Chapter 21

From a Distance

You know what they say about seeing things from a distance. Everything appears to be fine or like nothing is wrong. In reality it is nothing but a mirage, like water you may see in a dry area from a distance. People often view other's lives in such a way as well, they envy them for what it seems like they have. They have no idea though; they don't live their daily lives with them. People have viewed the Martins; they think that their lives are ruined because their son was kidnapped, their daughter was shot, their fifteen year old was once and addict, Cody almost lost Bailey, or how Bailey had been raped.

The people that thought this were wrong though; they had no clue that the Martin's were happier than ever. Still thankful that they had each other and survived through the worst. "Junior…stop!" Cailey giggled spraying him with the hose. Spring was finally here and that meant warmer days. The breeze was cool that day, but the sun's rays were brighter than ever. Hot, moist air filled the city of New York with exhausting people. Hailey was standing behind their barn, waiting to attack Cailey and J. with her water gun. They were unaware of their little surprise.

She peeked around the edge of the barn, determining their location. She felt a slight tap on her shoulder and turned to see who it was. Her mother was giggling; Hailey's eyes grew big alarming her of her noise she was producing. She put her fingers to her lips. Bailey pulled a huge water gun out from behind her back; she now had possession of one as well. Great, now it was two against two. That meant it was even so no one would get angry. Hailey peered out over the barn managing to seek them one last time. She nodded at her mother. "On three." She whispered.

She held up her fingers counting them down to three. They ran out preparing to have war, but no one was there. Bailey shrugged at her daughter, confused. Splash, sploosh,wash. The water drowned out Bailey and Hailey as Cody, Junior and Cailey drenched them with the hose and their guns. "Gotcha." Junior yelled laughing. Cody smirked admiring Bailey's undying beauty. He had longed seeing her in a bikini. He rarely got the chance to admire her bodacious body anymore. He missed it, he wanted it.

Her body glistened in the sun, each water crystal reflecting the light from the sun. Her body was nicely tanned just a bit, which complimented her black polka dotted bikini. He smiled at her, winking his eyes. She laughed her flirtatious giggle. Hailey, Cailey, and Junior stood staring at their parents. Unlike most children they loved seeing their parents being flirty. It gave them this indescribable feeling knowing that their parents were still very much in love. They always knew they would be; they had nothing to fear.

Cody was now holding Bailey by the waist. Hailey nudged Cailey with the tip of her elbow. "Here we go again." Hailey smirked quietly. Cailey giggled a bit.

"Eww that is sort of gross now that I think about it." Junior whispered.

Hailey scoffed, "If you think this is gross then you haven't fully lived it." She did a gagging gesture with her finger. Bailey and Cody were now passionately kissing, not caring who was watching at the moment.

"Yea bro she is right. We actually witnessed momma and daddy getting it "on" in the tub. We were only what...uhh...four I think. Now that is gross." She explained. They used their eyes intently, watching them stick their tongues down one another's throat. Cody moved his hands to her shoulders, removing her one of her should straps. It fell to her elbow as he kissed her collarbone lightly. She moaned lightly in pleasure; God how she had missed this. Junior shielded his eyes.

"Yea, okay you guys that's enough. Please get a room before the rest." He was disgusted. Bailey blushed looking at her children with a smile. Cody grabbed Bailey a towel, wrapping around her petite body. He winked his eye at her.

"Hey Bailes, let's go take a bath." He looked over at the girls laughing. Their noses crinkled in disgust. Cody tossed Bailey over his shoulder. Into the house they went leaving their three lovely children behind. Each one laughed then Cailey sighed. "I'm just glad the rough part is over with."

"Agreed!" Hailey replied with a smile.

Meanwhile a neighbor noticed how much fun the family was enjoying themselves. "I just don't get how they could be so cheerful after all they have faced this past year."

"You know they are just thankful is all. They are probably just happy that God has touched their family with the best gift of all, one another. That is really all you need Edna, family and God. With those two things you can survive through anything."