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Why Do Fools Fall in Love?
Conclusion
In
Part
Six, we
learned that Trixie accepted a job offer from Ralph Keenan in Los Angeles,
California. Will she leave, or will someone
convince her to stay? Please join us for the conclusion of our story. Saturday, August
21 “Let me carry that,” Brian ordered, reaching for
Trixie’s large, carryon bag. “I
already told Dad and Mart that I have it!” she snapped, swatting her oldest
brother’s hand away. Brian
whistled under his breath at her surly tone. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied in an
overly solicitous voice. Trixie
glared up at her much taller, older brother as she opened the back door of
the Beldens’ mini-van. “You wanna piece of me?” No
matter how hard he tried, Brian couldn’t stifle his chuckle, as he looked a
foot down upon his much smaller sister. “Someone got up on the wrong side of
the bed this morning.” He couldn’t resist ruffling her hair, which he knew
irritated her greatly. Trixie
merely gave her best indignant sniff and tossed her sandy curls. Deciding
Brian wasn’t worthy of a response, she climbed into the middle spot of the
middle seat and buckled her safety belt. Realizing
the precarious position into which he’d placed himself, Brian chortled and,
passing up the spot beside Trixie in the middle seat, went to sit in the very
back of the van. “My
most laudable clansman, let me forewarn you to tread gently about our
prepossessing xanthous-haired kinswoman,” Mart declared gallantly, claiming
the spot by Trixie. “Methinks Beatrix
is feeling less than harmonious on the threshold of her departure.” Trixie
turned to her right and cast a viperous glance at her middle brother. “Don’t
start up with the fancy orating, Mart.
I thought you grew out of that. You know how it bugs me.” “Precisely,
fair damsel. Vexing you is my ambition. If I have procured some amount of
vitriolic suffusions in your being, I have accomplished my objective.” “Great.
Mart’s going through puberty again,” Trixie muttered grumpily. Brian
chuckled. “Little brother, I hate to nitpick, but ‘suffusion’ means ‘a
spreading of liquid’.” Mart
shook his head sadly. “Alas, my gargantuan lexicon has suffered through lack
of utilization.”
“Whose lousy idea was it
again for us all to ride to the airport together, anyway?” Trixie groaned. “Mine,”
Bobby piped up as he slid open the left-side door and sat on the other spot
beside Trixie. “I wanted to take one last road trip all together.” “Can’t
we leave Mart at home?” Trixie proposed with a pout. “You
cut me deep, Trixie,” Mart declared forlornly, placing his hand upon his
heart. “I could be basking in the
presence of my beautiful bride at this very moment, but no, I chose to be a
member of the Belden embarkation committee. And how am I rewarded?” He paused
dramatically for emphasis, shook his head in disapproval, and then continued,
“By being abused by the guest of honor. Is there no justice left in the
world?” “Where
is Di?” Bobby asked curiously. “I
thought you two were connected at the hip.” “My
lovely helpmeet is riding with Honey, Jim and Dan,” Mart explained. “I think
Jim’s going to fire up the Bob-White station wagon for old time’s sake.” “How
nostalgic,” Trixie mumbled. “I hope someone brings a cell phone to call the
tow truck.” “Di
didn’t mind you staying at Crabapple Farm last night?” Brian questioned,
ignoring Trixie’s mutterings. “Nah.”
Mart shook his head and grinned happily. “She’s a good sport.” The
Belden children had decided to spend the previous night in their childhood
home, like the “good old days”. Moms had made Trixie’s favorite meal, and the
group had stayed up late, recalling memories, playing games and trading jabs. “She
should’ve stayed with us, Mart,” Helen chided, settling into the passenger’s
seat up front. “After all, Diana is
a Belden now.” Mart
shrugged. “She wasn’t feeling well, Moms. She’s getting over a sinus
infection.” “Besides,
in the ‘good old days’, Di wasn’t allowed to stay in Mart’s room,” Bobby
added with a devilish grin. “Is
Di all right?” Brian inquired, a worried expression on his handsome face. “She’s
feeling a lot better today. I called her this morning to check on her. We have
a date later,” he told them with a waggle of his sandy brows. “So don’t call
us, pop over to visit, or attempt to have any other contact with us for the
rest of the weekend. We plan to be rather busy doing stuff in the bedroom.”
Mart’s devilish grin perfectly mirrored Bobby’s. “EEWWW!!!”
Brian, Trixie and Bobby simultaneously exclaimed, sticking their fingers in
their ears as they had when they were younger. “Too much information!!!” “Is
everybody in?” Peter Belden questioned, climbing in the driver’s seat and
starting the engine. “I think this occasion calls for a good, old-fashioned
Belden roll call. Don’t you agree, Helen?” He looked over at his wife in the
passenger’s seat. “Whatever
you think, dear,” she answered, amused at her husband’s eagerness. Peter
grinned. For the first time in several years, he went down the complete list
of his children in preparation for their trip, knowing each child would
answer. “Brian?” “Here.” “Mart?” “Aquí.” “Trixie?” “Present.” “Bobby?” “Huh?” “All
Beldens are present and accounted for,” Peter replied proudly as he pulled
the van out of the crabapple tree-lined driveway. “Now, let’s go to JFK.” A half hour
later… “Dad! Mart’s
touching me,” Trixie complained. “Am
not,” Mart argued, purposely poking Trixie on the arm a bit harder. “Are
too!” she insisted loudly. “Are
we there yet?” Brian yelled from the back. “I
have to go to the bathroom!” Bobby wailed. “If
I have to pull this van over, you’re gonna be sorry!” Peter barked teasingly.
He turned to his wife, who was sitting quietly as she gazed out the window.
“Man, it feels good to say that again. Helen, let’s have two or three more!” Helen
snorted. “In your dreams, Belden.” “Gee,
Moms, aren’t you afraid of ‘empty nest’ syndrome?” Brian asked. “Empty nest syndrome?” Helen echoed,
laughing. “Didn’t you children know that I have a secret calendar, counting
down the days until your father and I have the house to ourselves again?” Bobby
scratched his head in confusion. “But Moms, without us around, you won’t have
anything to do. How’ll you spend your time if you don’t have all our clothes
to wash and dinners to cook?” “Laying
on a beach in Aruba,” Helen proclaimed without skipping a beat. “Moms?!” Brian, Trixie, Mart and Bobby
chimed simultaneously. “Your
mother’s kidding,” Peter replied. “You are
kidding, aren’t you, Helen?” “I
planned on going with you,
sweetheart,” Helen purred, casually placing her hand on her husband’s knee. “The
trip to Trixie
lifted a skeptical sandy brow. “Are you serious, Moms?” “Yes, I’m serious,” Helen told them
indignantly. “You children have traveled more than I have. I’ve been stashing
away money for years for a romantic getaway for only your father and me. I
should have enough saved by next fall.” “You
know, Moms, romantic getaways are the number one cause of late-in-life
unplanned pregnancies,” Mart declared. “If you think it’s too risky for you
to go, Di and I could take that trip for you. We’re planning to procreate in the
near future anyway. We’d be happy to go in your stead as a precaution.” Helen
turned backwards and quirked a golden brow at her middle son. “Oh, you would,
would you?” Mart
nodded his head. “It would be a tremendous sacrifice on our part, but we’d be
willing to make it for you, Moms.
We’d send you postcards. It’d be just as good as being there yourself.” “Thank
you ever so much for your… generous offer, Martin, but I think your father and I can manage to have a
romantic getaway without me getting pregnant,” Helen disagreed tactfully. Mart
shook his head in disbelief. “You never know, Moms. The island beauty, the
waves crashing on the beach, the moonlit skies… Aruba’s a dangerous place.” Helen
grinned. “If I ever get pregnant
again, I want the money back we spent on your father’s vasectomy.” For
several minutes, you could hear the tires rolling on the pavement. However,
after that bombshell had time to settle, there were varied reactions from the
Belden children. “Did
they do laser surgery, or actually cut you, Dad?” Dr. Brian inquired
curiously. “What kind of incision was made? How long did it take you to
recover?” “Do
we have to talk about the V word?”
Mart questioned nervously, placing his hand protectively over his family
jewels. “Surely, there’s some
better topic of discussion?” Trixie
giggled. “I think it’s great you got a vasectomy, Dad. It’s much less
invasive than a woman getting her tubes tied.” Mart
paled at the word “vasectomy”, then turned green at the word “invasive”. “Nice
weather for flying today,” he nonchalantly commented. “Not a cloud in the
sky.” “Trying
to change the subject, Mart?” Trixie asked innocently. “Yes,
if you don’t mind,” Mart answered. “I’d prefer not to discuss such a…
sensitive topic.” Trixie
leaned closer to her almost-twin. “V-A-A-A-S-E-E-E-C-T-U-U-U-M-E-E-E,” she
enunciated slowly. Mart
covered his ears and shied away. “Dad! Make her quit! She’s scaring me!” Brian
groaned at his brother’s medical ignorance. “Mart, the surgery isn’t that bad. They can do it with a laser
now and—” “If
you think I’m going to let some doctor get near my boys with any sort of instrument used for
incision, be it scalpel or laser, then you
are highly mistaken,” Mart sputtered. “It’s
minor surgery,” Brian said in exasperation. “Any surgery
taking place near that particular region is not minor,” Mart snorted. “Do we
have to talk about this now? I have yet to bring any little Beldens into
the world, (here he ignored Trixie’s “Thank God!”) and I believe it’s a bit premature
to convince me to endanger my manhood by permitting some physician to
extricate the means by which I—” “No
details, please!” Trixie begged. “You’re
just being ridiculous about the whole thing,” Brian insisted stubbornly.
“Dad, did it hurt much when they—” “La
la la la,” Mart sang loudly, sticking his fingers back into his ears. Bobby,
throughout this conversation, had been staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
Finally, he gasped in disbelief. “Are you saying that Dad got snipped?” “What’s
the big deal?” Peter bellowed from the front seat. “Why don’t we have them
announce it at the airport over the intercom?” He hit the button to roll down
the driver’s side window. “I had a vasectomy!” he yelled out to the passing
cars. “I
just don’t see what the big deal is, sweetheart,” Helen replied innocently. “Why
in the world did you let the doctors snip you, Dad?” Bobby asked curiously,
his eyes still wide in shock. His look of disbelief soon became one of
embarrassment, as every eye in the van was upon him. “Hey, why’s everybody
looking at me?” “Small
fry, we’re not just looking at you; we’re looking at you pointedly,” Mart corrected with a chuckle. Bobby
reached behind Trixie with one of his long arms, and whacked Mart on the
head. Mart, in turn, reached over Trixie with his shorter arm, and whacked
Bobby on the knee. Minutes later, a full-fledged grudge match had ensued. “Moms!
Dad! Make them quit!” Trixie shrieked, shielding her face from her brothers’
flailing limbs. Brian
grinned, leaned back, and placed his hands behind his head. “Man, it sure is
comfortable back here. I’ve got this whole seat to myself.” Without
so much as an armistice, Mart and Bobby suddenly ceased their fighting. They
looked at one another, grinned impishly and unfastened their seatbelts. Swift
as jungle cats, they turned around, bent over their seat, and grabbed Brian’s
long legs. Before Brian could react, they had pulled him out from under his
seatbelt. Not
being able to resist the fun, Peter chuckled mischievously and slammed on the
brakes. He watched in the mirror with glee as Mart and Bobby went slightly
airborne and flew over the middle seat, landing on top of Brian, who was
struggling to right himself. Trixie
was holding her stomach from laughing so hard. Tears were streaming down her
cheeks as she intermittently dodged a flailing foot. Helen
merely sighed. After almost thirty years of Belden Bedlam, she knew it was
pointless to give a lecture about safety. I just hope that vasectomy does its job, she thought, as the
shrieks of her four children pierced her eardrums. I don’t think I could handle any more of these hoodlums. At the terminal
at JFK… Trixie
went through the ticket counter with ease. The airport wasn’t busy, so
thankfully the lines were short. She anxiously glanced around the terminal to
see if the other Bob-Whites had arrived to say good-bye. Not spying any
familiar faces, she sighed deeply and plopped down on one of the benches. She
dug into her cavernous tote bag for a stick of gum. After digging one lone
piece out from under some wadded up tissues, she opened it and stuck it in
her mouth. Nervously, Trixie sat there, chomping on her gum and swinging her
legs, much as she’d done when she was a young girl. Helen
and Peter had gone to the restroom. Mart and Bobby had insisted that they
were on the verge of fainting from hunger, so they were in search of
sustenance. That left Brian alone with Trixie. He hesitantly motioned to the
spot beside her. “Is this seat taken?” Startled,
Trixie looked up at her oldest brother. She briefly halted her chomping and
swinging, and shrugged a reply to him. Supposing that to mean yes, Brian sat
down. A minute later, Trixie resumed her chomping and swinging. “You
shouldn’t chew your gum like that,” he lightly lectured. “It’ll give you a
headache, you know.” “That’s
okay,” Trixie told him. “I already have one.” Brian
grinned. Their entire bench bounced up and down from Trixie’s legs swinging. The
bouncing being almost as bad as Chinese water torture, he placed a firm hand
on her knees to cease her movement. “Quit!” he reprimanded in a teasing
tone. “You’re driving me crazy!” She
smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I must be nervous.” “What’re
you nervous about?” Brian asked casually. “Moving
to California. DUH!” “You
don’t have to go, you know.” “I
do if I want clothes to wear,” she informed him with a snort. “They, along
with all my other belongings, are on their way to “Those
can be sent back. Besides, I’m sure Honey and Di would love to take you
shopping for new clothes till your old ones arrive back in Sleepyside.” “Brian,
I have a good job waiting for me there,” Trixie reminded him. “I can’t just
call in sick.” “You’re
leaving a good job,” he pointed out. “A
boring job,” Trixie sniffed. “You
know, when I was doing my training at the university, I thought it would be
very exciting to work in the ER of a big city hospital,” Brian replied. “I
found out quickly that working in a hustling, bustling inner city hospital
was not as exciting as I thought it would be. Soon, I became depressed by the
things I saw. I was so relieved when that part of my training was over, and I
could go to Trixie
stared at her brother thoughtfully. “So was the point of that monologue an
attempt to tell me you think I won’t like it in “I’m
not saying that you won’t like “I
know that, Brian. But safe isn’t always better, either,” she argued.
“Sometimes it’s good to take chances.” He
placed an arm around her shoulders. “You’re right. I just want you to make
the right decision. You may be all grown up, but I still worry about you. It
was my brotherly duty to try and talk you out of leaving.” “I
know,” she said, laying her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I was such a
grump earlier today. I know it’s not a good excuse, but I’m worried about
stuff and just taking it out on everybody else.” “No
problem,” Brian replied. “Totally understandable.” Trixie
heard some movement, and looked up for any sign of the rest of the
Bob-Whites. However, the large group that had just entered the terminal did
not consist of her friends. “They’ll
be here,” Brian insisted, sensing her forlorn. “We got here early. It’s still
forty-five minutes until you need to go through security. I’m sure everyone
will get here in plenty of time to see you off.” She
nodded, but kept her eyes peeled in the direction of the entrance. Brian
cleared his throat nervously. “Jim was surprised by your decision to go to Trixie
whipped her head around to look at her brother. “He was? What did he say?” “Not
much,” he shrugged. “He said he was happy you had this opportunity, and that
he’d miss you.” The
curious side of Trixie’s nature yearned for details; however, her proud side
refused to grant permission to ask for them. Trixie
sniffed indignantly and tossed her sandy curls. “I’m sure he’ll be too busy
with his fiancée to miss me.” She
said the word “fiancée” the way most people say “bubonic plague”. Brian
took a deep breath and rubbed his neck nervously. “So, any connection between
Jim’s fiancée and your sudden urge
to move across She
groaned and rolled her eyes. “As if Honey hasn’t already given you all the
gory details. There are several forms of communication: telegram, telephone,
tell Honey.” “Well,
she might have said something to me,”
he admitted with a rueful chuckle. “You aren’t mad at her, are you?” Trixie
shook her head and smiled. “I figured if she didn’t tell you, Mart or Bobby
would.” “Mart
and Bobby knew?” Brian clarified, his voice edged with hurt. “They asked,” she explained. “I
would’ve talked to you sooner, if
you’d come to me.” Brian
smirked, knowing his sister was telling the truth. “I guess I didn’t want to
know,” he said honestly. “Now
that you know, what do you think about it?” Trixie asked with a sandy brow raised. “I’m
not sure,” he answered frankly. “The big brother part of me is torn between
wanting to rip Jim’s head off for hurting you, and relief that you aren’t getting married. Of course,
the friend part of me is saying this was all my fault, since I always
threatened Jim if he asked you out, and is ridden with guilt. I hope I didn’t
keep you two apart.” “It’s
not your fault,” she told him, putting her hand on his. “Jim isn’t the type
to be intimidated by threats. Deep down, he knew you were kidding. You were
kidding, weren’t you?” Brian
whistled innocently, purposely not answering the question. Trixie
elbowed him in the gut. “We all know he could’ve kicked your butt anyway. “Is
that so?” he inquired, pretending that his feelings were hurt. Trixie
giggled and snuggled closer to her brother. “That’s so. Don’t you remember
all those times Jim got into fights? He’s a regular Muhammad Ali. Oops. I
forgot I was mad at him.” Brian
chuckled and wrapped his arm around his sister’s shoulder. “Well, Sis,
whoever wins your heart will be lucky. In my opinion, there’s nobody good
enough for you,” he said, kissing her forehead. At
that moment, Helen and Peter rejoined them. “Where’s my camera, Peter?” Helen
asked. “I need a picture of this.” “It
should be in your handbag,” Peter answered. “If you can find it in there,
under all the used tissues.” “Are
you doing all right, Moms?” Trixie questioned, noticing her mother’s puffy
red eyes. Helen
attempted a bright smile. “I’m fine, sweetheart.” Unconvinced,
Trixie jumped up and gave her mother a huge hug. “Oh, Moms! I’ll be home to
visit before you know it. And I promise to call every weekend, and Bobby can
help you send me e-mails.” Peter
groaned and slapped his forehead. “ ‘Holp’ from Bobby! What has the world
come to?” Trixie
laughed and released her mother. “What took you guys so long?” “Sorry,”
Helen said. “I had streaks of mascara running down my cheeks. I had to take
all my makeup off and start over. And then I started crying again, so the
process had to be repeated.” Peter
winked at Brian and Trixie. “I thought she’d gotten flushed down the toilet.
I had to send an old lady in the women’s restroom to check on her.” Just
then, Mart and Bobby returned, partially eaten hot dogs in one hand, and
super-sized drinks in the other. “Boys,
we’re going out to eat after Trixie’s plane leaves,” Helen scolded them.
“You’ll ruin your appetite.” Mart
snorted and took a large gulp of his Pepsi. “Moms, have I ever not been able to eat? Besides, we
won’t be eating for over an hour. I couldn’t wait. I was starving.” “Me
too,” Bobby replied, sticking the rest of his hot dog in his mouth. “I’m a
growing boy, Moms. I need protein.” Setting down his drink, he stood beside
his mother and picked her up. Helen
laughed as her other tow-headed son joined in the merriment, and wrapped his
arms around her and Bobby. “Look,
a Moms sandwich!” Mart exclaimed. “Don’t
eat her,” Brian teased. “Hey,
I wanna hug Moms, too,” Trixie giggled, throwing her arms around her brothers
and her mother. “C’mon, Bri.” “Trixie,
people are going to think we’re weird,” Brian muttered. “People
already think you’re weird, Brian,”
Bobby taunted. Brian chuckled and, throwing up his
hands in surrender, joined his siblings in squishing their mother. “Can
anyone get in on this love-fest, or is it strictly a Belden thing?” Dan’s voice grabbed the group’s attention,
and they looked up to see the rest of their friends walking in the terminal. Trixie
laughed and motioned for Dan to join them. “You might as well look just as
crazy as the rest of us loons. Come help us smother Moms.” Dan
waggled his dark brows and wiggled his way through the Belden boys. When he
finally reached the center of the circle, he planted a big kiss on Helen’s
cheek. “How ya doin’, Moms?” The
rest of the Bob-Whites participated in the merriment, except for one who
stood off to the side, by himself. Noticing that Jim was missing from the
huddle, Trixie looked around the terminal for him. As a moth drawn to the
flame, immediately her eyes fell upon him. She swallowed deeply, as if that
could somehow help her digest the lump she felt in her throat at the sight of
him. They
had barely spoken since he announced his engagement. When they were together, conversation was
strained and uncomfortable. It was as if an impenetrable wall had been
constructed between each of them. Though
Trixie had called Dan and told him her plans to go to Trixie
knew that she’d hurt Jim by not telling him her plans. A tiny, sadistic part
of her took a miniscule amount of joy in that fact. However, her deep love
for him refused to allow that nasty part of her to gloat as she watched him
in the terminal. Jim,
usually right in the center of the crowd, stood by himself. Dark circles
under his eyes made his skin look pale. His eyes were slightly bloodshot,
most likely the result of lack of sleep. His form seemed even more tense than
usual, and his arms were crossed defensively. As
much as he had hurt her, Trixie could not leave like this. She sighed deeply,
swallowed her pride, and walked over to him. “Are
you okay?” Trixie asked softly, nervously touching Jim’s arm with her hand. Startled,
Jim jumped, then looked over at her. “Sorry,” he grinned sheepishly. “I
didn’t hear what you said. I guess I was in another world.” “I
asked if you were all right,” she repeated. “You look like something’s
bothering you.” Jim
shook his head. “I’m okay. I just have a lot on my mind, with the school and…
and everything.” Trixie
nodded. “I’m sure running a school would be stressful. And then add planning
a wedding on top of that—” He
grimaced slightly. “Yeah. It’s hectic,” he interjected. Trixie
nervously cleared her throat. “Where is
Amanda? I thought you might bring her along.” “She
was busy,” he replied. “She told me to tell you goodbye and that she hoped
you like Los Angeles.” Trixie
smiled sweetly, easily picking up on Amanda’s innuendo. “Please tell her that
I said thank you, and that I appreciate her concern.” “I’ll
be sure and pass that along to her.” Jim shuffled his feet, unable to stand
still. “I was surprised to hear you were moving.” She
smiled ruefully. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you the news personally. It’s just
been so crazy with packing and making arrangements, that I didn’t get an
opportunity.” He
shrugged, and then gave his lopsided grin. “That’s okay, Trix. I understand.
Besides, when Honey mentioned it to me, I could’ve called and asked you about
it.” Trixie
nodded her head, thinking that was exactly what she had wanted to happen. Deep
down, she had hoped that she would receive a frantic call from Jim, begging
her to stay and confessing his great love for her. “So,
why didn’t you call?” she questioned softly. “I’ve
been busy, too,” he shrugged. “Like I said, it’s been crazy at the school,
and I’ve been spending a lot of time there.” “And
with Amanda,” Trixie added. “And
with Amanda,” Jim agreed. “I am sorry, though, that I didn’t call.” “That’s
okay.” She mustered a bright smile. “So, you’re not mad at me for not calling
you?” “I’m
not mad,” he promised. Before
he could control himself, that lone curl in the middle of Trixie’s forehead
beckoned to him. He reached out a trembling hand, and gave it a final tug.
“You take care in Trixie
nodded. “I’ll be okay.” “I
know you will,” he affirmed. “You’re a good detective, Trix. Ralph’s a lucky
guy to hire you.” “Well,
I’m lucky to get such an exciting job offer,” she replied, blushing at his
praise. “I’m sure being a detective in LA will be a lot different than being
one in Sleepyside.” “I’m
sure it will be. I hope you find the adventure that you’re seeking.” He nervously reached for her hand. “I’ll
miss you, Shamus.” She
held her breath anxiously as she peered up into his deep green eyes. “I’ll
miss you, too, Jim,” she answered breathlessly. He
tried to control his breathing as he willingly drowned in her blue pools.
“Trixie, I—” “How
much longer till you need to go through security, sweetheart?” Peter Belden
asked, unwittingly destroying the moment between Jim and Trixie. For his
error, he received a firm elbow in the gut from his wife. Trixie
shrugged. “It’s not too busy today. I still have a few minutes.” “You
know, it’s not too late to back out,” Dan grinned. “I’d be happy to use that
ticket for you.” “You
wanna go to “Sure,”
he answered. “It would have to be better than NYPD.” Mart
raised his brow in surprise. “You over your fear of flying, dude?” Dan
shook his head and grinned a bit sheepishly. “Not really. I’m just getting
fed up with all the big city politics. I’m so sick of NYC that I think I’d
even risk flying to get out of it. Even if the plane goes does, I’ll be
better off than I am stuck here.” “I
heard there was an opening at Schoolgirl Shamuses back in Sleepyside,” Jim
teased. Trixie
snorted. “Yeah, then you can spy on
Lester Mundy, Dan.” “I’d
rather spy on Jane Morgan and Mack.” Dan grinned wickedly. After
several more minutes, Trixie looked at her watch. She let out a deep sigh.
“My flight leaves in forty-five minutes, so we’d better start the goodbyes.” Peter
immediately led Helen over to Trixie. “I think we should go first. It might
be easier for your mother to get this over quickly.” Trixie
stood and embraced her mother. “I’ll be okay, Moms.” Helen
sniffled as the tears began falling. “I know, sweetie. But I’m just going to
miss you so much.” “I’ll
miss you, too, Moms.” Trixie kissed her mother’s cheek. “I love you.” “Will
you call me as soon as you land?” Helen asked. “The
minute I get in my apartment, I’ll call you,” Trixie promised. She released
her mother after several moments, and stepped into her father’s waiting arms. “I
love you, Daddy.” “I
love you, too, Princess,” Peter replied, kissing her on her forehead. “I’m
proud of you for following your dream. But if you ever decide to come back, I
won’t mind.” Trixie
stood on her tiptoes and kissed her father’s cheek. “I know, Daddy.” She
buried her head in under the crook of his chin, as just as she did when she
was a little girl. She inhaled deeply and attempted to memorize the
comforting aroma of her father’s aftershave lotion. Peter
pulled away, and wiped a tear that had managed to escape. After another quick
embrace, he gently led Helen out of the terminal. Bobby
quickly stepped up to his sister. “Well, as much as I don’t want to say
goodbye, I’d better go next before my ride leaves me.” Trixie
giggled as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “They couldn’t possibly
forget you, Bobby. You talk too much. And if they do, I give you permission
to claim my spot in the Bob-White station wagon.” He
grinned, wrapping his arms around his sister. “I’ll miss you, Sis,” he
whispered in her ear. “I’ll
miss you, too, sweetie.” Then, as quietly as she could, so only he could
hear, she murmured, “Keep your chin up while I’m away. No more tears.” “No
more tears. Catch a bunch of crooks, okay?” Trixie
laughed and pulled her “little” brother closer to kiss his cheek. “Remember,
you’re coming to Bobby
waggled his sandy brows impishly. “You don’t have to remind me.” Impulsively, he embraced his sister again,
nearly crushing her in his arms. Without another word, he pulled away, gave a
final dirty look in Jim’s direction, and then trotted out the door,
discreetly wiping a few stray tears. Dan
quickly took Bobby’s place at Trixie’s side. “You take care, Freckles,” he
told her as he hugged her close. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” “I
do,” she insisted. “Don’t break too many hearts while I’m gone.” “I’ll
keep it at a maximum of three a week,” he teased. “Same goes for you. I
should’ve given you my Billy club to beat away those Trixie
giggled. “Yeah, like I’m gonna have that problem.” “I
guarantee the men will be falling at your feet,” he said, loud enough for Jim
to hear. “Call if you need me.” After a kiss on her forehead, he stepped away
to allow the next person a turn. Di
and Mart decided to go next. Di embraced her sister-in-law tenderly. “Keep in
touch, Trixie. We’re all going to miss you so much.” “I’ll
miss you, too, Di. Whack Mart with your cast iron skillet if he starts acting
up.” “Will
do,” she giggled. “Of course, I could always withhold his victual rations.” “That
would work, too,” Trixie laughed. “I love you, Di.” “I
love you, too, Trixie,” she answered, wiping tears from her misty violet
eyes. As Di
moved away, Mart took her place.
“Guess it’s my turn.” “Scarecrow,
I think I’ll miss you most of all,” Trixie quipped. Mart scratched
his head, and then happily exclaimed, “In a right triangle the square of the
hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the two sides.” He enveloped
Trixie in a big bear hug. “You know you’re my favorite sister, don’t you?” “And
you’re my third favorite brother,” Trixie teased. “Unless I count Dan.” “That
accident in the barn can still be arranged,” Mart whispered, nodding in Jim’s
direction. “It’s
okay, Mart,” Trixie told him earnestly. “I’m really excited about this move.
I have a feeling something exciting is going to happen in California.” Mart
tenderly cupped Trixie’s face in his hands. “I love you, almost-twin.” “I
love you, too, big brother.” Trixie stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on
the cheek. “Be sure to send me The Sun so I can keep up on all the articles
you write.” “No
problem,” he promised. “All
right, step aside,” Brian ordered in a serious tone, but with a grin on his
face. “The eldest brother needs ample time to give his final words of
wisdom.” He held out his arms for Trixie. “Is
this where you give me a prepared lecture?” Trixie asked with a smile. “Of
course,” he chuckled. “I wouldn’t be Brian if I didn’t give you a list of
do’s and don’ts.” Trixie
squirmed out of Brian’s embrace, and grabbed her tote bag. She quickly dug
through it until she located a pen and paper. “Okay. I’m ready for my list of
rules, oh Wise One.” Brian
rolled his eyes, but decided to humor her. “Do be careful. Do keep
in touch. Do—” “Floss
my teeth, take my vitamins, wash behind my ears…” Trixie prattled. Brian
looked at her sternly. “I wasn’t going to say that, but since you mentioned
it, do all that stuff, too. Now, where was I?” He rubbed his chin
thoughtfully and waited for her to get her pen ready. “Oh yes. Do enjoy your new job. Do have fun.” “Is
that all?” Trixie asked, finishing the list with a flourish. “That
concluded the do’s. Now for the don’ts. Don’t
worry about us. Don’t get into
trouble.” Trixie
looked at her watch with a grin. “Can we wrap this up? My flight is leaving
soon.” “One
more. Don’t forget about us,” Brian added. Trixie
got teary-eyed for the first time that morning. “I couldn’t do that,” she
sniffled, throwing her arms around her brother’s neck one last time before
she got on the plane. Honey
nudged her boyfriend’s arm. “Mind if I cut in?” “I
suppose not,” Brian grinned, stepping away so Honey could have a moment with
Trixie. Honey
eagerly threw her arms around her best friend, as the tears she had so
bravely held back finally flowed down her cheeks. “I guess this is it, huh?”
she sniffled. “Guess
so,” Trixie replied, trying not to cry. However, it was an impossible task.
For several minutes the two women held each other and cried. After both of
their shirts’ shoulders were thoroughly soaked with tears, they finally
released one another. No words needed to be exchanged, as they each knew what
the other was thinking. As
Trixie picked up her tote bag in search of a tissue, a large freckled hand
passed her a neatly folded hanky with an “F” monogrammed on its corner. “Thanks,”
she sniffled, taking the handkerchief. After
her tears were dried, she looked up into Jim’s emerald green eyes. Her heart
began to pound as Jim stepped closer. “Do
you have time for one more goodbye?” he asked nervously. Trixie
smiled through her tears. “I suppose I can squeeze you in.” They stood
silently, neither of them moving a muscle. The
rest of the Bob-Whites quietly stepped aside to allow Trixie and Jim a moment
alone. However, five pairs of eyes watched attentively, hoping for a miracle. Finally,
Jim stepped closer to Trixie. “Good luck on your new job,” he told her,
holding out his hand for her to shake. “Thanks,”
she answered, hesitantly clasping the hand that he offered. As soon as their
fingers touched, they both caught their breath at the intensity of the
sensation. Green eyes locked with blue. Wordlessly, they wrapped their arms
around each other in a close embrace. Jim
shut his eyes, and held Trixie as close as possible. He buried one hand in
the mass of curls at the base of her neck. With his other hand, he gently
rubbed her back. For that span of time, all was right with his world. Trixie
fit into Jim’s embrace perfectly, as if the good Lord had specially designed
her to be a part of him. She batted her eyes to hold her tears at bay; however,
the floodgate burst, and she silently cried. She laid her face on his strong
shoulder, savoring the sensation of being held in his arms. Sensing
her tears, Jim pulled away far enough to wipe them away with a gentle hand.
“What’s wrong, Shamus?” Trixie
stared into his eyes, yearning to bare her heart. Nervously, she licked her
lips, and took deep breath. “I…I…” Jim
set his jaw in determination. “Trixie, please st—” “Ladies and gentlemen,” a voice boomed over the intercom. “Flight #201 to Los Angeles, California will begin boarding in
approximately thirty minutes. If you have not passed through security, please
do so now. Thank you.” Trixie
and Jim both jumped at the announcement, the spell broken. Not giving up that easily, Trixie pulled
his face close to her own. “What were you going to say?” she asked huskily. Jim
opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Finally, he shook his head.
“Nothing,” he muttered. “Nothing important.” Trixie
stiffened and pulled away. “I need to go.” With her trembling chin held high,
she grabbed her carryon. She turned to leave, but Jim grabbed her hand. She
turned to face him, confusion evident upon her face. “I
just wanted you to know that you’ll always be my special girl,” he whispered. “No,
Jim. I think I’ve been replaced.” Without another word, she withdrew her hand
and made her way to security. Her heart pounded as she stood in the security
line. She wanted to look over her shoulder to see if Jim followed her, but
her pride wouldn’t allow it.
In a
daze, Trixie passed through the line, expecting all the while to hear her
name being called from the back. When she closed her eyes, she imagined Jim pushing
through the crowd in an effort to be at her side. When
her turn finally came, her heart raced, knowing this was anyone’s last chance
to stop her. She tried to prolong the procedure, but she passed through
security easily. Before leaving, she gave a final glance to the entrance, and
then sadly walked to the gate. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final boarding call
for flight # 201.” Trixie
rolled her eyes at the intrusive voice, and boarded the plane. She found her seat,
stowed her carry-on in the overhead compartment, and sat down. Minutes
later, the flight attendant began her spiel. “Ladies and gentlemen, please turn
your attention to the emergency information card in the pocket of the
seatback in front of you. This card will show you the location of the
emergency exits. There are two doors at the rear of the aircraft, two
doors over the wings of the aircraft, and two doors at the front of the
aircraft. Please take the time to note the location of the exit nearest
you.” Trixie
furtively glanced at the exits, hoping to see a familiar redhead. But none
was there. "In the event of an emergency landing, please move
to the nearest exit in a calm and orderly fashion, where the flight crew will
assist you in exiting the aircraft. In the event of a water landing,
your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device. Pull up on the
cushion, and place your arms through the straps on the underside, and hug it
to your chest.” Trixie
closed her eyes and leaned back, thinking at this point, a crash landing
wouldn’t be half bad. "In the event of the loss of cabin pressure, the
compartment overhead will open and oxygen masks will descend. Place the
mask over your nose and mouth, like so, and breathe normally.” The perky flight
attendant motioned to her equally perky counterpart who demonstrated how to
use the mask. "When the plane is ready to taxi, the ‘Fasten
Seatbelts’ sign will…” Trixie
ignored the stewardess’ prattling, and instead looked out the window of the
plane. Maybe he’s breaking through
security now, she mused to herself. Any
minute he’ll burst through those doors and tell me he loves me. “…overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front
of you. If you take anything...” Time’s running out, Jim. If you’re going to make a grand
entrance, you’d better hurry up and do it,
Trixie thought, peering at the ground below. "Periodically throughout the flight, the captain
will address you through the intercom system with updates regarding our
arrival. Our flight time…” Trixie
blocked the voice out of her head as she desperately searched the area below
the aircraft. Her brain told her that Jim couldn’t break through the
stringent security to board the plane, but the tiny spark of hope she held in
her heart refused to be quenched. “…forward to making this a pleasant travel experience
for you. Thank you," the flight attendant concluded. The
smooth takeoff of the Boeing 757 effectively extinguished that spark. Trixie leaned
her head against the window of the plane as fresh tears trickled down her
cheek. Wiping them with a trembling hand, she vowed silently that they would
be the last tears she would ever shed for James Winthrop Frayne the Second.
Before
you send me hate mail, please click the “next” button. Our story will pick up
in sunny California. Thank
you to my brilliant editors, Kathy and Kaye for all your hard work. Thank you
all so much for encouraging me to follow the muses, no matter how much
trouble I’m going to get in for doing it! Be
sure to check out the Bloopers for this story. Kaye,
did you like the how I worked in my “suffusions” misspeak? *wink* At least
I’m not afraid to laugh at myself! *G* A
reader may ask, “Do men really get nervous about the vasectomy subject?”
Well, I know several who do. And Mart’s reaction is based upon a certain
handsome man I know whose identity shall remain a secret. *VEG* I
had a lot of fun writing the Belden Bedlam scene. I try to write true to
life, and I see this family having a good time. If you’re asking, “Do adults
really act like that?” let me say, YES!!! One of the best things about being
a grown up is acting like a total idiot in a moving car, and knowing your
parents can’t do a single thing about it! J Thank
you very much to Kaye for patiently answering all my questions about
airlines. She also kindly provided the flight attendant’s spiel. Thanks,
Kaye! Trixie’s
comment to Brian about John Mellancamp refers to his old song, “ Muhammad
Ali is a famous boxer. I’m not a fan of boxing, so I didn’t know many boxers.
I thought of him, so he had the honor of being mentioned in this story.
*snort* The
comments about spying on Lester, Jane, and Mack are based on one of the cases
Trixie and Honey worked on, which was mentioned in Part Six of this story. Trixie
calling Mart “Scarecrow” and Mart’s speech afterward is based upon a scene in
“The Wizard of Oz” which is one of my all-time favorite movies. Anytime I
read or write lengthy good-bye scenes, I think of Dorothy saying good-bye to
all her friends in Oz. I decided to play on that a bit, and include it in my
story. And who better to be Scarecrow than Mart Belden? *G* And
of course, these characters do not belong to me. They belong to Random House.
The
Cameo is not responsible for accidents caused by unsatisfactory endings. The
reader must assume full responsibility for busted computer monitors, crushed
mouses (mice?), concussions from falling out of your seat, and any other
damage possibly received during the viewing of this feature. J
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