Chapter 24
Meg grinning waved at Sara and Casey from the window as the plane taxied to a halt.
Robert gently teased her as he gave her, her bags so they were both laughing as he led the way down the steps.
After a quick greeting he left Meg to go to his meetings reminding her to ring during the day.
The sisters gave each other a huge smile and Casey stepped in with a welcome hug before taking her bags and stepping silently aside so the still grinning sisters could look at each other, which they did as though they had not seen one another for years rather than months.
Meg broke the silence first. "You're looking great Sis."
Sara's eyes twinkled her voice was soft. "Yeah … large as well I know. I promised you a hug; I'm not that fragile you know."
Meg laughed and hugged her large sister, the bump for the twins was really showing and she was blooming as well as happy. As for Casey he was definitely the proud father to be.
"See told you I could still hug." Sara said laughingly as they released each other and as they walked to the car she continued. "Unfortunately Casey could not change his shift so we will see him later, he's dropping us off at the apartment and will take the rescue jeep. After that you can use this old banger if you like and drive me to the Shock Wave for tea."
"Okay that will be fine." Meg said with a smile.
In the car as Casey drove Meg quietly listened to her sister's chatter, while looking out the window. Everything was having a slightly off feeling, it was no longer the happy go lucky place she thought it would be, but on the other hand it never was … so much used to happen and was happening. She tried to hide the little shiver as she quietly hoped she wouldn't meet Ben just yet. She thought of the apartment and smiled wondering if that would feel different now she knew the truth. And suddenly realized they had stopped and looked round then smiled at Casey who had just knocked at the passenger window and brought her out of there thoughts.
He opened the door and said quietly. "Memories." and then went to help Sara out but kept an eye on her.
Meg just nodded not trusting herself to speak and got her bags then gave him a parting hug before following her sister into the apartment. She smiled as she walked in … the warm welcome feeling was still there … granted there were different pictures on the wall, throw on the sofa and tablecloth on the table and oh a bookcase along a wall. But it was still her Casita soon to be theirs his protection without them knowing it.
"You've done a tidying up job I bet." Meg teased her sister as they went up to the spare room, which was to be her room.
Sara pretended to be cross with her sister but the smile in her eyes told Meg different. "Hey! It's always like this … I seem to remember your room at Surf Central was always a mess."
"No it just had too much in it!" Meg teased back and put her bags on the bed.
On the way back downstairs Sara pushed the doors of the other rooms open so she could see them, the room for the nursery was empty and still the same colours as before so Meg said. "Not chosen colours yet then."
Sara laughed "No we can't agree I think the room will stay the same light yellow we'll just put some fluffy pictures on the walls. We've got our name down for furniture … they suggest we wait just in case something happens… They promise to deliver anytime day or night, I'm glad really I think having things here would be tempting fate. … I guess the shop is used to having things returned."
Meg caught her sister's apprehension and went over to her putting her arm around her shoulders. "Things are looking good Sara; you know that the Doctor seemed please according to your last phone call."
Sara suddenly brightened, "Yes you're right, so do you want to brush up before facing the cameras and reporter as well as the Mayor."
Meg laughed at her sister tone. "I'm fine. I assume Bette will be doing a piece."
"Oh yes she will collar you in the corner and get all the gory details. But I'll let you run through everything first if you like. Starting with your new job and apartment … car is this way." Sara added waving the car keys.
Meg gave her a look and huffed. "I do know the way Sis." As she took the keys and started to follow her sister out she added. "Okay I'll run though it for you and then for Mum and then for Bette. Hope there are drinks with this 'do' because I'm going to need them." And heard her sister's chuckle.
oxoxo
Meg was feeling happy as she walked from the Sunset Sisters for lunch with Gabi, they had decided on a café near the police station as the Java Web had very little space for prams. Time was flying by and so far everything was going well. Her pray had been answered the Mayor had kept his speech short and jokes even shorter as he handed over the cheque and plaque to herself and Sara. She could not stand the man he'd even tried to hog the picture but the photographer knew his job and pushed him into place.
She'd had caught up on some of the gossip, and everyone she met so far had accepted her story including the bubbly and probing Aunt Bette. As for her mother looked good and sounded happy so it confirmed her sister's comments that her father was more relaxed with life. Of course there was talk about Ben and Maria but it had not jarred as much as she thought it would, and she was getting over that funny feeling she'd had when she arrived. She gave Tess and Annie a quick wave as she passed The Gallery she could not see Maria and guessed she might be talking to the Mayor or Aunt Bette.
The café was not too crowded and she spotted Gabi sitting at the table her baby in a small convertible pram and beside her were a very proud father and brother. Antonio got up as soon as he saw Meg and they greeted and hugged then a quick check that everything was all right before he went on his way with a promise to see them tonight. Ricardo waved the waitress over and excused himself from eating but he had to be back at the office in ten minutes. Meg sat and ordered the food while she congratulated him and Gabi on the daughter who was fast asleep. After Ricardo left, Meg and Gabi talked about everything they could think of as they ate till her daughter woke and told them she was hungry. After she was discreetly feed they said happy goodbyes with promises to email often, agreeing that phone calls might be difficult because of the baby and Ricardo working hours and time zones.
Meg knew she had to make her own way back to the apartment and wandered round Sunset Beach spotting things to buy, changes that had happened and lost in memories she bumped into someone as she turned a corner. Tim Truman picked her bags up and they chatted, he was on his way to the hospital to see Abby who was fine but still a little underweight so would stay for in a little longer. She was pleased for him as fatherhood and Tess's love obviously agreed with him, his obsession about her was gone.
She let herself into the apartment and put her things down on the sofa knowing Sara was resting. Her mind wandered into memories as her hands gently touching familiar things in the room and as she lent on the doorframe looking out into the garden, It was only the need for a drink that brought her back and into the kitchen and then finally facing the packing she'd promised herself. It really was not going to be difficult all her things were in bags or small boxes anyway so Casey had put some larger boxes out for her for the next stage on.
It was quiet and she had the urge to mail home and tell John everything was fine. She smiled there it was again 'home', the strong feeling of home being here had not come back not even as she wandered around the apartment or chatted with her mother. Perhaps it would come back tonight when she met them all at the Shock Wave. She plugged the laptop in and opened the cupboard doors ready to start her sorting out as it booted up. By the time it was ready she knew what to say.
Hi
Everything is fine photo shoot went well.
Mum is happy … seeing Dad later. Sara is … well ... large only way of putting it but healthy. Casey is definitely the very proud father to be. As for the twins I have felt them and they are really trying to play ball in there … just as well they don't have one. … Don't envy her at night.
Just as well Robert has large plane cannot decide what to leave behind … so I'm bring it all back and decide later.
Going to meet everyone now. Decided to take photos as keepsakes.
Hey!!!! Don't give Jackie a hard time! ... Or Simon will chuck you over his shoulder again!
Love you.
Meg xxxxxxxx
She pressed the key sending it and deleting all trace of it then packed the laptop away and looked out the window into the garden. For a moment lost in thought she could see them all as a family with the twins on the swings, everyone chatting and laughing with Shep running around them. As he looked up at her, wagging his tail she shook her head knowing it would never be possible and got on with the packing.
Meg had nearly finished when she came across the box of figurines; she took them out carefully and checked them over as her mind gently whisked back to the Casita and that stormy night. She rewrapped them and put the box in the larger one. Then she found the box with love bowl and took it out fingering it gently; his voice ringing in her ears and was interrupted by her sister's voice.
"Your leaving us for good aren't you?" Sara said from the doorway, she had finished her nap and came to see if her sister had returned and found her sitting there obviously miles away.
Meg did not look round at her sister instead she silently carefully put the love bowl in the paper rewrapping and boxing it letting her mind come back to the present. She was going to tell everyone over the meal that she would not be fully returning, she knew that everyone else had got the impression that her stay would be as long as the jobs lasted and then she would return to the fold. But as ever her sister had picked up her feelings as well as the fact that the cupboards were empty … nothing of hers would remain here.
She ran her fingers through her hair to get it away from her face then turned to face her sister with a gentle loving smile. "Yes, but I will be visiting as I said. I will try for your twins or Christmas which ever is soonest and lots of times after."
Sara laughed but it had a catch in it "They reckon last week in November or early December." Then she said gently. "You still have feelings for Ben don't you. … You were happy as you got off the plane but edgy on the drive in … now you've settled down … is that because he's left you alone. ... I know I warned you just after Samantha was born but that was months ago now … they are fantastic together as well as with Benjy. You can set up business here you're not tied to the shop you know. Cheaper living … small rent … I know it will get crowded but you'll love the kids I'm sure. I'll be good give you space so will Dad."
It come out as a rush and Meg could tell Sara was suffering from her insecurity again but this time it was not directed at her and Casey just her… sisterly love not sisterly competition anymore.
She looked at her sister and said it gently but firmly. "Sis I'm over Ben … was over him before I left, remember I left him before he went to Seattle … I knew he needed to be with his family. She was his first love after all and they had Benjy. … You say Dad has changed he understands his love for Mum better and our place in the family. … Well I've changed become stronger in myself. I know I did the right thing regarding Ben we had our time together, which was special now we are meant to be apart. … Unfortunately some people will always think of us as a couple just as others always thought we should never have been together. … Sis I need this time away from here so I can come back as myself with no history round my neck and that takes time. … …. Do you remember when you left home you found the independence good?"
Sara nodded and smiled remembering she thought her parents loved Meg more than her and had challenged them to support her and allow her to leave home. They did and in doing so she found herself and also realised they three loved her equally. Her smile changed to a rueful one as she said. "Till I fell from grace with the Senator."
Meg gave a gentle laugh, which Sara joined in with, and then added. "We'll forget that bit expect the fact we didn't reject you. The other bit was good though you found Casey and now your own family. I need that independence sis, and I need privacy because of my past here but most of all I need to know I have your love and support in the background as you had mine when you were away even if you did not want it then.
I have found some wonderful people I want to get to know and there's a hole in the job market that is not here. ... There are a lot of PA's in Sunset just waiting for a job or students needing research jobs, I enjoyed the shop as well … it brought us back together again in a way that will give us the strength to stay together in spite of the distance."
She watched her sister think things through noticing how she rubbed her back as she lent against the door frame and wondered if the rest had done her any good her sister's voice brought her back from drifting thoughts. "The apartment will be ours then."
Meg smiled her sister had accepted it and jumped to the next question. "Yes but we'll keep things as they are for now save changing the paper work again, we'll talk about a buyout sometime in the future, not now. The rent will only increase as the utility charges do. I like the changes you've made and you can paint anything you want just let me know if you need anything major like a huge extension for the kids."
Sara chuckled, eyes threatening to tear up as Meg carried on. "We'll both be tied up me with work and you with the babies and then there's the time zone thing. So we'll keep to emails with the occasional fixed phone call as we do now. I don't know about you but I like the family group at the Centre it saves me having to say everything twice."
Getting her emotions under control Sara smiled remembering how the sessions with or without her father had ended up as a chat over coffee sort of keeping the family group together a bit longer.
Seeing the slight flicker of sadness Meg continued. "Hey, I will come back and see you when you have the twins and after for birthdays and things, just not stay too long but I will need definite dates for those two so I can plan things."
Sara eyed her sister and sighed as she spoke. "Okay I know that tone of yours … I'll give you as definite dates as I can although the way my back is aching it could be tonight."
At her sister's words Meg remembered how things always seemed to come in a rush or go cockeyed and the thought of twins tonight was a bit frightening and said. "Nah you wouldn't do that to us surely."
Sara smiled as she watched the concern flicker across her sister's face and tried to catch her out. "Could be ..." then added gently. "Promise me you'll tell me everything one day, even that possible 'one' that's just a hint away."
"Sis! I told you it is not even a hint away. Now that's just what I don't need from you!" She gently chided her sister, who smiled at her with a mouthed 'okay' as Meg carried on in her normal tone. "I need to explain things to Dad before we eat so we should be off. Thinking about the twins coming early and to save postage what about you choosing something from the baby shop … I could reserve it then Casey or Dad could collect it when they are born, furniture or clothes I happy with either."
Sara laughed accepting she'd trod on her toes with her remark and exclaimed. "Hey, you've just given us the apartment Meg." At Meg's look she knew that bit of new was to be quiet and said. "Okay I'll have a look in the book and tell you either before you leave or email you." then reassured her. "Its okay they were just having a really good kicking session, my back's better now ... guess they don't like me lying down too much. … Mind you that's getting more difficult … getting up I mean." at her sisters smile she added. "What about Sunset Sisters are you going to want to sell your half to raise cash for an apartment or to keep you going?"
Meg felt better and knew her thoughts about it and said. "No I want to stay in, sort of sleeping partner … we'll deal with any profits or losses when we get them. I have some money at the moment, a roof over my head and a job lined up as I explained. I would like to have some input on ideas about the shop so keep me informed on what's happening. I was thinking Mum and Dad could join in if they wanted to move out of the Shock Wave that way it would still be in the family. … Though I expect they will want to help with the babies and let you go in the shop. Are we going over to The Deep straight after our meal with Mum and Dad?"
She was quietly relieved Meg was keeping in with the shop it would mean they would not drift apart remembering the infrequent calls she'd made when she'd been away from home and answered her. "Yes, Casey should be joining us for the meal if not just after. You can catch up with his gossip then. It's casual night so you can come as you are."
"That sounds good. I'll ring Robert about the packing cases and check about the flight he said there was a deal that might come off tonight. I'll meet you at your car in a moment."
As she sealed the last box and wrote the word fragile in large letters before finding her phone Sara turned to leave and said very seriously. "You do know the way don't you."
Meg snorted at her sister's tease and quipped back. "Yes and I'll have you beside me when I drive."
"Just wondering." Sara said innocently then smiled. "We'll leave the key at reception if it will make thing easy. See you in five." and left her realising her sister wanted to make the phone call in private.
oxoxo
The Shock Wave was fairly quiet when they arrived, Sara went over to her mother who was wiping down a table, at her touch on the shoulder.
Joan stopped and greeted them then nodded towards the serving counter. Meg followed her mother's gaze and saw her father talking to a group and as they moved to go out she saw Benjy and Maria at the counter. She walked slowly towards them checking them out and wondering what the reception was going to be like.
Benjy saw her first a smile lit up his face and a bright "Meg!" as he walked towards her with an ice cream in his hand.
Maria and Hank looked round they both smiled. Meg was slightly shocked as both smiles were genuine, her father's she accepted but Maria's she was living with… she quickly squashed that thought remembering Robert's, Jack's and John's warning to take everything at face value as though she don't know the truth. Her voice came out warm with the love that she had for the boy, as did her smile. "Hi Benjy, your favourite I see, had a good day, guess school must have finished already."
Benjy was licking his ice cream to stop it dribbling and Meg could see he was trying to think of an answer, which covered her questions, tough for a small lad, she should have done it one at a time. But then he looked at her and answered. "Yes thank you, Mummy's picked me up and I'm staying with Zach tonight because Daddy's out with Sammy." Then went back to his ice cream but offered her his hand.
Wow that was a big answer, gone was the shy little lad who could hardly put more than three words together especially when she was around. Instead there was a happy confident lad, full of fun and love and she took his hand realising this was his way of showing friendship.
As they walked the short distance back to his mother, Maria smiled and called across. "Ben's babysitting today so I could enjoy the photo shoot and an evening out. Congratulations by the way I hope you've had a good day so far. … You'll be staying for the do tonight I trust."
Meg smiled. "Yes it has been thank you. Congratulations on your placing. Of course Sara and the others have done the hard work regarding the shop. We're having a family tea now then I expect I'll be at The Deep see the friends who've had to work today."
Maria looked at both Meg and Benjy as she spoke. "That will be nice … lots of gossip to catch up on. Come on Benjy let's move or you'll be late for your sleepover. Thank you Hank I'll tell Ben about next week's meeting, he was so sure it was the week after. Meg …Take care … I'm glad you're settled now and things turned out all right in the end."
At his name Benjy released Meg's hand and walked over to the door of the Shock Wave while concentrating on his ice cream the way kids do.
Meg smiled watching them trying hard not to see hidden meanings in Maria's last words; her warmth of friendship was genuine as it had been when they had first known each other. Perhaps that was the trouble she wanted to see a two-headed monster but instead saw a concerned friend and loving mother with a son to be proud of.
She felt her father's hand on her arm and turned towards him and into a hug, she felt the warmth of her love for him take over. They broke apart and he stepped back from her for a moment neither knew what to say … they had left on a bad note and now they were hugging as though nothing had happened and yet both knew they had a lot of ground to cover.
Meg spoke first and to her surprise her voice was steady, though her heart was racing not through fear but love, knowing deep down nothing could destroy the love they had for each other change it yes perhaps but not destroy it. "You're looking great Dad … Glad things are working out well with Mum and here … I need a private word before tea."
Hank nodded, his eyes were bright and slight smile came to his face at her words. "You're looking good too … whatever you're doing it is right for you. … I'm sorry I tried to protect you too much. Lets take a walk on the beach, Mum and Sara can deal with the meal it's in the ovens … advantage of having a café ... it's roast not burgers by the way just got to hope the customers don't think it's theirs."
She smiled and gave a gentle laugh as she followed him out, suddenly realising it was just like home having the meals done by other people, and there it was again the feeling of home being far away no longer here … at tea would it be different or was this the way things were always going to feel her home was not here. She put the thought aside and followed him out of the Shock Wave knowing her mother and sister would give them time.
oxoxo
The beach was quiet so they found it easy to walk side by side and talk without people over hear or intruding or to be avoided.
She broke the comfortable silence. "Dad I understand you wanted to protect me, in fact all your family in your own way and I love you for it. This break has done me a lot of good made me grow up and understand why you did it. I'm sorry if I hurt you …but something had to blow to part us … I need you to understand I respect and love you and you have my trust." In her mind as she was talking she knew she was not saying this well it sounded so much better when she had thought it over on the plane. "I …
Hank put a hand on her arm as they walked and interrupted gently "Meg, sometimes it's better to spit it out rather than try and cover it with sugar."
She laughed and smiled and saw his slight smile and said. "Dad I love trust and respect you and Mum … without your love and trust I would not be the person I am today or the person I hope to be in the future…"
Hank gave a gentle sigh and finished for her. "You're not coming home to stay as I hoped."
She gave her head a gentle shake and said softly but firmly knowing he'd love in her eyes. "No Dad. I'm leaving Sunset Beach because I found something I want to … I don't know the right words Dad … follow, explore, chase. … It's in its infancy Dad … the job and the friends everything. It's nothing to do with our falling out or my failed relationships it's more to do with the accident of fate that sent me to Boston and let me see a different future."
Hank was silent for a moment as he took in her words and the way she was then said. "So no man lined up just you and your friends." He didn't get any comeback so carried on. "Joan told me your gossip from this morning so I know about your new job, still not where or the name of the firm though. She said you were the same with Bette and she went off to her paper happy. … It's good to know you've found new friends even been riding so I guess the place must be nice." She nodded, he grinned as he carried on. "Bet you were stiff for a while." She nodded again letting him carry on. "That sent some memories going … back on the farm all of us riding together, picnic teas. … … I was a bit worried by your travelling around, no pattern just jumping from one thing to the next. I thought perhaps because of me you no longer trusted people and you were isolating yourself so nothing could hurt you again. I was wrong you look good not haunted."
She rested her free hand on his to reassure him with more than her words as she admitted. "I was hurt and angry at what happened Dad, but I never isolated Robert saw to that. And this is not because of us. … Though you've got to admit it's cleared the air for both of us … done more good than harm." Hank nodded not wanting to interrupt her words. "As your baby I needed you as my father to look after me now I need you to be there for me as a friend rather than a father … I know we will always love each other … even in my anger I still loved you. … But now I need to stand on my own two feet in everything that I do and know that should I need you I can call but not need to…"
"Count for everything you do." He added as she faltered.
She nodded and carried on knowing she could trust him. "Dad … there is something I want you to know … that I cannot tell Sara or Mum just yet. … Sara because she will pry and ask too many questions … ones I don't know the answers to myself yet and Mum I'm not sure she would agree any more than I think you will … but it's my decision and I don't want anyone else knowing yet." She said it in a bit of a rush and was not too sure if it sounded right or made sense especially as her father frowned at the end. And wondered why was it she could talk to him when he was not there and now when he was it came out all muddled?
Hank was silent for a moment knowing she was needing him in totally different way than she had before and yes he could do that if he could work out what she was trying to say and said gently not wanting to frighten her. "That sounds serious sweetheart as well as confusing. But as you say it's your decision and your life. I'm happy you are willing to confide in me the only thing I ask is that I can explain everything to Joan at the right time including the fact you've asked for my silence." He gave a very gentle sigh as he carried on with a hint of a smile. "I really don't want to go back in the shed again." Meg smiled at that and nodded as he added. "You know your Mum can keep a secret if you want to confide in her."
She nodded again and said gently. "I know … I suppose I'm worried about overheard conversations, the feeling that you can get when two know something and the third one doesn't if it's only one person being left out. … I don't want to hurt Sara's feelings either. Dad … this is not to test you … it's so you will understand why I'm leaving though I will be back for short stays ... the odd week or weekends ... just not live here anymore." She hesitated surprised at the strong urge to tell him the whole truth but listened to the little voice of reason that said 'no it would destroy too much' and carried on. "I think I've met someone I could love but I want to keep him clear of Sunset Beach, he knows my past and understands why I'm doing this."
"Meg." He interrupted gently. "You said could, but in your voice it sounds as though you do."
She smiled and nodded realising the change that had taken place he actually listened and understood rather than listened to his own wishes. "I do love him Dad. We both need space and time to make sure it is the right thing for us. … He is married with no children … but it was finished a long time ago, for reasons I will not go into but they are nothing to be ashamed of or against the law and I trust his word on that. Before you ask he cannot get a divorce so if things work out I will be living with him as his partner not his wife and I want you to understand it is my choice as an adult not as a romantic girl or on the rebound from our argument or lack of boyfriends."
Hank stopped walking and looked at her full in the face and she could not see any anger, only concern and love as he brought his hand up to her face and traced it gentle then resting it on her shoulder and said. "Meggie sweetheart. … If you know all the pitfalls and it is the right thing for you to do then do it."
He smiled at her reaction, she had been expecting temper but it was not there, instead there was all the love and support she would ever need regardless of what the future might hold. He carried on gently. "I've learnt a lot these past months, it has strengthen the love I've always felt for your mother and my beautiful strong willed girls. Make sure you have a way out financially if needs be and do not be ashamed to come home if things go wrong. … I understand why you don't want me to tell your mother yet … she will understand when the time is right."
He paused and gave a rueful smile with a little sigh. "Guess I'll never walk you down the aisle again perhaps once was enough for you anyway … you know at the reception after Maria appeared your mum and I were sat at the tables and I wondered why it was happening she told me what I already knew. That we brought you and your sister up to follow your hearts and be strong. … You've had a rocky ride so far but that has helped make you and as you've always said should not be forgotten but accepted. … … I hope this one will be the right one as Casey is for Sara; you've got that twinkle back in your eyes when you smile and that's good.
You're right about Sara though she will pry out of love and concern, perhaps you could tell her in little bits. Just promise me you'll visit when you can, ring if you need help … I suspect you'll want to make it emails rather than phone calls perhaps we could do those once a month at the centre as a family group rather like a family meal only a chat instead. Timing will be left up to you, you can email time and dates … I … we both want you to be happy you are an adult more than ready to fly off and start you own life."
Meg could feel tears starting to come as she softly said "Thanks Dad. I will keep in touch." She found herself enveloped in a hug with a gentle kiss on her head before he released her she reached up and kissed him on his cheek.
He gently eased her round so they were facing the way they had come and said. "Lets go and get tea, Casey's going to be late possibly eat at the Centre depending on how things have been. Perhaps you should give him a private few minutes."
"I shall tell him the same as Sara and everyone else Dad, that there might be something in the future and it's because of my past in Sunset that I need it kept separate. I was hoping for a photo to take back. .. I thought on the rocks at sunset."
"Sounds a good idea and no one will question you're reasons for silence Meg. Wipe the tear away or your Mum will take my tea away." He added handing her a hanky.
She laughed and accepted it "So trades been good."
"Yes though this afternoon has been a bit quiet. …. …
oxoxoxo
Please review any comments welcome.