Chapter 60
Meg could not help chuckling in spite of her mixed feelings of being so close to her goal and yet still an hour away, and of course dear old fidget was making his presence known. But not in an embarrassing way thank goodness it was just a case of 'Hey Mum still here' with a gentle nudge outwards this time but the next could be different ….
She was on the edge of the group having just got out the plane and walked to their coach and was watching Mat who was looking a bit like a sprinter getting ready to go at the gun. Only he was standing and talking to some people regarding unloading the cargo but looking towards them making sure they were not going without him. Well, he had parked the plane as close to theirs as he dared as a big hint to Jack not got go without him, and there was the line of vans waiting for the cargo. She noticed there were a couple of police vans and wondered if some of the officers had decided to do moving on the side after their fun with Val and Paul's. On the other hand, it must have been difficult to get vans at such short notice she reckoned Simon or Jackie must have been in contact with Mat to find out just how much they were bringing back so they'd know were to store it. That was assuming there was any spare space after the other fiasco … she'd not thought of ….
She saw Mat start to move in their direction and knew he'd be okay, they were not moving any where too quickly and brought her attention back to the reason why and silently huffed. 'Well not till someone untangled Mandy from the hug and no doubt quiet interrogation of their so call 'guide' Simon. She wanted to yell at them to get them to move because she needed to go to her soulmate and surely that was the idea of the whole thing … so why take so long in hug! She saw Jack edge forward towards the couple and smiled, oh yes let the brave man do it; after all he was the most experienced one of the group.
The driver safe in his seat looked across at the scene and smiled at Jack who gave a knowing smile and nod of acknowledgement back before giving his wife a gentle nudge and a word in the hope she would move so they could get on. It had been only a couple of minutes if that but he knew that a certain young lady was thinking it was hours. Also that trying to get everyone on board was not going to be easy as no one wanted to be too far out of earshot of the tale that was bound to be told on the drive home. Well, why else have a guide for a driver who knew the route blindfolded, inside out and upside down.
"Well how's the temporary new boss?" Jack asked his sometime partner moving to the side to let the others board as his gentle nudge and word had worked and Simon and Mandy had moved into their seats.
"Fine but was complaining that this is the longest interview he has ever been to. His wife came over this morning along with a few others. He's good to the staff and is willing to listen so take as long as you want." He added with a smile.
Jack chuckled and said darkly. "Like that is it?"
Equally darkly his partner replied, "You'll see."
Jack knew he would not get any more than that so shrugged and gently guided Meg aboard so she sat next to Simon and noticed his wife had pinched the aisle seat. Great he'd have to squeeze passed her and stop her from jumping up and down wanting to get all the news in a second. As he got to his seat and put a restraining hand on his wife to tell her to wait he knew Meg was just as anxious but they hadn't started yet and the driver not matter how good needed full attention, not have voice rabbitting on as he dodged trucks, people and the odd plane to get out of the complex. He'd already guessed from the smile his wife had after that hug the news was good not bad. The mere fact he was here was proof it was good after all he wouldn't leave his adopted brother if it wasn't especially after the last time and they would have had a phone call ….
Everyone was settling down or being settled … the twins were a little fidgety to say the least … and who could blame them … there was no where to roam! … unless of course they could get under the seats.
There were two bangs on the side of the coach and a loud 'okay' and the driver knew the hand luggage was aboard so started the engine and eased the coach out of the airport complex.
oxoxo
As soon as they were on the main road, Mandy looked across at Simon and said none too gently. "So give!"
Jack sighed dramatically, well he had done his best but he wanted news as well.
Simon laughed and said. "Okay I give in." and handed out copies of the paper so everyone could see the picture and read the article. The picture had not been sent down to Sunset Beach this was one that was just for their side of the mountains. As he gave Meg her copy he asked gently. "Everything okay?"
She nodded and looked at the picture on the front page and realised the difference immediately gone were the cap and glasses, there was a 'wow' from Sara and Meg could not blame her, even though it was a paper print of the photo Ben looked good on Sandy and running beside them was Shep and behind them came the gang.
As if reading Meg's thoughts Simon said with feeling remembering what happened, "Oh yeah, the boss is back." Then he flicked the switch on the coach mike so everyone could hear him talk rather than having to yell. "You know, it was a fantastic feeling riding in with that lot …a bit like the old western movies …but no music and we were the good guys of course." He looked at Meg and admitted knowing she needed the truth and said. "And no one would have known Ben had been scared first thing, but by then he was okay. I suppose the waiting was over and he knew you were okay and the only way was forward. As you can see Meg, Paul made it back from meeting the blacksmith, which went well so that bucked it him up a bit.
We had contemplated using the horse and carriage and the rest ride but Ben wanted to be in control, having had a quick bust up with Bob earlier. Not too serious really, Bob was being a real shadow or 'mother hen' as Ben put it, and insisted he wear the monitor all the time even at the meeting, they huffed and puffed and Bob won that so Ben won the other. We knew Bob would be with us all the time but he was being a little too tight, I suppose we are used to giving our 'charge' room and knew where the line is drawn so to speak even on bad days, but Bob well he was learning on the job at a hundred miles an hour and stakes were high."
Meg resisted a chuckle remembering her experiences and Mandy smiled and nodded her understanding so he carried on. "We had planned to meet Bill, Tony and the bank manager at the Hardware store office being the best place for Ben; he wanted to get out of the apartment anyway. … Found a time that was convenient for both but could not surprisingly get in touch with Bill. Left messages with people and machines got nothing back …so we thought the best thing to do was to ride past his office and bang on his door and hope he was there.
We were getting ready to leave when Tony and his wife rode by, their car had broken down so it meant two extra with us … as you can see we became quite a large group. I don't know if other people could feel our buzz but some did stop and watched, others just looked and said hi as they carried on. Of course the cars had to slow and give us priority, which was fun, usually we just cross the road to the other paths into the woods but this time we were going along the main road into town so they had to follow at a distance and the others coming towards us had to slow or stop.
The picture was taken from the newspaper headquarters the roads on a bit of a slope; Ben had just spotted Bill with his bag of bits and called his name, he's out of the picture by the way, so he turned and looked round at us as we approached, he must have heard us anyway. Should explain a young hopeful was leaning out the upstairs window testing his camera and thought what a nice group and took it. So there was Bill cogs going round trying to work out what was up and what was different as we came to a halt, we'd been riding in the middle of the road to avoid the parked cars so held up the traffic in both directions. That's a great feeling, anyway I and Ben rode over and Ben and quietly told Bill if he wanted 'that' story Jack had promised he needed to come to the Hardware store within the next five minutes."
Simon chuckled and looked at Jack "Oh if only the photo had been of the editor then. It was beautiful. Talk about catching flies. Anyway he managed to work out it was the big story and that Ben was no longer wearing his glasses etc and was going to yell at the lad when Ben coughed. Bill realised that yelling and horses didn't go together so went over the offices door and told the reception that he was out and to hold the front page. Then with his bags he hitched a lift on the back of Bob's horse" he smiled as he carried on "that was laugh seeing those two together … its just as well Bob can ride. … Don't tell Bill but we've got two photos of that … front and back …the lad came over later and said he trying that camera out again, still don't know how he didn't fall out that window."
Jack had to hug his sides to stop laughing too much and let Simon carry on, Simon grew serious though his eyes were bright. "You know I don't think I've seen Bill speechless before. … … got it twice that day … Yeah well so were the others when they heard the truth. … Ben gave them the basic details in a couple of sentences 'My name is Ben Evans and my identical twin Derek kidnapped me and took my place in September 1999, I was being driven to my death when the accident happened. Meg is my wife not fiancée because the woman I thought was my wife was already married to my brother and she had him murdered so that is why my story can be told.' Then Jackie and I ran through the more detailed reports while he and Shep said 'hi' to the horses in the paddock."
He paused for a moment then carried on. "We felt a bit torn actually … he needed space and company but we had to tell the story … we knew we could watch him from the windows, Bob had been warned off a bit so would also watch outside but again from a distance. Jim came to our aid he had been with us to hear the story and had followed Ben out immediately he finished and apparently told him it was all right, and they watched the horses and talked about things in general. I went to them when we had finished and as soon as he came through the door they gave him their unhesitating support. I knew they would but it was nice to see it."
Simon chuckled and then continued. "He then explained about his fortune, the actual amount had not been mentioned in our talk just that he was a millionaire. The Bank Manager bless him nearly had a fit especially as Ben added it could be more as that was just what he remembered and had estimated the interest. Once the bank manager started to breathe again he was okay about it and I must say that Bill was not too pushy when asking Ben questions, Tony just listened with a smile on his face then later filled Jim in with the details. When I read Bill's article later I rather liked the way he got the reporter from Sunset Beach to give her thoughts and he gave his back.
Val and Paul in the meantime went over to the computer club and explained everything to Terry and his wife so they would not hear it from others first or feel left out. His wife had to stay and look after the club but Terry immediately came back to the Hardware store to talk to Ben … It was lovely to see the steadying effect it had on Ben, he was beginning to realise people really would accept him and understood the reason for his cover story."
Simon gave a little huff and looked over at Mandy and Jack as he spoke. "Its funny about using his name I mean when he's around we hardly use it, you just know who you are talking to or you are facing them so it's obvious. It's only talking to other people or just calling for his attention in a group that you use it or muff it and get a long look from him. No doubt that will happen both ways over the next few days or weeks I mean he's going to forget too."
He saw them smile and knew they understood and hoped he would not be the only one to muff it and carried on. "As you know we had a little scare in the afternoon but I'm sure that was just a reaction to everything, he was getting up from the table and turned to move away as you do and he did it a bit too quickly. You know what he's like usually does it in three moves; he forgot and tried to do as we would in one and found he could not. I was close enough to steady him so he would not fall. It was over in a moment. Though I don't mind admitting it gave me a turn after his other collapse, so it's just as well Bob wasn't monitoring me as well. But he did not even feel like falling this time just needed a steadying hand. Bob of course checked him over and made him bed rest, insisting on very light duties." Simon gave a snorting laugh before he carried on. "Mind you that didn't stop him from thinking or planning."
Meg saw the look and smile Simon gave Mandy, of course she knew what he was referring to and she hadn't told either Jack or Mandy didn't dare, and tried to hide her smile.
Mandy looked back thoughtfully, then smiled and exclaimed. "Oh, he didn't!"
Simon said innocently "Well, Jackie did actually and only because Ben could not go anywhere without Bob two inches way. … So. Bob has his family with him."
Mandy exclaimed in horror. "My hotel!!" Jack grabbed his wife by the arm just in case she decided to cross the aisle and murder their son-in-law.
Simon chuckled "Its okay they are staying at Katie's so the kids can run riot there with hers."
"Oh, thank goodness for that." Jack and Mandy sighed with relief
Meg smiled remembering the visit at Christmas when everything went everywhere as the two boys went on a treasure hunt … no one and nothing was safe.
Simon looked at Meg and then across at the others then back to Meg and said in a very casual off hand way. "Ben now owns the swimming pool complex in town."
He chuckled with deep satisfaction at their reactions of surprise and explained. "Oh yeah, and you can blame it on the bank manger and Bob if you like. Bob was restricting him to very light duties and lots of rest due to the poor night and the bank manager rang to say that there was some extra money he could play with. So Ben sat and pondered and played with ideas. Reckon it will be finalized by tonight and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see workmen on the site next week. Of course you have to realise he had two playmates with him Paul as spokesman come manager and Val with her building connections so no one stood a chance. It was all very complicated and done by phone calls hence the finalization tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest.
He looked down the coach and saw puzzled expressions from the others and added. "The complex is in the main part of town and was going to be closed, it needed a very expensive revamp and the owner had an offer on the land, which he was going to accept. A new one on the edge of town would have been really too expensive to run he'd have to buy the land etc. Once Ben put the idea to Paul there were phone calls to and throw and the man got an offer he could not resist as it included some land Ben managed to rustle up. As I said it got complicated so |'ll leave it there and I can't see the Council refusing the revamping plans either, you know Val knows some very interesting people out there."
Glancing back to Mandy and Jack he added. "Oh yes, he also played with ideas for the valley so you'd both better have your thinking caps on when you talk to him, if you are wondering yes he rested as well."
Mandy smiled with a shake of her head and Jack looked at her and chuckled then said softly. "That's okay we know about those ides. So he's been playing … well good for him." Then he turned serious as he carried on. "He's happy about tonight … as anyone can be I mean?"
Simon nodded as he thought for a moment. "Well sort of. As you can see he's been quiet in a thoughtful sort of way, certainly not a broody depressive way, which I was expecting. Father Antonio mailed with the details, thought it was better than Meg telling him with everyone around, so it gave him time to accept it. After being told everything Bill informed the Vicar and he called round to see Ben and they had a good talk. He's going to hold a 'reflection' like we did last year and he'll read out the same pray Antonio will recite just before the cremation. So it's done at the same time, well near enough. Jackie and I would like to go and thought you and Jack might want to stay close to home."
Mandy smiled understanding her son-in-law's meaning, knew Jack would agree and said gently "Yes good idea." She moved so she could see the others at the back of the coach explained. "You will all be welcome at the church, there be music and candles we do it for those who have died on the mountains. It's likely to be mixed groups of families and people who were concerned in his recovery and other rescues it's a general coming together a way of showing support. You'll have time to unpack etc and go over if you wish and then there will be food in the hotel after."
There was a general agreement that that's what they wanted to do and then Hank asked. "I was hoping to see Ben tonight, but will that be too much?"
Simon and Mandy looked at each other but Mandy spoke. "Perhaps just a quick 'hi' as we let Meg off at the apartment, if he's out there. Then see how he wants it, most likely would be popping in for coffee type thing sometime tomorrow and in the two family groups not all at once." She turned back to Simon. "So how have people reacted?"
Simon smiled "Good, but we've had one set back and that's with the school riding group they've stopped it out of respect for this week, though between you and me I think they will ask that Ben does not ride with the group again."
Meg gasped knowing how much Ben enjoyed it, Mandy nodded and said slowly as she thought it through. "I suppose they don't want to take the risk of him collapsing while riding and scaring the kids. He is there to help with the kids and they can ask the most awkward questions."
Simon nodded and said "Yes, but the interesting thing is the kids came round after school and asked if they could still see him around the stables, so I said they could. I think his story has made some of the unruly ones think.
Mandy smiled knowing some of the children's history. Simon then looked down the aisle towards Mat and Robert. "Your wives and kids send love, muttered something about commercial being quicker than private, which was just as well otherwise the airport would have been full up with private plans." Then he glanced across at Jack with half a tease. "I'm hoping your face will get us through the check point quickly."
Jack looked at him questioningly Simon smiled and explained. "The temporary Chief decided to check for reporters. … Our end of town is a no go area. It's working very well so far. The girls on the switchboard have been busy taking calls and some peopled popped in with letters rather than waiting for the postman, no one expected to see Ben and Jackie gave them drinks and it rolled on from there. Now you can fill me in on the details while everyone else enjoys the view." He added cheekily and flicked the mike off.
With Mandy's voice drifting over her as she talked to Simon, Meg watched the familiar scenery go by only surfacing to answer the odd questions that Robert or Mat couldn't or hearing an exclamation about the view. All the time she could feel the rush of excitement knowing she was getting closer to her soulmate.
oxoxo
As Meg felt the coach slow and turn into the drive by the police station she heard her family's "wows" as they saw the hotel and Mandy pointing out the Lodge. Seeing the hotel still had that affect on her but this time it was surpassed by the excitement of coming home to her soulmate. She looked eagerly on down the drive feeling the coach steady so it would stop next to the archway between the hotel and the apartments, and saw him standing next to the rails of the paddock gently rubbing Sandy on the nose, both obviously loving each others attention.
She smiled seeing Shep sitting beside his Master but looking towards the coach with his tail wagging madly, so Ben knew they were there. And a flickering thought passed quickly through her mind the roles reversed only this time they both understood the love they had for each other. Now he was watching her approach, then she'd watch him drive down the drive to her father's farm in Kansas. Had he felt then as she did now, her heart beating in anticipation of his touch, his voice, his love … Oh if only she'd fully understood that stunned feeling she'd had when he'd stopped and took off his glasses and turned towards her and she recognised him,… if she had everything would have been different.
Through her thoughts she was also aware the coach had stopped, that Bob was sitting on a new seat outside their apartment and Jackie was just going in and calling to someone inside. Most probably Paul and or Val who would stay out of sight so as not to crowd them as they met again.
As she got up she could feel baby John fidget and then accepted Simon's help getting out of the coach. But her soul … mind … whatever you call it … was way, way in front of her to her soulmate who had turned to watch her.
There was no mad dash of lovers meeting half way, of being picked up in a loving embrace or possibly swung round and ending in a loving kiss.
There was only Shep bouncing towards her then round her and back to his Master, then back to her and this time he walked beside her, his nose just gently touching her hand, his tail up and wagging furiously … obviously pleased to have her back and saying "I'm walking you back to where you belong ... to my Master."
She walked slowly towards her soulmate, as he stood watching her his hand now resting on the rail, their eyes watching each other and the feeling she had as she'd walked down the aisle on their wedding day was back with her big time … seeing the love in his slow smile, the sparkle in his eyes that was only for her … she knew it, drank it in and revelled in it.
She knew he would wait there, then she would be tucked into his loving embrace, it would not matter if they did not kiss … it would be enough to know that she was home and they … the three of them were safe, and for him that she was home and safe and her family were with her.
She smiled knowing it matched his, knowing he would be feeling her deep love for him as she felt his.
He held out his arms to welcome her … and she tucked into his embrace … felt that warm safe loving feeling as she rested her head against his chest … she was home… and he truly loved her always would as she did him.
She felt his hand gently rest on her bump as if welcoming their unborn son home as his voice say gently. "Hi."
Though she was tucked into him she could move enough to look up at him and with a smile and all the feeling he had put into that one word said "Hi" back.
Then they kissed … it was not a long kiss. But it was a kiss that said everything … their love for each other and friends and their son-to-be.
They broke apart but not enough to lose contact, just enough so they could catch their breaths and steady their feelings.
"You've brought a few friends then I see." Ben said softly looking slightly at the coach but not wanting to acknowledge them just yet, this was their moment.
Meg giggled and said softly. "Just a few. But we'll see them more tomorrow." She saw the flick of a shadow cross his face and knew what he would do. He would hide his pain so it would not hurt her or them, but she could not allow that … he had lost a brother and had been betrayed by the woman he once loved and said gently. "Don't hide your pain from any of us."
He looked at her and she saw they still showed some pain in spite of the love for her and she carried on quickly. "They understand it Ben and want to share it … want to help heal it … quietly by just being here. They will be going to the church tonight because they want to not because they think they ought to. Tonight they know we need each other."
He nodded and she saw that slow smile come back and mix in with the pain and the happiness and heard his gentle. "Thank you. Are you all right?"
She felt the need to move so slide her hand down his arm and moved round so she stood beside him but still close. "Fine, but I need to walk around a bit and I think Casey and my Dad would like a quick word."
She heard his sigh and smiled "Dad's okay don't worry."
He looked at her and it made her laugh while reassuring herself it was true he was okay.
A movement and noise from the coach caught both their attention … got a smile from Ben and another laugh from Meg.
oxoxo
No one on the coach had wanted to miss the couple meeting, and who could blame them. Casey had stolen the march on all of them by managing to get off the coach first and was standing beside its front watching his friends, with obvious build up of emotion and a tear.
Mandy and Jack came close behind having the advantage of the front seats and stood besides him watching silently and definitely not dried eyed by the end of the greeting.
The next group … well never really knew how they managed to get off the coach quickly enough … granted they missed Meg's walk to Ben but they saw part of the hug and the kiss. They were Hank, Joan and Sara, Sara and Joan had a twin each and Hank held the bag and helped. And somehow, Sara managed to stay silent though she felt like shouting for joy … and could almost hear the song in her head … it might have been good at the New Year dance but now if he'd been singing now it would have been fantastic.
As for the others … well they managed to secure a view through the windows or halfway out the door. And as for the driver, he quietly sneaked a video and some pictures, which later found their way into Meg's album.
oxoxo
The movement that caught the couple's attention making Ben smile - well that was Casey walking towards them being unable to contain his need to see his friend any longer.
As for the noise that made Meg laugh … yeah well that was Sara's heartfelt exclamation "Meg we need to change them … again!!!" while holding a struggling, grizzling twin at arm's length.
With a loving gentle "Go" from Ben, Meg started to walk over to her sister and as she past Casey she put a hand on his arm and smiled so he would understand the interruption was all right with both of them.
"Go into the apartment Sara but don't get lost in the bathroom!" Meg called out through her laughter especially as her sister was muttering loudly that she was not going to travel again with the twins till they could 'do' everything themselves and Casey's heartfelt agreement as he got closer to Ben.
Meg knew Jackie or Val would be inside to help after all the door to the apartment had opened almost as soon as Sara spoken. … Yep those sneaky 'hawks' had been watching, so she stopped and turned and watched with a smile as the two lost friends met again.
Casey stopped just short of Ben, and it looked to Meg as though they were looking each other up and down as if asking themselves - that what they were seeing was real and could they hug without breaking it. Again it seemed as if just that word of "Hi" from Ben was all that was needed to break the spell and the two men hugged and did not break. Then she heard Casey's emotional "Missed you" and she knew they would be a while and needed some privacy so turned back towards the apartment.
oxoxo
The others from the coach were quietly unloading and going with Mandy to the hotel, giving brief waves of goodbye to Meg, she waved back knowing she would see them tomorrow or the next day. She noticed Sara and her mother were virtually in the apartment now and guessed they'd hesitated so they could watch the greeting but as both the twins were complaining they would deal with them. She came level with her father who smiled at her and then turned towards Casey and Ben; she glanced back and saw they were leaning against the rails talking.
Hank didn't want to shout out at Ben because he knew it could give the wrong impression but he didn't want to get so close as to intrude on the reunion. So when he got close enough he called out. "Ben. It's good to see you. You and Casey take your time; I'm going to help with the twins." And pointed to the small rucksack he was carrying, knowing Casey would recognise it.
With that the two men nodded and Hank turned to follow Meg into the apartment and as the door shut behind them he looked around taking in the apartment and said. "It's amazing, and that's Bob on the bench."
Meg smiled, hearing and seeing genuine feeling in her father's words and attitude and wondered why he changed his mind about talking to Ben as he wanted to earlier asked. "Yes and he'll stay there till they come in, I thought you were going to talk to Ben tonight."
Hank smiled hearing the slight nervousness in his daughter's voice and said gently. "I think he needs Casey and you more than me, as you say we've got tomorrow and the next day to start getting to know each other. And I think we should leave you in peace as soon as the twins have been done, which means they need the bag."
Meg smiled and looked over as the bathroom door slid open and a towel covered twin being held by Sara came out.
Sara saw her father and sister and smiled with relief, gave a short laugh adding. "Talk about getting lost in there … hell it's big … Dad give me one and go find Mum and Mark."
With that Hank got out the clean diaper from the bag and went to find the other two.
Sara looked round still trying to take it all in and Meg said with a smile. "Bed or sofa?"
Sara sighed struggling to keep hold of Susan who was giving the odd sort of giggling grunt as she tried to get out of the towel that held her, she wanted to explore. Finally getting a good grip on her wayward charge Sara said. "Bed would be better, less likely to roll off."
Meg giggled and led Sara over to the sleeping area; Sara carried on looking around and said. "It's amazing, I mean all this space and yet you feel cosy in it and the view across the paddock's good. Upstairs must be great … stay still a moment... " then quickly dressed her squirming daughter.
After that she took her to the sofa area and sat down putting Susan on the sofa beside her. Meg sat on the other one that looked out towards the paddock so she could watch the fun and leave the other sofa free for her mother and Mark to join them. Susan sensing freedom and space for the first time in that day was already starting to crawl along the sofa. But no such luck as Sara expertly scooped her up and put her on her lap and got a giggle from her.
oxoxo
As the door to the apartment opened Meg looked up and Sara looked round and saw Shep darted in with Ben and Casey following close behind. Shep stopped for a second then made a beeline for the sofa where Susan had just crawled off her mother's lap again. Meg remembered the incident with the teddy and was just going to call a warning, when Ben's very sharp command. "No! Shep! Heel!" rang out.
Shep stopped in his tracks; then spun round back the Ben and came to heel and sat looking very innocently up at his Master.
Ben looked down and said gently but firmly "No. Shep. Leave them. Stay."
Shep stayed but turned his head towards the noise and Ben walked further into the apartment.
Sara gathered up Susan who'd started to cry at the sharpness of the strange voice.
Casey who'd walked on with Ben said gently "I think we should introduce the twins tomorrow, they have had a lot of strange things happen today."
Hank and Joan carrying Mark had come from the bathroom in time to see Shep running back to Ben and heard the last command and stayed quiet and watched the situation. Mark gave a start of a grizzle in answer to his sister's cry but was comforted and silenced by Joan. Sara quickly comforted Susan and got her quiet and settled as well.
Bob, who had come in spoke up. "I'll show you the way through Jackie's apartment to the hotel it will be quicker than going via the driveway or the garden room. Mandy will be over in a while Ben, till then rest."
Ben nodded at Bob accepting his orders and said "See you sometime in the morning Casey, Sara." And looked over at Hank and Joan so they knew they were included and added. "Thank you for coming."
Joan smiled at the gentleness in Ben's words and wanted to go over and hug him but recognised the tone in Bob's voice and knew better, so followed Hank who'd nodded acceptance with a slight smile.
Meg also knowing 'that' tone quickly told Sara the way to the apartment and watched her family go, knowing she'd see them tomorrow.
oxoxo
As the door closed and they were just the two of them Ben found the sofa sat down beside her and sighed. "Mother hen!" clicked his fingers to release Shep from his command and watched him settle on his favourite rug having only hesitated slightly as he passed the sofa where the baby had been.
Meg watched and tucked in beside Ben and put a hand on his arm and then rested her head against his shoulder and sighed. "Umm it is nice to be just the two of us."
Ben laughed and said softly "Not for long though."
"Oh, they don't count." Meg replied which made Ben laugh again.
Then she felt his hand gently rub down her arm and a gentle kiss on her head then he said softly "Your right, they are good shadows and might even pour the tea out for us."
oxoxo
The apartment was quiet and the curtains drawn to cut out the early evening light, Ben sat on the sofa with Meg tucked up against him, on the other sofa were Mandy and Jack also tucked up together. They were watching the television though the screen was blank at the moment – they were between clips of the home movie Robert had sent to them, the first one had been of Tim and Abby with Derek and Samantha several days earlier.
They all knew the pray that Antonio in Sunset Beach and the vicar in the local church were reading out. Ben had read it earlier, seen Antonio's letter as well as the photo of Derek's body in the private chapel where the cremation would take place and knew from some of the other letters that there would be people there to say their own farewells, people who cared for his brother as well as him. And this … this was his way of saying goodbye to his brother - seeing him happy with the children he loved so much.
The picture flickered into life again.
The scene was the beach, which was not too crowded and further along from Ocean Drive, where the sand was a bit firmer, though it could still get into everything but it was a little easier for buggies etc. Derek was sitting on the edge of a blanket covered with children's toys and nearby was a pile of large brightly coloured plastic boxes obviously put there for older kids to play with and Samantha was crawling doggedly towards them. You could hear Derek's soft laugh as he watched his daughter crawl to them, then stop and touch them then sit looking at them, sizing them up because she then used them to get up and steady herself as she stood up. Then there was a delicate chuckle from her as if she was pleased … she'd had done it, and then her father's gently calling her name and encouraged her to come.
It showed that she knew it was a loving tone one that told her he was pleased with her not cross and she looked round at his encouragement and steadied herself again. Then slowly she turned round to face him. That look of concentration was followed by pure delight because she had done it, wobbled a bit but had not fallen.
- The watchers could almost see her thinking 'yeah could she do it, she could walk to the voice and the smile of love to her daddy' – and they could also see there was no pretence in his face or voice just pure love and joy for his daughter and the moment. -
Then there was his gentle loving. "Come on then" and a beautiful giggle from her and then she started a little wobbly, her arms waving for balance and deep concentration as she took her first steps on the sand all by herself and away from the boxes.
The gentle laughter of pure delight from both of them was amazing and then Derek turned his head just slightly to look over his shoulder, as you do when you want to say to someone just out of view but you don't want to lose total concentration on what going on or say out loud so it was a 'Hey look at this come share' look.
That fleeting look was caught in full on camera and it was stunning deep emotional love and willing to share it, and it sent shivers down the spines of those watching and tears because it was synchronized with a very gentle and loving "Goodbye Derek, love you" from Ben.
For Meg it was as though the twins were connected for that moment, even though one was dead and it was on film - and then it was gone.
Derek's attention was back onto Samantha as she started to over balance in her eagerness to get close to him, and she tottered a few more steps before he gathered her up in his arms and into a sandy roll of laughter and praise. The roll had obviously been done before as there was never any danger of her being squashed and they finished up so he was sitting with her in his lap. There came his gentle praise and her gentle "dadas" and giggles then she fidgeted and tutted with gentle questioning "dadas" as she started to pull her t-shirt up and her shorts down … she'd found itchy sand in them. His gentle brushing to help her get it out was followed by the usual playful tidying up which ended with a gentle kiss on her forehead, and was accompanied by her gently brushing her hand against his face as he put her into her buggy and then loaded down with the blanket and toys he pushed her out of view.
Meg could feel tears running down her cheeks and looked at Ben and was glad he was not hiding his tears, there were no sobs of distress she knew they had gone while she had been in Sunset Beach; these were tears of closure, the final farewell and then moving on. The gentler closure she had found in the chapel and held his hand knowing he knew she was there and that was enough. She knew t Jack and Mandy would be feeling the same and then the screen flickered and realised there would be another one.
It was early evening, they were all timed and dated in the corner of the screen, Benjy was with them now and Samantha was in her buggy and they were aiming for the beach bench which looked out across the bay. She knew the Shock Wave was just off screen and they must have been there. Benjy was pushing the pushchair while Derek was guiding it one handed while carrying the ice creams. Having parked it successfully Benjy sat on the bench, smiling with anticipation; Derek gave him his ice cream and then sat down so he could help Samantha with hers as well as having his own. Between licks you could hear the odd words between father and son about the day and then Samantha's cries telling them she wanted to be on her father's lap than in the buggy.
It was a beautiful scene as Derek tried to cope with two ice creams to get Samantha out and then Benjy's deep concentration as he found he was in charge of all three. Derek quickly sat Samantha on his lap and then the ice cream still intact were back in the right hands and the job was a success … well sort of.
Because now of course Derek found he was the proud owner of wriggly child and two ice creams. One, which was likely to go any where but the mouth it was aiming for … and so it turned into a very messy licking of ice cream for everyone with lots of giggles.
All dribbles were anticipated by the father as he brought out a clothe to wipe them up when they had finished and as he cleaned Samantha up Benjy chatted about a school trip in the morning and gave promises to tell everything when he would be picked by his father when they got back.
For the next few frames with Samantha on his lap and Benjy tucked up close to him Derek pointed something out to them in the bay and they chatted about it. Like the rest it was a side on view so you could see the smiling faces rather than what was being pointed out.
Meg felt Ben's hand on her arm and a very gentle "I like that one." And nodded knowing they'd have a still of it to go above the fireplace.
They watched as father kissed his son gently on the head then picked his daughter up to put her in the buggy kissed her then strapped her in. Then with Derek pushing the buggy while Benjy walked with bouncy steps and his hand resting on his father's arm with their chatter and laughter fading they walked away from the watchers.
The screen turned to black and there was silence for a while and then Ben said very softly, "I need to know what happened Jack."
"Ben I …" Jack started gently feeling it would be better to wait till the morning emotions were raw with the significance of it all.
But he was quickly interrupted by a gentle but firm. "I need it tonight … all of it, please."
Jack felt Mandy squeeze his arm and knew they were both right and looked across at Meg who nodded and accepted defeat and said. "Okay … do you mind if we eat first."
Ben looked over at Jack and smiled "No … and thank you … both of you." his tone of voice saying everything he felt and knew they understood, then he looked round at Meg and gathered her to him and said gently "And you especially my love."
She looked at him there was no need for words and they kissed a quick loving kiss and then they parted. She stood up stretched and made her way over to the kitchen area, were she was soon joined by Mandy and as they found food they chatted about the video and their feelings.
oxoxo
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