by Lois Kay
“Samantha Stevens.” Joan McDonnell's voice was thick with emotion.
* * *
Eight years ago.
“You don't have to worry about Jody anymore, love,” David McDonnell spoke with confidence. “She's gone.”
“Who is?” Joan asked, afraid to hear the answer.
“That …heathen. She was polluting Jody's mind with all those pervert thoughts.”
“But, David—”
“No, Joan, don't worry about it. I took care of it. Me and father Jamison. She won't be back.”
“But…what did you do, David?” Joan asked. Her heart cried out for the pain Jody would have to go through.
“I didn't have to do a thing.” David laughed. “She did it all by herself. Drove her car off the cliff. She's in the hospital and will be okay. She's going back to Holland.”
Joan gasped. “What happened?”.
“Just an accident,” David explained very matter of fact. “I told you not to worry. She won't come back, I made sure of that. Jody will never see her again.”
“David—”
“No, Joan, that's enough. I don't want to hear another word. Do you understand? That Stevens' girl is out of our daughter's life and that's for the better. I won't accept any of my children associating with people like that. She will never see Jody again. I promise.”
* * *
“Yes, it's me.” Sam’s voice was gentle. Her eyes were full of compassion for the woman she knew had no life of her own. “It’s been a long time.”
“Yes, it has,” was the whispered response. Joan McDonnell’s eyes took in the way Jody looked at Sam, not able to hide the loving concern on her face. At that moment, she knew Jody and Sam were back together again and she felt a wave of relief. For the very first time since she got married, Joan McDonnell made an important decision all by herself. She slowly rose from her seat and stiffly walked toward Sam, who had still not moved from her spot at the bottom of the stairs. Joan stopped right in front of her. There were tears in her eyes. “It’s good to see you again, Sam.” Her voice was hoarse. Her gaze traveled to Jody and she smiled. “It’s really good to see both of you again.”
The breath Jody expelled was audible to everyone present and Lucy raised her eyes to the sky and mouthed a silent 'Thank you'.
“It’s good to see you too, Mrs. McDonnell. It's been too long,” Sam said.
“It has. Can you, please, tell me what happened? I really want to know. David never—”
“It’s not a nice story, Mom,” Jody interrupted. She put her hand on Joan’s shoulder. “It really isn't.”
Joan McDonnell looked at Jody. There was sadness in her eyes and Jody could see resignation, but also a flicker of something she had never seen in her mother’s eyes before; fire. A spark of pride and resistance.
“You don't have to protect me from the truth, Jody,” Joan said. “I’d really like to hear the entire story. I think it's about time.”
“Then maybe we should all sit down,” Sam suggested.
“Sarah and I will make some sandwiches.” Megan got to her feet and pulled Sarah with her. “I think this really is a family matter.”
“You are my family,” Jody objected. “But I appreciate the thought, Meg, thanks.”
Megan smiled and she and Sarah disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the padded bench for Jody and Sam to sit on. Jody entwined her fingers with Sam's and briefly nudged her shoulder with her head. Sam smiled at her and squeezed her hand.
“Mush balls,” Lucy teased. She tried to lighten the mood, which earned her a poke from Fiona who sent her an annoyed look.
“I don't know where to begin,” Jody started. She looked up at Sam. “So many things have happened.”
“The accident,” Joan said. “I'd like to know what happened. What really happened.”
“Alright.” Jody took a deep breath. “I was waiting for Sam, because I was going to leave. Sam was supposed to pick me up that morning—”
Taking turns, Jody and Sam told Joan McDonnell their story, quietly taking over for one another whenever the emotions became too much. Their voices were subdued and often laced with sadness when relating the events that had happened eight years ago. But they couldn’t hide the warmth and happiness when they explained how they had met again and what had happened after that. When talking about her reason to travel back to Australia and the burglary of Jody's apartment, Sam took control of the conversation and her face was grim when she told the attentive audience, including Jody, what had happened that morning. Her voice became tense when she realized what could have happened to Fiona.
Gerald eyed Fiona with curiosity. “How did you know it was Sam whistling?”
Fiona who was sitting on the armrest of Lucy’s chair looked at Sam and sent her a smug smile. Sam chuckled when she realized Fiona wasn't going to tell anybody about the secret whistle they had invented in her childhood.
“That’s for you to find out, Birdy boy,” Fiona teased. “You’re the scientist of the family.”
Jody ignored her siblings’ bantering and looked at her mother. Joan was pale and her eyes shone with unshed tears. Jody reached out and covered her mother’s fidgeting fingers.
“How are you holding up, Mom? I know this is a lot to take in.”
Joan McDonnell swallowed hard. “It’s so much to deal with,” she answered. Her voice was strained and it was obvious she was in pain. “I don’t understand how he could have done what he did. I know your father is very strict in his beliefs, but I didn’t know he was capable of something horrible like this.” Joan breathed in deeply. “I don't know what to do. I…I have to think it all over, I guess.”
“Are you going to talk to him about it?” Lucy asked. Her eyes were sad when she looked at her mother.
“Not now. I don’t think this is a good time, with his heart and all that,” Joan answered. “I guess I can ask his doctor about how much stress he’s able to cope with.”
“You know he’s going to blow a gasket when he hears Sam is back.” Jody felt like an iron band was pulled tight around her stomach. “Are you going to tell him about us? About Sam and me?”
“Not if you don't want me to,” Joan answered. The look she sent Jody was inquisitive but also showed resolve. “He won’t be able to come between you and Sam again, honey,” she said in a soothing voice.
“How can you be so sure about that?” Jody clenched her hands into fists. “You know what he’s capable of.”
Joan reached out and gently grabbed Jody’s chin, forcing her to face her. Their gazes locked. “I will not let him,” she promised.
“Neither will I.” Sam’s voice was reassuring and Jody let out a frustrated breath.
“You sound so sure of yourself.”
“That’s because I am.” Sam smiled and kissed the top of Jody’s head.
“With you and Mom so sure about all of this, I guess I should have a bit more faith.” Jody looked at her mother. “Don’t hold back, Mom. I don’t mind if he knows.”
“Since that’s settled, we can deal with the next issue at hand.” Lucy’s said wryly. “What are we going to do about those guys who were after Fiona?”
Fiona, still perched on the armrest of Lucy’s chair let out a laugh. “You care about me!”
Lucy shot her an exasperated look. “You’re the only sister I can still boss around,” she said. “Of course, I care about you.” She returned her attention to Sam. “So, what’s the plan, Sam?”
Chapter 12
A pair of eyes the color of storm clouds stared into the distance without noticing the surroundings. Strong, slender fingers nervously drummed on a cotton clad thigh. Jaw muscles rhythmically contracted when teeth were gritted. William Jenkins knew that time was drawing near. Only two more days to go and he would either be home free, or there would be hell to pay. There was no in-between.
His eyes followed the gracious greyhounds on the track that were racing to catch the mechanical rabbit in front of them. Their speed was a
mazing and their muscular bodies a beauty to behold, but he didn't even notice. His eyes were transfixed on one of the cream-colored dogs. It was currently leading the pack. He never blinked when they rounded the last corner. All movement and sound around him disappeared. There was this one dog he had his eyes on. He could almost hear the animal breathe when it pushed itself forward. His future depended on the elegant creature that was fighting to stay ahead of the ones following him. The second dog in the lead, a dark-brown greyhound came closer, and closer.
William Jenkins could feel his breathing stop when the two competing animals were running side by side, dashing for the finish line. The voice through the loudspeakers became hoarse from excitement, screaming the names of the dogs into the wide-open space. It seemed to encourage them even more. The dark-brown dog pushed himself forward and with his hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into the palms of his hands, and horror in his eyes, William Jenkins saw the dog that had been so important to his future, lose by a mere centimeter. His stomach churned and he crumpled up the small slip of paper he had been holding, tossing it on the ground. He lost and now there was only one thing left for him to do. It was his last option, but one he had to take. There were only two more days left. And only one chance to save his life.
* * *
It was late when Joan McDonnell, Lucy, Gerald and Fiona left Sarah and Megan's. Jody's mother had looked drained and Sarah had asked her to stay for dinner. But Joan had refused, knowing her husband expected her to visit.
“Thank you, Sarah, that’s very sweet of you. But I have a lot of things to sort out. I need some time to do that before my husband comes home from the hospital,” Joan had said.
“I'm so sorry, Mom,” Jody had whispered, hugging her mother. “I wish things were different.”
“I do, too, love,” Joan had said. Emotions had made her Scottish accent more pronounced. She had pulled Jody in a hug.
“What are you going to do now?” Jody asked.
“I don't know yet, Jody.” Joan McDonnell’s eyes had been pensive. “I think the first thing I’ll do is talk to your father’s cardiologist. And after that, well, I’ll have to thoroughly think things over.”
“I’m right here, if you need me,” Jody had said.
Sam, who had been watching the exchange between mother and daughter caught Jody's gaze and smiled reassuringly. “If there's anything I can do, anything at all, let me know. Okay?” she said. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
Joan nodded. “Thank you, Sam. You are very forgiving.”
“It wasn't you who drove us apart.” Sam said. She turned to Gerald, who was bickering with Lucy about who was going to drive the car. “Ger,” Sam called out. “You know what to do. Right?”
Gerald looked up with a boyish grin. “Keep my eyes open. Don't drive straight home, but make a detour. Make sure Mom and Fiona get home without being followed, so we'll take the back roads and then I’ll make sure this sorry excuse for a sister gets her shapely behind home in one piece.”
“Gee, thanks,” Lucy snapped. She pulled her car keys out of his hand. “You’re too kind and since you’ll be busy following Sam’s instructions, I’ll drive.”
* * *
The bedroom was very quiet. The ceiling fan was doing its routine of lazy circles, creating a barely audible sound of moving air. A pair of eyes followed the motions, without really seeing them. Jody was so absorbed in the thoughts that kept spinning through her mind that she didn't even notice Sam coming out of the bathroom, standing in the doorway and staring at her.
“What are you thinking about?” Sam finally asked, when Jody didn't acknowledge her presence.
Startled, Jody looked up and a warm smile crossed her face when her gaze met Sam’s. “I was thinking what a weird day this has been,” she answered. “It’s hard to imagine it hasn’t even been a full day since we got up this morning, or, afternoon, really. So much has happened.” She let out a breath. “It’s a little… overwhelming.”
Sam tossed her towel in the laundry basket and walked toward the bed. She plopped herself next to Jody. “I know,” she replied. “It’s been a very emotional day. How are you holding up?” She gently tapped Jody’s forehead. “And what’s going on in here?”
Jody looked up. “Every time I look at you it feels like time has stood still,” she said with a voice full of wonder. “It’s like you’ve never left.”
Sam smiled. “Are you deflecting?”
Jody laughed. “No, I’m not. It’s something I realized just now, when I looked into your eyes.” She turned on her side so she was facing Sam. “I was thinking about Mom. And how hurt she looked when we told her about what my father has done to us. She really had no idea.”
“No, she didn’t. I hope she’ll be able to deal with all of this. I know your dad has controlled her for years now, but I thought I saw a rebellious spark in her eyes at some point.” Sam chuckled. “That actually reminded me of the McDonnell sisters. Al three of you show that spark at times. Now I know where you get it from.” Sam brushed away a strand of hair that was almost falling in Jody’s eyes. Her fingers lightly traced the soft skin and she enjoyed its warm, silky feel. “That, and the freckles.”
Jody smiled and grabbed Sam’s hand. “You’re distracting me,” she said. “I hope Mom will be alright. And Fiona as well. I’m not sure if you noticed the expression on my baby-sister’s face, but she was more than angry. I’m afraid she’ll get into trouble if she uses her cynicism in my father’s face.”
“Do you think she will?”
Jody laughed softly. “I’m afraid she might. You remember Fiona as the cute, smart six-year-old. She’s grown up, Sam. She really is just like Lucy, smarter even, but she has the same wit and sarcasm. I’m afraid she’ll want to confront my father with what he’s done. I hope Mom will make sure she keeps a lid on it.”
There was a brief silence in which Sam played with a strand of Jody’s hair. “I noticed you’re referring to…your dad as ‘father’ more than you’ve done before. Is that on purpose?”
Jody’s eyes were pensive. “A man can father a child, but that doesn’t make him a dad,” she explained. “I’ve been thinking about that a lot over the last few days. Ever since I found out what he’d done.” She worried her bottom lip before continuing. “Even during all the fights I had with him about, well, about you and me, and even after I left, part of me still loved him.” Jody looked up and her green eyes were dark. “Right now, all I want is to distance myself from him. He will always be my father, but when I found out how he schemed to drive a wedge between us he lost the right to be my dad.” Jody let out a humorless laugh. “I’m pretty sure that sounds crazy, but—”
“No, it makes complete sense to me,” Sam interrupted. “Right now, I feel extremely fortunate with my parents. They’ve always accepted me and never made an issue about me being gay.” Sam’s index finger traced an invisible pattern on the white, cotton sheet that was covering the bed. “It makes me sad that you don’t have a relationship like that. You deserve so much better. Your da…father doesn’t know what he’s missing.”
“I’m sure that’s not how he looks at it,” Jody said with a sad smile. “His mind is filled with bible scriptures that justify his beliefs. It’s all very black and white.”
“What about your beliefs?” Sam’s eyes held a curious expression. “I mean, your upbringing was pretty religious and I know, at some point in your life, the church played an important role.”
Jody playfully pulled Sam’s ear. “You’re determined to go the philosophical route tonight, aren’t you?”
“I understand if you don’t want to answer my questions,” Sam said. “I was—”
“It’s alright.” Jody took a deep breath. “I don’t believe, not anymore. Not after all the scriptures my father threw in my face when I was still at home. I couldn’t match his words to my feelings. I simply can’t believe there’s a higher power, or deity, or whatever you’ll call it, who doesn’t
approve of two people loving each other, regardless of their gender. What I felt for you was natural to me. It was good and pure. Falling in love with you came as easy as breathing.”
“That easy, eh?” Sam said with a small smile.
Jody nodded. “Yes, that easy.”
Sam reached out and her fingertips slid down Jody’s cheek. “Do you remember the first time we met?”
Jody laughed. “How could I forget? The McDonnell invasion.”
Sam smiled and let her fingers trail down Jody’s arm. “The first moment I looked at you, something happened inside.” She sent Jody a small grin before casting her gaze down. “I know, it sounds tacky, but it’s the truth. Even now, when I remember that exact moment, I feel butterflies in my stomach. It was all very unexpected.” When Sam looked up she saw a tear slide down Jody’s cheek and she quickly caught it with the tip of her finger.
Jody’s eyes followed Sam’s fingers on her arm and she was aware of the way her heart rate had increased the moment Sam had touched her and how it caused a tingling feeling throughout her body. “This morning,” Jody hesitated for a moment. “Was that unexpected too?”
Sam's fingers stopped their gentle caress and she scooted closer, leaning her head on her hand. “Was it to you?”
“You’re answering a question with a question. Who is deflecting now?” Jody poked Sam’s shoulder.
Sam smiled and captured Jody's hand. “It was unexpected,” Sam admitted. “But not unwelcome. I thought taking things nice and slow would be the best course of action, but my body had a different idea. What about you?”
“The same,” Jody answered. “Unexpected, but very welcome.”
Their gazes locked and Sam’s smile deepened when she saw the sparkle in Jody’s green eyes. They were so close she could see the tiny golden specs around her pupil. “Waking up with you today was something I could only have dreamt about a week ago,” Sam confessed. “A few days ago, I would have declared anyone who would have predicted this, insane. Running into you was a dream come true. I never thought I’d see you again, let alone restore our friendship. Everything beyond that would have been a blessing. And it is.” Sam smiled and crossed the short distance between herself and Jody and her lips captured Jody’s for a long and tender kiss. Jody's lips were very willing and she eagerly returned a kiss that spoke more than words could ever do. It left them both breathless and aching for more, but Sam gently retreated, her eyes darkened with unspoken need.