The Rennillia Series: Volumes 1-5

by M. Sembera

  Giving him a suspicious look, I informed, “I heard he left the country.”

  Hert just stared at me before nodding in confirmation that we understood each other.

  Standing there, staring into Hert’s eyes, I was bothered by the fact that there was not an ounce of remorse in them. Sure they deserved it but it truly bothered Henley and it worried me a little that Hert seemed fine.

  Trying to take my mind off of who Hert was down deep inside, I offered, “Maybe, Ramsden and Salvador were secretly lovers and they ran off together.”

  “You’re so stupid Renni,” he blurted before shaking his head and laughing at my suggestion.

  Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I smiled, saying, “Thank you for hiring The Brothers.”

  “Thank you, I have been trying to get them on board for years,” he replied.

  Not entirely comfortable with that, I stated, “I want you to do something for me.” Hert’s eyes questioned me as I said, “I want all the personal files at The Office destroyed.”

  With a ‘lady you’re crazy look,’ he snapped, “No.”

  “It’s not right to have them,” I said before sharing, “I know I used them too but the only one I really needed didn’t even exist until I made it myself.”

  Hert’s eyes darted around the room before he gave in, saying, “Okay.”

  With a nod, I said, “Okay.”

  There was really nothing else for us to say to each other.

  Hert spent his last hour at the house playing with Sophia. When she took a few steps on her own, I didn’t say anything. He thought he saw her take her first steps, and it was special for him, why would I want to ruin it. I didn’t even realize until he had left, I hadn’t really told him goodbye. Maybe we had been saying goodbye to each other for a while now.

  I was a little surprised that Amila wasn’t at the house but when Emerson explained that she wanted us to be able to spend time together before I left the house for good, I was happy that she stayed away. After Emerson, Sophia and I had dinner together and Sophia was asleep, Em and I stayed up talking. We laughed a lot and cried a little too. By the end of the evening, we were both ready to move on with our lives.

  Chapter 24

  The moving truck arrived early. After Mr. Thomas and Gus loaded all Sophia and I’s belongings inside, I told Emerson goodbye and followed the truck to my house. Mrs. Thomas kept an eye on Sophia until all the heavy items were put away. Since I had most of the furniture I bought delivered ahead of time, everything went quickly. When we were done, I realized in all my preparation, I forgot to buy groceries.

  Mrs. Thomas laughed at me a little before saying we could have dinner at their house. I wasn’t really sure why she thought me having absolutely no food in my house was so funny until Jackson showed up with a housewarming present for me.

  “This is for you,” he said, smiling wide as he handed me a box.

  Shaking it a little, I wondered why it felt cold.

  Laughing at me, Jackson said, “Just open it.”

  Shaking my head, I burst into laughter when I opened the box and it was frozen waffles.

  “Well they’re practical,” I assured, recalling his knack for unusual gifts.

  Smiling wide, he cheered, “Bust ‘em open, I’m starving!”

  Stepping in, Mrs. Thomas laughed, “Don’t you dare, come to the house and I’ll fix ya’ll lunch.”

  After we laughed, all of us made our way to the Thomas’ house to have lunch.

  Gus left to open The Bar and while Mr. and Mrs. Thomas stayed at their house because Sophia was down for a nap, Jackson and I walked down to my house.

  When we reached my front door, Jackson asked, “Are you happy?” I nodded before he assured, “You look happy.”

  Smiling from ear to ear as we walked in, I asked, “We’re okay right? I mean…we can stay friends without…” before he stopped me, saying, “Ren, we’re good.”

  Nodding at Jackson, I smiled hoping that was true.

  Jackson and I spent a few hours unpacking before it was time head back to his parent’s house for dinner. The second we walked in, Jackson had to go back to my house because he said he left his keys on my table. I didn’t see why that was a necessity at the moment but quickly forgot about it once we sat down to eat. As always, it was a joy to sit at their table. It got late and Sophia had already fallen asleep. I almost wanted to ask if we could just stay, when a pang of ‘I’m going to be all by myself’ struck. Feeling I needed to not be a baby about it, I told the Thomas’ good night thinking, ‘they’re only four houses away.’

  Glancing up at Jackson holding Sophia against his shoulder as she slept, I wished the walk to my house lasted a little longer.

  “Thanks,” I appreciated as I unlocked my door.

  Handing Sophia over to me, he said, “No problem, you can call me if you need anything.”

  Starting to feel a little nervous, I offered, “Did you wanna come in?”

  With a nice smile, he replied, “I need to get home.”

  “Night,” I chirped.

  As I opened my front door I looked back at him as he winked, saying, “Later Ren.”

  That never got old.

  Walking Sophia to her new room, I carefully laid her down in her crib. Crossing the hall into my room, I pulled out my pajamas and tossed Jackson’s hoodie on my bed, glad I had hidden it between sheets, that wasn’t something I wanted to explain to Mrs. Thomas. After my shower, I pulled my hoodie on over my pajamas and thought it might be a good idea to make a grocery list, seeing as a box of frozen waffles was all I had. When I rounded the corner into my kitchen, I saw something gold sitting next to a small white box on the center of my table.

  Realizing this was really why Jackson went back to my house, I shook my head and smiled. The gold clover from the centerpiece I gave him was lying next to a white box that was held together by a thin green ribbon. Laughing to myself, since Jackson’s presents were always so practical, I wondered if it was dental floss or something like that. Surprised that it rattled when I shook it, I quickly loosened the ribbon and opened it. Instantly I gasped, when I saw a long beaded silver chain. Pulling it out of the box, I held the pendent in my hand. It was The Wren and Celtic Heart just like Jackson’s tattoo. Realizing there was a folded piece of paper at the bottom, I pulled it out. Unfolding it I saw Jackson’s handwriting.

  The note read:

  May you get all your wishes but one, so you always have something to strive for.

  I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry so I did both.

  Finally settling down on my couch, I thought about everyone and everything that had happened. It seemed crazy now to think what we all went through and how we all ended up. I never had a plan for my life and now I was glad I hadn’t. From that first day I found out about her, things were different. I got lost a few times and was far stronger than I ever imagined I could be. Doing the right thing is hard, then again, so is doing the wrong thing. Honestly, it’s all hard. When it comes right down to it, you make your decisions, walk the path you have chosen and hope you don’t hurt too many people along the way. No matter how hard things were before or what we all went through to get where we now were. Sophia was worth every second of it.

  Epilogue

  Sophia was a wonderful baby and really didn’t give me any trouble. The same could not be said for her toddler years. In fact, she was quite the little terror. She did grow out of it though and since Mr. Thomas had helped me come up with a budget, I was able to stay home with her until she started school. Our life was very routine. There were a few times, I ran into someone that still called me Mrs. Herterand at The Store but for the most part, I was just happy being Ren. The only time I was overjoyed was when Benetta was in town. She asked me what I knew about Ramsden running off and leaving Angelina. I had an internal glee as I shared, she was in the institution because of her breakdown and was unstable at best. We spent most afternoons visiting with Mrs. Thomas and had dinner with them every Sund
ay evening. Sometimes Jackson was there and sometimes he wasn’t, but he picked Sophia up every Saturday morning and took her to the park until she was really too big to find that fun and they started going to the movies instead.

  Hert came down for two weeks once a year, as promised. He always spent the first week in meetings with Ignacio and Fiore and the second week with Sophia for her birthday. Around the time she was in the first grade, Sophia started asking questions about why Hert didn’t live with us. It was hard for me to explain so I told her because he worked far away, he only got to visit once a year. When she said it wasn’t fair because all her friend’s dads came home every night, I asked her if any of her friends had an Uncle Jacks. Of course she said no and I told her that they were the ones missing out.

  Emerson and Amila were engaged just long enough to plan the biggest wedding the county had probably ever seen, which made Erin happy. That was about all that pleased her about them though because although she sent gifts and occasionally called, she did not come back down to visit. Amila got pregnant right away but unfortunately they lost the baby and the ability to try again. Without letting the tragedy get the best of them, they decided on adoption. It didn’t take long before they filled every room in the house with children. They were so invested, Emerson started a foundation in Mr. Roberts name for abandoned and unwanted children. Amila and I talked on the phone at least once a week and went to lunch as often as possible. She thrived in The Society and although I was incredibly happy for the new Mrs. Roberts, I was even happier that I had no part of it.

  When Sophia started school, I went to work at JPT as Mr. Thomas’ secretary. It gave me something to do during the day and I did need the money. Hert sent money once a month and I always put in an account for Sophia. I could have used it but honestly, I was too stubborn to need him for anything. Being thrifty helped and the fact that my house was already paid for. I figured the money would be much better used for Sophia to go to college one day anyway.

  Dr. Chepelli and Ms. Herterand were together, I think. They were very hush, hush, about their relationship but that was how it seemed to me. She passed away right before Sophia’s tenth birthday. Years of heavy sedation had taken its toll on her and her body just gave out. Hert paid all the expenses but said he was too busy to come down. Dr. Chepelli and I were the only people at her funeral. Which made me a little sad but I did have a feeling she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Dr. Chepelli left to do volunteer work in underprivileged countries, which as it turns out, was what he planned to do with his life originally before The Office sucked him in.

  Penny and Sophia were best friends. They spent nearly all their free time together. There were sleepovers every weekend and they were either at my house or at Gus and Sarah’s. Honestly, I think they liked it better at my house because it was just the two of them. Sophia constantly complained about Ailin as they got older and she always came home in a huff, saying that he picked on her.

  I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it through Sophia’s middle school years. Especially when one of her little friends at school shared that her mom told her, Jackson and I used to date. Then there were all kinds of questions about why Jackson and I weren’t together. The simple ‘we are friends’ didn’t do the trick. I wasn’t surprised though because no one ever let me get away with that explanation. She then asked me who the love of my life was. When I answered ‘you are’, because it was the truth, she laughed. Sophia always thought of her Uncle Jacks as perfect, so I wasn’t surprised when she informed me she was going to fall in love and marry someone just like him.

  By the time high school rolled around, I started to worry that instead of looking for someone like Jacks, she was like Jackson. There was a different boy at the house every Friday night. She always managed to pick something wrong with them. It was always some odd thing like ‘his eyebrows don’t match his face’ or ‘he ties his shoe laces funny’. When I was concerned enough to ask some questions, she swore all they ever did was kiss. Which still bothered me but I was glad she wasn’t sleeping with any of them.

  At seventeen, Sophia got a part time job at the little grocery store by our house. She was thrilled to have her own spending money and I was happy she was actually pretty responsible with it. She hung out with Penny when she was off and most of the time they double dated. Then one night, while I was sitting in the living room watching TV, waiting for her to come home, she stormed in and slammed the door. When I got up to see what was wrong, Sophia yelled to tell him to go away when there was a knock on the door. Ready to let whatever kid was behind the door ‘have it’ for upsetting my daughter, I couldn’t believe Ailin was the one standing there. Apparently, he had embarrassed her while she was talking to some boy she liked. The moment he stepped in the house, Sophia practically flew into the room yelling at him. I walked to my room, figuring they could settle it themselves, listening through the door of course. Sophia yelled and he fussed back at her, then it was suddenly quite. Thinking he left, I stepped out of my room. As it turned out, he hadn’t left, it got quiet because they were kissing. They were inseparable after that.

  The week of Sophia’s eighteenth birthday, Ailin asked to speak with me, Hert and Jackson all together while Sophia was at work. I had an idea but for some reason Hert and Jackson seemed caught totally off guard when Ailin asked permission to marry Sophia. I had to ask the poor boy to stand outside while I talked to them because there was suddenly talk of beatings and body’s disappearing. I shared with them that Sophia was fixing to be eighteen and even though I felt she was a little young too, they loved each other and Ailin was a nice young man. Begrudgingly they gave their consent.

  I gave Ailin the Claddagh ring Mrs. Thomas gave me for Sophia and she said yes. They planned to be engaged for a year and set a date to coincide with Sophia’s next birthday. There was a bit of hurt feelings from Jacks that Hert was going to walk her down the aisle then six months before the wedding, Gus had a massive heart attack and passed away. Since Gus was Ailin’s best man, Jackson was sad but proud he was asked to fill Gus’ spot.

  Then came the day, like every other memorable moment in my life, I was happy and sad all at the same time. It was my Sophia’s wedding day.

  Acknowledgments

  Phillip Sembera, Katelynn Luna, Paul Anthony Luna II, Keylee Sembera, Susanne Lancello, Phillip Lancello, Justin Mayo, Nicole Griffin, Douglass Griffin, Mary Jane Boyles-Click, Sarah Beth Bickham, Margaret Civella, Charity Sembera

  From supporting The Series with all your heart, to sharing me with my characters, letting the words inspire music, doing exactly what I say (even in uncomfortable situations), hilarious commentary throughout the edits and not to mention frantically trying to figure out how to format the dialogue, each one of you made it not only possible to write The Rennillia Series but a pleasure to share this experience with ya’ll. ♥ M.

  About the Author

  M. Sembera was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now lives in Brazoria, Texas with her husband, three kids, three dogs and two cats. After writing her first short story when she was in high school, M. instantly fell in love with writing. However, life sometimes gets in the way of aspirations and it wasn't until years later, when her life calmed down, M. was able to start writing again.

  'For me, each new book I write or character I create feels like the first time and I find myself falling in love with writing all over again'

  Other works include 'A Look Back', 'Life with Him: Novelette' & 'Louisiana Spice, Italian Intrigue, and Texas Bull: A Memoir'.

  www.BrokenBirdMedia.com

  March 24, 2014

  Enduring Everything

  Time doesn't always heal old wounds. Often time makes them worse. Especially when you push those wounds to the back of your mind and focus on the life you want to lead. Then the day comes when you finally have everything. It is then, you realize that nothing ever goes away.

  1

  Sophia's Wedding Day

  Standing in front of my open jewel
ry box, I sighed. I had intended to give Sophia pieces here and there but as it turned out she never liked wearing jewelry, except for the tiny diamond earrings her dad gave to her for her sixteenth birthday. I only wore the studded emerald earrings Mrs. Thomas gave me and my grandmother’s bracelet.

  Hearing Sophia flop down on my bed, I turned and said, “Oh, quit pouting. Your dad will be happy to see you wearing them.”

  With a heavy sigh, she fussed, “Ugh, I hate wearing jewelry it feels like things are crawling on me.”

  Making a face at her, I assured, “You are a strange girl.”

  With a little giggle she hopped off my bed and stood next to me, “Okay mama, whatcha got?”

  Pulling out the diamond necklace and earrings Hert gave me when we got married, I replied, “These.”

  “Oh my gosh, they’re huge!” she blurted, practically yanking the earrings out of my hand.

  “Do you want the ring that goes with it?” I asked, pulling my engagement ring out.

  Nodding, she reached in my jewelry box, asking, “What’s this?”

  Before I could stop her, she grabbed the little white box that I thought was hidden.

  Stopping for a moment, I stared at her, shocked that she had it in her hands. The necklace Jackson gave me. It was a long beaded chain with a pendant that had a wren perched on top of a Celtic heart. I used to take it out and look at it every night but it had been years since I had even touched the box.

  Shaking it, Sophia asked, “What’s in here? Is it a secret?”

  Rolling my eyes, I snapped, “Oh my goodness Sophia, don’t be so dramatic. It’s just an old necklace.”

  “Can I open it?” she asked, arching her eyebrow and giving me a mischievous grin.

  Rolling my eyes at her again, I shrugged her off pretending it was no big deal. Smiling wide, she sat back down on my bed, appearing incredibly pleased with herself. When Sophia opened it, she looked confused.

  Looking up at me, she said, “I’ve seen this before.”