Disclaimer: Characters from the Trixie Belden © series are the property of Random House. They are used without permission, although with a great deal of affection and respect. No profit is being made from this unauthorized work of fan fiction. All products and places are respectfully mentioned and not for any personal use or profit.
Written by J&J SmushSisters
Smush Understanding
Chapter One
"I'd better get a gym membership soon. It's too darn cold and slick to run outside," she grumbled. "This sweat suit isn't warm enough for freezing weather." Twenty-four year old Trixie Belden was almost back to Crabapple Farm after her five mile run. She tried to get a run in at least three days a week and lift weights another three as part of her physical training for her job as an agent with the FBI.
It had been over six years since she had lived in Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson. Now she was home after working two years in Virginia after college graduation. Trixie had gone to UVA, majoring in both criminal justice and psychology. The basic college courses had been torture, but once she got into the classes for her degree she excelled in school. Luckily, she received some scholarship assistance from the FBI.
There were two parts to the scholarship agreement. The first part had required that she take extra courses specifically for her summer internship and trainee positions with the FBI. The second part was negotiated specifically by Trixie with the help of Matthew Wheeler and his connections. She would work in Quantico, Virginia for the FBI for two years post graduation and then be assigned to the White Plains bureau. She would be required to work for them for an overall minimum of five years. Part of the agreement was that she could be asked to work a short-term specific case requiring travel annually.
Trixie really didn't want to leave Sleepyside ever again. She was so happy to be home. The years away from her family and the Bob-Whites were hard to endure. She missed them and had only gotten home during college for a few days at Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break and a week or so in summer. The last two years of working had been even harder since she couldn't seem to get time off at the same time as anyone, except Honey Wheeler, her best friend. Trixie hadn't seen the rest of the Bob-Whites in almost a year. The members were scattered to various colleges and locations. E-mail and phone calls kept everyone in contact, but there was nothing like being home and Sleepyside was home.
Brian, Trixie's twenty-seven year old brother, was completing his medical training in New York City. Her "almost twin" brother, Mart, only eleven months older than her, was working as an instructor of English at the local university. Diana Lynch, Trixie's childhood friend and Mart's fiancée, was working her way up from art librarian/curator at the Sleepyside Municipal Museum. Dan Mangan was another Bob-White who pursued the law and was a sergeant with the Sleepyside Police Department, working for Trixie's old nemesis Chief Molinson.
She probably missed the last two Bob-Whites the most. They were her best friends. Honey Wheeler and Jim Frayne, Honey's adopted brother, were as important to Trixie as breathing. Honey had attended UVA with Trixie to get a degree in criminal justice and was currently working on her law degree at Cornell. Honey's goal was to return to Sleepyside after she passed the bar exam. She would either work as a lawyer or open the detective agency with Trixie that they had always dreamed about. Plus, she could support her brother in his dream of opening a school. Honey wanted to help Jim with legal issues relating to custody, adoptions, etc.
Jim had set a very lofty goal to open a school for orphaned/abused children where, beyond an education, they could build self-esteem, learn outdoor skills and activities. He would open the school with boys and then possibly expand from there. Jim's hard work and single-minded focus allowed him to graduate college in five years with double master's degrees in education and psychology. He was currently working on his doctorate in education from Harvard. The last Trixie had heard he would graduate in the spring.
As Trixie ran through the preserve she wondered who would get back to Sleepyside for the holidays. It was ten days before Christmas and she was excited to see everyone. Her transfer to White Plains was effective the Monday after New Year's. She was staying with her parents until her things arrived and she could move into the duplex she was renting. Her belongings were in transit and scheduled for delivery later that day. As much as she loved being back in Sleepyside, she had gotten used to being in her own place and couldn't wait to get settled.
Trixie's thoughts strayed to Jim. From the day she found him at Ten Acres, Trixie had thought Jim Frayne was the most wonderful boy in the world. The last time Trixie had seen Jim had been the previous Christmas, when amazingly everyone had made it back to Sleepyside. It had been a wonderful time. They talked, laughed and hung out with each other.
During that time, Jim and Trixie had attended the New Year's holiday ball at the Country Club together. At midnight, Trixie had expected a fond look and kiss on the cheek from Jim. Instead she got a sweet, but thorough kiss that curled her toes. The next day, Jim acted like nothing special had happened, but Trixie's whole world had changed.
She returned to Virginia and dreamt of Jim. They exchanged frequent e-mails, as did all the Bob-Whites. Then this past October she stopped receiving messages from him. Honey said he was busy with his thesis and barely contacted anyone. Trixie had tried to call Jim, but he never answered. She left messages asking him to call when he could, but he didn't do that either. Honey would be back at the Manor House tomorrow when her finals were done, so Trixie would find out then if Jim was coming home for the holidays.
Trixie came out of the preserve onto Glen Road to head back to her parents' house for breakfast. She was just in time to see a black SUV turn off the road onto the overgrown, rutted driveway of Ten Acres.
No one should be there, thought Trixie. It's posted no trespassing and there had been a chain across the drive. I wonder if they may be lost.
Trixie ran up the driveway toward where the old mansion had once stood. When the fire set by Jim's evil stepfather had finally been put out, the remaining structure was deemed unsafe so Matthew Wheeler had it bulldozed. She stopped about half way up the drive to observe the SUV and driver. It was definitely a man based on the height and broad shoulders. He was easily 6'4" and obviously well-built even with the hooded heavy coat he wore.
Trixie watched as the man rolled out what looked like a map or set of plans on the hood of the vehicle. He anchored the papers down with some rocks off the ground then leaned over them. Periodically, he would raise his head to look around the old house's foundation and land.
She carefully moved closer to the man and truck. Trixie paused occasionally to check the ground for twigs or leaves that would alert him to her presence. When Trixie was about thirty feet away, but still in a position to run down a side path to the farm, she watched the man and waited. Finally she said loudly, "Excuse me are you lost? I'd be happy to give you directions. This is private property and I need for you to leave."
Other than straighten up, the man made no move to turn around or speak.
Trixie tried again. She said firmly, "As I said, this is private property. I need for you to leave or I will have to call the police and report you trespassing." Again, the man didn't turn around, but Trixie did notice him shaking, like he was laughing at her. She always had a temper and the thought of him laughing made her see red. She took a step forward and said, "Fine, I'm dialing the police now."
The man's shaking continued. Then Trixie heard a voice she knew as well as her own say, "Déjà vu, Shamus. I would think you of all people would remember that I own this land. Now where's my shotgun?" As he spoke, the man turned, laughing heartily. Standing there was James Winthrop Frayne II, the most wonderful man in the world.
A whispered "Jim" and then a happy squeak were all Trixie could get out before she ran, jumped and threw her arms around his neck knocking down his hood. She buried her face in his warm neck. Jim hugged her tightly to his chest and put his own face into her curly blonde hair to enjoy the sunshine scent that was Trixie.
Trixie said into his neck, "I'm so glad you got to come home for Christmas. I was hoping to see you. I've missed you so much. Why didn't you answer my e-mails or calls?"
Jim chuckled and tightened his hug briefly before setting her onto her feet. As 5'6" she was almost a foot shorter than him but he kept his arms around her waist to keep her close. He smiled down into her eyes and then tugged on "his" curl. "I was busy finishing my doctorate early. You are talking to a man who is finally, happily, done with college and ready to start living outside a book again."
"You're done? Out of school for good? Are you home to Sleepyside?" Trixie eagerly asked, a hopeful look on her face.
"Yep," Jim replied with a big grin on his face. "All done with college, but after the first of the year the real work to get my school started begins."
"Dr. Frayne, I am so proud of you," Trixie said softly, with happiness shining in her eyes. "That's just wonderful", Trixie said as she hugged him tight. She looked up and said, "Congratulations!" She then rose up to kiss him on the cheek. At the last moment, Jim turned his head and their lips met in a quick, sweet kiss.
Jim looked into Trixie's startled sapphire eyes with green ones twinkling with happiness, running the back of a finger along her cheek. "I got into New York from Boston really late yesterday. I spent the night at my folks' penthouse before getting up early to come home. I'll be living at Manor House for now. My personal stuff from college will be here by Friday. I'm really sorry I didn't take the time to call you, but I couldn't afford the distraction and day-dreaming that contacting you would have been."
"I don't know how I could have distracted you but I'm just glad you're here." Trixie replied with a smile that turned into a huge grin. "I myself am on leave through the holidays and then I start work at the White Plains FBI office the Monday after New Year's. My belongings are being delivered later today. You can be the first visitor to my duplex apartment."
"Awesome!" Jim cried loudly as he picked Trixie up and twirled her around. After a few turns, he set her down and gave her a big hug where he tucked her head under his chin and just enjoyed absorbing the essence of Trixie.
As for Trixie, she was enjoying her moment in Jim's arms and never wanted to leave. She had loved him since she was thirteen and now was the time to let him know how she felt. Trixie had just burrowed closer to Jim's chest when suddenly she heard a whirring noise. Realizing it was the window of Jim's SUV going down behind him, Trixie leaned back to take a quick look at Jim who shut his eyes and groaned.
Suddenly, a petulant female voice was heard saying, "Jim! We need to get to Manor House right away or we'll be late. You know the mothers and Honey are waiting for us to talk about the wedding." There was a brief pause and then the voice said, "Oh, hi, Trixie. It's good to see you again."
Trixie slowly peeked around Jim as he turned towards the car. She pulled out of his embrace and stared at Sally Wellington.
"Sally. Wow, you're engaged?" Trixie stuttered as her whole body started to shake from the intense emotions coursing through her. She suddenly felt like she had dropped into freezing water.
Sally leaned toward the open window, her hazel eyes gazing up at Jim as she stuck out her left hand, flashing a beautiful large diamond in a thick setting toward Trixie. "Oh yes! Isn't my ring just absolutely gorgeous? I can't stop looking at it."
"Lovely," Trixie murmured quietly with moisture appearing in her eyes. She straightened to her full height and proudly said, "Listen I have to go finish my run because I have an appointment. Congratulations to you both. I'll see you around, Sally." Turning to Jim, looking up at him with sad, vacant blue eyes, she said softly, "Congratulations, Jim. I wish you all the best."
Turning on the heel of her running shoe, Trixie half ran and half stumbled toward the woods surrounding Ten Acres. She thought Jim called after her, but she couldn't stop her flight nor stay in the clearing where she had found Jim in the old mansion. With each beat of her broken heart, the pain pounded through her body.
Jim and Sally engaged to be married! It can't be! I'm the one in love with him. I have been in love with him for eleven years. Trixie ran faster and faster, trying to outrun her pain and thoughts. It was impossible. The pain and hurt finally overtook the fast pace of her feet. When did they meet again? Why didn't Honey tell me? That's why he never called. She cried aloud as she fell to her knees. Heartbreaking sobs wracking her entire body.
After her body was spent and she had no more tears, Trixie sat up straight and wiped her face on the sleeve of her hoodie. She took several deep breaths as she shivered from the shock and cold.
This has to be just a horrible nightmare. Trixie thought for the thousandth time since escaping into the preserve. Well, there isn't anything I can do about it now. Jim and my dreams about him are gone for good now. Sniffing again and cleaning up her face as best she could, Trixie set off for Crabapple Farm to get ready to meet the movers.
Oh, lord, how am I going to live in Sleepyside with Jim married to Sally? Trixie bit out as she started to run again to once again try to outrun her thoughts. Now I'm stuck here watching them for at least a two year rotation. Damn, I wanted to make a permanent move home.
She continued to run for another 15 minutes through the woods as she contemplated different ways she could avoid Jim and Sally over the holidays until she could see them without crying. Her thoughts and plans in place, Trixie came out of the woods by Lytell's store. Running down Glen Road, this time she turned into the drive to Crabapple Farm. Luckily, when she opened the door to the service porch, she heard Moms in the kitchen. She didn't want her mother to see her sad and tearstained face. She just wasn't ready to talk to anyone about the hurt that was still throbbing throughout her body, specifically her heart and mind.
"Moms!" she called as she made her way to the stairs, her shoulders slumped with sorrow. "I'm back. I need to shower and get across town to the duplex to meet the movers. I'll be down for coffee in a bit."
Trixie had successfully made it over half way up the stairs by the time she heard her Moms' reply of "OK, dear. You need to hurry. You were out running longer than you normally do."
Trixie's shower took longer than normal. As the water ran soothingly over her, thoughts of Jim and his engagement to Sally again assaulted her mind and the tears flowed once more. After she had exhausted her tears a second time, Trixie finished her shower. After assessing the damage that crying had done to her face, she did her best to hide the red puffy eyes and nose with makeup. She got dressed, gathered her purse and luggage and stepped slowly down the stairs to the kitchen.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her mother looked up at her. "Trixie, are you alright? You look like you've been crying or have a cold," Helen said as she pressed the back of her hand onto Trixie's forehead. "Are you OK, dear?"
"Sure, Moms, I'm fine. I was just out in the cold and then in a hot shower too long," Trixie said as she filled her travel mug with coffee. "I really need to get going to meet the movers."
"Did you hear the news about a wedding at Manor House?" Moms asked.
"Yes," Trixie answered cautiously with her head down and her eyes on the muffin she was eating.
"Imagine, a wedding on Glen Road," Helen said as she bustled around the kitchen wiping counters. "It's been years since we had one."
Trixie's eyes filled again as she choked on a bite of muffin. "I ran into Jim and Sally on my run. Sally couldn't wait to tell me and show me her diamond," Trixie said, turning away to quickly wipe her eyes.
When she turned back, Helen exclaimed, "It is just so exciting! A wedding amongst you kids who ran around together. Maddie asked if I could help her with suggestions for the happy couple."
Trixie's blue eyes overflowed again with tears. She didn't think she could be more hurt and shocked by her mother's happiness and excitement. Ducking her head and quickly grabbing her things, Trixie walked briskly to the door. "Moms, I'm going to work on getting my place set up after the movers get done. I'll stay there tonight. Since tomorrow is Friday, why don't you and Daddy come over Saturday as planned to see the place." She was out the door acting calm and cool even though she was shaking so hard she could hardly walk. Once outside she trotted to her Rav4 as fast as she could without running.
Helen popped her head out the door calling, "That's fine, Trixie. We'll call your cell first. I need to call Maddie in an hour. I'll call you tonight about five to see if you need Daddy and me to bring you dinner. Drive carefully."
Trixie threw her bags into her vehicle, started it up, and drove like all the demons in the world were on her tail down the driveway toward her duplex. She immediately slowed as sobs racked her body and tears once again streamed down her face.
Meanwhile, back at Ten Acres, Jim stared after Trixie as she ran down the driveway and into the preserve. "What happened?" Jim said to himself. "One second she's finally in my arms and then, 'poof,' she's running away."
"Seriously Jim," Sally whined, "Mother is going to be so upset. You picked me up from the train station almost an hour ago."
Was she this whiny when we were teenagers? Jim thought silently, briefly closing his eyes while rolling up the blueprints. He'd drop Sally off and let Honey deal with her. "OK, bride-to-be, let's go."
A few minutes later, Jim pulled his black SUV into the garage of the Manor House. Tom opened Sally's door and helped her out and grabbed her large Louis Vuitton suitcase. "I'll bring Miss Wellington's luggage upstairs, Jim. Your mother said to tell you they are in the sunroom."
"Thanks, Tom. Is Honey home yet?"
"Yes, she got in about twenty minutes ago. I believe she is with everyone discussing the wedding."
Jim and Sally walked into the Manor House and down the hallway to the sunroom. Laughter flowed out the doorway, greeting the two of them as they walked into the plant filled room.
"Jim!" Honey cried, jumping up from the chair and wrapping her arms around him. "I've missed you so much! How have you been? I know you've been school busy, but how have you really been, beyond your doctorate?"
"I've missed you too, sis." Jim laughed, hugging her tightly. "No one asks questions like you do. I'm fine. " Jim answered, "And I am officially finished. You are now the sister of a full-blooded adopted doctor." Jim's green eyes twinkled as he grinned at her; laughing at her "Honey-speak" string of questions and his similar responses.
Madeline Wheeler stood up and walked over to her son and wrapped him in her arms. "Jim, I am so proud of you. Matthew is going to be beside himself."
"I hope so. I always want to make you proud, Mother." Jim said kissing her on the cheek.
"Jim, you always have and you always will." She whispered in his ear, "I know Katje and Win would have been proud of you, too." As she leaned slightly back, Jim noticed Maddie's tear-filled eyes and proud smile.
Jim hugged his beautiful mother, marveling at his luck at being adopted into the Wheeler family. It was all because of Trixie. Jim stood back from his mother and looked at Honey, "Have you talked to Trixie yet?"
"No, I came up here as soon as I got in to say hello to everyone." Honey said as she stepped closer to Jim.
"Well, she looked rather rumpled when we saw her, but I would have known her anywhere. Still a tomboy," Sally interjected with a flip of her hair as she picked up two sample invitations to compare.
"You saw her?" Honey asked glancing between Sally and Jim. "Where?"
"Up at Ten Acres. I stopped by to check out the new blueprints and with that sixth sense she has, she came running up the driveway thinking I was trespassing," Jim answered smiling, remembering the brief kiss. "She ordered me off my own property before she rushed off."
"Jim said it would just be a minute, but it seems like we were there forever," Sally complained. "But Trixie really loved my ring. She thought it was beautiful. Sally stretched her hand out, admiring her ring.
"Trixie saw your ring?" Honey inquired with a quirk of her brow.
"Of course, I had to show her once I realized who she was. She even congratulated me on my engagement, Sally answered blithely, going to sit with her mother on the love seat.
"And you said she ran off?" Honey asked Jim, her forehead wrinkled in thought.
"Yes, but she was out running, maybe she had somewhere to be." Jim shrugged.
Honey's hazel eyes narrowed suddenly. "Um, Jim could you help me get drinks for everyone, Honey said, pulling him out of the room.
"Honey, Celia already brought drinks up," Mrs. Wheeler said, but her children were already out of the room and out of earshot.
Honey was physically pulling Jim down the hallway. When she reached the den, she pushed him inside and shut the door behind her. "Jim, you idiot!"
"What? Wait a darn minute. What did I do now?" Jim questioned Honey with a baffled look on his face.
"Can you really be that dense? Look at the facts, please," Honey said, ticking them off on her fingers. "One, Trixie ran into you and Sally at Ten Acres. Two, Sally showed Trixie her engagement ring, and talked about getting married. Three, Trixie ran off after that."
"AND? You're going to have to be a bit more specific," Jim said trying to control his temper.
"Jim you idiot…"
"Stop calling me that!"
"Trixie thinks you're engaged to Sally!" Honey announced.
Jim stared at Honey with his mouth open for several seconds. "No way!" he said emphatically. "Trixie knows better than that. She's my special girl."
"Does she know this? Have you told her?" Honey replied glaring at her brother. "You've never dated her. You haven't seen each other in a year and until today you haven't talked to her since at least September. To top that all off, the first time she sees you, you're with Sally Wellington who flashes a diamond at her and starts babbling about a wedding."
Jim's eyes widened from shock as each of Honey's painful accusations hit him as surely as the lashes from Jonesy's whip.
Marching right up into his face, Honey demanded, "While talking to Trixie about the wedding did you mention Ben at all?"
All the color drained out of Jim's face as Honey had been speaking. "No," he moaned. "Neither Sally nor I mentioned Ben." Honey moved closer as the realization of what had happened hit him.
"Oh my God, I am a jerk!" Jim said dropping to the wingback chair and putting his head in his hands. "How do I fix this?"
