One Boy's Journey Chapter 25

Written by Brianna Demonet

The next morning I was up at 6. I went downstairs. May was up. She handed me a Korean espresso, took my hand, and we went to the back porch, sat in the swing, sipping our espresso, and watching the sunrise.

I was cuddled up with May in a blanket. Mom walked out with espresso in hand.

Do you have room for one more?

I lifted the blanket and snuggled between my mom and my adopted grandma. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

Dad and Hank walked out just as we finished our espresso.

This is a beautiful sight to see, said my new Dad.

It's a very lovely sight! Said Hank.

The sunrise here is magical, I said.

Those are great too, but that's not what I meant. Dad took a picture of the three of us cuddled up together.

I think this (pointing at us) is what Dan meant. Are the three of you! Hank said.

I know what you meant Mom said, smiling at Dan.

Caleb walks out and refills anyone. He fills our cups and escorts Cathy outside. He sat her in the other swing, handed her a blanket walked back, and got her a cup of tea and his espresso.

I could see how in love they were. Caleb was already catering to Cathy. It was a beautiful sight to see. He didn't have to do it! He wanted to.

She lifted the blanket for him and snuggled up to him, her head on his muscular chest; he wrapped his strong, protective arms gently around her. Cathy had a loving smile that never faded.

I want that right there! I said.

What's that asked Mom.

That! I pointed at Caleb and Cathy. That's the kind of love and relationship I want.

Cathy said it would happen, but sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince! She ran a fingernail across his jawline and he softly kissed her.

I love you more every day, Cat.

And so do I, my prince.

We all smiled at them. We continued to watch the sunrise, the mist was heavier this morning. The sun's rays sparkled through the mist like a magical spell.

We sat there quietly, enjoying the show Mother Nature put on display. Years later I still come back here, sometimes just for the sunrise and sunsets!

Caleb, Hank, and Dan disappeared inside the house soon after their comments. I heard pots and pans rattling around. My mom went to get up and I put my hand on her leg to stop her.

May said to relax, Brenda, it's the boys' turn to cook breakfast.

Dan doesn't really cook much. Maybe not, but my son-in-law does, and his French toast is to die for!

I thought we were making crepes. I asked.

Tomorrow said, Caleb.

Dan came out and handed Cathy a second cup of tea. Caleb thought you might want a hot cup!

Thanks, Dan.

Dan smiled brightly.

He smiled even more lovingly at my Mom. Mom leaned forward a bit and Dan kissed her lips softly. He walked back inside. My Mom was playing with her engagement ring. If I didn't know better I'd say you found a man like my Hank! Said May.

He's been a godsend, said Mom. He saved my child, helped put those boys behind bars, and now he has stolen my heart.

He's a good man, Brenda; take good care of him.

I will May, that you can count on.

Mom, he's the best Christmas gift ever!

Ohh!! Sweetheart! She hugged me. We sat outside swinging. The sun popped over the high ridge of the valley, it was breathtaking!

A few minutes later we heard the quads arrive. The Stapleton clan came out to the porch. Ian took the girls inside the house.

I heard Caleb say; It's under control, brother. Grab a cup and relax!

Ian opened the door and out ran the girls. They hugged the stuffing out of all three of us. Ian sat everyone down and then grabbed an espresso and hot chocolate for the kids. Ian sat between Becky and Bree.

It might seem strange to most people when meeting them. But I never had a second thought about it. You could see their shared love. The girls called Ian Daddy and Becky and Bree's Mom with equal affection.

I could tell Becky was in charge, but she wasn't authoritative. Bree and Ian shared taking care of things without Becky asking or demanding.

I never asked why or what was up with your relationship. I figured if they want me to know they'll tell me. I could tell it was similar to Taylor and Aunt V minus the kids and Ian. But everyone is happy no yelling or hitting. That's a hundred times better than some of the families I have seen.

My Mom raved about Caleb's French toast! It was great. Caleb put whipped cream on the girl's french toast; they loved it. When it came to those kids, Hank, Caleb, and Ian were Teddy bears!

Steve and Terri rolled in just as we started breakfast. They stayed in Napa at a hotel. There was no room here. Shame they missed the sunrise.

Way to go, big brother! Papa's French toast!

Nothing but the best little sis! They smiled at each other.

Coffee? Hank offered. Please! Steve said.

It was a good morning!

We ladies organized another trip into town. I wore a bright red turtleneck Sweater dress I got for Christmas from Cathy; I wore my black waist belt and black knee-high boots with black leggings. I wore my black angel push-up bra, my new gold watch, and some gold bangles that John bought for me at the mall kiosk.

The ladies didn't take me to town. We stopped at an adult store. It wasn't a seedy store like some you see. It was a nice-looking store.

I can't go in there.

Why not? You look 20 years old all dressed and made up! Said Mom. You are far more mature about things at your age than most other girls. You want a new tool to dilate with. You will also need to learn how to use your new equipment.

This isn't what I meant! Well, maybe a little! But this?

Bree spoke. Rianna dear, everyone in this car has a toy or two like what they sell. You, my dear, need a toy or two to keep yourself maintained for the future.

Besides, said Terri you might like some nice footwear if they have any!

The girls all giggled!

Becky took command: come on, ladies. Let's go toy shopping!

We all got out of the car. I tried to stay out of sight as we entered. It was a very clean and organized store. We went straight to the so-called toys!

I could not believe the variety and selections. My Mom said pick two! I chose one that was a bit larger and longer than my dilator. It had a wireless remote control and vibration feature. I chose another that had a pulsating action to it.

Good choice, Ree said Terri, I have one just like it.

We went to the clothing section. I saw a huge variety of high heels and boots I never saw in any regular store. I saw a pair in Aunt V's closet once, then shortly after I moved in. They disappeared, probably to the basement.

Mom had me try on a pair of black boots similar to mine, but instead of 4-inch heels, these were 6" spiked heels. I was ready to leave when Becky said you need a pair of 6-inch heels young lady!

If you want to be a lawyer you need to be a shark!

Sharks command respect, and 6-inch heels command respect and intimidate men!

She's right said Cathy.

Mom and May nodded in agreement. I looked at Terri and she nodded at me. I ended up with 2 pairs of boots and 2 pairs of shoes, red and black for both, my two new toys, as they called them.

I was looking through the shiny leather and plastic-type clothes they had.

Mom said after you're 21, you can buy club clothes, but not yet.

I didn't understand what club clothes meant. I figured I'd ask in the car.

Mom paid for everything in cash.

We stopped by Walmart on the way home. May started shopping for food and house supplies. Everyone picked out a few things. My Mom bought batteries and some rechargeable batteries. I bought a new Bluetooth headset for my new phone and tablet.

I was about to get to the express lane for my purchase. Becky grabbed my stuff, and everyone else's. Sorry, ladies, not today! My treat this time! Becky said in a semi-authoritative tone.

May started to say something.

Becky said May, your family is generous to a fault. Allow me to contribute to this holiday season. Please May?

May bowed her head a bit. Thank you Becky was all she said.

We stopped at a local bar and grill for lunch. It was great being one of the girls.

So what do you think the boys are doing? Asked Aunt V. I heard Ian talking about grilling salmon or steak for dinner tonight said May.

Ian's an artist in the kitchen said Becky.

He could run his restaurant I said.

He could if he wanted to. Ian runs my entire household. I would have to hire three people just to replace him he does so much. Becky said.

Ian's efforts are never taken for granted, are they Bree?

No, ma'am, they are not. Ian saved me from getting roughed up by a couple of biker-looking guys in a nightclub one night. I don't know what happened, but he walked out without hardly a scratch and they were carried out by the bouncers and the police.

A real-life knight in shining armor, I said.

Very much so said Bree. I nicked and named him a Hero. Because that's why he is a real-life hero.

You are too, Bree. Don't be modest! Said, Becky!

Years ago, when Bree first arrived, I had computer and network issues. Bree found the hack, brought in Terri and that led to the downfall of Sally Preston and the late Martin Compton.

When the smoke cleared, there were over 40 indictments and 30 convictions, from at least another 10 investigations. Steve and his father, Robert Mills, a lieutenant with California state police at the time, headed the investigation with a local detective and the FBI.

It was a tense 6 months. But in the end, Bree, Terri, and Steve's help saved my firm and all my clients from a major disaster. The whole time we were consumed with this, Ian held the fort down with his friend Keith and my in-house PI Rick.

Needless to say, my people are invaluable to me. Cathy and her records and documentation were also a huge part of this. That's why Carol and I promoted her from legal secretary to junior partner. Now Cathy is a full partner. Again, thank you, Cathy; we'll never forget what you did for everyone! Becky said.

Cathy blushed.

Your daughter is a brilliant attorney, May. She is an asset and my friend. I know you know how proud I am to have her as my colleague and friend. You have a terrific daughter! May blushed and nodded.

I was just listening taking everything in. I knew part of the story from Wired magazine. The Internet was filled with wild conspiracy theories on the subject, none of them even close to what I heard listening to them.

I started talking with Terri and Bree about what they did in more detail. I found out Bree was trained in computers in the Air Force. Terri went to MIT and Notre Dame for computer networking and Computer security.

Terri was a legal white hat hacker of sorts. She had an NSA-level security clearance. This allows her to freelance her work throughout the country testing and improving a company's network system.

Terri said she just finished a big job at the Marcy's/Target franchise. I was excited to hear more. Bree told me she was the Network administrator for the law firm and consulted with Terri regularly between her bid jobs.

Terri loved it, she could travel and pick and choose her jobs. The bigger the job the more time off she had to spend with Steve. Steve, for the most part, had a regular schedule. He was just promoted to the director position at the San Francisco Crime Lab. He was made lieutenant 3 years earlier than his Dad, who is now the chief of internal affairs for the entire state of California.

The more I listened the more I wanted to be an attorney and share in these adventures. Steve told me how Becky had won a disability case for his uncle a fireman injured in the line of duty.

Cathy asked Mom about things in Ohio. She said Isabella Newhouse was her new and best client. She said Mrs Newhouse was always asking how I was doing, what I was doing. Mom said she didn't say much except I was in therapy and school and adjusting to a new life.

Good, Cathy said. Don't share too much with her. I don't; I also told my girls not to talk about the incident, either. If people want to know they can look up the court records and find out more.

How's the salon doing? Cathy asked.

Busier than ever. Dan and I, with some help from some friends, remodeled the inside and added two new stations. I had to hire 2 stylists and another nail technician. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

After the criminal case was settled with the Newhouse family, it seems all the rich people in town decided my salon was the place to go. I told my girls to save their money but I didn't tell them why.

I just hope they listened. I want to move out to Vegas this summer before school starts for Ree again if I can help it. My goal is to start school again.

Just keep everything on the down low for now, Brenda; I will be scheduling a mediation conference very soon. Ree you may want to keep up with your studies because you will probably have to come back for it too.

Who's meditating? Brenda (my mom) asked.

A retired judge from Indiana. I don't know her, but I do know she has no ties to the Newhouse family or friends. I have got my ducks in a row. So, for now, just play it cool.

Have you heard anything about how those boys are doing in their new locations? I asked.

Bond and Jeffries are not fairing very well in prison. So much so that they are appealing the sentence they plead to. Not much hope there. The innocent project called me and Mr Summers and asked about the case. We sent them everything as legally required too.

When we talked again it didn't sound like they were interested in trying to free two men guilty of felony assault and attempted murder.

The Newhouse boys have it almost as bad. They are trying their best to stay out of trouble. Their parents are spending a lot of money on canteen credits for other inmates to keep them out of trouble.

At least in the case of the Newhouse boys, there's a chance they might have learned their lesson. Cathy said.

I hope they don't come after my Ree said, Mom.

I doubt they know where she's at. If they want to look they might be able to find her. Cathy said.

But she isn't a threat to them. Mom said.

They'd be stupid to try anything. When the Newhouse boys get released their juvenile records are sealed and cannot be held against them unless they violate their extended parole and the suspended sentence terms. Cathy said.

Cathy, remind me what that means exactly.

It means they have to keep their noses clean for 20 years after their release. Any offense above a civil infraction and they go straight to federal prison. Let's not forget 20 years in a chastity cage too! They can thank their mother for that idea! Cathy answered.

What! said May and Terri.

Oh, you didn't know part of their plea deal was 20 years in a chastity cage and monitored by the court. It was Mrs Newhouse's Idea! Not mine, but was one of the reasons I agreed to present the plea to Rianna and Brenda. Cathy said.

Well I am glad they're behind bars said May.

Me too, said Terri.

You know I sometimes think I should thank them. I said.

What? said Terri.

I'm confused said Mom.

Think about it for just a minute; I mean, really think! I was a boy, a tiny, pathetic, and very lonely boy. I had no friends, no direction, and no goals. My family consisted of me, my Mom, and Aunt V.

Now 7 months later, I am a girl with direction, goals, friends, and a new extended family that loves me as much as I love them. I have a boyfriend I love and a school I love.

I have a dance mentor and the world's best role model a girl could ever ask for. The cost to get here was traumatic, yes. I am still dealing with the horror of it all.

With everyone at this table and the men at the house, I am not just surviving I am thriving. I owe all of you for your support.

Aunt V, without you and Mom giving me a fresh start out west, I would have never made it this far.

Cathy, you not only protected me as a lawyer, but you gave me a newfound focus and an extended family I proudly call my own. Besides you're the best big sister any girl could have.

May you and Hank embrace me as your granddaughter. Caleb makes me feel like his little sister and talks to me like I always imagined a big brother would.

Dan or Dad, as I call him, now saved my life and is now engaged to my mom. Becky gave Cathy the support and freedom to support and protect us.

Bree, you are like a big sister; we know each other's plights. It's great being able to lean on you for advice and comfort.

Terri and Steve are my heroes from Wired magazine. They say never meet your heroes because they let you down. That's not true I am very proud to have met you both. Terri, you are everything Caleb said you were and more!

I indeed lost a lot with my incident. But I have been given so much more in return. Am I ready to forgive attackers? I don't know, maybe someday when my night terrors and panic attacks stop.

All I can say is I'm blessed to be a part of all of you.

I didn't realize I went on a tangent for a couple of minutes, but I guess I did. I was sitting next to Mom and she just hugged me hard. I teared up a bit (I do that a lot now), but it felt good.

Come on ladies we have men and children waiting for us at home, said May.

We all load up. Cathy drove us back to the house. Ian and Caleb were in the kitchen. Dan and Hank were watching a college bowl game. James was taking a nap, the girls were playing with dolls under the dining room table.

We walked through the door. Hank said well I guess I can start the tour now?

Maybe tomorrow honey?

If you say so May.

Sorry, honey, I know you wanted to give a tour, but we needed some serious girl bonding.

Well, May, did you girls bond?

May looked at me and smiled, we sure did!

How are the grandkids?

They have had a lot of fun today. Caleb and I took the girls on a quad ride and we made them hotdogs for lunch.

James woke up and started crying. Excuse me said Becky. She started breastfeeding James. He was hungry. As soon as she picked up James he quieted down. I found her breastfeeding to be a very beautiful moment, I shed a tear.

Ree!! Ian called me.

Ree, can you make a Caesar salad for us?

Sure! I started getting things together.

Ian was sauteeing Portabella mushrooms and onions with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and making a shrimp scampi. Caleb started grilling the salmon. The whole house smelled like a house should smell on the holidays.

I was loving my family and the holidays. But I was missing John something fierce. I wonder how my friends were doing. I was glad I sent out my birthday party invitations before I left.

I was looking forward to it. John wanted to do something special for me, but with our schedules, we didn't have time. He wanted us to have a full day together for it. Tomorrow was our last full day and then we were flying home.

I wanted to go house hunting with Mom and Dad. I was hoping for a house close to Aunt V . There was a nice one similar to Aunt V's down the street. I wasn't sure how much it cost. But I walked by it dozens of times.

It was on the market from the time I moved in. It wasn't brick on the outside like Aunt V's. It was stucco. But it had the Spanish clay roof and a big arched entrance and a 4 car garage and a pool.

I wanted pool access; a community recreation pool would be fine, too. The only thing I would object to is another trailer park. I don't want to sound snotty or snobby, but I think after all Mom and I have been through, we earned that right.

I finished both my reflections and the salad. I started setting the table. Terri came and helped. Steve was outside with Caleb. Becky walked into the kitchen.

Ian, honey how long before dinner is ready?

About 30 minutes.

Ree, can you run me back to the cabin? I would like to freshen up quickly. I ran upstairs and put on my black Stirup leggings and my boots. I grabbed my shoulder purse and we were off.

I rode a little faster than I normally do. Becky was holding my waist tightly. We got there quickly. I helped her off like Caleb does with the ladies. Where's the fire? Becky asked.

Nowhere, I just thought you might want an extra few minutes to yourself.

That's very thoughtful of you.

Well, you are the only one who hasn't had five minutes of alone time since we got here.

You're very observant!

It's second nature, Ms Becky.

I thought formally addressing her was appropriate for my answer.

Before my incident, I was bullied a lot. I developed skills in observation and anticipation, it worked most of the time. Just not when someone is lying in wait for you.

When your Aunt V called us and told us what happened to you. I immediately sent my youngest and brightest attorney.

Cathy?

Cathy, just like my friends Carol and Judy are the few attorneys I can trust without checking on them all the time. I told Cathy to do her thing and protect him.

Becky was efficient, she and I were talking the whole time as she was getting ready. She changed into jeans, a red cashmere turtle neck sweater, and boots similar to mine.

Becky was in her mid-forties to early fifties, I assumed by the stories she told and Terri and Caleb's age. She had the body of a college cheerleader. She looked like she was still in her thirties.

I cannot thank you enough for Cathy. When she arrived in Ohio for the first time, she put me at ease. She took me to Ulta for my hair, makeup, ear piercings, and a nail salon.

When I mentioned I loved her nose stud she took me to a tattoo shop and gave me one like hers. Because of her, I started to feel like a girl.

What made you decide to want to be an attorney all of a sudden? Asked Becky.

Cathy! She was fearless, she put protecting me in front of all the bullshit she could see coming down on me. The DA had a plan it wasn't a great plan. But when Cathy mentioned hate crime he completely changed his tune.

I watched her carefully, I knew at that moment I wanted to be just like her. Beautiful, powerful, focused, and graceful. She wasn't there to help herself. She was there to protect my Mom and me. I was even more impressed when we were in the conference room after my PTSD panic attack.

She was able to get the DA and the Newhouse's Lawyer, Mr Fisk, to draw the plea bargain, preventing me from having to testify. I looked back on this many times and think if she had not been there all four of those boys would be walking around free right now. I have you to thank too Aunt Becky

Do you want to thank me?

Yes! Anything, name it?

Attain your goal, go to law school, and pass the bar. I will help you get a job in the DA office in San Francisco. After a few years there you will come work for me. I need people I can trust. I need people like you with 360 vision.

What do you mean by 360 vision?

Ree, you were raised in a trailer park; you were bullied most of your young life. You know what it means to be helpless. When a person like you attains power, you have two choices: to be selfish or selfless. You chose selflessness.

I didn't just get into law because I wanted to be rich. I got into law because I wanted to make a difference. Helping those who can't help themselves is the most effective way. I help the helpless like you.

My firm is on retainer with the first responders of California and federal agencies. Are there a few bad apples? Sure there are. But most are caught up in politics with a higher-up trying to cover their asses or an insurance company that doesn't want to pay out what's deserved or needed to help the victim.

I handle divorce cases for first responders and veteran issues as well. We defend big clients too. Our big client case help us fund the little cases.

The Case of Sally Preston's divorce was the biggest case of my career. Without Bree, Terri, Cathy, and Judy, we could have lost. But because of them and my firm's reputation of defending first responders in local and state law enforcement. We got all the help we needed to win.

When I request assistance from law enforcement, it's always above board. When they need my help they only have to ask once. I have never paid them a dime and they never ask. I have bought them lunch when they worked long hours at my firm. They never asked I just ordered them lunch.

Attorneys work long hours, and most of it is mind-numbing and boring. But cases like yours make it all worthwhile. Work hard and listen to Cathy, she'll guide you. When you are ready we'll talk about your future. I want you to work for me, honey! I don't make this offer lightly and it's not out of pity.

You have everything Carol and I look for in an Attorney. Carol's and Bree's parents own a tree farm in Michigan. My father was a mailman. Dr Channel is an old friend. Her parents were both doctors in Bloomington, Indiana. None of us grew up with money.

But we built our lives together to protect each other and attain our goals. You are the kind of person we want to have working with us. You'll see more when you come out in a couple of months.

All I could say was Thank you, Aunt Becky.

You're welcome, sweetheart. We better get going the food will get cold. Caleb grills a great Salom filet. I touched up my makeup. We loaded up on the quad. I rode back a little faster than before. Becky was holding on for dear life. It was only 20 mph but the field roads are not very smooth.