The Island

by Agnes Alexander

  “Mom—”

  She held up her hand. “Be quiet, Diane and let me finish without interruption, please.” Amanda smiled at her. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past twenty-seven months, it’s one has to accept whatever’s happening. We can’t make things be what we want them to be, they are what they are.” She took a deep breath. “I admit I resented Noah from the day you got married. Oh, I tried to tell myself he wasn’t the right man for you and I tried to make you believe you’d be better off without him, but I was wrong. Noah has been a good husband and a good father. He’s provided well for his family and from what I see he loves you and the kids. It all boils down to the fact that I was jealous. I’d given my life to raise you alone and then I thought you were pushing me aside for this man. A man who couldn’t possibly love you and look after you as well as I did.”

  “But, Mom—”

  Amanda stopped her again. “Honey, please just listen.”

  Noah didn’t say anything, but he looked stunned.

  “I was wrong. Diane, I’m so glad you didn’t listen to me, but followed your heart instead. You did the right thing. Oh don’t get me wrong, this is hard for me to admit. You know I’ve never liked saying I made a mistake and don’t expect me to do it often.”

  They laughed a nervous laugh.

  “I see now that for the twenty-seven months I was gone, Noah did everything he could to help you get over the loss of the mother you were so close to. He may not have liked me much, but he loved you and he was sensitive to your feelings. Now I want to apologize for being a thorn in his side for such a long time.”

  Noah shook his head and reached for Diane’s hand. “Amanda, that’s not necessary.”

  “Maybe not for you, Noah, but it is for me.” She smiled at him. “I want to assure you I never want to interfere with your family again. Now I’m not promising I won’t open my mouth, but I want you to say, ‘okay, Amanda, butt out,’ whenever I step over the line.”

  “Mom, things weren’t so bad.”

  “No they weren’t, Amanda. Part of it was my fault too. Having never been close to my folks, I couldn’t understand the relationship you and Diane had. I guess I didn’t want to admit that you had a right to be a part of your daughter’s life.”

  “Then shall we call a truce?”

  “Absolutely.” He grinned at her.

  She nodded. “Now to get to the other plans I’ve made today. I made some phone calls. One was to a top New York literary agent. Of course I got the brush-off at first, but I was persistent. When I told the receptionist who I was, the agent couldn’t get on the line fast enough. He’s agreed to represent me with the book I intend to write about our stay on the island. He said he was sure he could get me at least a six figure advance.” She then explained the decision to split everything with the other survivors. “Even with half the advance, I’m sure there’ll be more than enough for me to get by financially for a while.”

  “Mom, that’s wonderful. I knew you were holed up in the room with the telephone for a while, but I didn’t know what you were up to. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You know we’ll do anything we can to help, Amanda.”

  “Thank you, Noah. As you know I plan to go to Callie’s tonight and I am, but I won’t be able to stay there and work on the book. She’s still trying to mother me as she always has. She’d be down my neck wanting to see what I’d written or to give me advice...you know how she is.”

  Noah took a deep breath. “You don’t have to go there, Amanda, and I’m not saying this because I see such a change in you...well, maybe I am. I just want you to know you’re welcome to stay here. We’ll move some things to the attic—”

  Amanda interrupted him. “I appreciate it, Noah, but that wouldn’t work either. I need a place where I can be alone and not have to worry about bothering anyone else. I made some more phone calls. There’s an apartment complex only a couple of blocks over and I called to check on them. Do you think they’re in a good location?”

  “Yes they are, but I wonder if that’s the best answer either.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know everyone wants to see you and to hear about the island. If your whereabouts were known, you’d never get a minute’s peace.”

  “That’s true, Mom.”

  “Then what do you think I should do?”

  Noah downed the rest of his tea and set his glass on the table. “I have an idea, but I’m going to have to check it out.” He turned to Diane. “Why don’t you call Callie and tell her we want your mother to spend another night here?” He turned to Amanda. “Do you mind putting up with me for another night?”

  Amanda stood and walked over to her son-in-law. She put her arm around his shoulder. “I don’t mind putting up with you at all. I think we have to make up for a lot of wasted time we could have used to get to know each other.”

  Noah stood and put his arms around Amanda. “I can’t believe this,” he said with a laugh. “After all these years of telling everyone I had the mother-in-law from Hell, I think I’m actually beginning to like her.”

  They were all laughing when Kenny came into the room. “What’s going on?”

  Noah let Amanda go and grinned at his son. “We’re just celebrating.”

  “Celebrating what?”

  “Your grandmother’s return home of course.”

  Kenny raised his eyebrow.

  “Where’s your sister?” Diane asked.

  “She’s coming. You know how she is. She has to spend twenty minutes telling her friend, Michelle good-bye.”

  “When she gets in, why don’t we all get ready and I’ll take everyone to the new steak house off I-85. I’d like to have a good steak.”

  “Honey, do you think that’s a good idea. Everyone will want to talk to Mom.”

  Noah nodded. “You’re probably right. How about we cook steaks on the grill? What do you think Amanda?”

  “That sounds wonderful to me.”

  Kristy came in. She eyed the jovial crowd. “What’s happening here?”

  “I’m not sure, sis,” Kenny said with a puzzled look on his face. “I’m beginning to think I’m in the wrong house. Dad’s actually being nice to Nana.”

  All the grown-ups began to laugh again.

  Chapter 8

  Twenty-Six Months and Three Weeks Earlier

  As the evening wore on, Debbie’s screams grew louder, stronger and closer together. Amanda shivered every time the suffering mother-to-be cried. She couldn’t help thinking of the two babies her daughter had given birth to. She was glad Diane had elected to have an epidural. Though she’d often been told a mother forgets the pain after a baby arrives, she wondered if it was true. It seemed to her it would be hard for Debbie to forget all of this.

  “How long has it been, Steve?”

  “Several hours.” He looked at the sky. “The moon’s shifted to straight overhead.” He chuckled and said, “Of course I know the earth did the moving, but it’s easier to say the moon did.”

  Amanda shook her head and laughed. “I wasn’t going to criticize your knowledge of science.”

  “I know you wouldn’t. It just kind of sounded foolish to me after I said it.”

  She stretched her arms. “We’ve been sitting on this tree trunk a long time and I’m getting tired. I think I’ll move down and lean my back against it.”

  “That’s a good idea.”

  “May I ask you something, Steve?” She’d been wondering how she should ask him what had happened to him in the jungle, but she hadn’t come up with a good plan. Finally she decided the direct approach would be best. Maybe it wouldn’t make him mad. Of course she’d never seen Steve when he was mad, but she figured all men had a temper when questioned.

  “Sure, you may.”

  “When you and Gene came back from the lagoon with the water, you acted a little strange. Did something happen you didn’t want to talk about? I didn’t notice Gene being any
different so I figured it was only you who’d seen or heard something.”

  Steve shook his head. “Boy, Amanda, you’re sure observant. I’m beginning to think you know what I’m thinking most of the time.”

  “I’ve always been pretty good at reading people,” she lied. “Now that I’m spending so much time with you, I guess I’m picking up on some of your reactions to things.”

  “And I thought I had it hidden so well.”

  “What are you hiding, Steve?”

  He glanced around to see if there was anyone near them. “It may not be a thing. It could be the product of an over-active imagination.”

  “I figure you as a very practical man. I don’t think you’re given to fantasies.”

  “Oh, I’ve had a few fantasies in my life. Some of them have been pretty good, too.”

  She punched him with her elbow and he grunted. “You know what I mean. I’m not talking about the wild fantasies all you men have about pretty women.”

  “So you know all men have fantasies about beautiful women?” He leaned over and pushed her with his shoulder.

  “Of course I do, but that’s not the point. You’re getting off the subject.”

  “I was trying to make you drop it.”

  “Well, I’m not going to. What happened?”

  “Okay, okay.” He lowered his voice. “I don’t think we need to alarm anyone. In fact, Gene and I decided we wouldn’t mention it to anyone.”

  “But me,” she said.

  “I guess I have to tell you.” He looked down at her and lowered his voice further. “When we were catching the water from the falls, I thought I saw the flowers and bushes move from the corner of my eye. There was no breeze so I passed it off as a bird or some other animal.” He was whispering when he said, “Then when I turned around I swear I saw someone looking at us. The foliage closed quickly and the face was gone. I watched for a long time, but I didn’t see anything else.”

  “Oh, Steve,” she took hold of his arm. “Does that mean we’re not alone on this island?”

  “I don’t know, Amanda. I really don’t. I just know what I saw. Gene said I probably imagined it, but I don’t think so. As you said, I’m not prone to seeing things that aren’t there.”

  Before she could answer, Debbie screamed the longest and loudest she had. Then there was silence.

  “Oh, Lord,” Amanda whispered. “I hope she’s alright.”

  Steve put his hand over hers. “We’ve got to keep thinking she’ll be fine.”

  All the survivors were now sitting up and staring toward the palm-covered lean-to. Nobody said a word. In a short while the night silence was pierced with the beautiful strong and healthy sound of a baby’s cry.

  * * * *

  May 21—7:30 PM

  Wendover, GA

  “I don’t know when I enjoyed a meal more.” Steve laid his napkin on the table. “Kids you outdid yourselves.”

  “Me and Candy and Robin didn’t do nothing, Grandpa,” six-year-old Johnny said.

  “Of course you did.” Steve looked down at him. “You sat right here beside Grandpa and let me watch you eat ribs just like a big man.” He then looked at his granddaughters. “And the girls made the meal special just by looking as pretty as they always do.”

  “Grandpa, Mama’s right. You’re a charmer.” Candy, who would be twelve in a month, said.

  Robin blushed. She was ten and she wasn’t quite sure what to say. Being the shiest of the three, she just grinned.

  “Well, girls, if you haven’t finished your homework, I think you’d better get on it.” Claudia stood and started stacking dishes. “You know you have to be in bed by nine-thirty.”

  Janet stood too. “I’ll help with the dishes, Claudia.”

  “What ’bout me? I can carry something. Grandpa Steve said I was a big man.”

  “Not tonight, son. It’s time you got ready for bed. Tomorrow’s another school day, remember?” Dave turned to Janet. “Mom, I’ll help Claudia clear the table. Why don’t you go help Johnny get ready for bed?”

  “Why don’t you help him, Dave? I’ll do the dishes.”

  Dave looked at his mother strangely, but only said, “Okay, I don’t mind putting my favorite son to bed.”

  “Daddy, I’m your only son.”

  “So you are. Now kiss everyone good-night and let’s get going.”

  He did and as he and Dave went through the door he was saying, “Daddy, will you read me Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom?”

  “Of course I will. We’ll read all about those coconut trees.”

  As Steve pushed back his chair, the thought filtered across his mind—that was the book Amanda had said she’d often read her grandchildren. He blew out a breath and let his mind linger on his island partner for a minute.

  He couldn’t linger there long because Claudia came back out of the house. She took the coffee cups and asked, “Anyone want more coffee?”

  “I’m fine,” Steve said.

  Warner agreed.

  They both got up and moved to the sitting area of the porch. After a short silence, Warner said, “Steve, I have to admit, you’re taking all the changes around here in stride.”

  “Not much I can do about them. So I just accept it and go on.” He took a deep breath. “I’ve been wondering about something which affects both of us.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Since I was declared dead, does that mean my marriage to Janet is still over now that I’m back? Or is there something which says we need to get a divorce? Is your marriage legal or do you need to remarry after she and I divorce?” Steve looked at his friend. “I’m not a lawyer so I have no answers, but I think it might be wise to call one.”

  “I see what you mean.” Warner rubbed his chin. “Then, there’s the possibility that everything’s okay just the way it is.”

  “That’s right.”

  Warner shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll say anything to Janet until I check this out. You know how she can get upset about things.”

  Steve didn’t say anything. He wasn’t sure if he should comment on what he remembered about Janet’s actions.

  Dave joined the men. “Johnny went right to sleep. I brought you guys a beer.” He handed each of them one.

  “Thanks.”

  “Candy has a big test tomorrow and Robin always goes to bed early. Claudia’s gone in to see if anyone needs anything and then she and Mom will be out.” He glanced at his dad. “We’re all anxious to see what it is you want to tell us.”

  “It’s hard for me to talk about the island because we went through some things you’d never believe, but I feel you need to hear a little about it. Especially some of the things that happened to me.” Steve had planned to tell them about his love for Amanda, but now he was having second thoughts. Though there was no doubt in his mind about the way he felt, he didn’t want any legal ramifications over his first marriage. He wanted to get everything cleared up with Janet before he brought another woman’s name into the picture.

  When they were all gathered on the terrace, Dave said, “Okay, Dad. We’re ready to hear your story.”

  “Well,” Steve cleared his throat. “As you may have guessed on the island we became a close-knit group. Not only did we like each other, we depended on each other to survive. Everyone had a special talent which in its own way kept us going. My contribution was mainly my skill of hunting and fishing.”

  “What were some of the others, Steve?” Claudia asked.

  “We had a doctor which was great, but of course there was no modern medicine. There was a retired nurse and a couple who had the hobby of mountain climbing. That really came in good when we learned the green coconuts were not only delicious, but had some medicinal properties. In a few days, they were scaling the coconut trees to throw them down to us.” He took a breath. “One of the women had lived in a tropical area as a child because her dad was in the military. She knew what plants were edible. She even taught the couple how to climb the palm t
rees. The writer from North Carolina had been to basket-weaving classes. She taught the other women and we used these baskets for gathering food. One man was a captain in the army. He spearheaded many of our projects and was good at keeping everyone on task.”

  Steve paused and took a swig of his beer. “We also had a carpenter. His leg was broken, but he was able to construct a boy scout fire starter and a bird catcher from his seated position. Other than that all he could do for a few weeks was sit there and give instructions. It worked well. Of course, we didn’t have hammer and nails. Everything was tied together with vines. There’s no shortage of vines in the jungle.”

  “Was his the only injury in the group?” Janet asked.

  “No. Everyone had scrapes and cuts, but the salt water seemed to take care of them. One man had a puncture wound in his side. He didn’t make it. My right wrist was broken, but it mended quickly.”

  “Good thing you’re left handed, Dad.”

  Steve smiled and nodded. “Then there was the pregnant lady.”

  “We saw on the news about the baby. I think that’s great.” Claudia smiled.

  “Of course, all the women mothered it. And I have to admit, the men got pretty attached to the little rascal too.”

  “We’re thankful you were able to survive, Dad. It must have been a nightmare.”

  “It wasn’t easy, but together we did it. We always worked as a team.” He changed the subject. “As I mentioned, there was a writer there.” He went on to explain the fact that they’d all agreed she’d write the story of their stay on the island. He also explained about the way the money was to be split.

  “It sounds like you got along well. Did you always make decisions like that together?” Warner asked.

  “We did. We met every day, usually over our evening meal, and talked about what we would do the next day and what needed to be done to keep us going.”

  “How did you survive the crash in the first place, Steve?” Janet asked.

  “I really don’t know. It happened too quickly. One minute I was sitting there reading a magazine and the next the water was pushing me into the open sea. I think the plane actually split apart. I couldn’t swear to it, but I think the ones of us who made it out, were sitting close to the split.” His voice dropped when he said, “The first few hours were harrowing. We all had life jackets on and Ray suggested we use a long piece of the wreckage as a kick board. We rowed up on in and kicked as hard as we could toward the island. It took hours and we didn’t know if we’d be able to make it to the island or if we’d be eaten by sharks.” Steve shuttered. “It’s one of the things I try not to think about. It was a nightmare.”