Chapter 5: A Year's Worth
Rick's Story
St. Matthew's
March 5, 1944
Rick was tired. He was tired physically, mentally, spiritually, and any
other way of being tired. He had been this place and that, but never to
the one place he wanted to be more than ever, home. Or wherever Evie was.
He had written her a couple of letters, but if they ever made it to her he
would never know. Still he wasn't going to give up hope. He knew the war
was drawing to a close, could feel it. Hitler was scared and America was
looking to strike back. It was hard to have four grown men travel through
enemy lines and still come out alive. However their last stop will be in
a few days where they are making a contact with someone from the English
army to hand Ryan over. Then and only then would he allow himself to think
about Alex. He had no clue, but in order to keep the sanity he didn't
allow himself to think about it too much. Any time he thought of Alex it
was of some memory long ago. Even Ahm Shere seemed like a fairy tale
compared to this. Of course that was the way with war and there really
wasn't much he could do.
This Church was actually very nice. It was in Stressa*, Italy. A
beautiful small town with a gorgeous view of the island castle where
white and blue peacocks, or male and female, peacocks fluttered about,
unconcerned that there was a war in their midst. Luckily for them though
Italy was one of the very few places where no one would strike a bomb.
Although Italy shouldn't be underestimated she was down for the count.
As Rick stepped through the archways of the Church he quickly understood
why Hitler would never bomb such a beautiful place. In fact where he was
standing now was over six hundred years old.
"What are you thinking?" Ardeth Bay asked. He knew this was taking a toll
on his friend, but they didn't have much choice. This was the way of war
and there was no other way around it. Rick smiled at the question,
"Peacocks" he answered. Ardeth smiled at the answer, "Peacock's are
very beautiful creatures, do they remind you of something?" Rick turned
to Ardeth, "Should they?" he asked. Ardeth nodded, "I understand Rick, I
pray every day that you can return quickly to her and that your son will
be returned, please have faith." Rick just looked at the beautiful island
across from him. It scared him that it would only take thirty minutes to
get to Switzerland by boat if they could have taken that route and it might
happen that they need to, but it just seemed like everything else, out of
his grasp.
As he walked back to where the priest quarters were he came to stand next
to Father McCue. "Good evening Rick, how are you?" The young priest
asked. "I'm okay sir and yourself?" trying very hard to keep up with
polite conversation. "I am fine thank-you. It is a shame that Father
Landis is not here, he would have loved to meet you, but he is off on one
of his missions." "Yes, well." Rick really didn't know what to say.
Father McCue took pity on the poor man in front of him. "I have gotten
confirmation from my contact at St. Augustine's that it will be time to
move in forty-eight hours." Rick studied him for a moment, "Thank-you
Father, does everyone else know?" "Yes, Mr. Ryan is all ready as well as
Ardeth and Jonathan." The Father told him, then excused himself out and
got ready for dinner.
Forty-eight hours later four grown men were crouched together in the back
of the smallest truck Rick had ever seen. It was amazing he could fit in
it let alone all four of them. They were now bound for a three-hour
journey to the huge city of Milan and from there to the Cathedral of St.
Augustine. Rick looked at everyone and took note of how they were doing.
Ryan looked the worse. Of course he was he odd man out. He was the reason
that they were all in this predicament and although it was not his fault,
he couldn't seem to let go of the guilt. Still they were taking him back
and soon everyone would be back to where they belonged. At least that is
what everyone was hoping for.
Once they made it to St. Augustine, a serene feeling must have befallen
Ardeth because Rick could read it in his face. "Rick, I wish you peace
and happiness." Ardeth said as he turned to his friend, "I will leave you
all, good luck." He called to everyone. He knew what he was doing and Rick
didn't protest it, he had learned to trust who was one a very mysterious
stranger. "Let's go." Rick said. The four men including Father McCue who
had driven them up there. Once they got in the Church he saw two men, both
very familiar, "Tim Smith?" he asked. The man smiled, "Mr.O'Connell it is
good to see you again. I am so glad that you were successful in your
mission." Rick gave him a strained smile that spoke of the wish to kill
him. Ryan who was behind Jonathan came forward, "General Reyes?" he asked
not believing his eyes, "Mr. Stackhouse, it is so good to see you."
Gen. Reyes, Smith, whoever said, "I am so glad to be bringing you home
Mr. Stackhouse." "Me too." Ryan replied and then turned to Jonathan and
Rick. "Thank-you so much for your help. There is no way I could ever
repay you, but if you ever need a favor please do not hesitate to call on
me. And Jonathan you are a better friend and brother than I have ever had,
again if you ever need anything please do not hesitate, thank-you so
much." At this the two men embraced and then Ryan gave Rick a hug.
"Oh, Mr.O'Connell I have some news that might concern you. Your son was
spotted yesterday re-entering his old camp, at least that is what I have
gathered you are more than welcome to come back with me if you wish to see
your son, it is not proper, but you have restored Mr. Stackhouse to us."
Rick couldn't believe his ears, he looked from Mr. Reyes to Jonathan and
then to the ground. "Yes, I would." He answered. He turned to Jonathan,
"Don't worry Rick, I have missed my baby sister for a long time now, I
will go back and make sure that she is okay. You make sure my nephew is
okay." Rick gave his favorite brother-in-law a hug, "Thank you so much
Jonathan." "My pleasure good sir."
Alex's Story
St. Matthew's Cathedral
February 26, 1944
Alex was excited. Finally after a year he was going home, or as close to
home as he was allowed to be. He had spent the year with Father Landis and
a few months with Father McCue as a deaf priest. He had become very good
at listening and learning. Something he knew his mother had tried for
years to do and never really accomplished. He missed his family. He
didn't know whom they were going to send to get his uncle and Ryan
Stackhouse, but he prayed for their safety. He had wanted so many times to
send his parents a letter, but it was never safe enough to do so. Still
he would get his chance soon enough. Father Landis had just gotten word
that there was a boat leaving for Switzerland in two days and he would be
able to take passage as well as his deaf, dumb, and blind monk. Alex
really didn't like being called that, but anything to sucker the enemy
out of a POW. "Alex are you ready?" Father Landis asked coming into the
room. "Yes, Father." He answered, getting Michael's things ready to go on
the short, but very long journey.
Five hours later Alex was on the shore of Switzerland, from here they were
taking Jews back to America and were meeting with the Isabella, another
ship that would then take Alex back to England. He was so excited. He
just couldn't wait. He picked Michael up and turned to the priest, "Father
Landis, I'm not sure how to thank you, but you have done so much for me..."
"It is okay Alex, The Lord God put me on the right road to get you. Thank
him, I was just serving him." Alex smiled, "Well thank you for being the
Lord's servant. You are a great man, and I am very glad to have met you."
It was Father Landis's turn to smile, "You have grown very much Alex, may
God bless you no matter what." The two embraced and then Alex turned and
walked up the plank to the ship.
March 5, 1944
Alex had never felt this elation of being back in England. Not even after
Ahm Shere did he feel this excited, perhaps because he was still trying to
reconcile all the things that had happened. He really didn't care, he was
back in camp and he was as safe as he could possibly be for the moment. He
was going to the General's quarters to report to General Reyes, but was
stopped by someone, "Alex? Alex O'Connell is that you?" Lt. Gabriel Scott
asked. "Gabriel?" Alex asked as he followed the sound of the voice to a
very old friend. The two men embraced glad to see the other alive. "What
on Earth happened?" Gabriel asked. "A very long story, and I will tell it,
but first I need to see General Reyes." Alex said. "Gen. Reyes went on
some mission, they think they found Ryan Stackhouse." Gabriel explained.
"What?!?" "Follow me." Gabriel got up and led Alex to a boardroom where
they could have some privacy.
"Alex, when you went down your parents were boarding on the ship to leave
for New York. General Reyes took your Father and had me go with your
mother to New York to make sure she was safe. She got there fine and Emma
writes and tells me that she is doing fine. Your father was sent to look
for your uncle and Ryan. It has taken almost a year and they just got word
two days ago that Ryan might have been found." Gabriel looked at Alex to
gage his emotion, but Alex wasn't sure what he felt. "My mother is okay?"
he finally asked. Gabriel smiled, "Yes, I got to go home on leave for
three weeks and she is doing just fine. She misses you and your uncle, but
she really misses your dad. She says she got one letter from him six
months ago, but that was it." Alex nodded; he was just going to have to
wait until General Reyes came back. "So how is Emma and my house?" he
asked.
This time Gabriel laughed, "Your house is doing beautifully your mother has
changed things here and there along with Emma, but it looks great." Alex
laughed too, "Well that is good, I will need a place for Michael."
"Michael?" Gabriel asked. "Yes, a dog I found in Italy." "Italy? You
really are going to have to tell me this story." "Alright Lt. Scott, sit
back and let me tell you a little tale." Alex kicked back placing his feet
on the desk and proceeded to tell his best friend where he had been for the
past year.
Evie's Story
1999 Willow Rd
Savannah, Georgia
March 13, 1944
Evie was bored. Not just there is nothing to do bored, but going out of
her mind and doing anything to escape the boredom. She was silently going
mad. Emma was a huge help, but she wasn't always there. She had other
houses to take care of such as her own and her fathers. Which reminded her
that she needed to write Mr. Brandon Birmingham a thank you note for the
invitation to the party. Granted it was Emma's father, but still he
didn't have to invite her. Well at least it was something to do.
There now that that was done, she really should go and mail it out. Well
there you go something else to do. She walked out the door, down the
steps, walked on the path admiring the garden, or what was left of it, and
down to the mailbox. Hmm, she checked up the street she checked down the
street, nothing. She placed the letter in the box and closed it up and
raised the flag. She was about to turn back up the stairs when she noticed
something out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to notice a
man with what looked like brown hair walking toward her. She stood there
for a second until the man came closer and started shouting at her,
"Evie! Evie!" he cried. She knew that voice, it was the same one that
watched after her when she was young, stayed with her during the awkward
years and then shared her adult life, "Jonathan?" she cried out. "Evie!"
he screamed again running toward her and she ran toward him embracing him
with arms wide open.
"Oh Jonathan is it really you?" she asked. "It's me Evie, it really is.
I can't believe it is you." He said as he pushed her out so he could take
a look at her. She still looked young as ever. Her eyes looked tired, but
he knew once the rest of her family was home it would disappear and she
wouldn't look old enough to have a nineteen-year-old son. She couldn't
believe her eyes, her brother, who looked wonderful, in her arms. "Oh it
is so good to have you home!" She exclaimed giving him another hug and
just holding him in her arms. "Well why don't you show me the new house
little sis and tell me what's been going on." He said and they walked arms
around each other up the walkway to the house.
"You must tell me about my boys." Evie said once they sat down. "Well I
know that Alex was originally sent to look for me, but his plane went down
and that is when they took Rick. Rick found me quickly enough I was with
Ryan Stackhouse trying to protect him from the people who murdered his
assistant, Carl Reigns. We were in Egypt with Ardeth Bay. So after Rick
found me for a year we took risks and made it up to Stressa, Italy and then
into Milan where we gave Ryan back to England. It was then that one of
the men said that Alex was reportedly back at camp and he gave Rick the
invitation to make sure and Rick took it, sending me back here to make sure
you were all right." Evie sat stunned. To have her boy considered dead
then to have hope that he was alive all in twenty seconds was a bit much.
Finally she smiled, she knew her son was still alive, "Rick is still
alive?" she asked. "Yes and he misses you so much. He would mope thinking
about you." Jonathan said with pretend disgust. Evie smiled, "Thank you
so much Jonathan, you are the best brother a girl could have." And brother
and sister embraced once again.
Author's Notes: *Stressa is pronounced Stri Sa. It is a very beautiful
city and if you ever get the chance to go to Milan take the two hour trip
over, it is well worth it. The castle truly is a little island that you
can look out at. The mountains are beautiful at night when all the houses
have their lights on. It is just gorgeous. Anyway thank you so much for
the kind reviews, a very very special hello to Evie of the Nile, thank you
so much. To everyone else I hope you have enjoyed and I hope to finish in
the next two chapters.
Rick's Story
St. Matthew's
March 5, 1944
Rick was tired. He was tired physically, mentally, spiritually, and any
other way of being tired. He had been this place and that, but never to
the one place he wanted to be more than ever, home. Or wherever Evie was.
He had written her a couple of letters, but if they ever made it to her he
would never know. Still he wasn't going to give up hope. He knew the war
was drawing to a close, could feel it. Hitler was scared and America was
looking to strike back. It was hard to have four grown men travel through
enemy lines and still come out alive. However their last stop will be in
a few days where they are making a contact with someone from the English
army to hand Ryan over. Then and only then would he allow himself to think
about Alex. He had no clue, but in order to keep the sanity he didn't
allow himself to think about it too much. Any time he thought of Alex it
was of some memory long ago. Even Ahm Shere seemed like a fairy tale
compared to this. Of course that was the way with war and there really
wasn't much he could do.
This Church was actually very nice. It was in Stressa*, Italy. A
beautiful small town with a gorgeous view of the island castle where
white and blue peacocks, or male and female, peacocks fluttered about,
unconcerned that there was a war in their midst. Luckily for them though
Italy was one of the very few places where no one would strike a bomb.
Although Italy shouldn't be underestimated she was down for the count.
As Rick stepped through the archways of the Church he quickly understood
why Hitler would never bomb such a beautiful place. In fact where he was
standing now was over six hundred years old.
"What are you thinking?" Ardeth Bay asked. He knew this was taking a toll
on his friend, but they didn't have much choice. This was the way of war
and there was no other way around it. Rick smiled at the question,
"Peacocks" he answered. Ardeth smiled at the answer, "Peacock's are
very beautiful creatures, do they remind you of something?" Rick turned
to Ardeth, "Should they?" he asked. Ardeth nodded, "I understand Rick, I
pray every day that you can return quickly to her and that your son will
be returned, please have faith." Rick just looked at the beautiful island
across from him. It scared him that it would only take thirty minutes to
get to Switzerland by boat if they could have taken that route and it might
happen that they need to, but it just seemed like everything else, out of
his grasp.
As he walked back to where the priest quarters were he came to stand next
to Father McCue. "Good evening Rick, how are you?" The young priest
asked. "I'm okay sir and yourself?" trying very hard to keep up with
polite conversation. "I am fine thank-you. It is a shame that Father
Landis is not here, he would have loved to meet you, but he is off on one
of his missions." "Yes, well." Rick really didn't know what to say.
Father McCue took pity on the poor man in front of him. "I have gotten
confirmation from my contact at St. Augustine's that it will be time to
move in forty-eight hours." Rick studied him for a moment, "Thank-you
Father, does everyone else know?" "Yes, Mr. Ryan is all ready as well as
Ardeth and Jonathan." The Father told him, then excused himself out and
got ready for dinner.
Forty-eight hours later four grown men were crouched together in the back
of the smallest truck Rick had ever seen. It was amazing he could fit in
it let alone all four of them. They were now bound for a three-hour
journey to the huge city of Milan and from there to the Cathedral of St.
Augustine. Rick looked at everyone and took note of how they were doing.
Ryan looked the worse. Of course he was he odd man out. He was the reason
that they were all in this predicament and although it was not his fault,
he couldn't seem to let go of the guilt. Still they were taking him back
and soon everyone would be back to where they belonged. At least that is
what everyone was hoping for.
Once they made it to St. Augustine, a serene feeling must have befallen
Ardeth because Rick could read it in his face. "Rick, I wish you peace
and happiness." Ardeth said as he turned to his friend, "I will leave you
all, good luck." He called to everyone. He knew what he was doing and Rick
didn't protest it, he had learned to trust who was one a very mysterious
stranger. "Let's go." Rick said. The four men including Father McCue who
had driven them up there. Once they got in the Church he saw two men, both
very familiar, "Tim Smith?" he asked. The man smiled, "Mr.O'Connell it is
good to see you again. I am so glad that you were successful in your
mission." Rick gave him a strained smile that spoke of the wish to kill
him. Ryan who was behind Jonathan came forward, "General Reyes?" he asked
not believing his eyes, "Mr. Stackhouse, it is so good to see you."
Gen. Reyes, Smith, whoever said, "I am so glad to be bringing you home
Mr. Stackhouse." "Me too." Ryan replied and then turned to Jonathan and
Rick. "Thank-you so much for your help. There is no way I could ever
repay you, but if you ever need a favor please do not hesitate to call on
me. And Jonathan you are a better friend and brother than I have ever had,
again if you ever need anything please do not hesitate, thank-you so
much." At this the two men embraced and then Ryan gave Rick a hug.
"Oh, Mr.O'Connell I have some news that might concern you. Your son was
spotted yesterday re-entering his old camp, at least that is what I have
gathered you are more than welcome to come back with me if you wish to see
your son, it is not proper, but you have restored Mr. Stackhouse to us."
Rick couldn't believe his ears, he looked from Mr. Reyes to Jonathan and
then to the ground. "Yes, I would." He answered. He turned to Jonathan,
"Don't worry Rick, I have missed my baby sister for a long time now, I
will go back and make sure that she is okay. You make sure my nephew is
okay." Rick gave his favorite brother-in-law a hug, "Thank you so much
Jonathan." "My pleasure good sir."
Alex's Story
St. Matthew's Cathedral
February 26, 1944
Alex was excited. Finally after a year he was going home, or as close to
home as he was allowed to be. He had spent the year with Father Landis and
a few months with Father McCue as a deaf priest. He had become very good
at listening and learning. Something he knew his mother had tried for
years to do and never really accomplished. He missed his family. He
didn't know whom they were going to send to get his uncle and Ryan
Stackhouse, but he prayed for their safety. He had wanted so many times to
send his parents a letter, but it was never safe enough to do so. Still
he would get his chance soon enough. Father Landis had just gotten word
that there was a boat leaving for Switzerland in two days and he would be
able to take passage as well as his deaf, dumb, and blind monk. Alex
really didn't like being called that, but anything to sucker the enemy
out of a POW. "Alex are you ready?" Father Landis asked coming into the
room. "Yes, Father." He answered, getting Michael's things ready to go on
the short, but very long journey.
Five hours later Alex was on the shore of Switzerland, from here they were
taking Jews back to America and were meeting with the Isabella, another
ship that would then take Alex back to England. He was so excited. He
just couldn't wait. He picked Michael up and turned to the priest, "Father
Landis, I'm not sure how to thank you, but you have done so much for me..."
"It is okay Alex, The Lord God put me on the right road to get you. Thank
him, I was just serving him." Alex smiled, "Well thank you for being the
Lord's servant. You are a great man, and I am very glad to have met you."
It was Father Landis's turn to smile, "You have grown very much Alex, may
God bless you no matter what." The two embraced and then Alex turned and
walked up the plank to the ship.
March 5, 1944
Alex had never felt this elation of being back in England. Not even after
Ahm Shere did he feel this excited, perhaps because he was still trying to
reconcile all the things that had happened. He really didn't care, he was
back in camp and he was as safe as he could possibly be for the moment. He
was going to the General's quarters to report to General Reyes, but was
stopped by someone, "Alex? Alex O'Connell is that you?" Lt. Gabriel Scott
asked. "Gabriel?" Alex asked as he followed the sound of the voice to a
very old friend. The two men embraced glad to see the other alive. "What
on Earth happened?" Gabriel asked. "A very long story, and I will tell it,
but first I need to see General Reyes." Alex said. "Gen. Reyes went on
some mission, they think they found Ryan Stackhouse." Gabriel explained.
"What?!?" "Follow me." Gabriel got up and led Alex to a boardroom where
they could have some privacy.
"Alex, when you went down your parents were boarding on the ship to leave
for New York. General Reyes took your Father and had me go with your
mother to New York to make sure she was safe. She got there fine and Emma
writes and tells me that she is doing fine. Your father was sent to look
for your uncle and Ryan. It has taken almost a year and they just got word
two days ago that Ryan might have been found." Gabriel looked at Alex to
gage his emotion, but Alex wasn't sure what he felt. "My mother is okay?"
he finally asked. Gabriel smiled, "Yes, I got to go home on leave for
three weeks and she is doing just fine. She misses you and your uncle, but
she really misses your dad. She says she got one letter from him six
months ago, but that was it." Alex nodded; he was just going to have to
wait until General Reyes came back. "So how is Emma and my house?" he
asked.
This time Gabriel laughed, "Your house is doing beautifully your mother has
changed things here and there along with Emma, but it looks great." Alex
laughed too, "Well that is good, I will need a place for Michael."
"Michael?" Gabriel asked. "Yes, a dog I found in Italy." "Italy? You
really are going to have to tell me this story." "Alright Lt. Scott, sit
back and let me tell you a little tale." Alex kicked back placing his feet
on the desk and proceeded to tell his best friend where he had been for the
past year.
Evie's Story
1999 Willow Rd
Savannah, Georgia
March 13, 1944
Evie was bored. Not just there is nothing to do bored, but going out of
her mind and doing anything to escape the boredom. She was silently going
mad. Emma was a huge help, but she wasn't always there. She had other
houses to take care of such as her own and her fathers. Which reminded her
that she needed to write Mr. Brandon Birmingham a thank you note for the
invitation to the party. Granted it was Emma's father, but still he
didn't have to invite her. Well at least it was something to do.
There now that that was done, she really should go and mail it out. Well
there you go something else to do. She walked out the door, down the
steps, walked on the path admiring the garden, or what was left of it, and
down to the mailbox. Hmm, she checked up the street she checked down the
street, nothing. She placed the letter in the box and closed it up and
raised the flag. She was about to turn back up the stairs when she noticed
something out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to notice a
man with what looked like brown hair walking toward her. She stood there
for a second until the man came closer and started shouting at her,
"Evie! Evie!" he cried. She knew that voice, it was the same one that
watched after her when she was young, stayed with her during the awkward
years and then shared her adult life, "Jonathan?" she cried out. "Evie!"
he screamed again running toward her and she ran toward him embracing him
with arms wide open.
"Oh Jonathan is it really you?" she asked. "It's me Evie, it really is.
I can't believe it is you." He said as he pushed her out so he could take
a look at her. She still looked young as ever. Her eyes looked tired, but
he knew once the rest of her family was home it would disappear and she
wouldn't look old enough to have a nineteen-year-old son. She couldn't
believe her eyes, her brother, who looked wonderful, in her arms. "Oh it
is so good to have you home!" She exclaimed giving him another hug and
just holding him in her arms. "Well why don't you show me the new house
little sis and tell me what's been going on." He said and they walked arms
around each other up the walkway to the house.
"You must tell me about my boys." Evie said once they sat down. "Well I
know that Alex was originally sent to look for me, but his plane went down
and that is when they took Rick. Rick found me quickly enough I was with
Ryan Stackhouse trying to protect him from the people who murdered his
assistant, Carl Reigns. We were in Egypt with Ardeth Bay. So after Rick
found me for a year we took risks and made it up to Stressa, Italy and then
into Milan where we gave Ryan back to England. It was then that one of
the men said that Alex was reportedly back at camp and he gave Rick the
invitation to make sure and Rick took it, sending me back here to make sure
you were all right." Evie sat stunned. To have her boy considered dead
then to have hope that he was alive all in twenty seconds was a bit much.
Finally she smiled, she knew her son was still alive, "Rick is still
alive?" she asked. "Yes and he misses you so much. He would mope thinking
about you." Jonathan said with pretend disgust. Evie smiled, "Thank you
so much Jonathan, you are the best brother a girl could have." And brother
and sister embraced once again.
Author's Notes: *Stressa is pronounced Stri Sa. It is a very beautiful
city and if you ever get the chance to go to Milan take the two hour trip
over, it is well worth it. The castle truly is a little island that you
can look out at. The mountains are beautiful at night when all the houses
have their lights on. It is just gorgeous. Anyway thank you so much for
the kind reviews, a very very special hello to Evie of the Nile, thank you
so much. To everyone else I hope you have enjoyed and I hope to finish in
the next two chapters.