I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY SAFE & HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR!!
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Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Ma's twist
Over
the next few hours they all sat around the coffee table in the living
room, working from piles of papers, their laptops, reviewing information
& reports as it all came in.
Whitney tried hard to focus, but between her amazement at her mother's revelation and feeling overwhelmed at the feelings she was realizing she had for Ben, it was a hard task. She had to force herself to listen and organize her thoughts.
Around 1pm they stopped for a break. Ginny & Sam moved out to the kitchen to put together some kind of lunch. Ben held an impromptu meeting with their protection detail. The boys took the opportunity to move out of the bedroom & watch some tv in the living room.
Whitney took a hold of her mother's hand and led her into the bedroom she was using. She closed the door behind them & patted the spot beside her on the bed for her mother to sit there.
"Ok ma, spill it, what else are you not telling us?"
"What are you talking about Whitney? I've given you all the information I have. There's nothing left to tell."
"Uh-uh, I'm not buying it Ma. I know you well enough to know that look when you are holding something back. I've seen it when you get ready for our birthday's & other surprises. I know there's more. You know, I am so amazed that you have held back so much information for so long. And I know you did what you did for a god reason. I can't even imagine what Ginny must be feeling right now. She's been so quiet, well quieter than usual. But I know there's more Ma. Unless you want me to ask these questions out there in front of everyone, you better start spill'n the beans."
Her mother looked at her and hugged her. She smiled & then sighed. "Ok Whitney girl. I hope you are ready for this. Because I'm not sure I am. Everything I've told you so far has been true. But you're right, I have left something out. I didn't tell because I don't see how it can be important to your case."
She paused for just a little bit, her head lowered & eyes closed. Whitney closed her eyes also, following her mother in a silent prayer.
Celia cleared her throat a little, "Quint might not have been the baby's father."
Whitney's jaw dropped, her eyes grew large and she was speechless.
"About the time Ginny was conceived, Adelia & Quint were actually not seeing each other. They'd quarrelled about something. I really don't remember what. Anyway Deli, that's what we all called her, had taken up with one of her rich neighbor's sons. Joshua Clark, you might know his family's company, Clark Construction? Anyway they had been going out for just a couple of months. She wasn't calling much then, I was busy with the boys. Your Da had just been promoted to detective. Quint still came by the house. But Deli, she just called every couple of weeks or so, just to tell me about all the fun & fancy things she & this Josh person were doing & how wonderful he was and bla bla bla. Then one day, just out of the blue mind you, she calls and she's sobbing and I almost couldn't understand her. Finally I found out where she was. I called your Da & he went over to the little coffee shop, picked her up & brought her home to our house. When she walked in the front door & I saw the bruises on her arms & her face, my heart just broke!"
She had to stop for a minute. Fresh tears were welling up in her eyes. Whitney went out to the kitchen & got her some water, and while she was there, she told the guys to go on without her because her & her mother were talking. Ginny said they would save them some sandwiches & chips. Ben walked her into the hallway & asked if everything was ok.
Whitney, touched his arm and looked up into his handsome, gentle, reassuring eyes. "Yes, we're ok, I promise you. But this is a something I can't talk about yet, it's Ma's story to tell & I need to get back in there before she's alone too long."
"Ok Whit, but let me know if you need anything?. You know I am here for you. Right?"
"Yes Ben, I know. I seem to know a lot all of the sudden!" She smiled, looked into his eyes, reached up on her tip toes and kissed him gently. Smiled at him again and then went back into the room to let her mother finish her conversation.
Whitney closed the door behind her again, and handeed the glass of water to her mother. "Here Ma, here's some water for you & Ginny said to let you know they are saving some lunch for us. Just, take your time Ma. Take your time."
Celia took the water from her daughter and just looked at her in amazement. Too often she forgot her baby girl was grown up. But today, she just looked so different. She looked like a woman instead of a young girl just out of braces.
"So, where was I? Oh yes, the bruises. Your brothers were so excited to see their "Auntie Deli" they thankfully didn't see the bruises. Knowing them, even if they did see anything, they probably would have thought she'd been playing out in the dirt like they did. Boys! Anyway, Deli hugged the boys and then looked at me like the prodigal sister coming back home. All I could think of was to hug her, hold her and just let her cry herself out until she was ready to talk to me. It took a while. Your Da was off work and took the boys out for pizza. I put on the tea kettle when she got done with her cry'n and she slowly told me her story. Apparently her parents had been pushing her to date this Josh boy, which made Quint mad and one day when they got into a tiff over it, he drove off mad. Her mother heard the fight and wasted no time at all in calling Josh. He called Deli and asked her out that very evening. She was so mad at Quint for not trusting her, she went out with Josh just to spite him and shut up her mother's nagging. Apparently they went out several times and he started with telling her she was stupid to be calling me, why did she need anyone but him. He even finally started controling her and was separating her from her family. Then one day, the day she called me cry'n, he had seen where Quint had called her cell phone. Even when she told him she hadn't answered the call and hadn't called Quint back. This nice Josh fellow up and smacked her, first on her face a couple times, then on her arms, her back, grabbed her arms and threw to the ground and well, he had his way with her. Thankfully he left after that, but not before warning her she'd better think about what she was doing and she'd better not talk to anyone about what happened. That's when she called me"
"Oh Ma, I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say."
"There's noth'n much to say my girl. I took her to one of the small clinics over in San Antonio, they did what they could do to make sure there was no permanent damage & tried to talk her into pressing charges. She wouldn't tell them his name and wouldn't press charges. So we went back home" On the way home, she swore me to secrecy. Even your Da doesn't know what happened. She stayed with us for a few weeks. She called her mother and told her she'd gone to California to get away for awhile. We had one of our old high school friends send post cards to her parents. She'd call once in a while and whenever her parents would bring up Josh, trying to get them back together, she would just tell them, no, they were done, and then change the subject. She'd only been there with us a few weeks when Quint stopped by one day. They started talking, they even laughed a little when they realized what they fought over was so silly and small they'd both forgot what it was. It was the first time I'd seen her smile for a long time. When she discovered she was pregnant and figured out how far along she was, she fell apart again. There was no getting around it was Josh's baby. My poor Deli was so scared. She was so sure Quint would never have her once he knew what happened, and embarassed what your Da would think of her. Scared of what her parents would say. I told Quint.
He didn't care and was willing to do anything to protect her. That's when we came up with our story, your Da doesn't know either, he just thinks the baby came early like everyone else did. Though I s'pose he'll have to know now won't he?"
"I don't know Ma. I can't promise he won't, but I'll do everything I can to protect you. It might be better if you told him anyway. If he has to find out, it would be better coming from you."
"You're right my girl. I know you're right. Do you think Ben could get him over here so I could tell him before you tell Ben and Ginny?"
"You stay in here as long as you need to Ma. Do you want me to bring your sandwich and chips in here? Maybe a soda too? Or more water?"
"No dear, just give me a few minutes to pull myself together. You go out and talk to Ben. When I come out we'll just say we were talking about how all this just made me remember Deli. Which is the truth. Is that ok?"
Whitney patted her mother's hand and hugged her so gently. "Yes, sure Ma, it's just fine with me"
Whitney went out of the room and shut the door behind her. Everyone turned and looked at her as she came through the hall. She gathered up her muster and smiled. "Hey Ben, you want to keep me company while I eat my sandwich? Ma will be out in a minute or two."
Ben looked at her face and knew there was more to her request than just keeping her company. "Yea sure, Whit, come on. I need another soda anyway." They stepped into the kitchen and sat down at the table where 2 plates with sandwiches and chips sat, covered with plastic wrap. She made sure she sat where anyone in the living room wouldn't be able to see her, and she was sure they couldn't hear her with the boys making so much racket watching cartoons. Besides, Sammy & Ginny had gone right back to their own conversation once they stepped into the kitchen.
She asked Ben to send a car to pick up her father and promised to tell him why in a few minutes. Ben called the precinct from the burner phone he'd activated and gave the needed instructions.
Whitney took a few bites while she listened to Ben's update on the evidence. Then she started telling Ben what her mother had told her.
Whitney tried hard to focus, but between her amazement at her mother's revelation and feeling overwhelmed at the feelings she was realizing she had for Ben, it was a hard task. She had to force herself to listen and organize her thoughts.
Around 1pm they stopped for a break. Ginny & Sam moved out to the kitchen to put together some kind of lunch. Ben held an impromptu meeting with their protection detail. The boys took the opportunity to move out of the bedroom & watch some tv in the living room.
Whitney took a hold of her mother's hand and led her into the bedroom she was using. She closed the door behind them & patted the spot beside her on the bed for her mother to sit there.
"Ok ma, spill it, what else are you not telling us?"
"What are you talking about Whitney? I've given you all the information I have. There's nothing left to tell."
"Uh-uh, I'm not buying it Ma. I know you well enough to know that look when you are holding something back. I've seen it when you get ready for our birthday's & other surprises. I know there's more. You know, I am so amazed that you have held back so much information for so long. And I know you did what you did for a god reason. I can't even imagine what Ginny must be feeling right now. She's been so quiet, well quieter than usual. But I know there's more Ma. Unless you want me to ask these questions out there in front of everyone, you better start spill'n the beans."
Her mother looked at her and hugged her. She smiled & then sighed. "Ok Whitney girl. I hope you are ready for this. Because I'm not sure I am. Everything I've told you so far has been true. But you're right, I have left something out. I didn't tell because I don't see how it can be important to your case."
She paused for just a little bit, her head lowered & eyes closed. Whitney closed her eyes also, following her mother in a silent prayer.
Celia cleared her throat a little, "Quint might not have been the baby's father."
Whitney's jaw dropped, her eyes grew large and she was speechless.
"About the time Ginny was conceived, Adelia & Quint were actually not seeing each other. They'd quarrelled about something. I really don't remember what. Anyway Deli, that's what we all called her, had taken up with one of her rich neighbor's sons. Joshua Clark, you might know his family's company, Clark Construction? Anyway they had been going out for just a couple of months. She wasn't calling much then, I was busy with the boys. Your Da had just been promoted to detective. Quint still came by the house. But Deli, she just called every couple of weeks or so, just to tell me about all the fun & fancy things she & this Josh person were doing & how wonderful he was and bla bla bla. Then one day, just out of the blue mind you, she calls and she's sobbing and I almost couldn't understand her. Finally I found out where she was. I called your Da & he went over to the little coffee shop, picked her up & brought her home to our house. When she walked in the front door & I saw the bruises on her arms & her face, my heart just broke!"
She had to stop for a minute. Fresh tears were welling up in her eyes. Whitney went out to the kitchen & got her some water, and while she was there, she told the guys to go on without her because her & her mother were talking. Ginny said they would save them some sandwiches & chips. Ben walked her into the hallway & asked if everything was ok.
Whitney, touched his arm and looked up into his handsome, gentle, reassuring eyes. "Yes, we're ok, I promise you. But this is a something I can't talk about yet, it's Ma's story to tell & I need to get back in there before she's alone too long."
"Ok Whit, but let me know if you need anything?. You know I am here for you. Right?"
"Yes Ben, I know. I seem to know a lot all of the sudden!" She smiled, looked into his eyes, reached up on her tip toes and kissed him gently. Smiled at him again and then went back into the room to let her mother finish her conversation.
Whitney closed the door behind her again, and handeed the glass of water to her mother. "Here Ma, here's some water for you & Ginny said to let you know they are saving some lunch for us. Just, take your time Ma. Take your time."
Celia took the water from her daughter and just looked at her in amazement. Too often she forgot her baby girl was grown up. But today, she just looked so different. She looked like a woman instead of a young girl just out of braces.
"So, where was I? Oh yes, the bruises. Your brothers were so excited to see their "Auntie Deli" they thankfully didn't see the bruises. Knowing them, even if they did see anything, they probably would have thought she'd been playing out in the dirt like they did. Boys! Anyway, Deli hugged the boys and then looked at me like the prodigal sister coming back home. All I could think of was to hug her, hold her and just let her cry herself out until she was ready to talk to me. It took a while. Your Da was off work and took the boys out for pizza. I put on the tea kettle when she got done with her cry'n and she slowly told me her story. Apparently her parents had been pushing her to date this Josh boy, which made Quint mad and one day when they got into a tiff over it, he drove off mad. Her mother heard the fight and wasted no time at all in calling Josh. He called Deli and asked her out that very evening. She was so mad at Quint for not trusting her, she went out with Josh just to spite him and shut up her mother's nagging. Apparently they went out several times and he started with telling her she was stupid to be calling me, why did she need anyone but him. He even finally started controling her and was separating her from her family. Then one day, the day she called me cry'n, he had seen where Quint had called her cell phone. Even when she told him she hadn't answered the call and hadn't called Quint back. This nice Josh fellow up and smacked her, first on her face a couple times, then on her arms, her back, grabbed her arms and threw to the ground and well, he had his way with her. Thankfully he left after that, but not before warning her she'd better think about what she was doing and she'd better not talk to anyone about what happened. That's when she called me"
"Oh Ma, I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say."
"There's noth'n much to say my girl. I took her to one of the small clinics over in San Antonio, they did what they could do to make sure there was no permanent damage & tried to talk her into pressing charges. She wouldn't tell them his name and wouldn't press charges. So we went back home" On the way home, she swore me to secrecy. Even your Da doesn't know what happened. She stayed with us for a few weeks. She called her mother and told her she'd gone to California to get away for awhile. We had one of our old high school friends send post cards to her parents. She'd call once in a while and whenever her parents would bring up Josh, trying to get them back together, she would just tell them, no, they were done, and then change the subject. She'd only been there with us a few weeks when Quint stopped by one day. They started talking, they even laughed a little when they realized what they fought over was so silly and small they'd both forgot what it was. It was the first time I'd seen her smile for a long time. When she discovered she was pregnant and figured out how far along she was, she fell apart again. There was no getting around it was Josh's baby. My poor Deli was so scared. She was so sure Quint would never have her once he knew what happened, and embarassed what your Da would think of her. Scared of what her parents would say. I told Quint.
He didn't care and was willing to do anything to protect her. That's when we came up with our story, your Da doesn't know either, he just thinks the baby came early like everyone else did. Though I s'pose he'll have to know now won't he?"
"I don't know Ma. I can't promise he won't, but I'll do everything I can to protect you. It might be better if you told him anyway. If he has to find out, it would be better coming from you."
"You're right my girl. I know you're right. Do you think Ben could get him over here so I could tell him before you tell Ben and Ginny?"
"You stay in here as long as you need to Ma. Do you want me to bring your sandwich and chips in here? Maybe a soda too? Or more water?"
"No dear, just give me a few minutes to pull myself together. You go out and talk to Ben. When I come out we'll just say we were talking about how all this just made me remember Deli. Which is the truth. Is that ok?"
Whitney patted her mother's hand and hugged her so gently. "Yes, sure Ma, it's just fine with me"
Whitney went out of the room and shut the door behind her. Everyone turned and looked at her as she came through the hall. She gathered up her muster and smiled. "Hey Ben, you want to keep me company while I eat my sandwich? Ma will be out in a minute or two."
Ben looked at her face and knew there was more to her request than just keeping her company. "Yea sure, Whit, come on. I need another soda anyway." They stepped into the kitchen and sat down at the table where 2 plates with sandwiches and chips sat, covered with plastic wrap. She made sure she sat where anyone in the living room wouldn't be able to see her, and she was sure they couldn't hear her with the boys making so much racket watching cartoons. Besides, Sammy & Ginny had gone right back to their own conversation once they stepped into the kitchen.
She asked Ben to send a car to pick up her father and promised to tell him why in a few minutes. Ben called the precinct from the burner phone he'd activated and gave the needed instructions.
Whitney took a few bites while she listened to Ben's update on the evidence. Then she started telling Ben what her mother had told her.
Monday, December 9, 2013
that's when she knew, she was hoplessly in love with him
Whitney had never seen her mom like this before. She had quiet tears running down her face & was shaking so much it took both Whitney & Ben to help her to the sofa. And she just kept saying "I'm sorry, I'm just so sorry", over and over and over again.
After 10 minutes or so Ginny offered Celia a cup of coffee, she took a few sips, aware they were letting her take her time before she spoke.
Celia shuddered slightly then there was a big sigh, finally she felt strong enough to speak.
"I know this won't make much sense at first, but please, just hear me out before you ask your questions." She looked at each of them for agreement & when they all nodded yes, she started.
"Ben, when your guys came to pick up Ginny & the boys the other day, they had a picture of that man on one of their cell phones & I just happen to see it. Don't blame them, I was being myself, snoopy & managed to bring them some coffee when they were looking at the picture. I knew as soon as I saw the picture, that the truth was going to have to come out. I couldn't wait any longer. I can't tell you how difficult this was. Your Da & I were hoping to take this secret to our graves. Your Da wouldn't know the man in the picture, because he only knew his sister, Adelia Dobbins. Adelia & I were best friends before grade school, into high school & college, until the day she died." Ginny & Whitney both gasped a little, & Celia had to take another few minutes as the tears returned. Another sip of coffee and she was ready to continue.
We were in our Senior Year at University when Adelia met Quinton O'Hara. Same year I met your Da Whitney. Adelia & Quinton fell for each other hard, they were stuck to each other like glue. Quint's family adored Adelia & Adelia's family thought so highly of Quint. They respected & admired him for how he was putting himself through college, for how he treated their daughter and sister Adelia. All of them 'cept one. Harrison Dobbins did not like Quint. Truth be told, I don't think Harrison liked anyone but himself. He was always jealous of his siblings, Martin, Adelia, Maryann & Caroline. Harrison was the oldest of the 5, then Martin and then the 3 girls. Harrison was always so bossy & thought it was his place to direct their lives after Mr Dobbins Sr passed. A few years later, when Adelia & Quint discovered they were expecting, they went to Mrs Dobbins & told her the truth. She wasn't happy that they weren't married, but that only lasted a moment & then she was delighted she was going to become a grandmother. They had been together for so long, they had just never got around to getting married, not that they didn't want to, they just could never set a date that worked for everyone & they were so in love, it made no difference to them. They even thought about eloping once, but she didn't want to upset her mother. So they kept waiting for the perfect time. Anyway, when they told her mother, hat's when the real trouble started. She & the girls started helping Adelia to plan a quick wedding. Quint was beam'n from ear to ear, he was so happy. One day soon after she took the boys, Harrison, Martin & Quint into the study & explained what she was going to do. She was adding Quint & the baby into the will. The way Quint told it was that Harrison's eyes went dead cold, then the next minute they were filled with rage, he got up and stormed out of the study. the wedding plans continued, but what they didn't know was that Adelia was further along that what she told anyone and 2 months later, just a few days before the wedding, Adelia gave birth 2 months prematurely, to you Ginny. the wedding was put on hold & delayed until a month later when mother & baby were both safely out of the hospital. the wedding was back on for a week after they got out, but 3 days later, Quint & Adelia were dead, and Ginny was safely tucked away in the nursery at our house."
The room was so silent, it seemed everyone had stopped breathing for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry, could I get some more coffee, please?"
Amy got up and got the coffee pot & poured some into everyone's cup, including her own.
"thank you dear" Celia smiled at Amy and looked around the room at each of their faces. They tried to smile, but they were in shock, waiting for her to continue.
"Quint & Adelia, & you Ginny dear," Celia patted Ginny's arm, "they had to come see me & your Da. They had asked us to be your God parents & they needed to pick up the signed papers, including their will regarding you Ginny, to take to their minister before the wedding & your baptism. They were going to be on the same day." We had agreed to meet them at one of the little coffee houses we enjoyed going to occasionally." Celia sighed & cried a little some more. They were all trying to be so patient, but sitting on pins and needles as this astonishing story seeped out of her.
"I was holding you Ginny, your Da was sitting there beside me," this time she looked at Whitney, as if she were looking for forgiveness for something which Whitney was sure wasn't her fault. Whitney touched here hand softly & left it there until she got a smile from her mother & she continued with her story. "Quint & Adelia asked if we could watch you for just a few minutes, they wanted to run down to the florist a few blocks down & check on the flowers for the wedding. To be honest, as tired as Adelia looked, I'm pretty sure she just needed a little alone time. She told us how nasty Harrison was being towards her & Quint & the baby. He wouldn't even look at the wee little babe, let alone hold her or say a pleasant word 'bout her. He made it very obvious how disappointed he was in his sister and how very much he resented now there was not 4 other heirs, but 6, since Mrs Dobbins had dealt very generously with Quint even before they were married. Anyway, we of course told them we'd be more than happy to watch the wee one. We'd already had enough of our own to know what to do. They got in their car, and a minute later we heard the explosion. Your Da and I looked at each other, with knowing in our eyes. I got up to go with him & he told me no, to stay & wait. He was only gone a few minutes & when he came back in the door of the coffee shop, I knew. I knew they were gone. I held you close Ginny dear & I just sat there & I cried & rocked you back & forth. We also knew that one way or another Harrison had a hand in it. Because Harrison didn't know us, he never came look'n for you. Because your sciency cop stuff wasn't what it is now, they just assumed all 3 of them were in the car when it "mysteriously" blew up. They found your little car carrier & some of your clothes & toys, the whole thing was just such a mangled mess. We took you home straight away & tucked you in our nursery. His family had never met me or your Da, they only new us by our first names. Anyways, it didn't make any difference, nobody ever came looking for you. We told the boys that a young lady had asked us to care for you when she got in the family way. Which was the truth. If anyone ever pushed it, we had all the papers that had been signed. They were left there on the table while they went to check the flowers. Legally, you were ours anyway Ginny dear. And we couldn't love you more if I'd born you myself. When Mike got shot & I heard a little of the case, I wondered then if Harrison had come looking again, but no one ever came again so we just left it be. Until a few days ago. I got a call form Prissy Parkins at the school who said there was man there showing pictures of a boy who looked an awful lot like Neil & was asking if she'd ever heard of Adelia Dobbins. She of course told him no, but since she'd been chum's with us also, she did recognize the name. She never knew the real story, but being my best friend, she knew enough & called me right away to warn me. Then when I saw the picture of that Dobbin's boy, I knew they'd come looking again. I knew it was Martin, he was the kind one, always trying to protect his little sisters & mother from Harrison's ruthlessness & general bad attitude. I don't know how he did it, but I know that I know that I know. Harrison did this. and that means you & my boys are not safe Ginny."
Now she was sounded more like her mother, Whitney didn't know what to say. She was simply astounded not just at the story she was hearing, but that her mother had kept it a secret all these years!
Celia turned to Ben with both determination & a look searching for reassurance on her face, "Ben, you cannot let my girls go back home until you figure out how he did this. Ask me any questions you want, but you have to fix this! You have to nail that little weasel to the wall!!!"
Ben cleared his throat and looked at her with the kindest eyes, "You know I love your daughter and will never let anything hurt her, that goes for Ginny & the boys too of course. But we do or say anything else, I want you to know, I'm amazed at how strong you are, and now I need you to be strong a little while longer." He looked at all of them, then at the guard, "Amy, I need you to radio to have Whitney's Dad picked up & brought over here, as discretely as possible, in an unmarked vehicle & make sure they aren't followed." He looked back at the 3 ladies & Sammy sitting there in their little huddle. "We are going to pray, I think right now we need His wisdom & direction more than anything else. Then we are going to put together all the evidence we have & come up with a game plan. To quote you Mom C, we're going to nail that little weasel to the wall!" He then his best Ben smile ever & that's when Whitney knew, she was hopelessly in love with him.
After 10 minutes or so Ginny offered Celia a cup of coffee, she took a few sips, aware they were letting her take her time before she spoke.
Celia shuddered slightly then there was a big sigh, finally she felt strong enough to speak.
"I know this won't make much sense at first, but please, just hear me out before you ask your questions." She looked at each of them for agreement & when they all nodded yes, she started.
"Ben, when your guys came to pick up Ginny & the boys the other day, they had a picture of that man on one of their cell phones & I just happen to see it. Don't blame them, I was being myself, snoopy & managed to bring them some coffee when they were looking at the picture. I knew as soon as I saw the picture, that the truth was going to have to come out. I couldn't wait any longer. I can't tell you how difficult this was. Your Da & I were hoping to take this secret to our graves. Your Da wouldn't know the man in the picture, because he only knew his sister, Adelia Dobbins. Adelia & I were best friends before grade school, into high school & college, until the day she died." Ginny & Whitney both gasped a little, & Celia had to take another few minutes as the tears returned. Another sip of coffee and she was ready to continue.
We were in our Senior Year at University when Adelia met Quinton O'Hara. Same year I met your Da Whitney. Adelia & Quinton fell for each other hard, they were stuck to each other like glue. Quint's family adored Adelia & Adelia's family thought so highly of Quint. They respected & admired him for how he was putting himself through college, for how he treated their daughter and sister Adelia. All of them 'cept one. Harrison Dobbins did not like Quint. Truth be told, I don't think Harrison liked anyone but himself. He was always jealous of his siblings, Martin, Adelia, Maryann & Caroline. Harrison was the oldest of the 5, then Martin and then the 3 girls. Harrison was always so bossy & thought it was his place to direct their lives after Mr Dobbins Sr passed. A few years later, when Adelia & Quint discovered they were expecting, they went to Mrs Dobbins & told her the truth. She wasn't happy that they weren't married, but that only lasted a moment & then she was delighted she was going to become a grandmother. They had been together for so long, they had just never got around to getting married, not that they didn't want to, they just could never set a date that worked for everyone & they were so in love, it made no difference to them. They even thought about eloping once, but she didn't want to upset her mother. So they kept waiting for the perfect time. Anyway, when they told her mother, hat's when the real trouble started. She & the girls started helping Adelia to plan a quick wedding. Quint was beam'n from ear to ear, he was so happy. One day soon after she took the boys, Harrison, Martin & Quint into the study & explained what she was going to do. She was adding Quint & the baby into the will. The way Quint told it was that Harrison's eyes went dead cold, then the next minute they were filled with rage, he got up and stormed out of the study. the wedding plans continued, but what they didn't know was that Adelia was further along that what she told anyone and 2 months later, just a few days before the wedding, Adelia gave birth 2 months prematurely, to you Ginny. the wedding was put on hold & delayed until a month later when mother & baby were both safely out of the hospital. the wedding was back on for a week after they got out, but 3 days later, Quint & Adelia were dead, and Ginny was safely tucked away in the nursery at our house."
The room was so silent, it seemed everyone had stopped breathing for a few minutes.
"I'm sorry, could I get some more coffee, please?"
Amy got up and got the coffee pot & poured some into everyone's cup, including her own.
"thank you dear" Celia smiled at Amy and looked around the room at each of their faces. They tried to smile, but they were in shock, waiting for her to continue.
"Quint & Adelia, & you Ginny dear," Celia patted Ginny's arm, "they had to come see me & your Da. They had asked us to be your God parents & they needed to pick up the signed papers, including their will regarding you Ginny, to take to their minister before the wedding & your baptism. They were going to be on the same day." We had agreed to meet them at one of the little coffee houses we enjoyed going to occasionally." Celia sighed & cried a little some more. They were all trying to be so patient, but sitting on pins and needles as this astonishing story seeped out of her.
"I was holding you Ginny, your Da was sitting there beside me," this time she looked at Whitney, as if she were looking for forgiveness for something which Whitney was sure wasn't her fault. Whitney touched here hand softly & left it there until she got a smile from her mother & she continued with her story. "Quint & Adelia asked if we could watch you for just a few minutes, they wanted to run down to the florist a few blocks down & check on the flowers for the wedding. To be honest, as tired as Adelia looked, I'm pretty sure she just needed a little alone time. She told us how nasty Harrison was being towards her & Quint & the baby. He wouldn't even look at the wee little babe, let alone hold her or say a pleasant word 'bout her. He made it very obvious how disappointed he was in his sister and how very much he resented now there was not 4 other heirs, but 6, since Mrs Dobbins had dealt very generously with Quint even before they were married. Anyway, we of course told them we'd be more than happy to watch the wee one. We'd already had enough of our own to know what to do. They got in their car, and a minute later we heard the explosion. Your Da and I looked at each other, with knowing in our eyes. I got up to go with him & he told me no, to stay & wait. He was only gone a few minutes & when he came back in the door of the coffee shop, I knew. I knew they were gone. I held you close Ginny dear & I just sat there & I cried & rocked you back & forth. We also knew that one way or another Harrison had a hand in it. Because Harrison didn't know us, he never came look'n for you. Because your sciency cop stuff wasn't what it is now, they just assumed all 3 of them were in the car when it "mysteriously" blew up. They found your little car carrier & some of your clothes & toys, the whole thing was just such a mangled mess. We took you home straight away & tucked you in our nursery. His family had never met me or your Da, they only new us by our first names. Anyways, it didn't make any difference, nobody ever came looking for you. We told the boys that a young lady had asked us to care for you when she got in the family way. Which was the truth. If anyone ever pushed it, we had all the papers that had been signed. They were left there on the table while they went to check the flowers. Legally, you were ours anyway Ginny dear. And we couldn't love you more if I'd born you myself. When Mike got shot & I heard a little of the case, I wondered then if Harrison had come looking again, but no one ever came again so we just left it be. Until a few days ago. I got a call form Prissy Parkins at the school who said there was man there showing pictures of a boy who looked an awful lot like Neil & was asking if she'd ever heard of Adelia Dobbins. She of course told him no, but since she'd been chum's with us also, she did recognize the name. She never knew the real story, but being my best friend, she knew enough & called me right away to warn me. Then when I saw the picture of that Dobbin's boy, I knew they'd come looking again. I knew it was Martin, he was the kind one, always trying to protect his little sisters & mother from Harrison's ruthlessness & general bad attitude. I don't know how he did it, but I know that I know that I know. Harrison did this. and that means you & my boys are not safe Ginny."
Now she was sounded more like her mother, Whitney didn't know what to say. She was simply astounded not just at the story she was hearing, but that her mother had kept it a secret all these years!
Celia turned to Ben with both determination & a look searching for reassurance on her face, "Ben, you cannot let my girls go back home until you figure out how he did this. Ask me any questions you want, but you have to fix this! You have to nail that little weasel to the wall!!!"
Ben cleared his throat and looked at her with the kindest eyes, "You know I love your daughter and will never let anything hurt her, that goes for Ginny & the boys too of course. But we do or say anything else, I want you to know, I'm amazed at how strong you are, and now I need you to be strong a little while longer." He looked at all of them, then at the guard, "Amy, I need you to radio to have Whitney's Dad picked up & brought over here, as discretely as possible, in an unmarked vehicle & make sure they aren't followed." He looked back at the 3 ladies & Sammy sitting there in their little huddle. "We are going to pray, I think right now we need His wisdom & direction more than anything else. Then we are going to put together all the evidence we have & come up with a game plan. To quote you Mom C, we're going to nail that little weasel to the wall!" He then his best Ben smile ever & that's when Whitney knew, she was hopelessly in love with him.
Friday, December 6, 2013
don't give up
just checking in, no time to write, something came up. But don't give up, I'll be back!
Thursday, December 5, 2013
krazy dayz
super busy at work & having internet issues, unable to post except for from my phone which would take way too long to write what I want to write, stupid cable tv works, but connected internet is apparently offline. I don't know, they said something like that when I called in the problem.
should be posting something tonight.
everyone have a very blessed day!!
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