DRAGONJULS Storybook
Disclaimer and Acknowledgements: See Part One
Part 10
Chapter Twenty-one
Jace immediately logged onto her computer as she entered her apartment it was a ritual these days. How long had it been now? A month. Yeah, a good month! Although it hadn't been easy she had fallen into the usual routine at work and managed to leave her personal disappointments at home. At least most of the time except if Hudson hounded her on the subject of Catherine, then it became almost unbearable.
'What do you tell your employer NO, I'm not going to rat out my friend! Especially when she is the love of my life? No, guess I couldn't very well say that, I haven't discussed my love with Catherine yet, never mind mention it to my somewhat focused boss.'
The server prompt pulled her from her reverie and she entered her name and password. Bingo! It immediately told her she had e-mail.
A couple from her sister who was home for the holidays and making her mind up about which college she should attend. A couple from her favourite websites, which consisted mainly of fan fiction, 'Hell, it was better than going to the library after all!'
She chuckled when she remembered trying to explain to Catherine that it was a very good way of reading stories about subjects you were really interested in. Catherine had come up with some very stubborn arguments and she hadn't been at all happy with Jace's continued use of the medium. They hadn't actually argued about it but it ran close. 'She was a little too uptight about it; it must be her age, or her objection to the idea.' Jace chuckled again.
Then there was her favourite e-mail sitting there as usual Catherine's. Jace hadn't managed to get her to change the addy, Catherine had just replied. 'It served its purpose and suited her.'
Taking off her jacket she went to her kitchen and retrieved a bottle of banana milk, it had been a Hades of a job to find some in LA! But it was one of Catherine's favourite drinks and somehow just having it in her refrigerator gave her a sense of Catherine in her home. Grimacing as she took the first taste it always was a bit of a shock at first, there again, Catherine didn't have a sweet tooth, not like she did, and how she had a sweet tooth!
She settled down into the chair next to the desk holding the console and she punched
read.
Jace,
Well, it's been one of those days here again, eventful!
I'm wondering if you decided to leave on purpose when you did because you knew what was going to happen. Guess not huh?
Grace wants to take a holiday. Nothing wrong in that but........she hasn't said when she's coming back! I'm a little worried. Hell, no I'm very worried maybe she won't come back, what will happen then? I rely way too much on her for my peace of mind around here. Any suggestions?
Jake was strange again today!
That kid certainly knows how to keep us guessing. He went over to one of the smallholdings with Colin today. They have three boys, should have been fun for him, he said they didn't like him! Kid was upset, I guess tonight he's going to have to open up or it will fester inside him and with that kid it's not good. Lisa on the other hand is different again, a Jace in training I might add. LOL
Lisa likes the boy. They argued today about trivial stuff but the conversation took on a serious note at one stage. She wanted him to think of her as a sister he said no only as a friend. Got to talk to that boy I guess. She's not afraid of anything Jace she talks to me just like you do with all that innocent warmth that helped to make me see you as a friend.
Jace looked at her console and a silent tear fell as she read about the trials of living on 'Destiny' at the moment. 'Oh, I wish I could be there with you through this Catherine, but we both know it's impossible, at least for now, until you learn to trust me!'
That girl child is going to break someone's heart one day, that's for sure, but she has a compassion that goes beyond her years. Must have been something her Mother taught her, because sure as hell, she doesn't get it from around here!
I've decided to set up a fund with regards to this type of project. I haven't told anyone about it yet, guess I'm sort of bouncing it off you at the moment. But I thought I would invest in the scheme in the name of my son. I know it's only money but in some instances people want to help but don't have the funding, I can make that happen or rather Lucas's memory can! I want your advice on that one Jace? If you could, it's something you would be better qualified to advise me on than all the lawyers I know. I need someone with a heart.
'Did this woman know what she was saying? Catherine had a great presence about her at most times. There was also a latent power just waiting to be unleashed. Yet, when it came to matters of the heart and the concern of others, she had the naivety of a five-year-old. It was both endearing and sad. I will gladly hold your hand if you ask me, my friend. Zeus, help me, I would hold your hand forever if you would only let me inside!'
Colin hasn't got past first base with Grace, seems that everytime they make a date something comes up! I'm not sure that Grace wants to go past the friendship she has with Colin, although I'm not sure she finds the good Doctor quite what she's looking for either. Hell, what do I know! Maybe she should talk to you Jace and get some sympathetic advice.
Well, guess that's my day! What's the score with you today? I'm hoping it's been far better than the strange one I had, too much emotional crap is a hard taskmaster for me.
I'm going to wish you a good night Jace and I'm hoping happy dreams. How's my stand in by the way?
Oh no, I can't make it this weekend in LA, but keep trying, makes me feel that you want to see me again.
Take care, my friend, I think of you frequently.
Catherine
Jace couldn't help the tears that she shed; it was as if there was a well inside that kept filling up when she read messages from this special woman.
'Oh, my friend, you're going to be fine believe me, you will survive this initiation into parenting again! I know you don't want it you're too afraid of failing......again! But you won't this time! This time you have people who want to see you succeed far beyond what you think you're capable of achieving. I know you have the strength of character to get through this wall you've erected around yourself, you will do it and without help. Because that's the only way Catherine you are ever going to accept this destiny that has fallen into your lap, and I hope you decide it's worth the effort.'
Jace stood up and decided to order a Pizza and read the rest of her mail and maybe
indulge in a little light reading of net fan fiction, she was going to tease Catherine
with that later. Then she would answer her friend.
Catherine,
You know my friend; I have never come across anyone quite like you in my life before. You make me feel so...so proud to be your friend and someone you want to confide in, I feel very honoured.
I think Grace needs some time away from the ranch Catherine, not necessarily anything to do with you, maybe her love life is getting more complicated than she wants. It's not easy to choose a man over you!
Now, don't go getting all upset with me for that last remark, I know it's true, Grace certainly does, which is why she needs to be alone or at least with people who have no influence over this decision. Let her go Catherine, and hope that when she comes back she's made the right decision for her, not you!
Hey way to go, what a great gesture a fund in Lucas's name, what are you going to do, have one of your lawyers administrate it, so you can still be seen as the reclusive owner of 'Destiny'? No way are you the same woman that they perceive you to be Catherine, you need to accept your changing role in the community; I hope you do, you might enjoy it.
When are you going to take the kids to town again? Don't' shake your head now; we both know you enjoyed that trip it's just a matter of you getting the confidence to go again! LOL
Okay you can shout at me when you see me in the flesh.
Jake sounds as if he needs a friend. You don't need me to elaborate; you're a very intelligent woman.
Lisa, oh Catherine, what joy that girl is going to bring you! She sounds as if she can already twist you round her little finger. LOL
I hope Colin can accept the decision that Grace makes in the end, but you might lose him Catherine, it happens.
Well, what sort of day have I had?
Nothing exciting! Nothing, that compares to your adventures.
'No way am I going to tell her about Hudson bugging me, she'll give up eventually and Catherine will only get protective. Mindyou, I wonder if it would bring her over here in my defence?' Jace smiled reflectively at the thought. 'That is one thing I can becertain of, as my friend you will try to protect me, but who protects you my friend, who will you let protect you against the tides that seem to ever change in your world?'
I had lunch today with Peter do you remember him? He is the director of the documentary. We are at the final stages of the production, should be ready for final grading next week. I might go over and watch it; hopefully it will bring back good memories. Because Catherine I have more good memories in those few days with you, then I have of the five years I've worked in LA. Kind of sad to you I guess, but look at it from my point of view, I met my best friend!
I'm also reading my fan fiction some of the authors are really very good and you should try it one day!
Guess that's me for now also Catherine! So when are you coming over to take me to dinner?
You know I'm going to keep asking in the hope that one-day you just might agree Catherine! Is it wishful thinking on my part Catherine? Oh well you can't blame a girl for trying and what wouldn't I give to see those fantastic blue eyes of yours looking into mine again. Okay, so I love your eyes, going to sue me? (G)
Love you my friend. Hang in there.
Until tomorrow!
Jace
P.S.
Don't forget to read a story to Lisa for me and give her a big kiss as she goes to bed, you can with Jake also if he will let you. (g)
She closed out the entry and touched the screen with a featherlight touch as she sent it to its destination. Knowing Catherine would probably be in bed or working in the study, who knew with her?
'Hope her pep talk with Jake went well, they are very alike at times it makes you wonder how they do react to each other on a one to one basis. Grace my friend I hope you work out your problems and oh, how I wish I could help you.'
Shutting down the machine she walked over to her bedroom and stripped off her clothes and headed for the shower. It was at this time in the evening when she knew that her soul was missing its other half, the longing called to her. She constantly struggled with the image, but for now, she had to force herself to ignore it!
***********
Grace managed to get Jake to leave his room for the evening meal. She hadn't wanted to use Catherine as a big stick although she would have done so if necessary.
Grace had the dubious pleasure of watching Jake consume his meal in silence, which he frequently did; and noted that he smiled occasionally when Lisa made some silly remark, which she was apt to do. Little Lisa appeared to be the only one at the table talking constantly.
Colin hadn't wanted to eat with them; he'd decided to go into town with some of the other ranch hands.
Catherine had joined them but she was silent most of the meal except for the politeness of a please or thank you during the meal.
Grace chatted along with the youngest child as she talked about the horses and her day, she then held out her tooth for everyone to look at.
Grace smiled and watched Catherine grimace at the exhibition during a meal, but she held her thoughts to herself this time.
Jake merely looked at the girl and shook his head at her.
"It's for the tooth fairy Grace! I'm going to put it under my pillow and when I wake up in the morning she will have left me a gift in its place." Lisa smiled showing the gap between her front teeth. It made the child look even more endearing than she already was.
"Well, I guess that's a good idea. Wonder what she will leave you as a gift?" Grace tried to gather the information out of the child so she wouldn't be disappointed. Neither Catherine nor herself were exactly aware of the particular type of gift kids thought appropriate these days. 'Hell, in her day it was a nominal coin to get some sweets with, which was ironic when you thought about it.'
"Oh, you can't ask that Grace, it's a secret, between me and the fairy!" The child said in a whisper.
Grace laughed out loud as she glanced towards Catherine, whose expression hadn't particularly changed through the dialogue.
"What do you think Catherine?" It was a direct challenge, Grace had to get this woman as involved in them as the children appeared to be getting involved with Catherine, it couldn't be one sided, it had to be a two way street.
Catherine looked at her, raising the ever-faithful eyebrow.
'One of these days she's going to lose it!' Grace couldn't help the grin that appeared at the thought.
Catherine looked at her friend and wondered vaguely why she was grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Can't remember a time when I lost any teeth so I wouldn't know what a tooth fairy leaves behind." She hadn't meant to speak solemnly it just happened.
The others in the room all looked in her direction.
Lisa scraped back a chair and walked over to Catherine, who's tall frame in the chair made the child look so small next to her.
A small hand tugged at hers and she reluctantly gave in to the pressure exerted by the child. She felt a small object being placed on her open palm. Then the small hand gently closed her long fingers over the object and the child moved back to her chair. Not knowing where to look or if it was even prudent to observe the object in her hand.
She eventually looked at Lisa, who winked at her and smiled. Then she carried on with her dessert.
Grace looked at Catherine expectantly.
Jake had a wicked gleam in his eyes he knew exactly what the girl had done.
Catherine made a move to get up and said she would have her tea in the study, and that she would be back later after they had their baths.
Walking out of the kitchen Catherine briefly opened her hand and saw the small pearly white tooth nestled in her large hand with blood congealing inside the root cavity. At first she couldn't understand the significance of the act! Then it dawned on her. 'Lisa wants me to experience the tooth fairy? What have I ever done to deserve this un-reserved love and affection from this small child?' A tear tracked its way along her left cheek as she swiped it away and placed her hand over her eyes briefly as she went towards the study.
Grace watched the emotionless features of her friend and boss, as the child had surprised her, but she like Jake knew what the child had done. "Why did you give Catherine your tooth Lisa? Now the tooth fairy won't know it's yours." Grace gently smoothed a lock of the red hair away from the child's face.
Lisa took a few minutes to think about it as she scooped more ice cream into her mouth, spitting some out from the gap in her teeth at Jake who was nearest to her as she explained.
"Catherine has never had a visit from the tooth fairy and she's old now! I will have another chance another day, I'm still young and all my big teeth haven't got here yet." the child patiently explained to the adult.
Grace was touched by the generosity of the child she enfolded her in a big hug. "Thank you Lisa, you might never know how much that means to her, but thank you anyway." Lisa smiled her toothless smile.
"How about more ice cream for you two, can't let a gesture like that be wasted now can we?" The children both agreed by nodding profusely, although Jake moved his chair out of the reach of Lisa.
***********
The house was relatively quiet; Grace had left minutes before to drive into town to meet Andrew for her evening out.
Lisa was tucked up in bed, after a nice hot bath and a story session that had started with a short Pooh bear story and ended with the start of a largely unknown work of short stories by various European authors. Jake listened with half an eye as he always did to the stories, as he watched a rugby match on the TV at low volume.
Then he had silently switched off the TV as Catherine was asked to read stories that she read as a child. "Oh, come on now Lisa, that was a long time ago now, you won't want to listen to those surely?" Catherine blushed a little as the child looked at her with a steady blue gaze.
"Did your mummy read you those stories?" the child retorted looking into her ice blue eyes.
Catherine had to blink several times as she realised what the child had asked her. 'Had her mother read to her as a child? Yes. The ones she remembered the most had been the numerous short stories from all over the world, although in actual fact, it had been just European authors she hadn't known that until much later though. Even Lucas had listened to them when he was old enough, at the end it had been Catherine reading the stories to mother and Lucas, when her mother became too ill to read to her children. Then, she had just read to her brother to ease the hurt of her mothers passing.'
"Yes, yes she did Lisa. I guess you better give me a minute to find one of them." Catherine left for the study and walked right to the books. She had found them when she had been foraging for reading matter for the child earlier. She had leafed through them fascinated that they still held her attention after all these years. Tucking the first book under her arm she went back to the lounge and now Jake was seated with his back against the arm of the chair that Lisa sat patiently waiting for Catherine to return.
Settling back into the chair with Lisa folded onto her lap and sinking into her chest as she always did in the evening, usually ending up asleep, but at least she never had any bad dreams.
The book had seen better days that was for certain, but it hadn't lost any pages so she suspected it would hold its own then her expression changed as if she'd thought of a better story. "The first story concerns a young boy called Jacob!'' Catherine smiled briefly at the boy as he looked at her in surprise she continued with Lisa looking expectantly at her. "And his younger sister Lucy,'' she winked at Lisa who gave her a crestfallen look. "Sorry misread that, she was called Lisa and the youngsters adventures to find a new home back in the dark ages when there wasn't TV, cars and computers!"
Chapter one
'Jacob Salt held tightly onto the hand of his younger sister Lisa Pepper as they were settled into the back of the haywagon that would take them and their meagre possessions to the nearest town. Jacob was thirteen years old and now the man of the family, having recently witnessed the tragic flood that had swept away their family home and the rest of the family in a matter of minutes. There had been nothing he could do, it had happened suddenly the bursting of the banks near their cottage. There had been one thing that had stopped him following his father and step mother, that had been the sight of his sister holding onto the back of a donkey and crying as if her heart would break. He had to look after her and see that she was well taken care of; they would have to leave the farm and go to the nearest town.
"Will we find a nice family to offer us a home Jacob?" Lisa looked into her older brothers grey eyes with complete trust, holding his hand in hers; she tightened her grip waiting for the answer.
"Yes, we will Lisa, don't you know that no one ever splits up the salt and pepper pots they belong together." He chuckled at her puzzled expression.
"What do you mean Jacob? If we weren't called Salt and Pepper someone might take you away from me?" Lisa dropped the hand she held and threw her arms around his slight shoulders and cried into his neck.
Jacob had always considered it a huge joke the fact that his father had married a woman who had previously been married to someone called Pepper, and her child Lisa was called Pepper. He was sorry he had teased his sister, she was still upset over the accident and he hadn't the heart to tell her he didn't really know what to expect when he got to the local town, he'd never been there himself before. "No one will take you away from me Lisa, we are going to stay together, I promise you."
The rest of the journey in the haywagon, went remarkably well, the old wagon master had felt pity for the two orphans having had agreed to take them to the town, although he doubted the boy would be in a position to honour his promise to keep them together. There was nothing but difficulties ahead and unless you had funds, there would be only hardship and misery to follow. He continued to listen to the young man soothe his sister, if there was a god up in heaven, maybe he could answer a pray today for these unfortunate children.
*
Kate Cook watched the sun set over the tall spire of the town church and sighed once again at her loneliness, she had agreed today in principle to marry the widowed landowner Simon Iron, but she hadn't decided exactly when. Kate really felt that something else was out there waiting for her, but in all her thirty years she had yet to find it. Having been the only daughter of the local Mayor, she had been given privileges that others in this age could not anticipate. Her father had died two years previously, leaving her tidy sum, with this inheritance if she so wished, meant that marriage did not have to be her lot in life. However, she was lonely and Simon was older yes, but at least he would be company for her. "I wonder if there really is something or someone out there that needs me?" She walked away from the window and proceeded down to the dining room for her evening meal, alone!
*
Jacob didn't like the smell of the town it reminded him of rotting meat and vegetables, that they kept in a compost heap at the farm. There was also another smell also that he couldn't quite name, but it too wasn't pleasant, wrinkled his nose as he passed by a hole in the floor that had an iron cover over it, the smell was particularly bad when they crossed one of those areas. He held onto Lisa's hand tightly, exactly as the old wagon master had instructed him, he would not lose Lisa in this horrible town.
Lurking nearby a wizened man with a long ragged beard and small pin points for eyes, starred at the children in speculation, maybe there was money to be earned yet this day, the man pondered as he stroked the matted beard and smiled with evil in his dark eyes. He had heard the old wagon master tell the children to be careful, that he would be back in a week if they need him again. If he had anything to do with it, they wouldn't ever see the man again!
*
"Catherine noticed that Lisa was almost asleep at the end of that particular chapter, guess it bored them. "Time for bed Lisa, you too Jake." She turned her eyes to them in anticipation of her thoughts.
Both children looked at her with hopeful eyes. "Can we have the next part of the book tomorrow Catherine?" Lisa pleaded. Jake nodded his agreement to the question.
Catherine was astounded; she'd thought they hadn't liked it! "I guess so, did you like it?" she asked tentatively.
Blue and grey eyes both shone excitedly up at her and they both smiled.
"Right, tomorrow night then, we have a date with a another chapter of this book," she chuckled, swinging Lisa over her shoulder as she got up from the chair. The child giggled at the action.
Jake smiled at the two females, one rather tall one and the other tiny swung nonchalantly over her wide shoulders. He followed them out of the room.
"I'll catch up with you shortly Jake," Catherine remarked as she headed for Lisa's room.
"Sure," he replied and sauntered along to his room.
Putting Lisa down gently on the bed, the child suddenly put her arms around Catherine's neck and hugged her. "What's that for?"
"Just because," the child replied.
"Because what?" Catherine questioned.
"Because I can, and you read me such smashing stories," a toothless grin followed the words.
"Ah, give me a break Lisa, next time you can read." Catherine feigned annoyance but was secretly pleased at the compliment.
"No! You're the best Catherine, I like your voice, cause it makes me feel all warm and safe. Now, don't go forgetting about the tooth fairy you gotta remember to put it under your pillow when you go to sleep okay?" Lisa said seriously. The child placed a wet kiss on her cheek and snuggled into the soft bed cuddling her rag doll as she closed her eyes.
In all her thirty odd years she had never felt so lost for words this child had a knack of leaving her emotions raw, but she felt good too!
Tucking in the covers she looked once again at the child and quietly said goodnight. Leaving the door ajar slightly as Jace had done that first night. You just never knew if the young girl might need her during the night.
Now for Mr Sullen!
Jake lay in bed he had a football magazine on top of the bedclothes, and he looked up at her pensively as she entered. 'Unusual,' she thought.
"Hi, Jake. You going to enlighten me about your exploits today?"
Catherine asked in quiet interest.
He turned his hazel eyes to hers, and she could see the finely disguised hurt in the look. "What exploits?" he asked finally.
"Okay, I believe you mentioned that the Henderson boy's didn't like you so give! Tell me why?" If the kid wanted forthright she had no problem with that.
He frowned at her; he really did use some of her expressions. It made her chuckle silently. "We go to the same school they called me a charity case and if I thought because I was living here with you it made me better then them now, that I wouldn't be welcome there or at any other boy's home either." He paused there for a little while and waited for her reaction.
She looked at the dark skies, filled with bright stars then turned to face the dark haired boy. "You know Jake, children can be cruel with their words. I think you have realised that in the short time you have been here especially when you talk to Lisa. So it's not hard to understand that other children say cruel things to you! Is it?" Catherine spoke softly to the boy.
"Lisa is different, she's my........my friend."
Catherine glanced his way; he had difficulty trying to say exactly where Lisa fell into his world. "Yes, I think she is your friend. But you don't want her has a sister am I right?" 'Hell, why not get two issues with this kid out of the way at the same time. It certainly gave her a headache all this emotional stress, there are times like now when I could really use a certain Jace Bardley at my side for this.'
Jake looked at her and his expression changed to one of chagrin.
"She's not my sister, just as you're not my Mum!"
"True,' Catherine paused and stroked her chin in thought. "My son would have been your age Jake. He died along time ago and if he had been alone as you are, I would like to think that he would have a friend like Lisa to help him with his challenges in life. I also would hope he would accept her as his sister also!" She waited for the boy to answer.
"Why?" He asked as his hazel eyes stared at her blue ones.
"Because Jake, family is important and if you feel that you have a family behind you it takes away the pain and hurt of just about everything, even snipes by boy's like the Henderson's."
"Friends do too!" the boy replied obstinately.
"Touché Jake. But what better thing to have a member of your family as a friend too!"
"That would be good too, I suppose. Can I think about it?" His face clearly showing he was concentrating on her words.
"Sure, we have time plenty of time. And Jake, you're not a charity case take it from me, living here isn't any picnic. You might want to request a transfer one of these days when it gets too much for you," she winked at him and moved towards the door.
"That story you told was different tonight, did you change the names on purpose?" He surprised her with his statement.
"Now that's for me to know and you to find out." She quipped back at him as she turned to leave.
"Would you have read that story to your son?" He watched her turn to him again and she looked at him seriously.
"Unfortunately not Jake, I was always too busy making money! But he had a good father and he would have read to him every night, just as Lisa likes to have stories read to her." This time she left the boy with a whispered goodnight.
"Goodnight Catherine, I hope the tooth fairy brings you what you want." He snuggled down in the bed and picked up his magazine, feeling a little happier with his day. 'I wonder what happens next in that story, will that strange man capture them or will the lady come to their rescue?'
Catherine heard his wishes and she glanced down the stairs to the silent and empty rooms below. "Oh, I somehow think that's an impossibility this time around," she shrugged her shoulders and went down to her study, and the business messages of the day she would tackle in her custom manner way.
Continued in Part 11
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