The Reef

by Lois Kay

  Sam regarded the scene with a smile that deepened when a dark-haired woman walked toward her, her hand extended. Sam took it and was pleasantly surprised by the firm grip.

  “You must be Sam,” Megan smiled.

  Sam noticed the genuine warmth of Megan’s smile and returned it immediately. “I am. It’s nice to meet you, Megan,” she said.

  “What makes you so sure I'm not Sarah?” Megan asked with a chuckle.

  “Jody told me a lot about you. She also told me Sarah’s the red-head. And you are so not.” Sam answered with a grin.

  Megan laughed and turned around to Sarah. She took her hand and pulled her closer. “This is Sarah.” The love and pride in her voice were clear and behind them Sam saw Lucy chuckle.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Sam,” Sarah said. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Thank you for indulging Lucy,” Sam laughed. “She didn’t exactly give you an option to refuse.”

  Sarah laughed. “We’re used to her. Her methods may be unconventional at times, but she kind of grows on you after a while.”

  Lucy grinned. “You have to admit it was a brilliant idea. And by the way, I’m standing right here. There’ no need to talk about me in the third person.”

  When Sarah and Lucy were starting the barbecue, Megan gave Sam a quick tour around the house. Sam was impressed. Because the house was built with rocks it was pleasantly cool inside. Sturdy furniture added to its natural look and colorful rugs and accessories added warmth.

  Sam observed the interaction between Jody and Megan. Their fondness of each other was obvious. And the way they acted around each other was very comfortable and amicable. They clearly were the best of friends.

  Jody hid a smile when she saw the pensive look in Sam’s eyes. She knew her always busy brain was processing all the new impressions and information. Sam caught her looking and a smile lit up her face. Without thought she reached out and gently touched Jody’s cheek. For a moment, they tuned out the rest of the world. Megan cast down her gaze. She realized she had been anxious for no reason. It was clear Sam cared deeply for Jody. It only took one look at the way her eyes followed her, how her features softened and the way her eyes turned a deeper shade of blue, every time she looked at her.

  Jody took Sam’s hand and entwined their fingers. Her gaze never left Sam's. “Let's follow our guide.” She squeezed the larger hand she was holding and felt Sam’s fingers tighten. They were still holding hands when they continued their tour.

  * * *

  “Megan, Sarah, I'm stuffed.” Lucy let out a groan and unbuttoned the top button of her shorts. “This must have been the best barbeque I’ve ever had. Those kebabs with that peanut sauce were divine.” She was sprawled in her chair, her legs crossed at her ankles, looking totally relaxed.

  Sarah looked at Lucy and shook her head in disbelief. “I still can't believe you ate all that.”

  “And more,” Jody added. “Don’t you eat during the week?”

  Lucy laughed. “I can't help it. The food was too good. At least I don't have to worry about what I'm eating.”

  “If you’re going to tell me you’re still a growing girl I’ll hurt you,” Megan said with a yawn.

  Jody decided to ignore Lucy’s statement. She knew full well Lucy was only trying to get a rise out of her. She didn't take the bait, but smiled at her sweetly, not missing the little lights in those dark-green eyes. The evening had been very pleasant. Jody had expected Sam to get along with Sarah and Megan and was pleased she had been right. They had animated discussions about traveling through Europe, something both Megan and Sarah had done, comparing experiences and sharing anecdotes. Sam had turned out to be quite the storyteller, a trait Jody had already been familiar with, but was thrilled to be able to experience again. She was very animated and regularly had all of them doubled over in laughter. Jody thoroughly enjoyed herself watching Sam. And every time their eyes met, she felt her heart skip a beat and a fluttering in her stomach.

  While Megan was relating a story that involved an old Greek farmer, a donkey, lack of water and a roadmap that didn't make sense, Jody gave her thoughts free reign. Every time she looked at Sam, she still wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. The way they had picked up their friendship was nothing less than amazing and Jody realized she was falling in love all over again, even though she had never stopped loving Sam in the first place. Her heart skipped a beat when she remembered how they had almost kissed a few hours earlier. Lucy’s arrival had been as effective as a bucket of cold water. It had left Jody frustrated and had done nothing to quell the increasing need to be physically close to Sam.

  Jody felt someone staring at her and she moved her eyes to look for the source. Sam's eyes were pensive, but lit up when their gazes met, a wistful smile on her face. An eyebrow was raised and Jody understood the unspoken question. She smiled and nodded; yes, she was fine. Her thoughts were interrupted when the sound of a ringing cell phone erupted into the warm evening air. Lucy got up, clearly not in any hurry at all and strolled toward the kitchen where she had left the device on the kitchen counter.

  “Take your time, sis,” Jody teased. “By all means, don’t exhaust yourself.”

  Lucy didn't answer, but she stuck out her tongue before entering the house.

  Sam grinned and thought life was never dull when Lucy McDonnell was around. She was so totally different from Jody it sometimes still amazed her they shared the same parents. She loved Lucy but was glad Jody was the more softhearted and gentle one. If Jody was right about her youngest sister, Fiona, taking after Lucy that much, she pitied their mother.

  Lucy had only been in the house for a few minutes and when she returned. Jody was about to make another teasing comment, but the look on Lucy’s face immediately set off alarm bells. All color had drained from her face, making her dark eyes stand out even more. It wasn't the contrast of colors that worried Jody, but the haunted look in her eyes. Jody’s mouth went dry when she realized something must be terribly wrong. She swallowed hard and moistened her lips. “Lucy, what's wrong?” Her voice was hoarse.

  Lucy looked up at Jody as if she had completely forgotten where she was. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

  “Lucy?” Megan and Sarah asked simultaneously.

  Lucy shook her head as if to clear it. “Dad had a heart attack.”

  The silence was deafening. To Sam it seemed like the world was holding its breath. It had become motionless, waiting for something or somebody to be the first to end the stillness and bring back life into the scene. The coals of the, now forgotten barbeque were almost burnt down, although a light breeze occasionally blew back some life into it, making the embers glow orange and twirl the ash around in its cast iron confinement.

  Jody's face matched her sister's in color and expression. She looked pale and shocked. Sam saw her lips move, but there was no sound. The struggle to free herself from the paralyzing effect Lucy's message has had on her, was clearly visible. A cascade of emotions ran across her face, varying from disbelief to realization and from fear to pain.

  Sam's heart ached for her. She knew exactly what Jody and Lucy were going through, since her father had suffered the same horrible ordeal not that long ago. But there was a very big difference; Sam and her father had not been estranged and Sam could only try to understand how being disowned would affect Jody in the current situation. She left her seat and knelt next to Jody's chair. She covered her hands and was startled to feel how cold they were. Sam gently rubbed them to return some of the warmth. Her eyes searched Jody's, but they were still staring at Lucy.

  “Jody,” Sam urged. “Jody, look at me. You've got to focus, honey, please.”

  Those last two words got her attention and slowly Jody's gaze made its way to Sam's. The emptiness in her eyes disappeared and was replaced with a look of profound sadness. “I don't know what to do, Sam.” Jody sounded hurt and confused.

  Sam's reassuring grip tightened and without letting go of Jod
y's hand, she turned to Lucy. “What happened, Luce?”

  Lucy used two hands to rub her face. It was clear she was trying hard to organize her thoughts. “Um...Mom called, and...um...Dad, well.” Lucy took a deep breath. “Mom called from the hospital. Apparently, Dad was doing some work around the house, when he collapsed. Jeff Robertson, a friend from church, was helping him,” Lucy explained. “Jeff started CPR, while Mom called the ambulance. They've flown him to The Tweed Hospital and right now he's in the Cath Lab.”

  “Is...is he going to... make it?” Jody asked. She sounded scared.

  “Mom couldn't tell yet,” Lucy spoke slowly. It was as if the words finally sank in and her hand flew to her mouth. She visibly shivered and when Megan wrapped an arm around her shoulder she leaned into the embrace.

  “Mom wants us there,” Lucy added after a brief silence.

  Jody flinched. “I don't know what to do. I can't think clearly right now. I need some—” She jumped up, catching Sam off guard and hurried toward the back of the house. Sam saw Lucy was ready to go after her, but she put a hand on her shoulder and stopped her in mid-motion. “It’s okay, Luce. I’ll talk to her.”

  She walked into the direction Jody had disappeared into. She was worried, understanding full well the complicated situation Jody was faced with. Sam felt a stab of pain when her eyes caught sight of Jody. She was standing on the veranda. Her shoulders were slumped and her hands clenched into fists. She looked fragile and vulnerable. Jody was in deep thought and only noticed Sam's presence when she stood behind her and wrapped her arms around her. Silently, Jody leaned back and rested her head against Sam's shoulder.

  “Right now, I wish the world only consisted of just the two of us,” Jody said in a barely audible voice.

  Sam felt Jody's body relax in her arms and she pulled her even closer, resting her cheek on top of her head. She didn’t say a word, but let her body do the talking for her. All she wanted was to provide Jody with support. When she tilted her head, Sam's lips brushed a smooth forehead and breathed in the scent of shampoo and a hint of ‘Eternity’. It was a sweetness that was specifically Jody's and despite the dramatic situation they were in, Sam could feel her heart rate increase when her body remembered the scent and the closeness they once shared. Sam smiled when Jody snuggled even closer. “Comfy?” she asked.

  “Very much so. Thank you,” Jody said softly. “How could I not be?” A tear escaped Jody's eye, finding its way down her cheek, before falling on the back of Sam's hand. She loosened her grip to turn Jody around, but Jody shook her head. “Not yet, Sam. Please, just hold me. It feels so warm and safe.”

  Sam silently complied, knowing that if holding Jody was the only thing she could do to help, she would be willing to that for as long as she needed to.

  After a long silence, Jody finally started to speak. “Life is weird, isn't it?” she said. “When I was little, I was Daddy's girl. He made me feel safe, secure. And whenever he was home, I followed him around like a puppy. Daddy knew everything. In my eyes, he was omnipotent, there wasn't a thing he couldn't do or didn’t know and I worshipped him. That all changed when Matthew was born. It wasn't a secret Dad always wanted to have a son. I was three when Matt came and by the time he started to walk most of Dad’s attention went his way. But I was okay with that. Matt was my little brother and I adored him. Taking good care of him got me Dad's approval and I used to be real proud when he told me I was doing a great job looking after the family heir. I think it made me feel like I was still Daddy's little girl.” Jody paused for a moment. “Nearly nine years ago, my whole perception changed. I never knew the God-fearing father I had known all my life, could be so resentful and harsh.” Jody was lost in the memories. “It’s a good thing you weren't there, Sam. It wasn't a pleasant thing to witness. “

  Sam didn't respond, but her thoughts went back to a small hospital room, where she had been forced to stay for three weeks. She remembered staring at the ceiling, hating how her life had come to a standstill. Every morning brought a new day filled with hope, every night a disillusion. The endless waiting eroded her strength and finally ate away all faith, leaving her lonely and brokenhearted when she realized David McDonnell had been right. Jody wouldn't come.

  * * *

  Eight years ago

  Sam had been in the hospital for eight days, driving the nurses insane with her impatience and stubbornness. Her parents, who had flown to Australia immediately after receiving news their only daughter had been in a serious car accident, were not able to reach through her pain to provide much needed emotional support. Only one person would have been able to do that, but she was painfully absent.

  The morning of the eighth day, Sam’s mother had just left to get something to eat, while urgent business matters had forced her father to leave the previous day. Sam had struggled through an hour of therapy. The agonizing pain she had suffered the first few days was replaced by a dull ache, causing her leg to feel like it weighed at least a hundred pounds. She could hardly move the affected extremity and seeing her leg, with the pins that kept the fragmented bones in one piece sticking out through her skin, made her feel depressed and scared.

  The physiotherapist had just left the room, exasperated with Sam’s ability to always make him angry with her for doing things her own way. Careful not to put too much strain on the muscles and tendons in her knee and leg she had been instructed to go easy on the exercises, extending and flexing her leg was good, but she had to follow a schedule to build up her strength. Sam however was determined to skip a few steps to speed things up. No matter what he said, she did it her own way.

  When the door closed behind the therapist, Sam fell back into her pillows, fighting to control her ragged breathing. She knew she had overdone it this time, but wasn't willing to admit that to anybody. She also knew she had to pay for her stubbornness later that day, when her knee would painfully swell up and the only thing she could do was lie down in bed, an icepack on her leg, waiting for the pain to go away. She didn't really mind though. The pain in her leg was a good diversion from the one in her heart, which was something she couldn’t handle.

  The door opened again and Sam's eyes widened, first in pleasant surprise, but that quickly changed into worry and fear when she saw the look on David McDonnell's face. A man she recognized as Father Jamison, although they were never formally introduced, accompanied him. Father Jamison remained standing near the door, while David McDonnell approached the bed, taking on an intimidating posture, hovering over Sam.

  Sam's first reaction was to ask about Jody, but somewhere, deep inside, warning bells were ringing and she decided to wait. She would let Jody's father do the talking first and react to it later.

  His eyes traveled from her battered leg to her arm that was resting in a sling, up to her eyes and for a split second only, Sam thought she saw something like remorse. Before she could even blink her eyes the expression was gone, leaving her in doubt whether it had really been there.

  “I came here to make something perfectly clear, Samantha Stevens,” he said. His voice was strained with suppressed anger. “You will never, I repeat, never, see my daughter again for as long as I live. Do you understand? I can’t tolerate you polluting her mind with your lawlessness and perverse lifestyle. You can’t and won’t ever see her again. Your uncle and aunt have been good friends to me and my family, but I already told Joe I’ll have nothing to do with him anymore as well. It's obvious he supports you.”

  Sam opened her mouth to speak, to object, to give voice to the injustice she felt, but no sound came out. She was simply too shocked.

  “To make matters worse, you've destroyed my son's future. He broke his back and will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. We’re all totally devastated by it. I’ve not been able to comfort my family these last few days. You’ve scarred my family forever, Samantha Stevens. “

  Sam felt all blood drain from her face and if she had not been lying down, she would have fallen to the ground. Her horrified
eyes searched David 's, but he avoided her gaze.

  “Now you know why I want you out of our lives, Sam. You can stay here and get in trouble with the police, because I will press charges if you do, or you can go home and go on with your life. I'd suggest you’ll pick the last option.” His eyes came to rest upon hers and what Sam saw in them made her blood chill. David McDonnell hated her.

  She wanted to answer him back, argue with him, even plead, but after casting her a last look, full of disgust, he turned around and left the room. Leaving her staring at the door, totally devastated.

  The little spark of hope that had kept her going was gone. It had died with the closing of the door. Sam didn't tell anybody about the unexpected visitor, until years later. It was a burden she had to carry all by herself. Deep down inside she knew the accident had not been her fault, but maybe...if she hadn't slammed the breaks—.

  * * *

  Sam swallowed down the lump in her throat when she remembered all the pain she had suffered. She now realized it had been caused by lies, deceit, prejudice and fear. She could feel the anger well up in her chest when she imagined the lies David McDonnell must have told his family to explain her sudden disappearance. She thought about the grief he had caused Jody, whom she now was holding and who was comfortably snuggled up inside her embrace. She looked down at her and felt the anger dissipate. Jody was in her arms now and there was nothing David McDonnell could ever do about it again.

  “You're awfully quiet,” Jody's voice sounded more relaxed than a few minutes before. “Penny for your thoughts.”

  “Miser,” Sam’s voice was gentle. “Is that all you can spare?”

  “Shut up, Sam,” Jody said affectionally. She turned around and firmly wrapped her arms around Sam. Her head rested against Sam’s chest and Sam could feel her warm breath through the fabric of her shirt.

  “I was thinking about your father,” Sam explained. She ran her fingers through Jody’s hair. “This must be very difficult for you.”