One Boy's Journey Chapter 58

Written by Brianna Demonet

When I arrived at my office. My desk was piled up with case files. I checked my calendar and found I had court dates that very day.

I started reviewing my cases one by one. It was going to be a very long day! I buried myself in work, trying to get John out of my head, even just for a couple of hours.

Two weeks and dozens of plea bargains later I was able to see my desk again. I only had two one-day trials during the week; I won both.

Several murders and major case trials clogged the dockets of every judge. Fortunately for me not one of my cases involved murder.

John called me once a week on Sunday evenings. He was getting close to leaving for Quantico. I called May and invited myself, John, and his children to stay the weekend.

Of course, you should come! May said. It's been forever since we've seen you!

I took that day off on Friday and drove up to Napa Valley. I met John and his children at the small airport and we drove to the vineyard. His kids loved the plane ride and all the mountains.

When we got to Hank and May's house. They were waiting on the porch for us. May greeted John and I with hugs and kisses. I gave Grandpa Hank a hug and kiss. John and Hank unloaded my car. May, and I settled in with the kids.

The girls took an instant shine to May. Caleb was feeling a little left out. So I took him out to the porch. And we swung on the porch swing.

I miss my mommy! He said.

I touched his hand gently. I know how you feel, Caleb; when I was your age, my father left my mother and me alone.

Really! He said.

I looked in his beautiful brown almond-shaped eyes; he had John's eyes.

Yes, Really! He left one evening after dinner and my Mom and I never saw him again.

Did he die? Caleb asked.

I don't know! I do know I spent a lot of time watching and waiting for him to come back, he never did.

Do you still miss him?

In a way I guess I do! It's been a long time. I have a stepdad now, and he's a wonderful person. I call him Dad. He taught me how to drive a car, how to shoot a gun, and how to use tools. He is my Dad now, and I love him!

Do you love my daddy?

Yes, Caleb, I love your daddy very much.

Did you know my mommy?

No, Caleb, I never met her. Your daddy and I used to date years ago before your mommy met your daddy.

I have an idea, Caleb! Would you like to go for a ride!

What kind of ride?

A ride on a quad! I said. We can ride through the vineyard and down by the creek. I even know a great trail up the mountain.

Okay! Caleb said.

Alright! I'll tell your dad! Go get your boots buddy!

Okay, Ree!

John?

Yeah! He said

I'm going to take Caleb for a ride on a quad before it gets dark!

I wanna go, I wanna go! Said the girls.

I'm not sure you girls are big enough! Said John.

Sure they are John! Just take a prowler! It seats four! I'll help you with the car seats! Hank said.

Great! Thank Hank!

No problem champ! Said Hank.

I saw John smile with ease. It made me feel good.

Hank strapped the car seats in Prowler and we were off. Caleb was giggling the whole time on the bumpy trail. We went down by the creek, over the small bridge, and back. We went up the back of the mountain and started watching the sunset.

John and I sat next to each other. The girls sat between Daddy's legs. I padded my lap and Caleb sat in my lap and leaned in on John's shoulder. John put his arms around his children.

I miss mommy said his girls.

So do I! Said Caleb.

I know guys! I miss Mommy, too! Said John. Do you see those clouds?

Yes! The kids said together.

Mommy lives in the clouds! If you close your eyes and think good thoughts mommy will hear you! Your mother still loves you and she always will. I will always love you too! That will never change!

I love daddy. They said to him

I started to tear up. It was very sweet the way he handled his kids. John squeezed my shoulder softly and smiled.

We sat there for a bit then we started to lose daylight and headed back to the house. May made us tacos for dinner. She made my blueberry empanadas for dessert. The kids loved it.

They hugged May and Hank goodnight. John and Hank tucked them in bed in the bunk bedroom.

I took John by the hand and led him up to the room Aunt V and I always slept in. At first, I wasn't sure even though I made every attempt that I was.

John, are you sure? It's only been a few months.

I'm sure of two things, Ree! I love my children! And I still love you! I need you to know how much I love you! I'm going to be gone for a year from the four people I love the most.

I promise I'll write to you! If you can get to where you are today through all the obstacles life has thrown at you, I can get through this! I'm praying you will be here when I return!

I'll be here! You know how to get ahold of me!

We made love for over almost two hours before we fell asleep. I finally felt whole again. I saw John smile as he slept.

The next morning was Saturday. I woke up early and cleaned up. I let John sleep in. I went downstairs as usual. May was already up and made a pot of coffee.

We took our coffee out to the porch to watch the sunrise. It's been a while since I've seen one.

I'm so glad you called, it's been way too long! May said in a caring and concerned way

I know! I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I'll try and do better. I said.

Cathy tells me, you've been very busy. May said.

She's not lying! A prosecutor's work never ends! I said.

That's not what I was talking about sweetheart. May said.

I know these last couple of months have been very taxing! I said.

John seems to still be in love with you! May said. By the sound of things last night, I think you feel the same way! May said.

I blushed.

May I want to be with him, but I feel so guilty about the way this all came about! I never intended for any of this! I never did anything to get between John and his family. I didn't even call his parents.

When Lin-Soo died, it was Yon who asked my dad to call me. I was thrust right in the middle of everything. Yon and Jii said that John needed me. Seeing John all beaten up by the accident I knew I had to do something.

I'm so very confused about everything. But I love him so much. I'm very fond of his children too!

If you really love him, then you must tell him. Are you willing to love him and his children? To be responsible for them?

Yes, I am, but I have a career to consider, too! I've worked so hard to get where I am.

Then just love him! If your love is strong enough you two will be together! Just be who you are! I know you will make all the right decisions when the time comes! May said.

Come on Ree! We need to make breakfast. Hank wants to take the kids on a tour after breakfast!

I wasn't sure what the kids would like for breakfast, so we kept it simple. We made Papa's French toast and bacon and scrambled eggs.

May made old fashioned hot chocolate with milk and Ovaltine. Hank came into the kitchen and gave me a big bear hug. He looked into my eyes with love and concern.

How ya doing kiddo? Hank asked

I'm okay! I said

You've grown into a beautiful young woman, but I think you're not really okay!

I'm not; I feel guilty, confused, and conflicted. My heart wants this, but I can't help but feel guilty.

I'd be more worried if you felt great sweetheart! It's a lot to absorb. But you're my granddaughter! You're intelligent and have a good heart! You'll do the right thing! Besides this place is great for finding your center!

I'm a big fan of finding my center!

I turned around and John was standing there with a big smile!

It's been a while since I slept that well. John said.

Are the kids up yet? John asked.

I checked on them earlier. I said. They're still sound asleep.

I'll get them! Said John.

Let me help! I said!

John just smiled.

We woke up the kids.

I woke up the girls, they hugged me as I woke them.

Mommy? Ria Maria said

No, Ria, it's Rianna! Breakfast is ready.

Breakfast? Said Alexia.

Yes girls, Breakfast! Said John.

You too Caleb! Come on!

We went down to the kitchen for breakfast.

The kids loved the French toast. They were giggling the whole time they ate. May and I smiled at each other and then at John.

John smiled back with the face I love to see.

May spoke in Korean about the tour. I responded in Korean.

What tour? said Caleb

Wait! You can speak Korean? He looked at me.

I sure can! Your father and grandparents taught me! I smiled at him. I can cook Korean food too!

So can I, Hank responded in Korean!

Little Caleb was very surprised!

We all giggled at the table.

What would kids like for lunch? May asked

Hot dogs! Said Caleb.

Mac and cheese! The girls said.

I can do that! May said and tonight we will have a Korean style dinner! May said.

Who's ready to go for a ride? Hank asked.

Mee!!!! Was the enthusiastic response from the kids.

We all got ready for the tour. May stayed behind getting lunch ready.

Caleb rode a quad with John, Hank and I rode in the Prowler with the girls. The kids were having a great time on the bumpy paths in the vineyard.

Hank showed the kids how to cut grapes and we ate a few. Then we went to the warehouse where the grapes were processed and fermented. Hank was in his element!

We took a trip across the bridge to the cabin and then back to the house. May had the lunch ready when we got back.

John and I set the table. The kids ate everything in front of them. John commented that they had not eaten that well in a while.

Hank commented it's amazing what a little fresh air can do!

The kids wanted another ride. Hank and John took them out for another ride while May and I prepared dinner.

Dinner was already more than half prepared.

May and I talked intimately about John and his children. I was in love with children already.

We rolled each other's hair while we talked. Cathy bought May a nice hair dryer and a brand new set of hot rollers. May was actually pretty good at rolling hair now.

Being a mother is a lot of work, Ree! Being a stepmom isn't going to be any easier either, especially with three small children. You're going to have to give them a little space and allow them to get to know you! Caleb will be the one that has the most adjusting to do. May said.

He and I already talked about things a little bit. I said. I told him about my father disappearing when I was little. I can tell he's very aware of things. Soon, they may ask about their grandmother; I dread having that to explain.

That's John's job sweetheart. What you have to do is find your way through everything. Said May. I don't have all the answers, but I am a phone call away if you need advice!

Thanks, Grandma! I hugged her and kissed her cheek.

Hank's back! We better get in the kitchen before he suspects we weren't cooking! May said.

We giggled!

Hank, why don't you and John take a shower and clean up? Ree and I will get the kids cleaned up for dinner. May said.

Sure, honey!

The guys disappeared to get ready.

May and I laid out the guy's clothes for dinner. May did a formal Korean dinner. She even went as far as to buy me a new dinner dress!

Thank goodness I didn't gain weight. I showed more cleavage than before, but it was still a tasteful look. I wore my adhesive Pedal bra to hide my nipple rings and add the support I always needed now.

The dress was dark purple with gold buttons and trim. The fit was tight, but these dresses are designed to be a tight fit. It was a floor-length dress with a slit halfway above my knee. I wore my black stockings and garter belt with my 5-inch spike heels.

May's dress is similar, only dark blue with gold buttons and trim.

May and I got the girls ready. They wore matching pink dresses. They looked adorable.

When May and I entered the dining room all the talking stopped.

The look on the faces of Hank and John said it all.

John gave me that look years ago when Aunt V and I had dinner at the Park's home years ago.

You look like my mommy with Red hair said Caleb.

Pretty! The twins said.

May you're as stunning as the day we met! Hank said.

Rianna you look lovely! Hank said.

Well, John? Do I look alright?

You're more beautiful than ever Ree!

John was at a loss for any more words! I smiled and kissed his cheek.

Caleb looked at me and said, are you going to be our new mommy?

It was at that very moment reality hit me like a truck!

Now I was the one at a loss for words! 8 years of college and two years practicing law and I couldn't think of anything to say!

I looked at John, May, and Hank, then back to Caleb.

I don't know! That was all I could say!

Ria Marie said, Mommy?

I was more dumbfounded than I have ever been!

Caleb, Rianna, and I are friends, and we have known each other for a very long time. We've been through a lot of things together before I met your mom. John said.

Do you love her? Asked Caleb

Very much! John said

Do you love my Dad? Caleb asked me.

Yes, I do. Very much. Believe it or not, your father taught me how to fight.

Really? He asked.

He really did. You may not know this but your father and I were in a movie several years ago!

Dad was a movie star? Caleb asked

He sure was! He was a hero in the movie too! I said.

Can I watch it? Caleb asked.

When you get a little older son! John said.

Are you taking Hap-ki-do? I asked Caleb.

Yes, Grandma Park is teaching me! I started last year.

She taught me when I started my lessons. I told him. Caleb was studying me the whole time. He was very curious about me. I could see a lot of his father in him.

John and I helped feed the girls through dinner. We talked a lot about the day's events and riding through the vineyard and the mountains. Hank told stories about the history of the vineyard.

I felt at times like I was under a microscope with the children.

We finished dinner and put the girls to sleep.

John wanted Caleb to see the sunset. We all got ready for bed. Hank brought out the blankets and we sat on the porch. Caleb sat between John and I.

Caleb said it looked like magic.

It is magical my son. John said.

I just smiled at both of them.

We tucked Caleb in bed together. John gave him a goodnight kiss.

Ree, can I have a goodnight kiss? Caleb asked.

I didn't hesitate; I kissed his cheek and said sweet dreams, young man! Caleb just smiled. We tucked the girls in the same way.

John just smiled.

John and I went upstairs. I went to the bathroom and washed up for bed. I put on a black lace bodysuit and my black mules. John was in bed when I returned.

John gave me the look of desire I always loved. He stretched out an arm for me.

Come here! He said softly.

I put a little extra sway to my hips.

He lifted the sheets and I slid in next to him.

You were really great with the kids today! Caleb really likes you. I wasn't sure how he would handle everything. You made a great impression on him. John said. My girls love you too.

It's a little bit early to think about that. I said.

Kids are smart! They can sense the good and bad. You were great with Caleb. I think he took a shine to you. John said.

I didn't know what to say. I kissed John.

We made love for almost two hours. I didn't want the night to end. I felt loved being in his arms. We both slept soundly through the night.

The next morning, as I started to get up John stirred a little in bed. John grabbed my hand and smiled.

Where are you going? He asked

To brush my teeth and get some coffee, I replied.

Not yet you aren't! John said with a sexy smile.

We made love for about half an hour. John was very amorous. After all these years he still knows how to touch me and say the right things. He knows exactly how to please me. I did everything I could to please him

After we finished I told him to brush his teeth and meet me downstairs for coffee.

Yes ma'am! He smiled that loving smile I loved.

I put on my robe and went downstairs for coffee. May and Hank were up.

Ohh good John's here, Hank said. We can watch the sunrise together.

As we made our coffee I heard the kids waking up. John and I went to check on them together.

Come, guys! The sun is rising, you don't want to miss it! John said.

The kids scrambled out of bed.

The girls sat with May and Hank. Caleb sat between us.

As always the mist of the mountain was perfect that morning. It was a beautiful sight.

Magic! Said, Alexia!

It sure is said May. You kids are welcome here anytime!

I love it here! Said Alexia.

Me too, said Ria.

Caleb just smiled.

May and I made pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast.

We started packing up. I had to have John and the kids at the airport by noon.

We said our goodbyes and thank yous' to May and Hank.

I hope we see you soon! Hank said.

I'll try Grandpa!

You better!

When I dropped off John and his children I started to tear up just a bit.

John hugged me tightly, we shared a very long and deep kiss. My leg went skyward. I didn't want it to end.

We'll talk soon! Said John. I promise! I love you, Rianna Stevens!

Bye, Ree! We love you the kids said.

I waved goodbye as the small plane took and headed southeast.

I drove back to San Francisco. When I got on the road my phone started blowing up with voicemail messages. Most of them are from Cathy, a few from my Mom, and another from Yon.

I called my Mom first on Bluetooth and told her about my weekend. She was both happy and concerned about me and John. She made me promise to keep her filled in with everything.

I called Yon and did the same thing. I was a little more informative with Yon. After all, it's her family. I told her about my talking to Caleb in detail. She was happy to hear everything went well.

Yon asked me about John and I. I tried to avoid the subject as much as possible, but Yon doesn't take no for an answer very well. I was honest about my feelings with her. She was happy to hear we are still in love. She, like May, supported my feelings of both love and guilt.

I called Cathy last. I knew this conversation was going to take a while.

Cathy is my Yoda! Like Yoda is to Luke Skywalker! She always took the time to understand my situation and feelings.

We had a very long conversation about everything including my conversations with Yon and my Mom. She invited me to Becky's for Sunday dinner. I was kinda tired and thought about saying no, but I said yes. I didn't have hardly any food at my place, and I didn't want to stop to grocery shop or get takeout.

Dinner at Becky's was great. Ian smoked a brisket, and there was corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw, and salad. I actually overate a little.

I found it helpful to be around the people I loved after a good but emotional weekend. Becky's kids were getting bigger by the day. James looked like Ian's clone only smaller. The girls were getting prettier by the day. Ian sent me home with leftovers.

I didn't even unpack like I normally did. I just put away the leftovers and showered and went to bed.

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