Where Life Takes You

by Claudia Burgoa

  “Sorry,” I whispered. Whatever I’d said had wounded him, and I regretted my words. I didn’t want to hurt the only person who cared for me―my only family. “The last few days…. This is too much.”

  He moved next to me, pulled me onto his lap, and held me for what felt like forever. My eyes dripped, and the waterworks didn’t stop on command. I hadn’t cried this much since Ian killed himself. Ian, who had protected me in the end.

  “Wake up, sleepyhead,” Dan whispered in my ear. “We’re about to land. I’m going to carry you to the sitting area, little one.”

  When my eyes opened, I realized we were in the bedroom.

  Dan held me tight. “Feeling better?” His wide smile was contagious and I gave him one back.

  “Maybe.” I shrugged, and kissed his cheek before he put me down. “With such a mess, feeling better is subject to change at any time.”

  We landed five minutes after sitting down. Scott Willis, the captain, waited for us close to the cabin to talk to Dan and wish us a Merry Christmas.

  “The reservations are under your name, Willis.” Dan gave him more instructions and went down the stairwell. “Bex, meet Nick, Bryan, and Peter. They’re our security team for the next week.” Dan held my hand, offering me silent support before we had to encounter Tyler and family. “Gentlemen, Miss Trent is your main priority during the trip.”

  In a matter of minutes, we arrived at the house—or mansion. The breathtaking contrast of the moon against the snow left me speechless. I prayed Mary or Dan had remembered to bring my camera. I looked forward to taking pictures of the surroundings and the Sanders children.

  “Ty hired a full time nanny for the rugrats, and a part-time housekeeper—though she won’t work on Christmas day,” Dan explained, while opening the main door, decorated with a big wreath. “Ash planned everything. The executioner is… you, Becca. In my defense, I’m in charge of cleaning, and Ty promised to help when possible.”

  The house was silent, and the only lights came from the huge tree. “Big enough for you?” I nodded. “Glad, I was afraid you wouldn’t like it.” The aroma of pine and cinnamon assaulted my senses, but gave me the Christmas cheer I desperately needed.

  “’Twas the night before Christmas,” I began whispering. “When all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” I giggled.

  “I knew in a moment it must be St. Dan?” Neither of us could finish the poem, what with the uncontrollable laughter and all.

  Dan gave me the preview tour, which included a huge, beautiful foyer and a cozy family room with a big screen for movies and games. The elegant fireplace and fancy kitchen gave it a homey ambiance. The appliances screamed, Use me, Becca. Bake delicious chocolate cookies with me. The place had two different wings. Ty’s family was staying on the west side, which had a master bedroom and three extra rooms. And our rooms were far away.

  “As much as I love my best friend, I’m neither prepared to listen to Angie’s wake up calls, nor ready to deal with infants.”

  “Ain’t that the truth, my friend?” I tried to claim my hand, but Dan didn’t budge. “Someday far, far away you’ll have children. And I’ll choose the guest wing to avoid your family.” I stuck out my tongue, and we both laughed all the way to my room.

  “Perfect, they brought your bags.” I spotted the luggage next to the closet doors. Those new agents were like Christmas elves. “Be back in a minute,” Dan said, after turning on the lights of my bedroom. “I need to change into more comfortable clothes.”

  The built-in bench under the bay window called my name. It faced the slopes, and the moon shone happily through the clouds. I pulled out my phone, turned it on, and it chimed. A text waited for me.

  Connor: I’ll wait for your text. But let’s plan on meeting the first Saturday of January. We need to catch up. My parents want to have you, for Sunday Dinner. They miss you. Merry Christmas.

  “Who’s Connor?” Dan asked.

  “Damn it, Dan. You scared the crap out of me.” I didn’t notice him sitting next to me.

  “Ian’s brother. Remember I mentioned him?” My brain was working overtime, but I swore I’d told him about the bookstore encounter the night before.

  “Do you have Dr. Mackenzie’s phone number handy?” He stirred the conversation in a complete different direction.

  I nodded, looking at the landscape.

  Dan’s voice was shaky. My gut told me he was more worried than he let on. “Can you text me the number, just in case?”

  I nodded again.

  “The Sanders turned in for the night. We’ll catch up with them tomorrow morning. Come and get me if you need me. Promise?” He hugged me, gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek, and left.

  I texted Connor, then I texted Dan.

  Me: Maybe. I don’t have my schedule with me. We’ll discuss it when I get back. Say hi to your parents from me.

  Me: Thank you for being you, and being there for me—always. You’re my home and my family. I don’t know what I would do without you. Dr. Mackenzie ~ 617-559-3136

  Dan: Back @ you, little one. Rest. We’ll be extremely busy tomorrow.

  * * * * *

  Dear Lisa,

  I can’t change the past. I wish I could take my life back, but you still hold it hostage. When will I stop giving you so much power?

  With regrets,

  Rebecca Trent

  Chapter 5

  Christmas day went better than expected. Matt’s assignment thrilled everyone but me. He woke the entire house, including me. Kindly, he jumped on my bed, yelling, “Aunt Becca, wake up.” The tike repeated the phrase enough times until he accomplished his mission. “Hi, Uncle Dan wants me to wake you up,” Mattie said when I opened my eyes, and I growled.

  In the kitchen, Dan leaned against the counter with arms crossed, wearing an evil smile.

  “Really, Daniel, really? How does five tomorrow morning sound to you?” I sat down and he placed a plate with eggs, fruit, and bacon in front of me, but held a chocolate Belgian waffle hostage.

  “Please, princess, don’t let us interrupt your rant. My friend and I will just stay out of your way.”

  “Thank you for waking me up so nicely, Prince Dan.” My sweet tone granted me a wink and smirk combo—his flirtatious specialty. “Now, could I speak with your friend?”

  I ate a little of everything and devoured the mouthwatering waffle. It took me all the way up to heaven.

  “Should I leave you two alone?” Ash asked, eyeing the small piece of waffle left on my plate.

  “No, you can join us.” I washed down the waffle with a sip of green tea. “Don’t worry, I’m about to dump him. Meanwhile, give me an Ash up-to-date report.”

  “Mommy! You were right!” With open arms, Matt ran towards Ash and gave her a big hug. “Santa found us! He brought presents for me and Angie. Can I open my Thomas the Train set?”

  “A train set?” Ash’s eyes widened as she looked at Dan.

  “Well, Santa’s elves heard he needed the set.” Dan sipped coffee from a moose mug and gave her a cocky smile.

  “Santa’s elves shouldn’t have,” Ash said.

  At the same time, Tyler walked in carrying Angie. “When that elf has his own elves, we’ll make sure to butt in.”

  “Daddy said the B word, Mom!”

  We moved the party to the living room, and the gorgeous tree, and started opening presents. Matt sat on the couch with a sad face. His parents wouldn’t let him open the train set. Not until they got home.

  “Let’s read a book.” I sat next to him with his new Curious George book in hand.

  “Or you could open the present Aunt Becca and I brought you.” Dan handed him a bag with an electronic-gadget-toy. A prototype Dan explained would be out in the market the next year. Miraculously, the thing pacified Matt for a while. Technically, I hadn’t brought any presents—except for Dan’s—but each tag read: From Dan and Becca. The sentiment of adding me meant a lot, but also made me feel awkward.
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br />   I shoved my doubts and issues into the back of my mind. I had too many real conflicts inside to make up childish problems. Once the exchange was over, Dan and I went to my room, where I handed him his present: a fancy top of the line gadget that did everything imaginable, and a handmade Swiss watch. Dan put it on immediately, giving me a hug and handing me my present.

  “Hmm, pink. How did you guess?” I gave him a playful smile. I adored the pink pearl earrings, pendant, and bracelet set he gave me. Carefully, I set them on the bed and put my arms behind his neck, giving him a kiss on the cheek and resting my head over his chest.

  “Lucky guess, princess.” He held me tight. “Thank you for the watch. It’s my new favorite.”

  * * * * *

  By dinnertime I’d changed a couple of diapers, put together a five course meal, and played hide and seek with Dan and Matt.

  “Amazing. Becca, you’re an awesome cook,” Ty said, and everyone agreed. “Ash, let’s take her home for a few days.

  “Or a year,” Ash said.

  “I don’t think so,” Dan said, raising his eyebrows at the couple.

  “Thank you, but I only heated Mary’s turkey and side dishes.” I loved her. She was the best housekeeper-cook-caretaker in the world. Dan had her prepare the complete meal, pack it, and ship it, along with our bags. “Honestly, no one is as good.”

  “You’re a great cook, Bex,” Dan said with pride. “Don’t put yourself down, and you two stop eyeing her. She’s not Cali-girl material.”

  At seven—Matt’s bedtime—he asked Dan and me to read him a story and tuck him in. We followed all the steps Ash gave us. We brushed teeth, washed face, put pajamas on, read, prayed, and made sure his stuffed animals were set on top of his night table, except Tigger, who slept with Matt. And finally, gave him a goodnight kiss.

  We joined Ty and Ash in the living room after we finished the ritual, and Dan made us watch a historical movie to be released in theaters on New Year’s Day. The perks of knowing someone, who met someone, who was close friends with the neighbor of a famous actor. That was Dan’s show off line, which I hated. Actually, Dan had backed a production company formed by an old college friend, which gave us access to whatever they cooked up any time we wanted. So far, their repertoire included a couple of blockbusters and three acclaimed masterpieces nominated for a few awards. I truly liked their films.

  “I’ll give it an eight,” Ash said. “Coming from me, it’s a compliment. I don’t care much for historical films.”

  “They’re filming some thriller with that blond guy everyone loves,” Dan said, as he turned off the media center and put away the disc. “You might love it. Anyway, with so many big projects coming up, I suggested they switch advertising agencies. You might get a call early next month, Ty.”

  I chuckled along with Tyler.

  “What?” Dan asked, looking puzzled.

  “In Dan-speak,” Tyler explained our laughs, “suggested means you don’t have a choice.” I nodded, agreeing with Ty, who laughed louder. “It won’t surprise us when you run the place. Here’s my two cents for the day—Google what silent investor means. Emphasis on silent.” He laughed again. “My friend, you need a life. Marry someone who’ll keep you busy with a couple of babies, and stop dipping your spoon in every ice cream you see.”

  “Speaking of babies… that reminds me.” Ash’s suspicious change of topic switched me into panic mode. “My baby sister and a couple of her friends might drop by for a visit. They’re driving from Indiana to Las Vegas. It’s only for a few days. I hope you guys don’t mind. We haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving.”

  “You should’ve invited Rose too.” I smiled, Rose buffered our hate-hate relationship every time Trish and I happened to be in the same place.

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you, Rose and Mark went to Florida to visit his parents.” She jumped off the couch and gave me a big hug, as if she’d won the lottery. “Mom told me he’s proposing on New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight. Knowing my sister, she will set the wedding around summer, if not earlier.”

  Joy! It’ll be Bratty and company for the weekend.

  I’d seen her five times—five long and painful times, where I wanted to stab her with the sharpest object in the room. Rose always acted as Switzerland. Without her, nuclear war would’ve been unleashed. “Give them my best when she surprises you with the happy news.”

  “Same here.” Dan, who had been standing close to the couch I sat on, responded. He linked our fingers and pulled me out of my sitting position. “I don’t have a problem with their visit. The only condition is that you don’t move us from our rooms. Let me know when we need to restock the fridge. I’ll send Bryan to the store.” He got up and hauled me up after him. “Let’s go, little one. We’re going to enjoy the fresh powder tomorrow. Goodnight, Sanders family.”

  “Goodnight,” I yelled, while Dan pulled me toward the stairs.

  “Bex, you need acting lessons,” he whispered, turning off some lights and turning on other ones in my room. “Heard about faking it?”

  “Nuh-uh.” I shook my head. “Fake it till you make it? Trish and I don’t work like that. She’s nasty, and I can’t handle her. My filters crash and burn when she’s around.” I pouted, and did my best slutty impression. “You need to touch them, Dan. I’ve been told they feel like the real deal. You can give me your professional opinion.” I moved seductively, fluttering my eyelashes at him while I grinded my hips on his leg. “Is it true, Dan, do her boobs feel like the real deal?”

  “Most embarrassing moment.” We laughed together, his eyes sparkling and holding a smile I’d never seen. “And no, I never touched them. I’ll be your Rose during the stay. If it doesn’t work, then we’ll drive to Aspen. The slopes are incredible. Better yet, we can drive to Breckenridge and check out the ice sculptures. You’ll love it.”

  * * * * *

  My skiing skills improved after many falls and instructors. For the first time, Dan didn’t have to drop me off at the bunny slopes with an instructor-slash-babysitter. I held my ground and skied alongside Ash the whole time, though her expertise showed with every swoop. The guys snowboarded and behaved like rowdy teenagers, flaunting their mad skills. We left Matt at the kids’ club, where they gave him an hour of ski instruction. The rest of the time, he played with other kids his age. Angie stayed back at the rental with the part-time babysitter.

  By the time we got back to the house, I was half-dead. I took a shower, slipped on a pair of jeans, a cozy sweater, and a pair of socks. With an hour to kill before dinner, I sat on the built-in bench and submerged myself in a mystery novel I’d found in the living room bookcase. When I opened my eyes, I was in bed, under a blanket, and the lights were softly dimmed. The wall clock said seven o’clock, which meant I’d been out for about two hours. I checked my cellphone and there were a couple of texts waiting.

  Dan: Trish and friends arrived. We’re in the kitchen having dinner.

  Dan: Please wake up, little one. I need you! Come to the living room. We’re watching a movie. Save me!

  Poor thing. Smothered by the brat who didn’t understand the meaning of personal space. I went to the bathroom, applied lip-gloss, and headed downstairs. A chill ran through my spine at the sight in front of me. It was all wrong. I didn’t care about the blonde sitting next to Ash and Ty. The other three occupying and overcrowding the loveseat irked me to the bone. Trish sat almost on Dan’s lap, her head resting over his chest while she caressed his hand. Next to him, her best friend giggled like a teenager.

  “Hi.” My voice cracked with discontent. Dan turned his head toward me immediately. I felt relief knowing he didn’t enjoy his current position surrounded by the slut posse. “You should’ve woken me up, Dan. It was my turn to cook. Hello, everyone.”

  “Great, it’s you. Don’t you have any family to go to during the holidays?” Trish gave me an evil smile. “It’s uncomfortable seeing you leeching off Dan all the time. He has a big heart, but you should stop takin
g advantage of him.”

  “Trish,” Dan’s dry voice came out as a warning. He used the low don’t-fuck-with-me tone, which took Trish by surprise. He pushed her back to her seat, stood up, and walked over to me. “You and your friends are welcome to stay with us for a few days, but I won’t allow you to insult Becca. We’re renting the place, but this is as much Becca’s place as it is mine. One more word, and even though you’re my best friend’s sister, I’ll make you leave.”

  He took my hand, and said, “You look rested, little one.” Dan held my head with his free hand and kissed the top. We walked to the kitchen in silence. The loud voices coming from the living room startled me.

  “I told you to behave,” Ashley’s came first, followed by Tyler’s growl. “They’re practically my family―you need to respect them, Trish.”

  “I don’t like her!” Trish’s shrill voice reached my ears. “I’d be dating, or even married to Dan, if she didn’t freeload off him.”

  “You’re delusional.” Ty’s voice grew louder. “One peaceful week with them is all I wanted, Ash. Was it too much to ask? I won’t stop Dan if he kicks her out.”

  Dan prepared me a sandwich while I fixed a plate of chocolate chip cookies and grabbed the milk from the fridge to pour a couple of glasses.

  “Make it three.” Ty’s hunched body reflected his sour mood. “I’m sorry about everything. She’s….”

  She was insufferable, selfish, and thought the world belonged to her—no rules applied to her. Everyone had to kiss the ground she walked on. Everything had to be done her way.

  Oh my….

  It dawned on me. Trish was my new Lisa, only taller and more vicious—no meth or crack involved. My eyes widened when I realized why I couldn’t stomach her. Worse, Ty’s stiffened body and wide eyes told me that he got it too. No, no, no. Not the Lisa-was-my-sister-you-bitch discussion.

  I put the milk back in the fridge. Then stared at the inside of the door contemplating how many times I would’ve needed to slam the door against my head to make the ringing in my ears loud enough, so I couldn’t focus on anything but that.