn to them, Kathryn has gone pale and shaking, I am sure if it were not for the fact that her mother and Michelle had held her she probably would be on the floor.
Looking at them I say, “We need to go NOW. We got to head to the hospital, it is Kara, and Karen was too upset to give me any more details.”
Michelle becomes the strength of the three, now holding both her shaking mother and sister. Mom comes and helps seeing them in distress. She begins them towards the garage, and I get the intercom for the TV room, getting Charles’s attention. I quickly tell him of the situation and they volunteer to watch the girls for us.
I sprint to the garage, and help Michelle with her mother, Kathryn have nearly recovered enough to get into our SUV on her own, but Mom helps her into the back seat with her mother. As the garage door is still coming up I start the car, when I have just enough room for me to make it under I begin pulling out, I am careful of the bicycles, but fortunately there is no children riding on the driveway. The radio still adjusted to the local station, and a news bulletin comes over the air. (Escape convict shoots two local women, one dead, injures another. Police at the scene have regained control of the escape convict, more details when they become available.)
Helen screams, “Not my baby, not my Kara.” Michelle and Kathryn cries beside her mother yet trying to comfort her.
I call Uncle George; his contacts with the police may mean he knows more than anyone else does at this moment. “Uncle George, do you know anything about what happened to Kara? If not maybe, you should come to the hospital too. Karen gave me a call, she said Kara is hurt, she did not give me any other details.”
Uncle George is stunned, “JJ this is the first I have heard, of course I am on the way.”
I call my father-in-law, once he answers I say, “Dad, get to the hospital as fast as you can, Karen is there apparently Kara is hurt. I got Helen, Mom, Kathryn and Michelle with me we are on our way.” Of course, he asked if I knew what was going on, and I had to confess I did not know.
The normal twenty-minute trip took me ten; I had not even realized I was driving that quickly although it seemed like the longest ten minutes of my life so far. Arriving at the emergency room we run in, we waive the nurse away she must think Kathryn is in labor. Spotting Daniel, we run straight to him. Helen wraps him in a hug crying. Poor Cindy caught between the two and squeeze much like Sam was at the airport.
I ask as I work Cindy free, “Daniel what happened?”
Daniel begins, “We were with Cindy and Sylvia at their apartment. We were bring in Cindy’s birthday presents, just having a good time when we heard a crash at the front door. Seems Cindy’s Dad must have made bail or escaped but he broke in carrying a gun. He came in and fired right away. The bastard was aiming right at Cindy; Kara scooped her up in her arms but did not have time to get out of the way. Sylvia dived in front just as he fired. Sylvia caught most of it, which saved Kara and Cindy.
I did the only thing I could do; I grabbed a lamp ripping it out of the wall and threw it into his face. That only stunned him for a moment, I was trying to hit him, but he blocked and countered his right hook felt like a mule kicked me. It knocked me on the ground as I was rolling away. He started reloading is shotgun. Kara sprang at him giving him a kick that sent him backwards, the bastard had to be six foot four inches. Kara kicked him so hard he came off the ground. I grabbed his shotgun and the shells he had pulled from his pocket. I reloaded the shotgun and shoved it under his chin, if he had moved I was going to blow his head off.” Daniel shaking, he looks very pale, he is trying to bring himself back under control so he can continue.
When he is a little more in control, he says, “That is when I had a chance to look around, and Sylvia was dying. She told Cindy that Kara and I were going to be her parents. She loved her, and would always be looking out for her little bit of an Angel. Kara was there beside her, she and Karen were trying to stop the bleeding but it was just too much. Kara was turning white herself. That is when I noticed the bleeding that was coming from her leg. Karen noticed it at the same time, Karen was on the phone with 911, she told the operator that they were two victims, and please hurry. Karen went to work on Kara’s leg. I am sure that saved Kara’s life, it was too late for Sylvia. She died before the ambulance arrived.”
Daniel can no longer control himself and he begins to cry, Helen pushed out of the way as Cindy pushes herself back to his chest. The young girl’s arms go around Daniel and she cries with him. Helen covers Cindy not as tightly this time as she cries with the two.
After a few moments, Daniel pulls himself back and control then continues, “We got here, and they took Kara in, they were given her IV fluids in the ambulance, they began her on blood as soon as they walk through the door.”
Karen comes out she has a bandage on her arm where she gave blood for her sister. Seeing her mother she rushes to her, Helen releases Daniel and Cindy to hold Karen.
Uncle George arise shortly before Michael senior, they both look scared to death as they run to us, they both ask, “What happened?”
Daniel tells his painful story again. Fortunately, by the time he finishes a doctor emerges with an update. The doctor begins, “Kara went through surgery fine, we got to her in time and she will make a full recovery in a few weeks. She will need some physical therapy to deal with the leg wound. She is remarkably healthy, that is probably one of the things to help save her. But how in the hell did she end up with a dime in her femur.”
Daniel asks, “Doctor about the baby, did she lose it?”
The family simultaneously ask, “Baby?”
The doctor has a reassuring smile and says, “Babies, your wife will have twins. It is too early to tell what sex they are, but they came through fine too.” He leaves us alone to attend to his duties.
Daniel pulled into a bear hug by the Coach, who has tears of relief and joy streaming down his face like everyone else in the family. The Coach slaps Daniel on the back and says, “That is my son-in-law.”
Daniel once free says, “We were going to announce to the family tonight that she was expecting she is so happy.”
Karen, Kathryn and Helen take Cindy to the bathroom, I am not sure if Cindy realizes how much blood is on her.
Kathryn gives me a nudge by our bond she reminds me of the will Sylvia with my help had written. Fortunately, the will was signed and notarized earlier last week, and executable nearly immediately because I am the executor to it. I pull Daniel over to the side and say to him, “Sylvia was not lying to Cindy, you and Kara are her guardians. A will names you as such.”
Daniel looking into my face asks, “How do you know JJ?”
I inform Daniel, “Daniel, Sylvia had me help her with it. It was just in case she did not survive. However, it is still a valid will, and I am the executor to the will. We need to tell Cindy, Kara and you are who Sylvia wanted to raise Cindy if she could not.”
A tearful Cindy can no longer stay away from Daniel, and comes tugging on him needing held and comforted. Daniel takes her into his arms holding her, Cindy cries softly against his chest. Daniel says, “I know Cindy, it really hurts. I am going to miss your Mom too. She is my hero, what she did saved you and Kara, for that I will always be grateful.”
Cindy through her tears says, “She is my Angel Mommy now. I wish I did not want to be like Sam.”
Daniel does not give her a second before he says, “Cindy what happened in no way is your fault. What you wanted did not cause this. What your mother did was because of her love for you. She protected you, the one thing in the world she loved more than life itself, and you are right what she did made her an Angel.” Cindy gives him a sad smile that does not last long before she goes back to crying against his chest.
At this stage, I know it is best just to let her cry, more tears she sheds now the easier her recovery will be. She is with the parents I guess destiny chose for her. I cannot help but think, this could have been different if we had not saved Sylvia, and then she would not been there today to save Cindy and Kara. Cindy’s father intention was to murder Cindy, no matter where Cindy was he was bound to come for her. Like Daniel, I too will be forever grateful to Sylvia.
I go to Karen giving her a hug and saying to her, “You did great sister. Thank you for being a hero.”
Karen hugs me back and cries on my shoulder for a moment bringing herself under control she looks into my face she asks, “Do you really think I am a hero? All I did was call for the police, and a little first aid.”
Holding her gaze I say, “Yes, you acted in a bad situation, a lesser person could have just lost it. What you did saved Kara. You did your best to save Sylvia but her injuries were just too much for anyone.”
My phone rings it is from home. Charles says, “Sam woke up having a nightmare, she wants to know where you are at.”
I answer, “First tell Sam, Kara is hurt but she and her babies are going to be fine. We are at the hospital now with her. They may let us see her in a little while they just moved her to recovery. We should be home shortly.”
Charles asks, “What happened? Is there anything we can do for her?”
I relate Daniel story to Charles, then what the doctor had informed us. I ask, “The doctor mentioned Kara had a dime in her femur, how could that happen?”
Charles says, “That bastard reloaded the shotgun shells with dimes. He definitely wanted to kill somebody. They do a lot more damage than normal shot.”
A nurse comes out and announces, “The doctor is going to allow two family members to see Kara at a time. She still little druggie from the medications, but she will recover quickly.”
Helen says, “Cindy we need to get you some clean clothes before you get to see her, with all that blood on you. You will scare her to death.”
The nurse says, “Daniel we can give you some scrubs, but we do not have anything to fit Cindy.” Most of the blood that is on Daniel came from Cindy’s clothing. Although uninjured Cindy did hold to her mother for a long time after she had passed.
Kathryn and I, asks Cindy, “Cindy you can come back with us and have a shower then will bring you right back, so you can see Kara.”
Cindy says, “I do not want to leave Daddy Daniel.”
Daniel says, “Cindy, it will be okay. I will be right here, and you can come back when you are clean. No one in our family will lie to you Cindy, your Aunt Kathryn and Uncle JJ will bring you right back.”
Cindy gives a sniffle, “Can Sam come back with me I need to talk with her.”
I tell Cindy, “I do not think I could keep Sam away, she loves Kara too. I am sure Sam loves you too, and she would do anything for you.” Cindy gives a shake of her head and I open my arms as she reluctantly leaves Daniel’s embrace. Kathryn and I take her back home, Kathryn pull Cindy into her bedroom, and I go change my shirt.
In the family room, I find my daughters with Charles, Jane, and the rest of my adoptive family. I begin, “The good news is that Kara will be fine. Unfortunately, she was injured. Sadly, we lost Sylvia. Sylvia gave her life to protect Kara and Cindy. Once we all get through this everybody’s going to be fine, Cindy will be going to Daniel and Kara, once Kara is back on her feet.”
Sam and Crystal come to me; I pull the two sad little girls into my arms. Sam asked, “Is there anything I can do?”
Crystal says, “Me too Daddy, I want to help.”
I say to them, “Cindy is grieving, let her know that it is okay. She did not do anything wrong, and we love her.”
Jane, Reese and Misty inform me that they will be going back with me. They need to bring Kara new clothes, and help with anything they can. Charles, Ron, and Marshall volunteer to drive for us, and they will run any errant needed.
Alyssa, Joan, Johnny, Jim and MC will remain here, Alyssa along with Charles and Jane will coordinate everyone, Joan, Johnny and Jim will also watch the children, Alyssa and Misty will prepare meals along with coordinate any additional support needed.
I smile realizing that my adoptive family is pulling together to do whatever they can to see that Kara is made comfortable, protected and that everyone has the time and ability to help. No one person will be responsible for everything, and everything will be coordinated to give Daniel, Kara and Cindy time to heal.
Charles catches me saying, “JJ, I just found out, that it was Cindy’s father who attacked them. The kick that Kara used was a little more powerful than what you believed. He is dead. The DA is investigating the possibility that she intended to kill him. That she had the means, and knowledge not to use deadly force to subdue him.”
Shaking my head I say, “That man is a fool, this was easily a case of self-defense. She just did as I had instructed her several times in a situation like that you cannot hold back. When facing the adversary bent on the death of another or yourself, you cannot take the chance of not using all your strength.”
Charles says, “I agree with you, it is only when you try to be gentle with your adversary that you are vulnerable.”
I state, “When someone is trying to kill you, vulnerable is the last thing you want to be.”
Charles replies, “I totally understand Kara’s actions, even if she tried only to knock him out, the amount of adrenaline that must have been surging to her system was probably higher than any time in her life. It is no wonder that kick killed him.”
That should make an adequate defense. She was more frightened than any time in her life, she was holding Cindy in her arms when the shotgun fired, and Cindy was the intended target. Her mother jumped between Cindy and her Ex-husband with perfect timing.
I tell Charles, “That would be true, the only time anything occurred like that was when the bear attacked, she was brave enough to come back for Michelle, and what I thought was Michelle trying to get back to her feet was Kara pulling her up. I know at that time also when I kicked the bear, I had no idea I was going to kick it that hard. The amount adrenaline in my system easily doubled my strength.”
Charles adds, “I have seen men do things nearly what you would call super human during times of great stress. I saw men react so quickly your eyes could not follow what they did, I saw one man do what three men should not been able to do. Adrenaline is amazing. It can make you so strong and so fast for a few minutes.”
I say, “It is not something that Kara deals with often, fortunately. Kara would have no idea what adrenaline would do in her system, she had not even started training with me until her sophomore year, three and half years ago. Although she is very skilled, she lacks any practical experience using her martial arts, we do not use barriers for the class to break. For safety reasons no one spars at full strength, even though skilled Kara truly had no idea of how much damage she would do.”
Charles states, “That would be your second line of your defense, if that stupid DA presses charges.”
Asking Charles’s advice feels natural and I know the man has a lot to teach me. I ask, “You think I should get a lawyer to start coordinating a defense for Kara?”
Charles is reflective before he says, “The DA may take that as a sign of guilt or a challenge. As I understand it there is not a lot of work for him in this county.”
Ms. Clark clears her throat, “I am sorry to interrupt you JJ, I am not here as a social worker right now. Is there anything I can do for Cindy or Kara?”
Thinking of how Crystal reacted, I asked Ms. Clark, “Sylvia had a will written, it named me the executor and transfers custody to Kara and Daniel. I know you are not here as a social worker, but as our friend. Could you help me explain that to Cindy? I do not want her to be fearful of her future.”
Ms. Clark smiles, “I have noticed how they react to each other, and I think Sylvia had chosen wisely.”
Smiling my agreement I say, “I do love Cindy, and wish what is best for her. Daniel and Kara seemed to fit her. The best part is I get to still be her uncle.”
Kathryn comes in with Cindy, fresh and clean from her shower, seeing Ms. Clark she nearly panics but Kathryn says reassuringly, “Miss Clark is not here as a social worker, she is here to find out if there is anything she can do to help you.”
Cindy is still somewhat hesitant as she comes forward, I say, “Cindy there is a few things that Ms. Clark and I need to discuss with you. Do not worry nothing is going to change overnight. You have a say when and how it changes.”
Kathryn brings Cindy to the couch, and I sat beside Cindy holding her hand, Kathryn holds to her other hand. Ms. Clark sets opposite us, looking at Cindy and seeing how fearful she is Ms. Clark says, “First Cindy, I believe no one will take you away from this family. I would not recommend it, and I believe none of my coworkers would also. So you do not need to worry about that, although you may see me a little more often in the near future, it is not to take you away.” Cindy relaxes, and her whole body stop shaking.
I tell Cindy, “They will be some changes, but you will tell me when you are ready for them.” Seeing the look of curiosity on her face I ask, “Cindy do you know what a will is?”
Cindy’s eyes go wide thinking that the lack of that knowledge may affect her future now fearful again. She shakes her head no. I smile to reassure her and say, “Cindy a will is not a bad thing, and it is what we write when we want others to know what we want carried out if we die. Your mother had one written, she put me in charge of making sure what she wanted would occur. When you are ready and Kara is back on her feet, you can live with Daniel and Kara. Your mother knew that Daniel and Kara loved you. She thought it would be best for them to be your new Mom and Dad. She knew she was sick and there was a possibility that she did not survive, that is why she wrote the will. Because your mother loves you, she wanted to see you happy. Nothing you did caused this, it is just that bad things happen that is why we write wills.”
Cindy asks fearfully, “Are you sure uncle JJ? Before Mommy got out of jail, I did not want her back. I did not want anyone to be my Mommy and Daddy but Kara and Daniel.”
Answering Cindy’s fearful question I say, “I am certain, you did not know how much your mother had changed. I do not blame you for not wanting her back if she had not changed. Your mother was able to show you her true self, not what the drugs made her. She proved she loves you more than her life itself, she knew if you survived you would be with parents and family who love you.”
Cindy again tearful says, “I was just getting my Mommy back, when that bastard took her away. Mommy told me he was not even my real Daddy. Uncle JJ, why did he have to do that? Mama Kara and Angel Mommy was both hurt, when Mama Kara grabbed me I heard her saying “Oh God no.” I know she was trying to jump out of the way, but there was no time. She jumped just as I heard the boom, I felt something heavy bump into us and push us backwards. That was my Mommy just before she became an Angel.”
I answer Cindy truthfully, “I do not know why he would do something like that. I do not understand people who allow hatred to destroy their own life. What he did, no one else could control. You did not cause him to do what he did.”
Ms. Clark says, “Cindy your uncle is right, no one can control what someone will do because of anger or hatred. What he did, he had decided to do. Your Mom decided to protect you. Sylvia used the only thing she had to do that.” Miss Clark begins crying and through her tears she says, “Sylvia proved she was a good mother, she proved she loved you.”
Cindy through tears she says, “I knew Mommy loved me, she never had to prove it. I knew she loved me when she got off the drugs, when she used the drugs she loved them and could not love me.”
Doing my best I still cannot hold tears back. I tell Cindy, “That is what love can do for you Cindy. It can make you stronger when you need it. Love for you is what brought her back to us. She almost died a month ago, her love pull her through that. She wanted to show you who she really was. Not the woman on drugs, she wanted to be your mother to make up for what was lost.”
Cindy is trying to wipe the tears away that seemed only to come faster. Through those tears she says, “I know what I lost now, that is what makes it hurt so bad.” She comes into my lap and puts her head on my shoulder, Kathryn and I do what we can to comfort her.
After a few more moments Cindy asks, “Uncle JJ can we go back now? I want to see Moma.”
Ms. Clark says, “I can come, I am a grief counselor. I know Cindy is grieving and that is good, Daniel and Kara will need to grieve for their friend. They will need some counseling; they may have what is called survivor’s guilt.”
Charles from the doorway says, “I will drive you. That way you can be in the back seat with Sam and Cindy.”
Through my tears, I can barely make him out, and Kathryn is worse. Charles driving would definitely be a good idea. Ms. Clark says, “I will follow you Charles.”
Twenty-five minutes later, we pull into the hospital parking lot. Charles drops us off by the door, saying he will be in shortly. Jane had driven Misty, Joan and Reese. Reese had sent Ron out for things like tissues, a soft blanket and a dozen other items. I think it was just to keep him busy.
Reese says, “I love him, but sometimes Ron is a bull in a china shop. I just did not want him upsetting Kara tonight. When he found out about the DA wanting to investigate, he said he is going to shove his prosthetic foot up the DA’s ass and leave it there.”
I cannot help but chuckle at the mental image that invoked, Sam and Crystal both have their hands over their mouths trying to hold back their giggles. Giggling Cindy says, “That is really funny Aunt Reese.”
Reese scoops Cindy up into her arms, she smiles at Cindy and says, “Cindy, we love you and that makes us family just as much as blood.”
I smile and hug the two, then we head on into the waiting room. Once inside, I noticed Daniel and Helen is not there, the Coach catches us. Pulling us over to one side, he says, “We are letting Daniel stay with Kara, and were taking turns replacing the other person. Helen just went back in, were going to let Cindy go next. Cindy you can stay as long as you want.”
Cindy says, “I did not get to speak to Sam yet.”
The Coach looking at Cindy says, “Cindy you can call me grandpa from now on. You have a few more minutes to speak to Sam.”
Cindy and Sam with Crystal tagging along goes to a corner still in sight, the two are talking quietly as Crystal shakes her head. I am not sure what Cindy asked Sam, but both girls began to hug her immediately. Sam says quietly but I still managed over hear, “Cindy you did not do anything wrong.” The three girls hold onto each other and I can tell that all three are crying.
Ms. Clark puts a hand on my shoulder keeping me from going to the girls. Ms. Clark says, “Sometimes they need peers support more than parental support. Give them a little while.”
I follow Mrs. Clark’s counsel and give the girls time. I guess Cindy had asked Sam the same question she asked me earlier. Cindy knew Sam lived through something similar. I guess that is why she wanted her advice.
I almost regret having Cindy’s birthday party, I would hate for this happened on her birthday. I am afraid, that might affect Cindy’s future. Every year Cindy would dread her birthday, it bringing up the bad memories. I hope that we can separate the two events in her mind. I know I will try to separate Crystal’s memories of Christmas from those of her parents’ death. It would be terrible to associate events that are supposed to be happy and cheerful with tragic events.
There is a commotion at the front desk that draws my attention. That ass of the District Attorney, along with what seems to be every reporter from this end of the state is there. The District Attorney is demanding to see Kara. He got my attention, also the attention of the Coach and Uncle George.
Kara’s Doctor steps forward he says, “Mrs. Akins is in no condition to be questioned by the District Attorney at this moment. When she arrived here, she was in critical condition. She underwent surgery to remove a foreign object from her leg that severed her artery. The young woman is extremely lucky that she received first aid nearly immediately after her gunshot wound.”
Surprisingly that seems to change the attitude of the press, and they began asking him questions immediately. He had limited the information that they received an effort to slant public opinion against Kara. The press realize this quickly, and like everyone else, the press does not like being a tool.
Uncle George had been making phone calls, his gotten a hold of the sheriff earlier this evening. He wanted to know the circumstances of the escape. What he now knows, when Sylvia’s ex-husband made his escape he was in custody of the District Attorney. Uncle George strolls into the media frenzy, taps the deputy on the shoulder. The deputy immediately turns and says, “May I help you your honor.”
Uncle George looking at him says, “Could you please arrest the District Attorney. I believe he may have actually assisted in the fugitive’s escape.”
Many of the reporters are actually red-faced, not accustomed to anger generated by the misuse of the media. Their shock does not last long as they begin firing questions at both the District Attorney and Uncle George. The deputy makes a call on his radio that remains unanswered by the sheriff.
Two FBI agents stroll into the hospital. The District Attorney is shocked as they display their badges. When they place him in handcuffs, the press begins firing more questions. Anger flashes on the District Attorney’s face as the two FBI agents escort him out of the hospital.
Uncle George explained what he could. “What the District Attorney is unaware of that I had surveillance placed in his office. The FBI placed the surveillance, after several cases were lost because of errors done by the District Attorney’s Office. Several drug dealers are dismiss because of procedural mishandling by the District Attorney. I suspected he mishandled these cases purposely either because of blackmail or pay off.” He did not know what was on the tapes for the day, and he would not be able to tell me if he did.
Sylvia’s ex-husband charged with intent to distribute of a controlled substance, making him a drug dealer by trade. That explains several things about Sylvia. Her ex-husband had gotten her addicted to drugs, using them as a method of controlling her. Perhaps Sylvia knew too much about his business, possibly even a connection between the District Attorney and her ex-husband. I am sure the FBI will get to the root of the situation.
I hope that the new District Attorney, will see that Kara’s actions were self-defense. Although the law does differ on the use of deadly force, it is a technicality the previous District Attorney was going to use to defer interest away from himself.
I mean that if Kara had a handgun and shot him, what would be the difference. You shoot the perpetrator to make them stop. Most people taught to aim center of mass. Kara did that with a single kick, the kick that I instructed on its use. That kick normally will not kill someone. Some other contributing factor must be involved.
I get to see Kara, shortly before the end of visitation. Daniel and Cindy had been in with her, and then both leave. Kathryn and I get to see Kara then. Kathryn runs in the door, Kara gives her sister a smile, a very sad smile from her hospital bed. Kara’s eyes are red and puffy. Kathryn steps up to the bed unsure of what to do, I know she wants to crawl onto the bed and cuddle with Kara.
Through our bond I warn, be careful of her leg. Kathryn says, “Like I would forget.”
Kara is a little confused looking at the two of us she says, “Your kids are going to hate the fact that you too can communicate telepathically. Remember how many times we got Dad to let us do something.”
Kathryn smiles at her sister saying, “That was you and Karen, they learn better by the time I tried it.”
Kara pointed out, “All you had to do was pout and Daddy gave you everything you wanted.”
With love in her eyes Kathryn says, “And do not forget half the time it was the stuff you sent me after.”
Kara giggles little and says, “Well I was only the baby for year, then Karen for two, by that time I already figured out Mom and Dad doted on the baby. You cannot blame a girl for using it.”
Kathryn says, “I never minded, getting stuff for you. Speaking of which is there anything I can get for you?”
Kara asks, “JJ, Kathryn is it true, am I going to be Cindy’s mother?”
I tell my sister-in-law, “That depends on two things, is that something you want and is that something Cindy wants. I have it in my power to make you her guardian. That is what Sylvia wanted. I am in charge of making sure Sylvia’s wishes become reality. To become her mother you will still have to adopt her.”
Kara closes her eyes, through her tears she says, “I never wanted Sylvia to lose her life. I do love Cindy. I did not want to become her mother like this.”
Not wanting to see my sister-in-law in the state of mental anguish I tell her, “It took both you and Sylvia to save Cindy do not forget that. Kara, you did not do anything wrong. Loving Cindy is not wrong. Sylvia knew that you and Daniel both love Cindy that is why Sylvia had me help her with a will. No one expected that her ex-husband would escape. You prove you are worthy of being Cindy’s mother, Sylvia knew that when she protected Cindy and you. Sylvia was your friend too, a true friend just like you were to her. Do not stop loving Cindy because you feel guilty about still being alive and Sylvia is not. Give her daughter a good life. Sylvia wanted that for you and Cindy.”
Looking at Kara I could tell my words hit home. I also know there is still more I can say so I continue, “If it was not for us Sylvia would have died a month ago. She never would have the opportunity to show her daughter her true self. You afforded her that. The state was not going to release her without the medical care that you provided. You gave her the chance to say goodbye to the daughter you share. I know she is grateful for that. She knew that still was a chance she would not survive her medical problems, she made her life count for something. Do not throw that away. You have a guardian angel now in Sylvia, she was too weak to move like she did if not.”
Kara shakes her head yes, but my words did not stop her tears. Kara through her tears she says, “I know I am just going to miss my friend. Sylvia is so much like Cindy. I could not help but fall in love with her like my sister. It feels like I lost a sister, you know what I mean.”
My friends come to mind, Ron and Reese, MC, Charles and Jane, Mitch and every single one of the Edwards, and Thurgoods. I would feel the same way if I lost any of them. Sylvia was in my heart as well, I know I will feel her loss for the rest of my life. I tell my sister, “I know exactly what you mean, I will miss her too.”
Kathryn despite Kara’s injury crawls onto the bed with her, holding her sister she says, “Kara I love you. You scared me to death today. Please do not ever do that to me again. I do not want to be without you.”
Kara says, “I have been hearing that a lot today.”

Read 71745 times |
Rated 95.9 % |
(957 votes)

Vote list (Close) :Dimek
: POSITIVE120489
: POSITIVEloveguy
: POSITIVEdator
: POSITIVEShariar lonleyboy
: POSITIVEpyroclast
: POSITIVEFatFin
: POSITIVEScrapDawg32
: POSITIVEpk2curious
: POSITIVE

Please rate this text:   

The Way of the War pt 7
Three weeks later my staff and I were at Langley. We were met by Sgt Clancy who saluted, “I see you are an officer again. How long this time.”
I returned the salute and shook his hand , “Good to see you too.” We both laughed.. I introduced my staff and told them if ever they were in need to contact Clancy he had the Colonel’s ear. I looked at him and asked, “you are still attached to Colonel Thomas… aren’t you? “
He nodded and said, ”That is where we are going. Get in please.” We arrived at a Quonset Hut on the edge of the airfield. We got out of the Jeep as the door was opening.
A booming voice, “Get in here I am tired of waiting.” The Colonel backed up so we could enter it is about time you….He spied Erica … what have we here.”
Allow me to introduce to my personal staff. “Ssgt Johan Schmitt, Sgt Donald Marfa and Sgt Erica Dormer. As you will notice the stripes on my two fledgling Sgt s are brand new. Thanks to General Whitcomb he said it was a reward for learning basic English so quickly.” (thank you Dotty).
Oh and Colonel Lincoln I am acting Brigadier General in charge of training. I think you know my Temporary asstiant Lt. Carol Green. I turned just in time to receive an armful of beautiful woman. And a scathing look from Erica.
I introduced Carol to my team they recognized her name and Erica calmed down.
Colonel Thomas said we would be going back to school. We would be learning Japanese and Tagalog. It was planned to drop us in to Zambalas in the Philippines. My team would also be learning self defense.
Carol had also married over the past two years and had a little girl 6 months old. Her and her Husband was being transferred to Hawaii next week. While we were training she would be setting up our conduit with Dotty. Louise was being transferred to California they didn’t want to strain the conduit.
Dotty was being strained teaching languages she had never seen before. The speaking was fairly easy… but to convey the written language was rough. She told me she had two Japanese and two Filipino assistants.
Erica picked up the languages quicker than the others. Even with Dotty imprinting to their brains she was still faster. I think the only reason I was learning fast was I was used too it.
Radio training seemed to flow quicker into Johan’ s mind then the rest of us. Medical training was Donald’s forte. They all took to the martial arts training. Johan said he understood now why I had not been worried by his size. This was after I had put him down for the fourth time.
In May of 1943 things were beginning to heat up in the Pacific and the plan was to drop my team into the Philippines to join up with the guerrillas and to pass information back to the states. On the 16th we boarded the Catalina PBY, as the crewman was closing up the hatch a jeep honked and pulled up to the pier. He passed some papers to the crewman.
The crewman closed the hatch and took the papers to the pilot. Once we were airborne the pilot turned the controls over to the co-pilot. “Colonel new orders you need to break out one your cameras. The new orders has us flying over Marcus Island … seems they want a few pictures HQ thinks they are being resupplied by Submarine.”
Erica had hers handy she put film in and put on the lenses she thought she would need. Now it was just time to wait. Eight hours later they were descending so Erica could take the pictures.
Suddenly the plane started shaking, We were taking ground fire the pilot pulled on the stick to began a climb. The plane moved right in to the path of bursting flak. The windshield burst, the glass hitting the pilot and the co-pilot in the neck and face. A crewman ran to me “Colonel the pilot and co pilot are down.”
I got to the flight deck just as the navigator was pulling out the Co-pilot. I slipped in to the pilots seat and took the wheel from the radio operator who had kept us straight. I looked down at the compass… I knew we were in trouble … the compass was broken.
With the windshield smashed we had to lower our height and speed all I could think to do was keep going straight till the navigator could take some sights and tell me where we were. A crewman tells me we are losing fuel. I tell him to get the life rafts ready I am going to set her down.
The navigator had an estimate of our position he had seen an Island to our port side and his best guess by the course we had been on before the Flak. He thinks the Island he saw was Japanese held Iwo Jima. And our only hope was if we could get as far away as possible. I tried to keep flying just skimming the wave tops.
As it turns out the navigator was wrong … way wrong . Darkness was quickly approaching and we could see the outline of a large Island and a smaller one. The Navigator says, “Oh My God if this is the Bonin Islands then that is ChiChi Jima to port and that is Ototo Jima. On the other side we are headed to the Japanese home islands.”
“ Get every body and all the gear together. Make sure you bring the charts of this area. I sat the plane down and edged into a small island to the far north. From the chart I would guess that it was Mago-Shima It appeared to be uninhabited. We were able to pull the flying boat all the way up on to the Island and as far into the trees as we could go. Then we brushed the sand so as not to give us away.
We had machetes on board they had become standard equipment on the PBY’ s. We cut palm fronds to cover the PBY . We spent the night in the plane about 0300 the watch heard a boat engine and woke me up. I looked thru the binoculars at the Japanese patrol boat. I could see the sweep of its twin spotlights one one either side of the boat. To the land side the spotlight passed right over us… no change of the engine noise. After awhile it passed around to the other side of the Island then was gone.
I made my report to the girls, They were going to mount a immediate rescue. I told her to wait I wanted to look around.Dotty told me not to be stupid there were over 5000 Japanese troops on ChiChi Jima. I said yes but there are no permanent troops on Ototo Shima so I can traverse it without to much problem. Then I can plan what to do next. Next was to bury the pilot and co pilot who had died during the night.
That night I took Donald with me and we made our way end of Ototo Shima. The small strait between Ototo Shima and Ani Shima is shallow and can be waded. From the tip of Ototo Shima to the southern tip of Ani Shima is just under 4.5 miles or 7 Klicks, between Ani Shima and ChiChi Jima the strait is less than a half mile, half of which is wade able. The Japanese are being nice and has marked the deeper parts with buoys.
We swam across once we set foot on ChiChi Jima the danger tripled. Their were many Guards walking Post and constant Patrols back and forth. Suddenly the siren went off announcing an air raid. The chaos was amazing from calm to frantic in an instant. Under the cover of darkness and and the sheer panic of the Japanese soldiers we were able to make it all the way to the Sea plane dock. I looked around then we got the hell out of there before one of the bombs landed on us by mistake.
We had to wait for the patrol boat to pass through the straits. Once it was past we swam across, it was still in sight but their focus was ahead and skyward. They had turned off their spotlights while the air raid was going on. I had an idea… it was time to get back to the plane.
The others were worried because of the air raid. There was no reason to worry the Bombers were trying to knock out the radio towers a top Sakajura. While we had been on their base I had noticed a large sea plane with enough room for all of us, I had read about them. A Kawnish H8K2 Allies code name Emily.
In 1942 Two H8K2s Flew from Japan met with a submarine and refueled, the plan was to bomb Pearl Harbor a second time but because of low visibility the attack was canceled.
The Emily was quite a toy… it had 5 x 20mm guns mounted , 1 each, in the Bow, Dorsal, Tail Turret and port and starboard Waist blisters. After that it carried 5 x 7.7 mm in the fuselage hatches. Had my mouth watering.
Dotty and I had a pissing contest when I told her what I had planned. She finally gave in and would notify me when it was approved. I talked to my crew and explained what was going to take place. While Donald and I was gone they were to get one of the Life rafts and load it with all our gear in it.
Once the sirens began blaring they were to drag the raft to the waters edge then lay low.
Donald and I had made our way to the edge of the jungle. We watched the guards… finally one walked just close enough. I stepped out and grabbed his chin and the top of his head one twist and his neck snapped. We pulled the body behind some pallets and stripped the body. Donald undressed and redressed in the guards clothes. I took his clothes and put them in the pack I was carrying.
The Flight engineer had shown me the pack on the pby that contained C-2 Which was an improvement over RDX and detonators and trigger switches. The idea was for Donald to work his way around to the Wooden Control tower. He would place charges on two legs of the tower then walk back around to Sea plane dock. We had already chosen the ‘Emily’ we wanted.
As soon as the siren began to sound off we would make our way to our Plane. The pallets we were hiding behind had Gasoline and parts so we added a couple of bricks of C-2. The Sirens started I began making my way to the Sea Plane, Donald met me there. We climbed aboard I started the engines.
I blew the charges on the tower and began to take off the bombers were making their run at the radio towers. Two light bombers came right down the harbor. They ignored us. While we were taxiing Donald set off other charges. He blew the pallets and two sea planes. As we went over the mountain Donald started speaking in the radio in Japanese. Saying we were hit and going down.
We scooted up the coast to Mago Shima where I sat the plane down and and moved as close to the life raft as I could. We loaded everything aboard and took to the air. I again skimmed the wave tops … “Dotty we are on the way.”
Carol and Louise sends their love and they still don’t know how you pulled it off. You are to set down 300 miles south west of Iwo Jima. You will be met by a Catalina … your team will off load to the Catalina and they are carrying a pilot and Co pilot to take the Emily to Australia..
A little over three hours later we set down in calm almost still waters. Ten minutes later the Catalina set down and taxi up near us and open their hatch and out came their rubber raft with two seamen rowing and two officers sitting in back.
We exchanged positions when all of my team and our gear was on board the Catalina. We began to move I looked around to my team and smiled “ I think I am going to miss ‘Emily’. We are back on schedule. Tonight they will drop us on a low altitude jump there will be three red lights in a triangle. Inside the triangle is where you need to land.”
We landed on a small island still in allied hands there we spent the day resting and preparing ourselves for a long stay. We loaded the plane ready to make our jump, the plane takes off we load our packs and don our parachutes, step to the door … and away we go…

Read 34965 times |
Rated 95.9 % |
(516 votes)

Vote list (Close) :Lubeck Australia
: POSITIVEDaringDad2
: POSITIVEonerice
: POSITIVEdator
: POSITIVEvvn
: POSITIVESkeeter19
: POSITIVEScott Whiting
: POSITIVE

Please rate this text:   

During our last chapter the family spent their first Christmas truly as a family. Not just the Thurgoods and Edwards sharing a Christmas with the Meyers, but as one family. The past year had brought them together in a way that was warm and loving. Sam was both damsel in distress and savior, loving her had brought about events that bonded the family together.
JJ was a hero not only to Kathryn and his family, but many others too. The family had followed in JJ’s kindness and helps many more than he could alone. Some they rescued from near financial ruin, others JJ had done more physically to help. Their acts of kindness, inspired by love and generosity have brought them onto Santa Claus’ nice list.
The Ten of Them. Chapter 22 Composed by Hard93
They discovered many more gifts not given by anyone in the family. They all had one thing in common it would be nearly impossible for anyone else but Santa Claus to give that gift. None of the gifts have been available commercially, and are utterly unique in many ways. Many of us have stopped believing, but now we rethink that. Maybe there is more magic this time of year, especially when you are surrounded in love, kindness and giving.
I remember reading an article that the New York Sun published over a hundred years ago. The editorial named; Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus. Maybe that’s why I truly never stop believing, although is really easy to. Quoting one sentence of that article, “Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.”
After we had opened all the presents, we begin cleaning up. I couldn’t help but notice Kathryn and Sam staring out the window longingly at the snow. I finally gave up and sent them to dress for going outside. I know they wanted to make snowmen so badly. How often do you get a chance here to do that? It had only snowed twice in the last four years.
Once we had bagged all the wrapping, keeping some boxes but discarding many more, Mom points me out the window at the snowmen Kathryn and Sam has made. Kara and Daniel, Marshall and Misty, even the Coach and Helen had joined them. It’s not exactly all snowmen they are making. They teamed up and built snow forts.
I began laughing as the first snowballs begin arcing across the backyard. Alyssa and George are watching out the other window and it isn’t long before they are laughing too. Joan and Johnny laughs as Daniel hits Marshall. Marshall is even laughing too, as he throws snowballs back rapidly getting Daniel a couple times. Nobody is actually trying to be mean or vicious with their snowball fight, they’re just having great fun doing something they don’t get to do very often.
Kara and Kathryn seem to be laughing so hard they couldn’t hit each other if they were five feet apart. Sam and Misty tossed back and forth at each other with Sam dodging getting more snow off the ground as she rolls out of the way. Even though still in my pajamas and robe I’m tempted to join them.
The snowball fight doesn’t last all that long, and it seems like pretty evenly distributed, each team gotten hit about the same amount of times. They just got too cold to continue. They hug each other laughing as they come in from the cold. Mom made some hot chocolate and we bring them into the kitchen to start breakfast and warm-up.
Kathryn takes Sam and dresses her in some warm dry clothing after they share a short hot shower. Kathryn wears one of her new sweaters given to her by Michelle for Christmas. As family members return I can’t help but notice many are wearing Christmas presents. Kara is in the silk dress Kathryn gave her, is very flattering to her, without being slutty. Daniel’s hands constantly caressing Kara’s shoulders and back his hand runs smoothly across the silk.
Helen says, after seeing the two and how Daniel is constantly caressing Kara as she smiles brightly, “Newlyweds.”
Mom giggles as she says, “Bet they don’t make it five minutes after they finish eating.”
Grandma adds, “I’m surprised to see them come back myself.”
Kara remarks, “I can hear you.” Looking lovingly at Daniel she continues, “We have to go to Daniel’s parents after breakfast. But don’t expect to see us until New Year’s after that.”
Joan asks, “You leaving for a honeymoon?”
Chuckling Daniel states, “No, just locking the door. Don’t bother coming to knock on it.”
Blushing Kara says, “We’re going to finish breaking in the house…” Daniel kisses Kara preventing her from continuing her statement. Everyone in earshot knows exactly what their talking about. Kathryn and I haven’t finished breaking in this house, but now more bedrooms are available than were before which may make it easier. While Mom was gone to California, Kathryn and I snuck in her room, we made sure to clean up afterwards though.
It’s hard to find time when we would not disturb anyone by all the noise Kathryn and I make. It seems to be impossible for us to make love quietly. We had discovered a few things, and a few positions where the noise we make can be muffled. Normally Kathryn just screams into a pillow, that’s about as quiet as we get.
I wonder what it’s like to have a house to ourselves, that’s definitely something that will not occur very often for Kathryn and me. Now she is due to deliver our daughter in March.
We have Sam who seems not be able to sleep at night unless she is with us. She’s had a few nightmares since the events at the pizzeria. A few were pretty bad and Sam cried for nearly an hour before we calmed her down and she finally fell back to sleep. I can’t blame Sam for being frightened, if things hadn’t happened exactly right, if they would have fired instead of reacting to the pepper, I would have died like my great-great-great-grandfather.
I am not going to worry about what might’ve been. If you do that you can drive yourself insane, when you consider each and every choice you make and each and every choice made after that can generate millions and millions of possibilities. Quantum-mechanics make my head hurt, it does every time I think the last thirty minor decisions has more than a billion outcomes, any which can make a major change in your life. I mean ouch, like who wants to figure out if stopping for a cup of coffee saved you from being in a major accident. The guy that left as you walked in him stopping for a cup of coffee put him in that major accident you missed.
Like so much in life it’s all about timing, this land come up for sale only a few days before I decided to buy property and move out of California. Mom made the decision at the same time that she wanted to leave. If we were not of like minds at that time that may have delayed the decision and we’ve not gotten this property.
Then every other decision along the way, if I had decided to wait to get the mail the day I met Kathryn when I did. Who knows what changes would occur to my story. If I and my mother hadn’t befriended the Edwards, if I didn’t care about hurting Kathryn’s feelings and just ignored her what changes what that brought about, if I allowed her sisters to separate us in the seat on our first ride into town together. If I would allow them to push Kathryn out of the way, that first kiss would never have happened. If it didn’t happen would we ever had the premonition that set us on this path. If we followed the premonition exactly, Kathryn and I wouldn’t have Sam. We would not be expecting so early in our lives the birth of our first child. Then again we would not have gotten presents from Santa Claus. I feel we’re doing better than what was expected.
Rewarded for the love and kindness we’ve given, and challenged to continue. That’s what a present from Santa really is, both the award and challenge. You did good and got the award. See if you can do it again I’ll let you know next Christmas.
The truth is I receive so much love this year I couldn’t help that it overflowed. That’s the thing about love. When you give it freely you normally get it back, and then you have more.
When I started dating Kathryn I didn’t realize I was going to get all of the ten of them as my family. Now that seems small to the size of family we have now. In three months our family will add two more. Kathryn will have our daughter Amanda, Marshall’s and Misty’s son who I believe they’ll name Marshall Junior and call MJ. Whether they want to admit they are family or not Ron and Reese will add another to the family later next year in early June.
Reese’s top Sergeant Charles Sampson, a man she really respects will be here in ten days. I talked to him a couple times, Ron and I are going to fly out and pick them up, and they think they’re going to be boarding passes for him, his wife Jane and their son Jim. What we have is a chartered aircraft with enough cargo space to fly out their household items, pack all their clothing and personal items into cargo containers that will be loaded on the aircraft. Because Kathryn and Reese are both pregnant, they are not going to go. Ron and I will go out a day ahead and ensure everything is ready when they arrive on Saturday morning to fly back with us.
We’re going to put them into the 1924 House. It should be enough room for the three of them. Marshall and Misty’s garage apartment is only a single bedroom. We offered for them to stay here and use one of the main bedrooms and their son use one of the bedrooms next to it. Reese told me of his reluctance to move in on a complete stranger. So we offered the use of the 1924 house for them. Top Sergeant Sampson insisted on paying rent for the house, and I reluctantly agreed.
He almost insisted on paying for the lessons until I explained that he is required to pay it forward. I explained that we would assist him in doing that, Ron and Reese is doing that with him as part of repayment for their lessons. Charles chuckle before he asks “Does it matter if I have someone in mind for your next set of lessons?”
I ask, “They are available now? If so we could add one or two more persons it shouldn’t be that difficult, and we have the room.”
Charles stops chuckling and asks, “Are you serious? You offered for me to live in your own home and we had never met. Now you’re doing the same for someone you haven’t met, being referred by someone you haven’t met.”
I tell Charles, “You do come very highly spoken of, and Reese really respects you. I believe that respect was earned not simply given to you. She is someone who I trust with my family. If she trusts you, whoever you trust has earned that too. So yes I am serious.”
Charles says seriously, “Mitch has been sleeping on my couch the last few months. Other than a few nightmares he’s pretty much okay. He does suffer from posttraumatic stress syndrome, and he lost both his legs in Afghanistan.”
I say, “Well bring Mitch along it solves two problems, it gives Mitch a place to stay and then gives him an income so he can maintain a lifestyle he deserves.”
Charles replies, “I hope Mitch can accept that, I worry about him. He’s a very good man and he saved my life at least twice. He knows Ron and Reese, he also knew Sam’s parents. Sam’s Dad saved his life once, before he saved mine. I’ll do my best to repay that debt to him.” I hear Charles put his heart in his statement.
I tell Charles, “We’ll do our best to help him. Hopefully we can show how he can make money and use it to help others something I’m pretty sure he would love to do.”
Charles laughs then says, “You’re either psychic, or an optimist. You’re right about Mitch loving to help others.”
I say, “We’ll make sure Mitch understands that our help means in some way he pays it forward, even though I think he’s done enough to earn it. Have a Happy New Year, and I will see you two days after. I’ll meet you then, be at the airport at 9 o’clock on the third to check-in.”
Charles gives his insurances that he will be there with his family, and will try his hardest to get Mitch to accept our offer. Then he wishes me a Happy New Year.
Kathryn and I settle in and watch some TV, there showing Christmas movies and Sam settled on my lap as we watch. It doesn’t take long and most of the family comes in and joins us, Daniel and Kara have left for his parents and we don’t expect to see them for a week. Mom made popcorn and brings three large bowls that we share from.
Another one of those lifetime moments occurs as Kathryn leans against my shoulder with my arm around her, Sam is leaning against my chest with her head on Kathryn. I don’t even want to take a deep breath for fear of moving the two. That image of the moment Mom captures of us sitting there Sam with a bowl of popcorn on her lap as her and Kathryn are munching on it. I have it printed out, when school begins again I will put it in my locker, I carry a wallet size of it too. It happened while we were watching it’s a wonderful life, and that’s what I think every time I see that picture how wonderful my life is with my two girls and my big family.
The time off from school is passing too quickly, and we’re home most of the time just enjoying being together.
On New Year’s Day we have a big family gathering plan to watch the parades and have a large lunch together. Kathryn and I go grocery shopping the day before New Year’s Eve. We buy most of the traditional foods you eat on New Year’s for this part of the country. While we were at the grocery store I get a text from Joan asking us to pick up the ingredients for tamales.
Kathryn reading the text grins and says, “I love tamales, remember when we got them in San Antonio.”
With a chuckle I say, “Those were pretty good but just wait till you taste Alyssa’s.”
Kathryn still smiles and says, “If they are like any of Alyssa’s other dishes they’re going to be something really great.”
I say, “She doesn’t make them very often and I’ve only had them once but they were outstanding.”
Kathryn giggles and says, “I guess I can get her to show me how to make them.”
I chuckle as I say, “That’s the whole point with those, because the whole family makes them.”
We’re fortunate to find all the ingredients at a local grocers, and I buy enough ingredients to make a hundred and twenty and I wonder if that will be enough. With all the other food I’m sure we should have enough. Anyway I’m sure they won’t last more than a day even if we do have leftovers. Not when Johnny and I can each eat a dozen at a time.
After picking up several other ingredients for the New Year’s feast Kathryn and I head home. Sam meets is at the door, she looks a little annoyed because we didn’t get her up from her nap. Sam decided that I need protected and she is determined to be my protector. Sam looks so cute with that look on her face and her hands on her hips. I can’t help but pick her up and begin to kiss her on the neck that causes her to giggle.
After a minute or so Sam makes me let her down and she runs to the restroom. When she returns she tells me, “Daddy, I love you but you made me mad. How can I keep you out of trouble if you leave me at home?”
Sam does have a point, I know she doesn’t see herself as a small girl, and she’s far more capable than most girls three or four years older than her. In many ways Sam is more capable than many adults, she’s very skilled at martial arts and her size isn’t too much of a disadvantage because of the techniques I taught her.
How do I explain to Sam in such a way not to hurt her feelings or belittle her? Pondering that for a moment before I speak, “I love you Sam, I’m your Daddy and it’s my job to always look out for you. I know you love me, and want to make sure I’m safe. I love that about you.”
Sam smiles brightly then interrupts me, “Daddy I gotta keep you out of trouble. If I don’t who’s going to?”
I look to Kathryn who is trying to keep from laughing out loud, she shaking so hard her pregnant belly bounces and I know Amanda will start kicking any second. I playfully say, “Well Sam your Mom for one, but I’ll do what I can to make sure I stay out of trouble too.”
From the expression on Sam’s face I can tell her mind is working fast as she comes up with her counter argument. Looking into my eyes Sam says, “Mommy and you need help doing that, that’s where I come in.”
Kathryn can no longer contain her laughter; Sam confuses Kathryn’s laughter and is uncertain of how to react. Kathryn bringing herself under control finally says, “Sam thank you for helping keep your Daddy in line.”
Maybe I’m a little frustrated but I try to keep my voice pleasant as I say, “Whenever there’s something going to threaten either of you you’ll find me between it and you. After all I think it’s my job.”
Now giggling along with Kathryn Sam says, “Silly Daddy we know that, we just got to make sure there’s no trouble to start with.”
The images that go through my mind some aren’t that pleasant. I wonder if Sam had kept me out of trouble at the pizzeria, if I hadn’t stopped those two men how many more people would they had killed? Sometimes being safe is not good for others, the ones you save who would otherwise have died.
The two murderers had the video surveillance of the previous restaurants in their vehicle. They had walked through and killed every person in the restaurants before stopping the video tapes. The district attorney decided to try them on the murder cases and leave the attempted armed robbery off. There was more than enough evidence to convict the two. Of course the district attorney was seeking the death penalty because of so many murders the two had committed.
Sam gets my attention again and she pulls me into a hug and gives me a kiss on my cheek. Sam says with bright eyes that sparkle like fiery green emeralds, “I love you Daddy.”
It’s then that I noticed that Sam’s eyes are green. When I first saw Sam her eyes had been brown. I realize Sam has the same trait of Hazel eyes that change colors depending on her mood. That was a hard time for Sam right then, it was no wonder she was upset having gone through all that. These are the same eyes that Kathryn shares, looking into Sam’s beautiful eyes I say, “Sam I see you have your Mommy’s beautiful eyes.” That gets Kathryn’s attention and she takes a deep breath noticing Sam’s eyes are green.
Sam asks, “What do you mean Daddy?”
Walking over to a mirror near the door I pull Kathryn close so Sam and Kathryn can look into each other’s eyes as well as their own. I tell Sam, “Sam look how beautiful and how green you’re eyes are. Look at your Mommy’s eyes and see how green they are. Aren’t they just like yours?”
I’m looking into the two most beautiful sets of green eyes I’ve ever seen when I look into their faces. Kathryn has a few tears of joy, realizing Sam’s pain had caused her eyes to be brown for so long and now that pain has finally left. I explain to Sam, “Sam you have the same type of Hazel eyes as Kathryn. When your Mommy is happy, her eyes are very green like they are right now. When you’re happy you’re eyes turn green too. Aren’t you very happy right now Sam?”
Sam looking into Kathryn’s eyes then back into her own eyes. A bright smile on Sam’s face replaces the briefest moment of confusion. Sam really can’t speak at the moment and she just starts to continually kiss each of us turning back and forth kissing Kathryn and me.
Kathryn takes Sam and I begin to bring in groceries. Sam and Kathryn are placing the groceries away and each trip I kiss one or the other and get a giggle in return. It isn’t long before I’m bringing the last of the groceries and begin to help them finish storing the groceries away.
After bending over and straightening up Kathryn has a funny expression then unexpectedly runs to the bathroom. I follow because I fear she may be having a relapse of morning sickness. But at the door I can hear Kathryn is relieving herself, walking in with an amused look on my face I asked, “Amanda push someplace uncomfortable?”
Kathryn with a giggle says, “I guess she wanted a little more room and pushed on my bladder.”
Allow my hand rub Kathryn’s pregnant and extended belly before I say, “Don’t be in a hurry for more room little girl, I’ll get to see you soon enough.” Kathryn giggles at that and nods her head.
From the door Sam asks, “Mommy are you okay?”
Kathryn answers, “I just had to go to the bathroom that’s all.” Now with the smile she adds, “If you to stop treating me like I would break, I would appreciate it.”
Scooping Sam up and turning back to Kathryn we both say, “Nope not happening.”
Kathryn with a mean expression that I know that is just playful, this close I can feel that she’s not really upset and before she can say anything I whisper to Sam, “If your Mommy were really mad her eyes would be brown.” Sam looks at her Mommy and begins to giggle.
Kathryn hardening her expression to no avail, her eyes still remain green, says “What are you two talking about over there?”
Sam giggles, and I smile before saying, “We know you’re not really upset because your eyes are still green.”
Kathryn exhales “I guess that’s why I can never play poker, every time I got a great hand I would get happy about it. I guess I gave myself away.”
With a chuckle I say, “We’ll just get you a pair of sunglasses the next time you play poker with the family.”
Kathryn giggles and says “Maybe I’ll just start wearing them around all the time.”
Sam gets a concerned look before she asks, “If you do that Mommy how can I tell if you’re happy?”
Kathryn finishing using the bathroom is now washing her hands and she glances in the mirror at me. Playfully she says, “If you see a worried expression on your Daddy’s face you’ll know that I’m not happy.”
Sam looks at me and asks, “Daddy do you know every time Mommy is not happy?”
With a chuckle I say, “Yes, and she knows every time I’m not happy too.”
Sam looks at the both of us turning first one to the other than begins to smile. I’m not sure what she’s thinking of but she’s happy and that’s all I’m worried about. Kathryn comes and hugs the both of us.
Mom walking by notices the three of us in the bathroom. Shakes her head before she asks, “What’s all this about?”
We turn to look at her; Sam and Kathryn both have bright emerald green eyes showing their true happiness. It’s then that Mom notices as well. Mom takes a deep breath and a large smile crosses her face before she asks, “Sam are you wearing colored contacts?”
Giggling Sam says, “I got eyes just like Mommy they give away that I am happy.”
Mom says, “My grandmother’s eyes were like that too. I never remember them being anything but green. I found in the Bible a letter written by Grandpa where they talk about her eyes changing to blue as he left. He wrote how he wanted to see her eyes turn green again.”
I say, “That makes sense, since Sam and Kathryn has some of the same ancestors as we do. It’s possible that it’s a family trait that didn’t make it to us.”
Kathryn says, “Grandma Elizabeth has the same type of eyes too, and I’ve seen hers turn green occasionally. She’s had so many things happen in her life that they seldom stay that way when she remembers something that haunts her from her past.”
Sam asks, “Mommy does any of my aunts have eyes like ours?”
Kara’s comes to my mind; I think I’ve seen them change shades. Kathryn says, “Both Kara and Karen have eyes like me, but they tend to look bluer even when they’re happy.”
I say, “I bet when you see her next they’re very green.”
Kathryn giggling says, “If they are not I’m kicking Daniel’s ass.”
Mom jokes as she says, “I bet there green too, you should’ve heard her screaming when I walked back from Helen’s last night.”
Kathryn asks, “Good screaming?”
Mom laughing fully for a moment before she replies, “Of course, it sounded like she was having a great time. I’m a little envious.”
Kathryn looking at me sadly says, “I’m glad she was having a good time. I just wish I could. That’s the only thing that sucks about being pregnant.”
I remind Kathryn, “You will not be pregnant forever sweetheart. I waited for you for a long time before, and I can do it again.”
Kathryn looking into my eyes says, “I’m not worried about you cheating, I know you wouldn’t do that. You’d feel so guilty about it and never be able to forget that guilt.” I lean in give Kathryn a kiss, and Sam still in our arms takes the opportunity and gives us both the kiss on the cheek.
We go back and finish with the groceries, and I give a call to Joan letting her know I got the ingredients for one hundred and twenty tamales. Joan giggles and tells me that’s a lot, I tell her that’s only about six per person when the family is all there. Joan asks where I got the ingredients from, and she talks to Alyssa later that evening they come in with the ingredients for about another hundred and twenty.
Jokingly I say, “You must’ve heard Kathryn’s stomach growling in the background when I mentioned tamales.”
Kathryn lightly punches me in the arm for my joke. She then says, “When we were in San Antonio the tamales there were really good. JJ says yours is even better.”
Johnny carrying in the last of the groceries says, “Mom makes the best I’ve ever eaten.”
Alyssa says, “Tomorrow afternoon will start on them, I want about hundred and eighty, for New Year’s Day. We will need to make all of them, so we can keep that many for New Year’s.” Alyssa looks at Johnny and me, which causes Kathryn and Joan to giggle. Johnny and I get that not me expression, the last time I had Alyssa’s tamales Johnny and I had gotten into them early and eaten a lot. We didn’t get any for dinner, but they weren’t any left at all after dinner.
Joking Johnny says, “Hey JJ Mom’s only making thirty extra for each of us tomorrow night.”
Alyssa says, “Who said you’re getting any. You can have six on New Year’s for each of you, JJ and Johnny. The sixty extra are for the girls were going to help me make them.”
Kathryn gives a triumphant, “Yes!” This is immediately followed by Joan doing the same. Mom and Sam are giggling at the rest of us.
The feelings I’m having are unpleasant, and I hate to admit they exist. I really don’t want to get mad at the situation because I really would regret it later, and with an eidetic memory like mine you learn quickly not to make those types of mistakes. It’s not that I’m perfect; it’s just that I can’t forget any of my mistakes. So I calm myself down as fast as I possibly can.
Johnny doesn’t have the type memory like I do, so before he can really get mad about it I say, “Johnny we can go get enough ingredients for another hundred and twenty from the grocery store. I’m sure we can find some more volunteers to help make them.”
Alyssa says, “Now that’s the best idea yet.”
I start to find the volunteers to help make the tamales; I give a call to the coach who declines, he and the boys are watching a football game. Johnny learning that the game is on disappears with only saying, “Sorry.”
That left no one but me to help make more of the tamales. Then Ms. Clark comes to mind, we haven’t got to see the girls Miss Clark brought over in a while. I’m sure they’re all out from school over the Christmas break, and it is early enough in the day that she still should be at her office. After talking with Kathryn and Alyssa, I give Ms. Clark a call and ask, “Miss Clark I know it’s short notice, but I was wondering if you could bring the girls out. We were going to have a dinner on New Year’s with most of the family. We’re making tamales this evening I’m sure I can afford enough ingredients so the girls can make some to bring back with them. We’ll make dinner for the girls too.”
Ms. Clark says, “JJ you’re a lifesaver, those girls have been bored to death since Christmas. It’s getting bad trying to find something to keep them busy.”
I knew Ms. Clark was going to jump on the opportunity to bring the children out; it gives them an experience with a family. It exposes them to at least four different couples financially capable of adopting. That is her job, to ensure the well-being of the children either through adoption or by the state. A lot of the social workers became familiar with all the family during the recent adoption of Sam. Occasionally when Ms. Clark would come out in the past she would bring one or two other young girls with her. It would give Sam some interaction with children her own age, but it also gives Ms. Clark an opportunity to talk to Sam in a more relaxed manner. Children seem to relax more when another child is involved.
I left to pick up the additional ingredients that Alyssa wanted me to bring, not only were we going to make tamales, but tacos for dinner for the children. We would involve everyone in the process of making dinner, because we could take the ingredients from the stove and allow the children to build their tacos at the table. We would keep the children safe and nowhere near the cooking surface, but give them the thrill and experience of preparing their own meal. To a child it is a big event doing anything for the first time.
By the time I return, with Sam who insisted on coming Ms. Clark is there with the children, she had a couple little boys with her this time. The house is full of voices of children as they play and I tell Sam to go play with them. It doesn’t take Sam long to find one of the girls she has befriended from Ms. Clark’s visits. The two skip off together happily.
Kathryn displays a wide smile as a young girl feels Amanda kicking with a look of wonder on her young face. Alyssa seems to be very affectionate to that young girl and I wonder if I’ve just added to the family. I can hear the game going on downstairs, and realize the Coach and my brother-in-law’s moved over here knowing that Alyssa will not turn them down from having tamales. I’m thankful I got more than what Alyssa asked for.
MC is even there, she has a young girl on her lap and they both talk with a smile on their faces. I think to myself MC needs someone special in her life, she is a beautiful woman although I know she’s been heartbroken by someone just recently. He assumed she was out of work, poor and when a richer woman come along he dumped MC for her. After MC said she didn’t want to see him anymore she informed him that she was actually a billionaire. Needless to say the asshole tried to apologize, I don’t think she accepted his apology and he didn’t show up for Christmas. I’ve had a hard time dragging MC out of her home ever since then. It’s really good to see her smile again.
Ms. Clark walks up to me and says, “Thank you JJ for having the children over, it looks like they’re having a good time for the first time this week.”
I can’t help but ask, “Ms. Clark how tough is it for single woman to adopt? MC, Michelle seems to be hitting it off with that young girl in her lap.”
Ms. Clark giggles before she says, “You called her a member of your family right, so then she’s been checked out by the organization already. If she did the paperwork, we can have the child in her home in less than a week, and finalized in two months.”
Alyssa has the same young girl up in her arms right now and I ask Ms. Clark if the same holds true for the Judge and his new wife. Ms. Clark simply shakes her head yes with another giggle.
Who knows that play house might get a lot more use now that Sam isn’t going to be the only child her age around here. Sam and her friend come back up to me and ask, “Can we go out to the play house?” Sam adds, “Please Daddy.”
I look to Ms. Clark who only shakes her head yes, I look back to Sam and say, “You can go for a while but you have to come back in for dinner and to help make tamales. You can take a few of the girls with you if you want.”
Sam with a bright smile says, “Okay, Daddy I just want to show my play house to my friends.” Sam takes a hold of the young girls hand and the two skip off together, and they talk to a couple of the girls before going out to Sam’s play house.
Ms. Clark says, “Maybe I should go keep an eye on them.”
I switch to Sam’s play house channel on the TV set and Miss Clark looks surprised for instant before she says, “I should have known, you are a protected parent with enough money to do things like that.”
I chuckle and say, “It’s a two-way channel by the way, there’s a TV set inside Sam’s play house displaying us right now.”
Sam seeing the display says, “Hi Daddy.”
A couple of the other girls have come to where they can see and stand near Miss Clark. Sam’s friend Cindy says, “Miss Clark you’re on TV.”
Ms. Clark giggles and says, “So are you Cindy.” Cindy’s eyes got large at that bit of news, and Sam giggled at her expression.
In a bright voice I say to the girls, “Why don’t you two put on a show for the other girls, they can watch and then take turns putting on shows for you.”
Sam giggles saying, “That sounds like fun.”
Sam and Cindy start whispering back and forth as the figure out what they want to put on for a show for the other girls. We let the girls watch as Sam and Cindy begin singing a song before long the girls in the room join in, even the three-year-old that’s clutching to a teddy bear much like Sam’s.
Ms. Clark mouth nearly falls open in shock at the youngsters change in behavior, pulling me over to the side she tells me. “That’s Crystal she just came to us two weeks before Christmas, her family died in a car accident and she’s been withdrawn. The only thing beforehand she would say is that’s her teddy bear. She barely leaves it to take a bath, and it always has to be in sight or she panics.”
I ask, “So she came with the bear.”
Ms. Clark says, “No, that’s the oddest thing, it showed up on Christmas morning. No one at the orphanage gave her the bear; I got a good look at it a couple times. It doesn’t have any of the normal tags. It’s not from build a bear and unlike any teddy bear that’s on the market. It had a note saying it was from Santa Claus, but who believes in that.”
With a chuckle I ask, “What you never read, Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus. You deal with children all the time, they believe even when people say they shouldn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas. Only later in life when we get disappointed we stopped believing in that spirit. Maybe if we still believe the world would be a better place.”
Before Ms. Clark has time to reply, Alyssa announces it’s time for everyone to start help making dinner and then will make the tamales right after.
Sam says, “We’ll be right there Aunt Alyssa.”
Ms. Clark and I bring the rest of the girls in, and Crystal actually allows me to pick her up. Ms. Clark only shakes her head at the difference in the young girl. Walking to the table with the young girl, I stand her in a chair and she holds to her teddy bear and I steady her by one hand on her other shoulder. I ask Crystal, “Have you ever done this before young lady?”
Crystal shakes her head no and I ask, “Have you ever had a taco before?” Crystal shakes her head yes, causing her light brown hair to fly in waves. I say, “Judging from that yes I bet you like tacos.” Again Crystal shakes her head yes vigorously.
I take two plates one for me and the other for Crystal, I place a tortilla on my plate and wait for Crystal to do the same after a moment when she doesn’t I ask, “Would you like a tortilla?” Crystal shakes her head yes, so I add one to her plate. Crystal isn’t very talkative, but as long as she shakes her head yes or no I can deal with that. I noticed Ms. Clark is watching me intently as I work with Crystal. The next item to decide on is it beef or chicken, Alyssa had prepared both, personally I like the beef. I take some of the beef and put it on my taco. I ask Crystal, “Which you like best the beef or chicken on your taco?”
Crystal looks up at me, and I can tell she almost wants to say something but is almost afraid to. I gently ask “Crystal do you want the beef or chicken on your taco?”
Crystal still looking into my face like she’s trying to figure out if she says something it will make me mad or not, so I smile to reassure her and wait patiently. Instead of saying anything Crystal points to the beef, and I add a few pieces to her taco before I ask “Would you like more?”
Crystal again simply shakes her head yes, so I add a few more pieces and ask “more?” Still without saying a word Crystal shakes her head yes. Again I add a few more pieces. Crystal smiles up at me which gives me the idea I’ve given her enough meat. So I slide the plates on down, the next few bowls hold, lettuce, diced tomatoes, guacamole, and cilantro. I put a little of all of it on mine, before I ask Crystal if she wants any of it on hers, I ask “Crystal do you want, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole? You might try a bit of this one but it’s a little spicy and if you’re like Sam you won’t like it, but I like it. Crystal simply shakes her head no, so I ask, “Would you like lettuce and tomato or just guacamole?”
Crystal shakes her head no so I asked her to do one thing I know she will do, “Crystal you just point to anything you want on yours?” Crystal gives me a smile and points to the tomatoes. So I add some diced tomatoes to her taco, when Crystal gives me a smile I know that I added enough. Before we go anywhere else I ask, “Anything else?” Crystal again shakes her head no.
So I slide our plates on down, Alyssa has placed a number of sauces to add some kick to your taco. First is a bright red sauce, mostly made from tomato with a tiny bit of cilantro. The next is a green sauce made from Chilies and a bit spicier, the next is a roasted chilies sauce which is a lot spicier. I ask Crystal, “I think I’ll pass on the hot sauce how about you?”
Crystal have been looking at my face and she cracks a smile and gives her head a shake yes. I take our plates and we set down next to one another on the opposite side of the table. I fold my tacos a little differently than most people, most people simply fold them in half but I fold mine more like a burrito, flipping one site in before folding it in half with that side held at the bottom. I found out that causes a lot less spillage, and fewer embarrassing stains.
Crystal mimics the way I fold my tacos, and she takes a big bite chewing happily. Sam comes and sets in my lap she looks over at Crystal and says, “Hi.”
Crystal for the first time actually says anything to another person directly, she returns Sam’s greeting saying, “Hi.”
I can almost hear an audible gasp from Ms. Clark who is now on the other side of the table making a taco for her and another of the smaller children. I look up and see Ms. Clark smiling who explains, “That’s the first word Crystal has spoken to anyone directly in nearly two weeks.”
Alyssa seems to be helping the same girl and I over hear her calling her Anna. She is almost the same age as Sam and also one of the newer girls Ms. Clark has under her care. George shows up with a young boy a little younger than Anna maybe a year or a few months more than that. George slides into line beside Alyssa and gives her a kiss on the cheek, he looks like he needs to ask her something important, and she has the same expression.
The little boy greets Anna with “Hi sis.” Anna returns his greeting with, “Hi brother.”
George and Alyssa both got bright smiles as they simultaneously say, “Brother and sister.” It looks like the couple can read each other’s minds in that instant and I would bet Marshall, Joan and Johnny are going to have a younger brother and sister in a couple months.
Ms. Clark looks at the two for an instant and a bright smile comes across her face as she looks away. I’ve heard it is hard placing siblings; few people want to adopt two children at the same time. I’m sure Ms. Clark worried about having to split the two up. It would be traumatic for the two siblings, the brother and sister placed in two different homes, never knowing if they can see each other again.
Kathryn comes to set down, seeing Crystal she asks, “Could you sit on my lap and we sit together?”
Crystal only hesitates for a moment before shaking her head yes to Kathryn, after sitting her plate down Kathryn gently lifts Crystal and places her in her lap, but Crystal loses her grip on her teddy bear and it falls to the floor, not even thinking Kathryn reaches down and picks up the bear handing it back to Crystal. The look on Kathryn’s face as Crystal gives Kathryn a kiss on the cheek for returning her teddy bear tells me everything. I know in that instant that Crystal will be part of our family. Kathryn feels the connection to Crystal just like we felt for Sam.
My only worry is Sam. I know she was excited about having a younger sister when we told her the news about Amanda. I wonder if she would feel the same excitement learning that Crystal will be part of the family too.
After getting their food George speaks to Miss Clark whispering a question to her and she shakes her head yes still holding that smile after that Alyssa, George, Anna, and her brother go to the patio to eat.
I leaned over whispering into my wife’s ear, “Would you be willing to add Crystal to our family?”
Before Kathryn can answer I practically see Amanda jumping she’s pressing on Kathryn so hard I can see the outline of both little feet. Giggling Kathryn says, “I think Amanda likes the idea.”
I straighten back up and gently ask Sam, “Sam would you like to have Crystal as a younger sister?”
Sam looks at me and her eyes seemed to be as green as ever as she says, “I think she would make a good little sister. Can I adopt Cindy as my big sister?”
I tell Sam, “We’ll have to ask Ms. Clark if we can. I think Crystal really needs us right now, and we can see if Cindy can come too.” Kathryn has a slight confused expression on her face for second then shakes her head smiling as she does. Kathryn and I would do almost anything for Sam, our love is like that. We both sense that Crystal should be with us. We’re not sure if Cindy should be, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask Ms. Clark. Hopefully taking care of three girls shouldn’t be that much more difficult than taking care of two. Fortunately for us we still have lots of family nearby.
Marshall and Misty along with Ron and Reese show up just then, as the coach and Johnny get in line I realize it’s halftime. Jokingly I say, “I guess Alyssa timed dinner just perfect for halftime.”
Misty giggles at all the little girls before she asks, “Why are all these children here?”
I can’t resist playing with her and say, “Misty if you put your hand on your belly I think you’ll figure out why soon enough.”
Now given me an angry look, but her eyes tell that she really isn’t angry, Misty sticks out her tongue before she says, “JJ you know what I meant.”
Giggling Kathryn says, “JJ got enough ingredients to make four hundred tamales, and was looking for volunteers to help.”
Crystal from Kathryn’s lap says happily, “I’ll help.”
Sam quickly says, “Me too.”
Most of the young girls say as well, “Me too.”
Reese and Misty giggles and says, “Me too.” Marshall and Ron kiss their wives, but shake their head no.
Joking with them I say, “They are going to leave me alone with all these beauties.”
Marshall and Ron chuckle before Marshall says, “Like you would ever cheat on Kathryn. We’ll see the sun moved backwards first.”
Kathryn giggles at that before she looks at me and says, “Probably for a full-day before he would even consider it.”
With a chuckle I say, “Not even then.”
Dinner was fun, and I helped Sam and Crystal get seconds along with myself, when we return Sam set in Kathryn’s lap before she says, “You can sit and Daddy’s lap.” It’s then that I’m sure Sam is fine with adding Crystal to the family. Crystal doesn’t hesitate but comes into my lap easily.
A little after dinner I get the chance to speak to Ms. Clark, it’s then that I ask, “Ms. Clark, Kathryn and I would like to adopt Crystal, when can we start the paperwork? Cindy is she available for adoption too?”
Ms. Clark begins, “About Cindy, she is a special case her parents are still alive. Her father abused and neglected the girl after her mother was imprisoned. Unless the mother gives up her parental rights no adoption is possible. Unfortunately she’s between foster homes; I don’t have anyone to place her with. As for Crystal I’ll speak to the judge, I have a temporary order all he needs to do is sign it after we insert Crystal’s name.”
I shake my head with a large smile before I say, “We definitely don’t need the money that the state will give us as foster parents. How tough is it to become foster parents, Kathryn and I would be happy to care for Cindy until her mother is released.”
Ms. Clark says, “With your recent background checks, and your references no problem at all. Cindy’s mother should be released in about six months.”
With a chuckle I say, “I bet you got the paperwork for that too.”
Ms. Clark says, “Would you blame me if I do?”
Still chuckling I say, “I thought it was the Boy Scouts that are always prepared.”
Ms. Clark returns in a subdued tone, “And social workers who don’t have enough room for the children they have to care for.”
That silenced my chuckle in a heartbeat and I ask, “Is there anything else I can do for the children?”
Ms. Clark has a soft smile as she hugs me stepping back she says, “Bless you JJ, you’re helping with the overcrowding already, you helped stretch our food budget by feeding them tonight, and it looks like three more of the children are getting their adoption started tonight as well. If you or anyone else I wouldn’t ask any more them than you have already done, but we need warm coats and clothing.”
I say, “Is that all? I’ll do that in a heartbeat; after all I have a large family that would love to take the children shopping. We can get them warm clothing for the rest of the winter. If you need any more food, or anything else ask and it is yours.”
Ms. Clark asks, “Just like that, I don’t need to beg?”
I say, “Just like that, anything you need for the children make a list and I’ll see that you have it as soon as I can get it. Anything that is needed urgently for the star beside it, I’ll do whatever I have to; to make sure you have that right away.”
Kathryn slides underneath my arm still holding to Crystal as she holds to her bear; she’s not clinging to it like before. They both smile up at me before I say, “Crystal would it be all right if you came and stayed with us?”
Crystal looks from me to Kathryn, who smiles brightly and says, “Please Crystal would you stay with us?”
Crystal reaction isn’t exactly what I thought it would be, she just throws her arms around Kathryn but she begins to cry as she clutches to Kathryn. Ms. Clark says in a very soft voice, “Crystal has not grieved yet, this is actually good.”
Kathryn holds Crystal as she cries and I gently caress Crystal’s back. I whisper, yet loud enough for both Kathryn and Ms. Clark to hear, “You’re safe now Crystal, you’re with your new family we’re going to take good care of you.”
Ms. Clark says, “JJ can you take care of Crystal starting tonight. I think it would be best for her if she stayed with her new parents. I’m sure the judge will approve it.”
It almost sounds like Crystals holding her breath waiting for my answer so I don’t hesitate. Feeling Kathryn’s agreement I say, “I can’t think of a better place for Crystal than with her new Mommy and Daddy and her big sister.”
Crystals head pops up and she looks into Kathryn’s eyes and asks, “Really?”
Kathryn smiles back gently saying lovingly, “Really Crystal, if it’s all right with you.”
Crystal buries her head against Kathryn again and begins to cry once more I can sense a difference in her tears they’re mixed between relief and joy. Ms. Clark has a confused look, like she can sense the difference too but doesn’t understand quite yet. I tell Ms. Clark, “They are joyful tears; Crystal is relieved of the fear of being alone.”
Ms. Clark is smiling brightly as Sam runs to me seeing Crystal is upset and crying Sam holds her teddy bear from Santa and it looks remarkably the same as Crystal’s teddy bear. Sam says, “Daddy, catch me.”
I hold my arms open as Sam jumps into me hard with a thump as our chests meet. My arms wrap around Sam keeping her from sliding down as her legs wrapped around me. After taking a breath Sam leans over and begins to hug Crystal and Kathryn now that she’s at the same level. Sam says, “It’s okay Crystal, our Mommy and Daddy really love us.”
Crystal turning her shoulders and head and looks in Sam’s face before she asks, “Are you going to be my sister?”
Giggling Sam replies, “I sure am, look even Santa got is the same type bears to let us know we’re going to be family.”
Ms. Clark sucks in her breath hearing that. Crystal giggles and says, “That’s what my note from Santa said, when I found a bear like mine I would know I’m home.”
Ms. Clark says, “Oh God I wish I had not thrown the note away.”
Crystal reaches into her pocket and pulls out a tattered folded piece of parchment, she unfolds it and it reads. To my Princess Crystal: This bear will show you your new home when you find one like it. Love Santa Claus.
Smiling at Ms. Clark I say, “Doesn’t that make you feel like your nine again, and still believe in Santa.”
Laughing Ms. Clark replies, “I don’t know about being nine, but I do believe.”
Ms. Clark excuses herself going for her briefcase and her prepared paperwork still in the van she came in. When she returns Ms. Clark uses a pen to fill in Crystal’s name onto a form for temporary custody and a second to start adoption procedures. Before Kathryn and I sign them Ms. Clark asks Crystal, “You sure this is where you want to stay?”
Without a moment’s hesitation Crystal shakes her head yes before she says, “This is the family Santa chose for me.”
Ms. Clark smiling says, “I don’t think anyone would be better for you than JJ and Kathryn Meyer.”
Sam says, “What about me, I’m going to be her big sister.”
Giggling Ms. Clark says, “No one has forgotten about you Sam, you’re going to be a great big sister.” Sam and Crystal giggle and hug each other.
Fortunately for us, Uncle George signs the orders and Crystal was ours starting that night, although another judge would have to confirmed the orders in a few days, Ms. Clark was happy to leave her with us due to the overcrowding she was currently dealing with. Uncle George and Alyssa also took Anna and her little brother Alan in that night.
Ms. Clark started the adoption paperwork for MC that night as well, but some issues prevented MC from taking the little girl home that night. Within a week she will have the paperwork accomplished and her young friend Rosy will become her daughter. Mrs. Clark supervisor wasn’t available, to approve us taking Cindy so reluctantly she returned to the orphanage that night as well. Both girls would be coming with us shopping tomorrow.
Hopefully MC can get the necessary furniture for her new daughter tomorrow, and delivered on short notice. Although I think MC in a pinch would get camping gear, MC and her daughter could have an adventure camping in a bedroom.
Our family grew by four or maybe five, some people would say it was a coincidence that I called Ms. Clark but I have a sneaking suspicion someone up there is looking out for the children. Or one more challenge to prove we can live up to it. To quote Stan Lee, who paraphrased Luke, “To who is given much, much is expected.”
I don’t see Crystal as a challenge. I truly see Crystal is a reward. She’s a beautiful little girl, and I can tell already she’s full of love. All that night she didn’t leave Kathryn or my side, only on occasion Sam would pull her away for a moment. It didn’t surprise me at all when Sam led her into our bedroom, and both girls crawl onto my chest snuggle close to each other and Sam took the outside with Crystal between her and Kathryn.
Only about twenty seconds after Crystal put her head down it popped back up, with wide eyes Crystal says, “Sam you’re right. Daddy’s heart does say love you over and over.”
I chuckle and say, “Crystal, it couldn’t say anything else hearts can’t lie. They also don’t have a really big vocabulary.”
Kathryn giggles at that before she says, “If JJ’s heart had a bigger vocabulary, with every beat it would say, I love you Crystal, I love you Sam, I love you…”
I cut Kathryn off, saying, “Amanda, I love you Kathryn, I love you Crystal, I love you Sam and over and over.”
Kathryn gives me a kiss, and then says, “When you said Amanda she jumped.”
I smile broadly, and gives Sam and Crystal a kiss on the forehead and begin gently rubbing Crystal’s back first given her a few circles then moving to Sam’s back and give her a few circles them back to Crystal’s back. It doesn’t take very long before both girls are breathing slow and steady, and I think their sound asleep.
Kathryn whispers to me, “When this year started I had you all to myself. The day we got married, we got Sam, I don’t regret that. I don’t miss having a honeymoon with you. It felt like that from the day I first moved in with you. I really enjoy being Sam’s mother. I know I will enjoy being Crystal’s mother too.”
I whisper back, “I love you and I love being their Dad.”
I thought the two were sound asleep but they both say, “I love you Mommy, I love you Daddy.” In less than a second I feel the first tear on my shoulder from Kathryn. I feel so much joy from her it brings tears to my own eyes. I continue my gentle caress of the girls after wishing them a good night. They wish us a good night in return. Kathryn wishes them a good night and sweet dreams.
Sam says, “Mommy all my dreams have come true, I got you and Daddy and now Crystal, soon I’ll have Amanda too. What more could I ever dream of?”
With a soft chuckle I say, “If you close your eyes and go to sleep you might find the answer to that.”
Sam wishes me a good night again and relaxes on my chest. Kathryn says, “Sam all my dreams are coming true too. I know how you feel my beautiful little Princess.”
Crystals head pops up and she asks, “Can I be your Princess too?”
Kathryn answers quickly, “Of course you’re our Princess, and you’re my beautiful little Princess too.”
Both girls finally relax and go to sleep. I can feel how happy they are, even in their sleep a smile is on their faces. I realize why Sam loves sleeping on my chest. She loves hearing my heartbeat; it’s reassuring to her that she is loved. Isn’t that something that we all want, feeling that intense emotion of love no matter what? Hearing my heartbeat, as it says to her love you, Sam feels that and now Crystal. I do love them as my daughters and always will.

Read 78714 times |
Rated 96 % |
(1017 votes)

Vote list (Close) :120489
: POSITIVEDaringDad2
: POSITIVEdator
: POSITIVEShariar lonleyboy
: POSITIVEwho-cares
: POSITIVEScrapDawg32
: POSITIVE

Please rate this text: