Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) (19 page)

Sam felt her brother bristling next to her, and touched his arm. “We promised to help Daddy,” she whispered. “They will be gone soon.”

Very little was spoken as Sam and Jen helped the girls settle in after the boys departed for base. Randolph and Penelope were walking on the beach while Dr. Quimby and Scott made dinner. Jen elbowed Sam as she saw Cecily, the eldest, admiring her image in a large mirror. She was 5’9” and built much like her model-mother, with luxurious, wavy dark brown hair and brown eyes and a constant sneer plastered upon her pink lips. Cherell ducked her head, not daring to share a glimpse of herself in the same mirror as her older sister. She was thin and shapeless, with mousy brown hair, watery brown eyes hiding beneath thick-framed glasses, and an equally sour expression upon her lips.

Rich had been right about little Monique. Like Sam, she had inherited the true coloring from her distant Irish heritage. Her thick, flame red hair framed a slightly freckled pale face and her hazel eyes were accented by long, dark lashes. She would grow to be a heartbreaker, without doubt.

“Whose room is this?” Cecily asked, glancing around after primping herself.

“Rich stays here when he visits,” Sam commented. “It also has an ocean view.”

“Rich’s room, huh? He’s a looker. Why would he go after you?”

“Cecily, I’m really trying to be nice and polite. I’m sure you’re no happier about this arrangement than I am, but I’m warning you. Touch my man and all bets are off. I don’t care how much trouble I get into with my father; I will not have you throwing yourself at him.” Sam glared up at her.

Cecily patted her on the head. “Still the little fireball, aren’t you? He looks a little too old for you, don’t you think? We should give him the chance to hang around a real woman.”

“You’ve been warned,” Sam snarled, walking out.

Jen met her in the hallway. “That bitch! She informed me that I was too fat and ugly for Mike. She also said Monique wets the bed and we should make her sleep on the floor like the dog. That poor kid is downstairs crying,” Jen growled.

Sam hugged her. “You are certainly the most perfect girl for Mike and you know it. You have these, too,” Sam pointed to Jen’s breasts and bottom, “which you KNOW Mike loves to chew on. She has nada.”

“Bitch.”

“I know. That one is already out to jump Rich. Let’s find Monique. Imagine having to live with the horrid, evil stepsisters. Monique? Where are you?” Sam called. No answer. Sam thought about her favorite hiding places, especially when sad or scared. “Jen, let Daddy know what’s going on. I’ll find Monique.” 

She walked into the downstairs hall and took a left into the first room, the office. She loved this room. Wood, leather, books, the smell of Captain Black pipe tobacco from when Scott occasionally indulged, their colognes… It was truly a man’s room and her secret sanctuary. Sam rested on the edge of the large dark desk, crossing her arms. She heard sniffling from underneath.

“When I was little, this was my favorite place to hide when I was sad. May I join you?”

“Y-yes,” came the little voice.

Sam climbed under the desk with her, giggling. “Look! I’m still small enough to fit. What’s going on?”

“I have nowhere to sleep. And I don’t wet the bed. Ever.”

“I believe you. Would you like to stay with me? I have a pretty big room and lots of stuffed animals to hug,” Sam said sweetly.

Monique looked at her with red eyes. “Why do they say you’re ugly? I think you’re beautiful.” Monique sniffed.

Sam hugged her close, “Some people, like your sisters, aren’t very happy inside and they think if they make other people sad, they would feel better. We can’t do anything about it except be who we are.”

“I think you’re prettier than they are.”

“Life isn’t about who is prettiest. Not real life anyway. Being pretty starts from inside of you. When you grow up, you’re going to be beautiful, especially if you let that start in your heart. My daddy and uncle have always told Mike and me that the prettiest people in the world are those who love and who are loved. We have a lot of that.”

“Mike must have more, though.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Look how big he is!”

Sam laughed, patting the girl’s leg. “Daddy used to say Mike got to be so tall because he always ate his vegetables while I didn’t. I really think he’s that way because he had to keep up with Daddy and Uncle Scott. You know how boys are. They always have to win contests.”

“Yeah. Is he mean? He looks like he can be scary, like Uncle Scott.”

“Mike? Oh no, he’s the best big brother I could ever want. And my dad and uncle are the best parents a girl could ask for. I’m very happy.”

“Papa says they’re gay.”

“Do you know what gay is?”

“When two men love each other like a boy and girl.”

“Not that it matters, but they are not gay. Scott was my mother’s older brother. When she died, she had Scott promise to stay with us. He also took care of my dad when he was little after his mom and dad died. Scott’s a very special man.”

“He looks mean.” The child shuddered.

Sam kissed the top of her head. “Scott can be grumpy sometimes, but never mean. He is also very protective. He doesn’t like people talking badly about his family.”

“Oh. Uncle Joe is really nice.”

“He’s my hero. I think he’s the best Daddy in the whole world.”

“I wished I lived with you. My papa doesn’t want me around.” The child sounded sad.

Sam didn’t know what to say. She knew Monique’s birth was unplanned and that it had upset Randolph’s hopes of traveling the world with his younger, wealthy wife. He was such a scumbag. She chose wisely to change the subject.

“Let’s get you settled into my room. Monique? Promise me that if you have any problems, you’ll come straight to us and we’ll help you. Jen, too.”

“And Rich?” Monique looked hopeful. Sam laughed, nodding. A six year old had a crush on her boyfriend.

With Monique sound asleep in her big bed, Sam went down to Scott’s room, tapping on his door.

“Who is it?”

“Me, Uncle Scott.”

“Come in, baby,” he said. He was on his bed, answering emails on his laptop. Sam climbed up next to him and he kissed her temple. “What’s on your mind?”

“I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you,” Sam said, leaning against his shoulder.

He took off his glasses to look at her. “Are you okay?”

“Of course. It’s times like these that make me realize how lucky I am. I could never survive in a family that is as hateful as Randolph’s. Poor Monique.”

“Sad, isn’t it? I’m also grateful that you and your brother are such wonderful kids. Your dad did well with you two, despite the obstacles.”

“If it weren’t for you, we all might not have turned out so well.”

“I’d like to believe differently. Your pop is one hell of a guy. He may seem quiet and in control on the outside, but there is a fire that he holds very carefully. You’ve seen it. It makes him much stronger than I will ever be. I really respect him.”

“I do too.” Sam grinned, snuggling into him.

Scott sighed. “Randolph abandoned your father when the kid needed family the most. Although, if I were honest, if Dad had gone to live with him instead of us, he wouldn’t have done as well. Randolph would have destroyed his heart. Sammi, I don’t say this very often about very many things, but I think you and I understand each other well enough that I can honestly admit my feelings.” He held her, pulling her against his side.

“You hate him.”

“I do, with every nerve in my body. It is shameful and against everything I have ever taught you about tolerance and forgiveness. The loathing I feel for that man sickens me and I hate that he still has the power to make me feel that way. I can’t shake it. That’s where your dad excels; he can forgive and go forward. He doesn’t like or trust the man, but he’ll allow him a chance. I won’t.”

“I can’t blame you. If I were in your shoes, I would feel the same. I don’t ever see myself going out of my way to help them like Daddy does. Except for Monique.” She shared what the little girl had said.

Scott sighed. “Such a shame. She could bloom in an environment like ours.”

“So many kids could, Uncle Scott. This is why I’m so glad I got to have it. And you.”

“I love you, my girl. So much. Where’s your dad?”

“Took them down to the bay to catch the ship.”

“What are the chances that he’d throw them off the dock and have you call in the whites?”

“Uncle Scott, didn’t you once tell me there was a special place in hell for people like that? I just have to hope it exists and that they make some better choices before getting there.”

“That’s your daddy talking. Good, at least you got some of his temperament.” Scott chuckled, holding her close. “It’s getting late, why don’t you hit the sack?”

“I’m restless. May I swim, please? I won’t go out far.”

Scott looked at the clock. It was 10:20 pm. “Go ahead. Contact me if you’re going to be out too long.”

“I should only be a couple of hours. I need to clear my head. You’re the world’s best uncle. I love you so much,” she said, embracing him lovingly.

Sam dressed silently in her room and then left the house, walking downstairs to the dock where she slipped quietly into the still water. The waves were small, occasionally lapping the sand. She didn’t notice that she was being watched from the bedroom overlooking the beachhead.

Dr. Quimby walked into the house at about 11:30, placing his keys on the table in the foyer. Startled, he saw Cecily on the couch. “Hello, Cecily. What are you doing up?”

“Are you aware that your perfect daughter snuck out of the house and went for a midnight swim alone?”

“I’m sure she spoke with Scott first.”

“You allow her to go swimming alone in the ocean at night? What kind of father are you?” Cecily sounded angry.

Dr. Quimby frowned. “A very tired one. Why are you still up?”

“I would think you’d be more concerned about her swimming around at night than at my being awake.”

“Cecily, let’s get some things straight. First, what I do with my children is my business. Second, nineteen or not, you are nothing more than a child yourself, and I won’t have this kind of attitude in my home from any of you. Third, you are already aware that Sam is in a unique situation that permits her the freedom that I give her. She’s earned this freedom and I will give it to her whenever I see fit. Finally, one more thing – I do not permit snitching in my home unless the person is in danger or is causing harm to someone else. For the next two weeks, you will be under our care and are to follow our rules. We expect you to behave in a manner befitting a young lady. I have no problem enforcing my rules, either, so please do not press me.”

Cecily stared at him. This was the most she had ever heard him say in one speech. Her stepfather had told her that the man was weak-willed, permissive and would fold to whatever she needed. She was not expecting the quiet strength in his voice.

“Well, I thought swimming at this time of night without a partner was unsafe,” she scoffed, standing huffily. “Goodnight, Joe.”

“Goodnight, Cecily. Sleep well.” Oh, his hand itched to smack that backside. He calmly followed her with his eyes as she stomped upstairs before he walked down the hall to tap on Scott’s door.

“What?” called a tired, grumpy low voice.

“Me. Sorry to wake you. I’m taking a swim.”

“Oh boy, what happened?” Scott sat up, flipping on his light.

Dr. Quimby shook his head. “It’s not important. Did Sam tell you she went out?”

“She asked about an hour ago. I told her to call if she was going to be late.”

“Would you please transmit to her and see if she can meet me in the inlet? I need some serious down time.”

“Okay. Do you have gear?”

“Mike left me his spare. He thought I might want to use it to escape too. Smart kid.”

“They both are. We got a good pair with them, Joe. You know that, right?”

“We got the best. I’ll see you later.”

By the time Dr. Quimby suited up and got down to the dock, Sam was there with Ton. She helped him to Ton’s back and lodged him against the dorsal. “Hold on, Daddy,” she whispered, rubbing the whale’s side and requesting he head out to the kelp beds. Her father was very quiet, his chin resting on her shoulder during the ride, still saying nothing as they slid off the whale’s back and sunk down to the ocean floor.

“What’s wrong?” Sam asked him.

“Lots of things. I just need to clear my mind.”

“Can I help?”

“I don’t think so. Let’s go over the edge. I want to enter the canyon.”

“Are you sure? It might be kind of creepy for you.”

“Yes. Please, let me share that quiet place with you. I need it.”

Confused, Sam led the way. Without a light, they stayed within arms distance, using their hands to touch the floor and edge their way over the side of the steep shelf. Dr. Quimby inhaled deeply, allowing himself to float, suspended in the darkness. He was so hurt and angry as the memories of his childhood rose inside of him. His turmoil was easily felt by Sam.

“We’re at 210,” she whispered.

“Go deeper,” Dr. Quimby said softly.

Sighing, the girl slowly sunk to the 300 mark. “You can’t go much below this. You’ll start feeling the pressure. Here, bank yourself,” his daughter said, pressing him against some outlaying rocks. He rested against them, surrounded by pitch blackness and strange sounds. Occasional bubbles were heard from his mask and his daughter’s expulsion. In the distance, he could hear the faint, haunting cries of a humpback whale, the moans echoing in the canyon below. It was eerie, but peaceful.

“How are you doing?” Sam asked, touching his leg. They had been quiet for almost an hour.

“I see why you do this, daughter. It’s the perfect escape from the world. I feel… untouchable.”

“What happened?”

“Randolph brought a lot of pain to surface. It’s like his being here put me back forty years. I can’t tell you how much that man hurt me, honey. He’s one reason why I’m the way I am with you and your brother. I never wanted any of my kids to feel the way he left me feeling.”

“Daddy? I can help you,” Sam said quietly, holding his hands as she floated in front of him.

“How?” he asked.

“You have to trust me. Completely.”

“I do. But what can you do?”

“Let’s go to the kelp beds. I’m calling the pod over. Do you remember that day that I ran off because I was so hurt by Mike?”

“Yes, but—”

“The pod somehow took the hurt away. I remember everything, but that sting was gone. Let us try. Please?”

Dr. Quimby paused before he made his decision. He was tired of feeling the pain. “Very well. Thanks, baby.”

He held her hand as she swam towards the beds and reluctantly released it as the pod surrounded him and took him into their center. When he started floating, they helped her take him to shore where she dragged his heavy body to the top of the beachhead, thankful of the ebbing tide that left him safely banked on the sand. He slept soundly, his face relaxed and peaceful. Sam sat next to him and cradled his head in her lap, gently stroking his cheeks until his eyes fluttered open an hour later.

He only saw the stars, the heavenly lights twinkling sweetly down on him. The waves, kissing the sand, were hushed and rustled softly. He heard a voice, far away, the most beautiful voice in the world. It whispered to him, calling him to it gently. He loved that voice; it had brought him so much happiness for such a long time.

“Come to me. You won’t be able to move much for a while. Watch the stars. Everything is good now,” Sam whispered gently, holding him in her arms.

“My precious daughter… I love you,” he mumbled.

“You can talk? How are you feeling?”

“Like nothing can touch me. There is no pain, no worries, nothing.”

“Endorphins are our friends. Can you sit up?”

Slowly he complied, sitting on the sand, facing the water. He turned to his daughter. “I really understand you now, more than ever. I’m sorry I’ve been so hard on you.”

“You need to be hard on me. Don’t change anything about yourself, Daddy. You’re my hero.”

“You’re my treasure. Thanks for helping me tonight. I was really hurting badly.”

“What are you going to do about this situation?”

“The girls will be told that no more attitudes will be accepted and they will face my displeasure if they chose to ignore my warning. As for Randolph, I know that he has nothing I want for my family. If he chooses to disregard us in the future because of my putting my foot down, so be it. I’ve done what I can do.”

“Now, that’s the father I know.” Sam smiled, leaning against his arm. “Can I punch Cecily in the mouth now?”

“Not unless you also want to face my disapproval. I still mean it when I say no fighting,” came the firm answer accompanied by a gentle smile.

She squeezed his arm, kissing his bicep. “I’ll try. I don’t know how long I can go, though.”

“I’m afraid of that. Please… I think I’m going to have enough on my plate with the others.”

“Daddy? Could you make me a promise?”

“It depends.”

“IF I end up getting into trouble, will you please wait until after they leave? They are already mean enough, I don’t want to add that to their ammunition.”

“My dear, part of your discipline is the humility that comes with it. I don’t know…” he teased. Sam was silent. He hugged her. “Yes, IF you do end up in trouble, I’ll protect your dignity. It’s the least I can do after putting you through this.”

“Could you make sure Scott does too?”

“I’m sure it won’t be difficult to convince him. Of course, you could stay out of trouble… no, I guess that’s too much to ask. Oh well.”

They sat together on the sand until the sun started breaking the sky. The tide was fully down and the tide pools glittered in the morning light. They turned, hearing footsteps behind them. It was Scott.

“Hey, family. Brought you some hot tea.”

“You’re so sweet. Thank you,” Sam said, taking it from him as he sat to her left.

“Glad to. How did your swim go?”

“Long night, but a good one. Scott, thanks for everything,” Dr. Quimby said, accepting the thermos. “How did you know where we were?”

“A little birdie told me,” he said, beckoning behind him.

Monique came up shyly. “I saw you sitting there when I woke up. Uncle Scott came up to see if you got home and I showed him.”

“Uncle Scott?” Dr. Quimby asked with a smile.

Scott nodded, pulling the little girl onto his lap to warm her up. “I’m the world’s best uncle, so why not? Right Sammi?”

“Absolutely. Did you sleep well?” she asked the little girl, who nodded.

“Real good. How come—”

“A family cuddle without me?” They heard Jen’s voice behind them.

“Come join us, Jenny. Want some hot tea?” Dr. Quimby asked, pulling the girl against him.

She nodded, sipping from his thermos. “This is so nice. We’ve never done this before,” Jen said, leaning against his chest, watching the waves as the sun slowly rose.

“Long time ago, we used to. Every Saturday morning. Of course, we only had one little girl then.” Scott smiled, snuggling Monique in his strong arms.

She giggled. “Sammi’s still little and says she gets lots of cuddles even though she’s older now.”

“She’ll never be too big for cuddles from any of us. Neither will you,” Scott said, hugging her.

Jen looked over, smiling. “I can’t wait until we have kids. A dozen of them for you to love on, Scott.”

“You’re having a baby?” Monique asked.

Jen shook her head. “Not yet. I have to finish school and then your cousin Mike and I will get married and have lots of cousins for you.”

“Will they be nice like you?”

“We certainly won’t raise them to be mean.” Jen laughed.

“Are you and Rich going to have babies too, Sammi?”

“No hon, we can’t have any babies. Don’t look sad, I’ll get to play with all my brother’s kids and teach them how to be just like me.”

The other three moaned. Monique looked confused. “Why did you do that? I like Sam.”

From her bedroom window, Cecily looked at the little group, first scowling and then with a tear. She hated Sam. Hated that she was so pretty, so smart, so happy. Hated that she had everything handed to her – the house, a great job, gorgeous clothes, the perfect big brother and a stunning boyfriend. Mostly, she hated that Sam had parents who loved her and made her feel special. It wasn’t fair.

***

The sun was shining brightly by the time Dr. Quimby was able to stand and walk around without wobbling. They headed up the sea stairs and, after changing, they sat on the deck when Sam offered to make breakfast. Monique and Jen went in to help her as Dr. Quimby shared his experience with Scott. They looked up as Cecily and Cherell came outside, dressed in shorts.

“Good morning, ladies. Did you sleep well?” Dr. Quimby asked as they sat.

“Like a rock,” Cherell said in a flat voice. “I could have kept sleeping except Cecily woke me up.”

“I was up and down all night. Kept hearing things. Sam never went to bed last night,” Cecily said.