Title: The Park
Author: Evidence
Rating: G
Author's Notes: Thanks to D and the neighbors on Maple Street. Rock on guys.
The wind swept through the trees letting the multitude of colors to spray across the park landscape. Samantha Spade walked through them, her feet kicking at the leaves, as she kept moving. Her heart was beating in a rushing sort of sense. Her hands were clammy inside her black jacket. She kept her eyes down as the wind whipped her hair in several directions. She swallowed hard a few times trying to fight the urge to turn around and go back.
The scene came before her as she rounded a corner. He was there throwing a big yellow ball to the youngest daughter. She watched as an observer for several minutes, not letting them know of her presence. He was smiling brightly, laughing, as he never did at work. Kate, the youngest wore a similar smile. Hanna was off gathering leaves, her back turned to Samantha.
Taking a deep breath Sam walked forward entering the scene, catching the ball before it reached Jack's hands.
"Hello there," he said to her, his smile growing.
"Hey," she responded back noticing Hanna was now turned around with a gloomy expression on her face.
"Hi, Samantha," Kate said giving her a small smile.
"Hanna come over and see Sam." Her father called and slowly the child walked over.
Jack crept closer to her, "I thought you weren't coming."
"I'm late, I know. I just..." She saw by the nod of his head that he understood.
"Do you want to play?" Kate asked looking at the ball in Sam's hands.
"Sure," she said, her stomach flipping at the present moment. She tossed the ball to Hanna who did nothing to pick it up.
"Come on, play." Jack said softly.
"I don't feel like it," Hanna replied.
"I'll play with you," Kate said tossing her a smile.
"Okay, um, grab the ball," Samantha said watching Kate run to get it while Hanna stared at her.
Jack swung his arm around Sam's shoulders. "I know this is tough right now, but it will get better, give her time."
Sam nodded.
Then he whispered in her ear, "Did I tell you yet today that I love you?"
She smiled. "Only like four times."
"That little?" He had laughter in his voice. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Are you going to play or what?" Hanna's voice broke through their moment.
When Sam turned to look at her she was holding the ball. "Sure. Give me your best shot."
Hanna tried to contain a small grin but tossed the ball at Sam's head.
"Hanna!" Jack yelled.
"Nice shot!" Sam said with a laugh.
Hanna was confounded by Sam's attitude. If she thought Sam would get upset, she had thought wrong.
Samantha tossed the ball to Jack. Jack in turn threw it to Kate and so on. Soon Hanna was taking part and nicely lolling the ball to Sam.
"Okay ladies, let's grab some lunch. I know I'm starved." Jack put the ball under his arm.
"Sure!" Kate said rubbing her stomach. "I'm hungry too. What about you Sam?"
Samantha looked at Hanna. "If I'm welcome to join you…"
Hanna shrugged. "Come."
They started off to Jack's car Jack and Kate in the lead while Sam and Hanna trailed behind.
Drawing up some courage Sam spoke, "I didn't want to come today. I felt sick to my stomach."
"Me too." Hanna replied softly.
"I'm sorry Hanna."
Hanna nodded her head. "I'll try."
Sam understood. "Yeah me too."
Jack turned and smiled. "Come on guys, where do you want to eat?"
Life wasn't perfect but while the road was to be difficult, Sam was sure glad she had taken the ride.
The end