TO THE MOON AND BACK -- PART 6
By the time Maddie reached home, she had stopped shaking. She wearily climbed the steps to her home.
The house was quiet – both Zack and Julie were safely in dreamland. She stood silently in the doorway to Zack's room, just watching him breathe. She knew he was her first priority – she had an obligation to keep him safe and happy. She walked to the bed, ruffled his hair, and kissed him on the cheek, then slowly walked to the den.
Fortified with a glass of wine, she analyzed the evening. It had been a terrific evening until the conversation had turned serious. She had acted like a lunatic -- David must feel elated that he was good and rid of her.
But Zack had to be her first consideration. At the tender age of six – to introduce another change into his life – she didn't think she could do it. For all this time, it had just been the two of them, and it worked just fine. He was well adjusted, a truly great kid – and she was…………….lonely. No use denying it – there was something missing in her life.
Damn David Addison, why did he have to open up this whole can of worms? Then just as quickly, she pointed the finger at herself – you, Maddie, caused all the problems this evening. No explanations, no discussions – just turn and run. Old habits die hard. If she had learned anything in the 10 years since Blue Moon, it was that nothing was to be gained from avoiding a problem. One look at David, however, and boom, out popped the old Maddie.
Well, she owed David an explanation. She would get in touch with him, right now, before he disappeared into another black hole.
She had no idea where he was staying. She grabbed the Yellow Pages. "Serves you right", she lectured herself. "Hotels – start with the As."
The doorbell pealed. Maddie looked at her watch…..it was almost midnight. Who could be at the door?
Unless……………Maddie ran to the door, and yanked it open.
Leaning against the doorjamb, David smiled his little half smile, and remarked, "Hey Blondie Blonde, either you're getting faster, or I'm getting a lot slower."
"David," she whispered breathlessly. "David, I am so sorry."
She held out her arms to him, and they enfolded each other in a furious embrace. They clung as if for dear life, and David could feel Maddie shiver in his arms.
He pulled back and caressed her cheek, wet with tears. "Maddie, honey, c'mon please. Tell me what's the matter."
She gulped once, and grasping his hand, pulled him into the den. She steered him to an overstuffed armchair, and seated herself on the ottoman, sitting knee to knee with him, staring directly into his eyes.
She took a shaky breath, then smiled, easing the knot in the pit of his stomach considerably.
Maddie: Before we begin, can I get you a drink or anything? Once I begin this, I don't want to stop.
David: (staring intently) Maddie, just tell me what you have to tell me.
She stared into his eyes and saw concern, some alarm, and yes, love. It made it easier to begin.
Maddie: Well, David, after we sold Blue Moon, you know I was at odds with what to do with myself. I was living in a vacuum – nothing was right for me anymore – and then your phone calls started.
He looked sheepish.
Maddie: Each phone call was like a reproach. Once again, Maddie couldn't get it right!
Not for me – not for you. So what did I do – you guessed it. Another airport, another flight – I flew as far as I could get. I flew to China, and I was miserable. Every day was worse – I was sinking fast. I sent you that hideous post card…
David: (quietly) The day I got it was possibly my lowest point…
Maddie: I felt that way the day I mailed it. Then, I just took off, rented a car, and drove all over China. Till I got the flat tire that changed my life.
David: Flat tire…..Maddie, what happened to you in China?
Maddie sat up, poised to begin, when she saw the expression change in David's eyes. He was staring over her shoulder, and she realized what was next.
Zack: Hey Mom, what's shakin'?
Maddie turned from David's puzzled expression, to the small face she loved more than anything.
Maddie: Zack, come over here please. I'd like you to meet Mr. Addison. David, this is my son, Zachary.
David: (quickly overcoming his surprise) Hey sport, how are ya?
Zack: Hey Mr. Addison, I know lots about you. You play funny games. You drive fast. You talk funny, and your name is David.
David: One hundred percent for you, buddy!
Zack: Your name is David, like me.
David looked quizzically at Maddie. She quickly looked away, and pulling Zack into her lap, teased him lovingly.
Maddie: Zack, this is way past your bedtime. What are you doing up?
Zack: Mom, I heard the doorbell and thought – what if it's a burglar? What if Mom needs me to protect her?
David had to grin at that one.
Maddie: It must be the night for polite burglars…the ones that ring the bell, huh? Super son to the rescue. C'mon fast talker, back to bed with you. Say goodnight to Mr. Addison.
Zack: Is he coming with us tomorrow?
Maddie: Zachary, I said now. We will talk about this in the morning.
Zack knew that his charm was wearing thin.
Zack: Goodnight Mr. David, Mr. Addison. I would really like it if you could come with us.
Maddie: Zack……………
Zack: I'm comin' I'm comin'
He looked at David and winked – and confided in a stage whisper, " Women!!"
David couldn't help but laugh. Maddie shot him a look, and said, " I'll be back in just a second."
David settled back in the chair, when he was hit by a whirlwind. Zack catapulted into the chair, gave him a big hug, and was gone almost as fast as he had arrived.
David: Goodnight, partner.
While Maddie was gone, David took the opportunity to look at his surroundings, something he had ignored when he had entered the house. This was definitely not the type of place in which he envisioned Maddie. There was a haphazard, lived in air about the place that he found extremely appealing. And evidence of this child was everywhere. He was amazed he had not picked up on it immediately.
Maddie reentered the room, and smiled.
Maddie: Well, I guess that little scene saved about an hour's worth of conversation.
David: Ya think? I am still very much in the dark here.
Maddie: I know…I'm sorry. David, Zack is my adopted son. He was left on the doorstep of a Chinese orphanage when he was about six weeks old. The first time I saw him, I knew he was my heart.
David: How did all this happen?
Maddie carefully took him through the beginnings of Reaching for the Moon, and her relocation to San Francisco, and finally, her adoption of Zack.
Maddie: So here I was, coming from China to San Francisco with a five month old baby, and very little experience with children. Thank God for my parents. They spent three months with me until I got my routine together. Once my father retired, it seemed natural for them to move to Monterey – close enough to Zack and me to satisfy them, and close enough to the golf courses to keep them occupied.
David: Maddie, I am so proud of you. Don't take this the wrong way – you've found the person inside you. She was always there – you just needed to let her out.
Maddie: How could I be angry with you? There is nobody who understands that more than me. That's why this is so hard.
David: What's hard, honey?
Maddie: This – you and me…. decisions that could effect all three of us.
David: Think with your heart – why is it so hard?
Maddie: Because I can't think with my heart. Because I have to do what's best for Zack.
David: And is there some law that says what's best for Maddie can't be what's best for Zack?
Maddie: David, I can't gamble with this. He's just six years old, he's had so many uncertainties. Maybe I'm being overprotective, but it has always been just him and me.
David: Is that the right thing for both of you?
Maddie: It's always felt right – I can't dispute that sometimes it's been lonely. But I've done what I've had to keep a stable life for Zack. I couldn't subject him to a long line of prospective suitors. So I lived my life with him, and for him….alone.
David: And now?
Maddie: Now?
David: Maddie, I have two questions for you. Number one, do you still love me?
Maddie stared deeply into his eyes.
Maddie: Yes, David, God help me, I've always loved you.
David: (with a small smile) Now that wasn't so hard, was it? Now, question number two, why did Zack tell me his name is David?
Maddie smiled.
Maddie: He gets confused – his middle name is David.
David gives her an astonished look.
Maddie: When they asked me for a middle name for my baby, I could think of none other. I couldn't think of having a baby without you figuring into it in some part – even if it was in name only.
David: That is the sweetest thing you have ever said to me.
Maddie: He knows about you – he has seen pictures and he knows the famous Addison tales. He's met Agnes and Bert's kids at the Blue Moon picnics. And I'm a little scared to admit, although it's biologically impossible, I think he's got your sense of humor.
David: That's a scary thought. A mini – me!
David: (changing gears) Maddie, do you trust me.
Maddie: I know now, I trust you more than I've ever trusted anybody.
David: Then ask me about Zack.
Maddie: How do you feel about Zack, David? About him, about his existence? You say that you want me in your future – does that invitation include Zack?
David opens his mouth to speak.
Maddie: Wait, David, this is important to me. I want you to think long and hard about this. I know what you want to say. But not tonight. I have a better idea about tonight.
David looks at her hopefully.
Maddie: (laughing) Down, boy. Here's my idea. I'm going to get each of us a glass of wine. I am going to put on some romantic music. We are going to move to that sofa, where we will spend several hours, just holding each other and remembering. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel, and if you would like, tomorrow at 10 am, you may join my son and I at the zoo.
David: Sounds like a plan – but I have to warn you, lady, I remember plenty.
Maddie: I was hoping for that.
David kisses her hand as she rises to go to the kitchen.
Maddie switches on the stereo as she walks by. David moves to the sofa as the voice of Melissa Manchester fills the room.
Maddie returns, hands David his wine glass, and snuggles close to him on the sofa. They look into each other's eyes.
David: Here's to things worth waiting for.
Maddie: I second that.
They share a small, sweet kiss.
David: Isn't this much better than all that arguing and door slamming?
Maddie: Are you suggesting that there will be no more of that??
David: Hell, no. I'm just saying that we remember that making up is much more fun.
Maddie leans back against his shoulder, and sighs. "Umm hmm," she responds, and runs her hand across David's cheek.
Maddie: David, one thing.
David: What is that, sweetheart?
Maddie: If in the morning, things look different……
David: Maddie………..
Maddie: David, please listen to me. If this is not what you want, if you are not at the zoo in the morning, I will understand.
David: Ssshhhh…..just listen to the music. Tomorrow will take care of itself…..I promise you.
"Well hello there, good old friend of mine
You've been reaching for yourself for such a long time
There's so much to say, no need to explain
Just an open door for you to come in from the rain.
It's a long road, when you're on your own
And a man like you will always choose the long way home.
There's no right or wrong, I'm not here to blame
I just want to be the one to keep you from the rain., from the rain.
And it looks like sunny skies
Now that I know you're alright
Time has left us older, and wiser,
At least I am.
And I think of us like an old cliché
But it doesn't matter, cause I love you anyway
Come in from the rain.
And it looks like sunny skies
Now that I know you're alright
Time has left us older, and wiser
At least I am.
And it's good to know my best friend has come home again
Cause I think of us like an old cliché
But it doesn't matter, cause I love you anyway
Come in from the rain, come in from the rain,
Come in from the rain.
They sat there for hours – talking about nothing, talking about everything, as the years between melted away. Maddie's uncertainty noticeably eased, and the toll that the evening had taken on her became apparent as she gave in to exhaustion, and she let her eyes slowly close.
David looked down on her face, beautiful and peaceful in slumber. He had learned some astonishing things tonight about this woman he loved. He sure wasn't the only person in this relationship who had gone through some changes. But now, he needed to explore some of the issues within himself. He would only press onward if he were sure that he was doing the right thing for Maddie and her child………..Zack – what a cool kid!
There was much to think about. Although he wanted nothing more than to stay here forever, with Maddie sleeping in his arms, he needed some time by himself – to think, to weigh, and to analyze. This was too important for a spontaneous gesture.
He carefully slid out from beneath Maddie, positioned her on the sofa, and covered her with an afghan.
He knelt by the side of the sofa, brushing her hair back from her face. He kissed her softly, and whispered, " I really do love you, you know, Maddie Hayes." He crept quietly out the front door, pulling it closed behind him.
Something pulled Maddie from her sleep. She awoke blinking and puzzled – not certain where she was for a moment. Then she remembered, looking around with a small smile on her face. But where was David? She shook her head……..gone again. Perhaps it had been too much to hope for. She glanced at her watch……5 AM……and Zack usually rose at 7. She sighed and headed to her bedroom to catch a few hours sleep.
The San Francisco zoo was one of Zack's favorite places. He fairly danced through the front gate.
Maddie wearily tried to keep up with him. Lack of sleep and a heavy heart were wearing her down. She refused to linger at the front gate – she had told David 10 AM. A cursory glance had told her what she had known since she had awakened alone this morning. It was too much to expect that after ten years, all the pieces would have just fallen into place.
Zack scampered ahead of her, down the path to Penguin Island. As he neared the entrance, he abruptly stopped, and ran back towards Maddie.
"Mom, Mom, c'mon," he called. Wait'll you see! You won't believe it."
As they neared Penguin Island, Maddie glimpsed a sight so astonishing, she stopped dead in her tracks. There was David, standing to the left of the entrance. In one hand, he held an enormous bunch of lavender roses, and in the other, an enormous bunch of multicolored balloons. His face broke into a grin as he saw Maddie and Zack approach.
Zack yanked on Maddie's hand as he pulled her towards David.
Zack: Hey Mr. …..Mr. David, here we are – over here!
David: Zack, my man, how are you doin'?
Zack: (excitedly) Do you like this place? This is my favorite place. Where did you get the balloons? Do you wanna see my penguin?
David: Whoa, buddy, hang on a second!
He turned towards Maddie.
David: Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. Sleep well?
Maddie: I'm not sure – I woke up and Prince Charming had disappeared.
David: Just to fight some dragons.
Maddie: And how went the battle??
David: I think we're both winners.
Maddie: And how did you know where to find us?
David: Just a hunch – you always liked guys in formal wear. And anyway, I figured it was a good location – if I ended up having to sell these balloons!! Speaking of which….
He smiled and indicated the flowers and the balloons
David: One of these bunches is yours, and one is Zack's. Why don't you have a seat on this bench and decide which one you'd like while your son shows me his penguin.
He kissed her on the cheek. Maddie watched, as David took Zack by the hand and they headed towards the penguins.
David: So buddy, tell me about your penguin.
Zack: I adopted a penguin, just like Mom adopted me. See, there he is, on that big white rock. His name is Tails.
David: Pretty cool name, Tails.
Zack: Yep. I'm saving my allowance to adopt another. I will call him Heads. (he giggles) Get it? Heads and Tails.
David: You're a funny guy, Zack.
Zack: That's what Mom always says.
David: Tell me what adopted means, Zack?
Zack: It means promising to take care of someone – not just give them a place to live and food, but to love them all the time. Like Mom does for me.
David: Your mom is a pretty terrific lady.
Zack: She's the best mom in the world.
David: Zack, how would you feel if I stayed around here for a while, and spent some time with you and your mom?
Zack: Would we get married?
David: Wow, you are your mother's kid…right to the heart of things. Well, that would depend on what your mom thinks.
Zack: We can talk her into it. I'll help – I know how to make those puppy dog eyes when I really want something.
David: She's right…you are a con artist. OK, here's the plan. You stand right here and watch your penguin, and I will go get her.
Zack: Wait…I need to ask you something.
He motioned David down to his level. David knelt on one knee, and Zack whispered in his ear. David did a double take.
Zack: That's what I want.
David: Tell you what, kiddo. I'll work on it.
Zack throws his arms around David and hugs him.
David: Stay right here where we can see you, buddy. OK?
Zack: Do bears bare? Do bees be?
David walked towards Maddie, shaking his head and laughing. Maddie has carefully observed the whole scene.
Maddie: Well, the two of you seemed to hit it off well.
David: He's some kid, Maddie. OK, here it is – cards on the table. I would like to spend some time with you and Zack – object: Matrimony. I love you and I am on my way to loving that little guy a whole lot. I think we can make a life together.
Maddie: Oh, David, I'd sure like to try.
As she threw her arms around him, she lost her hold on the balloons, and they floated into the air around them.
Maddie: We need to discuss this with Zack.
David: As I said, he's quite a kid. He's the one who brought up the topic. He wants to get married.
Maddie laughed.
Maddie: David, I have to warn you. He's pretty used to getting his own way.
David: Well, in that case, I have to warn YOU, we'll be heading for the airport again.
Maddie: And where will we be going?
David: China. He just placed his order for a sister!!!
David placed his arm around her shoulder and squeezed gently.
David: Let's go get our kid, and go home.
They exchanged smiles, and headed towards Zack.
THE END