by Woody, Jodi
Afterwards most of them hugged her, Sally offered to be a shoulder to cry on and Daffyd offered to hire a hit man, which made everyone laugh. “What? I am serious,” he said innocently.
“Give me a few days and I’ll get back to you on that one,” said Seanna shaking her head.
Samantha had asked her to come and talk to her and Daffyd later when it would be more private. When they got up to take a walk with their other guests, Leal and Trisha took their spots at the table. Alyssa was there as well sitting next to Bryce and looking up at him with those big blue eyes. Seanna convinced herself that Bryce was the brother she’d always wanted and that he had behaved exactly like any big brother would have. It was apparent to her that Alyssa was interested in him, and she happened to really like her. Maybe I’ll get a sister soon. That would be great, right? She hadn’t been listening to the conversation until Trisha’s words broke into her musing.
“The world is full of people like them,” said Trisha, “That’s why we hang on to the good ones when we find them. I had a similar experience, only worse, I think. That’s how I met Leal. He was my knight in shining armor.”
“How did the two of you meet? And how come no one ever told me that you were Uncle Daffyd’s body guard?” asked Seanna coming back to the conversation.
“Wait…how famous was your Uncle… he needed a body guard?” said Alyssa.
“How come you never once even asked about Daffyd? Kevin was full of questions,” replied Seanna liking her even more.
“I guess it wasn’t important. I figured if you all wanted me to know you’d tell me…and it wouldn’t change anything, he’s a great guy,” she said shrugging her shoulders. “But…a body guard.”
“Alyssa, my Uncle Daffyd is James Savage as in Savage,” explained Bryce.
“That’s hilarious,” said Alyssa smacking him on the arm.
“Um…he’s telling you the truth,” vouched Trisha. “I’m his personal assistant and Leal was his body guard. Now I pretty much cook and clean and Leal does all the other work around Mountain Home, where we all live.”
“You’re serious! Daffyd is Savage…I just can’t wrap my head around that one,” she said incredulously.
“That’s a story for another time. I want to hear yours,” demanded Seanna looking at Trisha.
“Well, I had been working for Daffyd for about a year and I ended up dating one of his road crew. With that kind of lifestyle you hang out with the same people so much, that you build relationships with them, good or bad. It was all good for awhile. Mind you this was before I got saved. We all drank and partied, except Daffyd. Then I went to a young women’s meeting with a girl from college, and I made the decision to follow Jesus. Jim thought it was a faze and expected it to wear off. He started doing meth and he didn’t like the fact that my faith had changed me. When he drank he was funny and sometimes stupid but the meth made him mean. Soon he was smacking me around.”
“I finally told Daffyd and he fired him, along with some others who were using. He wasn’t thrilled about having all of that junk around, or their being under the influence around all his expensive equipment. One of them was his bodyguard. That’s when he hired Leal, an ex-marine who didn’t smoke, drink or do drugs. About a month later, Jim showed up, high, and was pretty much beating the crap out of me in my hotel room. Leal came flying into my room, like a hero out of an action movie, and broke Jim’s nose. I found out later that Jim had knocked my cell phone out of my hand and somehow it had speed-dialed Daffyd. When Daffyd had heard me screaming, he and Leal ran to my room as fast as they could. Well I guess when I saw tall dark and handsome dragging that piece of crap out of my room, through eyes that were quickly swelling shut…it was love at first sight.”
“Awe…” said Alyssa. “Isn’t that romantic?”
“Maybe for me,” she laughed. “It was all just part of the job for him.”
“What?” asked Alyssa.
“She’s right. It took me much longer to realize how I felt for her,” he answered.
“How much longer?” asked Seanna.
“Not until Daffyd started having anxiety attacks. When I saw how she took care of him and put up with him…well let’s just say I started seeing her in a different light. Then one night when Daffyd was pretty bad, we were both up all night. The next morning after he had finally fallen asleep, she led me to the Lord. We’ve been together ever since.”
“Ok, now I feel better. Like maybe there is still a decent guy out there for me,” said Seanna.
“So you still believe in prince charming?” asked Bryce hopefully.
“Well obviously all men aren’t monsters, there is you, and Leal, Grandpa Bryson, my Dad, Daffyd and well…there must be a few more out there…” she answered.
“I grew up with my parents who were high school sweethearts, so I figured that was just the way things worked. I assumed Jeff and I would get married one day and live together forever. You know, happily ever after and all of that. But now I know, especially seeing your mom and Daffyd, I still can’t believe he is Savage, that sometimes it’s not that first one,” said Alyssa.
“Was Jeff a monster too?” asked Seanna cynically.
“No! I guess in my situation the monster would have been me. He was so sweet and…good…he just couldn’t handle who I really am,” she said sadly.
“You mean who you were,” said Bryce gently.
“Yeah, I guess he hasn’t met the new transformed me,” she smiled gratefully.
“I am sorry about the whole mess, Seanna, but this has been the best week I have experience in a long time. I hate to think by this time next week we’ll all be going our separate ways,” Alyssa said looking up at Bryce.
“It’s always hard. That’s why we look forward to summer break,” said Seanna.
“Hey, you should come stay with us for a while this summer,” suggested Bryce thinking how good it would be for her to continue her friendship with Seanna, and that a buffer between the two of them might be just the thing he needed.
“Oh…I wasn’t hinting,” said Alyssa blushing.
“No, he’s right. Mountain Home is huge. We have a big pool, a media room, a music room and we all help Trisha and Leal out with the extra work. I’m going to go ask Mom and Daffyd right now. Do you think your Grandma and Grandpa would mind if we stole her away for the summer?” Seanna asked Bryce. Now it was obvious that they liked each other. She was determined to be a great sister to Bryce and help him win his princess.
“Actually we hadn’t made plans past spring,” said Alyssa.
“That settles it! You young lady are coming home with us this summer,” said Trisha.
Seanna spent the rest of the day alternating between crying, feeling angry and feeling relieved that Kevin was out of her life. She couldn’t help thinking of the possibility of seeing them at School. But she reminded herself that until the day in the restaurant, she had never even seen either of them before. Having sent Alyssa out to keep her big brother, the Hero, company, she finally went and talked to her Mom and Daffyd about the whole mess.
“I know you already feel bad enough, but Daffyd wanted to just ask you a few questions. Do you mind talking about it?” Samantha asked Seanna as she handed her some ice water. The three of them were sitting on the veranda. The two girls were on a porch swing and Daffyd was lounging in the hammock.
“No, I don’t mind. It’s not like I’ve been able to think about anything else. I feel like such an idiot.”
“Did you and Kevin ever discuss who I was?” asked Daffyd.
“No…a couple of times I almost did, but I guess deep down I never really trusted him enough to,” she answered truthfully.
“Could he have overheard anything, maybe you talking to one of your friends?” he continued.
“I haven’t told anyone…why, do you think this has something to do with you?” she asked.
“I’m trying not to be paranoid, but I can’t help thinking that it might be,” he answered.
&n
bsp; “Honey, did you ever see either of them around school, or did you have mutual friends?” asked her Mom.
“No, in fact I was just thinking of how grateful I am for that!” she replied.
“So one day he just showed up at school?” asked Samantha.
“No, we met at the café. I had stopped to get my check and stayed to eat lunch. He was there with her. I got a call from Bryce and after I hung up he was staring at me. Shortly after that, Carrie left and he came and introduced himself. Actually, he thought I was someone else at first, at least that’s what he said,” she tried to remember everything that had happened.
“So you were talking to Bryce?” asked Daffyd.
“Yeah, but if I said anything about you, it was just ‘Uncle’ or ‘Daffyd’. Honestly, most of the time I forget that you have an alter ego,” she tried to joke.
“And the only explanation he gave for it all was a vacation?” Samantha said bewildered.
“Well, that was his excuse for Carrie being here, but he didn’t know about the vacation that day when we met. He implied it was all some kind of a joke…” she finished angrily. “He said that he knew about a rich relative from the conversation. Maybe I had mentioned our trip, I just don’t know.”
“That’s why this all sounds a little fishy to me. You said he took you out and even bought you presents. Why would he spend the money if it was some kind of sick joke? And they paid for Carrie’s ticket…it just doesn’t point to a gag. Are you sure you got all the pictures?”
“Yeah, Carrie was surprised to see me. Actually she was in the bathroom, didn’t even have any clothes on and Kevin had to round them up. When I asked for the film and the sim card, she went right to the camera case and even got the film out of the camera. Unless she stashed some, I got it all.”
“She had no idea you were coming by that morning, so she didn’t really have a reason to hide any of the film,” said Daffyd. “I think when we get back home; I’ll get someone to check them out. It may be a wild goose chase but I’d feel better about it.”
“Are you scared?” asked her mom.
“No…just hurt.”
“Were you in love with him?” Samantha continued.
“You know, I guess I wasn’t. We fought and sometimes I actually dreaded being around him. But then there were those times that he made me feel like a beautiful princess,” she tried to explain.
“You are a beautiful princess,” Daffyd firmly replied.
“Of course you two think I am, it’s a requirement of all parents. I want my future husband to think I am one. Kevin definitely wasn’t future husband material. I am so sorry that I ever asked if he could come. Now our honeymoon is ruined,” Seanna pouted.
“Our honeymoon?” laughed Daffyd.
“Yeah, that’s what Bryce and I have been calling it all along,” Seanna grinned at him.
“Nothing is ruined. I’m just glad that you know who Kevin really is now. I suggest the next time someone comes in and sweeps you off your feet that you turn and run the other way. I think true love isn’t always the stuff of romance novels and chick flicks, sometimes it is something that starts off slow and builds from a strong friendship,” Samantha offered.
“Like you and Daffyd,” she said lightheartedly.
“No, we definitely weren’t normal,” said Samantha as they all chuckled.
“So…you’re gonna be ok? Or do I need to hire that hit man?” asked Daffyd.
“No, I think Leal scared the-you-know-what out of him. I’m not too worried about having to see him. My pride was hurt more than my heart and you know what they say about pride…?” she asked. “I guess I just took that fall.”
“Why don’t we pray about it, leave it all in God’s hands, and have a great couple of days before we go back to the real world,” suggested Daffyd. “Lord, we ask you to comfort Seanna. We thank you that you have a perfect man for her and that you will help her to be patient and more discerning while she is waiting. Give us a great remaining few days of our family honeymoon and thank you for our family that you have pieced together.”
“Amen,” said the girls. As Seanna lifted her head she saw Alyssa and Bryce walking on the beach together. And, Lord, help me not to become attached to Bryce in a way that isn’t sisterly!
Chapter 11
Goodbyes
If Bryce had been worried about his behavior with Seanna, after their ordeal with Kevin, Seanna’s behavior laid all of his doubts to rest. She continued to treat him as she always had. She was the quintessential little sister. Not wanting to lose the relationship that they had always enjoyed, he stuffed his new feelings for her and did his best to play the role of the big brother. As the time drew near to them all going back to their separate lives, Alyssa, Seanna and Bryce tried to cram as much time together as possible and making plans for the summer together.
Seanna began to feel comfortable again with Bryce. How could it be otherwise? He was so opposite from Kevin’s self absorbed personality. He treated both her Alyssa with kindness and respect. Thinking that they had been including her just so she wouldn’t feel left out, Seanna pleaded a headache so that the Bryce and Alyssa could have some time alone. Now she walked the beach, gathering a few shells to take home, she thought about what the summer would be like seeing the two of them together.
Maybe I should make some other plans for at least part of the summer. I just don’t know if I can watch them and not feel like I missed out on something special. We could have ended up together if I hadn’t made such a big deal out of the big brother thing. I always knew what a great person he was, why couldn’t I have realized then how much he means to me? By the time they all met for dinner she had a tentative plan forming in her mind to separate herself from the possible pain of being at Mountain Home for the summer.
“Since some of you will be departing in the morning, Samantha and I would just like to thank you all for making this a special occasion. I never would have dreamed that I would be married to such a wonderful woman, who loves God and still can stand to put up with me. And I never would have imagined myself returning to God and His love, being gathered together with people who genuinely care about me and who choose to call themselves my friends and family…so thank you,” said Daffyd as he raised his glass of wine. Everyone clapped and cheered.
“Now it’s my turn,” said Samantha as she stood up next to her husband. “I too wouldn’t have imagined my life to be what it is today. As you all know I had only recently lost my husband when we came into Daffyd’s life. My marriage, to a good man, was comfortable at best, and though I am thankful for all that Richard did for Seanna and me, I am so grateful that God saw fit to give me a second chance at life. The love that Daffyd and I have for one another has already been through many trials. We aren’t promised an easy life, but we know that God gives us people like all of you, that stay beside us during the good and the bad. I too, want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you!”
“Can I add to that?” asked Bryce standing up from his chair. “I just want to say that though it was all made ‘official’ here on this beautiful island, to me, you and Seanna became a part of our family when your car broke down that fateful summer day. I love you both. Samantha, you are a second mom to me, Seanna, you are the little sister I never had, and always wanted. I want to thank God for bringing you both into our lives.”
Seanna smiled up at him, eyes filled with love, and a sadness that Bryce didn’t understand. Maybe she is missing her Dad, or thinking of Kevin, he thought. But Seanna was thinking of the irony of finally having the big brother she had always wanted, only to fall in love with him and mess it all up. I’m the little sister he always wanted. I need to remember that and do the best I can to accept it for what it is. Knowing that everyone would expect her to share as well, she wiped the tears from her eyes and stood.
“I love you all so much…” she managed to get out. “Daffyd you have made my mom happier than I have ever seen her, and possibly the most freaked out as well,�
�� she laughed. “Bryce, I can’t begin to say how much I have appreciated you being there for me…as a big brother. But I have to also say that my family is bigger than I had ever thought possible. I now have grandparents, Lucille, Bryson and Sally. I have a crazy aunt and uncle, you know who you are!” she said looking at Leal and Trisha. “And now we’ve added Alyssa, who I can’t wait to have at our house over the summer. This has been one of the happiest times of my life and though I also have experience one of the hardest things too, I had all of you here to help me through it. Thanks and I love you.”
By the time she was finished tears were rolling down Seanna’s cheeks. Bryce had to go over and hug her. She hugged him back and knew that no matter what she would try to tough it out and spend as much time with him as possible this summer.
“Love you, Sis,” Bryce whispered into her hair.
“Love you too,” she whispered back.
The last few remaining days on the island ended up going by so fast that Bryce and Seanna didn’t have a minute alone together. Most of the time Alyssa, Trisha and Leal hung out with them or the two girls were together. They all tried to give Daffyd and Samantha some space. Even though they joked about it being a family honeymoon, they didn’t want to encroach upon their special time together. Seanna had spent so much time in the sun, despite plenty of sun screen, that her skin was burnt. Bryce and Alyssa, on the other hand were a nice golden brown, and constantly teased her about her peeling nose.
So on the day that they all had to leave the island, everyone was a little sad. They knew once they got back to the States, that they would all have to go their separate ways, Leal, Trisha, Samantha and Daffyd would all be going to Montana, Seanna to Wisconsin, Bryce to California, Bryce’s grandparents and Alyssa would be going to Nevada, and Sally would be going home to Oregon. Plans were made for the summer. It was agreed that Bryce would bring Alyssa with him after his visit with Bryson and Lucille the first couple of weeks of his vacation. They had the manager take a group picture of them on the dock before they all got on the boats to take them to the main land.