by Lee, Groovy
Each day would begin with high-energy and excitement. And, each night would end the same: After the late-night fireworks, a worn Taryn and Michael would lift an exhausted child out of the car and deposit them on the bed in their room. As the end of the week drew near, Taryn realized their fun together was also coming to an end, and dreaded the moment when they would part ways. She had found a good friend; A friend she enjoyed being around and could talk freely with. She learned some impressive things about him. Like the pride he has in his work; The trip to Haiti with his cousin where they helped design and build a school for the children—And a few peculiarities. He seemed rather amused as she related her own quirks. But, one question in particular opened a door from within to reveal the scars left there by her life with Collen.
“I had no idea of the extent of his violence until he slapped me the first week we were married,” she said as they stood leaning against the car in the parking lot one night after putting the girls to bed. “After that, there’d be this pattern of his abuse followed by swearing he’d never do it again. And of course, I’d forgive him. Still, it just seemed to get worse. It came to the point that whenever we heard his truck pull up in the driveway, the girls would fall into a fearful silence, and I’d keep them occupied in their room away from him as much as I could. I felt obligated to keep the marriage together—until the evening he went into one of his tirades. That’s when I decided it was enough. So, while he was working late one night, I packed all of our clothes to leave. As I was writing the letter telling him to talk to my lawyer, two policemen came to the door and announced he had been killed in an automobile accident. I couldn’t even cry. I’d cried enough when were married, I just couldn’t anymore. I know it’s a terrible thing to say, Michael,” she turned to look into eyes so filled with compassion,
“But when he died, the whole world suddenly lifted from my shoulders. For the first time in years, I could breathe.” She leaned her had back to view the black, starless sky. “Maybe, I should feel guilty for feeling this way. All I know is that I’m glad it’s over, and I don’t intend on going through anything like it again.” She felt his hand touch her shoulder, causing her to straighten and give him her full attention.
“You didn’t deserve what you went through. But, don’t let that sour you from ever committing yourself to someone you may come to love in the future. Sometimes the past is only good for remembering the bad times. Don’t look back; Learn from it, and live for the future. Only then can you ever really be happy.”
How she appreciated her new, understanding friend. No accusatory, “What did you do to maybe provoke him?”—no judgmental, “Why did you stay?”
“You’re right. I should appreciate what a strong woman I’ve become because of it. Now, I can face life with a much wiser outlook. How’s that?”
“There you go,” he said, then lifted his hand to brush his fingers up and down the side of her cheek. Her eyes closed involuntarily from the comfort it brought. “Come on,” he finally spoke. “Tomorrow’s our last day. And, we need all the sleep we can get if we’re going to survive.”
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Taryn and Rachel sat in chairs facing Michael and Remi at the airport early Monday morning waiting for their flights to be called. She couldn’t help observing them as they talked, their heads buried in a brochure showcasing all the fun they had.
It was then she began her own study—of him. Her eyes traced his lean thighs confined in those black pants; Then moved up from his torso in the silk shirt, to linger on his mouth, his eyes. He smiled at Remi, and her heart quickened its beats. She shifted in her seat to change her field of vision. But, the vendor guy restocking the snack machine couldn’t hold her attention two seconds before her attention drifted back to him. This will probably be the last time they’ll ever spend together. She was on her way back to Nashville, and he to California. No doubt, someone’s there waiting to welcome him home—A gorgeous model eager to show him how much she missed him. (God, how fortunate can one woman be?) She sat up straight to end her train of thought. He was fun to be with while it lasted. And, that’s all it was—fun. It’s best to leave it at that. Just then, he looked up and caught her staring. They exchanged smiles, and their flight for Nashville was called.
“You still have our address, don’t you, Michael? And, you won’t forget to write?” Remi asked after all the hugging was over.
“Yes, Remi, I still have it. And, I promise to write.”
When it was time for Taryn to say her good-byes, they stood eyeing one another as if to make the moment stretch on. She was crushed when he finally extended his hand.
“Good-bye. Take care of yourself.”
“You do the same. And, don’t forget to write”, she tried to make light of the moment. “Or they will never forgive you.”
His hand slipped away, causing her to swallow at the tightness in her throat. Before they exited down the passageway, and while the girls threw him one last wave, she soaked his essence deep in her mind before turning to scoot them along. But, she was unaware that he stood there in his own regretful silence long after they had vanished around the corner.
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Taryn peered out the kitchen window of her quaint four bedroom house to see what the twins, and their cousin Bobby, were up to in the backyard.
“Is the coffee ready, yet?” her sister, Nora, shuffled in. The navy-blue jogging suit she wore sagged over her round physique like a comfortable friend.
“All ready,” Taryn poured the steaming black liquid into two round cups. After adding the sugar and cream, they went into the front room to relax.
“Jerry and I are having company for dinner this weekend,” Nora snuggled into her corner of the tan and black couch. “You’re invited.”
Taryn turned her attention from the evening news on the flat screen television across the room of pale-yellow walls, and brown carpet. “How many people will be there?” her eyes rested on her sister’s wavy, chestnut hair she was braiding.
Nora flipped the braid back then retrieved her cup from the coffee table. “Just two couples; Friends of mine and Jerry.” She sipped the hot liquid and at once twisted her mouth in disgust. “You didn’t put enough creamer in this.”
“One teaspoon is all you need. Now tell me, have I ever met these couples before?”
“No, but you’ll like them. Chuck works with Jerry. He got married last month, and we thought it’d be nice to get to know his new wife. Charlie and Julie have been married for ages.”
“And that’s all you invited?” Taryn’s eyes squinted with suspicion.
“I promise,” Nora laughed. “No eligible bachelors this time. We’ve given up on you.”
“What a relief.”
“We have learned our lesson. I mean, when I think about the cold shoulder you gave Anthony we tried to fix the two of you up. I thought I saw a tear as he sat on the other side of that table staring down at his food.”
“I didn’t give him the cold shoulder,” Taryn insisted.
“The poor guy still wears a sweater from that chilly breeze. You will definitely be the odd one this time.”
“Thanks—I think.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat with us tonight? You don’t have to eat here alone, you know.”
“I know. Thanks for the offer, but I’m going to plan out my day for job hunting tomorrow, then I’m going to turn in early. Thanks for letting Remi and Rachel stay overnight.”
“No problem. Oh, look,” she pointed toward the television. “It’s my favorite show, OMG Insider.”
There was no talking when that show started. Nora fully immersed herself in the program that kept her up-to-date on her favorite stars and their Hollywood lives. While she wooed over Brad Pitt, and remarked on Halle Berry’s dress she wished she could fit into, Taryn’s attention honed in on the back screen door slamming, and the approaching rush of three energetic kids.
�
�Momma, we’re thirsty. Can we have some juice?” Remi stood over her with Rachel and Bobby close behind.
Taryn eyed their hair and play clothes now covered with most of the backyard. “Yes, Remi, it’s in the refrigerator. Be careful not to spill any. Why don’t…”
Too late, they were already gone. A few minutes later they were back, juice boxes in hand.
“Do we have to take baths?” Remi was standing over her again, sipping as much apple juice as she could in one gulp.
“Remi, honey, I thought we talked about this…”
“Mummie, look,” Rachel screamed at the television and pointed. “It’s Michael.”
“Michael,” Remi swung around, the threat of a bath all forgotten.
“Who’s that?” Bobby asked.
No one bothered to answer him, they were too fascinated by the figure on the screen. The show was now broadcasting a big premiere from last evening. Everyone who was anyone attended, all decked out in their favorite designers’ creations. But, Taryn’s interest was only on one person in that crowd. Her heart was beating in her throat as she studied him in his black evening wear being escorted down the red carpet by his date, facing all the flashes aimed at them. How handsome he looks. (And there’s that smile) It’s been over a month since they parted at the airport. The girls received a lengthy letter with a brief hello, and a hope-you’re-doing-well scribbled at the end for her. She admits she’s been thinking about him—a lot. Now, she’s sitting here shocked to see him on TV with a very attractive actress on his arm. Has he gotten married? She swallowed and turned up the volume on the remote.
The children folded to the carpeted floor to listen. The dimpled cheek, dark-haired actress with striking make-up and bold red lipstick exhibited a melodramatic smile as she talked ongoing to the reporter about a movie she was starring in. After a non-stop few minutes, it was Michael’s turn. Taryn held her breath, her teeth clamped on her bottom lip, waiting.
“Mr. Vande-xx, I know you must be so happy that your investment in the movie, Charming Alarming Disarming, has turned into a box-office success.”
“Yes, Brooke, I am.”
Though poised and exuding class, Taryn could tell by the look on his face he’d rather that camera and microphone were aimed somewhere else.
“What made you invest in a movie that stars virtual unknowns?”
“Well, I’m not an entertainment wiz or anything like that. But, I know a good storyline when I read one. When my good friend, Hal, came to me with the script, I jumped at the opportunity.”
“Isn’t he just great?” the actress everyone now knows as Raven slid her thin arms through one of his and pressed against him; Her eyes twinkled adoringly into his face.
Taryn lifted a brow at such temerity, then immediately reprimanded herself for the nasty sentence that flew through her mind. This Raven woman could be a pleasant person for all she knows.
“And, you have another career to add to your list of accomplishments, Raven,” the blonde journalist switched the microphone back to her. “First a model, now a budding actress.”
“Yes,” she snuggled closer to her date. “It’s all Michael’s doing. He suggested to Hal that I try out for the role of the best friend Shelly, and voila, I got the part.” A bubbly laugh followed.
“And is there something that our viewers out there should know about the two of you?” she looked into the camera and winked.
(Here it comes) Taryn bit at her bottom lip, her fingers nervously entwined.
“I mean, Michael, you’re one of the most eligible bachelors of the twenty-first century. As far as we know, you’re not involved with anyone. And, you’ve also been labeled as—well, a recluse. So, could it be that you’ve finally found Miss Right, here?”
“No, Brooke,” he chuckled.
Taryn closed her eyes and exhaled.
“Raven and I are just friends; Nothing more.”
“Friends,” Nora scoffed. “I mean, do you see the way she’s looking at him?”
“Nora.”
“Then would you care to comment on the rumors printed in the tabloids that you’re gay?” the reporter continued.
“Gay,” Raven’s laugh was more of a ridiculous huff.
The question had the smile waning from his face.
“What’s gay, Momma,” Remi asked with a puzzled turn to her face.
“I’ll tell you later. Listen.”
“I never read those rags, Judy. Everyone knows that ninety-nine percent of what they print are outrageous lies. Their stories about aliens seem more credible. But, if people choose to believe what they print about me, then it’s their right.” The serious look in his eyes sealed his words as final.
Brooke graciously agreed with his comment and thanked them for their time. Once they were free, other network journalists began calling out for them to approach their spot.
“Did you mail our letter to Michael, Mummie?” Rachel turned all the way around to address her.
“Yes, Rachel, I did. Now, the three of you go and play.”
“Oh—my—God,” Nora exhaled, her eyes wide and intense. “Is that the Michael you met in Florida? The one you spent an entire week with? Good heavens, you didn’t tell me he looked like that.”
“Like what? I said he was nice looking.”
“Yeah,” she replied with indignant disbelief. “Your exact words were: He’s a nice looking guy in his thirties and very successful. Really? Taryn? The man is fine.”
Taryn just waved her off as if she was over exaggerating despite the excitement still racing through her.
“And you still expect me to believe that nothing happened between the two of you?” she shifted herself around in her seat with one leg curled on the cushion, her arms held out in disbelief. “No sparks? Nothing?”
“Nothing,” Taryn vowed. “We talked, that’s all.”
“How could you let something like that slip out of your hands?” she pointed at the television. “Did you see those eyes? That body? If that had been me, girl, I would have proposed the first day.”
“That’s because you’re crazy,” Taryn shook her head at such shameless behavior. “You need to calm down, or I’ll have to write an anonymous note to Jerry and tell him what you just said.”
“My, goodness, speaking of Jerry,” she stood quickly. “I’d better get home and start dinner. He’ll be home soon.”
Taryn called out to the kids, and instantly three heads appeared from around the kitchen wall. “Nora’s ready to go. Get your things and come on.”
They barreled down the hall; Minutes later they were back with their cases in hand. Taryn walked them to the door and kissed them off. Not wanting to be left out, Bobby stood on tiptoes for a kiss, also.
Taryn cupped his tiny face in her hands, kissed her favorite nephew, and sent him on his way. “Thanks again, Nora,” she waved to them one last time.
“See you tomorrow,” she replied as she tossed all the bags in the back seat and waited for everyone to hop in. “Hope you find something.”
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Taryn laid her head back against the oversized pillow of the couch and rubbed her tired eyes. After a tuna fish sandwich and sweet tea for dinner, she had been combing through the wants ads to prepare for the next day.
After taking note of the ones that looked promising, she finally yielded to the need for sleep. The clock on the entertainment center beamed 10 p.m. in red numbers. She tossed the paper on the coffee table then stood to go take a shower before turning in. As she delayed for a moment to stretch, the doorbell rang. She dropped her arms to her sides, wondering who that could be at this time of night. The tall figure was turned from her view when she peeked through the curtains. But, one look at Gant’s Towing Service emblazoned across the back of his work jacket, announced clearly who it was: Mac. She exhaled sharply, and with all the patience she could summon, opened the door.
“Mac,” there was no hiding that stiff tone in her voice as she
unlocked the screen door.
“Taryn,” he replied just as coolly as he entered; His sun-worn face stuck in the usual appearance of grouchy.
“Have a seat,” she motioned toward the couch.
“No thanks, I won’t be here that long.”
Relief raced through her, assuaging her edgy nerves. (Thank goodness)
“I just came by to get your permission for the girls to come and spend a few days with me and Phyllis.”
Only four words out of that entire sentence seared her brain: Girls—spend—me—Phyllis. The scant relief she felt fled like a startled animal. She should have known this was coming. Remi and Rachel are the only reasons he bothers to come around, considering how much he despises even the sight of her.
“Well?”
That barbed question pricked at her patience. She tried to think of something to say that wouldn’t provoke and start a war she’s way too tired for.
She took a deep breath, and, “Now’s not a good time, Mac. I’ve been so unorganized since returning from Florida, that I haven’t been able to straighten my schedule out, yet. Everything’s in such a turmoil.”
“All the more reason to let them stay with us until you get it all straightened out. Wouldn’t you say?”
“Uh, you really caught me at a bad time. Can we discuss this later?”
He thrust his hand through his thick, gray hair and exhaled crisply as his eyes roved with distaste up and down her. “Why don’t we stop this dancing around and be honest with one another. Phyllis and I know why you’re dead-set against Remi and Rachel spending time with us. You’re not very good at hiding it. But, you shouldn’t let how you and Collen felt for each other get in the way of our relationship with them. You and Colleen weren’t happy; that’s old news. We warned him against marrying you in the first place. What’s done is done. He’s dead, and we’d like to see more of the girls. It’s what he would have wanted.”
She took a moment to calm herself so as not react to those hurtful words about his son’s “Big Mistake”. “I’m well aware of how much you disapproved of my marrying your son. I’ve only heard you say it a million times, now. But, it doesn’t matter anymore. I accepted it a long time ago. You’re wonderful to the girls, and I don’t want to deny them their grandparents. But, I can’t in all honesty allow them to stay with you anytime soon.”