“As usual, her father needed my money to keep his business afloat and I made sure to make our marriage part of the bargain. I did try convincing her that I had learned my lesson and was dying of love for her, but I don’t think she bought it.”
“In the end it didn’t matter, because her father would’ve gone belly-up had I not invested in his oil refineries. This one is no better a businessman than all the others have been .”
“The only thing that I hadn’t expected and so hadn’t prepared for, was Trudy. Like I said, I still have no idea what part she will play. She followed her sister here as a companion of sorts.”
“After Judy died in childbirth, she stayed on here and Ella and mom thought it best to keep an eye on her until we know more. So that is how I tempted fate this time, in hopes that this life and all the others to follow, I may buy us more time.”
“With the threat out of the way, my heart and mind is at ease.” My hand went to her stomach where the child was little more than a fertilized egg.
“Isabelle is already older than she’s ever been so that gives me hope. My only worry now is if I’ve carried things too far by waiting so long to find you.”
“How did you find me this time?” I kissed her head and pulled her closer onto my chest. “I always knew where you were. From your seventeenth birthday I found you, I couldn’t help it.”
“Judy and I were already married by then so I didn’t think there was any danger, but I dared not come to you yet. Your accident…” My body shook with remembered horror.
“I thought I’d lost you anyway that night. I used to slip into your hospital room at night and sit with you. When you were in a coma I read to you, talked to you, about us.”
“Do you think Judy had anything to do with it?”
“How could she? She was already dead for months by then.”
“Trudy?”
“I have a theory about that. Though I don’t believe she had anything to do with your accident, I think she’s the incarnation of Judy after she lost her mind.”
“She was very clever this time, way more inventive with her wiles. But I think her essence was weakened because it was split in two. The two women were close, though I don’t think it’s possible for Judy to ever really love another human being.”
“My hope is that Trudy weakened Judy’s power this time. Once our sons are born safely I will get rid of her and we won’t have to be bothered with her again.”
“And little Priscilla is already married as well. I miss my old friend.”
“That day she came to the house she almost gave everything away. I had to keep her away from you because she couldn’t seem to help herself.”
“But I knew I had to awaken you at the right time. I wasn’t willing to test fate that far. So though it was a year late, I kept the day and month of our consummation the same.”
“Our children will have the same birthdate and best of all, this time I get to marry you.” We’ve never gotten that far before and it was something that always hurt my heart sorely.
This time she was going to have the wedding she’d been robbed of over all our lifetimes. “I have it all planned out. In a few weeks we’ll tell your parents that we fell in love and we’re getting married.”
“It’ll make the story more plausible if we wait but I’m not willing to wait any longer than that. I want my ring on your finger before my children start to show.”
“Do you really think it will work?” She couldn’t hide the fear in her voice and there wasn’t much I could do to convince her except with more words.
“It’s my greatest hope. Get some sleep love, the sun will be up soon.” It didn’t take her long to fall asleep while I stayed up longer keeping watch. The specter was a new element as well, even though the presence is always felt here we’ve never seen it before.
Maybe because my Noelle was usually gone by the time Judy herself died. I’ve felt her, even heard her as well as the children sometimes in every incarnation. But the bitch had never manifested herself before.
It doesn’t matter. There isn’t much she can do in her ghostly form. But the sister is another matter entirely.
I still don’t know why she’s here. I do know that since her sister perished in childbirth she’s been trying to find her way into my bed. Something that would never happen.
And I wasn’t kidding when I said I’d kill her before I let her hurt Noelle or my children. Ella and mom were of a mind to get rid of her once and for all.
But since I was the one who’d changed things up so drastically, I wanted to see where this would go. Just in case I could use it in the future. If I could, every reincarnation after this one I would make last as long as possible.
I’d lived that first time to a very old age. I’d outlived everyone around me, every second spent longing for her. This time I want her with me throughout all those years.
I thought back to all the times we’d met over the years. All the history we’d experienced throughout time. Though locked in our own little world, life around us still went on.
In the past I’d spent our time together trying to find ways to change the outcome. For that reason I was never able to do all the things I wanted to with her. Like take her on that trip around the world. This time for our honeymoon I plan on giving her at least part of that.
She won’t be able to do too much with the babies growing inside her, but I can at least show her around the places she’d had the most interest in but had never got to experience.
I allowed the joy I’d been holding at bay to escape just a little as I felt her weight on my chest. I was secure in the knowledge that I’d done everything in my power to secure her life this time.
I would know for sure once our children arrived how well my plan had worked. If she lived past their second month after birth, I would know that all was well.
Already Isabelle had lived past her earlier lifespan so that was something. But it was my Noelle I was most concerned about. If I have to live another long and lonely life without her I don’t think I can do it this time.
* * *
In the morning I woke to the sounds of my daughter fussing in her crib. I looked down at the bright red head on my chest and kissed her forehead before easing out from under the arm she had thrown across my chest.
I pulled on my pajama bottoms and left the room after one last look back at her asleep in my bed. It was the first time we’d ever made it there. Another first! Always before I’d met her in her room. The one she had now. The one that’s always been hers!
I lifted the baby from her cradle and her little eyes looked at me as if she knew. I smiled and kissed her soft little cheek. She too had benefited from my actions.
I can’t wait to see how she grows, though always in the back of my mind is the fear that some mishap might still befall her.
Like with Noelle’s accident. I’d had ten heart attacks when the news reached me. I thought for sure I’d been outsmarted again. Only this time I never got the chance to meet her.
I’d died a thousand deaths on my way to the hospital that first night and was only slightly relieved to learn that she had survived but was in a coma.
I’d greased some palms and paid out the nose for the opportunity to stay in her room at night without anyone knowing, but I would’ve given all my wealth if that’s what it took.
Seeing her in that bed had brought back all the memories of all the times I’d stood over her dead body in the past and the pain was almost too much to bear.
Then she’d awakened and I’d set the rest in motion. I’d implanted some things in her mind while she was asleep for those three days and nights. And it had worked very well.
Not long after leaving the hospital she’d answered the Ad mom had placed in the paper. I’d planted the suggestion of course, but there was no guarantee that she’d answer.
I wasn’t too worried though. I’ve never had any trouble enticing her in any of our lifetimes. But since everything was so dif
ferent, and I’d basically changed up the script, I was playing everything since the death of my…of Judy, by ear.
So far though, things were coming along as well as I expected. The most important part was now done. Noelle was awake and our life together can now begin. Everything else I can withstand as long as I have her by my side.
I changed my daughter and headed downstairs. I knew they would descend on us at some point, but I didn’t expect them this early. They would know the significance of this date, even though they’d each had to wait a little longer than usual.
“Well?” Ella didn’t even let me get into the room good before pouncing.
“She knows.”
“Thank goodness. It was getting harder and harder not to slip up around her and give anything away. I can go set up her room now.”
She started to leave the room but I stopped her. “No need, she’ll be sleeping with me from now on. You can move her things into the master suite later after she wakes up.”
There was a huge sigh of relief around the room from my mom and sister as well as Ella who changed course and went to get the baby’s bottle ready.
“Where’s Trudy?”
“Last I saw she was heading down to the water.”
“You still have someone watching her right?” I looked at mom for an answer.
“Yes, but I’m not sure he’s on the job yet, it’s still quite early in the morning.”
“Make sure that he is. I don’t want any mishaps. I have to go to the south field this morning, but I’ll try not to be away too long. Keep her away from my girls while I’m gone.”
“I know what to do boy haven’t I been doing it all along?” Ella gave me sass as she bustled around the kitchen doing what she does best. She loves having us all together so she can make a fuss.
I’d offered her a better life, was putting two of her children through college. But no matter what I gave or how much I did for her, she refuse to leave her post. I know she was waiting for the birth of my sons with the same anticipation I was.
I heard Noelle on the stairs and poured her coffee, making it the way she likes. Sweet with a drop of milk. She walked into the room and the tears started.
I gave her the coffee and stole a quick kiss before getting out of the way. This scene has been played out a thousand times before and I knew there was no place for me for at least the next hour.
I rolled my eyes at the women who were in a huddle laughing and crying and talking over each other before turning back to my daughter who watched the scene with interest.
Callan
After the women settled down and went about their business leaving me alone with my two girls, I barely had enough time left before I had to go. It’s always hard for me to leave her the first morning after.
As we’ve been doing every morning since our first kiss, we sat together at the table having breakfast while the baby ate in her chair next to the table.
This morning was a bit different though. Now that there were no more secrets, our interactions were less strained, less employer-employee and more like lovers.
She’s always treated Isabelle with love, even for the short while she’d known the child that first time. Back then she’d had her own two children as well.
Now I watched as she doted on my daughter who smiled and clapped her little hands together. “I want you to adopt her. You’re the only mother she’s going to know so I want to make it official.”
The tears that gathered in her eyes was answer enough, even before she nodded her head yes and ran her hand over Isabelle’s head. “I’d love that.” She patted her flat tummy and the wistful smile on her face touched my heart deeply.
I imagine she still worried whether this plan of mine would work or not. We were indeed on borrowed time. To distract her from her somber thoughts, I turned the conversation to happier things.
Just in case it all went to hell, I’d made plans for her to enjoy the things she’d missed in the past before the babies came.
We know in the past she never made it past their second month, and though I bore some of the same fears, I refuse to let them rule me.
“You should start getting your parents used to the idea of us. Start slowly of course. Our marriage will no doubt interfere with their plans for you. Like college for instance.”
“I’ll take care of it don’t worry. They’ll be happy as long as I’m happy.” She quit talking and gazed off into space as if her mind wandered.
“After the accident became withdrawn. I was never quite the same as before. They’ve been worried about me ever since. I think they’ll be happy just to see me smile again.”
Her parents always changed from time to time, since they never knew the truth in the beginning and wasn’t part of the curse cast by Judy.
Sometimes she’s the daughter of a well to do family, sometimes not. But whoever she is, wherever she is. Once we find each other nothing and no one can keep us apart.
“There were quite a few differences this time around…like Jack.” I couldn’t hide the bite of jealousy I felt. I’ve never had to fight another man for her affections before.
And though this time I hadn’t had to either, it had been too close. “You’re jealous…” She grinned cheekily.
“Of course I am, your kisses belong to me.” I was angrier than I thought.
“I never kissed Jack.”
“What? But you were together for two years. And things are very different now from even the last reincarnation. Men and women are more free with their affections and no one seems to even bat a lash.”
“I know, that was part of the problem. I guess even though I hadn’t been awakened yet, somewhere deep inside I still knew it was wrong. I now understand why I found him so repulsive when everyone else fawned over him. We were never meant to be.”
“I guess with this world being what it is, it’s stupid to expect someone as beautiful as you are not to have a suitor or two. I’m just glad I got to you in time. I’d hate to be sent up for murdering that boy.”
She’s always had admirers, especially in later reincarnations when the world had changed and women became more exposed to the opposite sex. But none had ever gotten this close.
I guess it was the price I had to pay for tempting fate and moving things around. Still, I don’t like that someone else had been that close to her.
“Thank you, for not betraying me.” I pulled her to me across the table and kissed her while the baby clapped and chortled with glee.
“I have to leave you now, will you be okay?” She nodded her head and picked at the food on her plate. “We’ll be fine, but I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” I stole one last kiss before getting to my feet to leave. At the door I looked back to see her tickling the baby under her drool covered chin.
“Noelle, stay close to the house okay, and be careful. I’m pretty sure Priscilla plans to stick around here for the rest of the day. Don’t you two go getting into any mischief.”
It was a fair warning, those two do know how to get into trouble together. Over time they’ve bonded together over their mutual hatred of Judy and their love for me.
In times past Priscilla has always been Noelle’s protector, but with each new life, it’s hard to miss the special bond between the two women; like sisters.
As I left the house that last thought had my mind going to Trudy and what exactly she was doing here. I have no doubt that she poses a threat of some kind, I’m just not sure what.
All day while I was away I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to get her away from my woman and child. No matter what she was up to, I no longer felt safe leaving her in my home.
Now that Noelle was safely ensconced and was already carrying my sons, with Judy out of the way, I didn’t think that Trudy could do much harm.
Still, it was that little bit of doubt that tied my hands. I’d thought it was better to keep her here where I can keep an eye on her, but now I’m having second thoughts.<
br />
I hurried back to the house earlier than usual. It was no use trying to stay away I missed her every second we were apart. I expected it, but didn’t expect it to be this bad. Like a physical ache.
She was in her old room while the baby was down for her afternoon nap. I stood in the doorway and watched her for a second as she stood beside the bed.
“What are you doing in here?” She turned with a smile before looking back at the bed where we’d shared all our nights together in the past.
“Ella moved all my things into the master bedroom. I was just taking one last look. I wanted…” I walked over and wrapped my arms around her from behind, leaning her back into my chest.
“I know, but this time I’m doing everything the way it should’ve been in the beginning. With you as my wife, the lady of my home. The only one in my bed.”
“I just had a thought. That first time you had a fictitious husband to explain your pregnancy, and then you became a widow. This time I’m the real widower.”
“What does it mean do you think?”
“I’m not sure, it’s just one more parallel to the past I guess.” We stood in silence with my arms around her and it didn’t take long for my body to respond to her nearness.
My hands lifted from around her middle to cup her breasts in the tank top she wore. Over the years her clothing and mine had changed with the times. Each time she wore less and less.
“I have to go shopping for you. Soon we’ll be out and about. I don’t like this much of you showing.” I guess I still have those same old world values as before. That’s not going to change.
As I said it I pulled the top off over her head and removed her bra so I could reach her breasts. “Tonight I’m going to take you to our tree and fuck you. Right now I want to take you here.”
She turned and lifted her lips to mine. Our hands worked together on the buttons of my shirt before tackling my jeans and moving onto her shorts.
When we were both naked I lifted her and sat her on the side of the bed before leaning her back. I got down on my knees on the floor, spreading her legs open wider and pulled them onto my shoulders.
Babysitter’s Club Noelle Page 11