All disclaimers may be found in Chapter 1
Chapter 4
Alex and Samantha had closed the Center from the twenty-fourth through the
twenty-ninth of November, giving everyone an extended weekend with pay. Business
had prospered far beyond original expectations, and Alex could see no reason
not to share the good fortune with their employees. Things were always quieter
around the holidays anyway, so there was no real reason not to give everyone
a break. They would all come back refreshed, and she was sure attitudes would
be elevated.
Samantha hated leaving Rainbow behind, but Alex assured her that Angel had
promised to check in on her. She further contended that the small ball of
fluff would be much more comfortable in her own home for the short amount
of time they would be gone.
The weather had begun to cool, and the days seemed to gallop toward the beginning
of the holiday season. Thanksgiving would be just the start of many parties
and dinners the two women had already been invited to attend.
Neither Samantha nor Alex could remember a happier time. They had been slightly
dismayed when Sonny and Ray bowed out of joining them for the holiday, but
Sonny assured them they would all get together, if not before the end of the
year then for Alex's birthday.
The only blot on Samantha's merriment was when she allowed thoughts about
her parents' situation to creep into her mind. She tried not to make the divorce
a topic she dwelled upon, but she was well aware that because of Alex's intervention,
her father's business dealings had been on the decline, causing his status
in ZZ Medi-aide to dissipate, and that his actions at home were becoming volatile.
Two days after her conversation with Sally, Samantha had received a phone
call from her mother. A tearful discourse ensued where the small blonde had
to reiterate the entire tale of that fateful November evening. She had listened
intently to her mother's quick intakes of breath, which only made the tale
more difficult to tell. In her heart Samantha had known that her mother would
want to hear all the details firsthand, but that realization had not untied
the knot in her stomach that remained throughout the entire conversation.
Now Thanksgiving was upon them, and Samantha was doing her best to keep the
spirit of thankfulness close to her heart. Lucky for her, just looking at
Alex made that an easy task.
Sheila and Sally had both accepted the invitation to a weekend stay at the
Dorians' in La Jolla, and Samantha was looking forward with a bittersweet
feeling to seeing her mother and sister again. It would be the first time
since her marriage that Sheila Riley would be without Don on such a special
occasion. Samantha was no fool; she was aware that this was going to be an
intermittently marvelous and difficult visit.
********************
Alex's lawyers had been in touch with Sheila the day following her phone
call to Samantha, and the actual filing of divorce papers had taken place
on the twenty-second of the month. Now it was Wednesday evening, the twenty-fourth
of November, and Sheila and Sally were on their way from Washington to California.
Don was still living at the house, conspicuously spending less and less time
there. Even though their relationship was more over than not, he had no idea
that Sheila was not going to be home for Thanksgiving.
Avoiding eye contact most of the morning, Sheila had made herself scarce
around the house and watched from the upstairs bedroom window as Don's car
left the driveway and he headed for work. She then retrieved her suitcase
from the attic and quickly packed. Luggage at her side, she was waiting on
the front porch when Sally arrived less than an hour later to drive them to
the airport.
Don would find the note she had left on the mantle when he arrived home.
The only information she had given was that she would be spending both the
holiday and the weekend with friends. Even if he did figure out that she was
with Samantha, Sheila was confident there was no way for him to get in touch
with her. All the phones at the Dorian residence were unlisted, and she had
made sure to bring the only copy she had of the address and phone number with
her.
********************
Alex and Samantha arrived at the villa in La Jolla before noon so they could
settle in and be ready to meet Sheila and Sally's plane in San Diego later
in the evening. The house was already bustling with excitement.
Before Alex had a chance to open the front door, the housekeeper did it for
her and greeted them with a smile. "Your mom said you would be arriving early
today, Miss Alex. Welcome home."
"Thanks, Esmerelda, it's good to be here. Are Mom and Kelley around?"
"Si. They're in the kitchen talking to the new cook Miss Aurora hired to
prepare tomorrow's feast." Samantha's look of shock elicited a wink and a
smile from the housekeeper. "She's going all out this year, Miss Samantha,
what with you and your people joining the family."
Alex shook her head and grinned. "She'll never change, Esmerelda; we all
know that."
"I don't think we would want her to," the older woman stated while ushering
Alex and Samantha into the house. "Hurry in and let your moms know you've
arrived. I'll get one of the new crew to bring in your luggage."
"New crew?"
"Yes, we have a full staff for the occasion. I suppose Miss Aurora wanted
to relax and enjoy her guests this year, especially since you're home."
After agreeing with the housekeeper, Alex gave her an affectionate hug. Samantha
followed suit before they quickly disappeared into the house.
Kelley greeted her daughters briefly, the reunion being interrupted with
a summons from the kitchen by an impatient Aurora who, in the next breath,
chanted a hello to the girls.
Kelley left the room and returned in less than a minute with two Brandy Alexanders.
"Your mother couldn't conceive of a holiday not starting off with one of
her favorite drinks." The tall woman smiled as she handed Alex and Samantha
each a glass brimming with the sweet tan-colored liquid. "I told her you could
only have one before driving to the airport. We all know how well you handle
traffic tickets." Kelley winked as she retreated to the kitchen for a drink
of her own.
"What did she mean by that?" Samantha asked.
"Thanks a lot, Kelley," Alex yelled at the older woman's back, trying to
avoid the question.
"Well?" Samantha insisted.
"It's just her way of getting me riled."
"No, no. You're not getting out of this that easily." Samantha sat down with
a quizzical look on her face.
"All right, she's referring to the fact that I got a lot of DUIs in my rebellious
days. She called in a multitude of favors to keep me from losing my license.
Blame it on youth."
"More like blame it on being a spoiled only child," Samantha giggled.
Laughter came from the vicinity of the kitchen, and ice blue daggers darted
in that direction. "You two are not at all amusing," Alex called out.
"Oh, don't be so stuffy," Aurora chided as she walked into the living room,
drink in hand, followed by a still beaming Kelley. "Samantha has to learn
about your weaknesses as well as your strong points."
"Not necessarily, Mom," Alex disagreed, "especially if they no longer exist."
Lifting an eyebrow, the smaller woman looked at her daughter and shook her
head. "Am I to believe that all of your faults have miraculously disappeared
since meeting Sam?"
"No," Alex protested sarcastically, "but you could at least let her find
my faults on her own. And . . .
to your surprise, I just may not have as many as I used to."
"Okay, you two," Kelley interjected. "I didn't mean to start a family feud.
I was only kidding." She looked at Samantha, who was taking in the family
dynamics. "I'm sure our girl has changed; we all do when we grow up. But I
do believe you might want to get a hint every now and again of who Alex used
to be. She was quite a handful at times, and I think payback's only fair."
She looked at her daughter with a twinkle in her eyes.
"How about we call a truce and agree not to mention my imperfections while
Sheila and Sally are here. If you do that for me, I promise to let you fill
Samantha in on all the gory details of my misspent youth a little at a time."
"Sounds like a plan," Samantha chimed in, lifting her glass.
Everyone followed suit and in unison mumbled "Here, here." Thus, the first
holiday toast of the season was achieved.
********************
The remainder of the morning seemed to fly by, and soon it was time to pick
up the Riley women at the airport. Aurora suggested the girls take her car;
after all, there was no room in the Boxster to fit all four women, let alone
the luggage.
Most of the ride from the airport consisted of Samantha asking questions
and Sheila trying her best to keep a positive attitude while answering. Alex
attempted to change the subject a few times, receiving an appreciative smile
from the woman in the back seat. Unfortunately, Samantha wasn't getting the
hint, and every time Alex managed to get the topic changed, she would eventually
turn it back to what had been happening in Washington for the past month or
so.
Occasionally, when she couldn't stand the level of stress that was building
in the car, Sally would interject from out of the blue that California weather
was absolutely beautiful. But she mostly just sat quietly and listened to
her mother and sister discussing family problems.
Soon they were approaching the villa. After Samantha's birthday, Sally had
given her mother a full account of what to expect when they reached Cielo
en Tierra, but Sheila's first glimpse of the estate and surrounding panorama
took her breath away. "How lucky you were to have grown up in such a beautiful
atmosphere, Alex," she exclaimed as they passed the entrance gate and began
their ascent up the driveway.Ý
Samantha smiled as she watched a slight rose color creep into her lover's
cheeks. She knew that a comment about the lifestyle into which the dark-haired
beauty was born was akin to an Achilles heel. Sometimes it seemed to Samantha
that Alex was ashamed of her affluence, as though it was a curse instead of
a luxury. Of course that was the Alex she knew; she found it difficult to
relate her Alex with the one of years gone by.
Introductions were informal and comfortable. Within minutes Aurora was whisking
Sheila off to give her the grand tour. Samantha could see relief in Alex's
body language when she realized the job of hostess would not be hers. She
smiled when Sheila's appreciative exclamations drifted off into the distance
as the two older women wandered from room to room.
The remainder of the afternoon was filled with cloistered conversations.
Sheila and Aurora had become fast friends and spent hours sharing stories
of Alex and Samantha's childhoods.
Samantha cornered Sally on the veranda to get the rest of the news involving
her mom and dad, sans the sugar coating Sheila could not seem to resist.
Finally, seeing a way out for both her and Alex, Kelley challenged her daughter
to a game of chess.
Conversation continued through an elegant dinner, held in a small, private
room at one of the local restaurants. When everyone was eating and conversation
was at a lull, Sheila commented on the sound of the ocean permeating into
the room. "It sounds as if we are right on the beach instead of high on a
cliff looking down."
"That's the idea," Kelley chuckled. "They have the ocean wired for sound."
She pointed to the overhead speakers strategically placed in the corners of
the room. "It's surround sound," she continued. "There's a microphone somewhere
out on one of the porches and somehow the only sounds it picks up are those
along the shoreline."
"Wow," was Sally's response. "How ingenious."
The small group had dined early enough to take a short walking tour of LaJolla
before they headed back to the villa for nightcaps and bed. It had been decided
that Kelley would orchestrate breakfast, with Alex and Sally as her kitchen
crew. Aurora, Samantha, and Sheila were thrilled at the chance to sleep until
the meal was prepared.
Sheila and Sally had said their goodnights and retired to their room to unpack.
Kelley and Alex were still out by the pool in deep discussion. Samantha took
the opportunity to try to convince Aurora that it wasn't necessary to have
a cook prepare Thanksgiving dinner. "Everyone pitching in to make dinner would
be a lot of fun," the vivacious blonde wheedled. "It's our first Thanksgiving
with all of us together."
A knowing smile crossed Aurora's lips. "That, my dear Samantha, is precisely
why we should have a catered affair.
All of us get to do nothing but relax and visit."
"Besides, Samantha," she continued, "I think your mother would rather spend
some quality time with you, out of the kitchen, dontcha think?"
"When you put it that way, how could I say no?" Samantha smiled.
"Also, I seem to recall Alex informing me that cleanup is not one of your
favorite chores." Aurora chuckled as she gave Samantha a hug. "I think everyone
will have a better time this way, honey." Shaking her finger at the blonde
she added, "There's no sense in wasting your breath trying to convince me
otherwise, young lady."
"And I think Sam knows you well enough not to push the subject, Mom," Alex
interjected as she approached her two favorite women and placed a loving arm
around her mate. "I might also add that I absolutely agree with Mom. Thanksgiving
should be a relaxing day for all of us." As an afterthought she appended,
"That way we can really be thankful."
"As if we aren't already, Alex," the small blonde giggled, teasingly inserting
an elbow into her lover's ribs.
Alex feigned pain, but the twinkle in her eyes was unmistakably gleeful.
Aurora informed her daughters that supervising the meal could be just as
taxing as cooking it. "I think it's time I call it an evening. I just want
you to know that I'm thrilled you're all here." She kissed each of the girls
and left them standing in the kitchen.
The day had been a long one for everyone. Tomorrow would be the beginning
of a four-day vacation. There would be plenty of time to fill with conversation
and visiting.
Before crawling into bed next to Alex, Samantha had checked on her mom and
sister to say goodnight a second time and to make sure they were settled in.
She was elated that they were here and had accepted the invitation to spend
the weekend. She smiled and snuggled closer to her lover. In her mind's eye
she relived all the excitement of seeing her family again. She gave Alex a
hug, silently thanking the tall beauty for coming into her life. As an unbidden
tear slipped from her eye and trickled down her cheek, a small sigh escaped
her lips. It did not go unnoticed by the brunette who had been lost in her
own thoughts of thanksgiving. When she felt the warm moisture on her bare
chest, Alex was quickly brought back into the present. Bewildered, she gently
lifted the smaller woman's chin, and aided by the lunar light streaming through
the windows she gazed at the glistening cheek.
"Tears?"
"Of joy, Alex," Samantha sniffled and grinned up at the face she loved. "Thank
you for inviting them here."
"Don't go there, Samantha," Alex answered, kissing her lover's damp face.
"I'm as thrilled as you are that they're here, and you know my mom is definitely
in her element with two novices to show around the villa and the town." She
glanced at the clock on the nightstand just as the hand twitched to midnight.
"Ah . . . and so it begins, our day of Thanksgiving."
"I'll start it off saying that I'm thankful I slipped on the climbing wall
and into the arms of my Champion," Samantha whispered.
Alex shook her head and sighed. "Now I know it's time for you to get some sleep. Sweet dreams, my Destiny."
She added softly, "I'm glad I was there to catch you."
The smaller woman nuzzled closer and kissed Alex softly on the neck. "Sweet
dreams to you, too. See you in the morning."
********************
As usual, Kelley and Alex both awoke with the first rays of dawn. Their bonding
time in the kitchen was pleasantly interrupted when Sheila joined them. She
joked as she entered the room that she wished she had taken breadcrumbs to
bed with her so it would have been easier to find her way back.
Before the coffee finished perking and the tea properly steeped, the outside
entrance door to the kitchen opened and Esmerelda walked in, followed by a
rigid looking older woman dressed in a starched white pants suit.
"Miss Kelley, Miss Alex, and Miss Samantha's mom, this is Jeanette, the cook
Miss Aurora hired to prepare dinner."
Introductions were nearly complete when two young women filed into the kitchen
carrying armloads of utensils.
"You can never be too prepared." The gray-haired woman smiled, extending
her hand first to Kelley, then Alex, and finally to Sheila. She motioned for
the girls to put their cumbersome loads on the counter.
"These are my girls, Autumn and Dawn. I might have to be away from home for
the holiday, but when they come to help me, it doesn't seem so much like work."
Her smile was sincere and her handshake firm.
"Welcome to Cielo en Tierra, Jeanette," Kelley announced, offering her hand
to the cook. "We promise not to be too demanding and to stay out of your way
as much as possible." Her gray eyes twinkled with the final statement, putting
the new employee and her daughters at ease.
The morning disappeared, and as dinnertime approached, delicious odors drifted
from the kitchen into all areas of the villa.
Once the entire meal was prepared and laid out on the table and the kitchen
mess partially cleaned, Kelley graciously dismissed Esmerelda, Jeanette, and
her entourage. "We have more than enough people here to take care of cleaning
up after ourselves. Go home and spend some time with your families before
the day is over. Esmerelda, Jorge is out in the garage; please tell him on
your way out that it's time he went home for dinner."
Esmerelda began to protest that she could serve before leaving but was gently
ushered out the kitchen door behind the other women. ìHappy Thanksgiving to
you all," Kelley voiced to their backs.
The extended family was soon seated around the dining room table. A small
golden-brown turkey resided next to a tofu beast, surrounded by all the vegetables
and salads that ceremoniously accompanied a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Glasses were filled and raised, and Kelley stood to toast the day with gratitude
for being able to have her family and friends at her side. ìMay this be the
beginning of a Dorian/Riley tradition. Days such as this are twice blessed
for both the occasion and the company . . . Let's eat!"
There was no need for more encouragement. Bowls were passed around and plates
were filled. The conversation varied and drifted until everyone was so engrossed
in eating that the only sounds were those of silverware touching china.
Samantha giggled as she realized that no one had murmured a word in at least
two minutes. ìI can see I'm not the only one with a healthy appetite today."
ìAbsolutely not," her sister agreed.
Samantha looked at Alex, and then her eyes swept over the entire table, encompassing
all the people in her world who were precious to her. Her heart was filled
with a joyous expectation that life would continue to be good, but there was
still that small dark place that ached for the way things used to be with
her own family. Earlier in the day her mother had finally discussed what had
been happening at home and filled Samantha in on how her father had become
more and more forlorn with every passing day. She had described his paranoid,
dark moods and told her daughter that they seemed to be getting more and more
frequent. She said that his position in the firm was being challenged and
the harder he fought, the worse things seemed to get. His input had been crucial
in the formation of the company, and now that it had become one of the largest
medical equipment firms in the country, he was becoming an unnecessary burden.
He was losing grip on more than just his business; he was losing touch with
reality. Sheila told Samantha that she was scared to be alone with him. To
make matters worse, his outbursts were no longer merely verbal; he was becoming
physically violent when contradicted in even the smallest of ways.
Aurora had sensitively intruded on the mother/daughter discussion at precisely
the right moment, excusing herself and then reminding Sheila of a discussion
they had shared on the phone a few days earlier.
Samantha recalled the glint in Aurora's eyes as she relayed the promise she
and Sheila had made to each other. ìI told your mother that we would have
a show-and-tell session. She promised to bring some of your childhood photographs
with her, and I promised to share some of Alex's in return."
The two mothers had shut themselves up in the den for hours, and only the
announcement that dinner was served had pried them away from their precious
memories.
Samantha was brought out of her reflective mood when she felt a familiar
hand clasp her own under the table.
ìOur families were meant to be as one, my Destiny," Alex whispered into her
lover's ear. ìHappy Thanksgiving."
Samantha turned to receive quick kiss on the lips. ìHappy Thanksgiving, back
at ya, my Princess Charming," she purred.
Kelley was about to make a taunting comment about public displays of affection
when the doorbell rang. She cursed silently for not having made sure the outer
gates were locked after the help had left. Before she had a chance to push
away from the table, Samantha was on her feet and exiting the dining area.
ìI'm closest, I think I can manage to answer the door." With a twinkle in
her eyes, she added, ìYa think maybe Sonny and Ray decided to join us after
all?"
Alex yelled, ìDreamer!" as the blonde disappeared down the corridor.
The door rang one more time, and Alex could hear Samantha telling the person
on the outside of the building that she was on her way. The brunette cocked
her head, trying to listen to the conversation but was distracted when someone
asked her to pass the potatoes.
Samantha increased her pace when the bell chimed again. She mentally chastised
the visitor for an obvious lack of patience, but called out in a pleasant
voice that she was on her way. Without a thought of looking through the peephole,
she opened the door wide.
ìWell, if it isn't Number One Daughter," an insidious voice spat through
clenched teeth before rough arms reached out and grabbed Samantha, pulling
her close. ìNot one word, little sweetheart, or it might just be your last."
Her heart fell to the pit of her stomach and she felt like she was going
to lose the dinner she had just begun to enjoy. ìDaddy," Samantha whispered.
ìDon't call me that, you Jezebel," he hissed, drawing her closer to him and
allowing her to feel the pressure of cold metal against her side.
By the gods, he's holding a gun on
me. Terror struck and her knees began to give way as he pushed her in
the direction she had just come from.
She tried to slow to a halt, but his strength moved them both along at a
quickened pace.
ìTake me to them," he ordered in a dangerously quiet voice.
ìNo," Samantha pleaded.
ìTell me no again and it might
just be the last word you utter. I know your mother and sister are here. I'm
not the fool that bitch thinks I am." Her pushed her forward. ìI can find
them on my own if I have to, you know."
He was right and she knew it. If she was in the same room with Alex, at least
she might stand a chance of survival. She had seen her lover in action before
and had confidence that she would find some way to turn this situation around.
ìOkay, Daddy," Samantha breathed.
His grip tightened again, causing the small blonde to wince in pain. ìI told
you not to call me that!"
ì'K," Samantha gulped.
Cheerful sounds of conversation floated toward them as they neared the dining
room. Don Riley's clutch remained firm around his daughter's waist as she
guided them toward the unsuspecting little group.
Sheila was facing the door and let out a scream of anguish when her daughter
and husband appeared in the archway.
Sally grabbed her mother's arm.
Alex and Kelley began to rise from their chairs, only to be stopped as a
pistol appeared from near Samantha's ribs, the barrel now resting on the blonde's
temple.
ìNot a move from either of you deviates," the intruder spat, waving the gun
to indicate they should not rise. ìI have some family topics to discuss. Remain
seated, unless I tell you differently. I'm in charge here, Alexis Dorian;
this is not a bartering table."
Bloodshot eyes darted from one face to another along the table, pausing only
long enough to chill each diner to the bone.
One of Alex's strong points was negotiation. Her mind was spinning as she
tried her damnedest to formulate a way out of this crisis. It was obvious
Don had been drinking and equally obvious he was not in his right mind. Just as she was about to open her mouth, he
pushed Samantha closer to the table, toward her mother.
ìWhy did you feel it necessary to try to hide where you were going from me?"
Tight eyes bore down on his wife and darted between her and his younger daughter.
ìAnd you, I thought better of you," he fumed at Sally.
ìHow . . ." Sheila began.
An evil laugh erupted. ìDid you say how?" He laughed again. ìI have my ways,
bitch. But you made it easy; you were stupid enough to leave the tablet you
wrote the phone number and address on by the telephone. A child's game, you
know, retrieving the residue indentation on a writing pad. Just a little penciling
and viola‚gotcha!"
His demeanor changed slightly, and Alex could have sworn she saw the glitter
of a tear in the manic man's eyes.
He's gone completely bonkers, she
thought to herself as she watched the scene before her. It was imperative
to formulate a plan to get Samantha out of harm's way.
ìDon . . ." Sheila begged.
ìShut up," he countered.
ìBut you asked‚"
ìNot now," he continued. ìI don't really want to know. I just want to get
Sally and take her home. You can stay in Satan's den with the rest of these
transgressors, but my little girl doesn't belong here."
Sally couldn't believe what was happening. She jumped to her feet. ìDaddy‚"
ìDon't move," he ordered, holding the gun closer to Samantha's head.
ìBut‚"
ìNo, I can't trust any of you! I can see that now," he screamed.
Kelley's soft, calming voice broke through the hysteria. ìWhy don't you sit
down and discuss the situation with your wife and daughter, Mr. Riley?"
ìHuh?" Confusion replaced anger on Don's face.
ìLet Samantha go and‚"
ìNo!" He held his elder daughter tighter.
As she tried to stifle a sob, tears uncontrollably streamed down Samantha's
face.
Alex's heart was breaking. She tried to will Samantha to listen to her thoughts.
Come on, Samantha, you can hear me;
I know you can. She thought harder as she began to stand.
ìSit down, you," Don ordered.
ìI need to use the ladies room," Alex countered in a banal tone.
ìYou're the farthest thing from a lady I've ever seen," the man spat.
She raised an eyebrow and sapphire eyes focused intently on the man before
her. She had hoped he would respond in that fashion so that she could continue
a conversation and perhaps get somewhat closer to Samantha. Nodding, she continued
in the same quiet voice, ìAt any rate, I would like permission to relieve
myself; you can follow if you want to make sure that's where I'm going." Samantha,
listen to me!
ìDo you think I'm crazy? I follow you and the rest of these people call the
police. Sit down."
She was now within arm's length of her lover and sitting down was not an
option. Samantha, we've been here before,
do your thing!
ìI get faint when my bladder gets stressed," she pleaded, looking at
Don and then glancing quickly in Samantha's direction, hoping the blonde would
take the hint.
Comprehension dawned in the smaller woman's eyes as she observed the interaction
between her father and her lover. The corners of her mouth turned up in a
slight smile, and she winked at Alex to let her know her thoughts had been
received.
Seconds later Don was fumbling with Samantha's limp body as she collapsed
into a dead weight on his arm. Although he tried his best, he lost his balance,
unable to keep his daughter from falling to the floor. In that split second,
Alex used the chance to knock the gun from his hand.Ý
Samantha crumpled to the floor as the tall brunette grabbed Don's flailing
arm and twisted it behind his back. ìSorry, Samantha," she apologized, looking
down, ìI can only grab one person at a time; I figured he was more important
to have under control."
Rubbing her buttocks, Samantha grinned broadly while accepting Kelley's outstretched
hand. ìApology accepted."
Ear piercing threats rang through the room. ìLet me go, you dyke bitch! You
ruined me! You ruined my life! I'm gonna ruin you!" Don was howling, his body
twisting and turning, trying to release himself from Alex's grip.
ìShut up, or I'll shut you up," the lanky brunette threatened, tightening
the pressure of her hold on him.
He screamed again, and Kelley made a move to assist her daughter in holding
the flailing man still.
ìDon't make me mad, Don!" Alex threatened. ìYou won't like me when I'm mad."
One look into ice blue eyes and the beaten man crumpled to the floor.
ìShould we call the police?" Sally asked. The young woman now stood behind
her sobbing mother, her hands on Sheila's shoulders.
ìGoddess, no!" Aurora answered. ìThe last thing we need is for the police
to be involved."
ìShe's right," Kelley agreed. ìHe doesn't need to be jailed, and we don't
need the sensationalism."
ìKelley, would you get me something to . . ." Alex began.
ìYeah, rope, be right back." Kelley nodded and raced from the room.
Aurora continued the conversation her lover had started. ìWe have a good
friend who operates a mental clinic not far from here. It's a private clinic;
admissions are handled in a hush-hush manner. I think getting your husband
to a psychiatrist is of the utmost importance."
ìI agree," Sheila stated, wiping tears from her face. ìThank you, Aurora."
ìNo thanking needed, that's what family is all about." Aurora enveloped the
distraught woman into a comforting embrace.
Don's face animated again at the mention of a mental hospital. Tears streamed
down his cheeks. Sobbing uncontrollably, he pleaded with his wife not to institutionalize
him. ìHow could you even think of doing that to me, Sheila?" he wept. ìHaven't
I been a good husband . . . a good father? I've taken care of you and the
girls the best I knew how . . ."
ìI'm sorry, Don . . ."
In the space of a breath, his mannerisms changed. ìSorry? You just try to
get me committed! You go ahead and try. Do you think anyone will listen to
you, and the residents of this house of abominations?" He laughed hysterically.
ìNot on your life. No one will listen to you! You'll learn what being sorry
is all about, you no-good c-u-n . . ."
ìI really hate that word, Don,"
Alex snarled at him as he tried to get up off the floor. ìI've had about all
of your mouth I can stand, and if I'm not mistaken, I told you to be quiet."
She bopped him on the back of the head. ìIf you don't start behaving, I'll
have to gag you."
Like a limp rag doll, the desperate man collapsed back into a heap at Alex's
feet. He remained in the same position until the ambulance arrived some thirty
minutes later. Within minutes of its arrival, Don was sedated and was soon
in a drug-induced sleep.
A tearful Sheila felt obligated to ride in the back of the ambulance, and
Sally felt compelled to accompany her. The rest of the group followed in Kelley's
van.
Dr. Yonderson met them at the sanitarium and informed the family that Don
would not be evaluated until sometime in the morning when the medications
wore off. In the meantime, there were papers to be completed, and the doctor
had a short session with Sheila, Samantha, and Sally to get some idea what
might have caused Don Riley's psychotic break.
Her final advice of the evening to the three bewildered women was for them
to stop worrying, go home, and try to get some rest. Anxiety was a useless
emotion, she explained, and Don would be fine until morning. They needed to
tend to themselves.
The ride back to the villa was a quiet one. Everyone seemed lost in thought.
Finally, Sheila broke the silence. ìI can't leave him now," she mumbled.
ìWhat?" Samantha queried.
ìYour father, Sammie‚I can't leave him now."
ìBut Mom‚"
ìNo buts. It wouldn't be right to abandon him when he is in such dire need
of support." She turned to her daughters. ìYour father is a very sick man.
Heaven only knows how long he has been ill. I can't desert him now." She put
her face in her hands and began to weep.
ìIt's okay, Mom," Samantha consoled. ìYou don't have to make any major decisions
just yet."
ìYeah," Sally agreed. ìWe need to wait and see what the doctor has to say
after her evaluation in the morning."
Aurora turned around to face the back of the vehicle. ìYou and Sally are
welcome to stay at the villa for as long as you need."
ìAbsolutely," Kelley seconded.
Samantha gave her in-laws a thankful look as her mother continued to quietly
sob into her hands.
********************
The six women stepped back into the dining room where just hours ago they
had been laughing and celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. A group sigh was
audible, and all six of the participants grinned when they realized what they
had done. Looking at the mess they had come back to made Aurora wish she hadn't
sent the hired help home. She looked at the expressions on the faces of her
family and began laughing. Everyone looked at her like they might have to
take another trip to the mental facility.
ìWell, this mess should take our minds off just about anything!" she exclaimed.
ìDid you ever see such a clutter?"
ìSure," Kelley answered, ìafter any party you throw, my Sweet. The only difference
is that you always have someone else around to clean it up. Tonight you get
to help with the chore."
Now it was everyone else's turn to giggle. Kelley raised an eyebrow and pointed
at the table. In response, a multitude of hands quickly grabbed and stacked
dirty dishes to be taken into the kitchen.
A semblance of order in the ranks didn't take long to emerge. Alex and Kelley
carted stuff from the dining room to the kitchen. Aurora and Sally put perishables
up in containers to store in the refrigerator, and Sheila and Samantha scraped,
rinsed, and loaded the dishes into the dishwasher. Before long the entire
job was concluded.
ìHow about a nightcap?" Kelley proposed. ìI think we could all use one."
The offer was gratefully accepted, and everyone decided to bring the evening
to an end out in the late night air, sitting around the pool.
ìIt's hard to believe that a day that began so beautifully could end like
this," Sally moaned.
ìI don't know," Samantha replied. ìIt could have been worse. He could have
hurt one of us."
ìOr himself," Sheila added.
ìAt least now he'll get the medical attention it's obvious he desperately
needs." Samantha concluded.
ìYes, he will," Aurora agreed. ìNow, before there are more people in this
family in need of medical attention, I suggest we all call it a night and
be thankful for the end of this Thanksgiving."
Before the women separated and proceeded to their rooms, there were hugs
all around.
Alex and Samantha walked with Sheila and Sally to their room and bid them
goodnight. Sheila thanked Alex for being so quick to recover the pistol Don
had held on Samantha.
ìIt was instinct, Sheila. I wasn't going to let Samantha get hurt," Alex
assured the older woman.
ìNo, she's definitely my Champion, Mom," Samantha interjected with a slight
grin. She kissed her mother goodnight and told her to try to get some rest.
ìShe will," Sally said. ìWe both will. You two do the same."
ìAbsolutely," Alex countered, putting her arm around Samantha and leading
her back toward their bedroom. ìWe'll see you in the morning. I'm sure everything
will work out fine."
********************
Snuggled in her lover's warm embrace, Samantha let out a deep sigh.
ìWhat was that for?" Alex asked.
ìI guess it's the first relaxed breath I've taken since opening the front
door and seeing Dad standing there. Everything had been going beautifully
before then."
ìAnd everything will return to normal before you know it, Samantha. At least
now your father will get some help."
She reached down and tilted the smaller woman's chin to enable her to look
into misty green eyes. ìCome on, Samantha, there's been enough of that tonight."
ìI know," the blonde sobbed quietly as unbidden tears escaped and trickled
down her cheek. ìI just have the feeling that I was the cause of this mess
with Dad."
A hint of ice crept into the Alex's voice. ìThat is the most ridiculous statement
I think I've heard come out of your mouth. When you say something like that,
you're saying that all your problems began the day you met me! If it wasn't
for my interference your father would still have a viable position at his
firm and‚"
ìWhoa! Alex." Samantha sat upright and faced her lover. ìIf you want to call
a statement ridiculous, I think maybe you had best listen to yourself. That's
not what I meant at all." Green eyes became daggers shooting in the direction
of Alex. ìI guess I meant if I had taken it a little slower, eased him into
my new life‚"
ìNothing you could have done would have made any difference, Samantha. Don't
you know that?" Alex's anger eased and she took the smaller woman into her
arms.
ìListen, Samantha, you need to look at this logically. Your father's been
in trouble emotionally for a long time. Maybe your coming out and my getting
involved helped to bring his condition to the foreground, but it would have
gotten there with or without this present situation. Something else would
have been the catalyst, and perhaps that would have taken a load of guilt
off your mind, but blaming yourself for what happened tonight is ludicrous."
The blonde let Alex hold her and allowed the comfort of her partner's words
and embrace to gently push aside the blame she had been convincing herself
all evening she somehow deserved.
ìI hate to say this when he's so vulnerable, Samantha," Alex added in a hushed
tone, ìbut blaming yourself is just what your father would have wanted in
his sickened state. It was his intention to make victims of all the women
in your family. Maybe he'll come out of this crisis a better person. Just
maybe he'll start appreciating the marvelous people he's had the privilege
of calling family for so many years."
Samantha could find no words to contradict what had just been spoken; instead,
she snuggled back down into her sleeping position, resting her head on Alex's
shoulder. She felt safe and loved in Alex's arms, and the hairs all along
her neck and back stood at attention when long, thin fingers ran through her
hair.
Considering everything she had experienced, this was still a day of thanksgiving.
Before saying a prayer for her parents, Samantha closed her eyes and thanked
the powers that be for allowing Alex to come into her life.
ìI still think this is a day to be thankful, Alex," Samantha murmured into
Alex's chest. ìI have been blessed with many things in my lifeóespecially
for the twist of fate that led me to you." She squeezed Alex around the waist
and kissed her gently.
ìAny day that ends up with me holding you in my arms is a day of thanksgiving.
Now it's really time to be getting some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a unique
experience, something I've come to learn to love about being with you."
The smaller woman easily found the spot where Alex could not help but giggle
and let her fingers do her speaking.
ìOkay, I give up," Alex said, still giggling. ìLet's call it a truce and
get some shut-eye, okay?"
ìOkay, Alex," Samantha agreed. ìOnce again, sweet dreams."
ìSweet dreams, Samantha. May the challenge that tomorrow brings be pleasant,
and if not pleasant, then at least tolerable. As long as we have each other,
we can overcome even the most traumatic situation; I have faith in that."
She lovingly kissed Samantha's head and gave her a slight squeeze.
Within minutes their cadenced breathing was all that could be heard in the
room, aside from the muffled ticking of the alarm clock on the nightstand.
The End of Chapter 4