Chapter 8
It was a balmy Saturday afternoon and Alexis was sitting on the veranda thumbing through her latest issue of 'Law Review' allowing her thoughts to wander aimlessly. She was waiting for Alice to return with Kristina having spent the last few hours watching her soccer practice. The past nine years had been the fullest and richest of her life and her daughter was now a precocious 10 year old who enjoyed bullying both herself and Alice into sitting through hours of watching 10 year olds run back and forth across a large field kicking a small ball back and forth relentlessly. This morning, however, it was Alice who lost the ritualistic 'weekly' straw pull that forced one of them to sit in the afternoon heat without benefit of shade for a few hours. Neither she, nor Alice would ever admit that the time spent watching Kristina play a sport that she clearly excelled in was one of the highlights of their week. And Kristina would never know that before each 'straw' challenge the two older women would set up the game by informing the other which side the longest straw would be on. At times they would allow the same person to pull the right straw twice in a row to keep their little secret from finding it's way to the exceptionally smart little girl who so enjoyed the game.
Alexis knew that Alice missed having Kristina around the house during the day. The two of them were as close as any adult and child could be given their age difference and lack of familial connection. It was a relationship that Alexis encouraged as much as possible. Through the years Alice had come to mean more to mother and daughter than Alexis could ever have imagined she would. Alice was a shelter of strength for Alexis. When the inevitable days came where mother and daughter fought incessantly, it was Alice who stepped in and explained to Kristina that whether she liked it or not, Alexis was indeed the boss and her word not matter how unfair it may seem was law and not to be taken lightly. No amount of stomping up and down and throwing things would change that. Once Kristina was dealt with Alice would then join Alexis, usually on the front veranda, with a couple of Kleenex in hand, knowing from experience that the battles between mother and daughter weighed heaviest on her friend. But Alexis stood firm in her dealings with Kristina and the child that graced their days now was so much more than Alexis could have ever foreseen a child born of her body could be.
Kristina inherited quite a few traits from her mother. She was strict with herself when it came to her studies, never needing to be chided into doing her homework. She loved to read and often Alexis would find her reading aloud to Alice during their time together. Kristina also possessed her mother's sense of loyalty and forgiving nature as well as her tendency to ramble when nervous. Her physical appearance followed her mother as well. Kristina was a mirror image of Alexis as a child until she smiled and then her father suddenly burst forth to lay claim to his part in her creation. When Kristina smiled… Alexis remembered.
Extra curricular activities proved to be quite fascinating for Kristina much to her mother's surprise. Not only was she an Honor student but also held official seats in 5 of the six clubs she participated in. From the Spanish Club to the Chess Club (compliments of hours spent at Alice's knee), from the Pep Squad to the Debate team (compliments of endless hours trying to manipulate her way around her mother), Kristina was constantly dashing off to one meeting or another. Always leaving Alexis shaking her head at the exuberance and utter independent uninhibited character her daughter possessed. She reminded Alexis of her sister minus all of the crazy talk of 'Fung Shue' and psychic auras. Alexis reveled in the child that Kristina was and the woman she knew was just around the corner waiting to take on the world. Kristina was her world and every night when the sun began its descent, the two of them would find their way to the front veranda to close the day together; continuing the ritual Alexis began the day they first arrived on the island.
But, it was the child Kristina chose to be her 'best friend' that surprised Alexis the most. Of all the little girls that came and went over the years it was none other than Gale's boy who at the age of 4 latched on to Kristina as a baby and never let go. He became her protector, her cohort in crime at times, and he even suffered a couple of black eyes on her behalf when the cruel jests of ill-mannered children brought Kristina home from school trying to hide the tears of hurt and anger. TK, 'Tikki', as Kristina dubbed him from the moment she began to form words, would take her hand and sit with her on the porch swing until she was ready to talk. It didn't matter how long it took for her to calm enough to talk to him, when she finally did he would always ask who was responsible and then simply nod his acceptance of her answer when she refused to tell him. Once she told him what happened, the incident was over as far as she was concerned and she was ready to face another day. Words that he heard Alice say time and time again would find their way out of Kristina's mouth. 'Why carry into tomorrow what you can let go of today.' But, TK was different. 'K', his special name for Kristina, was his responsibility and no one was going to get away with hurting her if he could help it. So, he stayed with her until she was ready to move on, then he left and set about trying to discover who the culprit was who harmed her to quietly deal with them in his own way. It didn't take long for the children of the island to know that you didn't mess with Kristina Davis unless you were prepared to face Thomas Kale Redmond.
Her attention was suddenly drawn to her left as she heard her name called. Turning slightly Alexis smiled her welcome as Gale appeared from around the side of the house.
"Hi, Gale. I thought you were taking TK out to the soccer field this afternoon."
Taking a seat in one of the chairs, Gale exhaled loudly and cut her eyes toward Alexis.
"I did. Then I had to drive him into town to see Dr. Graham. I just came by to tell you that Kristina will probably be a little upset when she comes home this afternoon."
Immediately on edge, Alexis leaned forward piercing Gale with a concerned look.
"Why? What happened? Did he get in a fight again defending Kristina?"
"No nothing like that. Thankfully I think those days are over as are his soccer days for a while. He broke his leg on the field today and poor Alice had her hands full trying to keep Kristina from freaking. How those two are as close as they are is totally beyond my understanding?"
Gale's remark hit a little too close to home for Alexis and she shifted her eyes out toward the incoming surf. The 'best friend' relationship that their children shared was one that never really materialized between herself and Gale. And she knew it still disturbed her friend.
"Is TK alright, Gale?"
"Yeah, he's just going to be a bear for the next six weeks because of the cast he has to wear now for the next six weeks."
Gale fell silent as she glanced toward Alexis. She instantly recognized the far away look in Alexis' eyes and knew once again that her friend was lost in thought and those thoughts would never be shared with her. It hurt… more than she cared to admit because she had grown to love her neighbors. Alexis Davis was one of those rare people who possessed the ability to accept you, warts and all, and make you feel like you were royalty without ever lifting a finger. In all the years they spent living side by side, the two of them had never shared a cross word. But, in her heart, Gale knew that were it not for their children, she and Alexis would only be passing acquaintances. Somewhere in her past, something happened to Alexis that prevented her from opening herself up the way Gale would have hoped for. It was a fact that she finally learned to live with. Alexis was an island unto herself, except for the two who shared her existence. And Gale envied Alice. The day Alice arrived to move in with the 'Davis girls' seemed to end any chance of the two of them becoming any closer. She still wanted to have a 'tell-all-your-secrets-to' friendship with Alexis, but it just wasn't something that was meant to be. So she did her best to accept the relationship at the level Alexis was comfortable with and supported her whenever she could. What she received in return was more than she received from all the rest of her friends combined. Gale would stand in support of Alexis without a second thought no matter what the circumstance.
Gale and Alexis both turned simultaneously at the sound of an approaching vehicle and Alexis gasped when she saw Kristina leap from the car before Alice actually stopped the car. Her words of correction instantly stilled as her daughter launched herself into her mother's arms.
"Did you hear, mom? Did you hear? Tikki's hurt. He can't play anymore. What can I do for him, mom? How do I help him get well?"
Tears filled Gale's eyes at the absolute love of this child for her boy. She was so much like her mother. To give and not expect anything in return; it was a concept that she was still struggling with herself… a concept her son understood better than she did simply because he learned it from Kristina. She looked up and found Alexis' eyes on her silently asking if she were okay. Nodding she reached out and rubbed her hand up and down Kristina's back a few times before speaking.
"He's really okay, Kristina. He'll be in a cast for about six weeks and then he'll be good as new. Tell you what, why don't you run over and check on him. I'm sure he would be thrilled to see you."
Kristina let go of her mother's neck and leaned back just enough to see her.
"Can I go, mom? Can I please?"
"Yes, Kristina. You can go. But, first you must thank Miss Redmond for extending the invitation."
Kristina immediately let go of her mother and ran to Gale throwing her arms around her and placed a quick kiss on her cheek before flying toward the screen door yelling over her shoulder.
"Thank you, Miss Redmond. Back later, mom."
Both women laughed at the exuberance of the whirlwind that just left them and Alexis raised her hand to wave at Alice who was just regaining her balance after almost being railroaded by that same whirlwind.
"Hi Alice. I hear you've had your hands full this afternoon."
"Yeah. Couldn't even go pick up the groceries until I brought the princess home so she could see about TK. I declare I don't know what we're going to do with that girl. She's certainly got a mind of her own."
Gail stood abruptly and smiled thinly an edge of sarcasm laced her words as she spoke.
"Well I don't know why that should surprise you. She certainly comes by it honestly. You two slay me sometimes. What surprises me is how uninhibited that child is."
What Alice felt at their neighbor's words, Alexis saw for just a moment in Gale's eyes. Something within the conversation hurt Gale enormously and as Alice made a quick retreat, Alexis reached toward Gale laying her hand on her arm and pulled her back toward the chair.
"If my daughter is uninhibited then it would stand to reason that all the time she has spent with you and your son has made a definite impact on her. And for that, I am truly indebted to you, Gale. You gave her something I couldn't. Something that will best serve her as she grows older. Now what was said that hurt you just a moment ago?"
Gale's heart filled at the compliment Alexis gave her and she suddenly became very embarrassed at her inability to hide what she felt. So she left the question alone and centered on the gift.
"I believe that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me and I don't think I'll ever hear anything quite so uplifting again. Thank you, Alexis. But, I think it's time for me to go fix TK his afternoon snack."
As she began to rise, she was startled by a firm grip falling on her shoulder pulling her back down.
"Not so fast, Gale. You didn't answer my question. What did Alice and I do that hurt your feelings. I can't fix it unless I know what it is."
Gale's face fell.
"How can you fix something you have no control over, Alexis?"
"I can't answer that until I know what the problem is, now can I?"
Gale glanced over at Alexis becoming even more ashamed of herself. Why couldn't she just accept things the way they were and leave the rest alone? Gale knew why, but it didn't make it any easier to accept. And right now, with the way Alexis was looking at her, she knew she wouldn't be able to leave until all her cards were on the table. She stood slowly and put a little distance between herself and Alexis.
"Do you remember the day we met?"
"Vividly."
"You remember my telling you that I lost my best friend and how she was lost?"
"Yes. And I told you that my best friend was lost as well."
"Do you know that's the first and last time we ever spoke of them?"
Alexis frowned for a moment as she retraced the past in her memory and finally hung her head at the truth of Gale's words. She remembered thinking at the time that it would be nice to have someone to talk to about Chloe.
"I'm so sorry, Gale. I should have been more receptive to your need to talk about…"
Gale interrupted her with an impatient wave of her hand.
"That's not exactly what I'm driving at… sure I would have liked to introduce someone I cared about to the woman who meant so much to me. But, for some reason that I can't understand you mentally walked away two weeks later. Don't misunderstand me, Alexis. I couldn't have asked for a better neighbor, but do you realize that's where it ends. I have a better relationship with your daughter than I do you and I just really want to know why. I mean… do I get that you have issues with relationships. Oh yeah. I get that big time. Look, I guess I'm just sorry that I couldn't be a better friend to you over the years… that you couldn't trust me to be your friend. That's all I'm saying and now I think I'll make like a chicken and scoot my way out of here before I really make an ass out of my self."
Gale was out the door in a flash and Alexis had to sprint to catch up with her. Grabbing hold of her arm, she swung Gale around to face her and was taken aback at the tears sliding down her neighbors cheeks. Placing her arms around the woman, Alexis hugged her for a moment then gently and firmly led her back to the porch. Sitting down beside her, Alexis hesitated a moment before speaking. Readying herself for what she was about to release into the care of the woman beside her. She owed Gale an explanation.
"It doesn't have anything to do with trust, Gale. It has to do with being so afraid of opening your heart knowing that it will eventually be crushed again and I've been there so many times, I don't know that I can take another hit."
"But you did with Alice, Alexis? You two are closer than any two people can be that aren't boinking each other."
Alexis laughed outright at the colorful description then finally understanding a little more of where Gale was coming from, explained why she and Alice were so close.
"Gale, Alice gave up her life to come here and live with Kristina and I. Everything Alice has done for us is because she fell in love with my daughter from the day she was born and decided that it was her lot in life to make sure that Kristina never wanted for anything. After moving here, some of that firm resolve transferred to include me. Alice wants nothing in return for the care she bestows on Kristina and I. That is an attitude that, until I met her, was totally alien to me. In my life, the level of care you received was based on the level of service you provided. I guess through my need to protect myself from being hurt again, I put too much distance between you and I. For that, I'm sorry. You've been a life saver for me and I don't know how I could ever explain to you just what it's meant for me to never have to question whether your words are true or not. You've never once caused me to think twice about allowing my daughter to spend so much time with you and TK…"
Gale suddenly smiled in remembrance.
"That's not exactly true, Alexis. There was one time. I knew the day we came here to look at the house the first time that you didn't trust me or anyone else for that matter."
Alexis frowned in confusion trying to remember what she could have said to give Gale and insight so personal. And seeing her confusion, Gale continued.
"Remember my asking to take Kristina while you looked the house over and you
very politely, but very firmly refused to relinquish her?
Nodding, Alexis remembered. And she remembered the fear that infused her when someone tried to take her daughter from her arms, however innocent the intent.
"I remember."
"Alexis, you were freaked out of your mind."
"I guess I was. But, you've seen the scar, Gale. She was just recovering from open heart surgery. She was born so prematurely I thought I was going to lose her."
Gale breathed deeply to give herself some time to again accept that Alexis just wasn't prepared to trust her. There was more to the story. The things Alexis told her in the beginning versus little tidbits here and there over the years spoke volumes to Gale. Alexis was hiding. From what, she didn't know. But, landing on this island nine years ago had nothing to do with health issues. When Alexis Davis stepped off that plane it was to begin a new life, free from the outside world. Most people who lived on the island took vacations periodically in order to get a break from the island lifestyle, but not Alexis. In all the years they had lived side by side, the Davis girls never left the island nor did anyone ever come to the island for a visit. She reached over and patted Alexis' hand then stood again to return home.
"It's okay, Alexis. I won't pry. But, just so you'll know where I stand… I've acquired quite a laundry list of important 'things to know' about Alexis Davis. Like for instance, you've chosen our little island as your hideaway, and 'Runaway Bay' is not just a vacation retreat for a change of scenery, but instead sort of an unloading dock for you on occasion. And then there's the one regarding the guard who works undercover at the airport. Things like, at one time I believe you were quite the attorney in a past life and more importantly you walked away from someone you cared very much for in order to hide from whatever was chasing you. These are not things I intend to hold over your head; Quite the opposite. There have been times when I've had to pull a few strings to keep your secrets safe when you didn't see a problem coming. For instance, you never asked why Kale finally left the island after living here his whole life. It would interest you to know that he couldn't live here any longer knowing who the new owner of the island was. But, after listening to me scream my head off for lord knows how many days, he finally agreed to keep the secret as long as TK and myself were never put in a position of being hurt or in danger."
Gale stepped off the veranda and before turning toward her own home, left Alexis with one last thought to consider.
"Alexis, your secrets are safe with me. They always have been."
With that Gale turned and walked away leaving Alexis frozen with her jaw hanging wide open.