by Rita Hestand
He stared for a long time, his eyes resting on her moist lips. "Won't it?"
"I'm not my sister…" She said lowly.
"You certainly aren't." He smiled this time genuinely. "Your equal to her, I'll say that."
She nodded. "Thank you, I guess."
"Okay," the nurse came back with Mike. "We'll get you to sign some papers and we're off."
"I'll be paying for this visit, myself. It was my pool." Mitch insisted when she shook her head.
She was wearing a hospital gown and the nurse handed her swimsuit back to her, after looking at it. "Wish I could wear something that little."
Sarah took her suit, and then looked at it. "I feel silly wearing something like this in a car…"
"Here," Mitch got up, pulled his jacket off, and wrapped it around her shoulders. He did it slowly, deliberately, just to see her reaction. As he did, their eyes met once more and she saw something in the depths of his glance that heated her once more.
As he moved away, she turned to go change and then put the jacket over it. "Looks like this suit is ruined." She said coming out of the bathroom and gazing at them.
Mitch looked at himself. "Let's go home, so I can change out of these wet clothes too."
Mike grabbed both their hands and looked from one to the other at them. His smile was beaming.
When they arrived, Leann came out to the car and hugged her tight. "I'm so glad you are alright."
"I'm fine. I'm just not a good swimmer is all."
"I'm glad Mitch came home when he did." Leann looked a bit worried. She glanced at her brother. "Well look at you? You need some dry clothes too, don't you?"
"Yeah, I need to change." Mitch hugged her.
"Both of you go get some clothes on, and I'll set us a table outside. Come on Mike, you can help me."
"Sure, Auntie Leann." Mike grabbed her hand and went off with her.
"Just call me Leann."
"Okay, I like that better…"
"Me too." She laughed.
Sarah went to her apartment and changed into something more sensible. She looked in the mirror. She would dress more appropriately from now on. The bikini was just too much. She'd wash it out and give it back to Leann. She needed her one-piece outfit.
When she came out, she found all of them gathered around the table. Lucas and Ray had both joined them and steaks were on the grill.
"I didn't realize you can't swim?" Ray glanced at Sarah.
"Oh…well, just a little, but I'm not good in the deep waters, I should have known better." Sarah shook her head.
"You could give her lessons, Ray." Leann offered.
"Oh I'm sure he has other things he'd rather be doing than teaching a grown woman to swim." Sarah fussed.
"Actually I'd be glad to. We'll start tonight if you like."
Sarah hesitated, and Ray shook his head, "Well maybe tomorrow then…"
"If you have the time. I need to get a few things for myself and Mike…" Sarah said.
"Oh no," Lucas shook his head. "Never tell my sister you need to shop. That's her favorite pastime."
Everyone laughed.
"Tomorrow is Saturday; we could go down to the mall and pick up whatever you need." Leann encouraged. "I should have thought of it myself."
"I'm surprised you didn't." Mitch laughed.
"I hate to take up your time," Sarah shook her head.
Mitch laughed. "Don't you fret. Leann loves shopping and she'd be insulted if she couldn't tag along."
"Alright…sounds like fun." Sarah smiled.
"So where's Jerry tonight?" Ray asked her.
"He'll be over later. We're going to a movie. Would you like to go?" She looked at Sarah.
"Maybe another time. I'm a little exhausted."
"Of course you are. You almost drown and I'm trying to get you to do all kinds of things. I'm sorry. Oh, I did bring the paperwork from one of the schools close to here. It's very nice, and you'll love the principle. I know her well."
"Great. I was hoping you might find just the right place for him." Sarah looked at Mike.
Mike was running along the poolside, chasing a grasshopper.
Sarah watched him for several minutes. "He's a little scared of starting a new school."
Leann sat down with a bowl of salad she put on the table. "Don't you worry; we'll all pitch in and make him feel comfortable. One thing I know is that we should be interested in the work he brings home. And put his pictures on the refrigerator. Build his confidence in himself. Once he makes a few friends, I think he'll be fine."
Sarah's eyes saddened and Mitch noticed.
"Something wrong?" He asked as he looked across the table at her.
"No…not really. You are all so loving and caring of him. He really doesn't need me."
"Oh I think you are very wrong about that." Mitch corrected her.
"What do you mean?"
"He's pretty normal, in most ways, except he has more manners than most kids his age. And…he notices things that some might miss. But…losing his mother, even though he accepts her death, he still clings to you. And I think you are very much needed here. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Of course, he's transferred his love for her, to you." Leann nodded.
"Perhaps if I were not around, he would cling more to you." She suggested.
Leann shook her head, "No, he wouldn't. Mitch is his father, and he loves him, but a child his age, leans on his mother and right now, you are the mother figure, Sarah. Not us. You are very important to him. He needs your stability and the knowledge that you will always be there."
Sarah considered her words, "True…I love him dearly, but when Mitch and Claire are married…he will need to transfer that love to her."
"I can see that happening," Leann laughed. "Where is Claire?"
Mitch noted the sarcasm in Leann's voice and indulged her. "Meeting with a client I'm afraid. But you know, Leann you are right. Claire isn't the motherly type."
"Perhaps she needs some time with him." Sarah suggested. "To adjust to him. After all, he was a big surprise."
"You're right of course, maybe we should test that." Mitch frowned as if to himself. "Alright, I tell you what, while you and Leann are out shopping, I'll take Mike with me to the office and we'll take Claire out to lunch. See how that goes."
Sarah suddenly felt sorry for Mitch. He was in love with a woman who didn't want children. And the way Mitch took to Mike, she couldn't imagine him without a house full of kids.
Still, she didn't know him that well. Maybe he would prefer to be a bachelor.
The entire day was draining in so many ways. Sarah was tired.
After supper and they cleaned everything up, Ray and Mike got in the water and played. Lucas had a late banquet to go to, and Leann got ready for her date with Jerry.
It left Sarah alone with Mitch again, even though Mike and Ray were not far away. The silence shouted at them.
"You look tired. Are you sure you are feeling okay?"
Sarah's head jerked up and she saw Mitch staring at her. At that moment, something inside her melted as she stared into his eyes. She remembered the kiss and her face flushed.
"I am a little. It was quite a day." She almost whispered.
"Pretty eye opening, wasn't it?" He asked, as he stretched out in the chair. He had white shorts on and a polo shirt with tennis shoes. He looked comfortable, and so sexy it stole her breath.
"What…that I needed to learn to swim?"
"That…and other things…" He looked at her again. Something passed between them for a second and then Claire's voice boomed in on them.
"There you are darling. Sorry I'm so late." Claire pecked him on the cheek.
Sarah wondered at that. If she were his woman, she would kiss him silly when she came home from work. But then…she wasn't Claire.
She sat beside him and glanced at the noise coming from the pool. "Well, they are having a good time. Why aren't you out there with them Sarah?"
It was a
hint to get lost and Sarah knew it. She smiled and looked at Claire. "I think I've had enough water for the day. I am tired. If you'll excuse me. I think I'll retire. Would you…tuck Mike into bed Mitch?"
"Sure, be glad to. Goodnight. Hope you feel better."
As Sarah was leaving she told Mike goodnight and stopped long enough to kiss him, then went to her room.
As she was leaving, she heard Mitch telling Claire about what had happened.
"Well, she doesn't look worse for wear." Claire said boldly. "I'm sure she'll be fine. But you honestly tuck him into bed at night?"
Mitch glanced at Claire. "Of course I do. We do actually."
"Well, he seems a little old for that now, wouldn't you say. Time to start acting like a big boy, don't you think?"
"He's only five, Claire. And he has just lost his mother. Children need reassurance after something that traumatic happens. Even though he seems to accept her death, he still misses her."
"Well, sounds a little spoiled to me…" She said dryly and helped herself to a drink. "Personally, I think you are over compensating. And he might adjust to you and the family quicker without Sarah."
Mitch was quick to jump to the defense. "No, you are wrong there, he needs Sarah more than ever. This is a big adjustment, for a little boy."
Sarah felt her temper rising and was glad she hadn't stayed to comment on that. She'd have to get used to Claire, but it would be hard.
Especially since, she'd kissed Mitch and enjoyed every moment of it.
Chapter Eleven
The next day Sarah had a marvelous time with Leann shopping. She insisted she needed a one piece, even though Leann kept telling her she should show her beautiful figure off.
"You have the perfect body for a bikini." Leann shook her head when Sarah tried on the black one piece.
"I'm a little too full breasted."
"No man would ever tell you that." Leann laughed.
Sarah blushed.
Then they picked up some shorts and tops. Afterwards it was lunchtime and they dined at a beautiful outside café.
"I need to pick up a few things for Mike too, since he's starting a new school and you can help me. You know what most of the kids here wear and he wants to fit in, of course."
"That will be so much fun." Leann cried out as she sipped her cherry limeade and relaxed.
"I'm so glad Mitch has a sister. You make me feel so welcome." Sarah explained.
"And I'm enjoying being with you, Sarah. I so love the relationship you have with Mike. You must come from a loving family." Leann affirmed.
"Well not always. I think I was the rebel of my family. My father didn't understand my not wanting him to pick out my husband, but I saw what it did for my sister. She was so miserable. I wish I could have helped her, but she was always one to do things his way. I refused. I left home and except for Maria, I had little contact with most of my family." Sarah explained.
"You poor thing. Well, I don't blame you at all. When my father was alive, he was very adamant about who I should marry and be seen with. However, I rebelled too, much to his displeasure. Jerry and I are in love and we couldn't be happier."
"Your father didn't approve of him?" Sarah asked.
"No, father died before Jerry and I got together. But like your folks, he wanted me to marry a blue-blooded snob. I refused too. So you see I can sympathize with you. Jerry is moving up in his company, but he's not a stocks and bond kind of guy if you know what I mean. I love it. He loves his work, and he's very good at it. He's an engineer. An electrical engineer. He's very good at what he does, and he's had several promotions with the company. But most of all, he's a happy man, satisfied. And…he loves me and treats me like a Queen." Leann chuckled.
"Then you have something wonderful that many never find."
"Don't you have a boyfriend?"
"No, when my sister died, I was engaged to a man my father picked out. However, when I decided to take Mike and raise him, as my sister would have wanted, he wanted no part of that. So Mike and I moved out of my father's home and I've dated a few, but there is no one I'm serious with."
"Well…I hope you find someone here." Leann said.
"If God wants it to happen, then it will." Sarah smiled.
"Oh…you're religious too. I like that." Leann nodded.
"I'm not Catholic, like my father wanted and insisted on. I am a Christian. Nondenominational."
"Great, so am I. You'll have to check out the church Jerry and I go to."
"I'd love to..." Sarah admitted. "And I'd like very much for Mike to go to church here too."
"Wonderful." Leann smiled. "You and I are going to be great friends."
"When will Mitch and Claire be married, do you know?"
"I'm not sure they have ever set a date. Their schedules are so full all the time with work. Why?"
"Because the closer that time comes, the more I must think of going home."
"You will not. I won't have you going home. There will be no more talk of that. You must stay with us. Mike needs you. Who am I kidding, I need you."
Sarah laughed.
"But I don't want him dependent on me alone, as he will never accept Mitch's life clinging to me." Sarah's face puckered in a frown. "I know that losing his mother was traumatic, and I will give him time to get used to the idea of her being in heaven, but when the time comes. I must leave."
"He'll adjust. Don't you worry? You aren't leaving. I've got so many things planned in my head. You are like the sister I never had. I won't let you leave me in this sea of dominating men." Leann laughed.
Sarah had to smile. How could anyone refuse Leann, she was so charming.
"Can I ask you something personal?" Leann looked at her over their salad.
"Sure…what?"
"Do you find my brother attractive?"
Sarah blushed. "Yes, very why?"
"You are so good for him…"
"Oh…no…it would never work. He has Claire, and then there's my sister. Kind of a reminder, don't you think?"
"So? Claire is practically history and your sister is dead."
"But we do not live in a fairy tale world. He comes from a different world than I do. He is happy with that world."
"I'm not so sure that's true anymore."
"What do you mean?" Sarah asked.
"Since you and Mike have been in his life, it's like a new world for him. And he likes it. He's so happy to have a child. Don't you see that?"
"Oh yes. I can see he already loves Mike." Sarah smiled.
"But you are part of Mike's world. He knows that, accepts that and I really think he likes you."
"We are friends yes." Sarah smiled. "But friends only. I can see where this is going. You do not wish for your brother to marry Claire?"
"No…I don't. I can't stand the woman. I am sure somewhere there's a man who thinks only of making money and business deals. and would make a marvelous husband for her. Just not my brother. She takes away from him."
"Perhaps things will change. Maybe when Mike becomes part of her life, she will change. Her biological clock will begin ticking."
"I honestly don't believe she has a biological clock." Leann sighed heavily.
"Perhaps if I left, she might open up to Mike…"
"No…I won't have that. You are staying, no matter what happens. I am already sure that you and I have a relationship growing between us. We have so much in common. I won't let you even think of going home."
Sarah smiled and shook her head. "What a charisma you have Leann. A person cannot say no to you."
"That's right!" Leann laughed.
That afternoon they went to a store that sold children's clothes, Leann helped Sarah pick out several outfits for Mike, a new swimming trunk, and some flip flops for the pool. It was so much fun having someone to talk to.
~*~
However, on the other hand, Mike and Claire were giving Mitch a headache. He could mentally see them butting heads, over everything they did.
> When Mitch indulged Mike in ice cream, Claire declined and stared at them both as they enjoyed a Sunday together.
"Don't you like ice-cream?" Mike asked, amazed at her refusal of such a food.
"I can't afford to like it, it's fattening. It isn't good for you."
Mike shrugged. "It's delicious. But Auntie says I run so much it doesn't matter."
"Then enjoy it!" Claire snapped and shot Mitch an exasperated look.
As they finished, Mike wiped his mouth. "What do you like to do?"
Mitch saw this as encouragement, but again Claire disappointed them both
"Do?"
"Si…would you like to go to the movies, play cards, play outside, have a picnic."
Claire frowned, and took a deep breath. "None of those things. Picnics invite ants. Cards are boring, movies maybe some, playing outside, not much. I love the Opera, skiing, boating, things like that, when I'm on vacation that is."
"Do you have a boat?" Mike asked.
"Of course not, but your father does…"
"Oh…that sounds nice. Do you fish from the boat?"
"I do!" Mitch chimed in with a big smile.
"Fish. Like for food?" Claire asked.
"Si…."
"No. Never. I wouldn't hold one of those slimy things in my hand for anything."
"Swim?" Mike's eyes rounded on her.
"Only in a pool. I don't like fish touching me in the ocean or lakes. Nor do I want to put my feet on rocks and mud."
Mike scrunched up his nose. "Then what do you do on a boat?
"I sunbathe for one thing…"
"What is that?"
"I get a tan." Claire was exasperated with his questions.
"Oh…I have a tan…" Mike said happily showing the skin on his arms to her.
"Yes….I can see that." Claire looked away.
"Do you ski?"
"Some, but I'd rather sit in the lodge by the fire and have a drink." Claire explained. "It's always so cold…"
Mike still didn't understand. "How do you stay so skinny when you do not do anything…?"
"I exercise. I go to the gym four times a week, I run every morning."
"Where do you run to?"