Home is a Long Time Ago

by William F Lee

  Grace excitedly hops up and down. Screams, "That's Colt's voice." And she shouts, "Colt. Colt, we're coming." Then hugs Sean, and begins calling Colt's name through the megaphone. Sean pops another flare and raises the Coast Guard on the radio reporting their discovery. He brings his boat about, slowly angles toward shore and when he pops the third flare, sees the beached Sneak Box, mast snapped off and lying on the boat, and the boy standing alongside waving his arms. Sean instructs Grace to hold the boat steady while he drops anchor explaining he'll take the Wanderer's rubber raft with its outboard motor to shore. She nods excitedly taking the helm. Shouts through the megaphone that Sean is coming.

  After dropping anchor, Sean returns to the bridge and again radios the Coast Guard telling them exactly where the boy is, where the Wanderer is anchored, and that he's going ashore by small boat to recover the boy and the Sneak Box. Adds, "I'll tow it to the Wanderer. He gets a, "Roger your last. On the way. Over." Then he hears Pete on the net saying, "Fox Sea Lady on the way. Out."

  Sean hugs Grace. She gives him another kiss on the cheek. Sean smiles at her, says above the wind, "Honey, I'm going to go fetch the boy. Stay here and watch for the Coast Guard boat. I'll tow your boat back, and bring our son on board."

  Grace is all smiles that barely mask her worried face. She says, "Thank God we found him." Then her expression changes. "Suppose he won't come?"

  "Honey, he'll come. Walkin' or over my shoulder. Trust me." He nods, and smiles. "It'll be just fine." He releases Grace, and heads aft to lower the powered pneumatic rubber ten person life boat.

  As Sean gets his small boat in the water and heads for shore, he sees the Coast Guard's small patrol craft coming up on the Wanderer and knows it will follow him into shore. The wind continues to die, the fog is lifting, and Pete's fog horn is blaring away in the distance and sounding louder at each blast.

  Sean beaches his small boat alongside the Sneak Box. Colt is standing on a small strip of sand and water-worn stones. He hasn't moved since Sean's boat approached the beach. Arms at his side. Hands clinched into fists. An angry look on his face. Sean, gets out of his raft, says to the boy, "Hell, Colt, you've scared the B-Jesus out of your mother and got half of Harvey Cedars looking for you."

  Colt throws an overhand left hand punch at Sean. The man blocks it with his right forearm, and holds the boy's arm, while simultaneously grabbing the boy's shirt at the neck with his other. Sean's left leg also hooks behind the boy's legs and sweeps them out from under him and flattening Colt to the ground, hard. It knocks the wind out of the boy. Sean is sitting on his chest with his knees pinning his arms quicker than a blink of the eye. He slaps the boy hard across the face twice. Open handed, then backhanded. Gruffly says, "Do you want to settle things this way, or would you prefer to talk it out? Man to man?"

  Colt's an athlete. A rock and sock 'em football player. Strong from hard work and sports. And exceptionally quick. But at this moment he's a boy in a Marine's hand-to-hand world. He's stunned and no match for Sean. Colt's face reflects this along with surprise and a reactive understanding. He's also in awe at the quickness and strength of this man. His father. Finally, he says with an updated respect, "Talk. Is my mom aboard the Wanderer? Is she okay?"

  "Yep. And worried sick. And upset. But through all this, she loves you, dearly. As she always has." He pauses, loosens his grip on Colt's shirt, says, "Want up? I don't blame you for wanting to slug me. Wouldn't blame you if you tried again, however, my first bit of fatherly advice to you is, don't. You're not ready yet, son. Okay?"

  "Yes, sir, I got the message. Let me up, but I would like to talk a bit here before I see my mom. I'm sorry for the way I acted. For what I did and said."

  "Sorry won't get it, Colt. You're goin' to apologize to your mom for sure. Those will be just words. You're going to have to hold her; tight; love her. And never, ever, do anything to your mom except just that. Every day. And if you want to take out your anger on someone, let it be me. I may deserve it. Not your mom. Do you Roger that?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Okay. And another piece of advice, don't ever call your mom those names again. Ever, or I'll flatten you again. You're too old for the old fashioned soap in the mouth treatment. Flattened! Are we in sync now?"

  "Yes, sir."

  Sean gets off the boy's chest, extends his hand. Colt takes it, and Sean pulls him to his feet. A Coast Guardsman comes up to the two of them. Their boat is tied up to Sean's. The sailor says, "Everything okay here? It looks like there is some trouble."

  "Everything is fine, young man," Sean responds as Colt scrambles to his feet. Sean continues, "Tell you what. If you could tow that Sneak Box out to my boat and tie her off, I'd appreciate it. And tell that beautiful woman on board that the two of us will be along momentarily. My son and I have a few things to discuss before going back. Okay?"

  "Yes, sir, Mister Gallagher. And sir, I've, I mean we've... all of us at the station have heard of you. We'd like for you to come by someday and talk with us. We never get to talk to a... a... person, a Marine like you, sir."

  "What's your name, son?"

  "Sir, it's Seaman Sipes, sir."

  "Well, Seaman Sipes, I will do that. Right soon. I thank you for your and your buddies help. And, son, I appreciate your service to our country."

  Sipes snaps to attention, salutes Sean and says, "Aye, aye, sir. I'll be about my duties," and the young man turns about as Sean returns his salute and Seaman Sipes begins shouting instructions to the other guardsman aboard the patrol craft.

  Sean looks at Colt and says, "Fine young man. Makes a man feel proud to have people like that representing our country, doesn't it?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Maybe you will too someday?"

  "Yes, sir. Plan to. Marines."

  "Ah, good. You'll measure up by then." Sean brushes some sand and muck from his trousers. Then looks back at the boy and says, "Okay, well, let me make this easy for you. I'll tell you my side of things. Then you can have at me when I'm finished. But either way, or whatever happens, Colt, I'll still be your father, and I fully intend to take that responsibility seriously. After you hear me out, you can do or say what you wish. And one more thing before I start this . . . this tale . . . I also fully intend to court your mother again, if she'll have me. Understand?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Good," and Sean tells Colt how he met his mother, what they shared all those years ago, what his unforgivable actions were at that time. And last, how he came to find out.

  Sean stares at the boy who midway in the story slumped down to a sitting position on the near gunnel tube of Sean's craft. Colt alternately looks at Sean and stares at his own hands which are clasped in front of him, between his knees. He hears Sean say, "Well, that's it, Colt. Here we are. What's next?"

  He will my shield and portion be...

  as long as life endures.

  J. Newton

  CHAPTER 38

  Colt sits on the gunnel tube of Sean's life raft, staring at the sand, rocks, and at the foam of a small wave, more of a ripple, as it washes ashore. Sean has finished his saga about him and the boy's mother and stands waiting for some response. After a few moments of silence, Sean senses a cloak of dejection and confusion draping itself over Colt. He sits on the gunnel tube next to the boy. "Colt, I know it's difficult to start this conversation, but the best way is to say something, anything. There's an old saying in the Marine Corps and it may help you." Sean puts his arm around the boy's shoulders, shakes him gently and says, "Paraphrased, it goes like this, 'Say something, Lieutenant, even if it's wrong'. Say something, Colt."

  The boy looks up for the first time in more than several minutes. Unclasps his hands and sits up straight, resting his palms on his knees. He takes in a deep breath, replying softly at first, then gaining vocal strength with each word, "I did a dumb thing, didn't I? Actually, stupid. And worse, said some nasty things to my mom."

  "Yep, you did. Both. But, that's over and done with now. What's important is wh
at we do about it. Yes, we. You and me."

  "Well, I need to apologize to my mom. That's for sure. I didn't mean any of those things. She's the best. Oh man, did I ever screw up."

  Sean gives the boy a shake of the shoulders with his arm, coupled with a hug. "That's a start. She knows you didn't mean it, but you've got to tell her. She knows you were angry and startled at the time and acted on impulse. I bet she'll accept your apology in a Harvey Cedars minute, and that's quicker than a New York minute." Sean pauses, asks, "And what else?"

  "And I have to accept the facts. You are my father."

  Again a hug, tighter, "Yep, that's a fact all right. I am your father. Now what you have to fully understand is that I abandoned your mother and you. The fact I didn't know about the situation isn't an excuse. I've already apologized to your mom, and I've apologized to you. That's a beginning. Now I have to earn trust, respect and hopefully love. I'll say it again. I'm sorry, and I'm ashamed of what I did. What I want is to be your father in all respects. Do you accept my apology?"

  The boy stands up and paces around in a small circle being careful to step only on the sand between the water-worn, slippery rocks. He thrusts his hands in his pockets. Sean remains seated, looking up at the boy.

  Colt says, "I don't know . . . I don't know how to go about it. I want to. So much seems to be involved that I'm confused."

  Sean waits silently. The boy continues to pace, kicking at the smaller stones. Then he steps directly in front of Sean and says, "Dad, I do accept your apology. I do, and want to get to know you better. A lot better."

  "Are you sure. You mean it from the gut?"

  "Yes. Yes, sir, I do."

  Sean stands, "Well, son. Thank you. I'm pleased to have a son of your character. We're goin' to be a heckeva team, you and me. Just will take some good ole fashioned 'gettin' use ta', right?"

  "Yep, I mean, yes, sir . . . yes, Dad."

  "Okay, let me make a suggestion. You and I have already taken our first steps. The most important one for you to take is with your mom. You need to apologize to her, hug her tight, and let her know you love her. Sincerely love her. You just called me 'Dad'. We got that out of the way. After apologizing to your mom, the rest, like your name of Callahan; how we handle any problems with your school; our friends here in the Cedars, and all those sorts of things . . . the three of us will figure it out and deal with it truthfully. It may hurt some. The truth has a habit of doing that sometimes, but I believe it's the best path to follow. Works out in the end. How's that sound?"

  "Good, but I don't think it's going to be as easy as you make it sound . . . especially at school and with my friends here. Geez, I can't imagine what people will say."

  "We'll find out. Won't be easy, but I'll tell you this. However you want to handle it with your friends, just go do it. I'll go with you if you wish. Stand right next to you. Shoulder to shoulder. One at a time, or a group. And you know what? Your friends, your true friends, they won't care. The ones that don't or won't accept it . . . screw 'em. They're not true friends. Anyway, after all is said and done, life will go on . . . move forward as all this dissolves in the scheme of things. You'll play ball. You'll finish school. You'll go to college."

  "The Naval Academy, Dad."

  "Really? Great. Take the Marine option. Anyway, you'll move forward and will be judged on what you do and how you handle life. The other thing is that no matter what, your best friends will always be your mom and me, your dad."

  "You make it sound easy."

  "It is once you make the first move . . . say the first word. You've already taken the first step. Now I suggest you take the second." Pointing at the life raft Sean continues, "Let's you and me get in that boat and go out there so you can apologize to your mom." He pauses, smiles, "If we don't hurry, she's apt to dive over the side and swim ashore. She's that anxious to see you, and head strong enough to do it. Clothes and all. What'd ya say?"

  "Yep. Let's go . . . Dad."

  "Okay, and after you apologize to your mom, we'll cruise down the bay, find a nice calm spot, anchor up and the three of us will eat dinner on board. You and I will treat your mom. How's that?"

  "Great." The boy smiles for the first time since last night. "And I don't think I'll take another swing at you."

  "Good. You have every right, but, it wouldn't be a good idea. In fact, it's never a good idea to take a swing at your dad. Even down the road when you know you're big enough. No matter what, I'm your dad. Grace is your mom. Always. And believe me, later in life you'll always wish we were around longer."

  "Grace?"

  "Yeah, that's another thing we'll have to deal with. As you know your mom's first name is Grace. Holli is her middle name although she uses it as if it were her first name. That, along with the name Callahan, were all part of her scheme to protect you. We'll have to discuss all this. Should be fun. Maybe we can call her Grace when we're angry and Holli when we're not. Or vice versa. We'll see."

  "Based on everything that's happened, I think I'll just call her, Mom."

  "Good idea. Let's go." The two of them get in Sean's small boat, push out from shore, and start back to the Wanderer.

  As soon as Sean cranks up the outboard, Colt says, "Dad, one other matter. What's going to happen between you and my mom?"

  "Fair question. Hopefully she and I will work it out. But I've got a sneaky feeling your mom still thinks I'm . . .an okay guy. We're your mom and dad, and I'm proud of you and your mom for what you've accomplished."

  "You know, Dad, I've told her she should make a move on you."

  "Yeah, she told me you said that. And you know what? She did just that years ago. Made the first move. I'm thinkin' she'll do it again. What do you think?"

  "I think you're right. If she doesn't, I'll tell her again."

  "You do that, son. You do that. I might need all the help I can get." They pull up to the aft end of the Wanderer where Colt's mom is anxiously waiting. Sean smiles and says only so Colt can hear, "You apologize first, then you start workin' on the other." Colt nods, grins.

  Colt climbs aboard and right into his mother's waiting arms. They hug, rocking back and forth. Grace in tears, whispers, "Oh, Colt. Colt honey. I'm so happy you're safe. You scared me to death." She releases him for a second and kisses him on the cheek, then hugs him again. "I'm sorry. So sorry."

  "Mom, I'm okay. Don't be sorry. It's my fault. And I apologize . . . I acted stupidly."

  "You were angry . . . upset. You had every right to be. I'm so sorry for what I--"

  "Mom," he releases his mother, looks her in the eyes. "Mom, I'm sorry. I apologize for the way I acted and for the things I said. I didn't mean any of that. You're my mom and I love you."

  "I know. I know." Grace releases Colt, runs her hand through his hair, then gently down his cheek. "You're safe, thank God. We'll get through the rest of this."

  Colt firms up his voice. "Mom, I also apologized to . . . to Dad. We talked things out."

  "Yes, I saw."

  Sean interrupts the love fest as he climbs over the rail and on board after tying off the raft. "What's goin' on?"

  Grace smiles, "We're doing just fine now. Today turned out to be as good as it gets."

  Sean smiles, hugs both and says, "Naw, it's goin' to get much better. I've got a gut feel for these things. Trust me. Let's get underway."

  Once on the bridge and underway, Sean radios Pete and tells him what's occurred. Pete is at the marina readying to dock. He tells Sean what he sees and nods as he hears Sean's reply.

  As Pete backs the Fox Sea Lady into the slip, he realizes that the word has spread throughout Harvey Cedars at least in a small circle of friends. Standing on the dock is Chuck Barto; both HC patrolmen; Ellie, Grace's secretary; a few salespersons from her real estate company; the shop keepers of her two stores in town; the new manager and the new chef of the restaurant along with the contractor; a few friends of Colt's and Robert's; Rachael; and of course Anna.

  After tying up, Pete jumps ashore,
hugs Anna, and whispers in her ear that the boy is safe and all is well. Then adds softly, "God's plan has worked . . . almost. One more step to go."

  Anna pinches him, "Stop it. Enough already," raising her eyebrows.

  Pete nods, getting the message, then faces the group and says. "They'll be here in about ten minutes and will come ashore to thank you all and answer what questions they can. Then the three of them are going back out, and since the weather has cleared, are going to have a quiet dinner aboard the boat."

  Several people start to ask questions. Pete raises his hand, stretches his neck so he can see over the front row and says loud enough for all to hear. "Don't ask me any questions. Please. I don't have the answers and can't speak for them. I'm gonna wait here just like you, and welcome them home." There is a buzz of separate conversations within the group but no further questions of Pete.

  Rachael comes up to Pete and pulls him aside. "Mister Vaccaro, I don't know if I owe you an apology or if you owe me one, but either way it's not important now. Do me a favor if you will."

  "You don't owe me an apology, ma'am. I owe you one for being so rude. I'm sorry." He nods, "And I'll do what you ask of me. At least, I'll try."

  "Thank you. Please tell Sean that I was here, and I'm glad the boy is safe, and that I suspect all is well. Tell him I'll call him in the morning. I think my being here tonight would be awkward for everyone. Can you do that, please?"

  "Yes, ma'am. I will."

  She says, "Thank you," and to Pete's surprise, Rachael leans forward and gives him a peck on the cheek and a squeeze of his hand. Then she turns away, weaves her way through the small group, and strides to her car in the parking lot.

  Anna says to Pete, "Don't get too excited, old man. That was only a thank you kiss . . . from your Jezebel, remember." She smiles, whispers, "She's way too much for you to handle anyway," and laughs good naturedly.

  Pete leans his head back, grins slyly and says boastfully, "Oh woman, don't be so sure," and sits on a dock piling with his thumbs hooked in his suspenders to wait for Sean, Grace and his First Mate, Colt.