One Boy's Journey Chapter 26

Written by Brianna Demonet

We got back to the house just as the salmon fillets were coming off the grill.

As I pulled up to the house, Ian came out and assisted Becky off the quad. I thought of John as he helped her dismount, then my phone rang.

John! I exclaimed.

Ree! I miss you, Ree!

I miss you too John!

I was worried. I tried calling a couple of times!

I'm sorry John, cellphone service is horrible out here!

I'm just glad you're alright!

Yes everyone is great. I'm so happy to hear your voice. I sent him a couple of pictures of Christmas Day giving out gifts. I sent him a picture of me in my new white sweater dress.

He sent me a picture of himself with his sisters on each shoulder, dressed as Santa's elves! It was adorable.

When are you coming home? John asked.

The day after tomorrow!

I can't wait! Can I take you out that evening? Let me ask! I waved to Mom and Aunt V over. Hang on a second.

Aunt V, Mom! John wants to take me out the day we get home. Is that alright?

Only if you're not too tired Ree, home by 11 pm!

Thank you, I smiled.

I have to be home by 11 pm.

Not a problem. I want to take you out for the day after you come home.

Sounds great I'll ask. I told him our flight schedule.

I started to lose signal on my phone; I love you, John!

I love you too, Ree; just then, I lost signal.

Sounds pretty serious said Mom.

Aunt V and Mom are looking at me, not mad but not smiling either.

What? I was blushing, but also a little worried about what was coming next.

You are in love, said Mom.

I guess I am. He makes me feel like I can do anything!

Just make sure you keep everything above the waist young lady! Said Mom.

Of course, Mom.

Well, at least we know he cares, said Aunt V! Trying to support me a little.

I will give you that one, V. My mom was smiling.

Like always, they wanted to see the pictures we sent each other. May thought it was an adorable picture with his sisters.

Dinner again was great, Caleb grills a great fillet. The piece he gave me was huge! It was a lot bigger than I'm used to. I ate it all.

We had white Zinfandel wine with dinner, I loved it. Hank said it's a great wine for beginners when drinking wine. I told him I loved it.

After dinner, Terri and Bree took me for a ride in Terri's ZL1 Camaro. She took us along the curvy mountain roads. The Camaro took the tight curves with ease. The engine had a deep throaty roar to it.

Every time she accelerated you could feel the power. Terri was a master with the manual transmission. The engine sounds a lot different from the high revving of Aunt V's Porsche 911. Terri is an excellent driver like Aunt V. Pure concentration.

Riding with them was a lot of fun. The curvy mountain roads made it even more fun. Terri slowed down and we just started cruising. Terri, you're a great driver, I complimented her

I had a great teacher!

Who?

Aunt Bree of course!

You?

Yes me. I have been driving one vehicle or another since I was 14 years old. My father taught me. I can operate anything from 2 to 14 wheels. Bree said.

Wow! That's impressive. I said.

It's the one thing I do a lot better than Caleb! Terri said.

Bree and Terri laughed.

Well, I hope you will teach me! I said.

Maybe we can get a track to practice on and some time. You'll need a car first and a license! Bree said.

I want a Camaro SS. I said.

This girl has taste, Terri said

I told you! She's a smart girl! Bree said

You sure did Bree!

Well, you have plenty of time to shop for a car, sweetie. Bree said.

Aunt V has two empty spots in her garage too!

That's great, honey; the sun out west can be brutal on the paint job. Terri said.

I think you should consider an SUV for your first car, said Bree.

You are an active young woman, dancing, cheering, and swimming. A young woman needs space for her stuff and friends.

Not to mention if you want to go shopping sometime said Terri.

We giggled together!

We drove back home. I kissed Terri and Steve good night. I helped Ian and Bree take the girls and James to the cabin. Becky hung out with us for a while. She was with her children almost non-stop.

Mom, Aunt V, Becky, and I were talking in the kitchen. Cathy and her mom were outside watching the sunset. Cathy came in; join us, ladies! The sun is setting.

They filled their wine glasses, I grabbed a bottle of water we grabbed blankets and walked out to them. As soon as the men saw the blankets they turned off the TV and joined us.

Becky said V, Ree join me?

I sat between them. We sat at the beach on the end of the patio. I could see everything and everyone. Mom is cuddling with Dan, Hank May, Caleb, and Cathy. I was reflecting again as I always do.

I sat quietly enjoying the closeness of everyone around me. I never felt this kind of closeness ever! It was a great feeling. I knew now true happiness was possible.

I saw the three couples stealing kisses from time to time. I thought of John, I wanted to be stealing kisses at sunrise and sunset. No one said a word as we watched Mother Nature and her magic show.

I ended up with my head resting on my Aunt V's breast. She stroked my hair. As the sun disappeared over the mountain the colors popped brilliantly through mist.

I broke the silence, It's Magical!

Yes, It is Ree! Said Becky. She kissed my Cheek, and I laid my head on her breast for a couple of moments. I saw Mom and Dad smiling at me with pride. Aunt V kissed my cheek too.

If anyone would have told me I would be this happy or loved so much a year ago, I would have said you're crazy! I could feel the love in the air right now. I love this!

John kept popping into my head. I wanted to snuggle with him under a blanket at sunset very badly. I would look at Cathy and Caleb and could picture us in the very same way.

The show was over and everyone was getting tired. One last day tomorrow in paradise and it was back home to our routine. While I love it here I still had plenty of things to do at home. I had a boy I missed, and friends to see. Mom, Dad, and I had to go house hunting.

I wore my white babydoll nightie to bed. I noticed Aunt V's hugs were a little tighter than normal.

Auntie V, you've nothing to be afraid of. I am still going to be around. Chances are when I go to school, I'll need more than ever.

I know Ree, but it feels like I am losing my daughter.

You'll never lose me! Besides, you'll see me all the time now.

How's that? I work for you.

I don't plan on quitting, no matter how much money the lawsuit brings in. I need a solid resume for the future. Who is better than a Doctor?

Aunt V smiled through her soft tears and hugged me tightly.

I love you so much Ree, Ree!

I love you too, Auntie V! I cuddled with her.

She fell asleep with a smile.

I was the second one up, May always wakes up first it seems. She and I had a real talk about boys! I told her about John wanting me for a full day when I got back.

Did he say anything about dinner or plans for the night, she asked.

No, he just said he wanted a full day, and he had planned out for us.

Really????

Yes ma'am I said. He said he had something very special for us.

Hmmm!!!!

What????

Ree? Do you love this boy?

Yes, May I think I do. I said.

Because I think he may have a tea ceremony planned for you! May said.

What is a tea ceremony?

Sweetheart, in Korean culture when two young people are in love, they have a tea ceremony to profess their love to one another.

It's an ancient practice that goes back over a thousand years. It stood the test of time for a very good reason.

Did you and Hank have one? Yes, sweetie, we did.

Normally the woman initiates the ceremony. But in your case, John will. May said.

A man can only initiate the ceremony with his parent's blessing.

Does this mean we will get engaged? I asked.

No sweetheart. What it means is you profess a special place in your heart for him and him for you. Do you understand, honey?

I think so.

Do you know what else this means? May asked

What?

It means I need to meet him! I would love you to bring him here.

I would love that!

Good because we need to make this happen. I care about you, Rianna; Hank and I both do. If this young man is half of what you say he is, you might have found your Caleb/Hank.

I don't know about that, but I see a lot of similarities between them.

Well, from everything you told me, he sounds like he loves you.

I hope so, May because I do think I love him.

We sat there together, snuggling under the blanket, watching the sunrise. Terri and Steve showed up and sat in the other swing. Cathy said the sunrise here was spectacular, she wasn't lying! Said Terri.

Hank walked outside. Is there room for one more? I lifted the blanket and kissed his cheek when he sat down.

That's it? He said smiling.

I hugged him tightly. That's what I am talking about! He kissed my forehead.

Steve spoke up. It's beautiful but it's still so early.

Coffee is ready in the kitchen I said.

Sold! Steve said. Does anyone need a refill? Everyone raised their cups. He came back with the pot and two cups.

As Steve started to walk back inside May stopped him.

Steve, could you start the kettle for the tea, please?

Sure May.

I love it here so much.

Just after Steve went inside to start the kettle The Stapleton clan arrived. Poor Ian loaded down with James in a harness and Cat behind him. Bree had Becky behind her and Violet between Bree's legs in the front.

Who's up for blueberry crepes? Asked Ian

Everyone was nodding yes.

Ian looked at me. Come Ree a great chef always needs an assistant.

Yes sir!

I was surprised Mom and Dad were still upstairs. Again none of my business. But so was Caleb and Cathy. I figured the sound of pots and pans and the smell of breakfast would bring them downstairs soon enough.

Ian taught me all about crepes. He is a great chef. He explained just the right ingredients and the proper way to whisk and mix. How the temperature is key. It reminds me a lot of Martina. Once we started it was like a factory banging out crepe after crepe.

I had Cathy's tea cup ready when she and Caleb walked in. Caleb was behind her holding her belly. It was an adorable sight. They were smiling a little more than the previous mornings. Mom and Dad had a similar look to them, too. I poured their coffee too.

Mmmm smells great, you two!

Thanks, Brenda Ian said.

Breakfast will be ready shortly I said.

Thanks! Dad said.

Aunt V walked in, needing some help?

Can you set the table, please? I asked.

Sure thing! Aunt V said.

Now, this was new; Aunt V never set the table at home. But we aren't home. It's not because it's beneath her to set a table. I usually do it. But Aunt V works all day and chases after me after work, so I normally do it. Not because I am told to, it is the right thing to do.

The crepes were great, and the family breakfast was as good as dinner. I love sitting around the table with everyone. Hank started organizing his tour. This is one of his favorite things. Becky, May, and I stayed behind with Violet and James.

Everyone else loaded up on the quads. I wanted to ride the quad again but I knew there wasn't enough room, plus I have been on the tour already. Becky wasn't interested in bouncing around on the quad for a couple of hours.

They sped off to the vineyard. May said I miss our horses.

You had horses? I said. We had eight horses. But horses are expensive to own.

Between cleaning the Barn, the feed, and the veterinarian bills. The quads are a lot less time and money, even with $4 a gallon gas. The quads are a lot cheaper to run. Plus no horse manure to clean up.

Ree, are you ready for your first Korean cooking lesson?

Absolutely! She took my hand and led me into the kitchen.

Aunt V and Becky went into the living room and played with James and Violet. Violet is barely 3 years old and already has a motherly instinct for her little brother.

May and I made Chicken bulgogi, chicken egg rolls, and fried rice. She also showed me how to make Korean pepper sauce for kimchi. Needless to say, I wrote everything down. She also gave me instructions for the meatballs and a couple of noodle recipes.

While Aunt V and Becky were busy and lunch was fully prepped, we had another conversation about Korean traditions between boys and girls.

May said it wasn't uncommon for the boys to be older than the girls in Korean culture dating. Good Korean boys and young men respect young women. John sounds like a very nice young man.

He's very sweet and handsome, May. He never looks at other girls when we are together.

He's gentle and protective when he has to be. Never aggressive unless he's competing. He has this way of focusing anger into a focused power. I've seen him using it on the football field. He uses it for the immediate goal.

When he was confronted with those drunken boys at the diner, he never lost his cool or raised his voice. He was focused and ready. I have never seen such controlled focus before. It's like a superpower.

He and his friend Julius were outnumbered 4 to 2 and they weren't afraid. Julius is huge compared to John, and Julius knows John is ready for a fight. It was his discipline that gave those boys pause.

He sounds like a good boy, Ree.

It is May! He has a deep respect for family and traditions. He stuck up for me at dinner with his dad and never insulted him. He's smart, too, and an A student. He won a math competition last year.

If you two share a Tea ceremony, I want you to call me honey!

I will, May.

Just remember to keep everything above your waist young lady. You don't want to soil your bright future before it starts.

I won't, May, neither John nor I want that.

Good because Hank and I want to meet him.

We were almost finished with making lunch when everyone returned. We could hear the quads approaching. It sounded like a motorcycle gang approaching.

I checked on the kids, and James was breastfeeding again. Violet was playing dolls with Aunt V; they were both smiling. James hardly ever cries. I helped Becky change his diapers a couple of times.

I held James after Becky finished feeding him a couple of times. He would cuddle right into me. I loved it. His cooing made it so easy to love him. His tiny hands gripped my fingers.

While I knew I'd never have a baby of my own. Caring for James or Cathy's future baby would be an enjoyable experience. I started to do the math; I thought about Cathy, who was due in six months; maybe my summer visit would be timed with her delivery.

Mom and Dad, How was your tour? I took to calling Dan, Dad. It was easier, and to be honest, he had a fatherly way about him. It made my mom smile. Seeing her happy just made it feel more right to do it. Dan always smiles when I say Dad.

Lunch! Called May.

We all sat down at the table, passing and chatting. Dad was raving about the food. I'm glad you like it, I said. I made it! You did? With some help, I winked at May.

My therapist said self-acceptance is important for your self-esteem. Accepting others and accepting you is no less important for your family and friendship. There must be a god or a guardian angel for me somewhere because I would have never made it this far with just Mom and myself.

I looked up and around the house. All these people in my life. They must all be guardian angels of some sort. The biggest, most powerful ones have to be Aunt V, Cathy, and my new Dad. The rest are angels to me in a supportive role. I began to tear up and thought of it all.

I ran upstairs to shed some tears and write in my therapy notebook. I was writing things down when my mom came in. Sweetheart, are you alright? I sniffed a couple of times. Yes, Mom, I'm fine.

You are crying again. Mom stated.

Yes, Mom, but I am fine. Just a little emotional is all.

You wanna talk?

Sure, just give me a couple of minutes.

What are you writing?

Hang on, Mom, I have to finish up.

Mom sat silent while I wrote in my book. My therapy diary was getting long. I was already on my third 200-page notebook. I didn't want to risk putting anything I wrote on a computer. My therapist filled them in on paper.

I closed the book, wiped my tears, and turned to face her.

Remember when I told you I wrote notes about my emotional shifts and my night terrors?

Yes. She said.

Well, this is the notebook or 3 of 3 so far.

Did something downstairs upset you?

No, Mom, not at all. When I experience an event I try to write it down as soon as I can.

Just now I was reflecting on my life and how blessed I am with everyone around me. I was holding James and thought about Cathy and her new baby. I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to help her change the baby and feed and hold her or him.

Then I started thinking about how lucky I was to have everyone down there around in my life. Sometimes I feel guilty other times I am happy. Sometimes I don't feel worthy of my second chance. I said.

You are worthy of a second chance sweetheart. God knows you earn it every day. You made peace with mean girls. You help everyone around you step up their game around you.

You have a wonderful boyfriend and his family adores you. Gosh knows I can't express how proud of you Dan and I are. He already thinks of you as his daughter.

He loves it when you call him Dad.

Mom, are you in love? Yes, sweetheart, I am. He treats me the way I always imagined a man would treat me. I never asked him to do any of the things he's done for me.

He just saw it, asked about it, and did it. I would have never thought about fixing things to the extent he did.

Mom I like him a lot too. He asked me for permission to marry you before we left Vegas. He even asked me about adopting me.

Really!

Mom, I only have one condition for you to marry him. What's that honey? I better be a bridesmaid! Of course, honey, Aunt V is my maid of honor.

Mom who will give you away? I was thinking about that, how do you think Hank would feel about that? My parents have been passed away for years. We should ask May and Cathy first.

We went downstairs to find May and Cathy. Dan was outside on the patio with Cathy, Caleb, and Becky. I started to walk towards the patio and

Ian stopped me. Hold up, Ree!

What's going on? They asked to not be disturbed.

I saw serious-looking faces and notes being taken and exchanged.

Everything okay Ian? Did something happen while I was upstairs?

No nothing like that. Truth be told I don't know. I do know if it was serious we'd already know, so relax a bit.

Cathy, Caleb, Becky, and Dan

Cathy, I would like a word with you, Caleb, and Becky for a couple of minutes, please.

Sure!

Outside, please?

Sure Dan.

Ian!

Yes Becky?

Please see we aren't disturbed.

No problem.

I asked to talk to the three of you because you are very close to Brenda and Rianna. I would like you to draw up a prenup. I already have a will and life insurance for my children and their families. I know Brenda and Rianna are going to be rewarded for the damages they suffered.

I don't want a dime of it. I want to ensure they are protected. Anything you three can do to assist me with this would be greatly appreciated. I will also need help with adopting Rianna. I will pay you for your services. I just want to protect what I have worked for my whole life to date.

We can't directly help you with this, it would be a conflict of interest. But we do know a good lawyer that can. Becky said.

That's very helpful. Thank you.

They gave me a name and number and a list of things I need to provide and do.

I knew you were a good man the second I met you said Cathy smiling.

Becky gave me a number to a lawyer in Vegas. Mr Fountain.

Rianna

I sat playing with Caitlin and Violet. I would occasionally glance out the window, trying to read the situation; old habits die hard. Their faces were all the same. I knew that face Cathy made. I remember it when we were at the DA office. Serious, focused, and direct.

I knew there was no real problem, I didn't see emotion or head shaking. Just a lot of back and forth. Mom was chatting with May and Hank was watching ESPN. Steve and Terri had taken the quads for a ride.

When Terri and Steve got back. I asked if anyone wanted to go for a ride. Bree and Cathy decided to go with me.

I know a couple of great trails, said Cathy.

May says dinner is at 5:00 pm don't be late.

Thanks, Mom!

Cathy strapped the basket to the back of her quad. We each took a quad. We followed Cathy through the vineyard and up a trail. We must road about fifteen minutes uphill. We stopped at a flat spot with a breathtaking view.

Cathy pulled out a blanket, wine, and three glasses. She poured us all a glass. When I was a little girl, this was my favorite spot, my secret spot.

I used to come up here and think, enjoy the view. Whenever I was upset or sad I would jump on a horse and go riding. I always ended up right here.

It's still my favorite place in the world.

It's beautiful said Bree. The air was a bit cold but it smelled so fresh.

You can see for miles, I said.

I love this place. I feel like that little girl when I come up here.

When were you last here? Bree asked.

Not in years. Said Cathy.

The last time I came up here I was on my horse. I miss my horse.

What was his name? Asked Bree. Her name was Brownie. She was an old paint horse.

She was mostly brown. Horses just got way too expensive to maintain and I started living in the city. Mom and Dad had to sell them.

It was sad, but it made sense financially. My parents love this place and so do I.

Have you thought about taking it over, I asked

Thought about it? Only every day! Caleb would love too also. But it's a lot of work. My dad's crew are family to him and his mom.

Maybe one day we can. It has always been my dream to go to the city, make a name for myself, and make a difference. Now, my future dream is to raise my children here.

That's a beautiful goal, Cathy. I said.

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