The Road Not Taken
Chapter 20
November 22, 1973
Patricia Elesee, Donna's mother, lived in a cozy little Cape Cod house in San Rafael, about ten miles north of San Francisco. Filled with antiques, the house exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. Patricia worked as an auditor for a Worker's Compensation and General Liability insurance company. She traveled quite a bit but she commanded a salary that most women in the workforce, the numbers of which were growing, only wished they could obtain. It had allowed Donna to go to Lawrence College, a private Catholic school to study physics. It would allow her to continue her education at MIT.
Donna was quite happy that she'd met Dr. Sebastian LoNigro again earlier in the summer when Sam had played at Carnegie Hall. She knew that Sam had an incredible and seemingly natural grasp of physics, including that strange and weird area of quantum mechanics. But she was floored to hear Dr. LoNigro claim that Sam's mind was potentially on par with Newton's or Einstein's. She knew that Sam had been offered a scholarship at MIT that he had refused to accept. She couldn't understand why Sam wouldn't take the offer, with this potential.
Sam, though, was hell-bent on finishing his agricultural degree and heading back to the farm in Elk Ridge to pursue a farmer's life. Not that she denigrated farmers. How would people eat if someone weren't raising the crops and livestock? But, to have the ability to understand some of the fundamental properties of the universe, how could farming compare to that? But Sam could out-stubborn a mule. His mother had said that was a common Beckett trait, one she had learned to live with having been married to Sam's father for 27 years. In any case, the meeting had led to Dr. LoNigro's recommendation that Donna, herself, be offered a scholarship. She'd originally set her sites on Cal Tech or Columbia, but MIT would be a better place for her graduate studies. She certainly felt that having Dr. LoNigro as her faculty advisor would be fruitful.
She had invited Sam to her mother's for Thanksgiving, since the previous year she had visited the Beckett farm. She was sure it would be a new experience for him. While the Becketts tended to go all out--shined silver, crystal wine glasses, good china for a special meal--the Elesees' were more low-key. Her mother would set a nice table, of course, but dressing for dinner was casual and her mother didn't see the need to fuss with the "fancy trappings." Patricia had her fill of those "stuffy dinners" when she was married to Donna's father, a then up and coming Lieutenant in the Army. After he left things had changed.
Being an only child in a single-parent family, this simplification seemed reasonable. Indeed, most of the time, they would be invited to other homes for Thanksgiving. Donna could only remember three other Thanksgiving's after her father had left that her mother and she had hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at their home. Today it would be just Sam, her mother, and herself.
She heard the doorbell ring and went to answer it. It was Sam. He was wearing a jacket and slacks even though she'd told him dress was casual. He had flowers in his hand and was holding a box tied with string in the other. Donna looked at it curiously.
Sam caught the question in her eyes and stated, "Mom said that since you liked the pumpkin pie last year, she'd send one with me for dessert."
Donna thought back to the previous Thanksgiving, the one she attended at Sam's home in Elk Ridge. Sam's family was a delight. Donna really liked his parents. They were so down to earth, and although she appreciated them, she questioned whether she could live that kind of life. She loved Sam, though, and she knew he planned to live on the farm.
Donna also liked his sister, Katie. She was a sweet girl and she certainly looked up to her big brother. Donna knew that there had been an even older brother in the family. Sam had told her about Tom, who had died in 1970 in Vietnam. For Sam, that had been traumatic. Donna's father had also been in Vietnam and had been killed. But since she hadn't even seen him since she was 10, she didn't feel the impact of the loss immediately. All that she felt was the fact that he had abandoned her as a child and his death was simply the final stage of that abandonment.
"I'll be sure to send a thank-you to her. She really makes a wonderful pie."
Sam grinned. "You know, she's won a blue ribbon for her pumpkin pie each year since 1958."
Donna was impressed. "Wow, a 15 year streak! That is some record."
Donna's mother walked into the room. She was wearing a warm fuzzy sweater and blue jeans. "You must be Sam," she said offering her hand.
"Yes Ma'am. Glad to meet you." He handed the pie box to Donna and took her mother's hand to shake it. He then offered the flowers. "These are for you, Ms. Elesee." He wasn't absolutely sure how to address her but the new prefix "Ms" was coming into vogue and she was a professional woman so he figured that would work.
Taking the flowers, she said "Thank you. These will look lovely in a vase. And call me Patricia, Sam. We're not very formal around here." She looked at him, noticing his dress. She turned to Donna. "Didn't you tell him to dress casual?"
"I did, Mom. From Sam's point of view, this is casual for Thanksgiving."
He mother laughed. "Okay. Different strokes."
"Sam's mother sent one of her pumpkin pies for dessert, Mom." Donna indicated the box in her hand.
"Okay, so no Mrs. Smith's tonight then."
Sam quickly backtracked, "If someone else has baked a pie, don't feel you have to serve my mother's."
Patricia's mouth dropped. "You don't know Mrs. Smith's?"
"Mom, I don't think Sam's ever had a store-bought frozen pie."
Sam realized his mistake and laughed. "Oh, no. Mom's pies and cobblers sort of spoiled me for that."
"Well, I'm sure this will be much better. And the Cool Whip will go on it just fine."
Sam sighed. He felt it would be rude to say anything about the Cool Whip even though, having been raised on real whipped cream, he couldn't stomach the stuff. He'd just leave it off of his piece of pie.
Patricia went to the kitchen to put the flowers in water. She came out a few minutes later and placed the flowers on the credenza next to the table, which was already set for dinner. Sam noticed that instead of fine china, the place settings and wine glasses were hand thrown pottery with a beautiful speckled design. The table setting was simple but beautiful.
Sam saw that the Redskins/Lions football game was on. Sam certainly followed basketball a bit closer, but he also liked football, although he really didn't care about either of these teams. Patricia had been born in Michigan, though, and she had been a Lions fan all her life. They all sat down to watch the game. About 15 minutes after the final score had been announced, the Redskins trouncing the Lions 20 - 0, the buzzer on the oven went off. Patricia went into the kitchen. Sam followed her and asked if he could help out. She was taking a large turkey breast out of the oven.
"Well, if you'd like to mash those potatoes over there that would be a help."
"Okay. Where's the butter?"
"Oh. We don't use butter. The margarine is in the fridge."
Margarine?! Well, as Patricia said earlier, different strokes. He took the Blue Bonnet stick out of the wrapper and plopped it into the potatoes, watching it melt. It really didn't melt the same way butter did. He quickly mashed the potatoes, adding the skim milk that he also found in the fridge thinking, "Not exactly how Mom would make it."
"Donna, there's a nice Chardonnay in the fridge. Would you please open it?"
"Okay, Mom." Donna went over to the cherry cabinet and pulled out a wine opener. She quickly opened the bottle and put it into a wine cooler on the table.
A few minutes later, the meal was ready. In addition to the turkey breast and mashed potatoes, there were green beans, Stove-Top stuffing, and jellied cranberry sauce. Sam reminded himself that the type of food really didn't matter. It was the idea of being thankful that counted.
As if hearing his thoughts, Patricia asked, "Sam, would you say the blessing please?"
"Uh….Okay." He cleared his throat. "Lord, we thank you for this meal shared with love. We ask that you put this food to our use, and us to thy service. Amen."
"Amen," said Donna and her mother simultaneously.
They ate the dinner, talking about the plans that Donna had for going to MIT. Sam felt a slight tug of jealousy but also was happy for her. "Have you and Dr. LoNigro talked about graduate projects?"
"I think we're going to work on addressing the disconnect between quantum mechanics and general relativity. Dr. LoNigro has some ideas on how they might be reconciled."
Patricia looked at Donna. "I don't know what that means, Donna, but it does sound like a fascinating area of study."
Sam turned to Patricia and said, "I think Donna will be able to make great contributions to that study. She has an incredible grasp of theoretical physics."
Donna blushed. "Sam definitely has talent there as well." She looked over at him, eyes wistful, "I wish that you'd reconsider changing your major and going to MIT with me."
Sam looked down at his plate. "Donna, I don't wish to discuss that right now, if you don't mind."
Donna wanted to say more but figure that she could wait until after dinner. "All right, Sam." Turning to her mother, Donna asked, "So Mom, how have the pottery classes been?" Her mother's hobby was pottery and she was very good at it.
"Wonderful, Donna. We're working in some new slips and glazes." They continued to talk about the various types of pottery projects and the innovations being made in the arena.
The rest of the dinner conversation touched on a variety of subjects including Sam's upcoming basketball season, Patricia and Donna's plans to go to Spain over the Christmas break, and Sam's plans to again spend the Christmas holidays at the farm.
When the pie was finally served, Patricia raved at how much better than the Mrs. Smith this pie was. Sam smiled. There was a reason his mother's pie continued to win at the state fair year after year.
"What brand of pie crusts does your mother use, Sam?" Patricia asked taking another bite of the pie.
"She makes it herself. That's what gives it the flaky crust."
"Well, the pie is absolutely wonderful."
After dinner, Sam again asked if he could help out. Patricia assured him that the dishes could be put into the dishwasher and there was little to do. She suggested that Sam and Donna retire to the living room while she finished up.
They sat by the fireplace in the living room. Donna decided she really needed to have Sam consider MIT again by reminding him of his dream. "Sam, you know how you told me about that idea you had about how a person's birth and death are like the ends of a string? How if you tie them together, you could connect them?"
"Yeah…" Sam's voice held a slight hesitancy in it.
"Well…would you mind if I pursued that line of thought? I told Dr. LoNigro about what you had said and he's really interested in the concept."
"That would be fine, Donna. It's not like I'll be able to pursue it working on the farm."
"Well, I've wanted to discuss that with you. Sam, Dr. LoNigro said that you have one of the finest minds for quantum mechanics he's ever known. He said he'd really like to have you reconsider your decisions."
Sam sighed deeply. When he looked up, there was a bit of annoyance playing about his eyes. "Donna, we've been over this before. I have to help my father with the farm. Even with Ezra helping him out, there's too much for Dad to do."
"I know that your family is important to you, Sam. It's one of the things I love about you. You're always there for them." Donna smiled at Sam but then her demeanor turned serious. "But, Sam, you have such a gift. You're wasting it on this agriculture degree. You need to be in a physics lab somewhere."
"Donna. I am not wasting anything. I'm going to help Dad with the farm. That's good enough for me." He stopped for a moment and considered his next words, finally speaking. "I'll be honest. I'd like to follow physics and other things too. But I need to do this."
"You're just too stubborn for words, Sam Beckett!" Donna's eyes were blazing.
"Well, once I've decided on something, I'll stick with it and I've decided to forego the graduate work. I need to get back to Dad."
Donna was about to say something else when her mother walked into the room. Noticing the tension, she asked if there was anything wrong.
"Nothing, Patricia."
"Everything, Mom."
Patricia sighed. "Sounds like you're not having a meeting of the minds."
Sam looked down. "Donna doesn't approve of my future plans."
"Because they won't make you happy, Sam."
"How do you know?"
"I've been to Elk Ridge with you. With your mind, Sam, you won't find the mental stimulation you need in that little town. Farming was fine for your father, but you need more."
"My father isn't a stupid man."
"I never said he was. But, Sam, even you have to recognize you're not like your father. You're not like most of the people in that town or in the world at large. Your abilities and knowledge beg to be challenged and you can only do that someplace like MIT."
"I can read. There is a library in Elk Ridge."
"That's not enough and you know it, Sam!"
Sam was getting a bit angered over the conversation. He needed to stop this now. "Donna, I'm feeling a bit tired. Patricia, it was a lovely night but I fear I'm not going to be very good company for the rest of it. Would the two of you mind if I turned in?"
Patricia was mortified. She saw her daughter fuming. She'd never believed Donna would put Sam in such a difficult position. Patricia's face took on a worried expression but she answered. "Oh, of course not Sam. I hope you sleep well."
Sam nodded. He looked over to Donna, arms hugging her upper body, lips pursed. He knew she was mad, but Damn it…this is my life! He simply said softly, "Goodnight, Donna."
Without looking up at him she answered with a coolness in her voice, "Goodnight, Sam. See you tomorrow."
Sam turned and walked up the stairs to the room that Donna had showed him earlier when he had arrived. He'd heard Donna and her mother start a heated discussion as soon as they thought he'd be out of effective earshot. He shook his head as he stepped into the room. Walking over to the carry-on he'd kept close to him on the plane, he unzipped a small compartment and took out the small velvet box he'd brought with him. Maybe this weekend wouldn't be the right time to ask.
XoXoXoXoXoXoX
November 23, 1973,
Sam awoke early. He was used to getting up at six in the morning at Purdue. Now that he was on Pacific time, he found it was still dark outside. He put on his robe and padded down the stairs, not wanting to awaken the other inhabitants in the house. He made his way to the kitchen and found a note by the coffee maker from Patricia. He picked it up and read it.
'Sam…if you're up before Donna and me, feel free to make the coffee. You only need to hit the start button.'
Sam smiled and followed the instructions. As the coffee brewed, he thought how nice it was that Patricia had taken the time to prepare this. She was an absolute gem. The thought of a gem turned his mind back to the plans he'd made prior to coming to visit.
'Oh, Donna. I love you so much. Why can't you see I need help my family? That it's what I have to do. That MIT was never really in my future, not after Tom died.' His heart was saddened that she'd been so upset the night before.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! The sound of the coffee maker finishing its brew cycle bleated at him pulling him from his thoughts. He could smell the rich, dark roast coffee and poured himself a cup. He went out on the deck, which looked out over San Pablo Bay. He sat in one of the redwood chairs on the desk, sipping his coffee and continuing to think about what he could do.
He'd asked Donna if she had any plans for them over the weekend. She'd mentioned wanting head up to Calistoga in the Napa Valley and stay Friday night at the Golden Haven Hot Springs, returning home Saturday evening. Sunday, she'd planned a hike in Muir Woods. She told him the Redwood trees were absolutely awesome and the ridge trail was one of her favorites.
Sam headed back to the kitchen, refilling his mug and returning to his solitary sentinel. As he continued to look out to the east, he began to notice hints of light. The sun would be up soon. He loved to watch the sky as it turned from a dark black to a deep purple and eventually started taking on deep rose shading as the earth slowly rotated towards the sun. Just as the hints of brilliant pinks and sherbet orange began to streak the sky, he heard the sound of the sliding glass door opening behind him. He looked behind him and saw Donna walking over to him.
Sam put his mug down on the table. "Good Morning."
"Good morning. Okay if I join you?"
"Of course. Come over here." He held his arms open to her, indicating that he wanted her to sit in his lap. She walked over and placed herself in his arms. She laid her head on his chest, hearing the steady beat of his heart, content as his arms wrapped around her. She looked up and saw him watching as the sky took on more color…bits of light now shining off of the bay. His face took on a noble look as he took in the awesomeness of the sunrise. He looked down at Donna, his eyes searching hers.
Donna looked into those green eyes. "Sam, I'm sorry for last night. This is your life. You have to lead it, even if I feel that you're making a mistake, it's yours to make."
He was moved by her apology. "I love you." His hand reached up and he softly ran his thumb along her jaw line.
"I love you too, Sam." She didn't want to fight. Didn't want to lose this moment. She felt loved and safe in his arms. She pulled in closer to him as his lips sought hers. As the sun rose in the east, they continued to kiss in an ever deepening passion.
Sam broke away. His voice was thick and his eyes held the flames of his desire but there was concern present as he asked, "Uh, Donna? Your Mom will probably be up soon. Maybe we shouldn't be out here doing this when she finds us."
Donna nodded, pulling herself away. "I know." She extracted herself from his arms. "Let me start breakfast."
He looked over to her as she started to walk away. "Do you still want to head up to that Hot Springs resort?"
She stopped and turned, smiling. "Yes, Sam. I do." She continued back into the house.
It still might work after all. This weekend is still young.
XoXoXoXoXo
They had arrived at their lodging for the night. Donna had asked Sam to stay outside while she checked in. She said she had a surprise.
When she came back out, she indicated where to park the car and asked Sam to bring their overnight bags. He followed her to a room and she opened it with a key. He walked in and found a room with a queen bed. He put her bag on the luggage rack.
"Nice room. Is mine next door?"
"Sam, this is our room. I want to share it with you."
"Ummm…Donna…."
"I know, you don't think this is right but Sam, I don't care. I want to be with you. I want this night."
Sam was torn. He wanted the same thing but it wasn't something that he felt they should do. If there wasn't at least a commitment to a life to be shared together. Sam knew he loved Donna and was willing to wait until they were at least engaged before going further.
He made a decision and put his bag down as well. He walked over to her and took her hand. Leading her over to the little sitting area, he had her sit down beside him on the sofa. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the box he had held the night before. What a difference 15 hours made.
Sam cleared his throat. He was nervous as he turned to her. "Donna, this isn't exactly how I wanted to do this but somehow doing this now seems right."
Donna looked at him, a curious look on her face. "What?"
"Donna, will you marry me?" He opened the box, which held an old fashioned diamond ring.
She took a sharp breath in, gazing at the beautiful ring. "I didn't expect this. I don't know what to say."
"I love you, Donna. I want to be with you forever. Please say yes."
She looked into his eyes, finding an undying love there. She wanted that more than anything. She wanted that now. "Yes."
Sam took the ring out of the box and placed it on the ring finger of her left hand. He pulled her close to him, kissing her deeply and fully. She returned his passion, pulling him down to her. He kissed her lips, and then traced kisses down her neck. He pulled up, looking deep into the eyes of the woman he loved more than anything.
His voice was soft but urgent. "Donna, I want you." He question was a statement but there was questioning in it as well. He needed to know if he could continue.
She answered him, kissing the palm of his hand. "I want you too."
He unbuttoned her shirt, kissing her on her bare skin as the unfastening of each button revealed more of her She was wearing a front hook bra and he opened it allowing his fingers to play upon her breasts as he sought her lips again. She moaned into his throat as she undid the buttons of his shirt as well, stripping off his shirt and running her hands along his chest. He helped her out of her shirt and bra, leaving them both bare above the waist. Sam traced back down to her breasts again, kissing each one and lightly teasing each nipple with his tongue. Her back arched as she begged him with her body to continue pleasuring her, moaning his name.
As he kissed her, his hand sought the fastening of her skirt, unzipping it and pulling it down and removing it from her body. She was wearing white lace bikini panties and he ran his fingers along her flat, taut belly. She shivered. "I love you. I want you so much."
He picked her up and carried her to the bed, kissing her as they went. He laid her down softly, kissing her all over. He removed his trousers, revealing the passion he was feeling for her. Her hand reached down and touched him softly and he moaned.
"I love you, Donna. I think I have since the day I first saw you."
"Ummm," she moaned. She pulled at the elastic at his waistband, removing the fabric that separated them. He too removed the bit of lace that was the sole piece of clothing on her body.
"You're so beautiful." He flipped them, pulling Donna on top of him, feeling her body touching his. He ran his hands along her back, feeling her lean into him. His hands reached the swell of her bottom and he pulled her into him. He pulled himself to a sitting position and she wrapped her legs about him. Her hand reached down touching him as he pulled her closer to him, kissing her passionately. He flipped her again, so that now she was underneath him.
He positioned himself above her and then slowly as he kissed her allowing his tongue to intertwine with hers, he shared the joy of their union. They both moaned together. Softly, and slowly their hips moved together in that lover's dance that has existed since man and woman learned to love. Their hands traveled upon each other's bodies, as they continued to move together, luxuriating in the feeling that washed over them both.
As the rhythm of the dance increased its tempo and intensity, Sam looked into Donna's eyes. "Dulcinea. You are my Dulcinea and my love."
A deep moan issued from Donna as her body began to shiver uncontrollably. Sam answered her in kind, their souls wrapped up in the exquisite feeling that they were complete. "I love you, Duclcinea. I love you."
"I love you, Sam."
They lay back, still entwined. They stayed that way for quite sometime, basking in the afterglow of their love.
XoXoXoXoXoXo
November 23-24, 1973
The rest of their stay in the wine country area was similarly romantic. They had a lovely candlelit meal at one of the local restaurants. Sam was attentive and Donna realized that she was happy being with him. Arriving back to their room after dinner had lead to a repeat of their earlier activities that day and Donna had fallen asleep in the arms of the man she knew she loved.
The next morning, they had visited and relaxed in the hot springs and Donna had even convinced Sam to try the mud bath, although he said it reminded him too much of seeing the hogs wallowing. Donna realized that even if you could take the boy off the farm, you couldn't that the farm out of the boy.
The next afternoon, they headed back to the house, arriving home in the early evening. Patricia was happy to learn that Donna had accepted Sam's proposal. She liked this man. He was down to Earth and she knew that Donna needed someone like that. Patricia recalled that through her teen years, Donna would date a boy and then find something she couldn't reconcile with her own feelings. They would date for a time and then break up. At seventeen months, this was the longest time Donna had ever dated the same person. Patricia believed that Sam was exactly the right man for her daughter. She insisted on taking them out to dinner.
They decided that since Sam had not been to Fisherman's Wharf, they would head out for a nice dinner at Alioto's. The restaurant had been at the Wharf since 1925. The décor was elegant. Sam ordered a Dungeness Crab, having heard Donna speak of them in the past and indicated how wonderful it was. His two feminine companions had decided on other meals. While they enjoyed the famous crabs as well, having access to them locally, they went with meals that they otherwise wouldn't not have had.
After dinner, they walked along the Wharf, checking out the local activities. Sam enjoyed playing tourist, walking hand in hand with Donna. Patricia took a picture of them, the bay to the background. Their smiles indicated their great happiness in the moment.
XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXo
November 25, 1973
The next morning, Sam and Donna were up early for the hike in Muir woods. Sam's flight out wouldn't be until the late afternoon, so they had several hours to kill among the redwood trees. They pulled into the parking lot and got out, pulling their backpacks out of the backseat. They walked past the visitor area, with a cross cut of one of the trees. The Rangers had put arrows pointing to various rings which included a number of historical events. It was humbling to know that these trees lived in life spans that made a human lifespan seem insignificant in comparison.
They took the ridge trail. There was quite a bit of up and down on the trail but it was mostly pretty level. The trees above them were magnificent and the variety of plant life close to the ground was diverse. They eventually reached a point where they could see the water and they sat down and ate the lunch they had brought with them, laying out a blanket to protect them from the ground. After eating, they laid back, looking up at the canopy above them, Donna's head on Sam's shoulder.
Sam suddenly spoke, "What type of wedding do you want, Donna?"
Still simply enjoying the feeling of lying beside Sam as he softly touched her hand, she answered, "Hmmm?"
He clarified, "I mean, do you want a big church wedding or a smaller affair?"
"I guess I've always wanted to have a simple mass. Would you be willing to wear a morning suit?"
His forehead crinkled. "You mean with tails and an ascot? I suppose if that's what you want, I'd be okay with that."
"Well, when I've thought of marriage before, that's what I've always wanted."
"Then that is what you'll have. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Donna." The emotion in his voice was strong and loving.
She pulled herself up and looked down at the man whom she'd agreed to spend the rest of her life with. Looking into his soft green eyes, she saw the soul of a man committed to her. She had no doubt that she would be the only woman in his life. She brought her lips to his and kissed him. He responded by pulling her closer to him, the kiss deepening. As she kissed down his neck, she tasted the salt that had deposited there during their hike, she didn't mind.
They had noted that there weren't many cars parked in the visitors parking when they came in and they had certainly not seen anyone else hiking, so they knew they were likely to be alone for awhile. Still, they were on a public trail and under the thick canopy it was cool. It wouldn't be seemly to have someone come upon them in any major state of undress, so they simply necked, enjoying the feelings that washed over them as they kissed. As it turned out, it was a good choice, as they heard sounds of other people approaching. Catching their breath, they packed up their possessions and decided to head back and find another place that was would provide more privacy.
Arriving back at the parking lot, they found there were still few cars but that the ones that had been there earlier were no longer there. Except for one couple there didn't seem to be anyone else around, so they figured most of the people belonging to the cars were out hiking. The woman, petite with dark hair was standing next to a car with the hood up, a man bent under it, obviously looking at the engine.
Sam walked over and spoke up, "Anything I can help you with?"
The man came out from under the hood. "The engine isn't turning over. This is a rental and I don't know much about the model."
Sam handled his backpack to Donna to stow in the car. "Let me look at it. I'm pretty good with cars."
As the two men continued to figure out what was wrong with the vehicle, the woman walked over with Donna to her car. "Thank you for stopping to help us." She put her hand out while declaring, "I'm Beth Simon. My husband there is Dirk. We here in San Francisco for a boat race later today but figured we had some time to take in some sights first."
Donna smiled, taking the woman's hand. 'I'm Donna Elesee. I'm with my fiancé, Sam Beckett."
"Ah, young love. When are you getting married?"
"I'm not sure yet. We haven't really talked about it yet. We just got engaged a couple of days ago. Probably after I finish my doctorate work."
"Do you go to the same schools?"
"Oh, I'll be continuing at MIT in Massachusetts. Sam is going to go back to his family farm in Indiana next year after he graduates."
"My first husband went to MIT"
"Your first husband?"
"Yes. I was married to a pilot in the Navy. He was shot down in Vietnam back in 1967.
My father died in Vietnam as well. Sam lost a brother there. There are way to many people who have died in that war.
Al didn't die. I've just learned he's been repatriated." As she said this, pain was evident in her eyes. "I thought he was dead. I thought the term M.I.A. had come to mean that. I mean, if someone is a P.O.W. at least you have something to hang onto. If I'd only known he was alive…" She trailed off.
"I'm sorry." They started heading back to the men.
"No. I made my decision and I have to live with it."
"I hope you don't mind me being so forward, but it sounds as if you aren't happy with that decision."
"No. Based on what I knew at the time and the situation I was facing, I know why I choose to marry Dirk. It's just that, well, Al meant everything to me. Dirk is a fine man but he's not Al. We have a comfortable life. He likes to race his sloop." She started to change the subject and went back to asking about Donna and Sam, "So you'll be separated during your engagement?"
"Well, yes. But we've had a long distance relationship during most of our dating."
"Hmmm. My first husband and I hardly had any time together. And we never had children. I think that played a role in my willingness to believe he was really gone."
Beth stopped for a moment, amazed that she'd opened up this much to a total stranger. It wasn't like her to do that, but hearing that Al was alive had been a shock to her. She was unlikely to meet this woman ever again and that probably played a role in her opening up. It felt good to get it off her chest. Dirk would never have understood.
They walked back over to the car. Sam was now the one under the hood. "I think I can adjust the carburetor and get this car working. I just need a screwdriver."
Dirk pulled a Swiss Army knife out of his pocket. "Regular or Phillips head?"
"Regular"
Dirk put the right blade in place and handed it to Sam, who made a few adjustments. "Get in and try it out."
Dirk did so. As he turned the key, the engine roared to life. "Thanks! We appreciate your assistance."
Sam put the hood down. "No problem. Happy to help."
Dirk got back out of the car. "We've got a race later today on the bay, but after that, we'd love to take you both to dinner as a thank-you."
Sam shook his head, "That would be nice, but I'm leaving this afternoon. I have to get back to college. Classes start back up tomorrow."
"Well, again, thank you. I think if you hadn't come along, we would have been sure to miss the race."
They all continued to talk for a few minutes longer, Sam and Donna wishing the couple good luck in their race, Dirk and Beth indicating they hope the newly engaged couple had a wonderful life together. They said their goodbyes and headed out of the parking lot, forging forward as their lives continued around fate's wide wheel.