Story Starting Over ... and Over and Over
- Thread starter Kathy in FL
- Start date
Dosadi
Brown Coat
Well ya got me again. :-)
I suspect that Susan would adopt the baby, and be a loving mother to it.
Poor Carra, she is getting a lot of mental abuse out of her Birth Father - he doesn't seem to understand what being a Daddy vs Father is.
I'm still very interested in that folder and what various others think and why it exists and how it's gonna be reconciled with Shanna. I hope Clint has a good answer. Like Ricky to Lucy, Clint's got some spanning to do. :-)
Eventually Shanna is gonna burn out on giving it benefit of the doubt, even if there are good answers every time. Clint needs to learn to look at things from her perspective, and protecting her from stuff without telling her he is might just be a poor way to go about it.
F5 F5
Dosadi
I suspect that Susan would adopt the baby, and be a loving mother to it.
Poor Carra, she is getting a lot of mental abuse out of her Birth Father - he doesn't seem to understand what being a Daddy vs Father is.
I'm still very interested in that folder and what various others think and why it exists and how it's gonna be reconciled with Shanna. I hope Clint has a good answer. Like Ricky to Lucy, Clint's got some spanning to do. :-)
Eventually Shanna is gonna burn out on giving it benefit of the doubt, even if there are good answers every time. Clint needs to learn to look at things from her perspective, and protecting her from stuff without telling her he is might just be a poor way to go about it.
F5 F5
Dosadi
Narshalla
Member
One thing I noticed and was thinking about -- Sophia/Maria was certain that the baby that Jerkface's wife was pregnant with was not his.
I wonder if she knew something that Shanna didn't -- maybe, after getting himself tested, Jerkface got snipped and so he knows that it's not his, but also it's his fault that there was no baby, not Shanna's.
I wonder if she knew something that Shanna didn't -- maybe, after getting himself tested, Jerkface got snipped and so he knows that it's not his, but also it's his fault that there was no baby, not Shanna's.
Sportsman
Veteran Member
I'll play one time, then wait for the next chapter, so I hope it isn't long in coming.
I think all that stuttering Clint has been doing is because he found that information someone else gathered and wants to discuss it with her but hasn't found the time to do it. Always, kind of a "oh nevermind, we'll discuss it later, I've gotta go do this or that." because of him being overworked.
Of course, I still believe Clint is a good and honorable person, he's proven himself so far.
I think all that stuttering Clint has been doing is because he found that information someone else gathered and wants to discuss it with her but hasn't found the time to do it. Always, kind of a "oh nevermind, we'll discuss it later, I've gotta go do this or that." because of him being overworked.
Of course, I still believe Clint is a good and honorable person, he's proven himself so far.
I think Clint has had Shanna investigated to see what her ex has done in the past and might do in the future. Jackass told her so many lies, and has manipulated her and all the people they knew together. Basically, he has persecuted her. Jackass is a kind of crazy, and he's not going to let go. Clint realizes he will have to battle him one way or the other, and Clint has much better lawyers. Shanna is taking the folder personally, as Jackass has conditioned her over the years, because she can't see the full extent of her ex's insanity and obsession with destroying her.
Sammy55
Veteran Member
Good points! But your forgot one thing.... Up to this point, Jackass has been VERY successful in his persecution and intimidation of Shanna. Hopefully Clint, working with Shanna, can break this Jackass racket and can cut loose ALL of the ties the Jackass has placed around Shanna's life in any and every way!
Hitting my morning F5....
Shanna should take it personally some of the dates on those reports were recent well after she and Clint had begun to build trust in their relationship. At this point what more could Shanna do to prove herself? She's worked like a dog taking care of Clint and the estate and really helped loads in Carra's sense of security and well being. Love is always supposed to take the high road. Clint screwed up big time can't wait to see where Kathy takes us to next.
Meanwhile, I'll be clicking back here every hour on the hour and in between too.
Lake Lili
Veteran Member
I think that Reave initiated the investigation into Shanna and when Clint found out he took over the file, but from a corporate standpoint the Jackass' behaviour and that of the Keller cousin idiot pose a threat to the family. So investigating the depths of what he did to Shanna is important... Not brining her into it is not good from a relationship standard but from a corporate standard bluntly there is no reason to discuss it with her. It would be nice to be touchy feely about it but the Haines Estate has had repeated employee issues for several seasons now and we already know that in-depth reports were run on Madeline Gardner and likely on several others including the bobbsey twins, and they are family. Moreover not all the family is happy about Shanna, either the relationship or the level of her influence. But it sounds like the investigation was not discussed with George Crocker and as he is the HR manager, I'm sure his nose is out of joint.
F5... F5... F5...
Lili
F5... F5... F5...
Lili
Dosadi
Brown Coat
I may not understand "corporate think" but I can pretty well say that not talking something over with the significant other is always a mistake for the relationship.
Shanna has proven her loyalty over and over, she deserves the same, unless Clint just found out and hasn't had time to talk with her yet. I'll give him that much leeway, and hope he has a good answer, I like Clint n Shanna together.
Secrecy never can be good between partners if they aim to survive as partners. Just won't work. Now if one or the other knows that stuff is being done and trusts the other enough to not harm them without details I can accept that. Lots of military wives (or husbands) have to deal with that sort of stuff, but even that can get to be a problem if not handled very carefully by both sides.
No matter I"m chomping at the bit.
Be funny if "the jackass" turned out to be the new daughters / sisters father. Real funny in a not really funny kind of way.
Dosadi
Oh
mandatory F5 F5 MOAR please mam?
Shanna has proven her loyalty over and over, she deserves the same, unless Clint just found out and hasn't had time to talk with her yet. I'll give him that much leeway, and hope he has a good answer, I like Clint n Shanna together.
Secrecy never can be good between partners if they aim to survive as partners. Just won't work. Now if one or the other knows that stuff is being done and trusts the other enough to not harm them without details I can accept that. Lots of military wives (or husbands) have to deal with that sort of stuff, but even that can get to be a problem if not handled very carefully by both sides.
No matter I"m chomping at the bit.
Be funny if "the jackass" turned out to be the new daughters / sisters father. Real funny in a not really funny kind of way.
Dosadi
Oh
mandatory F5 F5 MOAR please mam?
I think Clint is using Shanna. Remember she isn't getting paid to do all she has been doing. He is taking advantage of that.
I think the folder was given to him by Reeves and he isn't sure what to do but I also think it cannot be connected to the dispositions Clint is doing since SHANNA would have to testify to the contents since it is about her.
just my opinion though.
I think the folder was given to him by Reeves and he isn't sure what to do but I also think it cannot be connected to the dispositions Clint is doing since SHANNA would have to testify to the contents since it is about her.
just my opinion though.
Old Gray Mare
TB Fanatic
Unless the "investors" are actually a faction of the family intent on taking over control of the estate? And they are attacking now because they see the estate, Reeves and Clint as financially vulnerable? Maybe Shanna's past is somehow being used as a bargaining chip and Clint needed his own research to refute the investor's claims?
A family betrayal could help to explain why Clint is so stressed out.
....The plot thickens....!
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo yeah................. possible!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I keep saying to myself: Just hang on another chapter will be up soon.
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
Love your story dear lady and hope your week is going well. Thank you for your upcoming chapters. And please get your rest and enjoy your family and the great weather!
no1yuno
Contributing Member
I promised myself I wouldn't do this, but I can't help myself. I am truly addicted to your story, Kathy!! F5. F5. F5. F5. Okay, tucking my hands into my pockets, I'm turning to walk away.....wondering all the while as a new reader just what the heck does MOAR mean? Is it the same as MORE? Inquiring newbie minds need to know.... Oh well F5, F5, F5.
't
't
Dosadi
Brown Coat
There are a lot of stories about where MOAR came from.
I've heard it given acronym meanings, to me it is a way to ask authors on forums to please share more of their fine work, and a kinda F5 hint at the same time, but showing respect for their efforts instead of nagging / begging like it's a right instead of just saying thank you mam, may I have some more to enjoy please.
:-)
I've heard it given acronym meanings, to me it is a way to ask authors on forums to please share more of their fine work, and a kinda F5 hint at the same time, but showing respect for their efforts instead of nagging / begging like it's a right instead of just saying thank you mam, may I have some more to enjoy please.
:-)
"Moar" came from a forum which promoted zombie stories. I'm pretty sure it is still there but I've not been there in a while. It's the combination of the "MOAN" of zombies with "MORE" / "ROAR" of wanting more story.
thus "MOAR"
...speaking of which.... can we have some MOAR!!! ????
Bunkerdown
Contributing Member
If research was done,... It would not surprise me if the Moar Roar started on Kathy's major story Mom's diary of the zombie years.
PS pretty pretty please could we have some more?
PS pretty pretty please could we have some more?
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Y'all are just too funny. Sorry it is taking me so long between postings. July is just a little crazy. I have a business trip this coming week but I'll try to post between running around.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 71
Dare I say it? Dinner was a success. I got the feeling that couldn’t be said of much else that went on that night. There was a lot of emotional cacophony from the dining room and I was more than happy that Carra and the boys were ensconced in the playroom watching the latest ridiculous CGI feature that had just been released on home media. I rather wished I was there with them. It was a movie that I had wanted to go to but with no theaters in Bryson City – the closest theater with first run movies is in Cherokee – I had been eagerly awaiting for it to arrive in the stores. Instead I was playing invisible while still trying to serve dinner and pretending I wasn’t hearing all of the trash talk going on.
“We will not be shut out of things,” intoned the rather severe looking woman said. “Jocelyn, for all of her faults, is still our daughter.”
“That she may be,” Keller responded. “But until she chooses otherwise she is my wife and it is my responsibility to protect her. She is terrified that you are going to find some way to institutionalize her.”
“That’s utter nonsense.”
“Prove it.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“I said prove it.”
“That’s absurd.”
“Is it? From the beginning you hid Jocelyn’s illness. Without proper knowledge forthcoming, we’ve wound up where we are today.”
Rather snidely the woman responded, “We are where we are due to you taking advantage of Jocelyn’s weakness.”
“Had I known there was a weakness I might have better understood the poor girl was just looking for a caregiver, someone she could feel safe with. I might have not … allowed an attraction to form between the two of us.”
Like she had caught him in a lie she snapped, “Bah! What you mean is if you knew Jocelyn was mentally ill you would never have considered her as a partner.”
Surprisingly honest Keller said, “That’s very possible. Especially as it has come out you knew she’d stopped taking her medications as prescribed. I certainly would not have relied on Jocelyn’s word that she was on birth control. Feel damn foolish enough about that, but I also feel like a damn heel now that I know how very fragile she is. Age might not afford us much in this life but at least we have learned that love does not conquer all.”
I was in the middle of serving coffee and inadvertently glanced at Robert and it looked like it was taking everything he had not to open his mouth. Really, given some of the remarks being made, he was showing superhuman restraint. And as the man had suspected, the discussion eventually devolved into money. And this is where Robert stepped into the conversation.
“The child’s future has already been seen to,” he reminded them, apparently referring to the separate trust that had been created for the baby even before its birth.
“Oh yes, we all know how well your father has taken care of his other two children. How can you defend him? He abandoned you both.”
Chuckling cynically he told her, “You’ve obviously been listening to the wrong gossip. I was an adult when my parents separated. My sister was raised by both of her parents until her mother’s tragic passing and afterwards she had a multitude of people that wanted her in their lives. This child has the opportunity for that as well.”
“And what of my daughter?! Who will see to her?!”
And here was the zinger that Robert used to spike whatever they were playing at. “Jocelyn is an adult. While she is an adult with some health issues at this moment, she still has rights. So long as she chooses to remain with my father as his wife, her needs will be looked after. Should she no longer desire that state then her wishes would change her care … assuming she isn’t deemed in capable of making her own choices … you did bring up a conservatorship, and I’ve already consulted with a law firm here in Asheville just to have something ready to go if this unfortunately has to take place. My father will of course retain his parental rights regardless of how Jocelyn decides.”
Jocelyn’s father put his hand over his wife’s and surprisingly she fell silent. The man asked, “What now?”
“Now? We let the doctors evaluate Jocelyn and give her a chance to let her wishes be known. The staff says it is a good sign that she is taking an interest in the child even if it is a guarded one. The shock of the child being a girl, rather than the boy that she’d been told, appears to be an adjustment for her and it has compromised, hopefully temporarily, her ability to bond. Until she is stabilized – both physically and mentally – it is best she remains in the residential hospital setting. They don’t think it will be more than a week. At that time Father and Jocelyn will have their own place …”
There was a surprised hurrumph from Kellar and I admit to being obscenely curious myself and hiding behind the door to hear the rest of it.
“Dad, Aunt Ollie was happy to help. She said she would have The Claridge opened and call back the staff that worked there when Uncle Dylan was still alive. They’re all trained in medical expediencies and Dr. Cho lives just down the block and has already said he or his son would be more than pleased to be on call. I know you want Jocelyn to have the chance at her own house shopping but for now, her health is the more important matter. Don’t you think?”
Check and mate. No wonder, despite everything, Clint admired this man. They were like brothers from another mother.
Into the conversational lull I brought out the flan and everyone was pleasantly surprised. Even more so Jocelyn’s parents who seemed to relax when they found out the dinner hadn’t been catered but had been prepared specifically for their enjoyment and comfort in mind.
In addition to cooking I’d spent the afternoon cleaning the guest cottage. I was in a borrowed uniform that made me feel slightly ridiculous as it was too stereotypical to be believed … right down to the silly lace apron and cap … but it beat trying to pull everything off in the clothes I’d been wearing since early the previous day.
I managed to clean up after dinner, as week as the impromptu food fight in the play room, and had made sure everyone in the house was in bed – or so I thought – and was just waiting until my laundry was ready to come out of the dryer. I heard footsteps in the kitchen and thinking it was Carra stepped out without checking first.
“You need to go to sleep girl or you’ll never survive your visit to the hospital tomorrow without a major meltdown.”
To my horror it wasn’t Carra but her father. Instead of being offended he gave a tired smile and sounding older than I had yet to hear him he said, “You know her better than I do.”
“Oh. I … beg your pardon.”
“No need to. Should be me begging yours. Put you in a damn difficult position.”
“For lack of a better word, I volunteered for the job.”
“Ha. Teach you to volunteer won’t it.”
He seemed sad. “Is there something I can do for you Mr. Keller?”
“Just Keller will do. And as for … frankly … well damn. I got called on the carpet by my son and unfortunately he is right. I was wondering if Carra was awake but … I suppose not.” He sighed. “Just how angry at me is she?”
We both sat at the small table reserved for staff and I told him honestly, “I don’t think it is anger so much as … she’s hurt … and confused.”
“Reasonable of her to be so. I’ve made a hash of this … same way I did with Robert.”
“Robert was and is older … and he had a mother in his life that could be a … hmmm … counter balance.”
“Suppose you’ve got the right of it. Have my work cut out for me.”
“Keller, pardon me if you feel I’m intruding but I need to say this. Carra needs … stability. And consistency. Both in her home life and in her emotional life. She’s been pulled from pillar to post in so many ways since she was a young child. It’s left a mark, a deep one.”
“You’re saying she isn’t going to want to come live with me.”
“I’m saying that you need to get your house in order before you even ask her to consider it. And as much as I love Carra and only want what is best for her, I’m not blind to the fact that you have needs as well and are under a lot of stress. As far as Jocelyn is concerned … I’m not a doctor but perhaps she needs some stability as well to help her learn to better manage her life challenges. And then there is your new daughter. What did you name her?”
“Er … Kelly Olivia Oleander Keller.”
“Oh … uh … really?” I said as I tried not to grimace at the crazy tags that people forced their children to drag around for the rest of their lives.
“Was just going to name her Olivia – after my mother you understand – but Jocelyn got a bit upset and insisted on naming the girl Kelly. Likely thinking that I would be flattered or somesuch.” He shook his head. “Load of old tosh. Poor kid is going to hate her name. Oleander … well you can guess why. Old besom nearly disowned me again for saddling the baby with the name. She’s always refused to answer to anything but Ollie.” He shook his head again and without saying another word wandered away.
I thought I would have difficulty sleeping but I didn’t despite all of the things racing around in my head, not the least of which was having to face Clint and bring up the issue of the file I’d read. As soon as my head hit the pillow on the roll out cot I’d found in a back closet I was sound asleep. I only woke up once to remember guiltily that I hadn’t tried to call Clint but couldn’t find the energy to do anything about it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This went on until Tuesday afternoon when Susan finally dragged herself downstairs at Robert’s insistence. He also laid down the law in another area to his father and wife. She started giving me orders and was frankly horrified at some of my shopping choices, having what I considered a unnecessarily bias against the Asian and other international grocery stores I had stopped at. She insisted on a detailed review of the receipt and in general was polite but also about as offensive as I could stand. I tried to blow it off, give her some grace as it was her home after all and she was under a lot of stress, but it wasn’t easy and I was quickly at my limit.
Cheerfully I told her, “Well, now that you are up and about I’ll take myself back to the Estate.”
The very idea seemed to catch her off guard. “Wait, Thanksgiving is Thursday. You aren’t staying?”
“No.”
“But …”
“Susan, this is your house. I stayed because Carra needed me. You don’t. Neither does Robert or Keller and quite frankly I am in the way of your family dealing with the recent … turmoil. Robert was quite clear that he thought it best under the circumstances for Carra’s visit to be cut short – for her sake and yours – and since I am her ride so to speak, that means I am leaving as well.”
“But … but what on Earth … how will I … and she’s coming here tomorrow …”
“Jocelyn will only be here long enough to fill an overnight case, pick up some things for Kelly, and then she and Keller are removing to The Claridge where they will remain until Jocelyn is better able to function independently. My understanding is that they’ll send for the remainder of their things after the holiday weekend. The doctors have ordered a quiet holiday weekend for her, and the baby and Keller need that as well. They need to start functioning as a nuclear family. They also need the medical oversight they’ll receive at The Claridge as Jocelyn continues postpartum and getting onto a new medication regimen. Your family needs an opportunity to decompress after their extended stay in your home.”
She opened her mouth several times to say something then composed herself and said, “Then no time like the present. You and Carra should get on the road before it gets any later.”
As an attempt at a slap it was a good try but that was actually what Carra wanted by that point and I was more than willing to see she got it.
Barely an hour later I was pulling down the drive leaving a rather stunned Robert looking at his wife in a great deal of concerned confusion.
Carra slumped low in her seat and refused to look back though I could see she was trying to hide some hurt even if it was what she had wanted. We were on the road and heading into Asheville when she took a deep breath and said, “At least Dad agreed to me staying at the Estate for Christmas and not switching holidays even though I’m not staying for Thanksgiving after all. I have to see him in January, but he said it could be MLK Jr. weekend, so it won’t screw up school. Why are we going this way?”
She was referring to the fact that we were heading away from the interstate rather than towards it so I answered, “If you don’t mind I thought we could make a stop at that International Grocery you were asking about and then grab chicken sandwiches for supper before getting back on the road.”
She shrugged but then her stomach gurgled and I said, “On second thought, sandwiches first then the grocery.”
She gave an unwilling and embarrassed chuckle then asked, “Sounds good. Did you finally reach Uncle Clint? He sounded toasted when he called me yesterday.”
“He called me last night. The connection wasn’t good. He isn’t sure whether he will make it back before Thanksgiving Day or on Thanksgiving Day. In case no one has actually asked you, where would you like to do Thanksgiving?”
“There’s always a big family dinner at the dining hall. After Mom died I grew up taking turns … mostly because Robert’s mother comes one year for Thanksgiving and the next year for Christmas. This year she is coming for Christmas and I wouldn’t even want to be a fly on the wall this time around.”
Making an assumption I shouldn’t have I said, “I take it your father and Robert’s mother do not get along.”
“Oh they get along fine,” Carra said with a shrug of seeming indifference. “I just remind her of Mom and she and Mom … my nanny tried to explain it once but basically it is just Robert’s mom left Dad when he wouldn’t settle down and take a position in her father’s business. I guess she was surprised when the divorce didn’t hurt his feelings or anything. But then not long after that he takes up with Mom who was younger and pretty and looking for adventure just like Dad. But still it was kinda okay because they didn’t want kids … only then came me and … you have a funny look on your face. Am I stressing you out?”
“What? No. Just pardon me for saying it sounds too much like a soap opera to me. I don’t particularly relish the idea of children being caught up in the middle of that sort of unnecessary drama.”
More relaxed than she had been since we arrived in Asheville she said, “You should have heard what Grandfather had to say on the subject. Can we have Chick-fil-A? I’m totally jonesing for some waffle fries.”
“Sure. Why not?” I answered, understanding the subject had grown too uncomfortable for her to talk about.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I was exhausted by the time we finally pulled up to the gate of the Estate. Construction in several places on the interstate had made for a very unpleasant exit from Asheville and then on top of that we hit rain as we got into Bryson City. And when it turned cold, a feature in my car failed us before we pulled up the Estate entrance. It was still raining, and I finally had to get out of the car and run over and bang on the guard shack to get someone’s attention so the gate could be opened. The man in the booth looked mightily irritated.
“Excuse me but you’ll have to go back to BC. Campground is closed.”
I was approaching nuclear meltdown as he’d been intentionally ignoring me for a couple of minutes. Lucky for me however that Bernie happened to exit the facilities and saw me. He ran over. “Ms. Fields! No body said nothing about you coming back today!”
“We escaped when we were offered the chance.”
Excited to have received the news he asked, “We? You done got Carra in the car and brung her home?!”
“Yes. So please tell …” I pointed at the man since I didn’t recognize him. “To open the gate. The heat went out on my car on top of everything else. And where is Reggie?”
“His ol’ Granny ain’t doing so good. He went this morning to see her and got caught by the rain.”
Understanding and not wanting to sound like I was complaining I said, “I nearly did myself. Do me a favor please and just radio Mr. Crocker and let him know I’m back. Tell him if he needs to call to give me time to empty the car, we’ve got a load.”
“Ma’am I’d come help you with it but we’re short staffed … as you can see. Lots of staff take this week off to go visit family if they have any.” The last was by way of an apology for the way the man had treated me and I told him I was simply happy to see him and then rain back to the car.
I was sodden and freezing by the time the car was emptied. I wouldn’t let Carra out in the rain, but she did stand at the door and took things as I handed things in. And of course someone turned the power off to the hot water tank in our absence, presumably to save the electric. I let Carra use what hot water was generated and I washed up with hot water from the stove top once I got the old behemoth going so the kitchen wouldn’t feel like an ice box.
I went up to check on Carra and she was just saying good bye to Lindy. Turning to me she hesitantly said, “Um … thanks.”
“For?”
“I think I would have just … I don’t know … died or something if you hadn’t been there.”
“A liiiittle dramatic doncha think?”
She snorted. “Not on my side of things. And … just thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I told her gently. “How’s Lindy?”
“Going nuts with only guys in the house. She swears she is going to get one of them hooked up and married off just to have some female company … besides me I mean. She keeps kidding me about Roe but … uh … not that he isn’t nice and stuff but … seriously not interested. And I think he likes Lindy but with Cody and Beech there …”
“Kinda puts a damper on things.”
She smiled and said, “You could say that. And anyway, Cody says no dating before she’s sixteen and even then it is kinda an ‘it depends’ thing.”
“As in it depends on who asks her out and if they can get up the nerve to ask Cody first?”
She laughed and said, “You’ve got his number all right. Uncle Clint got green around the gills but he said basically the same thing.” Then she said seriously, “Like he’s the only one that seems to care. Robert and Dad have never said anything like that.”
“They probably haven’t figured out …”
“How old I am? Oh they know. They just sort of leave everything up to me and expect me to make good decisions. I mean sometimes that is cool but other times … it feels like a copout. I’m kinda tired, I’m going to go to bed now. I guess Uncle Clint is going to be home tonight.”
“Doesn’t look like it. Speaking of … I better go text him to let him know there was a change in plans. I also need to do a little research on a couple of pieces that I need to sell online for your uncle.”
But in the end I didn’t do either as the phone lines went down and the power kept flickering off and on. I went back upstairs to make sure that Carra wasn’t getting too cold and she was snuggled under several quilts and said sleepily that, “This is SOP this time of year. Better get used to it.”
Ugh. I’m still acclimating. Sleep that night was miserable for more reasons than one. The only good thing was that when it was time to get up the power to the Big House was as on. But not everywhere on the Estate could say the same. A large tree limb had fallen on the school building and damaged something called a “dog house” where the wires entered the building. That meant no school. Surprisingly Carra wasn’t thrilled as she had wanted to see Lindy.
“I’ll drive you over.”
“Really?!”
I nearly lost an eardrum from her squeal of happiness but I didn’t mind, it was just nice to see her returning to normal. In the end I didn’t have to do the driving because Aunt Daffy had heard we were back and offered to drive her over after a little gossip to hear how things went. After I’d answered her questions she said, “Get the look off of your face, it’s no trouble. I have to swing by that way anyway.” She gave me a long look. “If I were you I’d play a little hooky. Doesn’t look like your time in Asheville did you any good.”
“I’m fine, things were a little … frenetic.”
“Had a few of those frenetic days myself … and it’s worse when they get strung one right after another. Have you heard whether Clint is coming back today or not?”
“Phone connections … his or mine … have kept us from having a conversation long enough to do much more than assure the other that we are still in the land of the living. Do you need anything in particular that I can help you with?”
“Just wondering if he is going to make it to the Dinner. Either way you know that you and Carra are expected.”
“What do you need me to bring?”
“Honey that’s up to you. We’ve already got enough but I’d like to see more variety than we’ve got right now. If you can, either a salad or a side dish would be welcome.”
“Consider it done.”
She laughed and by then Carra was ready. I had thought at first to do as suggested and lay down and rest but I simply could not settle. I wound up in the music room and while I started off quiet and gentle, my emotions soon had me rocking Rachmaninov. I was so into spending my pent-up feelings that I didn’t hear the front door open or anything else for that matter until I was pulled off the piano and into a soul searing kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 71
Dare I say it? Dinner was a success. I got the feeling that couldn’t be said of much else that went on that night. There was a lot of emotional cacophony from the dining room and I was more than happy that Carra and the boys were ensconced in the playroom watching the latest ridiculous CGI feature that had just been released on home media. I rather wished I was there with them. It was a movie that I had wanted to go to but with no theaters in Bryson City – the closest theater with first run movies is in Cherokee – I had been eagerly awaiting for it to arrive in the stores. Instead I was playing invisible while still trying to serve dinner and pretending I wasn’t hearing all of the trash talk going on.
“We will not be shut out of things,” intoned the rather severe looking woman said. “Jocelyn, for all of her faults, is still our daughter.”
“That she may be,” Keller responded. “But until she chooses otherwise she is my wife and it is my responsibility to protect her. She is terrified that you are going to find some way to institutionalize her.”
“That’s utter nonsense.”
“Prove it.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“I said prove it.”
“That’s absurd.”
“Is it? From the beginning you hid Jocelyn’s illness. Without proper knowledge forthcoming, we’ve wound up where we are today.”
Rather snidely the woman responded, “We are where we are due to you taking advantage of Jocelyn’s weakness.”
“Had I known there was a weakness I might have better understood the poor girl was just looking for a caregiver, someone she could feel safe with. I might have not … allowed an attraction to form between the two of us.”
Like she had caught him in a lie she snapped, “Bah! What you mean is if you knew Jocelyn was mentally ill you would never have considered her as a partner.”
Surprisingly honest Keller said, “That’s very possible. Especially as it has come out you knew she’d stopped taking her medications as prescribed. I certainly would not have relied on Jocelyn’s word that she was on birth control. Feel damn foolish enough about that, but I also feel like a damn heel now that I know how very fragile she is. Age might not afford us much in this life but at least we have learned that love does not conquer all.”
I was in the middle of serving coffee and inadvertently glanced at Robert and it looked like it was taking everything he had not to open his mouth. Really, given some of the remarks being made, he was showing superhuman restraint. And as the man had suspected, the discussion eventually devolved into money. And this is where Robert stepped into the conversation.
“The child’s future has already been seen to,” he reminded them, apparently referring to the separate trust that had been created for the baby even before its birth.
“Oh yes, we all know how well your father has taken care of his other two children. How can you defend him? He abandoned you both.”
Chuckling cynically he told her, “You’ve obviously been listening to the wrong gossip. I was an adult when my parents separated. My sister was raised by both of her parents until her mother’s tragic passing and afterwards she had a multitude of people that wanted her in their lives. This child has the opportunity for that as well.”
“And what of my daughter?! Who will see to her?!”
And here was the zinger that Robert used to spike whatever they were playing at. “Jocelyn is an adult. While she is an adult with some health issues at this moment, she still has rights. So long as she chooses to remain with my father as his wife, her needs will be looked after. Should she no longer desire that state then her wishes would change her care … assuming she isn’t deemed in capable of making her own choices … you did bring up a conservatorship, and I’ve already consulted with a law firm here in Asheville just to have something ready to go if this unfortunately has to take place. My father will of course retain his parental rights regardless of how Jocelyn decides.”
Jocelyn’s father put his hand over his wife’s and surprisingly she fell silent. The man asked, “What now?”
“Now? We let the doctors evaluate Jocelyn and give her a chance to let her wishes be known. The staff says it is a good sign that she is taking an interest in the child even if it is a guarded one. The shock of the child being a girl, rather than the boy that she’d been told, appears to be an adjustment for her and it has compromised, hopefully temporarily, her ability to bond. Until she is stabilized – both physically and mentally – it is best she remains in the residential hospital setting. They don’t think it will be more than a week. At that time Father and Jocelyn will have their own place …”
There was a surprised hurrumph from Kellar and I admit to being obscenely curious myself and hiding behind the door to hear the rest of it.
“Dad, Aunt Ollie was happy to help. She said she would have The Claridge opened and call back the staff that worked there when Uncle Dylan was still alive. They’re all trained in medical expediencies and Dr. Cho lives just down the block and has already said he or his son would be more than pleased to be on call. I know you want Jocelyn to have the chance at her own house shopping but for now, her health is the more important matter. Don’t you think?”
Check and mate. No wonder, despite everything, Clint admired this man. They were like brothers from another mother.
Into the conversational lull I brought out the flan and everyone was pleasantly surprised. Even more so Jocelyn’s parents who seemed to relax when they found out the dinner hadn’t been catered but had been prepared specifically for their enjoyment and comfort in mind.
In addition to cooking I’d spent the afternoon cleaning the guest cottage. I was in a borrowed uniform that made me feel slightly ridiculous as it was too stereotypical to be believed … right down to the silly lace apron and cap … but it beat trying to pull everything off in the clothes I’d been wearing since early the previous day.
I managed to clean up after dinner, as week as the impromptu food fight in the play room, and had made sure everyone in the house was in bed – or so I thought – and was just waiting until my laundry was ready to come out of the dryer. I heard footsteps in the kitchen and thinking it was Carra stepped out without checking first.
“You need to go to sleep girl or you’ll never survive your visit to the hospital tomorrow without a major meltdown.”
To my horror it wasn’t Carra but her father. Instead of being offended he gave a tired smile and sounding older than I had yet to hear him he said, “You know her better than I do.”
“Oh. I … beg your pardon.”
“No need to. Should be me begging yours. Put you in a damn difficult position.”
“For lack of a better word, I volunteered for the job.”
“Ha. Teach you to volunteer won’t it.”
He seemed sad. “Is there something I can do for you Mr. Keller?”
“Just Keller will do. And as for … frankly … well damn. I got called on the carpet by my son and unfortunately he is right. I was wondering if Carra was awake but … I suppose not.” He sighed. “Just how angry at me is she?”
We both sat at the small table reserved for staff and I told him honestly, “I don’t think it is anger so much as … she’s hurt … and confused.”
“Reasonable of her to be so. I’ve made a hash of this … same way I did with Robert.”
“Robert was and is older … and he had a mother in his life that could be a … hmmm … counter balance.”
“Suppose you’ve got the right of it. Have my work cut out for me.”
“Keller, pardon me if you feel I’m intruding but I need to say this. Carra needs … stability. And consistency. Both in her home life and in her emotional life. She’s been pulled from pillar to post in so many ways since she was a young child. It’s left a mark, a deep one.”
“You’re saying she isn’t going to want to come live with me.”
“I’m saying that you need to get your house in order before you even ask her to consider it. And as much as I love Carra and only want what is best for her, I’m not blind to the fact that you have needs as well and are under a lot of stress. As far as Jocelyn is concerned … I’m not a doctor but perhaps she needs some stability as well to help her learn to better manage her life challenges. And then there is your new daughter. What did you name her?”
“Er … Kelly Olivia Oleander Keller.”
“Oh … uh … really?” I said as I tried not to grimace at the crazy tags that people forced their children to drag around for the rest of their lives.
“Was just going to name her Olivia – after my mother you understand – but Jocelyn got a bit upset and insisted on naming the girl Kelly. Likely thinking that I would be flattered or somesuch.” He shook his head. “Load of old tosh. Poor kid is going to hate her name. Oleander … well you can guess why. Old besom nearly disowned me again for saddling the baby with the name. She’s always refused to answer to anything but Ollie.” He shook his head again and without saying another word wandered away.
I thought I would have difficulty sleeping but I didn’t despite all of the things racing around in my head, not the least of which was having to face Clint and bring up the issue of the file I’d read. As soon as my head hit the pillow on the roll out cot I’d found in a back closet I was sound asleep. I only woke up once to remember guiltily that I hadn’t tried to call Clint but couldn’t find the energy to do anything about it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This went on until Tuesday afternoon when Susan finally dragged herself downstairs at Robert’s insistence. He also laid down the law in another area to his father and wife. She started giving me orders and was frankly horrified at some of my shopping choices, having what I considered a unnecessarily bias against the Asian and other international grocery stores I had stopped at. She insisted on a detailed review of the receipt and in general was polite but also about as offensive as I could stand. I tried to blow it off, give her some grace as it was her home after all and she was under a lot of stress, but it wasn’t easy and I was quickly at my limit.
Cheerfully I told her, “Well, now that you are up and about I’ll take myself back to the Estate.”
The very idea seemed to catch her off guard. “Wait, Thanksgiving is Thursday. You aren’t staying?”
“No.”
“But …”
“Susan, this is your house. I stayed because Carra needed me. You don’t. Neither does Robert or Keller and quite frankly I am in the way of your family dealing with the recent … turmoil. Robert was quite clear that he thought it best under the circumstances for Carra’s visit to be cut short – for her sake and yours – and since I am her ride so to speak, that means I am leaving as well.”
“But … but what on Earth … how will I … and she’s coming here tomorrow …”
“Jocelyn will only be here long enough to fill an overnight case, pick up some things for Kelly, and then she and Keller are removing to The Claridge where they will remain until Jocelyn is better able to function independently. My understanding is that they’ll send for the remainder of their things after the holiday weekend. The doctors have ordered a quiet holiday weekend for her, and the baby and Keller need that as well. They need to start functioning as a nuclear family. They also need the medical oversight they’ll receive at The Claridge as Jocelyn continues postpartum and getting onto a new medication regimen. Your family needs an opportunity to decompress after their extended stay in your home.”
She opened her mouth several times to say something then composed herself and said, “Then no time like the present. You and Carra should get on the road before it gets any later.”
As an attempt at a slap it was a good try but that was actually what Carra wanted by that point and I was more than willing to see she got it.
Barely an hour later I was pulling down the drive leaving a rather stunned Robert looking at his wife in a great deal of concerned confusion.
Carra slumped low in her seat and refused to look back though I could see she was trying to hide some hurt even if it was what she had wanted. We were on the road and heading into Asheville when she took a deep breath and said, “At least Dad agreed to me staying at the Estate for Christmas and not switching holidays even though I’m not staying for Thanksgiving after all. I have to see him in January, but he said it could be MLK Jr. weekend, so it won’t screw up school. Why are we going this way?”
She was referring to the fact that we were heading away from the interstate rather than towards it so I answered, “If you don’t mind I thought we could make a stop at that International Grocery you were asking about and then grab chicken sandwiches for supper before getting back on the road.”
She shrugged but then her stomach gurgled and I said, “On second thought, sandwiches first then the grocery.”
She gave an unwilling and embarrassed chuckle then asked, “Sounds good. Did you finally reach Uncle Clint? He sounded toasted when he called me yesterday.”
“He called me last night. The connection wasn’t good. He isn’t sure whether he will make it back before Thanksgiving Day or on Thanksgiving Day. In case no one has actually asked you, where would you like to do Thanksgiving?”
“There’s always a big family dinner at the dining hall. After Mom died I grew up taking turns … mostly because Robert’s mother comes one year for Thanksgiving and the next year for Christmas. This year she is coming for Christmas and I wouldn’t even want to be a fly on the wall this time around.”
Making an assumption I shouldn’t have I said, “I take it your father and Robert’s mother do not get along.”
“Oh they get along fine,” Carra said with a shrug of seeming indifference. “I just remind her of Mom and she and Mom … my nanny tried to explain it once but basically it is just Robert’s mom left Dad when he wouldn’t settle down and take a position in her father’s business. I guess she was surprised when the divorce didn’t hurt his feelings or anything. But then not long after that he takes up with Mom who was younger and pretty and looking for adventure just like Dad. But still it was kinda okay because they didn’t want kids … only then came me and … you have a funny look on your face. Am I stressing you out?”
“What? No. Just pardon me for saying it sounds too much like a soap opera to me. I don’t particularly relish the idea of children being caught up in the middle of that sort of unnecessary drama.”
More relaxed than she had been since we arrived in Asheville she said, “You should have heard what Grandfather had to say on the subject. Can we have Chick-fil-A? I’m totally jonesing for some waffle fries.”
“Sure. Why not?” I answered, understanding the subject had grown too uncomfortable for her to talk about.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I was exhausted by the time we finally pulled up to the gate of the Estate. Construction in several places on the interstate had made for a very unpleasant exit from Asheville and then on top of that we hit rain as we got into Bryson City. And when it turned cold, a feature in my car failed us before we pulled up the Estate entrance. It was still raining, and I finally had to get out of the car and run over and bang on the guard shack to get someone’s attention so the gate could be opened. The man in the booth looked mightily irritated.
“Excuse me but you’ll have to go back to BC. Campground is closed.”
I was approaching nuclear meltdown as he’d been intentionally ignoring me for a couple of minutes. Lucky for me however that Bernie happened to exit the facilities and saw me. He ran over. “Ms. Fields! No body said nothing about you coming back today!”
“We escaped when we were offered the chance.”
Excited to have received the news he asked, “We? You done got Carra in the car and brung her home?!”
“Yes. So please tell …” I pointed at the man since I didn’t recognize him. “To open the gate. The heat went out on my car on top of everything else. And where is Reggie?”
“His ol’ Granny ain’t doing so good. He went this morning to see her and got caught by the rain.”
Understanding and not wanting to sound like I was complaining I said, “I nearly did myself. Do me a favor please and just radio Mr. Crocker and let him know I’m back. Tell him if he needs to call to give me time to empty the car, we’ve got a load.”
“Ma’am I’d come help you with it but we’re short staffed … as you can see. Lots of staff take this week off to go visit family if they have any.” The last was by way of an apology for the way the man had treated me and I told him I was simply happy to see him and then rain back to the car.
I was sodden and freezing by the time the car was emptied. I wouldn’t let Carra out in the rain, but she did stand at the door and took things as I handed things in. And of course someone turned the power off to the hot water tank in our absence, presumably to save the electric. I let Carra use what hot water was generated and I washed up with hot water from the stove top once I got the old behemoth going so the kitchen wouldn’t feel like an ice box.
I went up to check on Carra and she was just saying good bye to Lindy. Turning to me she hesitantly said, “Um … thanks.”
“For?”
“I think I would have just … I don’t know … died or something if you hadn’t been there.”
“A liiiittle dramatic doncha think?”
She snorted. “Not on my side of things. And … just thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I told her gently. “How’s Lindy?”
“Going nuts with only guys in the house. She swears she is going to get one of them hooked up and married off just to have some female company … besides me I mean. She keeps kidding me about Roe but … uh … not that he isn’t nice and stuff but … seriously not interested. And I think he likes Lindy but with Cody and Beech there …”
“Kinda puts a damper on things.”
She smiled and said, “You could say that. And anyway, Cody says no dating before she’s sixteen and even then it is kinda an ‘it depends’ thing.”
“As in it depends on who asks her out and if they can get up the nerve to ask Cody first?”
She laughed and said, “You’ve got his number all right. Uncle Clint got green around the gills but he said basically the same thing.” Then she said seriously, “Like he’s the only one that seems to care. Robert and Dad have never said anything like that.”
“They probably haven’t figured out …”
“How old I am? Oh they know. They just sort of leave everything up to me and expect me to make good decisions. I mean sometimes that is cool but other times … it feels like a copout. I’m kinda tired, I’m going to go to bed now. I guess Uncle Clint is going to be home tonight.”
“Doesn’t look like it. Speaking of … I better go text him to let him know there was a change in plans. I also need to do a little research on a couple of pieces that I need to sell online for your uncle.”
But in the end I didn’t do either as the phone lines went down and the power kept flickering off and on. I went back upstairs to make sure that Carra wasn’t getting too cold and she was snuggled under several quilts and said sleepily that, “This is SOP this time of year. Better get used to it.”
Ugh. I’m still acclimating. Sleep that night was miserable for more reasons than one. The only good thing was that when it was time to get up the power to the Big House was as on. But not everywhere on the Estate could say the same. A large tree limb had fallen on the school building and damaged something called a “dog house” where the wires entered the building. That meant no school. Surprisingly Carra wasn’t thrilled as she had wanted to see Lindy.
“I’ll drive you over.”
“Really?!”
I nearly lost an eardrum from her squeal of happiness but I didn’t mind, it was just nice to see her returning to normal. In the end I didn’t have to do the driving because Aunt Daffy had heard we were back and offered to drive her over after a little gossip to hear how things went. After I’d answered her questions she said, “Get the look off of your face, it’s no trouble. I have to swing by that way anyway.” She gave me a long look. “If I were you I’d play a little hooky. Doesn’t look like your time in Asheville did you any good.”
“I’m fine, things were a little … frenetic.”
“Had a few of those frenetic days myself … and it’s worse when they get strung one right after another. Have you heard whether Clint is coming back today or not?”
“Phone connections … his or mine … have kept us from having a conversation long enough to do much more than assure the other that we are still in the land of the living. Do you need anything in particular that I can help you with?”
“Just wondering if he is going to make it to the Dinner. Either way you know that you and Carra are expected.”
“What do you need me to bring?”
“Honey that’s up to you. We’ve already got enough but I’d like to see more variety than we’ve got right now. If you can, either a salad or a side dish would be welcome.”
“Consider it done.”
She laughed and by then Carra was ready. I had thought at first to do as suggested and lay down and rest but I simply could not settle. I wound up in the music room and while I started off quiet and gentle, my emotions soon had me rocking Rachmaninov. I was so into spending my pent-up feelings that I didn’t hear the front door open or anything else for that matter until I was pulled off the piano and into a soul searing kiss.
RememberGoliad
Veteran Member
I sure hope that was Clint 
Thanks, Kathy!
Thanks, Kathy!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you, I can come up for air now. 