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RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2008 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words! Fall 2008 Challenge
Pages: 1, 2
suesfan
Josy, that was just absolutely........perfect!!!

Joy
Josy
Thanks for your comments. Glad you liked the fuzzies because I am not done but Bobby will have to adress another issue before... poster_oops.gif
Enjoy!!
Josy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chapter 9

Summer faded away and was replaced by the autumn colors. Eva started school in a better disposition and she continued her participation in the soccer league, for her greatest joy and my matching pride. My relation with Tara brought an indelible grin on my face. Eva was thrilled that Tara was more and more often at our place. However, I could discern once and a while some shadows in her deep blue-violet eyes. And it was my fault.

It had been a year since my sister passed away. It had been a year since my and Eva’s life was turned upside-down. It had been a year and I refused to mention Katherine’s name. It had been a year and… I didn’t shed a tear yet.

Some night, before she went to bed, Eva was asking for childhood tales about her mother and me. Every time, I changed the subject and it was then, I observed those shadows in her eyes. Guilt and remorse engulfed my heart but I could not…my anger denied me the right to speak about Kate. I was afraid of my own tears. However, I knew it could not go on.

One night, after Eva’s birthday and the day I learned Kate was killed in a freak accident, I hit a wall. That night, as many others night, Eva requested stories about her mother. She even dug some pictures. I was standing in her bedroom’s doorway, arms crossed, as she looked at the pictures in silence. Usually, I would sit besides her and talked for few minutes before lights out. That night, however, my feet refused to pass the threshold. I remembered how Eva’s eyes pleaded to me. She was craving for her mother memories.

“Why?” she asked suddenly and it broke my reverie. Her voice contained disbelief and anger. Her auburn hair danced on her shoulders as tears rolled silently on her cheeks. I remained silent. I suddenly felt Tara ’s hands on my back and I became even more tensed.

“Do you hate her that much?” she said in anger. I was incredulous. Why was she thinking that! I never hate Kate! Then, it hit me: Eva was thinking I had a grudge against my sister. That I was resentful about the decision to made me guardian of her daughter. I sighed and my shoulder sank.

“Why do you refuse to talk about her?” continued to ask my niece with her stubborn voice. Now, tears were clearly overflowing on her cheeks. Again, words refused to pass my lips. Eva became furious and she stared at me. Her gaze was filled with fury, hurt and fear. It just crushed my heart and I lowered my gaze. A sudden sound jolted me and my eyes flied to her. She was tearing the pictures in pieces. I was stunned. I stayed immobile. Usually, I was sharp and quick to react. That night, however, it seemed all my emotions that I bottled up within the last year were coming bubbling at the surface. I clenched my fists and closed my eyes.

“Eva Sophie” exclaimed Tara with a firm but soft voice. I opened my eyes as I realized that Tara witnessed this familial meltdown.

“If Bobby doesn’t to talk about her, I won’t either” she cried with a teary voice. I could not watch anymore. Anger as a violent wave overwhelmed me and I stormed out of the room.

I walked out on the patio when rain and wind slashed me harshly. Tears stung my eyes and closed them in precipitation. Breathing deeply, pain crushed my heart. I let the rain battered my face. I did not remember how long I stayed there, motionless, as my clothes became drenched.

Shivers shook my shoulders but I remained immobile. Moment later, I heard the door to be opened and shut. Lights footsteps sounded on the wooden veranda. Soft hands brushed my bared arms and I felt Tara standing at my side. She was staring at the stormy darkness. I loved that weather: it mirrored my inner tumult, my despair, my pain.

I missed Kate so badly. I missed her laugh and her stories. She had the knack to get involved in situations either funny or sad. She fought battles against life all the time. She got pregnant at fifteen years old. She fought with Eva’s father in order to keep her daughter. She struggled but achieved to terminate her university degree in finances. She battled resolutely in order to cling the power ladder and to obtain the position she desired in her firm. Her crucial goal was to ensure her daughter’s happiness. When she was calling me, in tears, because she thought she failed her daughter, I was there to cheer her up. I was proud of her

In return, she listened to me whenever I needed a feminine ear. She chastised me when I kissed Tara and the words I uttered afterwards. She laughed hysterically at me when I crashed my first issued car. She listened to my rambling when Mac came back in my life. I missed our friendly bickering and once-a-year visit. I wished I could tell all that to Eva but I was afraid to show my tears to this now 11 year-old girl.

“Bobby…” trailed off a voice that I loved senseless. I felt her fingers on my hands. I was still staring at the storm, the rain lacerating my face. I didn’t move but my gaze lowered to meet her green eyes.

“She needs you. She needs to hear about her mother. Only you can do that. I can’t” she said after a moment of silence. I sighed and massaged my cramped shoulders. Her voice was soft but resolute.

“I can’t” I whispered. She frowned and her cute little nose wrinkles. She was not buying my excuse.

“You can’t or you don’t want to” she said matter-of-factly. I did not reply immediately.

“I have the impression that if I start to talk about Kate, I will melt down and…” but I was cut off by Tara .

“Eva is not asking you to be strong. She’s asking you to be truthful and honest. She’s asking to stand up to your responsibilities. And one of them is to keep alive her mother’s memory” stated Tara , stubborn, as wind messed up her hair.

I racked my wet hair and my lover’s words sank in my soul. Tears again misted my eyes and I tried again to keep them at bay. Then, tenderly, Tara took my hands and drowned her gaze in mine.

“Don’t” she said softly. A lump of emotion settled painfully in my throat. I blinked and a single tear rolled down on my cheek and mingled with the rain.

“Don’t what?” I croaked. I could not talk anymore as more tears threatened to spill over.

“Don’t fight you pain, your grief my love” she replied gently. I lowered my head and brought her knuckles to my lips.

“I can’t…I…I...if...” I stammered, unable to continue as a rush of powerful emotions engulfed my soul. She cupped my chin and compelled me to look at her. Her eyes were steady and caring. I read all the love she had for me…for Eva…for our family. I decided to be honest. I breathed shakily.

“If I cry, I will fall. Who will catch me?” I whispered with a hoarse voice. Her gaze never let go of me.

“I will…I promise” she said and at that very moment, deep sobs racked my whole being. I knelt as pain and despair overpowered all my senses. I felt Tara who wrapped her arms around my shoulders and hugged me against her curves.

Tears flowed abundantly on my cheeks and droplets of rain merged together. I cried against my lover’s shoulders. My tears decupled at each and every breath I was taking. Souvenirs of my childhood and teenage years with Kate flashed in my mind like a stroboscope.

“I miss her so much” I moaned against Tara’s neck. She did not say a word. She rocked me and caressed my wet hair in a soothing caress.

An hour passed until my tears slowly faded away. I was exhausted but relieved. I fell and touched the bottom of a painful pit. However, Tara stayed on my side and helped me to stand up on my feet.

Now, a now young woman was waiting for me. She was expecting from me a glimpse of the joy I shared with her mother, my sister, my partner in pranks…my friend.
Cere Cere
crying.gif crying.gif crying.gif

Glad to know that Bobby can cry now, he needed it!

Tere
Frwdgranny
That was riviting, Josy. I could hear the despair in Bobby's voice when he said
QUOTE
“If I cry, I will fall. Who will catch me?
I'm glad Tara was there when he finally broke.

Lynn

Kav
Wow, that was a powerful post. You really bared Bobby's heart for us. Grief affects everyone in different ways and I can see it in Bobby's character to hold it all in like that. I loved how tough Tara was on him. How uncompromising. He needed to be told and I'm glad he listened. I think this is a turning point for all of them.

kav
suesfan
I was holding my breath hoping that Bobby would stop Eva from tearing up the pictures, but I realize, at that point, he was still not ready to give in to his grief!!!

Very powerful post, Josy!! You've captured the Bobby we all know and love very well here!! I'm so glad Tara was there to "catch" him!! I agree that it should be all uphill for all of them now, and Bobby will be able to share his memories with Eva!!!

Joy
Josy
Sorry for the delay...I hit a wall bang.gif and my muse had decided to take a break but...but...I managed to get a hold on her and...she had been good to me because she had decided to give you some fuzzies.

I am almost done...maybe another 2 or 3 posts...depending what road my muse wants to take batting eyelashes.gif

This upcoming post is strong blush.gif blush.gif warning
Josy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chapter 10

That same evening, as my Eva fell asleep against my chest, pictures and letters strew on her comforter, I felt peaceful. It was late but I knew, for a first time, Eva would be able to sleep an undisturbed night because I opened my heart. I shared funny stories about her mother and I assured her that she was the most precious person in the world for her mother and me.

I was playing with her long hair and her rhythmic breathing calmed even more my senses. I knew Tara was still in the house as the light in the living room threw a shadow in my niece’s room. Tenderly, I tucked my niece who clenched to a picture of Kate. I kissed her forehead and turned off the bed side light. I heard Pal jumping on the bed, claiming his usual spot. In a last caress over her hair, I bent over her.

“Good night pumpkin” I whispered to her ear. She frowned in her sleep and my heart swollen with pride. I walked out and looked for my lover. I found her, sleeping on the couch, a hand across an opened book. I gazed over her lovely curves and a warm fuzziness tickled my stomach. The week had been stressful for Tara as she helped another team with a case but the team leader was not as encouraging as Sparky. When she shared her hassle to me, I was strongly tempted to give a piece of my mind to this drungo but Tara convinced me otherwise.

Now, the weekend started and I desired her. However, she was sleeping and needed it. I scooped her tenderly in my arms and brought her to the master bedroom. She barely moved. I turned off all the lights in the house and ensured all windows and doors were locked. I decided to shower to remove the remains of the tears and rain over my face. I was drained but in the same time, relieved.

Hot water massaged my shoulders and I closed my eyes, letting the vapour and heat relaxing even more my already weaken body. Suddenly, I felt a draught and I flung my eyes open. Twinkling green eyes stared at me and I smiled.

“Do you really think you can take a shower without me” she pouted with stars in her eyes. I pushed her wet hair from her neck and kissed her jawbone. She snuggled and her curves aroused me.

“I didn’t want to wake you up, luv” I protested faintly. However, I was losing any sense of reality the moment her hands brushed my naked skin. I encircled her waist in my arms and captured her lips under mine. Her response was passionate and overwhelming. I could feel her hands roaming on my shoulders, my back, my stomach and my chest. She parted her lips and her tongue teased my mouth. My knees became jelly and deepened our kiss. I felt her shivering in my arms and I brought her gently under the hot jet. Water spurted on our bared skin and out of breath, our lips got separated. Still, I was so hungry for her skin, her perfume, her curves…

I gazed at her. I loved how she looked at me through the veil of her eyelashes. Those twinkles of desire in her eyes and her flushed cheeks. A sensual smile blossomed slowly on her full lips and I leaned to kiss her again.

Sometimes, like tonight, I could barely believe Tara was mine. She was my dream for so long that the reality she came true did not totally sink in. I reluctantly let her go, both, out of breath.

“I love you” she whispered and these words brought a sigh to my heart. How I love to hear those words. I took her shampoo bottle, poured some in my palm and started to scrub her hair. Soon, her unique scent of vanilla and orangey flowers filled the space. Her eyes were shut as I was massaging her scalp. Sensually, the bubbles sled against her silky skin, snuggled in the curves and valleys of her body and she was irresistible. I rinsed everything and repeated the same action with the conditioner. We were silent but I could hear our heartbeat pounding loudly in the silence.

As she shared more kisses, we managed to get cleaned and rinsed. However, my hands refused to let her go. She seemed enjoying that moment as her lips let fire trails on my skin. Since the bathroom and the master bedroom communicated directly, few steps were needed to be made before our bodies entangled together on the fresh sheet of my bed…our bed.

Hungrily, I nibbled tenderly her skin until I reached her full lips. A moan of pleasure traveled to my ears and I tightened my hold of her body against mine. I entwined my fingers with hers and I stared at her, out of breath and my heart ready to explode.

“Tara, I love you. You are my everything” I whispered as I drowned my gaze in her misty green eyes. She didn’t need to say anything as I read all the love she had for me.

Again, I captured her lips under mine, I closed my eyes and I let myself drowning in all the love we shared.
GinaSue
2.gif

JC_cupidgirl.gif post-71242-1112188113.gif fan.gif



We really need a "keeling over" smiley . . . melting.gif

When your muse gets in gear, she really is something!!! That's a "whoa mama" post if ever I saw one!
Cere Cere
Oh... 2.gif post-71242-1112188113.gif fainting.gif faint.gif

Tere
Frwdgranny
Oh my! blush.gif blush.gif blush.gif post-71242-1112188113.gif blush.gif blush.gif blush.gif

Lynn

Kav
melting.gif fanning.gif faint.gif blush.gif Wow!

kav
suesfan
I do believe your muse is just fine now, Josy!!! **sigh**

Joy
Josy
Thanks for your warm comments. I am happy that you liked my first attempt of a real ''S'' scene blush.gif
Now, 2 posts to go
Enjoy Flowers.gif
Josy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chapter 11

Soon, the colors of the falls were replaced by the naked branches and the biting wind of the north. To my own delight, Eva enrolled herself in her school dramatically club. She was making more and more friends and she was making of my life a whirlwind of activities and laughs.

I promised my Eva and the love of my life a trip in Australia for Christmas: 3 weeks for Eva to get spoiled rotten by her grandparents. I was excited to teach Tara how to surf and to show her the secrets of my Australia.

One Saturday morning, as the sky was grey and cold, I woke up at the sound of giggles and exclamations of delight. Soon, the smells of bacon and pancakes tickled my nostrils and my stomach growled in anticipation.

I quickly slipped on a flannel pj pant and a white shirt and barefoot, I walked to the kitchen. I stopped on my tracks at the scenery unfolding before my eyes. Tara, in her Winnie the Pooh pj pant and colorful shirt was flipping pancakes while Eva was watching. She was sitting on a high stool at the breakfast bar and she was cutting fruits.

The reason that I stayed immobile was that their voices brought a smile to my face. My two girls were singing, along a tune on the radio and their crystals voices brought sunshine to the grey weather.

You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
Well, you aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.


Tara poured more pancake mixture in the pan and turned the sizzling bacon for more crispiness and her voice mingled with my niece. Both of them had their back turned to me and they were oblivious to my presence. I leaned against the door frame and I watched, mesmerized.

When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
You aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.


I thought that my heart would be ready to explode. Happiness and joy filled my soul as I watched them sing. Tara’s voice was fluid as clear water and Eva’s voice sounded like silver-bells. Tara’s smile grew wider as my niece started to squirmed on her stool.

You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
Well, you aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.

When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
You aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.


Eva slipped from her stool and started to dance in the kitchen. Her moves were fluids and she waltzed to me. Her violet eyes sparkled with joy and she squealed as I jumped in the song. I imitated the voice of Elvis and it made my two girls laughed and cheered.

I made my niece swirled on the kitchen floor and at the end of the song, I grabbed Tara’s waist and gave them a huge hug.

“Good morning my sunshines” I said as my gaze locked with my Tara. Her green eyes shone of millions stars and she blushed under my gaze. I sensed that Eva went back to sit on the stool, finishing cutting the fruits.

I didn’t know why but I remained silent, like under a spell. Tara’s green eyes bewitched me and I followed all her moves. She slightly tilted her head and her blush became deeper. Without realizing it, I breathed deeply.

“Marry me” I blurted out, my eyes still locked with hers. Her eyes widened under the effect of surprise and my heart missed a beat. She was stunning. Her green eyes misted under all the emotions probably swirled in her heart. I loved that woman deeply…I dreamed about her for so long that I did not want to be away from her.

Suddenly, a cry of protestation traveled to my ears.

“Uncle Bobby! It’s not the proper way! You have to kneel down” uttered my niece with eagerness in her voice. I smiled slowly to the love of my life, my gaze still locked with her.

“What…I…did…” she stammered quite beautifully. She quivered and I felt her delicious tremors under my hands. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. I observed tears quietly glittering on her pink cheeks. She was speechless.

“Eva, in the first drawer of my night table, you’ll see a blue velvet box. Go get it for me please” I asked with a hoarse voice. I heard her footstep slithered down the hallway to my bedroom. She came fast and sled the velvety box in my hands. Tara was immobile, still under the spell of my eyes and my words

I knelt down, Eva besides me and I smiled.

“Tara Michelle Williams, will you marry me?” I proposed in a whisper. Then, a radiant smile blossomed on her lips and illuminated her pretty face.

“Yes…yes I do!” she exclaimed as she tiptoed frantically and jumped in my arms, giggling and crying. I started to laugh and I managed to slide the white-gold ring at her finger.

A cry of delight pierced my ears as my niece bounced like Tigger in the kitchen. Tears burned my eyes as joy overpowered my soul and I felt completed.

~ ~ ~
The song as you guessed belongs to Elvis...however, I have to admit that Bobby do micmic Elvis verrrry well biggrin.gif
GinaSue
Wonderful proposal!! JC_cupidgirl.gif
Cere Cere
Excellent way to propose!! ily.gif kissing.gif

happydance.gif mf_rosetinted.gif yahoo.gif exclaim.gif dancers.gif chair.gif


Can't wait for more!!
Kav
Wonderful proposal! I love the way Bobby involved Eva -- they're a real family now.

kav
suesfan
Josy, that was just perfect!! I love that you brought Bobby's beloved Elvis into the mix!! And, Eva helping Bobby along was just adorable!!!

Joy
sbfisher
Bravo! Love the proposal:

QUOTE
I didn’t know why but I remained silent, like under a spell. Tara’s green eyes bewitched me and I followed all her moves. She slightly tilted her head and her blush became deeper. Without realizing it, I breathed deeply.

“Marry me” I blurted out, my eyes still locked with hers.


Those are definately the best. JC_cupidgirl.gif
Josy
There it is...the last post and it was a joy to write Bobby and Eva's journey.
Thanks again for all your comments! You are the best blowkiss.gif
Josy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Epilogue

It happened one autumn…five years ago and sometimes, it felt like a lifetime went by or other time, I felt it just happened yesterday. This journey had been filled with tears and struggles but with time, with laughs and wonders.

I could feel the warm ray of the sun tickling my skin. My eyes were closed and I was leaning against a strong and mature tree. Today, it was Eva’s birthday. She was turning fifteen years old. I was proud of the young woman she was becoming. I knew Tara had a huge influence on her but I recognized a lot of the hard work Kate poured on her when she was little.

Today, it was also the day that my sister died in this car accident. She passed away the night she was rushing to get her daughter a birthday cake. The first year, the fact those two anniversaries mingled, it had been a struggle. However, now, this date had turn to be a day to celebrate life.

I smiled and I flustered my eyelids. My eyes met the sunset and a silhouette that was standing immobile under the maple tree. The leaves were golden and red and they were falling like a quiet rain. One golden leaf clung to her auburn hair and danced softly with the breeze.

Eva was staring at the sunset. Behind me, I could hear a distant racket: Tara and our kids were probably dancing and singing in the kitchen. I married Tara the following spring I proposed: it was an intimate wedding where only our families and closest friends were invited. Nine months later, our first daughter arrived. I remembered the day my daughter was born: Eva was starring at this little bundle and asked with a shy voice if we already chose a name. Tara informed her that she and I were undecided and that we were opened to any suggestion. I recalled how her violet eyes misted when she lifted her chin and asked in a whisper.

“Can we name her Kathy?” she said with a small voice. Tara and I remained silent and we agreed with a nod. Kathy was a fearless and stubborn child. She was the first one to climb in trees and to slide down the stairs with a crazy carpet, which result in a broken arm. It did not stop her and she remained reckless as ever. She was keeping her mother and me on our toes. However, I loved her temper: nothing would keep her to do whatever she had the desire to do. Nineteen month after Kathy’s birth, we welcomed in our family, our boy twins: Austin and Samuel. I was apprehensive as I watched them growing up, fearing that they would be as reckless as they older sister. To my own relief, they were quieter but different to each other.

Austin loved to laugh and he was ready to play a prank at anytime. His older sister and he were a team that made me nervous. If Kathy and he were silent; Tara and I knew that something would come up. I developed the habit to check all doors before opening them; I verified every lid on either salt, sugar or any other food containers. I loved this rambunctious boy. On the other hand, Samuel was soft-spoken and the one who loved to cuddle. He resembled so much to his mother: gentle green eyes, constant tousled blonde hair and a soft smile. I found irresistible the way he climbed on my laps at his bedtime and snuggled his blonde head against my chest. He said he loved listening to my heartbeat and in silence, he would fall asleep.

Now, the three kids were dancing in the kitchen and driving Pal nuts with their noises. I walked to my niece and stood behind her. I knew she was thinking about her mother but also, I knew she was not sad anymore. Far away, I heard the door bell ringing and I distinguished Jack’s voice. Kathy’s squeal made me smiled: Jack and Sue’s daughter was a bit older than my Kathy: Sarah was maybe not as wild as my daughter but she inherited her parents’ sense of humour and she was full of energy and laughs. Also, Jack and Sue had a younger son: Michael. He was the perfect playmate for my twins: he balanced their temper.

A sudden move brought my focus on my niece. She turned around and the sunset mirrored on her short hair. She grew up so much lately: she was as tall as me and her passion for the soccer made her built muscular and lean. To my own dismay, she had lost her Aussie accent but when she was passionate about a subject, it still lingered in her voice. Again, the door bell echoed and I heard Myles’ modulate voice: I hoped his wife could come and was not stuck at the emergency. Myles had been struck by Cupid’s arrow over a year ago and the lovely lady, Roseline, was a doctor but mostly, she possessed a personality that subdued the Bostonian.

“Do you think she’s proud of me?” suddenly asked a crystal voice. I swiftly turned my head and smiled to Eva.

“The moment you were born, you became her pride and her joy. If she could see you from heavens and she could talk, she would tell you how proud she is because…” I replied tenderly. I breathed deeply and caressed her hair.

“Because, me, I am proud of you, pumpkin” I said with all my affection. A wobbly smile blossomed on her lips and she snuggled in my arms. It been a while since she gave me a hug and I enjoyed that moment. She did not protest that I used her childhood pet name. The sun was disappearing behind the hills and twilight took its rightful position in the sky. I heard the door bells ringing few more times and I knew that all our guests were arrived.

All of a sudden, three little girls ran into the backyard, hooting and shouting. One had dark caramel hair, green eyes and a dimple in her chin and she was my daughter. The other had deep blonde hair, chocolate fondue eyes and a smile to melt any heart; Sarah was the spit image of her mother, Sue. And then, the last little girl: curly black hair, cute little nose and a smile that could illuminated any room, Tasha, Lucy’s daughter. Tasha was more the age of my twins but both Kathy and Sarah adopted her as a playmate.

“Daddy, Eva! Mommy wants you inside” said Kathy as she grabbed Eva’s legs. Immediately, Sarah followed and grabbed the other leg. Eva laughed and placed her two hands on her hips. Tasha hopped and I scooped her in my arms. She climbed on my shoulders and her squeal of delight made me laugh.

“But girls, how can I walk with you wrapped around my ankles?” quipped my niece, still immobile.

“Eva, you are strong. You can do it” replied with confidence my daughter. Eva rolled her eyes and she smirked. She did few steps and in an exaggerate move, she lost her balance and stumbled on the leaves covering grass. Sarah and Kathy shrieked and laughed as Eva started to chase them. Soon, friends of my Eva walked on the veranda and my pupil welcomed them with hugs and smiles while the two little girls disappeared inside. I could feel Tasha’s little hands grasping my hair and I walked inside at my turn.

Lucy approached me and after a light hug, she removed her daughter from my shoulders. Strong smells of chicken mixed with chocolate cake tickled my nostrils and my stomach growled in anticipation. I smiled at Roseline, happy to see she could free herself from her work. I winked at D and Donna.

While all my friends and Eva’s friends moved into the kitchen and dining room, I watched them with a sigh. I was thankful for every each of them. Because of them, I had been able to walk in the unknown. From the beginning, they showed me their support and their friendship had been a refuge.

My gaze drifted slowly to Tara : my wife, my lover, my confident…Her hair was messy and her cheeks were flushed. I proposed earlier my help but she kicked me out of the kitchen. She stated that two cooks cannot survive in one kitchen. She removed her apron and looked at me. She was beautiful and my heart did stumble loudly in my chest. Even after almost four years of marriage, she still had the knack to bring fuzziness to my heart.

Everyone took place at the big table. The kids had their own plastic picnic table. Tara walked and stood at my side and she entwined her fingers with mine. The table overflowed with food and everyone was smiling.

Today, it was Eva birthday and I thanked God who helped every step on this chaotic adventure. Because of Him, even when darkness and sorrow surrounded me, I knew I was not alone. He placed strategic persons in my life to help me with decisions that I would have to take.

As I looked around, an urgent feeling overpowered my thoughts. I took a glass of wine.

“Before we enjoy all the food, I would like to make a toast to the birthday girl” I started and everyone grabbed their glasses either it was filled with wine, juice, water or even milk for the kids.

“Eva, it is your fifteenth birthday and wow, you are growing up too fast for me” I chuckled. In response, she pulled her tongue. I smiled.

“I…” I chocked as Tara pocked my ribs. “We...” I continued glancing quickly at my wife “We, Tara and I, are very proud of the young woman you are becoming. Your generous heart, your passion and your determination shaped you in this very unique individual that you are. You are getting more and more independent but know that you are part of this family and I thanked God that through all the struggles, we managed not too badly.” I tried to say lightly but my voice betrayed me. A lump of emotions settled in my throat

“I love you Eva and I hope that the next coming years will bring more joy and will unveil more secrets for you” I said with a hoarse voice. I breathed deeply and added:

“However…” I trailed with a frown and a smirk. Eva’s violet eyes twinkled.

“However, don’t be in a hurry to bring a boy at home. Tara is already starting to pity him” I quipped and everyone burst in laughter. Again, Eva pulled her tongue and laughed heartily.

“Happy birthday pumpkin” and I raised my glass. Everyone did the same and exclaimed with joy.

“Happy birthday Eva!”

As everyone kissed Eva and helped the kids with the food, I watched with a sigh of wonders. Five years ago, my life took an unexpected twist. However, when I looked back, this twist had been the slap from destiny that he needed to put my life in gear. Eva taught me responsibilities and Tara taught how to love.

Suddenly, a crystal voice broke my reverie.

“I love you too Uncle Bobby” she whispered to my ear and a goofy smile spread on my lips.

FIN

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Words Total: 11 275 words
GinaSue
Wonderful, excellent, heartbreakingly beautiful, etc. I'm so glad you wrapped it up 5 years hence, with all the players in place for a joyous occasion!! I really loved this!!

autumn.gif
scottiedog
Excellent job! autumn.gif
Cere Cere
JC_cupidgirl.gif WONDERFUL JOSY!!! autumn.gif


Excellent, beautiful, tenderness, breathtaking, outstanding, marvelous, etc...story! biggrin.gif

Thanks for share!! chair.gif

Tere
duckfan
Josy you did an incredible job with the journey through the grief process. I like how it ended like it started "It happened one autumn..." that simple line brought the story full circle. Nice job.
sbfisher
autumn.gif Josy, your story was truly enjoyable. Every step of the way, I could just see Boby telling his story. Wonderful job! Thank you again for sharing this story. biggrin.gif
suesfan
A beautiful story, start to finish, Josy!! I love how you wrapped everything up and showed us a wonderful glimpse into everyone's lives!!

This had to be difficult to write, to catch all the emotions, but you did it and you did it beautifully!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy
Anne
Josy, I'm just catching up on these stories and this was so beautiful. I think you covered every emotion there is, and you did a great job at it. autumn.gif

You captured a very realistic reaction of grief for Bobby.

QUOTE
deep sobs racked my whole being. I knelt as pain and despair overpowered all my senses.


I reacted the exact same way when I heard the words when my brother was killed in an auto accident many years ago. I was 15 and I fell to my knees feeling exactly how you described Bobby. The difference was my reaction was immediate, Bobby's took time, which is typical for a man that hides his emotions. Tara was sooo good for him. girl_sigh.gif I almost cried when he finally went back in to Eva and spent time talking about her mother.

I love how you ended the story with years gone by, Eva grown to a young lady, and having the whole gang together with all their little ones. Precious.

What Bobby had to say and his thoughts, as he gave the toast to Eva and her reaction to it, was so delightful.

Thank you for sharing this story with us. clapgirl.gif
Kav
QUOTE(duckfan @ Oct 24 2008, 01:15 AM) *

Josy you did an incredible job with the journey through the grief process. I like how it ended like it started "It happened one autumn..." that simple line brought the story full circle. Nice job.

Absolutely perfect. And I love how you related their situation five years later. Life and laughter and love was just spilling out of my computer screen. I'm still smiling. Excellent job.

kav

justme_jp3
Nice job with this! This part...
QUOTE
Today, it was Eva birthday and I thanked God who helped every step on this chaotic adventure. Because of Him, even when darkness and sorrow surrounded me, I knew I was not alone. He placed strategic persons in my life to help me with decisions that I would have to take.
I found really touching, and so true! "It Happened One Autumn" was an appropriate title and a wonderful springboard for your story!

autumn.gif
jack fan
Great job, this story was so emotional and always kept me on edge. Such a tradgety could e turned into a celebration. Amazing Job biggrin.gif clapping.gif
Red Shores Lady
QUOTE(duckfan @ Oct 23 2008, 08:15 PM) *

Josy you did an incredible job with the journey through the grief process. I like how it ended like it started "It happened one autumn..." that simple line brought the story full circle. Nice job.



ditto.gif

Great job, Josy!!

- RSL write.gif
Frwdgranny
I'm just catching up on your last two posts Josy.
Ch 11-P5-63 - It was so much fun to watch Tara and Eva dancing to Elvis' song.
dancers.gif dancers.gif dancers.gif dancers.gif

And I loved Bobby's proposal.
JC_cupidgirl.gif JC_cupidgirl.gif JC_cupidgirl.gif JC_cupidgirl.gif

Epilogue-P5-69 - Josy, everyone else already said it all, so I'll just ditto them.
And add....a beautiful, hopeful peek into the lives of not only Bobby, Eva and Tara,
but to all the team. A PERFECT ending to a perfect story.
clapgirl.gif Flowers.gif

Lynn

Oreolover
Josy, I just read the whole story in one sitting, and I must say that it was truly a treat. Touching, tender, and sweet all rolled into one. Incredible job! Bravo! cheerleader.gif clapgirl.gif clapping.gif
hfce
Aww that was so beautiful. girl_sigh.gif



Hope ~
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