by Karen Ward
He takes a deep breath and begins, "After we left the Marines I went home to Amarillo, Texas and married the woman of my dreams. Elena and I met in high school and I had loved her for years."
Barry says, "I remember, she was the one in the picture you always carried in your billfold. She was beautiful."
Scott replies, "Yeah, that's the one. Anyway, she promised to wait for me until I came home from the service and she did. The day we married I was the happiest man in Amarillo Texas. I thought we would be together forever. Then a few months later, the day Damian, my son was born, I didn't think I could be any happier. My life was complete."
He pauses and takes another deep breath before continuing, "But only three months later, I came home early from work one day and caught Elena in my bed with the vice president of the bank where she worked. It felt like somebody reached right inside my chest and was trying to jerk my heart out of my body. The pain was so great I wanted to die. I seriously considered putting a bullet in my own head that day. I didn't, thank God. Instead, I went to a local bar and got roaring drunk, ended up in jail for trying to pick a fight. The next day when I got out of jail, I bought the biggest bottle of Jack Daniels that I could find and got drunk again. I did the same thing every day for about two weeks. Then one day, I woke up and decided no woman was worth what I was putting myself through. That is the day I called the guys and we started Drake Security.
"The only advice I can give you is to keep putting one foot in front of the other every day and keep moving forward. Eventually, the pain fades. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you ever need a shoulder to lean on or just someone to talk to, I'm here."
With tears in his eyes, Barry says, "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."
******
When Melanie and her family get back to Seattle, they settle into a semblance of a routine. Mark and Patricia are worried about Melanie because she is not eating and she is losing a lot of weight. They didn't ask any questions when Melanie insisted they leave the ranch the same day she signed the papers. They had already guessed something had happened between her and Barry. Now, a few weeks later, Mark decides the time has come to bring up counseling. After dinner one night he says,
"Melanie, your Mother and I think you need to get some counseling to help you deal with whatever is bothering you. You're going to make yourself sick. You're not eating, and you've lost a lot of weight."
"I'm fine Dad, really."
Eric interrupts, "No you're not Mom! I hear you crying every night. If talking to some doctor can help you, then you need to talk to them!"
I am shocked by Eric's outburst. "Eric, that's enough. I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions."
Belligerently Eric looks me in the eye and says, "No you're not! I heard all of those mean things Dad said to you at the compound. They messed up your head, Mom. If you were all right, we would still be at the ranch with Barry!" He storms to his room and slams the door.
I realize that Eric hasn't been happy since we returned to Seattle but this outburst is totally out of character. I look over at my Dad, "What do you think is going on with him?"
Mark carefully considers his response, "I think he's worried about you just like your Mother and me. You're not yourself Melanie. You were very young when you were kidnapped and we feel you are suffering from some lingering effects of your time in captivity. Please won't you at least talk to a counselor?"
Finally I reply, "Oh, all right! If it will make you happy I don't suppose it can hurt. Maybe these doctors can help me get past Barry Farrady!"
******
My Dad makes an appointment for me with one of Seattle's premier psychiatrists. It doesn't take long for me to realize that Eric was right. I soon understand just how much Darren Calloway's mental abuse affected me. I am surprised at how easily he was able to manipulate my mind. The doctor quickly showed me how the statements he had repeated over and over to me had warped my thought processes. He made me understand that I am a worthy human being that deserves love and attention even from someone as rich and famous as Barry Farrady. He convinces me that I am just as beautiful as Barry had told me.
He helped me work through my fear of expressing my emotions and taught me how to express them and my opinions without fear of reprisal. My self confidence begins to grow and hope flickers to life deep in my soul.
******
The same week Melanie, Eric, and the Brentwoods went back to Seattle, the Drake Security team was called out of town for another government operation and Barry is left at the ranch by himself. Even after the encouragement of his buddy, Scoot, Barry sinks deeper and deeper into depression often not even bothering to put on clothes. He stops eating and exercising and his mother and Bob are very concerned. Even Bud has expressed his concern to Bob about Barry not eating or exercising.
The three of them discuss their concerns with Jacob and Jason Murray and all agree they need to try to do something. Jacob consults with Scoot and the other members of the Drake Security team. Scoot tells Jacob that he will contact Mark Brentwood to see if Melanie is having similar issues.
******
A few weeks later Barry is working in the barn mending tack when Bud Wilkes hunts him down and says, "Barry, some citified character is up at the house looking for you."
Barry frowns but responds, "Thanks Bud." As he steps out of the barn he recognizes his agent's Mercedes and dread washes over him. Walking into the great room he says, "Frank? What brings you all the way to Wyoming? I've already told you I am not going to make a movie, so don't even bother to ask."
The agent looks Barry over from head to toe. He is aghast at the deplorable condition of his famous client. Jacob Murray had told him Barry was depressed and neglecting himself and now he can see it for himself. He is wearing a ragged pair of sweat pants and a muscle shirt that is hanging loosely on his once muscular body. His hair is shaggy and he has at least a week's worth of beard covering his jaw.
He takes a deep breath and then says excitedly, "Barry, you need to come out of this funk you're in! I have the perfect opportunity to put you back in the spotlight and it doesn't involve making a movie!"
Doubtfully, Barry says, "And just what would that be?"
"It's one of your favorite philanthropic endeavors ...a charity auction! The National Cancer Society is enlisting eligible bachelors to auction off. All the proceeds will benefit the society! It will only mean a few hours of your time and it will keep your name in the spotlight! Not to mention how much it will benefit the National Cancer Society to have someone of your statue in their auction."
Shaking his head Barry replies, "Don't you understand? I don't want to be in the spotlight. I just want to be left alone."
Frustrated with Barry's response, Frank retorts, "To do what? Dry up and blow away! When was the last time you really looked in the mirror? You look terrible! You've dropped at least twenty pounds and your beautiful body is getting down-right flabby! You've got dark circles under your eyes and you look downright sickly. Come on man, it's for charity!"
He looks down at his shaking hands, then takes a deep breath and audibly exhales before asking, "What would I have to do with whoever purchases me?"
"As far as I know nothing is set in stone. You can offer dinner or a date, whatever you want to give. Come on Barry, please?" He is counting on the fact that Barry has always had a big heart and was always eager to participate in charitable events.
"Oh, all right! Let me know when and where to be!" he says petulantly.
The agent takes a relieved breath and says excitedly, "Fantastic! You won't regret this, I promise!"
After his agent leaves the ranch, Barry goes into his bathroom, strips, and really takes a long look at his body in the mirror. Oh my God! Frank is right! He really has lost weight and his muscles do look flabby. His six pack abdominal muscles are no longer even visible and his face looks at least twenty years older. He quickly shaves off the full week's growth of facial hair and makes his way down to the state-o
f-the-art gym and weight room where he starts a workout routine. After all, he doesn't want to embarrass himself at the charity auction and he only has a few weeks to get back in shape.
Scoot and the guys return to the ranch a few days later and he consults them about his dilemma and they agree to put him through the paces they go through to maintain their readiness. The four former Marines are shocked and worried by how far Barry has sunk in the few weeks they have been gone.
The day after they return to the ranch, Barry has a visit from his buddy, Pinky. Pinky finds him in the study sitting at his desk, his head hanging. He knocks on the door and says,
"Hey Farrie, can I talk to you for a few minutes? Scoot told me he shared his story with you. I want to tell you mine too."
Barry looks up surprised because Pinky has never told anyone about his past. All the guys know about him is that he is from the bayous of Louisiana and he is one of the most unemotional guys they have ever met.
Pinky sits down in the chair in front of the desk, takes a deep breath, and says, "I know you guys think that I am cold and unemotional, and I am, but I haven't always been this way."
He takes another deep breath. This is the first time he has ever tried to talk about the worst day of his life and he is not sure he'll be able to get through his story. He looks over at Barry and his heart hurts for the pain he sees in his eyes. Yes, for Barry, he can do this.
He begins, his voice quavering with emotion, "When I was a kid growing up in Louisiana my best friend and the love of my life was a girl named Jasmine Leblanc. As we grew older we fell deeply in love and planned to marry as soon as she turned sixteen, the legal age of consent in Louisiana. My senior year in high school, when she was fifteen, I took Jasmine to my senior prom and afterwards we went to a little motel in the next parish where she gave me her virginity. I was floating on air, the happiest guy in Louisiana and so in love I couldn't see straight. I couldn't wait until she turned sixteen in a couple of months and we could get married."
Barry notices that Pinky's hands are shaking and his eyes are filled with tears. Barry is amazed. He has never seen any emotion from Pinky.
Taking another deep breath and wiping moisture from his eyes, he continues, "Then the very next day, her little brother came running up to the Dairy Queen where I was working, screaming and crying." His voice cracks as he says the next few words, "He told me that Jasmine had been eaten by an alligator in the swamp. I couldn't believe it."
He pauses again, shaking his head and taking several deep breaths, then continues,"I made him take me out to the swamp so I could see for myself. When I saw her beautiful auburn hair hanging out of that gator's mouth, the pain was so great I thought I was going to die right on the banks of that swamp. I wanted to die. I begged God to take me right then."
Openly crying now, he takes a few more deep breaths and continues, "I got my shotgun out of my truck and killed that gator. I shot him right between his eyes and blew his brains out. The next day, I enlisted in the Marines. I figured I could easily step in front of a bullet and end the pain. Then I met you guys, and you gave me a reason to go on."
He looks up at Barry with tears streaming down his face and says, "I guess what I am trying to say is keep fighting Barry. As long as she is alive, you always have hope."
Barry looks at his friend and his heart bleeds at the pain he sees in Pinky's eyes. He nods and says, "Thanks man. Your secret is safe with me."
After Pinky leaves Barry thinks about what he said for a long time. Then he remembers what Mark Brentwood had said to him about not giving up on Melanie. Yeah, Pinky's right. After this charity auction thing is over, he will go to Seattle and find Melanie. He'll fight for her!
******
Late one night a week later, Mark Brentwood joins the conference call with Bob and Virginia Kenner, Scoot and the other members of the Drake Security team, Jacob and Jason Murray, and Barry's agent.
"Well?" Mark asks.
"He agreed. It took some begging on my part but he said he would participate in the auction," the agent informs the group.
Scoot says, "He is working out trying to get his body back in shape. He asked us to help him and we are putting him through the paces. We'll make sure he is ready."
"How are things going on your end Mark?" asks the agent.
"I think the counseling sessions are working. Melanie is wearing makeup every day now and she has begun to put on weight again. Her self-confidence is coming back," replies Mark.
"You do know this whole thing might blow up in our faces if she doesn't agree to purchase him at the auction," warns Jacob.
Mark says, "I've got that covered. If I can't get Melanie to the auction or if she refuses to bid on him, Patricia will purchase him and bring him home to dinner. We'll make sure they sit face to face. Unfortunately, that may be all we can do. The rest will be up to them."
Virginia Kenner says, "I'm not really sure what has happened in the past few days, but Barry's attitude seems to be improving. He seems to have regained his fighting spirit. He is smiling some again and venturing out of the study. Bud says he is talking to him more too. I can't tell you how relieved I am."
Scoot looks at Pinky and they smile. Good, it has to be because of the talk Pinky had with him. Scoot wonders what Pinky said to cause the change in Barry's attitude. Maybe someday, he'll share his story with the rest of the guys too.
Barry's agent says, "I have made arrangements with one of the big tabloids to publish some file photos of Barry with a local celebrity and a totally bogus story about their dating. She is agreeable to the publicity. Also, the cancer society has agreed to only advertise him as a celebrity bachelor, not give his name until he walks out on the stage. I made it a requirement for his participation."
"Good touch," says Scoot. "As far as Barry's concerned, we'll make certain he's at the auction even if we have to hogtie him."
"Good, we'll get together again same time next week," says Mark.
CHAPTER 17
A week after the conference call, Eric and his grandfather are at one of the large supermarkets near their home in Seattle and as expected, Eric spots the picture of Barry on the cover of the tabloid with the beautiful young actress.
"Oh no, look Papa! Barry's got a new girlfriend!" cries Eric extremely disappointed. He looks so distressed that Mark almost tells him the truth. Deciding to stick to his original plan, instead he encourages,
"Grab that magazine Eric! We need to make sure your Mom reads that story. A little jealousy sometimes can work miracles!"
Eric is skeptical. The actress in the picture with Barry is very pretty. What if his Mom still doesn't think anyone can care for her? What if the magazine makes her give up completely and she never gets back with Barry? But, with his Papa's encouragement, hope springs to life inside Eric.
When he walks into their Seattle home Eric cries, "Mom, look! Barry has a girlfriend! He's on the cover of this magazine." He holds the magazine out toward me.
My stomach drops into my toes at Eric's words. Well, Melanie, what did you expect? That a virile man like Barry Farrady would stay celibate for the rest of his life? I knew he wouldn't wait forever. I have been making progress in my counseling sessions. My doctor has made me understand how Darren manipulated my mind with his words and I no longer think of myself as plain. I know I'm beautiful just like Barry told me and I realize I am worthy of his love. Now, it may be too late.
I take the magazine from Eric's hand and sit down in a chair to read the article. When I finish I look up at my father, tears in my eyes, "Oh Daddy, I really messed up, didn't I?"
Mark Brentwood looks into Melanie's sad eyes and says, "Oh, I don't know Melanie. If you love Barry, maybe you should fight for him. He hasn't married the woman yet. The way I see it you have as good a chance as she does of capturing his heart."
I think about my Dad's words. Yes, I do have as good a chance as that actress does, maybe ever better. After all, Barry did tell me he loved me once. Maybe I can make
him love me again. I will fight for him. I'll talk to my doctor about it at my appointment this week.
******
A few days later Mark comes in from the office one evening and says, "Everyone, we are going on a little trip to Los Angeles! The National Cancer Society is having a charity event that I want to attend and you are all going with me. We need the break so pack your bags, we leave on Friday."
In spite of feeling scared to death about going to a High Society Charity Event in Los Angeles, I am excited. It will give me an opportunity to test my new self confidence. My hair has finally grown off the sable brown color and is back to my natural blonde and I have it styled in a short, cute pixie cut. Mom and I went shopping and we both have designer gowns to wear to the event. Mom even carried me to one of the big department stores where I learned the latest techniques of how to properly apply my makeup. Mark and Eric are both wearing tuxedoes.
On the night of the auction when I walk out of the hotel bathroom in my beautiful, full length red silk dress and strappy high heel sandals my father gives me a wolf whistle, "Wow, Melanie, you look fantastic!"
Blushing, I reply, "Oh Daddy, I would expect you to say something like that."
Eric says, "No Mom. You really look pretty! You are even prettier than that girl in the picture with Barry!"
I hug him close, "Why, thank you Eric. You look pretty spiffy yourself, young man."
So when we walk into the ballroom where the charity auction is being held, I feel very confident in my appearance. I notice several handsome men turn to look at me with interest as I pass. A warm blush slides up my neck and I smile to myself.
The Brentwoods find their reserved table at the very front of the room right below the stage. That is when my father tells me the event is a bachelor auction.
My heart pounding, I grab the program and scan the names of all the bachelors making sure Barry isn't one of them. I am not sure I could stand seeing him auctioned off to some other woman. When I don't see his name, relief flows through me.