Chapter 271 Jamlyn

Saturday, January 28th, Evening

There was an eerie silence over the whole estate of Jamlyn. Brett stood in one of the many large bay window banks of the house. She looked out upon the vast Atlantic Ocean. The light from the setting sun backlit the darkening horizon.

Tomorrow she heads over to Tree Hill Hall and her dad's family. It's a different view from the windows of that house. The two houses, the two families were just part of her messed up life. On the other hand, she wasn't the only person with a non-traditional family. On the other hand, what does that really mean?

Throughout her research, the practice of having multiple marriages was common. Women died young, usually because of childbirth, so men would marry so a woman could raise their children. Also, older men married much younger women, so they would die before their wives. The final factor was it was a martial culture, men went to war, and war meant death, and death meant widows and fatherless children.

Yet, it was more the rule than the exception. Why was she looked upon as something to pity? Maybe it was part of the founding myth or the zealot nature of many founding communities.

"What are you thinking about?" someone asked from behind her.

"Life, love, the universe, and everything," Brett said.

"Forty-two," the person said.

"What does that mean?" Brett asked.

"Whatever you want it to be," the person said.

"You've spent too much time with my Dad, Auntie Tall," Brett said.

Angela chuckled, "I basically grew up with your Mom and Dad," she said.

"So, why are you here?" Brett asked, still not turning away from the window.

"How deep of an answer do you want?" Angela asked.

"It's my time, but of course, someone decides to honor you and my Mom and take away from me," Brett said.

Angela sighed, "I came back because James is worried about your Mom. I came back to see my goddaughter. I came back because they asked me, but I never wanted to take away from you," she said.

"You know, you cast a big shadow over all the girls that play here?" Brett asked.

Angela nodded, "I know, trust me I know, remember I had two nieces that played after me. I want my daughter to play here, but I'm acutely aware what shadow I do cast," she said.

"It's still not fair," Brett said.

"Believe me, I know, remember I went to UCONN," Angela said.

Brett nodded, "Your choice," she said.

"True, also life isn't fair, Brett," Angela said.

"That's encouraging," Brett said.

"I didn't play in my first National Championship Game because my knee was healing. I don't have the dad of my daughter in my life, because he's dead. I've never had a successful romantic relationship, so believe me, Brett, I know how you're feeling," Angela said.

"So, where is the light at the end of the tunnel?" Brett asked.

"What I can tell you is you and your friends finish what you started, you'll remember it, and have bonds you won't forget. You'll have your own place in the story," Angela said.

Brett shrugged, "It doesn't make it easier to endure," she said.

"Things often bitter to endure are sweet to remember," Angela said.

"Sounds like something my Dad would say," Brett said.

"I believe it was your granddad, actually," Angela said.

Brett finally turned around and looked at Angela. "You still didn't answer to why you're here," she said.

"To visit my goddaughter and best friend," Angela said.

Brett nodded, "You know Miami is hosting Detroit tonight," she said.

"Heat, Pistons, interesting," Angela said.

"My Mom stopped drinking wine during the games because she started drinking too much," Brett said.

"How bad has it been?" Angela asked.

"Melancholy, lonely, her only friends are my aunt and step-mom," Brett said.

"Which aunt?" Angela asked.

"Kelly," Brett said, "You know it's not Savannah."

Angela nodded, "I know, it's hard visiting a grave," she said, "I was there when they buried her, which pissed off your grandma."

"Maddie's never been a grandmom to me," Brett said.

Angela nodded, "I know, believe me, I know," she said.

"Maybe this will be good for her, see all the old teammates," Brett said.

"She wanted to be with James in Miami, but for some reason, she didn't get along around there," Angela said.

"I don't remember her being this way when I was younger," Brett said.

"That was before your success," Angela said.

"She's jealous?" Brett asked.

"Maybe, or bitter," Angela said.

"Yeah," Brett said, "My family is just a mess."

"The Burke's seem okay," Angela said.

"I guess," Brett said.

"I heard you tried to sneak into Absolution," Angela said.

"Where did you hear that?" Brett asked.

"I'm friends with both your Mom and Step-Mom, not to mention your Dad; also, your Step-Dad is my cousin," Angela said.

Brett laughed, "That's a foolish thing, now I'm getting lectured by you too?" she asked.

"No, but it's good for you not always to be so good," Angela said.

"How would you know, you were perfect," Brett said.

"Not always, but I wish I did more of it when I was your age," Angela said.

"I see," Brett said.

"One comment on it, though," Angela said.

"That would be?" Brett asked.

Angela sighed, "You didn't hear it from me," she said.

"Okay," Brett said.

"Now understand, I love your Mom like a sister, but if you attempt something like that again, do it under your Mom's watch. Momma Chase has done a lot for you, and why she came down so hard on you is she felt you betrayed her trust," Angela said.

Brett nodded, having heard that before, "I understand," she said.

"No problem, Brett," Angela said.

"Auntie Tall, can we get together with Baylee and Avril this week?" Brett asked.

"Yeah, I can arrange that, and Jess would like to spend time with you as well," Angela said.

"I'd love to see Jess," Brett said.

Angela nodded, "Good," she said, "Where's your Mom?"

"Probably in her room," Brett said.

"Thanks," Angela said and walked out of the room, leaving Brett to turn back to the window and the Atlantic Ocean.