by Jennifer Sue
A Summer's Odyssey
By Jennifer Sue
Now available on Kindle
Odyssey II
by Jennifer Sue
Part 1
Once inside the St. Michaels Middle/High School Krista Scott felt wary, intimidated and more that a bit angry at the protesters who had been picketing the school when she had arrived. She hoped her classmates would accept her but with Tony Masters by her side she was ready to face anyone who objected to her. As she limped beside Tony, she saw nearly all the students looked at her and raised their eyebrows in surprise. If nothing else the bandage wrapping her left arm may as well have been a name tag.
During the past week Krista had been the main topic of conversation. Those who had met her at Church or elsewhere had explained how they would have never guessed she was born a boy. Those who had not met her were unsure what to expect. They had all heard of her summer odyssey, that she had handily defeated Tony when they first met then promptly came to his aid, and all certainly knew she had killed Tony’s dad. Some thought she had to be a hulking monster to have done all that. But their preconceived ideas were promptly shattered when they saw her, an unassuming petite pretty girl limping in the halls.
Krista wasn’t sure what to think as she noted the surprise on the faces of the other students when they realized who she was. As they made their way to their homeroom, Krista began to realize she was embarking on another odyssey.
The class size was smaller than she'd previously experienced in the crowded Massachuset schools. The grade levels were divided by skill levels and except for phys-ed, no class had more than twenty students. She discovered she was one of sixty five seventh graders and the entire school only had 390 students in grades 7 through 12.
This would be Tony’s second year in the seventh grade. Last year his angry attitude and lack of caring had led him to waste his time. He had skipped school at every chance and disrupted classes at every opportunity. It was a very different Tony who led Krista to their homeroom. Pat Scott, Krista’s step-mom and the school nurse, had successfully lobbied Dr. Harris to place Tony in the same class as Krista. Tony had the ability to excel but until meeting Krista had lacked the motivation to study or even care about grades. So far Dr. Harris had received nothing but glowing reports about Tony. All the teachers said he was not the boy they had learned to dislike the previous year.
Part of Krista wanted to go home and crawl under the blankets to have a good cry. But if nothing else, Krista was stubborn with a get 'er done attitude. After being introduced to the teacher, Krista was assigned to a locker and given a combination. Tony was detailed to show Krista the location and how to open the locker. Tony was all smiles as he explained the workings of the lock. Soon they were back in homeroom. As she took her seat, she saw Karen Savage and Lisa Bennet, girls from her cheering squad. They exchanged little finger waves.
After the teacher took attendance, she made a few announcements and had the class introduce themselves to Krista. There were two guys who did so reluctantly and scowled at her. Three girls were quite stand-offish as if they were regal princesses who were forced to greet a commoner who was socially inferior. The school wide announcements began shortly after the teacher had completed her morning duties. The principal welcomed Krista to school and praised her for her bravery. Then he went on to explain that bullying of any type was prohibited and that anyone caught would be automatically expelled for three days. During that time the bully's records would be researched by a teacher panel who would recommend either further discipline or end the punishment.
The school grouped the students by academic ability within their grade and their homeroom would also be their first period class. They would move from class to class as a group. Each grade was made up of three classes. The morning seemed to fly by as they moved from class to class. Karen and Lisa, and another girl named Kate Winslow made Krista feel welcome. The foursome gossiped at every opportunity. They made up the sporty girls, girls who loved being girls while enjoying sports and other physical activities.
Brittany Bailey, Chloe Carpenter and Tiffany Teasdale haughtily sneered at the foursome putting down the 'losers' with nasty comments about what they wore, how they styled their hair, and their choice of friends... meaning Krista. They always wore complementary coordinated outfits and primped before the mirror in the girls' restroom between every class. They avidly followed the fashion trends.
Tony had already discovered two of his erstwhile buddies had a major issue about Krista. Dwayne Harper and Phil Abott had attended St. Michael's Elementary together with Tony and they had played together for years. They were on the Tidewater Titans football team together. The macho duo thought Tony and Krista were faggots and let everyone know their opinion. It was only the school's anti-bullying policy that kept them in check.
Fiona Harper was a shy mousey girl with straight brown hair and glasses. Having just moved into the area, she had yet to make any close friends and didn't know what to make of Krista. Lacy Blount was a super girly girl. She wore dresses or skirts year round and accessorized her outfits. Fashion trends meant little to her, her only objective was to be a girl. Megan Leonard was an overweight, dumpy girl with at least 'C' sized breasts, She always wore loose baggy clothes to hide her chubby figure and was always put down by Brittany, Chloe and Tiffany. Amy Beck was the girl geek, hair pulled back into a low ponytail, glasses, and a large purse to hold her pens, markers, and pencils.
Jimmy Boswell had been one of Tony's buddies before Krista and they remained best friends. Klaus Smythe and Garret Houseman had replaced Dwayne and Phil, who wanted nothing to do with the new and improved Tony, in the circle of friends. They enjoyed sports and it was their main topic of discussion. Leo Thomas was a quiet geeky boy who stayed pretty much to himself. Gary Stevens and Ferdy Hammond were the class clowns.
Tony and Krista smiled at each other every time they looked at each other which was a lot. By lunch, Krista had tagged the three haughty girls as the 'snobbettes'. The other girls giggled and immediately adopted the moniker. Of course, it was simply a private joke between them and not meant to be used to their faces.
As at every school. the students divided in cliques. There were the elitists, the snobby girls and the uber jocks at the top of the pecking order. The next layer down were the genteel girls and semi-jocks who liked sports but had other interests. Then came the male and female rednecks raw, tough, vulgar, and bigoted. At the bottom of the heap were the geeks and misfits who intermingled.
After they picked up their lunches, the snobbettes headed for the elitist tables. Karen, Lisa, Kate and Krista headed took a table in the middle of the cafeteria where Fiona, Lacey and Megan joined them. Amy and Leo headed for the geek table. Dwayne and Phil headed for the redneck zone. Jimmy, Klaus, Garret and Tony headed to the semi-jock table where Gary and Ferdy joined them.
It was only during lunch and PE when the entire grade was able to mingle. Quite a few girls were eager to meet Krista to see what a boy who was a girl looked like. They were surprised to discover Krista seemed to be a pretty, natural and nice girl. Several joined them for lunch.
By the end of the day, Krista had all her books and homework. She was glad not to have to ride the bus as she and Tony road home to the farm with Pat. Pat didn't mind allowing the couple some cuddle time. When they left the school the protestors were gone. They hadn't received any TV coverage to showcase their self-righteousness. Most left vowing never to return to the heathen wilderness of St. Michaels.
*****
The second week of school (Krista’s first week) sped by as all the kids adjusted to their new school. Because of class size issues, Krista’s half brothers LJ and Peter had transferred from St. Michaels Elementary to Tilghman Elementary where Krista’s half sisters Lyndi and Teri would also attend. The four had no problems making new friends. Krista slipped easily into friendships as the cliques solidified. A few rednecks had attempted to harass Krista and Tony. Tony was big and strong and physically intimidating. Krista didn't look to be much of a threat but they knew she had decisively beaten Tony in a fight at their first meeting and had killed Tony's dad, the murderer and escaped prisoner. Each time anyone tried to hassle them, Tony and Krista boldly confronted them, standing their ground with self-confidence until the rednecks wilted away.
Upon arriving home, Krista would change into old jeans and shirt to head out to the barn to join Kylie Masters, another TS her uncle Larry’s fiancee, and Tony, who changed clothes in the bathroom of the barn. The pair would assist Kylie in whatever she was doing. Even though she was only nineteen, Kylie was a top-notch mechanic having learned from her late father who had been the best mechanic in the county. Even though she’d only recently set up her repair business in the barn, she already had a number of people bringing their vehicles for her to repair. Leroy Scott, Krista’s dad and a deputy sheriff, had helped Kylie get a permit to operate a vehicle and motor repair shop from the barn. She not only worked on cars and trucks, she did small motors such as lawn mowers, garden tractors, farming tractors, outboard motors, jet skis, and even boats with built in motors. Tony’s dad, Jack, had been a so-so mechanic working for his brother, but had trouble holding a job after Jim died. After he had car-naped Evelyn, Tony, and Krista, Krista had intentionally crashed and then fought the man to the death. Tony had learned a bit about auto mechanics and brought his late father's tools out to the barn. For most things, Tony was able to work alone. If he didn't know something or wasn't sure, he didn't hesitate to ask Kylie. For her part, Kylie was free with sharing her knowledge.
As the business picked up, Kylie started bogging down on the paperwork. That's where Krista fit in. With the old computer that Evelyn Masters, Kylie’s mom, had used to keep Jim’s repair business running smoothly, Krista soon learned the book keeping program and was able to track parts ordered, parts received, parts used and set up an automated reorder point on items that were frequently used and kept in stock. She also revised the billing program that listed the parts used and labor to calculate a total with applicable sales tax. A printable invoice could be printed out detailing parts and repairs for each customer. While it took several days to set up the system, once in place it was easy to maintain and update. Ed Nelson spent at least some of every day helping Kylie while Lisa, Ed’s wife, spent time with Jane O’Brien, Krista’s gram, cooking and baking for their families and friends.
*****
On Saturday, the family headed for a day of Tidewater Titan football. Krista was able to wear her cheering uniform and she was allowed to cheer, but she was forbidden to do more than step with the routines. Jumps, leaps, and splits were strictly verbotten.
Everyone watched and cheered as LJ and Peter play in the mitey-mite scrimmage. During the junior pee-wee game while Lyndi and Teri cheered, Krista and Tony slowly walked hand in hand about the park a bit just enjoying being together. In a remote corner of the park, away from the noise of the game, they heard a child forlornly crying from inside a thicket they passed.
"Hello," Krista called out. "Do you need any help?"
The crying immediately ceased and no sounds came from the thicket.
"We only want to help you," Krista called out again but there was no response.
Turning to her boyfriend Krista asked, "Tony, can you go in and make sure whoever it is is okay?"
Tony nodded and began to look for a path through the tightly packed branches.
"My boyfriend is coming inside to help you," Krista told the person.
"NO! NO! "I'm okay, I just need to rest," the child responded in fearful desperation.
By this time Krista figured out it was a young very frightened girl inside. "I can't come in after you," Krista explained. “I've got some boo-boos that won't let come in. If you won't come out or let my boyfriend come in to get you, I'll simply have to call the police to come get you."
"NO, please," the girl cried as her sobbing started up again. "Don't call the police... I'll really get in trouble! I'll come out, just make sure the boy doesn't touch me."
"I won't touch you unless you give me permission," Tony called out realizing the girl was terrified and frightened by males.
They heard a rustling sound grow louder as the girl made her way through the thicket. After over a minute, she poked her head out. She'd had to crawl out on her hands and knees. Her clothes were dirty and tattered and her tears had cleaned tracks though the grime on her face. She looked to be about six or seven but had a look of abject fear in her hollow eyes.
"Please, I'll be good," she sniffled. "But I don't want to go back. Mommy's boyfriend will hurt me again."
"We won't make you go back," Krista assured her. "We'll help you. I'm Krista and this is Tony. What's your name?"
"I'm Sandi, Sandi Herr," she said.
Krista could see the pain and terror in the girl's face. She knelt down and opened her arms. The girl flew into the embrace and once more began sobbing. Krista comforted her until she finally settled down. Krista ran her fingers through the girl's ratty hair to clean out the twigs and debris "When was the last time you ate?"
"I'm not sure," Sandi sniffled.
"Well, then come with us," Krista smiled. "My family is having a picnic and we have tons of food."
The girl tentatively smiled and nodded her head.
"Okay," Krista smiled. "Now Tony is going to have to help me back on my feet."
Looking at the bandages on Krista's arm & leg Sandi asked, "Are those your boo-boos?"
"Yes," Krista answered as Tony helped her back to her feet. "I had a bad man hurt me almost two weeks ago."
As they headed back to the picnic area, Krista held Sandi's left hand with her right and Tony's right hand with her left.
When Sandi noticed they were holding hands, she quietly asked, "Is he your boyfriend?"
"Yes," Krista smiled. "But he knows better than to try to hurt anyone. The first time we met we had a fight but I won. Since then, we've become friends."
The girl looked amazed. "You can beat up boys?"
"Only if they deserve it," Krista replied. "Fighting is never a good way to settle problems but sometimes you have no choice."
Sandi mulled that over. Pat saw the threesome coming and immediately knew something was up. She called to Leroy to come over. By the time he got to the picnic table they'd laid claim to for the day, Pat could see the girl was filthy and had been crying. She sat on the bench and waited while Leroy stood at the far end of the table.
"It's okay, Sandi," Krista assured her as she hesitated. "These are my parents. Mom is a nurse so she can make sure you're okay and my dad is a deputy sheriff, so he can arrest anyone who hurts you."
Sandi looked at Krista and in all earnestness asked, "Will he arrest mommy's boyfriend?"
"If your mommy's boyfriend hurt you, then he'll put him in jail," Krista assured the girl. "Mom, dad, this is Sandi Herr," Krista said. "She said she couldn't remember how long it's been since she ate so I invited her to help herself."
Hiding half-way behind Krista she looked at the food. "Is it okay if I eat?"
"Of course Sandi," Pat said. "You just sit right down and I'll fill a plate for you. Leroy, could you please warm up a hotdog?"
"One weiner coming up," Leroy smiled at Sandi who was still cringing a bit.
Sandi tucked into the repast. It was obvious she hadn't eaten for a while. Pat had to caution her twice about chewing her food before swallowing. While she ate, Leroy took several pictures of Sandi. When she finally had her fill, she burped and blushed.
"You sure were hungry," Krista smiled. "How long were hiding in those bushes?"
"I was there two nights," Sandi answered as she leaned back to let the food settle.
"Wow, you're brave to have stayed there two nights," Krista declared. "Can you tell my mom and dad what your mommy's boyfriend did to hurt you?"
"He and mommy were drinking beer and smoking those nasty cigarettes they call weed," Sandi explained. "I don't know why anyone would want to smoke a weed but they do it all the time. I always go to my room when they do that because they start doing all sorts of weird stuff. I was playing with my dolls when he slammed open the door. He was really scary and his eyes were big and bulgy. Then he came over to me and pulled his boy thing out of his pants and told me to kiss it."
"That's terrible," Krista gasped as she slipped next to the shivering girl and protectively wrapped an arm around her.
"It was terrible," Sandi said as she sniffed back tears and leaned into Krista's embrace. "When I said no he got mad and grabbed my hair. When I screamed he pushed the thing in my mouth. It tasty nasty and I got sick all over him. That only made him madder. He threw me onto my bed and pulled off my pants. Then he stuck his dirty fingers inside me. It hurt, but then he climbed on top of me and shoved his boything in me. I screamed and then I don't remember anything for a while."
Krista embraced Sandi tighter, as she angrily looked to her parents. Pat slid next to the girl and added her hug to Krista's. Leroy took his phone and called 911 to dispatch a cruiser and EMTs to the park for a child molestation adding to make sure there was a female in the EMT unit.
"When I woke up I really hurt between my legs and when I went to pee, I saw I was bloody down there," Sandi continued. "I washed myself and went and got clean undies and a pair of jeans. Then I went to the kitchen and got some food. While I was eating he came into the kitchen in his undies. He smiled really nastily and came towards me telling me I was his little piece of heaven. I ran out the back door and he yelled at me to get back but I kept running. I'm not sure how I got here but I hid because I was afraid he was still chasing me."
Just then the sound of approaching sirens heralded the arrival of the police and the EMT's. Sandi began to panic but was so worn out she settled down in Krista's tender but restraining embrace.
"Sandi," Leroy asked as gently as he could. "I need to ask you several questions. What is your mother's name? Do you know the boyfriend's name? Do you your home address? It'll make arresting him easier."
"My mommy is Buffy Herr," Sandi said. “Her boyfriend is Dan. We live at 918 Elm Street in Easton."
"Good girl," Leroy smiled as the EMTs and officers joined them. Then he turned to the officers and briefed them on what Sandi had said.
"Sandi," Pat began. "Are you still wearing the underwear you put on when you left home?"
"I'm sorry," she said ashamed. "I know you should always wear clean panties but I didn't have any to change into."
"Don't remove her panties," Pat cautioned the EMTs. "The hospital will need to run a rape kit on her and her clothes."
The EMT's nodded and checked Sandi. Other than some minor cuts and bruises, seemed to be in good shape. When they wanted to load her into the ambulance to take her to the hospital, she balked.
"Sandi trusts me. Would it be okay if I stayed with her," Krista asked the EMTs and indirectly her parents
The EMTs looked at Pat and Leroy who nodded their heads. Within minutes they were headed to the hospital. Leroy was sitting in the cruiser giving the details of what Sandi had told them. He told them to contact Judge Watkins for search and arrest warrants. Pat went over to Gram and told her what was going on and that she was going to go to the hospital to assist anyway she could.
Sandi refused to let Krista leave her alone and clung to her hand with both of hers. The emergency room staff knew their exam depended upon Sandi's cooperation so they let Krista stay. Everyone was horrified to see the bruising and swelling at the little girl's genitals. Scabs had already formed at the numerous small tears but after Krista reassured her they had to clean her up down there she bore the pain better than could be expected. Of course, Krista wondered if her nearly crushed hand would recover.
The panties were saturated with discharge. It would prove to be her blood and semen from her attacker.
A half hour after Sandi arrived in the hospital, search warrants were obtained and a strike force swept into the condo. They found Buffy and Dan in bed passed out. Beer bottles, weed, crystal meth, and all sorts of pills were discovered. Dan was a small time dealer who supported himself selling illegal drugs. Sandi's bedroom produced ample evidence of the rape.
When they ran Dan’s fingerprints on the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) they found that Daniel Miller was a convicted drug dealer and pedophile who had skipped parole in California. After being arraigned he was locked up in the county prison without bail. The next morning he was cornered and beaten to death by his fellow inmates in the exercise yard. Inmates have no sympathy for a child rapist. The investigation never determined who was responsible as virtually everyone in the yard swarmed the soon to be dead man.
When Buffy sobered, she was horrified by what had happened and that she'd been so strung out she had abandoned her child. Her remorse led her to plead guilty to charges of child neglect and abuse as well as allowing drug dealing to be done from her condo. In the two days Sandi had been missing, she'd never notified the police. It was unclear if she even knew her daughter had been missing much less that she'd been raped.
Sandi was admitted to the hospital for observation and Krista agreed to stay with her. Pat smiled at her caring daughter and approved. At Pat's insistence, Leroy used his connections to pull the strings to be granted temporary custody. When Sandi was discharged Sunday morning, Leroy took her and Krista home in his police car. It was while on the way home they were notified of the beating death of Daniel Miller at the hands of the inmates. Sandi was upset he had been killed but relieved to know he'd never hurt her again. She snuggled into Krista for a hug while she cried.
LJ and Peter were none too happy about gaining another sister, but they understood she'd been hurt by bad people and rescued by Krista so that made it okay. Teri and Lyndi were delighted to have a new sister join their happy family. They insisted Sandi stay in their bedroom. Although a bit timid at first, Sandi quickly shook off the gloom and fear as she was surrounded by happy, caring people. Sandi was transferred to Tilghman Elementary School and to regain some sense of normality rode the bus with LJ, Peter, Lyndi, and Teri. Gram followed in her van to handle the transfer at the school.
Within a week, Sandi was like one of the family. Pat made sure to talk with her in private every day to make sure there were no major issues. The fact Krista was about each day made things go smoothly. Teri and Lyndi kept Sandi under their wings and protected her at school. She eagerly joined the three girls as they went over their cheering routines. Krista was still forbidden from heavy exertion, but she served as the watchdog to correct any flaws in the routines.
*****
Part 2
Krista was once more feted as a hero for rescuing the battered child. This time instead of killing someone she'd saved someone. Saving a person definitely felt better. While pleased with saving Sandi, Krista was also disturbed by the incident. She felt there was something very important missing. Saving Sandi was only part of what she needed to do.
It took Krista until Wednesday just before lunch until she figured out the missing link. As she walked the halls between classes that morning Krista saw a boy gobbling down a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared after the boy. She realized he had set off the alarm bells in her head. It only took an instant until she realized what was niggling in the back of her mind. It was the Spades! They had said they had been involved in trying to help three sisters in the school where they taught. The girls' father had abandoned the family and the only job where the mother could earn money was as an exotic dancer in a strip club in Baltimore. The mom was deemed unfit and the girls split into separate foster home. The oldest girl, the mother hen of the flock much like Krista had done during their odyssey, was raped by her foster father. The girl had retreated within her mind and had not come back out. The distraught mother killed the man who had molested her children. Their surname was Reese!
As they headed into lunch, Krista excused herself from her girlfriends explaining she needed to take care of something important. Heading over to the geek table, she asked Amy and Ferdy if they could join her for a private conversation while they ate. As Krista was an interesting person and had a warm, friendly yet dominant nature, they agreed. Both were horrified by what Krista told them and asked if they could help her locate the Reese girls. All she could tell them was that the girls had attended Perryville Elementary School in Cecil County, Maryland, that the Spades had been teachers there, and that it had happened about two to two and a half years ago. Amy and Ferdy were excited about becoming involved in Krista's new adventure and eagerly agreed to see what information they could find.
By the next day the data duo had located the oldest girl, Jasmine Reese, now 13, in a nursing home. She was in a persistent vegetative state and kept alive by nutritive feedings and hydration. The mother, Heather Reese, now thirty one, was locked up in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup serving fifteen to twenty five years for second degree murder. Leroy explained they would have to hack into the Cecil County Courthouse files to find out where the younger girls were. Both he and Amy seemed delighted at the prospect.
*****
On Saturday the family, now including Sandi, headed out for the football games. Krista and Tony took Sandi to the sidelines as the twins cheered for their age bracket team. Dressed in a sweater and pleated skirt in the team colors, Sandi did the cheers along with the girls. All thought she was cute.
Mindy Welch, the cheerleader coach, took note of the perky girl being watched by Krista and Tony. Having heard what happened last week, Mindy sidled over to Krista. "Is that the girl you found last week?"
"Yes," Krista nodded. "My parents took her in as a foster child and she's doing really good. She's been practicing the routines with Lyndi and Teri."
" I have an open position on the younger cheer squad," Mindy declared. "Do you think she'd like to cheer for the team LJ and Peter are on?"
"I think she'd love to," Krista smiled. "We'll have to ask mom first. Tony, can you ask mom to come here for a moment?"
Tony smiled and nodded as he took off at a trot. A few minutes later he returned with Pat in tow. Mindy explained her desire to have Sandi join the cheering squad for the younger boys.
"That sounds like a great idea," Pat enthused. "But I'd like to surprise her. I'll order a uniform in her size on Monday. How about we bring her to practice and you can ask her if she'd like to join her age group cheering. After practice, we'll stop and get her uniform."
"Sounds like a plan," Mindy smiled.
*****
By Monday the data duo had the results on the Reeses. Holly, now 11 and Ivy, now 9, were still in foster care in separate families and different schools in Cecil county. Once Krista had all the information, she thanked them and told them to never hesitate to ask her for help in anything they needed. Both smiled.
Krista wanted to get the Reese girls back together with their mother. She hoped that once the family was reunited, Jasmine would emerge from her catatonic state. When she had as much information as she could gather, she asked her parents she needed to have a private discussion with them. After supper they sat on the porch.
"When we first met the Spades, we were two weeks into our trek, " Krista began. "We were at Mystic Seaport looking through the fence at the exhibits wishing we could go inside. They approached us and after a bit of dithering, they paid our way inside. They were really nice and thought we were homeless while mom was away at sea as a cook. We slept on their boat and they brought us clothes. They told us they wouldn't turn us over to the authorities because they had a bad experience in the past when they reported a family to the Children’s service agency. The father was gone, I don't remember if he took off or died, but the only way the mother could support her daughters was by becoming an exotic dancer. The children were taken and split into different foster homes. The oldest girl was raped by her foster father and has been catatonic since. The mother shot and killed the rapist so now she's in jail serving fifteen to twenty five years for second degree murder. The catatonic daughter is in a nursing home being kept alive and the younger daughters are in separate foster homes and attend different schools. Lyndi, Teri, and I reminded them of the family they destroyed. The girls are all in Cecil County and the mother is in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup. Saving Sandi felt good but at the same time I felt guilty like I was missing something. It finally hit me on Wednesday. It was the Reese girls. I know this sounds silly, but I need to help them." With that Krista gave her parents the data she'd collected.
Pat and Leroy smiled and nodded their heads. Krista was a marvelous person.
"Some of this is restricted data," Leroy said as he skimmed the papers. "How did you get all this information?
Krista blushed and bit her lips. Then with a sigh she answered. "I plead the Fifth Amendment."
"So you know quite a bit of this was gotten illegally," Leroy sighed as Krista squirmed. "I guess I'll have to retrieve it through legal channels. Tell whoever got you this to make sure they covered their trail."
"Will do, dad, Thanks," Krista smiled.
"I'll check to make sure the younger girls are safe," Leroy said. “If they are, it'll be better to leave them where they're at until we can get other issues resolved. I'll contact Kevin Stewart, he's the best defense lawyer in the county. I'll have him take a look at Heather Reese's case to see if we can appeal the conviction."
"I'll call in some markers to find more about Jasmine's condition," Pat said. "You'll have to be patient as this will take some time."
"I understand," Krista nodded. "Do you think we have a chance of getting the conviction overturned?"
"Kevin will figure that out," Leroy explained. "But it looks like she had a court appointed public defender. Sometimes they simply are too busy to do a good job, especially in a case where the accused admitted to the killing."
"We'll need to find them a place to live," Krista said as she was already moving on to how they could help the Reese's.
Gram came walking up to them. "Now who are we moving?"
Krista once more explained the situation.
Gram just nodded and cryptically stated. "I'll see what I can do on the housng end."
*****
The next morning, Jane contacted Robert and Sheila Scott, Krista's paternal grandparents and asked them to join her for lunch as she had something to discuss.
After they finished eating Jane spoke up. "Are you still interested in moving out her on the peninsula?"
"Yes we are but so far we haven't found anything," Robert said.
"I was talking to Bill Dougherty yesterday," Jane said. "He's thinking of selling off his farm, just keeping a water-side site to build a small place. He wants to make sure the farm continues and doesn't get developed. That's why he hasn't listed it. If it's listed, some developer will gobble it up."
Robert and Sheila exchanged glances then Sheila asked. "How much land does he have?"
"Basically the rest of the Wells Point peninsula," Jane replied. "His land adjoins mine. In the north it runs along Leadham Creek into Long Cove, from the south western tip of the cove about fifty yards to Wells Point Lane. The property line follows the south west side of the road as it heads northwest along the tree line. Then it follows the tree line south along the Bozman Neavitt Road. Once it nears the houses and developments north of Neavitt it follows the tree line south east to Balls Creek. It includes Johns Cove and the docks."
"There is a big house with barns and outbuildings off the docks at Johns Cove," Jane continued. "There's another house about eighty feet further up Johns Cove Lane. About two hundred fifty feet north on Johns Cove Lane is the main farm with a large house, two barns and a shed. About three hundred feet north Dougherty Lane splits off heading north west five hundred feet until it meets Wells Point Lane. There is a house, large barn and a shed there. Heading west on Wells Point lane for four hundred feet is another house with a garage. Going back to John's Cove Lane where Dougherty Lane split off, about hundred feet north on Johns Cove Lane is a large barn. A further four hundred fifty feet Johns Cove Lane crosses Wells Point Road. The farm on the intersection of Dougherty Lane and Wells Point Lane is about five hundred feet from the intersection of Wells Point Lane and Johns Cove Lane. Heading north about three hundred fifty feet on John's Cove Lane from the intersection is the biggest house on the property. Eight hundred feet east of Johns cove Lane on Wells Point Lane, Locust Neck Lane travels south two thousand feet to the forest on Locust neck Point. Steves Cove Lane heads south from my barn into the trees and then runs along the property line for two thousand feet to the east of Steves Cove to end at the forest on Balls Creek Point. It's about six hundred and fifty acres. My farm is about four hundred twenty five acres as a comparison."
"That's a big area," Robert acknowledged. "I don't know if we can afford it."
"You can get the kids to join you," Jane suggested. "You'll have six houses, five barns, six sheds, one garage, and one boat house. David and Laura and their kids could take the big house. She's mentioned more than once she'd like to open a Bed and Breakfast and that place would be ideal. I'm sure Larry and Kylie would jump at the chance to live out here and I think Evelyn Masters would be willing to sell her place to move in with them. The same goes for Rachel Masters and Tony. You'd take another house so that would leave three open."
"I've known you too long, Jane," Sheila chuckled. "So who do you have in mind for the other houses?"
“Well, Krista has come up with the idea of saving a family that's been torn apart," Jane smiled. "It involves the Spades but they don't know that yet. They could take the house at the dock and operate the dock in conjunction with the bed and breakfast. It'd be a better location to launch the DUKW too. The environmentalists wouldn't look too favorably if we tried to reopen the route we used to use."
Jane went on to explain about Krista's idea to reunite the Reese family. Robert and Sheila both smiled proudly thinking about how caring Krista was about people she'd never met.
"I really think if Bill knows you'll buy the place with your extended family, he'll cut you a deal," Jane finished. "Besides, neither of you'd have to pay a real-estate agent's commission."
"Well, I guess it won't hurt to talk to Bill," Robert replied. "I saw his truck on the way in so maybe I can catch him to sound him out"
A few moments later, Robert and Sheila pulled up beside Bill's truck parked by the side of the road. The old man was down in one of the many small streams unsuccessfully trying to pull some trees that had been downed by a recent storm from a drain pipe. Robert pulled his F350 Ford truck around until it faced the pipe. Sheila slid behind the steering wheel as Robert walked around the front to pick up the winch cable. As Sheila let it unwind, Robert climbed down into the ditch/streambed.
"Wrap this around the trunks," Robert said as he reached the heavily perspired older man.
"T’ank ya kindly, Robert," Bill said as he wrapped the half inch steel cable around the trunks.
The two stood clear and signaled Sheila who began to rewind the cable. Once the cable was taunt, it shook for a moment before the trees begrudgingly let loose. Sheila winched the offending trees right up to the front of the truck as the men clambered out of the ditch. After unhooking the cable, Sheila wound the slack cable onto the winch while the men threw the branches into the back of Bill's beat up old 1968 F150.
"T’ank ya ‘gain," Bill smiled when the task was finished.
"Anytime, Bill," Robert replied. "We were just talking to Jane O'Brien and she said you were thinking of selling the place but didn't want to let it go to a developer."
"That AH am," Bill answered. "If ya know anyone who might be interested, le’ me know."
"Well, I might be interested if the price is right," Robert replied with a genuine smile.
“Ah know ya don’t want ta become a farma and Ah don’ want to see it all divied up fer development,” Bill surmised. “So what ya want it fer?”
“You know my granddaughter made her way down from Massachuset,” Robert began. “She and her sisters are living with Jane. My oldest boy, Leroy and his family have moved in with Jane since he’s Krista’s father.”
“Yep, heard all ‘bout her,” Bill nodded. “She’s one feisty gal, took out Jack Masters and then rescued that ‘bused girl. Not to mention she put some life back into Jane. That ‘bused girl’s stayin’ wit’ ‘em ain’t she?”
“Yes, Sandi is staying with them at least temporarily but I think it might be permanently,” Robert replied. “Kylie Masters has set up a repair shop in Jane’s barn. She and my youngest, Larry are engaged and will probably marry next spring. My other son Dave works with me and his wife Laura has been talking about buying a place to live in and make over into a bed and breakfast. Sheila and I have been talking about moving into the country for a while but haven’t found anything that suits us. Jane suggested your place would be big enough for my family. The big place could become a home and bed and breakfast for Dave and Laura. Larry is a good worker but his heart just isn’t in the construction business. He’s always liked gardening, so I think he’d be interested in farming, besides which living out here Kylie would be next door to her garage. I’d assume Evelyn would sell her place and move in with them. Then there’s Rachel Masters, Evelyn’s sister and her son Tony. They could have a place out here too. We’d all be nice and cosy out here on Wells Point.”
“Does sound perty good,” Bill mused. “But Ah could easily get five million fer the place, especially wit’ all the water frontage. Ah don’t tink even ya could handle that.”
“I could but I don’t want to,” Robert answered honestly. “I’d have to hock everything and that’s just too risky. Besides, the only way you’d get that is to sell it to a developer. “I’m thinking more of giving you a million in cash, and paying you a consulting fee of a thousand a month to stay on as agricultural advisor for Larry. Plus, I build a cabin and a dock for you down on Balls Creek. The house would be masonry. The ground floor would be open plan for use as a garage or boat storage. The second floor would be above a fifteen foot storm surge and we’ll build a ramp for access and a full wrap around balcony deck. We'd keep ownership which would free you from property taxes and sign a contract allowing you rent free use for life. We'll do the upkeep for free and install whatever type of heating/cooling system you'd like. Your only expenses would be utilities. We can also add in a title stipulation limiting the development of the land to keep it either a farm or wildlife sanctuary."
"That's a mighty fine deal," Bill acknowledged. "The cabin sounds good and ah know just where ta put it. The consultin’ fee will pay ma bills plus Ah'll have my social security. Ah never was one ta travel, so the million should be more’n enough to keep me happy. Ah'll give it some thought."
"Think about this," Sheila added as she had joined them while Robert was talking. "Our extended family will be here so someone will be nearby at all times. Living with us will also make you like one of the family so you'll be included in all our get togethers."
"Now the deal sounds even betta," Bill chuckled. "Mah ungrateful kids t’ain't even called since Edna passed t’ree years ‘go. Tell ya what, let's sit down with a lawyr and hammer out a deal. Ah wanna make sure mah kids don't try ta steal me blind. Ah don't want ‘em to get anything of value. Family photos ‘n such, but nothin’ more. Ah'll want an iron clad deal fer us ‘n mah will."
"Well, Kevin Stewart is the best attorney around here," Robert said. "He handles all my legal matters and Leroy trusts him."
"Sounds good ‘nough fer me," Bill answered. "If a sheriff trusts a lawyer, he's gotta be good."
"I'll call and set up a joint consultation where we can tell him what we want," Robert said. "When he gets it together, he'll let us know so we can review it to make sure it's what we want. Then all we need to do is sign."
"’n get me a million dollars," Bill added with a chuckle.
*****
Leroy had set up and appointment to meet Kevin Stewart for lunch. Being friends since high school, the men sat and talked as the ate. When they were relaxing over desert and coffee, Leroy presented the information packet Krista had assembled.
"We don't know where some of this information was gathered," Leroy said. "All I know is my daughter had some help from some classmates but she took the fifth about saying any more."
"I take it you're referring to Krista," Kevin chuckled. "You got your hands full with that one."
"Yes, but she's a good person and only wants to help others," Leroy answered. "Do you think you can help the mom get out?"
"At first glance it looks like a great case can be made," Kevin said. "The lawyer who represented her is at best incompetent in a court room. This could run into some money for appeals and documents. While I'll run the case gratis, I can't afford the costs."
"Check it out," Leroy said. "If you think you can get her released, I know some people who I'm sure will pay the costs. "They were teachers who started the initial child services investigation because they were concerned for the children but everything went south. They've been tortured with guilt since."
"That's good," Kevin smiled. “If they filed the complaint against the mother and are now willing to testify their motives were good but misguided, it can only help the case. Give me a couple of days to root around. Let's meet for lunch on Thursday and I'll be able to give you an answer."
"Sounds good,' Leroy stood as they shook hands. "If you think it'll be a go, I'll contact the couple. I don't want to get their hopes up before then."
*****
After school on Tuesday, Gram gathered LJ, Peter, Sandi, Lyndi and Teri and drove them to their football and cheering practice. Pat met them there with Tony and Krista. As LJ and Peter took the field with the Mitey-Mites, Krista and Pat led Sandi over to the Mitey-Mite cheerleaders. Mindy Welch greeted them warmly.
"Sandi, I saw you doing the routines on the sidelines at Saturday's game," Mindy said.
Sandi immediately hunkered down by Krista afraid she was about to be scolded.
"Oh Sandi, it's okay," Mindy knelt down to appear less threatening. "I thought you did a good job. I talked to Pat and Krista. They said it was okay if I asked you if you'd like to join this group of cheerleaders. We're short one girl and I think you'd be perfect to fill up the squad. So , what do you say, do you want to be a cheerleader for the Tidewater Titans Mitey-Mites?"
Sandi was gobsmacked. No one had EVER asked her to join in anything! She looked at Krista and Pat for guidance.
Krista knelt down by Sandi. "My mom and I are okay with you doing this, but we're not about to make you do it," Krista explained. “The choice is yours and we'll support you either way. If you want to join, we'll get you a uniform just like the ones Teri, Lyndi, and I wear. You'd be cheering for LJ and Peter. Are you interested?"
Tentatively Sandi nodded her head still not fully comfortable with being allowed to make decisions.
"I'll tell you what," Mindy smiled as she stood and reached for Sandi's hand. "Krista, will you come out to help me keep an eye on the girls to make sure they’re doing the routines correctly? Sandi, you come with us and meet the other girls and practice with us. If you have a good time and want to join the squad, you can let me know after the practice is over. So come on girls, lets go cheer!"
Krista took Sandi's trembling hand and put it in Mindy's outstretched hand. "Go for it, Sandi! I'll be right there the whole time and promise that nothing bad will happen to you."
With a last look to Krista for reassurance, Sandi allowed herself to be led to the other girls. As soon as the other cheerleaders found out Sandi was thinking of joining the squad they squealed with delight and swarmed her to hug her telling her they needed her to fill out the squad. Sandi actually smiled. Soon she was doing the routines with the other girls. Krista proved to be adept at improving the performance of all the girls without upsetting them. When the other girls asked Sandi how she could be so good so she explained she had been practicing with Teri and Lyndi while Krista coached them. By the time the practice was over, Sandi was happily nodding her head in response to the girls' unanimous requests she join the team.
Lyndi and Teri welcomed Sandi aboard as they headed out for their Junior Pee-Wee practice. Pat was helping LJ and Peter out of their uniforms as Sandi ran ahead of Krista to hug Pat in thanks for helping her. When they joined Gram, Tony listened as LJ and Peter explained their team's strategy. Pat and Krista headed to the car with Sandi to go try on and pick-up the cheerleader uniform they had ordered.
Sandi was so excited as she modeled the cute outfit she never questioned how the store had a perfectly fitting uniform with her name embroidered on it in stock. Of course she had to wear it out of the store. They arrived back at the practice just as Lyndi and Teri were finishing their practice. The twins swarmed Sandi and Mindy congratulated Sandi on becoming such and adorable cheerleader.
Gram produced her picnic basket of goodies and the family ate while the Pee-Wee teams practiced. By the time they were done, it was time for the Midget practice. Tony headed out with the guys while Krista joined the girls. Krista was well enough to do the steps and kicks but had to refrain from the jumps. Sandi watched her idol with devotion and mimicked her every move.
By the time they arrived home, everyone was tired. Leroy had to see Sandi model her cheerleader costume and he told her how cute she looked. The girl went to bed that night with a smile on her face. It was the first time she slept through the night without nightmares.
*****
By Wednesday Pat was perplexed. No matter who she contacted to try to find information about Jasmine Reese she found a brick wall. The long term rehab center that the data duo had uncovered as the location of Jasmine Reese was out of date. It was the location Jasmine had been admitted after being discharged from the hospital, but at some point she had been moved and no one seemed to know where she was now. No one she contacted was able to find where the girl had gone or even if she was still alive. Growing fearful, she contacted Leroy.
Realizing this could be a danger sign of gross misconduct, Leroy contacted Judge Watkins.
Catherine Watkins had Leroy in his role as deputy sheriff in her courtroom on many occasions and had always found him prepared and professional. Whatever evidence or testimony he presented was always beyond reproach. The judge respected Leroy as an officer of the law and as an honorable and judicious man. It had been her great pleasure to handle the adoption of Krista and her sisters. She was the judge who signed the warrants to search Sandi’s home for evidence of her molestation. She would later sentence Sandi’s mother for her role in the abuse. Abuse was something Judge Watkins detested, especially when it involved juveniles.
When Judge Watkins found out Leroy wanted to discuss another possible abuse case that Krista had uncovered, she agreed to meet Leroy privately after normal court hours in her chambers. Judge Watkins was well aware of Krista’s odyssey, knew what Krista had done to save Rachel, Tony and herself from Jack Masters, and how she had not only discovered Sandi, but had eased the child’s terror by staying with her throughout her ordeal in the hospital. The judge had learned to respect any concerns Krista brought to her attention.
Needless to say, Judge Watkins was not pleased by what Leroy laid out before her. The stonewall they had run into concerning Jasmine Reese raised her concerns. She also told Leroy that if Kevin Stewart found probable cause for a bad verdict and sentence in the case against Heather Reese she wanted to be notified as she could use her connections to expedite handling.
Leroy thanked Judge Watkins and headed home knowing they’d have soon have answers.
Judge Watkins contacted a trusted friend who was a lawyer in the Maryland State Attorney General’s Office. When Amanda Frost learned of her friend’s concerns she had someone from the evening research staff begin going through the computer records to see where the state welfare stipend to care for Jasmine Reese were being sent. She also ordered copies of the trial transcripts for Heather Reese as well as records of her time in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup.
Krista was scared by the mystery of Jasmine’s location but Leroy assured her Judge Watkins would get to the bottom of the dilemma before too long. Knowing Judge Watkins was involved reduced her fears to concerns.
*****
Robert and Sheila Scott and Bill Dougherty met with Kevin Stewart Thursday afternoon, September 20. The three explained their verbal bargain about the sale of Bill’s farm and that they wanted to have it drawn up all nice and legal as well as Bill’s desire to have an iron clad will drawn up cutting his ungrateful children from everything but designated family heirlooms. Bill also insisted it be in plain simple English as he didn’t trust legalese. Kevin made copious notes and questioned them to clarify any questionable area before he finally read his summation to them. Robert and Sheila said they were satisfied with the summation but Bill frowned.
“Bill, you don’t seem happy,” Kevin said. “Did I miss something?”
“Wa’l, Ah’ve been thinkin’ while we were chawin’,” Bill began. “Ah don’t like that million dollar cash sale.”
Robert and Sheila were shocked and disappointed. Kevin was equally confused.
“It just don’ seem right ta me,” Bill said. “Ah mean, Ah’d have ta pay taxes on a million dollars ‘n then Ah wouldn’t have a million, now would Ah?”
“All right, Bill,” Robert sighed. “I’ll up the price to a million after taxes.”
“No, no, man, are ya nuts or something? Ah’ve been thinking, what will Ah do with a million dollars, even after taxes,” Bill groused. “Ah’d die before Ah could even spend a tenth of that, then mah kids wo’ld ‘xpect the damn money. If Ah get feeble minded ‘n need to be put in a home, they’d put me in some fleabag place ’n just gobble up the money. Hell, Robert, you build me that cabin ‘n dock ‘n le’ me live there fer free ‘n pay me that fancy consultin’ fee ‘n Ah’ll be happy.”
“Bill, are you sure,” Kevin said. “That’s an awful lot of money to give up!”
“Money, shmoney.” Bill chuckled. “A roof over mah head ‘n a fishin’ pole is all Ah need. ‘Sides, thar’s a mighty fine young gal livin’ out on the point that’s concerned ‘bout helpin’ others. Ah may be an old dog but Ah’m not too old ta learn new tricks. Ah’m too old ta figure out how ta go ‘round helpin’ others, but this here Scott family’ll be able ta do a lot more good for people if they don’t go a million dollars in debt! Mah mind’s made up. No million bucks. Now ya'll take it or leave it!”
Sheila had tears running down her cheeks. “Why you old goat! You had us going there for a minute. If this what you want, I can promise you we’ll make you proud of the confidence you have in us.”
“If Ah did’n believe that, Ah wo’ldn’t be doin’ this,” Bill said. “Now, Mr. Lawyer, you draw this up jus’ like Ah said ‘n do mah will. The sooner the betta!“
“Kevin, do as this gentleman says, and be sure to send me the bill,” Robert said as he extended his hand to Bill.
Bill just smiled as they shook.
As Robert and Sheila left the office, Sheila called Jane and told her the news and asked if she could get hold of the Spades. Naturally, Jane was thrilled and jumped at the chance to have a picnic on the farm Saturday after the football games to announce the pending purchase and the rough plans for the place.
When she got back to the office, Sheila began getting the paperwork ready to apply for the permits to build Bill his retirement cabin and dock. She also prepared permit applications to remodel the existing homes and barns. The paperwork would be filed the same day they had settlement at the courthouse.
Jane called the Spade's as soon as she got off the phone with Sheila. They were glad to hear from her and wanted the latest news on the girls. Quite naturally they were not surprised by Krista's actions to help Sandi and were glad they had played a small part in getting the girls safely home.
"If you're not sitting, do so," Jane said once they'd caught up. "And make sure you're on speaker phone."
Once the Spades had done as Jane requested they let her know.
"Krista was delighted about being able to help Sandi," Jane began. "But something didn't set right but she couldn't figure out what. She said it seemed to dance around her mind giving her glimpses of something that needed to be corrected. It hit her when she saw a kid munching on a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup as they switched classes. She remembered your feelings about the Reese girls."
The Spades gasped.
"You know how Krista is when she gets and idea in her head," Jane stated once they had collected themselves. "She went to some of her classmates who are good with computers and asked them to see what they could find on the family. Heather, the mother is serving a lengthy jail term for murder but it appears her lawyer was at best incompetent. While their was no doubt that Heather had killed the man who assaulted Jasmine, her reasons for doing so were not adequately brought to light. Leroy has a friend who is a good defense lawyer looking into the case. Holly and Ivy seem to be struggling emotionally and academically. Their foster homes seem adequate but are no substitute for real family. The real concern in the matter is Jasmine. The records we've found indicates she's in a rehab center operated by Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems but when we contacted the center the receptionist said they had no patient by that name or age. Yesterday Leroy took the information Krista collected and took it to Judge Watkins. She was not pleased by the stonewalling and promised to get with a friend in the state Attorney General's office. I know Judge Watkins. She'll be on the warpath to reunite this family."
"Please keep us posted," Frank replied with a heavy heart. "Let us know if there's anything we can do."
"I was hoping you'd say that," Jane chuckled. "Robert and Sheila have negotiated a deal with my neighbor, Bill Dougherty, who owns the base of Well's point Peninsula. They'll be signing paperwork next week to buy the property. There are five homes as well as numerous barns and sheds on the property. The big home they want to set up as a bed and breakfast with Laura running it. Then there's the house on Balls Creek that has a boat ramp and dock. They want to set it up as a boating and canoeing landing that guests at the bed and breakfast and other tourist types can utilize. With your background in boating, your name came up as living in the house there and setting up the business."
"Well, that sounds interesting," Frank replied. "It sounds like something we might be interested in pursuing. We've both gotten a bit weary of living in our sailboat."
"Great," Jane replied. "We're having a picnic late Saturday so Robert and Sheila can let the family know what's going on. If you can get here by Saturday morning, Robert can show you the layout and then join us at the picnic. If you accept the position as head of the boating enterprise, you'll also get use of the house there. With a permanent residence, you would be in a position where you can offer the Reese family a secure place to live."
"We'll be there for the picnic," Sarah declared. "We're down around the James river now. We can get there in plenty of time. We'll dock in St. Michaels and call you when we're in."
"It'd be better if you call the Nelsons," Jane said. "If you call me Krista might find out and I'd rather surprise her."
"Will do," Sarah replied.
*****
Part 3
While Krista was not a glamour queen, she had developed a feminine demeanor so that even dressed in jeans and flannel shirt she appeared to be a girl. The testosterone blockers were doing their job and had effectively shut down her male puberty before it started. Remembering how tough her school life had been in Massachusetts, she went out of her way to smile at everyone and greet them. In her book, everyone deserved a chance to prove their friendship.
The success she had in turning Tony from an overbearing swaggering bully into a nice friendly guy impressed everyone. Most of the kids from elementary school had avoided Tony and his three cronies Jimmy, Dwayne, and Phil. The positive change that Krista wrought in Tony was quite impressive. That Jimmy had moved from the skinny hanger-on in the bullying clique to be Tony's best friend and a nice guy was also appreciated.
At Krista's urging, she even convinced Tony and Jimmy to apologize to their old victims for their past bullying. At first the former victims were leery of the sudden change of their former adversaries, but they quickly realized that Krista was responsible. On top of that, Tony and Jimmy began running interference for their classmates with their former cronies. Dwayne and Phil had not changed and they could not understand or accept the dramatic change in Tony and Jimmy.
When Tony and Jimmy began shutting down Dwayne and Phil’s continued bullying, they nearly came to blows. It was only Tony's former status of a tough brawler that held them back. Dwayne and Phil blamed Krista for turning Tony and Jimmy. They absolutely hated Krista not only for stealing their bully comrades but for being a freakish faggot tranny. It didn't take long for their victims, bolstered by the support of Tony and Jimmy, to stand up to the bullying of Dwayne and Phil. It didn't take long for the nasty duo to become virtually ostracized by their classmates
Almost everyone liked Krista and she steadfastly refused to spread rumors. That isn't to say she didn’t express appropriate feelings about poor or bad behavior, but she made it clear she was opposed to the actions rather than the person.
The snobbettes were almost as put out by the influence of Krista on school society as Dwayne and Phil. The trio was so sure of their higher social status they barely acknowledged Krista. To their way of thinking, a transsexual was the lowest life-form in the school, even beneath the nerds and geeks. Brittany, Chloe and Tiffany went out of their way to let Krista and everyone else know of their disdain for her. Krista pointedly ignored their snubs. Every time they crossed paths she made sure she to smile at them and cheerily greet them. Invariably the girls humphed and tossed their heads to haughtily look away. The other girls who had been socially dissed by the trio all through elementary school took heart. They finally had someone with enough guts to stand up to the snobs.
Brittany, Chloe and Tiffany could see their position at the top of the social ladder was losing it's glamour. Not that they felt they were any less superior, but their audience, those who humbled themselves before their style and admired their class, had moved away from the social ladder they stood atop. Glamour and social status without envious admirers was hollow. They began making comments about how Krista wasn't even a real girl and that she and Tony were a gay couple. Those comments only served to drive hangers-on further away.
On Friday, September 21, the school held elections for student council during morning homeroom. Each homeroom was to elect one boy and one girl as their representatives. Krista and Tony were the only nominees and elected by an overwhelming majority of their classmates.
The election of Tony and Krista as class representatives to the student counsel really irked Brittany, Chloe, and Tiffany. Not that they wanted the menial positions, but that there were no other nominations so they couldn't even vote their displeasure. They realized Krista was now the most popular girl in their class. What made it far worse was that in their bigoted eyes she wasn't even a REAL girl! They felt they were being cheated from their rightful place atop the school food chain.
Dwayne and Phil were also bummed out about the election. Student counsel was part of the oppression the school exerted on non conformists and rebels. Tony had betrayed their red-neck good ole boy stick it to the establishment tradition.
They newly elected student council met during last period. Tony and Krista learned the council served as a two way communication with the administration. They were also responsible for school activities such as dances and spirit day and similar things that would involve the students in school life. Krista and Tony wound up on the dance committee. They tried to have a dance once a month with the first a simple back to school dance in the gymnasium on Friday September 28. Other than organizing a DJ and refreshments, a few balloons was all they used for decorations. The big dance would be the Halloween costume Dance on October 26.
Krista remembered how Kylie had said the Halloween party in gym was lame because it was so difficult to decorate. Larry had commented that the O'Brien barn would make an ideal location for a Halloween dance. While Krista kept her idea to herself, she would discuss the matter with her family.
As Pat drove Krista and Tony back to the farm after school, Krista explained her idea for using the barn as the site for the Halloween Dance. Tony liked the idea and Pat thought it might be a good idea if the school approved and if insurance issues didn't present a problem.
When they reached the farm, Krista and Tony headed to the barn to speak to Kylie. Kylie repeated her thoughts that the gym was a bad location for the Halloween Dance and that the barn would be an ideal spot.
After supper, Krista sat down with her parents and Gram to get their tentative approval. The only major concern raised was insurance liability.
*****
Kevin Stewart called Bill Dougherty and the Scotts on Friday afternoon to let them know the paperwork was ready and that they had an appointment set up for Monday morning at the courthouse to sign and register the title transfer. All were delighted.
*****
The Saturday September 22 football games went smoothly and Sandi cheered her heart out for DJ and Peter. Any lingering reluctance the boys had at having another girl in the family disappeared. Krista was able to dance with her cheerleading squad but still was not allowed to jump.
The Spades had docked in St. Michaels the night before. Once Pat had taken the kids to the football games, Robert and Sheila picked up Frank and Sarah. They drove out to Bill Dougherty who greeted them warmly. Bill climbed into the front seat as Sheila moved into the back seat of the Ford Escape. As they drove up and down the farm lanes, Bill pointed out everything of note. They stopped and stretched their legs at the site on Balls Creek where Bill wanted his new home. Everyone could see the spot was ideal for the purpose and many years before there had once been a home there.
In a bit they were down to the dock and landing at Johns Cove. Frank and Sarah were clearly impressed with the location and facilities already in place. It needed a bit of sprucing up, but other than that it looked ideal. Although the farmhouse was much larger than the Spade's needed, if they were able to provide a place for the Reeses, the space would not go unused.
The barn and fenced pastures are be ideal for several horses," Sarah enthused. "The different environs on this peninsula would make for interesting horse trails."
Everyone agreed with her assessment and another element was added to the plan. With that they headed out to Jane's farm to help prepare the picnic.
When Pat and the kids arrived home from the football games, preparations for the expanded family picnic were nearly complete. Rachel, Evelyn and Kylie Masters were there as well as the Nelsons and much to the twins and Krista's delight, the Spades. After hugs all around, the kids changed out of their uniforms. Then the feast was begun.
After everyone was filled, Robert called everyone together. "On Monday, Sheila and I are going to the courthouse with Bill to finalize a deal. By Monday night we'll be the owners of Bill's farm. We're going to build Bill a comfy cabin with a dock on Balls Creek as part of the deal."
That certainly got everyone's attention. Bill just nodded his head and chuckled.
"We'll move the entire family out here," Sheila picked up. "Laura, we know you've wanted to get a bed and breakfast going so you and David will take the big house and set one up. David, we want to make you foreman of the construction crew.”
David and Laura exchanged smiles. They would both be getting what they wanted.
“Larry, you and Kylie will get the main farm where Bill lives now,” Sheila continued. “Now since that house is pretty big, we figured Rachel, Evelyn, and Tony could move in with you."
Rachel and Evelyn were stunned by the offer to move them to the peninsula although both would love to be out there. "We can't allow you to just let us move out here like that," Evelyn protested.
"Now listen here," Robert scolded. "With Larry and Kylie engaged, you’re part of the family. We have jobs in mind for both of you so you’ll earn your keep. Evelyn, since Kylie has her repair business going in the barn she'll be close to work. Besides, you ran the shop office for Jim, you can do the same for Kylie and take on some of the book keeping from other areas which I’ll get to in a minute.”
Evelyn and Kylie smiled at the prospect.
“Now everyone knows I’m not a farmer but part of the purchase deal is that we keep the farm going,“ Robert declared. “Larry, you’re a good worker but your heart just isn't in the construction business. We know you like growing things, so we’d like to make you the chief farmer. Bill has agreed to serve as a paid consultant to help you out. Rachel, you grew up on a farm and while you may be a bit rusty, you know what it takes to make a go of it so we thought you might be interested in helping on the farm. We kind of think you won’t miss waitressing. Besides, Tony will be closer to Krista and we have other plans for him, if he’s willing. Tony, we’d like you to help Larry. You’ve got mechanical skills so you can help him keep the equipment running.”
“I sure wouldn’t mind living out here,” Tony perked up as he squeezed Krista’s hand as everyone chuckled and Krista blushed.
Rachel nodded her head in agreement that she would not miss waitressing. Larry and Tony were all smiles.
“That brings us to the Spades,” Sheila smiled. “We want to open the dock and landing on Steve’s Cove to the public. We could rent canoes and such to tourists and it would be another draw for the bed and breakfast. They would live there and run that portion of the enterprise. When we toured the area earlier today, Sarah suggested we get several horses as the barn and fenced paddocks are already in place. We can open horseback riding on the trails to the public.”
Everyone was enthused at the ideas.
“As we all know, Krista has a way of getting involved in all sorts of situations,” Robert added as Krista squirmed. “If her latest escapade pans out, the Spades will need the large house down there to give the Reese family a place to get themselves back together as a family.”
“Judge Watkins called me last night and said there would soon be some fur flying in the investigation about the Reese family,” Leroy announced. “All she told me was to be prepared to pitch in and help.” Leroy went on to explain the details of the Reese family mess as far as they knew it.
Everyone told the Spades they’d have help.
It was then that Krista spoke up. “What about the people who are living on the Dougherty farm now?”
“The big house Ah rent out ta tourists,” Bill explained. “It’s empty now ‘n while Ah got some reservation requests fer next year, it’s early enough ta cancel ‘em. The first place on Wells Point lane is vacant ‘n it should do jest fine fer Robert ‘n Sheila. The second place on Wells Point Lane has tenants wit a lease that require a t’ree month notice of vacating the premises. The main farm where Ah live will be open soon’s Ah get mah new place. The small house ‘tween the farm ‘n Johns Cove is vacant right now but Ah already signed it up fer lease ta the people who live in the large house by the docks. They were lookin for a smaller place so’s Ah talked in’a moving down the lane. That means the house by the dock will be open in a couple a days for the Spades.”
Everyone was glad no one had to be evicted.
*****
After church on Sunday, the extended family spent the day checking out the what was soon to be their farm.
As Bill had said, the first house on Wells Point Lane was a cozy three bedroom one and a half bath home with a detached two car garage. It needed some cosmetic touch-ups but was perfect for Robert and Sheila now that the last of their brood was almost ready to leave their nest. Larry would stay with them until Bill vacated the main farm.
The second house on Wells Point Lane was a three bedroom with one and a half baths on the north side of the Lane. The tenants took good care of the place so there were no worries there. A sizeable livestock shed sat half inside and half outside the large fenced in triangular field on the south side of Wells Point Lane. The eastern side of the field bordered Johns Cove Lane and the south west side by Dougherty Lane. Bill used it to house steers who grazed in the large field nearly all year round. Hay and feed were kept in the shed to feed them when it was snowy or just to miserable for them to go outside. South of the intersection of Wells Point and Dougherty Lanes was a large livestock barn and a small shed. There were four fenced in pastures radiating out from the rear of the barn, and three of them had fenced in pastures behind them. This was set a dairy farm but Bill hadn't really used it as such for ten years. With a bit of clean-up and sanitizing the milk house it could be operational in weeks.
At the other end of Dougherty Lane where it met Johns Cove Lane, a large storage Barn sat just north of the intersection on the eastern side of John's Cove lane in a stand of forest. It could be utilized for nearly any purpose.
Just west of the intersection of the lanes was a farm road angling south west. They decided to call it Bills Lane because where the lane reached Balls Creek was where Bill's cabin and dock would be built.
About three hundred feet south of the intersection the main farm complex straddled Johns Cove Lane. The large farmhouse was on the western side of the road. A large barn on the south, a medium sized dairy barn in the center, and a livestock shed with attached chicken house to the north formed a fifty feet wide by a hundred feet deep farmyard on the other side of the road. The chicken house was twenty feet wide and 60 feet long. Four fenced in pastures surrounded the barn complex. Here too the dairy barn would have to be cleaned and sanitized for use. Larry was excited about making the farm fully functional and Tony caught his enthusiasm. Rachel had no qualms about leaving her waitressing job and returning to farm life. Bill just smiled warmed by the exuberance of youth.
About two hundred fifty feet south of the main farm complex a single house sat on the east side of Johns Cove Lane. This three bedroom one and a half bath house was the one the tenants were moving into from the larger house just eighty feet further south.
At the southern end of Johns Cove Lane was another farm complex. The lane split into a Y at the very end. The house had five bedrooms and two and half baths was on the north side of the western Y. This was the one the Spades would occupy and if things went well also the Reese family. Behind the house the Y headed to Johns Cove by a large two story boathouse set up to store small boats, kayaks and canoes on the second floor while the first floor had service pits, boat lifts and boat hoists to make repairs. to boats up to fifty feet in length. Beyond the boathouse were outdoor storage racks for kayaks and canoes, a small roofed pavilion with storage shed. The Y ended at a boat ramp fifteen feet wide ran into Johns Cove and twenty feet south of that a pier five feet wide ran out sixty feet into the cove. On the southern side of the end of the pier a twenty feet wide by sixty feet long boat house/pavilion building sat atop pilings forty feet from shore. A large livestock barn sat across on the southern side of the eastern Y with seven large fenced in pastures. This is where Sarah had suggested locating the horse stables. The barn had two sheds on the side right where the road split into the Ys the road and a large shed behind it. There were two separate sheds on the north side of the Y from the big barn.
Heading back north on Johns Cove Lane past the barn in the forest by the intersection with Dougherty Lane the road continued through an intersection with Wells Point Lane to end at the big house. The big house, with ceilings ten feet high, was quite spacious. Built in the early 1920s by a wealthy family from Baltimore, it was their summer getaway from the heat and noise of the city. Bill bought it after the Korean War, the builders had died, their children had smaller places of their own and none of the grandchildren were interested in the huge house. Bill had upgraded the electric and plumbing and began renting it our for the summer. The place would be ideal for Laura and David. What had been the servants wing had six bedrooms, a large sitting area and one bath. The smallest bedroom could be remodeled to join another to form a master suite with it's own bath. The wing connected to the main house through the large kitchen. There was a spacious dining room in front of the kitchen. There was a grand staircase in the large entry foyer with a powder room on either side tucked beneath the stairs. A large sitting room was behind the foyer next to the kitchen. The rest of the first floor a spacious ball room. The ball room and dining room both opened to the grand twelve foot deep front veranda that stretched across the colonnaded front. The second floor consisted of four suites in front, a wide corridor running the full length of the building that opened to the grand staircase and six bedrooms with three baths in the rear. The suites were on the front, two on either side of the open entrance foyer, opening onto six feet deep balconies inside the colonnaded veranda. Each suite consisted of a large bedroom, sitting room, and bath. The rear of the second floor held spacious bedrooms without balconies. There was a shared bath between every pair of bedrooms. It would be an ideal set up for a bed and breakfast. The only major upgrade would be an efficient heating and cooling system. Scott and Sons General Contractors always recommended a geothermal heatpump if the site was suitable.
*****
On Monday the papers were signed and Robert and Sheila became the official owners of the farm. The paperwork was filed for the building and remodeling permits. With the reputation Scott and Sons General Contractors had, there should be no issues getting the permits by Friday.
*****
Also on Monday Tony and Krista sounded out the other members of the dance committee about the idea of holding the Halloween Dance in the Barn. By the end of the day the dance committee was sitting in the principle's office as they enthusiastically explained their hopes for the Halloween dance and showed him the signed provisional permission slip from Jane to allow the barn to be used as well as numerous photos of the barn and environs. The principle was surprised by the effort Krista and Tony had invested in the idea. Silently acknowledging the iron will of Krista when she had a good idea, Dr. Harris agreed to see what could be done from the school's end to approve the project.
*****
Amanda Frost reviewed the files of the court proceedings concerning Heather Resse's trial. The case had been severely botched. She ordered a member of her staff to hand deliver the files of the trial to Judge Watkins with a note urging her to review the records with the Kevin Stewart who had agreed to take over as Heather's new defense lawyer. When he was ready, Kevin was to call Amanda and together they would set up a meeting with the president Judge, the judge who had presided over the trial, and the county DA at the Cecil County Courthouse.
*****
The shit hit the fan on Tuesday. The search initiated by Amanda Frost revealed a multitude of fraud issues involving over-billing the state Medicaid program, keeping discharged patients listed as still in their care, and transferring patients from a higher reimbursement location to a less expensive site while still listing the patient as remaining in the costlier location which is what they assumed occurred with Jasmine Reese. The Maryland State Attorney General's office obtained a general search warrant to access the files of Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. The company operated a statewide network of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. To prevent further deceit, they coordinated simultaneous strikes at each of the eleven company residential locations, the five homecare and hospice offices plus their corporate headquarters. Each strike force included a representative from the State Department of Human Resources which handles Medicaid fraud and human abuse, A state trooper, a deputy sheriff, and an assistant from the Attorney General's Office. The larger facilities had more than one person from the Department of Human Resources At 9:30am they swept into every location. Nearly all the managers went into panic mode when served with the warrants.
In the facilities, the patient lists were compared to the reimbursal lists. Discrepancies occurred at every site. Patients who had been discharged were still on the reimbursal lists. Many patients who were listed on the state records as being at a rehab center were found in less costly facilities. None of the centers found Jasmine Reese listed on their in house rosters. It turned out she was one of twenty four unaccounted for patients who were comatose or so mentally deficient they were like helpless newborns yet were listed as being in expensive rehab centers in the state reimbursal lists. The fraud and deceit was company wide, not one facility had their in house patient roster match the billing. Extra investigators were called in from all those involved. Deputy sheriffs were detailed to stay on site 24/7 until the site investigation was completed.
It was late afternoon when the investigators in the main office discovered an unlicenced facility that housed the twenty four missing patients. State police were dispatched to lock down the site until investigators could get there. It had been a privately owned facility Apple Tree had purchased five years before. The patients were moved to other company owned facilities and the place shut down with the staff being transferred or terminated. After letting it sit vacant for a year and letting the license lapse, they cleaned the inside. They left the battered and worn old sign in place out at the entrance. As the place was located out of site of the public road, no one knew they were reopening it. One by one the company began moving comatose or mentally deficient patients from the more expensive rehab centers. Jasmine Reese was one of those relocated to the clandestine but clean care center.
All twenty four patients in the facility were alive but emaciated, many like Jasmine were curled into a foetal position. The staff changed the diapers three times a day and rolled the patients from side to side every two hours. An LPN on each shift took care of the metering the patients' IV nutrient and liquid needs. Other than changing diapers, there was no attempt to keep the patients physically fit. Except for the manager and the company doctor who stopped in one day a week, none of the staff was aware they were working in an illegal operation. All expenses including wages were hidden within the budgets for the rehab centers.
The owners, managers, and staff who had perpetrated the fraud were arrested and the entire business seized. Most made bail. The owners promptly fled the country to tap their multi-million dollar foreign bank accounts. The state placed new managers in every facility and began the process of trying to find another company to take over the business. The unlicenced facility was to be closed as soon as possible with the patients being transferred to acute rehab centers around the state. The Requard Center for Acute Rehabilitation on the fifth floor of The Memorial Hospital at 219 S. Washington Street in Easton was part of The Shore Health System, which in turn is a part of the University of Maryland Health System. Since the entire investigation started out of the search for Jasmine Reese, Amanda Frost pulled a few strings to have her placed there by the next day.
The coordinated raid made the local and state news that night but all that was released stated that serious discrepancies in the record keeping and billing procedures of the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare System were being investigated and that to the best of the investigator's knowledge the clients were not in any danger.
*****
The Spades began to move into their new home. They didn’t have much as they’d been living on their boat for the last two years. At least with the pier on Johns Cove they were docked right next door to the house. At lunch they visited the Goodwill Store in Easton to select furniture.
Earlier, Robert had told them he’d have his guys pick up the furniture and deliver it to the house first thing Thursday morning. After selecting furniture, they went car shopping. They settled on a low mileage 2005 Ford Expedition nearly identical to the one Pat drove.
*****
For the last class period of school on Wednesday Dr. Harris called a special meeting of the student council to discuss the possibility of having the Halloween dance at the O'Brien barn. The school board had given tentative approval dependant on liability insurance. The school insurance agent and Jane O'Brien's insurance agent were there and had made preliminary arrangements for a one-time liability insurance contract to cover the school and Jane. The cost of the one day policy would be five hundred dollars. It was up to the student council to raise the money and they had two weeks to get cash together. While excited about the having the dance at the barn, they had no idea how they could raise the money. It was mainly Krista’s upbeat attitude that they would find a way to raise the money that kept their hopes high.
After school let out, Leroy was waiting for Krista and Tony. Instead of going home with Pat, he'd be taking them to Easton to meet up with Frank and Sarah Spade to visit Jasmine who had been transferred to the rehab facility at lunch time. The three were anxious as they drove, and even more so when they met the Spades in the lobby. In a few moments they were identifying themselves at the reception area of the Requard Rehab Center. Aware they were coming the receptionist led them to a conference room where Dr. Grace Olsen, the staff neurological physiatrist who was handling Jasmine's case, and Kevin Stewart met them.
"I'll be perfectly blunt," Dr. Olsen began. "I've skimmed the records that came in with Jasmine and I've had a chance to examine her. She's in poor shape. Her muscles have been allowed to atrophy and she is undernourished. Without this intervention I doubt she'd have lasted another three months. As it is, we can't guarantee she'll recover. I've already had our physical therapists begin remedial exercises to stretch her muscles and to get her joints flexible and we're in the process of reconfiguring her nutritional supplements to encourage growth. I've already told Mr. Stewart I'll go on record as saying her care was substandard and any doctor who has been signing her records is guilty of willful misconduct. He's also explained your interest in Jasmine."
Frank, Sarah and Krista were clearly upset.
"The good news is her eyes are responsive," Dr. Olsen continued. "That shows her brain is at least partially functional. Her records indicated no physical trauma or head injury so apparently the anxiety of the forceful separation of her family and the psychological damage done by her subsequent rape left her mentally unable to cope. As far as we can tell she mentally pulled inside her mind in an effort to retreat from anything that might hurt her. If there had been adequate treatment and outside support to provide reassurance and stimulation she might have had a chance to emerge from the mental cocoon she created. Unfortunately it's been two and a half years and at this point she might not be able to emerge. I'm hoping you'll be willing to spend time with her every day simply talking to her, even reading to her. If there's any spark of will left in her, the stimulation may fan it enough to bring her out of her self-imposed mental prison. We'll take care of her physically, but you'll have to reactive her brain by simply spending time with her."
"We will do our best," Frank declared as he squeezed Sarah's hand.
"We'll help too," Krista added with determination. "Do you think it would help to get her sisters to come talk to her?"
"Any family would be great," Dr. Olsen nodded.
"The sisters are in separate foster homes right now," Kevin Stewart stated. "If you give me a letter requesting her sisters be available as often as possible to assist in their big sister’s recovery, I think I can get them transferred from Cecil County custody to Talbot County custody. I know Judge Watkins will sign the order, we'll just have to get a judge in Cecil County to sign off too."
"We'll accept temporary custody of the girls if that helps," Sarah declared.
"Your offer will help but I don't think it's a good idea," Kevin said. "You'll need to spend a lot of time with Jasmine and that would preclude you from taking the girls. We'll definitely look for a home where the girls can be together."
"Dad, we can take them," Krista looked at her father. "We've already proved we can take care of Sandi, Ivy and Holly would fit right in with us."
"I'd like to do it," Leroy said. "But we already have six kids in the family."
"Leroy, if you and Pat agree to take the girls, I know Judge Watkins will approve," Kevin said. "She knows your family and the Spades will be available with any help you might need. Besides, if we can present the judge in Cecil County with the fact we already have an approved family willing and able to take both girls in, it'll cut a lot of red tape."
"We'll take them," Leroy stated. "Pat and I have been discussing the possibility since we learned of the situation. Kevin, do you think you could use this to get the mother released pending a new trial?"
"We'll sponsor her if you can," Frank spoke up.
"I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to meet the supervising judge, the judge that presided over the case and the prosecuting DA," Kevin smiled. "Judge Watkins already sent her opinion on the case and I'll have the assistant State Attorney General who blew open the Apple Tree scandal. She sent me the trial transcripts and records. I'll hit them with the custody transfer of the girls right away. Since this whole mess went down in Cecil county, I think they'll be willing to deal."
"I'm glad to see this girl finally has some support," Dr. Olsen said. "Now, I'll take you to see her. If you feel like crying, either do so quietly or leave. We don't want any negative stimulation. Once you recover, you can come back into the room."
In a few moments they were looking through a glass window into the room. Jasmine seemed impossibly skinny. Every bone in her body was visible. Her blue veins were clearly visible through her pale flesh. She looked like she'd been rescued from a Nazi concentration camp. Every one cried to see the pitiful girl.
"My God," Sarah gasped. "It looks like they shaved her head!"
"They did," Dr. Olsen confirmed. "It was easier to keep her clean."
After taking a few moments to collect themselves, they entered. As they crowded around the bed, they gently touched Jasmine and told her they were friends who were going to help her get better and to bring her family back together. They told her she was no longer alone and safe.
It was a very somber group who left. Sarah stayed by Jasmine's bed to talk to her while Frank would return with super for Sarah and himself. They began a vigil of hope.
Leroy stopped at his parents home to let them know what they faced. They told Rachel when they dropped off Tony. Once they arrived home, Krista told her family what she saw. Even Sandi volunteered to help the hurt girl.
*****
Part 4
That night Krista rolled about in her bed, unable to get the horrid image of Jasmine out of her mind. While she had been strong while she had to be, now the tears flowed. After crying herself out, Krista slipped out of bed and quietly dressed. Taking a flashlight and jacket, she silently slipped out of the house and began walking down Wells Point Lane with long strides and great determination.
It was two in the morning when she opened the gate into the cemetery and knelt by her mother’s grave. “Hi mom, I’m sorry I haven’t been down to visit you but I’ve been kind of busy. Then again, I guess you know that. Mom, Jasmine needs help. If there is anything you can do, please do so. If God’s too busy, maybe he can let you help her sorta like you did for Kylie. I know you’ll do whatever you can. Thanks mom, I feel better already. I love you,, and I know that someday we’ll meet in heaven. Goodnight.”
As she left the cemetery, her heart was full of joy and solace. The wound up emotions demanded release. Taking a deep breath of determination from the crisp fall air, she jogged back home. Not once did her wounds bother her. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
*****
Jasmine didn’t have a body. All she had was a barely smoldering ember of self that was floating aimlessly in a silent featureless void of dull grey with no sense of up or down, day or night, or even time itself. She had long since ceased any efforts to escape. Not only had she run out of dreams, she’d run out of nightmares... and hope. All she longed for was an end.
Unexpectedly the grey morphed into a swirling mist. She heard a soft, caring voice whispering her name. After being in the void for what seemed forever, this was an unexpected development as before this everything had been inexorably winding down. At first this caused a considerable disorientation as she slowly began to redevelop a sense of self. The voice calling her name was melodious and beautiful. Softly the voice was joined by two male voices and acoustic instruments as they began to sing.
See the curtains hangin' in the window
in the evenin' on a Friday night
A little light a-shinin' through the window
lets me know everything is alright
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
See the paper layin' on the sidewalk
a little music from the house next door
So I walked on up to the doorstep
through the screen and across the floor
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Sweet days of summer
the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up
and playing her tune
And I come home
from a hard day's work
and you're waiting there
not a care in the world
See the smile a-waitin' in the kitchen
food cookin' and the plates for two
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
in the evening when the day is through
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind (Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts, 1972)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsW8rXPcnM0&feature=related)
For the first time she could remember, Jasmine felt warmth returning to her bleak existence. She had heard this old soft rock tune many times, it was one of her mother's favorites. Her mom had told Jaz it had been the inspiration for her name. As she recalled that memory, the smoldering ember that was all that remained of her past self began to glow and flared up in flame. Instead of consuming the tiny ember, the fire seemed to be making it bigger. With the advent of the flickering fire light, Jasmine cold see a ghostly image of her body begin to materialize as the grey mist brightened into a dazzling white. The realization hit her that the flame was her heart, her very soul!
“That’s it Jasmine, come on back,” the voice encouraged. “Everything will work out.” Then they sang the song again.
As her body became firmer, Jasmine felt her body begin to orient itself in an upright position. By the time the song ended, Jaz was standing on a white surface. Thoughts and memories began to return. Along with the good came the bad.
“Stay with me, Jasmine,” the voice soothed her mounting anxiety. “They are only bad memories and we won’t let them hurt you again. When you wake up, you’ll enjoy making new warm fuzzy memories. God sent me to help you, Jaz. God loves you and wants you to get better. Your mother and sisters will soon be here. Hang tough, Jaz, remember the good times, remember the love.” Then the voices began to sing Summer Breeze again.
Jasmine smiled with burgeoning hope as her body became firmer.
Jasmine started walking through the dazzling white void looking for a way out. The voice while sometimes silent was always nearby and she could sense it watching over her. The voice seemed to be acting as a beacon. When Jasmine's path veered from the invisible course, the voice called and Jasmine turned toward it. When her spirits began to flag, the voice would encourage, when the way seemed hopeless, the other voices would join the first to sing Summer Breeze.
An eagerness to escape grew within Jasmine but was tempered by the lack of any stimulation from outside her void. The mist still obscured her sight beyond a few feet but she could at least feel solid ground beneath her feet as she walked. With every step she could feel herself becoming firmer, her sense of self was solidifying.
Then she began to hear muffled sounds from somewhere outside her void! She stopped to listen and grew even more exciting when she realized it was someone talking... talking to her! It seemed as if they were at the end of a long tunnel. With that the mists cleared cleared a bit and she realized she was standing before a wall and at waist height was a tunnel about twenty inches in diameter. The muffled voices were coming from inside. The angelic voice she had been following had been leading her here! It had to be the way out!
But looking inside the tunnel it was dark. All she could see was the barest pinpoint of light a far way off. Reaching inside the tunnel she could feel the sides were smooth and seemless. The darkness scared her.
The voices began to sing Summer Breeze again. As they did a slight fresh breeze emerged from the tunnel infused with the sweet scent of jasmine! Knowledge that this was the way out, the only way out, filled her with apprehension. Hesitating would serve no purpose, so after taking a deep draught of the jasmine scented air, she wormed her way into the tunnel. The darkness in front of her was intimidating but enough of the bright white light streaming in from behind slipped past her squirming body to illuminate the next ten or so feet.
*****
Kevin Reese met with Amanda Frost for lunch to discuss strategy before they met with the Cecil County judges and DA. Amanda was horrified and angered by the photos of Jasmine. By the time they walked into the meeting with the judges, there was fire in her eyes. Judge Timmons was the president judge, Judge Rudolph had been the presiding judge at Heather's trial and Harry Thomas was the DA who had prosecuted the case. After polite greetings, Kevin laid out his case for Heather.
"The charges and conviction in this case were an outrageous miscarriage of justice," Kevin began. "While Heather admitted killing the man, she at worst should have been charged with manslaughter. Her court attorney was totally unqualified. According to the transcript, he never attempted to have the charge lowered or presented any evidence for why she committed the crime other than to tell the court the deceased had molested her daughter. Let me show you why she killed that monster." With that Kevin passed over the photos of Jasmine.
The men winced and drew in their breaths at what they saw. "If we'd have seen photos of the girl, I would have been more lenient," Judge Rudolph declared.
"The girl was upset her sisters and she had been sent to separate foster homes," Amanda almost snarled. “Then she was brutally raped by the court approved foster family she was with. After she was admitted to the hospital, the man wasn't even arrested although it was plain Jasmine had been raped. When Heather saw her daughter, she lost it and took justice into her own hands since obviously the county had not done so. Her trial and conviction were a travesty of justice! Then in the two and a half years since then, the county obviously did not keep track of Jasmine or she wouldn't have been found in that hell hole. Her new physician has already given a written deposition that the girl was so mistreated and neglected that she would not have survived another three months. On top of that, no effort was made to reunite the two sisters in foster care. I've already ordered a state audit of the Cecil County Children's Welfare Department as well as a review of all non-jury trials for the past five years. The Attorney General has promised to persecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who has stepped out of line."
"Here is a copy of the judicial order for the immediate emergency medical release of Heather Reese that we've sent to the State Prison Board," Kevin declared. "Judge Watkins signed the order based on the testimony of Jasmine's new physician, Dr. Olsen. The mother's presence may be the only way to save the child. I'm also filing for a new hearing on the mother's case. I'm asking her conviction and sentence be overturned and that she'll plead guilty to manslaughter with time served as he sentence. You can place her on probation for as long as you like. We already have a husband and wife sponsor who will sign on as being responsible for Heather and any probation you give her will be monitored by Talbot County. I'm also presenting a formal request to transfer Holly and Ivy Reese to Talbot County jurisdiction so they can be reunited with their mother and help their sister recover. I have a pre-approved foster family who will take the girls in as soon as you release them. Heather's husband and wife sponsor are neighbors with the couple who will foster the girls."
Now that you're aware of what we've accomplished in these last few days," Amanda scowled. "Do any of you see any issues with Judge Watkin's order releasing Heather Reese?"
The judges and DA knew they were already trapped. "I don't see any problem with her release under the terms of the order," Judge Timmons declared. "We'll also review her case and see if we can alter the conviction."
"Excellent," Amanda smiled a sharks grin. "We'd like to pick up Holly and Ivy tomorrow evening. If you notify the schools and parents today, that should not present any problems, should it?"
Again the three Cecil County men agreed.
"Excellent,," Amanda declared as she stood. Kevin rose beside her as they both extended their hands to the dazed threesome.
*****
Friday morning, Leroy dressed in his uniform while Pat and Krista donned comfortable skirts and blouses. After the other kids left for school, they headed out to get into Pat’s 2005 Expedition. They Left the Bay Hundred peninsula and headed east to Easton where they got on US Route 50 north. They followed the route and crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the Maryland eastern shore to the Western shore just north of Annapolis. They turned off US 50 to US 97 north, then SR 100 west to Arundel Mills Mall, which was two miles from the prison. It was just before 10am when they pulled into the parking lot. Pat and Krista headed into the mall to window shop while Leroy headed to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup. The seventy five mile trip took almost two hours.
Once at the prison Leroy headed into the office and handed his copy of the release form for Heather Reese. The staff of the prison had received the release orders the day before so had everything prepared. The night before Heather was stunned when she had been notified of her pending emergency medical release. The prison staff was unable to tell her anything about why the release was being made other than that it originated in Talbot County. Naturally Heather assumed it concerned Jasmine and her anxiety was through the roof.
During her two and a half years of incarceration, she was constantly concerned about her daughters. Letters had been exchanged every week between her and Holly and Ivy but the girls had never been allowed to visit. It really angered her that the sisters were not kept together despite having written letters to every official she could locate in Cecil County. What was totally frustrating was the complete lack of news on Jasmine’s condition.
While women’s prisons aren’t as deadly as male penitentiaries, they are not without violence and coercion. Being a petite pretty white woman had made her a target from the start but she survived.
As she anxiously waited for her release, Heather thought back over her rocky life. She had grown up in foster care, living in a series of foster homes just a step above trailer trash level, but that step had been enough to isolate her from the rough often brutal world of poverty. Fortunately having moved homes frequently she had learned to quickly adapt to new environs. The six years of junior and senior high school had seen her in eight different schools so she had learned the art of invisibility and to disguise her physical beauty to avoid unwanted sexual attention from schoolmates and her foster families.
During her senior year of high school she had yielded to the awkward advances of a geeky young man. Benjamin Reese was from an upwardly mobile upper middle class family and had earned a full academic scholarship to The University of Maryland. The only expense he’d have would be his food and housing. They knew when they graduated that Heather was pregnant, but Benny was afraid to tell his parents and afraid of losing his scholarship. Playing on his geekiness, Benny was able to convince his parents that dorm life would be terrible for a boy like him and they sprung for a small off campus apartment.
Playing the system, Heather used her advanced pregnancy to go on welfare upon graduation. State public assistance paid for the birth of Jasmine on August 12, 1994. Benny and Heather moved into the one bedroom off campus apartment. While Benny attended classes Heather stayed home and took care of Jasmine. It was difficult to hide their presence from his parents, but they succeeded and Heather managed to stay on welfare. For the most part the young couple got along well. Heather had someone to cuddle and Benny didn’t have to hassle with the dating scene. Of course, summer vacation threatened to end their secret, but Benny was able to convince his parents that he really liked the apartment and that by paying half-rent over the normally vacant summer the landlord would hold the apartment. Of course that wasn’t the case but Heather used her welfare to make up the other half of the summer rent.
Unfortunately Benny had to go ‘home’ for the summer so Heather was alone during the summer break. When he returned to the apartment the third week of August their passion was quickly consummated. When Heather discovered she was again pregnant she began to beg Benny to tell his parents but he steadfastly refused. Being a near total wimp, he was terrified about revealing he was a two-time father to his parents.
Holly was born on May 21, 1996, just before the summer vacation. Again, Benny went ‘home’ for the summer leaving Heather with two children. During that summer, Benny’s father, a CPA, landed a plush job in California so they moved to the west coast. Unfortunately Heather never knew where they moved too nor what company employed Benny’s father. In fact, she didn’t even know the names of his parents nor the fact that Benny’s dad was in fact his stepfather so their last name was not even the same as Benny’s.
When Heather learned Benny’s parents wouldn’t suddenly drop in, she negotiated with the land lord for a two bedroom apartment in the same building. Benny, approved of the change as they were quite crowded and was able to convince his otherwise preoccupied parents the rent increase was simply that, a rent increase. Heather made sure she was on the pill when Benny returned from summer break. Their relationship slipped into a comfortable routine now that the girls were in their own bedroom.
Academically, Benny maintained a 4.0 average through his junior year and landed a paid summer position in his major. The position promised to be a stepping stone to a paid graduate student scholarship if he maintained his 4.0. Quite naturally his parents were thrilled and allowed Benny to stay for the summer.
Despite being on the pill, Heather became pregnant again during Benny’s senior undergraduate year. Benny maintained his 4.0 and landed his grad student position. Since they were in a different apartment, it was not a problem for Benny’s mother to fly in for his graduation and then to promptly fly back home. Again Heather never met her. Ivy was born on June 9, 1998 just after Benny graduated.
The grad position paid a stipend for housing so Benny’s parents stopped their rent subsidy. Now that Benny was free from their purse strings, he finally yielded to Heather’s begging to be married. It was a civil ceremony and Heather happily got off welfare vowing to never return. The couple stayed together through Benny’s graduate degree and into his doctoral degree during which he worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant. Heather was fuming when Benny refused to even tell his parents of his family when they flew in for his final graduation.
Benny landed a paid undergrad teaching assignment upon receiving his doctorate and moved his family to a nicer apartment. Unfortunately the stress of trying to achieve tenure coupled with his academic superiority placed the couple on different intellectual planes. Benny refused to acknowledge his family to his professional colleagues, ashamed of the fact he’d had three children out of wedlock.
Their family life rapidly deteriorated. After the end of his second year of teaching in the spring of 2004, Benny disappeared. All Heather was able to find out was that Benny had found another teaching position in Canada. Left with three girls in school and no income, Heather packed up her family and moved back to Cecil County. She found a job as an exotic dancer and rented a two bedroom apartment enrolling the girls in a new school. Jasmine kept watch over her sisters while their mother worked evenings. In November, Children’s Services swept in and removed the girls from Heather’s custody declaring she was an unfit mother.
It was 10:30 when the guards escorted Heather from her cell to take her through the discharge procedures. It was noon until she met Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott who was to take her to Talbot County. Leroy was polite and business like, slightly blunt and silent as he signed the release and custody forms, politely telling Heather and anyone else who asked why Talbot County had secured the emergency medical release. Heather and the prison staff were surprised when Leroy opened the front passenger door for his charge.
Once they were out of the prison, Leroy sighed and removed his sheriff’s hat. “This is going to be a long day so please try to relax and I’ll try to explain what’s going on,” Leroy smiled at Heather as he headed back to Arundel Mills Mall. Taking out his cell phone he pushed a speed dial. “Pat, Leroy,” he spoke into the phone. “I have Heather and our ETA will be in about ten minutes.” Then he snapped the phone closed.
“We’re heading to the Arundel Mills Mall to get you a new outfit and a visit to a hair salon,” Leroy told the surprised woman. “My wife and oldest daughter are there to assist you as I’m totally lost when it comes to things like that. Krista, my daughter, is the one you’ll have to thank for springing you. She’s had a wild last six months and during that time she was helped by two former teachers from the school your daughters attended before everything went south.”
“The school turned us in,” Heather snapped bitterly. “This is about Jasmine, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Jasmine needs your help, but please listen as things will make more sense. The school had no choice in what they did,” Larry explained. “The law is quite specific as to when teachers must notify authorities about a possible neglect or abuse situation. They were simply doing what the law requires. The authorities they reported the situation too was where the system failed. The teachers felt terrible for what happened. Frank and Sarah Spade were so upset by the miscarriage of justice they retired from teaching out of guilt and helplessness.”
“Frank was Jasmine’s teacher and Sarah was Holly’s,” Heather acknowledged. “They seemed like very caring people when I met them at the parent teacher conferences.”
“They are,” Leroy assured her. “They are your sponsors for your release. They felt so bad after what happened they couldn’t even stay in the area so they sold everything and bought a sailboat to just get away but it always nagged at them. Krista and her twin sisters were making their way on their own from Massachusetts to Talbot County after their mother died... by foot. Krista is my daughter but her mom ran away when she became pregnant. We were fifteen and she didn’t want to cause problems. I went into law enforcement in an attempt to find her but never could. Krista didn’t know I existed until her mom left her a note the day she drowned herself in the ocean before the cancer took her and the girls would end up in foster care. The note left them fifty dollars and the address of their grandmother in Talbot County.”
“Two weeks into their odyssey they had reached Mystic Seaport in Connecticut,” Leroy continued. “They were tired and looking through the fence at the exhibit in the Maritime Museum when they were spotted by the Spades. The Spades saw your daughters in mine. The upshot was they took my girls through the museum, outfitted them in new clothes and had them stay on the boat overnight for two days. The girls fibbed a bit and told them they were homeless and their mom had shipped out as a ships cook to earn enough money to get them a home for the new school year. The Spades were afraid to turn the girls over to the authorities after what happened to your daughters. The girls insisted they’d be okay and the Spades sailed away. They returned the next day but couldn’t find the girls as they’d headed off again.”
“Krista never forgot what the Spades did for them and when she arrived in Talbot, she wrote them to let them know they were safe,” Leroy explained. “The Spades visited and were present when my wife and I adopted Krista and her sisters. We already had two sons younger than the girls and all five are involved in the Pop Warner Football. There are five age groups in the league. My boys play on the Mitey Mite, the twins cheer for the junior pee-wees, and Krista cheers for the Midgets. Games are held on Saturdays, one team after the other. We usually make it a family picnic day. On September eighth Krista and her boyfriend Tony were walking around the park between games when they found a crying six year old girl hiding in a thicket.”
“It turns out the girl had been raped by her mom’s boyfriend and she’d run away, spending two terrified nights hiding,” Leroy sighed. “The girl clung to Krista when she promised to keep the girl safe. The upshot was Krista had to ride to the hospital with the girl and spent the night with her there. Pat and I have a good relationship with Judge Watkins who presided at our adoption. I contacted her and got the search warrants that led to the arrest of the mom and boyfriend. The boyfriend, a drug dealer and convicted child molester was beaten to death the next day in prison. The mom, a drug addict, is still in jail. Anyway, Pat and I asked for and were granted temporary guardianship for Sandi. We’re her foster parents but we’ve already applied to adopt her once the mother is declared unfit.”
“While saving Sandi made Krista happy, something bothered her,” Leroy sighed. “It took her until the twelfth to figure what bothered her was your daughters. She began to research your situation. I can tell you the shit has hit the fan. I’m pretty confident your conviction will be reduced to manslaughter and time served. When we’re done with your make-over, we’re heading up to Cecil County to pick up Holly and Ivy. My wife and I are going to be their new foster parents. You’ll be with the Spades who are in the process of moving into a neighboring house. Jasmine is in a top-notch rehab center in Talbot County. Your release was granted on the demand of her attending physician that your presence and that of Holly and Ivy are crucial to her recovery.”
Heather was crying in gratitude as they pulled up to the entrance of the mall. Pat and Krista hurried to the SUV and comforted her. Heather couldn’t get done thanking Krista. When Heather had recovered enough, they went into the mall for lunch and a make-over.
Heather quite eagerly agreed to eat at the food court so she could pick from a wide variety of foods.
"I'm a nurse," Pat explained as they ate. "Jasmine is still in a catatonic state. The company that operated the Rehab Center in which she was originally placed was running a sophisticated scam. Once you were in prison, the Cecil County Children's Services caseworker was satisfied Jasmine was being properly treated, she falsified her reports that she was doing a monthly follow-up. Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems transferred her to a supposedly closed facility along with twenty three other people in similar circumstances. They fed her and met her minimum daily care, but did no therapy. The company was busted and most of those involved have been charged."
"The deception and illegal billing were busted wide open by our efforts to locate Jasmine as she wasn't in the facility she was supposed to be in," Leroy explained. "The company records and billing showed she was still there but the Rehab Center only knew she'd been transferred. It was Krista's research into your family that triggered the State Attorney General to raid all the facilities and office. They're still trying to find all the illegal activities they uncovered."
"We have a friend who is a top notch lawyer and he's agreed to take on your case," Leroy continued. "He and an Assistant State Attorney General met with the Cecil County DA, the president Judge, and the Judge who presided over your trial. They raked them over the coals for all the judicial misconduct and for the failures of their Children's Welfare department to keep your daughters together and losing Jasmine. The upshot was that they approved to have Jasmine transferred to Requard Rehab Center and to transfer oversight of Jasmine, Holly and Ivy from the Cecil County to Talbot County."
"You're good people," Heather sniffled in gratitude. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"That's easy," Krista smiled. "Just pass it on. The Spades passed it to us, we're passing it on to others."
"You are one very brave girl," Heather smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Krista smiled. "But I have to let you know that I'm transgendered. I was born a boy but during our adoption, Judge Watkins also approved altering my birth certificate from male to female and changed my name from Kristopher to Krista. It's public knowledge back home so you'd find out soon enough, but I felt it'd be better if you learned the truth about my past from me right off the bat."
"Thank you for telling me," Heather smiled. "I'm open enough to know that being transgendered isn't a choice. From what I've seen you are a girl."
Leroy wandered about the mall while the women folk shopped for the perfect stylish yet practical outfit in the TJ Maxx store. Of course, one outfit was not enough so they picked out three. Heather tried to beg off as she didn't want to accept charity. Pat simply told her she could pay them back when she was able. Once they made their purchases, the clerks allowed Heather to change into one of them. She wore a comfortable knee length denim skirt and a matching V-neck sweater that revealed the lace of her camisole. Leroy held the shopping bags as the three headed into Rafet's Hairmasters for a new hair style. Then it was on to Nail Trix where all three had manicures. This was Krista's first professional nail job and she was thrilled. Their last stop was at The Cosmetic Company inside Saks for make-up.
By 2:45pm they were ready to leave the mall. Leroy hopped onto I-95 north and drove through Baltimore to Cecil County. The forty five mile trip took them until a bit over an hour. They drove another ten miles through the county before turning south on SR 213 which they followed into the county seat of Elkton. Krista and Heather waited in the SUV while Leroy and Pat went inside the courthouse to secure the transfer papers for Holly and Ivy. It was 4:30 when they exited with the paperwork in hand. The staff in Children's Services were extremely cooperative as they knew the tsunami that was approaching them over the Reese affair. They called the foster families to let them know the new foster parents had signed the paperwork and would be giving them a copy. It was a twenty minute drive to the home where Holly was living.
The foster parents knew little of what was going on except they'd been contacted to have Holly packed and ready to move to a new home. They knew her new foster family would be arriving to pick her up. Holly was anxious and wondered what was going on. The people she was with were okay, but she missed her sisters and mother. She sat in the living room of the family surrounded by her meager possessions packed as neatly as possible in plastic shopping bags.
As Leroy and Pat headed to the door of the home it opened. After a brief cordial greeting they were introduced to Holly. Holly stood nervously and forced a smile.
"I'm Patricia Scott and this is my husband Leroy," Pat smiled. "As you can see he's a deputy sheriff and I'm a school nurse. We'll be your new foster parents. Is it all right to give you a hug?"
That surprised Holly and her foster parents. Hugs just didn't happen in the foster care she'd experienced. Afraid to say anything she nodded.
"Welcome to our family, Holly," Pat said a she pulled the timid girl into a warm hug.
Holly almost melted into the embrace. Then she was even more surprised as Leroy stepped up to make it a three way hug. The girl hadn't realized how much she missed hugs. These people gave her a glimmer of hope that things would work out. She so missed her mother and sisters.
After thanking her foster parents, she and Leroy gathered her bags and they headed out to the SUV. Krista had moved into the third row seats so the mother and daughter could be together.
"Holly, it's very important you stay calm and quiet until we leave," Pat explained as they neared the vehicle. "We have a surprise for you inside and we don't want to let your foster parents know as it might upset them. We need you to close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them once we pull away. Can you do that?"
Holly was a bit apprehensive but she felt she could trust Pat and Leroy so she nodded her head then closed her eyes. Leroy opened the rear of the SUV and placed the bags inside as Pat opened the driver's side door for Holly to sit inside.
"Just remember to keep those eyes closed until I tell you," Pat admonished. "I'll fasten your seatbelt."
By the time Pat had her snugged in, Leroy shut the tailgate. Pat and Leroy sat in the front seats at the same time. Leroy started the engine at 5:00. It was taking absolutely every ounce of self restraint Heather could muster to remain silent and not hug her daughter. It had been two and a half years and she could hang on for a few moments longer. She used the time to marvel at how she'd grown. She still wasn't sure who these people were but they were clearly going out of their way to help her and her family.
As the SUV pulled away from the curb, Heather couldn't wait and leaned over to hug her daughter. Quite naturally upon being grabbed Holly yelped in surprise and opened her eyes.
"Mom??????!!!!!!!!!!!," Holly squealed as she looked up into the beaming face of her mother. "Oh my God, MOM!"
Heather couldn't speak as the pair sank into a loving embrace and cried tears of joy and relief. Once they were able to speak Pat explained what was going on. Holly simply couldn't believe these people were doing this for her family. It seemed too good to be true, but then the system had done nothing to give her hope and everything to be jaded. Heather gave her a brief description of what was going on and that they were heading to pick up Ivy from her foster home. Holly screamed in joy and hugged her mom again.
It took another twenty minutes to get to Ivy. Leroy and Pat did the same routine with her as they did with Holly. Ivy had also been hug-less during her stay in foster care. She too welcomed Pat and Leroy's welcome to the family hug. She too was mystified by the request to stay quiet and keep her eyes closed. Heather had moved into the center seat of the mid-car bench seat. Holly barely kept herself under control. It was 6:00 as the car pulled away from the foster home.
Once more the hugs and screams erupted as Ivy saw her mother and sister. Even Leroy was dabbing at tears caused by the happy reunion. They took US 40 east until they reached US 301 which they took south to SR213 south to US 50 south to Easton, then SR 33 to St. Michaels. The eighty two mile trip took them one and three quarters hours.
Once the mother and daughters had settled down, Pat went into greater detail about Jasmine's perilous condition. That brought them to tears. Pat told them they had already had too much excitement for one day and they'd be taken to see Jasmine tomorrow. While not happy with the delay they understood the move was a wise one. They needed to settle into their home.
*****
Part 5
It was 7:45 when they arrived in St. Michaels. Krista was dropped off at the school to catch the dance. Rachel had promised to pick her and Tony up when it was over and take her home. Leroy drove the ten miles to Wells Point in fifteen minutes.
As they arrived, the SUV was swarmed by Jane, LJ, Peter, Lyndi, Teri, and the Spades. The Reeses were overwhelmed by the open acceptance and love. Holly recognized Sarah as her teacher and gave her and Frank an extra hug for helping them out.
Jane and Sarah had prepared a good hearty Eastern Shore meal for the homecoming. After all the hell she'd been through in prison, Heather had a difficult time accepting the unquestioning, unsolicited and no strings attached sharing, support and love. Except for the Spades, these people had never met her family, yet they had pulled together the reuniting of her family in three weeks.
The party was still going strong when Rachel brought Krista home. Naturally she invited Rachel and Tony inside to meet the Reeses. Heather had been surprised to learn that Krista was transgendered and really had few issues with that. But what threw her was that Tony was her boyfriend even though he and everyone in school knew of Krista's genetic gender. Yet when she saw them together, there was no hint their relationship was anything other that of a normal boyfriend and girlfriend. If they were able to go to school and to the dance, either the area was quite a bit different than any she'd seen or this extended family simply overwhelmed any opposition with their openness and love.
It was late and quite an emotional separation as Heather hugged her daughters goodnight to head back to the home the Spades were still in the process of moving into. Krista led Holly and Ivy up to her bedroom. The girls smiled at seeing the cozy girlish bedroom. The sisters insisted Krista spend the night in her room but Krista shook her head no.
"You two need to spend the night together without anyone else," Krista explained. "Besides, I can't sleep in the same room with you."
"Sure you can," Holly insisted. "We won't mind."
"I'm sure you won't," Krista stated. "You see, I'm a transsexual."
Both girls were clearly puzzled.
"I'm a girl," Krista explained. "You know that, right?"
"Sure," Holly agreed. "But you've got a boyfriend so you can't be a lesbian."
"I'm not a lesbian," Krista smiled. "Although there is nothing wrong with being gay. A transsexual is a person who has a major birth defect. In my case, I'm a girl who was born with a boy's body."
"No way you're a boy," Ivy burst out.
"Exactly," Krista smiled. "I am a girl. It's just I have male bits. I'm seeing a doctor who's helping me correct my body and I can better explain that to you later. But for now I'm a girl with boy's bits so there is no way I can sleep with you. We told your mom about me before we picked you up and she's okay with it. So I'll sleep on the sofa until we get bedrooms sorted out. I don't mind. It's worth a bit of discomfort to see you so happy. Now have a good night and I'll see you in the morning."
The girls changed into their PJs and slipped into bed. Sleep was a long time coming as they cuddled and talked until they fell into an exhausted happy sleep.
Over at the Spade's new home, Heather had a long discussion with Frank and Sarah. Frank tearfully confessed he'd been the one who notified the school guidance counselor about the girls.
"Leroy explained why you had to report our situation," Heather said as she gave him a hug of forgiveness. "I don't hold you responsible for what happened. I never knew who began the process, all I knew was that it came from the school. The system failed and I just lost it after Jasmine was hurt. I feel terrible for killing that man and will never forgive myself, not that he didn't deserve it, but it wasn't in my place to be judge, jury, and executioner. Even up to this morning I had vowed to get revenge on whoever was responsible for the disaster that happened to my family. But once I met Krista and her parents, I realized it was better to seek legal rather than physical revenge. I'm ashamed I wasted over two years in festering anger when I should have been seeking legal recourse. But after all the failures of the system and being in prison as one of the criminals, I had no hope the system could work the way it's supposed to. I've finally learned my lesson. You set this entire correction of misjudgement in motion when you helped Krista and her sisters. That young lady reminds me so much of Jasmine..."
Heather broke down in tears. Sarah pulled her into a hug and comforted her as she cried out the long repressed tears of frustration.
*****
A sense of time returned to Jasmine as she wormed her way forward. The tunnel was too low to crawl so she was forced to sinuously snake her way forward. It seemed she was squirming forward for days and had covered miles but the end seemed as far off as ever. The only consolation was that the voices did grow louder and she could occasionally make out a word. The effort was tremendous but whenever she felt herself yielding to frustration, the angelic voice was with her encouraging her onward.
*****
The next morning, Heather and the Spades headed over to Jane's home for breakfast. Holly and Ivy ran to Heather for welcomed hugs. The Spades would take the Reese family to Requard Rehab to see Jasmine while the Jane and the Scotts headed off to the away football games. Dr. Olsen was there to meet with the Reeses and Spades to give them the details on Jasmine's condition. Holly and Ivy were horrified by the description of the condition of their big sister.
"We don't know if Jasmine can hear and understand what's said," Dr. Olsen summarized. "It's important you do not cry or choke up when you're in the room with her. If you feel the need to do so, please leave as quickly as possible. No one will think any less of you and if feel the need to cry, please do so, just not around Jasmine. There is an observation window into her room, and you'll be able to see her through the window so you can feel free to get as emotional as you want. Get the crying out of your system before you go in. You can talk to her, hug her, kiss her, or hold her hands. Any positive stimulation you can provide can only help her. Girls, do you understand you can't cry or complain when you're in the room with Jasmine?"
"Yes," they simultaneously answered. Both were doing their best to be brave for their sister.
Dr. Olsen led them to the window. Heather, Holly and Ivy gasped at the emaciated curled up figure. It was only because they knew it was Jasmine that they recognized her. All three broke down in tears. Dr. Olsen and the Spades were near tears as they did their best to comfort the devastated family.
Heather recovered first and hugged Holly and Ivy. The Spades assured her they would stay with Holly and Ivy while Dr. Olsen led Heather into the room. It took all of Heather's strength to buck herself up to enter. Bravely she entered the room.
"Hello, Jaz," Heather hoarsely whispered as she reached out to stroke Jasmine's stubbly hair. "Mommy is here, baby. Mommy is here."
*****
Jasmine was growing weary of her trek. While in the void she had no need to eat or sleep, yet it seemed the further she crawled into the tunnel, the more her body weighed her down. Muscles ached and demanded rest. Somehow she understood that if she stopped to rest, she would never move forward again. Near exhaustion, after what seemed forever and with the angelic voice almost constantly urging her onward, it happened.
"Hello Jaz," a new familiar voice called from outside the tunnel. "Mommy is here, baby. Mommy is here."
Jasmine shreiked for joy and jumped with excitement. Not the best thing to do in a cramped tunnel. She hit her head and the sound of her own squeal of delight momentarily drowned out the most wonderful sound in the world. Her mother's voice! The pain of hitting her head hurt something fierce and it almost felt as if she could feel her real body jerk in response.
*****
Jasmine twitched.
"Talk to her," Dr. Olsen excitedly urged. "That's the first motion we've seen."
"Jasmine, mommy is not going to leave you alone," Heather promised in a firm voice.
Dr. Olsen nodded her head. "We can move a cot in for you. Jasmine, we'll do all we can to help you get better but we need you to help us. You must try to wake up, sweetie."
Holly and Ivy entered with the Spades. As Heather stroked Jasmine’s inch long hair Holly and Ivy split to either side of the bed. Even though tears were trickling down their cheeks, they each took one of Jasmine’s hands and began to stroke it.
Hey, Jaz,” Holly spoke bravely. “We’re all here to help you. Our family is getting back together and we need you with us. Please try to get better.”
“Yeah Jaz, get better quick,” Ivy added. “I really need my big sister!”
*****
Recovering from slamming her head into the roof of the tunnel, Jasmine quickly began squirming forward with renewed vigor. Her mother kept talking and she could hear her! It was wonderful!
Then she heard her sisters calling to her! Again she jumped for joy and again hit her head. This time she was sure she felt her physical body jerk in response to the blow.
*****
Both of Jasmine’s hands jerked.
“She hears you,” Dr. Olsen gasped. “Come on Jaz, you can do it! Wake up sweetie.”
Over the next hour the sisters and mother spoke to Jasmine and touched her with gentle caresses and kisses. Jasmine’s hands jerked several times and they saw her lips move. The EEG monitor began to spike and jiggle as long dormant areas of her brain began to fire. Then slowly the activity settled down but not to the previous low levels.
*****
Jasmine realized her mother and sisters were visiting her body and speaking to her. The tunnel widened and she was able to get up on her hands knees. With determined eagerness she drove herself toward the still faint light.
*****
“It’s okay, Jaz,” Dr. Olsen spoke tenderly. “I know you’re tired and you did really good. This is a definite improvement but we need to take it one step at a time. You just relax. Your family and friends are here to help you. They’ll be here every day until you’re well enough to go home.”
Leaving Heather with Jasmine, Dr. Olsen ushered the others back to the conference room. “Holly and Ivy, you did very well in there. I’m delighted with Jasmine’s response to you. But you have to understand, it could take months for Jaz to wake up. You need to be patient and encouraging. Now I want you to think about something. Is there any particular music or even a TV show or movie she really liked? If there is, playing it for her may help.”
Holly and Ivy frowned as they thought. It had been two and a half years and they couldn’t think of anything right off the tops of their heads but they promised to think about it. After another visit with Jaz while Heather got something to eat and took care of nature’s call. The Spades took the girls on a short trip to join the Scotts at their football game.
They arrived at the field just in time to see Krista and her squad take the field as Tony warmed up with the guys. Lyndi, Teri, and even Sandi welcomed Holly and Ivy with hugs. Out on the field, Mindy Welch gave the girls a count then hit the button on a boom box. The cheerleaders went into a dance routine that attracted the attention of everyone on the field. The girls really rocked out as they put everything they had into the routine.
Holly and Ivy stood there with wide open mouths as they watched the talented girls. They exchanged looks of delight! “Pat, can we please talk to the cheerleaders,” Holly begged as she held Ivy’s hand.
“I’m sure they’d be willing to talk to you as soon as the game’s over,” Pat smiled.
“No! Please, we MUST talk to them now,” Holly insisted. “It’s about Jasmine!”
“Okay,” Pat agreed. “But we must leave if they tell us to go.”
Krista saw them coming and waved. When she saw their excitement she wondered what was going on.
When they reached the cheerleaders they both began to chatter so rapidly no one could catch what they were trying to say. Pat got them to slow down but by that time they had gotten the attention of the entire squad.
“Do you think you guys could come to the hospital and do that routine for Jasmine,” Holly begged. “Dr. Olsen said we should think of some music that meant a lot to Jasmine and before our daddy left, we were all cheerleaders. Jaz was the head cheerleader in her group and they loved doing that routine. The music just grabs you and makes you want to move! If you can do the routine, I think it might help Jasmine wake up! Please?”
Pat and Krista gave a condensed version of the horrible events that split up the Reese family and about the molestation that had left Jasmine catatonic. The entire squad and their coach were in tears. The girls all wanted to do it and they would somehow convince their parents to allow them to perform for Jasmine.
Pat called into Requard Rehab and spoke to Dr. Olsen. Dr. Olsen agreed the idea might just work. While she couldn’t have the girls perform in the Rehab center, she would get the okay for the girls to perform in the grassy lawn by the front entrance of Washington Street. She’d also get Jasmine ready so they could simply roll her bed to the elevator then down and out to the driveway when the girls were ready to perform.
*****
After what seemed like forever to Jasmine, the tunnel widened again, this time soaring to several feet so she was able to stand and run to the light. She was going to make it out of the void! She was going to return to the real world and her family!
Then disaster struck. The tunnel began to slope upwards and was so smooth it was slippery. Several times she slipped and fell, sliding back a considerable distance. She felt as if she were trying to run up a slick sliding board with nothing to grasp for leverage. At one point she slid all the way back into the smaller section of tunnel. Frustrated she began to cry and buried her head in her arms.
*****
As soon as the game ended the cheerleaders ran to their parents or whoever brought them to the game and begged to be allowed to perform for the poor girl who was in a coma in an attempt to snap her out of it. The parents gathered around Krista as she stood atop a picnic table to gave a brief description of the family break-up, Jasmine’s rape, and her subsequent two and a half year coma. Leroy and Pat were there to back up the veracity of Krista’s tale. Then as some were still wavering she called Holly and Ivy up on the table finishing her story by introducing the two sisters.
Krista’s sincerity and the pleading eyes of the sisters broke down most resistance. That plus their knowledge of Krista’s odyssey, how she ended the kidnaping, and how she had saved Sandi made them almost eager to have a hand in this adventure.
*****
"Don't stop, Jaz," the angelic voice called. "It's difficult but you MUST continue. If you stop now you'll never get out of here."
The voice seemed close and more real, no longer disembodied. In addition, the scent of jasmine was joined by the salty smell of the ocean. Jasmine raised her head and looked forward. Up ahead where the tunnel grew she could see the shadowy shape of a woman standing. The voice was coming from her. With renewed hope, Jasmine got back on her hands and knees to crawl forward.
As she reached the point where the tunnel expanded, the woman reached out a hand to pull Jasmine to her feet. As she stood the light emerging from the tunnel behind her illuminated the woman.
At first Jasmine was stunned. The angelic voice belied what she saw revealed by the pure white light. Instead of the expected angel, she beheld a weary haggard woman wearing a worn and tattered nightgown that was soggy with water dripping off it. Bits of seaweed clung to the gown and her wet hair. Jasmine realized the smell of the ocean was coming from the woman.
"It's going to be all right, Jasmine," the woman spoke in her wonderful angelic voice. "God has allowed me to help you through this hard part. There are hundreds of people pulling for you. Several girls your age are going to help you wake up. You need to put everything you have into this as physically, your body is not ready to wake up. But God has decided the effort these girls are putting in to help you wake up will invigorate your body. Now, we don't have much time. We have to get to the end of the tunnel!"
Normally Jasmine would have been terrified by this apparition, but the smile and sparkle in the woman's eyes revealed a powerful spirit in a body that had been severely ravaged by disease. Hand in hand Jasmine and the woman began running toward the light. Every time Jasmine started to slip, the woman helped her remain upright.
*****
A caravan soon set out for the Memorial Hospital in Easton. The hospital security had cordoned off the drive way area. Word of what was going on spread quickly. The girl at the center of the Apple Tree debacle was going to receive an unusual therapy. Everyone in the hospital had been told so the noise wouldn’t startle those in the normally quiet environment. Someone had called the Easton radio station WCEI - 96.7 FM and WBOC-TV Channel 16 the Fox network affiliate from Salisbury and told them there was going to be a breaking story at the hospital. Both were on site and set up in the curved driveway when the cheerleaders and families arrived. It quickly became apparent the boom box would be insufficient for the music so the radio station remote van offered their system. The TV cameras were up and ready to roll as the front doors of the hospital opened and the bed with IV poles attached was rolled out. Everyone who saw the girl was horrified. The TV cameras showed the comatose emaciated girl curled into a near fetal position as they went to a live broadcast. Heather kept a hand on Jasmine and when the bed stopped in front of the grassy area, Holly and Ivy rushed to their sister. The crowd fell silent as the cheerleaders took up their positions.
“Please raise her head so she can see if she opens her eyes,” Holly enthused loud enough for everyone to hear. “Jaz... MICKEY... Jaz... dance to Mickey!”
*****
As they ran, the light at the end of the tunnel began to grow bigger. As they neared the end, a familiar drum beat began. She heard her sister speak "Jaz... MICKEY... Jaz... dance to MICKEY!"
*****
The nurses and Dr. Olsen uncurled Jasmine until she was in a prone position as the music began with the familiar rousing drum beat and chant. The cheerleaders immediately began their routine. With a wide angle, the camera showed Jasmine and the girls shaking their pom-poms doing the routine. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4CyNvEfWoE)
*****
Jasmine heard a number of girls begin to sing
"Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey..."
Jasmine and her companion burst out of the tunnel into the real world. Other than a swirl of colors Jasmine couldn't see anything but the woman. "You made it Jaz," the woman enthused and hugged her. "I've got to go back, but YOU, young lady, need to get back into your body."
With that the colors faded and the woman disappeared. Panicked at first, Jasmine realized she was back in her body! Slowly her senses began to return as the driving syncopated beat pulsated through her body. The girls were in front of her doing a rousing version of the song she had loved to cheer. MICKEY!
Jasmine concentrated on the song and used every ounce of her being to try to dance to the music.
*****
In a few moments Ivy squealed. “Jaz, you’re moving your feet!”
Slowly, her feet picked up the pace until both were moving to the beat. Then her fingers began moving in time to the music. Everyone was watching as the girl who had not moved in two and a half years began to move!
As the song wound down, Krista called out, “Don’t stop the music, play it again!”
The radio station DJ hit the repeat button as soon as the song ended. The girls went into their routine again.
This time Jasmine’s head began to nod in time to the music. By the end of the routine her feet, hands, and head were keeping perfect time with the driving beat.
Tired but exhilarated, Krista called out “One more time!”
The DJ hit the button to restart and the girls launched into the routine for a third time.
Jasmine immediately began moving in time to the music. After a few moments her lips began to move as she was mouthing the words.
Heather was openly crying with undisguised delight.
“That’s it Jaz,” Holly squealed. “Dance to Mickey!”
“Go for it Jaz,” Ivy exclaimed as she urged her sister on.
Dr. Olsen was totally stunned and delighted. She’d never seen such a spontaneous response in a patient that had been comatose for so long.
By the end of the third run-through whispered “Mickey”s were audible form Jasmine’s lips.
Pat was by the hospital bed and she signaled Krista to try it again. Krista nodded.
“Again,” Krista urged. “If you need to rest, just sing.”
The DJ repeated the song for the fourth time. None of the girls stopped. Although tired, they could see the routine was having the desired results. Their adrenalin pumped them up to continue.
This time through, Jasmine was whispering the entire song.
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey
Hey Mickey
You've been around all night
And that's a little long.
You think you've got the right
But I think you've got it wrong.
Why can't we say goodnight?
So you can take me home Mickey.
Cuz when you say you will
It always means you won't.
You're givin' me the chills
Baby please baby don't
Ev'ry night you still
Leave me all alone Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand.
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Hey Mickey
Now when you take me by the who's
Ever gonna know
And ev'ry time you move
I let a little more show.
There's something you can use
So don't say no Mickey.
So come on and give it to me
Anyway you can
Anyway you want to do it
I'll take it like a man.
But please baby please
Don't leave me in this jam Mickey.
Oh Mickey what a pity you don't understandYou take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you MickeyOoh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
“Agin,” Krista panted.
During the fifth run through Jasmine’s forearms struggled as if she was attempting the pom-pom moves. By the end she was shaking both arms from the elbows in time with the music. Her hips were also twitching to the beat
“Once more,” Krista urged as the perspiration was rolling off the girls’ faces.
The music began for the sixth time. The nearly exhausted girls pushed themselves through the routine again.
Jasmine was moving her feet and knees, hips, forearms, head and singing to the music. Her rhythmic movements were making the bed shake. As the song wound down for the sixth time her eyes fluttered open. Directly in front of her were a dozen girls dancing to MICKEY.
“Again,” Krista begged as they all saw Jasmine’s eyes flutter.
The music began for the seventh time. Reinvigorated the girls began the routine again. Jasmine began to smile as she followed the beat with virtually every part of her body. Her eyes were focused on the cheerleaders and her smile gave them the strength to push through the routine for the last time.
When the music ended, most of the girls simply dropped to the grass. Krista staggered to the bed and put her pom-poms in Jasmine’s hands. Jasmine smiled and shook them. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Startled by the noise, Jasmine looked around to see she was lying in a hospital bed... outdoors... with several hundred people surrounding her. Then she saw her mother and sisters.
“Mom! Holly! Ivy!,” she gasped. The pom-poms were dropped as she reached out for hugs.
The cheers grew louder as the family was finally reunited.
The other cheerleaders gathered around the bed to smile at Jasmine. Their hearts were filled with joy that they had played a part in the miracle of bringing the girl out of her coma. The reporter from the TV station tried to get to the Reeses but Leroy met him.
*****
Part 6
“Not now,” Leroy said. “They need time alone. Give me your card. I’ll see if I can get you an exclusive interview tomorrow. Here is my business card.”
“Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott. Say, you’re Krista’s father,” Harry Halls exclaimed. “I thought that was her leading the cheerleaders! How did she get involved in this?”
“It’s a long story,” Leroy sighed. “We’ll tell you tomorrow. Right now, we need to get the cheerleaders some food as they skipped supper to be here.” Leroy then turned the man around and gently pushed him towards the news van. The entire exchange was caught on tape.
The story of the Reese family’s plight and Jasmine’s resurrection swept through the nightly news as Fox shared the film.
The bed was wheeled back inside the hospital and taken back to the fifth floor and Requard Rehab. Jasmine and her family smiled and held hands. It was clear by the time they reached her room that Jasmine was worn out. Dr. Olsen introduced herself and smiled at the bewildered girl.
”You obviously remember your family and ‘Mickey’,“ Dr. Olsen declared. “What else do you remember?”
“The smile left Jasmine’s face. “Mr. Travers... he...” The tears began to trickle from her eyes as she struggled with the terrible memories.
“It’s okay, Jasmine,” Dr. Olsen soothed. “That monster is never going to hurt anyone again. You’ve been in a coma for the last two and a half years and tonight you woke up.”
“Two and a half years,” Jasmine gasped, then looked at her sisters and mother. Holly and Ivy did look older than she’d remembered and their mom was older too.
As Heather, Holly, and Ivy held onto Jasmine, Dr. Olsen gave her a condensed version of what had transpired during her coma. Jasmine was clearly upset that her mother had been sent to jail for killing Mr. Travers yet relieved to know she’d never have to fear him again.
“This Krista,” Jasmine said as she tried to assimilate all the news. “She was the cheerleader who gave me her pom-poms?”
“That was her,” Holly answered. “Ivy and I are living with her family. She’s sleeping on the sofa so we can share her bedroom. Her dad is a deputy sheriff and her mom is a nurse. They’re our foster parents so you’ll be joining us when you get discharged.”
“I’m staying with the Spades,” Heather said. “They’re now neighbors of the Scott family. There is a lawyer working on my criminal case to reverse or at least alter my sentence to time served. Once that happens, they promised the three of you will be back with me. The Spades are setting up a business and want us to live with them to help run it.”
“It looks like Jasmine has had it for tonight,” Dr. Olsen declared. “I think you’d better say good night.”
Jasmine sleepily smiled and nodded her head. Holly and Ivy gave their sister a big hug. When it came time to give her mother a hug, she paused which caused Heather to gasp fearfully. "Mommy, promise me you'll go home to get some rest."
Dr. Olsen and Heather gasped in surprise.
"I know you want to stay with me, but I'll be okay now," Jasmine smiled as she reached out for the hug.
"I promise to go home, you little imp," Heather smiled.
"Jasmine, get some rest," Dr. Olsen ordered. "Tomorrow we start working those weak muscles. The sooner you're able to get up and walk, the sooner you'll get to go home with your family. I'm also ordering a higher sugar drip for you as you'll need the extra omph. I'll see you in the morning."
Dr. Olsen left the room taking Holly and Ivy with her. Heather and Jasmine just hugged and cried for five minutes before Heather left. Stopping with Holly and Ivy by the observation window they noted Jasmine had already fallen asleep.
"What we witnessed tonight was nothing short of a miracle," Dr. Olsen declared. "I was hoping she'd respond just as she did when she heard your voices, but to have her wake-up, I honestly expected it to take weeks of daily stimuli to reawaken her. That she seems mentally alert and remembers is another miracle. There is usually some loss of memory and even sometimes identity. You'll need to make her mind think, ask her questions about your past to stimulate her mind and memory. If she doesn't recall something, don't worry. Just tell her the memory from your point of view, it might trigger her to remember it. As I said earlier, you need to be patient."
It was 8:00 pm when the Reese's finally joined the rest of the group in the main waiting room of the hospital. After being assured Jasmine was doing well and had fallen asleep, Jane put her foot down.
"This is not the place to discuss this, especially since everyone is hungry," Jane chided. Let's go to a nice restaurant to get some food. We can talk while we eat."
No one disagreed and soon everyone was in a vehicle heading off to a nice restaurant. As they entered the restaurant, several patrons and staff recognized Krista, Heather, Holly and Ivy. They had seen the live broadcast of Jasmine's awakening. The owner of the restaurant came out and greeted them, praising them for what they did to awaken Jasmine. He led them to a closed off private dining area where the fourteen people could sit together. He also told them he'd give them a ten percent discount as a show of his appreciation for their unselfish act.
While they waited for their food they talked. Everyone was delighted and excited by Jasmine's recovery although they knew it would take months until she physically recovered. They also discussed the possibility of a public interview.
"The TV and radio coverage of the cheering and Jasmine's awakening was broadcast live and I suspect it'll be on all the networks tonight" Leroy began. "We know the news about the Apple Tree scandal went nationwide. Since Jasmine was one of the 'lost' patients with Apple Tree I have no doubts what happened tonight will also go nationwide. Our phones are probably ringing off the hooks at home with requests for interviews. Harry Halls was with the TV crew that filmed the girls cheering 'Mickey'. He is a good man but he's also a persistent reporter. Harry was trying to make his way through the crowd to get to Jasmine but I cut him off. I explained the need for some privacy so the family can reconnect and he realized that was needed but he also needed to stay on top of the story. We exchanged business cards and he realized I was Krista's dad and that Krista had given Jasmine her pom-poms. To hold him off I told him I'd try to set up an exclusive interview for tomorrow. We'll need to make a public statement and I feel we can trust Harry to do a good interview without muck-racking. I'd like to have our lawyer, Kevin Stewart present to give correct details of what is going on legally. Heather, this is your family, what do you think?"
"I don't know," Heather replied clearly overwhelmed. "I'd like to have everyone just go away and let us have our lives back but I know that won't happen. If you feel we can trust this guy, let's go with him. At least a fair and honest interview should shut out any tabloid journalism. I think having Mr. Stewart there will help, besides which I have yet to meet him. If he's my lawyer, I want to meet him."
The discussion continued and moved on to various topics. Leroy excused himself from the table and called Kevin Stewart and at his suggestion Judge Watkins. With her present, there would be no doubts that harassment of the people intimately involved with reuniting the Reese family would be dealt with quickly and harshly. Another call to Dr. Olsen about their plan for an interview were approved and as long as there would be no audience, they could do the interview in the rehab gym. A call to Harry Hall set the interview up for 3:00 pm in the gym at the Requard Rehab Center.
Krista sat silently through much of the conversation, replying when appropriate but offering little. Jane and Pat noticed this since it was unusual for Krista to be reticent. Pat and Jane exchanged looks as they recognized the signs that Krista was once more thinking about something.
"Krista, speak your mind," Jane urged during a lull in the rampant conversations. That got everyone's attention and all conversation stopped and everyone looked expectantly at Krista.
Krista smiled sheepishly and blushed a bit. "Well, I've been thinking again. We're all close friends and we help each other out, we do a lot of things together and we live on Well's Point or soon will. We've got O'Briens, Scotts, Nelsons, Spades, Reeses and Masters. I was thinking we need a name to call ourselves. I don't think it would be fair to refer to all of us by one surname as none is superior to the others. Since we are a group of people united in friendship and for our common good, we're like a clan. At first I thought of calling ourselves the Wells Point Clan but that sounds too bigoted and we’re anything but bigots. I think we could collectively refer to ourselves as The Clan Wells Point. We won't be slighting any surname and we'll all be living as an extended family. I think The Clan Wells Point is appropriate and won't offend anyone."
The conversation flowed as they discussed the idea of forming a modern version of the ancient familial/tribal clan. They acknowledged it was already occasionally becoming awkward when they tried to identify themselves as a group. Of course, not everyone was present and they knew they'd need everyone onboard. Calls were placed to those not present and everyone liked the idea. It was unanimously agreed they'd be The Clan Wells Point.
As the meal finished up, everyone thanked the restaurant owner for the delicious meal and the discount, then they headed home to bed.
The phone was ringing when the Jane walked into the house. The answering machine was blinking. She left the phone ring but muted the ringer.
*****
Everyone went to church the next morning, the extended family meeting in the parking lot. Once introductions were made, Jane and Sheila, the clan matriarchs, led the twenty seven members of The Clan Wells Point inside to fill the front pews. With Jasmine, they would number twenty eight. Many people recognized Heather, Holly, and Ivy from the news reports.
Pastor Giles smiled to see the three new faces amongst the familiar ones. When it came time for the prayers, he included the Reese family. "Lord, we thank you once more for safeguarding Krista Scott on her journey to our flock. Once more she has stepped forward to repay in kind what you so graciously gave her. Without her efforts, the Reese family would not be re-united. We pray you pour your love and hope on this family as they put their lives in order. Jesus, you are wholly God yet wholly man. You understand human anger and reactions. That is why you can forgive grievous missteps by your children. Lord, you were angered when you saw the money-changers defiling the temple and you struck out at them in anger. Heather did the same, she struck out in anger. We forgive Heather for what she did in defense of her daughter and pray you give her the strength to forgive herself for that grievous act. Set her free from that burden so she can blossom into the woman and mother that will serve you and help others in their time of trials. In the Lord's name we pray, amen."
There was barely a dry eye in the congregation. After the service, virtually everyone came forward to welcome Heather, Holly, and Ivy to their new home. All three were overwhelmed by the warm acceptance. Heather hugged Rev. Giles and thanked him for his prayer. The entire clan returned to Wells Point for a picnic lunch, then headed into the hospital for the interview.
They arrived at 2:30 and headed up to Requard Rehab. Harry Halls and his crew were already setting up as Heather, Holly, Ivy, and the Spades went into Jasmine's room. Jasmine was awake and anxious about the interview, but Frank told her she didn't have to answer any questions unless she wanted to do so. He also explained that Harry Halls and crew would be the only news media present so it wouldn't be a circus scene. Heather stayed by Jasmine's bed as Krista entered. After exchanging hugs she began to introduce those members of The Clan Wells Point to the Jasmine. Jasmine was clearly bewildered by all the people but delighted they were all supportive and would provide a built in extended family.
Leroy and Dr. Olsen were talking to Harry to establish ground rules for the interview and to go easy on Jasmine. Kevin Stewart and Judge Watkins arrived fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time. They took Leroy, Pat, Frank, Sarah, and Heather into the conference room. Heather was more than a bit intimidated by the presence of the judge.
"Relax, Ms Reese," Judge Watkins smiled. "I'm on your side. I signed your emergency medical release, granted your custody to the Spades, transferred Holly and Ivy to the Scotts, and transferred Jasmine here. I also sent the evidence Krista gathered to the state Attorney General's office."
"The assistant State DA and I met with the Judges and DA of Cecil County," Kevin said. "Together we basically read them the riot act. You admitted killing Mr. Travers, but from there the system failed. If you agree to plead guilty to manslaughter, Judge Rudolph and DA Thomas have agreed to accept that plea and sentence you to time served and three years probation. That means as soon as the paperwork is signed and processed, you'll be a free woman."
"Since you're living in Talbot County, I’ve already made special arrangements with the county probation office concerning your case. I'll assign Leroy as a special probation officer for you so you won’t have to report in through normal probation procedures,” Judge Watkins said. "Leroy will simply have to fill out a one page form once a month and fax it to the regular probation office. I understand you'll be working with the Spades as they start up their landing business so that means you are gainfully employed. Since part of your salary includes a place to live, that meets the requirement to have a suitable residence. As soon as your release is processed through the system, which will take between three to four weeks, your children will be released from foster care to you. Of course, if the Scotts and Spades agree, I don't see any reason the Scotts can't approve the Spades as full time baby sitters. I just happen to have a document here that will make that a binding legal agreement if the Scotts and Spades sign it."
Heather was once more overwhelmed as tears of joy flowed freely from her eyes. "Thank you, thank you," she blubbered. "I don't know how I can ever repay you for all your kindness."
"That's easy," Judge Watkins smiled. “Be a good mother and citizen. Then do as Krista does, pay it forward."
The Spades and Scotts signed the legal document authorizing the Spades as babysitters for the Reese girls until such time as their mother was able to resume full custody.
Soon everyone was gathered in the gym. Harry Halls began by introducing everyone and explaining their relationships. Next he recapped Krista's summer odyssey with her sisters, touching on the aid given by Spades and Nelsons. Then he went on to the adoption of Krista and her sisters by the Scotts and the subsequent saving of Kylie by the appearance of Carol O’Brien’s ghost. Next he covered Kylie and Krista coming out together as being transgendered. Then he reviewed the kidnaping by Jack Masters and Krista's decision to wreck the car as well as her hand to hand fight in which she was twice wounded but managed to kill the crazed man. Next he reported Krista's rescue of Sandi and her subsequent fostering with intent to adopt by Leroy and Pat. At that point he turned to Krista. "Now it's my pleasure to introduce this remarkable young lady, Krista Scott. Krista, can you tell me how you became interested in the plight of the Reese family?"
"Yes," Krista replied modestly yet with absolute self confidence. "After rescuing Sandi, I felt good, but something was bothering me but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then one morning in school it hit me. Mr and Mrs Spade explained the reason they helped us and let us go. It was because of the bad experience they'd had involving the Reese family. The girls had been split into different foster homes which is against policy. Then Jasmine was molested and crawled into a shell to escape the horror and guilt. Without a family to help her, she sank deeper into an unconscious state. Her mother was angry and upset the authorities didn’t even arrest the man who committed the rape. To make matters worse, that man was Jasmine’s foster parent. Frustrated, Heather confronted and killed the sub-human animal who hurt her daughter. She was jailed. The system had split apart the girls, allowed Jasmine to be raped, and sent Heather to prison. None of them had an advocate and were at the mercy of a lackadaisical bureaucracy. I felt compelled to attempt to reunite the family and right the wrongs that happened to them when the system that is supposed to protect people drastically failed. I asked some friends to find out all they could on the present whereabouts of the family. Then I gave the information we gathered to my dad, Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott, and he carried it to Judge Watkins and attorney Kevin Stewart. With the help of state assistant Attorney General Amanda Frost they uncovered the fraud and deception at Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. From there everything snowballed."
"Wow," Harry Halls said. "Am I right in saying that in three weeks you blew the lid off this scandal that had been going on for two and a half years?"
"Only partially," Krista replied humbly. "I just kicked the ball in from the sidelines to start the play. Others took what I began and ran with it."
"Krista, you are one amazing girl and I feel privileged to have met you," Harry declared as he extended his hand.
Krista smiled and shook his hand. "That's enough about me," Krista demurred as soon as the hand shaking was done. "You're here to interview the Reeses."
"Right you are," Harry smiled as he turned to Heather. "Ms Reese, how do you feel about all that's happened the last three days?"
"Overwhelmed but delighted," Heather answered. “On Thursday I was moping in prison worrying about my girls knowing I'd be locked up for at least twelve more years. Then Thursday evening I get notified I'm being granted an emergency medical release. They couldn't tell me more than that someone would be by to pick me up Friday morning. I was near a nervous breakdown as I wondered which of my girls was dying. Then Friday morning Leroy Scott arrived to pick me up. I could hardly believe what he told me. The first thing we did was to stop at Arundel Mills Mall for a new clothes and a make-over. Then we headed north to Cecil County to pick up Holly and Ivy. They hadn't seen each other in the two and half years since they were taken from me."
"That's not right," Harry shook his head. "Why did you lose custody?"
"My husband abandoned us," Heather explained unable to hide the bitterness in her voice. "We met right out of high school and we lived together while he went through college all the way to his doctorate. Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy were born two years apart. When he began teaching in college, he was embarrassed by my lack of advanced education and the fact we obviously had children while he was an undergraduate. I should have realized he was no good when he never told his parents about us. At the end of the 2004-2005 school year, he packed his bags and said he was going to a conference. I was too naive and believed him. When he didn't return I began to worry as the rent on our apartment was past due. When I contacted the school, they said he'd resigned and moved on to teach somewhere else but no one knew where."
Harry was upset. "Do you mean to say he abandoned you and the girls without a word or any money?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Heather stated with a bit of anger. "I was an orphan and in foster care for years until I graduated high school. From there I moved right in with Benny. I had no job skills and had never worked as I was pregnant when I graduated. I managed to relocate us to a cheap apartment and took the only job I could find that paid us enough to live on."
"That was as an exotic dancer," Harry stated. "How did that make you feel?"
"Terrible," Heather sniffled. "I wasn't a stripper, I always wore at least a bikini. The men were horrid and their comments degrading. I hated every minute of it, but I needed the money. Jasmine was eleven and watched her sisters while I worked evenings. I know it wasn't a good situation, but I couldn't afford a sitter. The girls started school and I even got them involved in cheering for Pop Warner Football. Things seemed to be looking up as I was able to start saving a bit of money. Then rather than talking to me, the school notified Children's Services about my job and that I was leaving Jasmine in charge. Children's Services never even spoke to me. They swooped into the apartment and took the girls. The first thing I knew about it was when I was arrested on stage at the club. Naturally, that cost me my job. Instead of keeping the girls together like they're supposed to do, they split them up in three different foster homes in three different schools. I was super PO’d but without a job there was nothing I could do. I was the bad person. Jasmine was upset because she felt she'd failed to take care of her sisters so she was super depressed. Then within a week Jasmine's foster father raped her. Even with the evidence they didn't arrest him because Jasmine had curled up in a catatonic state so she couldn't tell them what had happened. The scumbag told the cops SHE had crawled into his bed and she in effect raped him! I'd lost my girls and then the oldest was brutally raped and nothing was done. When the police refused to arrest him, I lost it. I did the only thing I could do. I took the law into my own hands and killed him."
"I can't say as I really blame you," Harry declared as Heather teared up and needed to collect herself.
"The entire affair was a travesty of justice," Judge Watkins declared drawing the attention from Heather so she could regain her composure. "When I learned what had happened I contacted the state Attorney General's office. The multiple failures of the system for this family are simply inexcusable. An investigation into suspected poor parenting must include interviews with the children, parents and teachers. That did not happen. The children are to be kept together in foster care. While this is sometimes not possible immediately, it should take less than a month to get the children together. In two and half years it didn't happen. Heather's trial was a travesty. She was so upset at what had happened to her children and with what she had done in a fit of anger, she confessed. The public defender was totally inept. He never disputed the DA's charge of Murder two and never even presented evidence of the extenuating circumstances of why Heather killed the man. With the help of the Attorney General's office I arranged to have all three children moved here and to have Heather released. It was when we couldn't find Jasmine the lid blew off the Apple Tree scandal. Cecil County Children's Services had never kept track of Jasmine although the assigned caseworker has inspections listed every month. But she never went or she would have discovered Jasmine wasn't in that rehab center."
"It sounds like this isn't over yet," Harry declared.
"It isn't," Judge Watkins agreed. "Too many people have lost faith in our legal system because of miscarriages of justice like this. I will do everything in my power to see the people responsible are punished to the fullest extent of the law and the State Attorney General agrees."
"Thank you, Judge Watkins," Harry stated. "Dr. Olsen, what happened with Jasmine yesterday?"
"It was a true miracle," Dr. Olsen stated. "For two and a half years Jasmine was in a cationic state unresponsive to all outside stimulus. When she heard the voices of her family she twitched just a tiny bit. But according to the records that were found that was the first movement she'd initiated. I told the family to try to think of anything Jasmine really liked that they could bring in that might help stimulate her to aid in her coming out of the coma. Heather decided to stay by Jasmine’s side while the Spades took Holly and Ivy to meet the Scotts at the Tidewater Titans Pop Warner football games. Leroy and Pat’s sons play and all four girls cheer for their age group. Krista cheers for the Midget squad. Because of the gunshot wounds she suffered during the kidnaping she’s still limited in her leaps but she is able to dance. Their coach set them up to do ‘Mickey’ with Krista taking the slightly less physically demanding part of Toni Basil. When Holly and Ivy saw the girls do the routine, they realized that was Jasmine’s favorite cheer routine. They explained Jasmine’s condition to the squad and they all agreed to come to the hospital to do ‘Mickey’ for Jasmine. When they called me I thought it might help so we hastily set everything up. Someone called radio station WCEI - 96.7 FM and WBOC-TV Channel 16 and told them there was going to be a breaking story at the hospital. You arrived here and filmed the rest. Those girls cheered their hearts out and that bouncy number gets to everyone. Jasmine felt the beat and heard the cheering. By repeating it like the girls did, they were able to progressively draw Jasmine out of her protective shell. She woke up. After two and a half years, she woke up.”
"Thank you, Dr. Olsen," Harry smiled as he turned to Jasmine. "Jasmine, do you feel up to talking?"
"A little,” Jasmine whispered as she blushed. For her this had been the first time she’d heard the details of what had happened to her family.
"Just tell me if you want to stop," Harry told her. "I don't want to upset you in any way. Can you tell us how you feel?"
"I'm still trying to understand," Jasmine answered softly. "I feel a bit like Rip Van Winkle, except I didn't grow a beard. I was asleep for years and the world changed. My sisters have grown, my mom was in jail, I'm in a hospital and so weak I can't even stand up. It's just hard to take it all in, after all, it hasn't even been twenty four hours since I woke up and I spent most of that asleep."
"I can understand your confusion," Harry smiled. "What do you think of the people who pitched together to help you?"
"I'm overwhelmed," Jasmine answered. "I knew Mr and Mrs Spade from school, but everyone else, they just jumped in to help us without ever meeting us. They pulled together and had me transferred here, got my mom out of jail. Got my sisters back together. It just seems surreal yet totally wonderful. I don't know how to thank them. Especially Krista for getting things started." Jasmine broke down in tears of joy as her equally tearful sisters and mother hugged her.
While the camera focused on the crying family, Harry made his way over to the Spades. "I understand you were the catalysts for this reunion?"
"Yes," Frank nodded as he wiped tears from his eyes. "My wife and I were teachers. Jasmine was in my class and Holly was in Sarah's class. They were good kids and we knew Jasmine was like a mother hen to her younger sisters. Being new to the school they faced a bit of bullying but Jasmine stopped it cold. When we learned Heather was working evenings and leaving the children alone, we had to obey state law and report what we knew to the school guidance counselor. From there things went downhill. Within a week the children were pulled from school and separated into foster homes, then Jasmine was molested. All the teachers were angered at the way Children's Services handled the case. They bypassed normal procedures and in my opinion raped the entire family. When Heather killed the man who had hurt her daughter we were appalled and felt guilty. We contacted her lawyer as we wanted to help her case but he ignored us. The entire judicial process Heather endured was a sham and travesty. Everything we tried to do to help was thrown back in our face or ignored. We were so disheartened neither of us felt like teaching so we handed in our notice of retirement for the end of the school year. We sold everything and bought a sailboat and began sailing. We went down around Florida and the Gulf coast to Mexico, then turned around and headed back."
"We enjoyed what we saw but the guilt we felt for what happened to the Reeses still gnawed at us yet we were helpless," Sarah picked up. "In June we were in Long Island Sound at Mystic Seaport. There we saw Krista, Lyndi, and Teri. They reminded us so much of the Reese sisters it brought back our frustration. We could see the girls wanted to go into the museum but were too poor to do so. We didn't hesitate and despite their protests we took them inside. Afterward they tried to slip away but we wouldn't let them. They told us a slight fib saying they were homeless and their mom had shipped out to see as a cook to earn enough money to get them a place so they could go to school in the fall. Krista was doing a good job of taking care of her sisters but we felt compelled to help. We bought them new clothes and fed them. We even had them sleep on the boat with us for two nights. But Krista was insistent we'd already done too much and we had a mooring lined up in Boston so we parted ways. We had no idea they were trying to walk to St. Michael's. We debated notifying the local authorities about their homelessness but after what happened to the Reeses, we were just too afraid for the girls."
"We left headed out for Boston but after half a day out we turned around, determined to stay in Mystic Seaport and let them live with us on the boat," Frank summed up the story. "We searched for days but never found them. We thought about notifying the authorities again but after a lot of soul searching, put our trust in the Lord to see the girls came to no harm. It was only after they had arrived here we learned they left the Mystic area to once more set off on their odyssey."
"We were delighted when Krista contacted us to tell us they were okay," Sarah finished. "It was only then we learned they had been trekking to St. Michaels. If we'd had known it from the start we would have brought them here. But Krista knew her mind and eventually had the help of Mr and Mrs Nelson to get here safe and sound. Everyone here thanked us for the little we had done for the girls and we were present at the girls' adoptions and baptisms. At first we were stunned when we learned Krista was working to get the Reese family back together, but then we realized it was simply a matter of Krista being Krista. As things started happening, we returned to Talbot County to do what we could to help. So far it's been to sign on as the trustees for Heather. We haven't told Heather or the girls this, but with their permission we'd like to adopt Heather as our daughter which would make Jasmine, Holly and Ivy our granddaughters."
Heather was simply stunned while Holly and Ivy squealed with girlish delight and ran to hug their pending grandparents. Jasmine smiled broadly as tears trickled down her cheeks. Sarah and Frank went over to Jasmine and hugged her and Heather.
"Kevin, get the paperwork together," Judge Watkins ordered as she dabbed at tears of happiness. "This is another adoption I want to approve ASAP." Then Judge Watkins looked sternly into the camera. "Benjamin Reese, I strongly suggest you come forward immediately. Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott has sworn out a warrant for your arrest. I will be signing the arrest warrant charging you with several counts of child abandonment and endangerment as well as back child support and the medical expenses Jasmine has occurred at state expense. You see what your callous actions have done. It cost your family dearly and lead to the death of a man. The DA is also checking into the possibility of charging you with manslaughter. You can rest assured you will be hunted down. Thank you, Mr. Halls."
"You're quite welcome, your honor," Harry smiled, then turned to the camera. "We promised you an exclusive interview and we've delivered."
"Excuse me, Mr. Halls," Leroy stated as he stepped up. "Those of us who have been brought together by Krista are or will be living on Wells Point. Krista has dubbed us The Clan Wells Point. That's clan with a 'C' as in a Scottish clan. To us it's more than a name, it has meaning. Even though we are not all related by blood or marriage, we are all related through Krista's love. Wells Point is private property. The roads and coastline are privately owned. Anyone who tries to disturb our privacy will be warned. If they ignore that warning, they will be arrested for trespassing. Signs will be posted this week at the property boundaries. We understand that many people want to learn more about us and that at least for now we are newsworthy. That is why we decided to allow this private mass interview. We don't want phone calls or visits from those wanting an interview or just to see us. We will establish a Clan Wells Point post office box in our Post Office in Neavitt, MD 21652, where requests for interviews or anything else can be sent. Krista informs me we will be setting up a Facebook page and a YouTube page within the next month, so if you know what they are, keep looking for us there. We will review all mail and messages and if we are interested or feel you deserve a reply we will do so. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation."
"I'd like to thank The Clan Wells Point for their refreshing honesty, generosity and love," Harry Wells concluded. “We all wish Jasmine a speedy recovery and the rest of her family a happy life. This has been Harry Halls reporting from the Requard Rehab Center in Easton for WBOC-TV Fox Channel 16 in Salisbury, Maryland."
The camera man shut down the camera and the crew began packing up. Harry told everyone he was delighted with them and if they ever needed a friendly newsman, just to give him a call. Everyone but Pat, Krista, the Spades and Reeses left.
Krista smiled at Jasmine and squeezed her hand in friendship. "We're the same age and I'm sure the school will allow us to take all our classes together. That is if you don’t mind starting in the seventh grade? I was held back in first grade because I was so small so I’m a year behind my age mates. Since you were out of it for two and a half years, restarting in seventh will give you a better chance to adapt to being in the higher grades and you won’t have to make up as much work. I'll help you keep up with the work until you're able to do so on your own, then we can work together."
"Thanks Krista," Jasmine replied. "I was a bit worried about missing two and half years and was afraid they'd put me back in fifth grade. You're really amazing. Did you really walk all the way from Massachusetts with your sisters?"
"Not quite," Krista answered. “We were half-way through New Jersey when I came down with a nasty cold. I could barely keep my balance as we walked along the road. Then I stumbled out onto the road and a car side-swiped me. Mrs. Nelson was the driver and when she saw how sick I was she wanted to take me to the hospital but I refused because I was afraid we'd be split up. They took us in and nursed me back to heath, then drove us down here."
"Someone said you came out with someone else but I'm sure I didn't catch it all," Jasmine stated. "Are you a lesbian?"
"No, I have a boyfriend," Krista said. "Kylie and I came out because we're transgendered. That means we are girls in our hearts, minds, and souls but have a birth defect that gave us male bodies."
"No way you're a boy," Jasmine gasped.
"Exactly," Holly laughed. "Krista is a girl. She gave up her neat bedroom for Ivy and I and she's done all these other neat things too. She loves to help others."
"Krista, if you don't want to answer this, please feel free to just say so," Heather asked. "Did you kill the man that kidnaped you?"
"Yes," Krista nodded gravely. "It was him or us and I was the only one capable of stopping him. My boyfriend Tony was hurt and bleeding cause he'd been pistol whipped when he stuck up for me. His mom Rachel was a basket case because she knew he was going to kill us all. She was so bad she could barely drive. Oh, I guess I should tell you the bad guy was her husband and Tony's dad who had just killed two prison guards and escaped. Anyway, I had just learned how to drive our on our farm so I volunteered to drive. That pissed him off but he let me. I did all right too, drove right at the speed limit so no one would get suspicious. But I knew I had to stop him so when I saw a tractor trailer bearing down on us to pass, I swerved right in front of him. He hit us and we spun and flipped several times. When we stopped we were upside down. I was bleeding but unbuckled myself and crawled into the back of the station wagon where he was. It was pretty well smashed up back there but he was still alive. When I tried to take the gun from him, we struggled. I found what turned out to be the broken rear window wiper and jammed it in his face. Luckily it hit his eye and sank through into his brain killing him. Unfortunately he pulled the trigger and the gun emptied itself. I was hit in the arm and leg. I just did what I had to do to protect the others. That's what you did too. Although it hurts God when one of us kills another, he knows what's in our hearts. If our motives were good and we ask for his forgiveness, he'll do so. The hard part is to accept his forgiveness and go forward with our lives doing what we can when we are able to help others just like I've helped your family and Sandi. That doesn't mean I still don't have nightmares. But just like the man who hurt Jasmine, the man I killed was an evil person who intentionally hurt others. I stopped him when no one else would or could before he could hurt anyone else. I don't like what I did, but I have no doubt that if I had to do it over again, I'd still kill him."
"I can really see why everyone likes you," Heather smiled. "You really are a genuine caring person. You're also the toughest girl I've ever met. Thank you for all you've done to get us back together... and don't go denying it, young lady. You got the ball rolling after it was stuck for two and a half years. I hope we can live up to the example you've created."
"Thank you," Krista demurred. "I do try to do good whenever I can but I'm not a saint. I make mistakes and occasionally put my foot in my mouth. I look forward to being friends with all of you. Jasmine, you need to get better. We're planning on having a neat Halloween Dance and I'd love for you to be there, even if you can't dance yet."
After a bit more conversation, Pat and Krista headed home.
It was about nine when the Spades dropped Holly and Ivy off. They had to get a good night's sleep so they were rested to start their new school tomorrow.
*****
Part 7
Monday morning Larry arrived at Bill's home at 7:oo am to begin his lessons on farming. Bill greeted him with a firm handshake.
"Yu're a brave man, Larry," Bill chuckled. "Wantin' to be a farmer ain't an easy job and the hours be long. I'm right proud to be teachin' ya. First, Ah'll take ya on a tour of the dairy barns. If ya got any questions ya just ask."
"Thanks Mr. Dougherty," Larry smiled. "I've got a notebook and camera to take notes and pictures to help me remember things."
"If yur gonna call me Mr. Dougherty ya can jus’ turn round and go," Bill declared gruffly. "Mah name is Bill. Ah hope ya got a lot of ink in yur pen.”
Bill spent the week teaching Larry about the ins and outs of the land. Where to plant what, which areas to avoid because the ground was to soggy, and the myriad other things a farmer must know about the land he's working. Unlike Bill's own children who hated the hard work and long hours, Larry was eager to make the land grow. Long discussions between Bill and Larry had brought them together, almost like a grandfather and grandson.
Bill remembered how fertile the waters of the Chesapeake Bay had been sixty years ago. Even before the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program began he had investigated ways of cutting down the possible water pollutants coming from his farm. He was one of first in the state to switch to no till farming. Once the MACS program was started, he was one of the first to sign-up. There was little he had to change in his farming techniques as he was already in near full compliance with the Nutrient Management Program requirements of the Maryland Department of Agriculture(MDA). When Larry explained he wanted to go to an organic no-till farm, Bill readily approved as he had investigated doing so but felt he was simply too old to make such a change. As a certified organic farm, the crops and products the farm produced would have a ready local market as well as more distant markets. Larry had already contacted the federally accredited Maryland Organic Certification Program (MOCP).
(Organic is a legal term which is defined and governed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.)
With in-put from Bill, Larry decided on a small starter dairy herd of about fifty head. The Clan Wells Point Organic Farm would supply milk products with no preservatives. They would make their own butter, cheeses, and yogurt as well as ice-cream. Chickens would be the same, a hundred or so, enough to supply themselves and a few others with fresh eggs and meat. Steers would figure prominently in the business as the grazing land was lush and normally available year round as the few times it was covered with snow it quickly melted. There would be horses for the tourists and the B&B, to ride as well as to harness to wagons and buggies. There already were several horses and steers on the property.
Since Bill farmed Jane's land, he had already enrolled both in the state winter cover crop program designed to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The reimbursement was Fifty dollars an acre if planted before October 1st Bill had gotten two hundred fifty acres in by that deadline. The next deadline for a forty dollar per acre reimbursement was October 15. Those rates were if the cover crop was not harvested. The reimbursal rate was twenty five dollars an acre if harvested. There was an eighty acre field of corn yet to be harvested and that plus another one hundred twenty acres needed to be planted with winter cover. The chore would be to get it done before the October 15 deadline.
*****
Holly and Ivy joined Teri, Lyndi, LJ, Pete, and Sandi on the school bus to Tilgham Elementary. Leroy, the Spades, and Heather followed with the girl's transcripts from their schools in Cecil County.
Quite a few people had seen the effort to wake Jasmine on Saturday and it had been replayed as part of the Sunday interview. To their fellow students, the seven Clan Wells Point students were celebrities. All were greeted warmly and welcomed to the school. Sandi, who had tried to be a quiet mouse was suddenly drawn into the spotlight as were Holly and Ivy. By the end of the day, they had sorted out those who could be true friends from those with momentary infatuation with their celebrity status. The staff really liked the moniker The Clan Wells Point as all thought it was quite appropriate. In the five weeks since the school year began they were already aware to expect unusual but positive things from The Clan Wells Point.
Once the kids were settled into their classes, Frank headed back to their new home to begin to give the place a thorough once over and take measurements to draw up rough plans for The Clan Wells Point Landing. Sarah and Heather headed into Easton to work with Jasmine. Leroy drove to into Neavitt to the post office and opened a large PO Box in the Post Office under the name The Clan Wells Point.
*****
At St. Michaels Middle High School Krista and Tony were swamped with greetings for their appearance on TV. Amy Beck and Ferdy Hammond begged to be allowed to set up the Facebook and Youtube pages for The Clan Wells Point. Krista smiled and said she was going to ask them for their assistance. At lunch the four sat together and worked out the general details and layout. Krista nor Tony had any idea what was involved but the data duo sure did and promised to set to work.
The snobbettes were starting to come around. They admitted they could not compete with Krista but also finally realized that she was not even trying to compete with them. Their niche in the school society was safe even if it wasn’t quite as envy inducing as it would have been without Krista. Besides, they had to admire Krista for all she did even though they couldn’t understand how she could remain so humble and unassuming.
The only students still upset with Krista and with Tony were Dwayne and Phil. The redneck hooligans linked up with a the trouble-makers from the junior class, Freddy Grant and Barney Flint. For the most part, they were the go-fors. But they got transportation and once they proved themselves, the booze and pot came their way. They took joy in driving around vandalizing vehicles just for fun. Paintballs left nice round dings in the doors and fenders and if the hit was just right, shattering side window glass. They would randomly hit and run before they could be identified and move on to a site a few miles away.
The students were excited about the prospect of holding the Halloween Dance in the barn on Wells Point. The $500.00 price tag was a bit daunting but nearly everyone wanted to try it. One of the seniors suggested selling Raffle tickets to raise the money. Some felt it was a good idea but others were hesitant about gambling. When Krista heard about it, at first she didn't like the idea, but the more she thought about it, the more possibilities arose.
Krista got word to the student council president (who was always a senior) Gwen Moore to ask for a brief student council meeting during the last period to discuss the issue. Gwen already knew she had a firebrand on her hands with Krista and went to the office to request permission. By then the principal also understood Krista was a force to be reckoned with and approved. In both cases, neither objected to Krista's gung-ho attitude and in fact were impressed by her positive energy. Most of the council members made it to the meeting. Gwen called it to order then turned the floor over to Krista.
"I'm not sure who came up with the idea of holding a raffle to raise the money needed for the liability policy but I want to thank them," Krista began. "At first I didn't like it as it seemed a bit selfish, but as I thought about it, I realized we could also use it as fund raiser for another cause. We sell raffle tickets for $5.00 each. We shoot to raise a minimum of $2000.00, more if we can. That's a minimum of four hundred tickets. We advertise the income is to be used to pay the costs to print the tickets, which I hope will be under a $100.00 with $300.00 given in prizes. A first place of $100.00, second of $75.00, third of $50, a fourth of $25.00 and fifth through tenth of $10.00. Then the next $500.00 is for the liability policy for the dance. Everything above that amount would go toward the Toys for Tots program. If we sell four hundred tickets, we donate $1000.00 to Toys for Tots. If we sell more than four hundred tickets, all the extra goes to the Toys for Tots. We'd be helping ourselves while doing a worthwhile community activity."
Ken Poore, the student council vice president (the VP was always a junior) stood. "I make a motion we accept Krista's plan with one change. I think our goal should be to sell a thousand tickets. The more we give to the Toys for Tots, the easier it will be to sell."
"I second the motion," Tony called out.
"We have a motion and a second," Gwen declared. "Is there any further discussion on the motion, if not, all those in favor say AYE. (the response was overwhelming) Opposed say NAY. (No one spoke.) The AYES have it and so ordered. Now we need a committee to run the raffle. I nominate Krista and Tony from the seventh grade."
Two students were selected from each grade to serve on the raffle committee. Gwen and Ken served for their grades. Ken’s dad owned The Poore House, the local printer, who could print the raffle tickets for under $100.00. Together, the new committee headed to the office to present the plan. Dr. Harris, the school principal liked the idea and promptly forwarded it on to Dr. May, the school district superintendent. He too liked the idea. Since waiting until the next school board meeting would be too late, he had his secretary send an email to the members of the board asking for a prompt yeah or nay so the kids could move on.
*****
After school, Jane drove Holly and Ivy to the St. Michaels Middle High School where she swapped the girls for Tony. Jane drove Tony back to the farm so he could work with Kylie and Pat took Krista, Holly, and Ivy to see Jasmine.
Jasmine was physically tired but feeling great. They'd had her in a water tank where she was able to move about on her own due to the buoyancy of the water. Her muscles were still too weak to allow her to stand and even sitting upright was tough as her back and abdominal muscles were not up to the task of keeping her erect. Everyone realized it would be a long road to recovery but Jasmine was pumped and pushed herself as hard as she could.
After greeting Jasmine, Sarah, Heather, Holly and Ivy left to find supper. Pat and Krista stayed to keep Jasmine company. Pat brought the fifth grade social studies textbook and with Krista's assistance, they began to review the lessons. This allowed Jasmine to physically relax while helping her brain get back into learning mode. It was slow going at first but by the end of an hour and a half, they had covered a great deal of material. The plan was to do this each day to bring Jasmine up to grade level.
*****
The rest of the week flew by. Larry was an eager pupil which delighted Bill. Holly and Ivy easily adapted to their new school. Jasmine grew stronger. On Thursday the student council was notified the idea for the raffle fund-raiser was approved with the caveat a strict public accounting of all funds be maintained. Ken had already produced a sample two-part raffle ticket the committee approved so Thursday night he and his dad printed a thousand tickets. The Friday morning announcements detailed the raffle to erase any misconceptions created by the rumor mill and every member of the student council was given twenty raffle tickets to sell. Selling these would leave two hundred eighty tickets to share with anyone who sold out.
After Jasmine’s Friday evening tutoring, Krista looked up Dr. Olsen while Pat just smiled and followed. “Dr. Olsen,” Krista began. “I know Jaz isn’t strong enough to leave here yet, but I know she’s going a bit stir crazy in here. The Tidewater Titans teams are playing at the North Easton Sport Complex. My brothers play and Sandi cheers for the mitey-mite team. My sisters cheer for the junior pee-wee team, and Tony plays and I cheer for the midget team. My family always makes a day of it picnicking and we’re taking Holly and Ivy with us. I think it’d really do Jaz a lot of good if she could join us, in a wheel chair of course. I know Heather will never leave her side and my mom is a nurse, so she’d be well cared for. If she gets too tired, they can always leave and bring her back here. I’m positive she’d love the outing and I think it would keep her motivation up to get better. Do you think she’s strong enough to go?”
Dr. Olsen chuckled. “Jasmine has only been awake a week after being in a coma for two and half years! If such a preposterous request was coming from anyone but you I wouldn’t hesitate to say NO. However, since you ARE the one asking, I’d say okay IF you can find a doctor willing to accompany Jasmine.”
“You’re welcome to join us, Dr. Olsen,” Krista gushed getting the hint.
“I’d be delighted to join you,” Dr. Olsen smiled. “If it doesn’t rain and my family can join us.”
“The more the merrier,” Krista smiled. “”I’ll help Gram prepare extra food when I get home.”
“Well I wouldn’t dream of going to a picnic empty handed,” Dr. Olsen smiled. “We’ll bring pretzels, potato chips and corn chips.”
“Great,” Krista smiled. “Can we go back into her room and tell Jaz?”
“Sure,” Dr. Olsen laughed as Krista scurried off to break the news. “How do you keep her under control?”
“I don’t,” Pat chuckled. “I just try to keep up with her.”
At that moment they heard the delighted squeals of the three Reese sisters.
*****
Saturday was bright and sunny with only a bit of wind. A tilt and recline manual wheelchair with torso abductors and a chest harness had been located for use by Jasmine. Leroy put the chair in the back of the his truck after Jasmine was lifted into Pat’s Expedition. Dr. Olsen rode beside Jasmine while her husband Greg and sons, eleven year old Marcus and nine year old Chris followed.
After everyone parked at the sports complex, Leroy unloaded the wheelchair and brought it over to the get Jasmine. Although initially leery of all men when she awoke, Jasmine had already learned she could trust some, and Leroy was one of them. She wrapped her arms about his neck as he picked her from the seat of the SUV and gently placed her in the wheelchair. Pat and Heather strapped her in place then covered her with blankets. By the time they had her ready the others had the picnic goodies unloaded. As they headed towards the picnic tables near the playing field, Jasmine saw a shiny Harley-Davidson V-rod motorcycle in the space by the walk. Knowing she liked motorcycles, Heather stopped so she could admire it.
“Would you like to hear it,” a pretty girl on the arm of a good looking guy said as they came up to them.
“Sure,” Jasmine enthused.
The guy sat on the bike, pulled it off the kick stand, and jumped on the manual starter. The big machine thrumbed to life, purring like a full throated tiger. With a smile he revved the engine into a roar. “When you get better, I’ll give you and your sisters a ride,” Larry smiled.
“This is my brother in law, Larry Scott,” Pat introduced. “This young lady is his fiancee Kylie Masters. She’s the mechanic that keeps this baby running so smoothly. We’ll all be neighbors once you’re discharged”
“Wow,” Jasmine smiled. “Your family is really cool!”
“OUR family is really cool,” Krista corrected as she and Tony scampered over. “Larry and Kylie like to show off the Snarly Harley. I’m so glad you could make it today!” Krista hugged her friend.
“I’m glad you invited me,” Jasmine replied.
Soon they were at the picnic tables. Larry and Kylie had arrived early and staked out a pair of tables. The tiny-mite teams were just finishing their game and the mitey mites were getting ready to go out.
“My sons LJ and Peter are on this team and our soon to be newest daughter Sandi cheers for them,” Pat explained as they watched the teams take the field.
Jasmine and her sisters watched the cheerleaders as much as they did the players. Heather never left her daughter’s side. Dr. Olsen kept an eye on Jasmine and periodically shifted the chair’s position. Greg Olsen and his sons Marcus and Chris stood by Leroy and Larry as they intently watched the game. The boys had wanted to play football but neither was athletically gifted and so were afraid to even try for fear of being teased. Now they saw the poorer players were rotated into and out of the game so they could all get playing time and the better players who were in nearly all the time encouraged their teammates.
“This is what I like about the Tidewater Titans,” Leroy explained as he noted their interest. “At this level no one who tries out is cut and everyone plays. It’s only once you get up into the midgets that cuts are made. But even then they don’t cut kids who came up through the ranks. They may not get as much field time, but they’re still part of the team.”
“It sounds like we’ll have to look into this next year,” Greg smiled as he saw the wistful expression on his son’s faces.
When the game ended, Sandi, LJ and Peter ran to the tables for a drink. Lyndi and Teri hugged their brothers and new sister before they headed out to the field to cheer for the junior pee-wee team. Holly, Ivy, and Jasmine saw the family comradery and knew they wanted to be part of it.
Seeing this, Krista called her three siblings over. The Reese girls complimented their performance. Seeing the boys were getting squirmy, Tony snagged them and led them to Marcus and Chris. With Tony as mediator he soon had the boys engaged in shop talk. Sandi, Holly, and Ivy moved closer to watch Lyndi and Teri cheer.
“Tony really seems like a nice boy,” Jasmine said a bit wistfully.
“He is now,” Krista chuckled. “When we first met I wound up decking him.”
Jasmine was surprised. “You decked him?”
“Yeah,” Krista replied then told her of their first meeting.
“So after you beat him, you helped him save face,” Jasmine said.”
“Sure,” Krista said. “It wasn’t too long before that I mistakenly thought I was a tough guy too. I knew guys that behaved like that did so for self preservation. I could tell that emotionally Tony was really hurting and I just couldn’t let him suffer because of something I did.”
“Then I found out Tony was Kylie’s cousin,” Krista continued. “It turns out Tony was a bully because his dad was a big bully and abusing Tony and his mom. Tony couldn’t understand why I wanted to help him instead of humiliate him. His mom showed up and my mom was there, we wound up setting a trap for his dad. Remember, Kylie is transgendered like me and her uncle, Tony’s dad, hated her for being a sissy. His dad found out I’d decked Tony and got drunker than he normally did. My dad set it up so the police would nail Tony’s dad for drunk driving, so by the time he got home he was totally pissed. When he saw Kylie and I there he lost it and tried to kill us. We were ready and my dad and other police were hiding and they arrested him and took him to jail. After that, Tony and I just meshed.”
“Gee, you really are into saving people,” Jasmine declared.
“I don’t go around looking for people to help,” Krista demurred. “But people stepped forward to help my sisters and I when we needed it without being asked. I just decided to do the same. Kylie was the first person I saved.” Krista went on to tell how her coming out as transgendered to her extended family triggered Larry to take off and save Kylie from committing suicide.
Jasmine was clearly awed by Krista’s attitude that she hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary. “So even though you killed his dad, Tony still likes you?”
“He knows I didn’t set out to kill him and that it was either him or us,” Krista whispered clearly not liking what she had done. “That’s the one thing I’ve learned about life. It’s not fair. It wasn’t fair my mom got cancer and drowned herself to save my sisters and I from going into foster care. It wasn’t fair I had to kill a man. It wasn’t fair your dad skipped out on you. It wasn’t fair you and your sisters were taken from your mom and put in foster care. It wasn’t fair you were molested. It wasn’t fair your mom was so betrayed by the system she felt she had to stop the man that hurt you. It wasn’t fair that Sandi was molested. But then Jesus never promised us life would be fair. He promised to save our souls and all we have to do is believe in him. To me, that is much better than fair.”
“Krista, you are simply amazing,” Heather said. “Your faith solves everything.”
“Yes, it does,” Krista declared with simple honesty. “If not in this life then in the next. God was working through me that night when he compelled me to confess to my family that I was a boy when they all though I was a girl. My mother had sacrificed herself for us then came back as a spirit to delay Kylie’s suicide long enough for her to be rescued. Kylie saw her ghost. My dad, grandad, Uncle David, and Larry saw the fresh sea water and sea weed in the barn when they saved Kylie. I have no choice but to have faith in God.”
“I wish I could have your faith,” Heather sighed. “But why does God let bad things happen?”
“My mom used to say if bad things didn’t happen, no one could appreciate good things,” Krista said. “God uses bad things to check our souls. It’s a test of our faith just like he tested Abraham’s faith when God told him to sacrifice his son. Just before she died, I asked mom if she ever asked ‘God, why me?’ She smiled and said ‘NO, I never asked God why me when I fell in love with your father. I never asked God why me when you or your sisters were born. If I didn’t ask God why me for the good things that happened in my life, what right do I have to ask God why me for the bad?’”
Heather was biting her lips and fighting back tears.
Krista stepped up to her and hugged her while whispering in her ear “God forgives you. Stop fighting him. Open your heart and let him in.”
Heather cried and sank to her knees in prayer as Krista held her. Jasmine was also crying as she reached out and touched her mother. Mother and daughter had started the long road to healing.
As none of the extended family was involved in the pee-wee teams, they used that time to really chow down. Heather was amazed at how open and friendly everyone was. David and Laura were there with their little ones. Sheila and Robert seemed everywhere checking on their kids and grandkids and didn’t miss the adopted or foster kids which meant they included Jasmine, Holly, Ivy and Sandi. Jane and Lisa Nelson manned the food line and made sure everyone had enough to eat while Ed Nelson manned the grill. The Spades took over watching Jasmine so Heather was able to mingle and Dr. Olsen could join her family. Mindy Welch the cheering coach and Mr. Warren the football coach stopped by for a moment, then returned to the pee-wees.
The cheerleaders and midget players used The Clan Wells Point family gathering as the gathering spot for the teams. All the cheerleaders and several of the players greeted Jasmine and those that went to school in St. Michaels told her they looked forward to having her join their class. One boy in particular lingered at the edge, trying to get close to Jasmine yet was too shy to actually do so.
“Jimmy,” Krista called out and waved him over when he looked up.
Not suspecting anything he made his way over to her.
“Jasmine, this is Jimmy Boswell, “ Krista introduced as she pulled Jimmy right up to Jasmine.
“Hi,” Jasmine smiled at the red-faced boy.
Jimmy was too tongue tied to say anything. Tony smacked him on the back of the head.
“Don’t be a dufus, you dufus,” Tony chided. “Say hi to the girl. She won’t bite.”
Jimmy was almost purple with embarrassment but managed to look up at Jasmine and mutter ‘Hi.”
”Man, Jimmy, you gotta lighten up,” Tony scolded with a chuckle. “Jasmine is a nice girl who knows nothing about you. This is your chance to show her the real Jimmy instead of the shell you’ve been living inside. Come on, man, I changed for the good, so can you! It took Krista to get me squared away. Maybe Jasmine is the girl who can get you straightened out. But you won’t find out if you don’t talk to her.”
With that, Tony and Krista ushered the others away leaving Jimmy and Jasmine alone. Both realized they were being set up. Jasmine was understandably hesitant about guys. Jimmy was a nice guy but just terribly shy around girls. At the same time, both knew and trusted Krista and Tony. By trying to set them up, both obviously thought they’d make a good couple, perhaps as good as they were. Jasmine began to discuss the set-up with Tony. They were surprised they both had the same thoughts about the plot which lightened their mood and they actually began to talk. By the time the midget game was ready to start, both were smiling and seeds of a strong friendship had been planted.
Dr. Olsen and Heather had watched the interaction and set-up. They too trusted Krista and Tony to select a none-threatening young man with lots of potential. Jasmine would have to work to get him to open up and by doing so would be able to learn about him and trust him.
Pat urged Jasmine to be moved to the sidelines bedside Krista and the Midget Cheerleaders as they cheered the guys on to their win. She sang along to ‘Mickey’ and cheered wildly when their team won.
As everyone left the field, the cheerleaders and the players from the Tidewater Titans surrounded Jasmine. They were all glad to see her there and heartily welcomed her. The cheerleaders were overjoyed they had a hand in helping her wake up. The guys were curious to see the girl the cheerleaders had helped and who had become a local celebrity for her Rip Van Winkle time.
Jimmy again stayed in the back, until the crowd thinned, then he made his way forward to give her his personal welcome. Jimmy’s mom, Betty Boswell, came over to see what was taking her son so long. When she saw the girl in the wheelchair, she realized it had to be Jasmine Reese. Her timid son was actually talking to her. Rachel, seeing Betty, went over and greeted her, then introduced her to Heather and the Spades.
By this time Jasmine was visibly starting to fade. The excitement of the outing and meeting all the people, especially Jimmy, had worn her out. As everyone packed up, Jimmy, totally oblivious of his mom, walked beside Jasmine as she was wheeled back to the SUV. After she had been lifted into the back seat and buckled in, he reached in and took her hand. Then he gallantly kissed the back of her hand.
Jasmine smiled soppily as Jimmy turned beet red. He had no idea why he’d done it, but he was glad he did. As he stepped back and closed the door, he saw Krista and Tony holding hands watching the exchange. Krista smiled and winked while Tony gave him a thumbs up.
Jasmine was asleep before they’d traveled a block. She never woke up until the next morning in her bed in the Requard Rehab Center.
*****
Jasmine spent most of Sunday sleeping as she recovered from her trip. Dr. Olsen was delighted because the few hours she was awake, she couldn't stop babbling about how much fun she had at the games and how she looked forward to recuperating enough to be discharged.
Kylie, Tony, Ed, and Krista spent the afternoon working on the DUKW. The water-tight drive assemblies for the wheels had been rebuilt and were reinstalled. The new tires were mounted on the rims and they were installed. This meant the behemoth could be towed, and important step as the unit would have to be moved out of the barn for the dance.
Robert brought an old but sturdy enclosed car transport trailer. The inside dimensions were eight and a half feet wide by twenty four feet long with an inside height of seven and a half feet. The sides and roof were constructed by one and a half inch steel tube welded frame covered with sheets of aluminum. There was a person door on the right side about four feet from the front and the rear had double doors that swung to the sides. At the back entry a pair of eight feet long by eighteen inch wide ramps were tucked beneath the trailer. They were easily pulled out and set pins anchored them into place for use.
The trailer was backed into the barn and using a BobCat with forks in place of the bucket they lifted and moved inside the trailer all of Kylie's tool chests and boxes as well as those Tony brought and the tools left by Krista's grandfather. They arranged everything so it was accessible from a center aisle yet balanced side to side, then bolted them in place. A work bench six feet long and thirty inches wide was built in by the back doors. Powerful twelve volt flood lights were installed along the ceiling to make the inside as bright as day. The trailer had a built-in small back-up generator and twelve volt battery as well as a power cord set up so it could be plugged into a regular outlet. This would allow the tool trailer to be locked and moved to a job site if that was needed. It would allow the tool trailer to be removed for the Halloween Dance.
Getting everything mobile took the entire afternoon.
Krista and Tony had no problems selling their raffle tickets. The Nelsons, the Spades, Jane O'Brien, Robert Scott, David Scott, Larry, Kylie, Leroy and even the normally tight fisted Bill Dougherty bought five each. Rachel and Evelyn wanted to purchase five each but they were going to have to wait until Tony and Krista could get more tickets.
*****
Part 8
Monday morning the news quickly spread through school that the student council members had all sold their allotted twenty tickets and had requests for more. All the student council members wanted more tickets but there were only enough left to give seven to each. At a brief meeting during lunch, they decided to print another five hundred tickets and distribute them to the council members in ten ticket packets. This meant that 28 kids could get their first extra ten packets immediately while the rest would have to wait until the next day as Ken Poore promised to have the additional five hundred tickets ready by then. It was decided in the case of council members who were couples that only one of them would receive the ten immediately. Since there were eight couples, this worked out fine.
Rachel and Evelyn got their tickets that evening.
*****
Jasmine really put everything she had into her workout. Heather joined the therapist in the pool as they worked on Jasmine's balance. By lunch Jaz was able to swim the length of the pool. After lunch she took a nap to re-energize. By three they had her in the gym. They got her to her feet and had her try to walk between parallel bars where she could hold on with both hands. It was a struggle, but the determined lass was soon making the fifteen foot trip without undo difficulty. Her coordination was returning rapidly, but her muscle strength still needed work.
As she and Krista studied together before supper, the two gossiped as much as they studied. They knew they were going to be close friends. Jaz blushed when Krista reported Jimmy had taken some good-natured razzing for being so obviously smitten with Jasmine. Krista promised to tell Jimmy Jasmine appreciated his friendship.
The rest of the week flew by. The student council wound up printing another five hundred tickets Thursday night for a total of two thousand tickets but announced that would be the end.
Jasmine physically improved every day. By Friday she was able to stand on her own and pivot. Walking was still shaky but she could get out of bed and into a wheelchair if the chair was by the bed. She was able to propel the wheelchair on her own. She was able to stand up out of the wheelchair to move to a piece of workout equipment. The stationary bike was her favorite. She was even able to slowly walk about with the aid of a walker. Dr. Olsen was proud of her motivation and drive.
Ground was broken for Bill Dougherty's new cabin. A barge was brought in to the cove formed by the northern end of Balls Creek, then tied in place with ropes to trees on the shore. From this floating platform the workers could drive pressure treated six inch round pylons into the muddy bottom to form the framework for a floating pier. When the pylons could be driven no deeper, they were trimmed off four feet above the high tide level. The pylons were placed in pairs six feet apart with eight feet between the pairs until they reached forty feet out into the cove. Pressure treated four by four inch beams were bolted atop each pylon from the shore to the end of the dock to add stability. Additional four by fours were added between the pylons at one foot above the high tide mark. Steel cross braces were bolted between the pairs of posts, one at the bottom of the cove and another one foot below the low tide mark.
Bill and Larry completed the harvesting the corn and planting all the cover crops
*****
The Spades and Heather settled into their new home with help from Jane and Lisa. A room on the first floor for was set up for Jasmine until she had recovered enough to be able to handle the stairs.
*****
By Friday, the student council had sold all two thousand raffle tickets. They'd raised $10,000.00. $500.00 went to the insurance policy. $100.00 went to the printing costs. $300.00 went for prize money. That left $9,100.00 for Toys for Tots. Virtually the entire school was bubbling with pride over the ease of raising the money.
*****
Saturday October 13 was a memorable day. It began with The Clan Wells Point including Jasmine, plus Jimmy with his mom and Dr. Olsen and family, gathered in a special Saturday morning hearing in the county courthouse. Judge Watkins approved the Spade's adoption of Heather. After the adoption was completed, she released Holly and Ivy from foster care to the custody of their new grandparents.
From the courthouse, everyone headed out to attend the last game of the regular season for the Tidewater Titans to enjoy a Clan Wells Point football outing/picnic. This week Jasmine had improved to the point where she was able to use a standard manual wheelchair. A walker was also available so she could walk if need be. Jimmy spent practically all his time with Jasmine. Together with Krista and Tony they walked about the sporting complex checking out the sites. Krista showed them the thicket where Sandi had been hiding. Jasmine was in high spirits, pleased with her adventure and friends.
When it came time for the midget team to play, everyone gathered around the field. Holly, Ivy, Lyndi, and Teri rolled Jasmine to the sidelines so she could be as near to Krista and the other cheerleaders as was allowed. The game was fierce and both Tony and Jimmy had outstanding days.
While in previous years Tony had at times been an outstanding player, his efforts had been inconsistent and erratic. This year with Krista by his side, he was now invariably playing to the best of his abilities. Jimmy had been a good player, but Coach Warren was well aware that his sudden dramatic improvement to become an outstanding player was due to having Jasmine on the sidelines. It almost made him wish all his players had girlfriends.
When the final whistle blew, the fans of the Tidewater Titans cheered loudly. The Tidewater Titans finished their eight game season undefeated.
After the game, Jasmine returned to the rehab center with the understanding that if she was well rested by the next morning, she could be picked up and brought to church, then visit Wells Point and see her new home.
Holly and Ivy moved from the Jane's home to the Spade's home. Holly and Ivy decided to continue sharing a bedroom as they had missed the closeness during their enforced separation. Everyone pitched in to make short work of the chore. Of course, at this point, the girls had not accumulated much but that would soon change.
*****
On Sunday morning Jasmine was awake at 6:00am. The staff called the Spades. In a few minutes Frank and Heather headed into the Easton to help her into a dress. Sarah let Holly and Ivy sleep a bit later then woke them up to get ready. They were quite excited to have Jasmine coming out to see their new home even if she had to go back to Rehab.
Once Jaz was dressed, they headed out to their Expedition. They stopped at a McDonalds for breakfast, another treat for Jasmine. They headed through St. Michaels, passing the St. Michaels Middle-High School she'd be attending. Soon they were heading down SR 579, the Bozeman-Neavitt Road. As they turned onto Wells Point Lane, Jasmine was delighted by all the trees. She'd only lived in suburban areas and had always longed to live out in the country. After passing through the trees she smiled at the open fields surrounded by trees. They turned left onto Dougherty Lane, from there she could see water. Then they turned left onto Johns Cove Lane, driving beside the body of water until the road ended at a house, barn, and several out buildings.
"This is our new home," Heather explained as they stopped in front of the house.
"Oh Wow," Jaz exclaimed. "This is all yours?"
"It's our part of The Clan Wells Point," Frank explained. "We'll be living here and running the landing as well as stabling the horses."
Just then, Holly and Ivy came dashing out the front door, across the porch, and up to the SUV to greet Jasmine. Sarah followed at a more lady-like pace. Soon everyone was seated in the van. As they reached Wells Point Lane, the crowded Scott Expedition drove by. Krista, Teri, Lyndi, Sandi, LJ and Pete all waved as Jasmine, Holly and Ivy waved back. The two vehicles proceeded down the lane, to be joined by another as Robert and Sheila Scott with Bill Dougherty in tow joined the caravan. Fifteen minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of St. Luke's UMC Church. Jasmine was helped into her wheelchair and they all went inside where they were greeted by the rest of the Clan Wells Point in the front pews as well as Jimmy and his mom and Dr. Olsen and her family.
It was only at this time that Laura realized Jimmy was her nephew. While Tony's buddy Jimmy had been a frequent matter of discussion since he became involved with Jasmine, Laura had not really seen him up close to recognize him. It turned out Betty Boswell was the widowed wife of Laura's older brother. They had always been on friendly terms but with two small children to take care of and Betty busy supporting herself and Jimmy, visits were infrequent and mostly bumping into each other while shopping.
Rev. Giles came over to greet the family and whispered into Heather's ear. Heather gasped and looked at the Spades who smiled and nodded their heads. Heather smiled and nodded, dabbing at tears.
The girls were too busy gossiping and looking around to catch the interchange. Jasmine was excited and a bit apprehensive to be in church as she had never ventured inside one before.
The service started. The organ music swelled and vibrated the wooden pews during the low notes. The girls joined everyone else signing the first song from the hymnal. The service proceeded through the bible readings. The Gospel consisted of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. At that point Rev. Giles invited all the children forward for a children's sermon. Krista led the children of the Clan Wells Point forward. Jimmy pushed Jasmine.
"The parable of the lost sheep was told by Jesus when the Pharisees, who were leaders of the synagogue, criticized Him for socializing with sinners," Rev. Giles began. "Through this story of compassion, Jesus revealed his rescue mission for sinners.'
"Luke 15:3-7 reads “Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent’”.
"The parable begins with a straying sheep. A sheep apart from its shepherd is defenseless and in grave danger. Jesus views any person apart from Him as lost. How is he lost? The wrong things he does keeps him from God, leaving him groping aimlessly in darkness. It says in Isaiah 59:9 “So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows”.
"The shepherd in the story, however, didn’t despise his straying sheep. With a heart of compassion, Jesus also values each sinner the Father entrusts Him as it reads in John 6:39 'And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day'. Jesus is intent upon rescuing the sinner not only because the Father gave them to Him but also because He loves them. His love led Him to sacrifice His life on the cross to take their punishment for their sin."
"The parable of the lost sheep also illustrates Christ’s attitude toward the saved sinner. The parable gives no indication of the shepherd ever rebuking or chiding. Instead, he hoists the sheep upon his shoulders and takes it home. An adult sheep may weigh anywhere from 110 to 125 pounds; it would be no small effort to carry one over the shoulder. For joy over finding that which was lost, the shepherd bears the discomfort. Likewise, Jesus bore the weight of our sins upon the cross. As High Priest and Mediator, He continues to bear our cares and infirmities before the Father. 1 Peter 2: 24-25 reads 'He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. . . . For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls'”.
"Finally, the parable of the lost sheep offers an extraordinary glimpse of heavenly emotions. The shepherd calls his friends and neighbors together, saying, “Rejoice with me.” The rescue of the lost sheep was a cause for proclamation and celebration. Similarly, Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and is restored to fellowship with God. This joy is cheerfulness; it is calm, considered delight. It is a deliberate emotion -- thoughtful and sustained. This is not a picture of raucous dancing and carousing but of lasting pleasure and heartfelt satisfaction. Why? A sinner has come home! Such news delights the heart of heaven."
"Since the beginning, God has been the Good Shepherd who rescues His lost sheep. When Adam and Eve were hiding in shame because of their sin, He sought them out. Yes, He disciplined them. But He promised a Rescuer. Until Christ’s death for their sins, He forgave them by their faith and covered them with animal skins. God still reaches out for the lost to cover and recover them through the blood of Jesus Christ."
The children sat mesmerized by the sermon. They all realized that Jasmine was like the lost sheep who was found. They were a bit too young to understand Rev. Giles was referring to the entire Reese family.
The sermon was a similar theme but unusually short. After a hymn, the collection was taken. At that point Rev. Giles stepped forward.
"We are blessed this day to have the Reese family with us," Rev. Giles began. "They have been sorely tested by the Lord but have come through their ordeal as a loving family. I'm sure you've heard of their harrowing tests since our personal angel, Krista, set out to help them. Yesterday, Heather Resse was adopted by Frank and Lisa Spade. This makes Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy their granddaughters. It is the desire of the proud grandparents to have their new family baptized in the name of the Lord. At this point, I'd like to call Heather, Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy Reese forward as well as their parents and sponsors."
Heather stood and pushed Jasmine's wheel chair forward as Holly and Ivy tentatively followed. The Spades followed as did Dr. Olsen and her husband Greg who would be the God Parents. The baptism was a solemn yet joyous occasion. When Heather knelt for her turn, she was trembling fearing God would strike her down for blasphemy because of her grievous sin. As the blessed baptismal water touched her head she felt God's love and forgiveness wash over her freeing her from the inner turmoil that had wracked her soul since she had rashly killed the man who had violated Jasmine. Krista had given her hope of salvation, the baptism confirmed it. Heather totally broke down in tears of release and happiness, sagging to the floor.
Lisa and Dr. Olsen helped her to her feet and hugged her. There wasn't a dry eye in the church. Later some would say they felt the evil that had been weighing Heather down being ejected from her as the holy water touched her, with that evil being utterly destroyed by the love and faith in the church.
The women helped Heather back to her seat. As Greg rolled Jasmine back to her place Frank stewarded Holly and Ivy to their seats. By the end of the service, Heather had recovered her composure but her face shone with faith, love, and hope. Now that she knew the Lord, she would never be afraid.
At the end of the service, the congregation took the time to greet their newest members and welcome them to their community. Laura and Betty caught up with their family situations and renewed their friendship.
The Clan Wells Point was expanding, now numbering thirty six members. Dr. Olsen and her family were now officially a part of the group as was Jimmy and Betty Boswell. Betty unsuccessfully tried demur out of being part of the Clan but Laura refused to even hear of it saying they'd been relatives and good friends for years.
Reservations had been made for a Clan celebration at a nearby restaurant. When Jimmy told Jasmine, Krista and Tony he was Laura's nephew, they all marveled at what a small world it was. But for Krista, a spark was ignited. Even though Jimmy didn't talk much about it, it had become evident that he and his mom were having financial difficulties. Their house needed repairs and the place was already mortgaged. The housing market was starting to deflate and the house was now worth less than they owed on the mortgage so they couldn't get a loan for repairs. On top of that, Betty worked as a housekeeper for The St. Michaels Harbor Inn. With the vacation season over, her hours had been cut even more severely than previous years. Dropping from forty hours a week to thirty two hours had been tough, but this year she had been cut to twenty hours.
During the meal the adults agreed that the Olsens and Boswells would move out to Wells Point as soon as housing became available. Leroy suggested they incorporate the Clan Wells Point as a Limited Liability Corporation, (LLC) and each buy or barter ownership shares. All shares would carry the stipulation they be could only be sold back to the LLC or another shareholder. Once the LLC was legally registered, it would buy all the land that Jane owned as well as the Dougherty property Robert and Sheila had recently purchased.
The members of The Clan Wells Point agreed to have Robert, Sheila, and Jane be a tri-part board of directors to make any needed day to day decisions for the Clan. To avoid complications and take advantage of the benefits of individual ownership, the property would be split up into properties that had previously existed but had been combined. Jane's property and Bill's property were both accumulations of smaller properties. The house and land where Ed and Lisa Nelson lived had been a separate property from Jane's. For Bill's property, there had been several. The B&B had been one property, the house Robert and Sheila inhabited along with the forest between it and SR579 had been a property, the farm at Wells Point Lane and Dougherty Lane was a single property. The main farm had been Bill's original property. The farm at Johns Cove Landing had been an independent farm. The house between the main farm and the landing had been a small lot. Even the land where Bill's new house sat had been a homestead a hundred years before.
After the meal, everyone caravanned out to Wells Point to survey the Clan domain. The Olsens were quite impressed with the size and location as well as the lush landscape. They immediately looked forward to moving there. The caravan offloaded at the end of Johns Cove Lane where the Spades were living. Everyone changed out of their Sunday-Go-To-Meeting clothes into knock-around clothes.
Bill took Larry, Tony, and Jimmy out to the barn as Kylie and Krista off loaded two coolers and a few picnic baskets from the back of Larry’s Ranger. Twenty minutes later Jimmy and Tony each led a team of horses pulling a big old hay wagon covered with loose straw. The deck of the wagon was six feet wide and twenty feet long. The sides and back were two feet above the deck and back sloped up and out at a sixty degree angle which made the wagon eight feet wide. Larry was in one and Tony in the other. Each took a cooler and two picnic baskets. Bill came put-putting out of the barn driving an old tractor with a front end loader and several nylon tie downs dangling from it. Dr. Olsen supervised rolling Jasmine in her wheelchair backwards into the bucket then securing it in place. Leroy and Dave stood in the bucket, one on each side of Jasmine as Bill slowly raised the bucket and slowly trundled to the back of the front hay wagon. Lifting the bucket high over the rear side he lowered it as close as he could to the deck. Leroy stayed in the bucket with Jasmine as they unstrapped the wheelchair, then Larry and David lifted it and Jasmine out of the bucket into the wagon while Leroy kept it steady. Dr. Olsen climbed in the wagon and supervised as they strapped the wheelchair in place.
As Bill backed the tractor out of way and parked it, everyone climbed into or was hauled up into a wagon. Jane took the reins of the first wagon and Bill took the reigns of the second as they were the only ones with experience in driving horse drawn hay wagons. The day was bright and sunny around seventy degrees so Tony and Larry had backpacks with drinks. They set out about 2:00pm and began driving the lanes and farm tracks of the Clan Wells Point Estate. The difference in driving through the grounds in a car or truck and the hay wagons was quite different. The ride was bumpier but the slow speed altered the bounces into swaying to and fro. Everyone could see everything and hear the sounds of nature. Jane and Bill taught Larry and Tony how to handle the rigs and they even took over the reins while Bill and Jane snacked and drank. They had their picnic on the move. Everyone had a wonderful time.
It was nearly dark when they pulled back into the farm. Bill used the tractor to lift Jasmine down from the wagon, then he and the boys took the wagons and horses back to the barn. Krista rolled Jasmine out to watch as Tony and Jimmy brushed the horses down.
A bit later when Krista had an opportunity to speak to Laura she did so. "Laura, Can I speak to you confidentially?"
"Sure, Krista," Laura smiled.
"Well, I know we agreed to make arrangements for the Olsens and Boswells to move out here. However, no one has said anything like what I'm about to say, but I think it needs to be brought up," Krista said. "Jimmy has not come out and said anything, but he and his mom are having a tough time financially. Betty's hours have been cut in half at the Harbor Inn. Their house needs a lot of repairs and they can't afford it. I was thinking that with Betty's experience in housekeeping at a quality place, she could help at your B&B. Not that you're not capable, but it's all new to you plus you have to keep an eye on DJ and Wanda. There's plenty of room in the residential wing that Betty and Jimmy could rent space from you and work for you at the same time. Once you get rolling, you'll need help and she wouldn't need training. I think it would help you and Betty to work out a deal."
"Krista, I never cease to marvel at how concerned you are for other people," Laura smiled. "I wasn't aware Betty was in financial straits and her skills would be an asset to the B&B. Let me discuss this with Dave. If he has no objections, we'll talk to Betty."
"Great," Krista smiled knowing she'd done all she could to get the ball rolling.
It was near 10:00pm when Frank and Heather drove Jasmine back to the rehab center. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
*****
The next week was a whirlwind of activity. Jasmine was more motivated than ever. She worked hard every day and pushed herself to the limit. By the end of the week, she was able to walk a few steps without any assistance or aids. Using a walker she could go much further. After much negotiating, it was decided to allow her to move home Friday. This didn't mean she was released from rehab therapy, just that she'd switch from inpatient to outpatient. The school was notified that Jasmine would be able to start school on Monday October 22. Krista was designated as her assistant to help her negotiate the school since they shared the schedule. Jasmine was told she'd have to use a wheel chair to negotiate the halls as she was not yet ready to move through the crowds of students on her own power.
Jasmine also discussed another matter with Krista. “Krista, do you think the kids at school will tease me about my hair?”
“A few might but most will be okay with it,” Krista answered. “No one has reacted poorly when you were at the football games or church. Most of them saw the TV interview so they’re aware of what you’ve gone through. Besides, if anyone says anything to your face about your short hair, Jimmy will let them know they made a big mistake. You don’t have to worry about him getting into a fight or anything about it since Tony and I will be right beside him.”
“Thanks,” Jasmine smiled. “I’d thought about getting a wig but that just seems so phony. I’d rather just be myself.”
“Good for you,” Krista smiled. “That’s exactly what I do.”
“I just hope I can do it half as well as you do,” Jasmine sighed.
*****
With the help of Kevin Stewart, the Clan Wells Point organized their LLC. Each of the original nine properties were recreated. Each was appraised and rounded so that the smallest lot became one share. Bill's new home was four shares. The Johns Cove Landing, the B&B, and the Nelsons were five shares. The smaller farm and Robert and Lisa's home were seven shares. Jane's farm and the main farm were ten shares. This totaled fifty four shares.
Smaller LLCs were set up for each of the nine properties in the name of the head of the household living there even though the Clan Wells Point LLC fully owned the smaller LLCs. This gave them the benefits available to larger landowners and unified land management as well as allowing the benefits provided by Maryland to individual waterfront properties regarding piers and fishing. It also allowed better use of farming subsidies offered by the USDA, Maryland Department of Agriculture(MDA), Maryland Organic Certification Program (MOCP), Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS), and the Chesapeake Bay Program.
*****
State assistant Attorney General Amanda Frost contacted Kevin Stewart on Tuesday that a tentative deal had been reached with the Cecil County. A meeting/hearing was scheduled before Judge Timmons for Thursday morning.
Kevin, Heather, and Frank attended the meeting along with Amanda Frost. Judge Rudolph, assistant DA Harry Thomas, the head of Social Services, the DA and Head of the County Commissioners and a lawyer for the Cecil County Liability Insurer were also present.
Everyone knew the history and facts in the case and all wanted to avoid going to trial as it would be costly and embarrassing. The facts of the Reese family debacle were reviewed and no one disputed the multiple errors that had been made. It was agreed to vacate Heather's murder conviction and for her to plead guilty to manslaughter with the sentence to be time served with no probation. Judge Rudolph handed in his notice of retirement rather than face further investigation and possible charges of judicial misconduct. The head of Social Services reported the procedures for vetting foster parents had been revamped after Jasmine had been raped and no further issues had occurred since those changes were instituted. The person who had approved the family that had abused Heather had been fired at that time. The case worker who was supposed to be supervising Jasmine's care was arrested for falsifying documents and child endangerment and had been terminated. New rules for caseworkers were being instituted to ensure no false reports would be turned in.
This left the monetary damages the only issue to be decided. This is where Kevin Stewart shown. “The amounts I’m about to give you are bottom line non-negotiable. Either you agreed to my demands or we go to trial.”
“In a jury trial,” Kevin asserted. “The awarded pain, suffering and mental anguish damages would be far greater and punitive damages would also be added. The publicity will be horrendous for the county and those responsible. The demands are as follow: half a million dollars each for Holly and Ivy for their trauma in being separated, having their sister abused, and being kept apart with no effort to reunite them for the two and half years. For Heather, three million dollars for miscarriage of justice and mental anguish over having the girls taken without due process, the separation of her daughters, the consequent rape, the refusal to arrest the perpetrator, the anguish her frustrated retaliation against the man caused, and ignoring all her subsequent communications from prison. For Jasmine, the amount is five million. She was wrongfully separated from her family, raped by her guardian, supposedly placed in a rehab center and lost, not to mention she lost two and a half years of her life. The documented and legitimate costs of her rehabilitation, both physical and mental, will be an ongoing expense of Cecil County until Jasmine and her mother sign off.”
The faces of the people representing Cecil County were grim.
“This is a total of nine million dollars in damages plus another fifteen percent of that amount in attorney fees and costs,” Kevin continued as they digested his demands. “The nine million will be listed as solely for pain, suffering and emotional distress with no punitive award. This is so the entire amount will be free of any tax liability since as you know punitive awards are taxable. If the cases went to trial, the attorney fees and costs would be thirty percent of the award. In addition, at the settlement, Cecil County would publicly admit serious errors had been made plus they offer a full and open apology to the Reese family.”
The representatives for Cecil County asked for and were granted a half hour to discuss the proposed settlement. Clearly, Heather and Frank were stunned by the dollar amounts.
“The money for the girls will be put in trust funds,” Kevin explained. “Expenses for advanced education/job training can be accessed at age eighteen with unrestricted access at twenty five. Any emergency access would have to be approved by a judge. Heather's money could be immediately accessed but most should be invested.”
When the Cecil County representatives returned, they announced they would accept the settlement if non-disclosure statements were signed. All that could be said was that an amicable settlement had been reached with the terms to be kept closed to public scrutiny for ten years.
“That is agreeable if you agree that if it becomes necessary for the family to reveal the source of their money,” Kevin added. “They can say the money came from the settlement as long as dollar amounts are not revealed.”
They agreed. Since Kevin already had the agreements drawn up, the paperwork was signed with the stipulation accounts would be set up at the St. Michaels branch of the Bank of America to accept the four payments which would be made within thirty days. Kevin would set up the trust funds for the girls to be administered by the bank. An investment broker from the bank would sit down with Heather and Frank to figure out an investment strategy.
They returned to Easton delighted with the outcome and the fact they case wouldn't be tied up in court for years. Frank and Heather were bewildered by the amount of the settlement. As they drove home from Easton Frank and Heather decided to tell the adults the results with the understanding the settlement was not to be disclosed and to only tell the children the case was settled, the Reese girls now had trust funds that would pay their way through college and that Heather was now free.
Heather held a whispered conversation with Frank. Then she spoke to Kevin. “I want to put five hundred thousand dollars of my award into a trust fund for Krista as an unsolicited reward for initiating the rescue of my family. I’d like you to set it up along with the trust funds for my girls. I know Krista will try to refuse it, but if it’s already a done deal, she can’t refuse it.”
“That’s mighty generous,” Kevin smiled. “I’d be delighted to take care of it. If for no other reason than she’s doubled my business in a positive way since she’s arrived in Talbot County.”
*****
Part 9
The entire social structure of the school was slowly shifting due to Krista's unrelenting positive attitude and willingness to reach out to others. The spirit of the school steadily shifted to one of cooperation and mutual respect. Those who didn't adapt quickly found themselves losing status. Most were smart enough to ride the wave of change and fit themselves in the new social norm.
As the excitement of the Halloween dance and raffle ticket sale soared, Krista unintentionally cemented her place as the most popular girl in the entire school. The snobbettes were growing accustomed to Krista. They were still amazed that she wasn't even trying to be popular, she was simply being Krista! Having the costumed dance in a barn sounded like fun. Their first inclination in learning it was being held in Krista' barn was not to go. They quickly realized if they snubbed the dance, people would only assume it was out of their jealousy of Krista, which in fact had been the truth. They understood boycotting the dance would only serve to further alienate them from their classmates so they smiled and made peace with Krista... even though she had never been against them.
Armed with photos and videos of the inside and outside of the barn, the dance committee set about figuring out how to decorate the barn for the Halloween Dance. They shot down the idea of doing a haunted house as the effort to do a haunting would take away from the dance. They instead opted for an un-crewed haunting done with props and lights. Corn shocks would be easy as Krista and Tony had already socked away a good supply. Bales of straw were available from the farm. There were four house type ceiling fans mounted on the main beams to keep the air circulating. Sheets of sheer white gauze suspended from the blades, when run at slow speed, would appear to be swarming circling ghosts as the lights were all below the fans and shining toward the floor. Spider webs would be stretched wherever possible and fake bats would be suspended.
A moonshine still would be set up to dispense punch. Among the snacks would be hot dogs the party goers could 'electrocute' by piercing the ends between two nails driven through parallel wooden planks. Throwing an old fashioned knife switch would add current to 'fry' the dog. Eyeballs would be made using mozzarella cheese ball hollowed out to insert a pimento stuffed olive. Witch's brooms would be made of a two inch strip of fruit roll cut into a fringe with one/quarter inch uncut belt, dampened then wrapped around the tip of a pretzel rod. Breadstick bones would be made by stretching the dough in the center leaving thicker ends and baking. Dip would be made of whipped cream cheese with raisins. Carrots cut to finger length with a slice of red bell pepper added for a fingernail. Irregularly shaped bits of soft brownies would be on a platter beneath a children's potty seat with a doll seated in position.
*****
As Dr. Olsen had thought, Jasmine was released Friday afternoon on October 19. By this point she could walk short distances without any assistance. She tired quickly but also recovered quickly. She had been sternly warned not to push herself into exhaustion or she could wind up back in in-patient rehab. The Spades and the Reeses had a quiet sit down welcome home dinner in their house.
*****
Laura and Dave finally had a chance to sit down with Betty. After a bit of denial, Betty broke down and laid out her financial issues. Even she hadn't realized how desperate her situation was until their questions forced her to look at everything together, something she'd avoided doing. At the rate her cash outflow outweighed her cash inflow, she'd be bankrupt before the year was out. The upshot was that arrangements were made to have Betty and Jimmy move into the residential wing of the B&B. Betty kept her job at the Harbor Inn, at least until the spring, and began assisting Laura with setting up the B&B. Betty knew where to get quality cleaning supplies at bargain prices and how to get quality bed linens and towels at good prices. By shutting down her house, Betty could save some money. By approaching the bank with her financial issues, Betty was able to work out a deal to put the house on the market. When it sold, the bank would issue a personal loan, co-signed by Dave and Laura, for the balance of mortgage the sale of the house didn't cover. Larry offered Jimmy an as needed job to help on the farm, going to steady hours once the farm was reorganized.
*****
Saturday was another football picnic day. Frank and Sarah stayed home to catch up on some work while Heather and the girls joined most of the rest of The Clan Wells Point headed to the game. The Titans were playing in the first round of the four team play-off for the Bayside Pop Warner League championship. Again Jasmine cheered on Jimmy while Krista cheered Tony. The Titans easily won to advance to the final league play-offs the following Sunday.
The Spades were measuring the docks and boat ramps as well as the canoe/kayak racks and the boat house. About mid-afternoon as they were working, a car pulled up to the parking round-about. A man and woman exited the car and looked around. Frank and Sarah headed over to them and introduced themselves then asked if they needed help.
"I'm Steven Campbell and this is my wife Cynthia," Steven spoke. "We were hoping to locate you."
"Well, you've found us," Frank smiled. "What can we do for you?"
"I'd like to meet my daughter-in-law and grandchildren," Cynthia stated softly. "My selfish arrogant son is Benny Reese."
Frank and Sarah were clearly surprised.
"I'd like to meet them and apologize for Benny's inexcusable actions," Cynthia continued. "We have no intentions of intruding on their lives, but we would like to be a part of their lives."
"We saw the news clip about Jasmine coming out of her coma," Steven stated. "Then we saw the interview with Harry Halls. That's when we realized we were watching our grandchildren. We had our lawyer do some legal research and a local private investigator made some discrete inquiries. We never knew Benny was living with Heather much less that he fathered three children before marrying her. Abandoning them like he did is inexcusable."
"When we confronted him, he denied he was the father," Steven declared. "Then when we told him we had copies of the marriage and birth certificates, he hung up the phone and has refused to answer any further calls. We've sent his current address and employer to the Talbot County DA. Unfortunately, he's living in Vancouver, British Columbia and teaching at the University of British Columbia. If Heather gets local child support authorization, British Columbia will enforce collection but the process takes two to four months. The other possibility is to have him face criminal charges and face extradition"
“Those are pretty harsh words coming from parents,” Sarah said. “But you sound sincere.”
"I can promise you we are VERY sincere,” Cynthia said. “Benny is being utterly selfish so we’re dealing with him using tough love. We've made reservations at a Motel in St. Michaels and if you and Heather approve, we plan to stay a week. We really do want to get to know our grandchildren."
"They're our grandchildren too," Sarah replied. "We adopted Heather last weekend and she and the children were baptized last Sunday."
"That's wonderful," Cynthia declared genuinely delighted. "We feel so guilty for what happened. If I had my self-center ingrate son here I'd kick his butt."
"I should have done that back when he was in high school," Steven groused. "But we were afraid of alienating him since I was his step-dad."
"Worrying about past should of done’s is depressing," Frank smiled. "We were the ones who reported the girls to Family services. Our intentions were good but what happened was just so horrendous we both took early retirement."
"Their situation just ate at us," Sarah said. "But our guilt led us to help Krista and her sisters. Krista is the most caring person we've ever met. She found and rescued an abused little girl. The girl is now in foster care with Krista's parents and is pending adoption. Krista remembered our guilt about the Reese family and started the ball rolling to reunite them."
"Krista is the transsexual who walked from Massachusetts with her sisters," Steven said. "The girl who killed the escaped murderer?"
"One and the same," Sarah declared. "We're neighbors to her family, they live just up the lane. Say, you haven't checked into the motel yet, have you?"
"Not yet," Steven explained. "We flew into Baltimore and rented a car, then came straight here."
"Let me make a quick phone call," Frank smiled as he pulled out his cell phone.
After a few rings, Frank spoke. "Laura, this is Frank. We have some unexpected visitors and were wondering if you have any rooms ready?"
"Great, I'll send them right over," he replied after listening to her response.
"If your investigation didn't reveal it, almost everything since turning off from SR 579 is part of The Clan Wells Point as Krista dubbed us," Frank declared. "We and the girls are part of the clan as is everyone who lives out here. Laura Scott, Krista's aunt, is setting up a bed and breakfast at the other end of this road. She has a room you can stay in. Just head back the way you came but cross Wells Point Lane, the B&B is at the other end of this lane. Once you get settled in, come on back here. Heather and the girls should be home by then."
"Thank you," Steven smiled. "I just hope the girls won't hate us."
"I can't see that happening," Sarah replied. "They are angry and upset Benny abandoned them but they don't hate him. I'm sure they'll be delighted to meet you."
With that the Campbells headed north to the Clan Wells Point B&B. Laura was waiting for them and greeted them warmly. Even though in the midst of renovations, the Campbells were impressed with the B&B layout and their room. The rate Laura quoted was only one third that of the motel. She explained the rate was low because they were the first customers and they were staying during renovations. After signing in at the register, the Campbells took their bags to the second floor room and called the motel to cancel their reservations.
An hour after they left, the Campbells were back at The Clan Wells Point Landing. Frank and Sarah showed them around the complex and explained their business intentions. The Campbells were clearly impressed.
The Expedition pulled into the cul-de-sac. The driver, Heather, exited as did the front passenger, Ivy, and the left side rear passenger, Holly. Heather opened the tailgate she'd popped open and reached inside to pull out a lightweight high strength Invacare manual wheelchair. Holly picked up the swing-away footrests and attached them to the chair as Ivy opened the right rear door and acted as a spotter as Jasmine carefully pivoted in her seat, then slid out to shakily stand on the gravel, left hand on the open car door and the right on Ivy's shoulder. Heather brought the wheelchair to Jasmine, who then carefully turned and sat in the chair.
By that time, the Spades and the Campbells were in the grass at the edge of the gravel round-about. As Heather pushed Jasmine towards them, Holly and Ivy skipped over to the Spades for hugs. Jasmine and Heather received hugs when they arrived.
"This is Steven and Cynthia Campbell," Frank introduced. "They've come from California to meet you. They learned about you from the TV broadcasts."
"It's nice to meet you," Heather politely greeted the smiling couple although she was a bit concerned about why anyone from California would make the long trip just to see them. What really puzzled her were the tears forming in the corners of Cynthia’s eyes. They were clearly tears of joy.
Sensing their mother's caution Holly and Ivy moved to stand protectively on either side of Jasmine.
Tears started rolling down Cynthia's cheeks. As she dabbed at them she tried to speak but nothing came out.
Steven slipped an arm around her shoulder. "First, we want to offer our deepest and most sincere apologies for how Benjamin has treated you. We never knew you existed or we would have taken care of you after he abandoned you. I'm Benny's stepfather and Cynthia is Benny's mother. We're here to meet our daughter-in-law and grandchildren."
Jasmine immediately grasped what he was saying. "You're dad's parents?"
The light's went on in Heather, Holly, and Ivy as Cynthia and Steven nodded their heads. In seconds Holly and Ivy were hugging their new grandparents. Heather and Jasmine moved forward and exchanged heart-felt hugs with them.
Steven explained in greater detail how they'd been kept in the dark about Benny's family and once more apologized for his abandonment of them.
"There's no need to apologize," Jasmine smiled up at them then grew serious. "You didn't know about us because daddy was ashamed of us. We got in his way and were not cultured enough to be allowed to mingle with his social circle."
"I'm afraid that's my fault," Cynthia guiltily replied. "When he was growing up I was in the so-called elite social circles and kept on him to behave in keeping with our social status. I've learned I was wrong. Social status is worthless if there isn't genuine compassion. After 9/11 I realized the country club social circle I was in was shallow. They made the appropriate gasps of horror and indignation and how the families of the casualties had to be hurting. When I suggested we collect funds to send to help those families they almost laughed at me. They said the government would take care of them. A week after the attacks, they had completely forgotten about it and went on living in their sordid world. I was appalled and stayed with them for another few weeks, but my eyes had been opened and I hated what they were and what I had become. When I volunteered to help the homeless near our area, I was ostracized by the so called elite. I didn't mind as by then I knew they were nothing but inconsequential snobs."
"Nearly the same occurred with me," Steven said. "At the country club I golfed and played cards with the elite of the business world. They too expressed horror at the 9/11 attacks but instead of helping, they sought ways to make money off the tragedy. They're behavior disgusted me. I hang on for a few weeks but soon simply stopped going. We didn't renew our membership for the new year. Since then I've been active in the local Habitat for Humanity. I'm quite good at soliciting donations of goods and materials from businesses and I'm not that bad a carpenter."
"When we first heard about you, I couldn't believe it when that judge said Benny was wanted for abandonment and child endangerment," Cynthia declared. "Since we never knew anything about you, we wondered if it could be a case of mistaken identity. We hired an investigative agency to track down all they could on you. When we received their report we realized it was our Benny who had treated you so poorly. When we called him he denied everything but when we told him we had the proof, he hung up the phone and has stopped taking our calls."
"I suggest you file for child support," Steven said. "He's teaching at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Their local government will enforce any payments you are awarded locally but it will take two to four months to process."
"Judge Watkins had the Talbot County DA file charges against Benny," Heather said. "Three counts of child endangerment and one count of felony neglect. Warrants for his arrest have been issued but so far they had not been able to track him down.
"That's good," Steven said as he pulled a Blackberry from his shirt pocket and opened an app. "We've done our research. According to the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and Canada signed at Washington on December 3, 1971 and Agreement amending the treaty effected by exchange of notes signed at Washington on June 28 and July 9, 1974. Article 1 states that: Each contracting party agrees to extradite to the other, in the circumstances and subject to the conditions described in this treaty, persons found in it's territory who have been charged with, or convicted of any of the offenses covered by article 2 of this treaty, committed within the territory of the other, or outside thereof under the conditions specified in Article 3 (3) of this treaty. Article 2 - 1 states that: Persons shall be delivered up according to the provisions for this treaty for any of the offenses listed in the schedule annexed to this treaty, which is an integral part of this treaty provided these offenses are punishable by the laws of both contracting parties by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Number seven on the schedule of extraditional offences is: Willful non-support or willful abandonment of a minor when such minor is or is likely to be injured or his life is or is likely to be endangered. With all that happened to Jasmine, he should be able to be extradited and stand trial."
Heather asked Cynthia. "You'd send your own son to jail?"
"Yes," Cynthia declared. "If he's so pig headed he won't even acknowledge his marriage and children, he needs to be stopped. I certainly wouldn't want a man like that teaching anywhere. Spending some time in jail might prove beneficial. He needs a good slap to the side of his head and this might do it."
"I'll talk to Leroy tomorrow," Heather said. "He's a deputy sheriff."
With that they went inside the house and together they made a delicious evening meal and then consumed it, talking the entire time getting to know each other. They got along wonderfully. A call to Laura before they left alerted her to the Campbell's return to the B&B.
*****
The next morning, the Campbells joined the caravan to St. Luke's UMC Church in St. Michaels where they met the rest of the Clan Wells Point. The Campbells were pleasantly surprised to see how utterly feminine Krista and Kylie appeared. There was nothing in their demeanor to indicate they had ever been anything other than girls. The closeness and love of the Clan Wells Point was undeniable. The Campbells realized their daughter-in-law and grandchildren were in a good, safe place.
On Monday, with the information provided by the Campbells, the State Assistant DA Amanda Frost contacted the Royal Canadian mounted police about the arrest Warrants they had issued for the arrest of Benny Reese. The Talbot County Children's Services had already filed paperwork to get child support from Benny and that too was passed along.
The Campbells passed on the breakfast at the B&B instead deciding to enjoy breakfast with their new family. After bidding the girls goodbye as they headed off to school, they spent the day with Heather and the Spades. Steven and Cynthia really liked the laid-back down to earth attitude of the Spades and Heather. Even though they had stepped out of the elite society, they still had not assimilated into another social group. With The Clan Wells Point they felt at home. They realized much of their lives had been wasted by their desire to be members of elite society. They also realized how much they missed this part of the country. The Chesapeake Bay was a natural wonderland.
For her first day at school Jasmine rode with Pat and Krista, stopping to pick up Tony and Jimmy along the way. Everyone at the school was aware of the ordeal Jasmine had endured and warmly welcomed her. No one mentioned her short hair. She had already met quite a few of her classmates through the Pop Warner football games. Jimmy gallantly volunteered to be Jasmine's chauffeur as they moved from class to class. Jasmine easily slipped into the school routine and her friendship with Jimmy was growing. In his shy, timid way he was exactly the type of guy she needed to overcome the natural angst she’d developed after her rape.
The shell of Bill's new house was up and the exterior was finished off. The inside was studded out and the plumbing and electric was being roughed in. At the rate the crew was working, the house should be ready by the end of the month. Bill already spent the evenings sitting on the end of his new dock fishing.
With guests in the B&B, it was decided to hold off on any dusty remodeling work until the guests had left. Since there was still a lot of work to be done the project remained on schedule to be completed by Thanksgiving.
Kylie's tool trailer was taken down to the main farm where she worked on the tractors and other equipment. Most were running but needed tune-ups and general maintenance. The few items that needed major overhauls she tagged and made up parts lists. During the coming months she'd take them down to the barn to rebuild them so that by the spring all the equipment would be in tip-top working condition. Bill was amazed by her mechanical aptitude and knew without a doubt she and Larry would make a formidable couple. The farm would be in good hands long after he was gone.
With the Halloween Dance scheduled for Friday, Maps on how to get to the O'Brien barn were made and posted on the school bulletin boards. The dance committee and at least one adult faculty advisor came out each night to decorate the huge building. The DUWK was parked outside looking menacingly. Inside with help from Bill they set up the still, which had been his father's. Bill tweaked it a bit so it dispensed Mountain Dew Soda. The kids really liked the touch of realism. Tables were set up for the refreshments at the side of the still. Jasmine and Jimmy joined the decorating crew. Jaz had an eye for spacial coordination so she would have the decoration’s location tweaked for maximum effect.
The excitement at the school built all week as the decorating committee reported their progress each day. The response was so great the school felt obligated to remind the students that only students from their school and a date could attend any school sanctioned dance. Any date who was not a student in grades seven through twelve in another school had to be pre-approved. All who attended would have to present a current school photo ID or equivalent to get inside. The dance began at seven and no one would be permitted inside after eight. The music would end at eleven and the dance would close down by eleven thirty.
The main barn ran parallel to Wells Point Lane. It was forty feet wide and one hundred feet long with a twenty feet by twenty feet annex on the narrow eastern side. From the back of the barn was what had once been a concrete barn yard. On the east side twenty feet from the barn an open sided shed fifteen feet wide and seventy feet long ran parallel to the barn. Next to that but back fifty feet from the barn ran a second open sided shed twenty feet long and seventy feet long. The night of the dance there would be a full moon and the forecast called for warm clear skies. With the back doors of the barn open and with the night clear and starry, the entire barnyard could be used as a massive 7000 square feet massive dance floor. The site was large enough to accommodate every student and a guest plus chaperones.
To the west of the barn Robert arranged for ten port-a-potties. Half the teachers had agreed to be there as chaperones as did many parents. Leroy would attend in uniform to make sure things stayed under control. Pat would be the on-site nurse. Robert and Lisa as well as Larry and Kylie would be present as chaperones as they knew all the possible make-out spots. Jane would take the children down to the Spades for their own Halloween party and stay there until midnight. The Spades were more than willing to host the youngsters.
The night of the dance, signs were posted on SR579 directing students and chaperones onto Wells Point Lane. Larry had parked a tractor across each side lane with a big sign and arrow pointing in the direction of the O'Brien barn. There was enough room to drive past the tractor if the residents needed to get in or out. Where Wells Point lane entered the two hundred feet wide stip of forest before the O'Brien barn, several sheriffs deputies with a drug sniffing dog and local police set up a police sobriety checkpoint. Dr. Harris was there to check the student IDs and had a hand held clicker to tock off each participant. Each vehicle was given a quick search for alcohol and illegal drugs, a practice that occurred at every school dance. Those found with contraband were issued citations. The contraband was confiscated and sealed in evidence bags. Larry and Kylie were waiting on the other side of the forest and directed the vehicles into the nearby fields to park.
Of the school’s three hundred ninety one students, three hundred eighty three showed up and brought an additional one hundred twenty two guests for a total turn out of five hundred five, all of whom were costumed. This was the best attended dance in the school's history.
The school's stage crew set up and operated the DJ system for every dance and did so tonight. They were delighted with the open dance floor and ran wires to set up speakers all over the place. With such coverage, they would be able to keep the volume down so conversations could be held yet were loud enough to dance. The snacks and still were a hit as were the decorations. The smiles on the faces of the students and chaperones left no doubts the effort to hold the dance in the barn was a good one.
The music was audible across the fields and the kids were dancing as they walked up to the barn. Jimmy and Jaz volunteered to man the table just inside the front entrance to greet the kids and point out where everything was located. Jaz was costumed as Steven Hawking in her wheelchair with a fake computer and an actual voice synthesizer that people with tracheotomies used. Jimmy was dressed as a male nurse assisting the great scientist. Leroy stood behind Jaz in his uniform and smiled. The chaperones spread themselves about to keep an unobtrusive eye on things. The students and guests danced happily.
Freddy, Barney, Dwayne, and Phil had dressed as hunters in camouflage pants and coats. They got together right after school and began driving around in Freddy's 2005 Chevy Colorado 4-door crew cab pick-up truck taking pot shots at vehicles with their paint ball guns, drinking beer and smoking wacky weed. By the time of the dance, they were drunk and high. They finally found Wells Point Lane about 7:30 and tore down the gravel lane. They nearly lost it when the lane turned at Dougherty Lane and fish-tailed into the grass almost slamming into the small livestock barn. They all laughed and Freddy tore out of the grass back onto Wells Point Lane. They were up to seventy MPH when they saw the police road block. Slamming on the brakes they skidded sideways on the gravel into the field to stop just fifty feet short of the checkpoint.
Freddy jammed his foot on the accelerator and tore across the field onto the lane and then sped down the lane. The local police on the checkpoint jumped into their patrol car and gave pursuit. Again they almost lost it at the intersection with Dougherty Lane but continued picking up speed. With the police in pursuit with lights flashing and siren wailing, Freddy reached ninety MPH on the gravel lane. The car was bouncing wildly as Freddy struggled to stay on the gravel lane. Suddenly Wells Point lane ended where it met SR579, the Bozman Neavitt Road, at a sixty degree angle. Emerging from the uneven gravel onto the flat blacktop at ninety MPH was a mistake. The unyielding black top didn't allow a sliding skid the way gravel did.
The car slipped sideways and rolled three times before slamming into the trees on the opposite (western) side of SR579. Since none one was wearing seatbelts, they were all ejected during the rollovers. The pursuing police stopped broadside in the center of the road with their lights flashing to stop traffic. One officer called for EMTs, rescue and ambulance as well as back-up. The second officer jumped out to check the bodies strewn helter-skelter amongst the wreckage across the road and berm.
Freddy was the most seriously injured as his right foot became entangled in the steering wheel as he was flying out the door. Half in the vehicle and half out he rode through two rolls. The impact crushed and splintered both femurs and it was only when his right leg shredded at the massive injury that he was flung clear to land twenty feet from the wreck minus his right leg. The first officer out of the patrol car saw the blood spurting from the stump and ran over to apply a tourniquet.
Barney was the first to be ejected and had slammed into the blacktop after sailing at least thirty feet. His body laid motionless in a growing pool of blood. The first officer ran to him to discover a nasty compound fracture just above the elbow of his left arm that had severed an artery. He too applied a tourniquet.
Dwayne was lying on the berm about twenty feet south of the wreck. Semi-conscious and dazed, he was trying to get up. A motorist stopped by the police lights knelt by the boy and pushed him down telling him to lie still until the EMTS arrived.
Dr. Harris, hearing the reports through the radios of the officers still manning the check point, understood the victims were most likely students.
The EMTs from Tilgham Island and St. Michaels arrived nearly simultaneously with the fire rescue squads from each. The two EMTS from St. Michaels each grabbed two volunteer firefighters and split up to work on Freddy and Barney. The EMTs from Tilgham Island went to Dwayne as the officers and the other firefighters began to search the wreckage of the pick-up and the surrounding area to see if there were any other victims. Upon locating Freddy's severed leg still hanging from the steering wheel, they brought it to the EMTS.
The fire police, specially trained volunteers from the fire companies, set up on either side of the accident scene to stop and control traffic. They directed traffic onto the eastern berm of the road, one direction at a time. Several students who were late heading to the dance saw the accident but were unable to determine what had happened or who was involved as they were shepherded through the wreckage area.
The EMTs finally managed to get Dwayne coherent enough to answer questions, the first of which was how many people were in the pick-up truck. As soon as he told them four, they shouted out that there was a fourth victim somewhere.
The searchers had already combed the area but this time lined up shoulder to shoulder to sweep through again. Still they found no one. Then they spread out into the trees and searched in past the tree line fifty feet without finding a clue.
By this time the EMTs had summoned two medi-vac choppers. Freddy and his leg were the first to be airlifted to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Barney and his nearly severed arm went on the second to the same hospital. Dwayne was loaded onto an ambulance with one of the EMTs and rushed to Memorial Hospital at Easton.
At eight, when the dance admission deadline, Dr. Harris headed down to the accident scene.
The searchers were frustrated they couldn't find the fourth victim and wondered if they had been given wrong information. A wrecker was allowed in to winch the truck back to its wheels. The police had already gathered up twenty empty and dented full cans of beer. In the cab they found a zip-loc sandwich bag half full of marijuana and several half inch butts. Also found were three paint ball guns and boxes of paint balls. The volunteer firefighters began gathering up the shredded pieces of the wreck that were scattered all over and tossing them into the mangled back of the pick-up. It was at that point one of the men heard a soft call for help.
"Everybody, quiet," he shouted. "I just heard a call for help!"
At once all activity ceased as everyone stopped to listen.
"Heeeelllp..." a weak pain filled voice called.
Flashlights stabbed into the leafy boughs of the trees above the path the tumbling pick-up had followed. It only took a few seconds until they located the bloodied youth entrapped in broken branches about twenty feet above the ground, five feet above the lower limbs. Spotlights and ladders were brought and the EMTS and rescue personnel climbed up to check on Phil. They immediately saw both arms and at least one leg were broken. They also saw they could not extract him without causing more injury.
The EMTs began to bind his wounds as the police summoned two bucket trucks from Choptank Electric Cooperative. The local operations center was based in Saint Michaels but they had to call in drivers qualified in bucket operation. Meanwhile the EMTs splinted Phil's arms and legs and strapped him into place on a body board right around the limbs of the tree. As they awaited the utility trucks with buckets they began trimming away all tree limbs that might interfere with the operation of the buckets.
It took twenty minutes for the two bucket trucks to arrive. The fire fighters guided them into position. Once the trucks were secured, each driver/bucket operator with an EMT beside him raised the buckets to either end of the body board. Then they secured the body board to the edge of each bucket. Once secured, firefighters on a ladder cut the limbs. Once freed, the bucket operators lowered themselves down to the ground. One bucket would go down six inches, then the other matched the movement. When they were down, the firefighters used the jaws of life to hydraulically cut the extraneous limbs to make the mass more manageable. It took another twenty minutes to do this and get Phil loaded into the ambulance for transport to Memorial Hospital at Easton. It had taken an hour after they located Phil to get him on his way.
It was 10:30 until they had everything cleaned up, just as the first of the kids left the dance.
While all that was going on, the dance progressed and since everyone was having a great no one left. Most heard there had been an accident out on the Bozman Neavitt Road from the late arrivals but since the vehicle had been heading away from the dance, no one assumed the accident involved fellow students. The dance floor was always occupied and the snacks went down quickly and the lines to the port-a-potties were kept short by the quantity available. Most of the chaperones danced a few dances. Krista and Tony, dressed as Bonnie and Clyde, spent about half the night dancing having a ball. Even Jasmine danced two slow dances an hour apart. She clung to Jimmy for support and they didn't wander too far from her wheelchair, but it was a milestone in her recovery. Dr. Olsen would be pleasantly surprised by her successful effort to dance as it showed Jasmine’s willpower.
For many of the students, this was their first exposure to Kylie. The older students had known her as Kyle, a skinny, sissy boy but now she was a cute curvaceous girl who just melted into Larry as they danced. Several of the older girls were jealous that Kylie had snagged Larry. By the end of the night no one could doubt that Kylie was a girl and looking back they realized Kyle had never really been a boy.
James Ewell, a junior, six feet two, muscular two hundred twenty pound forward striker on the school's soccer team attended the party with his cousin, freshman Linda Sweeney. James wore his soccer kit and Linda her cheerleader uniform. James was too shy to ask anyone to the dance and probably would not have come if Linda hadn't begged him to take her. She wasn't allowed to date boys until she turned 15 and was not allowed to attend stag so James was the solution to her problem. James had been warned by his uncle to keep a close eye on Linda and to make sure she didn't dance with the same boy too often. James was accustomed to doing as he was told so meekly accepted the assigned task. The only thing that James ever insisted upon was that he be called James, not Jim or Jimmy. For the most part the kids at school and the teachers and coaches honored his choice of name. The only exceptions were his parents who insisted on calling him Jim or Jimmy which really angered and frustrated him.
James stood on the periphery of the dancers and watched. He wished he could get up the nerve to go out and dance, but he simply could not bring himself to ask a girl. Linda on the other hand had plenty of guys ask her to dance so James' chore of keeping her switching partners was a none issue. As the dance progressed, James became depressed and morose. But it wasn't until he saw Kylie dancing with Larry that his spirits really nose-dived. As he watched, Kylie was clearly all girl. That she had been a boy tore at his soul. The more he saw of her, the deeper his anger and frustration became. Like a moth to a flame, he began to follow Kylie. Why he was so depressingly fascinated with her was not a mystery to him. Why he continued to be mesmerized by her ate at his very being. All he wanted to do was run away and hide yet he couldn't stop following her.
It was Krista who finally noticed his funk. She pointed him out to Tony and he too instantly realized something was wrong. Together they began surreptitiously following James. It didn't take them long to figure out he was intent on Kylie, watching her every move and clearly becoming more upset with each passing moment.
A little before ten, James began to tremble. In obvious distress, he began backing away from Kylie while wiping tears from his eyes with the back of his hands. When he reached the edge of the barn yard dance floor, he turned and slipped out into the darkness. Mystified by his behavior, Krista and Tony followed. When they left the light and sound of the dance they spotted him running off in the direction of Stevens Cove. The light of the full moon allowed fairly good vision and they could see James was desperately running across the small field as if he was fleeing a monster. Several times he tripped and fell only to instantly scramble to his feet and continue his hell bent for leather run.
*****
Part 10
James quickly reached and passed through the tree line into the marsh beyond. The closer he got to the water the soggier the terrain became. It didn't take him long to start sinking into the mud and stumble forward. Struggling to stay on his feet he kept going but stumbled and fell every few feet. The mud was so sticky it sucked the shoes off his feet as he struggled forward. His blind progress slowed until he was so mired he couldn't free himself from the muck. By that point he simply fell forward and started to cry like a little baby .
Krista and Tony followed at a more gingerly pace. Dodging the damp areas by stepping from tussock to tussock, they were able to make it to within a few feet of the trapped teen. Tony was starting to break through the crust into the muck beneath and had to halt before he became mired in the swampy ground. Being lighter than Tony, Krista gingerly managed to get close enough to James to put her hand on his arm in an effort to comfort him.
James jerked like he'd been scalded and screamed in fear when Krista touched him. All he succeeded in doing was to sink into the mud nearly to his waist. There was no way he could extract himself.
"It's okay," Krista soothed as she gently squeezed his muscled arm reassuringly. "We'll get help to get you out of here."
"I don't want to get out," James sniffed. "Just leave me alone. I came out here to be alone. I just want to die in peace."
"Whoa," Krista said. "This is my land and I'm not giving you permission to die here. Look, whatever it is that's bothering you can't be so terrible you want to die. It may be nasty and tough, but if you face your demons, you’ll be free of them. Believe me, I know about fears and how they can eat you up inside."
"You wouldn't understand," James cried. "I'm a freak and I can't keep on living. My whole life has been a fraud and a lie. I’ve tried to kill myself before but I’ve always failed. I’m nothing but a failure. I can’t even kill myself right! Look, I just can't go on. Please, let me alone and just let me die!"
"No can do," Krista declared. "Besides, I might understand. We noticed you following Kylie around. At first we thought you were stalking her, but we could tell by the way you were behaving you weren’t. Something about her has obviously upset you, but the question we don’t know is why?"
"Because she did it," James moaned.
Krista was perplexed. “What did she do?”
James then looked up to see it was Krista who had reached him and was trying to talk him out of killing himself. "You... you're Krista,” James gasped in surprise then looked around to see Tony waiting off to the side
“Hi James,” Tony said with a smile as he waved a greeting even though he realized it was a silly thing to do under the circumstances.
James automatically nodded and waved a muddy hand back at Tony.
“Alright,” Krista smiled with bemusement at the silly exchange of waves. “So what did Kylie do?”
“You know,” James answered as he turned back to look at her with the most forlorn expression she’d ever seen. “You're like Kylie."
"If you mean I'm a girl who was born in a boy's body, yeah you're right," Krista stated not sure where this was leading. "Are you upset because we've started correcting our birth defects to become the girls we really are?"
"Yes...no...I don't know...," James sniffled in obvious confusion and desperation. "I... just... can't..., yet... I am... damn... everything’s crumbling now. Look, I just want to die, please, just let me die!"
"James, I am NOT going to let you die," Krista declared. "You know enough about me to know that when I get involved with something, I'm like a pit bull and won't let go. I’m here. Tony is here. We’ll do everything we can to help you. Now calm down, take a few deep breaths, then tell me what's wrong."
James knew all too well about Krista’s tenaciousness. There was no way she was going to let him alone. Her stubbornness finally broke through James' wall of self pity and depression. Closing his eyes he took several slow deep breaths. After a few moments he looked up at Krista with whipped puppy dog eyes. "You'll hate me. Everyone will."
"I won't hate you," Krista promised firmly. "I don't even hate the man I killed. He was Tony's dad and Tony doesn’t hate me. A lot of people fear being hated for things that most people don’t even care about. Now tell me what's so bad you want to die."
"It's stupid and silly," James whined as he glanced at Tony.
"If you feel depressed enough to want to die it's not stupid and silly," Krista said as she realized James was afraid of revealing his secret in front of Tony. "Tony, go back to the barn and get a long piece of strong rope. We'll need it to get James out of this muck. Just make sure no one sees you."
"Gottcha," Tony said as he turned understanding the need for privacy and started to make his back through the swampy marsh.
"Tony’s gone. Now tell me what's so terrible," Krista demanded once Tony was out of hearing range.
"I... I... I'm not a boy... I'm like you and Kylie... I'm a girl stuck inside a boy's body," James sobbed. "I've tried to tell myself I'm crazy when I start feeling or thinking girlishly. I try so hard to be the boy I am, but it's all a lie, everything about me is a lie. I thought I was just a perverted freak. I didn't know there were others that felt the same way until you showed up. Then BAM, there's Kylie. Heck, I used to join the other guys in hassling her for being a sissy because I knew I was one. But I can't do what you and Kylie did. I can't just announce I'm a girl. My family would disown me at best or have me committed. Besides, look at how big I am! I'd make an ugly girl."
"There are a lot of tall girls who are pretty,” Krista stated. “There was a Disney movie about twin sisters who both went on to be pro basketball players. The movie was called Double Teamed. The girls were about six feet five. Then there is Lindsay Davenport and Maria Sharapova, both were over six feet tall and pro tennis players. All you need to do is stop your body producing testosterone and start taking estrogen. With a good workout program you could slim down as your body softens and develops curves.
“Fat chance of that ever happening,” James huffed. “My dad would kill me if he even suspected I was gay.”
“Whoa,” Krista scolded. “You’re not gay, you’re transgendered. Besides, there is nothing wrong with being gay. Kylie and I are girls and we have boyfriends. We are heterosexual girls, we just have birth defects that make our bodies look male. If your dad can’t handle it and tries to hurt you, you leave.”
“If he doesn’t kill me he’d throw me out,” James stated. “But I have no place to go. No one would take in a freak like me.”
“You are not a freak,” Krista sympathetically replied. “You’re a human being. There are people who would take you in. My family wouldn’t hesitate to give you a home.”
“The guys at school would beat me up,” James threw up another roadblock. “If they found out I’d have to drop out of school.”
“They know about me and Kylie,” Krista responded. “They don’t hassle me.”
“That’s because your dad is a deputy and your mom is the school nurse,” James pouted. “They say all sorts of nasty things about you and Tony.”
“It’s a free country,” Krista answered. “Anyone can speak their minds, most just show how ignorant they are when they do. Look, you can’t continue to live a lie. You said this isn’t the first time you’ve tried to kill yourself. People who try to live a lie do that a lot when they get frustrated. You heard Kylie tried to hang herself and she almost succeeded. Suicide doesn’t solve anything.”
“I know,” James sighed. “Most of the time I’m too chicken to try it and when I do I’m so angry and frustrated I mess it up.”
Tony returned just in time to hear the last part. “Is that why you drove into San Domingo Creek on Labor day?”
“Yeah,” James sadly acknowledged. “I’d been with the guys and we were drinking. They started going on about how Kylie and Larry were just a couple of fags and that it was too bad Krista wasn’t killed when she was shot. I couldn’t take it and got pissed so I told them they were a bunch of f...ing bigots. That set them off and we got into a shoving match. I was so upset I jumped in my car and took off. That’s when I decided to drive into the creek and drown myself. I was too drunk to think straight and where I drove in it was too shallow. Everyone just thought it was just an accident because I was drunk, which I was, but it wasn’t an accident. I just let everyone think that.”
“Look, James, whatever reason you have for trying to kill yourself, offing yourself won’t help,” Tony declared. “Tie this rope around your chest just under your armpits. Krista, come over here and help me pull.”
By the time Krista made it to Tony, James had the rope tied around himself. Pulling together, they managed to turn him around but were unable to free the boy. James gave up trying and fell forward sobbing piteously.
“Kylie, go get Leroy,” Larry ordered.
Tony and Krista jumped. Turning about they saw Kylie hurrying back to the barn as Larry made his way to the rope.
“Let’s give it another shot,” Larry stated as he braced himself and pulled on the rope.
With Larry’s brawn, they managed to pull James about a foot but James was like a dead weight. As soon as they relaxed the pressure on the rope, the mud drew him back in. After a short breather they tried again but with little effect.
Krista abandoned the rope and gingerly made her way back to James. “Come on James, you’ve got to help us out. When they pull, try to move. Don’t give up on us because we are not going to give up on you!”
James raised his muddy face up to look into Krista’s determined eyes. “I’m tired of trying,” James mumbled.
Leroy, Pat, and Kylie arrived. They joined Larry and Tony on the rope as Krista gently urged James to try.
Slowly, they were able to drag the boy out of the mire. Everyone was huffing and puffing. James just lay on the swamp grass and cried.
“Dad, let mom, Kylie and I get him back,” Krista stated. “James won’t try anything stupid again, will you?”
“No,” James said forlornly. “I’ve been stupid enough for one night.”
Tony and Larry wrapped up the rope while Pat, Krista and Kylie helped James to his feet. Leroy followed them at a discreet distance as they headed back to the tree line. Once back at the barn, the guys headed back inside while the women led James over to the house to get cleaned up. Outside they hosed James and Krista off, then went into the house. Pat ran upstairs to get one of Leroy’s robes while the girls led a soggy James to the powder room to disrobe so they could launder his clothes. Krista scurried upstairs to change into jeans and sweater as the night air was becoming chilled, especially once a person was wet.
As the washer began it’s task, Krista made some camomile tea for everyone. James sat at the kitchen table huddled in the robe with his head buried in his arms.
“James, the first step in getting this straightened out is for you to tell Kylie and my mom what you told me,” Krista declared as she worked. “You can’t hide from this any longer. It will drive you crazy or to start drinking or doing drugs. You told me and the world didn’t end. Tell them. We’ll all help.”
“I can’t,” James whispered from his hunched over position.
“James Ewell,” Pat scolded in that simultaneously harsh loving tone mothers are so adept at wielding. “You sit up right now and tell us what’s bothering you!”
James promptly sat up and sheepishly looked at Pat. “It’s too embarrassing,” he pleaded.
“James, Kylie and I are here,” Krista chided. “Do we look embarrassed?”
“No,” James whined as tears began running down his cheeks.
Pat immediately slid her chair next to him and wrapped her arms about him. James instinctively leaned into the hug.
“I... I’m like Kylie and Krista,” he finally managed to choke out in a terrified whispered.
“Okay,” Pat stated as she hugged him tighter in an effort to cover her surprise. “That wasn’t so terrible, now was it?”
James snuggled closer and whispered. “You don’t think I’m a freak?”
“Of course not,” Pat declared. “A bit surprised perhaps, but as you said, I have a daughter and a future sister in law who are transgendered. I also know that being transgendered is NOT a choice. It is a very real condition and there is only one practical solution, and that is what Kylie and Krista are doing. They are living THEIR life, not a lie. They are living what is right for them, not what their parents think is right. If you’re transgendered, there is only one way you’ll ever be happy, and that is to become the girl you are inside. You’ve tried to kill yourself for living a lie, so live the truth! Granted, it will be a bit more difficult for you to transition, but it won’t be impossible and you already have people ready to help you.”
“My parents won’t understand,” James moaned. “They’ll try to force me to be a boy or send me to a military academy if my dad doesn’t kill me first.”
“Not on my watch they won’t,” Pat declared. “If they can’t love you for who you are, it’s their loss. Leroy can get children’s services to protect you and we’ll see to it you have a home and support. Krista, please find your father and tell him he needs to make some phone calls. Kylie, please call Dr. Sykes and ask her to come out here ASAP. We need to make sure that Jamie is safe. Then call the Spades and ask if they could keep the kids overnight. If they can, ask Jane to come home.”
A timid smile appeared on James’ face. He had heard Pat call him Jamie. Jamie... he really liked the name. For the first time, now that he had a girl’s name, he felt a bit of resolve building to end the lie.
The girls set out on their tasks. Leroy made a call to Judge Watkins. The judge faxed a copy of a restraining order against James’ parents just in case. Dr. Sykes was already on her way. Kylie went back to the dance with Larry to round up Linda Sweeney as the dance was winding down. They took her to the house where she could see James was in no shape to drive but was in very good hands. As the kids left, none of them suspected what was going on in the house. Two of the teacher chaperones took Linda Sweeney home as Jane pulled her old van up to the house.
Dick and Ruth Ewell were not happy when they received the call from Deputy Scott asking them to come out to the farm. Leroy told them James was having emotional issues that prevented him from driving and that they had arranged for Linda to get home. Dr. Sykes arrived before the Ewells and was able to spend twenty minutes with James before they arrived.
Pat and Leroy walked down the porch steps as they saw the Ewells pull in. It was just a bit past midnight and everyone had left the highly successful Halloween Dance.
“What the hell did Jimmy do now,” Dick angrily demanded as he exited his truck. Six feet five inches tall and weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds the well muscled man with biker tats and his graying hair pulled back into a ponytail knew he was a force to be reckoned with.
Ruth exited the truck from the other side and promptly asked, “Is Jim okay?”
Pat and Leroy exchanged looks of exasperation.
“Physically, James is okay,” Leroy replied. “But emotionally he’s terrified.”
“He’d better be freaking terrified,” Dick snarled. “We trusted him to take care of Linda and he couldn’t even do that right! What did he fuck up this time?”
“Mr. Ewell, I think you need to calm down,” Leroy stated calmly. “I’m in uniform and on duty. I’ve taken James into protective custody and will not release him until I’m sure he’ll receive the treatment he needs.”
Ruth was clearly upset and spoke. “If he didn’t do anything wrong why do you have him in protective custody?”
“James tried to kill himself,” Pat answered. “My daughter saw him leave the dance and followed. She saved his life.”
“I don’t believe that bullshit,” Dick snapped. “Why the hell would he want to kill himself?”
“Because he’s transgendered,” Dr Sykes declared as she came out onto the porch. “James is terrified of how you’ll react. I can see why.”
“So you’re saying my son is a freaking pansy like those abominations Kylie Masters and your so-called daughter,” Dick raged. “Bring the faggot out here and let him tell me to my face!”
Larry opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. Kylie followed gently tugging on James’ hand. Krista followed James holding his other hand. Jane came next. Tony exited last carrying a camcorder and moved to the side where he could cover whoever was speaking. James hung his head and sobbed, visibly trembling as he stood on the porch between Kylie and Krista. Larry stood protectively by Kylie and Jane by Krista as they faced the irate father.
Ruth gasped and tried to rush to her distraught son. “Jimmy, baby, what’s wrong?”
“Stay put, woman,” Dick ordered as he reached out a beefy arm to block her. “Jimmy, tell us this is a sick fucking joke! There’s no way in hell you can be a freaking faggot like them other two. Hell, boy, look at you! You’re a fucking man! Suck it up and get your sorry ass in the damn truck. NOW!”
Jimmy trembled as he drew in a deep breath and meekly made an effort to follow his dad’s orders.
“Jamie, you need to tell them,” Krista said as she refused to let go of his hand and held him in place. “If you go with them now, you know you’ll just wind up trying to kill yourself again.”
James stopped and shivered but kept his head bowed in submission.
“You thought Jamie’s car crash on Labor Day was an accident,” Krista spoke angrily to his parents as she handed Jamie’s hand to Jane to stalk forward to the edge of the porch It was obvious her Irish blood was up. “Yeah, he was drunk, drunk because he couldn’t take living the lie YOU expected him to live. The alcohol gave him enough courage to try to kill himself. Fortunately it also made him forget how shallow the water was where he drove into San Domingo Creek.”
“You did that on purpose?” Dick asked in disbelief. “You ruined a good fucking car because you hate being a damn boy? What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Jamie was embarrassed. Thirteen year old Krista didn’t hesitate to take on his old man. Anger flooded his being, building up his courage until he finally raised his head to glare angrily at his father. “What’s wrong with me is I’ve been trying to live the life YOU want me to live! Well, I hate it! I hate being a boy! I hate being your son! That wasn’t the first time I tried to kill myself either! You remember when I fell off the roof of the garage last summer? That wasn’t an accident. You were ragging on me so much I dove off! If the bush hadn’t been there I might have succeeded. Think back... how about when I was five and drank that anti-freeze? Or how about when I was seven and rode my bike in front of that truck? Or when I was nine and reached into the electric panel box? Or when I was twelve and took all those pain pills? Or when I was fourteen and fell off the boat out in the bay without my life preserver? Huh? Do you really think they were all accidents? Damn it, I’ve been trying to kill myself for as long as I can remember! I hate being a boy! But did you ever listen when I tried to tell you I didn’t want to play ball? No, you only care about me for the way I make you look! Well, dad, the freaking genie is out of the bottle. I’m a girl...a girl with a birth defect hanging between my legs! I’m tired of living a lie. No more, never again, I’ve never been a boy and I’ll sure as hell never become a man!”
“I don’t know what bullshit you’ve brainwashed my son with, but you’re not getting away with it,” Dick yelled at Leroy. “Jimmy, get your freakin’ ass in the truck! NOW!”
“I can’t allow that,” Dr. Sykes bravely stepped forward. “I was called here tonight because James tried to kill himself. As my patient, I will not release him into a situation that will only make the situation worse. You, Mr. Ewell, most certainly make James’ situation worse.”
“Well for your information, Dr. Smart-ass,” Dick sneered. “Jimmy is a minor and I don’t want you anywhere near my son! In fact, I’ll sue you and everyone else for kidnaping and child abuse!”
“Mr. Ewell,” Leroy stated as he stepped forward and held out a paper to the irate man. “This is a court order from Judge Watkins of the Talbot County Courts temporarily removing James from your custody pending a full psychiatric examination and investigation by County Children’s Services. As of this moment, James is under the protection of Talbot County Children’s Services.”
Dick snatched the paper from Leroy’s hand and hastily scanned it, then began ripping it up. “This is a bunch of bullshit and you know it! I don’t know what kind of a sick perverted game you’re playing here, but you haven’t heard the end of this! Ruth, get in the truck, we’re leaving.”
“But Jimmy is here and needs his mother,” Ruth hesitated.
“Woman, I told you to get in the fucking truck,” Dick yelled as he slapped Ruth in the face.
Ruth flew backwards five feet and slammed into the front fender of the truck before dropping to the gravel driveway.
“Fuck you, dad,” Jamie screamed at his father as he tried to charge the man.
Jane and Kylie would have lost him if Larry hadn’t stepped in front of him to hold him back.
“I told you I’d kick your ass if you ever hit mom again,” Jamie tearfully screamed as he struggled to break free. “Hitting me is one thing, but mom always does what you want and you still beat her. You’re no fucking man! You’re a chicken shit asshole!”
Before Ruth hit the ground Leroy slammed Dick against the driver’s door of his truck so hard the door dented. Momentarily stunned and with the wind knocked out of him Leroy snapped the handcuffs on his left wrist. Pat and Dr. Sykes were by Ruth’s side. She was out cold. They immediately began checking her for injuries.
Dick got his wind back and was cursing and struggling against Leroy. Leroy not only had to contend with the raging man, but had to keep their scuffle away from the women. At some point Dick managed to free his right hand and spun on Leroy, managing to land a solid right hook on Leroy’s jaw. Leroy shook his head to clear the bell that was ringing but managed to keep hold of Dick. The struggling pair soon tumbled to the ground and wrestled.
Accustomed to protecting her family, without thinking, Krista bounded off the porch and into the fray. Swooping in feet first almost as if she were a ball player sliding into home plate, she clipped Dick in the head with a foot. Momentarily dazed by the blow, Leroy was able to pin him to the ground although he still struggled wildly. Krista’s skid stopped when her chest was above Dick’s head. On automatic pilot she wrapped her arms about his neck in a firm headlock and began cutting off the air flow through his throat.
Fortunately Leroy had both of Dick’s arms pinned so he couldn’t reach up to free himself from Krista’s iron grip choke hold. In his agitated and exerted state, the lack of air quickly took it’s toll and his struggles lessened. Only when they stopped did Krista release her death grip and roll away. Leroy promptly rolled Dick onto his stomach. In a few moments, the cuffs were on. Dick was a match for Leroy, but Krista proved to be the winning edge.
Jamie tearfully bounded over to his mother just as she started coming around. Larry hurried to help Leroy with his prisoner. Jane hurried down to help Krista to her feet.
Leroy and Larry manhandled the dazed behemoth to the cruiser. After sitting Dick in the rear seat, Leroy read him his Miranda rights, then locked him in the back of the deputy sheriff’s car. Climbing into the front, he called in a report and asked for back-up.
Jane could see Krista was in pain but stoically bearing it. So as not to draw attention, Jane wrapped an arm around Krista’s shoulder and guided her limping gait up the steps and into the house.
“Gram, next time remind me it’s not a god idea to slide on gravel,” Krista winced once they were inside.
Once they were sure there were no major injuries, Pat and Dr. Sykes helped Ruth to her feet and helped her to the porch where they sat her on a chair. Jamie pulled a chair next to her and wrapped her in a hug. Pat retrieved a blanket and draped it over both.
Kylie headed inside to get some chamomile tea and an ice pack for Ruth’s face. She shook her head as Krista bit her lip. Jane was washing the serious brush burns on her leg with alcohol.
“You’ll need this if any of the guys come in,” Kylie smiled as she flipped a towel over to Krista
Krista smiled through her pain and snagged the towel with a nod of her head.
“Mom, I’m sorry,” Jamie sobbed as he snuggled her. “If I’d have known dad would hit you again, I wouldn’t have said anything. Mom I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Jim,” Ruth said with a tender smile. “Or should I call you Jamie now?”
Jamie was stunned. “You mean you’re not mad I’m a freak?”
“The only freak here is handcuffed and locked in the back of the patrol car,” Ruth said. “I should have stood up to him long ago, but I was too weak and scared. Seeing you with the courage to stand up to him tonight was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen! Baby, if I’d have realized you were hurting so much you tried to take your life all those times... God... I don’t know what I’d have done if you’d have succeeded. Please baby, promise me you won’t try again!”
“I promise, mom, I promise,” Jamie cried as he hugged his mother.
As Leroy walked to the house he looked at Tony. “Tony, did you get everything?”
“Sure did,” Tony smiled pleased he was entrusted with the task of filming the confrontation. It was only now that the commotion had settled that he wondered where Krista was.
“Good,” Leroy nodded as he turned to Ruth. “Mrs Ewell, if you’d like to press charges I’d be more than happy to oblige.”
“I most certainly do,” Ruth agreed. “He’s bullied us for the last time.”
“I’ll contact Judge Watkins in the morning and have the protection order changed. I need to have you removed as a possible danger to Jamie and to include you as protected from your husband. Since he also assaulted an officer of the law, he’ll be held without bail until a hearing can be held. The earliest that can happen is Tuesday. That will give you and Jamie some breathing room to figure out what to do. If you need to move, I can get you a temporary home by tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” Ruth smiled as she clung to Jamie.
“We need to go to the hospital to get checked out,” Leroy stated as he rubbed his jaw. “The doctors need to document my injury and yours. If either of you been recently hit and have bruises, we can have them documented too. In addition, if there were any previous injuries that required medical treatment, we can pull those records up. The more evidence we have against him, the stronger the case will be. Judge Watkins is known to be harsh with abusive parents and spouses.”
The local police pulled up to the house and Leroy gave them a rundown of what happened. Leroy and the officer moved Dick from Leroy’s cruiser into the patrol car. In a few moments Dick was headed off down the road to the county jail.
It was only then that Leroy looked around for Krista. While glad for her help he was upset she put herself at risk. “Where’s Krista?”
“She’s in the kitchen,” Kylie replied. “Jane is cleaning up the brush burns she received sliding in to help you on the gravel.”
Pat, Leroy, and Tony almost pulled an old Three Stooges routine as they all tried to jam through the door at once. By the time the reached the kitchen, Jane was cleaning up the bloody gauze pads. Krista smiled sheepishly from her seat by the table with the towel placed modestly across her lap. Her right leg was covered from ankle to mid thigh with poviodine-iodine. The brush burns and small cuts were clearly visible.
“She’ll be a bit sore for a few days but she’ll be fine,” Jane explained. “I saw when she rolled away from the fight she’d been injured but she didn’t want to disturb what was going on so I went down to help her inside. The little imp had the nerve to tell me, ‘Gram, next time remind me it’s not a god idea to slide on gravel.’ I don’t think it’ll do any good though. When she sees someone needs help, she dives right in. I have a feeling we’re going to have to get accustomed to things like this.”
Pat was already feeling guilty for not realizing Krista had injured herself. “Are you sure you’re all right, Krista?”
“Yeah, Mom,” Krista smiled as gestured at her leg. “I’ll have to wear thicker tights for Sunday’s football game to cover this up.”
“Krista...,” Leroy began to scold then hesitated. “Oh damn, it won’t do any good to scold you.”
“I’m sorry, Dad,” Krista apologized. “I didn’t even think about what I was doing. It was a gut reaction. I saw you were having a rough time with an overgrown bully and you know how I feel about bullies. It just sorta happened.”
“I should have stopped filming and went to help,” Tony guiltily said. “I’m your boyfriend and I’m supposed to protect you.”
”You did the right thing by keeping filming,” Krista replied. “Besides, you better than anyone else should know how I feel about bullies!”
Tony remembered all too well his first encounter with Krista and unconsciously picked at his teeth to get the grass out. Of course, meeting her had definitely changed his life for the better and it seemed things with her would never be dull.
Hugs were exchanged and Leroy led Tony outside so Krista could get ready for bed.
*****
Part 11
They quickly devised a game plan. Kylie would drive Jamie’s car to his home where Larry would pick her up to take her home after he dropped Tony at home. The Snarly Harley could only take one passenger at a time. Pat would drive Leroy, Ruth, and Jamie to the hospital for their check-ups. Leroy would run the cam-corder cassette to the county lock-up where Dick was being taken and fill out a full incident report. Pat would stay with Ruth and Jamie while they were examined. Leroy would get checked when he was done processing the crime paperwork. Then they’d all go home.
*****
Both Ruth and Jamie had multiple bruises to present as evidence of the abuse they suffered. Jamie understood he needed to continue presenting himself as a guy in public until the psychological tests were completed. Dr. Sykes made sure she was at the hospital to check up on Jamie. Once she was preliminarily satisfied he was transgendered, she ordered an initial month long course of testosterone blockers to be started immediately to stop Jamie's already begun puberty.
It took longer than normal for their treatment as the emergency room was just returning to normal after treating Dwayne and Phil. Word of the accident was rampant in the hospital.
It was nearly four in the morning when Leroy and Pat arrived home after dropping Ruth and Jamie at home. The four slept until noon.
The dance committee plus several other helpers arrived about four to take down the decorations and clean up the from the dance. In addition to discussing the dance, they also discussed the terrible accident involving their classmates. Surprisingly, there was little trash as most of the teens used the plentiful trash barrels. They were done by five thirty.
Kylie had her tool trailer back inside the barn by six and the DUKW back inside by six thirty.
Ruth and Jamie spent the afternoon discussing and researching gender dysphoria. Ruth was still unsure about the concept of transgenderism but knew she had to help Jamie as much as she could.
With Ruth's permission Leroy contacted Kevin Stewart to provide legal service for their upcoming legal struggle. Kevin called Ruth just after supper and they spoke for nearly half an hour. Ruth would be seeing Kevin Monday morning.
*****
The accident made the front page of Sunday's edition of Easton Star Democrat. The report laid out that Freddy was driving and fled the police checkpoint at the dance and crashed less than a mile away when they failed to negotiate a corner. The evidence of alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines were found in the wreckage as well as paint ball guns and ammo. It was assumed they were the paint ball vandals that had been active during the past few weeks. All four boys were seriously injured with blood alcohol levels ranging from point two four to point two eight as well as high levels of THC. Two with amphetamines in their systems were medi-vaced to John's Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore where one had his arm removed and the other had been unable to re-attach his severed leg. Both were in critical condition. The other two boys were in Memorial Hospital in Easton listed in severe condition with numerous broken bones and concussions.
*****
Ruth and Jamie joined The Clan Wells Point at church. Ruth was a bit apprehensive as she entered since the last time she'd been in a church was when she had married Dick seventeen years before. Jamie had never been in a church and had no idea what to expect. The out-pouring of friendship and acceptance was nearly overwhelming for the mother and son.
During the Sunday church service, Pastor Giles prayed for Freddy, Barney, Dwayne, and Phil. The service was inspiring and afterwards, The Clan Wells Point held back with Ruth and Jamie. Rev. Giles greeted everyone warmly, then Leroy explained what had happened Friday night.
Much to Jamie's relief, Rev. Giles was not judgmental, but compassionate and supportive. The Clan Wells Point headed off to home to move Betty and Jimmy into the B&B. Rev. Giles spoke to Ruth and Jamie for several hours answering their questions about God’s will and love as well as their concerns about transgender issues. Pastor Giles even ordered pizza for their lunch.
After church, the entire Clan Wells Point headed out for a football fest. It didn’t really matter if the Titans won or lost as long as they played well. Krista refused to acknowledge her minor injury from skidding on the gravel and cheered with her squad. Even though she broke open the scabs on the small cuts she managed to keep from wincing or limping. Of course, she felt the pain soon after the game. Even though not an official member, Jasmine had been adopted by the cheer squad. Today they rolled her right onto the sidelines so she could cheer Jimmy on from within their ranks. The Titans played against Kent County whom they'd defeated twice before. They beat them again but the score was closer. The Titans won the Bayside Pop Warner Football League Championship game six to two.
*****
Linda Sweeney was a gossip. She knew something was up with James when the teacher chaperones took her home. The next day her mother had called Ruth to get the scoop on what had happened. Ruth wisely kept quiet about the transgender issue but confirmed Dick assaulted her and Leroy. Linda called everyone and began making up what she didn’t know. Fortunately the news of the pick-up crash superceded her efforts to stoke the rumor mill.
*****
Somehow, Harry Halls and Fox 16 managed to get a copy of the video Tony had made to show on the Sunday evening news. It began when Leroy served the court order to Dick so Jamie’s secret was safe. The tape clearly showed the savage blow to Ruth, followed by the fight between Leroy and Dick. It also highlighted Krista’s slide in to help and that she had choked out the large man. The video clearly showed Krista with her arms wrapped around Dick's head almost as if she were a cowboy wrestling a steer in a rodeo. She managed to center her clasped hands on his throat. With her body holding his head up and her legs churning the gravel driveway for better leverage she laid everything she had into the choke hold on the big man. Tremendous physical exertion and grim determination were etched on her red face. All in all, her appearance was quite intimidating. Those who knew of her life or death fight with Jack Masters now realized that diminutive Krista's victory was not as absurd as it at first seemed. Harry once more trumpeted Krista’s amazing daring, guts and abilities.
*****
By the time school started on Monday, the rumor mill was running wild. The enthusiastic discussions about the Halloween Dance were rampant and expected. What happened after the dance also had everyone gossiping and speculating. While they had no idea why things had happened, they knew Dick Ewell was in jail for assaulting his wife and Deputy Scott and that it happened after the Halloween Dance outside the O’Brien barn. They were also stunned that Krista had been able to choke out the big man. Those few who still resented Krista became more circumspect in voicing their dislike. Most simply chalked it up to Krista simply being Krista. The big news however was the tragic crash of the pick-up truck and the role alcohol and drugs played. Very few were surprised to learn that Freddy was the driver and Barney a passenger. What was surprising was that Dwayne and Phil had been with them.
As planned, Jamie and Tony walked to school timing their arrival at the same time Pat arrived bringing Krista, Jasmine, and Jimmy. Jamie pulled the wheelchair from the back of the SUV as the others helped Jasmine from the Expedition. They headed into the school together. Seeing James with the others, people wisely refrained from asking him for the scoop. Once inside, Pat walked with Jamie to his locker to get his things, then walked him to his homeroom.
Once settled into homeroom, Jamie began to field the numerous queries about what had happened. Jamie began by saying he had asked Deputy Scott for advise on how to handle the abuse his father was dealing out to his mom and himself. Deputy Scott explained the need for James to confront his father in a safe place with witnesses about. When that happened, his dad hit his mother and then punched Deputy Scott. His dad was in jail and he and his mom were trying to repair their lives. Jamie also made a point to tell everyone that to get his life without his abusive father to a good start, he wanted everyone to call him Jamie instead of James.
As part of the normal announcements during homeroom, Dr. Harris called for a first period assembly. Since this was an unscheduled assembly, everyone wondered what was going on.
Once everyone was settled into the auditorium, Dr. Harris praised the student body for their conduct during the Halloween Dance and thanked the Dance committee for a job well done. Then he turned to the main subject of the assembly.
"As we do for every dance, we checked for alcohol and drugs," Dr. Harris began. "Those of you who attended the dance know you had to pass through a police checkpoint. Those of you who were at the dance know it was not invasive and we basically did a quick visual and ID check. At 7:30 four students in a pick-up truck approached the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. Upon seeing the police, they slammed on their brakes and skidded into the field, then turned and tore off back down the lane."
"One of the police units gave pursuit but they were barely able to keep the vehicle in sight," Dr. Harris continued. "The fleeing vehicle spun out at the sharp turn by the farm but regained control and continued to flee. When they reached the Bozman Neavitt Road, they lost control again and skidded sideways. Since they were off the gravel and on the blacktop, the tires didn't slide sideways. As a result the pick-up truck rolled over three times. Since none of the four boys inside were wearing seat belts, all were quite violently ejected during the roll overs."
"Most of you already know who was in the pick-up," Dr. Harris solemnly stated. "I've spoken with the parents of the boys and they've consented to allow me to tell you their current status. The driver was Freddy Grant, Barney Flint was in the front seat, Dwayne Harper and Phil Abott were in the rear seat. They had been drinking heavily and smoking marijuana. Freddy and Barney had also taken amphetamines. I'm not going to sugar coat their injuries so if any of you feel the need to leave, do so. Nurse Scott is in the back to help anyone who needs it."
"In the initial roll over, as Freddy was being flung out through the open door, his right foot became caught in the steering wheel. As the truck continued to tumble, it repeatedly crushed and splintered both femurs As near as the can reconstruct the sequence of events. after the second complete roll, Freddy was finally thrown clear when his right leg tore off," Dr. Harris paused briefly to let his words sink in.
Virtually everyone present gasped in horror. Several held their hands over their mouths as the idea made them nauseous. A few girls got up and scurried out the back to Pat.
"The rescue personnel found Freddy’s leg still stuck in the steering wheel," Dr. Harris continued. "The damage to Freddy's legs was so extensive the doctors were not even able to attempt to re-attach the severed limb. It took all their effort to try to salvage the shattered left leg and it may yet become necessary to remove his left leg. In addition, Freddy suffered a severe concussion and multiple fractures to his skull, broke both arms, fractured three vertebrea and suffered nine broken ribs. One of the broken ribs punctured a lung There were numerous lacerations to his liver, spleen, and kidneys. During the eighteen hours surgery they used fourteen pints of blood and had to remove part of his liver and his spleen. Quite naturally, he is in a coma and listed in critical condition. The doctors still don't know if he will survive. They were able to determine his blood alcohol level was point two eight and he had high levels of THC indicating he had been smoking pot as well as using amphetamines. A person is considered legally drunk with a blood alcohol level of point zero eight. Freddy was more than three times past that limit."
"Barney is in nearly as bad shape as Freddy," Dr. Harris rolled on. "It appears he was the first fully ejected, flying about thirty feet down the road and at least twenty feet high as he had leaves from the overhanging trees on him. He must have been conscious because he tried to break his fall by putting his arms out in front of him. By trying to ease the face first impact, Barney’s right humerus suffered a severe compound fracture. On his left arm, the humerus, radius, and ulna bones splintered and disintegrated. The doctors were unable to save his left arm."
Again everyone gasped. Quite a few were openly crying.
"Every rib in Barney’s chest was fractured when he'd landed," Dr. Harris continued after a brief pause. "His collar bone snapped and three vertebrae fractured. Nearly every internal organ in his torso was bleeding, they had to remove his spleen, half a lung and one kidney. Barney’s front eight teeth, four top and four bottom, were shattered. His skull, nose and cheek bones were fractured. His jaw was broken into three pieces. Barney is also in a coma and listed in critical condition. The doctors expect him to survive but it will be a long recovery. The blood tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of point two six with high levels of THC and amphetamines. Like Freddy, he was more than three times over the legal limit for blood alcohol levels."
"Dwayne is listed in severe condition suffering fractures of both legs and the left arm as well as breaking his left scapula on the same side and his collar bone," Dr. Harris reported. "There was some internal bleeding but it seems to have stopped on its own so they are holding off surgery taking a wait and see approach. With a slight skull fracture he had a nasty concussion but is expected to make a full recovery. The blood tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of point two five and high levels of THC but no amphetamines. Again, he was over three times the legal alcohol level.”
“Phil is listed in severe condition," Dr. Harris went on. "They couldn't locate him at first. Despite repeated searches of the area, they could not find him. Forty five minutes after the accident, after the other three had been transported to hospitals, was Phil located. The fire-fighters were cleaning the wreckage debris off the road and berm that Phil regained consciousness. One fireman heard a faint call for help but he could not tell where it came from. He yelled for everyone to be quiet. They heard another call for help... from above them. They discovered Phil twenty feet above the ground entangled in the branches of the trees. The EMTs realized there was no way to get him out without causing further injury so they called for two bucket trucks from Choptank Electric Cooperative in St. Michaels. It took twenty minutes for them to arrive. The EMTs splinted his arms and legs and tied him upside down to a back board while the firemen removed all tree branches that would interfere with the operation of the buckets. With an EMT in each bucket with the bucket operators, they raised up to secure the backboard to the buckets. The firemen then cut off the branches that entangled Phil. The buckets with Phil on the backboard and still entangled in the branches were lowered to the ground. He was transported to the hospital, branches and all.”
“ All four of Phil’s limbs were broken and he fractured three vertebrae in his back,” Dr. Harris explained. “Fortunately there were no internal injuries and there seems to be no damage to his spinal cord although he has a concussion. The prospects for a full recovery are dependant upon the broken vertebrae healing properly. The blood tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of point two four and high levels of THC but no amphetamines. His blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit."
"Freddy and Barney were airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore," Dr. Harris went on. "As of yet neither has regained consciousness and the doctors have no idea how long it will be before they do. Dwayne and Phil are in Memorial Hospital in Easton. Both have regained consciousness but are in a world of hurt. As the boys recover and return to school, I will expect everyone to treat them well. Teasing or taunting will not be tolerated. At best they'll still be in casts through January, possibly longer."
"While I'm sickened by their injuries, I will use them as examples," Dr, Harris summarized. "But I won't beat you over the head with it. This time we all know the victims. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone, adding marijuana and amphetamines to the mix only aggravated the disaster. You all know that drinking at your age is illegal and the pot and amphetamines are always illegal. You all know you shouldn't be consuming any of those. I also know some of you will do so anyway. Please, if you do, don't get behind the wheel. Don't get into the vehicle of someone who has been doing those things. I'd like to see all of you stay healthy. Please, if you believe in a higher power, pray for the boys. Thank you."
The entire school was stunned by the revelation of the seriousness of the four accident victims. As can be expected, they were the main topic of discussion for that day and many days to come. As for James, no one really questioned his version of what happened after the dance, especially since Krista and Tony told the same story. All of the staff and most of the students accepted his
request to call him Jamie
Linda Sweeney found her stature greatly decreased. The falsehoods she spread all Saturday night through Sunday afternoon about what happened had been shown to be lies by the news report that showed Krista in action. She’d lost considerable face.
The data duo brought their proposed Clan Wells Point Facebook and Youtube pages to school to show Krista and Tony at lunch time. They were quite impressed and asked them to show Pat after school. Pat loved the sites and asked Amy Beck and Freddy Hammond to put them online. She also paid the pair fifty dollars each for their efforts.
Amy and Ferdy were happy. During their time together working on the searches and web sites, they had grown closer than mere friends. They had attended the Halloween dance as a couple.
Jamie made it through the day with no real issues and headed to Dr. Syke's office to begin taking the gender identity tests.
*****
Also on Monday, Ruth met with Kevin Stewart to discuss divorce and to lock Dick out of the jointly owned assets. Ruth brought all the paperwork for their home and vehicles as well as their bank accounts, credit cards, mortgage and loans. Kevin called each account supplier and explained the immediate lock-out for Dick and followed up with a certified letter as confirmation. In addition, Kevin notified all the county bail bondsmen to tell them that Dick was being frozen out of his accounts. By the end of the afternoon, there was not a single place Dick could turn to for financing even a minimum bail.
*****
Tuesday Dick appeared in court with a court appointed attorney before Judge Watson for arraignment on the multiple charges. As soon as he entered the courtroom, a bailiff handed him the subpoena containing the divorce filing. As expected, Dick began cursing and screaming threats at Ruth who sat beside Kevin Stewart and Leroy. Judge Watkins banged the gavel several times to restore order before ordering the bailiffs to subdue Dick.
They finally succeeded in hand and leg cuffing him to the sturdy courtroom defendants chair. As his verbal tirade continued, the judge ordered him to be gagged.
"Mr Ewell, this is my court room and your behavior is both out of order and outrageous," Judge Watkins declared. "I'm holding you in contempt of court for your outburst. You are being charged with nine counts of child abuse. Fifteen counts of spousal abuse, assaulting an officer of the law and resisting arrest. Shake your head yes if you want to plead guilty or no if you want to plead not guilty."
Dick shook his head no and tried to yell through his gag.
"You plead not guilty to all charges," Judge Watkins stated. "Obviously, you can not control your temper and are a clear threat. I hear by impose a restraining order on you forbidding you to come within a mile of James or Ruth unless you are accompanied by a guard. I'm sentencing you to thirty days in jail for your outburst. To be released after that I'm also setting bail at two hundred fifty thousand dollars."
"Your honor," his lawyer stood. "We ask the court to assign Mr. Ewell to the work-release program. If he doesn't get back to work, he'll loose his job."
"There is no way I'm letting Mr. Ewell go on the work release program," Judge Watkins declared. “Perhaps serving thirty days will make him understand he can't go around bullying people."
"Your honor," his lawyer began again. "The bail you've set is extremely high. Would you please consider lowering it?"
"Not at this time," Judge Watkins stated. "His behavior clearly indicates he is a high risk case and I will not jeopardize anyone's safety by lowering bail."
"Your honor," Kevin rose. "We've just served Mr. Ewell papers of divorce on the grounds of assault and vicious abuse. It seems obvious that Mr. Ewell will not cooperate in regards to community property, child support, or alimony. Therefore, I'm asking the court to appoint an independent analyst to evaluate the shared assets and determine an equitable rate of alimony and child support. Then since Mr. Ewell will be incarcerated, his share of the joint assets can be liquidated to make those payments."
Dick began bouncing the chair and screaming into the gag as he tried to voice his outrage at the idea of taking his property. The bailiffs had to hold down the chair but he still struggled.
"Mr. Ewell, I'm once more holding you in contempt of court and am giving you an additional sixty days in prison before you'll be eligible for bail. Mr. Stewart, I can see why your suggestions are necessary," Judge Watkins agreed. "What bank handles their accounts?"
"The Bank of America branch in St. Michaels, your honor," Kevin replied.
"I'll call the manager when I get to my chambers and have him select one of his employees to review the finances," Judge Watkins answered. "As soon as the audit is completed, I'll process the divorce. Normally, it takes a minimum of six months, but because of Mr. Ewell's continued disrespect and the hardship that places on the family, I'll do what I can to speed the process. If there are no further comments, this hearing is adjourned. The deputies will please see that Mr. Ewell is kept secured and gagged until he arrives at the prison. My clerk will fax the ninety day contempt sentence to the prison so they'll be ready to properly incarcerate Mr. Ewell."
Ruth was amazed by the swift judgement.
"Judge Watkins is the best judge in the county if not the state," Kevin explained as they left the court house. "She upholds the law in favor of the victims, not the criminals. Your husband really cut his own throat in there. She will have no pity on him and will make sure she gets the case when it comes to trial. If your husband is smart, he'll accept a plea bargain and sign off on the divorce. A plea bargain will probably get him ten years, if it goes to trial it'll be twenty."
"So even though the divorce is just starting, it's as if It's already done," Ruth stated.
"Pretty much so," Kevin replied. "The bank will analyze jointly held assets and debts and divide them by half. They'll also determine fair child support and alimony figures which if approved will be drawn from his half of the common assets. If his jail time is long enough, you'll simply be given everything."
"Wow," Ruth smiled. "Life will go on."
*****
The RMC investigated the warrants and child support issues from Talbot County against Benny Reese. Their investigators were surprised, not by the charges, but by the profession and seeming lack of moral responsibility of the accused. Even though it was anti-ethical, during his first semester, Benny began dating a student from one of his classes. Gretchen Rich was a quiet unassuming eighteen year old with impeccable manners and a ready smile from a lower middle class family. Benny liked having younger somewhat innocent women because he could easily dominate them. Her parents objected to the relationship but with Benny's backing she Gretchen blew them and their objections off. Without the support of her family, they married in a private ceremony just after the school year ended in June of her freshman year. The couple now had a son eighteen months old with another on the way.
*****
Meanwhile at school the terrible crash was still the main topic of conversation even though there was nothing to report on the status of Freddy, Barney, Dwayne, and Phil. This certainly drew the spotlight away from Jamie and he was starting to relax. The questions about his dad had subsided and things were almost back to normal. The major difference was that he gave up trying to hang with the jocks. Even as James he had never really fit in with them but since he was so good at sports they put up with him hanging around. Now that he was freed from the domination and macho expectations of his dad, he could relax and try to find a new niche as Jamie.
After school Jamie once more met with Dr. Sykes with his mother present.
"Your tests results on the gender identity test are clear," Dr. Sykes began. "Mentally you are a girl."
Jamie smiled broadly. "All right, so I'm not crazy!"
"No, you most certainly are not crazy," Dr. Sykes smiled. "Ruth, how do you feel about this?"
"Confused," Ruth answered honestly. "I never realized this gender whatever is real. Jamie and I have been doing a lot of reading on-line and you're right, it is real. But honestly, I don't know how to handle this. I love Jimmy and want him to be happy."
"Mom, please," Jamie said. "You know I don't like to be called Jimmy or Jim. Until Monday I had convinced most people at school to call me James, but you and dad never did! Yesterday I told them I wanted to be called Jamie as a way of breaking away from the abuse dad dished out. All my teachers and most of the kids are already calling me Jamie. Why can’t you call me by the name I want?"
"I'm sorry," Ruth blushed. "Your dad was so insistent on calling you Jimmy I just got in the same habit."
"Well, please call me Jamie from now on," Jamie demanded with a pout. "It's the girls name I want and it still passes for a guys name. I won't answer you anymore if you call me anything else."
"That's a bit harsh, Jamie," Dr. Sykes gently rebuked. "It would be much better if you helped her break the habit by reminding her you're Jamie when she calls you something else. Ruth, you have to accept Jamie's corrections when you mess up. Working together, you'll soon be using Jamie all the time."
Jamie blushed at the mild rebuke as both nodded their agreement.
"As far as transitioning," Dr. Sykes explained. "It will take time for you to successfully begin transitioning in public. While you can be girly at home or amongst people you trust, at this time you're simply too butch to pass in public. You need to give the testosterone blockers two to three months to shut down your production and rinse what is in your body out. I'll give your test results to a few colleagues who may want to interview you. If they agree with my diagnosis, we should be able to start you on HRT. With no testosterone left and estrogen flooding your body, your body will soften and you'll start going through puberty as a girl. Unfortunately, it'll take about six to eight months for significant changes to accumulate. What it boils down to is that for school, you'll need to present as James for the rest of the school year. By the time summer gets here, there should be enough changes to begin going public as a girl. So next year you should be able to start school as a girl. That's a long time and it won't be easy, but it is the safest way. In the mean time, you can let Jamie the boy change his likes and dislikes, and even his companions. You'll also need to think about the possibility of plastic surgery to make your appearance softer and more feminine. Your Adam's apple will have to go, your nose could be smaller, and lips fuller. Again, you can make arrangements for that to take place as soon as this school year is completed."
"I understand," Jamie nodded. "I'm taking the testosterone blockers and can't wait for that poison to get out of me. The plastic surgery is a bit scary but I know I'll need it if I hope to pass as a girl without being hassled. As for the estrogen, bring it on!"
Dr Sykes looked at Ruth. "Ruth, how do you feel about this?"
"Overwhelmed," she replied honestly. "I don't know how to handle this. But Jamie is my son... daughter... and I'll do my best."
"Thanks mommy," Jamie smiled as she hugged Ruth.
For Ruth, the hug was cathartic. It perked her up. It had been years since she'd been hugged. Jimmy had been forced to give up hugs at five and Dick never was one for hugging or snuggling.
"I suggest you find an online store that caters to large women," Dr. Sykes said. "They have size charts to help you find the correct size. Order a few items, lingerie and nightwear for starters. Then as you feel comfortable, you can slowly expand your wardrobe. That way you won't have the embarrassment of going out in public to get you clothes until you're able to pass. You can find a discrete shop in Easton that will perform electrolysis on you to permanently remove that unsightly boyish hair. About three hours a week and by summer, you'll be quite softer and smoother and thus more girlish. I'll also see that you're excluded from phys-ed classes. In return, you'll need to join a gym and begin a grueling regimen of aerobics to slim you down and tone up your muscles like a girl."
"Okay," Jamie declared. "I'm used to hard work-outs so it'll just be doing different things. I'm not worried about becoming beautiful, I just want to be able to pass in public."
"If you follow a strict regimen of diet, exercise, treatments and medications you shouldn't have any worries about appearing to be a guy in drag," Dr. Sykes added. "Stay in touch with Krista and Kylie. They and their families can help you get through tough times, especially Kylie as she spent longer pretending to be a boy."
"Thank you, Dr. Sykes," Jamie smiled as the session ended. "I'll follow through on everything."
"I'll make sure you do," Ruth smiled. "I think I'm going to like having a daughter."
*****
The longer the Campbells stayed, the more they liked the people and locale of Wells Point. They were absolutely delighted with their daughter-in-law and grandchildren. The fact Heather had killed the man who hurt Jasmine didn't bother them in the least. When the law didn't step up to the plate to arrest and punish the fiend, they felt the killing was somewhat justified. Not that they condoned the killing, but they couldn't condemn it either.
On Wednesday, October 31, the Campbells headed back to the West Coast with plans to take an early retirement and sell off their assets. Once that was done they planned return to the Bay Hundred area to be near their grandchildren. They contacted a real-estate agent about finding a suitable waterfront property as close to the Clan Wells Point as possible.
*****
That same day Freddy’s ordeal worsened. He was so beat up from being trapped with his torso outside the pick-up as it rolled that he had little strength and virtually no physical reserves left to put into his recovery. With poor circulation and massive infections setting in, the doctors were forced to remove his left leg. All that was left was a three inch stump on the right and a six inch stump on the left. News of the loss of his second leg swept through the school like wildfire.
*****
Ruth stopped in at the YMCA in St. Michaels that day and signed herself and Jamie up for a twice weekly evening exercise class. During the years of abuse she had let herself go and was slightly overweight and out of shape. Together, they'd get themselves in shape and once toned, they could talk with the staff and see what they could recommend for softening and reshaping Jamie into a more feminine physique. She also arranged for a three hour Saturday morning electrolysis schedule to begin the unpleasant task of removing the hairy evidence of Jamie’s testosterone. It would be a tough regimen, but Jamie was determined to see it through.
*****
After verifying the charges and the fact Benny had never divorced Heather, the RMC issued their own warrant for bigamy and in the afternoon of October 31 headed to the university to arrest him. Arriving on campus, a plain clothed RMC detective headed to the main office to explain they were about to arrest Benny. A member of the staff accompanied the RMC officer to the classroom where Benny was teaching. They waited until the class was dismissed, then they came forward and arrested Benny.
Benny was quite upset and began protesting his innocence as he was led away. At the arraignment he was ordered held on $250,000 bail based on the possibility of fleeing to avoid the charges.
Gretchen was totally stunned when she learned Benny had been arrested. She couldn't believe Benny had abandoned a wife and three daughters. They had often spoken about his student college years and living ALONE in an off-campus apartment. The betrayal she felt simply shattered her world. What made it worse was that since Benny had never divorced his first wife, her marriage was not legal. Barely holding it together, she called her estranged parents.
Not having any contact with Gretchen during the two and a half years since the unsanctioned marriage, instead of being supportive, they bluntly told her she made her bed so now she'd have to sleep in it. When she mentioned Benny Jr. and that she had another baby on the way, they were unimpressed as they already had seven grandchildren from her three more respectful siblings.
*****
Also on Wednesday October 31, Dwayne and Phil were moved to the Requard Rehab Center where they shared a room. Both were out of danger and on the long road to recovery. The entire class had signed a large get well card for each and sent them. The PTA sent flowers.
Krista knew that Tony and Jimmy had been good buddies with Dwayne and Phil before she came into their lives and that she was the reason their friendship deteriorated. Not that she did anything wrong, but she did set Tony and Jimmy on a better life path and they were resentful. Krista urged Tony and Jimmy to visit their friends as they were sure no one outside their families had been in to see them. Jasmine only learned about the effect Krista had on Jimmy and Tony when they discussed Dwayne and Phil. She joined Krista in urging them to visit. Both girls volunteered to accompany the guys, but at least initially would wait outside the room.
The guys knew they should visit but were reluctant seeing how rude they had been to Krista and disrespectful of their new live style.
"Look, you guys were good friends before I came into the picture," Krista finally scolded. "Obviously you liked them or you wouldn't have remained buddies for so long. You changed for the better, they didn't, and they resented me for that change. Unless something makes them change, they'll never admit they were wrong in disliking me and thus you. They're too stubborn and macho. You two know better now. You have to be the ones to take the first step to renewing your friendship."
"Krista's right," Jaz agreed. "If they were worth having as friends before, they're worth having as friends now. If you renew your friendship now, you may pull them away from their tough guy life. While they're hurting is the best time to convince them they need to change. But you can only do that by giving them an example to follow, not by lecturing. They already know they screwed up. I'm sure their parents have scolded them for being so stupid. They need true friends who are going to accept that they screwed up without rubbing it in and help guide them to a different path."
"We'd better do it, Jimmy," Tony sighed dramatically. "Now there are TWO of them riding herd on us. We don't stand a chance."
"I guess you're right, partner" Jimmy played along as he theatrically placed his right arm up to his forehead. "Our days of running wild and free are over."
Krista and Jaz exchanged looks of bemusement, then burst into giggles. The guys joined in by laughing.
Pat thought the visit was a good idea but called Dr. Olsen to make sure she agreed. Dr. Olsen was delighted as both boys were clearly depressed and still beating themselves up over their stupidity. Dr. Olsen called the parents to make sure they were okay with the visit, then got back to Pat who contacted the other three parents and Jane to let them know she was taking the foursome in for a visit.
*****
Part 12
Dwayne and Phil were clearly surprised when Tony and Jimmy entered the room.
"Hey guys," Tony greeted them. "Man, I thought you two took some awesome hits on the football field, but I think you went a little bit overboard on this one. You make me hurt just looking at you."
The bit of humor made both boys smile. They missed Tony and Jimmy's sense of humor.
"Yeah, we did," Phil sheepishly smiled. "But did you see the tree I hit? It took a beating!"
"It may have taken a beating," Jimmy snickered. "But I heard it had you out in LIMB-o for a while."
Dwayne and Tony moaned as they knew what was coming.
"Well, I did have to BRANCH out a bit," Phil admitted. "But the tree just wouldn't LEAF me alone."
"I don't know why it WOOD do that," Jimmy retorted. "But then again, you can be a real SAP at times."
"Yeah, I let it come be-TWIG-st me and Dwayne," Phil sighed. "Then they couldn't find me. I had to call out to them for help TREE times!"
"Wow, I guess you couldn't just LUMBER off on your own," Jimmy retorted.
"No, I couldn't," Phil nodded. "But when they finally got me down I did say PLANKS a lot."
"You were polite," Jimmy exclaimed. "You really must have gotten BOARD while you were hanging around waiting for them to get you down!"
"Well, I was hurting too much to BARK up a storm like I normally do," Phil admitted. "I can't imagine the world of hurt I would have been in if I hadn't been so TRUNK."
"Yeah, I guess I can understand how you were ROOT-ing for them to take care of you," Jimmy smiled.
"Yeah, I was just PINE-ing away," Phil sighed.
"I bet," Jimmy responded. "I guess you didn't NEEDLE them while they were working on you."
"No, the were busy LOG-ing my vitals," Phil declared.
"All right already," Tony chuckled. "Enough with the bad OAK-s."
They all laughed. The comradery they enjoyed in the past had been restored.
"It's really good to see you guys," Dwayne said once they settled down. "What are they saying about us at school?"
"Most of the bad stuff is about Freddy and Barney," Tony replied. "Mostly they worry about you guys. They think you were victims, being used by the older guys as go-fers and lackeys. To be honest, most think you were like dogs scrambling for treats from your masters."
"That's harsh," Phil said. "Unfortunately it's mostly true. We did a lot of stupid things with them. It was fun at the time but it was bad fun. They did use us. They'd get us drunk on purpose so they could make fools of us. Damn, we were so stupid."
"Yeah, you were," Jimmy agreed. "But the big question is what are you going to do now?"
"There's not much we can do now," Dwayne frowned. "We're both pretty well beat up."
"Yeah, but you're here for rehab," Tony stated. "To recover you've got to work at it. If you don't, you'll never recuperate. The girls told us you need Jimmy and I back as your friends. They're right. We miss you guys."
Dwayne was a bit surprised. "Krista and Jaz sent you here to be our friends again?"
"They sure did," Jimmy smiled. "They came with us and are in the waiting room. They'd like to be friends too."
Dwayne was confused. "After all the hassles we gave Krista, why would she be concerned about us?"
"Because she's a good person," Tony replied. "Krista showed me I can be a tough guy and care about others. I'll be honest with you, she changed my life."
"Yeah, she killed your old man," Dwayne stated still obviously put off by Krista.
"Yeah, but it came down to him or us," Tony said. "Jimmy was there when we met. I was calling her all sorts of nasty stuff and she just fired right back. Before her I never confronted anyone who didn’t at least flinch a bit when I got in their face. You know she's a lot shorter than me, yet she calmly pushed my buttons and I attacked her. She didn't even break a sweat and had me down on the ground pushing my face in the grass every time I said something nasty. It was only when I gave in that she let me up. Dr. Harris came out and was going to nail me but Krista stood up for me and said we were only fooling around. That confused the hell out of me at first, but I’ve since learned she honestly cares about people, including you guys."
"You missed what happened after the dance," Jimmy added. "James Ewell broke down and went to Krista's dad for help. His dad was abusing his mom and him. Deputy Scott called in to get a protection from abuse order for James. When Mr. Ewell showed up after the dance to get James and found out about the protection order, he flipped, smacking his wife. Then when Deputy Scott tried to cuff him he fought back. They were wrestling on the ground. Mr. Ewell is so big and strong he was starting to get the upper hand. Krista charged into the brawl and put a choke hold on Mr. Ewell and literally choked him out. Tony caught the whole thing on tape and somehow it got on the news."
"I know Mr. Ewell," Dwayne said in amazement. "Krista really choked him out... like unconscious?"
"Yeah, like unconscious," Tony answered. "Krista is a gentle person until she sees someone who needs help. Then you better help her or get out of the way."
"It sounds like you're already henpecked," Phil declared. "How do you stand being around her?"
"It's easy," Tony smiled. "Just ask Jimmy, he likes being around Jaz. But we're not henpecked. We've just realized the girls are usually right and we’ve learned to trust their judgement. What they say is true, ‘Behind every good man there is a good woman.’"
"Yeah, the girls don't boss us around at all," Jimmy added. "You know how in cartoons you sometimes see an angel and a devil sitting on a guys shoulders urging him what to do. Well, they girls are just bigger angels. I mean, heck, when we used to get in trouble, most times we KNEW what we were doing was wrong but we did it anyway. Sure we'd laugh and joke about what we did, but it was never really satisfying. It was a temporary satisfaction at best and it never made us feel good. The girls help us have REAL fun and do things that feel good."
"Just look at the whole idea of holding the Halloween dance in the barn," Tony picked up. "The dance was awesome and everyone had a good time. On top of that, we raised $9100.00 for Toys For Tots. That was a fun activity that we can always be proud of. The girls keep us pointed in the right direction and make sure we stay out of trouble."
"Well, I guess I can see that," Dwayne admitted. "But Tony, I don't want to start a fight or nothing because right now you can whip my ass without trying. But I just don't understand how you can have a boy for a girlfriend.
"It's hard to explain," Tony sighed. "Jimmy knows I said some really nasty things about Krista being a fag and stuff when we first met. I was just being a bigoted ass. Krista is a girl with a birth defect. You've seen her, does she ever act like a guy?"
"No, but she gets into fights," Dwayne responded. "That's not very girl-like."
"Yeah it is," Tony answered. "For one, she only gets into a fight when there is no other choice. She's like a momma bear protecting her cubs. But then as soon as they fight's over, she's checking to see if you're okay and how she can help you. A guy would never do that."
"I know I wouldn't," Dwayne huffed.
"I used to say the same thing," Tony agreed. "But not anymore. Now I avoid fighting, but look out if I have to fight. Look, in her head and soul Krista is a girl. She KNOWS she's a girl just like you know you're a boy. But having a pecker between your legs is not the only thing that makes you a boy. In fact, think about everything you do. Very little has to do with your pecker. You think and behave like a boy, that's what makes you who you are."
"But what about making out with her," Dwayne persisted. "What you're doing is gay."
"There you're wrong," Tony answered. "In the first place, we're too young to do more than hold hands, hug, and kiss. The idea of touching her down there makes me ill and she doesn't want me to go anywhere near it. She hates having it. But she's more than girly enough to make a great girlfriend. When she's old enough, she'll have her birth defect corrected. Then we can get into physical boy/girl stuff. Until then, she's worth the wait."
Phil was trying to wrap his head around the idea of a birth defect. "But don't you want any action?"
"I'd be lying if I said no," Tony replied. "But Krista has taught me there is a big difference between sex and love. Sex is just getting your rocks off. You can do that by yourself. It feels good but without love it's empty. Love on the other hand makes you feel good almost all the time. I believe that when you have sex with someone you love, it's better. Look, sex is all about satisfying your needs and pleasing yourself. Love is all about satisfying your partner's needs and pleasing her. Your release is just a delightful reward for making your partner happy."
"That sounds weird," Phil stated.
"Yeah, it does," Jimmy added. "But think about this. "You've been doing things for old Mrs. Delp like taking out the garbage and helping tend her yard. You're doing things to help her which make you feel good. That's why you keep doing it."
Dwayne and Phil both nodded their heads. Neither had ever given any deep thought to what made them feel good. They's always lived in the moment. Now their eyes were opened and they would have plenty of time to think.
"Well, we know we screwed up big-time," Dwayne admitted. "It will be months before we're healed up. Phil and I have been talking and we realize we created most of our own problems. We thought we were being tough drinking and smoking pot. We were lucky to escape with only the injuries we have. Freddy lost his legs and Barney lost his arm, plus both are still in comas. We've learned our lesson the hard way. We know we need to change but have no idea how. If you and the girls will help us, we may be able to successfully change and we may as well start now. Call the girls in."
Jimmy stepped out to fetch the girls. In a few moments, Krista and Jaz entered the room. Jaz was hesitant but smiling. Krista was beaming.
"I won't ask you how you're doing," Krista smiled. "But I will ask you if we can be friends."
"We'll try," Dwayne answered with a forced smile.
"First thing you've got to do is stop considering me a freak," Krista grinned. "I am what I am just as you are what you are. It took me a long time and several real tough weeks until I finally realized I was girl. You need to think about who you are. Forget about what other people think. Think about what you are inside, what you want to be. But it has to be something real, something you can accomplish, not some vague image. You know you'll never be NBA stars so don't even think about something like that. Try to decide what you like and go for it. Be true to yourself."
Phil nodded. "How do we do that?"
"I'm still trying to figure that out," Jaz stated. "When I came out of my coma, everything had changed. I lost two and a half years of my life. With Krista's help, we talked about what we liked and what we didn't like, about what made us feel good and what made us feel bad. What I'm trying to do now is concentrate on the things I like and what makes me feel good while avoiding things I dislike and make feel bad."
"The key is you have to be almost brutally honest with yourself," Krista added. "I was so busy trying to be a tough guy I buried my good side. When we were on our odyssey, I tried getting small jobs to earn a bit of money but everyone rejected me. We were broke and hungry. I felt terrible because I wasn't taking care of my sisters. My tough guy persona was pretty well licked. When I went into a bakery to ask for work, I was desperate and simply acted and spoke from my heart. The guy thought I was a girl and gave us a job. After that, I figured out being an honest, open person was better than being a gruff macho guy. I had to disguise my boy self as a girl to survive with my sisters. Once I stopped being so damn macho, I felt better about myself and people treated me better. But the hardest thing was for me to accept that pretending to be a girl named Krista wasn't pretending. The pretending had been trying to be a tough guy named Kristopher. It took a while for me to understand which was real and which was fake, but since I finally understood where my heart was, I've been Krista. You don't have to make as drastic a change as I did, but you will need to be honest with yourselves."
Dwayne nodded his head. "So how do we start?"
"Start with what you were doing with Freddy and Barney," Krista said. "Did you like shooting stuff up with the paint ball guns? Did you like the beer? Did you like the pot? Did you like the police chase? Things like that, then figure out why you liked or disliked it."
"Well the pot was weird," Phil said. "It made you feel real good while you were smoking it, but afterward it was a real bummer coming back down, depressing in fact. Now that I think about it, the highs weren't enough to make the lows worth while."
"That's just what you need to do," Jaz encouraged.
"The same goes for the beer," Dwayne added. "The hang-overs were not worth the highs, heck, we couldn't even remember some of the stuff we did."
"See guys, this is what I was talking about," Tony smiled. "The girls make us think about what we're doing like that little angel sitting on your shoulder. After a while, you'll start doing it on your own. We had fun when we used to hang out, but it was never long term fun and certainly not much satisfaction. Now I have more fun than ever and it is a lot more satisfying."
"So we need girlfriends," Phil said. "Can you set us up?"
"Perhaps," Krista said. "But you've got to make headway on discovering who you really are. Also you need to realize the girl that might be best for you may not be a beauty queen. You'll need to look at the person inside the body. I'm a perfect example of that. Inside I'm a girl, my physical body doesn't agree. But it's what's inside that really counts."
The conversation turned to serious matters as the guys began describing their doomed adventure that night. The big question both guys had was why Freddy tried to go to the dance. They knew there would be a check point and they were high on beer, pot, and amphetamines. They were sure to get nailed so why go there? They also admitted they were too spaced out to think of the possible consequences and assumed the same lack of fore-thought applied to Freddy.
Then they moved on to discussing school. Krista and Jaz volunteered their services as tutors to help the guys stay up with their schoolwork. They gratefully accepted.
"Just watch out for Phil," Tony warned. "He loves getting into ridiculous pun conversations. You should have heard him and Jimmy going at it earlier with tree jokes."
"I can imagine," Krista said. "It's a good thing they didn't hit a power line. That might have been ELECTRIC-fying."
Dwayne, Tony, and Jaz moaned.
"Yeah," Jimmy promptly piped up. "That wreckage would have been re-VOLT-ing."
"Come on guys," Phil joined right in. "WIRE you doing this to us?"
"Because we want to SOCKET to you," Krista replied.
"Yeah," Jimmy added. "We just need and OUTLET for our energy."
"OHM my," Phil chuckled.
"RESISTANCE is futile," Krista answered.
"Krista, I didn't know you could pun," Jimmy declared. "It's quite a SHOCKING revelation."
"Well, considering the CURRENT state of things, she's doing quite well," Phil added.
"A girl always likes a compliment," Krista smiled. "Why don't you AMP-lify that."
"Oh Krista," Jimmy pined melodramatically. "How could we ever re-FUSE!"
"Well, at least I can't be CHARGE-d with starting this round," Phil chuckled.
"Oh really," Krista fake huffed. "Are POSITIVE about that?"
"Come on Krista," Jimmy retorted. "Don't be so darn NEGATIVE."
"Yeah," Phil agreed. "I thought you were better GROUND-ed than that."
"Just for the re-CORD," Krista smiled. "I can be silly at times."
"So I guess by EXTENSION, we can all be silly," Jimmy nodded.
"Punning isn't a matter to be taken LIGHT-ly," Phil declared.
"I know punning isn't something you can just SWITCH off and on," Krista agreed.
"Well, we're sure getting quite a punning CIRCUIT going on here," Jimmy nodded.
"Tony, I think you've got a wild one on your hands," Phil intoned. "I don't think you'll ever BREAKER."
"Yes, but with my gift of gab I might someday be elected a senator and wind up in DC," Krista affirmed smugly.
"It's starting to get hot in here," Jimmy made as if to wipe perspiration from his brow. "We need to turn on the AC."
"That's from all the hot air you're GENERATING," Phil quipped.
"Well, I learned to stop spouting off during my odyssey," Krista declared. "The entire experience was quite TRANSFORMER-tive."
“Say Krista, while you were on your odyssey, did you pass through Groton, Connecticut," Jimmy asked. "You know where I mean, it's a SUB-STATION."
"I bet your trek was a POWER-ful experience," Phil jumped in.
"It certainly proved WATT I can do when I set my mind to it," Krista answered.
"You certainly proved to be quite CABLE-ble," Jimmy praised.
"Plus since you've arrived here you've become quite a FIXTURE," Phil said.
"I can tell by their grimaces that the others don't care to be RECEPTICLE-s of our wit," Krista sniffed.
"Especially now that were in a 3-WAY punning race," Jimmy chuckled.
"I think their patience is starting to run SHORT," Phil laughed.
"As long as they don't get HOT under the collar we should be okay," Krista added.
"I guess it's hard for listeners to remain NEUTRAL," Jimmy conceded.
"Yes, but to we afficionados, punning is the SPLICE of life," Phil exclaimed.
"You said it, but I think they may be about to OVERLOAD," Krista observed.
"Well, at least it's not my FAULT," Jimmy defended.
"Besides, it's fun to be so OPEN," Phil expounded
"Apparently we have punning in COMMON," Krista declared.
"Yes, and it's often a TERMINAL condition," Jimmy sighed.
"Our PANEL of judges think we've gone overboard," Phil replied.
"I guess we've reached a JUNCTION where we need to be emb-ARCING on a new line of conversation," Krista agreed.
"Enough already," Jaz exclaimed. "God, You guys were really stretching for terminology there."
"Yeah, but it was kind of fun," Dwayne added. "I really missed Jimmy and Phil going at it like that. Krista, if you can keep up with those two like you did, I'd really like to be your friend."
"I'd be delighted to be your friend," Krista smiled.
"I want to apologize for all the bad stuff I said about you," Dwayne declared. "Tony was right, I was being a bigot."
"The key word you used is WAS," Krista grinned. "I accept your apology."
At that point there was a knock on the open door. Pat came into the room with Maureen Abott and Norma Harper who were delighted with the visitors. They'd been listening outside, wincing at the puns, waiting for the kids to reach a point where their entry wouldn't be breaking up any conversations. They welcomed the foursome as genuine friends fro their injured sons.
*****
Thursday, November 1 was the day of Buffy’s, Sandi’s mother, sentencing. Previously Buffy had plead guilty before Judge Watkins to neglect and child endangerment. It was the first case of the morning. Without protest Buffy willingly accepted her sentence of ten years in prison. She also waived her rights to parental custody but did ask the court’s permission to be allowed supervised visitation once she was released. Since she was genuinely remorseful for her actions and vowed to use her time in prison to get clean and complete her education, Judge Watkins tentatively approved pending Buffy’s good conduct while in prison. Krista sat in the court room during the sentencing and once it was completed, Judge Watkins looked at Krista who nodded her head. Judge Watkins then ordered the deputies to sit Buffy off to the side instead of removing her from the courtroom. They and Buffy were confused by the strange order but did so.
"The next case is the adoption of Sandra Herr by Patricia and Leroy Scott," the bailiff called the next case.
Buffy promptly stiffened and sat bolt upright. She realized she was being given a gift, and although she kept silent, she could not stop the tears.
Leroy, in uniform, entered and smiled when he saw Buffy. Krista rose from her seat and stepped to the doorway and held out her hand. Sandi took the hand and Krista led her forward to face the judge as the rest of the Clan Wells Point entered, filling the courtroom.
Judge Watkins smiled and spoke softly. "Sandi, do you know why you're here today?"
Sandi timidly nodded her head.
Krista knelt down by her and whispered in her ear. "You need to say your answers."
Sandi nodded then looked at Judge Watkins behind her imposing desk and whispered "Yes Ma'am."
"Very good, Sandi," Judge Watkins smiled. "Do you want to be adopted by Mr and Mrs Scott?"
"Yes ma'am," Sandi declared enthusiastically as she nodded her head.
Judge Watkins looked over to the County representative. "Does the Talbot County Children's Services object to this adoption?"
"No, your honor," the representative from Children's Services replied.
Judge Watkins looked about the now crowded courtroom, particularly Buffy. "Does anyone in the courtroom object to this adoption?"
Buffy shook her head no as her tears continued to fall.
"Then by the order of this court, the adoption of Sandra Herr is hereby approved," Judge Watkins declared as she softly banged her gavel. "Sandra, you are now officially the daughter of the Scotts. The Scotts have asked that you decide whether or not you want to change your last name from Herr to Scott. It won't make any difference to the Scotts or the court, but it is an option available upon adoption."
"I'd like to be a Scott," Sandi softly replied after a moment of hesitation.
"Very well, young lady," Judge Watkins smiled. "Before I order the change of name from Sandra Herr to Sandra Scott, does anyone object?"
Everyone turned to look at Buffy. Again she shook her head no.
"Very well, hearing no objections, I hereby order the name change to Sandra Scott," Judge Watkins smiled as she once more gently banged the gavel. "There is one last piece of business. Sandi, your mommy realizes what she allowed to happen to you was very bad and she is extremely sorry. Because she loves you she has plead guilty to allowing you to be hurt and is willingly accepting her punishment. She also knows that it is in your best interest to be adopted by a loving family. Just before you came in, I sentenced your mommy to ten years in prison. Your mommy is still here and has approved your adoption and name change by the Scotts. If you'd like, you can say goodbye to her before she is taken to prison."
At that point Leroy, who had been blocking Sandi from seeing her mother, stepped aside.
Krista knelt by Sandi to once more whisper in her ear. "It's okay if you want to give her a goodbye hug. It's also okay if you don't. The choice is yours."
Sandi looked at Krista through teary eyes. "Will you come with me?"
"Of course," Krista smiled as she stood and took Sandi's hand.
Together they slowly walked toward Buffy.
"Deputy, please temporarily remove the prisoner's handcuffs," Judge Watkins ordered.
With the cuffs off, Buffy knelt on the floor and reached out for Sandi.
Sandi stopped just short of her mother. "Mommy, I love you," Sandi softly spoke. "But I can't be your little girl anymore. This is my big sister Krista. She's the one who saved me after I ran away."
Buffy dropped her arms and nodded her understanding as she sobbed.
"Sandi, it's okay to hug your mommy goodbye," Krista urged.
That was all Sandi needed to throw herself into her mother who spontaneously caught her and hugged her. Through her tears Buffy looked up at Krista and nodded her appreciation. She now knew without a doubt this family would take better care of Sandi than she could ever do.
Pat and Krista returned to the St. Michaels Middle/Senior High School arriving just as lunch period ended. Jane drove Sandi Scott to the Tilgham Elementary School where she had Sandra’s records updated while Sandi entered her class room just after lunch.
*****
Starting on Thursday November 1, Maureen Abott and Norma Harper waited outside St. Michaels Middle/High School every day at the end of classes to pick up Krista and Jaz to take them to Easton so they could tutor Dwayne and Phil. The girls brought the news that Freddy had lost his left leg. Dwayne and Phil were clearly stunned. They vowed to never again drink and drive or use illegal drugs and to turn their lives around.
The mothers were amazed the spunky girls were so effective in teaching the guys. They set right to work and didn't give the guys a chance to stray from the subject. This isn't to say they didn't joke and gossip, but they did so while staying on topic.
By this time Jaz was able to walk short distances. The school provided a manual wheelchair for her to use to navigate the halls during school hours. When they arrived at the hospital, she used one of the hospital provided wheelchairs to move about. Seeing her in the wheelchair went a long way in easing the boys' concerns about being looked down upon as cripples. They knew Jaz was getting stronger and would soon no longer need a wheelchair. They also knew the same would eventually be true for them. It was merely a short term solution. With that realization, they cooperated with the rehab staff as they were fitted with manual wheelchairs to meet their specific needs.
Krista did most of the teaching as Jaz was still playing catch-up, but Jaz was smart and picked up most of the lessons in school so the tutoring just reinforced her learning. As Krista taught, Jaz watched the guys for comprehension, when she noted they were getting lost, she let Krista know. Krista would then take another track to get the lesson across.
They'd get to the hospital about 3:30 and teach until 5:30 when Leroy would stop by to pick them up to take them home. The girls steadfastly refused to take any money, telling the mothers they were just doing what they could to help friends and that they could best pay them back by passing on the good deed.
*****
Part 13
Barney came out of his coma on Saturday November 3, eight days after the accident. Finding his jaw wired closed upset him, but when he discovered his arm was missing he flipped out and they had to sedate him. It took three days until he was able to accept the fact he'd lost his left arm. All in all, his injuries thoroughly destroyed what little self esteem he possessed. As far as he was concerned, his life was over.
*****
On Sunday, November 4, the season ended for the Tidewater Titans. The first round of the Eastern Region, Third Division of the Pop Warner Football League was as far as they’d go this year. Although they put up a valiant effort, the other team was just a bit better that day. The thirty to thirty four score revealed it to be an action packed game. Both teams shook hands after the game ended, knowing that neither team really lost.
Jasmine had once again been with the cheerleaders and promised that next year she’d be on her feet cheering with them.
No one objected when Jasmine sat with Jimmy on the trip home just as no one ever objected to Krista and Tony sitting together. They all knew the young lovers respected each other too much to let their relationship get out of control.
*****
In Vancouver, the University of British Columbia placed Benny on un-paid leave pending dismissal. Since he had not yet earned tenure, Benny knew he would be fired. When it became clear he would not be released on bail and would eventually be extradited to Maryland, Benny decided not fight extradition. To save what he could of his reputation and to prevent placing a big black mark on his record, Benny resigned from his position.
The call to the Talbot County DA from the RMCP came in on Monday, November 5 that Benny could be picked-up for transport. A detective was dispatched on Wednesday to pick up and return Benny.
Heather was notified of the arrest and extradition, receiving the news with mixed emotions.
"I can't see daddy living on his own since he ran away from us," Jaz said. "I wonder if started another family in Vancouver?"
No one knew the answer. Heather placed a call to Steven and Cynthia to ask if they knew. While they didn’t, they did promise to contact the PI they’d hired to check out Benny.
It didn’t take the PI long to discover Benny had a wife, son, and a baby on the way. Since that wasn't one of the things he'd been asked to investigate, he had not previously taken the investigation that far. The phone number the PI had given Steven was for Benny's cell phone. He now provided the land line phone number for Benny's home.
A call to Benny's home on Friday evening was answered by Gretchen. Steven could tell by the slight tremor in her voice she was emotionally distraught.
"My name is Steven Campbell," he identified himself. "I'm calling in regard to Benny."
Gretchen sighed heavily. "Oh my God, what has he done now?"
"Apparently he's left you in the lurch just as he did his first wife," Steven began. "I'm Benny's stepfather. His mother and I are concerned about you and your son. We never knew you existed, but then we only discovered in October that he had had a first wife and abandoned that family. We've since reconciled with them and are delighted with our daughter-in-law and three granddaughters. Am I correct in assuming that with his arrest and extradition you're without means to support yourself?"
"Yes," Gretchen sniffed. "Benny handled all the finances but as far as I can tell we were living paycheck to paycheck. I can't make our mortgage or car payments. I have no idea how we're going to survive. My parents want nothing to do with me so I'm on my own."
"I'm a CPA," Steven said. "With your permission, Cynthia and I will fly to Vancouver as soon as we can get a flight. I can go through your finances and we'll help you sort things out. Unlike Benny, we honestly care about you and our grandchildren and want to do all we can to help. Do you have a guest bedroom Cynthia and I could stay in?"
"Yes," Gretchen answered clearly surprised by the offer.
"Great, we'll rent a car when we land in Vancouver, then call you for directions to your home," Steven said. “Cynthia has already started to pack. I'll call back with our flight details. If all goes well, we should arrive sometime late tomorrow. In the meantime, keep your chin up. The cavalry is on the way."
"I don't know how to thank you," Gretchen cried clearly relieved that she had someone who cared. "I look forward to meeting you."
The Campbells flew out of Los Angeles International mid morning on Saturday, November 10. They arrived in Vancouver at 1:00pm. They arrived at Gretchen's home by 3:00pm. Greetings were exchanged and Benny Junior hugged. At Cynthia's request, they ordered Chinese for delivery as they sat and talked and played with BJ, just getting to know each other. Gretchen's second baby was due in February. The Campbells assured Gretchen she and her children would be supported. How that would be accomplished was still up in the air.
Naturally Gretchen was interested in Benny's first wife and family. When she learned how Benny had abandoned them she became furious. "Not once in our three plus years together did he ever mention having a wife and children back in the states. If he had, I would have been less trusting. The creep refused to see me while he was in jail and I think he agreed not to fight the extradition so he could get away from me. All I know is that he was charged with child abuse and endangerment."
"Calling Benny a creep is being charitable," Cynthia sighed. "He's a coward who won't face his responsibilities. We just learned about Benny's first family in October when a huge nursing home scandal was exposed."
Between Steven and Cynthia they filled in what they had learned of Benny's first family and that they were in the process of selling off most of what they had in California in preparation to moving to Maryland to be with their grandchildren once they found a suitable home.
Gretchen was shocked and angered by what had happened to Jasmine. She also finally accepted that Benny was using his arrest to abandon her in a similar fashion to how he abandoned Heather.
"What we'd like to suggest is that once we have our new place," Cynthia said. "We move you in with us and introduce you to Heather, Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy. After all, they are BJs half sisters. In fact, it was Jasmine who said she didn't think her dad could live alone for over three years and wondered if he had started a new family. That's why we asked the PI we'd hired to to initially find Benny to check a bit further."
They also explained about the Clan Wells Point and how Krista Scott had been the one to get the ball rolling to re-unite Benny's first family. They told her all of Krista's exploits from her odyssey where she met the Spades through her transsexualism, killing the escaped murderer, rescuing the abused little girl, saving two young transsexuals from suicide, and choking out the big man resisting arrest.
"Krista sounds like a real spit-fire," Gretchen smiled.
"That she is, but I doubt you'll ever meet a nicer, more compassionate person," Cynthia replied. "She and Jasmine are best girlfriends. The people there will welcome you with open arms."
"That is if you have no objections to joining us there," Steven said. "Since BJ is already a US citizen, it shouldn't be problematic for you to get a visa. We have a lawyer there who can help you get everything you'll need to pursue US citizenship. Then like BJ and your baby, you'll have dual citizenship."
Gretchen agreed to the plan. Sunday Gretchen and Cynthia began sorting possessions to sell, donate and keep while Steven plowed through the paperwork and computer files of Benny's finances. When all was said and done, they had found enough stashed assets to keep Gretchen afloat until the new year. When the Campbells found a home in Talbot, they'd make plans to liquidate Gretchen's belongings and move her to the new home.
At Cynthia's urging, Gretchen once more called her parents, on speaker phone so the Campbells could hear. A man's gruff voice answered the call. When she identified herself there was stony silence from the other end. "Dad, I'm not asking for anything. I admit I was wrong in marrying Benny, but I love my son and will love my baby. I'd just like you meet your grandchildren so they can get to know their grandparents."
"Yeah, I know how that works," Mr. Rich harrumphed. "Once we see the little buggers you'll hit us up for money. Try that trick on your precious Benny's parents!"
"Mr Rich, I'm Cynthia Campbell, Benny's mother," Cynthia spoke up. "My husband and I are here with Gretchen and we have met our mutual grandson. You're right, my son is a deceitful scumbag who abandoned his first wife and three daughters. We've made up with them and we have offered to have Gretchen and Benny Junior move in with us when we settle into our new home in Maryland before the end of the year. All Gretchen is trying to do is have you meet your grandson. There are no strings attached."
"There are always strings attached," Mr. Rich growled.
"Dad, I know you're proud and stubborn and rightfully feel that I betrayed you," Gretchen admitted. "I've missed my whole family and only want to keep in touch."
"Don't expect me to do that," Mr. Rich sighed easing up a bit. "You betrayed your family. I heard you admit you were wrong, that counts in your favor. You know our address, write your mother. If you can prove to us you've wised up and won't be hitting us up for support, I may allow you to visit."
"Thanks daddy," Gretchen said with a quivering voice. "I promise not to let you down this time. Once we get settled in Maryland and have my baby, I'll send you pictures."
"Mr Rich," Steven said. "I'm Steven, Cynthia's husband. "I'd like to invite you to visit us this summer. There is a nice Bed and Breakfast near where we'll be living and we know the owners. We've stayed there ourselves. We'll pick up the cost of your stay but you'll have to get there and back."
"Why are you doing this," Mr. Rich asked.
"Benny's first family couldn't make it on their own," Steven answered. "Only at the time we don't know he even had a family. We only discovered them in October when they made the news as our oldest granddaughter had been molested and was in a coma for over three years. We've since met them and have fallen in love with our grandchildren. We discovered Gretchen existed this week and called her Friday, then came here to visit and help her. Gretchen is a wonderful woman and mother who was charmed by a snake in the grass. She's learned her lesson the hard way. What we're doing now we're doing for our family. We don't want our involvement to be to the exclusion of your family. The people in Maryland that helped Benny's first family are honest to goodness good and caring people who willingly put themselves out to help others. The only thing they ask of those they help is to pass it on. It's a lesson we've learned and we're passing on what was done to help them to help Gretchen. If you come to visit, you'll meet them. I sincerely doubt if you could find a better group of people anywhere."
"You make it sound like paradise," Mr. Rich replied.
"It is," Steven chuckled. "I think what they have is as close to heaven on earth you'll ever find."
"We'll see," Mr. Rich brusquely declared. "You have our address, Gretchen. Goodbye."
"Well, he certainly seems like an interesting man," Cynthia said.
"Dad had a really bad experience with his sister draining their parents financially and then abandoning them when they needed help," Gretchen explained. "He always told us he'd never give us anything but would always help us if we were willing to work for it. I let him down when Benny swept me off my feet."
"We all make mistakes," Steven said. "The first step in recovering is to admit to the error, then move on. That's what we're helping you do."
"Thank you," Gretchen said as tears flowed down her cheeks.
The rest of the evening was spent talking and getting know each other better until it was time for bed. The Campbells left Monday morning after a hearty breakfast and tearful hugs and farewells, headed back their home in Los Angeles.
*****
The days flew by after that. Bill's house had been completed on November 8th and he promptly moved in with the help of the construction crew. The crew then immediately moved over to the large farm house Bill had vacated and began updating the plumbing, adding two more bathrooms, installing soapstone counters and a deep double sink in the kitchen and refurbishing the magnificent hundred year old cabinetry. The electrical system was replaced and greatly expanded, and the heating system was replaced by a geothermal heat pump. The efficient crew would have the home ready two days before thanksgiving.
The kitchen was located in the right front of the house, being twenty five feet wide and twenty feet long it was quite large. A center island with a small sink and soapstone top was built to match the rest of the cabinets. It would serve as a food prep area as well as a seven person meal counter.
Behind the kitchen was a walk-in pantry ten feet wide and fifteen feet deep. Beside that was an open area the same size which served as the house laundry and a mud room for the back door.
The dining room was huge. Forty feet long and twenty feet wide, it ran from the front of the house to the back. The enclosed back staircase descended from the second floor to the back of the house in this space. A doors at the bottom landing opened into the mudroom and the dining room. A stairway to the basement ran under the upper flight with it's entry door by the walkway into the kitchen. A matched pair of oak tables with expansion boards for each stood end to end. Without the expansion boards, each was twelve feet by five feet and together sat twenty eight people. With the three sixteen inch wide expansion boards each, another eight people could sit. The fully expanded pair of tables were five feet wide and thirty two feet long for a total seating capacity of thirty six. With the seven seats in the kitchen this would provide seating for forty three.
The living room was twenty five feet wide and forty feet long. The front stairway ran from a front landing up to second floor and a powder room was tucked beneath this flight accessible from the rear pass through from the dining room to living room. A huge fire place stood on the outside wall. The small rear porch was removed and an expanded porch twelve foot deep by seventy feet long, the full length of the house, was built.
The second floor had a hall six feet long. One bath was already located opposite the landing of back stairs. Another was added opposite the landing of the front stairs. A stairway to the attic paralleled the hall with it's start near the rear stairs. Three bedrooms thirteen feet by twenty feet were at the north end of the house accessed off the front stair landing. Two bedrooms 15 by fifteen were in the middle, one front and one back. On the south end there were three bedrooms like the north except the middle room was made into a hall with storage shelves and closets on either side. An elevator six feet square was added on the center exterior of the south side of the house with ground level access from the outside, and stops on the first, second and attic floors. This made the house handicap assessable if it ever became needed. A master bedroom suite with walk in closet and bath was carved out of the attic for Larry and Kylie.
*****
Because of the casts, therapy was slow for Dwayne and Phil, basically consisting of learning how to cope and be as self sufficient as possible in the casts. Their manual tilt in space wheelchairs provided support for their broken bodies and provided easy means of shifting the weight bearing sites on their bodies while allowing them to be wheeled around by an attendant.
The boys had always been best friends and now their shared personal stupidity and the resultant tragedy and disabilities made them dependant on each other for moral and attitude support. When one or the other would start to slip into past poor behavior patterns the other would alert the miscreant. Unlike in the past, both accepted the gentle rebukes in the spirit they were made. They felt closer than ever and vowed to remain fast friends the rest of their lives.
After a week and a half in rehab, they were discharged to go home on Saturday, November 10. Workers from Comfort Keepers came to their homes each morning for an hour to assist the boys in getting out of bed, dressed and eating breakfast. They would return each evening to help them bathe and prepare for bed.
The boys would return to the Requard Rehab Center every Saturday morning for a three hour session of out-patient therapy.
*****
Late in the afternoon on November 10, Barney was transferred from John Hopkins University Hospital to the Requard Rehab Center to begin his long road to recovery. Barney laid all the blame for the accident on Freddy and was almost gleeful when he learned the accident cost Freddy both legs. Unknown to him, he was placed in the room vacated by Dwayne and Phil earlier that day.
*****
Dwayne and Phil returned to school on Monday, November 12. Their classmates and teachers greeted them warmly and welcomed them back. There was even a welcome back banner in their homeroom and the cafeteria. There was no shortage of volunteers to help them move through the halls. If they had to use the bathroom, they headed to the nurse's suite where Pat assisted them. The outpouring of concern, friendship and encouragement really effected the former bullies. They profusely apologized to one and all for their past stupidity and vowed to start life anew on a solid track. Everyone knew the positive change of attitude of the boys was due to Krista's unflinching efforts to help everyone and give one and all a chance to improve their lives.
*****
On November 13, the Campbells received notification from their private investigator that he'd found the perfect site for them to relocate while investigating the owners of Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. It seemed the estate adjoining The Clan Wells Point land to the north was owned by the family that owned by Calvin and Harold Gordon, the brothers who owned Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. Since they fled the country to avoid prosecution, they quietly put the place up for quick cash sale. No FOR SALE signs were posted and the price was at the bottom of fair market value. The greedy family hoped to sell before the government seized their real estate holdings. The estate had been the family's secret quiet nearby vacation spot.
The PI informed the Campbells he'd already had a meeting with the law firm handling the family's legal affairs and now needed assurance the Campbells would put up the three million dollars to make the buy. The property had one mini mansion, four houses, two barns, five sheds, three garages, two boathouses, one pool house and pool and three piers. Starting on SR579 at Wells Point Lane it went north two thousand one hundred feet to a tree line a hundred feet beyond Apple Lane. The property line then followed the tree line six hundred feet east to Leadham Creek, then followed the shoreline east to Longs Cove. The total area was four hundred fifty acres.
The PI was working with the FBI to set up a sting to draw in the fugitive family in hopes of capturing them. By doing so immediately after the property sale, they could arrest them and confiscate the cash, thus avoiding the need to maintain the property until it could be sold at public auction.
The Campbells were eager to buy the property and if they assisted in nabbing the fugitives in the process, all the better. To avoid seeming too willing and have the sellers become curious, the Campbells offered two million for the purchase. After a bit of dickering they compromised on two and a half million dollars. They sent confirmation for the two and a half million dollar cash sale but insisted they meet the current owners to hand over the cash at the title transfer as they didn't trust intermediaries with that much money. Eager for the sale, the seller agreed. The PI and FBI made arrangements for the sale to be made on the Monday before Thanksgiving in Baltimore at a restaurant in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
*****
Also on November 14, Freddy emerged from his coma. When he realized the extent of his injuries he fell into a deep depression. The staff of John Hopkins University Hospital had no success in raising his spirits enough to try to help himself.
On Friday November 16 Freddy was transferred to the Requard Rehab Center. There they placed him in the same room with Barney. The two looked at each other with great sadness. Upon seeing the sorry state Freddy was in, Barney felt remorse for being happy that Freddy lost both legs. The two had little to say to each other but took a bit of solace in the fact misery loves company.
*****
While Dwayne and Phil now understood they had been used and abused by Freddy and Barney. They had also changed enough to want to try to help the broken duo. Of course, they had no idea what they might do. Naturally, they turned to Krista for advice. At first Krista was surprised by their request, but quickly realized she had become the local problem solver.
"Guys, at the moment I don't know what you can do," Krista honestly admitted. "But I will talk to some people and see what we can come up with."
Krista brought the matter up before the student council but they too were stymied. Freddy and Barney had been so anti-socially rebellious the only thing they wanted from school was to be out.
*****
When not otherwise engaged, Krista and Tony helped Kylie each day after school. How long was dependant upon their homework. Frank worked part-time with Kylie. Together they easily pounded out the scheduled repairs. Unscheduled time was spent working on the DUKW. By Thanksgiving they had the watertight gearboxes for all six drive axles repaired and reinstalled. The engine was rebuilt but waiting completion of the transmission overhaul. The gearbox, propeller shaft, and twenty five inch propeller were repaired and installed. The rudder had been rebuilt and the body patched and sealed. The tire pressure compressor and inflate/deflate system repaired. The canvas convertible style top was ordered and should be arriving soon. They hoped to have the transmission back in the week after Thanksgiving. They were trying to decide on an appropriate color scheme.
*****
Jasmine grew stronger day by day. By Mid November, she was able to walk from class to class. Krista and Tony walked directly behind her to act as human buffers to keep her from being jostled in the halls. Jaz and Jimmy were in heaven walking beside each other as they were allowed to hold hands as they walked through the halls in case Jasmine started stumbling or worse. The principal made sure all the students and staff knew that the ban on couples holding hands in the halls was temporarily waived for the pair because of Jasmine's physical issues.
*****
Two days a week, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, Frank set sail with Bill and Heather in his large sailboat to fish the bay. For fifty dollars, Frank had purchased a Consolidated Bay Sport Boat License which allowed everyone on board a vessel used for pleasure to recreationally fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in lieu of individual licenses. A special complimentary Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license, which included recreational crabbing, was also issued to the boat owner purchasing the license. During November they caught mostly striped bass and white perch with a few catfish. In addition, as the owners of private shoreline property, they were each allowed to place two crab pots from a private property or pier or within 100 yds of shore and attached by line. They caught enough so every family in the Clan Wells Point had fresh fish and crab. Frank used the fishing expeditions to film the inlets and coves all around Bay Hundred to make DVDs for future customers. Virtually all public waterways had channel markers for larger vessels and were well documented on charts. The charts really had little information other than a place name for the shallower areas that canoe and kayak enthusiasts loved. The videos would give them an idea of what awaited them as they ventured about, allowing them to hug the shore lines and explore inlets and coves.
Frank also made arrangements with Fairbank Tackle, Fuel & Market on Tilghman Island to get wholesale rates on supplies for The Clan Wells Point Landing. Fairbank Tackle sells fishing bait, and tackle as well as fishing tackle parts and are repair specialists. They also sell Gas and diesel fuel for automobiles and at their dock for boats.
*****
When Dwayne and Phil went in for their first out-patient rehab on Saturday, Krista, Tony, Jaz, Jimmy, Gwen Moore and Ken Poore accompanied them. They arrived early, Gwen pushed Dwayne and Ken pushed Phil as they went in to visit Freddy and Barney.
The older guys were openly surprised to see Gwen and Ken pushing the younger boys followed by the other four with Jaz in a wheelchair. The serious expressions on the faces of all the visitors told of their horror at the injuries.
"So you came to gloat," Freddy snarled. "We're both cripples now, take a good look."
"We didn't come to gloat. We came to see what we can do to help you," Dwayne replied. "What's happened to us has happened. We all screwed up that night and there is no way we can undo what happened. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and go on with our lives."
"What lives," Freddy yelled. "Look at me, I ain't got no friggin legs! My life's over! Go back to school and tell everyone you saw the freaks!"
"If I tell them what I'm seeing right now I'll tell them I saw two cry-babies," Gwen spoke. "Two guys who were constantly going out of their way proving how tough they were and are now helpless cripples. Sure, you messed up, you got hurt real bad, but no one is going to rub your nose in it. We want to help you recover. We want to help you learn what you CAN do. We want to help you live and be happy."
"Happy," Freddy snarled. "How the hell can I be happy like this?"
"It won't be easy," Dwayne said. "Phil and I are getting better because we finally accepted WE screwed up. You were driving, but we were with you of our own free will so we are responsible for our injuries. Stop trying to place the blame on others, man up and accept you are responsible for your injuries. Once you accept that you are responsible for your own injuries you can move on. Prove to everyone how tough you are by admitting you made bad decisions. Then do something about it! Learn how to live the best life you can!"
"That's easy for you to say, you didn't lose your freakin legs," Freddy lashed out.
"No I didn't," Dwayne retorted standing up to him from his wheel chair. "But look at me! I'm never going to be able to do a lot of the things I thought I'd do. I'll heal up enough to get around okay, but sports are out and you know I loved sports. So what I plan to do is study hard and get good grades, then go to college. While I can't play, I can coach. So that's what I'll learn. I've accepted my limitations. Sure, I hate them, but tough shit. I'm not going to sit around and cry about might have beens."
"Freddy, I did a bit of research on double amputees," Krista spoke up. "Let me tell you about a man named Dana Bowman. He has astounded the nation and the world with his drive, determination, and will to succeed. He is a retired Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army where he was a Special Forces Soldier and a member of the U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights. On February 6, 1994, Bowman gained worldwide attention when he and his teammate Sgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during the team’s annual training in Yuma, Arizona."
"Bowman and Aguillon were practicing a maneuver known as the Diamond Track. The maneuver calls for the jumpers to streak away from each other for about a mile and then turn 180 degrees and fly back toward each other crisscrossing in the sky. Bowman and Aguillon had demonstrated the Diamond Track more than fifty times without a mistake, but this time was different. Rather than crisscrossing, the two skydivers slammed into each other at a combined speed of 300 miles per hour. Aguillon died instantly. Bowman’s legs were severed from his body, one above the knee and one below the knee. Bowman’s parachute opened on impact. He was taken to a hospital in Phoenix where doctors closed his leg wounds and stopped his internal bleeding."
"Nine months later, he turned this tragedy into a triumph when he became the first double amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army. Bowman re-enlisted in the United States Army airborne style, skydiving with his commander into the ceremony, making his dream a reality. This achievement is just one example of Bowman’s many successes under adverse circumstances. After Dana’s re-enlistment, he became the U.S. Parachute Team’s lead speaker and recruiting commander. Dana has been fortunate to have the opportunity to let his speeches touch so many from the physically challenged to the able-bodied. He strives to show physically challenged people can still work and excel in today’s society and military. Dana emphasizes the words amputee and uselessness are not synonymous."
"Dana has given more than 400 speeches in the last few years and has been featured in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, People and many more. There have also been numerous television programs which focused on Dana and his story. Some of the programs include: Dateline, A Current Affair, Real TV, NBC Person of the Week, Day and Date and Extra."
"Dana retired from the United States Army in 1996. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota in May of 2000. Since the accident he's been on more than 1,000 jumps, and in the meantime, he's touring the country speaking to anyone he can about not giving up hope, during times of distress."
"Then there's a guy named Scott Rigsby," Krista continued. "He was an 18 year old kid on a hot summer day just prior to his first college semester, riding in the back of a pickup truck in rural Georgia with friends after a hard day of landscaping work. They were talking sports, girls and plans for the weekend, when suddenly their truck was hit by a passing 18- wheeler, throwing him underneath a 3-ton attached trailer and dragging him 300 feet. His back suffered third degree burns, his right leg was severed off and his left leg hung barely intact. His life was seemingly over, or so it seemed for Rigsby. Over a decade of countless doctor visits and hospitals, 26 surgeries, additional amputation, depression, fear, and uncertainty, Rigsby had become a professional patient. An inevitable battle with prescription drug addiction followed, as did the loss of many relationships and trust. There was no steady income and no dreams for a stable or successful future."
"Life had hit Scott Rigsby hard, knocking him down and keeping him there. Yet he turned his life around, reaching unprecedented heights as a world-class athlete. Doing the unthinkable was not easy. It required an unshakeable determination to overcome any obstacle. Rigsby not only has done the unthinkable, he sees no finish line in sight. Rigsby embraced this motto of ‘doing the unthinkable’ when he decided in 2005 to change his life, and the world, by breaking down barriers for physically challenged athletes. He believes he has a genuine purpose to make a difference in everyone's life and is on a mission fueled by a simple prayer that if God would open doors for him, then he would go through them. Once that first door opened more than 15 years after his accident, a relentless and determined Rigsby arose and never looked back. A once beaten man from a small town has now taken on the world."
"He completed 13 triathlons and 5 road races on his way to setting world records for a double below-the-knee amputee in the Full Marathon, Half Ironman, and International Distance Triathlon, earning him a spot on the 2006 USA Triathlon Team. As his accomplishments mounted, so did Rigsby's desire to do the unthinkable and take his mission to the next level. He would tackle the toughest endurance test of them all, the Ironman, to raise the bar and inspire all challenged athletes to reach beyond their circumstances. Call it fate or maybe just life taking another swing at Rigsby, but tragedy struck again as he crashed halfway through the cycling portion of the Coeur d' Alene, Idaho Ironman event. Cracking a vertebrae, he overcame the pain to finish ahead of the bike cutoff time and ran 12 miles of the marathon before succumbing to his injuries. Not one to give up, Rigsby then prepared himself for the World Championship Ironman in Hawaii."
"On October 13 of this year, a little more than a month ago, after enduring the elements for sixteen hours and forty three minutes, Scott Rigsby became the first double-amputee on prosthetics in the world to finish an Ironman distance triathlon with prosthetics at the one hundred forty point six mile World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rigsby used 'swim legs' to navigate the difficult two point four mile ocean swim, 'bike legs' to cycle one hundred twelve miles through the heat and gusting winds of the Big Island lava fields on a standard road bike, and 'run legs' to complete the marathon segment in darkness and intense pain."
"Take a lesson from those guys," Dwayne spoke up. "I know you're a damn tough guy, both of you are. It's okay to get pissed off at your injuries. But it's not okay to stay pissed off. Do the therapy, learn to adapt. We'll all be rooting for you."
"Everyone at the school wants to see both of you back after Christmas," Gwen said. "A few of your former buds have been saying you’ll be too chicken to come back to school, that you’ll use your injuries as a get out of school free pass. Dwayne and Phil have been telling them you guys are not cowards and that you’ll prove how tough you are by coming back to school. Besides, have you even heard from any of your former buddies since the accident?”
“No, we haven’t. But I don’t understand why are you guys doing this,” Barney asked through his wired shut mouth as he blinked back tears of frustration and disbelief. “All we ever did was give everybody a hard time. Why don’t you just laugh at us and tell us we got what we deserved?”
“No body deserves what happened to you,” Krista spoke. “My mom didn’t deserve to get cancer and die. I didn’t deserve to be left in charge of two younger sisters or be shouldered with the responsibility to get them here from Massachusetts. But this is real life. Shit happens. If you don’t shake off the shit, it’ll bury you. You were already doing booze and drugs. All it got you was f-d up. You can give up and be buried feeling sorry for yourself or you can accept the help you’re offered. The staff here will show you how to adapt. A lot of us from school will help you just like we’re helping Dwayne and Phil. But you can’t do anything if you give up.”
Barney was openly crying. “But why are you willing to help us?”
“Because right now you need help,” Krista answered. “Strangers helped me when I was down and exhausted. I never asked for their help, they just offered it. Now I try to help others.”
“Krista helped me,” Tony added. “She saved Kylie’s life. She helped Sandi, the little girl who was molested and is now Krista’s adopted sister.”
“She helped my whole family,” Jaz declared. “She saved my life. We’re just passing on the help to whoever needs it. Someday you’ll be able to help others. But you have to want to get better.”
“Christ, Barney, I can’t believe you’re falling for their line of crap,” Freddy exclaimed. “Look at you, balling like a freakin’ baby!”
“Yeah, I am,” Barney sniffed. “Look at us man, we’re really fucked up! You worse than me! I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to be a cripple. I want to live! They’re right, man. We did this to ourselves. They’re offering to help us... with no strings attached! I’m freakin’ crying because for the first time since I woke up to this nightmare, I got hope!”
“Look Freddy,” Ken said. “Do you remember last year when Mr. Douglas showed us that movie ‘Forrest Gump’ in social studies?”
“Yeah, about that dumb guy,” Freddy replied with mixed emotions.
“Well you remember Lieutenant Dan,” Ken answered. “Forrest saved him after he had his legs blown off. He hated the world but dumb old Forrest just kept plugging away and trying to cheer him up. It was only when he quit feeling sorry for himself that he was able to make something of his life. That’s what you’ve got to do. The rest of us, we’re sort of like Forrest, we just want to help you.”
Freddy’s tough shell began to crack. Now that he’d been reminded of Lieutenant Dan he could see the pitiful angry cripple, much the way he pictured himself. Tears appeared in his eyes. “I don’t want to be a loser.”
“Everyone at school has your back,” Phil spoke up. “Just like they do for Dwayne and me. All you gotta do is let them do it.”
‘I don’t know how,” Freddy muttered. “I can’t remember anyone helping me. My mom was killed when I was in first grade when my dad ran off the road when he was drunk. He and I weren’t even hurt but mom... she was just gone. After that, my dad just didn’t give a shit. I had to take care of myself. I had to kiss his ass to buy me clothes and food. Once I got a little older I’d just take money from his wallet when he passed out drunk and get what I needed. I shoplifted a lot of stuff, and outright stole others. The doctors at Johns Hopkins said my old man never even called to see how I was. I haven’t heard a freakin’ word from him. Even if I get better and can get of here, he won’t do a damn thing to help me. Even if I could get home, I couldn’t get inside or get around inside. The place is pretty well trashed. I got no where to go.”
“You will,” Krista declared. “I don’t know where, but we’ll get something set up for you. You just concentrate on getting better and learning how to live with your physical issues.”
“Nobody would want to take in a scumbag like me,” Freddy scoffed. “What are you gonna do, have your parents take me in too?”
“If it comes down to that, yes,” Krista replied in a tone that left no doubt that was exactly what she’d do.
Freddy shook his head. “Why?”
“Because you deserve a chance,” Krista answered simply.
“If we had room, my mom would take you in,” Barney said. “You know she’s always been there for you if you really needed something.”
“She just felt sorry for me,” Freddy rebutted. “That plus you were my best friend.”
“I’m still your best friend,” Barney declared. “Look man, with everyone behind us, we can do this. We just gotta take it slow and ease into it.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” Freddy sniffed. “What other choice do we have?”
“You’ve always got a choice,” Krista stated. “What matters is if it’s a positive or negative choice.”
Freddy and Barney nodded their heads.
“I’m glad to see you’ve got some visitors,” Dr. Olsen declared as she stepped into the room. “I came to gather these three,” she indicated Jaz, Dwayne, and Phil. “It’s time I took them into the torture chamber to work them over.”
Gwen and Ken stayed and talked with Freddy and Barney about school and what the scuttlebut was about the accident and their injuries. Both boys were surprised to hear nearly everyone was concerned for their well-being.
*****
Part 14
This Saturday also marked an important event on the Clan Wells Point calendar. As the work wound up on the main farmhouse, the new residents began moving in. The attic suite was finished first so Kylie and Larry moved into the suite while Kylie's mom, Eveyln Masters, moved into her second floor bedroom. Tony and his mom, Rachel, would move in the day before Thanksgiving.
*****
That evening Krista spoke to her parents about Freddy and Barney. Leroy knew that Jacob Grant had a long history of drinking issues dating back to his days in school. Leroy explained that Jacob and Freddy lived in a decrepit fifty year old mobile home on a rented lot. The trailer park was known as the local haven for white trailer trash. Pat was quite upset to learn that he had not even called to check up on his son. Barney and his mom lived in the same park in a slightly newer and better mobile home.
Leroy and Pat were not in the least surprised when Krista said she wanted to approach the Clan Wells Point to see if they would help the injured boys. Since the renters wanted to move, as soon as the place was vacant, maybe Pappy Scott could remodel the home at the intersection of Dougherty Land and Wells Point Lane to make it fully accessible and rent it to Cora Flint with the understanding she take in Freddy.
*****
Sunday morning after church Krista cornered all members of the Clan and soon had them all agreeing to do her latest scheme if Cora Flint agreed. When there was no answer at the Flint home when she called, Krista called the rehab and discovered she was with the boys. Of course, Krista wasn’t satisfied until she and Tony were riding into Requard Rehab with Robert, Sheila, and Jane to speak with Cora and the boys.
Together, Krista and Tony led the way to the room where she knocked on the door. Cora, Freddy, and Barney were surprised to see Tony, Krista and her grandparents. Krista took the lead and introduced her grandparents and herself to Cora. Barney quickly introduced his mother. Krista quickly recapped the conversation she and her friends had with Barney and Freddy.
“Of course I know Freddy has no support,” Cora nodded. “If I could I wouldn’t hesitate to take him in. But I’m not sure I can even handle seeing to Barney’s needs. I won’t abandon Freddy, but I don’t know how much I can do.”
“That’s why we’re here,” Robert smiled. “If you don’t know Krista, you have no idea how stubborn she gets when she has an idea on how to help someone. What it boils down to is we have a rental ranch home out on the Clan Wells Point land. The renter will be moving out before Thanksgiving. We’ll discuss with Dr. Olsen what specific needs you boys will need and we’ll remodel to accommodate your needs. It should only take us a few weeks so by the time you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll have a place to go.”
Freddy, Barney and Cora were gobsmacked.
“I appreciate your plans, but I could never afford to rent a place like that,” Cora demurred.
“Pay us what you pay now,” Sheila spoke up. “The boys will be eligible for aid and part of that is for housing. We’ll accept whatever the aid will pay.”
“But... you can’t...,” Cora stammered more than a bit overwhelmed.
“Of course we can,” Jane cut in. “Krista told the boys she’d work something out for them, and she has.”
“When you said you’d figure something out yesterday, I thought you were just a punk kid spouting off,” Freddy spoke up as tears rolled down his cheeks. “I never expected you’d be able to actually do something!”
“One thing you’ll learn is to never underestimate Krista,” Robert chuckled. “Once she gets something in her head, go with her or get run over.”
“You’ll also be needing a lawyer,” Sheila spoke up. “Kevin Stewart is a good man and handles all our dealings. I’m sure he’ll take you on as clients. We’ll cover the costs if he doesn’t do it gratis.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Cora declared. “I’ve never had anyone offer something like this.”
“Just say okay,” Krista piped up with a big grin. “Then we’ll welcome you into the Clan Wells Point.”
Tears of joy were flowing down Cora’s cheeks as she nodded her head. Krista promptly gave her a welcoming hug, then gave gentle hugs to each of the teary eyed boys. For both, it was the first hug they’d had from anyone besides Cora as far back as they could remember and it felt good! Krista promised help and she delivered. They had what they needed most...hope!
*****
The Campbells flew into Baltimore Sunday, November 18, and checked into a hotel. The next day they met the PI and headed to a local branch of the Bank of America where arrangements had been made to pick up the two and a half million dollars. Acting as their guide, intermediary and armed escort, the PI escorted them to the clandestine meeting. The FBI had already installed surveillance equipment and would record everything.
The Campbells maintained their formerly well practiced snobby superiority as they greeted the Gordon brothers. While the PI and the Campbells quickly perused the documents, the lawyer for the Gordons brothers counted the cash. The PI and the Gordon's lawyer were licensed notaries so after the reading and counting was completed, they all signed the bill of sale and title transfer documents and had them double notarized. At that point they exchanged the cash. As they rose to shake hands after completing the deal Steven Campbell dropped out of character once he had the hand of the eldest Gordon.
"It will be my pleasure to see you in jail," Steven spoke firmly with a genuine smile. "You see, my granddaughter was one of the patients your company LOST."
The smiles on the Gordon brother's faces disappeared as FBI agents swarmed in to arrest the them and their lawyer who was aiding and abetting criminals.
With the signed papers in hand, the Campbells checked out of their hotel and drove to Easton to register the sale and transfer the deeds. On the way they called Laura and asked if they could rent a room in The Clan Wells Point B&B for a week as they wanted to spend Thanksgiving with their grandchildren and also to look at property they'd just purchased.
After checking in at the B&B, the Campbells headed south to greet Heather, Frank and Sarah. When Holly and Ivy arrived home from school and saw the Campbells, they ran to them for hugs, then insisted they stay for supper. Jasmine was able to stand from her wheelchair to hug them when she arrived home. The Campbells were delighted Heather was able to walk a bit without assistance.
The first news they shared was of Gretchen, Benny Junior, and the soon to be born half-sibling. Jasmine and Heather were both quite upset to learn Benny had married a second woman but not with Gretchen. In fact, they looked forward to meeting the newest additions to their family.
At the Campbell's insistence, they watched the evening news as they ate. Everyone sat up and paid attention when the news reported that the FBI had set up a sting to lure the fugitive Gordon Brothers back to the USA. "Steven and Cynthia Campbell were looking for property on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. One of their granddaughters is Jasmine Reese, the young miss who had been shoved into an unlicenced nursing home owned by Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems."
"Previously the Campbells had contacted a realtor to find a suitable high end property near their grandchildren. They also had a Private Investigator checking out any and all leads he could dig up on the Gordons. Last week they were contacted by the PI when he learned the Gordon brothers were trying to sell their summer vacation property for cash. Contacting the Gordon's lawyers, they negotiated a selling price. Realizing they had stumbled onto a sure way to nab the Gordons and get the property they wanted, they contacted the FBI and set up the sting. The Campbells put up two and a half million dollars in cash to make the purchase. As soon as the sale was completed, the FBI arrested the Gordon brothers and confiscated the cash. The Gordon Brothers are now in jail without bail as they are a flight risk. The sale was legal and had been completed so the Campbells now own the property near their grandchildren while aiding in nabbing the perpetrators of the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare System scandal."
The Spades and the Reeses were surprised and delighted that the greedy brothers were finally in custody and that the Campbells had played a key role.
Jasmine looked at the satisfied smiles on the Campbell's faces. Dragging herself out of her chair she went to them and hugged them saying "Thank you."
"Since the FBI let us complete the sale before they nabbed the Gordons," Cynthia said. "We now legally own the property and the money we paid for it will go to help satisfy the lawsuits against Apple Tree and the Gordons."
"I assume the property is near here," Heather declared.
"We'll go see it tomorrow while the kids are in school," Steven smiled.
That made the kids groan. The phone began to ring with others of the Clan Wells Point calling to make sure they knew the Gordons had been captured. Heather fielded the calls and thanked them adding the Campbells were with them and the property they bought was nearby.
*****
After breakfast and sending the kids off to school the next morning, Robert, Sheila and Jane joined the Spades and Heather as they climbed into the back of the Campbell's rented SUV to go see the property. Thirty three hundred feet past Robert and Sheila's new home, they turned north off Wells Point Lane onto Longs Cove Lane where they stopped.
"Here we are," Steven chuckled. “This is estate we just bought. Everything east of SR579 and west of Leadham Creek up to the tree line a hundred feet north of Apple Lane, an area of four hundred fifty acres. The house just off SR579 is vacant, there is a tenant farmer on the farm. The three other homes are vacant as they were the vacation homes of the Gordons. We'll move into the large home by Longs Cove. If you’ll accept us as members of The Clan Wells Point, we'd like to add all of this to The Clan Wells Point LLC."
“That sounds quite nice,” Jane spoke up. “I don’t think we’ll have any objections to having you join us.”
“We’ll call everyone tonight and once we have okay, I’ll contact Kevin Stewart to incorporate your holdings into the Clan Wells Point LLC.”
As a group they decided to check out each home. Jane smiled as they checked out the vacant home on Wells Point Lane. The inside had been pretty well trashed but the shell was solid.
"This would make and ideal spot for a store," Jane said as she surveyed the area. "It's only one hundred fifty feet in from SR579. We could convert the kitchen and back bedrooms into the bakery Lisa and I have been discussing. We could sell fresh bread, cakes, pies, and other baked goods as well as organic foods and dairy products from the farms. It has adequate electric, plumbing and ventilation. The walls and floor of the baking room would need to be tiled with drains in the floor. We already have an equipment list of ovens, refrigerators, freezers, mixers, blenders and shelving we'll need. Robert when the remodel is completed, we could have the bakery up and running two weeks after you’re done.”
As they toured the home they wanted for themselves, Cynthia explained all about Benny’s second family and that they were going to move Gretchen and Benny Junior as soon as they were settled in the new home.
The last home on Longs Cove Lane bordered on Leadham Creek northwest of Longs Cove. It consisted of a large house, large garage, two sheds, and a pier, eight feet wide and one hundred seventy five feet long turning at a right angle for twenty feet at the end. Heather promptly perked up when she saw it.
“This may sound crazy, but I think Krista is rubbing off on Jaz,” Heather began.
That got everyone’s attention.
“Jaz is really excited about helping those four boys who were hurt,” Heather began. “She’s so excited she said she’d like to do something to help other children or teens who need rehab. The Requard Center is good, but it’s geared for adults. Jaz said it’d go better for kids if they were treated separately from adult patients. The Clan could fix this place up and open it as some sort of half-way house for kids in rehab. Out in the country, away from the constant uninspired clinical surroundings I think this place would be a much better site for them. Imagine turning the garage into a gym where they can work out. They can move around the yard, go down to the shore, go out on the dock, and at the same time be away from gawkers.”
“I like the idea,” Cynthia smiled. “Jaz did mention those boys and how depressed they were. This place would be safe and inspiring.”
“I’m sure Dr. Olsen would leap at the chance to help set up a half way rehab house,” Sarah exclaimed getting caught up in the excitement.
“Well, I don’t see any serious challenges to remodel the house for those boys,” Robert smiled. “This site certainly would be more inspiring than the smaller place we were thinking of using.”
“I’ll call Dr. Olsen to see how soon she can come out to look the place over,” Sarah said.
"We should call Kevin Stewart too to see if he can join us," Heather added. "With everything he's been doing for us, perhaps we should offer him a chance to join the Clan Wells Point?"
"Leroy suggested the same thing," Sheila said. "I think we'll sound him out when he gets here."
“The way the Clan is growing, you’ll need a top notch CPA to keep the books straight.” Steven declared. “I just happen to know an experienced CPA who would be very interested in the position. He just retired from a plush corporate CFO position in California and will be moving into the area very soon.”
“Well, we have to discuss this with the other Clan members,” Robert replied with a smile. “But I think I can speak for them when it sounds like you’ll make a fine addition to the Clan Wells Point.”
*****
Dr. Olsen was able to come out late that afternoon with her family and Cora Flint. Kevin Stewart also was able to make it. They all met at the B&B. Jane, Laura, Betty, Lisa, Evelyn and Rachel prepared supper and with David, Ed, Bill Larry and Kylie rode herd on the younger kids. Dr. Olsen, Greg, Kevin, Cora, Leroy, Pat, Krista, Tony, Jaz, Jimmy, Heather, Frank, Sarah, Steven, Cynthia, Robert, and Sheila caravaned out to the proposed site. After a tour of the property and pier, they gathered in the house.
"I really like the location," Dr. Olsen said. "I think it would be very therapeutic. In fact, I'd wouldn't mind living here. But I think your idea for a half-way rehab house for youth is wonderful. Once their primary rehab is completed in a facility, coming to a place like this will be quite beneficial."
"You're really good working with kids like me," Jaz added. "Would you be willing to head the operation?"
Dr. Olsen raised her eyebrows, obviously surprised that someone Jasmine's age would ask such a question. But looking at the adults she saw they were awaiting her answer.
"I'd be delighted," Dr. Olsen recovered. "Forgive me, Jaz, I'm just not accustomed to having someone your age making a legitimate job offer. I'm still new to the Clan Wells Point so I forget everyone is involved in decisions."
"Barney and Freddy will be the first two here," Pat added. "Cora, I know you'll be here for them, but do you think you could handle being the house mother for other children as well?"
"You're offering me the position," Cora stated the question. "I'd really like the opportunity. I've been working as an aid in nursing homes for years but I don't have any formal training. Won't you need someone with a degree for the position?"
"I'm sure with your experience we could get you the certifications you'd need," Dr. Olsen stated. "You might have to take a few courses and pass some exams, but that can be done as part of the job. You'd be ideal for this. You can tell when someone is faking an issue for attention or really needs help. In fact, I think Barney and Freddy have the potential to become ideal therapists for a place like this once they progress through their therapy. Who would be better suited to get through to depressed kids than two tough guys who learned their lessons the hard way?"
Everyone nodded their head in agreement.
"So this is the way The Clan Wells Point operates," Kevin smiled. "Consensus agreement on doing things for the betterment of others. You keep this up and I'll be able to drop my other clients."
"I'm glad you said that," Robert chuckled. "We'd like to ask you to join the Clan Wells Point."
Kevin was clearly pleasantly surprised by the offer.
"Before you agree," Sheila spoke up. "It will entail doing work gratis. Freddy and Barney both need a lawyer to get what assistance they can."
"I've already been doing a lot of work gratis," Kevin smiled. "To be honest, I needed my fees from the settlement of the Reese case to pay off my bills. I’m two months behind on the rent of my office and my small apartment above it. My credit cards are just about maxed out too. The settlement will give me enough to pay off my debts and stay solvent for a while."
"That makes our offer even better," Jane smiled. "Your heart is already in the right place. We'll be able to help you do more to help those who need it."
"Well, it looks like you've gotten another Clansman," Kevin smiled. "Plus I play the bagpipes."
"Great," Steven exclaimed. "So do I! It'll be wonderful having a another piper!"
"I think this will work out well for us in another way," Sheila added. "The tenants approached us about getting out of their leases early and getting their deposits back. They're concerned that the changes we're making are going to increase traffic and disturb their peace and quiet. We can easily do that and update the houses. Kevin could move into the smaller house on Wells Point Lane and we were thinking perhaps the Ewells could move into the one down by the landing."
Dr Olsen was a bit put out as she had expected to get the home near the landing.
"Relax, Grace," Jane smiled at Dr. Olsen. "Sheila, Sarah, Heather, Cynthia and I quietly discussed this after you mentioned you'd like this place. There is another house just on the other side of those trees that's bigger than the one you were thinking about." Jane pointed to the northwest. "It has it's own dock, a garage, and a shed. There is already a track through the trees to the farm line. We can add a layer of stones to it and link it to the farm lane that goes out to that barn. That would make it convenient for you to get here and the kids to ride bike to each other without getting on the main road."
"We can head up there when we're done here," Cynthia smiled. "I think you'll love it. It was our second choice."
Grace smiled. "You've surprised me yet again. Thank you."
Grace was pleased with the replacement home and the fact it was ready to move in. They could be living there as soon as arrangements were made to vacate their apartment in Easton. Their sons would transfer to Tilgham Elementary with the other elementary age Clan Wells Point students.
The Clan had a simple meal when they returned to the B&B. Those who hadn't been on the exploratory mission listened to the plans. Everyone eagerly welcomed Kevin Stewart into the Clan Wells Point.
*****
When she returned to Requard the next day, Dr. Olsen and Cora sat down with Freddy and Barney to discuss their future. They were quite surprised to learn Krista's plans to remodel a house for them to live in had morphed into a full blown rehab half-way house for youths in similar circumstances. They were excited at the prospect of moving out to The Clan Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel. They were even more surprised when they learned Dr. Olsen thought they had a future as physical therapists at the planned Rehab Hostel. But the best news was they would be getting a day pass to enjoy Thanksgiving with the Clan Wells Point.
*****
The pace of The Clan Wells Point didn’t slow down even for Thanksgiving. The farmhouse was to be the center of the Clan Wells Point and the first floor was large enough to accommodate everyone for meals and gatherings. Although the B&B was bigger, if guests were present it would be inconvenient. The house would be broken in by the planned Thanksgiving Feast.
The Clan Wells Point celebrated Thanksgiving together at the main farm house breaking in the newly renovated kitchen. They invited Jamie and Ruth Ewell to join them and were able to get day passes for Freddy and Barney so they and Cora joined the group.
Kevin Stewart, a forty eight year old life-long bachelor, realized he missed family style get-togethers and looked forward to enjoying them now that he was a member of the Clan Wells Point. Krista noticed he and Grams spent a lot of time together and soon was plotting with Jasmine to unite the unattached duo
Frank and Barney were quite helpless and had been apprehensive about coming to the Clan Thanksgiving. Much to their delight, everyone greeted them warmly and voiced excitement to have them move into the newly designated youth rehab hostel. They were surprised to see Jamie Ewell was there. They had heard about his father and that Krista had choked the big man out.
Once the initial welcomes were over, Kylie and Krista brought their classmate James over to Barney and Freddy. It was clear James was quite anxious and even scared.
"Freddy, Barney," Kylie greeted the pair. "It's been a long time.
"Ah... yeah," Freddy stammered recalling how he and Barney had hassled Kyle for several years. "Look, about how we used to tease you... we're sorry."
"Yeah," Barney hastily added. "We were just dumb rednecks back then. Now we're sorry rednecks who are trying not to be rednecks anymore."
"I'll accept your apologies," Kylie smiled and slowly turned in a circle to show of her budding curves. "So guys, what do you think of me now?"
Freddy sheepishly smiled. "Larry is a lucky guy?"
Kylie laughed. "Thank you. I'm also a lucky girl to have him."
"Krista explained a bit about transsexuals," Barney added. "We always thought they were some sort of freaks. We were wrong, very wrong."
"Yes you were," Kylie answered with a smile to let them know she wasn’t scolding. "But I must congratulate you."
Both looked puzzled.
"Your apology and admission you were wrong means you are now ex-rednecks," Kylie smiled.
The duo exchanged smiles and nodded as they realized she was right.
"Now comes a big test to see if you've truly shed your redneck past," Krista spoke up with a challenging smile. "Kylie and I are not the only transsexuals here. There is one other."
At first they looked hastily around to see who it might be. It took Freddy a moment to see the deep scarlet blush that had crept over James. "James?"
"HER name is Jamie," Krista answered. "She's just started transitioning but is still presenting as a boy at school. In fact, she's too embarrassed to begin presenting as a girl because she feels that physically she's just too manly. Rather than look like a guy in drag she's waiting. With a bit of surgery this summer to soften her face and the culminant effect of the testosterone blockers and female hormones by then, she should be able to return to school in the fall as her true self. We need you to keep her secret until she's ready to come out."
Jamie was looking at the floor and most likely would have bolted if Kylie had not hooked her elbow. Freddy and Barney were clearly gobsmacked.
"Okay...," Barney finally managed to say. "If you want us to keep her secret, why did you tell us?"
"Because you're now members of The Clan Wells Point," Krista replied. "We help and support each other. Just like we're doing with you as you learn to deal with your new bodies, we all need to help Jamie deal with hers. She's going to have a tough time passing as a girl, but that's who she is. Just like you guys have no choice but to deal with your bodies, neither does Jamie."
"I don't mean any offense, Jamie," Freddy replied after an awkward silence. "But this is all a bit much to take in all at once."
"We understand that," Kylie smiled. "The fact you didn't freak out proves you're making an effort to change. As Krista said, this was a big test of your resolve to leave the redneck life behind. You've passed."
"But we...," Barney began.
"You've spent your whole lives being rednecks," Krista spoke up. "You can't help the redneck thoughts that pop into your mind. The fact you didn't act on those thoughts is what's important. In time, the redneck thoughts will become less and less. While they'll never go away, they will be merely be a reminder of your past and that you've moved beyond the past. Now, say high to Jamie."
"Jamie... we'll keep your secret until you're ready to reveal it," Freddy smiled uncertainly. "And we'll support you then. Just be patient with us. If we make some smart ass comment, just shut us down."
"Yeah," Barney smiled as he offered his hand in friendship. "Just go easy on us. We only had our casts removed on Monday."
Jamie smiled and shook hands with Barney and then Freddy. The world was looking much brighter for the three classmates.
Cora was also ambushed by Dr. Olsen, Sheila, Jane and Kevin.
"I've called in some markers," Kevin smiled. "With the help of Amanda Frost, the State Assistant Attorney General who headed the Apple Tree investigation, we've been able to clear through the red tape with the State Medical Examiners Board."
"The staff at Johns Hopkins is impressed by our plans to create a Youth Rehab Hostel," Dr. Olsen added. "They’re glad someone is helping Freddy and Barney. We've spoken to the staff of their nursing and therapy schools and they are willing to give you a one-up chance to show them what you know. If they feel you are qualified by your skills demonstration and accompanied oral questioning, they'll credit you as completing those classes. They’ll test you next Friday. That will give you all week to bone up on terminology and regulations with the staff at Requard."
"Together they've agreed to wave the normal classes and tests for certified nursing assistant and certified physical therapy assistant," Kevin stated.
Needless to say Cora was delighted
For the most part the women spent the morning cooking and gossiping, the men spent it talking sports and fishing while the kids watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. About one everything was ready and they all sat down to enjoy their first repast.
Everything was homemade from scratch. The turkey was melt in your mouth moist. The potato filling, creamed corn, candied yams, bread, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie were a delight to all. They gorged themselves and gossiped.
During the meal Heather asked for a brief Clan meeting with the adults, Krista and Jasmine sometime during the afternoon. After a brief discussion they decided to hold the meeting as they finished the meal.
"I'll make this brief," Heather began with a smile. "Now that the settlement has been deposited in our accounts, I'd to let everyone know if the Clan needs cash at some point, I can help. Because of the terms of the settlement agreement, I can't disclose the amounts, but Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy now have substantial trust funds so they will never have to worry about the costs of schooling. In addition, I took part of my share of the settlement and had Kevin set up a trust fund for Krista that is equal to those of Holly and Ivy."
Nearly everyone was stunned by her generosity.
"Thank you, Heather," Krista demurred. "But I can't accept that. I..."
"Krista, the fund is already established and cannot be revoked," Kevin cut in. "Heather was quite specific in her instructions in setting the fund up for you as she knew you’d refuse it. Even if you don't use it, it will become your's at age twenty five. At that point you can give it away, but it is yours."
"Krista, after all you did in getting my family back together as well as all you've done since then, this is something I wanted do," Heather declared as she fought back tears of gratitude. "I have no doubts you'll continue to help others. If getting a good education will help you do that better, I've just set up that option. You'll be able to go to any school and study anything you like. Through you, you'll be letting me help you help others. As Kevin said, the trust fund is now yours. Now, not another word about this."
"Thank you," Krista smiled. "I won't let you down."
"I know that, Krista," Heather smiled.
After a round of congratulations, everyone went about their own agendas for enjoying the afternoon. With the main meal completed, things were kept warm and everyone was encouraged to help themselves to whatever they liked as the day progressed. The football games were on, board games were out, and rocking chairs available for friendly conversation. The day was one of relaxation and companionship. No one went home hungry and most carried leftovers.
*****
Part 15
Monday after Thanksgiving the Clan Wells Point Contracting and Construction crew began work on converting the selected property into an accessible youth rehab center.
Kevin Stewart worked on getting Freddy and Barney every benefit which was available to them. In addition, he was busy setting up the various Clan Wells Point businesses including two newest, The Clan Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel and The Clan Wells Point Attorney at Law. Kevin had his own small office in St. Michaels but was affiliated with a successful law firm in Easton. The affiliation allowed the larger firm to showcase for PR purposes Kevin’s gratis work as being sponsored by the firm. In return, they provided Kevin with access to their office staff to serve as his part-time telephone receptionist and secretary. With the Clan’s permission, Kevin would establish the office of his Clan attorney business in his remodeled new home on Wells Point. The only thing he needed was to secure a dependable secretary. That proved to be an easy issue to resolve, especially when the rest of The Clan Wells Point heartily approved his plan.
Finally freed from Dick’s heavy handed oppressive thumb, Ruth blossomed. Dick had wanted her to remain dependant upon him so had forbidden her to have a full time job. She worked about thirty hours a week as a secretary in a small office and had managed to squirrel away about half her earnings for the past ten years. Now with Dick’s income gone, she had to rely on that savings to pay the bills. While they could make do for better than a year, she knew she needed a full time position.
Ruth’s present employer was understanding but unable to give her more hours or a raise. He did provide a solid recommendation for her applications. Since serving as her lawyer, Kevin was well aware of Ruth’s job skills and needs. Kevin approached his affiliate in Easton with a request to allow Ruth to work with their office staff for two weeks to learn the basics of being a lawyer’s secretary. The Clan Wells Point would pay her salary during this time and the bigger firm would be freed from the small drain Kevin’s needs placed on their staff. They jumped at the deal. When Ruth learned the Clan was inviting she and Jamie to join and were being offered the house down by the landing, she broke down in tears of joy knowing her financial worries were solved and Jamie would have a safe accepting place to transition. Jamie was equally overwhelmed with joy.
Jamie and Ruth quickly grew stronger in their lives without Dick. Their twice weekly work out at the YWCA drew them even closer. At Jamie's request, Ruth gently pointed out any overtly macho habits Jamie had acquired. Jamie made an effort to squash those unwanted masculine indicators. Some were easy to manage, others were not, but he made steady headway to erasing his unwanted masculine traits.
During this period Jamie became more confident with his transgenderism and obtained some basic lingerie and nightgowns from the internet. These he wore daily while outwardly still presenting as a male. Although he longed to wear skirts and dresses, the idea of seeing his still all too male self outwardly dressed as a girl was too unpleasant to even consider. Dr. Sykes understood his reluctance to wait until his body began to soften and the electrolysis had time to remove most of the unwanted body hair. Jamie wanted to look like a girl when fully dressed, not like a stereo-typical jock in drag.
Once the soccer season ended, Jamie dropped out of the school's phys-ed program, thus avoiding the boy's locker room. The administration also had him switch from using the boys restrooms to using the intersex handicap facilities. This change caused the school jocks, although not to his face, to openly question Jamie's sexuality, many assuming he was gay. Many others thought the same thing but were accepting of gays so had no issues. At the same time Jamie eased his way into the ranks of the geeks.
At first the geeks were hesitant, fearing a big soccer player starting to hang with them was some sort of weird prank or a joke although they could see no point for humor. Slowly, as Jamie remained open and consistent with them along with his obvious self exclusion from the jocks, they began relaxing and letting him into their friendship circle. Jamie had always been a good student, but without the dumbing down peer pressure of the jocks and the constant harassment of his father, his work and grades instantly improved. Jamie had seamlessly slipped from a semi-jock to a nerd while still on talking terms with everyone. Some people thought that perhaps he was gay but as he wasn't flirting with anyone they simply let it go.
*****
After Thanksgiving things didn't slow down. The excitement about the school’s annual Christmas Dance went into high gear, at least amongst the girls. It was a quasi-formal dance, not as big as the prom, but the only school-wide formal dance. For the seventh grade girls this was their first chance at attending a formal dance. Like the other girls, Krista and Jasmine were swept into the maelstrom. Tony and Jimmy just went along for the ride. For the guys, it was fairly simple as they would rent a tuxedo. Their only concern was that the shirt match or compliment the color of their date's dress.
Since neither Krista nor Jasmine had any real experience in shopping for a formal, they decided to head to the Charisma Clothing Boutique on Tuesday November 27. The owner, Mary Willis, had used Krista in a photo shoot out on the bay that summer. With their mothers, the girls stopped in on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to see what they could find.
"Its good to see you again," Mary said as she hugged Pat and Krista. "I hoped you'd come in for your gown. Who is your friend?"
"This is Heather Reese and her daughter Jasmine," Krista introduced.
"I've heard a lot about you two," Mary smiled as she hugged them. "I'm sure I can find something you'll look scrumptious in. I have an outfit in mind for Krista, but I'm not sure what will look good on Jasmine. Melissa, can you show Krista and her mother the gowns we'd been discussing for her?"
"Sure mom," Melissa, an eleventh grader, replied with a smile as she came out of the back of the store. "Hi Krista, come with me and we'll see what you think."
While Melissa led Krista and Pat over to several racks of dresses, Mary smiled at Jasmine and Heather. "First, I need to know if you're going to style your hair or wear a wig."
"I decided when I first woke up that I wouldn't wear a wig," Jasmine answered. "I know my hair is short and I haven't really done too much with it, but I've been thinking about having it styled in a short sassy Keira Knightly style." (http://www.short-hair-styles-magazine.com/short-celebrity-ha...)
"I think that's a marvelous idea," Mary smiled. "With a bit of a trim and bangs, you'll look great. The dress style will have to compliment your hair, so that points me in the right direction. Let's go see what we can find."
After looking at many selections, they decided on a long narrow gown that would accentuate her budding curves and enhance her short hairstyle. The sleeveless gown made her look older and was a perfect style for her. (http://www.millionlooks.com/images/keira-knightley-white-dre...)
Meanwhile, Krista was trying on her gown. It was a knee length girly gown with a floral lace overlay that left her left arm bare. It looked stunning on her and accentuated her tomboyish figure to perfection. (http://thefierceglamourblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/D...)
Both gowns had to be tweaked for the gowns to show off the girl’s figures. The girls and their mothers left the Charisma Clothing Boutique knowing they could pick up their gowns next week, Friday December 7.
*****
Cora gave notice at her job and they promptly told her to leave. That freed her to study hard and speak with the therapists at Requard.
On Friday November 31 Dr. Olsen drove her to John Hopkins and stayed with her as the teaching staff worked her over. An observer from the state medical examiners board was present as an observer. Dr. Olsen never said a word but her mere presence helped Cora overcome her nervousness and do well. She passed the special examinations with flying colors.
*****
The Olsen family moved into their new home on the December 1, the second Saturday after Thanksgiving. The farm was busy but with guidance and help from Bill, Larry and Rachel easily handled things. The fifty head dairy heard needed milking at 6:30am and 4:00pm. Each session took an hour to set up, do, and clean up. After that they mucked the barn. Then moved down to the landing to take care of the eight horses. They needed mucking only once a day. Jasmine and her sisters gave the horses their evening feed and rubdowns. The steers in the small barn on the triangular field only needed care once a day. Tony and Evelyn fed the chickens each morning and gathered the eggs before school began. In the spring they intended to up the dairy herd to one hundred fifty head and add more steers. They also planned to up the number of chickens to two hundred.
Kylie's repair business was booming. Ed was there at least six hours every day, Krista, Tony, and Jimmy spent two to three hours every day after school and most of Saturday helping out. The three youngsters became quite efficient mechanics.
Kylie completed the arrangements to fly to Thailand for her surgery. Her mother Evelyn would be accompanying her. With Kevin’s assistance both obtained their passports and had them appropriately validated. Kylie had notarized letters of recommendation from Dr. Sykes and her airline tickets. Thanks to Robert and Sheila, everything was pre-paid... an early wedding present.
She was scheduled to leave January third. The flight out would take two days, then one day for a thorough physical by the surgeon and staff. The surgery would be done the following day. In the hospital recuperation would take three to five days followed by ten days to two weeks of recovery in their hotel room. The trip home would take two days. The minimum trip would be three and a half weeks including travel time. Her expected return home would be January 28.
Ed willingly agreed to keep the business going while Kylie was gone and until she recovered. Krista, Tony, and Jimmy promised to put in as many hours as needed to help Ed. Kylie intended to return to work as soon as she returned. She fully understood her return to work would be gradual and quite limited with frequent breaks and perhaps even some nap time, but she intended to keep her fingers greasy.
Larry and Kylie spent a lot of time together. While Kylie was looking forward to completing her transition, the surgery scared her. It scared Larry too, but he was strong for her. Their separation would be difficult.
*****
The annual "Christmas in St. Michaels" event was held on Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th. CISM, an all-volunteer, private non-profit corporation, not only enhances the quality of life for residents, but also contributes to their basic and fundamental needs. The event is made possible through the work, energy, and creativity of hundreds of volunteers,
working together for most of the year. Since its inception in 1987, Christmas in St. Michaels has raised more than $700,000 to support various community groups and organizations. As in the past, many local businesses and individuals contributed goods, services, and financial support. The event would generate a total of $72,175 that would be awarded to eight local community organizations. The non-profit recipients were selected by the Board of Directors of Christmas in St. Michaels within the community of St. Michaels. These organizations deliver service to the community in a number of ways such as providing support to families, preserving the heritage of the St. Michaels area, and enhancing the opportunities for children and young adults.
This year a grant to the Good Samaritan Fund of Talbot County assisted residents with costs associated with food, prescription medications, rent, and utilities. A principal beneficiary of the proceeds of the 2007 event is the Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers. The funds raised by Christmas in St. Michaels 2007 will also help to support an innovative playground initiative, to fund improved athletic facilities, to restore a local museum, to provide support for persons in financial distress, and to preserve the Bay Hundred Community Pool Endowment Fund.
David and Laura took Wanda, Sandi, LJ, and Peter to the Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 8 from 9:00am to 10:00am at the Town Dock Restaurant. This event, for children ages three to eight, began with a scrumptious breakfast while Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with each child. The little kids were pleased and excited.
Next came the annual Talbot Street Parade. Starting at 10:30am it formed in the parking lot of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Perry Cabin Lane one block east of Talbot Street. The parade marched south on Talbot about two thirds of a mile to turn east onto Seymour Avenue where it disbanded in the school parking lot. Everyone from the Clan Wells Point was along the parade route intermingled with the crowds of spectators. Everyone enjoyed the spirited Christmas parade, the largest holiday parade on the Eastern Shore.
Next the Clan took the youngsters between three and eleven to Santa's Wonderland in the cafeteria at the St. Michaels School Complex on Seymour Avenue. This event was been planned especially for children and featured many activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there and every child had an opportunity to tell Santa about his Christmas dreams. Professional photo opportunities with the very popular couple were available but adults were encouraged to bring their own camera as well. The children participated in games, face painting and prize raffles. A disc jockey provided music. Shopping opportunities planned just for children were available in the Secret Santa Shop.
The event that made everyone drool was the Gingerbread House Competition and Display at the Woman's Club of St. Michaels on St. Mary's Square. Anyone could enter their gingerbread house in the competition. Everyone enjoyed the aromatic display. The gingerbread houses were judged in several different categories from children to professional.
One of the highlights of the Christmas in St. Michaels weekend is the tour of historic homes in the village and a few very special homes just outside of town. This is one of the longest running home tours in Maryland. The houses in town are within walking distance of each other, which gave participants a great opportunity to stroll through town and soak up the historic atmosphere. For the members of the Clan Wells Point who were not native to the Bay Hundred area, the tour made them aware of the history and depth of the community. Most of the homes, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, had at one time been the residences of watermen and seafarers and have since been restored, expanded, and adapted to today's life style. The country homes located just outside of town are mostly situated on expansive waterfront settings. Visitors reached the country homes via professional licensed shuttle bus service, which was included in the price of the tour ticket. The use of exquisite architectural details on the buildings and their creative landscaping set amidst the Eastern Shore landscape was quite impressive. Buses between the country homes left from the Crab Claw parking lot at the end of Mill Street. Along with the ticket purchase, a tour guide booklet with lots of local information and complete descriptions of each home on the tour along with other major landmarks in St. Michaels was provided. The ticket for the Tour of Homes also admitted them to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
All in all it was a pleasant and informative day for everyone and a welcome relaxing day away from the normal bustle of activity on the Clan Homestead.
*****
The Campbells only made minor decorating changes to the home they'd selected, removing the objects d'art and other over the top furnishings as well as the antiques. Most they hoped to sell en-mass to a decorator. The house was then refurnished with good quality sturdy furniture that would hold up to daily use by adults and children. They easily converted the nouveau-riche summer vacation home into a family friendly home.
They had kept Gretchen appraised of their actions. While Steven stayed to hold down the fort, Cynthia and Heather flew to Vancouver on Monday, December 10. At their initial meeting there was a moment of appraising their competition, then Heather smiled and opened her arms for a warm hug greeting Gretchen as a sister.
"I never had a sister," Heather explained. "If you don't object I'd like to think of you as my sister."
"I would like that," Gretchen smiled. "We can be aunts to each other's children."
"That sounds like a plan," Heather smiled.
Benny Junior had no problem welcoming his grandma and quickly accepted his new aunt. The women made quick work of packing and disposing of what was to be donated. The vehicles were sold. Papers were signed with a realtor and local attorney to sell the property with the proceeds if any to be deposited in the bank accounts. Cartons with items Gretchen wanted to keep were boxed and picked up by UPS.
*****
Monday, December 10 had also been hectic for Dwayne and Phil. They missed school that day as they had their casts removed and began therapy on their unencumbered limbs. Both understood they had to ease back into using their limbs as they could easily be re-injured. Dwayne still had to be wary of his collar bone and Phil of his back. But to have the heavy casts off and to be able to bend their knees and elbows was a tremendous relief. They would still have to use wheelchairs at school at least for a week. It also meant they would no longer need the Comfort Keeper aids. While they had appreciated the assistance, it was embarrassing for their privates to be exposed to non-family.
They endured three painful sessions and would go to Tidewater Physical Therapy in St. Michaels for daily work-outs after school. In about a week, once they had regained some strength and stability, they could begin using crutches until they fully recovered. The pair profusely thanked the staff of Requard for all they had done to help them.
During their last session Barney and Freddy were brought into the gym. Much to their surprise and delight they too had their casts removed. The four warmly greeted each other and the younger boys filled the older pair in about the goings on at school.
For the first time in their lives, Freddy and Barney were eager to return to school. The school arranged daily tutoring between their therapy sessions were quite productive, especially after the Thanksgiving pep talks by Dr. Olsen and Kylie and Krista. The boys had surprised everyone, especially themselves, as they excelled in their studies. In the weeks since they had come to Requard the tutors had brought them up to speed in all their classes.
They knew their new home was being finished and once Dr. Olsen was satisfied, the duo could be transferred later this week with the prospect of returning to school after the Christmas Holidays.
*****
The big move came on Thursday December 13. Freddy and Barney were moved to The Clan Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel. Upon their arrival, both were delighted to find the spacious property had been made fully accessible, including a small elevator four feet by six feet to the second floor. All the exterior doors had been equipped with electric door openers so at the mere press of a button, the door would open. (Anyone who has spent time in a wheelchair learned how difficult it can be to open a door with an automatic closer, then hold it open while crossing the threshold. If you don't, try it some time. It'll teach you that even handicap accessible areas are not so easy to get into.) All the interior doors had been converted to pocket doors that easily slid out of the way to give unhindered passage.
Waiting for the boys were two used power wheel chairs. Both had the speeds limited to a normal walking pace of two and half MPH. The unit Freddy was given had been equipped with special rear anti-tip wheels because the balance system designed into nearly all wheelchairs takes into account the weight of the users legs to act as a counter balance. Gravel walkways had been laid out throughout the yard to allow them unhindered mobility to the pier and out buildings. The pier had been equipped with sturdy guard rails ten inches high to prevent any wheelchair, manual or power, from accidentally or intentionally driving into the water.
Freddy would have the power chair available until he was fitted for and able to use prosthetic legs. Barney would only have his until he was strong enough to walk on his own. Even so, the boys were delighted with their new-found mobility and their new home. Both expected to return to school after the Christmas Holidays, Barney under his own power and Freddy in the power chair.
Nearly everyone from The Clan Wells Point stopped by that evening to welcome the boys home.
*****
Dwayne and Phil easily slipped into the rhythm of school. With their tough guy belligerent attitudes in their past, they gained new friends. While both were in the advanced class, neither had been academically motivated. Now they were doing their best to make up for lost time. Neither was sure what they wanted out of life, but they at least understood they had to have a good education and positive attitude.
What most people noticed was the pair were even more inseparable than they had been before the accident. Everything they did, they did together. Since they were neighbors they often shared meals. On weekends they even slept over. What really stuck out was how nice they were to each other, always smiling, racing to open doors for each other. The rumor mill quietly began to wonder if they were gay.
Realizing such a wild rumor, even if it was true, could have a serious negative impact on the pair, Krista and Jasmine decided they should have a heart to heart talk with the former bully boys who had now become their friends. Bringing Tony, Jimmy, Jasmine, Pat, and Principal Harris into the loop, they arranged a private 'study' session for the six friends during the class before lunch on Friday.
Dwayne and Phil knew something was afoot by the almost guilty expressions upon the faces of Tony and Jimmy. Not one to beat around the bush, Dwayne looked at Krista and spoke up once they settled into their seats around the library conference table. "Okay, so what's up?"
"You guys have been doing real good since the accident," Krista began. "Everyone is delighted with the new you and want to see it continue. However, there is a possible storm approaching and we want to let you know before it hits."
Phil spoke up. "What storm is that?"
"You guys were always close," Tony said. "Since the accident you've been glued to each other which is understandable. However, the rumor mill has started and we want to cut it off before it hurts you."
Dwayne and Phil exchanged looks of confusion, then Dwayne spoke. "What rumor?"
"People are saying you guys are hanging together like Jaz and I," Jimmy softly replied. "And Tony and Krista."
It took a moment before they duo realized the implications of Jimmy's statement. They exchanged looks of horror.
"That's why we wanted to tell you in private before you heard it or some dufus made a smart-ass comment," Krista said. "Whether the rumor is true or not makes no difference to us or most of the students. Most have accepted me so they'll accept you IF you're a couple. My guess is that you don't even know if you're a couple and I sincerely doubt if you've ever considered the possibility you're gay. I didn't know I was a girl until August. Up until then I thought I was just pretending to be a girl to make it easier to get here. I'd just realized that I really was a girl when I met Tony, then, wham, I'm the girlfriend of a hunky guy."
"We're not saying you're gay," Tony said. "What Krista is saying is don't over react and deny being gay. It will make it harder to admit the truth if it turns out you are gay. What we're asking you to do is think about how close you guys are. Face it, neither of you have really ever been interested in girls."
"Either way, we'll be your friends," Jasmine declared firmly. "We just didn't want you to be blind-sided when the rumors reached you."
Dwayne and Phil were caught off guard and unprepared. Their gut reaction would have been vociferous denial but Krista had prevented that. It was true neither had really been interested in girls. They appreciated girls, but there had never been any attraction. But they had never felt an attraction to guys either.
"I don't think we're gay," Phil said. "Neither of us is swishy."
"Not all gays are swishy," Krista answered. "That's just a stereo-type. A lot of gays are big and strong. A man who likes sports, hunting, and all that manly stuff can still be gay. Gay couples can both be manly. Gays don't have to be trying to hit on other guys all the time either. A lot become life-long couples. Like I said, we don't think you've ever considered the possibility you're gay. We're not saying we THINK you're gay. We are saying you guys have the type of bond we do. For couples to succeed they need to be each other's best friend. They feel a need to help each other, to make life easier for each other, and do their best to make each other happy. We see you, and so do a lot of other people, as a couple. There is nothing sexual about your relationship, no one has seen that, but never the less, you guys are behaving like a couple."
"You need to be true to yourselves," Tony added. "That's the biggest lesson Krista taught me. Do what YOU feel is right, not what other's expect."
"We'll head out into the library and let you two talk this over," Krista smiled. "You don't even have to reach a conclusion. We just want you to be aware the question is out there. If you want our input, we'll share, but this is your decision, your call to make or not make. Just remember, straight, gay, or whatever, makes no difference to us. We ARE your friends."
With that they left the Dwayne and Phil in the room.
Dwayne and Phil were deep in thought for several minutes. Finally Phil spoke. "Looking back on how we've been acting since the accident I can see where people might start to wonder about us. Heck, it even makes me wonder a bit now that I think about it. I know I don't want any type of sexual relationship with you or anyone else, at least for the foreseeable future. I've never even thought about being gay. I know I'm not swishy. But you are my best friend and I sorta like being considered a couple. Maybe that makes me sorta gay. I can see where others might think we're gay. Before the accident that would have pissed me off, now, I can take it. I'm just glad we have friends who warned us about the rumors."
"Yeah," Dwayne agreed. "I might have done something stupid if it just hit us. I never though about being gay either and I know I'm not swishy. Despite the way we used to talk about it, sex isn't one of my priorities. What freaks me a bit is I'm not upset about us possibly being a couple. Krista is right, we've always cared about each other, but since the accident, it's been different. I don't want to be without you, so I guess that makes me at least sorta gay too."
The duo looked at each other, not sure whether to cry or hug. Finally Phil moved closer to Dwayne and gave him a quick hug. Both boys blushed and said nothing. Then after a few moments of mutual contemplation Dwayne gave Phil a quick hug. This time they smiled while they blushed.
"I guess we are gay," Dwayne softly admitted as Phil nodded his head. "This is too weird. I'm not even freaked out. In fact, I feel a bit better."
"Krista was right again," Phil chuckled. "But since neither of us are swishy, at least we won't be holding hands and kissing in public."
Dwayne reached across and took Phil’s hand in his. "I'll agree with the kissing part, but I think I kinda would like to hold your hand sometimes."
Phil nervously smiled and squeezed Dwayne's hand. "All right, but definitely no public kissing!"
Both chuckled guiltily as Dwayne asked, "So what do we do now?"
"I guess we tell Krista and the others we are a couple and that we might be gay," Phil replied. "Then when we get home we sit down with our moms and talk to them."
Dwayne blushed uneasily. "Do you think they might suspect we're gay?"
"It wouldn't surprise me," Phil smiled. "They're happy we've got our act together and have been encouraging us to hang. I think they'd be cool if we are gay."
"Yeah, I think so too," Dwayne smiled. "So how do we tell the everybody?"
"We don't," Phil said as he stood up still holding on to Dwayne's hand. "Tony said he'd learned from Krista to just be himself. That's what we need to do, just be ourselves. We just go out to them like this."
"Sounds like a plan," Dwayne agreed as he stood. Together they left the room to rejoin their friends, smiling timidly and hand in hand.
Krista smiled when she saw them approaching. So did the others. No words were needed and none spoken. They headed off for lunch.
No one said anything but by the end of the day half the school figured out Dwayne and Phil were indeed a couple.
Their mothers were not surprised when the nervous boys held hands as they sat down to talk to them that evening. In fact, they were relieved and supportive.
*****
Part 16
After four days of non-stop action, Gretchen dropped the keys to her now ex-home with the realtor, then they headed for the airport. Cynthia, Heather, Gretchen, and BJ landed in Baltimore in the afternoon of December 14. Steven met the plane and after hugs were exchanged, sheparded his family to the brand new silver 2008 Lincoln Navigator SUV he'd purchased while they were gone. They talked as they drove. Gretchen had never been out of British Columbia and to see the leafless forests and trees and flat fields of the Chesapeake Bay were all new to her after growing up surrounded by the rain forest covered mountains around the Salish Sea north of Puget Sound.
Steven provided a state map and sitting in the back seat as they drove, Heather showed Gretchen her new surroundings. The Bay Hundred area intrigued her and she looked forward to arriving there. By the time they rolled through St. Michaels, Gretchen knew she was getting close to home. When they pulled onto Wells Point Lane, they stopped.
"You'll get to know this area much better," Steven said. "Everything east of the road we just left is part of The Clan Wells Point. One thousand four hundred and seventy five acres. Let's head up to our house.”
Soon they were pulling into the area in front of the house. Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy came out of the front door followed by Frank and Sarah. The younger girls ran over while Jasmine walked slowly but steadily. Gretchen was overwhelmed by their open welcoming hugs and excited self introduction.
"You must be Jasmine," Gretchen greeted her with a gentle embrace aware of Jasmine's ongoing recovery. "I want to thank you for asking if your father started another family. You've really saved us."
"That's what family does, Aunt Gretchen," Jasmine smiled. "You'll have a lot of family here."
Cynthia emerged from the Navigator cuddling a just awakening BJ. Holly and Ivy squealed with delight to see their half brother. Naturally, after just waking up and the long trip, BJ was startled into tears.
"Did they scare you, Benny?" Jaz sympathetically asked as she smiled and gently reached out for her half brother.
Much to everyone's amazement, Benny stopped crying and reached out for Jaz. Jaz carefully took him and rested him on her skinny hip. "Benny, these two squealers are your sisters Holly and Ivy. I'm your big sister Jasmine but everyone calls me Jaz. Welcome home."
Benny looked at the contrite girls, then smiled. "Jaz," he said as he reached up and touched her nose. "Me BJ."
With the ice broken, everyone headed into the house. Jasmine carried BJ as Heather and Gretchen followed closely just in case the plucky girl had any problems. Once inside and divested of their jackets, they began a tour of the house. BJ looked around in wide eyed wonder as he toddled along. When they reached the second floor bedroom that had been set up for him, he was ushered forward to look before anyone entered the room. It was a little boy's paradise of cars and trucks. The bed looked like a race car.
"My room," he exclaimed as he scurried inside and looked about. "BJ's room?"
"Yes, this is BJ's room," Cynthia said.
BJ jumped onto the bed and bounced around. "BJ happy," he smiled.
The girls stayed with BJ as he explored his new bedroom and checked out all the neat toys. Even though they didn't play with cars and trucks, they did so with their little brother letting him 'teach' them.
The adults knew that the girls would watch BJ while they finished the tour. Donning their coats they went outside to explore the property. Gretchen was pleasantly surprised by the pool and the dock and simply amazed that she would be living here.
When they returned to the house, instead of going inside Steven led them to the garage. Pausing in front of the door he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out two key rings.
"Cynthia and I decided to give you each a gift," Steven said as he handed them the keys. "I don't know which is for which vehicle but except for the color, they're identical, so if you want to swap, feel free."
With that he pressed the opener to raise the garage door. Inside were two brand new 2008 AWD Ford Taurus X's, one in blue and one in silver. Heather and Gretchen were speechless as they looked at the new SUVs.
"Don't even try to decline accepting them," Cynthia pre-empted their protests. "We want our grandchildren to be safe and comfortable and these will do that. Since they're identical there is no favoritism. Now try them out."
Heather and Gretchen hugged and profusely thanked Steven and Cynthia then excitedly moved to their new cars. Heather had the keys for the silver and Gretchen the keys for the blue. Neither wanted to swap.
That evening, the entire Clan Wells Point gathered in the main farm house to meet their newest members over a grand supper. BJ discover Wanda and DJ. BJ and DJ were nearly the same age and immediately became friends.
Gretchen was impressed by the open welcome and genuine caring of the Clan Wells Point. But it was Krista who really amazed her. Before her arrival every time they had talked about their new home and the Clan Wells Point, Krista had been intimately involved. Now that she had met Krista, she was puzzled. Krista appeared to be a fairly normal bubbly outgoing young teenage girl with an attentive boyfriend. It seemed impossible that Krista was a transsexual. Of course, she felt the same about Kylie and Larry who were clearly in love. Jamie on the other hand fit Gretchen's idea of a stereo-typical transsexual. Gretchen had never been exposed to transsexuals before and while her family had issues with anything outside standard heterosexual relationships, she was open enough to let others live as they saw fit. Krista intrigued her, especially as the young girl was clearly, at least to everyone but the two directly involved, playing matchmaker between her gram Jane and Kevin Stewart. The pair seemed to mesh quite well.
For her part Krista noticed the frequent inquisitive glances and suspected it was because of her adventures. After things settled down, Krista let Heather and Kylie know the pair needed to talk.
Kylie quietly led Heather, Gretchen and Krista to the new third floor master suite to show it off. Once the brief tour was over, Heather smiled. "Gretch, we know you want to talk to Krista. Krista knows the look of curiosity she often evokes from others and has no qualms about answering your questions and concerns. We'll leave you two here to talk things out."
Gretchen was clearly anxious but Krista smiled warmly. "I know I'm an enigma. I had a hard time figuring myself out until I realized it wasn't worth the effort. I learned to simply trust in God and be myself. If doing something feels right, do it, if doesn't, don't. That's made me an open, welcoming and caring person."
"I can see that," Gretch replied. "I find it hard to believe someone your age could blow the lid off the Apple Tree Scandal and saved Jaz and her family and through them my family. You didn't know any of us."
"True, but I was helped by the Spades and I knew they were nearly overwhelmed with guilt about what happened to Jaz and her sisters," Krista answered. "I simply decided to see what I could do to help. I didn't really do much other than getting the ball rolling."
"But it was a big ball and it's still rolling," Gretch said. "You've probably helped hundreds of people beside my family. Then there is your little sister Sandi, and Jamie, and Kylie. You literally saved their lives. Then you choked out that big man and killed that escaped criminal. All in a few months. You've done more good than most people do in a lifetime."
"It's all because I stopped fighting myself. I opened my soul to God and let myself be me," Krista smiled. "When I thought I was a boy life was tough. I was a good kid but life kept kicking me in the butt. I was seldom happy and always on edge. When my mom got sick, I felt hopeless. Then when she couldn't go on, she charged me with getting myself and my sisters here. It was my odyssey. I discovered that being a tough guy got me no where. It was only when I finally hit bottom that my macho facade crumbled. All I had left was me, a frightened but determined kid who was determined to get my sisters here. Once I stopped being such a hard ass, everyone thought I was a girl. I went along with it because it worked while we were on the road. By the time we got here, being a girl wasn't an act. It was natural. Everyone saw it but me but they let me discover it on my own and supported me fully and without judgement. It was only when I accepted in my heart that I was a girl did my odyssey end. Since then I've tried to encourage everyone to be true to their heart."
"You make it sound so simple," Gretch sighed.
"It is that simple," Krista replied. "Stop trying to be what you think others think you should be. Look into your heart to see what you like, then go for it. Here with The Clan Wells Point you have the freedom and support to do it."
"A freedom and support you've instilled," Gretch smiled.
"I've had a hand in it," Krista smiled. "You'll learn that everyone here is willing to talk and help. Don't ever be afraid or ashamed to speak up."
Gretchen smiled and nodded. Krista was wise far beyond her years. But then she had experienced more in the last six months than many people do in a lifetime.
The pair hugged and headed downstairs. Everyone looked up at them and smiled as they rejoined the group. They all knew they'd had a heart to heart talk. Gretch realized these were indeed a very special group of people, a true caring clan, and was glad to be here.
*****
Saturday morning was sunny and mild with temperatures in the fifties. At breakfast, Heather called to see if Gretchen would like to tour The Clan Wells Point land on horseback. It had been years since she'd been riding but Gretch thought the idea was brilliant and that her pregnancy shouldn’t be an issue as long as they maintained an easy pace and made frequent stops. Pat, Heather, Jasmine, Krista, Holly, and Ivy rode up to the house about 9:30. After Krista gave the excited BJ a ride around the yard, Holly and Ivy took the boy back into the house to play while Gretchen took one of the horses the girls had ridden. Krista led the spare mount by it’s reins as they rode.
Deciding to stay on the roads they ambled up Longs Cove Lane past the tenant farm then headed north to the Rehab hostel. They stopped and talked with Cora, Barney, and Freddy. The boys definitely liked being near the horses and both petted and spoke to the animals. Jasmine reached into a saddled bag and gave each a carrot to feed the horse. Barney was anxious to recover enough to ride. Freddy appeared frustrated. Krista quietly resolved to research saddles to see if any were available for double amputees.
After leaving the hostel, they headed west to the storage barn where Longs Cove Lane previously ended. The extension to Longs Cove Lane the Clan had added ran north to the tree line where it met the extension of Apple Lane. They then followed Apple Lane West and soon reached the Olsen family home. Once more they visited for a few minutes allowing the boys to ride around the yard while seated in front of Krista and Jaz. Leaving the boys with their father, Grace mounted the sixth horse and joined the ride.
They then followed Apple Lane out to the Bozman-Neavitt Road. They walked south in the grassy berm as the passengers and drivers in the cars and trucks passing by waved. At this time of the year, anyone on horseback had to be a local as were most of the motorists. When they reached Wells Point Lane they turned in and rode through the forest edged lane listening to the clip clop of the horses on the gravel and the singing of the winter birds as they foraged.
They talked about life in general and about the closeness and hopes of the Clan Wells Point. As the new-comer, Gretchen listened more than spoke but once more marveled that the opinions and ideas of Jazmine and Krista were respected as much as those of the adults. For the first time in her life, Gretch began to understand the true meaning of HOME and how a clan supported it's members.
The tour led past Robert and Sheila's home, then to the first farm where Kevin was checking out the remodel. They headed down Dougherty Lane and angled off onto Bills Lane. Bill waved them out to the end of the dock where he was lazily fishing while basking warm December in the sun. Heather uncoiled a rope from her saddle as Krista went to Gretch and showed her how to hook the lead rope which they had stored behind the saddle to the bridle and then tie it to the rope Heather had by then tied between two trees about thirty feet apart. The horses could graze while the riders relaxed or in this case headed out the pier to Bill.
Soon they were back in the saddle and soon headed south on Johns Cove Lane to the main farm. After riding past the farm buildings they headed south to the landing. As they reached the small house just before the landing, they waved to the Ewells and who were in the process of moving into the home. The horses thought they were heading back to the barn but easily followed the rider's directions to keep moving. Riding through the farm yard they headed east out across the field until they reached Locust Neck Lane, turning south for a short distance till it ended where it met Steves Cove Lane. From there they headed north to the O'Brien farm on Wells Point Lane. Once more they dismounted and headed into the barn to greet Kylie and Tony who were busy working on the DUKW. Gretchen was stunned by the size of the behemoth and the fact that diminutive Kylie was the chief mechanic. Krista explained the history of this particular DUKW and that the repairs would be complete in time for Kylie and Larry to be married on board in the spring. Kylie smiled and blushed demurely.
Kylie and Tony washed up and joined the others as they headed across Wells Point Lane to the house. Jane with help from Lyndi, Teri, and Sandi had prepared lunch. Krista beamed to see Kevin arrive for the repast. LJ and Pete had to be pried from playing 'Madden NFL 07' to join the meal. Gretchen was surprised by the large family not having realized they were all living together. There was no whining or arguing, only cooperation and sharing.
When they were once more in the saddle Pat explained they occasionally had spats but that between Jane and Leroy, compromise and love held sway. The ride to the end of Wells Point Lane was pleasant and conversation flowed. After tethering the horses they walked over to the small stone walled cemetery.
Krista opened the gate and walked over to her mother's grave. "Mom, I'd like to introduce you to Grace, Jasmine, Heather, and Gretchen. I guess you already know about them but they've never met you. I want to thank you again for helping Jasmine wake up and I guess this is as good a time as any to tell them about you."
Heather and Jasmine looked confused at the part about helping Jaz come out of the coma.
Krista proceeded to tell them about her mother walking into the sea to save her children from going into children's service. Then she explained how once she arrived here, it was while at the grave that Krista first met her father. It was also here that she later confessed to him that she was a boy not a girl and that her mom's spirit had helped give her the strength. Then she told how her mother's salt water soggy, seaweed dripping ghost had delayed Kylie's attempted suicide long enough to let Larry reach her and save her. Then she sheepishly glanced at Pat. “The night I first saw you, Jaz, in Requard before we got your family, I was so upset I couldn’t sleep. I got out of bed, dressed, and came here to talk to mom to ask her to help you.”
"Oh my God! Your mom... she was the woman who led me out of the darkness," Jaz exclaimed. "She was wearing a long nightgown that was wet and had seaweed clinging to it! I could smell the ocean! I thought I'd imagined it! Your mom... she saved me! She's why I woke up while you guys were singing MICKEY!"
Krista and Jaz hugged as tears of joy flowed from their eyes. The others tearfully joined in a massive group hug. Once they recovered, Jasmine explained in detail how she had been rescued by an angelic voice from the void of her coma. How the voice had encouraged and guided her as she struggled to pull herself together. Then at the end the mystery woman had appeared and hand in hand helped her escape the void as the cheerleaders started singing MICKEY.
"In all the excitement of waking up and everything that happened I forgot about being in that void," Jasmine confessed. "But as you talked about all your mom did, I remembered and I realized she had been the one who lead me back to life! She heard you ask to help me!"
"Carol was a wonderful person who always cared for others," Pat nodded with a sad smile. "We were best friends. I can see her asking God to let her help you. Krista, it also proves she's keeping an eye on you and is happy with all you're doing. Your faith in God is as strong as hers. However, sneaking out after midnight is NOT something you should be doing.”
Krista nodded her head fully expecting to be punished but willing to accept it.
Everyone could see Krista had revealed her night time escapade knowing she would face discipline. Again they marveled at how strong she was.
“Next time you even think about sneaking out of the house during the night to come here,” Pat chided then smiled. “Wake me and we’ll come down together."
"Thanks, mom," Krista hugged her step-mother.
Heather and Gretchen exchanged smiles realizing that Krista had no qualms about referring to her stepmother as mom while still retaining and honoring the memory of her birth mom. It was yet another reason Krista was so inspiring.
After they all collected themselves, they walked over to Nelsons where they were welcomed with cups of hot chocolate. After a pleasant discussion, they mounted the horses and headed back to the landing and the barn.
"Before I met Benny, I had been going to the uni to become a physical therapist," Gretch said as they road back while the hot chocolate warmed their tummys. "Seeing Freddy and Barney this morning reminded me about what I had wanted to do. Grace, what are the requirements for becoming a Physical Therapist in Maryland?"
"It depends on how far you want to go," Grace answered. "You can become a PT assistant after two years of schooling. To function on your own requires four years of undergraduate study, but to really have any sort of indepence and control over your career you'll need a master's degree, MPT, which is another two years. From there it takes another year to get your doctorate, DPT. Then if you want to go further, you'll need to become a medical doctor which would take another two years. That's where I'm at."
"Geeze," Jasmine gasped. "You mean that after twelve years of school, you had to go another nine years in college?"
"Yes," Grace chuckled. "Plus there are refresher courses that have to be taken every year to keep your license current. Without a current license, you can't be a physical therapist."
"That's not too much different than what I was looking at before I met Benny," Gretch said. "Do you think a local uni would accept the credits I've already earned?"
"You attended the University of British Columbia for a year," Grace stated to be sure she had her facts straight. "I would say that any courses you took as a first year student and earned a minimum of 'C' would be accepted by the University of Maryland. The Requard Rehab Center where I work is affiliated with University of Maryland. I'm sure I can pull a few strings to get you enrolled for next fall."
"I'd like to check it out," Gretchen said. "Is it close by?"
"The University of Maryland main campus is in College Park just outside Washington, about 80 miles one way. I always plan two hours travel time when we lived in Easton but it usually took ninety minutes, from here I'd add twenty or thirty minutes. You have to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on US Route 50 and pay the toll of $2.50 per crossing. It'd be difficult at best to commute."
"I guess I'll have to talk to Cynthia and Steven," Gretchen sighed.
"If your intention in becoming a PT is to work in the rehab hostel, as a member of The Clan Wells Point I'm pretty sure we'd pay your tuition," Krista spoke up. "You could even intern here under Dr. Olsen which would cut some away time."
Gretchen gave Krista a funny look as once again she was amazed a thirteen year old would speak so boldly about committing the Clan to such an obligation.
"Krista is right," Pat agreed. "While we haven't made it a policy, we have agreed in principal to aid clan members in getting the education, permits, certifications and licenses needed to make our enterprises stronger."
"I'd have to live on campus during the week," Gretch said. "Someone would have to look after BJ and my new baby."
"We'll work it out, Aunt Gretch," Jasmine smiled. "That's what a clan does. We take care of our own."
"I'm really taking to this concept of The Clan Wells Point," Gretch smiled.
"By starting this now, you'll be able to scout out the campus and living spaces," Grace added. "Freddy and Barney have both expressed great interest in becoming PTs and staying on to work at the hostel. They'll be high school seniors next year which means they'll need housing that's convenient to the campus and accessible when they go there the following year. If you can't find anything suitable, we'll have to find something to remodel."
"Actually, that sounds like a more practical idea," Krista piped up. "If we can buy a suitable older building and make it accessible, we can use it to house anyone from the clan who wants to go to UM. Any empty rooms we can rent to students that need accessible housing that's convenient to the campus. If the place is big enough, we might be able to recoup most of the investment from the rentals."
"If we start now, we should be able to have it ready by the start of the next year's fall semester," Pat chuckled. "With all our youngsters, we'll need decent and safe housing and by starting now, we'll be ahead of the curve. Sounds like we need a full Clan meeting.
"So this is how you do things in the clan," Gretch said in amazement. "A small, simple discussion evolves into spending probably at least a quarter of a million dollars and no one blinks an eye."
"Oh we blink an eye," Pat chuckled. "We're still getting use to the fact that most of these good ideas emerge from one thirteen year old head. But we've learned to trust Krista. Her idea to provide Freddy and Barney with a place to live out here morphed, with Jasmine's assistance, into the rehab hostel. Krista and Jasmine still have the positive outlook on life that for many of us older folk has become tarnished by too many disappointments and frustrations. They reinvigorate us and keep us motivated. To be quite honest, after all the two girls have been through, I find it hard to believe they haven't become jaded. But as you can see, they're as bubbly and upbeat as any other innocent teen."
"I have faith in God," Krista said. "I learned that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When one door is shut, another opens. You just have to be flexible and follow your heart."
"Krista is right," Jaz spoke up. "Trust in God is locked in my heart. Carol's spirit taught me that and Krista has reinforced it. As long as you keep God in your heart, you can't stay depressed or sad. That's not to say you won't become depressed or sad or frustrated, but with God in your heart there is always hope and once you face being depressed, sad, or frustrated, you leave it behind and move forward. Too many people get stuck being down and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."
"Trusting in God and keeping him in the front of your heart becomes a self fulfilling prophecy too," Krista added. "You can take the simplest idea like Gretch needing a place to stay at UM and with God's input it balloons into a just off campus dorm for Clan members with open spaces being rented to students who need accessibility."
"So it all boils down to a matter of faith," Gretch nodded. "I believe in God but I confess I've never given him such prominence in my heart. But you're right, the times I did, I felt wonderful and was doing good. When I pushed him to the side things went down hill."
"Just trust God," Pat smiled. "That's why I have six children while I only gave birth to two. I won't trade any of them in."
*****
Part 17
That evening Krista began researching adaptations to saddles for amputees. Most of what she discovered were to accommodate prosthetic limbs which Freddy would eventually need, but she thought a saddle that accommodated an amputee without prosthetics would be better for those in recovery.
Finally she found the description of a stirrup adapter that had been patented in the mid seventies. This invention consisted of saddle stirrups for leg amputees which can be adjustably attached to a saddle to enable either single or double leg amputees to attain a safe and comfortable saddle seat while riding horseback.
The patent description explained that in the past it had been very difficult for leg amputees to enjoy the pleasurable experience of riding a horse or to derive any of the therapeutic benefit associated therewith. A principal element of riding a horse well is the requirement that the rider maintain a good seat. The word "seat" refers to the manner of sitting on horseback. A good seat is attained when the rider remains in control of his equilibrium, whatever the actions of the horse may be. Such a seat must provide security as well as ease and comfort for both horse and rider. For a non-handicapped rider such a seat is dependent upon balance, augmented by suppleness, muscular control of the body and use of the legs.
Since a horseback rider is continuously receiving impulses from the moving horse, he is frequently in danger of losing his equilibrium and can retain it only by clinging to the horse with his knees and thighs, necessitating a relatively strong leg grip. Good balance reduces the necessity for this continuous leg grip and is a principal requisite for a secure seat. Since a leg amputee cannot depend upon the use of his legs, the use of balance must be maximized, supplemented as much as possible by whatever suppleness and muscular control of the body is available.
Saddles and saddle stirrups have been developed which enable both single and double leg amputees to ride horseback. Generally, in previously known saddles and stirrups for leg amputees, the rider is fastened to the saddle by the use of belts, straps, harnesses or the like. There are numerous drawbacks and objections to such stirrup and saddle arrangements in which the handicapped rider is fastened to the saddle. In contrast with the theory supporting use of automotive seat belts, it is much safer for a horseback rider to be thrown clear of a horse in the event of an accident or runaway, rather than to be fastened to the horse. If an accident should occur with the rider fastened to the saddle, there would be a great chance that the horse would fall or roll upon the rider. Since the average riding horse weighs in the order of about a thousand pounds, a rider upon whom such a horse falls or rolls is very likely to be badly injured.
A further objection to most stirrup and saddle arrangements in which the rider is fastened to the saddle concerns the philosophy behind the use of horseback riding as therapeutic exercise for leg amputees. Horseback riding helps the handicapped person adjust to his disability, not only by improving his balance, muscular control, co-ordination and posture, but also by restoring his self-confidence.
The invention Krista found is a saddle stirrup designed for use in conjunction with a saddle and which alleviates the objections and drawbacks discussed above. The invention allows a leg amputee to ride a horse in a natural position or seat without the aid of other people or mechanical devices. Thus, not only will the leg amputee enjoy the pleasurable experience of riding a horse, but also he will develop balance and acquire independence and self-confidence.
The invention provides saddle stirrups for a horseback rider who has had one or both legs amputated. Each stirrup comprises a cup, for example, in the shape of a truncated right circular cone having its two planes parallel, and means for securely attaching the stirrups to a saddle without fastening the rider to the saddle. A double leg amputee can utilize two such stirrup cups to ride a horse. When two of the stirrup cups in accordance with the invention are utilized, a leather strap passes from the front of one stirrup cup, over the top of the saddle, to the front of the other stirrup cup, while a second strap similarly connects the rears of the two stirrup cups. Each strap is securely fastened to the saddle. The straps can be adjusted so that the stirrup cups are at the height and angle preferred by the rider. A single leg amputee can utilize a single stirrup cup fastened to the saddle in conjunction with a standard stirrup.
The device sounded perfect. What took a lot more time was to find someone who could supply the device.
*****
Sunday the Clan Wells Point discussed the proposed purchase of a building in College Park just off the campus of the University of Maryland for use as housing for Clan members who would be students as well as a rental rooms for other students. The building would be made fully handicap accessible. The idea was quickly and enthusiastically embraced and would be completed by the time Gretchen was ready to enroll next fall.
On Monday Steven used his business connections to locate a trustworthy realtor in College Park. Steven didn't beat around the bush and explained what they looking for and what they intended so the building had to be immediately available and in an appropriate zoning locale. The fact it would be an immediate cash deal if an appropriate building was found spurred the realtor to quick action.
By Tuesday the realtor contacted Steven with photos and dimensions of a prospective building just two blocks southeast of the main campus. The only drawback was that the students would have to cross US Route 1, which ran right in front of the building. Fortunately this potential hazard was somewhat alleviated by the traffic lights and pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection. Robert, Jane and Steven made the trip on Wednesday to inspect the partially vacant building. When they completed the tour, they made an offer on the building.
*****
Although he liked living on the Clan Wells Point estate, Jamie felt lonely. Krista and Jaz were nice but their interests were different. The same held true for Tony and Jimmy. Having cut himself off from the jocks he used to hang with, his new geek buddies lived too far away to make visiting convenient. Ruth was busy learning how to be an effective secretary/receptionist for a lawyer so their time was limited to working out at the gym and meals.
"Jamie, I've been thinking about Freddy and Barney," Krista said on Wednesday December 19 as they were riding home from school with Pat. "They're being tutored to bring them up to speed for when they return to school, but you know how boring teachers can get and they're so far behind they're getting frustrated. Since you're in the same grade, maybe you could help them with their homework."
"I guess I can give it a try," Jamie replied still nervously unsure how the two would react to his being transgendered in a more private setting.
"It'll help you get used to being a girl amongst classmates and help Freddy and Barney leave their redneck past behind them," Krista smiled.
"That does sound like a good idea," Pat spoke up understanding what Krista was trying to do.
"Besides, they told you to correct them if they get too nasty," Krista added. "Mom, is it okay if we stop at the hostel today and see what the guys think?"
"Of course," Pat smiled glad Krista at least asked rather than just assuming they could stop by.
Realizing there was safety in numbers, Jamie readily agreed. A few moments later, they were pulling up in front of the Rehab Hostel.
Freddy and Barney were glad for the visitors and told Jamie she'd be welcome to join them whenever she could. Pat and the others left, leaving Jamie with the guys.
It didn't take long for the awkwardness to fade and conversation to flow smoothly. Jamie brought Freddy and Barney up to date on the latest goings on at school. Of course, since the main topic of conversation at school was the Christmas dance, they discussed that. None of the three had ever attended. Jamie because while she was pretending to be a guy never felt comfortable asking a girl on a date. Freddy and Barney never went because they thought going to a formal dance was just dumb.
As they discussed their reasons for never having attended, they realized a rather large part of them felt shortchanged by their former macho persona. They all realized if they hadn't had their experiences on the Halloween Dance night, they would still be in denial that they wanted to attend.
"Part of me would like to go, but only if I could go as the girl I really am," Jamie sighed.
"I'd like to go too, but what girl would go with someone in a power chair," Freddy admitted. "I mean, there is no way I could dance, plus what girl would even consent to going with me?"
"Yeah," agreed Barney. "With only one arm I couldn't even hold a girl to dance."
"Both of you could dance with a girl," Jamie asserted. "Sure, it wouldn't be like a normal boy/girl dance, but you can still move to the music. I doubt anyone would hassle you for trying. In fact, I think they'd applaud you. Besides, no one would be expecting you to be there so just showing up would knock their socks off. It'll also give you a feel for what it'll be like when you return to school after the holidays."
"Even so, at this point all the girls already have dates for the dance," Barney said. "I sure don't want to go to a dance like that stag."
"I guess you're right," Jamie agreed. "I wouldn't want to go without a date and there is simply no way I could ask a girl even if there was one without a date. I'd feel like a lesbian or something. It'd just be too weird."
Freddy began to chuckle which made the others look at him wondering what was so funny.
"I know a girl who doesn't have a date," Freddy smiled. "I know she'd really love to go too, but she's too timid and unsure of herself."
"I don't know who it could be," Jamie frowned as she thought of the girls at school. "As far as I know, they all have dates lined up."
Freddy laughed a bit, then grew serious. Pulling himself upright in his power wheelchair he looked at Barney, then at Jamie.
"Miss Jamie Ewell," Freddy began as he bowed forward a bit. "Would be so kind as to accept our offer to accompany Barney and I to the School Christmas Dance?"
Jamie's mouth fell open and gaped open and closed like a fish.
"Please, Miss Ewell," Barney caught on. "We would be honored by your presence."
"I thought you guys weren't going to tease me," Jamie pouted.
"We're not teasing, Jamie," Freddy replied with a kind smile. "Not only would the dance be good for Barney and I to get back into the swing of school life, it would also be good for you to stop hiding. We can see you're a girl. The way you behave now is nothing like the false face you presented when you tried to be James. You are Jamie and your still pretending to be a boy in school is the joke. By being our date, everyone can find out you're transsexual like Kylie and Krista. The gossiping will peter out by the time we return to school and you'll be able to return as the girl you really are."
"But I'm not ready," Jamie whined as she put a hand to her mouth. "I'll look like a guy in drag. Everyone will laugh at me."
"They'll be surprised," Barney agreed. "But they'll be surprised to see us there too. With you as our date it'll only be one more surprise, not a big one all by it's self. Beside, if Freddy and I are your dates, no one will hassle you. They know we're straight and would only date a girl. Being our date will only reinforce the concept you're a girl."
“I don’t know,” Jamie sniffled. “I do want to stop pretending to be a boy but I’d make an ugly girl. I’d rather keep on pretending to be a boy than to make a fool of myself.”
“I don’t mean any offense, Jamie,” Freddy replied seriously. “You’re not fat, in fact you’re fairly lean and strong, but you’re simply big boned. That’s what made you so awesome on the soccer field. You know you’ll never be a supermodel. Even if you have the facial surgeries and wait for the hormones to round out your figure, you’ll be a big boned woman. There is nothing wrong with being a large woman. Heck, the way I am now, I don’t think I’ll ever find a woman who is shorter than I am.”
That comment made Jamie and Barney chuckle.
“I know it’s not proper to ask a girl this, but I’m curious,” Barney said. “Just how big are you?”
“Last I checked I was six feet two inches and weighted two hundred twenty pounds,” Jamie blushed.
“Definitely big boned,” Freddy smiled. “But take a look at your shape. Your waist is narrower than your hips and chest. With a bit of modest padding up top, you’d have a decent girlish figure. Get your hair styled and some expert make-up, I bet you’d be hot.”
“But I’m so hairy,” Jamie demurred.
“So shave,” Barney added. “Look, Jamie, the more I think about this, the more I like it. Krista is always saying we need to pass on the help people give us. Freddy and I can’t do much of that yet, but we can help you... and we want to help you. We want you to be our date for the dance. The three of us showing up showing the entire school what we are... well, it'll be great.”
“But I don’t have any idea where to start,” Jamie sighed.
“Krista and Kylie would,” Freddy smiled. “We swear them to secrecy and let them guide us through this.”
"Let Krista and Kylie guide you through what," Cora asked as she entered the room. "Jamie, you're staying for supper, I already spoke to your mom and she's going to join us. Now what are you three plotting?"
"We want to go to the school Christmas Dance," Barney said. "Freddy and I want to take Jamie as our date."
Cora raised her eyebrows as she looked at Jamie who was blushing. "How do you feel about that, Jamie?"
"I'd really like to do it, I'm already tired of hiding who I really am," Jamie confessed. "But I'm afraid I'll look like a fool, like a guy in drag."
Now I understand," Cora smiled. "Jamie, we have two days to get you ready. Call Krista and Kylie now, invite them and their moms for supper. Tell them it's not an option. Boys, you stay in the background of this while we eat and then find something else to do afterwards. I'll guarantee you don't want to get caught in a female council of war."
Everyone invited showed up for dinner. With Jane gone to College Park, Pat had made supper with the help of Lyndi, Teri, and Sandi so the girls could easily serve their menfolk. As soon as they sat at the table, Cora laid out the scheme for the dance.
Krista and Kylie were excited and immediately started encouraging Jamie. Ruth was a bit a hesitant but quickly fell in line as she listened to the others. Pat smiled and said she'd contact Charisma Clothing Boutique about a gown. Mary Willis, she was sure, would jump at the chance to help Jamie become a beautiful girl.
"But her daughter Melinda is in our class at school," Jamie cautioned.
"She'll keep quiet," Krista smiled. "She intends to join her mom as co-owner of the boutique. They couldn't get better advertizing for their business than making you look beautiful! Every girl in the area will want to shop there once they see how you look!"
True to Cora's warning, Freddy and Barney kept quiet except to acknowledge it was their idea to take Jamie to the dance as their date. They eagerly slipped away from the estrogen fueled war council as soon as they finished eating.
By the end of the meal, Pat had called Mary and outlined their plan. Mary was delighted and agreed to reopen the store which normally closed at six on Wednesdays for a private fitting. Pat also contacted Dr. Sykes who agreed to join them. By 7:30pm they all arrived at the Charisma Clothing Boutique.
Melinda had been watching the front door and opened it to allow them to enter. Upon seeing how frightened and apprehensive Jamie was, she smiled broadly and hugged her. "Relax Jamie. Mom and I will fix you up, not only for the dance, but also for school. Once you see yourself as the girl you've been hiding inside, you won't be able to go back to being a yucky boy!"
Krista and Kylie both giggled at the comment and assured Jamie Melinda was right.
No one was really surprised to find Jamie wearing panties and a camisole under her drab boy costume. Once down to basics, Melinda took Jamie's vital measurements. Once the hips, waist, and chest were recorded, Dr. Sykes and Mary went in search of an appropriate girdle to hold in Jamie's undesired male bits and a matching 'B' cup bra.
Jamie was once more lamenting her hairy body but Melinda quickly shut her down. "I can see you've already started electrolysis so you're serious about being a girl. Have you been getting it done up at Serendipity Salon and Spa?"
"Yeah, they've been very nice about it and haven't given me any hassles," Jamie admitted. "They've been telling me if I let them give me the works I could start living as a girl right away. But I just haven't felt confident enough to try it."
"Well girlfriend, you're going to do it now," Kylie declared. "After school tomorrow we'll set you up for the works at Serendipity Salon & Spa. They'll give you a full body wax, clean up your eyebrows, and trim and style your hair. They did me when I finally decided to go girl full time. By the time they're done, the boy you've been masquerading as will just be a bad memory."
"But if I do it tomorrow, I can't go to school on Friday," Jamie protested trying to put off the inevitable. "They won't let you in the dance if you missed school."
"You'll be at school," Dr. Sykes declared as she and Mary returned to the changing room. "Just not at your normal school. I've already called a friend of mine to make arrangements for you to attend special classes in feminine deportment and movement in Bowie. The place is called Charm School, Inc. They pride themselves on the guidance they provide to aspiring talent and professional models. No one compares to their distinctive style and reputation. They are specialists in personal presentation, image make-overs, and social development. Their team is dedicated to empowering students with the gifts of self-confidence, poise and distinguishing character. I know the owner and she's been running a successful business for ten years. I'll also contact Serendipity Salon and Spa to make arrangements for you to have your treatments done tomorrow evening so we can squeeze in two days of classes. Of course, I had to promise you'll come down at least three days during the holidays to give you the confidence you'll need for day to day girlhood when you return to school."
"I'll explain what's going on to Principal Harris," Pat said. "Since this crash course in girlhood will be quite educating for you and since it's coming at your doctor's recommendation, there should be no issues with you attending the dance. The biggest issue will be getting tuxedos for Freddy and Barney."
Jamie’s head was spinning and she was crying tears of joy. Going to school each day had been getting harder as her masquerade as a boy was increasingly becoming a major effort. Now that she had begun liberating the girl in side, it took all her effort to hold her back. Ruth was crying too, as she saw the gratitude and hope in Jamie's eyes.
It didn't take too long for them to outfit Jamie in an ankle length gown with billowing long sleeves to hide her muscular arms. With the right undergarments, she looked femininely statuesque. With a proper hairstyle and make-up, she'd be quite pretty.
In addition to the gown, they selected a mini-wardrobe of skirts and dresses with appropriate undies so she could attend the classes in Bowie. Needless to say she was a bit surprised when they put her in a denim skirt and long sleeved pull-over sweater for the trip home. It was only then she realized since she didn't have to attend high school the next two days, she'd never have to dress as a boy again! Her sixteen year masquerade as a boy had ended! This time she broke down in tears of joy as everyone hugged her and welcomed her into the sisterhood.
The next two days were hectic for Jamie. Cynthia agreed to be the chauffeur for the trips to Bowie. During the long drives, Cynthia served as a prime example of feminine deportment and kept their conversation centered on feminine topics, correcting Jamie's still often male oriented movements and phrases. The ladies at Serendipity Salon and Spa were more than glad to swarm Jamie in a special Thursday evening session of waxing, manicures, and hair styling. Cynthia and Gretchen had already volunteered to do Jamie's make-up for the dance. The classes were busy and tough but the teachers were kind and considerate. They insisted she wear heels as it aided in a feminine bearing but kept them at one inch. They pushed her hard, but not to far that she'd be too tired to enjoy the dance.
Freddy and Barney were confused by the secrecy surrounding Jamie as they were taken into Easton and fitted for Tuxedos. All they were told was that they would be expected to show their mutual date a good time while being assured her appearance would make them proud to have such a pretty girl on their arms.
It took all of Krista's will power not to divulge Jamie's secret, even to Jaz, Tony and Jimmy. Of course, Kylie made sure to keep Tony busy.
*****
Steven, Robert and Jane returned to College Park on Friday to complete the cash purchase and take possession of the building. That evening they spoke with the apartment renters explaining their intentions to add two stories to the building and eliminate the apartments in favor of single dorm like bedrooms. They would be allowed to finish the semester in the building. The remodeling would begin sometime in late January and the noise and dust would most likely be inconvenient at best. They offered to pay the fees for a rental agent to locate a new place for them, would waive any further rent and would give them their deposit back to use as a deposit on their new place. Everyone had to be out by the end of January. They also explained their plans for the place and that if any of the current residents wanted a room once the renovations were done, they would be given first choice. While not happy, the renters admitted the offers to assist relocating were fair.
The sturdy brick two story building was on the northeast corner of Baltimore Avenue (US Route 1) and Calvert Road. The portion along Baltimore Avenue was forty feet wide south to north, then made a right angle turn due east for twelve feet, then turned southeast at about thirty degrees for sixty two feet. The portion along Calvert Road ran west to east for seventy feet then made a right angle turn due north for twenty four feet to meet the angled back northern wall. The street level had a vacant store at the intersection. The windowed store front ran twenty feet east from the intersection and thirty two feet north with a door in the corner at the intersection facing Baltimore Avenue. A three foot wide canvas canopy/awning stretched over an arched tubular steel frame wrapped around both exterior sides of the store front. The last eight feet of the western wall was an entrance door to the second floor apartments and first floor warehouse. About twelve feet beyond the store front on the southern wall was an entrance door to the indoor garage/warehouse with a flight up to the second floor apartments serving as an emergency escape route. Eight feet beyond the door was a steel overhead garage door ten feet wide and eight feet high. There was another sixteen feet of building beyond that. There was a door on the eastern wall next to the corner at Calvert Road that served as a rear entrance with a flight of stairs to the second floor. The sidewalk on Calvert Road was three feet wide from the curb, then another 3 feet of grass except where pavement lead to the doors. On the very edge of the Calvert Rd. side of the building at the intersection was a fire hydrant. The sidewalk along Baltimore Avenue consisted of six feet of brick sidewalk from the curb with four feet of concrete sidewalk up to the building.
The Clan Wells Point Contracting and Construction began drawing up plans to remodel. The plans included installing sprinklers throughout the building, adding an elevator six feet square and adding a complete third and fourth floor with a partial fifth. Solar panels would be installed on the new roof for electricity and a super high efficiency heat pump system installed to provide heating and cooling. All windows and doors would be replaced with energy efficient units and all exterior walls sealed and insulated. All interior walls and floors would be insulated for sound suppression and fire resistance. Before Christmas the plans were submitted to the town planning board for approval.
The first floor consisted of the twenty feet by thirty two feet store-front which would serve as an eating/study area for residents as well as a coffee house type study lounge for customers. There was an office eight feet by twelve feet behind the store front on the Calvert Road side. A pair of four feet by six feet restrooms opened from the store front. Then there was a kitchen area twelve feet by sixteen feet. A walk-in refrigerator/freezer six feet by eight feet opened from the kitchen behind the rest rooms. The area behind that was a large open garage/storage area thirty eight feet long taking up the remainder of the floor except for the elevator which was next to the kitchen. Other than installing the sprinklers and elevator, the first floor merely need to be cleaned up and painted.
The second floor would be gutted and the third and fourth floors added with the same basic floor plan. The front and rear stairs connected by a single 'L' shaped hall with the elevator in the middle. Each floor would consist of twelve bed rooms averaging about a hundred forty four square feet with two shared eight feet by twelve feet bathrooms, one for guys and one for girls. This would provide thirty six rooms, most of which could be rented to pay off the investment.
The fifth floor would consist of a three bedroom two bath apartment between the elevator and the rear stairway away from the street. This would be the residence of a full time manager for the kitchen who would double as building manager. This person would over-see a limited home-style menu available for three meals a day with snacks and drinks in between and after meals. Room rentals would be funneled through the campus housing office with the proviso that those students who needed accessible facilities at reasonable costs would have first shot. The rentals would be priced below off but near campus prices but high enough to pay the expenses. Renters would be provided one meal a day, with options for pre-paid two or three meals available. Any other meals and snacks would be ala-carte.
*****
Quite a few people wondered why Jamie was absent from school the last two days before the holidays but the excitement of the approaching dance and holiday kept their wondering brief.
The teachers knew that on Friday December 21 it would be foolish to try to teach. It was the last day before the Holiday vacation and the day of the Christmas dance. Most used it as a review day or for a fun activity related to their subject. The girls were gossiping about their dresses and the guys were just playful, nervous about screwing up their date with the girl they were trying to impress.
Many girls had made arrangements to leave school after 1:00pm to get to their makeover appointment with the local beauty salons. The excitement was palpable.
Krista and Tony spent most of the day with the rest of the dance committee making sure the gym was tastefully decorated for the formal dance. Streamers were stung, balloons were placed, refreshment were tables set up. The DJ had all his equipment sound checked and ready to go. Kent Photography had a quiet corner of the hall by the main entry set up as a makeshift portrait studio to photograph the couples or just the girls. Kent Graham and his wife/assistant Hannah charged five dollars for a single five by seven color proof shot. They made their money off those who wanted copies and enlargements, plus it placed them in the forefront of the students and their family's minds as a reasonable professional photographer.
Krista and Tony with Jaz and Jimmy arrived at 6:30pm as the doors opened, as did most of the student council. They had their photos taken then headed inside to double check that everything was ready. As they moved about in their gowns, Krista and Jasmine felt wonderfully girlish, especially on the arms of their handsome although uncomfortable tuxedo clad dates.
Leroy, in uniform, stood by the door with Craig Holtzman, a St. Michael's policeman to screen all the attendees for contraband booze and drugs. After the incident at the Halloween Dance no one tried to sneak anything inside. Principal Harris was there to ensure none of the gowns were too revealing and that everyone met the requirements of the formal dress code.
The DJ began to play at 6:45pm even though the dance didn't officially start until 7:00pm. Quite a stir erupted at 7:15pm when Dwayne and Phil arrived like all the other couples, hand in hand. Both wore tuxedos and looked quite handsome. They had their photo taken and then headed inside. Tony and Jimmy had saved a spot for them at their table by the DJ and the boys nervously took their seats. Krista and Jaz welcomed the couple and told them how nice they looked.
The chaperones had all been descreetly notified the boys would be attending as a couple, not to keep them from being together, but to keep other students from hassling them. As was expected, 'gay' and 'faggot' comments swept the attendees as they watched the boys. But other than holding hands and staying together at the table, they did nothing untoward. The fact they were sitting with Krista went a long way to curtailing an open hostility as they understood the school was aware of and accepted the gay couple.
After sitting for ten minutes to let the rest of the students acclimate to the gay couple, Krista rousted everyone from the table to dance a slow dance. The three couples made sure to dance in a group on the side of the dance floor nearest their table with the Dwayne and Phil dancing between Krista and Tony and Jaz and Jimmy. The boys didn't press their bodies together but kept about an inch between them. They danced smoothly which surprised everyone. The boys were glad their moms had made them practice. Other than a few disdainful glances, everything went smoothly.
As the dance ended, the three couples returned to their table. Soon afterwards, another disturbance rippled accross the gym. Standing at the entrance, was a tall beautiful girl holding Barney's one remaining arm while on the other side she held Freddy's arm as he sat in his power wheelchair. Dispite their obvious lost limbs, the tuxedos had been descreetly tucked to minimize the obvious. Both guys looked good all dressed up. Most of those attending were surprised to see the formerly swaggering redneck duo dresssed in tuxedos and attending the dance.
Once they had their pictures taken, Gwen Moore and Ken Poore, who had been told of the threesome, headed over to them to escort the threesome to their table on the other side of the DJ where space had been saved. As they made they way around the edge of the dance floor, many wondered who the tall pretty girl with them could be. She was obviously school age and knew Gwen and Ken. She also smiled and waved to Krista's group. That's where her identity was revealed.
"That can't be Jamie Ewell," Dwayne exclaimed when Krista quietly explained to those at the table who the mystery girl was.
Murmurring spread rampant through the students stiffling all other conversation. Jamie froze like a deer in headlights. Panic began to build as Barney and Freddy held her arms to prevent her from bolting.
Krista stood and headed to the microphone. "I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome Freddy and Barney to the dance and we all look forward to their return to school after the holidays. I think we all should applaud their bravery and stamina in coming here tonight.” With that she began applauding. In moments the entire audience was standing and applauding the duo.
Once the applause died down and people took their seats Krista resumed speaking. "We also need to applaud Dwayne and Phil for being brave enough to admit they've become a couple. It took them awhile to realize they were more than best friends. I know some of you are opposed to gay couples, you have the right to be opposed to anything, but you don't have the right to interfere with the lives of others. I hope Dwayne and Phil coming out will encourage any others in the school who might be gay to come out too. Everyone deserves the right to live their lives as they see fit, if you don't agree, well, get over it. They're here and are not going away. Let's give them a round of applause to welcome them." Krista again began to applaud and everyone followed suit even though a few did so in a definitely desultory manner.
"Then we have Jamie," Krista began when the applause died down. "Not everything about what really happened the night of the Halloween Dance has come out... until tonight. James saw Kylie at the dance. She was so pretty it ate at him and finally got to be more than he could bear. James ran off, intending to drown himself in the marsh behind the barn. Tony and I chased and stopped him but he broke down. With help from my family, we got him back to our house and called his parents. You know what happened then. What you don't know is why James tried to kill himself or why his dad flipped out. You know James changed after that night, he stopped being so macho and started studying harder. He also asked everyone to call him Jamie. Well, Jamie is just like Kylie and I, she's a transsexual, a girl trapped in a boy's body. She's known this for years but her father tried to beat it out of her. Once he was locked up, she began transitioning, but was too ashamed of her boyish body to try to start being the girl she is."
"You may find this hard to believe but it shows you how much they have changed. Freddy and Barney were the ones who urged Jamie to just do it," Krista explained. "They were discussing the dance earlier this week and the boys decided they'd like to come but didn't want to come stag. They knew Jamie wanted to attend, but not as a guy. The boys asked Jamie to be their date for the dance. It took a lot of convincing and a lot of effort during the last two days, but as you can see, it was well worth the effort. Fellow students, I'm pleased to introduce Miss Jamie Ewell. She will be attending school after the holidays, so please, make her feel welcome!" Krista once more began to applaud. There was little hesitation amongst the rest of the attendees about joining in. The applause continued until everyone once more rose for a standing ovation.
Most were surprised by the revelation that Jamie was a transsexual, but what really floored them was that the scrappy redneck duo of Freddy and Barney had not only urged Jamie to come out but do so as their date. They understood the boys had really changed their attitudes.
Jamie smiled and blinked back tears as she nodded her head accepting the applause. Soon she and her dates were seated at the table with Gwen and Ken and their dates.
The dance continued with many stopping by the table to welcome Freddy and Barney back to school and to tell Jamie they were surprised but would be there for her. Quite a few students also stopped by Krista's table to thank her for her persevering and opening the minds and horizons of the school. They also let Dwayne and Phil know they were brave for coming out. A few even thanked them and said they hoped things went smoothly for the pair so they too could feel safe in coming out.
Jamie spent quite a bit of time on the dance floor as she had two guys who wanted to dance. Dancing with Barney wasn't too awkward although he had a bit of concern over maintaining his balance during fast dances. But it was with Freddy during slow dances where her grace showed. After driving onto the floor followed by Barney, Jamie stood between the front caster wheels of his power chair as Barney reached down and disengaged the motors to allow the power chair to free-wheel. As Freddy wrapped his arms about Jamie's waist, she placed her hands on his shoulders and the couple swayed to the beat as she stepped side to side deftly avoiding the casters while turning the wheel chair just as normal couples moved about on the dance floor. This would have been physically tough for almost anyone, but drawing on the strength and agility James had accumulated as the star forward striker on the soccer field, Jamie easily moved the chair and Freddy in time to the music. Everyone was in awe of the spectacle of their graceful dancing.
One tradition was that between nine and ten, everyone voted for the couple they'd like to see crowned king and queen of the dance. The ballots were counted and Principal Harris took the microphone at 10:30pm.
"For the first time in the history of this dance, you have chosen the winners of the ballot by a majority vote," he spoke. "The winners received sixty five percent of the votes. It is my pleasure to ask Miss Jamie Ewell and her dates Freddy Grant and Barney Flint to come forward to be crowned."
The gymnasium erupted in applause and cheers as Jamie just sat in speechless shock. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever expected to be even nominated much less win. Freddy and Barney were equally surprised but recovered quickly. They pulled Jamie from her seat and escorted her toward the microphone and the crowning.
Barney took the microphone. "I'm flattered and humbled, but we all know I'm merely the odd man out. We can only have one king, I'm merely the official court jester. Freddy is the man of hour and he deserves the crown." With that, Barney handed the mike back to Principal Harris and stepped back from the couple.
"Court jester indeed," smiled Principal Harris. "Let's hear it for our knight errant, Sir Barney!" The applause resounded for several minutes as Barney bowed and made circular motions of acknowledgment with his remaining arm.
As the applause petered out, the King's throne was quietly removed and Freddy parked his power chair in the spot. Jamie gracefully swept her skirt beneath her as she sat on the queen's throne. Tears of joy were flowing down her cheeks as the royal robes were draped over the shoulders of the couple and the crowns placed upon their heads. The final touch was the bouquet of roses.
Everyone stood and the applause was almost deafening as hundreds of photographs were taken, including dozens of official portraits by Kent Graham.
Once that was done, Principal Harris announced the last dance of the evening, to be started off by the king and queen. Barney once more deftly disengaged the motors and took the bouquet as Jamie led Freddy and chair onto the floor. Everyone watched so mesmerized by their style and aplomb as they smoothly followed the music that no one else joined them. When the dance ended, as was tradition of the last dance, the couple kissed.
"This simply won't do," Principal Harris announced when the song ended. "Play the song again, this time, everyone out onto the dance floor!"
As the music started again, everyone did go out to the dance floor. Jaz and Jimmy cuddled and barely moved. Krista and Tony did likewise as Krista rested her head on Tony's chest. Even Dwayne and Phil danced closer. This time when the last song ended, EVERYONE kissed their partner. Most were chaste, but quite a few were most passionate.
The dance was rated the best Christmas Dance ever by nearly everyone. The crowning of the king and queen not only headlined the local news, it made the national news. The tale of Jamie's triumpant emergence as transgendered on the arm of the classmate who had both legs amputated in a car crash two months before, the very night Jamie's dad was arrested for abuse and subsequently choked out by Krista, was simply fodder for the scandle seeking press. Of course they just had to mention the gay young couple. It was evident to anyone that Krista had been a prime mover in the lives of everyone involved and she once more became the focus of intense scrutiny.
*****
End of Odyssey II
ODYSSEY III
by Jennifer Sue
Chapter 1
The teens and chaperones gathered at the school gymnasium at 10:00 Saturday morning to remove the decorations that had been put up for the dance. Naturally all the Clan Wells Point teens were there as well as most of the student council and Christmas dance committee. Outside the school stood a few protestors with signs condemning the transsexual Queen and the gay couple. They had apparently been notified by either dissenting students or disgruntled parents of the clean-up plans. Warned by the St. Michaels police chief the protestors were present, Leroy was in his deputy uniform and most of the Clan Wells Point adults were also there. Harry Halls pulled up in the remote broadcast van emblazoned ‘WBOC-TV Channel 16 Salisbury, Fox News’. After filming the protestors Harry set up to interview a few. What the protesters failed to realize was that he strategically manipulated them to stand so their misspelled protest signs such as ‘BLASTFAMY’ were in the picture.
“These people are being influenced by Satan,” their leader piously raged. “The Lord doesn’t like perverts and sinners yet this school and community has opened it’s doors to a silver tongued demon! Because of the influence of that misguided deviant the events that took place during their Christmas Dance are the damning result! Jesus has to be horrified that a dance held to honor his birth has been corrupted by the selection of an ill-advised homosexual boy as queen of the dance. It’s utter depravity and blasphemy!”
“Thank you for talking to me,” Harry cut the man off while struggling to keep his opinion of the man’s bigoted tirade to himself. Then he turned to face the supporters of the students. “Deputy Scott,” Harry greeted in a friendly manner as the camera rolled. “I find it no surprise to see you here. I take it your daughter had a hand in last night’s events?”
“Only in that she has openly supported those who are all too often unfairly ostracized,” Leroy Scott smiled in reply with a nod toward the protesters. “She had a part in convincing the students these misguided protestors so ignorantly condemn to attend the dance and introduced them to their fellow students. Without any urging or suggestions the students attending voted for the king and queen without any campaigns. Miss Ewell and Mr. Grant won with sixty five percent of the vote, the first time the winners of the event ever had a majority win.”
“Impressive,” Harry replied as the protestors began to boo and shout disparaging remarks. “Quite a contrast to the bigots we see with their misspelled signs. Do you think I could go inside and interview the students?”
“Let me check,” Leroy smiled. “I don’t think they’ll object.”
A few moments later, Harry was filming the students. Krista Scott and Jazmine Reese greeted him with hugs.
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you girls again,” Harry smiled. “I understand you’ve been busy young ladies.”
“We’re only helping others to learn to be true to themselves,” Jaz replied. “Krista has made us all firm believers in passing it on.”
Gwen Moore and Ken Poore, the president and vice president of the student council were called over for an interview. They too declared the positive influence Krista was having on the school and community.
Dwayne Harper and Phil Abott were the next before the camera. “Thank you for talking to me,” Harry smiled. “I understand you took a huge step in your lives by attending the dance.”
“We are a couple,” Phil unabashedly announced. “We’ve always been best friends but it wasn’t until Krista opened our eyes that we realized we cared for each other a lot more than just being friends. We’re young but we both think we’re soul mates. Thanks to what Krista has brought to our community, we’re free to express our true selves. In fact, she encouraged us to be true to ourselves.”
“It’s great to see you’re not the least bit reluctant to voice your mutual attraction,” Harry nodded. “Aren’t you afraid of being called some rather nasty names?”
“Just because we are a gay couple does not automatically make us lovers,” Dwayne added. “We are like any other couple our age. We talk and hold hands. Occasionally we cuddle but we’ve only exchanged brief kisses. We’re way to young to even think about doing the stuff people might accuse us of doing. Thanks to Krista, people in this area who can’t accept us as a couple are keeping their feelings to themselves. All we want is to be free to live life as ourselves.”
“Your self confidence is quite evident and it’s clear neither of you fit any of the stereo-typical misconceptions about gay teens,” Harry smiled. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”
Finally Jamie Ewell, Freddy Grant and Barney Flint were called over. It was clear Jamie was a bit overwhelmed but Freddy and Barney were all smiles. For her part, Jamie was dressed in a knee length skirt and sweater, looking as if she’d been physically born a girl. While it was true she’d never win a beauty contest, few girls ever would. Her demeanor and movement were undeniably feminine.
The guys boldly explained how the trio had been grousing about wanting to attend the dance but had no date until they came up with the idea of having Jamie step out of the closet. Once she saw Harry was genuinely impressed, Jamie opened up and explained how everyone had helped her transition to presenting as the girl she truly was. Her eyes were filled with tears of joy as she recounted the open acceptance and her shock upon learning she had been elected queen.
Harry spent several minutes going around to the other students who unhesitatingly supported Jamie, Phil and Dwayne. They all credited Krista for opening the horizons of the school. By the time he’d spoken to everyone, the teens had finished the clean-up and prepared to head out. Harry and his camera man kept the cameras running as Krista organized everyone at the door.
“The protesters are still out there,” Krista stated. “They’ll try to get a reaction out of us as we leave. I’ve been through this before. Jamie, Dwayne, Phil, it’ll be toughest on you. Remember, we’re the good guys so smile. Just remember the protesters are haters and people like that are never happy. Instead of getting angry at their ignorance, pity them for their unhappy bigoted existence. Todd Beamer's final known words from 9/11 say it all. Are you guys ready? Let's roll!”
In an orderly manner the teens surged from the gym toward the playground. They surrounded Jamie, Dwayne, and Phil three people deep as they moved through the protesters so the three could enter Jane’s van. With the police watching, the protesters shouted and shook their signs but because of the police allowed the students to pass. Krista, Jaz, Tony Masters, and Jimmy Boswell stayed behind as the van left.
“There he is,” the lead protestor began to shout when he saw Krista staring unflinchingly at them. “Satan’s servant who brought this blasphemy into our midst! You are sinning against God’s Holy Laws! Deuteronomy Chapter 22 verse 5 says: A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God!”
“Obviously you can read the words of the Bible,” Krista smiled at the hate filled man. “But the real issue is do you actually understand them? Let me ask you a question. I assume you went to school in the late fifties or early sixties, right?”
“Yes I did,” the man answered upset by her inference that he didn’t understand the Bible. “In those days we read the Bible in school and prayed every day! Not like you heathens of today!”
“Heathens, eh. There may be heathens here but I think they’re carrying protest signs,” Krista zinged back at him with a sweet smile. “So tell me, didn’t females back then know their place in society and wear dresses?”
“Of course,” the man replied in a surly tone. “Back before those so-called feminists started burning their brassieres women wore dresses and men wore pants!”
“So I am correct that by your way of thinking since I’m a genetic male and wearing a skirt and not pants, I’m an abomination,” Krista declared.
“Of course,” the man scowled as he finally began to suspect Krista was setting him up. “You and anyone else who wear the clothes of the opposite sex are sinners!”
“Okay, so that means,” Krista reasoned as she eyed the women protestors. “That the women protesting with you are also abominations and sinners because they’re wearing pants which by your own admission are MALE clothes!”
The man’s face clouded as he looked at the women in his protest group. Every one of them was looking at him, waiting. “You’re twisting my words,” he stalled. “The clothes they’re wearing were designed for women.”
“Yet they are PATTERNED off of MEN’s clothes,” Krista replied with a smile. “It seems to me you’re twisting God’s prohibition against wearing the clothes of the opposite sex to fit your own situation while using it to bash others.”
“That’s not what I’m doing,” the man protested.
“Okay, IF I give you that point, what about the other laws in Deuteronomy,” Krista asked. “If you insist we follow the law in Chapter 22 Verse 5, then you also must follow the other laws listed. In the same chapter simply go to Verse 12. It says: You shall make yourself tassels on the four corners of your garment with which you cover yourself. As far as I can see, not one of you has any tassels on your clothing! Where are your tassels? If, as you declared, we MUST obey the laws written in the Bible... in fact in the very same chapter you’re using to condemn me...you are freely and willingly disobeying the Law that orders you to wear tassels on your clothing! If you can freely flaunt THAT law in Verse 12 by so obviously violating it, why can’t I do the same with the law from Verse 5?”
The man and his followers were almost apoplectic as they could not refute Krista’s logic. The many onlookers who supported Krista began to applaud and whistle. The protesters looked at each other and their leader for guidance.
“It seems to me you are behaving like the Pharisees and Sadducees did towards Jesus as he preached his message about love,” Krista declared. “You hide behind the words of the Biblical laws, appearing devout and self-righteous while your hearts are filled with hatred. Since I firmly believe in God, I can honestly say that I love each and every one of you. Granted, I don’t like your actions but that has nothing to do with sharing the love of our fellow man which is the very heart and soul of Jesus’ message.”
The faces of the protesters dropped even further as they finally began to realize that Krista was shaming them for their pompous self-righteousness. The wind not only had been taken from their sails, the sails had fallen on top of the hapless protesters. In groups of two or three, they began to slink away to their vehicles to flee the scene of their embarrassment. When the erstwile leader realized he was being abandoned by his followers, he too turned tail and left. The crowd turned to Krista and cheered her. Krista smiled and curtseyed.
Harry Halls caught the entire exchange on film. That evening on the news he wrapped up his report on the events at the St. Michaels Christmas dance with that clip. As with the other news reports Harry Halls posted involving Krista, this one also went nationwide. Many people admired Krista for being so feisty. A few hated her for the same reason.
*****
After lunch on Saturday December 22, the Clan Wells Point youth who had been at the Christmas dance and clean-up gathered at the Youth Rehab Hostel to discuss the momentous events of the previous night. As they talked, Freddy mentioned how one of his pipe dreams had always been to be in a band. Krista and Jaz looked at each other and smiled.
“That sounds like a great idea,” Krista enthused. “We could form our own band.”
“Yeah,” Jaz agreed. “I started playing the flute before everything went south. I don’t think it would take much to pick up where I left off. I could also play a second set of keyboards. Barney, you can be the drummer, like the Thunder God, Rick Allen of Def Leppard, the British rock drummer! He lost his left arm in a car crash just like you did!”
Barney sighed wistfully. “Do you really think I could?”
“You can do anything if you put your heart into it,” Krista declared. “After all, I do believe in miracles. We’ve all experienced them one way or another. Heck, look at what we’ve been through. Besides, I think I’d make a mean lead guitarist!” With that she played a bit of dramatic air guitar.
“I’ve got dibs on the bass guitar,” Tony jumped in as he played an invisible bass.
“Keyboards,” Freddy exclaimed. “I could really go to town on a synthesizer!
“I’ve always liked the fiddle,” Jimmy chuckled.
“I’m hopeless,” Jamie sighed. “I’d be lucky to play the tambourine.”
“That’s a great instrument for a vocalist,” Barney chuckled.
“Vocalist...,” Jamie declared in surprise. “Most of the time I still sound like a guy!”
“With the training you’re taking it’s modulating well,” Krista smiled. “Once you get the testosterone out of your system and the estrogen takes over, you’ll develop a fantastic alto! You’d be great torch song singer! All great torch singers are alto! Look at Joni Mitchell and Momma Cass Elliot and Mary Travers from Peter, Paul, and Mary! With your voice training you’ll be right up there with them!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aYAUE6is7I&feature=related
Jamie was unsure but knew Krista had a way of making her ideas fly. “Do you really think so?”
“Sure,” the others chorused as one which set everyone laughing.
“If we get working on this, I’ll bet we’ll be good enough to play for Kylie and Larry’s wedding,” Krista enthused.
“That’d be great,” Tony agreed.
“We’ll need a name,” Jaz declared.
“How about The Changelings?” Barney suggested.
“That’s a good theme but I think it might limit our appeal if we take off,” Jamie said.
“WHEN we take off,” Krista chuckled. “Think positive! But you’re right. Keep the theme but make it more appealing and appropriate.”
“How about the Change Ups?”
“Or the Changers?”
“Or the Change-gralas?”
They all moaned.
“How about Exchange?”
“I’ve got it,” Krista giggled. “Gram is always saying the only thing that’s ever certain in life is change. Let’s call ourselves Certain Change!”
They all nodded their heads in agreement.
Jamie asked “So do we do rock, country or what?”
“Let’s do whatever we like,” Jaz declared. “We can ‘change it up’.”
They all laughed, knowing they’d soon be taking music lessons.
*****
That evening the Clan Wells Point gathered in the main farmhouse for their weekly meal meeting. After the meal they rehearsed their parts in the Christmas Eve Church Service. They ran through it several times until they were all comfortable with their roles. The younger kids headed off to play as they began the meeting.
Larry was the primary speaker. “I’ve been doing a lot of research about what it will take to increase our dairy herd. Our present way of handling manure is adequate for the size of our operation. However if we increase the number of cattle and chickens as we’ve discussed, the methods we use now will be inadequate to comply with the Chesapeake Bay environmental regulations and standards. We have two options, one is to store the waste and transport it to a site that can handle it. The transport costs alone would be detrimental, but we’d also have to pay someone to accept the waste. The second method is the one we should do, but it requires a substantial investment to construct a system to handle all we produce.”
“What we can do is construct a biogas system,” Larry continued. “Each cow produces one hundred twenty pounds of manure a day. Combining that with the horse and chicken manure, we’ll have a lot of shit.”
Everyone chuckled.
“I’ve done some research,” Larry added. “Haubenschild Farms in Minnesota built a manure digester in 1999. The largest component is a covered 350,000 gallon concrete tank installed partially in the ground, with suspended heating pipes to heat the manure inside the digester so bacteria breaks down the manure creating methane. They have a 135-kilowatt engine-generator set-up fueled with the methane captured from the digester. The hot water to heat the digester is recovered from the engine-generator’s cooling jacket. Barn floor space is also heated with the recovered heat. The digested effluent, odor reduced and pollutants rendered harmless , flows to a lined storage pond where it is kept until it can be injected or broadcast spread on fields for crop production.”
Nearly everyone gasped.
“The sale of the electricity generated is an important benefit of the project,” Larry went on. “We’d have to enter into a power purchase contract with Choptank Electric Cooperative. Haubenschild Farms has about seven hundred fifty cows, their digester has been producing enough electricity to provide all the electric needs on-farm with enough surplus electricity to power about 75 additional homes.”
Nearly everyone raised their eyebrows and nodded their heads.
“The manure our increased operation would produce would be about sixty percent of what they do,” Larry added. “The digester I’m proposing to process our manure would about three quarters the size of theirs which would make it a little less expensive and give us a bit of extra capacity. Since our climate isn’t as cold as Minnesota, we would not have to use as much heat to keep the digester functioning. We not only should be able to heat the barns, we should be able to heat this house, the Ewell home, and the CWP Landing buildings. If there is any left over we can use it to heat the big barn up the road. I also estimate the electricity we produce can supply all of the power we currently need. At our current power usage we’ll be spending about three thousand dollars a year per home and business. We currently have sixteen sites which will cost us forty eight thousand dollars a year. Since we’ll build our digester smaller and can use their general design as well as if we build it ourselves, I’d guess we could bring it in for a bit over two hundred thousand dollars. That would give us a payback on the electricity alone of about four and half years. In addition, if we squeeze or spin the liquid out the effluent, we can use the liquid as a spay on fertilizer and dry the remaining fiber to use as bedding for the animals.”
Everyone was impressed and agreed to pursue the plan.
At that point the teens spoke up and the adults were once more surprised by the initiative of the youth. They quickly agreed to let the teens take music lessons. As they expected, the younger kids wanted to take lessons too. The adults set up rules. Everyone who wanted to play an instrument would start with the piano to learn the scales and how to read music. Once they had the basics mastered, they had to be nine before they could move on to other instruments. Naturally, they all had to keep their school grades up.
Even better was the fact there were three upright and two baby grand pianos already in the Clan Wells Point. Jane O’Brien had an old upright piano in her living room and, while she was a bit rusty, agreed to refresh her skills and teach the kids. Sheila Scott also played and Kylie Masters offered her the upright piano in the big house on the main farm to work with the kids. There was a also an upright in the Spade home at the Landing and, as a retired elementary school teacher, Sarah Spade played and would use that one to teach the youth. Cynthia Campbell had a baby grand in her home and was more than happy to offer to share her musical gifts with the youth. Lastly there was a baby grand piano in the B&B. Ruth Ewell mentioned she had played all through high school and gladly volunteered to work with the kids on that piano.
On top of that, old Bill Dougherty chuckled. “Ah’m a might rusty, but back in the day Ah played a mean fiddle. Na that ah’m retird, ah was thinkin’ of loosenin’ up these ol’ fingas. Ah won’t mind showin’ a young whipper snappa haw to saw some wood.”
Jimmy was smiled and eagerly nodded, just as Bill hoped.
“I was a fair drummer,” Leroy said as his mom looked at him expectantly. “I take it you still have the trap set?”
“Of course,” Sheila smiled.
“Well, Barney, looks like I’m gonna teach you how to be a percussionist,” Leroy smiled. “I always admired Rick Allen, now I’ll be able to see up close how he does it!”
Barney smiled and nodded.
“I think I can be of help there,” Greg Olsen spoke up. “I’ve always admired Rick Allen and since I’m a machinist/designer, the set up he has for using his feet to replace his missing arm has fascinated me. I’ve watched a lot of videos and did a lot of research. I’m sure I can make similar adaptions for Barney. Rick Allen’s setup is an acoustic kick and snare, with a snare sample that he can fire with his left foot as well as his right. From left to right on floor pedals it's snare trigger, hi-hat, kick drum, snare drum, and tom-tom. The top tier is pretty much a carbon copy of that, pads that correspond, sound-wise, to what is on the floor pedals. The cymbals are all real. The drummer must learn a heel/toe-type technique on the kick drum that's like a rocking motion. On the downbeat you come down with your heel and then on an upbeat you come up with the ball of your foot. It's unusual, almost like tap dancing. Delays are used on certain drums. What Rick does is create two-beat, three-beat, or four-beat phrases with percussion elements like tambourine or shaker. Then he makes two-beat samples from those phrases and will fire those from triggers attached to the bottom of the hi-hat cymbals. The use of sequencers and that kind of stuff ties the drummer to that tempo or length of a song or the length of a section. Doing it with two beat samples makes it a lot freer with the rest of the band because there's more room for improvisation. Rick Allen wears headphones for listening to the loops but for seventy-five percent of the show he uses the base kit which is everything straight, no loops, nothing extra. It's just what he plays with one arm and two feet. And then for the occasional song that he think needs to be carried by some kind of percussive element, he'll use some of the triggering devices since it makes for a very musical approach to using percussion.”
“It sounds like you really like Rick Allen,” Leroy chuckled.
“I do,” Greg smiled. “Not only has he overcome a handicap, but he’s done it with gadgets. That’s right up my alley.”
Everyone chuckled.
“I assume you still have my bass guitar,” David Scott smiled as he looked at his mother.
“Of course,” Sheila smiled.
“Tony, guess I’ll have to learn you how to strum,” David nodded.
Tony smiled eagerly.
“I know I have my guitar,” Larry Scott declared. “Krista, I’m gonna see you earn your callouses!”
“Bring it on, Unc,” Krista smiled as she played a little air guitar.
*****
It was already a habit for The Clan Wells Point to attend weekly worship services. Most Sundays they attended the 8:30am ‘Come As You Are’ service held in the church hall which was adjacent to the church. The service was a bit more laid back than the 10:00am traditional service in the Church’s second floor sanctuary.
The December 23 after the service was a time of anxiety for sisters Krista, Lyndi, Teri and Sandy Scott as well as sisters Jaz, Holly and Ivy Reese. The girls sat listening quietly as their mothers spoke to Rev. Giles about the Christmas Eve service. For the girls, this would be their first Midnight Christmas Eve Service. Even more significantly, it would be their first communion. Despite the fact there was a communion service the first Sunday of every month the children had not participated. Their issues with communion were due to a feeling of inadequacy and fear of doing something wrong. Since the girls had in truth been unchurched before becoming involved with the Clan Wells Point, they didn’t have the background necessary for understanding communion. It made him a bit ashamed to see kids from other families taking communion while they sat in the pews watching.
Since Christmas was a unique location the girls had discussed among themselves what they would have to do and learn to be able to take communion. Basically they want to be educated in the protocols.
Pat Scott was already familiar with the UMC stance on children participating in the Communion service is listed and had encouraged Heather and the girls to speak to Pastor Giles about their concerns with children taking Communion and just what Communion meant.
“Pastor Giles, in the churches I’ve attended, children are not allowed to take communion until they are confirmed,” Heather Reese began. “Pat tells me young children may receive Communion in the UMC. Is that right?”
“It certainly is,” Rev. Giles smiled at her concern. “As The United Methodist Book of Worship puts it, “All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup.” We remember that in Mark 10:14 when some of Jesus’ disciples tried to keep children away from him he said: “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs””
Heather still had doubts. “But do young children know what they are doing when they receive Communion?”
Rev. Giles smiled again. “Do they understand the full meaning of this holy sacrament? No, and neither do any of us. It is a wonderful mystery and children can sense wonder and mystery. Children cannot understand the full significance of family meals, but we feed them at our family tables and at Christ’s family table. Young children experience being loved by being fed. They sense the difference between being included and excluded at a family meal. They have the faith of a child, appropriate to their stage of development, which Jesus recognized and honored. Indeed, in Mark 10:15 he said to adults: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.””
Heather smiled and nodded. She could accept the explanation.
“Heather, you, Jaz. Holly and Ivy can take communion,” Rev. Giles chuckled. “Any child old enough to feed themselves is welcomed at the Lord’s able. Krista, Lyndi, Teri, and Sandi, you are also invited to the Lord’s table.”
Heather’s eyebrows raised at that revelation, but Pat’s smile and nod told her that was the truth.
Rev. Giles then spoke to the girls. “Jesus gave his life for us. He willingly died on the cross to take away our sins even before we came into existence much less sinned. The night before he was executed on the cross he gathered his disciples for the Passover meal. There he broke bread and shared it with them telling them ‘This is my body given for you’. Then he gave them wine telling them ‘This is my blood shed for you.’ He ended the meal by saying ‘Do ths in remembrance of me.’ Communion means three things to us. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again”
Christ has died is the portion of Communion that is a time to remember Jesus death, his self-giving sacrifice on our behalf. As he said to the disciples at their last meal together, “Do this in remembrance of me.” In remembering his passion and crucifixion, we remember our own guilt; for we know that in our sin we crucify Christ many times over from day to day. So the Lord’s Supper is a time of confession: “We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart….We have not heard the cry of the needy”“
“Christ is risen is the portion of Communion that reminds us it is not a memorial service for a dead Jesus. It’s not a time to wallow in our own guilt for our sins. It’s a time to celebrate the Resurrection, to recognize and give thanks for the Risen Christ. The bread and wine represent the living presence of Christ among us though we do not claim, as some denominations do, that they become Christ’s body and blood.
“In Luke’s Resurrection story, the Risen Christ broke bread with two of his followers at Emmaus, ‘Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.’ So, as we’re nourished by this meal, our eyes are opened; and we recognize Christ here in our congregation, our community, and our world. Whats our response? Thanksgiving! In fact, another of our words for Communion, the Eucharist, means thanksgiving.
“Christ will come again is the portion of Communion where we also celebrate the final victory of Christ. We anticipate God’s coming reign, God’s future for this world and all creation. As Jesus said, ‘I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ We believe that we’re partners with God in creating this future, but the demands of discipleship are rigorous. In the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper, in the fellowship of Christian friends gathered at his table, we find the nourishment we need for the tasks of discipleship ahead.”
Even Sandi, the youngest understood the significance of Communion. Of course none of the children fully understood the real meaning of Communion, but then most adults don’t understand either. They did have a lot to think about and smiled to each other as they truly understood that God loved them and they love God. Children have an unquestioning love of God. They have not been jaded by life and their love is pure and unencumbered. Exactly the Way, Jesus wants adults to love him. They went home feeling comfortable with being able to take their first communion.
*****
Chapter 2
For the teens after church and Monday before church was mostly taken up with chores. They worked ahead so they could ease off on Christmas. After Monday supper, everyone washed and dressed as they prepared to head in the St. Michaels for the Christmas Eve service. Everyone was excited and hoped their preparations had prepared them for their parts of the service.
A few weeks before Christmas, Jane, Pat, Krista, Lyndi, Teri and Sandi had gone into the attic to look at the dresses that used to be Carol O’Brien’s. All the girls found a dress that fit and they liked. Krista fell in love with the dress first time she laid eyes upon it. She was utterly delighted with the lustrous green velvet dress. Since it had once been her mother’s dress it was a few years out of style. Krista didn’t care, she loved the dress.
On Christmas Eve, wearing the dress, she checked herself out in her mirror, liking what she saw. Although she felt as if she was trapped inside the dress by the back zipper closure, she loved the way the pretty dress fit. The long sleeves were trimmed in pretty white lace that perfectly matched the intricately patterned holly leaf lace overlay on the princess seemed bodice. The dress snugly followed the curves of her torso. The only thing that bothered her was the fact her small breasts were all padding. Any lingering thoughts of someday returning to boyhood were snuffed out as she drinking her femininity. She fully understood that she would never give up being a girl to go back to being a boy. After Christmas was over, she’d definitely talk to her mom about starting female hormones.
It was a sizeable caravan that made it’s way from the Clan Wells Point into St. Michaels. The drivers dropped everyone off at the entrance to St. Luke’s UMC Church before they headed off to park the vehicles and join the others. The Clan Wells Point had arrived an hour early to set up the staging for the mini nativity pageant they were performing for the congregation. Since the teens were to be the greeters of all who entered, they had to get ready to welcome fellow worshipers to the service and hand out the bulletins and small candles. The rest of the Clan sat in the rear in the folding chairs always added to the sanctuary to handle the overflow of the well attended service. The church was lit by twinkling lights along the chancel rails and by the baptismal font. A tastefully decorated and lit Christmas tree stood to one side of the altar The church was festive yet serene.
The teens were spread out at the stairs and elevator as the people arrived. Jamie was flanked by Freddy in his power chair and Barney outside the elevator. They warmly greeted all who exited the conveyance. Krista and Jaz manned the top of the staircase. Tony and Jimmy took the task of seating those in attendance so no seats were left empty. As a prelude the organist played a selection of familiar Christmas hymns. By the 10:00pm start time, the church was packed.
“Good evening,” Rev. Giles warmly greeted everyone. “If you haven’t already figured it out, everyone is welcome in this house of worship. Tonight we’ve gathered to celebrate a birthday. Plus or minus a year, depending on which scholarly evidence you find most convincing, Jesus Christ was born two thousand twelve years ago! That’s quite a number of years for a birthday to celebrated! But what a momentous birthday it was! Before we begin our service, I’d like to thank the members of the Clan Wells Point for volunteering to help us with tonight’s birthday party. Now, let’s begin the service by singing of ‘O Little town of Bethlehem’.”
The organ swelled with the familiar tune and the congregation rose and began to sing. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhliK23BhD8 ) While they sang, two acolytes walked to the Christ Candle and lit the four feet long candle lighters. Then they walked down the aisles lighting the candles atop the single candle stands clamped to the sides of every other pew. The stands were seven feet high which put the wicks at eight feet. They finished just as the song ended. The duo then went through the chancel rail to light the two altar candles as well as the seven candle candelabras on either side of the altar. The duo was clearly nervous as neither had really set foot inside a church until the last two weeks. Most of the congregation was pleasantly surprised to see Dwayne and Phil becoming active in the church. A few were disgruntled a pair of gay boys were selected for the August roles of acolyte.
When they finished, Krista and Jasmine walked up to the lectern and began reading Luke, Chapter 2 from the Revised Standard Bible. Jasmine read first, alternating with Krista.
“Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.”
Nine year olds Chris Olsen and Holly, dressed as Mary and Joseph, began the long trek down the aisle as Jasmine read her verses. Mary sat side-saddle on a wheeled wooden donkey as Joseph led (pulled) it by the lead rope. When they reached the front of the church, Joseph tied the lead to the chancel rail and gallantly helped Mary off the steed. It was obvious Mary’s tummy was quite full. Joseph knock on a wooden door that had been set up on one side of the chancel rail with a sign above the door that simply read INN.
“And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered and she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
The door to the ‘inn’ opened and Marcus Olsen, pantomimed there was no room. Joseph pointed to Mary’s tummy with a pleading look. The inn keeper sighed and pointed to the other side of the chancel rail where a few wooden beams stood in the crude shape of a stable. The floor of the stable was covered with straw and a straw filled manger was prominent in the center. Mary and Joseph went to the stable where Mary made a show of lying down behind the manger. After fifteen seconds, Joseph helped Mary up. Her bloated tummy was gone and she held a baby wrapped in strips of cloth which she gently laid in the manger. As soon as she did, a golden glow emanated from the manger by the baby’s head. Joseph put an arm around Mary and the proud parents beamed at the new child.
“And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock, and an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.”
As soon as she began to read, the lights illuminating the scenes in the front dimmed and bright lights appeared in the rear of the church. There stood three shepherds with three sheep and an angel, (Holly, Ivy, and Jimmy as shepherds with siblings Wanda and DJ Scott, with Benny Reese Jr. in cute sheep costumes and Tony as the angel). The shepherds showed fear as the angel mimed the words.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.”
At this point the adults of The Clan Wells Point clad in white robes stood and began to sing ‘Glory to God in the Highest”. Their voices blended almost magically bringing tears of joy and gratefulness to the eyes of many parishioners. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdA-ViRj6z8&feature=related )
When they finished the minute and a half song, Jaz began to read the scriptures. “And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.”
As she read the shepherds began to head up the aisle as the lights in the rear dimmed and those in front brightened. The sheep clad toddlers were actually shepherded forward to the delight of all. They gathered in front of the manger.
“And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.”
The shepherds again mimicked their actions to the scripture. When the shepherds turned to return to the back they had to urge the sheep to return to the pasture. Wanda took the hands of DJ and Benny, then she began to skip down the aisle while happily ‘baa’-ing, a completely unrehearsed bit of ad-libbing. DJ and Benny quickly joined in, causing everyone to giggle with delight.
The sanctuary lights rose and the organ began to play ‘Joy To The World.’ Everyone who was able stood and sang from the heart with gusto. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyy75l1MBrI )
Rev. Giles smiled as he took his place at the pulpit to begin his brief sermon which he ended with a short poem.
“Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.
Christmas in lands of fir trees and pine,
Christmas in lands of palm tree and vine,
Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white,
Christmas where cornfields lie sunny and bright,
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.
Christmas where children are happy at play,
Christmas where old men are patient and gray,
Christmas where peace like a dove in its flight,
Broods over brave men in the midst of a fight,
Everywhere, everywhere Christmas tonight.
For the Christ child who comes is master of all,
No palace too great, no cottage too small,
Everywhere, everywhere Christmas tonight."
Still in their costumes, the Clan Wells Youth took up the collection. LJ Scott, Holly, Ivy, Marcus and Chris moved to stand by the chancel rail while the others took the offering plates. Jaz carried Benny as she accompanied Sandi as the little girl carried the offering plate down the outer right aisle while Krista carried DJ as they escorted Peter Scott down the outer left aisle. Freddy and Barney took the left center aisle as Tony and Jimmy covered the right side. Jamie carried Wanda between the guys. The three toddlers, still clad in their sheep costumes, giggled and waved as they drank in the attention they received.
Larry and Kylie had followed the youths to the front. As the collection was being taken, they unrolled and connected two Smart Planet Piano Mats in front of the chancel rail which they hooked to a midi controller. Each two and half pound mat, thirty and a half inches wide by two inches thick and seventy inches long had twenty four keys. Linked together they had forty eight white and black keys in the standard piano layout and the midi was programed for piano mode. As soon as the mats were set up, Larry and Kylie sat inconspicuously off to the side. Sandi, Lyndi, and Teri, dressed in red ballerina costumes complete with flouncy green gauzy skirts and JC emblazoned on their torso with gold glitter paint, came down the center aisle and took up position. As soon as the collection was completed the girls began a dance routine on the twin mats playing ‘The Carol of the Bells’. The congregation watched in amazement as they flawlessly performed the cute song. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlZYGZEHMgU ) (The girls in the video use 45 of the 60 keys.) They curtseyed to the enthusiastic applause. As they returned down the aisle, Larry and Kylie rolled up the mats and scuttled to the side as the rest of the youth brought the offering forward.
Rev. Giles said the offering prayer, then after he’d turned from the altar to face the congregation stated “The Lord be with you.”.
“And also with you,” the congregation replied as they began following the liturgy of the communion service.
Rev. Giles smiled as he turned back to the congregation and spread his arms wide in welcome. “Everyone, young and old, is invited to The Lord’s Table,” Rev. Giles intoned once the liturgy was completed.
As he made the invitation, brothers Leroy, David, and Larry with their father Robert Scott walked up to the chancel rail. Robert opened the gate and stepped through to join Rev. Giles. Rev. Giles passed the chalice to Robert while he carried the loaf. Together they walked by the chancel rail and took up positions. Leroy stood at the far left with communion cups while David stood at the far right by the Christmas tree to collect the cups. Larry went to the rows of seats and ushered the congregation forward. In a continuos line, they moved forward to Leroy to get a cup, then moved along the rail to Rev. Giles.
Rev Giles tore a small piece of bread off the loaf and handed it to the person saying “Take and eat, this is the body of Christ broken for you.”
After the person ate the bread, they moved down the rail to Robert where he poured wine into their cup saying “The blood of Christ shed for you.”
Dwayne held a pitcher of wine to refill the chalice as needed while Phil held a second chalice filled with grape juice for those who wanted to avoid wine. After they drank their wine, the people filed over to David who collected the empty cups before they returned to their seats.
The only glitch, and it was a minor one, happened when Krista and Jaz, who had insisted on taking their first communion together, turned away from Robert after downing the wine. Both stopped in awe to stare at the angel on the top of the tree. It was only when Heather had urged the girls to keep moving that they snapped out of their brief moment of surprise. The two girls exchanged looks that told them they’d both seen the same thing. Then they were swept back into the flow of the service.
Although the church was packed, the entire communion only took ten minutes. When everyone had returned to their seats Rev. Giles faced the altar and led everyone in prayer.
After the prayer Robert stepped back through the chancel rail and joined his sons as they faced the altar. Dwayne and Phil picked up six twelve inch long one inch in diameter candles and joined the men, sharing the candles with them. As Rev. Giles took a similar candle and lit it from the Christ candle, except for the tree, the electric lights in the sanctuary were turned off. The only illumination was the lights on the tree and the candles, barely enough light to see. Then he turned and went to the six. Pausing before each, they tilted their candle into the flame of the upright lit candle Rev. Giles held. When all six were lit, they headed down the center aisle. Two stopped at the front pews, one on the left side, the other on the right. Two others went one third of the way down and stopped while the last two went two thirds of the way. When they were all in position, they held their upright candle to the first person in the pew. That person tilted his half inch diameter four inch long candle to light it from the shared flame. Once lit, the six moved on to the next pew while each person in the pews took their turn lighting their candle and passing the flame on. As the number of candles increased, the church brightened. Once all the candles were lit, the sanctuary was filled with a welcoming, safe, warm, flickering light that seemed somehow magical and yet comfortably quaint.
Rev Giles spoke firmly. “In Luke Chapter 11, verses 33 through 36 it says: ‘No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.’"
Larry slipped his faithful electric guitar over his shoulder and began to play softly ‘Silent Night’. The voices of the congregation blended in serene harmony. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4gVMb2yDHk ) When the song ended, Rev. Giles blew out his candle and the congregation followed suit.
“May the love God showed us by giving us his son be shared by everyone. Go in peace, serve the Lord. MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
The lights came on and people began gathering their things. In the back of the sanctuary, a projection screen had been erected. Instead of a postlude, Krista began to play video from YouTube. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRbTrensuiY ) xmas Despite the late hour, many stayed to watch, especially those with children. All in all, it was a Christmas Eve service they’d all fondly remember.
*****
Each home in the Clan Wells Point had a private Christmas breakfast with their immediate family. At lunch, those with extended families gathered together. All gathered together in the big farmhouse for supper. Gifts were exchanged and hugs shared. No one went hungry.
Krista and Jaz managed to step out the back door for a few moments. The night was cloudless and the moon, which had been full on Christmas Eve, illuminated the landscape. Looking out across Johns Cove and the small peninsula of flat land on the other side they could easily see the festive holiday lights of Neavitt on the opposite shore of Balls Creek. The docks and houses were ablaze in colored lights reflecting gaily off the rippling waters.
While each loved their family, they had grown closer, as close as if they were sisters by birth. Krista and Jaz had become nearly inseparable. With all the holiday preparations they had not had a chance to discuss what they had seen during the Communion service. After a few moments simply absorbing the serene view and feeling the warmth of the Clan emanating from the house they looked at each other.
“The angel atop the Christmas tree,” Jaz began as she looked deeply into Krista’s eyes. “After we turned from taking communion, I swear it was your mom’s face smiling at us! It was like she was proud we were accepting Jesus’ grace!”
“I saw her too,” Krista beamed. “She was pleased with us. I think she’s become our personal guardian angel.”
“I get that feeling too,” Jaz happily agreed. “Do you think that now that we’ve accepted Christ, God will talk to directly to us?”
“Gram said that God is always talking to us,” Krista replied thoughtfully. “It’s just that most people never bother to listen, if they do hear God, they don’t want to do what he tells them. Nearly everyone prays but they seldom listen for God’s response. Now that we touched Jesus and accepted his Grace, we need to carefully listen so we can hear God whenever he speaks to us.”
“That’s a big responsibility,” Jaz sighed. “I don’t know if I’m up t it.”
“My mom used to say that God never gives you more than you can handle,” Krista stated before giggling. “She almost always added she wished God didn’t trust her so much.”
“I’ll have to remember that,” Jaz giggled.
“You have no idea how often I said I wished God didn’t trust me so much while we were on our Odyssey,” Krista sighed
Now that they’d sharing their first communion, their bond deepened. The experience of communing on Jesus’ birthday effected them deeply. Having lost two years of her life, Jaz while lacking a bit on maturity, had enough intelligence and common sense to realize the missing time had left her socially behind her peers. On top of that years before her rape had been lean times for the family so she was also not very technically savvy as compared to many of her classmates. To complicate matters, once her body recovered from the neglect, puberty hit hard. The mood swings and weird desires created by the sudden influx of estrogen nearly drove her to distraction. Again since she was in the coma she’d never developed the normal social maturation that pre-teen girls normally experienced. Krista not only proved to be her best friend, she was also a fantastic anchor keeping her focused on what was important. But it wasn’t a one way street. Krista loved being a girl but with only six months experience was often confounded by girlish reasoning. Jaz had always been a girly girl, and as such, used her life long girl experience to guide Krista on the paths to girlhood as well as doing her best to help Krista understand the way girls mind worked. Few men or boys ever understood the way girls thought and reacted and Kristopher had been no different. Now that he was on the other side of the fence, picking up the way girls thought was slowly becoming easier while at the same time the way guys thought was becoming grayer.
The girls didn’t really have much time for their discussion as Tony and Jimmy came out the back in search of their girlfriends. Needless to say the to couples snuggled together for warmth on the cold night and silently watched the lights rippling across Balls Creek and Longs Cove. It wasn’t long before they began kissing.
They quickly separated as the lights on the back porch were flipped on. No one came out to get them but they understood the adults had figured out what they were up to and it was time for them to come back inside. The men thought the rosy cheeks of the two couples were due to the cold night air. The women knew better and smiled knowingly at each other.
Tony and Jimmy honestly respected the Krista and Jaz. They proved to be the boyfriends they needed. Their budding machismo had already been tempered by the girls’ gentling influence. Tony and Krista had self imposed limits on how far they would explore due to Krista’s birth defect. Jimmy and Jaz had similar limits due to the sexual abuse she’d suffered. The four certainly enjoyed making out but did so without going past second base. Even then, any caressing and fondling was done fully clothed and above the waist with their hands remaining on the outside of the garments. While they all dreamed of and fantasized about going further, they respected their self imposed limits, thus earning the trust of their parents.
This trust allowed them to go for long romantic walks and picnics about the Clan Wells Point enclave on warm winter days. The young couples enjoyed bundling up as together to sit and watch the abundant birds and wildlife. The forests and wet lands that made up a large percentage of the Clan Wells Point were simply beautiful, even in winter. Since many of the trees were evergreens there were still sheltered nesting and hiding places for the wildlife that abounded in the area.
In the swampy ends of the coves and inlets as well as in the bits of forest that dotted the Bay Hundred area, the land of the Clan Wells Point was especially blessed. At least twenty white tailed deer in three small herds lived on the Clan Wells Point land. Flocks of wild turkeys freely and even arrogantly roamed the area. The turkeys had become so accustomed to living around humans they often refused to yield when encountered on the gravel lanes. The avian crowd also jammed the area. The entire Chesapeake Bay was a vital portion of the north eastern US flyway. Ducks and geese swarmed the area during their annual migrations. Osprey, herons, egrets abounded. At dozens of locations in the creeks and coves telephone pole like pilings had been driven into the bottom, extending ten to fifteen feet above of the mean water level. Twenty four inch square reinforced wooden platforms were attached to the top. Every one had a large twig and grass nest. In Leadenham Creek, northeast of Judys Point a little over two hundred feet from shore was a camouflaged observation post. ‘L’ shaped, the longer north south leg was fifteen feet wide and twenty feet long connected to the main piece was a ten feet by ten feet observation platform. To use it, one would maneuver their boat under the longer section and climb into the observation section. The entire thing was covered with branches and such to hide anyone inside. It was the perfect perch to observe birds using the flyway. A second observation platform was about two hundred fifty feet off shore outside Steves Cove on the south side of Wells Point. The teens planned to go out to each site when the Spring migration brought the birds back north.
This natural beauty effected the kids. Their love and appreciation of nature’s beauty grew. They developed an understanding of the needs of the wildlife. Together the for about to do all they could to see that future land development would always consider the needs of nature. They were glad that the farming on Wells point was going green and if they had anything to say about it, things would stay that way. The forests and swamps coves and inlets of the Clan Wells Point lands would remain a haven for wildlife. They seldom went on their walks without binoculars and at least one camera with a telescopic lens as well as a camcorder. The pictures and videos they took were posted on the Clan Wells Point web sites.
As usual, the evening conversation turned to Clan matters. While the things were going well, there were potential issues on the horizon. One of these was the increasing cost of electricity. As the Clan grew, so did their use of electric power. They were discovering that going green in their many ventures used more electricity.
*****
Chapter 3
Wednesday, the day after Christmas, was one of action. Early in the morning, Cynthia drove Jamie to Bowie so she could spend December 26, 27, and 28 fulfilling her pre-dance promise to return to the Charm School Inc. Academy. Cynthia returned home since Jamie would be spending the entire three days and two nights on the intensive lessons in girlhood.
When the staff at the Charm School Inc. Academy were delighted once they had learned Jamie had been chosen queen of the dance. When they learned the teens were forming a band and Jamie was going to be the lead vocalist, they made sure to include basic jazz dance moves in her deportment lessons. Her voice coach made sure to teach her to sing from her diaphragm and how to modulate her voice.
*****
The down side of the day was when the tenant farmer on the newest portion of the Clan Wells Point refused to accept Larry as his boss. The man was a dyed in the wool redneck who had not been happy to be living near the Clan and the two transsexuals. When the Campbells bought the farm and joined the Clan he was angered. When Jamie came out at the Christmas dance... a third transsexual neighbor it was the last straw. Not only was his new boss a punk kid, he was actually engaged to and living with one of the transsexuals. When Larry stopped by the day after Christmas to review the eco-changes he planned for the farms, it was more than he could handle. In very coarse language, he exploded.
Larry kept his cool which only further infuriated the bigot. When the vile tirade finally ran out of steam, Larry spoke. “You’re entitled to your opinion, Mr. Dunn, even if it is wrong. While I certainly don’t agree with it, I respect your right to it. I will, however, insist, that as part of your employment, you do not voice it to the three fine young ladies you’ve disparaged. I also respect your abilities as a farmer and expect you to adapt to the eco-changes that will become standard on this farm. As to your opinion of my capabilities as a farmer, I am inexperienced but have never claimed to be an authority on what I’m doing. However, I am educated, am reading up on the State Department of Agriculture’s recommendations and have joined the Talbot County Farm Bureau plus have old Bill as my mentor. I’ll learn on the job and will ask your advice when appropriate. If you can not do this, you’re welcome to leave. In fact, if you feel so strongly about what the Clan Wells Point is doing, I’ll let you out of your lease and return your security deposit if the property is not damaged.”
“Like hell,” Mr Dunn scowled. “You don’t have the authority to do that!”
Larry took out his cell phone and dialed a number while speaking to Mr. Dunn. “You do know that Kevin Stewart is the attorney for the Clan Wells Point?”
“Yeah,” Mr Dunn replied more than a little chagrined.
Larry smiled as the phone was answered. “Mr. Stewart, could you please tell Mr Dunn that the Clan Wells Point has given me the authority to deal with farm employees and tenants as I see fit and that any offers I make them are binding?”
Mr. Dunn took the proffered phone and listened as his face paled. Then he returned the phone to Larry. “I don’t want to work for you or stay here, but I have no place to go.”
“We’re not hard asses, Mr. Dunn,” Larry replied. “If you continue to do your job, you can stay on for sixty days. We’ll give you a good job recommendation and my offer to release you from the lease still stands although I will put a time limit of February 29. That means I’m giving you your sixty day notice as required to end the lease from our side. If you are not gone by then or fail to do your job between now and then or the time you do vacate, you will be evicted and your security deposit will forfeit.”
Mr Dunn knew he’d bitten off more than he could chew. Times were changing and he and his ilk were being left behind. At least they weren’t throwing him out on his ass. “I accept your terms. I’ll do my job until I find something else and I’ll vacate as soon as I can afterwards.”
“Thank you,” Larry nodded. “If we see you are making a good faith effort to leave, we will be lenient.”
The men parted, both with butterflies in their stomach. Larry had crossed his first big hurdle as a business operator and a man.
*****
Later Wednesday afternoon Pat took Krista to see Dr. Sykes for her monthly TG check-up/counseling session. After the physical was completed and the joint mother/daughter session wrapped up, Krista surprised Dr. Sykes and Pat.
“Mom, can you please stay? I want to discuss my future treatment and you need to be here,” Krista began clearly nervous.
The women exchanged looks of concern but Pat remained seated.
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” Krista began. “You know I thought about holding off taking female hormones and going off the testosterone blockers so I could make deposits in a sperm bank in hopes of finding a surrogate mother. Well, with everything that’s happened around me, that doesn’t seem worthwhile anymore. I mean, I’m sure Lyndi and Teri and LJ and Pete will have children so my family line won’t die out if I don’t have any genetic kids. After being around Sandi, I know an adopted child can be as loved and meaningful as a genetic child. The way I feel now, if I want to find a surrogate mother, it would be for Tony’s sperm.”
Krista paused to gauge the reception of her words. Seeing the women were waiting and she was not going to be chastised for thinking about Tony as her future mate she took a deep breath and continued. “I’ve really grown to dislike my dangly bits and want them gone. I know I’m too young to do what Kylie’s doing, but I know that taking female hormones will make my dangly bits smaller and less obtrusive. I’ve also read about a non intrusive procedure using surgical glue. The penis is glued back and the scrotum is used to make the groin look like a real girl. I’m also tired of being a stick. I’m the only girl in my class that hasn’t starting... well... blossoming. Even Jaz is starting to get curves and I want some too. You both told me when we talked about treatments before that I shouldn’t be so hasty to make up my mind about keeping my seed viable. At the time I wasn’t ready to listen or understand. Now I am. I want to become as physically girly as I can... no... I NEED to become as physically girly as I can. I’d like to have that procedure and to start taking estrogen and progesterone as soon as possible. I know it’d have to be in small amounts and I can accept that. I just need to start!”
Dr Sykes and Pat exchanged knowing glances as Krista watched them, afraid they were going to say no or even laugh.
Dr. Sykes pulled two prescriptions from Krista’s medical folder. Krista could see they were already filled out except for the date which Dr. Sykes immediately filled in before handing them to Krista. Krista accepted the scripts and looked at them clearly shocked.
“Princess,” Pat smiled as she placed a reassuring hand on Krista’s arm. “Dr. Sykes and I were just waiting for you to ask. We both know you’re ready to start this portion of your journey.”
“I’ve already spoken to a plastic surgeon in Baltimore who can do the non-intrusive procedure,” Dr. Sykes smiled. “I’ll call and see what I can set up for a Saturday morning.”
Krista bit her lips as tears of joy filled her eyes. So choked up she was unable to speak, she leapt from her seat and hugged her mom, then Dr. Sykes.
The next half hour consisted of the two women explaining to Krista how the hormones would effect her both emotionally and physically. Krista listened intently. After the visit was completed, Pat and Krista headed to the pharmacy to fill her prescriptions. They also picked up a couple of Cokes so Krista could immediately begin her new hormone regimen.
*****
The rest of the holiday week passed quickly. Dwayne and Phil came out to the farm on Thursday to visit Freddy and Barney. They were clearly jealous of the comradery of the Clan Wells Point teens and the idea of forming a band. Now that the pair had abandoned their old ways, they felt out of place in their old haunts. The entire atmosphere of their neighborhood had noticeably chilled since they’d come out at the dance and they simply wanted to fit in again. The friendship they’d found with the Clan Wells Point was comfortable and made them feel good. They secretly wished they could join the Clan. When they learned about the issues with the tenant farmer they perked up, wondering if they could get jobs working on the farm.
The teens used the holiday to begin learning how to play the piano and learning how to read music. The lessons began as a group function and would later split into smaller groups gathered around the various pianos. Freddy and Barney mentioned how lonely Phil and Dwayne had been, wondering if they were longing to become Clan Members as well as their interest in working on the farm.
This set Krista plotting. By Friday morning, she had spoken to Larry who only shook his head and chuckled. By the time the increased spring work load hit, Dwayne and Phil would be recovered enough to be useful workers. Next Krista spoke to Kevin Stewart. He was already representing the boys in dealing with the insurance companies which were balking at paying the high medical bills the treatments the boys received ran up. The wheels were in motion.
Kylie spent the week finishing up any repair jobs she was working on and making final arrangements to turn daily control of her new business over to Ed Nelson. The almost frenzied activity blunted her anxiety about her upcoming trip to Thailand.
*****
It was late Friday night when Jamie arrived home from her intense three day course at the Charm School Inc. Academy. While exhausted, she felt wonderful and confident in her presentation as a female. This didn’t mean she was satisfied with her appearance, but she had enough sense of self she could be herself in public. She now moved and spoke with an undeniable feminine grace and poise.
After the long hours and physical stress of her training, she slept in till noon. It was a bright warm sunny day in the high fifties with hardly a breeze. Ruth called Krista when Jamie headed into the bathroom for her morning ritual. Krista contacted the other Clan Wells Point teens as well as Dwayne and Phil. At 1:30 they appeared en-mass at the Ewell home. Jamie was surprised and delighted as they all gathered in the living room. It wasn’t until Ruth entered carrying a birthday cake with seventeen candles flickering that Jamie remembered it was her birthday!
The kids all broke out into a raucous chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ as Jamie blushed. It was her first birthday as a girl and she loved it! She took a deep breath and successfully blew out the candles... only to have them re-ignite. The surprise on her face made everyone laugh. Tony reached out and plucked the trick candles from the cake to drop them in a bowl of water. Naturally, he was wearing a welders glove. The gifts were small, mostly beauty products recommended by the Academy, but each also had a gift certificate to Charisma Clothing Boutique so she could add to her girlish wardrobe. The entire afternoon was spent talking and laughing as the teens had a great time.
*****
The teens really began to get into learning music. All had learned how to read music and could play simple scales and songs on the piano. Old Bill was glowing as he spent time teaching Jimmy to saw away on the fiddle. Larry enjoyed showing Krista how to play lead guitar. David did the same for Tony on bass guitar. Jaz practiced her flute and the piano
Leroy set his drum set up in the Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel and taught Barney the basics. They had also downloaded several videos of one armed Rick Allen of Def Leppard playing the drums so Barney could pick up style pointers.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DNElq-qUsY & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRRVqu1t7Ik&feature=related) Being a top notch machinist and designer, Greg was able to design and build a set up for Barney that incorporated all the features Rick Allen used.
Once the adults saw the teens were indeed excited and serious about forming a band, they began to think about creating an appropriate practice studio. On the main farm, the third outbuilding across Longs Cove Lane from the house was a chicken house with attached heated shed. The second floor of the shed was thirty feet wide and twenty five feet deep. Robert said his crew could easily wire it for proper capacity and sound proof the large open room. The sound proofing would also add to the insulation. A heat pump would be added to supplement the heat and provide air conditioning for the summer. In addition, two powder rooms would be added to the second floor and a powder room and shower on the first floor.
*****
The Clan planned a New Years Eve Party to be held in the Ballroom of the B&B. There would be ample refreshments and food, music for dancing and just all round good companionship. The evening would start with a buffet meal at six followed by games and dancing. No one would leave as arrangements were made for everyone to spend the night. In addition to the Clan Wells Point members, Dwayne and Phil were invited along with their moms Norma Harper and Maureen Abott. They even invited “old” Mrs (Marjorie) Delp, the neighbor the boys helped. It turned out she was sixty seven, two years younger than ‘old’ Bill Dougherty.
The meal was a friendly, folksy supper with a lot of talking. Robert, Kevin, Jane and Steven managed to get Norma, Maureen and Marjorie away from the others. The women were stunned by the offer of membership in the Clan Wells Point that included the home the tenant farmer currently occupied as well as the jobs on the farm for the boys. Marjorie was surprised to learn the invitation included her with the suggestion she have the master bedroom suite as a sort of private area.
The three women exchanged sighs and looked each other in the eyes. The past week had been more than a bit tense. Their neighborhood was away from the touristy area of the community and away from the waterways. As such, while not poor, the homes were smaller and quite a bit less ostentatious. Most who lived there were low middle class with a preponderance of redneck good old boy mentality. The public outing of Dwayne and Phil at the Christmas Dance had not been well received. While there had been no confrontations, disapproving disgusted scowls from their neighbors seemed omnipresent. The single exception was Marjorie. With all the help the boys had freely given her she knew the boys were good people. She steadfastly supported the boys, to the point of getting into a few arguments with a couple of neighbors who had tried to put the boys down.
Marjorie Delp was a widow. Her husband had been among the last soldiers to be killed in Vietnam. As a young widow pregnant with her first child she had been devastated by the hatred much of the public heaped upon the ‘nam vets and their families. Raising her son alone had been tough which made her tough. Unfortunately, her son followed his father into the military and lost his life in Desert Storm in ‘91. The second death hit her even harder. All reason for living vanished from her life. Although she continued to work, she merely existed. It was only when two of her neighbors had babies that she snapped out of her stupor. Those babies, born twelve days apart in March 1995, were Dwayne and Phil. They quickly became her surrogate family, especially after the two husbands abandoned their new families.
When they rejoined the main group, Jane called for everyone’s attention so she could introduce the newest five members of the Clan Wells Point. Phil and Dwayne were stunned and overwhelmed by the many hugs and warm welcomes. They unreservedly accepted the job offers to work the farm.
“That means you guys can join our band, Certain Change,” Tony enthused. “Dwayne, start practicing your trombone, Phil, do the same with your trumpet! Having horns will really give us a unique sound!”
Dwayne and Phil had taken trombone and trumpet lessons in elementary school and had been quite good. Unfortunately when puberty hit, they both dropped out of the elementary school ban. Now the duo eagerly agreed to pick up where they’d left off. The other teens all agreed this was a great idea.
As midnight approached, they watched Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2008 on a big screen TV. Ryan Seacrest was co-host along with Dick Clark, whose voice had improved greatly since the previous year, his third year back on the broadcast after his stroke. Fergie again hosted the west coast party in Hollywood. During the ball drop at midnight, everyone divided up into couples or small groups. Naturally the husbands and wives grouped. Mrs. Delp was next to old Bill, Jane and Kevin were together, Larry and Kylie were already snuggled on a settee and Jamie was seated between Freddy and Barney. Jimmy and Jaz as well as Krista and Tony watched the ball with growing excitement.
When the ball hit bottom and the crowd in Times Square erupted, the couples kissed. Jamie gave Barney a quick buss then gave a longer kiss to Freddy as Barney grinned. Jaz and Jimmy and Tony and Krista sank into their kisses with snugly hugs, melting together in their first public passionate kiss. Seeing their friends kissing, Dwayne and Phil turned towards each other intending to ask each other if they should exchange a kiss, something they’d never done. They were standing side by side and as they turned their heads and opened their mouths to speak, their lips touched. Both froze as they looked deeply into the other’s eyes with their lips still touching as tingles of electricity jolted their nerves. As one they closed their eyes and pressed their lips together, quickly followed by their arms wrapping around each other as their tongues danced together. The adults chuckled at the guilty expressions on the blushing faces of the embarrassed teens when they finally broke their kisses. Everyone knew the couples were truly in love.
Most of the teens settled down with blankets, pillows and sleeping bags to watch the rest of New Years Rocking Eve. Jordin Sparks sang her song, "Tattoo” on the Times Square stage. Miley Cyrus was next up singing her songs "Start All Over" and "G.N.O. (Girl's Night Out)". Later, she also sang one of her Hannah Montana songs, "We Got the Party" as a duet with the Jonas Brothers. The Jonas Brothers performed their singles "Hold On" and "SOS". Carrie Underwood was the main performer and sang a medley of "Flat On The Floor", "All-American Girl", and "Before He Cheats". At the Hollywood party singers Plain White T's, Fergie, Sean Kingston, Natasha Bedingfield, Taylor Swift, will.i.am, and OneRepublic performed songs.
The adults ushered the younger children to their rooms and settled down for the night. The teen couples snuggled together under blankets before the big screens. The adults let them be since Larry and Kylie were with them as chaperones and they trusted the youths to not get too frisky. No one was really sure when they fell asleep.
*****
In Pennsylvania, quite a different New years Eve was occurring. The only similarity was that Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin Eve was also on the TV. Five minutes after the ball dropped thirteen year old Justin Raven was struggling to his feet wiping the blood running from his nose and split lip with the back of his hand. The drywall on the wall he’d impacted was crushed in the shape of his body. It was sheer luck he’d hit the wall between studs, otherwise the pain coursing through his battered body would have been much greater. Even so, Justin was achy and dazed. Charlie Raven, in a drunken rage had turned his brutal attention towards his wife, Lorraine, when she interrupted his assault on Justin. Pushed backwards over the dining room table, Lorraine was already unconscious as the furious man choked her.
Despite his spinning head, Justin picked up one of the many empty twelve ounce green Rolling Rock beer bottles. Stumbling from the damaged wall and leaning on furniture for support, he made his way to his father as rapidly as he could. Steeling himself, Justin drew in a deep breath. As he covered the last three feet he grasped the neck of the bottle with both hands and raised it above his head. The difference in balance almost caused him to fall as his knees wobbled. Fighting to stay on his feet and maintain his concentration, he swung the bottle at the back of his father’s head with all his strength.
The jarring impact was too much for Justin as he lost his balance falling against his father’s back before rolling to the floor. Justin never felt his head bounce off the floor as it knocked him unconscious.
Twenty minutes later Justin regained consciousness. His head throbbed. The only sound was the raucous celebration of New Year’‘s Rockin’ Eve 2008 still coming from the TV. Simply lolling his head hurt. Steeling himself he fought back fear and nausea as he gathered his senses. It took a few minutes until he realized his hair hurt when he moved his head because it was matted to the floor by the drying sticky blood pool around his head. At the same time he realized the difficulty he felt breathing was because his nose was blocked with congealed blood. On the good side at least the bleeding had stopped. Except for the TV the rest of the house was still. Slowly he rolled over, wincing as he wrenched his chin length red hair from the gooey jelled blood. Looking up from the floor he saw his parents were still sprawled on the table, mom leaning backwards on the bottom with dad on top. Neither was moving. Slowly, Justin sat up, causing his head to swim. The throbbing pain in his head kept time to the pounding of his heart, making him wince with each heartbeat. As the spinning room settled a bit, he pulled himself to his feet, leaning on the back of a chair for support.
The back of his father’s head was caved in, the imprint of the bottom of the beer bottle clearly visible in his shaven head. Blood and brain was already drying where it had oozed out of the broken skull. Reaching around the clearly dead man, he took his mother’s hand. It was limp and cold with no pulse. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he noted his dad’s hands were still locked around her throat with the tips of his thumbs buried into her flesh. The vertigo increased and Justin dropped to his knees and vomited everything he’d eaten that evening. By the time he finished heaving, the dizziness passed. Taking a few deep breaths, he once more pushed himself to his feet.
Justin staggered to the couch and flopped down, crying torrents. The sour taste in his mouth and burning in his throat went unnoticed. It wasn’t that he hadn’t anticipated a beating when he told his parents. In fact he’d fully prepared himself for one, even going so far as to post his plans for the night on Facebook so that if he didn’t survive, the world would know the truth. What he had not foreseen was his mother coming to his aid. She’d never before interfered when his dad was beating him so he’d had no idea she would do so that night.
Now he was an orphan. While his parents had not been loving and in truth cold, they had provided food and a place to live. The only family he had left was his paternal grandparents and they were even worse bigots than his dad. Justin had no doubt they’d make his life an even bigger hell than it had been.
With a shudder he recalled his life. Some of his earliest memories were being yelled at and belittled for being afraid to aggressively play on the soccer field, for shutting his eyes and holding his glove before his face when a line drive was hit to him and for crying when he was made to stick a worm on a hook. The trauma of having his beloved stuffed animals shredded in the branch chopper was still a vivid preschool memory.
Oh, he learned to be tough but he never adapted to the rough and tumble life he was expected to live. Being a sissy was simply not an option that had been open. Sports and family fishing and recently hunting had been a requirement of his life. Grandpa was even more demanding than his dad. Justin had learned to subdue his inner sensitivity, projecting a quasi tough guy persona. No one noticed the paucity of smiles or the lack of friends. Justin had often contemplated suicide, but never developed the courage to do more than think about doing the deed.
His dismal life became a tad more bearable four years previously when he was in the fourth grade. By that time Charlie had come to the begrudging realization Justin would never be a jock. That didn’t mean the boy didn’t have to try. But the disappointing failures became so normal the scolding and chastisement was blunted.
That malevolent status quo cracked the day Justin did the unthinkable. Forced to play Pop Warner Football, Justin was a seasoned bench warmer. Like most teams, every player was placed on field for at least one play. It was near the end of the game. The offense took over the ball on the fifty with twenty seconds left. Justin’s team was up by one. They intended to merely play out the clock.
Justin was too small to play on the line and too afraid to run a pattern. The best he could do was scurry about behind the line in an attempt to distract the defense. The ball was snapped. The quarter back looked to fake a pass before going to ground. He never saw the guy coming in from his blind-side. The impact was hard and the football popped loose from the quarterback’s grasp before he went down. Several hands touched the ball as it was bobbled about. Justin’s back was towards the play so he turned to see what was going on... just in time for the ball to gently hit him in the chest. By instinct he clutched the ball, not knowing what to do... until he saw the opposing players rushing him. Justin turned and ran... away from the line of scrimmage. The shouts of NO from his teammates, coaches and dad sounded like GO. Not wanting to be smeared, Justin went... right into the endzone... where he was tackled. Due to the Safety, suddenly his team was down by one.
The game resumed with five seconds on the clock and was over all too soon. Needless to say Justin was crucified by his teammates, coaches, the other parents and his father. Charlie was so livid he grabbed Justin and dragged him to his Explorer, throwing him in the front seat. Stones flew from the tires as he tore out of the parking lot.
“I don’t know why I saved your worthless fucking hide,” Charlie swore. “I should have let them beat the shit out of you! How can you be so freaking stupid! A Safety... a freaking Safety after a fifty yard wrong way run! My God, just how fucked up are you? I’ll never live this down! My son... MY SON... a fucking waste!”
Justin did his best to sink into his seat. While he wasn’t sure what had happened, he understood he’d screwed up big time and cost the team the game. The harsh condemnation was true. He was a waste. He’d never been any good. As a boy he was a complete failure. It took all his strength to hold in his tears and fears. In his heart he understood if he cried or whined or even just opened his mouth he was in deep shit.
Charlie was beyond pissed. Thankfully he was also sober. Killing the boy would not be allowed. In frustration he smashed the PLAY button on the CD player. Lonesome George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers sprang to life playing Bad to the Bone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AozJBa3Q-1s “Now that’s an appropriate song for you,” Charlie sneered as his hands picked up the beat on the steering wheel.
Justin sadly agreed. Then something happened... something that saved what little self esteem the nearly shattered boy had. Buddy Leach let rip with the sax solo. (2:40 into the song) The wailing sax jumped into Justin’s soul. “That’s what I can do,” Justin whispered as he raised his chin from his chest.
“What?” Charlie snapped.
“I could do that! We just had a class at school where they want us to learn instruments,” Justin said with mounting excitement. “The sax... that’s me... I can DO that!”
Charlie was still super pissed but for the first time he saw a spark in Justin’s eyes. The kid was serious. Saxophone... Band... when he’d been on the highschool football team the band had been full of geeks... band geeks... but they did pump up the football team. At least in the bleachers Justin couldn’t fuck up an entire game. While it certainly was something he’d never have considered, being a band geek seemed better than a being a spaz on the field. There was no way Charlie could ever again risk being so humiliated by his inept son. So although it ate at him, he’d never force the boy to join another team. “We’ll see,” Charlie finally muttered. “You sure as hell can’t get any worse!”
Justin never went back to the team and did get a sax. It did speak to him and he spoke through it. The pressure to be a sports jock eased, but not the requirement to be involved in sports. Justin meekly accepted the new status quo. By the end of seventh grade he was lead sax in the junior high band and had a place in the jazz band.
While the music helped, it still did nothing to answer why he was so out of sync with nearly everything else. Then near the end of August his hopes first rose and then crashed. The news story about how a transsexual girl in Maryland had led her sisters on foot from Massachusetts and then killed a murderer who had kidnaped her. A girl who was born a boy... a boy who never quite fit into life as a boy... just like him! Could he be like her? Was that the answer to his many failures? If he was a girl how could he even hope to behave like a guy?
But the reaction of his parents and grandparents to Krista’s exploits ruined his joy. They vociferously condemned Krista for her perversion, ignoring her value as a person... just like they did to him. Wisely Justin was able to conceal his disappointment at their bigoted outrage.
A month later his hopes again soared when he saw the news of the cheerleaders singing “Mickey”, led by Krista, awaken the comatose girl. Attached to that was a sub-story about how Krista had rescued Sandi. This time when he cautiously pointed out her exploits in hopes they could see she was a good person, they threw their disgust and condemnation at him.
“What the fuck is it with you and that pansy,” Charlie snarled. “Don’t even try to tell me you like the freak!”
“I didn’t say I liked her,” Justin backtracked. “I just said she’s done some good things.”
“She... you better mean IT,” Charlie raged as the beer he had consumed began to talk. “Fucking Hitler even did some good stuff! At least he tried to kill the fucking Jews instead of letting them own everything!”
Justin knew enough to back away and let his father rant. Why did his father hate Jews? Why did he hate Krista? Why did he hate his son? Justin fled the room as soon as he safely could. Krista’s success only exacerbated his anguish and frustration. That he was jealous of her was clear, but he admired her, she was his hero. Quietly he began researching transsexuals and gender dysphoria. The more he learned the more he became convinced he was transgendered. There was no way in hell he could ever come out to his family.
At school he began to check out the girls. Not lustily like most boys, more like scoping out the competition. Tomboyish types held little interest for him as they were too close to his current existence. Girls who were fashion mavens also held little interest as they seemed too superficial. Those who dressed to tease were dismissed out of hand. It didn’t take him long to decide he liked girly-girls. They clearly enjoyed their girlishness. Their ability to hug, to cry, or to giggle as the mood hit them spoke to his soul. There was little doubt in his mind the emptiness he’d felt all his life could be filled by living like those girls.
Still all Justin could do was dream and Krista became a part of those dreams and hope. At the same time knowing that he was a girl stuck in a boy’s yucky life led to more frustration than he’d ever experienced. For the first time he understood that ignorance could be bliss.
It was the news report about the Christmas dance that had galvanized his determination. Krista had not only encouraged another transsexual to come out, but the new girl had been elected queen of the dance! Then there was the added bonus of a pair of boys coming out as a couple to make things better. Krista truly was his hero. Again, the story had generated nothing but condemnation and ridicule from his family.
During the days that followed, the pressure became too great for him to continue living his now hated fake boy life. Justin made up his mind to reveal that he too felt like a girl trapped in a boy’s body. If by some slim chance at least someone in his family could accept and help him, that would be fantastic. Being realistic, Justin figured the blow up would result in his death, a sort of suicide by cop scenario. Coming out to his parents was his sole New Years Resolution.
After the ball had dropped, Justin rose and stood before his parents. “Mom, Dad, I need to tell you my New Year’s Resolution. I can’t continue to live like this. I’m like Krista Scott, that girl from Maryland. I’m transsexual. I’m a girl trapped in a boy’s body.”
“Justin, that is not funny,” Lorraine scolded.
“Fuck,” Charlie scowled as he stood up. “I’m going to kick your freakin’ ass just for saying something so stupid!”
“I know it’s not funny,” Justin bravely replied as he tried to control his trembling. “But it is the way I feel and I can’t keep hiding it. Plain and simple, it’s the truth. I am a girl born in a boy’s body. Dad, I fully expect you to beat me to death. At least if I’m dead, I won’t have to continue living a lie. So just get it over with, beat me!”
“Oh I’m going to beat you all right, you little fuckin’ fag!” Nearly insane with rage at Justin’s audacity, Charlie swung. A meaty fist connected via a savage right hook to Justin’s face. Blood seemed to explode from his nose and mouth as the force of the blow sent him reeling backwards into the wall. As Charlie went to follow through with the beating, Lorraine did the unexpected.
She stood and grabbed Charlie’s arm to stop him. “Charlie no, the damn kid is serious. He wants you to kill him!”
Those words and actions further infuriated Charlie. When she grabbed his arm he turned on her wrapping his hands around her throat choking her violently while shoving her across the room to the dining room table. “This is all your fault, you stupid bitch! You wanted me to knock you up after the prom! Then like a dumb fuckin’ cow you give me a faggot instead of a son! First I’m going to kill you, then I’m going to finish off the damn fag!”
*****
Chapter 4
With the horrid reminisces over, Justin began to think about what to do next. He’d been so sure he’d be beaten to death he had not thought of any possibilities for surviving. Under the circumstances, Justin figured he’d wouldn’t be criminally charged with killing his dad, but his life was beyond redemption. The Facebook posting would out him as a transsexual. No one at school would ever let him live it down and his grandparents certainly would not. His only option was to run away. But where could a thirteen year old go? As his reasoning coalesced, he realized there was only one place that offered any hope of safety and acceptance. Krista and the Clan Wells Point.
Standing slowly, the vertigo passed quickly. Silently he headed into the kitchen and rinsed his still sour mouth. Then he used a damp towel to clean the worst of the clotted blood from his face and hair. Before returning to his parents, Justin took all the money, the cell phone and keys to his mom’s 2002 Ford Escort from her purse on the kitchen counter. Back at the table where his parents lay, he took all the money from his father’s wallet. It really creeped him out digging in the dead man’s back pocket. Nearly exhausted, he sat once more on the sofa to think and gather his thoughts.
The pain from his beating and the emotional turmoil was beginning to drag him down. His head was still throbbing in time to his heart and the entire left side of his face was aching something fierce. The vision of his left eye was blurry and he knew from past experience he was going to have one hell of a black eye. Part of him just wanted to give up and let whatever would occur happen. Still, he’d managed to confront his parents and it was they, not he, who lay dead. That had to mean he was on the right track and could not give up now. With new energy and determination, he forced himself to stand.
Digging in his mom’s purse once more he found her Vicodin and took one, pocketing the prescription bottle. At least the pain would help him stay awake. Going to his room, he dug in his desk and pulled out the notebook he’d created concerning Krista’s exploits. Having previously thought of running away to there, he had printed out a Mapquest route.
Dumping his gym clothes from his duffle bag, he stuffed the few treasures he’d managed to accumulate and hide from his parents. The six inch white Coca Cola bear with it’s red scarf was retrieved from it’s hiding place in the back of a desk drawer. Other treasures were wrapped in crumbled newspaper and stuffed in a battered shoebox hidden in the back of his closet. Carefully he checked his treasures. First was a small delicate three inch high multi-hued glass unicorn that was meant to hang in a window. He’d bought that on a fifth grade class field trip to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Next was a finely worked wooden jewelry/music box that appropriately played ‘Music Box Dancer’ as a delicate ballerina twirled when the lid was opened. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N_tmH6y7ng This he had purchased at an outdoor flea market five miles from his home. Last summer he’d ridden his bike there to look around at the many treasures and had fallen in love with the darling music box. Of course he knew if his treasures had ever been discovered there would have been hell to pay. That no longer was a concern. With his treasures in the duffle bag slung across a sore shoulder, he grabbed his instrument case and the notebook. The sax had become a window on his soul and he’d become quite adept at playing. The soulful wail of the sax was just about the only escape he had from his otherwise frustrating life. After slipping on his jacket, he grabbed several cans of Coke from the fridge and went out to the Escort.
The car started right up. Fortunately the gas tank was full. Wells Point was one hundred seventy five miles away, a trip of a bit over three and a half hours according to Mapquest. After adjusting the seat forward as far as it would go and adjusting the mirrors, he was ready to leave. Cautiously, he backed out of the driveway, then pulled out in the street. Hopefully he could make the trip before dawn so the night would keep his youth incognito. Once he was twenty miles from home, he pulled over and called 911.
“911, What is the nature of your emergency,” a woman’s voice answered the call.
“My name is Justin Raven. I’m thirteen and live at the intersection of Main Street, Virginville Road, and Gilardone Road in Virginville,” he began startled at how hoarse his voice sounded. “My dad attacked me. He punched me through the wall and I blacked out for a moment. Apparently mom tried to stop him and he began choking her. I clobbered him on the back of the head with a beer bottle then passed out. When I came too, they were both dead. The lights are on and the door is unlocked. Goodbye.”
“Wait...” was all he heard the 911 operator frantically say before he disconnected the call.
The Vicodin was easing the throbbing but also dulling his already frazzled attention. The determined but terrified boy popped open a can of Coke and downed it in a minute. After a loud belch, Justin pulled out and resumed his long trip. It was 1:30am.
For once he was glad his dad had forced him to drive the big Explorer on the fire lanes when they’d gone into the mountains deer hunting. The little Escort was a lot easier to handle and didn’t have the overwhelming power of the Explorer. The only rough spot was when an oncoming car passed by. The headlights made his left eye burn and made the throbbing in his head grow worse. Using all his strength to concentrate, he drew on his tough guy shield to bull his way onward. Driving at the speed limit and keeping both hands on the steering wheel he managed to stay in his lane and avoided calling attention to his driving. By 2:30, his bladder demanded relief. It was only then that he realized he couldn’t stop to use a restroom since he hadn’t cleaned himself up. After berating himself for his stupidity, he pulled into the empty parking lot of a business. Stepping outside, the cold air seemed to reinvigorate him a bit. Still a bit wobbly on his feet he staggered to some bushes and relieved his need.
Before he set out, he turned off the heater and cracked the windows to allow the chilly early morning air inside. As he drove, the cool air seemed to help his concentration but it also made his injured face throb. After ten minutes, he pulled over to the side of the road, popped open another Coke, popped another Vicodin in his mouth, and washed it down with a long draught of the fizzy drink. In a few minutes, he was back on the road.
The trip became a series of drives, a quick stop to empty his bladder, pop another Vicodin and wash it down with Coke. In this manner, he made his way south. About every hour on the road ended with a five minute pee and Vicodin break. It was 5:30am when he rolled through St. Michaels. By then he had a nasty case of tunnel vision and was having difficulty staying awake. The cold, caffeine and sugar of the Cokes were barely sufficient to keep the Vicodin from overwhelming his consciousness. It was only sheer determination coupled with desperation that he managed to stay in his lane and continue on.
When he reached Neavitt, he realized he’d passed Wells Point Lane. Slowly he turned around and headed back up route 579. This time he at least saw the road sign for Wells Point Lane as he drove by it. Once more he turned around and this time entered the lane. At the end of his endurance, he felt relieved he’d safely made it. The unpaved lane was a lot narrower than the main roads. The branches of the trees formed an arch over the lane as he slowly made his way. The darkness further dulled his senses and he quickly faded into a stupor as the everything caught up to him. Shortly after emerging into the fields beyond the forest Dougherty lane met Wells Point Lane. At that intersection Wells Point Lane turned northeast at about an eighty degree angle while Dougherty Lane went almost straight onward. In his semi conscious state, Justin continued straight ahead and drove down Dougherty Lane. Dougherty Lane ended in a forty five degree angle where it merged into John’s Cove Lane. The turn was too sharp for Justin to react. The Escort crossed Johns Cove Lane and jounced twenty feet across the tussocked area bordering the road into a corner of the forest on the other side. Since he was only going about twenty MPH, the impact into the brush and trees never triggered the air bag.
The jarring and abrupt stop did snap Justin back to groggy wakefulness, but he was pretty well wasted. Too exhausted even to attempt to back out, he managed to flip the heat and blower back on before he passed out. It was 6:00am.
*****
Dwayne and Phil rose with Jimmy and Tony to join Larry for breakfast before heading down Johns Cove Lane to the main farm to milk the cows. Although they’d only had a few hours sleep, Dwayne and Phil were excited to get a look at what was in store for them once they were fully healed. The five left the B&B in Larry’s Ranger Edge a bit before 7:00am. All were stunned to see a Ford Escort jammed into the trees at the side of the road.
Stopping, they jumped out of the cab and hurried to the car. They could see the engine was still running as the front wheels were still lazily spinning, slipping in the grass and mud rut it had created. They hoped whoever was inside had not succumbed to CO poisoning. What they found shocked them. A bloodied boy about the age of the four guys was slumped over the steering wheel. The entire left side of his face was purple and swollen. Fortunately the windows were cracked open so a CO buildup shouldn’t have happened.
“Tony, call the B&B,” Larry ordered as he tried to open the door. “Tell Leroy, Pat and Dr. Olsen to get down here ASAP. Dwayne, get the blanket tucked under the driver’s seat of my truck. I’m going to try to break in the passenger side door window so we can get to him”.
Larry tried four times using a branch they’d found as a battering ram in a useless attempt to smash the window. The boy had not moved during the jarring blows. It was only due to the shallow movement of his breathing they could see he was still alive. Jimmy finally pushed Larry aside and standing tip-toe reached his skinny arm through the narrow gap at the top of the window to grasp and lift the lock button. Once the door was open, Larry slipped inside and shifted the car into park. The interior of the car wasn’t as frigid as they feared due to the heater still running so Larry decided to let the engine run to keep the boy warm. Taking the blanket, he covered the boy.
“It has Pennsylvania plates,” Dwayne stated as they tried to sort out how the boy had gotten here.
Larry opened the glove box and found the owners and insurance cards. The car was registered to Charles and Lorraine Raven in Virginville, Pennsylvania. On the floor beneath his feet he noted four empty cans of Coke and a notebook. A bottle of Vicodin was in the cupholder. Picking up the notebook, he was surprised to see it not only held a Mapquest route to Wells Point, it also had printed copies of the news reports about Krista!
Leroy, Pat and Dr. Olsen pulled up behind the Ranger. Pat was out and heading over to the driver’s side of the Escort as Larry exited the car with the registration cards and the notebook. Dr. Olsen slipped into the passenger seat as Leroy took the items and quickly scanned them, instantly realizing the boy had fled to them. Pat and Dr. Olsen checked the boy and saw that while he was badly bruised, none of the injuries appeared life threatening. The open bottle of Vicodin and the empty Coke cans were worrisome.
“We should call for an ambulance,” Dr. Olsen stated. “I don’t think his injuries are critical, but the Vicodin worries me.”
“Unless it’s an absolute must, I don’t think we should,” Larry cautiously replied. “He drove one hundred seventy five miles to get here... to see Krista.”
Everyone looked at him in amazement until Leroy spoke. “The boy is from Pennsylvania and he drove here, obviously after getting beaten. In his notebook he has clippings of all the news reports about Krista. He was fleeing something nasty and I think I have a good idea what it is. There is a print out in here of what he posted on Facebook last night. He said he’s a transsexual like his hero Krista and that she’s given him the courage to finally face his parents. It also says he posted this because he wants the world to know why his father killed him.”
“Oh dear God,” Pat exclaimed. “It’s obvious he was beaten and fled here for protection.”
“I’ll contact the Pennsylvania State Police,” Leroy said as a third vehicle pulled up.
It was Jane’s old van. David, Robert, Sheila, Heather Reese, Jaz, and Krista jumped out to see if they could help.
“I think you should read this before we go any further,” Leroy said as he handed the notebook to Krista.
Looking over Krista’s shoulder they read the contents with surprise. Krista handed the notebook off to Jaz and rushed to her mother’s side to look at the battered boy.
“Krista, talk to him,” Pat said. “Let him know who you are and that he’s safe here with us. It might be enough to wake him up. If it does, we can see how disoriented he is to determine if we can handle him or if we need to get him to a hospital.”
Krista nodded her head and stepped beside the bludgeoned boy. Gently she placed a hand on his arm and squeezed. “Justin... Justin.... I’m glad to meet you! I’m Krista... Krista Scott. I’m pleased you were able to drive all the way from Pennsylvania to meet me. Please wake up, Justin, we want to help you. You’ve made it to the Clan Wells Point. Justin, wake up.”
Justin stirred and moaned a bit, then jerked his head up and winced in pain. Then he looked around with his one good but bleary eye. He saw a pretty girl standing beside him touching his arm. “Are you an angel come to get me?”
His voice was ragged and barely above a whisper.
“Some people call me an angel,” Krista smiled as the boy tried to focus on her face. “A few call me a devil. I simply call myself Krista. Welcome to the Clan Wells Point.”
Justin instantly perked up and sat up as his mouth dropped open. “You’re Krista? I made it? Oh thank you God, thank you!” Then he reached for Krista who accommodated his desperate need for a hug as he began to cry into her chest.
When he regained control, Dr. Olsen spoke up. “Justin, I’m Dr. Olsen. I need to ask you this and it’s very important you tell me the truth. How many Vicodin did you take and how long ago?”
Even in his groggy state, Justin recalled he’d heard Dr. Olsen mentioned in the news stories about Krista which immediately allowed him to trust the woman. “I’m not really sure. I took one before I left home, then I took one with every Coke I drank.”
“There are four Coke cans on the floor,” Dr. Olsen explained. “That means you took five Vicodin. What time did you take the first”
Justin frowned in thought. “I called 911 a bit after 1:30 to tell them about my parents so I guess I took the first one about 1:00.”
“That probably means you took about one an hour,” Dr. Olsen calculated. “That’s a pretty high dose but not fatal. No wonder you’re so groggy. It’s a miracle you were able to drive all this way.”
“I had to,” Justin sniffed as he snuggled into Krista. “I killed my dad after he killed my mom.” Justin once more began to cry as he buried his face into Krista.
Everyone exchanged looks of shock. “At least that explains his 911 call,” Leroy sighed. “Now I definitely have to call the Pennsylvania State Police. Let’s get him up to the B&B. You can get him cleaned up and get some food into him while I make the call.”
Justin refused to let go of Krista although he did consent to merely holding her hand as David and Robert walked him back to Jane’s van. Jaz brought his instrument case and his duffle bag. Ten minutes later the groggy boy was seated at the table in the B&B sipping hot chocolate. Jane was already spooning blueberry pancake batter onto the griddle to get some solid food into the boy to help dilute the Vicodin. Pat gently wiped the dried blood from Justin’s face and neck. The Vicodin had so numbed his senses he didn’t even wince.
Justin simply let himself float along. His mind was so tired and so drugged he wondered if he was dreaming. It seemed impossible his parents were dead and he was with Krista. With a puppy dog look of adoration he smiled at his idol as she sat beside him resting a comforting hand on his arm. Now that he had seen her in person, she seemed even more heroic. Even though she was wearing jeans and a hoodie, she looked cute. She was a genetic boy, just like him, but he could see no boy in her. Even as he ate the delicious pancakes, he couldn’t help but hope he would be allowed to let his girl side out.
The Pennsylvania State Police were relieved Justin had turned up. They had responded to his 911 call and discovered his dead parents. The scene left little doubt as to the sequence of events and that Justin had acted in defense of his mother and himself. They were still trying to figure out what had triggered the fight so Leroy told them to check the boy’s computer and Facebook page. Leroy assured them the boy was in good hands and receiving care. Leroy also described the boy’s injuries and his overuse of the Vicodin. After giving them the contact numbers for the Talbot County Sheriffs’ office and himself, they ended the conversation.
Leroy then called into the Sheriff’s office to report the incident. Finally he called Judge Watkins to ask that she appoint Pat and he temporary guardians of the boy. When he was done, he sat at the table with Justin, Krista, Jaz, Pat and Dr. Olsen as they ate breakfast. He explained his call to the Pennsylvania State Police and their reply that they found Justin’s deceased parents and that they had already concluded that Justin had acted in self defense. Justin breathed a sigh of relief when he was informed the Scotts had been granted temporary guardianship.
Justin didn’t object to the suggestion he take a quick shower before getting some much needed sleep. Knowing Pat was a nurse he didn’t object to having her in the bathroom to make sure he was safe. When he finished showering, Krista came into the room to give him a spare set of Jimmy’s pajamas. While a bit disappointed in the boy’s PJs, he understood he had to make do with what was at hand, especially as he was an uninvited guest.
Needless to say Justin fell into an exhausted drug hazed sleep as soon as his head touched the pillow in the bedroom he was shown to. Jaz and Krista took turns sitting in the room quietly reading as he slept so the boy would not be left alone. Pat and Dr. Olsen checked in at least once an hour. Justin slept peacefully. While he slept, they checked the contents of his duffle bag. The contents did not surprise them as they were obviously prize possessions. The battered instrument case revealed a shiny gold saxophone. Krista and Jaz smiled, knowing that if things went well, they now had another member for their band.
Judge Watkins, Dr. Sykes and Rev Giles arrived at the B&B about 5:00pm to check on Justin and read the notebook he’d brought with him. Judge Watkins had received the details of the case from the Pennsylvania State Police and they had received her writs stating she had appointed the Scotts as temporary local guardians until the legalities could be worked out for whatever proved to be in Justin’s best interest. She also assured them Justin would be made available for interviews but would be kept in protective custody in Talbot County for the next few weeks.
Dr. Sykes, Judge Watkins, Rev Giles, Dr. Olsen, Kevin, Leroy and Pat joined Krista in the bedroom as it had been decided to awaken the boy. Krista protested until they explained he needed to wake up to eat and to stay up for a few hours so he’d sleep through the night. Once more Krista gently squeezed Justin’s arm as she called his name.
Justin moaned and rolled a bit, then snapped awake to look at Krista. “Krista! It wasn’t a dream! Oh God... that means I killed dad... and he killed mom... oh God!”
“It’s okay, Justin,” Krista smiled sadly. “You’re safe with us now. I’d like to introduce you to some of the people who are going to help you. This is Dr. Wanda Sykes, she’s a gender specialist who will be evaluating your gender dysphoria. She’s my doctor so I know you’ll be in good hands! Judge Catherine Watkins, she’s the one who approved my name and gender change and has placed you in protective custody in the care of my parents. Rev. Giles is our pastor and is very understanding and supportive about gender issues. Dr. Olsen is a neurological physiatrist. Kevin Stewart is the Clan Wells Point lawyer. These two are my dad, Sheriff’s Deputy Leroy Scott, and my mom, Patricia Scott, she’s a nurse. These are the people who are going to help you get your life straightened out. They’ll need your full cooperation and honesty. We’ve all read the notebook you brought... by the way I’m flattered and humbled. We’ve also read your Facebook page. We all understand the issues surrounding gender dysphoria and that the only way to treat it is to let the person live there life in a manner that is best for the person. Do you feel up to answering a few questions before we go to eat?”
“No, but I’ll do it,” Justin nodded as he smiled weakly while looking at the concerned faces surrounding him.
The questions asked pertained to what happened in his home New Years Eve. Justin answered them softly and succinctly, obviously distressed by the horrific events. They asked about any other family and he told them of his paternal grandparents and their bigoted attitudes, clearly terrified of the idea of being sent to live with them.
Since Justin’s clothes were clearly ruined by the fight and blood, they provided him with a pair of jeans and sweater from Jimmy’s wardrobe. Justin hid his disappointment as he gratefully accepted the clothes.
The entire Clan Wells Point with their guests sat down to a delicious supper. Justin was made to feel welcome and accepted by all. It was quite a surprise to learn that Kylie, Larry’s fiancee, was also a transsexual! Despite only being a girl for less than two weeks Jamie was quite girlish. Then there was Phil and Dwayne. In most ways they seemed like typical guys, not at all swishy. That the boys were openly holding hands was accepted as normal. This place was just great! No one even blinked an eye at the diversity. Now that he’d seen this life style was not only possible but encouraged made him fear having to leave.
After the meal, those in the bedroom when he awakened gathered with Justin to discuss his feelings of being transgendered. While a bit timid at first, having Krista present and knowing these people were helping Krista transition, he opened up to them. Once the flood gates were opened, his angst and inner turmoil gushed forth. By 9:00pm Justin was clearly worn out. Everyone assured him they believed he truly felt he was transgendered which made him smile.
“Justin, just because we believe we feel you are most likely transgendered does not mean you actually are transgendered,” Dr. Sykes cautioned causing his spirits to droop. “We need several counseling sessions and you’ll need to take a few gender assessment exams before we can give you a professional opinion that you’re transgendered.”
“I’ll see to it that you stay here while you take those tests and meet with Dr. Sykes so I can issue that ruling,” Judge Watkins added. “You will have to meet with representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and answer their questions about your family while you’re here. For the present we intend to keep your arrival here low key and under-wraps. It will give you time to adjust without being in the spotlight. However, you DID come to the Clan Wells Point, so at some point your presence will be revealed.”
“As your lawyer, I’ll insist you only be questioned in my presence,” Kevin added. “When you prove to be transgendered, I’ll handle the paperwork to get your name and gender status changed.”
“Pat and I have been granted temporary guardianship of you,” Leroy spoke up. “You’ll be coming home with us tonight. Unfortunately, our home is already crowded, so if we get approval for you to permanently stay with the Clan Wells Point, it’ll have to be with another family. Several families are talking it over right now and we should know the volunteer soon.”
“At least for the start of your stay here, I’ll be sharing my bedroom with you,” Krista smiled. “Hopefully we can get you into school with us before too long.”
“I think I understand,” Justin nodded. “Thank you for helping me. Does all this mean I can finally start to live as girl?”
“At least part time,” Dr. Sykes replied. “Until I can make a a professional diagnosis that you are transgendered you’ll still officially be a boy.”
“Justin isn’t a great name for a girl,” Krista added. “Does your girl self have a name?”
“Yes,” Justin timidly replied. “I’m really Jennifer Sue... Jennifer Sue Raven.”
“Well Jennifer Sue,” Krista smiled. “Welcome to the Clan Wells Point. What do you say we gather up the rest of my family and head home?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Jennifer Sue replied with a huge grin as she basked in the warmth of her name.
Leroy and Pat headed out to round up their brood while everyone else gave Jennifer Sue a warm, welcoming and accepting hug. Together, Krista and Jennifer Sue headed out to say goodnight to everyone else. Jennifer couldn’t help but feel envious of Krista as Tony gave her a hug and kiss.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the farmhouse. During the short trip, the younger kids welcomed Jennifer Sue into their family. By the time they entered the home, ‘Jennifer Sue’ had been reduced to a more manageable ‘Jenny’.
After the ‘goodnights’ were exchanged, Krista led Jenny to her bedroom where she handed the new girl a bathrobe, nightgown, panties and slippers. Jenny trembled as she meekly accepted the girl’s clothes. Never before had she had an opportunity to even check out girl’s clothes, yet now she was being given some to wear! The trauma of the last twenty four hours seemed surreal.
In a few moments the duo were in the bathroom. Jenny showered first while Krista brushed her teeth and removed the small amounts of makeup she’d worn. When Jenny was done, Krista handed her a towel.
Krista,” Jenny asked. “Can you please show me how a girl wraps a towel around her?”
“Of course,” Krista smiled and instructed the new girl in the proper procedure.
Once she stepped out of the shower, Krista stepped in. Jenny picked up the panties that went with the nightie and smiled broadly. With a smile of sheer delight she looked at the enticing panties from every angle, remembering how for the last few months she had so desperately wanted to wear panties. With great deliberation she slowly stepped into her very first pair of girly undies, trying to memorize each delightful sensation as she slowly drew them up her legs to snug them about her tush. For a few moments she lost herself as she took in all the delectable sensations the lace edged nylon tricot panties created as they tickled and caressed her eager flesh. In a few moments, the towel was hung on the rack and the ankle length long sleeved flannel nightgown graced her body. The flowing soft flannel nightgown whispered deliciously against her body as it freely moved, totally unencumbered, nothing like drab boyish clothes. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror she saw her true self... Jennifer Sue! At that moment, finally seeing the girl that had always been hidden within her, she knew she could only be happy as a girl. If something happened to send her back to her grandparents, she’d simply kill herself. She was still reveling in her newfound girlishness when Krista poked her head out of the shower.
“You’d better brush your teeth,” Krista giggled as she grabbed her towel. “My sisters are waiting to get in here. We can enjoy your girlishness in our bedroom.”
Jenny blushed but set to the task. As the girls exited the bath, they knocked on the bedroom door of Teri, Lyndi and Sandi to let them know the bath was vacant. Krista and Jenny were soon snuggled into bed and the lights turned off.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Jenny whispered. “I’ve always known I was different from the other boys. They teased and bullied me unmercifully and my parents and grandparents made it clear they would not let me be a sissy. I learned to hide my inner self but I absolutely hated trying to be a boy. I just felt so alone and lost. When I heard about you on the news, I realized I wasn’t alone. You became my hero. It’s still hard for me to believe I’m here with you! You gave me the strength to go on and after hearing about your Christmas dance, finally the strength to tell my parents. I fully expected dad to kill me. I was ready to die. I never expected to be the only one surviving. God it was horrible.” Jenny began to cry as everything overwhelmed her.
Krista was nearly overwhelmed with compassion for Jenny as she wrapped her arms about the sobbing girl. “Believe me, I KNOW how it feels to have lost someone you love and to have killed someone,” Krista consoled as a slight tremor of guilt about killing Tony’s dad swept her body. “Neither of us EVER intended to hurt anyone, but circumstances merged to force us into the deed. We really had no choice, but that doesn’t mean we have to like what we did or relieve us from feeling guilty. It’s just something we have to live with... like we have to live with being girls in boys’ bodies. It’s simply the way things are. But know this, Jennifer Sue, Jesus lived as a human. He understands from first hand experience how cruel this earthly life can be. As long as our hearts are pure and our intentions good, he can accept and forgive the bad we do. Jesus died to save us. God welcomes the loved ones we have lost. They are with him now. What’s more, when our time here is done, we’ll meet them again! God truly loves us!”
For Jennifer Sue, this was an honest revelation. Her experience with religion had been one of hypocrisy. Going to church where everyone said the right words but seldom lived them. Always do as I say, never do as I do. Yet Krista’s reassurance about God’s love and acceptance was simple and believable. Moreover, Krista walked the walk. Her simple words were soft yet utterly honest and came from the depths of her heart. For the first time in her life, Jennifer Sue had met someone who REALLY knew and loved Jesus! It felt cleansing. Krista wasn’t just a hero... she was a saint! Jenny snuggled in Krista’s welcoming arms, almost purring with delight as she relished her finally realized girlishness. Krista smiled and felt warm all over as Jenny quickly slipped into a peaceful slumber before she joined her new friend.
*****
Chapter 5
The next morning, Krista got ready for school but supplied Jenny with fresh undies, a pair of pink jeans and a sweater. Jenny felt so calm and natural to be dressed as a girl... her true self. The lie her life had been was forever over... she’d either be the girl she truly was or be dead. There were no other options. Even her swollen tender purple face could not conceal her happiness. The terrible hurts of her past life seemed to fade as she immersed herself in her newfound girlishness. Even though she was still a novice girl, she knew girlhood was her destiny.
As the family gathered for breakfast each greeted Jenny warmly. Soon they were divided into vehicles and on their way to work or school. Pat took Krista and Jenny, stopping to pick up Tony, Jimmy, and Jaz. Fifteen minutes later, Krista escorted Jenny into Dr. Sykes’ office at the clinic. The staff knew she was coming and welcomed Jenny with hugs. After a hug and kiss from Krista, she was left to face her inquisition. While apprehensive about the testing and upcoming discussions, she fully understood it was the primary step in legally proving that mentally she was a girl. Strangely, the unease and fear Justin had always felt when beginning a new activity was not nearly as intense and paralyzing as it had every time in the past.
The office employee lounge, located just off the reception area was where they set Jenny up. This kept her away from the curious eyes of other patients but near to the staff. The tests were bizarre and confusing. They didn’t ask for correct answers like the tests she took in school. They asked opinions and about feelings. Dr. Sykes continued to see her scheduled patients but made time to keep an eye on and talk to Jenny. Linda Roberts, the young receptionist, made sure Jenny had snacks and Cokes and took frequent breaks to simply move about and stretch. No one on the staff was other than smiling and supportive. Between the testing sessions, Dr. Sykes made sure to spend at least twenty minutes just talking to Jenny. In the late morning Linda stepped out and brought back sandwiches and Cokes for lunch. Jenny, Dr. Sykes, and Linda ate together and just talked. They obviously cared which made Jenny feel comfortable and relaxed.
It had been agreed by the teens to say nothing about Justin to their classmates. Barney, Freddy, and Jamie were welcomed by nearly everyone as the trio returned to school. No one hassled Jamie. While she was without doubt a large girl, she was not overweight. In fact, most were stunned by her femininity. The classes at the Charm School Academy had paid off. For the most part Dwayne and Phil were warmly greeted by their classmates. They too marveled at the open acceptance of their relationship.
When the school day ended, Pat picked a weary Jennifer Sue from Dr. Sykes’ office. The welcome hugs from Krista and Jaz were so warm and caring she had difficulty believing she wasn’t dreaming. The fact no one involved with the Clan Wells Point or Dr. Syke’s office seemed to be bent out of shape by her sudden appearance simply amazed her. Everyone not only accepted her, they encouraged her to simply be herself. The friendship of the teens, obviously with diverse backgrounds yet so in tune, boggled her mind. Suddenly she’d gone from a lonely, friendless outcast to being accepted into a caring group. Her biggest fear was that she’d be forced to go back to Pennsylvania and her grandparents. She was already feeling the Clan Wells Point was her home.
That evening, Jamie and Ruth Ewell and Kevin Stewart dined with the Scotts and Jane. The younger kids headed off to their games and homework while the adults, Jamie, Krista, and Jenny remained at the table. The three girls sat side by side with Jenny in the middle.
“I’ve been in contact with the authorities in Pennsylvania,” Kevin began. “They’re sending a detective down tomorrow to talk to you, Jenny. As I said before, you have nothing to fear. Their investigation has confirmed your story of what happened. But they still need to hear it directly from you. At this point, they have no intention of trying to take you back.”
Jenny breathed a sigh of relief. “Will they try to get me back sometime?”
“At this point,” Kevin replied. “If we can come up with someone here who will take you in on a permanent basis, the Berks County authorities seem inclined to let you stay here. The only fly in the ointment is your grandparents. If they press for custody, they’d most likely win.”
“I’ll kill myself before I go back to them,” Jenny stated coldly.
Krista immediately reached over and took Jenny’s hand in a comforting manner.
“From what the police investigator told me,” Kevin said. “When they were told what you said happened, they said they were glad to be rid of you. Only their language was a lot more, shall we say, colorful.”
“I have no trouble believing that,” Jenny sighed as she blinked back tears. “They were as bad as my parents about insisting I ‘man up’. If they know telling my parents I’m transgendered is what caused the fight... the only reason they’d want me is to punish me for being a sinner.”
“Jennifer Sue, you are NOT a sinner,” Ruth declared. “I’m ashamed to admit I allowed my husband to browbeat Jamie in a manner similar to what you endured. I tried to deny that brutal truth for years and suffered in silence. By doing so I was unwittingly allowing Jamie to be abused. It wasn’t until Jamie confronted us that I finally understood how horrible I had been treating Jamie by allowing his father to abuse him. Perhaps your mother finally realized that... in her own way, just like me, she thought she was a loving mother helping her son to grow into a man, guided by a man, since as a woman she had no idea what it took to be a man. It was only during that final confrontation that she understood how wrong she’d been. Jennifer, if Jamie had confronted us at home with being transgendered, I have no doubt his father would have went into such a rage he’d have killed him. I would have done everything I could to save Jamie. Sweetie, I really think your mother sacrificed her life to save you.”
Tears filled Jenny’s eyes as she now realized that was exactly what her mother had done. Even though it may not have been a conscious intentional self sacrifice, it still happened. After all the years of letting her father beat and torment her, mom had stepped in when she realized it had become life threatening. Krista hugged Jenny as everyone patiently waited.
“After you’re interviewed tomorrow, I’ll draw up a writ of release,” Kevin declared. “I’ve already contacted a local lawyer in Pennsylvania who is friendly to your interests. I’ll take the writ to Pennsylvania and, with that lawyer, have your grandparents sign off on all custodial rights to you. This will in no way effect your rights to your parents’ estate and the local lawyer will see to it your interests are protected.”
“You’ll be staying with us until they sign the release,” Pat declared. “It shouldn’t take more than week.”
Jenny grew concerned. “What will happen to me then?”
“I’d like to have a little sister,” Jamie smiled as she placed a hand on Jenny shoulder.
“I’d like to have another daughter,” Ruth added. “After all, I now have experience.”
Jenny’s eyes lit up. With a squeal of delight she turned to hug Jamie. “It’ll be fantastic having a queen as a big sister!”
Everyone smiled, knowing the future looked bright for Jennifer Sue.
*****
For Kylie, the day was one of anxiety and near panic. She double and triple checked her luggage. Quadruple checked her passport and papers from Dr. Sykes approving of her upcoming surgery. Finally, at 7:00pm EST, Larry, Robert and Sheila set out to drive Kylie and Evelyn Masters to Dulles International Airport outs Washington, DC. The one hundred twenty mile trip took them two and three quarters hours. Robert dropped Larry and the three ladies and the luggage off and went to park the Escape, then he’d join Larry and Sheila at the visitors area to watch the flight take off.
The goodbyes were tough and Kylie was so sadly happy to see Larry wiping tears from his eyes as it confirmed their mutual love. It would be the first time they were separated for more than sixteen hours since her suicide attempt. Even as they went through the metal detectors, Kylie’s eyes kept flickering back to Larry. It wasn’t until Kylie and her mother had disappeared into the flight departure area that Larry sagged against his mother. He’d done his best to remain strong for Kylie.
The flight to Tokyo boarded at 11:30pm EST. Robert and Sheila stood on either said of their son to give their support. Although the young couple had discussed the SRS surgery, they had carefully avoided the fact the surgery was quite involved and occasionally involved fatal complications. Now that they were separated and she was off on her SRS Odyssey, the fear of the possible negative consequences seemed to rear it’s ugly head.
Larry’s love for his best friend was so deep he would have accepted and married Kylie as she was, a pre-op transsexual. But he understood she couldn’t mentally handle living as an incomplete woman. Their loving relationship, even sleeping together for the last six weeks, had been chaste. Kylie absolutely refused to be touched between her thighs although the rest of her body was available. Out of respect for Kylie, Larry had honored her feelings and went so far as to tell her that until she was ready to let him touch her there, it was not fair for her to touch him in the same area. When she protested saying that guys needed release, he adamantly insisted they were best friends and equals first and lovers second. That made her love him even more.
Kylie missed Larry and wished he’d been able to accompany her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want her mother with her, but Larry was her life. Complicating matters was the fact that she’d never before flown. At Steven and Cynthia Campbell’s insistence they’d booked first class passage on all flights. The flight from DC to Tokyo took off at 12:30am EST, January 3.
Larry stood watching the lights of the plane disappear into the dark night sky. It mirrored the emptiness he felt in his heart. The trip home was silent as Larry brooded in the back seat.
*****
January third started out rough for Kylie and Larry as they were now parted. The teens of the Clan Wells Point gathered at the B&B well before their normal rising time. Tony, Dwayne, and Phil crept into Jimmy’s bedroom where he still slumbered. Standing at the foot of the bed Tony suddenly yanked the covers from the bed as Dwayne and Phil, standing on either side, opened up with super soakers. Taken by surprise, a drenched Jimmy yelped and jumped as the others stood in the door watching for a few seconds before they chorused HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
It took Jimmy another fifteen minutes before he joined the others in the kitchen for breakfast. Even eighteen month old DJ had thought the birthday awakening had been funny. Jimmy, being a good sport, was able to laugh at the prank but every one now wondered what would happen for the next birthday. Dwayne, who had the next birthday, vowed he’d not be caught unawares!
Jenny, once more wearing comfortable girl’s jeans and a sweater, marveled at the open comradery and felt she’d finally truly found a home.
Soon after breakfast, everyone piled into vehicles for the trip to St. Michaels and school. Jenny was again dropped off at the clinic to spend most of the morning with Dr. Sykes as they talked, reviewed the tests she’d taken the day before and took a few more tests. The results so far seemed to confirm that Jenny was indeed a transsexual.
The detective from Pennsylvania arrived just before noon and with Kevin, Leroy and Dr. Sykes, they took Jenny to the Inn at Perry Cabin for lunch. The seafood was delicious and the environment open and warm. After the meal, they sat in front of the crackling fireplace as Jenny told her version of what had happened and answered his questions. The interview wasn’t nearly as hard on the girl as she’d feared.
“Well, when I read your Facebook comment where you declared yourself to be transsexual, I must admit I thought this was going to be some sort of sideshow or a move to show you’re too mentally unbalanced to be responsible,” the detective confessed. “You have proved my misconceptions to be quite wrong. What I see is not a boy dressing as a girl as a joke or as a way of indicating mental instability. I see a scared young girl who understands what she did and feels guilty. You’ve accepted responsibility for your actions and are in obvious distress about the tragedy. What you’ve told me matches with the conclusions of the crime scene investigators. It had already been determined that if your version matched what was discovered, no charges would be filed against you.”
“Thank you,” Jenny sighed with obvious relief. “Will I have to go back to Pennsylvania?”
“Jenny, you can stay here and we’ll be doing everything we can to keep you here,” Leroy told her before turning to the detective. “As a Talbot County Deputy Sheriff, I’ve been authorized by Judge Watkins to represent the county’s interest in Justin/Jennifer Sue. Here is a copy of the judge’s written directive that Jennifer Sue be placed in the protective custody of Talbot County until such time that an adoption could be arranged.”
“As her councilor, I’m giving you a preliminary report that indicates Justin is indeed a transsexual,” Dr. Sykes stated as she handed the detective a report. “Although fleeing the crime scene was not wise, Justin did so out of fear but even then called 911 before seeking refuge in a place he felt would be safe. Removing Jennifer Sue from her present environment could prove quite detrimental to her health.”
The detective accepted her professional opinions and would hand the paperwork over to Berks County Children’s Services.
“As a man,” Leroy declared. “My wife and I have assumed temporary custody of Jennifer Sue and she is currently living with our family.”
“So Jennifer,” the detective stated. “How do feel about staying here with these people?”
“I love it,” Jenny declared without hesitation. “I want to stay here.”
“Well, I have everything I need,” the detective stated. “I’m satisfied the incident was a matter of self defense as the evidence disclosed. With these reports, I don’t see anyone in the legal system who would demand you come back to Pennsylvania. The only thing that might interfere is if your grandparents file a claim to become your guardians.”
“God no,” Jenny gasped as she turned white. “They hated me for not being a macho guy before this happened. If they want me back, it would only be to torture me. I’ll kill myself before I go to live with them!”
The fierceness of her words and the determination she showed convinced everyone she was quite prepared to end her life if she were forced to live with them.
The detective headed back pondering the relationship between Justin and his grandparents. The situation would be investigated and children’s services notified of the enmity.
The afternoon session with Dr. Sykes concentrated more on Jenny’s handling of the tragic night.
*****
For Kylie’s flight, the direct route took them over Canada and northern Alaska. The Six thousand eight hundred twenty two mile flight lasted fourteen and a quarter ours. About two hours into the flight Kylie and Evelyn sent silent thanks to the Campbells for their insistence on flying first class. Once the novelty of flying passed, the pair followed the example of their fellow passengers and napped. They landed in Tokyo at local time 4:45am January 4. It was 2:45pm EST January 3 back home, they’d flown over the international date line.
Once they disembarked waiting for the transfer flight to Bangkok, Kylie called home. Larry answered his cell phone on the second ring. Due to the expense of the call they managed to keep it down to five minutes. The layover was an hour and a half. Kylie and her mom never left the secured section of the airport although they still had to be checked by Japanese security.
They left Tokyo for Bangkok at 4:15pm EST, 6:15am Tokyo time. The two thousand eight hundred sixty mile flight took six hours. They landed in Bangkok at 10:15pm EST, 10:15am TT (Thailand time). The time zones were exactly twelve hours apart, with Thailand being ahead of St. Michaels. The time changes were quite disorienting for the nouveau world travelers. As they were lined up to pass through customs, Kylie again called Larry.
Despite the late hour, 11:00pm EST when the five minute call ended, Larry called his parents and Krista to let them know Kylie was safely in Bangkok.
As Thursday turned into Friday back in Wells Point, Kylie and Evelyn passed through customs at the Bangkok Airport. As promised, they were met by a representative of the Suporn Clinic Staff. They were transported in the Clinic's luxury air-conditioned coach to the Mercure Hotel in Chonburi, about sixty miles away from the airport and forty miles southeast of Bangkok. They arrived at the hotel 1:00pm TT and were settled into their suite by one. At 2:30pm they were again picked up by a clinic representative to be transported to the clinic even though the luxury hotel was just a bit over two hundred yards from the clinic since all transportation to and from the hospital was provided by the clinic. Kylie was nervous as she underwent a clinical assessment followed by a consultation and discussion with Dr Suporn. The SRS surgery was scheduled for 8:00am TT the next day, January 5. Kylie and Evelyn returned to the hotel to relax and take it easy in order to overcome jet lag.
*****
About 7:00am Kevin set out for the trip to Reading, Pennsylvania to meet the local lawyer who would be handling the Pennsylvania legal issues for Jennifer Sue. The trip went smoothly and he met Jason Lieberman in his office in West Reading along Penn Avenue at 10:30. The men greeted each other before settling down to business. Jason had contacted the Berks County DA earlier about the investigation. The DA stated he had received the preliminary report from the State Police that morning. A meeting was set up for 11:45 in the Berks County Courthouse. Steve rode with Jason into Reading to the County Courthouse located at Sixth and Court Streets. The nineteen story building was dedicated in 1932. The art deco/art moderene structure dominated the city skyline. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6wr6Mm6i-U
After parking in the adjacent multi story parking garage on the other side of Court Street. They made their into the Berks County Services Center which was a more recent addition to the 1932 Courthouse. After passing through the metal detectors, they ascended to the sixth floor DA’s office. DA Mark Baldwin personally met with them and quickly read the documents Steve gave him.
“The case will be wrapped up in a few days,” DA Baldwin declared. “The state police and my office have determined Charles Raven strangled Lorraine and that Justin killed his father while he was strangling his mother. The coroner has ruled Lorraine Raven’s death to be a homicide committed by Charles Raven. Charles Raven’s death has been ruled a justifiable homicide since he was in the process of strangling the woman when he was struck. Justin had been cleared of any possible legal charges because the incident met two of the standards used to determine justifiable homicide. The first standard was one person killing another for the purpose of self defense. The laws state if a person reasonably believes that he is in imminent danger of losing their life or suffering great bodily injury at the hands of another person, any self defense that results in death may be considered justifiable homicide. The second standard is a killing that was committed to protect someone else, particularly one's family members. In this case, Justin’s mom who was being strangled. Based on the reports given to the detective who interviewed Justin yesterday and his own report, Berks County is content to allow the boy to stay in Talbot County. We’ve already faxed a copy of our release to Judge Watkins. This is the official signed copy to give her.” With that he handed the form to Steve.
“If Justin decides he’d like to come back for the funerals,” Kevin asked. “Will he be allowed to return to Talbot?”
“Yes,” DA Baldwin assured him as he handed a business card to Steve. “I’ve also seen the reports about the paternal grandparents. They will not get custody of the boy. If Justin decides to return, call the Berks County Sheriff. I think it would be advisable to have a uniformed deputy present to prevent any issues from developing.”
“Thank you,” Kevin said. “We’re going to see the grandparents when we leave here. I’m going to try to get them to sign off on all custody rights to Jason.”
“If they do so, have it filed in the Register of Wills Office,” DA Baldwin advised. “That will keep them from changing their minds later.”
“Thank you,” Kevin said as they shook hands.
As they rode down the elevator, Kevin looked at Jason. “I don’t mean to be cynical, but is it normal for the DA to personally handle things like we did?”
“No,” Jason chuckled. “The double murder, the missing boy, and his web posting created quite a stir. The DA’s office has been taking heat for delays in other cases and since this is an open and shut case, he’ll be able to hold a press conference to tout how efficient his office is. It’s an election year and it won’t be pretty.”
“Now that I can believe,” Steve smiled.
An hour later the two men stood on the porch of a rural home that had seen better days. The home was one of many in Berks County that had been carved out of the roadside areas of family farms in the twenty years after WWII as the children of the farmers wanted a place of their own. This home had been one of the first.
Richard Raven answered the door. Clearly a proud dour bald man, he was prepared for a fight. “Come in,” he brusquely stated as he turned and led the way into the dining room. “Virginia, they’re here.”
In a moment a weary grey haired woman joined them from the kitchen. Curt introductions were made as they all took a seat.
“So you’re the vulture from Maryland defending that little faggot murderer,” Richard sneered as he glared at Kevin before turning to Jason. “And you’re the Jewish bastard helping him.”
Both men instantly understood Justin’s fear of these two.
“We just left the DA,” Jason calmly stated. “The DA has decided there is no case against Justin. The investigation has shown Charles was beating Justin, quite severely, even throwing him through a wall. Lorraine tried to stop him from killing Justin. Charles turned on Lorraine and strangled her. Justin tried to stop him by beaning him with an empty beer bottle. The DA has ruled it was a case of justifiable homicide.”
“So the little freak will go free! Fuck,” Richard snapped. “What the hell is this country coming to?”
“That just isn’t right,” Virginia sniffed. “He killed my son and gets away with it!”
“Those freaking liberals are ruining this country,” Richard responded. “Well, we sure as hell ain’t going to pay your fees for helping the sissy bastard. So, what the hell do you want from us?”
“We’re not asking you to pay for anything,” Kevin answered. “All the fees involved in this case are being paid by the people Justin fled to that night. They are quite willing to take him in. It’s obvious you want nothing to do with Justin. All we’d like from you is to sign a release relinquishing your custodial rights for Justin. Once you do that, you’ll never have any obligations towards Justin.”
“So the brat will be out of our hair,” Virginia huffed. “Where do I sign?”
“This won’t cost us a penny,” Richard stated as he looked hard at Steve. “I find that hard to believe.”
“I’m the corporate lawyer for the Clan Wells Point,” Kevin stated. “I have a notarized declaration signed by the officers of the Clan that they will pay all costs involved in raising Justin if you sign the custodial rights release. Mr. Liebermann will file this and your signed custodial release with the county Register of Wills.”
“This Clan Wells Point,” Richard squinted. “Are they the perverts with that Krista freak that Justin idolized?”
“Yes and no,” Kevin replied as he struggled to remain calm. “It was Krista who suggested we form the Clan Wells Point. Let’s just leave it at we’ll agree to disagree. I won’t try to convince you they are not perverts or that Krista is not a freak. Sign the release and we’ll be out of your hair.”
“Give me the damn thing,” Richard growled.
After the couple had signed the paper, the lawyers left as quickly as possible. As they drove away Jason shook his head. “I thought people like that didn’t exist anymore.”
Both men sighed that such bigotry still existed. After lunching together, Kevin called Dr. Sykes, Judge Watkins and Leroy with the news that Jenny was now free to join the Clan Wells Point before heading back to St Michaels.
Kevin made it back to Wells Point a bit after 7:00pm. Worn out from the round trip and the ‘meeting’ with Justin’s grandparents, Steve went home, showered, and crashed for the night.
*****
Jennifer Sue once more spent the day with Dr. Sykes. The day had been spent in a morning and an afternoon on-line video conference meetings, each with a different gender dysphoria specialist. Dr. Sykes had e-mailed the results of the Cogiati tests (Combined Gender Identity and Transsexual Inventory) to the doctors. They agreed to the video conferences to verify Dr. Syke’s conclusions that Jenny was a transsexual, with the rush for verification being the issues surrounding Jenny’s flight to the Clan Wells Point. They confirmed Dr. Syke’s initial diagnosis that Jennifer was indeed transsexual.
Ruth and Leroy waited outside Dr. Syke’s offices until Pat, Jamie and Krista arrived after school let out. Jane made sure the other Wells Point teens had a way home. Once they had all arrived, they entered. Up to that point no one had told Jenny what had been going on back in Pennsylvania. She tried to do her best not to think about possible negative outcomes.
When Jenny saw them enter them conference room fear gripped her until she saw they were all smiling. “I hope you have good news for me for me,” she smiled nervously.
“Only if you think becoming the newest member of the Clan Wells Point is good news.” Krista smiled as she hugged her new friend.
Jenny couldn’t help but squeal with delight as she learned the news.
Dr. Sykes then explained the conferencing doctors had approved her diagnosis of Jenny’s transsexuality. “What this means is that we can file court papers to have your name and gender legally changed to show that you are a girl named Jennifer Sue. It also means we can promptly start you on a course of testosterone blockers. This will stop your male puberty in its tracks. You’ll have to continue under my care living as a girl in a real-life test for several months before we could begin HRT. If you take to being a girl as well as you have so far I may be able to recommend you begin HRT by the end of the school year. Understand that is not a promise but a possibility.”
Hugs were shared by everyone. At her insistence Jamie, Ruth and Krista accompanied Jenny as she received her first injection of testosterone blockers. As the group headed home Krista asked if they could have a girls shopping trip on Saturday to get Jennifer outfitted for school. Ruth and Jamie were delighted with the idea and thought a shopping excursion was in order. It was quickly decided to ask Jaz as well as Gretchen Reese to accompany them. Ruth knew Gretchen could be of use in keeping the girls focused on appropriate attire and her pregnancy would keep the girls from going bananas in the stores.
*****
Chapter 6
Saturday at 6:00am TT Kylie called Larry, who answered at 6:00pm Eastern time Friday. “Hi Larry, I just needed to hear your voice,” Kylie declared as she tried to hide her anxiety. “I’m getting ready to head to the clinic. The surgery is scheduled to begin in two hours.”
“Everything will be alright, babe,” Larry soothed. “Just remember, you don’t have to do this. I love you, the person inside.”
“I love you too,” Kylie replied. “But I need this. I want you to have a real woman for your wife.”
“Kylie, you already are a real woman,” Larry stated. “Best of all you’re my woman.”
“I know, that’s why you deserve the best,” Kylie answered as she shook off her pre-surgery jitters. “I just needed to hear your voice and have you tell me you love me. Mom will call when I come out of the surgery. I’ll call as soon as I’m up to it. In a few hours, I’ll be complete. Larry, I’m really looking forward to our honeymoon.”
“So am I,” Larry chuckled in a lecherous tone. “We’ll get the best wedding present ever when we give each other our virginity.”
“I’m looking forward to that,” Kylie giggled as the worst of her anxiety passed. “I love you, hun!”
“I love you too, babe,” Larry declared.
With the call completed, Kylie finished dressing. She and her mom entered the patient prep area at 6:30. At 7:30 they gave her a shot to relax her and at 7:45 she was rolled into the surgery. At 8:00am TT, 1/5/08, the doctor entered the operating room. He smiled at Kylie and reassured her everything would go well and that when she awoke, she’d be the girl she needed to be. Then he nodded to the anaesthesiologist. Fifteen seconds later, Kylie was out.
Half way around the world, at 8:00pm EST, 1/4/08, Larry was a nervous wreck. Even though he knew Kylie was in good, experienced hands, the anxiety he felt for Kylie’s well being was nearly overwhelming. Sheila and Robert were with him in the big Farm house as were Tony and Rachel Masters. All did their best to keep their spirits high.
The surgery was quite successful and Kylie was taken from the surgical theatre a bit after 2:00pm TT to the recovery room. Over the next hour, she slowly emerged from the anesthesia. Fortunately the pain she felt was dulled by pain medication, for which she was truly grateful. At 3:10pm she was wheeled into her room where she would spend the next seven days in closely monitored recovery. Evelyn was in the room to welcome her daughter.
The nurses were gentle as they transferred her from the litter into the bed. They made sure she was comfortable before leaving. As per the clinic standards, at all times at least one of the on duty nurses would be able to speak and understand English.
Kylie smiled wearily but utterly happily at her mother. “It’s done! My birth defect has been removed! Mom, I’m so happy!”
“I can see that, baby,” Evelyn smiled as she squeezed Kylie’s hand being careful not to disturb the IV in her wrist. “Does it hurt?”
“God yes,” Kylie giggled still under the effects of the anesthesia. “But the painkillers are great!”
Both women chuckled.
“Mom, I know it’s late back home,” Kylie sighed once they stopped giggling. “But can you call Larry? I want to let him know I’m okay and tell him that I love him.”
It was 3:18am when the phone rang. Larry was still down stairs in front of the TV but had dozed off. The first ring startled him into wakefulness. At the second ring he fumbled with the phone almost dropping it before he brought it to his ear. “H... Hello...” his voice quivered as he feared the worst.
“Larry, this is Evelyn,” Evelyn spoke clearly instantly hearing Larry’s anxiety. “My DAUGHTER would like to speak to you.”
“Larry, I love you,” Kylie whisper/cried into the phone her mom held for her.
“Kylie... I love you, baby, oh God it so good to hear your voice,” Larry gushed as he fought down his own tears of joy. “I know it was silly, but I was so afraid...”
“It’s done now,” Kylie soothed as tears of joy and love ran from her eyes. “I just got into my room and asked mom to call. I can finally be ALL the woman you’ll ever need!”
“You already were all the woman I needed,” Larry choked out. “I know you had to do this, and I appreciate it, but if you ever scare me like this again...”
“I promise, once I get back home, we’ll never be apart,” Kylie gushed.
“I’m looking forward to your return,” Larry whispered as he fought to get himself under control.
“So am I, lover,” Kylie giggled. “Right now, I’m worn out and drugged up. I know you’ve been waiting to hear about the surgery. I think we’d both better get some sleep. I’ll see you in my dreams. Mwah!” She kissed him through the phone line.
“Oh Kylie,” Larry sighed. “I think I felt that! Here’s one for you, babe. GROWWWLLL... MWAH!”
The exhausted lovers quickly drifted off to sleep.
*****
At nine the shopping warriors gathered, fully prepared to enter the fray. Krista, Jaz, Jamie, Ruth, and Gretchen were fully prepared to lead a very nervous new recruit into her first battle. Jennifer Sue was excited and scared about her first encounter with that dreaded foe, the shopping mall!
This would also be Krista’s first real shopping trip to an enclosed mall. The only time she’d ever been in a mall was when they had taken Heather after her release from prison. For Jamie it would be her first trip to a mall as a girl and for Jaz her first since coming out of the coma.
The nearest mall was The Centre At Salisbury, fifty five miles south of St. Michaels. The trip took almost an hour and a half. The Campbells had graciously loaned their new Lincoln Navigator for the trip so they traveled in comfort. The girls gabbed endlessly as their excitement grew.
By the time they arrived at the mall, the ground rules had been established. The girls had to stick together and not wonder off. Everyone had some cash to spend on themselves but understood the primary task was to outfit Jennifer Sue. As soon as they entered the mall, Krista checked the map kiosk and led the way to Claires, located in the center of the mall.
As Ruth signed the permission forms the teens began checking out the selections. Jenny was excited about the prospect of getting her ears pierced yet there was still some fear and hesitation as the effects of her forced boyhood reared its ugly head. Those lingering reservations quickly dissipated when she saw the tiny gold butterfly earrings with tiny fake emeralds embedded in the wings. They simply spoke to her, calling her name.
Before her nerves could get to her Jenny was seated on a high stool as the clerk marked her ears. While she wanted to let her girl side free, she was still more than a bit hesitant. Years of burying her innate girlishness were difficult to overcome. Fortunately the deed was quickly done. A simple POP with a slight tug and the butterflies were in her lobes. Looking into the mirror, she was delighted to see the sparkle as the light reflected off the fake emeralds.
All the teems selected bracelets, bangles and necklaces to add to their personal collections while seeing that Jenny also had a decent selection. The giggling girls left heading to JC Penney to begin building Jenny’s wardrobe. It was decided they would start with the basics.
Being older than the thirteen year olds, Jamie stayed with her mother and Gretchen as they guided the younger girls as they shopped. She was able to soak up the sharing of shopping expertise while allowing the younger girls to be themselves. There was no doubt in her mind she would love being Jenny’s big sister.
Jenny blushed as they entered the girls’ department, even more so when they headed to the lingerie. While excited she was still apprehensive. The idea of selecting lingerie was a terrifying yet utter delight. Naturally her burgeoning girlishness was drawn to the lacy and provocative styles but she took no umbrage to the gentle cautions that practicality was the number one concern.
Even though the girls were teenagers, size wise they were preteen. As Ruth looked on Gretchen guided Jenny as well as Krista, Jaz and Jamie in selecting practical pretty lingerie. Thongs and cheekinis while cute and daring were discouraged. Bikini style panties could be okay if they were not too skimpy. Brief style panties were very practical but simply not girly enough for them. The boy short, boy brief and boykini styles could be comfortable and practical, but these girls wanted nothing remotely boyish as undies. The style they found best was the hipster. They were practical and girly. Jenny selected a wide variety of colors and patterns evenly split between cotton and nylon but all had lace trim. The most daring pair was blue cotton with a picture of Cookie Monster in the center of the backside holding a cookie he was about to munch with the word yummy printed above it. This appealed to Jenny’s fondness for Sesame Street as well as the double entendre.
What finally broke down the last of Jenny’s boyish angst was being fitted for her first bra. The selection of her first bra was the final step in abandoning the prohibitions and limitations being a boy had placed in her life. Although she blushed as she tried it on, she kept the Maidenform molded triangle girls bra on. Made of nylon spandex with padded cups, the adjustable strap rear closure bra hugged her thirty two inch chest. The molded padded cups reshaped the flat boyish chest into a that of a budding teen.
By the time they finished shopping, Jenny had two dresses, six skirts, ten tops, four sweaters, four pairs of jeans, six hoodies and three pair of leggings. She also had a pair of Uggs boots, a pair of mucking boots for being out of doors on the Clan Wells Point, two pair of trainers, two pairs of flats, and one pair of darling heels even if they wee only one and half inches high. She also had a starter make-up kit that would soon see a lot of use.
The trio of pretty girls didn’t go unnoticed as they shopped. The giggling girls thoroughly enjoyed the appraising looks from the boys wondering the concourse. For Jenny, this was cathartic as it gave value to her self worth as a girl.
It was after dark when they all arrived home. Most of Jenny’s new clothes went into the closet of what was soon to be Jenny’s bedroom with the Ewells before she and Jenny returned to the O’Brien/Scott home. All the girls easily slipped into dreamland that night.
*****
The next morning, Krista helped Jenny into her first dress. She was excited and scared. She would be accompanying the Clan Wells Point to Church. As in any small community, rumors of the circumstances of Jenny’s arrival had spread. The service went smoothly and Jenny finally got something out of a church service. She took the messages of love, acceptance, hope, and salvation to heart. The members of St. Luke’s UMC had already grown to accept and welcome anyone associated with the Clan Wells Point so Jenny was warmly welcomed by many parishioners after the service ended. When the Clan gathered for supper, Jenny no longer felt like an outsider.
After much discussion it was agreed that Jenny should attend her parent’s viewing and funerals scheduled to start at 10:30am the next day. Once again the Campbells allowed the Navigator to be used. The teens gathered and talked about their band which helped Jenny’s mind away from dark thoughts. In fact, she was quite delighted they asked her to join the band. Pat knew Jenny would be asked and had brought the her sax with them. Jenny blew everyone away when she played for them. After that, Robert led the teens and several others across to the shed where he revealed their newly constructed studio. Needless to say the teens, who had not realized the studio was being built, were stunned and decidedly grateful.
*****
Jenny was nervous as she slipped into the Navigator for the three and a half hour trip to Pennsylvania for the viewing and funeral. Leroy drove while Kevin rode shotgun. Ruth sat in the middle seat with snacks and drinks while Krista and Jenny sat in the third seat. It was clear Jennifer Sue needed to talk about her birth family. As they drove she quietly went into catharic detail about her life as Justin. When she described her grandparents, Krista had a difficult time believing anyone could be that cruel to their grandchild. Krista grew quite angry when Kevin explained his encounter with Richard and Virginia. The fear and guilt Jenny felt for her role in the deaths of her parents was nearly overwhelming but talking about her unhappy life did a lot to give her the strength to see her through the ordeal.
The Berks County Sheriff’s office had been notified and two deputies were on hand to insure the service was trouble free. They greeted Leroy when they arrived outside the funeral home. One man headed inside to make his presence noticeable yet unintrusive. The other would follow behind the small group from Maryland.
Jenny wore a modest knee length black skirt and dark green sweater along with her heels and dark pantyhose. Her make-up consisted of pink lipstick and a touch of eyeliner. Anyone who saw her would never suspect she was a genetic boy. Jenny clung to Ruth’s hand as she made her way to the open caskets. Tears flooded her eyes and tiny sobs wracked her body as she gazed on the bodies of her parents. She felt nothing but sadness when she looked at her father. He looked as nasty and unforgiving in death as he had in life. She would not miss him. At first glance it seemed as if her mother was sleeping. But she could see the heavy make-up that had been used to disguise the bruising hand prints about her mother’s neck. She felt remorse for her mother’s sacrifice and could not help but wonder how their life might have been if she had come to Justin’s defense sooner.
Those in attendance were split quite unevenly in the seats facing the open caskets. The seating area that was before Charlie’s casket was virtually empty while the seats behind Lorraine’s casket were full of mourners. Truth be told, most were there out of respect for Lorraine. Many felt uncomfortable she was lying in state next to the thug that had killed her. Few had spoken to Richard and Virginia who sat by themselves in front of Charlie.
Everyone was wondering who the pretty crying girl was as she stood looking into the caskets and why the deputies were with her. They were even more confused as they realized the deputy with the crying girl was from Maryland.
It was only when she turned away from the caskets that Jennifer Sue saw her grandparents. With a look of fear she froze in place. She was not ready for this confrontation.
Like the rest of the people at the viewing, the grandparents wondered who the pretty girl was who had cried upon looking into the caskets. When she turned around they thought she looked familiar but could not place her. It wasn’t until the cute girl froze with fear clearly etched on her face... An expression Virginia had often seen on the face of her murderous grandson! Virginia connected the dots.
“You have a lot of damn gall to show up here you little freak,” she sneered scathingly as she rose to her feet. “You and your sick perversion caused this! You little faggot bastard! You killed my son!”
Everyone in attendance was well aware that the homicides were the result of Justin’s announcement that he was a transsexual. After Virginia’s outburst, it only took a few seconds until everyone realized that the pretty girl was in deed Justin. None could believe that the pretty girl had ever been anything other than a girl. Murmurs of discontent and confusion began amongst those attending.
It took Richard a bit longer to realize who the girl was. But at that instant he flew from his seat and rushed to throttle the devil incarnate in a dress. “You’re a fuckin’ abomination,” he cursed as his hands reached out for Jenny’s throat.
Before anyone could move, Krista stepped in front of Jenny putting herself between the terrified new girl and her irate grandfather. “Settle down sir,” Krista ordered in a tone of voice that left everyone know she was not a girl with whom anyone would want to trifle. That her eyes flashed fire only served to reinforce her fearless ‘don’t mess with me’ stance. “Jennifer Sue has as much right to be here as you do. These were her parents.”
Everyone in the room had their suspicions about the scared teary eyed girl’s identity confirmed. She was in deed Justin, just as her posting on Facebook had announced. The two Berks County sheriff deputies stepped forward to stand on either side of Jenny as Richard backed off a bit.
“That fuckin’ bastard killed my boy and is going to get away with it,” Richard yelled as he backed off a bit more as Leroy stepped by Krista. “Look at IT! It’s wearing a freakin’ dress!”
“You have just got to be Jennifer Sue’s grandfather Richard,” Krista stated disdainfully. “You know, you really are a Dick, and I mean that in every way you can imagine.”
Everyone gasped at Krista’s surly remark. Quite a few chuckled quietly since they all realized that Richard really was a Dick in more ways than one. Richard on the other hand was left sputtering, stupefied and outraged.
“In the first place quite a few of the women here are wearing dresses,” Krista stated. “It’s sign of respect for the deceased, something you’ve obviously forgotten. However, like many of the women here, Jennifer Sue is wearing a nice skirt and sweater, not that someone like you would be capable of making such a distinction. For your edification and for that of anyone else who may be interested, Jenny is a girl who has a birth defect that is finally being corrected. Her family, including you, Sir, denied and ignored her needs. It was your failure and that of your son to meet her psychological needs that directly led to the deaths of her parents. Justin was sure that he’d be killed when he confronted his parents yet had run out of options to continue living the lie she’d been forced to live. Fortunately Jennifer Sue survived and fled to us after that horrible night. We have gotten her the medical treatment she has needed for years. The very treatments her birth family should have obtained for her.”
“What the fuck do you know girl? A real girl has a pussy like you do,” Richard snarled. “You’re not like her, some fag boy wearing a skirt.”
“Thank you,” Krista smiled smugly as she did a mini curtsey. “But Jennifer is no more a fag than I am. We’re both girls, we just had to hide it for several years because of bigots like you.”
It took a moment for Richard to realize what Krista just said. “You... you’re the one who Justin idolized! You’re Krista, the murdering sicko pervert! You’re as much of a freak as he is!”
“I’m just as much of a GIRL as Jennifer Sue is,” Krista smiled with more than a bit of moral superiority. “We simply have physical birth defects which, unlike you with your obvious mental defect, can be corrected. As for your comment about my being a murder, I killed a man in self defense to save two people as well as myself. Jennifer Sue killed her father in an effort to save her mother. Both cases have been ruled as justifiable homicide. Believe me, I know what it feels like to take a life and it isn’t a good feeling. Now, this is supposed to be a time of respect for the deceased. Let’s not ruin it any further than YOU already have.”
With that Krista turned to Jenny and held out her hand. “I think we’ve paid our respects and seen enough bigotry. Come on Jennifer Sue, lets go outside for some fresh air before we head to the cemetery.”
Jenny gratefully accepted Krista’s hand and meekly allowed herself to led outside. She kept her eyes focused on the exit as everyone mutely wondered how Krista had been so easily able to put Richard and Virginia in their place. Once outside, Jenny broke down in tears as Krista and Ruth hugged her.
Richard was livid. It had taken a few moments for him to realize Krista had verbally shredded him. Virginia was stunned and angry, further adding to Richard’s fury. Angrily he stormed after the girls, only to run into Leroy and one of the local sheriffs.
“Mr. Raven, I suggest you not make this day any worse,” Leroy cautioned. “My daughter speaks her mind and that often upsets close minded people. Her words may have been insensitive but they were the truth. Once the burials are done, we’ll be heading home. I suggest you do the same.”
“Your daughter,” Richard swore. “How the hell can you say that thing is your freaking daughter?”
“Quite simply,” Leroy replied. “She is my child and she is a girl. Tell me, do you honestly think a sissy boy could have ripped you apart like Krista did? Face it Krista and Jennifer Sue are girls.”
“Mr. Raven, please, don’t make this is any uglier than it already has been,” the local deputy said. “Let this go before it gets to the point that someone gets arrested.”
Facing the uniforms, Richard wisely decided discretion was the better option. However he could not simply return to the viewing without losing face. Grumbling and fuming he paced in the lobby for a few minutes before heading back inside.
“Jennifer Sue,” Ruth declared once the girl had cried herself out. “You will soon be my daughter and these people who hate are already forever out of your life. If you want to leave now, you can do so. The choice is yours.”
“I came this far, I’m going to see it through,” Jenny sniffed as she regained control. “I just don’t want to go back inside there.”
Quietly, they waited for the viewing to end.
The funeral director understood who Jennifer Sue was since he’d been contacted by Attorney Lieberman. Since Attorney Lieberman had been hired by the Clan Wells Point to see to Jennifer Sue’s Pennsylvania interests, he was doing so to the best of his abilities. The lawyer made sure the funeral director understood Jenny had a right to attend the funeral. Since Charlie and Lorraine had died without wills, the Pennsylvania laws regarding Intestate Succession were in place. The documents to represent Jennifer’s interests in her parents estates had been filed Friday afternoon. The state laws are designed to protect and provide for the surviving spouse and children of the decedent to assure that these individuals are provided for in the event of the untimely demise of a loved one
Before the decedent’s estate is distributed, the decedent’s debts, taxes, funeral expenses, and the expenses of administration are paid first, just like in estates where there is a will. What remains is what makes up the decedent’s distributable estate. In cases such as this where there is no surviving spouse the laws of Intestate Succession regulates the passing of the remainder of the estate to the children of the decedent. In this case the only child was Jennifer Sue
Thus the funeral director knew the estate would go to Jennifer Sue AFTER he was paid. Putting professionality forward, he placed the Navigator behind the limo that would carry Richard and Virginia in the funeral procession. Needless to say when the procession formed, Virginia and Richard were furious to see their perverted grandson in the line-up. The funeral director refused to ban Jennifer even when Richard threatened not to pay for the funerals. Richard and Virginia were both quite stunned to learn that attorney Lieberman had already filed the paperwork to be the executor of Charlie’s and Lorraine’s estate on behalf of their surviving child Jennifer Sue and that payment for the funerals would be made from the estate.
Needless to say by the time they reached the cemetery Richard and Virginia were beside themselves. Richard had called his lawyer who bluntly told him that Jennifer Sue nee Justin not only had every right to be at the service, SHE would be the SOLE beneficiary of the estate.
As the mourners followed the caskets to the gravesite, most couldn’t keep their eyes off Jennifer Sue and her companions. Even though they now knew the two young girls were really boys, they still had difficulty in accepting that fact. Krista’s statements to Richard had made them all think. Even the pastor conducting the service had the wind blown from his sails. The fact the deputies were with Jenny made it clear she was backed by the law.
Jennifer made no effort to sit in the provided seats under the canopy as the brief graveside service was conducted. She left that area to her furious grandparents. She stood between Ruth and Krista with Leroy directly behind her. Surrounded by her friends and new family she felt secure. Quite naturally she sobbed quietly as the coffins were lowered into the ground.
Fortunately the service was brief and Ruth wisely ushered Jenny back to the Navigator. “Now, young lady, let’s go home,”
Teary-eyed but with a smile that she’d made it through the funeral, Jenny looked up at Ruth. “Home... yes, that’s what the Clan Wells Point is. It’s home. Thank you Mrs Ew... mom!”
Now it was Ruth’s turn to cry as she hugged her soon to daughter.
Unfortunately the Navigator was parked in by the rest of the funeral procession. When Richard and Virginia came back to the limo, Richard hurled a 3 inch rounded stone he’d plucked from the excavated dirt at the windshield of the Navigator. “You ungrateful bastard,” Richard screamed. “I’ll see you burn in hell before you get anything from their estate!”
Chapter 7
One of the Berks County deputies quickly grabbed Richard who turned and punched the man in the face. The other deputy grabbed him from behind in an arm lock, slamming him face down over the trunk of the limo. Roughly they cuffed him as he proceeded to scream profanities. Virginia took her purse and began using it to beat the back of one of the deputies. In moments she too was handcuffed.
Leroy exited the Navigator. “We want to press formal charges of assault against these two and intend to obtain a PFA against them to protect Jennifer Sue. We’ll also need to ensure they do no damage to the estate until it is settled.”
“We’ll take care of it,” the deputy who had been hit in the face said. “They’ll be charged with assaulting an officer which is not looked upon kindly in this county. Have your attorney contact the DA’s office about the PFA, assault charges and to protect the estate.”
“I’ll be sure to do that,” Attorney Lieberman stated as he joined the group video camera in hand. “I was in the funeral and caught the entire initial confrontation on tape. Then I joined as the last vehicle in the procession. I’ve been filming everything since Jennifer Sue arrived here. I’m sure the assaults on the vehicle and you deputies will ensure there are no questions as to their guilt. I suggest they be promptly arraigned and held until the PFA’s can be put in place.”
The deputies nodded their agreement as they escorted Virginia and Richard to the sheriff’s vehicle to await the arrival of the local police.
Attorney Lieberman looked at the severely cracked windshield on the Navigator and pulled out his BlackBerry. After a brief search made a phone call to B&G Glass. A local company that handled window replacements in homes and vehicles. After a brief discussion he smiled. “We’ll be there in about half an hour.”
“They have a replacement windshield in stock and can have it installed within two hours,” he told Leroy. “If you follow me, I’ll lead you there. I can get all five of you in my SUV. Will go get dinner while they replace the windshield. Besides, it will give me a chance to get to know my client.”
“That sounds like a plan,” Leroy agreed.
By that time the funeral director had moved his cars out of the way and Leroy pulled the Navigator to the side so the rest of the procession could leave the cemetery. Attorney Lieberman waved as he drove past and Leroy pulled out to follow him.
Once her raw emotions had a chance to settle down, Jenny was awed by Krista’s courage and ability to step forward and confront her bigoted grandparents. Jenny was now even more infatuated with her heroine, Krista. How a girl her age could stand up in front of all those strangers and speak her mind so well and fluently was almost beyond her ability to grasp. Krista and shown no reservations or fear about revealing that she was transsexual. Jennifer Sue knew the news reports she had been following about Krista were not exaggerations. If anything they never came close to showing the steel that made up the feisty girl’s back. She understood she was now moving on and that her past life was just a sad memory, to be buried with her parents.
They dropped the Navigator off at B&G Glass, then everyone piled into the SUV. They drove about five miles to a local upscale steakhouse called Austins. They arrived at 1:30 just as the lunch rush was ending. They were able to get an isolated booth in a corner.
After the food was ordered, Attorney Lieberman smiled a Krista. “Young lady, you are simply amazing. I did some research on you after reading Jennifer Sue’s Web posting. I thought the news reports had to be exaggerated but after seeing you in action today I don’t think they came close to capturing the real you.”
“Thank you,” Krista smiled. “It’s just that I experienced too much hatred and bigotry and it wasn’t until I discovered my true self that my fears away. My family helped me discover the real me and supported me every step of the way. Now whenever I see anyone being bullied or tormented I feel compelled to help them. I’m simply passing it on.”
“You do it quite well,” Attorney Lieberman said before turning to Jenny. “Jennifer Sue, you showed a lot of courage today. It was rough enough coming here to see your parents buried, but having to deal with the idiots who call themselves your grandparents, well, you’ve done a lot better than I would have in your shoes. It is my pleasure and honor to be your lawyer.”
Jennifer smiled glad that she had someone she could depend upon to look after her interests in Pennsylvania. The rest of the meal was pleasant conversation as everyone got to know each other. When they were done, they headed back to pick up the Navigator to make the long trip home.
Attorney Lieberman headed into the courthouse to get the PFA’s. With videotape in hand the orders were promptly issued and delivered to Richard and Virginia before they were released on bail. The irate couple vowed to get revenge but now understand whatever they did had to be well-planned.
*****
Kylie and Larry spoke every day for a few moments at eight am and eight pm. Larry kept her informed about Jenny’s new life and Kylie kept him up-to-date on how she was recovering from her surgery. Each day she grew stronger and each day the lovers missed one another more and more.
*****
On Tuesday, January 8 Benny Reese’s trial began at 9:00am. Cynthia and Stephen Campbell were there to show their displeasure with their son’s behavior. Quite naturally Heather and Gretchen as well as Jaz, Holly, Ivy, and Benny Jr. were there represented by Kevin Stewart. Benny’s arrogant attitude quickly crashed when he saw his parents, wives and children present. Since the two wives sat side by side and Jaz was holding Benny in her lap he knew he was about to be crucified. Since all of his assets had been frozen to see that his children were taken care of he had no money for a lawyer of his own and had to utilize the services of a public defender.
Judge Wallace was the presiding magistrate and like all the other judges in Talbot County had little use for men who abuse the their families. The DA quickly read off the charges and identified the relationships of those in attendance had with Benny and their interest in this bizarre case.
It quickly became evident that Benny had no chance of winning this trial since even his parents were against him. The public defender understood this immediately and asked for a five minute delay so that he could talk with his client.
Since Benny was spoiled and had never taken responsibility for the events of his life he certainly had no clue as to how to handle this mess. In the end he took the easy way out by pleading guilty to all charges and asked the court to show him mercy.
The judge accepted the guilty plea and set a sentencing date in three weeks. During that time the plaintiffs would have an opportunity to voice their opinions of how he should be punished. A very dejected Benny was led back to his cell
*****
At 1 PM many of those from Clan Wells point met in the chambers of Judge Watkins to discuss the custody arrangements of Justin Raven. It was merely a formality as the custody was officially switched from Leroy and Pat Scott to Ruth Ewell. A dual petition for Ruth Ewell to adopt Justin/Jennifer Sue and to change her name and gender status was also filed with the intent to bypass the normal red tape such proceedings usually entailed.
After the petitions were handed in Judge Watkins looked over them she looked at Jennifer Sue “Well Jennifer Sue, do you have any objections to being adopted by Ruth Ewell having your gender change from male to female and name from Justin Raven two Jennifer Sue Raven?”
“Yes ma’am I do,” Jenny stated seriously.”
Everyone was caught off guard by her declaration. They all exchanged looks of puzzlement wondering what was happening.
“Your Honor, I’m more than happy to be adopted by Ruth Ewell and to have my gender changed from male to female,” Jenny declared. “However I do not want my name changed to Jennifer Sue Raven. I’d like it changed to Jennifer Sue Ewell. That is if mother doesn’t mind.”
Ruth began to cry as she swept Jenny into her arms for a loving hug. Everyone else in the room smiled.
“Well Jenny if no one else objects to your desired name change I will so modify the petition,” Judge Watkins smiled.
Naturally no one objected. The hearing was adjourned with the promise that the dual petitions would be processed as quickly as possible.
Jenny was elated. Now she knew for sure that her past life was forever gone and that she could become the girl she was meant to be.
That evening dinner was held in the big farmhouse to formally welcome Jennifer Sue as the newest member of the Clan Wells Point. Another bit of welcome news was made known. Mr. Dunn had given notice that he would be vacating the tenant farmhouse this coming weekend. Robert and Sheila told the Abotts, Harpers and Mrs. Delp they would probably be able to move in the weekend after that if they were willing to come out evenings to clean and paint. It was no surprise when most of the Clan members volunteered to help The Clan was steadily expanding. After tears of thanks and many hugs to Krista and her family for making her feel welcome, Jenny went home with her new temporary but soon to be permanent mom and sister, delighted that her life was at last going in the right direction.
*****
Wednesday found Jenny joining the other Clan Wells Point teens as they entered St. Michael’s Junior Senior High School. Jenny had wisely requested that she be allowed to start in the seventh grade with Krista and Jaz so she would have less issues with the schoolwork and have more time to flow into the life of a teenage girl with her friends. The school district had no problem granting her request to start in the seventh grade. Since it was nearly impossible to keep secrets in the tight knit community, most of the students already knew of Jenny’s New Years fiasco and flight to safety.
By this time the students had grown accustomed to what would have been unusual just six months before. Krista was not only helping her friends as they adapted to their new lives she was also helping the student body and indeed the entire community to accept that people had a right to be true to themselves. The school had become a better place for all students as bullying was no longer tolerated. Peer pressure prevented anyone who attempted harassment from carrying through. This is not to say good natured joking and playful teasing were absent, far from it, but everyone was well aware that certain lines were not to be crossed. It was now considered a sign of maturity and earned respect for a student to publicly apologize if they unintentionally offended someone. Krista’s unflinching strength of character lead others to emulate her. Of course there were a few students who hated Krista for what she was doing to the school. Fortunately, there weren’t many and they were easily cowed by the other students
With the cold in mind, Krista and Jaz had coordinated their outfits with Jenny. They wore comfortable jeans and sweaters, decidedly feminine yet clearly functional. Quite naturally Jenny was nervous not only about starting in a new school but also interacting with her peers as a girl. By the end of the second period Jenny’s nervousness and apprehension had pretty much evaporated. The three giggling girls quickly engaged the other girls in their classes in conversation and the other girls welcomed Jenny. For her part Jenny was clearly delighted and relieved to see her classmates simply accepted her as the girl she felt she’d always been. By the end of the school day the years of suppression and self loathing had lifted and blown away leaving the new girl to happily face the future.
This is not to say that Jenny did not have any issues. The fact that her coming out had resulted in the deaths of her parents greatly troubled her but the love and acceptance given her by the Clan Wells Point and the counseling sessions with Dr. Sykes helped her manage to control those demons.
*****
Each evening after school the Clan Wells Point teens managed to squeeze time in for their music. The practice studio had been completed in record time and the teens were delighted with their space. ‘Certain Change’ was coming along quite well, since they were well motivated and had tremendous support from the rest of the Clan Wells Point. All had mastered the basics of playing piano and could now read music fluently. Already the individual lessons on their primary instruments had begun. Dwayne, Phil and Jaz easily returned to the prowess they had achieved before they’d stopped taking lessons. Barney had a natural rhythm and since he didn’t have to overcome past expertise as a drummer, he quickly developed the skills needed to play the drums with one arm an two feet. Freddy took to the piano like a duck to water. Jimmy was coming along with the fiddle which pleased Old Bill. Krista and Tony were easily picking up the guitar. Since Jenny had never really stopped music lessons with the sax and had experience playing in the junior high band, she was able to give the others pointers to ease their budding individual skills
into the skills needed to play as a group. They spent four evenings a week on their individual lessons and two days on building the group dynamics They improved with each session.
Jenny easily slipped into a close friendship with Krista and Jaz. Generally, if you saw one, the other two were not far off. Friday evening as they were sitting together after band practice waiting for Leroy to finish giving Barney a few pointers, Jenny brought up the idea of selecting an appropriate tartan for the Clan.
“Krista, when I first heard about your exploits,” Jenny began as a way of broaching a subject that she’d secretly worked upon “I was so relieved to realize I wasn’t the only one with a birth defect. Then after you led the cheerleaders doing ‘Mickey’ to awaken Jaz, you started The Clan Wells Point. That was a brilliant way of diffusing any surname issues that could arise while giving everyone a common link. That was a turning point in my life. I so wanted to become a member of the Clan Wells Point. I read that Scottish clans have their own tartan styles so I did a bit of research and found hundreds of styles and patterns. But after hours of checking them out, none spoke to me as being representative of the Clan Wells Point. Then I stumbled upon a unique site called Tartanmaker.com where you can make your own tartan pattern.”
“I played with the possibilities for hours until I realized I wasn’t getting anywhere,” Jenny admitted. “Then I decided start with the basics... Colors. I selected pink for girlishness but toned it down so as not to offend the guys. Then since the Clan Wells Point is a rural area and quite concerned about the environment, I decided two shades of green would complete the color scheme. I’ve down loaded and printed the pattern. What do you think?” With that Jenny dug in her notebook and pulled out a page with a very unique tartan pattern to share with the girls.
( http://www.flickr.com/photos/theclanwellspoint/6562321729/in... )
Jaz and Krista studied the tartan pattern for several moments. Jenny began to worry as they said nothing. Then, both girls began to smile.
“Jenny, I think the design is absolutely perfect,” Jaz exclaimed.
“Oh yeah,” Krista agreed. “The pink is there but it’s subdued and really dominated by the greens. I think it really shows blended natures! Pink for femininity and caring, light green for life and growth and the dark green for toughness and strength. I don’t think we’ll have any issues with the rest of the Clan accepting it! But how would we ever get it made?”
“That’s the good thing about the site,” Jenny smiled. “They can make it. They can supply the right colored yarns and make programs for knitting machines to manufacture the tartan fabric. I suppose it’s expensive to start as they have to make the program and secure the thread colors, but once that’s out of the way, the more you order the lest expensive it gets.”
*****
After the meal at the normal Saturday night Clan get together, Robert explained that Mr. Dunn had vacated the tenant farm, leaving it in satisfactory shape so the clean-up/updating/painting would begin tomorrow after lunch when a joint tour would determine what needed to be done.
Dr Olsen took the floor once the normal Clan business was covered. “I have some exciting news. I’ve been talking to the neurological physiatrist and orthopedic specialists at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Based on their success with prosthetic limbs for those injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve found what I feel will be an ideal set of artificial legs for Freddy. They are not cheap, but they can give Freddy the ability to walk. Otto Bock Orthopedic Industry has developed the C-Leg which uses hydraulic cylinders to control the flexing of the knee. A knee-angle sensor, located directly at the axis of rotation of the knee, measures the angular position and angular velocity of the flexing joint. Signals are sent to a microprocessor that analyzes these signals, and communicates what resistance the hydraulic cylinders should supply. Measurements are taken up to fifty times a second. Movement sensors, located in the tube adapter at the base of the C-Leg, use multiple strain gauges to determine where the force is being applied to the knee from the foot and the magnitude of that force. The C-Leg controls the resistance to rotation and extension of the knee using a hydraulic cylinder. Small valves control the amount of hydraulic fluid that can pass into and out of the cylinder, thus regulating the extension and compression of a piston connected to the upper section of the knee. The C-Leg is powered by a lithium-ion battery housed inside the prosthesis near the knee joint. On a full charge, the C-leg can operate for up to 45 hours, depending on the intensity of use. A charging port located on the front of the knee joint can be connected to a charging cable plugged directly into a standard outlet. The charger cord has lights that allow the user to observe the level of charge when connected to the knee. A 12 volt car charger adapter is also available. The C-Leg would provide an approximation to Freddy’s natural gait, allowing him to walk at near walking speed. Variations in speed are also possible and are taken into account by sensors and communicated to the microprocessor, which adjusts to these changes accordingly. It also enables the amputees to walk down stairs with a step-over-step approach. The only downside is that the C-Leg is susceptible to water damage and thus great care must be taken to ensure that the prosthesis remains dry. The prosthesis is recommended for amputees that vary their walking speeds and can reach over 3 miles per hour; however, it cannot be used for running. The C-Leg is practical for upwards of 3 miles daily, and can be used on uneven ground, slopes, or stairs and will allow activities such as biking and rollerblading. Equipped with The Otto Bock Greissinger Plus foot equal stability will be easy while walking or standing. It features a joint that is flexible in all directions to adapt easily to different terrains. This means that carpet edges, gravel walkways, lawns or similar obstacles no longer represent a problem since the foot adapts to all surface conditions. The foot provides easy rollover from the heel to the toes which will allow his gait to appear more natural and uniform.”
“With your permission, I’d like to set Freddy up to be fitted with one of these units,” Dr. Olsen summed. “A ball park cost is between forty to fifty thousand dollars per leg. The Clan would have to pay any expenses the insurance won’t cover. I’d expect the insurance to cover eighty percent up to fifty thousand dollars. At that point they’d pay for the balance. We’re looking at spending ten thousand dollars.”
Robert looked about the Clan members and saw no one flinching at the cost. Freddy was holding his breath.
After a few moments of silence, Krista stood. “I make a motion we proceed to have Freddy fitted with the prosthetics.”
Ten “seconds” simultaneously erupted. The vote revealed all yeas and no nays. Robert then turned to Krista.
“Thanks,” Krista acknowledged. “This time I’m only here to give our newest Clan member some back-up. Jennifer is nervous about addressing the group. Even though she just joined us she has been keeping track of us for several months and longed to become part of us. The idea of being a Clan member struck a chord with her and she began to research what she thought would be a suitable tartan for the Clan Wells Point. When she couldn’t find one she designed one. When she showed her selection to Jaz and I we were floored. At this point I’ll let Jenny describe what she’s done... Jenny”
Smiling nervously Jenny stood by Krista. “Thank you for accepting me. I’ve never had the chance to be actively involved in making decisions. In my family that simply was not an accepted practice much less even in idea. But I saw that it was accepted here and I so long for that freedom. Part of what helped me cope during these last few months was the idea of the Clan Wells Point, that it valued all its members and their opinions, knowledge and abilities. As Krista said I buried myself in the effort to find a suitable tartan for the Clan. Krista and Jaz have copies of what I came up with. I discovered a website called Tartanmaker.com that allows you to design your own tartan and can then manufacture it. I selected three colors, pink for girlishness and caring although I toned it down so as not to offend the guys. Then since the Clan Wells Point is a rural area and quite concerned about the environment, I decided two shades of green would complete the color scheme. When Krista saw it she said the pink is there but it’s subdued and really dominated by the greens. I think it really shows blended natures! Pink for femininity and caring, light green for life and growth and the dark green for toughness and strength. That pretty much sums up what to me the Clan Wells Point is all about. I hope you like it.”
Everyone looked at the printed samples they had before them. Most were smiling and nodding their heads. No one looked upset by the color scheme. Several people began to discuss the pattern amongst themselves which made Jenny nervous, afraid of being rejected.
Ruth saw this and stood. “I think that Jenny’s selection is simply marvelous. Granted, my view is a bit tainted by a mother’s love for her child. I know in the past that we’ve talked of solidifying our identity as a Clan. Stephen and Kevin have both voiced their desire to play the bagpipes as part of the Clan. I think a Clan tartan is a logical step in bringing us closer together. Thank you.”
Not to be outdone Jane also stood. “I had given some thought to a Clan tartan in the past but never had the time to pursue it. Now we have another youngster in our midst who has taken the bull by the horns and shown us the way to first proceed forward. I will make a formal motion that we adopt tartan that has been presented as the official tartan of the Clan Wells Point.”
“Well since I’m another new Clan member I’ll second the motion,” Marjorie Delp added with a smile.
Robert smiled and nodded. “Very well all in favor say, aye.”
Everyone present replied with a resounding “Aye!”
“Anyone opposed say, nay,” Robert added.
No one said a word.
“Well then Miss Jennifer Sue Ewell,” Robert congratulated a surprised and delighted Jenny. “It seems that your design for the Clan Wells Point tartan has been unanimously accepted. We all thank you for your contribution.”
Jenny had no idea how to respond. The Clan Wells Point had openly accepted her suggestion! As she meekly but eagerly accepted hugs, she fully understood that she was, to paraphrase Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, no longer in Pennsylvania. It took all her composure to keep her tears of joy in check.
Cynthia stood to gain permission to speak. “If no one objects, I will contact this TartenMaker.com to find out the specifications and costs involved in making this tartan. I think we should also decide what we want to make from the fabric. Obviously a sash, definitely skirts,, if the men are game, kilts, perhaps vests and either berets or more appropriately Tam o' Shanter’s.”
“I worked for years as a seamstress,” Marjorie smiled. “I’d be glad to design patterns for the garments.”
Maureen and Norma smiled. “We both work at Easton Mills Inc.,” Norma said. We’ve worked on the pattern cutting and sewing floors so we could easily set up a small shop to make what we’d need. Of course, we’d have to have a suitable building and purchase some equipment, but with the number of clothing factories shutting down I don’t think we’d have much trouble getting the equipment we’d need.”
A few other general matters were brought up before the group. Then a brief break was called before those interested would resume by reviewing Clan financial status. Most Clan members moved on to other activities. Jane, Robert, Sheila, Kevin, Steven and Cynthia adjourned to a smaller room.
“What will they be talking about,” Jenny asked Krista as the teens gathered together.
“They’ll be talking about the Clan’s overall finances,” Krista responded. “The detail they go to is really boring but also quite important to the Clans future. I know enough to know they know what’s best for us and if there is a major decision to be made they let us know and we can vote on it.”
“All of us can vote,” Jenny asked in disbelief.
“Of course,” Krista smiled. “As long as we you aware of what’s going on it’s our future as much as theirs.”
“In that case I better learn what’s going on,” Jenny declared ready to take on her responsibility as a Clan member.
Leroy, David, Ed Nelson and Frank Spade had been listening to the teens and smiled. “If you’re really interested we’ll give you brief rundown on what’s been happening in the financial markets,” Frank said. “Once you get a handle on the overall picture the rest comes into focus fairly easily.”
The four men took turns explaining about the relationships between interest rates, loans and mortgages. They also explained about market values, what people are willing to pay for things they want, especially homes, cars, vacation getaways and other luxury items that many people had started considering necessities. When the market demand is climbing, selling prices often raise beyond their actual value which creates what is called a financial bubble. They went on to explain this is exactly what had been happening the last several years in the stock market and housing industries. Housing prices had risen up to twenty to thirty percent above what they were actually worth. People have gone into debt buying homes and other items that had previously been considered luxuries hoping that prices will continue to climb so they won’t become stuck owing more than their home is worth.
“Unfortunately for the last six months the financial bubble, especially in the housing and market stock market, has peaked and in certain areas is already starting to burst,” Frank sighed. “Within the next year those of us who keep a hand on reality are expecting a major crash. The housing market will implode and many banks and Wall Street financial giants will find themselves overextended and much of the economy will slow dramatically. At this point there really is no way to prevent that from happening. It’s no longer a matter of if there’s going to be a crash but when. The Clan has already divested itself of all banking and brokerage assets. We’ve concentrating our money in areas that should ride out the coming financial crisis. We’ve invested heavily in Exxon Mobil and mining stocks as well as in pharmaceuticals. If we have played our cards right we should not only be able to ride out the crunch that’s coming but should be able to take advantage of deals that will most likely become available as those who didn’t look ahead become desperate. Were not looking to hurt anyone but personal greed has pushed many people to the edge of financial stability. Quite a few are already going over the edge. Our intentions are to pick up as many pieces as possible without endangering our own will being. By buying the assets of businesses and people who are broke, we’ll be helping them by letting them get out from under their financial burdens and possibly giving them some cash to start over.”
“That’s pretty heavy stuff,” Jenny sighed. “I know what I had to go through to make the small purchases I made. I saw a lot of kids at my old school who felt they just had to have this or that just because it was cool. I’d have liked some of that stuff too but there was no way my parents would ever get it for me so I never even asked. I simply did without. If the economy does crash there will be a lot of spoiled kids who’ll get a whack of reality upside the head.”
“I’ll feel sort of guilty if we buy stuff people have to sell because they’re broke,” Jaz sighed. “Isn’t some way we could help them keep from going broke?”
“Unfortunately not,” Leroy replied. “None of us are looking forward to what’s going to happen. But we have the same information they have. We’re not geniuses who’ve somehow figured this out. We’re ordinary people who do our best to live within our means without going into more debt than we can handle. Too many people have gotten spoiled, just like Jenny said. They want and want and want until they wind up paying off one credit card with another. When the bottom drops out like it’s starting to do, most will have no one to blame but themselves. But rest assured, they’ll cry and plead for help and the liberals in Washington will try to buy their votes by bailing them out. But the only way Washington can bail them out is by going printing money... money that will have no backing in reality and is borrowed with the promise to pay it back in the future. The people who give and take the bail-outs will be putting the Federal Government in the same financial difficulty. The government will go so far into debt it may very well bankrupt the entire country. We don’t think that will happen as those of us who understand balanced finances will raise such a ruckus they’ll have to back off the give-aways. Hopefully it’ll happen before it’s too late.”
“I don’t understand how this whole mess happened,” Krista said.
“It started with government give-aways,” Frank said. “For almost two hundred years this country functioned because individuals took responsibility for their actions. It was the every person’s RIGHT to EARN a living. It began to change during the great depression of the 1930s when the government began to step in and help people. Now there is nothing wrong with helping people survive, but when you help someone, you help them get back on their feet so they can take care of themselves. Instead we started helping people by helping them survive without helping them get back on their feet. They became dependent on the handouts. They lost any sense of self responsibility. Instead of the Right to Earn a living, it morphed into the RIGHT to be GIVEN a living... by the government. The government is financed off fees and taxes paid by the people. All those people who are given a living... the money they get from the government is PAID by the people who EARN a living. The more people who are GIVEN a living are supported by fewer people who EARN a living. The only way the government can support more people who are GIVEN a living is to raise the taxes on those who EARN their living.”
“That is so unfair,” Tony declared.
“I can see what happened,” Krista said. “Before she died Mom said she didn’t want to go on welfare because it destroyed a person’s drive until they lost their freedom by becoming so dependent on government handouts. She said it was better to be free even if we had to go hungry and struggle. But that’s what made us tough... tough enough to stick together and walk form Cape Cod to here.”
“There’s an old Chinese proverb,” Ed smiled. “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.”
No one disagreed
Chapter 8
Larry was all smiles when he, Rachel and Tony picked up Krista for church. “Kylie was released from the hospital this morning. She says she’s doing well, still a little tender, but doing a lot better. While she really wants to come home, she’s looking forward to at least getting out and seeing some of the local sites.”
“That sounds great,” Krista enthused. “I really miss her and I know you really do. Just a few more weeks and she’ll be coming home.”
“I know but it’s hard to wait,” Larry sighed. “I know I love her but I never realized how much having her with me meant to me. If I have anything to do with it, we’ll never be apart for too long ever again.”
No one doubted the sincerity of his words.
After church everyone headed home to change into work clothes. The youngsters gathered at the Campbells home while the teens and adults headed to the tenant farm next door. After a quick tour and division of chores they set to work cleaning the now vacant home. By late afternoon the house was spotless. Repairs were arranged and painting planned. Everything would be done for the move-in for the following Saturday.
*****
Krista noticed a classmate named Samantha Evans became quite nervous and anxious whenever she was around Jenny. Sam, as everyone called her, was the quintessential tomboy. No one could remember seeing her in a skirt much less a dress. She always wore her hair in a short style reminiscent of the singer Pink. She was the strongest girl in the class and one of the tallest. All in all she presented a tough no-nonsense image. All through elementary school she played and hung around with the guys. She had no fear of bugs or frogs and joined the boys in using those things to torment the other girls. In the last year however, Sam slowly changed from a gregarious ruffian to an almost painfully shy tomboy. The guys she used to hang with now seemed to ignore her. The truth was that Sam had no close friends and seemed to want it that way. She was curt and sometimes harsh to anyone who spoke to her. Naturally Krista thought this might have something to do with her especially after she found that Sam had quite a few friends in elementary school.
“Guys, do you have any idea what’s going on with Sam?” Krista asked. “She’s really making me a bit anxious. I’m getting the impression that she can’t handle transsexuals and now that there are three of us attending the school she seems really put out.”
“She started changing early last spring,” Phil acknowledged. “She just started staying away from us and going off on her own. Whenever we tried to invite her to go with us she just blew us off. After a while we just stopped asking her.”
“Yeah, she’s really gotten strange,” Dwayne agreed. “But now that you mention it, it does seem as if she has pulled even further away from everyone since you started school.”
Krista blushed as she spoke. “Do you think maybe she’s jealous of me because I’m Tony’s girl?”
“I doubt that’s an issue, Krista,” Tony answered. “She was keeping to herself all summer. From the first day of school this year she isolated herself and that was before she met you. But I don’t think I’ve seen her smile since last spring.”
“When we came back after the holidays she seemed even more unhappy,” Krista sighed. “And I think she’s gotten worse since Jenny started school. Something’s really eating her. I’m really concerned that she might flip out at some point.”
“I haven’t done anything to her,” Jenny said defensively since she was still unsure of people accepting her as a girl.
“You haven’t done anything to her,” Jaz reassured Jenny. “But I think Krista has a point, something is definitely bothering Sam. It’s obvious she’s unhappy. Do you think maybe someone’s molesting her?”
“No way,” chuckled Tony. “Her parents are great. Besides, if anyone even tried Sam would kick their ass. Heck when we used to wrestle she occasionally managed to pin me and she could pin the other guys. But there is something eating away at her.”
“So do you think we should try to help her?” Jenny asked. “Isn’t that what we do?”
“It sure is,” Krista nodded her head. “She always sits by herself in the cafeteria. I say tomorrow at lunch we surround her and see if we can figure out what’s going on. Maybe if we show her that we’re concerned and that she has friends she’ll open up and we can help her.”
The others agreed understanding that Sam really needed friends.
The next day the seven teens were a bit nervous as they took their trays of food and headed for the table where Sam always sat by herself. Sam looked up obviously startled when the teens took seats at the table where she was seated, surrounding her. It clearly unnerved her a bit to see they were all smiling in a friendly manner.
“I didn’t invite anyone to sit with me,” Sam defensively snapped.
“We know,” Tony replied. “Nobody has reserved seats here so we thought we’d sit here with an old friend.”
That answer was not what Sam had been expecting. “I don’t have any friends,” Sam said sharply with a little sadness in her voice.
“We’ve noticed that,” Krista smiled. “That’s why we’re here. Everyone needs friends.”
“Well I don’t,” Sam snarled as she went to get up from the table.
“Not so fast Sam,” Tony said calmly as he placed a restraining hand on her arm. “We won’t force you to be friends with us or anyone else. Sam, we used to be good friends. We never stopped being your friend but you stopped being ours. If you don’t want rekindle our friendship at least tell us why you walked away from us.”
Sam looked at the seven inquisitive faces and could tell they were all concerned about her. For the first time in almost a year she realized that she had indeed push herself away from her old friends. On top of that she did miss them. Part of her wanted to throw Tony’s hand off and to storm away. But another part of her longed for companionship. Everyone could see the turmoil in her face and eyes. But it wasn’t until she looked at Jenny that tears started forming in her eyes. “I can’t do this,” Sam choked out.
“What have I done to you?” Jenny asked as she too sniffled. The hurt she felt at Sam’s rejection threatened to break down her budding self-confidence.
Sam looked at Jenny and saw tears flowing down her cheeks. The tears in her own eyes began to flow also. “You’re showing me up, that’s what you’ve done. You and Krista and Jamie and Kylie, you’re all showing me up. I hate you all for that!”
Everyone was stunned by her anger and had no idea how to respond.
“So that’s it,” Krista said after a few moments as she realized what was happening. “You’re upset because we’ve come out as our true selves and you’re not able to do so.”
Sam looked at Krista as if she’d thrust a sword through her heart. Unable to control herself she threw off Tony’s hand and practically ran out of the cafeteria.
“I’m going after her,” Krista said as she stood. “The rest of you stay here. This needs to be done one-on-one.”
Krista hurried after Sam as everyone but Jenny exchanged looks of confusion.
“Oh my God,” Jenny gasped. “I think Sam may be a transsexual, a female to male transsexual.”
The others were obviously stunned by this revelation but it clearly fit the circumstances.
Krista cautiously followed Sam into the girls’ restroom. Sam stood before the sink rinsing her hands and wiping the tears from her face.
“Just leave me the fuck alone,” Sam snapped when she noticed Krista. “This is all your fault.”
“I don’t think so,” Krista brazenly replied. “Oh, I think my presence and actions had made things worse for you, but this started long before I arrived on the scene. The guys said you started pulling away from them last spring. That was before I even knew this place existed. So don’t go blaming me for this.”
Sam turned towards Krista with her fists clenched obviously enraged. “I’ll blame any freaking one I want,” Sam snarled. “You and your goody two shoes ways have made my life hell.” With that Sam sprang had Krista.
Krista was ready and easily dodged Sam’s attack. “Sam, don’t fight me, at least not here, not at school. If you insist on fighting me, let’s do so after school lets out and off school property. Then neither of us can be suspended. But honestly, fighting won’t solve anything. We need to talk this out. You need people on your side. If you’re going through what Kylie, Jamie, Jenny and I have gone through you can’t do it alone. There are professional people in town who can help. This problem can be fixed.”
“It’s too late to talk,” Sam thundered as she charged Krista once more.
“It’s never too late to talk,” Krista said as she faked out dodging to one side before quickly moving to the other snatching Sam’s arm as she stumbled past, twisting it up behind her back and shoving her face first into the wall. “You know I whipped Tony’s ass. Hell, I even killed a man, not that I’m happy about it, but I’m a hell of a lot tougher than I look. I don’t want to hurt you. I want to help you. We all do. Please, Sam, calm down and let’s talk this out.”
Sam struggled for a few moments as tears of frustration and anger flowed down her cheeks. When she realized she couldn’t get away from Krista, she gave up the struggle and began to cry in earnest.
Krista released the arm lock and wrapped her arms about Sam letting her cry.
A few girls came into the restroom, but turned around quickly when they saw Krista and Sam.
After a few moments Sam turned and returned Krista’s hug as she continued to sob. The bell rang for the next class to start, but the two girls didn’t budge. It took another five minutes for Sam to regain control. “We’re both going to get detention for being late to class.”
“If we do we do,” Krista stated calmly. “However, if we go to the nurse’s office and explain what happened, my mom give us a pass.”
“I can’t tell anyone what happened,” Sam sniffed. “I’m the tough one, I never cry.”
“Everyone cries,” Krista reassured her. “Even Tony has learned cry when appropriate. Being tough doesn’t mean you can’t cry. Crying simply means you’re human. Sam, I think you’re like me and the others, I think you’re transsexual... and you know it. What I’ve learned about girls is that they start puberty somewhere around 11 or 12, which means that you probably started puberty sometime late last winter. The exact time you separated yourself from your friends. You were ashamed of your development and ashamed of the way the hormones are making you cry. You probably didn’t know why you were reacting the way you did other than the fact that you hated the changes that were happening to your body and want nothing to do with maturing into a woman. When I showed up you realized that you were the exact opposite of me. You’re a boy trapped in a girl’s body. Until puberty hit, you were able to deny to yourself that you were girl by simply dressing like and hanging with the guys. Everyone thought you were tomboy and you got away with your boyish behavior. Now that puberty started you’re afraid to do that. You’re afraid of the ridicule you might receive when someone discovers you’re budding. Talk to me Sam. I’m your friend.”
“I hate being a girl! I always have!” Sam declared with disgust and self-loathing. “I never asked to be a girl! I never wanted to be a girl. All I’ve ever wanted is to be a boy.”
“Dr. Sykes can help you start on the road to becoming a boy, just as she’s helping Jamie, Jenny and I to become girls,” Krista soothed. “Saturday a week ago Kylie had the operation to turn her into a woman. This spring, what she’s healed up, she and Larry are going to get married. Pulling away from everyone as you have will not help you become a boy. All it’s doing is making you miserable and most likely making everyone who cares about you miserable too. Let us help you. We’ll support you and have your back. Just as I’ve blazed the trail here for boy to girl transitioning, you can blaze the trail for girl to boy transitioning. You won’t be alone. You’ll have at least seven of us as friends, but I’m sure there will be many more. You can’t hide what you are. Let Samuel come out. Be brave enough to face the world. You said you’re tough, this is how you’ll prove it. But you won’t be alone. Right here right now you’ve taken the first step. The next step will be heading to the nurse’s office to tell my mom what’s going on and get those passes.”
“I can’t,” Sam complained. “Your family has supported you, mine won’t help me. My mom has always been pushing me to stop being a tomboy. Since I started... you know... it’s gotten worse. She’s always wanted a girly girl daughter. Instead she has me, a poor excuse for a daughter who’s really a boy. Dad used to play sports with me until mom finally made him stop because she said he was turning me into tomboy. It didn’t matter to her that I wanted to do things with dad. All she cared about was that I was embarrassing her the way I behaved and dressed.”
“Let me ask you something,” Krista stated firmly. “I want a straight answer without hesitation. How many times have you thought about suicide?”
Sam looked up guiltily. “How do you know?”
“It’s par for the course for transsexuals,” Krista informed Sam. “The longer you put off getting help, the more often you’re going to think about suicide until eventually you try to kill yourself. You may succeed, but even if you don’t, how do you think that will affect your parents?”
Sam just looked at Krista as she pondered her words. She knew the answer. “My mother would never forgive herself. My dad would be really hurt too.”
“That’s what they need to hear,” Krista explained. “You need to tell them how you feel and just how desperate you are. You need to tell them you need to be a boy. Samuel needs tell them that you’ll kill yourself before you let yourself grow up to be a woman. If you want, my mother and I will go with you to tell them. We will have your back.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Sam sighed. “I know it’s what I have to do, but I’m scared.”
“That’s why you need friends who care about you,” Krista smiled. “Now, let’s get to the nurse’s office before they send out a search party for us.”
They exited the restroom and almost bumped into Dr. Harris. “So here you two are. I hope you have a good excuse for skipping class.” Even as he said that he could see Sam’s red eyes and knew there were personal issues involved. He’d become aware of Sam’s self-imposed aloofness. It didn’t surprise him in the least that Krista had apparently broken through the walls that Sam had erected.
“Yes sir, we do,” Krista answered without hesitation. “But right now we need to get to the nurse’s office.”
“I’ll escort you,” Dr. Harris agreed as he ushered the girls towards the nurse’s office.
For her part, Sam was obviously surprised that Dr. Harris capitulated so easily. But then she realized that Krista did indeed have a great deal of influence in the school. Her reputation was such that the staff respected her opinions. If Krista could do that maybe she really could help her with her problems.
Pat was not really surprised when Dr. Harris opened the door to the nurses office to usher the girls inside. She been aware that the duo had not made it to their class and had sincerely hoped that Krista had a good reason for missing class. Obviously she did or Dr. Harris would not have brought them to her office.
“I’ll need a brief report,” Dr. Harris told Pat before adding for Sam’s benefit. “Of course, it will be kept confidential.”
“Samantha, do you want to tell me what is going on?” Pat stated after seeing Krista flick her eyes meaningfully towards Sam.
Samantha hung her head unable to utter a word.
“Sam, you need to tell my mom,” Krista urged. “You need to get the ball rolling.”
After a few moments of uneasy silence Sam sighed deeply. “I... I’m a boy...”
“All right,” Pat agreed in a calm voice. “I’m guessing you need some help in convincing everyone that you are boy. Thanks to Krista, I have been getting a lot of experience in helping people become the gender they should be. I assume that Krista is the first person you’ve told about this. Or rather that Krista wormed the truth out of you.”
“Yeah,” Sam whispered.
“Okay, then we need to get your parents on board,” Pat stated calmly. “It might be better to call them in here so you can tell them in a neutral place. I’m sure Krista has already told you that she’d have your back. I will too. Now, I’ll call your parents and ask them to come in as soon as possible.”
Sam wanted to object but one look at Pat’s stern but caring face stopped any attempt to protest.
Krista and Sam sat and talked as they waited. Since Sam had not really spoken with anyone in nearly a year she was desperate for conversation, especially with someone who had insight and understanding about her issues. Their quiet discussions went a long way in soothing Sam’s nearly frazzled nerves.
It was 1:30 when Mary Ann and Gilligan Evans arrived at school office. Both were greatly concerned for their daughter whom they knew was having major issues. Despite their best efforts Sam had steadfastly refused to speak to them and except for meals stayed in her room. When the call from Pat first came they were worried that something bad had happened to Sam. They were relieved to know that physically she was fine but that there were issues that needed to be confronted. Dr. Harris greeted the parents and escorted them to the nurse’s office. As the worried parents entered the room they saw the red eyed terrified face of their daughter. After Dr. Harris introduced Pat and Krista he left.
“Thank you for coming in,” Pat said before turning to the girls. “Krista, please take Sam into the back room while I have a brief chat with her parents.”
Krista didn’t reply but stood and tugged on Sam’s arm to lead her into the back room.
“Please take a seat,” Pat began. “Please, before I say anything else, tell me how Sam has been behaving these last few months.”
“We’ve been worried sick about her,” Mary Ann said as Gilligan nodded agreement. “She’s been getting worse and worse for almost a year but she just won’t talk to us. We know she’s been unhappy but she refuses to talk to us. She’s lost all her friends and except for meals she stays in her bedroom. We just don’t know what to do anymore.”
“Everyone at the school has noticed that also,” Pat told them. “She wouldn’t talk to any of us either... at least until today. Krista has a way of getting inside people’s defensive walls. Apparently at lunch today, Krista, Tony, Jimmy, Phil, Dwayne, Jasmine and Jenny confronted Sam. They wanted to know what was eating her that caused her to stop being their friend. Sam fled, hiding in a restroom. Krista followed her and confronted her again. Sam got angry and went after Krista but Krista dodged Sam and maneuvered her into an arm lock. At that point Sam broke down. To make a long story short, Krista found out what’s been eating Sam.”
“Sam attacked Krista and Krista didn’t get hurt?” Gilligan said in amazement. “I’ve heard everyone talking about Krista being a strong... person... but to get Sam in an arm lock without Sam hurting her, well, that says a lot about Krista”
“I can tell you are uneasy about Krista,” Pat sighed. “It’s best if I tell you about her before we talk about Sam because the issues are related. Krista is a transsexual. Physically she has a boy’s body but her mind and soul are that of a girl. It’s a medically recognized diagnosis and one that I can personally verify since I’m her adopted mother. Krista is in every way except one a girl. She has helped three other girls like her as I’m sure you’re aware. Now she’s helping Sam.”
“That can’t be,” Mary Ann shook her head. “I’ve been trying since Samantha learned say the word no and mean it to get her into dresses. She absolutely refuses. I mean, just look at the way she dresses and keeps her hair cut. She’s more like a boy than a girl. There is simply no way that Sam’s issues have been that she wants to finally become a girl.”
“Oh wow,” Gilligan sat up. “Mary Ann, you hit the nail on the head and don’t even realize it. Sam is more like a boy than a girl!”
“Exactly,” Pat agreed with a smile, pleased he made the connection. “That’s what this is all about. It’s really gotten worse since she started puberty. That’s why she’s pulled in and away from everybody.”
“You’ve lost me,” Mary Ann stated with obvious confusion. “Of course puberty is going to keep Sam from being such a tomboy. She has no choice but to finally become the girl she really is.”
“It’s plain to see honey,” Gilligan soothed his wife. “Sam isn’t our daughter, he’s our son.”
Mary Ann frowned as she looked at him then at Pat who was nodding her head in agreement. Finally the light dawned on her. “Sam’s a transsexual? I didn’t think girls could be transsexuals.”
“Of course they can,” Pat smiled. “It’s just that since more people are accepting of females dressing and behaving like males, it’s not as shocking. The surgeries for male to female transsexuals have been nearly perfected to the point it takes a professional to tell the difference. The female to male surgery is not nearly as successful since it’s very difficult to create a functional penis. Many female to male transsexuals are satisfied merely with dressing and behaving like men.”
“Are you really telling me that Samantha think she’s a boy?” Mary Ann asked incredulously.
“No, I’m telling you that Sam is a boy,” Pat replied. “Think back over Sam’s life. Since Sam became old enough to think on his own has he ever behaved other than like a boy?”
Mary Ann frowned in thought, obviously not liking what she was remembering.
“The truth is that Samantha never really existed,” Pat added softly.
“I’m really finding this difficult to comprehend,” Mary Ann shook her head. “But you’re right, Samantha has never really been my daughter. Every time I try to push her into something girlish she fought back and I mean fought back.”
“I guess we need to talk to Sam,” Gilligan stated.
“I think so,” Pat agreed as she stood to bring the girls back into the room.
Sam was clearly trembling, clinging to Krista’s arm.
“It’s okay, son,” Gilligan stated.
Sam was clearly stunned by his father’s words. He never expected such acceptance.
Mary Ann bit her lips and blinked back tears. “Samantha... Sam... is it true? Is this what you want? Are you sure you feel like a boy?”
Sam slowly nodded his head until Krista elbowed him. “Mom, I feel like a boy because I am a boy! I always have been and I always will be a boy. I... I just can’t go on like this anymore. You have no idea how terrible it is to be growing boobs! I hate it! It’s gotten so bad I’ve begun thinking about killing myself!”
“Oh God no, Sam,” Mary Ann nearly screamed. “Baby, please, don’t ever do that... don’t ever think about that! We’ll work this out. I may not like you being a boy, but I do love you!”
“Sam, son, I think right about now your mother could use a hug,” Gilligan stated.
Sam didn’t hesitate. For the first time in years, he hugged his mother.
Mary Ann realized as she melted into the hug that she was being hugged by a boy and not a girl. There was a big difference between the two styles of hugging.
“So where do we go from here?” Gilligan asked.
“Dr. Sykes should be the first stop,” Pat explained. “She’s been handling Krista, Kylie, Jamie now Jenny. She’s well-versed in transsexuality. I took the liberty of calling her and asking her to clear a slot in her schedule at three to see a newly emerged transsexual. She has no idea who but she’s willing and eager to help. After some physical and psychological testing to verify Sam’s transsexualism, things can start to happen to correct the situation. Once she confirms Sam is a transsexual, she can give her medications to stop female puberty and authorize him to begin living full-time as the boy he feels he is. It’ll be a big step for all of you, but it’s a step that needs to be taken to save Sam’s life and your family.”
Mary Ann nodded her agreement as she reluctantly released Sam from the hug. “Well Sam, we’ve got twenty five minutes to get to Dr. Sykes office. She’s my gynecologist and I trust her. If she verifies that you’re our son, we’ll do everything we can to help you become what you need to be.”
“Krista, thank you for helping Sam,” Gilligan stated. “I know my opinion about transsexuals was wrong. I’m glad you proved that to me.”
Krista smiled and nodded her head as the Evans family headed off to see Dr. Sykes.
*****
Chapter 9
The next day the seven friends were anxious to see Sam. Even when pressed Krista refused to tell them what had happened during her confrontation with Sam. They all suspected that Sam might be suffering from gender dysphoria, but had no proof. All they knew for sure was that Sam had left the school with her parents. Krista merely told the others that Sam would have to tell them what had happened. While not satisfied with that answer, they didn’t doubt that Krista was correct in her reasoning.
They were the only ones in the school who were not surprised to see a smile on Sam’s face when he entered their homeroom. Sam smiled and nodded to Krista and the others. Most of the other kids were whispering amongst themselves. Most had seen Sam flee the lunch room with Krista in close pursuit. They’d noted Sam acknowledging Krista so obviously she had somehow gotten through to Sam. The morose tomboy seemed to have disappeared. In her place was a tomboy who was more like the Sam they had known in elementary school. Everyone looked at Krista knowing she had been instrumental in Sam’s turnabout.
At lunch Sam surprised everyone by joining the Clan Wells Point teens. “Hi,” Sam greeted them as he sat down beside Krista.
“I haven’t told them anything,” Krista smiled at Sam. “It wasn’t my place to do so. But if you don’t tell them they may just beat it out of you.”
Sam chuckled knowing that Krista was joking. Then she nervously glanced around to see if anyone other than this select group was close enough to hear her speak. Then she took a deep breath to steel herself and leaned forward as did the others. “My parents and I went to see Dr. Sykes yesterday. I’m transsexual just like Krista and Jenny. Well, not exactly like them, in fact exactly opposite of them.”
“That makes sense,” Tony smiled. “Sam, we missed you. If you’ll have us, we’d like to be your friends again.”
“It doesn’t matter to you that I’m... like this?” Sam asked as hope filled his heart.
“Why should it?” Tony asked. “After all, my girlfriend is a transsexual too. I’m not saying I understand being transsexual, but I can accept it because I know it’s true. Krista is all girl and Sam, I have no doubt that you’re all boy.” With that he extended his hand in friendship.
Sam didn’t hesitate and grasped Tony’s hand. In moments he had shaken the hands of the other three guys.
“Don’t you dare try shaking hands with us,” Jasmine stated firmly as she stood and walked over to Sam. “Girls hug their friends even if they are boys.” With that she gave Sam a quick but warm hug.
Krista reached over and also gave Sam a welcoming hug.
Jenny was still reluctant to express her girlhood with someone she really just met. It was clear she wanted to hug Sam but was afraid, especially since nearly everyone the cafeteria was keeping an eye on them.
Sam understood and smiled at Jenny while nodding his head. Jenny responded likewise.
After that the conversation turned to other matters. Sam had missed his friends and was eager to learn the details of what had been happening in their lives. The three girls sat and smiled, listening, as the five guys swapped their tales.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after school Sam headed directly to Dr. Sykes office. There he underwent a most thorough physical before beginning the psychological tests. Embarrassed at first, the staff made him feel welcome and treated him as the boy he felt himself to be.
For the most part life in the Clan Wells Point settled into a normal routine or at least as normal as things got in the Clan. Sam became a steady in-school member of the Clan Wells Point teens. Everyone was amazed at how open and friendly Sam had become and while they didn’t know the reason they knew it was definitely connected to the Clan teens. As for Jenny, she slipped easily into school and Clan life. Each evening after the band practiced in the studio at the main farm, Jaz and Jenny headed down Johns Cove Lane to their homes. Despite the chilly January nights, Jenny played her sax as she and Jaz walked. The mellow sound of her sax could be heard wafting above the waters of Johns Cove and echoing across Wells Point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-TgKlWUuhM Like nearly everyone who heard Jenny play, they marveled at her skill. Of course, everyone in the Clan Wells Point understood Jenny’s skilled playing was the direct result of the emotional turmoil that had ruled her life in the past. The forlorn youngster had poured all the angst, anger and frustration of her existence into playing the blues on the sax.
Saturday morning, Gilligan, Mary Ann and Sam sat in Dr. Sykes office to get the results of all the tests. Needless to say they were all anxious.
“The tests have all come back,” Dr. Sykes smiled. “There are no surprises. First of all, and please Sam, don’t be offended by this, but physically, you are a normal twelve year old girl. Mentally, Sam is fairly normal twelve year-old boy. It is not possible to change a person’s mind from male to female or vice versa, the only option is to change the physical body to match the mind. Sam, if your parents agree, I’m ready to start you on a program of medications to stop you female puberty. Since you’re not too far along, there is a good possibility the female development you’ve already experienced will reverse itself a bit. The changes will not completely disappear but they should lessen. I’ll be keeping a very close eye on you for the next six months. If at that time, you and your family are comfortable with you being a boy, we should be able to start you on a low dosage testosterone program. That will start you into puberty as a boy and will further diminish any remaining female characteristics. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, if you don’t have any objections to stopping Sam’s female puberty, please sign these forms while I prepare her first injections.”
A half-hour later Sam proudly swaggered out of the office in front of his parents, ignoring the discomfort of the injection in his butt. Mary Ann and Gilligan could hardly believe the change in Sam. The morose child they’d been fretting about for the last several months was gone, as was their daughter. Of course they now fully realized they had never really had a daughter. They were still adjusting to the change. But their son was definitely happy, a very marked improvement and one they would quite willingly live with.
Saturday morning was also busy for the Clan. Trucks from the construction business pulled up in front of the Harper, Abott and Delp homes to load the furnishings to take them out to the home on the Clan’s property. Nearly everyone was on hand to help and the trucks were loaded in just over an hour. One by one the trucks backed up to the house and began offloading. The furniture was taken to the appropriate location and set up. By noon everything was in place. The kitchen, while a hodgepodge of dishes and cookware, was warm and quite livable. The pantry and refrigerator and freezer were also well-stocked.
That evening for supper the main farmhouse was crowded. Sam and his parents joined the Clan for the evening meal. The teens and youngsters ate in the kitchen to make room for the adults in the dining room. Sam was thrilled to be with his friends, the friends he felt had saved his life. Gilligan and Mary Ann were pleasantly surprised by the camaraderie of the Clan and their open welcome.
Gilligan could see the question in everyone’s eyes. However, the Clan was polite enough not to ask. Long familiar with the unasked question, Gilligan smiled and stood. “I know everyone is curious and I understand why. First you need to understand that my parents have an extremely warped sense of humor. When they were teenagers, their favorite show was Gilligan’s Island. Although they deny it, I honestly think they were smoking pot when they named me. Believe me, it wasn’t easy growing up with the other kids calling me ‘little buddy.’ However, being named Gilligan has been a blessing for me. As a gag, some of my high school friends set me up on a blind date with a girl named Mary Ann.” With that he looked to his smiling wife.
“I thought they were trying to make a fool of me when we first met,” Mary Ann smiled.
“Mary Ann, meet Gilligan. Gilligan, meet Mary Ann.”
“God I was humiliated when everyone started laughing,” Mary Ann said. “That is until Gilligan took my hand.”
“‘Let’s loose these jackals’, I told her,” Gilligan chuckled. “We stormed off leaving them howling.”
“Don’t go on any three hour tours!”
“It turned out we clicked,” Mary Ann smiled. “We never dated anyone else.”
“Naturally, with our names, we just HAD to start a Charter Boat business,” Gilligan smiled. “Mary Ann refused to let me name the boat the SS Minnow. We finally settled on ‘Coconut Island’ since that was the name of the island pictured on the opening scenes of the show. It’s located in KÄane'ohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii.”
Everyone chuckled at the saga of Gilligan and Mary Ann. Sam winced.
Once Frank learned that Gilligan was the captain of a charter fishing boat, his eyes lit up. “If I’m not being too nosy, do you own your boat?”
“Yes and no,” Gilligan answered. “It’s mine as long as I keep up the payments. Unfortunately the way the economy is going that may be difficult to do. It takes an average of two charters a week to pay for the upkeep on the boat. I need three more charters each week to make the payments. Anything after those five are what we live on. To be honest right now if it wouldn’t be for Mary Ann’s income we’d be broke. But even with her income we barely have enough to make mortgage payments on the house and feed ourselves.”
Stephen smiled sadly and nodded his head. “Do you have enough equity in your home to pay off your boat?”
“Yeah,” Gilligan snorted. “But we can’t live on the boat and there’s no way we could afford to rent.”
“Well, there may be another option,” Stephen stated. “I just got wind that some properties nearby either are or may become available. I’ve already contacted the present owners and have bid on one and made arrangements to speak with the other. By selling privately we’d both save money on realtors fees. We may be able to provide you with a place to live with a dock where you can keep your boat. That would save you marina fees.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Gilligan stated. “However, I think the fuel I’d use to get around to St. Michael’s and back here would eat up any savings on marina fees.”
“Well I might have an answer for you there,” Robert chuckled. “I’ve been approached by the St. Michael’s planning commission to put in a bid to extend the dock off W. Chew St. It’s just two blocks off of S. Talbot St. That’s just six blocks from the main marina. There is only one small launch ramp for the entire marina. They’re talking about adding a double launch ramp and adding eighty feet to the dock with a ‘T’ thirty feet long at the tip. The extension would come off the existing dock at a forty five degree angle to the Southwest. If I win the bid, I can make sure that I have a reserved space rented at half the going rate on one end of the existing ‘T’ before the new portion of the dock for the Clan Wells Point. I’ll put that condition in the bid and contract. I’ll make sure my bid is low balled. I won’t cut my throat, I’ll make sure I cover all expenses with just a little bit for profit. The best part is, I’ll be the only contractor bidding who can have the job done by the end of April, just in time for the spring tourist season.”
“That sounds good, but I’m not a member of the Clan Wells Point,” Gilligan reminded them.
“That can be remedied easily enough,” Jane chuckled. “That is if you’re interested?”
“Oh I’m interested all right,” Gilligan enthused. “But what if any of the deals will through.”
“I don’t think that would happen,” Steven declared. “But if by chance it would, we can work something else out.”
“Mary Ann, you haven’t said a thing,” Jane said. “What do you think of our ideas?”
“I’m not sure of anything right now,” Mary Ann declared. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I’ve got a son rather than a daughter. What you said sounds fantastic. It would give us a chance to start over again as a family. It’s obvious Sam likes everyone here especially his classmates. At this point so much in our lives has changed, a bit more won’t make much difference. Gilligan if you’re game so am I.”
With that, the Clan Wells Point welcomed three new members. Calls were made to Rev. Giles and Dr. Sykes and plans were made for a special announcement in church the next morning.
While the parents were talking, the Clan teens headed over to their studio. Sam was amazed by the studio and the willingness of the adults to support the teens efforts. Tony, Jimmy, Phil, and Dwayne knew Sam played three instruments. Her father played the banjo and her mother the mandolin. Sam had learned to play both as well as the steel guitar. Sam eagerly accepted the offer to join the band.
Sunday morning the Evans family joined the rest of the Clan Wells Point attending the early service at St. Luke’s Church. Rev. Giles greeted the Evans family with open arms.
After the organ prelude, Rev. Giles greeted the congregation. After making a few announcements he turned to the Clan Wells Point. “The Clan Wells Point added three new members last night. They’re here with us today and have expressed a desire to join our congregation. They’ve lived in the Bay Hundred area all their lives but in the last week their lives have changed thanks to the efforts of Krista and her friends. Once again they rallied around a classmate who was quite suicidal and by his own admittance they saved his life. Krista recognized in this youth something that all the adults involved had missed. She saw through the walls the youth had erected in his agony and self loathing. She recognized the person was transgendered. With Krista’s normal resolve, she battered her way through the person’s defensive walls and confronted the reality. Dr. Sykes has spent most of the week counseling and testing the youth, and today we publicly acknowledge and welcome Samuel Evans into our fellowship.”
Krista linked arms with Sam and helped him stand and turn to face the congregation. Sam was clearly nervous as he looked out over the faces looking at him. Then someone started clapping and in moments nearly all the congregation was clapping. Sam’s heart soared. He had been accepted! Tomorrow he would do the same thing at school. Sam was here to stay.
Monday Sam waited outside the school for the Clan teens to arrive. Dr. Harris had already been notified of Sam’s situation and just like with the other transsexuals spread the word to the staff that Sam was now to be treated as a boy. Because of the initial revelation in church of Sam’s true gender, many of the students had already heard about Sam’s transition. Many were surprised, not having realized that transsexuals could be female to male. Most knew Sam and were not really surprised to find out that he was a transsexual boy. It was easier for them to accept a girl becoming a boy than vice versa. No one hassled Sam.
One thing that did happen during the week was that Sam and Jenny grew closer. Both were new to their gender status so naturally they had their inherent anxiety in common. Krista and Jaz smiled when they noted the pair spending a lot of time talking with each other. They knew before Sam and Jenny did that they would become boyfriend and girlfriend.
*****
At it’s end Balls Creek split into two segments, the northern segment opened into the Clan Wells Point holdings. Bills new home and dock were located in the northern segment which was located west of John’s Cove. The southern segment headed east and ended just short of the Bozman-Nevitt Road. There was a small peninsula separating the two segments. The northern quarter of the area was part of the western wooded area of the Clan holdings.
The southern three quarters had been mostly cleared and numerous homes were built on it. The parcel in question had once been two lots. The inland lot was rectangle shaped. The side adjoining the Clan woodland in the north and the opposite southern portion bordering Balls Creek were four hundred eighty five feet long and three hundred forty five feet wide. This portion had two nearly mirror image vacation rental homes. Each had three bedrooms and one and a half baths. On the southern shore they shared a large dock five feet wide projecting sixty feet into Balls Creek. A boathouse fifteen feet square was built adjoining the western tip of the dock. A boat shed twenty five feet wide and sixty feet long projected several feet into Balls Creek. It was equipped with electric boat lifts to remove boats from the water. There was a small dock five feet wide and ten feet long projecting south from the building.
The end parcel was trapezoid shaped, five hundred sixty feet long on the north, three hundred forty five feet on the west, five hundred forty feet on the south bordering Balls Creek, and slightly two hundred feet on the east forming the tip of the peninsula. A large two and a half story home stood near the tip. In the attic was a comfortable apartment for the owners. The second floor held six bedrooms and three full baths. The first floor featured two large fireplaces and two half baths. Between the house and the eastern shore was a large swimming pool. Near the northeast corner of the tip was a quaint gazebo. On the south shore was a dock five feet wide and thirty feet long. Near the Clan woodland was a shed and a garage. The couple that owned the parcel had remodeled the main house into a bed and breakfast inn they called the GRANDVIEW. Due to the economy stagnating, they had not made enough money last year to pay the mortgage. They were dipping into their reserves to make the payments but knew they couldn’t continue to do so. When Stephen contacted them about buying them out, they were understandably reluctant but understood they had to look at all options.
Steven and Cynthia came to the home and were given a tour. Both were impressed by the renovations and setting. Kurt and Amanda Shilling were equally impressed with the graciousness and sincerity of the Campbells. When they sat down to discuss the financial situation, Stephen was blunt but not harsh. Kurt and Amanda did not dispute Steven’s assessment of their situation.
“I’m sure you’re more than aware of the Clan Wells Point,” Steve stated. “We are very much interested in your property. What we need to know is how devoted you are to the property.”
“If we could see some way that we can continue paying the mortgage we would do so,” Kurt stated. “We both love this place. If we have to leave it will rip both of us up. Unfortunately as you so astutely pointed out, we’ll be bankrupt in six months. We really have no option but to sell out.”
“What if I could offer you another option,” Steve and smiled. “As I said, the Clan is interested in the property. This seems like a wonderful B&B and it’s only the economy that is putting you down. Once things pick up, we’re sure this place will be profitable. What were looking at is a twofold deal. First, you agree to sell the property to the Clan for the cost of paying off the mortgage. Second, you agree to join the Clan Wells Point. As members of the Clan, you would have an interest in the entire Clan holdings. We’d also like to see you stay on to operate the B&B. Of course there would be legal documents to sign and you could have your lawyer review them. If these terms are agreeable I don’t see any reason we can relieve you of the mortgage before this month is out.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Kurt said honestly. “We’d love to stay here and you’re giving us an opportunity to do so. What I don’t understand is why?”
“It’s quite simple,” Cynthia smiled. “We checked you out and you’re good people. The Clan Wells Point are good people. Our interests and your interests match. By joining together we’ll all get what we want. As a member of the Clan we can’t just throw you out.”
“What about our plans and hopes for this place?” Amanda sadly asked.
“Unless they’re outrageous we’ll listen,” Cynthia replied with a smile. “Is they’re practical we’ll go with them. After all, if you join the Clan this place will still be yours as well as ours. It’s a win-win situation.”
Amanda and Kurt looked at each other for a few moments, then nodded their heads. “Let’s see what lawyers come up with,” Kurt smiled.
“You can rest assured you’ll like what you see,” Stevens said. “Kevin Stewart is the Clan lawyer as well as a member.”
By Friday, the deal was done. Kurt and Amanda Shilling were welcomed as the newest members of the Clan Wells Point and the Clan holdings had expanded to include the entirety of the small Peninsula upon which the B&B rested.
The property next to the property of the Grandview B&B towards the Bozman-Neavitt Road was also up for sale. Stephen had placed a bid on that property. Even though he bid $50,000 under the asking price, the market was already crashing and the absentee owner was becoming increasingly desperate to sell, so he accepted the offer. Settlement was scheduled for February fourth but the seller agreed to allow the Clan access to the property including beginning any renovations they felt were needed. This tract was trapezoid shaped lot was a hundred seventy feet wide on the north side, seven hundred feet long on the West side, seven hundred forty five feet long on the Eastside and a hundred ninety feet long on the south side where it bordered Balls Creek. There were three houses on the property. The first home was a full time rental while the other two were used for vacation rentals and were currently vacant. The first house was located on the north portion of the property on the west side of the center driveway. It was a one and a half story home with three bedrooms and two baths with a fifteen by fifteen foot porch that connected it to a barn forty five feet wide by fifty five feet long. There was also a garage workshop combination fifteen feet by thirty five feet. The second one and a half story, three bedroom, two and a half bath home was also on the west side of the driveway. It had a nearby large garage as well as a rather large dock on balls Creek. The third one and a half story four-bedroom two and a half bath home had a large deck, garage and a shed foot shed was on the east of the driveway adjacent to the second home. It had an even larger dock five feet from the shore a hundred feet long. This was the home Steven had been talking about for the Evans family.
Robert handed in his bid to extend the dock at the end of the S. Chew St. In St. Michaels. His was the first bid and it handed in. It would indeed be the lowest and the small request for a docking birth where the Clan still made it quite attractive. The bidding would close in two weeks with the winning bid awarded the following week.
*****
Saturday the Evans family joined Steven and Robert as they toured the soon to be acquired property. The third home with the garage and shed and the bigger dock excited the family. It would be perfect for them and the charter business. The only thing needed was an upgrade in the heating system. Like many rental homes, the heating system was underpowered since minimal heat was needed during the winter when they sat vacant. Robert was able to eval the existing system and figure out how to economically upgrade it. After the tour, everyone headed to the main farmhouse for their regular Clan meal.
Afterward, the regular Clan meeting took place. The lone barn near the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel was discussed as the most feasible site to remodel for the proposed clothing manufacturing business for Marjorie Delp, Norma Harper, and Maureen Abott. The two and a half story barn was thirty five feet wide by sixty five feet long could be made into the perfect site for the CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises. They could easily construct an office, showroom/store, cloth storeroom, cutting room, sewing room, screen printing shop, sail and awning making room and shipping and receiving dock.
Another discussion centered on the other lone barn located in the forest just north of the Main Farm. This two and a half story building was much larger, sixty feet wide and eighty feet deep. A multi-purpose metal working shop, the CWP Metal Works, run by Greg Olsen was proposed. Part of it would be a machine shop. Another area would be set aside for a small scale foundry. A combination paint and powder coat shop would also be set up.
Robert had already gotten a line on industrial sewing machines, fabric cutters, tables and racks from a factory that was closing. He’d also contacted the family of the recently deceased owner of a small but update fully equipped metal fabricating and machine shop rightly assuming the family would sell everything for a low but reasonable price to a single buyer. Steven smiled as he said he was bidding more than the liquidation companies but only higher than they could pay and make a profit selling it off.
The consensus was to go ahead with the barn conversions and the equipment purchases. Robert would once more use his construction vehicles to pick-up the items.
After the meeting Sam joined the Clan teens for his first band practice while his parents sat down with Steven, Robert, Jane and Kevin as well as the Shillings to iron out the legalities involved in having the Evans and Shillings merge with the Clan. The teens had told Sam to bring his banjo so he was ready to join ‘Certain Change.’ Sam was amazed by the studio but had little time to wonder as they all tuned up. They had a good rehearsal and they were learning to mesh their individual performance into a smoothly flowing style that felt comfortable for all.
As usual nearly everyone headed into St. Michaels for the Sunday morning church service. Afterward, Sam rode out to the main farm with Tony, Rachel and Larry. After a quick lunch, Sam headed out to assist Tony and Larry with the farm chores. Sam had been wisely cautioned to bring some work clothes to wear while doing the chores. The teens gathered at the farm for supper before heading to their studio to practice. They were determined to have at least a few songs ready to welcome Kylie home.
Kylie, when still hidden inside Kyle, longed for the ‘Rainbow Connection’ to Larry. The song they planned to play first was a ballad, ‘The Rainbow Connection’, sung by Kermit the frog in the original ‘Muppet Movie’. The last lines of the song rang so true: “Have you been half asleep, and have you heard voices, I've heard them calling my name. Is this the sweet sound, that calls the young sailors, the voice might be one and the same. I've heard it too many times to ignore it, it's something that I'm supposed to be. Someday we’ll find it, the Rainbow Connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.” This seemed to speak to the relationship that Kyle and Larry had before Kyle tried to kill himself.
Also from ‘The Muppet Movie’, they picked ‘Movin Right Along’ sung by Kermit & Fozzie. This was just a feel good song that expressed hope and happiness. The first lines set the tone: “Movin' right along in search of good times and good news, With good friends you can't lose, This could become a habit!”
For the next song they decided to use a silly song that is ironically accurate. ‘Always look on the Bright Side of Life’ from the Monty Python movie ‘The Life of Brian’. The excited teens even talked Stephan and Kevin into playing their bagpipes during the finale.
The last and main song was ‘It’s Getting Better’ made famous by Momma Cass of the Mommas and Papas. It seemed quite appropriate for Kylie and Larry For many people, this is the perfect song about discovering the love of your life. [In real life, it was the my late wife and I considered “our song’ because it spoke of our love that grew ever stronger as the years passed.]
*****
Chapter 10
The Evans charter boat business and the Grandview B&B were officially absorbed into The Clan Wells Point on Monday. Robert, Kevin, Jane, Kurt, Amanda, Gilligan and Mary Ann went to the local Bank of America office to pay off the mortgage on the B&B and the loan on the boat. Ownership was then transferred to the Clan to create two new divisions of the Clan Wells Point businesses, the CWP Grandview B&B with Kurt and Amanda as the operators and the CWP Charter Boat with Gilligan and Mary Ann as the operators.
*****
Halfway across the world Kylie was doing quite well although a little stir crazy. During their three-week stay she and her mother had seen all the nearby sites. One of the first purchases Evelyn had made after arriving in Thailand was a waterproof camera. She and Kylie had used the camera to record nearly everything they’d seen so they could share it when they returned home.
At the Suporn Clinic’s staff suggestion, a four day five night trip to Thailand’s famed tropical island vacation spot was set up. Evelyn and Kylie enjoyed the short flight to the southern Thailand island of Phuket. Since this was supposed to be a relaxing break they didn't want the noise, hustle & bustle of a trendy hotel. The Kata Beach Resort and Spa stood on the golden sands of one of the world's most picturesque beaches. The hotel was located on Phuket's west coast near the island’s southern tip between mountains covered with lush jungle and the warm water and cool breezes of the Andaman sea. The views of Kata Bay and uninhabited Crab Island were beautiful. An environment that is green year round adds enchantment to this comfortable resort. Palm trees, tropical gardens, two beach side pools and a tranquil elephant fountain in the lobby add to a sense of relaxation and timelessness. The lush tropical gardens and grounds of the resort which is immediately adjacent to the beach created a peaceful and exotic atmosphere for total relaxation.
Many of the staff have been with Kata Beach Resort and Spa for several years and were conversive in English. Their room had a fantastic seaview room and was quite nice and very roomy. The resort really was beachfront, Kylie could have throw a stone from the balcony onto the sand. The golden sand beach was dotted with sun lounges with umbrellas that were available for a small fee. The mother and daughter spent hours relaxing in the sun. Kylie thrilled and finally having the ability to sunbath in a bikini without any concerns. If they wanted a cold drink or food there was a hut right on the beach that served the sunbathers and swimmers. Since they were near the equator, the lands of endless summer, the daily temperatures reached the high nineties.
While the costs of the room was reasonable the restaurants and stores in the spa were quite pricey, the women took the advice they had gotten the staff from the Suporn Clinic. They visited the local 7/11 just across the road and bought their own drinks and nibbles. Fresh fruit was readily available everywhere so eating was cheap!
*****
Tuesday was a very special day. Cynthia and Stephan led their family into the courthouse to the courtroom of Judge Katherine Watkins. Heather, Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, Gretchen, and Benny Junior were there to have their say. Frank and Sarah Spade were there to support their adopted family. Of course Kevin was also there to represent the family. Needless to say when Benny Reese entered the courtroom in cuffs his already low spirits dropped even further.
Once the sentencing hearing was called to order, the bailiff read the charges. Four misdemeanor counts of abuse and other offensive conduct: child neglect; four misdemeanor counts of abuse and other offensive conduct: contributing to a child in need of assistance; four misdemeanor counts of abuse and other offensive conduct: non-support minor child; one misdemeanor count of crimes against marriage: bigamy; and finally one felony count of manslaughter and related crimes: manslaughter involuntary. No one said a word but everyone looked at Benny. Benny sat impassively showing no reaction to the charges.
The DA stood and simply asked that in light of the crimes and the fact that the defendant fled the country, that the maximum sentences be given on all counts. The court appointed defense attorney slowly rose and addressed the court asking that Benny receive probation so that he might work to pay child support for his children.
At that point, Kevin stood and asked that a representative of the family be allowed to address the defendant and the court. The defense attorney knew that any objections he might lodge would be useless so allowed the testimony to be given. Judge Watkins approved the request. The defense attorney and Benny were quite surprised when Jasmine stood and walked to the witness stand.
“Your honor, I want to thank you for this opportunity,” Jaz began before she turned her head to stare at her erstwhile father to speak with a venomous voice. “Daddy, for an educated man you’re stupid. You are so self-centered that the feelings and lives of your family mean nothing to you. Even when you were with us you weren’t much of a father. You seldom interacted with us and let mom deal with raising Holly, Ivy and myself. You were content to stay wrapped up in your own world. We discovered after you abandoned us that you had never even told anyone at the college that you even had a family. Believe me, DADDY, that made us all feel really great. We had to abandon the apartment we lived in and had to leave our school. We were forced to move into a cheap dingy apartment. Since mom had never worked because she become pregnant with me right out of high school and my sisters followed thereafter, she had no job skills. But you didn’t care. You left us high and dry. The only job mom could find was as an exotic dancer. Since that job required mom to work nights, I, a fourth grader, was left to watch Holly and Ivy. We barely had enough money to keep the apartment and eat. Clothes were scrounged as best we could. The school we’d moved to discovered we were left alone in the evenings and reported mom and us to children’s services. They came and took us, splitting Holly, Ivy and I into separate foster homes. Then my foster father raped me. Tell me DADDY... and I use that term very loosely, how does it feel to know that your nine-year-old daughter was raped because you abandoned us? You can’t even answer that can you? You are simply pitiful. I wound up in a coma for years. Because I couldn’t testify the courts let my rapist go free. Mom tried to be the best parent she could and in her outrage killed the man that raped me. She was sentenced to jail. I wound up barely alive in a corrupt nursing home, mom wound up in jail, and Holly and Ivy never saw each other. We’d still be in that situation if it hadn’t been for the best friend any of us have ever had, a girl who didn’t even know us, but heard about our situation and felt compelled to help. She set the ball in motion to reunite us and was instrumental in bringing me out of the coma. We now have a loving family and are part of a caring Clan.”
Other than Jazmine’s firm unwavering voice, the courtroom was silent. Benny hung his head in shame as his eldest child so justly laid into him.
“Once we settled into our new lives we began thinking about you, DADDY,” Jaz continued. “We started checking you out to see where you were. That’s when we discovered you were in Canada married again without divorcing mom with another child and one on the way. Let me tell you how wonderful that made us feel. But then again you simply didn’t give a damn, did you? You can rest assured we certainly did! So now, DADDY DEAREST, here you sit. Gretchen and Benny Junior were left penniless when you were arrested and her family abandoned her since they believe she betrayed them for you. Fortunately, your parents rescued them and brought them to us. They’ve all joined our Clan. Your entire FAMILY, the people you should have loved but obviously did not, are all here to see that you get what you deserve.”
The courtroom remained silent. Benny knew he was going to be shown no mercy. Then again, he realized he deserved none.
“But then you have never taken responsibility for anything, have you DADDY?” Jaz hotly asked. “You refuse to face up to your shortcomings and responsibilities. That’s why you plead guilty to all the charges! That way you wouldn’t have to sit through a trial. All you thought about was getting it over with and moving on. I’m guessing that you’ve never even thought about what you can be facing in this sentencing hearing. Let me tell you something DADDY, if Judge Watkins grants the DA’s request for maximum sentence on all charges, you’re facing 59 years in jail.”
Benny’s head lifted as he stared open mouthed at Jaz, then to his lawyer who merely nodded his head agreeing with Jazmine. Benny felt sick... fifty nine years in jail... he’d never survive. Fear filled his face.
“I see you’re shocked by that... SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE,” Jaz callously laughed. “It’s what you deserve for what you’ve done to your soon to be five children and two wives as well as your parents. So how does it feel DADDY, to know that you’ll be 90 when you’re finally released from jail?”
Ashen faced, Benny slumped in his seat. Clearly he had not considered the consequences of his actions. The courtroom was silent as everybody glared at him, including his defense attorney.
“While a part of those you’ve betrayed would really love to see you rot in jail for the rest of your life,” Jaz spit before she continued in a more conciliatory manner. “The family you abandoned is now a welcome part of the Clan Wells Point. The Clan does it’s best to help other people just as they helped the family you abandoned. The Clan would like to give you a chance to redeem yourself.”
Benny looked up clearly confused by the sudden change in Jaz’s tone and words.
“Your Honor, we the family of Benjamin Reese with the cooperation of the Clan Wells Point, would like to see Benjamin Reese become a productive member of society,” Jazmine spoke as she turned to the judge. “We understand that Benny Reese cannot be trusted. What we’d like you to do is to sentence him to the maximum penalty. If Benjamin Reese is agreeable to our terms, we would like to see you commute the sentence to a unique work-release program administered by the Clan Wells Point. One of the terms is that he have a transponder implanted into his buttocks. The transponder will reveal his location anytime and anywhere since it will be linked to communication satellites. The transponder should last for a minimum of five years. At the end of that time the Clan Wells Point will review Benjamin Reese’s growth as a functional human being. If we feel he has not lived up to our expectations, we will implant a new transponder. We will review his status every five years. If and when we feel he has matured and learned to be caring, compassionate and responsible we will come to the court to see about having his sentence commuted. He will have free will access within the Clan Wells Point boundaries. He will be given jobs to perform, some of which will be menial labor, especially at first, but as he grows the work he performs will be more in line with his interests and abilities. He will have to earn the trust of the entire Clan. He will especially have to earn the trust of his family. We ask that you give him this chance at redemption if he is agreeable to it and the court approves. Thank you Your Honor.”
With that Jasmine stood and left the witness stand as her family smiled and applauded. Benny sat there and watched her return to the family he had abandoned, shocked by the compassion they had all shown him. He had never experienced any one going out of their way for him and really did not know how to react. But deep inside Benny felt the niggling growth of remorse for his past actions and selfishness.
“Jasmine, I must confess I am impressed by your words,” Judge Watkins smiled. “Knowing you and the Clan Wells Point, I am not really surprised by your request for leniency. Benjamin Reese, please rise. Mr. Reese, I find your behavior reprehensible. What you have done to your family is unforgivable. I agree with the DA, what you have done warrants the maximum sentences. A misdemeanor count of abuse and other offensive conduct for child neglect carries a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of $5000 per count; a misdemeanor count of abuse and other offensive conduct for contributing to a child in need of assistance carries a maximum sentence of three years and a fine of $2500 per count; a misdemeanor count of abuse and other offensive conduct for non-support of a minor child carries a maximum sentence of three years and a fine of $100 per count; a misdemeanor count of crimes against marriage for bigamy carries a maximum sentence of nine years; and a felony count of manslaughter and related crimes for involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of ten years and a fine of $500. The sentences are to be carried out consecutively. That totals fifty nine years and $30,900 in fines.”
Benny was visibly quaking as he faced the glaring judge.
“I’m also inclined to listen to the appeal your daughter has so graciously made on the behalf of her family,” Judge Watkins added. “Do you understand the conditions she has outlined?”
Benny nodded numbly.
“Sir, I need a verbal reply,” Judge Watkins scolded.
“Yes your honor I do,” Benny replied in a quavering voice.
“You understand the transponder implant and the five-year renewal?”
“Yes your honor”
“You understand you will be doing any work you’re told to do?”
“Yes your honor.”
“Are you willing to accept the authority of the Clan Wells Point in administering your work-release”
“Yes your honor.”
“Now most importantly, Sir, are you willing to accept all their conditions?”
Benny swallowed nervously glanced at his family. They were all watching him, but most importantly to him he realized they were not gloating over his situation. Not wanting to spend the next fifty nine years in jail, he swallowed nervously and spoke. “Yes your honor, I accept all their conditions and thank them for their generous offer. I will do my best to become a person worthy of their trust.”
“Very well sir,” Judge Watkins nodded. “I hereby suspend your sentence and will release you into the custody of the Clan Wells Point as soon as arrangements are made for the implantation of the transponder. If you try to flee or otherwise do not live up to your responsibilities in this agreement the court will have no option but to revoke the suspension of your sentence and to require you to begin serving the full term of the sentence. Do you understand Sir?”
“Yes your honor I do,” Benny nodded. “I think you for your kindness.”
“Bailiffs, please return Mr. Reese to the prison until such time as arrangements can be made for the implantation of the transponder,” Judge Watkins ordered before dismissing the court.
Dr. Olsen had already made inquiries about the transponder and had tentatively made arrangements for the surgery to be done in two days. Kevin Stewart passed that information on to Judge Watkins.
The family members present decided to go to a nice restaurant for a quiet dinner. Everyone had reservations about what they were doing but they all had hope for the best.
While Benny waited in jail, he did a lot of thinking. As a child he led a life free from want. When his upper middle class parents divorced he was six. During the fallout, he was able to finagle just about anything he wanted by playing one against the other, at least until his father disappeared who knows where. At that point the eight year old played up his unfortunate situation to his advantage. Cynthia had made enough connections in her climb through society she was able to meet an up and coming financial genius. When his mother married Stephen the ten year old used that to get even more. His mother and step father quickly moved up the social ladder joining the country club set. Once in the privileged class they considered themselves well above the crassness of the common man. Benny easily developed the same looked down the nose attitude. It was only when he reached high school that he ran into situations he was unable to worm his way out of and jocks who were not impressed by his family’s social status.
Benny was intelligent easily maintaining an ‘A’ average without effort. Truth be told there was little Benny did that required effort which ruled out sports. Benny was a skinny geek who did his best to cruise through life. The high school jocks were brought under control when Benny organized the socially inept geeks to tutor or even do assignments for the jocks. Of course, Benny did nothing but coordinate the effort. It was in this privileged capacity that he’d met Heather and had used her just as he used his fellow geeks to smooth his way through high school. In fact, the most difficult things he ever did was to figure out some way to use others to get what he wanted. When someone he was using no longer met his needs, he simply abandoned them. Not once had he ever had to face the consequences of his self-serving ways. That was until now. All the shit he’d created hit the fan at once and he was neck deep in the smelly manure with no way out but to submit himself to those he’d used and abused. The insensitive man finally began to develop a conscious.
*****
In Thailand late Wednesday afternoon, Kylie and Evelyn met a Scandinavian family with three perky preteen daughters. When the parents said they wanted to take the girls over to the nearby Phi Phi Islands for a few hours of snorkeling amongst the fish and coral reefs, Evelyn looked at Kylie. Kylie nodded. Since the family had already chartered a speedboat, they were more than willing to allow the two Americans to accompany them, especially when Evelyn offered to pay half the charter cost.
So on the third morning of their stay, Thursday, they boarded the chartered speed boat. The captain was a gregarious German expatriate. The trip on the triple motor ten meter long boat took an exciting two hours to cover the forty two miles as it effortlessly skimmed across the waves of the Malacca Strait. Once on Phi Phi, they transferred to a smaller local boat to head out to a small protected shallow area where they slipped into the water. They snorkled for almost two hours around the coral teeming with colorful fish. Evelyn made sure to record as much as she could to share with the rest of the Clan. They were all tired during the return trip but couldn’t stop talking about their adventure. The seven people dined together that night and enjoyed recounting the adventure. The children were so excited they could not help bouncing in their seats. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=iafvld... )
*****
The tentative plans that had been made to deal with Benny were put into motion. Thursday morning the transponder was implanted into Benny’s buttocks. When the anesthesia wore off Benny fully understood that his punishment was going to be a really pain in the butt. Cynthia and Stephen, Benny’s parents, along with his wives, Heather and Gretchen, were on hand to accept him into the custody of the Clan Wells Point. In his uniform, Leroy led the handcuffed Benny from the jail infirmary and sat beside Benny in the rear seat of the Navigator. Benny was surprised the deputy was riding with them. It was only once they were underway he learned Leroy was a member of the Clan Wells Point. Benny was quiet during the ride from the County prison in Easton to the Clan Wells Point enclave. Jane along with Ed and Lisa Nelson were waiting in Kevin’s office for the family to arrive. Once the introductions were made they set about detailing what would be expected of Benny,
Benny was to stay with the Nelsons in their home near the tip of Wells Point. Ed would be the main person dealing with Benny’s supervision.
“Well Benny, I’ll say right from the start that the life you’ve lived up till today has been sleazy,” Ed said. “From now on you will be expected to live the life of a caring person. If you show us that you’re trying to change your life will be fairly easy. If however you just try to fool us I can guarantee you will not be happy with what happens. I’m a retired police detective, so I know the ins and outs of the legal system. I know what we can and can’t do when it comes to dealing with you. You’ll be living with Lisa and I in our home. As long as your cooperative will try to keep treat you as a member of the family. As a family member you will have chores around the house. Your initial work will be with me at CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair. Things have been piling up since Kylie’s been gone and she’ll be limited in how she can pitch in once she returns. You’ll be the go-for person. You’ll get dirty and grimy but you’ll be well fed and cared for. As other tasks open up you could and will be moved to them. I’d venture to say that for the next few months most of what you do will be manual labor. This will toughen you up and help you to learn respect for people who work with their hands. Respect is the main thing you need to learn. Do you have any questions?”
“I’ll do my best,” Benny said. “But I’ve never really done any manual labor. I’m willing to give it a try but I ask that allowances be made for my inexperience and my lack of physical ability.”
“Allowances will be made,” Ed assured him. “But being willing to give it a try isn’t enough. You will learn to do manual labor or you’ll be back in jail for the rest of your life. You will make that choice.”
Benny nodded his head as he swallowed anxiously.
Jane had prepared lunch for everyone. After they’d eaten, they traveled down to Ed and Lisa’s house and showed Benny his room and the layout of the house. He had few belongings so unpacking only took a few moments. After that, Ed and Stephen took Benny on a tour of the Clan Wells Point holdings. Their last stop was at CWP Landing. Frank joined him there and together they set out in a 15 foot motorboat for a tour of the shores coves and inlets about the Clan Wells Point.
All in all, Benny was impressed by the beauty of the landscape and the apparent diversity of the people who made up the Clan Wells Point. He vowed to himself that he would make a go of this new chance at life. He understood that what he had done to his wives and children have been the result of his immaturity and selfishness. The time he had spent the County jail had for the first time since high school exposed him to the rougher elements of humanity. His entire life had been one of privileged in ease, always manipulating others to get what he wanted. At first he had been upset to be locked up with criminals, but since his sentencing he’d come to realize that in his own way he was a criminal too. The fact that Jasmine, his oldest daughter and the one who had suffered the most because of his abandonment, was the one who pled for mercy for him, struck into his immature heart. He was grateful for the chance they were giving him and had a hard time understanding why someone he had so obviously hurt was so willing to help him. But today as he had been shown around the Clan Wells Point he began to understand that this group of people truly cared for others and that included him. They were giving him a chance to take responsibility not only for his life but for the lives of those his actions effected.
*****
Kylie and Evelyn spent Friday, their last full day in Phuket, relaxing on the beach and tanning.
*****
Friday morning Benny accompanied Ed to the barn. While he had virtually no experience in automotive repair, he quickly learned that the CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair was a well equipped business. That it was run by a nineteen year old transsexual who was recovering from her SRS surgery simply was beyond his experience. It wasn’t that he had issues with transsexuals, being a college professor had exposed him to that, it was that he simply had a difficult time believing someone so young could be so self-motivated to set up and operate a business while dealing with the issues of transsexualism.
Inside a tubing framework covered with plastic sat the DUKW. The nearly rebuilt monster impressed Benny with it’s size and complexity, especially after he discovered his first task was to don a respirator, hearing protector muffs and safety goggles to use an air angle grinder with a four and a half inch abrasive pad to remove the old paint and primer. The pad was designed to strip the surface covering without damaging the metal underneath. The fine dust created had to be cleaned up with a shop vac. By lunchtime, Benny looked like a racoon. His arms ached from struggling to control the swirling tool to totally remove the paint.
*****
Saturday morning Kylie and Evelyn spent the morning on the beach. After a light lunch, they packed their bags and flew back to ChonBuri. It was nearly dark when they checked into the hotel they’d previously stayed in near the clinic.
*****
Benny spent Saturday working on the DUKW. The paint removal was going much easier now that he’d mastered the technique. Being able to strip sizeable areas began to make him feel like he was accomplishing something. The ache from the previous day was now just a nagging discomfort. Manual labor was tough but at the same time strangely empowering.
That evening he joined the entire Clan in their evening meal and discussion. One of the first things he did was seek out his family to humbly apologize for his past behavior and to thank them for giving him a chance to earn redemption.
Benny was totally blown away when Heather and Gretchen led him from the main farmhouse to the music studio where the Clan teens were playing. That these people so obviously cared for one another was beyond anything he’d ever experienced. For the first time in his life he felt there might be a chance for him to make a difference in the world instead of simply selfishly going along for the ride.
*****
After a leisurely breakfast, Evelyn accompanied Kylie to the Suporn Clinic for her final exam. Although understandably anxious, Kylie was confident she’d be given a clean bill of health. After a quite thorough examination by Dr. Suporn, she was bubbling with excitement to be discharged. She tearfully thanked the skilled surgeon and his staff for all they had done for her. It was late afternoon when they returned to the hotel.
*****
Sunday morning Benny joined the Clan caravan to church. It had been years since he’d set foot inside a house of worship. Even the few times he had, it’d always been a chore. His intellect was such that he could not rationalize believing in what he felt was a fictional God. The world was simply too cruel to be ruled by a so-called benevolent deity. To his thinking, those that did believe were delusional fools or hypocrites.
Yet this day he saw the members of the Clan Wells Point genuinely worshiping God. These people whom he’d come to know in his brief time with them were intelligent and rational in their business dealings yet so open and caring in their personal lives. They were not delusional nor were they hypocrites. They had gone out of their way to bring him to justice then turned around and offered him a chance at redemption. The dichotomy was beyond his comprehension. No rational person would do something so stupid. Their actions in today’s world seemed utterly foolish. Then Benny’s entire view of the world was overturned as Rev. Giles began his sermon reading from 1 Corinthians 3.
“To the Church and Its Leaders, Brothers and Sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly, mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe, as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved, even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future, all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.”
“As I look out upon the people in this congregation I know you will find confusion everywhere, even among college graduates. Nowhere is it more apparent than in measuring wisdom by the world's standards. If this confusion of values seems remote, listen again to the words of Paul: ‘Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.’ The apostle is not depreciating the pursuit of knowledge. In this admonition, the best educated Christian of the day, the most gifted theologian the Church has ever known simply makes the point that what God esteems wisdom stands in contradiction to the learning of this present age. Thus true disciples of Christ invariably became fools in the eyes of the world. As Paul explains his position in the early chapters of the Corinthian letter, several aspects of this difference of perspective are emphasized.”
“For one thing, the redeeming Gospel of Grace appears utterly foolish to the world. There is simply no way the scandal of Christ crucified can be made compatible with the humanistic presupposition of this secular age. Of course, if somehow the blood could be taken out, then the Gospel would not be so offensive to our sensibilities. It's the horrible spectacle of Calvary, that awful sight of the Son of God nailed to the tree, His tortured body writhing in pain, red blood streaming from His wounds running red down the wooden beam, that is the scene from which the proud of this world shirk in horror. It is alright to talk about Jesus' great ethical teachings, even to exalt His exemplary life of compassion, but insistence upon the necessity of His vicarious death for our salvation is more than the egocentric mind of this world can stand. It jerks off the mask of our self-righteousness, and shows just how far short we have sunk in degradation and shame. Yet God, in His infinite love, is seen willing to bear the wrath of His own invariable law by taking upon Himself the justice due us all. This revelation comes as a jolt to those who seek to earn God's favor through human virtues. No wonder the moralistic Jews rejected it. The cross, Paul observed, was a "stumbling block" to their religion of good works. And to the philosophic Greeks who worshiped the noble aspirations of mankind, it was held in no less contempt. In their lofty idealism, they could not conceive of God becoming involved in the dirty affairs of His creation, and if He did, it would not be in humiliation and shame.”
Benny sat in stunned awe. The very issues he raised were answered! His thoughts that faith in God is impossible using conventional human wisdom and knowledge was right! But God’s wisdom is NOT humanity’s wisdom. To the cynical world, belief in God IS foolish. Yet to God, it is the cynical, hopeless world that is truly foolish! The Clan Wells Point understood foolishness. They lived in the foolish world yet were not truly a part of it. In their tiny enclave they were true followers of God! They were giving him the opportunity to see that his entire life had been one of extreme foolishness! Benny slipped off the pew and clasped his hands crying as for the first time in his life, he truly heard God. He accepted Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s grace. His evil selfish past was instantly washed away.
*****
Chapter 11
The entire congregation was moved by Benny’s display. Although none knew the man, that he was seated with the Clan Wells Point did not surprise them. When Benny finally recovered his composure, he was aware he’d made a spectacle of himself. Ashamed, he slowly took his seat, sure everyone would be laughing. When he heard no chuckles, he hesitantly glanced about. While many were looking at him, none were laughing. Instead they were smiling warmly! It came to Benny as a revelation that they understood he’d discovered God! They were happy for him, not amused.
After the service, the Clan stayed seated as many parishioners came to openly welcome Benny into their midst. Rev. Giles was the last to greet him.
“Rev. Giles,” Cynthia began once the initial reviews were done. “In my younger days I did a lot of foolish things. Part of that was the way I raise my son. At the time I was too concerned about myself to fully understand how Benny was growing up. I failed him and as a result failed my daughter in laws and grandchildren. Since then I have matured and have changed my stripes. I think today Benny discovered that God truly exists. If Benny agrees I would like to take immediate steps to remedy one of the things I neglected. Benny was never baptized. Would it be possible to do so now with all of us as witnesses?”
“It is a bit unusual,” Rev. Giles smiled. “But after all, this is the Clan Wells Point. Benjamin Reese, how do you feel about being baptized?”
“Scared,” Benny replied. “But willing and grateful.”
Thirty minutes later, the Clan Wells Point left the church with the newly baptized and beaming Benny. His children were smiling as were his wives. Upon returning home everyone met at the main farmhouse for sandwiches to tide them over to the evening meal. Then he spent the time meeting and talking to every member of the Clan. For the first time in his life, he understood what home truly meant.
The Clan gathering continued through the evening as everyone gathered around to watch the Super Bowl. The game kicked off at 6:32pm EST. The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots. Since no one had a vested interest in either team although several had favorites, they thoroughly enjoyed the game, especially since they knew Kylie and Evelyn were finally on their way home.
*****
The jet took off from Bangkok at 7:10am TT on February 4 (7:10pm EST February third while the rest of the Clan Wells Point watched the Super Bowl). Once more Kylie and Evelyn were glad they had first class seats. The two thousand eight hundred and sixty mile flight to Japan took six hours but with the change in time zones they landed in Tokyo at 3:10pm (1:10am EST, both now February fourth). The layover was two and one quarter hours and they used it to stretch their legs and walk about. While the surgical incisions had healed nicely, there was still a lot of sensitivity in the area.
Kylie was not looking forward to the fourteen hour return flight to DC. The flight to DC took off at 5:25pm (3:10am EST). As she’d done on the first flight, Kylie had a medical note she gave to the stewardesses that said she had to get up and walk for ten minutes every two hours. While some of the passengers were a bit miffed at having someone walk aimlessly up and down the aisles, the stewardesses quietly informed the disgruntled passengers Kylie had to do so because of a medical condition. No one bothered to ask what that condition might be.
It was a sunny nearly cloudless day as the jet headed into Dulles International. From 35,000 feet, Kylie saw the Chesapeake Bay in all it’s mid winter beauty. She heart beat faster and she snapped photos of the Bay Hundred area as the jet circled to line up for it’s descent path. Kylie’s excitement grew as they felt the wheels touch the tarmac at 5:40pm EST.
It seemed to take forever for the Kylie and Evelyn to pass through customs. Larry paced up and down the concourse as he kept a watchful eye out for the love of his life. Everyone in the terminal could see he was anxious and excited. Sheila and Robert stayed off to one side letting their youngest son impatiently simmer while waiting for Kylie to appear.
Kylie spotted Larry before he spotted her immediately shouting “Larry!”
Hearing Kylie, Larry was already running as he spun towards her. Kylie dropped her bags and ran towards Larry. He scooped her into his arms and they frantically kissed as he effortlessly spun her in a circle. The onlookers fully expected a field of flowers to pop into existence around the romantic lovers. Sheila hugged Evelyn as Robert retrieved Kylie’s abandoned luggage. After five minutes of unrelented kissing, Sheila and Evelyn tapped the lovers on their shoulders and cleared their throats.
As they broke the kiss but not the hug, both grew red-faced as they realized they’d made a spectacle of themselves before several dozen smiling onlookers. However, their embarrassment was short lived as someone began to clap. Nearly everyone joined in, happy to see the young couple was obviously so full of love. Breaking the hug but staying wrapped in Larry’s right arm, Kylie gracefully curtseyed to the appreciative onlookers. Not to be outdone, Larry bowed.
Twenty minutes later, Kylie snugged into Larry’s embrace as they drove from the parking lot. Exhausted by their emotion not to mention the trip, the couple dozed off during the two and a half hour drive back to Wells Point. It was a bit after 10:00pm when they finally arrived home to discover the entire Clan Wells Point was inside the main farmhouse to greet Kylie and Evelyn. The greeting were warm and heartfelt as everyone greeted the travelers with hugs and kisses. Since they had lived in the Bay hundred area, Gilligan, Marcy and Sam Evans as well as Kurt and Amanda Schilling were familiar faces and were introduced to Kylie and Evelyn as the newest members of the Clan Wells Point. Kylie had been kept posted on the trial and its results and was introduced to Benny. The man clearly uncomfortable and more than a bit nerdy, but seemed to be genuinely contrite. Everyone had been forewarned Kylie and Evelyn would be exhausted by the grueling nearly twenty four hour flights so after the welcome home, everyone left. By 11:00pm, Kylie and Evelyn were sound asleep. Of course, Kylie was wrapped in Larry’s strong arms.
Tuesday morning, Rachel was up a bit earlier than normal to make breakfast almost as she had done Larry and Tony for the past month. This time she included her sister-in-law Evelyn and niece Kylie. As could be expected Larry and Tony were the first ones down since they had to go milk the cows before Tony headed off to school. Evelyn and Kylie made it down before the guys left to do their chore and everyone smiled as Kylie and Larry hugged and kissed before he left.
Evelyn and Kylie spent the morning unpacking and just settling back into the routine of daily life. After lunch Evelyn drove Kylie over to CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair. Kylie felt good to be back in her shop and fondly ran her hands over her toolboxes and equipment. Ed kept a watchful eye on her as he showed her the current works in progress to make sure she didn’t over do it. It wasn’t until she stepped through the plastic curtains that surrounded the DUKW that Kylie realized what Benny had been doing for the past four days. There wasn’t a bit of paint left on the old DUKW. The raw metal was polished to a near sheen. There was a faint smell of solvent, evidence that Benny had wiped down the entire vehicle with a dampened rag to remove every trace of dust. Kylie was quite impressed and said so to Benny, who beamed appreciation.
For Benny, it was the first time he’d ever been praised for a non-academic task. Although his muscles still ached a bit, the physical labor actually felt good. For the first time in his life he understood that manual labor could be satisfying.
Freddy left school at lunch to have the preliminary fitting for his prosthetic legs. Casts were made of his stumps and based on his body dimensions, the length of the legs along with knee and ankle placement and foot size was calculated. It would take two weeks for the legs to be made. The anxious lad could barely wait.
A welcome home party was planned for that evening at the CWP B&B. The clan teens rushed about their chores after school and met in the ballroom of the B&B. Their instruments had already been brought from the practice studio so they set everything up then began practicing their numbers. They made sure to wrap things up so that Kylie and Evelyn wouldn’t have a clue about their performance. With Larry and Rachel’s assistance Kylie and Evelyn were the last to arrive.
The huge dining room accommodated all fifty eight members of the Clan Wells Point. Everyone enjoyed a large family-style meal. A white curtain had been hung in front of the small stage in the ballroom that perfectly hid Certain Change’s instruments. A computer projector had been set up to use the curtain as a projection screen so that Kylie and Evelyn could show their photographs and films they’d taken in exotic Thailand.
Everyone was impressed by the beautiful scenery, the ancient temples, and the beautiful beaches. The film of their snorkeling expedition stunned everyone with its beauty. When the last of the photos had been shown, the teens slipped behind the curtain while Evelyn and Kylie were kept distracted.
Kylie stopped in mid conversation to look at the curtain as she the heard plinking of a banjo playing the opening chords of one of her favorite songs, ‘The Rainbow Connection’. Larry took Kylie’s hand and began dancing to the music as others moved chairs out of the way. Her eyes almost popped out of her head when the curtain drew back and she saw the teens playing the song and singing the lyrics. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she sank into Larry’s loving embrace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM The strumming banjo of the song plucked Kylie’s soul. Everyone applauded when Larry kissed her when the song finished.
As soon as the applause ended, the teens began their next song, also from the first movie, ‘Movin Right Along’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMR5JVo21wQ Everyone clapped in time to the music as Larry mimed the words the teens happily sang. From there the teens sang the silly yet meaningful song from Monty Python’s ‘The Life of Brian’, the irreverent ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. http://www.youtube.com/user/MontyPython#p/u/0/JrdEMERq8MA
Steven and Kevin joined them during the last chorus playing the bagpipes. Kylie was giggling as she watched the two men parade before the stage. Everyone applauded. Kylie was clearly impressed by the teens. She’d known they had been planning to form a band before she’d left, but to have come so far in only a month blew her away.
Then, Larry took Kylie’s hand to lead her to the stage. There he sat on the edge of the stage and gently pulled Kylie onto his lap. At his signal Certain Change struck up a happy horn intro then Jamie began to sing directly to the lovers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqOMuR5Z530
Once I believed that when love came to me
It would come with rockets, bells and poetry
But with me and you, it just started quietly and grew
And believe it or not
Now there's something groovy and good
Bout whatever we got
And it's getting better
Growing stronger warm and wilder
Getting better everyday, better everyday
I don't feel all turned on and starry eyed
I just feel a sweet contentment deep inside
Holding you at night just seems kind of natural and right
And it's not hard to see
That it isn't half of what it's going to turn out to be
Cause it's getting better
Growing stronger, warm and wilder
Getting better everyday, better everyday
And I don't mind waitin', I don't mind waitin'
Cause no matter how long it takes
The two of us know
That it's getting better
Growing stronger, warm and wilder
Getting better everyday, better everyday'
Getting better everyday
Getting better everyday
Getting better everyday
Getting better everyday
Getting better everyday
Getting better everyday
Getting better everyday
Kylie and Larry seemed to meld into one as they cuddled. The starry eyed couple lost themselves in the lyrics that so aptly described their love. They kissed long and passionately through the applause that filled the room. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room by the time the song ended. If Jamie had any doubts left as to the quality of her singing voice, the appreciative applause washed it away.
Krista slipped off her guitar and moved forward to speak to Kylie when the kiss ended. “Kylie, our band is Certain Change. If you’ll have us, we’d like to offer our services as your wedding band.”
“Krista, guys, you guys are great,” Kylie gushed still enmeshed in Larry’s arms. “I can tell you’ve put a LOT of effort into the band and I’d be honored to have you be our wedding band!”
The rest of the teens had gathered behind Krista and high fives were freely exchanged. The rest of the clan came and offered their appreciation of the teens’ efforts. None of the adults had really heard the teens actually play complete songs. They’d caught bits and pieces, but never complete songs. All were impressed by their drive and spirit.
It was during the last song that Kevin and Jane realized their relationship was getting better everyday just as the song said. They were together at every Clan event. While they didn’t always see eye to eye they could respect the other’s point of view. While everyone was applauding and congratulating the band, Kevin took Jane’s hands in his and asked if he’d married her. Jane was surprised but delighted. She had found comfort being with Kevin, the first true male companionship she had since her husband passed away six years ago. With tears in her eyes Jane said yes. They decided to hold off announcing their engagement until the next Clan meeting since they didn’t want to interfere with Kylie’s homecoming celebration.
*****
On Saturday, February 9 Kevin and Jane stood at the end of the Clan meal. “We have an announcement to make,” Kevin declared. “Jane has agreed to become my wife.”
The announcement didn’t surprise anyone in fact most were surprised it had taken as long as it did for Kevin to propose. Everyone congratulated the couple. After Krista hugged her grandmother, she turned to Kevin and hugged him. “I think I’m going to like having a second grandfather,” she announced loudly. Kevin’s face turned red while everyone chuckled. It was clear to all that Kevin had not thought about becoming a grandfather. They didn’t doubt his capability to do so but they also understood he would have his hands full with six grandchildren.
The teens did not back off on their rehearsals after their successful debut. They knew as Kylie and Larry’s wedding band they’d need a large repertoire. None of the teens felt their music was a chore. For them it was great comradery and a way to blow off steam.
Even with their chores and music, the teens still found time to talk. One of the things they discussed was the turn-about of Benny Reese. Each callous he developed seemed to be a reward for tearing down another bit of the tower of selfishness he’d inhabited. After much discussion with the teens and her sisters, Jaz asked to address the Clan and her father at one of their Saturday night after meal meetings. They chose February 16, the day after CWP Contracting and Construction won the bid for the expansion of the public dock on the west side of St Michaels. A berth for the CWP Charter Fishing Boat was thus assured.
“Holly, Ivy, and I have discussed the issue of our father,” Jaz began with a firm cold voice as her sisters stood by her side. “We’ve tried to find it in our hearts to forgive him. Unfortunately, because of what he did to us, we can not do so.”
The adults were surprised. Everyone knew Benny was improving and trying to change his colors. They feared this rejection by the girls could jeopardize his goals. Benny was crestfallen.
“As far as we are concerned, our father, Benjamin Reese, is dead,” Jaz harshly summarized. Then she continued in a conciliatory tone. “Benny, you are not our father. The very thought of our father makes us sad. You are not like the self-centered man he was and we do not want you associated with the negative memories of him. Instead, we’d like to start off fresh. Will you be our Uncle Benny?”
Benny was as shocked as everyone else. The depression that had settled on him at the rejection of his fatherhood by his daughters lifted. Rising to his feet he stood tall. “Holly, Ivy, Jasmine, I’d be honored to be your uncle. However, I ask one favor. As Benny, I was a scumbag. I want to leave that part of me behind. I think I can do that best by shedding my childish name of Benny. If you’ll have me, I’d like to be your Uncle Ben.”
“It simply won’t do to have him be your Uncle Ben,” Jane brusquely spoke up. “Benny is still on probation and we can not release him from that for five years. The only way we can allow Ben to become your uncle is if we vote him into the Clan. All in favor raise your hand.”
When they saw everyone raise their hand the girls smiled and scurried to him to exchange hugs. Nearly everyone smiled. Only Krista noted the quivering lips on Sandi. As the others crowded around Ben and his nieces, Krista made her way to Sandi and gently led her to the kitchen.
No words were spoken as Sandi quietly broke down in tears, wrapped safely in Krista’s caring arms. After a few moments Sandi pulled herself together. Krista dropped to one knee and held her adopted sister by the shoulders. “Sandi, you are my sister. We share the same mom, dad and siblings. But that does not mean you have to give up your birth mother. It’s okay to love her and to miss her. She knew she failed to be a good mother when she allowed those nasty things to happen to you. But that does not mean she doesn’t love you. In fact, she loves you so much she allowed you to be adopted into our family. I’ll tell you what. Right now, instead of going off to play with the other kids, how about you and I go in to the Clan meeting. I’ll speak on your behalf to see if there might be a possibility of getting her released to the Clan.”
Sandi smiled, eagerly nodding her head.
As Krista took Sandi’s hand to lead her back to the dining room, they bumped into Tony who was looking for his girlfriend. One look at the sisters and he understood. Nodding, he took up station on the other side of Sandi and took her other hand. “Krista, I seem to remember us doing something like this a few months ago. I think everything turned out fine then. I don’t see why tonight should be any different.”
Krista and Sandi smiled.
The adults turned to look at the three as they purposefully entered the room. It was clear they were intent on speaking to the group. Pat and Leroy exchanged glances as they suspected the kid’s agenda and felt a pang of anguish that Sandi didn’t want them as parents.
“Sandi has a request,” Krista began. “She knows why Ben is here and has no issues with him. She would like to know if the Clan would consider seeking a work release parole for her birth mother. Isn’t that right, sis?”
“Uh huh,” Sandi declared emboldened by Krista and Tony’s support. “I want to see if I could get another aunt... Aunt Buffy.”
The adults exchanged looks of guilt and shame. They had forgotten about Buffy Herr but clearly Sandi had not. Pat and Leroy breathed a sigh of relief. Sandi’s request was not for her mother, but for an aunt. The youngster understood the significance of Jaz and her sisters rejecting Ben as their father but accepting him as an uncle. Clearly, she wanted to do the same.
No words were spoken as the adults exchanged glances. With nods from Pat and Leroy, Kevin spoke. “Miss Sandi Scott, as legal council for the Clan Wells Point I promise you that first thing Monday morning I will begin investigating the possibility of paroling Buffy Herr to our custody. We do not know if we can obtain her release. However, young lady, you must have patience. It took two months from the time Ms Herr was arrested until she was sentenced. It could take many weeks to get her released if we can do so.”
“I understand,” Sandi nodded. “I know we’re good people and I trust you to do all you can. Do you think I can visit her to tell her we’re working on it?”
Pat looked at Leroy who shrugged and smiled. “Sandi, I’ll have to see if the prison will allow someone your age to visit. If you can, we’ll take you.”
Sandi smiled and nodded.
*****
Buffy Herr was serving her sentence in the same prison in which Heather had been incarcerated. Serving time in the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women in Jessup was not a pleasant experience for Buffy. Even though she had been roughed up a few times, she never fought back or tried to shield herself. She simply allowed the abuse as if she deserved it. The corrections officers noted her fatalistic acceptance of abuse. When she wasn’t being treated for injuries she was polite and obedient, a model prisoner.
Buffy’s parents had been lower middle class, they had given her nearly everything she wanted. The result was she developed into an unmotivated slacker. When finally out on her own, reality slapped her in the face. Instead of getting her act together and finding a job, she took the route of welfare and drugs. That Sandi was born without any apparent mental issues was somewhat miraculous. What truly depressed Buffy was how she had allowed Sandi to be molested.
Never having to stick up for herself, she was easily bullied by the more hardened inmates. Meekly Buffy accepted the abuse her fellow prisoners heaped upon her since she felt it was just punishment for betraying her daughter. One thing it did do for her was to make her resolve stronger. She was taking classes hoping to earn a GED. When she was released, she intended to get a job and assist Sandi. Allowing her to be adopted by the Scotts was the first positive thing she’d done. She thanked God that Sandi had been found by Krista who was now her big sister.
Buffy was unaware the wheels of justice had begun to turn on her behalf.
*****
As the days of winter passed, life for the Clan moved onward. Day by day Kylie grew stronger and day by day began to do more physical work. Weekly check-ups with Dr. Sykes made sure she didn’t over-do things.
Monday February 18, 2008 was a momentous day for the Clan Wells Point. Another person was added bringing the Clan roster to fifty nine souls. George Reese was born at 11:47am. Mother Gretchen was delighted. Everyone was delighted and when they came home two days later, everyone stopped by to see the newest Clan member and congratulate Gretchen.
*****
For nearly forty years Leonard Kahn ran a small collision repair and body shop on his property. The parcel he owned was on the north side of almost Neavitt road, directly opposite the recent CWP land aquisitions to the south of the road and west and south of the forested CWP area by the Bosman-Neavitt Road. Leo learned the trade while in the Army during the Vietnam War. He’d helped armor the gun trucks guarding the convoys as well as the trucks hauling supplies to outlying bases. Much of the work was done salvaging and scrounging parts and armor plating. When he came home he spent a few years learning collision repair on normal cars and trucks but never lost the rough edges of the Army salvage and scrounging days.
Leo had two sons who worked in the shop until they graduated high school. The hard nosed vet expected the boys to work and accepted nothing short of 100% effort. The boys ducked out as soon as they were old enough although they did stay in touch and occasionally visit. Over the years, Leo had hired numerous workers, but none lasted. Widowed by age sixty, Leo feared he’d have to close the business when he retired... if he ever retired.
Then in the spring of 2007 Leo, having been invited and attended the graduation of all his other grandchildren, wondered why he hadn’t been invited to the graduation of his youngest grandchild. Not one to pry he said nothing but his daughter in law let it slip that Brandon was openly gay and had been promptly thrown out of his family home the day he graduated from high school and no one in the family had attended the ceremony. While he didn’t support homosexuals, family was family. During his time in the army he had known several gay soldiers in his unit. None were swishy and were better than average soldiers. One had been killed and others wounded, they certainly were not cowards. Leo could not understand why his son and the rest of the family had disowned Brandon. But no one would reply whenever he asked what happened to Brandon.
Leo was concerned for Brandon’s welfare but had no idea how to locate him. Since he was a businessman, Leo heard all about Krista through the local gossip mongers. Leo knew the Scott family and Jane O’Brien and admired them for their ability to not only accept Krista, but to encourage her and accept others in similar situations. The concept of The Clan Wells Point made him smile. The hubub about the Christmas Dance made him sigh. The Clan had accepted and encouraged two gay boys. If only Brandon were here, his life might be better. When he learned the Clan had acquired the two neighboring properties and that Kylie had her SRS surgery and was engaged to the youngest Scott boy, Larry, he knew he had to find Brandon.
On Tuesday, February 19, after two weeks of discovering nothing, he swallowed his bull headed pride and called Jane.
Jane was surprised by the unexpected call and waited patiently while Leo talked in circles without getting to the point. “Leo Kahn, I’ve known you for years. You didn’t call to be sociable. Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you called.”
“Women,” Leo spat in exasperation. “But, God, do I miss Irene. Jane, I’m a proud man and I come hat in hand, I need your help. Brandon, my youngest grandson is gay. His family threw him out when he graduated last spring. They refuse to even talk about him. I haven’t been able to locate him and was wondering if your Clan could help me find him.”
“Leo, we’ll do our best,” Jane assured him. She knew it had taken a lot of desperation and will power for the proud stubborn man to ask for help. “Write down everything you know about him. Full name, birth date, former address, the school he attended, and any other information. My granddaughter Krista has some friends in school she’s nick-named the data duo. They were the ones that dug up the clues that blew the lid of the Apple Tree Scandal. I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance to play sleuth on their computers.”
“Jane, I already have all I know about Brandon,” Leo said. “If it’s okay, I’ll be right over with all the information.”
“I’ll make some fresh coffee,” Jane replied.
After Leo arrived and a bit of discussion, Jane decided to take Leo over to the barn to meet Kylie. A bit apprehensive at meeting a transsexual, he decided to do so with an open mind. After all, he’d known Kylie’s father and was aware that Kylie was already living up to the late mechanic’s excellent reputation.
Not sure what he expected, he was surprised to meet the perky grease stained young lady who ran the business. The scale and scope of the shop surprised him. When he saw the DUKW ready for painting, he was awestruck. “Jane, is this the same one your dad used?”
“Sure is,” Jane smiled. “All those rescues during hurricane Agnes took a toll on it and it needed a complete overhaul. We just never got around to it and it sat here until Kylie started her business. Thanks to her it’s been completely over-hauled.”
Leo nodded his head obviously impressed by Kylie’s drive. “Are you trying to return it to original specs?”
“Not quite,” Kylie answered. “The engine was shot as was the transmission. While trying to get it replaced I came across information about upgrades. It now has 350 Chevy V-8 and an automatic transmission. This gives it a lot more power. Top speed with the six-cylinder was fifty five miles an hour, with the V-8 it should be seventy five. Water speed was six miles per hour and now it should be ten MPH or about eight and a half knots. In addition the automatic will make it much easier to drive and should last longer.”
“Kylie, you are simply amazing,” Leo smiled. “I see it’s ready to be primed. Do you have a color scheme in mind?”
“Sure,” Kylie giggled. “My biggest problem is I’m not skilled enough to tackle the job.”
“Well let’s have a look here,” Leo gruffly stated as he walked around the behemoth checking out the body. Despite his efforts to be a hard-nosed old man the glint of admiration in his eye was unmistakable. “This should have an epoxy primer base. It’ll waterproof everything, be tougher and last longer than regular primer. Then to do the paint job right you should use an epoxy paint then several epoxy clear coats. I’ll tell you what,” Leo smiled. “If you can get it over to my place, I’ll do the job. Just charge you for the paint and supplies if you take me out on her.”
“I appreciate the offer, Mr. Kahn,” Kylie sheepishly smiled. “But the paint scheme we want to use is quite complicated.”
“Please call me Leo,” he smiled. “I like a challenge. Exactly what do you have in mind?”
“Well, one of our newest members came up with a Tartan for our Clan,” Kylie said with a nose wrinkling grin. “I’ve got a copy of it on my desk.”
“Well, that certainly is a unique plaid,” Leo declared as he scratched his chin while holding the page with the Tartan printed on it. “It certainly will be a challenge to paint this on a vehicle this size. I assume you would want the Tartan to be recognizable from a distance?”
“Of course,” Kylie smiled.
“In that case I’d suggest we paint the dark green lines six inches wide, and the pink lines nine inches wide. That would leave the lighter green diamonds with nine inch sides. I’d start with a base coat of the lighter green, then tape everything off to put in the dark green stripes. Last would be the pink stripes,” Leo declared as he sought out the scheme. “It would be a bit labor intensive but using the epoxy paints and waiting three days between coats there shouldn’t be any problem with paint leaking into other areas. If some of your Clan youngsters would like to help with the taping I’d be more than willing to teach them.”
“Mr. Kahn, you’ve got a deal,” Kylie enthused. “I don’t think it’ll be any problem at all getting the teens to help with the taping. Let me know when your ready and I’ll drive the DUKW over.”
“Bring it tomorrow,” Leo smiled. “I can’t wait to get to work on this baby!”
Leo stayed for supper. To say he was surprised by Krista is an understatement. Kylie had dented the sheet metal walls of his preconceived notions of what a transsexual would be like, Krista popped the rivets and it fell to pieces. While he was not sure what he’d expected to find when he met this young boy/girl, a cute, bubbly, healthy girl was not it. He was impressed by her spirit and was truly grateful when she accepted the information he brought about his grandson and promised to get it to the data duo.
Freddy had skipped school to spend the entire day at Requard Rehab Center for Acute Rehabilitation. The newly made prosthetic legs were carefully tweaked to properly fit his stumps. Once the fitters were sure the fit was perfect, they showed Freddy how to strap the limbs into place. With help, he was able to stand for the first time since Halloween. With a therapist on either side holding his arms, they slowly began to walk. Freddy had to learn how the legs felt when they were functioning properly. Five minutes of walking was offset by five minutes sitting. Each hour they removed the legs to check for skin irritation on the stumps. While red, there were no sore spots. By the end of the day, Freddy was able to take a few steps on his own. His stumps were tender and the therapists explained that his skin would thicken and toughen with use but that the process would take several weeks. Freddy was overjoyed.
*****
Serena Moonflower and Misty Dawn were best friends and lovers. They’d met at Woodstock back in 1969 and remained steadfast best friends. In true hippie style, they were bisexual and had never married although they had a total of nine partners over the years. In 1977 they had hooked up with couple of guys who were working for a two men in California. They were soon working there too. The operation was laid back and employee centered, the ideal working conditions for maturing hippies. The wages were low but the owners insisted the business would take off and all of the early low paid workers who stuck it out would be rewarded with free stock when the company went public. When the stock went on sale in 1980, they received each received 300 shares for their longevity and a one time option to purchase more at the initial IPO price. Since they were still basically living a hippie lifestyle, they had managed to save half of their earnings, which they promptly invested in the options. That company was Apple Computer. Needless to say, the ladies never had to worry about money again.
As they aged, the free love and pot of the late sixties and seventies slowly melded into new age philosophies before settling down in Wicca. After years of traveling about the country, they decided to settle down. They found the ideal locale in the Bay Hundred area. They bought adjoining simple homes along the east side of SR 579, the Bozman-Neavitt Road, just north of Neavitt in 1990. They were open and friendly an were at least on nodding terms with all their neighbors. After their current boyfriends wore out their welcome they decided to stop looking and moved in together renting out the other home. Their properties were now bounded to the north and east by the Clan Wells Point.
By 2008 they were 59, they laughingly considered themselves mature hippies. They appreciated the closeness of the Clan and admired their drive and openness to different lifestyles and sexual orientations. Their only hesitation in becoming better friends was that the Clan was obviously Christian and most Christians had little understanding much less acceptance of those who followed Wicca. When they learned of the Clan plans to adopt green farming methods, they decided it was time to become better acquainted.
*****
Chapter 12
Kylie drove the DUKW over to Leo’s shop the next day. Larry followed behind her with his four ways flashing as they drove the short distance down the state highway since the vehicle had not yet been licensed. Those that saw the big shiny monster making the short trip down the Bozman-Neavitt Road did more than one double take. Among those were Serena and Misty. When they saw the shiny polished metal DUKW turn up Almost Neavitt Road they knew it was heading to Leo’s Collision and Repair. It was only seeing Larry following the behemoth that they realized it had to be from the Clan Wells Point. They exchanged perplexed looks wondering what they were up to now. Not being from the area they had no knowledge that the DUKW had been stored in the Barn for years. Their curiosity reinforced their desire get on better terms with the Clan.
The day after its arrival, Leo primed the DUKW with epoxy paint. The job was flawless as every
nook and cranny both inside and outside were thoroughly covered.
Amy Beck and Ferdy Hammond were more than eager to get involved in another investigation for Krista. The geeky duo discovered they had much in common while working to expose the Apple Tree cover up. While few outside of their classmates knew they were the ones who blew the lid off the Apple Tree scandal, many of their classmates were where of the facts. That awareness coupled with Krista and the other clan teens open acceptance of the pair pulled them from the nearly invisible sidelines of seventh grade society into a quiet mainstream existence. Truth be told they have become boyfriend and girlfriend although both were too shy to do more than be together and occasionally hold hands.
When they were given the details on Wednesday that Leo had provided about his grandson, Brandon, Amy and Ferdy eagerly set to work. Their initial Internet searches turned up the easily accessible public records. Brandon had been a defensive lineman on his school’s football team, earning a letter in his sophomore, junior and senior years. At six feet one inch and weighing in at two hundred thirty pounds he was a powerful, muscular guy. His senior year school yearbook revealed that he was openly gay since the ninth grade. It also revealed that Brandon had a steady boyfriend. Gary Jenckes was a fellow member of the football team and in the same class as Brandon. Tapping into Brandon’s parents tax records revealed medical deductions for a fundamentalist Christian boot camp between ninth and tenth grade and an intensive Gay Reversal Therapy camp between tenth and eleventh grades all to no avail. Both attempts had obviously failed. As far as they could tell Brandon’s parents accepted their responsibility to see him through high school graduation, but that was it. Tax records also showed that Brandon had part time jobs all through high school. They guessed it was to pay his expenses since they felt his parents gave him only meals and a place to sleep.
Tapping into Federal employment records specifically from W-2 forms, Amy and Ferdy discovered that Brandon and Gary were employed by a landscaping service. It didn’t take that much effort to hack into the company’s personnel files to get current addresses and phone numbers for the boys. The two were living together in an efficiency apartment, one of many made from an old motel that had lost its clientele when the two lane road it was built along was bypassed by a new four-lane highway. The landscaping services records also showed that the boys were currently laid-off for the winter season but their files had been tagged for recall in the spring.
*****
Saturday, February 23 was Sandy’s seventh birthday. She was well aware that the Clan planned to have a birthday party that evening at their normal Saturday night gathering. What she didn’t know was the plans for before the gathering. Krista caught her as she exited the bathroom that morning and let her into her bedroom. There was a pretty dress laid out on the bed. It was pink with a lot of ruffles and a fluffy petticoat. Sandi loved the dress and with Krista’s help was soon wearing it. Lace topped anklets and shiny black Mary Jane shoes completed the outfit. Her hair was pulled back into a high bouncy ponytail secured in place with pink ribbons. Krista was wearing a denim skirt and matching sweater.
Everyone commented on how pretty she looked as they ate breakfast. When they were done Sandi was surprised when her new mother and father and Krista led her out to Pat’s expedition. The four of them headed off, refusing to tell Sandy where they were heading. As they drove Krista kept her busy talking about how pretty her dress was and about Kylie and Larry’s upcoming wedding. Thanks to Krista’s efforts the two and a half hour drive went quickly. It wasn’t until they pulled into these parking lot of the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup that Sandy realized where they’d been heading.
“Is this where my mom is?” Sandi asked but quickly blushed. “Sorry, I know you’re my mommy now, but she was my mommy and...,”
“It’s all right Sandi,” Pat smiled as he unbuckled their seatbelts. “We understand. I’m your mommy by choice, she’s your mommy by birth. That doesn’t mean you still can’t love her and loving her doesn’t mean that you can love me.”
“Things can really get complicated,” Krista explained to Sandi. “The secret is to not really think about your feelings, your feelings come from your soul deep inside of you, and your mind tries to make rules and make everything nice and neat. But a lot of times our mind gets in the way of our feelings. Just accept your feelings because they’re honest. You can love more than one mommy, but only one mommy can raise you.”
“That’s why my mommy that lives here is going to be my aunt,” Sandi nodded wisely.
“Exactly,” Krista smiled. “Now let’s go inside so you can see Aunt Buffy.”
Buffy had been quite depressed recently. She had been an addict, but while in the Talbot County lockup, she’d gone cold turkey on withdrawal. By the time of the trial, she was clean and terribly distraught about what she’d allowed to happen to Sandi. She’d learned that Sandi was living with the family that found her hiding in the Park and that they wanted to adopt her. She also knew that Krista had founded cared for Sandi and knew that Krista was a transsexual who really cared about others. She was aware that Krista was responsible for reuniting the Reese family and bringing Jasmine out of the coma.
Because of her remorse she pleaded guilty to all the charges against her and meekly accepted her sentence. While it broke her heart to give up custody of Sandi, Buffy understood she’d been a horrid mother. The fact that she had been allowed to this witness the adoption and that Sandi had been allowed by her new family to give her a goodbye hug and kiss cemented Buffy’s feelings that the adoption was in Sandi’s best interest. What really pleased her was that Krista had acted like a mother hen for Sandi throughout the proceedings. Any and all preconceived notions that Buffy had about transsexuals being deviants were thoroughly vaporized that day in the courtroom.
It had been almost four months since she’d arrived at the women’s correctional facility, and she certainly didn’t like being there. It was a hard life, and one that she certainly was not ready to live. Her depression had become so great that she was considering suicide.
When she woke up that morning, she realized it was Sandi’s birthday and that she hadn’t even tried to send a card. Thoughts of suicide filled her grieving mind. Just after lunch she was summoned to the visitors area. This was the first time anyone had come to see her. For brief moment she hoped that maybe it was Sandi, but quickly dismissed that idea. Still she wondered who it could be.
She was taken into a small room with chairs and a table and told to wait while her visitors were brought in. In a few moments the door opened and in walked Pat and Leroy.
“How’s Sandi doing?” Were the first words out of Buffy’s mouth. “It’s her birthday and I’ve been so miserable I completely forgot until today. Please tell me she’s okay!”
“Sandi is just fine,” Pat reassured her. “We just wanted to make sure that you are okay. She and Krista are waiting just outside the door.”
Buffy’s face lit up. “She’s here? My baby is here?”
“Yes she is and she’s anxious to see. She also wants to talk to you,” Leroy declared with a smile.
With that he opened the door and waved Krista and Sandi inside. Sandi was a bit reluctant and scared until she saw her mother. Then her face first into a smile and she ran into the open arms of her mommy. The two cried as they hugged. Krista, Pat and Leroy smiled and waited patiently.
Once the initial emotion had spent itself, Buffy sat down and pulled Sandi onto her lap. The smiles on everyone’s face let Buffy know it was okay.
“Mommy,” Sandi began. “You can’t be my mommy anymore but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you. She’s my mommy now and he’s my daddy,” she said as she pointed Pat and Leroy. “And Krista’s my big sister and I really love her. We’d like you to come live with us or at least with the Clan. But you can’t be my mommy, you have to be my Aunt Buffy.”
“Baby, I’d love to come live with you and be your Aunt Buffy,” Buffy sniffled. “But because of what I let happen to you I have to stay here for a long time yet.”
“No you don’t mommy,” Sandi smiled. “The Clan is trying to get you released on something they call payroll and they’ll be in charge of you then.”
Buffy shot a questioning look to Pat and Leroy.
“We’ve started the wheels in motion to get you paroled into the custody of the Clan Wells Point,” Leroy explained. “It’ll take a few weeks to get everything through the state, but Judge Watkins is vouching for us and you and has signed all the necessary paperwork. Once it’s in place the state parole board will hold a hearing. We’ll be there to support you and to accept your parole. Since Judge Watkins is on your side, there should be no issues getting you released. It’ll probably take about two months until everything will makes it’s way through the state legal system.”
“Once you’re paroled, you come to live with the Clan Wells Point,” Pat added. “We’ll provide you with a place to stay and a job. You will not be living in the same home with Sandi but will be in the neighborhood. As she said, you would be considered her aunt while I remain her mother. The question now is can you accept those terms?”
“Yes! Oh God yes,” Buffy explained. “I’ve learned my lesson. I hate this place and I so want to be near Sandi. Baby, I’ll gladly be your Aunt Buffy! I’d live in a chicken coop and shovel the chicken sh... manure if I have to.”
“Well you may have to shovel chicken, horse and cow manure,” Leroy chuckled. “Because a lot of the Clan land is a farm. But that wouldn’t be your only job and I can guarantee you’ll be living in a house not a chicken coop.”
The rest of the visit was spent with Sandi telling Buffy how great her life was with the Clan Wells Point and how she looked forward to having her aunt be there with them. Buffy returned to her cell with a spring in her step and hope in her heart. All thoughts of suicide had been vanquished by hope and love.
Sandi’s birthday party that evening was a great success. The proud little girl could not get done talking about her aunt coming to live with them. Every member of the Clan was happy.
*****
On Sunday Leo put on the light green epoxy coat of paint. As with the primer. The color was flawless and every nook and cranny inside and outside were thoroughly covered. On Monday, February 25, a week after he had requested their help and the day after he’d put the light green coat on the DUKW, Krista and Tony bicycled over to Leo’s collision and repair service after school with the addresses and phone numbers of the two boys in hand,. Quite naturally Leo was stunned by the rapid response and profusely thanked the two teens. Krista and Tony were delighted when Leo showed them the DUKW with the light green paint coat on it. Leo told the duo to come over with the rest of the teens after their evening meals were done on Wednesday and he’d show them how to tape up the behemoth so he could add the next coat of paint.
As Krista and Tony left Leo, it began to drizzle. With youthful self-confidence the duo sped up hoping to beat the coming downpour. They had gone about 700 feet up the Bozman-Neavitt Road when the wind gusted and the light sprinkling turned into a cold blinding downpour.
Misty and Serena had just pulled into their driveway when the sky opened. They saw two bicyclists pedaling up the road in front of the home they rented out and knew they were getting soaked. Misty stopped the car just off the road as Serena rolled down her window. As the frantically pedaling cyclists drew closer she saw they were young teens so she waved.
Tony and Krista were soaked to the bone in less than fifteen seconds and shivered as the cold wind tore at them. Krista saw the car stopped in the driveway with a woman waving at them and pointing up the driveway to the open garage door. While never introduced, she did know the two were friendly neighbors so she yelled at Tony. Tony needed no further encouragement. Upon reaching the driveway they turned in and followed the car sixty feet into the garage. By the time they stopped their teeth were chattering.
Misty and Serena exited the car to see the bedraggled shivering teens. “Park your bikes to the side,” Serena directed as she and Misty opened umbrellas. “Once we get you into the house we’ll get you warmed up and you can call home.”
“Th... thanks,” Krista managed to chatter as she saw the women trying to figure out how to get them all through the downpour to the house with just the two umbrellas. “But if you share your umbrellas with us you’ll get soaked too. Keep yourselves dry and we’ll follow. We can’t get any wetter.”
Serena and Misty instantly knew they liked this feisty girl and nodded their agreement. Misty went back to the car and hooked their shopping bags over her arms as Serena made the dash to the house unencumbered to unlock the door. Misty quickly followed. Once she was inside, Serena waved the teens over.
With Krista in the lead they ran over, stopping inside the kitchen dripping water onto the linoleum covered floor. Serena handed them towels while Misty dumped the shopping bags on the table and pulled a mop and bucket from the closet to sop up the growing puddle around the soaked duo.
“Thank you so much,” Krista spoke once she’d dried her face and hair. “I’m Krista Scott and this is Tony Masters. We’re from the Clan Wells Point.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Serena smiled. “We’ve heard a lot about you two, all of it good. I’m Serena Moonflower and this is Misty Dawn. The phone is right behind you so you can call home to let them know you’re safe. And tell them there is no need to hurry to get you. We’ve been meaning to meet you for a while but the chance never came up. I’ll make you some herbal tea to warm you up and chase away the chill.”
Krista called home and Misty spoke with Jane telling her the kids were more than welcome to stay
and asked her to let Tony’s mom know they were safe. Jane had spoken to the women in passing and knew they were good people. Understanding the women wanted to talk to the teens she agreed to letting them stay for supper. Besides, with the way it was pouring waiting made sense.
Misty fetched long terrycloth robes for the teens and told them to go into the bathroom and strip out of their soggy clothes and don the robes. Krista went first, then Tony. Their wet clothes were tossed into the dryer as they sat at the around the table. Supper was a modest salad with kidney beans and shredded cheese, yet even Tony found it was filling. As they ate, the women questioned the teens to learn if the things they’d heard were true or wild rumors. Krista and Tony answered freely and honestly.
Misty and Serena found the frank openness refreshing. When they were finished eating, the women said it was only fair the teens questioned them.
Tony spoke first. “Is it true you were hippies?”
“In many ways we still are,” Misty responded. “The main difference is we’ve matured. Our teen naivety ran headlong into reality. A lot of our peers dropped back into being part of the so called normal society. Some couldn’t handle the disillusionment and burned themselves out on drugs. Too many wound up dead. Some, like us, merged into the New Age movement.”
“I’ve heard of that,” Krista said. “But I’m sure there’s a lot of good in it although most of what I’ve seen is weird.”
“Some of it is weird,” Serena chuckled. “Just like you’ve faced misguided Christians, there are misguided New Agers as well as scam artists. Parts of the New Age movement have been around for two hundred years. It really took off when we counter culture hippies melded in. We drew on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions, infusing them with influences from self-help and motivational psychology, holistic health, parapsychology, consciousness research and quantum physics".
“Whoa,” Tony exclaimed. “That’s really a lot of melding. But I’m not sure what metaphysical means.”
“Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world,” Misty explained. “Actually it’s hard to define. Traditionally, metaphysics attempts to answer two basic questions in the broadest possible terms: ‘What is there?’ and ‘What is it like?’
“That sounds like you’re trying to explain God,” Krista frowned.
“Yes and no,” Misty smiled. “It uses proven facts and science to explain things, but we only know a tiny fraction. There is a lot we don’t know. Many of us have a difficult time accepting God as the creator. We like the concept of love and doing unto others, but can’t wrap our minds around why a benevolent God would let the tragedies that occur in the world to continue. It doesn’t make sense to us.”
“Believing in God does sound like foolishness to the wisdom of the world,” Krista answered. “But Jesus told us to come to him with open hearts and minds like little children. Often we get too smart for our own good. As for the tragedies that happen, since I believe in God, I must also believe Satan exists. We’ll never understand why God lets Satan do his evil until we get to heaven. But God gives us the strength to endure and if we didn’t have bad we could never appreciate good.”
“You make a good point,” Misty nodded. “But many of us have been burned by the bigotry that seems to be an inherent part of nearly every organized religion. Just look at those ‘Christian’ fanatics who have been protesting you and your friends or the terrorists who engineered 9/11. All too often the goodness of faith is corrupted by humanity. The aim of New Age is to create a spirituality without borders or confining dogmas that is inclusive and pluralistic. It holds to a holistic world view, emphasizing that the Mind, Body and Spirit are interrelated and that there is a unity throughout the universe. It attempts to create a world view that includes both science and spirituality embracing a number of forms of mainstream science as well as other forms of science that are considered fringe. We liked a lot of it but felt it was incomplete. Even the best science can’t explain everything. We felt the need for more spirituality than New Age practices provide but Christianity just didn’t fit us.”
“Maybe you just didn’t find the right kind of Christianity,” Tony said. “Or someone who’s faith was so strong it overflowed into you.”
The women smiled as Tony looked adoringly at Krista who blushed modestly.
“Please don’t misunderstand us,” Serena declared. “We respect the beliefs of others. If believing in Jesus is right for you, we’re glad. All we’re saying is it never fit us and too many self-righteous ‘Christians’ use their ‘faith’ to hate. What we’ve experienced from organized religion has been a major turn off. So we began to explore Wicca.”
Tony’s eyes grew wide. “You’re witches?”
“Again the answer is yes and no,” Misty smiled. “Witchcraft as many think of it does not exist. Wiccans regard the whole cosmos as alive, both as a whole and in all of its parts. Such an organic view of the cosmos cannot be fully expressed and lived without the concept of the God/Goddess. Divinity is the clearest and most powerful level of life, reflecting and spreading itself through all the microcosmic levels. For most Wiccans, the God/Goddess insures the universe is in balance, much like the concept of yin and yang found in Taoism. As such the God/Goddess is often interpreted as being the life-force manifest in nature. Some Wiccans believe that the God/Goddess is simply symbolic of the polarities but many believe that the God/Goddess is a genuine being that exists independently. The divinity of this God/Goddess is often given symbolic association with the Goddess commonly being symbolized as the Earth Mother.”
“But Christianity believes that God exists and is in all living things,” Krista frowned as she thought about what had been said.
“Yes they do, but few think that rocks and air and sea are living,” Misty smiled. “The Clan is trying to go Green to save the environment. Wicca believes the environment is alive and part of the Goddess while doing away with the dogma that stifles Christianity.”
“So is what you’re saying is that at a basic level Wicca and belief in Yahweh are the same,” Krista asked.
“Both beliefs require us as believers to love and honor of the creator,” Misty explained. “Wicca insists we love and honor all of creation. While some Christians, such as your Clan, believe the same thing, most limit their love and honor to their fellow humans, and many fail at doing that.”
“So you’re saying Wicca is better than Christianity,” Krista reasoned.
“I really don’t think one is better than the other,” Misty replied. “The difference comes in how it works for the believer. For you, Christianity is right. For us, Wicca is right. We have no right to say which is better because both are impossible to prove. But being unable to prove something does not mean it’s wrong. Think of our spiritual beliefs like clothing. Each of us wears clothing that fits, serves a purpose and is your style. My clothing is different than yours but that does not mean one of us is wrong.”
“I think I see what you’re saying,” Krista nodded.
“The prime Wiccan ethical teaching is the Wiccan Rede,” Serena said. "’As long as it doesn't harm anyone including yourself and future generations, do whatever you want to.’ A lot of uptight people criticize that for being too permissive. However, the Rede is actually quite demanding because it requires a Wiccan to carefully evaluate all of the effects that each of their decisions have on themselves, other people, future generations, the environment.”
“So you believe in your own version of the Golden Rule,” Krista nodded. “It makes sense. Unfortunately I’ve encountered a lot of self-righteous judgmental Christians so I can see how Christianity might be a turn off. Heck, Christianity is fractured into so many denominations because of internal disagreements. Then if you factor in the different Jewish sects as well as the different Islamic sects, it gets mind boggling. Yet at their very core they all, like Wicca, believe in an unprovable supreme being with a nearly identical Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do onto you. Now that I think about it, since good created us, he knows that what’s right for one person is not necessarily right for another. It’s been humanity that fractured their belief in God into so many segments, yet they all retain the same core. Since God created everything, he’s big enough to cover all the faiths that mankind has splintered from the one true faith. God is so powerful and all encompassing he’s seen to it the core remained intact. It’s human vanity makes us say our particular faith is the right and only way to God.”
“Yeah, I get it,” Tony smiled. “If God were the number 10, I could say my way to reach God is to add 5 + 5, so my way is the right way. Yet you can get to 10 by adding 4 + 6, 7 + 3, 2 + 8, 1 + 9, 2 + 3 + 5, 1 +3 + 6, and so on. They all get the same result so they’re all right.”
“Exactly,” Serena smiled. “Wicca is our way of relating to God. Your way is through your belief, neither of us are wrong. The key is to follow the Golden Rule, love one and other. When we do that we must respect each others faith.”
At that point Jane’s van pulled into the driveway. The four had not even noticed the rain had stopped. Serena welcomed Jane inside and for the first time they formally introduced themselves. Jane joined them at the table for a cup of tea while Serena and Misty told Jane how impressed they were by Krista and Tony. Krista and then Tony changed into their dry clothes as the women talked. The women offered to share their years of organic farming and living experience with the Clan. Of course, it would have to be scaled up, but companion planting, natural fertilization and harvesting techniques/preservation techniques would be similar. Jane and the teens assured the women the Clan would be more than willing to accept their offer and would reciprocate.
After exchanging hugs, Tony and Krista loaded their bikes into the back of Jane’s van and they headed home.
*****
Motivated by finding his grandson Leo decided he wanted to go see him rather than just call.
Leo worked hard to clear two days from his busy calendar. A responsible man he would not cancel or postpone any work he had scheduled. Instead he worked hard to get ahead, managing to clear his schedule for the following Monday and Tuesday.
Just because he was working to clear his schedule Leo didn’t forget the teens were coming over Wednesday night. All the CWP teens were eager to help. Leo was amazed that even Barney and Freddy showed up eager to work. The curmudgeony man was even more surprised when the teens understood his directions and with tape measures and masking tape in hand they quickly had the Tartan design laid out on the hull. After that it was simply a matter of trimming the paper squares and taping them in the proper locations. The entire job took them a bit less than three hours. The next day Leo painted the dark green stripes on the DUKW.
Sunday after lunch the teens once more arrived en masse at Leo’s shop. It only took them a half-hour to strip off the covering paper and tape before they promptly set to work re-taping the monster so Leo could paint the pink stripes. The teens stayed to watch the paint job. They were amazed by how easy Leo made it look as he flawlessly applied the pink epoxy paint.
Late Monday afternoon Brandon was quite stunned when he opened the door to the efficiency apartment to see his grandfather standing there hat in hand. “Gramps! What are you doing here? Don’t tell me dad sent you to...”
“Nobody sent me here,” Leo cut in. “I’ve been worried about you. And before you get upset I don’t give a damn if you’re gay, straight or even purple. You’re my grandson, you’re family. I had no idea what was going on. Yes that’s my fault for being an old curmudgeon. I never went to visit any of my children or grandchildren. I tried to get everyone’s graduation and when I didn’t get an invite for yours I called your parents to find out what was going on. I’ve already let them know exactly what I think about what they done to you. Needless to say I don’t think they’ll be coming to visit me for quite a while. So, will you let an old man inside?”
“Sure Gramps,” Brandon smiled as he held the door open and stepped back. “The place is a bit messy but come on in.”
“I’m used to messy,” Leo huffed as he entered. “Since your grandma passed, my place has been a might messy too.” Sitting before game console Leo saw a nervous young man. “Yep, you’re Gary Jenckes, right?”
“Yes sir,” Gary replied as he stood looking at Brandon and confusion.
“Gary, this is my grandpa, Leonard Kahn,” Brandon introduced still unsure about why his grandfather was there.
“Pleased to meet you Gary,” Leo smiled as he extended his hand. “I understand you two are a couple.”
Gary accepted the proffered hand. The boys were clearly stunned by the frankness and could only nod their heads.
“That’s good,” Leo nodded. “I got nothing against gay people, what I don’t like is promiscuity. Gay or straight makes no difference, if you jump from partner to partner it ain’t no good. Now I ain’t saying I understand people being gay, but I know it’s not a choice. I served with several guys who were gay in Vietnam. They were damn good soldiers and I’d fight beside them any day of the week.”
“Gee Gramps,” Brandon said clearly surprised by his grandfather’s attitude. “After the way mom and dad treated me and Gary, I just never expected you’d be accepting.”
“Well I’m a conservative in many ways,” Leo mused. “But a person’s sexual orientation isn’t one of them. Life is tough enough without having to worry about that. Now how about the three of us go out for a nice steak dinner and get to know each other?”
Leo followed the boys as they led the way, wisely figuring they’d need a bit of time to wrap their minds around the idea that the ‘old man’ was accepting them. When they arrived at an upscale local steakhouse, they asked for a table in a corner. Leo asked the boys if they had any plans for the future. Other than staying together and working for the landscaping company they had no long-term plans. They figured economy was on the verge of a major downturn and they were afraid to go on a limb expense wise.
“How long have you been together,” Leo bluntly asked.
“Since the ninth grade,” Brandon answered. “We knew we were attracted to each other and spoke about it. Together we decided to come out of the closet. It upset a lot of people but since both of us are big guys and on the football team, nobody got physical with us. We left them alone they left us alone. We had our jobs and apartment lined up before we graduated because we knew our parents would throw us out.”
So you’re committed to each other,” Leo queried.
“Yes,” Brandon and Gary answered together as they reached out and held hands.
“I’m glad you’re happy together,” Leo smiled. “Now I’ve got an offer for the two of you. I’m getting on in years, and while I can still run my shop, it gets harder all the time. It’s not the most up-to-date shop but I’d like to see it stay in the family. So there’s two things I’d like you to do but understand the choices are yours and I’ll respect your decision. First, I’d like to send you to Boston for a week at a good hotel. It’s legal for same-sex couples get married in Massachusetts, been so since 2004. I want it to be your honeymoon. That means I’ll expect you to get married since the trip will be a wedding present.”
Brandon and Gary were both surprised by the offer and almost giddy with excitement. They had talked about going to Massachusetts and getting married but had not had the financial wherewithal to do so. “That would be great,” Brandon enthused.
“Good,” Leo smiled. “The second thing I’d like is for you to move in with me after your honeymoon and let me teach you the collision repair business. You both got the size and strength to handle it and you obviously like working with your hands or you wouldn’t be in the landscaping business with recommendations to be recalled in the spring. As you learn the business I’ll step back bit by bit and let you take over. It’s a good career and you can make decent money in it. I don’t want an answer right now on this one. Go home and talk it over then come down to spend this coming weekend. I’ll show you the business and the house then introduce you to some real interesting neighbors I got. You decide not to join me, that’ll be okay too. Either way I’m changing my will this week. Brandon, you’ll get everything when I’m gone.”
“Gramps, I don’t know what to say,” Brandon said obviously surprised.
“No need to say anything now except that you’ll both be down this weekend,” Leo chuckled. “I’ll expect you mid-afternoon on Friday.”
With that Leo paid the bill and left a nice tip. Outside he hugged Brandon and Gary goodbye and got into his old pickup truck and headed home. Leo made the four hundred twenty mile round trip in one day, but he needed the next day to recuperate.
On Wednesday, the CWP teens came over to Leo after supper and stripped off the last batch of tape and paper to reveal the CWP Tartan in all it’s glory. It was clear to Leo the young people were pleased with their work and he let them know that he was pleased also. The next day Leo applied the first epoxy clear coat the DUKW once more doing the inside and outside to perfection.
Brandon and Gary were not sure what to expect when they pulled into Leo’s place on Friday afternoon. Both young men were quite impressed with the Bay Hundred landscape. It had been four years since Brandon had last been to his grandparents home, and that had been a sad time because it was for the funeral of his grandmother. As they drove in Brandon began remembering the landscape and the many coves and inlets. They even passed a small flock of wild turkeys as they drove down the Bozman-Neavitt Road.
*****
Chapter 13
A garage door to the shop was open and they could hear Leo working inside. With a bit of nervousness the two young men headed inside. Both looked around in amazement at the clutter yet they could tell that it was well organized and regularly used. Leo was sanding the Bondo smooth on a fender that he had recently repaired. Leo sensed someone was behind him and put down the angle grinder to see who it was. With a smile he stood and removed the respirator, earplugs, and goggles he was wearing. The dust from sanding covered his body and with the respirator and goggles off you could clearly see where the dust had settled on his flesh. The smile on his face made Brandon and Gary feel welcome.
Leo wasted no time quickly stripping out of his overalls. Using a shop vac he ran it over his short hair to remove the dust and debris before washing his hands and face. Only then would he hug his visitors.
As promised Leo took the two on the grand tour of his domain, giving brief explanations of the equipment and various areas of the adjoining shops. To say Brandon and Gary were stunned when they went into the paint shed and saw the pink and two-tone green plaid DUKW would be a gross understatement. Leo had to laugh at their expressions.
“Did you do this paint job gramps?” Brandon asked in amazement as they checked out the excellent work.”
“Sure did,” Leo chuckled. “I had a group of neighbor teens come over and do the tape up for it. I only had to explain how to do it once and they had it.”
“They must be some energetic kids,” Gary smiled.”
“That they are. In fact this is a freebie I’m working on for the neighbors,” Leo explained. “They’re the ones I’d like you to meet. They own just about the entire Peninsula here, and they formed themselves into a modern clan. This,” he said indicating paint of the DUKW, “is their Clan Tartan. So far, there’s fifty nine of them. They’re having a major impact on the way people think in this area. They go out of their way to help others. Brandon, when I learned that you’d been thrown out I tried for almost two weeks to locate you without any luck at all. So I headed over to the Clan Wells Point and asked for their help in finding you. I asked a thirteen year old girl. She’s the pluckiest person I’ve ever met. She’s been the driving force behind this clan’s formation. She’s even made the national news more than once. She had some of her friends from school, a couple of seventh graders, take the little bit of information I had on you and within a week they located you. You could have knocked me over with a feather. They had your work history, address and phone number. They also told me about how your parents sent you off to be reprogrammed. If I’d have known... I’d have come gotten you.”
Brandon and Gary smiled in appreciation.
“This old behemoth sat in a barn in need of an overhaul for thirty six years,” Leo chuckled. “A very pretty young lady who just turned nineteen in December completely rebuilt the drive train on this thing.”
Once more Brandon and Gary were impressed. “These young neighbors must be quite ambitious.”
“That they are,” Leo sighed with pleasure. “Maybe you heard about this young girl. She led her younger sisters from Cape Cod down through the middle of New Jersey heading here... on foot after their mother died. She wore herself out and got sick. She was pretty well out of it while walking down the road and she stumbled into the path of a car. Fortunately the driver was able to avoid her and then had enough compassion to bring the girl and her sisters to her home and nurse her back to health. They didn’t call the authorities because they simply couldn’t believe the tale the girl and her sisters told. The woman’s husband was detective and he checked out her story finding it was true. When the girl recovered they brought her and her sisters down here to her grandmother.”
“Yeah I remember hearing about that,” Gary nodded. “Was she later kidnaped and killed the kidnapper?”
“That’s her,” Leo chuckled. “Got shot in the process too but she’s a tough one. Turns out her father is a deputy Sheriff here and his wife adopted the girl and her sisters and they all moved in together with the grandmother out here on Wells Point. A couple of weeks later she finds a six-year-old girl hiding in some bushes at the sports Park with her family while her younger half-brothers and boyfriend are playing football. Oh, the boyfriend and his mother were with the girl and the three of them were kidnaped by the boy’s father after he killed prison guards and escaped. Anyway this little girl had been raped by her mother’s boyfriend and had fled the home and hidden in the Park for two days. Her family adopted that little girl. Then the darndest thing happened. She remembered meeting a pair of school teachers during their Odyssey to get down here and they told her about three young girls that had been taken by children’s services after the school filed a report. The oldest girl was raped by her foster father and went into a coma. The bastard got off because there was nobody to testify against him. Pissed off the girl’s mother killed him. She wound up in jail. The teachers were so upset and unable to do anything to help the girls they retired, bought a boat and began to travel. When they met the thirteen year old and her sisters they help them out but were afraid to turn them over to the authorities after what happened to the other girls. So after rescuing the six year old she began thinking about the other three girls. She contacted the same to seventh graders that locating you and they began to dig into the history of the other three girls. What they found a blew the lid off that Apple Tree Healthcare scandal.”
“Yeah, I remember that too,” Brandon said. “This thirteen year old girl must really be something.”
“That she is,” Leo agreed.
“Yeah,” Gary said with amazement. “Was she one of the cheerleaders that woke up that girl from the coma?”
“She led the cheerleaders,” Leo smiled. “She got those teachers here and with the evidence they uncovered they got the girl’s mother out of prison. The teachers adopted the mother and so became the grandparents of the three girls. They’ve all moved out here onto Wells Point. Then they went after the father of the three girls who’d abandoned them which set up the situation that the children’s services took them. The father’s mother and stepfather stepped in and they found that their son had moved to Vancouver and married another woman had a child and another on the way and never divorced the first wife. The father was arrested and brought back here for trial and his parents and second wife and child moved in to Wells Point to be with the other wife and grandchildren. They formed the Clan Wells Point. While all that was going on, they had a Halloween dance in the barn where the DUKW was stored. Four boys drunk and high tried to crash the dance but the police were watching for any issues. The boys fled and rolled their truck.
“Was that when one boy lost his arm and another lost both legs?” Brandon asked.
“Yep,” Leo said. “But this girl stepped forward again. The Clan Wells Point has established a rehab hostel for teens out here. Those two boys are the first patients. Both of them now intend to become a physical therapists. They were amongst the teens that came over to tape and paper this beauty so I could paint it. But what didn’t make the news was the fact that they saved another teen’s life the night of the dance. She stopped the kid’s suicide attempt, when the father showed up to get the teen, he flipped out and punched his wife and went after his teen. The girls father, the deputy Sheriff, stopped him but the man resisted arrest. He was big, strong and had been drinking so the deputy was unable to over power him. Seeing her father in trouble, she ran down and join the fight.”
“We saw that on YouTube,” Brandon exclaimed. “She ran down there and choked that big guy right out!”
“Well that’s not all,” Leo smiled. “The school had a Christmas dance and she and her friends were there. It was the first public appearance of the two boys who’d been injured in the crash and they accompanied by the teen that had tried to commit suicide the night they were hurt. The three of them were elected King and Queen of the dance.”
Brandon and Gary exchanged looks of surprise. “We saw that on TV,” Brandon exclaimed. “There were protesters outside the school the next day protesting the fact that the Queen of the dance was a transsexual! That must’ve been why she tried to kill herself!”
“They were also protesting two gay teens were welcomed at the dance as a couple,” Gary gasped.
“But there was a younger girl who confronted the picketers. She admitted to being a transsexual too. Man, did she verbally rip those protesters to pieces!”
“That was Krista,” Leo chuckled. “She’s the thirteen year old girl I’ve been talking about. But the girl who was elected Queen of the dance was not the first transsexual she saved from suicide. The young woman who rebuilt this DUKW was the first she saved just after she arrived here. Kylie is engaged to the young man who actually saved her life. Krista felt obligated to tell her father’s family that she was a transsexual. She didn’t want to hide the truth. Larry Scott is the youngest brother of Krista’s father, the deputy Sheriff. He was shocked when Krista revealed the truth about herself but in that revelation he realized that his best friend from school, a boy many classmates felt was a sissy but who was a top-notch mechanic, had that very afternoon tried to reveal that he was a transsexual and in love with him. Not understanding and shocked by his best friends declaration of love he blew him off. It was only after Krista opened his eyes that he understood what Kyle had truly said. Fortunately he knew where to look for Kylie and saved her life. It’s just been over a month since Kylie returned from Thailand where she had her corrective surgery performed. She and Larry are going to be married this spring on board this DUKW.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting these people,” Brandon smiled.
“Well, there have been two more transsexuals join the Clan since the Christmas dance,” Leo added. “My property is surrounded on three sides by the Clan Wells Point. I don’t think you two will find a better place to live and work with better neighbors.”
Brandon and Gary could only nod their heads in agreement. If half of what Leo said about the Clan Wells Point was true they knew immediately they had found a new home.
This meant they spent most of the afternoon being shown about the property. Leo whipped up a quick supper and the three men talked while they ate. Leo knew they had not discussed his offer of taking over the business and staying there but he could see in their faces they were seriously thinking about it. Brandon and Gary did the dishes while Leo dug out some paperwork. Then they all sat at the kitchen table while Leo went over the terms of his will. As he had told them at their first meeting the will was freshly rewritten with everything being left Brandon. Brandon did not know what to say. In one week he gone from being the family outcast to being offered a future and a home.
After Saturday morning breakfast the three piled into Leo’s truck and headed over to the Clan Wells Point. Their first stop was with Jane where they met her family. They recognized Krista and Leroy from seeing them on YouTube and on the news. Just as Leo had said, they were quite impressed with Krista and never would have suspected she was anything other than a genetic female. Krista led them across Wells point Lane to the barn where Kylie worked. Kylie and Ed were both there working on vehicles. They took their time looking around as Krista gave them a guided tour of the repair shop. They were amazed at Kylie’s skill and organization. Once more they found it difficult to believe that Kylie was a postop transsexual. They could tell by Kylies actions and demeanor that she was a girl. They could also tell she was a top-notch mechanic. They felt embarrassed that a person their own age had her life together so well that she could have her own business. It helped put their concerns about taking over the collision repair shop at ease.
LJ and Peter came over to tell everyone that lunch was ready. Kylie and Ed clean themselves up and together everyone headed over to the house for lunch. After lunch Krista crammed herself into the jump seat of Leo’s truck. One by one she took them to each of the homes and businesses of the Clan Wells Point. At each stop she introduced the three to the Clan members who welcomed them and gladly showed them around each property. As they drove from place to place Krista explained how the Clan operated and that the Clan owned all the land and businesses but that all the members were shareholders in the Clan Wells Point Corporation. When they stopped to see Kevin Stewart at the CWP attorney-at-law office, Kevin had Brandon sign as the beneficiary of Leo’s will and Gary witnessed the document. What really impressed Brandon and Gary was that not one person so much as blinked an eye when Krista introduced them as an engaged couple.
By the time they made the rounds it was nearly time for supper. Leo, Brandon and Gary were invited guests for the weekly CWP meal and meeting. The three nonmembers were invited to stay through the meeting so they get a better understanding of how the Clan operated. When the last order of business was announced Leo, Brandon and Gary were quite surprised. The three were offered membership in the Clan Wells Point.
“I’m honored,” Leo spoke up. “But does this mean I have to give up ownership of my property?”
“No it doesn’t,” Kevin explained. “There is no requirement in our bylaws that requires new members to sell their property to the Clan. We do however think it’s a good idea to do so. Each member of the Clan Wells Point can vote on issues that affect the clan. Everyone who joins is given one share of the Clan Wells Point Corporation. If you turn over your property, you’re given additional shares proportionate to the amount of property being turning over. If the Clan owns the property, then the Clan is responsible for updates, repairs taxes and improvements. If you retain ownership you are responsible for updates, repairs, taxes and improvements to the property. With a business such as yours it will be brought under the Clan Wells Point umbrella. You would still run the business and any of your employees are kept on. You have a vested interest in your business and we want you to keep running it.”
Leo looked at Brandon and Gary. The two nodded their heads after which Leo stood and accepted membership in the Clan for himself Brandon and Gary and said that he would sell the property and business to the Clan. Right after that Kevin brought out the paperwork and everyone signed. Leo’s Collision Repair and Body Shop became the Clan Wells Point Collision Repair and Body Shop. The Clan Wells Point was now up to sixty two members.
Sunday the three newest members joined the rest of the Clan heading to church. It had been years since Leo had attended a service. For Brandon and Gary, they hadn’t set foot in a church since they were confirmed in the eighth grade. They had been afraid their sexual orientation would create issues. However, they had met Dwayne and Phil the previous night. They invited Brandon and Gary to join them at church explaining that the congregation knew the younger boys were a gay couple so having an older gay couple attend would be a non issue. Although a little anxious about how they would be treated they agreed to give it a try. The threesome was surprised by the warm accepting welcome.
After church and lunch, Brandon and Gary followed Leo to the paint shop and the DUKW, They watched in amazement as the skilled old man effortlessly sprayed a second layer of epoxy clear coat on the inside and outside of the behemoth. As before, the paint job was still flawless.
Monday morning Brandon and Gary made reservations at a nice gay friendly hotel in Boston for the following Monday. After lunch they returned to their apartment to pack and end their month to month lease. Tuesday morning the loaded all their belongings and returned to the Clan Wells Point.
Wednesday, Leo put the third coat on the DUKW. This time Brandon and Gary were with Leo as he explained his painting technique. After that he showed them how to take out dents and apply Bondo. By the end of the day, the guys were tired. Even though they were in the prime of life, a man three times their age out worked them. Leo assured them they’d adapt.
Saturday morning, Sandi was excited. She, Krista, Pat, and Leroy were going to pick up her Aunt Buffy! They arrived just before noon and Krista had her hands full trying to keep Sandi busy while the adults processed the paperwork for the release. Sandi squealed with delight when she saw the three adults walking out of the prison.
“Aunt Buffy, Aunt Buffy,” she gushed as she ran to her birth mother to throw herself in her open arms. “Mommy and Daddy got you set free!”
The fears Pat and Leroy had secretly harbored that Sandi might abandon them for her birth mother evaporated. Sandi firmly believed she was their daughter. Buffy was somewhat saddened by the same action, but also understood that Pat and Leroy loved Sandi so much they worked to get her released from prison. She also understood she was on parole and work release at their mercy. She had already admitted she had failed as a mother due to her addictions, but now given a second chance, she’d be the best aunt she could.
Krista spoke as they climbed into the Explorer. “Aunt Buffy, I’ll sit in the back so you can sit with Sandi. My little sister has been looking forward to this day so it’s only right you sit together.”
Buffy was a bit confused at first, but quickly realized that Sandi and Krista were indeed sisters. So if she was Sandi’s aunt, she was also Krista’s aunt. The concept amazed her, that this family would so openly accept her as one of them was beyond her experience.
The ride back to the Clan was filled with Sandi going on and on about her other sisters and brothers as well as everyone else in the Clan Wells Point. Buffy’s amazement at the scope of the Clan and their willingness to accept and help others nearly boggled her mind. Her life experiences had never included such open concern for the welfare of others.
Leo put the fourth and final clear coat on the DUKW while the trip was made. The Saturday night Clan dinner meeting went smoothly. Buffy was stunned by the openness and acceptance of the Clan and humbled to be informed she had been voted in as a member. Larry and Kylie led Brandon, Gary and Buffy over to the music studio to watch the teens practice. The newcomers were surprised not only at the skill of the teens, but also that the Clan thought enough of the teens to build them a studio. Buffy didn’t object when she was told she’d be living in house down on Wells Point with Ed and Lisa Nelson and Ben Reese
Sunday afternoon Brandon and Gary left for Boston, checking into the Hilton Boston Back Bay Hotel late that evening . Monday morning they applied for their marriage licence. Since there was a three day wait they toured the Boston Navy Yard including ‘Old Ironsides’. Tuesday they explored Concord, Walden Pond and Lexington. Each night they dined at a gay friendly restaurant. Thursday morning they picked up their marriage license and by noon were married in a civil ceremony. Friday they slept late and spent the day walking around historic Boston. They checked out Saturday morning and headed back to Maryland.
When they arrived home they joined the Clan for the normal Saturday night meal. They noted Rev. Giles was present but thought nothing of it. After they ate everyone gathered about the couple as Rev. Giles held a service to bless their union and marriage. While the Methodist Church had not yet approved same sex marriages or in church same sex blessings, they did allow a pastor the discretion to conduct a couple’s blessing service outside the church.
The next day was Easter, a warmer late March day that let everyone know it was now spring. After church, the Clan gathered for a picnic down on the Eastern end of Wells Point. With the Nelson home nearby facilities were available. They spread blankets just outside the walled cemetery. Everyone paid their respects to those buried in hallowed ground, with special attention to Carol O’Brien. Most of the people present never knew Carol, but all understood that without her death, Krista, Lyndi and Teri would never had made their Odyssey. They knew that she had been a fine woman and mother and that she’d instilled in Krista and her sisters willpower and an enormous desire to help others. Carol was also Jane’s estranged daughter, who fled home when she was a teenager discovered she was pregnant. Leroy was Krista’s father and had searched for Carol for years. Pat had been Carol’s best friend and had married Leroy after Carol ran away. Everyone understood that the impact Krista had on all their lives was a blessing which would not have happened without Carol’s untimely death. So in effect, everyone in the Clan owned their present situation to Carol via Krista.
It had been less than a year since Carol’s death, and this was the first Easter. The day of Christ’s resurrection which signaled the eventual resurrection of anyone who died in the Lord. As Krista had previously told them she missed her mother greatly but was glad that she graduated into the next life and now sat by Jesus’ side. Krista had instilled in everyone that the death of a loved one, while painful, was merely a temporary separation and that when their time came they too would graduate to the next life and meet their departed loved ones once more in eternal life.
The picnic was not all solemn, not by a long shot. It was the day Freddy debuted his prosthetic legs. While still learning how to handle his new mobility, he was able to walk freely about the uneven ground. The smile on his face let everyone know the expense of the prosthetic legs was well worth it. Frisbees were flying, games of tag were being played, and even croquet was being played. The younger kids had a great time as did the teens and the adults. It was simply a day of relaxation accepting the gift of everlasting life that Jesus gave to all who believe in him on this remembrance day of His resurrection.
*****
Things for the Clan really picked up at this point. Larry had spent the hours he’d normally have spent with Kylie while she was in Thailand putting together the plans for the digester and with his father Robert’s help and legal assistance from Kevin. Drawings and blueprints had been made and the necessary permits filed. With everything in order and the reputation of Scott and Sons Construction, now CWP Contracting and Construction, approval was fairly quick.
At the same time, Serena and Misty began coming over to discuss their knowledge of organic farming with Larry and Bill. Together they visited every nook and cranny of the Clan land.
Again the women were amazed at the open reception they received as well as the willingness of the men to listen. They exchanged ideas on how to upscale the green practices the women had perfected in their extensive vegetable garden to the farm.
With spring in the air, construction began on the manure digesting system. There was quite a bit of excavation needed as about a third of the plant had to be underground to maintain constant temperature. However, the water table in area was about the same as the water in the bay so digging was limited to about eight feet. Earth berming would shield against cold or hot weather. The site they chose was three hundred feet northeast of the main farm, but hidden by a hedgerow that bordered the fenced pastures of the farm. It was placed in the southwest corner of the large field northeast of the pastures and accessible from Locust Neck Lane.
While that was happening, CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises received a large shipment of the Clan Wells Point Tartan, ten rolls of polycotton fabric twenty seven yards long and sixty inches wide, five rolls of polyester ribbon twenty seven yards long by 1 inch wide with finished edges. Five rolls of heavy polyacrylic fabric twenty seven yards long by sixty inches wide. With their fledging business just starting, Marjorie, Norma, Maureen made Tam O’Shanter’s for everyone from the polycotton fabric with ribbons attached for the females. They used the heavier fabric to make a custom awning for the DUKW, which they carefully waterproofed. When Leo had completed the paint job Kylie drove the DUKW to the barn so the women could install the awning on the DUKW.
With Kevin’s help, Kylie was able to obtain a vehicle license for the DUKW. The most difficult aspect of getting the DUKW roadworthy was obtaining motor vehicle insurance. Fortunately they were able to license it through the business insurance that the Clan Wells Point has set up for all of its businesses.
Larry also had his hands full at this time. Nearly all the teens would be helping on the farm during peak times so it was decided that they should all be taught how to drive the tractors, the flat bed truck and pick-up trucks. The boys who would be working on the farm regularly also learned how to hook up and utilize the different farm implements. Nearly everyone in the Clan was also taught proper procedures for milking cows. While there wasn’t much need as of yet, once the herd increased more hands would be needed and having qualified backup was also important. The cows had to be sanitized before the milking apparatus could be attached. They also had to be cleaned up and tended to after milking.
While the teens were delighted to be able to drive, they all understood they could only do so on the Clan Wells Point property. Horseplay and speeding was absolutely forbidden.
While construction of the digester began, the barn and chicken house at the main farm was readied for expansion. The eighty by fifty feet main barn was extended east by seventy feet linking it to the second barn performer large ‘L’. The forty by seventy feet second barn was extended twenty five feet north and twenty feet east. In the new area between the older barns a new milking system would be installed. A fifty degree herringbone design was selected. In this design, a center pit has automated milking stations behind each stall. Thirty five cows enter on one side heading into feeding stanchions with their butts facing the pit at a fifty degree angle. Workers in the pit are at belly level with the cows. They wash and disinfect the teats, then apply the milking tubes. While doing this, a second group of thirty five cows moves into the second side. It takes about five minutes to milk a cow so by the time the first group is done, the second group has been prepared so as the milking tubes are removed from a cow on the first side, the operator crosses to the opposite side of the pit and attaches the tubes to the opposite cow. The entire cycle of entry, clean, milking and exit takes ten minutes with thirty five cows entering and exiting every five minutes. With this set up, three workers in the pit could milk four hundred cows in a bit over an hour. The entire milking parlor would be sealed concrete, stainless steel, or plastic. Every part can be cleaned with a high pressure hose. Once the additions and renovations were completed the current dairy herd of fifty cows would be raised to four hundred head.
The original sixty by twenty feet chicken house wing was attached to the west of the shed that housed the second floor music studio. This was expanded by adding a second twenty by sixty feet wing to the north of the shed. The area between the ‘L’ formed by the chicken house wings would be fenced in and over to give an outside chicken yard sixty by sixty feet so the birds could get outside to wander around in safety. Once the construction was completed, the number of chickens could be doubled to two hundred.
The current steer herd of fifteen was located in the triangular pasture south of Wells Point Lane northeast of Dougherty Lane and west of Johns Cove Lane. The steer herd would be moved across Dougherty Lane to the barn at the intersection with Wells Point Lane. Utilizing the pastures of that barn the herd would be raised to eighty head.
The barn and pastures at CWP Landing currently housed eight horses. The Clan was already in the process of creating a non-profit organization, The Clan Wells Point Horse Rescue, that would provide shelter, care, rehabilitation and adoption services for abandoned, abused, neglected or unwanted horses. The triangular pasture vacated by the steers and it’s small barn would be the receiving point for incoming horses. Up to fifteen horses could be treated and nursed back to health in that area Once healthy, they horses would be moved to CWP Landing barn and pastures which would also serve as the adoption center. They could handle up to thirty horses at a time in the barn and pastures down there.
Heather volunteered to head CWP Horse Rescue with her daughters Jasmine, Holly, Ivy and Jimmy assisting. Dwayne and Phil came on board to help with the CWP Organic Farm, Sam and Jenny would work at the CWP Landing.
The manure digester was designed and built to handle much more than all the waste from forty five horses, eighty steers, two hundred chickens and four hundred cows the Clan planned on having. Regulations for cleaning up farm waste and returning the Chesapeake to a more pristine existence were becoming increasingly strict especially for areas such as the Bay Hundred area since no area of the peninsula was more then two thousand feet from the water. Manure that had previously been spread on fields was being restricted to require larger areas for less environmental impact. This meant that many of the farmers and those who owned horses would have to pay to have their manure hauled to mainland sites. Larry had designed the Clan digester to handle all the manure the Bay Hundred area could produce. Notice had already been sent to the local farmers that a for a fee of one dollar a ton, the Clan would take their manure waste at their government licenced disposal unit. If they wanted the Clan to pick up the waste, the fee would be fifty dollars for a four ton load or portion of a load plus the dollar a ton disposal fee. All the waste would be processed by the manure digester. The Clan would have a steady revenue source from the farmers since the Clan fees were much less than mainland disposal charges. In addition, now that the Clan had a record of their electrical use, they knew once the system was up and running, they’d be producing a great deal more electricity than they consumed.
All the construction projects were done by the CWP Contracting and Construction. The reputation Scott and Sons General Contracting had established in the contracting and construction industry was rated at five stars before they rolled the family run business into the CWP. So despite the downturn in the economy, the business always had work outside the Clan.
Once the basic excavation was completed for the digester and the footers poured for the barn and chicken house expansions, the heavy equipment went to work extending Bills Road west past his home. They followed the tree line around the northern cove at the end of Balls creek and through the forest to link up with Almost Nevitt Road. This gave the Clan Wells Point internal roads to every section they owned.
Dr. Wanda Sykes and Rev. Miles Giles had grown into a dating relationship during the last several months due to their involvement with the Clan. Being dedicated professionals, neither had ever had time for seeking out relationships so their being drawn together by their involvement with the Clan eliminated a lot of hassles. When the couple announced their plans to marry the Clan Wells Point offered membership as a wedding gift. The couple eagerly accepted and the Clan began looking for a suitable home within their boundaries.
Kevin and Jane had set their wedding date for the Saturday after Easter. They asked if Wanda and Miles would like to make it a double wedding. Jane firmly shut down their objections they didn’t want to steal Jane and Kevin’s spotlight. Unable to resist Jane’s insistence, they agreed. The weddings were to be simple small church weddings with a joint reception for the Clan and a few select guests at the CWP B&B. Certain Change played, by this time they had added ten new songs to their repertoire.
Kevin moved into the big farmhouse with Jane. There were now ten people living in the home. Kevin’s small quarters in the house near the intersection of Wells Point Lane and Dougherty Lane were vacated. CWP contracting and construction promptly began enlarging the forty by twenty feet building to eighty feet by thirty feet and adding a second floor. Kevin’s law offices, CWP Attorney at Law would remain there and CWP LLC, accounting, would also move in. A centralized office would also be established to handle the paperwork aspects of all the clan enterprises. Sheila Scott already the office manager for CWP contracting and construction, would step up to become general office manager. All facilities would be shared. Payroll, billing and invoicing, record keeping and personnel functions would be handled there.
The final job for the heavy construction equipment was to reopen and repair the lane and launch from the Jane’s barn to Steves Cove so the DUKW would have access to the open water. By the time that was completed, the construction on the digester had been completed so the heavy equipment could backfill and erect berms about the storage and processing tanks. All the construction work was completed by the end of April.
An additional expense was the purchase of a one thousand gallon manure tank wagon that could be towed behind the heavy duty F350 Ford pickup truck. Tony, Dwayne and Phil, the regular teen farm workers were taught how to hook up the tank, load the tank at the barns and offload them at the digester.
Freddy spent time each day working with the therapists on how to use his artificial legs. Soon he was able to put them on and take them off without help. He was able to sit, stand, and walk with relative ease. As they had told him, the flesh of his stumps thickened and the tenderness grew less every day. He’d only spent ten days as an outpatient at the Requard Center, then moved on to the Rehab center in St Michaels for two weeks. After that it was therapy in the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel. Soon they would allow him to try walking outside.
Kylie and Ed showed Krista how to operate the various vehicles that came into the CWP engine and mechanical repair shop. Since she had learned to drive in Jane’s old Ford van, she quickly became quite adept at driving almost any vehicle. She considered learning to drive the DUKW as her biggest accomplishment. Kylie and Krista took the DUKW into Steves Cove to practice handling it in the water. Since the cove was surrounded by the Clan Wells Point they didn’t need to be officially sanctioned. The 6 wheel drive behemoth had a number of quirks but with practice she easily mastered all of them.
Frank Spade and Gilligan Evans already had commercial boating licenses. As such they began to prepare Kylie and Krista could take the tests to obtain boating licenses. Krista could have a junior licence. Gilligan also had the local commander of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) come to inspect the DUKW so it could be properly re-licenced since the old licence expired thirty five years ago. There were quite a few legal issues involved in getting the DUKW legal for water use but once everything was ready, the sea trials began.
*****
Chapter 13
A garage door to the shop was open and they could hear Leo working inside. With a bit of nervousness the two young men headed inside. Both looked around in amazement at the clutter yet they could tell that it was well organized and regularly used. Leo was sanding the Bondo smooth on a fender that he had recently repaired. Leo sensed someone was behind him and put down the angle grinder to see who it was. With a smile he stood and removed the respirator, earplugs, and goggles he was wearing. The dust from sanding covered his body and with the respirator and goggles off you could clearly see where the dust had settled on his flesh. The smile on his face made Brandon and Gary feel welcome.
Chapter 14
With the vessel and personal licencing complete, Kylie and Krista took the DUKW out of Steves Cove on May 3. Frank and Ed followed them as a precaution. Needless to say, the appearance of the plaid DUKW in Broad Creek created quite a sensation. They traveled north in Broad Creek to the new public dock in St Michaels. They covered the five mile distance in half an hour. They briefly stopped at the dock to allow spectators a closer look and to discuss the DUKW’s performance.
They turned about and headed back down Broad Creek then proceeded around Neavitt and headed to the channel separating Tilgham Island from th rest of the peninsula. They created quite a stir when the drawbridge raised to let them motor through into the open waters of the Chesapeake bay. The waves in the main bay were three feet high. Frank and Ed were being tossed about in their twenty foot motor boat but the big DUKW merely swayed gently in the swells. They crossed the shipping lanes to the western shore, a distance of six miles, then turned around and headed home. The cruise lasted six hours and the DUKW performed flawlessly.
Before parking it in the barn, they made sure to use a high pressure hose to blast off any debris that had accumulated during the voyage. Leo had okayed pressure washing for his paint job at a maximum pressure of seventy psi. Once washed, Kylie and Krista took it inside and went over all systems checking for oil or grease leaks as well as all fluid levels.
The gathering that night watched video of the cruise taken from the motor boat and the DUKW. Everyone was eager to go out on the DUKW. They decided that after church, the Kylie and Krista would roll out the DUKW and in three trips would give everyone a half our ride from the CWP Landing in Johns Cove out into Broad Creek and back. The weather cooperated beautifully on Sunday and everyone enjoyed their ride.
The school year was winding down and Kylie and Larry’s wedding was growing closer. They had selected Saturday June 14 for the big date for a number of reasons. Actually, Krista initially suggested that date. It was the day her mother, Carol, made her then son Kristopher promise to take care of his sisters before she walked into the ocean to end her agonizing cancer thus giving her children a chance to reach safety in St Michaels. It was the day that transformed Kristopher from a bullied smaller than average boy to a driven teen who doggedly led his sisters on their Odyssey. The brave boy had no idea he was literally forever walking away from his boyhood. Because Krista emerged during the Odyssey, her confession of being transgendered to her grandparents, uncles and their aunt led directly to Uncle Larry saving Kylie’s life. Although totally unconnected to Krista’s adventure and confession, it was a quite fortunate coincidence that earlier during that day Kylie confessed her own transsexuality to the love of her life, Larry. In a fit of depression about Larry’s disbelieving rejection she tried to kill herself. Krista’s revelation lead to Larry understanding of what Kylie had been trying to tell him. When the realization hit him he finally grasped why Kylie had been so devastated by his rejection. Carol, in ghost form, delayed Kylie’s suicide long enough for Larry to reach her and save her life. The unsuccessful suicide was enough to convince Larry that he truly loved Kylie... which led to their wedding.
A secondary reason was because that weekend was the seventeenth annual Antique and Classic Boat Festival in St Michaels. The St. Michaels Business Association along with the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce decided to sponsor a four hour Saturday broadcast of the Boat Festival on WBOC Channel 16 TV. In addition to featuring the antique and classic boats, the local business could buy time for commercials. The DUKW certainly counted as a classic and an antique boat. With the cooperation of the sheriff’s department, the Maritime Museum, The St. Michaels Business Association, the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce and the town of St Michaels, the wedding became a scheduled a part of the boat festival.
The interactions of Serena and Misty with the Clan were becoming increasingly close. The knowledge the women had accumulated on living green was extensive and well used. They saw the Clan readily accepted their advice and that they were genuinely concerned with being environmentally friendly and organic in all they could. By mid May it was clear to everyone the women wanted to join the Clan and the Clan wanted the women.
The only concern for the women was their rejection of Christianity. At the Clan meeting on May 17, when their admission to the Clan was discussed, Serena and Misty brought the issue up.
“Krista spoke to me about your discussion the night you rescued them from the rain,” Rev. Giles stated. “My understanding of Wicca shows many tenant similarities with Christianity. Serena and Misty, please tell me if what I’m about to say is incorrect. Wicca recognizes that human intelligence gives people a unique responsibility toward the environment. They seek to live in harmony with nature in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness. Wicca does not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but does honor those who teach, respects those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership. Wicca believes in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe as they know it and their personal role within it. Their only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief. The prime Wiccan ethical teaching is "As long as it doesn't harm anyone including yourself and future generations, do whatever you want to." This has been criticized for being too permissive. However, it is actually quite demanding because it requires a Wiccan to carefully evaluate all of the effects that each of their decisions have on themselves, other people, future generations and the environment. Is all that correct?”
“That pretty much covers the basics,” Misty said. “I’m just surprised a pastor would know so much about a pagan faith.”
“When the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus when they asked him if it was right to pay taxes to Rome he asked to see a coin they had to use to pay the taxes. When he looked at the coin it had an image of Caesar on it. He answered them ‘Give unto Rome that which is Rome’s and give unto God that which is God’s,” Rev Giles smiled. “What Jesus told us in that is we have to live in the world but that we don’t have to be part of it. For me, that means having a knowledge of other beliefs. For many Christians, your denial of Christ would be repugnant. Unfortunately, those Christians are judging you. They ‘conveniently’ forget Christ specifically told his followers not to judge others. True Christians believe God will judge the soul of everyone when their earthly life ends. Worship of Yahweh began with the Hebrews. The covenantial requirements proved to difficult for humans to consistently maintain. God sent Jesus to give us an easier way, all we have to do is believe. But that seems to simplistic to accept so people made rules and requirements fracturing Christianity. The along came Islam as yet another way to worship the SAME God. Then outside the Yahwistic believers are Buddists, Shinto, Hindo, and others. Yet every one has the same base tenent of goodness.”
“My personal faith is Methodist Christianity,” Rev. Giles continued. “It’s a comfortable fit but I can’t agree with EVERY facet. Most mainstream non-believers simply can’t get past that an all powerful God would allow the hurt in the world to continue. It is a difficult concept. But I think God understands their reasoning and won’t hold it against them. Like Christianity, Wicca holds that living beings have souls. The essence of Wicca afterlife belief is that it is a resting ground where souls can reflect on the life they led, see if they learned the lesson they had intended on learning, and then try again in due course. It is not seen as a place of judgment, but rather as a spiritual self-evaluation where a soul is able to review its life and gain an understanding of the total impact its actions had on the world.”
“Basically, while I personally don’t agree with Wicca, I can respect it,” Rev. Giles surmised. “Obviously you can respect our faith. I think we can all grow by sharing our faiths without forcing it on anyone.”
Everyone readily agreed. The acceptance of Serena and Misty into the Clan Wells Point was unanimous. The pair agreed to merge their land holdings into that of the Clan. Rev. Miles Giles and Dr. Wanda Sykes-Giles moved into the former rental house next to Serena and Misty that had been vacant for two months.
*****
Life continued as the newest members easily melded into the Clan. Plans for upgrades and expansion
of the farm continued. With school completed for the year the teens were now available to help full time as final arrangements were made to increase the dairy herd. The new bovines were due to arrive the week after Larry and Kylie’s wedding.
At 10:00pm the night before the wedding, Kylie drove the DUKW to the back corner of the parking lot at St. Luke’s UMC Church. Larry and Leroy along with Tony, Jimmy, Dwayne and Phil followed in two pickup trucks. As quietly as they could, they hauled tarps from the back of the trucks and completely covered the DUKW tying the everything in place to keep it hidden in plain sight.
The day of the wedding dawned comfortably warm and sunny. The town was already teeming with visitors for the festival. A billboard size screen TV had been set up on the grounds of the Maritime Museum and it was being used to highlight some of the vintage boats. Harry Halls, the TV reporter from WBOC-TV Channel 16, was interviewing the boat owners as he featured their vessels on the broadcast. In between interviews he kept telling the viewers to stay tuned for a surprise.
At 9:40 Harry put on a pre-recorded piece and hot-footed it over to the church. At 9:55 he came back on the air from the rear of the sanctuary. “Now we begin the surprise we’ve been promising you. Since the end of September I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a very special group of people. They call themselves the Clan Wells Point. They came together when Krista, a courageous thirteen year old, lead her two younger sisters on a walking Summer’s Odyssey from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to St. Michaels. This remarkable young lady was later kidnaped along with her boyfriend and his mother by the estranged father/husband who killed three men escaping prison. When the mother became too ill to drive, Krista took over driving the getaway vehicle. She purposefully wrecked the and wrestled the escaped killer inside the crashed vehicle, managing to kill while being shot twice.”
“As Krista was recovering, she was at a football game where she discovered and rescued a six year old girl who had been molested. Her family has adopted the little girl. After that Krista was instrumental in blowing the lid off the Apple Tree Health Care Scandal. I met her the night she led the cheerleader squad she cheered with as they performed MICKEY for a comatose girl rescued from Apple Tree, snapping the girl out of her two and a half year coma. After that, the people she’d drawn together formed the Clan Wells Point. The Clan has made a positive impact on this community. Today, we’re here to celebrate the wedding of Kylie Masters and Larry Scott. After the wedding, the bridal party and guests will drive to the public landing in town and take to the water in a vintage vehicle that nineteen year old Kylie restored over the last six months.”
“The wedding party, made up of Clan Wells Point members, is unique. Kylie Masters, the bride, is a post-op MTF transsexual. Krista, a MTF transsexual, the amazing girl who has been the catalyst for the Clan, is the maid of honor. Pat Scott, Krista’s adopted mother, is the matron of honor. There are three bridesmaids. Jamie is a MTF transsexual Krista saved from committing suicide and who was later crowned queen of the St. Michaels Junior Senior High School Christmas Dance, Jennifer Sue is a MTF transsexual who sought refuge with the Clan when her father beat her New Years Eve and killed her mother when she tried to stop the beating. Jenny killed her father while trying to save her mother. Jasmine is the young lady the cheerleaders awakened from the coma.”
“The groom is Larry Scott, Krista’s uncle. Kylie had attempted to explain she was in love with Larry earlier the day Krista explained to her family what it meant to be a transsexual. Larry realized what Kylie had been trying to explain and rushed off just in time to save Kylie from taking her life. The best man is Tony, Krista’s boyfriend. Larry Scott, Krista’s father, husband of the matron of honor and brother of the groom is the best Gentleman. There are three groomsmen. Freddy lost both legs in a tragic crash on Halloween and is recovering at the Youth Rehab Hostel the Clan established. He was crowned king of the St Michaels Junior Senior High School Christmas Dance and is the boyfriend of Jamie. Barney is standing on a set of prosthetic legs he has learned to use quite well. Sam is a FTM transsexual and the boyfriend of Jennifer Sue and Jimmy is the boyfriend of Jasmine.”
“Serving as ushers are two gay couples. Dwayne and Phil who attend the school and Brandon and Gary who recently joined the Clan. The open and caring nature of the Clan Wells Point has brought these diverse people together in an atmosphere of encouragement and acceptance. They have taken Jesus’ admonition that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves to heart and they serve as a shining example for everyone to emulate.”
“The music for the wedding was prerecorded by the Clan Wells Point teenagers, many who are in the wedding party. These energetic teens have formed a band they call ‘Certain Change’. Music videos of Certain Change performing the musical selections will be shown on a large TV set up by the baptismal Font.”
With that the TV lit up showing ‘Certain Change’ with Jamie front and center and the others standing in a semi-circle behind her. No one had any instruments. They began to sing an acappella version of Noel Paul Stookey’s famous Wedding Song, There is Love. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPx3hADPjDI Everyone was stunned by the clear musicality of the song. The Wedding party entered, the guys from the side near the altar rail and the girls processing from the back. Kylie came forward on the arm of Bill Dougherty.
Kylie wore a retro styled knee length two piece ivory superior finish satin wedding dress. The simple yet sophisticated design was inspired by elegant vintage fashions. The unique dress had many subtle yet interesting details. It featured a bateau neckline in the front with a deep, sexy scoop in the back. A snug pencil skirt revealed a flattering curve hugging fit. A light weight full lace over skirt featured a wrap around sash that ties into a beautiful bow on the side. It was made from Ivory Superior Finish Satin. http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.213429502.jpg The brides maids dresses were the same style but in pink satin.
The procession ended with the song. Rev Giles stepped forward. “We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends and others to share with the Bride and Groom the most important moment in their lives. We gather to celebrate the bond of a young couple full of love and commitment for each other. One of the popular sayings about marriage is that it a sharing of life in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual and the obligation reciprocal. Kylie and Larry, you are now expected to bring the best individual within you, with a unification of yourself, to create a life together, to share all burden together, with smiles and love. You must, and I'm sure you will work hard to be the best person to one another. By this ceremony, you will become legally wedded husband and wife. Marriage is an integration of two souls and hence you both have to ensure that the coming compromises and choices of life are made out of promises for love, care and concern for one another.”
“Life, at times, will be full of obstacles and difficulties. Sometimes it may appear to be a roller coaster ride. In any and all cases, in every success and failure, you both have to remain united, stand for each other. Remember, a life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses. Here, you promise to cross the boundaries of initial love and excitement. To listen, understand and grow with each other. Love is meant to intensify your joy and being together, you have to ensure that you equally divide all the burdens. If you truly love each other, you must promise here and now, to believe in each other. Remain friends with each other and make a life that makes you feel happy. Please make your vows.”
“I, Larry, with this ring, take you Kylie to be my wife, before God who brought us together; to love and cherish you, to be by your side and share all of life's experiences with you. That through God’s grace, Kylie, we might grow together into the likeness of God, for all the days to come.”
“I, Kylie, with this ring take you, Larry to be my husband, before God who brought us together; to love and cherish you, to be by your side and share all of life's experiences with you. That through God’s grace, Larry, we might grow together into the likeness of God, for all the days to come.”
Then Rev Giles spoke. “Will you ,Larry, have this woman to be your wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Larry said clearly and happily as he gazed into Kylie’s eyes.
Rev Giles smiled. “Will you, Kylie take Larry to be your wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, and forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?”
“Oh yes,” Kylie gushed causing everyone to smile.
Rev Giles beamed. “In as much as Kylie and Larry have consented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company, and pledged their vows to each other, by the authority vested in me by the State of Maryland, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
There was no need to tell Larry to kiss his bride.
“I present to you, Mr Larry Scott and Mrs Kylie Scott,” Rev Giles intoned.
With that, the TV lit up with ‘Certain Change’ playing “Moving Right Along” from the Muppet Movie as the bridal party recessed.
The bridal party and guests headed out to the parking lot as Harry cut to a commercial. Several members of the fire police were on hand. They had removed the tarps from the DUKW during the wedding. An airplane ladder had been placed at the rear entry of the DUKW to make it a bit easier to board the behemoth with a bit of dignity while clad in the wedding outfits. Tony and Krista climbed in first. Krista promptly sat in the drivers seat and started the engine as the rest of the wedding party climbed aboard. Two school buses were nearby to load the wedding guests. Kylie was the adult licenced operator but Krista had a junior licence so she could legally pilot the boat as long as an adult licencee was on board.
Arrangements had been made with the town and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at Navy Point to allow Krista to drive the DUKW from the church four blocks south on Talbot Street, turn left onto East Chew Avenue, drive two blocks and turn left onto Harbor Road, drive two blocks and turn left onto the public boat ramp and into Church Cove. Leroy stood beside her to monitor her speed which was not to exceed five mph. Police, deputies, and firemen were at every intersection to stop and clear traffic on the route as Krista carefully maneuvered the behemoth through town. Harry Halls and crew filmed the bridal party exiting the church and boarding the DUKW. They led the procession in a convertible filming the caravan. The dark green, light green and pink plaid monstrousity could not be missed. It’s mere presence on the street drew everyone’s attention. The sidewalks quickly filled with people. Everyone recognized the green and pink plaid DUKW held the members of a wedding. Kylie and Larry stood at the back waving at the crowds as they waved at the wedding party. Everyone on the streets and in the DUKW was smiling as it slowly drove through town.
In Church Cove the Coconut Island and Teacher’s Peace (the name of the Spade’s boat) were docked beside the public boat ramp. As Krista turned the DUKW onto the boat ramp, the school busses pulled up beside the two boats docked just to the south east of the boat ramp. Krista waited on the ramp as the wedding party continued to wave as the wedding guests boarded the boats. Harry and crew moved to a twenty five foot cabin cruiser docked by the ramp. Once on board, the cruiser pulled out into Church Cove and moved out to where the narrow Cove widened by the Maritime Museum. A camera crew was on the dock by the boat ramp ready to capture the DUKW waddling into the water. The boats cast off and moved a few feet into the cove so both had a clear view of the DUKW. Dozens of boats waited on the sidelines and hundreds of people crowded the dockside.
“The last time this DUKW sailed the waters in the Bay Hundred area was back in June of 1972 when Krista’s great great granfather, James Wells, used it to rescue and supply people during the floods caused by Hurricane Agnes,” Harry announced. His commentary was being broadcast of the public address system of the Maritime Museum as well as on the TV and radio broadcasts. “Built in 1943, Mr. Wells bought the World War II craft at a US Navy surplus equipment sale. While he had maintained the DUKW over the years, it had never been overhauled. The strain of near constant use during the hurricane flooding took it’s toll on the old warhorse and while it did all it was asked to do and performed admirably, it needed a complete overhaul. Mr. Wells parked it in his barn and covered it with tarps until he could get the time to work on it. Like many of our good intentions, life kept those repairs from happening.”
“Then last summer Krista Scott arrived here. Thanks to the positive changes she’s made in nearly everyone’s life, her uncle Larry’s girlfriend, nineteen year old Kylie Masters, was invited to establish her Engine and Mechanical Repair business in the barn. After sitting for thirty five years, she decided to overhaul the DUKW and get it running. You can see the results. The DUKW has been painted in the tartan pattern of the Clan Wells Point. The Clan Wells Point is what the collection of sixty seven people Krista has brought together call themselves. Today, the DUKW is the processional vehicle for the bridal party. Just thirty minutes ago, Kylie and Larry Scott were married in St. Luke’s UMC Church. So far, only two people have qualified to operate the Clan DUKW. Kylie, the bride, who is obviously waving to well wishers, and her niece Krista Scott. The plucky thirteen year old has a junior licence and has been approved to operate the DUKW by the Maryland Natural Resources Police and the US Coast Guard and is piloting the vessel today.”
With that, Krista drove the DUKW into the water and engaged the propeller. With practiced skill, she made the ninety degree turn and motored up Church Cove towards the Maritime Museum. The two boats with the rest of the wedding party followed. The crowds along the sides of the Cove and in the Maritime Museum cheered as the DUKW easily moved by and out into the Miles river.
The water borne wedding procession led by the DUKW was a spectacular sight as they cruised among the many boats on the Miles River that had crowded the area for the Antique and Classic Boat Festival. Once out in the middle of the river, the two boats sailed slowly north while Krista took the DUKW back into the mouth of Church Cove where she did a U-turn and motored around the coastline of the Maritime Museum while the wedding party waved and they people on shore waved and cheered. Then the DUKW moved back into deeper water and once clear of the clustered boats, Krista went full throttle to catch up to the two boats with the wedding guests. Once rejoined, the small convoy sailed north into the Eastern Bay. From there they traveled around the Bay Hundred Peninsula, crossing through the Tilgham Island Channel and past the raised drawbridge, again waving at the people who came out to see the gaily painted DUKW. From there they sailed around Neavitt peninsula, up Balls Creek, and into Johns Cove to the CWP Landing. The DUKW maneuvered about the cove as the two boats tied up at the dock and the wedding guests off-loaded. With everyone lined up along the dock and shore, Krista drove the DUKW up the boat ramp. The airplane ladder was once more moved into position and the wedding party disembarked.
Tents had been set up and a catered meal was served. A recording of ‘Certain Change’ playing ‘It’s getting Better’ by Momma Cass Eliot was shown as the wedding dance where Larry and Kylie started their first dance as a married couple with the rest of the wedding party joining in. As the afternoon progressed, ‘Certain Change’ played several times.
As evening approached, a battered Ford Pinto station wagon rattled its way to the end of the lane. The noise of it’s arrival let everyone know someone had arrived but no one recognized the vehicle. Being cautious, Leroy led several of the men over to see what the person wanted. As he got close enough to see the driver, Robert recognized the woman. It was Susan Warren and she looked rather haggard. Most people knew she’d been battling cancer for the last two years.
Robert sent one of the guys back to the party to get Jane, Sheila and Pat as well as Drs Olsen and Sykes. It only took a few moments for the women to arrive. They immediately greeted Susan.
“I apologize for crashing the festivities,” Susan wearily began. “I saw the wedding procession on the TV and realized it was the answer to my prayers. If your Clan is willing, I’d like to offer a priceless wedding gift to Kylie and Larry. Are you aware of what happened to my Callie?”
Sheila and Dr. Sykes knew that Callie was Susan’s daughter and a classmate of Larry and Kylie. Everyone knew the girl had been rebellious and had run away in January of her senior year, never finishing high school. “We haven’t hear anything since the graduation of her class,” Sheila answered truthfully.
“I had no word from her until she finally contacted me two months ago,” Susan sighed. “She’s in prison in Texas doing twenty to life as an accessory to murder and armed robbery. Her so-called boyfriend did the deed but she was the get-away driver. They were caught quickly, tried, and sentenced.”
“Oh Susan,” Sheila gasped.
“It sure hurt but didn’t really surprise me,” Susan sniffled. “She finally called me because she was pregnant with twins and soon due. The state told her that unless a family member stepped forward the babies were to be taken and adopted into good homes. At least she has a bit of responsibility left since she asked me to take them in. Of course I had to agree to take them, but she was stunned when I showed up to get the twins. She had no idea I was so ill, she thought the babies would be safe me. I told her that I’d do my best to take care of my grandchildren or that I’d find a solid local family to take in the twins if I became worse. She shocked the hell out of me when she said she was sorry I was dying but that she trusted me to see her babies were well taken care off. All she asked was that whoever took them in would keep her updated on their development and would allow her to visit them if she ever got out of jail.”
“Susan, if there is any way we can help...” Jane smiled sadly.
“That’s why I’m here,” Susan sighed. “I’ve been following what’s been going on with your Clan Wells Point. I don’t think I could find anyone better to raise my grandkids than you. I’ve been too embarrassed to ask. Then I saw the wedding procession this morning. That Krista of your’s is a real spitfire. But it was Kylie and Larry who made me sit up. I’ll admit my views on gays and transgender people were not the best. But when I saw them in the DUKW I realized they were a happy couple, man and wife. I also realize Kylie can never have any children. I called Callie and spoke to her. At first she was surprised to learn Kylie was transgendered but quickly realized it explained a lot about how Kyle always hung around Larry. Discovering Kylie had SRS and was marrying Larry made her sad she missed all that had happened since Krista arrived. She knows Kylie and Larry are good people and she agrees with my idea. What I’m trying to say is that I’d like Kylie and Larry to adopt my grandchildren. Sonny and Rayne are in the back seat sleeping right now.”
Everyone stretched to peek into the basket buckled into the rear seat to see the sleeping faces of the babies.
“We’ll be delighted to adopt them,” Kylie answered as she and Larry held hands. They and many others had come to the Pinto to see what was going on.
Krista took one look at Susan and instantly saw that she was weak and fragile... very much like her mother before she ended her suffering by staggering into the ocean. Her heart went out to the woman and the infants. They didn’t have an older sibling to look out for them as she had her twin sisters. “Mrs Warren, the twins will be my cousins but I promise that I’ll be a big sister for them. In fact, I think everyone in the Clan will see that they have a lot of love as they grow up.”
“You must be Krista,” she smiled weakly. “If you love and help my grandchildren a tenth of what you did for your twin sisters, I’ll be able to die a happy woman.”
“Thank you, m’am,” Krista blushed. “But life doesn’t end when you die. My mother had cancer and when she couldn’t go on, she told me to lead my sisters here. Then she staggered into the sea and gave her earthly body back to the earth. But she didn’t die. Her soul has continued and she’s helped me and several others since then. We think of her as our guardian angel. I’ll ask her to visit you so she can reassure you life does not end. Once your earthly body dies, your spirit will be free to keep watch over your family. Someone told me death is simply a graduation onto the next phase of our life journey.”
“You are a very wise young lady,” Susan said as she managed a weak smile. “Knowing my death will not be the end is comforting. Being able to watch over my family after I’ve died will be a blessing. Thank you.”
Judge Watkins spoke up. “Susan, do you have all the legal documentation from Texas for custody?”
“Yes. I have it in a folder on the passenger seat,” Susan answered. “My cancer has spread to my liver. At best I have about a month left but it gets harder each day. I simply can’t meet the twins needs now and once I’m gone... well, when I saw Kylie and Larry...”
At that point Susan’s eyes rolled back and she began to slump to the ground. Fortunately there were able hands to catch her and carry her to a hastily cleared picnic table. It turned out she’d exhausted herself and fainted but everyone could tell just by looking at her the end was near. The three week old twins were removed from the back seat and taken into the house where they were checked out. They seemed to be in good health and well cared for, which meant Susan was most certainly hastening her end by doing more than she was capable of doing.
Judge Watkins issued an order granting immediate custody of the twins to Kylie and Larry and would begin adoption proceedings Monday. Heather volunteered to take the twins in until the three day honeymoon was over. When Susan awoke she discovered arrangements had been made to move her into the main farmhouse to pass her last days in peace and to be near her grandchildren and their new parents. Tears of joy and relief flowed freely down her cheeks.
The wedding party resumed, a bit somber with Susan’s impending death but also with joy that the twins would have loving parents. It was a VERY unexpected wedding gift but also the most cherished.
When it came time for the happy couple to depart, several loving couples smiled hoping that someday they too would share their wedding with The Clan Wells Point. Tony and Krista, Jaz and Jimmy, Barney and Jamie, and Jenny and Sam stood with their arms wrapped around their partner’s waist as Kylie donned her purple with yellow daisy painted helmet. With a wave to her friends, she climbed behind Larry and wrapped her arms about him. Much to the giggles of the little kids and the annoyance of his mother, he gunned the engine several times. The revving of the loud engine echoed back and forth across the Clan Wells Point land. Then the Snarley Harley took off down Johns Cove Road.
The end?
by Jennifer Sue
Chapter 1
Although Kylie and Larry had departed for their honeymoon the wedding reception continued until 10:00pm. Some of the guests came and went as they switched off seeing to the farm animals. Despite being so ill Susan Warren managed to sit through the remaining festivities. Seeing her grandchildren, twins Sonny and Rayne, being cuddled and loved by the adults, teens and children of the Clan Wells Point made her heart swell. She knew her decision to ask Larry and Kylie to adopt the pair was the best thing she could have done to insure the three week old infants had a loving family. The entire Clan agreed the twins were the best wedding present the dynamic couple could have received.
Evelyn and her sister in law Rachel helped Susan settle into a guest room in the main farmhouse. Doctors Wanda Sykes and Grace Olsen made sure the terminally ill woman would be as comfortable as possible before they headed home. Heather Reese took the twins home with her knowing Jasmine, Holly and Ivy were more than willing to assist in caring for the babies.
Heather arrived at the farmhouse with the twins a bit after 8:00am. Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy went with Evelyn Masters as she drove Susan to her home. Robert with Tony followed in the big F-350 pickup. While Tony assisted the females Robert checked out the house securing all windows and doors, turning off the heat and hot water, before shutting off the water. They packed up everything that Susan had accumulated for the twins, clothing for Susan as well as all the documentation for the house, herself, and the twins. They returned to the farmhouse about 11:30am. Susan took a quick nap as the things they brought were put in the appropriate rooms.
Twenty minutes before they arrived back at the main farmhouse a jaunty procession left the O’Brien homestead to walk down Wells Point Lane headed for the tip of Wells Point and the Wells-O’Brien Cemetery. Krista was between her sisters Lyndi and Teri holding their hands as she led the rest of her immediate family. Jane and Kevin with Sandi between them followed. Pat with Peter and LJ were next while Leroy brought up the rear towing the dented but still serviceable red American Flyer wagon with the old green metal Coleman Cooler inside. Bungee corded atop the cooler was a large wicker picnic basket and an eighteen inch long boombox. It took them twenty five minutes to cover the 7/8 mile. They sang along with the recorded music as they walked.
The Climb by Miley Cyrus Miley
Krista’s personal theme song El Toro De Goro by Sam the Sham Sam
Joy To The World by the Three Dog Night Dog
Firework by Katy Perry Katie
Everything is Beautiful by Ray Stevens Ray
The Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog Kermit
Make Your Own Kind of Music by Mama Cass Cass
For the first third of their jaunt a gentle salt tinged breeze caused the growing green wheat in the fields beside Wells Point Lane to ripple in the sunlight as they walked and sang. The second third was through the forest. They barely felt wind on the lane since the woodland filtered and slowed the onslaught. From both sides the majestic trees arched cathedral like over the lane often touching. Up high the upper branches swayed in the breeze allowing glimpses of the blue sky as the ever shifting sunbeams poked through the leafy boughs dappling the lane. Upon emerging from the trees the last third was through fields of rippling oats and rye.
When they reached the cemetery they walked through the gate in the low stone wall making their way past the nearly two dozen weathered tombstones to the far corner and the two latest burials. The first was James O’Brien, Jane’s first husband and Krista’s grandfather. Next was the final resting place for the physical body of Carol O’Brien, Jane’s daughter and the mother of Krista, Lyndi and Teri.
With arms about each other Jane, Krista, Lyndi and Teri stood at the foot of the grave and for the first time looked at the recently added tombstone. The bittersweet tears of loss trickled down their cheeks yet all were smiling while biting their lips. Made from a single piece of Indian Black Granite the monument was of a seated angel leaning over gently caressing a polished heart. The Angel with relaxed wings unfurled had an almost smile on her loving peaceful face. Long hair flowed across her shoulders. The inscription brought tears to everyone’s face.
Here lie the physical remains
of one whose spirit God ordains.
Despite life’s trials she gave love
and still protects us from above,
as our Guardian Angel she reigns!
As a spirit amongst us does she rove.
Caring and love in our hearts she has wove.
Always guided us to the righteous way,
continues to do so every day,
so love and caring is our treasure trove!
Beloved by all
Carol O’Brien
July 8, 1979 - June 14, 2007
“Mother, I know you can hear me,” Krista spoke clearly. “It was one year ago today that your earthly life ended. Gram, Lyndi, Teri, and myself love you and miss you and we understand you did what you needed to do so you could continue to help us. Since your death you’ve helped us in oh so many ways. You gave me the strength to guide Lyndi and Teri here to find our loving family. You saved Kylie’s life when she attempted to end it. You guided Jasmine from the darkness that trapped her in her own brain saving her life. I can feel you watching and guarding us every day. We thank God for allowing you watch over us.”
“Mother, I have a request,” Krista contritely continued. “Yesterday while we celebrated Kylie and Larry’s marriage we received an unexpected surprise that was simultaneously tragic and wonderful. Susan Warren joined us with her three week old grand-twins Sonny and Rayne. She asked that Kylie and Larry adopt the babies. Callie, the mother of the twins is in prison and gave her blessing to allow the children to be adopted. Susan clearly loves her grandchildren but she has terminal cancer with only a week or two to live. You know how frustrating it is to want to raise your offspring and to be prevented from doing so by cancer. What we’d like you to do is visit Susan to reassure her the Clan will take care of Sonny and Rayne and that death is not the end. The Clan is acting as a hospice so she can end her earthly life near her grandchildren. Please, if you can, ease her last days and guide her to heaven. Thank you mother, for all you’ve done and for everything you’ll do.”
Jane, Leroy, Kevin and Pat were biting their lips as tears flowed freely down their cheeks. They were utterly moved by and proud of Krista’s simple yet elegant request that Carol help Susan. The teen was full of love, hope and confidence that Carol would help the dying woman.
After a few moments of silence Krista sighed. “We can start the picnic now.”
The twins spread the blankets atop the grass covered graves while Jane and Pat lifted the big wicker picnic basket off the wagon and began dispense sandwiches. Krista opened and set out the bags of chips and pretzels. LJ and Peter moved the boombox to the wall, pulled out the antennae and tuned in WPOC - 93.1 FM. Setting the volume to serve as background they could easily talk above the country music of the Baltimore station. Leroy and Kevin opened the cooler to hand out cans of Coke and Sprite. When the tasks were completed the family settled atop the blankets to enjoy their repast.
As planned they had their picnic packed up by 1:00pm when all Clan members who were available began to arrive. It may seem strange but The Clan Wells Point was not gathered to celebrate Carol’s death, they came together to CELEBRATE her graduation! The first to arrive were Ed and Lisa Nelson along with Benny Reese and Buffy Herr who lived about two hundred feet away. They brought snacks and beverages that had been prepared and kept at their place. Upon arrival, everyone headed to the cemetery to pay their respects to Carol and admire the appropriateness of the monument. While not everyone was able to make it, all sixty eight Clan Wells Point members knew it was Carol’s death that spurred Krista to begin her Odyssey that culminated in the forming of the loving and protective Clan. Badminton and volleyball nets were set up and well utilized. Frisbees flew, bubbles were blown, games of tag played and Father’s day was celebrated. BBQ grills were set in the late afternoon so burgers and hot dogs could be prepared.
Too weak to walk about, Susan relaxed in the warm sunshine upon a chaise lounge. The warmth eased some of the aches and pains of her cancer ravaged body. Seeing her precious grandchildren fawned over by their new extended family as well as the caring attention paid to her was nearly overwhelming. The all too real fears she’d felt about caring for the infants were relieved. No one was surprised when she dozed off for a bit. As she faded into slumber the sounds of the gathering faded into the background. Then Susan clearly heard a kind caring but weary voice.
“Hello Susan. You can rest assured that Sonny and Rayne are in good hands,” the soothing voice intoned. “Please take my hand and come with me for a moment.”
Susan opened her eyes to see a weary haggard woman wearing a worn and tattered nightgown that was soggy with water dripping off it. Bits of seaweed clung to the gown and her wet hair. But the loving smile upon her face instantly set her at ease. Then she noticed that while she could see that she was lying on the lounge and the picnic was going on around her, it seemed as if everyone but herself and the strange woman were muted inside a fog. “Wh... who are you?”
“You could say I’m an angel,” Carol explained. “A Guardian Angel, at least that’s how a lot of the Clan members think of me. My daughter Krista asked that I comfort and reassure you.”
“Krista... she’s a remarkable girl... th... that means you’re Carol O’Brien...” Susan’s head swam with the implications. The gathering had been held to celebrated the first anniversary of the woman’s death!!! er... graduation? “Ha... Ha... have I died?”
“No, and you won’t die. Like me you’ll soon graduate to the next life,” Carol smiled.
“How long before I... graduate?” Susan asked with trepidation.
“I don’t know exactly,” Carol answered. “But your suffering will end in a week or two. There is no need to be afraid.”
“I’m not really afraid for myself, a bit concerned, but not afraid,” Susan answered. “I’ve accepted my end is near and I’m ready to go despite being concerned about Callie. I don’t know where I went wrong raising her. It was only after she contacted me about taking care of her babies that I began to fret since I knew I wouldn’t last long enough to raise them.”
“Callie got involved with the wrong people in high school,” Carol replied. “She was upset by your divorce and then by her father’s death shortly thereafter. You were hurting too because you loved the man but the drinking and potential for abuse were too much to handle. You did the right thing with the divorce. You and Callie were simply unable to share your despair and grief. That was when the stoners snared her. During the few weeks it took you to pull yourself together, she’d gotten hooked on pot. When you tried to rein her in, she ran off. Satan is just as real as God and he’d been able to insinuate his way into Callie. It was not your fault.”
“But I failed her,” Susan sniffled. “If I hadn’t divorced him none of this would have happened,”
“Susan, you most certainly did not fail Callie,” Carol smiled. “Didn’t she ask you to take care of Sonny and Rayne? She KNEW you were a good mother and the fault was with her, not you. She knew she’d made bad decisions and had to pay the price. Besides, God uses adversity to help humanity. I was too weak to get my children here so I ended my life. I was rewarded by being able to watch over them and tweak things to help them. They made it because God used my earthly death for good. God is doing the same for you. If Callie hadn’t run away you wouldn’t have your grandchildren. Whenever Satan slams a door shut, God opens another.”
“So Callie was destined to runaway?” Susan asked with obvious puzzlement.
“No, destiny is over rated. God gave humanity free will,” Carol answered. “When Callie made a bad choice, God opened the door to save Sonny and Rayne by having Callie ask you to take them in. Fortunately, despite your cancer, you chose to step through the open door to get your grandchildren. Once you were back home, God opened another door using Kylie and Larry’s wedding. Yesterday you stepped through that door. Now Sonny and Rayne will have parents and The Clan Wells Point to love, nurture and protect them. Your heavy burden has been lifted and The Clan Wells Point will see to it your last days are as happy and peaceful as they can make them. I can also promise they’ll do all they can to help Callie. Krista has urged the Clan to get three people released from prison to the Clan. All three are now Clan members. One sentence was commuted to time served and the other two are here on work release parole. Those two lost their rights to parenthood for their children who are also Clan members but they’ve admitted their misdeeds justified the loss. They’ve been reaccepted by their offspring and the Clan as an uncle or aunt to their children. You can rest assured Krista will be relentless in pushing the Clan to bring Callie here. It may take a while but I’m confident it will happen. Hopefully it won’t be too long until Aunt Callie joins the Clan.”
“I knew the Clan has been active in social issues and self help,” Susan acknowledged. “But I had no idea they were so proactive. Just how important is Krista to the Clan?”
“She’s the heart and soul of the Clan,” Carole beamed. “If it wasn’t for her the Clan Wells Point would not exist.”
“I almost wish I could join the Clan but it’s too late for me,” Susan sighed.
“It was too late for me,” Carol smiled. “I consider myself to be a spirit member of the Clan. If I know Krista, you’ll be a full member of Clan Wells Point before your graduation. The Clan is getting a bit too large for me to oversee it by myself. If you’re willing, I have permission from higher up that when your time comes, if you like, you can join me. That way you can look out for Sonny, Rayne and Callie.”
“Could I do that?” Susan asked as hope soared. “I’d love to help you! But what if I’m buried somewhere else? Will I still be able to be here in spirit?”
“Of course,” Carol chuckled. “I was keeping an eye on Krista, Lyndi and Teri from the first day
I died. They didn’t find my body until a week after I’d died. Then it took a nearly two weeks to ship my body here and bury it. My spirit was with the kids the entire time. Once you die, your body is just an empty shell. Your soul is free from it’s prison of flesh. It doesn’t matter where your body is buried or if it’s cremated, once freed you have no need or use for it.”
“In that case, I look forward to joining you as a guardian angel,” Susan smiled.
“I’ve enjoyed our conversation and look forward to many more once you join me,” Carol smiled. “I think you’d better wake up now.”
Susan awoke to peer about the happy gathering. Her heart felt lighter than it had for well over a year. The future was now well in hand and she could stop fighting her earthly death. As Carol had said, a body was just a bag of flesh.
After they’d eaten, Krista with Sam and Gilligan Evans drove back to the barn where they broke out the DUKW. Krista was the pilot/driver as the behemoth trundled down the lane to the launch in Steves Cove. Once Krista maneuvered into open waters Gilligan took the helm. Although he was a licensed pilot, he had never operated the WWII ere amphibian. Krista had a junior license and knew how to handle the boat but could only do so with a licensed pilot aboard. The short cruise to the tip of Wells Point was the perfect time for Krista to show Gilligan how the big amphib operated. When they reached their destination Krista deftly maneuvered alongside the big rocks protecting the land from eroding to the small dock.
When the green and pink plaid boat appeared, nearly everyone headed to the dock. The DUKW was currently outfitted with seats and could accommodate twenty four passengers. A short gangplank with chain handrails was put in place. Five minutes after docking the seats were full and they set out on a short cruise. Everyone that wanted was able to enjoy a thirty minute trip in Broad Creek. The sun was setting as Krista guided the DUKW into it’s parking spot in the barn. They returned to the gathering with enough time for another hotdog before the party was brought to an end.
Just before the celebration wrapped up, Krista led everyone to Susan. Susan returned the smiles she received.
“Susan, we’d like you to offer you a chance to join the Clan Wells Point,” Kevin said.
“I’m flattered,” Susan replied as her weary heart soared. “What’s involved?”
“All you need to do is say yes,” Kevin smiled.
“If you’ll have me I’d love to join,” Susan answered. “But what is the normal procedure to join?”
“Normally when anyone joins the Clan they transfer all their possessions to the Clan in exchange for a percentage share of the Clan,” Kevin explained.
“I’ve never been one to ask for special privileges,” Susan declared. “Although my body is failing my mind is still functioning. I’ll sign all I have over to the Clan in exchange for an appropriate share in the Clan. When I graduate, I designate my share go to Callie with Sonny and Rayne as tertiary beneficiaries.”
Everyone applauded and hugs were shared. Susan became a member of the Clan Wells Point. The paperwork would be done at the same time as the adoption.
*****
Monday June 16 the Clan once more returned to it’s multifaceted businesses. The chores that had been pushed back by the two days of celebration had to made up. Jamie announced her desire to join the staff of the CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises. Orders for screen printed t-shirts kept two people busy while orders for custom sails and awnings were growing rapidly so they decided to locally advertize for additional employees. But there were several events important to the Clan that day.
About 10:00am a smoking rattletrap slowly turned onto Wells Point lane. The knocking of the engine heralded the approach of the dented and rusted 1952 Ford Panel truck. As it pulled up to the CWP bakery Jane exited the building. Seated behind the steering wheel was a weary old woman. Jane recognized the woman and the panel truck. “Rachel, it’s good to see you,” Jane began until she could see Rachel’s haggard appearance. “What’s wrong?”
Rachel wearily stepped from the vehicle and fell into Jane’s offered hug. “Ted... he’s in the hospital... a stroke... he may not survive...” she stuttered before breaking into tears.
South of Bozman on the Bay Hundred peninsula bordered by Broad Creek to the east and Harris Creek to the West there were three farms. The northern most farm, about two thirds the size of the CWP farm, was owned by Mr. And Mrs Wagner. The CWP farm was in between the other farms. The Jablonski farm, about one third the size of the CWP farm, was the southern most farm and west of Neavitt on Change Point.
The Jablonski’s owned and operated their farm. Born in Poland before WWII Theodore immigrated with his parents who purchased the farm he later inherited and with his wife still operated. He was seventy six while she was seventy two years old and it really wasn’t a surprise the hard working stubborn man had a stroke.
With compassion Jane led the shaking woman inside the bakery. Sitting down with the exhausted woman Jane called out to Lisa who was working in the back. “Lisa, could you please make us chamomile tea?”
Lisa could see Jane was comforting the distraught older woman and began to brew the tea. While they waited Jane and Rachel talked about what had happened.
“Yesterday Theo had been cutting hay in preparation for bailing when he began to feel weird,” Rachel slowly recounted. “Rather than finish the field he wisely headed for the farmhouse. By the time he got there his left side was useless. Hearing the tractor return so early I knew something had happened. Hearing it pull up to the house I knew whatever happened was bad. Upon seeing Theo slumped over the steering wheel I rushed to his side. The dangling left arm and leg as well as his melted face told me it was a stoke.”
“I told Theo to just stay put,” Rachel continued. “I climbed up beside him, giving him a tender kiss before I reached out and shut down the engine. I told him it looked like he’d suffered a stroke. I couldn’t begin to get him off the tractor so I told him to hang on while I called 911.”
She went on to explain how the ambulance and EMS van from the Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department came roaring down Change Point Road. The crew sprung into action. They lifted Theo from the tractor and placed him on the gurney. The crews worked rapidly and in five minutes everyone was heading for the Hospital at Easton, Shore Health System, University of Maryland Medical System.
The ensuing hours had been heart wrenching for Rachel. Theo was first stabilized then CAT and MRI scans revealed the clot. Blood thinners and other medications were administered. About 8:00pm they moved Theo into ICU. After making sure he was settled she called a taxi to take her home.
“This morning when I headed out to go to the hospital, I couldn’t get the pickup to start,” Rachel explained. “I sat and cried. Then I remembered the old panel truck Theo used to do chores. It took a bit but it started. By the time I reached the Bozman-Neavitt Road I realized the old beast wouldn’t make it to the hospital. I remembered your daughter-in-law, Kylie, is running a repair shop. Do you think she could get the pickup running so I can get to the hospital?”
“Let me make some quick calls,” Jane said as Lisa brought the tea. Lisa sat with Rachel while Jane headed into the back room to make the calls.
When she returned Jane asked, “Do you have the keys for the pick-up with you?”
“Yes,” Rachel said reaching into her purse.
“Leave them and the panel truck keys on the table. “Kylie will take both to the shop. My car is out back. I’ll run you in to the hospital. When you’re ready to come home just call and I’ll pick you up.”
“I can’t ask you to put yourself out like that,” Rachel tried to demure.
“You’re not asking, I offered,” Jane replied. “We have no idea how long it’ll take Kylie to get one running. Let me take you in and back today. By the time you’re ready to come home we’ll have an idea of how long it’ll take to get the vehicles running.”
Reluctantly Rachel agreed. Within minutes they were on their way. After parking Jane accompanied Rachel inside. Although still in ICU Theo was awake and lucid. After exchanging hugs and a kiss Rachel explained about the vehicular issues. The stroke effected Theo’s speech which was slurred and mumbled but Jane understood his thanks.
“I’ve spoken to Larry,” Jane stated. “If you approve, the CWP Organic Farm will tend to your fields until you recover.”
Theo attempted to reply but was unable to make himself understood.
Jane dug about in her purse pulling out a pad and pen. “If Rachel holds the pad, do you think you could write your reply?”
After an awkward nod Rachel held the pad as Theo wrote. {Can’t pay, barely able to pay bills.]
“Theo, no one asked you to pay,” Jane smiled. “In times of need neighbors help neighbors. That’s what the Clan Wells Point is all about. Hopefully you’ll regain the ability to speak. We can discuss things then. In the mean time, you can relax and concentrate on getting better. I’ve got to get back to the shop so I’ll leave you together.” After exchanging hugs Jane headed home.
After hearing that Theo was in the hospital Bill Dougherty wanted to help. Jane invited him to join her family for supper. Upon learning the seriousness of Theo’s condition he volunteered to be Rachel’s chauffeur. After the meal was finished, Bill headed to the hospital to see his old friends.
Rachel and Theo were pleasantly surprised to see him. After exchanging pleasantries and learning Theo’s prognosis it was clear that while Theo would improve, his days as a farmer were over. Bill knew the Jablonski’s well enough to know they were cash poor. The idea of selling their farm to a developer upset them since they wanted to see the land remain a farm.
“Le me give ya the fix t’ yer p’oblems” Bill drawled. “Join da Clan Wells Point. As membas, dey’d see t’ it yal an da farm be takin care o’. Ah still advise ‘em an help out as Ah can. Ya’ll can do da same.”
The couple exchanged glances then Rachel spoke. “How would we join?”
“Sam’ way Ah dun,” Bill answered. “Ya trade yer farm ta de Clan Wells Point wit’ ‘stricti’ns dat it stay a fa’m. ‘N exchange dey giv ya a share o’ the Clan. Den dey’ll pavide whate’er nursin ya need as well as seeing ya’ll et well an’ hav’ a comfo’tible place ta live. Dat’s not ta menti’n ya’ll hav’ a carin’ fam’ly. Yer share ‘n da Clan will go to yer ‘airs. If ya ‘gree ya’ll can ‘spect Kevin, Robert an Jane ta stop by and draw up a contrak ta get ya inta de Clan.”
Rachel sighed. “Ted, there’s no way we can take care of the farm. If we have to sell it’ll get parceled out. We’ve seen how the Clan Wells Point has prospered. If we join we’ll be part of them. Besides, it’s the only way we’ll be able to stay on the farm. Otherwise we’ll have to sell it outright and move to a nursing home.”
Ted blinked back tears as he nodded his acquiescence.
Bill also informed them that since he was mostly retired he’d drive Rachel back and forth to the hospital. When Rachel attempted to protest Bill cut her off telling her she had enough to cope with and didn’t need the hassle of driving plus that was just what Clan members did for each other. That settled the matter.
*****
That same morning Kevin Stewart set the wheels in motion to arrange the adoption of Sonny and Rayne. Arrangements were made to have Callie appear via web cam to formally give up all parental rights to the twins so they could be adopted by Kylie and Larry. Inquiries were also made about hiring a top notch Texas lawyer to review Callie’s conviction with eyes toward greatly shorten the sentence or have it commuted with her being placed on a work release program administered by the Clan or possibly overturning the conviction.
Since she was now living in the main farmhouse, Evelyn and Rachel took turns keeping Susan company during the day. Monday morning Krista set up a web cam for Susan so that she could record herself telling all she could recall about the Warren family so the twins would know their birth family history. She also spent time recording herself reading children’s stories. Tony set up a music stand to hold the books so Susan could turn the pages as she read. The love the dying woman had for her infant grandchildren was palpably present in the recordings as well as the toll doing so took from her ravaged body. The twins would have a lot of fine memories about the grandmother they’d otherwise have never known. Time would be spent each day recording the memories. This inspired the rest of the Clan to make similar blogs to pass on their knowledge and wisdom.
*****
Just after lunch, Kevin took a call from Jason Lieberman who was Jennifer Sue’s Pennsylvania lawyer.
“The estate of her parents is finally out of probate,” Jason said. “All that remains to be done is to liquidate the house, furnishings, vehicles, tools and whatever else is in the property. Once that is done a cashiers check will be sent to you to establish a trust fund for Jenny. The auction is scheduled for Saturday July 12. If Jennifer wants anything she’ll need to get them before the auction. The sooner the better so the auctioneer knows will be sold.”
“I’ll have to check with Jenny to see if she wants anything,” Kevin said. “I think Jenny has a key. It was on the key ring of the Escort she drove here. I’ll call you whether or not she wants anything. Do we need to meet someone there?”
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary,” Jason replied. “If Jenny wants to get anything, let me know when and I’ll notify the Fleetwood Police who cover Richmond Township and Virginville. That way if anyone calls they know it’s not a home break in.”
“Please have the phone number for the Fleetwood Police available when I call,” Kevin asked. “That way whoever is going can call in about a half hour before they arrive to give the Police a heads up.”
With that they concluded the call.
Calling ahead Kevin stopped at the Ewell home to discuss Jennifer’s inheritance.
“There are a few things I’d like but I don’t know if it’s worth the long trip,” Jennifer sighed.
“You said Jennifer could take anything from the property,” Jamie said. “Does that mean she could take things that were her parents?”
“Yes it does,” Kevin replied.
“Jenny, you said your dad had a lot of tools and that there were a couple of ATVs,” Jamie said. “Maybe the clan could use some of those things.”
“I’ll call Robert,” Kevin said. “He’d know if those things might be usable.”
Twenty minutes later Robert arrived. Jenny and he spent half an hour going over what was available. In the end Robert agreed to drive using his Ford F-350 super duty Crew Cab with a seven feet wide by twenty feet long trailer with sides 3 feet high.
*****
That evening Krista sat with the other teens in the music room at the main farm. The central location made it a good gathering point for the youth. As usual Krista was checking the CWP Facebook site to discover a curious note.
“Greetings to the Clan Wells Point! My name is K8t Green, I’m 16 and a MTF TS just like my heroine Krista. My boyfriend, M8t and I have been following Krista in the news and have been impressed and motivated by her grit and spunk. I’m reaching out in hopes of talking with Krista. This past week my family and I were attacked by a motorcycle gang led by my father who wanted to rape us then kill us because I’m TG. We found out they were coming and but the police couldn’t do anything until a law was broken. We knew by then it would be too late so we defended ourselves. It was horrible. It happened Thursday in Madison WV. The media labeled it the ‘Battle of the Transsexual versus the Bikers’. It’s messed me up and I really need a friend who has experienced the trauma of unwillingly killing someone and came through it. Krista, please contact me.
With the utmost respect,
K8t Green.”
With her curiosity piqued by the names and the reference to a battle she wondered if it was some sort of prank. Krista entered a Google search for ‘Battle of the Transsexual versus the Bikers’. What she found stunned her. Of the thirty two motorcycle gang members who attacked K8t, M8t, her mom Brenda, grandmom Harriet, and close family friend Dinky Dow, only eight survived the fierce battle. gr8
The story gave a brief back story of K8t’s MTF journey and M8t’s friendship, their unique name change and the business the pair created and ran, Gr8 Green Landscaping.
The other teens were stunned when Krista shared the tale of the committed duo and their horrific gun battle. All agreed they were interested in corresponding with K8t and M8t and possibly meeting. Krista contacted K8t and they discussed their mutual TG concerns as well as how they handled the violence they’d endured.
*****
By Wednesday when Kylie and Larry returned from their short honeymoon, Susan was more than delighted to have herself and her grandchildren be a part of the Clan. The loving greeting the newly wed couple gave their soon to be adopted children brought tears of joy to her haggard weary face.
*****
Thursday June 19 Ruth, Jamie, and Jennifer Sue Ewell were picked up at 7:00am by Robert in his F-350 pickup with trailer. When they were approaching Reading, Pa. Ruth called the Fleetwood Police to let them know they were about thirty minutes or so away from Virginville.
It was a few minutes past 10:00am when they pulled into the driveway. Jenny shivered as the bad memories flooded her mind. Jamie hugged her adopted sister to reassure her. After steeling herself they exited the pickup. Walking to the back door, Jenny unlocked it and stepped inside. Thankfully there was no evidence of the fight. The house had been cleaned for the auction.
Upon entering the rear door there was a mudroom with laundry to the right with a powder room on the left. Once in the kitchen there were two doors, towards the front was a dining room while to the right was a living room stretching from the front of the house to the back. At the front of the livingroom a door opened into the dining room creating a circular room to room route.
Jenny retrieved a key ring from the mudroom and gave it to Robert. “These are the keys for the garage and sheds where he kept most of his tools as well as the keys for his pickup. You can check them out while we handle the house.”
“Will do,” Robert smiled as he headed back outside.
The garage was filled with tools. An eighty gallon air compressor, hoses, and air powered tools Were against one wall. The table saw, jig saw, lathe, planer, sanding table as well as accessories for the stationary wood working tools were in excellent shape. There were three tall wheeled multi-drawer tool cabinets, one filled with mechanics tools, another with machinist tools and the last with hand carpentry tools. Pegboards were filled with larger hand tools. Two large wheeled cabinets had boxes of hardware, nails, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, clamps plus many other odds and ends.
In one shed were two ATVs that looked to be in good shape. A trailer big enough to haul the ATVs stood on it’s side leaning against the shed. Another shed had a John Deer garden tractor with a snowblower attachment mounted in front. To the sides were a plow attachment and a forty eight inch triple blade mower deck. Also inside was a twenty one inch self drive walk behind mower, a heavy duty string trimmer, a regular string trimmer, two eighteen inch chainsaws, and a power tree trimmer.
Ruth was going through the kitchen. Jenny’s mom had been a work at home seamstress. A spare second floor bedroom was her workroom. Jamie was exploring the room. Inside were three Brother sewing machines, a computerized sixty stitch unit, a computerized quilting/embroidery machine, and a surging machine as well as hundreds of patterns, cloth, and thread. Jenny was sitting at the table wiping tears as she looked through the photo albums and scrap books.
After checking Jenny’s dad’s 2002 Ford Explorer Sports Track to make sure it was useable. Robert closed the doors on the garage and sheds then headed into the house to take orders for lunch. The nearest place was a Subway six and a half miles away by the Kutztown University campus. Once he had everyone’s order he headed off in the Explorer. If it handled well and had no issues, He’d hook up the ATV trailer to it so they could drive it back to the CWP. Ruth headed upstairs to see if there were any linens worth taking.
One of the neighbors saw the people at the vacant house. Rather than call the police, they called the Raven’s to let them know there was a strange pickup with a trailer in the driveway as well as people in the house and going through the garage and sheds at their son’s home. Less than five minutes after Robert left a battered 1992 F150 pickup pulled into the driveway. Richard Raven noted his son’s Explorer was missing and saw the strange pickup with trailer parked in the driveway. Seeing Maryland plates on both Richard and Virginia exchanged looks of disgust. Their perverted grandson was here. With grim expressions etched upon their faces they knew they had a chance to eliminate their demon spawn. Virginia slid behind the steering wheel while Richard exited holding a 9mm Glock 7. Cautiously he headed for the back door to find it open. Stepping inside he could tell someone had been rifling the kitchen. Then he heard a sigh and a book closing. In the dining room he saw a teenager seated at the table looking through photo albums.
Keeping the pistol pointed in the girl’s direction he spoke. “At last the murderer has returned to the scene of his crime!”
The startled girl jumped in her seat and looked up. “Pappy...,” Jenny gasped when she saw who it was.
“You murdering bastard!” Richard bellowed. “You God Damn pervert!” With that he aimed the Glock at his grandchild.
Fortunately Jenny was quicker. She rolled from her chair to the floor just as he pulled the trigger. The slug tore through the back of the wooden chair to lodge in the wall. If she hadn’t reacted so quickly, Jenny would have been killed. The sound echoed through the house startling Ruth and Jamie. Jenny kicked a chair from the opposite side of the table towards her grandfather before she scramble crawled into the living room. Richard was so incensed he tripped over the chair Jenny had kicked at him, another shot fired off when he hit the floor. Jenny ran into the kitchen and out the back door.
Upon hearing the first gunshot Virginia pulled the truck around to the back of the house. Shortly after the second shot a girl rushed out the back door to slam into the front fender of the truck.
Jenny bounced off the fender falling on her tush. Looking up she saw her glaring Granny behind the wheel. Scrambling to her feet Jenny ran to the hedgerow fifty feet behind the house just as Virginia recognized her perverted grandson. Just as the furious woman was pulling out to try to run down the escaping perv, Richard, cursing up a storm, charged out the back door diving into the truck bed.
Virginia slowed down enough to allow Richard to get to his feet behind the cab. By then Jenny reached the scraggly hedgerow then headed south along the tree line. Virginia rammed the pickup through the hedgerow spinning into a field of soybeans. The fishtailing truck bounced over the furrows and slipped on the green plants. She had to slow down to maintain control and to keep from tossing Richard out of the truck bed. By the time she regained enough to control the truck Jenny was half way down the six hundred forty feet long field.
As the bouncing slipping truck closed in on her Jenny heard the Glock firing. Pouring everything she had Jenny sprinted onward ignoring the lashing she was receiving from the stiff soybean plants. Fortunately the truck was bouncing and swaying so much Richard couldn’t get a clean shot. That didn’t stop him from trying as the closed the distance. Fortunately Jenny knew the area well. Upon reaching the end of the field she dove into that much wider tree line.
The tree line was ninety feet wide and dropped fifteen feet to a farm lane. The twenty five degree sparsely treed slope would make it almost impossible for the truck to follow at any speed but a crawl. Jenny began to scramble down the slope. Determined to kill their errant grandchild, Virginia barely slowed down as she reached the end of the field. The area where the plowed field met the grassy verge created a twelve inch deep furrow. The truck bounced severely causing Virginia to lose control. Richard was leaning over the roof attempting to get a bead on Jenny as she caromed down the slope when the truck bounced pitching Richard forward and over the cab. He landed on the hood and slid head first off the front passenger side just as the truck sideswiped a tree ten feet down the slope.
Richard’s head was crushed between the tree and the truck killing him instantly. Virginia screamed as she saw her husbands skull bloodily popped like a melon. The left front tire of the truck struck a downed tree ripping the wheel from her hands. The entire truck turned sideways and rolled down the slopes. Since they never used seatbelts and with Virginia already bouncing inside the cab, as the truck tipped over to it’s left side she was flung three quarters out the window. The top of the truck rolled over her torso as it made the first roll. On the second roll she was flung completely out and the truck rolled over her again.
Despite her headlong rush down the slope Jenny heard the crashes and screeching metal. Upon reaching the farm lane at the bottom she paused to catch a quick breath and check on her pursuers just as the twisted remains of the tumbling truck were stopped by a tree just five feet from her. Wide-eyed at the carnage she saw the battered truck was unoccupied. Looking up the slope she saw the unmoving bodies of her grandparents.
Back at the house Ruth and Jamie were standing helplessly just inside the back door. After the silence following the second shot they cautiously made their way down to the first floor seeing no sign of Jenny. They were just in time to sees the truck disappear through the hedgerow. Ruth called 911 to report the gunshots and the truck apparently chasing fleeing Jenny. The call was forwarded to the Fleetwood police who immediately dispatched two cars. Ruth then called Robert to let him know there was trouble. Just about at the Subway he immediately turned around and headed back.
After a moment to catch her breath the adrenalin pumped girl jogged up the farm lane to the main road intending to head down the road to the house. Jenny’s mind was swirling with horror and relief. As she neared the road she heard the sirens of the approaching police cars. Upon reaching the road she stopped facing the approaching sirens. As soon as the cruisers became visible she stepped into the middle of the road waving her arms to flag down the police.
The approaching police saw the disheveled girl waving them down. Both pulled over to the side as Jenny trotted to the first cruiser. “I... I’m Jennifer Ewell. My grandparents tried to kill me...”
“I’m Chief Kramer. We received a 911 call that someone was trying to kill you. Where are your grandparents?”
“Down there,” Jenny answered pointing down the farm lane. “I... I think they’re both dead. Pappy was standing in the back of the truck shooting at me while Gran tried to run me down as I fled through the field. I made it to the trees and scrambled down the slope. Gran tried to follow and crashed.”
Chief Kramer exited his cruiser. “Was it only your grandparents who attacked you?”
“Yes,” Jenny whispered.
“Okay,” the chief said as he waved the other officer to join him. “Can you show me where they crashed?”
Richard pulled into the driveway and joined the distraught Ruth and Jamie. As the girls stayed at the house he walked to the hedgerow noting the crushed soybeans marking the truck’s path. At that point they could hear the doppler sounds of the approaching police. Then the sound stabilized and stopped down the road. Heading too the front of the house they looked down the road. About six hundred feet away the police cars were stopped at the side of the road with their lights flashing. The officers were following a girl heading across the road.
“That’s Jenny,” Jamie exclaimed. Instantly they began to run down the road.
By the time Robert, Ruth and Jamie reached the farm lane Jenny was sitting on the grass verge with her knees drawn up and her head resting on her knees. They hurried the two hundred feet down the lane seeing that Jenny was shaking and crying. Looking up the slope they saw the wrecked truck near the lane and two bloody bodies further up the slope. Two policemen were examining the scene.
“Officers,” Robert called out while holding his opened hands at shoulder height to show he was unarmed. “I’m Robert Scott. This is Ruth and Jamie Ewell, Jenny’s adopted mother and sister.”
“I’m Chief Kramer of the Fleetwood Police,” the man declared as he began to walk down the slope. “That’s Officer Dobbins.” he indicated the other man. “Dobbins, keep examining the scene. Try to find the pistol. Take plenty of photos. I’m heading up to the house to check out that scene. I’ll call for the coroner.”
As Robert and the Chief were talking, Ruth and Jamie engulfed Jenny in a hug.
“That’s one tough kid,” Chief Kramer shook his head. “I handled the investigation of her parent’s death. We were notified Jenny would be at the house to take whatever she wanted before the auction. As I said, I need to examine the crime scene in the house. Would you like to ride to the house with me?”
“Sure,” Robert replied. “Ruth, Jamie, Jenny, Chief Kramer will give us a ride back to the house.”
Ruth and Jamie helped Jenny to her feet. Jenny was still sniffling as she shakily stood. Ruth and Jamie bracketed the distraught girl as they followed Chief Kramer and Robert up the lane to the police cruiser. Ruth, Jamie and Jenny slipped into the rear seat of the cruiser while Richard sat in the front passenger seat. As they settled in the chief made the call for the coroner. He also called Jason Lieberman, Jenny’s Berks County, Pa. lawyer to let him know what happened. With that done he drove to the house. By the time they arrived at the house Jenny had regained control.
As they headed to the back door Ruth pointed out the tire marks in the lawn leading to a hole in the hedgerow. Chief Kramer took photos of the scene then walked to the hedgerow. The four CWP members followed, the girls seeing the evidence for the first time. Stepping through the hole in the hedgerow they all saw the fishtailing path of the pickup as it chased Jenny into the trees six hundred forty feet away. Again the chief took photos. When he was satisfied they headed back to the house.
Robert spoke as they walked. “Chief, will we need to stay overnight?”
“As long as we can contact you in Maryland it shouldn’t be a problem heading home,” Chief Kramer answered. “Jenny did nothing wrong. She was fleeing for her life,. The Ravens actions caused their own deaths. I’ll still need to question everyone and take photos of the house.”
“I wasn’t here when it went down,” Robert said. “I was on my way to Subway to get lunch when Ruth called me back.”
“If you weren’t here when this went down you can make your lunch run,” Chief Kramer said.
After making sure the girls still wanted lunch Robert made the run to Subway.
Chief Kramer examined the first floor crime scene as Ruth had Jenny sit in the kitchen so she could wash her bruises and scratches. He took photos of the overturned chairs and the bullet holes in the walls. Once she was cleaned up and bandaged, Jenny recounted the attack with Chief Kramer as she explained what had happened in the house. The brave but frazzled girl realized the house was once again a crime scene.
Returning to his cruiser the chief brought a crime scene kit into the house. Using the kit he successfully dug the two slugs out of the walls. Once he’d finished collecting the evidence he packed up his equipment. “I’m going down to the crash site. I’ll come back to let you know what we find.”
It took most of the afternoon for the police to photograph the crash site and gather evidence. They found the Glock. It was a model 17, there was a bullet in the chamber and only one left in the seventeen round clip. If the clip had been full, that meant Richard had fired twice in the house and thirteen as they chased Jenny through the field. Debris from the crash and roll over was scattered over a wide area. The coroner arrived and verified that the Ravens were dead. The battered bodies clearly indicated they’d died of blunt force trauma. The coroner saw no need for autopsies.
Jason Lieberman pulled up behind the police cruisers. Leaving his suit jacket in his car he walked down the farm lane to the crash scene. After identifying himself to Chief Kramer he was walked through the death site. The bodies had been bagged and rested on the farm lane awaiting the funeral director who had handled Jenny’s parents. Jason made sure there would be no charges against Jenny. It was ironic that Jenny’s grandparents had killed themselves in their zeal to kill her. Even more ironic was that as their only surviving relative Jenny would now receive their estate.
As the investigation continued at the crash site Richard with Jamie’s assistance loaded the mower and other lawn equipment into the bed of his truck. The wood working equipment and nearly everything else in the garage went in the trailer. The rear seats were loaded with smaller items. They loaded the truck bed of the Explorer with household items. The sewing machines and related items were loaded onto the back seat. The trailer that had been leaning against the shed was hooked to the back of the Explorer and the two ATVs loaded.
As they were loading the vehicles Jason arrived. After making sure Jenny was okay he sat down with Ruth and Jenny as he reviewed what had happened.
“Jenny, while I was settling your parents estate I had several encounters with your grandparents,” Jason explained. “They refused to acknowledge they had no rights to the estate and it took involving the police before they begrudgingly accepted the legalities. They made it quite clear to me and Chief Kramer they hated all lawyers and thought wills were just a way to rip off estates. As a result I have no doubt your grandparents do not have a will much less a lawyer. Chief Kramer will attest to that. Since you are the only surviving relative, you’ll inherit their estate. Once we assure they have made no arrangements for their estate you’ll have say in who becomes executor.”
Jenny looked at Ruth for guidance. “It’s your call, Jenny.”
“Okay,” Jenny sighed as a grim but decisive expression appeared on her face. “Mr. Lieberman, I’d like you to be the executor of my grandparent’s estate. At least when their estate is settled they’ll be out of my life forever.”
Jason pulled out papers that Jenny and Ruth signed granting him executorship.
“One last thing,” Jason said. “The funeral director who handled your parents funeral picked up your grandparent’s bodies. The estate will pick up those costs.”
Jenny frowned. “Can I designate what type of funeral?”
“If your grandparents made no arrangements you can,” Jason answered.
“I’ll give them the same respect they gave me,” Jenny passionately declared. “Put them in the cheapest coffins available. There will be no viewing or funeral. I know they have an eight spot plot in the cemetery so just bury them beside my parents with no headstone. Then sell the other four plots.”
“Unusual but doable,” Jason nodded his head. “Understood young lady.”
“Oh... Snoopy, Spike, Andy, Olaf, Marbles, Belle,” Jenny gasped as they were heading for the back door.
“What?” Ruth frowned.
The dogs! Beagles,” Jenny answered. “They kept them in an outside kennel. If we don’t get them they’ll starve!”
“I’ll call the Animal Rescue League,” Jason said. “They’ll pick them up tomorrow.”
“NO!!!” Jenny cried out as tears ran down her cheeks. “They’re my dogs! I named them when they were puppies! They were the only reason I tolerated visiting my grandparents! They’re about the only good thing my grandparents ever did!” By then Jenny began to tremble. “Please, mommy I want them! Please!!”
Ruth once more hugged her daughter. “What will we do if we get them?”
“Take them home with us,” Jenny sniffed.
Jamie and Robert heard Jenny’s shrieked ‘NO’ and hurried into the house. They were quickly apprised of the situation. It was clear Jenny was a psychological mess. After being murderously attacked by her grandparents her distress was understandable.
“Let me call Chief Kramer,” Jason said. “We’ll see what we can work out.”
*****
“I appreciate your distress, Jenny, but let me fill you in on what we’ve found,” Chief Kramer said when he reached the house. “First, Jenny you will face no charges. You should know, if the Glock was fully loaded in addition to the two shots in the house, he fired thirteen times as they chased you through the field.”
Jenny stiffened up and shivered as Ruth and Jamie gasped before promptly wrapping the trembling girl in a reassuring hug. Robert placed a comforting hand on Jenny. That news erased what little doubt/guilt she felt for being so harsh on the burial decisions she’d made for her grandparents.
“Now, as for the dogs,” the chief continued. “I took the keys from the truck before it was hauled away. Based on the interactions Mr. Lieberman and I had with your grandparents I know they hated lawyers and distrusted the legal system. I feel confident they had no will or a lawyer and we will sign a statement to that effect. I assume Mr. Lieberman has become the designated executor of your grandparent’s estate. As such, I’ll turn the keys over to him since he knows how much he can let you take today.”
“Thank you,” Jenny acknowledged.
“I need to say one more thing before I go,” Chief Kramer said. “Jennifer, I admire your strength.”
Jenny managed a timid smile and gave him a goodbye hug.
“Well, I guess if we clear out the rear seats on both trucks we can get three dogs in each,” Robert said.
“Wait a minute,” Jenny said as an impish grin formed. “My grandparents had an SUV. With the back seat folded we can get the dogs, their food, leashes and stuff in it! Jamie has a driver’s license so she could drive it and I’ll ride with her to keep the dogs calm!” Jenny hopefully looked at the four faces.
“I could drive the SUV,” Jamie said.
Jason chuckled. “How far is your grandparents place?”
“It’s about a mile away down the road,” Jenny answered.
“Why don’t I drive all of us there,” Jason suggested. “Then we can see what the situation is.”
Jenny, Jamie, and Ruth were in the rear seat with Robert riding shotgun. It only took five minutes to get to the property. It was up a steep valley just off the state road. The dogs began aggressively barking and jumping about in the kennel in response to their arrival. As soon as Jenny was out of the car she ran towards the kennel.
“Snoopy! Spike! Andy! Olaf! Marbles! Belle!” Jenny yelled. Snoopy
The dogs went wild! The tenor of their barking changed from the aggressiveness of protecting their turf to wild exuberance. Their tails were wagging so hard their entire rear ends were bouncing about. When Jenny opened the kennel door the six excited dogs swarmed her, knocking her down, crawling all over her as they gave her slobbery doggy kisses.
“I guess that tells us why she was so adamant about getting the dogs,” Robert chuckled as they walked to the swirling mass of fur and giggling girl.
After five minutes Jenny managed to get the happy dogs under a semblance of control. She had the dogs line up then introduced them to the humans. The dogs happily accepted them resulting in several minutes of petting and dog kisses.
Robert and Jason headed over to the SUV. It was a 2007 Escape that looked to be in excellent shape. Jason found the remote key on the key ring Chief Kramer had given him, removed it and gave it to Robert. Robert got inside and started the SUV. It only had 3500 miles on the odometer. Then he drove it to the back porch. Inside the screen enclosed porch was the dog food, leashes and grooming tools.
Robert and Jason went inside the house to unplug all equipment, appliances and clocks. They turned off the hot water heater, the pump for the well and set the thermostat to forty five degrees. Together they gathered the papers and documents they could find for Jason to review. Jason filled out a form that as executor granted approval for use of the SUV.
By the time they returned outside the dog food grooming tools were loaded in the back of the SUV. The now leashed dogs were still excited to be with Jenny.
With nothing left to accomplish, they decided to leave. Jamie sat behind the steering wheel of the SUV. Opening the back doors Jenny guided the dogs to the open rear doors. No urging was needed for them to jump inside. After shutting the rear door she sat in the front passenger seat where she was able to talk to and pet the dogs.
Jamie followed Jason as he took Ruth and Robert back to get the trucks. After saying goodbye Robert led the convoy as they headed back home. Ruth followed in the Explorer while Jamie and Jenny brought up the rear. It was a bit before 6:00pm when they pulled out of Virginville. Both trucks and their trailers were loaded down causing them to drive cautiously. They stopped for supper just south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Robert ate quickly then went for a short walk while Ruth, Jamie and Jenny used the meal to wind down a bit. Once he was away from Jenny he called Jane and Leroy.
Naturally Jane and Leroy were horrified to learn of the attempted murder of Jenny and the tragic death of her berserk grandparents. They assured Robert they’d spread the word of what went down as well as the fact Jenny was bringing her six delighted dogs.
Since they’d be arriving somewhere between 8 and 9pm with two loaded down trucks and trailers arrangements were made for them to pull into the barn that housed CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair to park overnight. They’d unload and sort the loads tomorrow. It was a bit after 8:00pm when they pulled onto Wells Point Lane. As the trucks continued to the O’Brien farm Jamie headed to their home.
Living next door to the CWP Landing the Spade, Reese and Evans families along with Krista, Tony and Jimmy had been anxiously awaiting the Ewell’s arrival, especially after hearing about Jenny’s horrific fatal encounter with her grandparents. The sun was dipping behind the trees to the west when they heard the familiar crunching of the gravel road. Krista, Tony, Jasmine, Jimmy, Sam, Holly and Ivy sprang from the porch running to greet the approaching vehicle while Frank, Sarah and Heather followed at a leisurely pace.
Seeing the teens and preteens running toward them Jamie tooted the Escape’s horn and put on the turn signal. She drove into the grass of the front lawn then drove around to the back of their home. The adults hadn’t seen the vehicle but saw the kids disappearing down the side of the house.
Once parked outside the enclosed back porch Jenny and Jamie exited only for Jenny to be swept off her feet and twirled about in a joyful and relieved hug by Sam who had been horrified to learn his girlfriend had been so viciously attacked. As soon as Sam let Jenny’s feet hit the ground he quite passionately kissed her. As soon as the kiss ended the others swarmed Jenny in a group hug. By then the adults had arrived and enveloped the joyful tearful teenager.
It was exactly what Jenny needed after the rejection and hatred her grandparents had shown. The unconditional love of her friends, boyfriend and the adults restored her shaken self worth.
Of course any conversation during the impromptu hugfest had been impossible since the six beagles were baying incessantly as they attempted to break free from the back of the Escape to rescue their recently reunited mistress from those who were attacking her.
“You better step back and smile,” Jenny smiled as she urged everyone to back away from the SUV. “These are my beagles.” With that she stepped to the passenger rear door.
The dogs grew excited to see her approach knowing they were about to be let out. “Settle down,” Jenny ordered. “I need to put your leashes on before I let you out.”
To the surprise of the onlookers while their tails were wagging excitedly the dogs stopped barking and expectantly sat on their haunches. With that she opened the door. One by one she snapped a leash on each dog, receiving a doggy kiss from each. “Alright, you will behave as I let you out,” Jenny ordered. “Now, one at a time as I call your names. Snoopy... Spike... Andy... Olaf... Marbles... Belle.” With each name announced, the appropriate dog leapt from the SUV to stand by the vehicle, each inquisitively looking over those who had gathered to greet their mistress.
“Sam, Krista, Tony, Jazz and Jimmy, will each of you take a leash then kneel in front of the dog to let them get to know you,” Jenny said. “Then we can walk them about the yard to let them check out their new home.”
Once they dogs accepted their handler each excitedly strained against the leashes almost pulling the teens off their feet as they investigated their new home. The adults, Holly and Ivy laughed as they watched the eager beagles explore. With the twilight deepening the teens snapped the leashes to the wash line then offloaded the dog food and grooming tools into the enclosed rear porch. Jamie filled the water trough they took from the kennel as Jenny filled the food dishes. The dogs were then brought inside promptly going to their food and water. Jamie locked the porch screen door then led everyone into the house just as Leroy dropped off Ruth.
*****
With dogged determination Kevin had the twins adoption scheduled for Friday afternoon. An internet feed to the Christina Melton Crain Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was up and Callie Warren was sitting at a table with a guard standing a few feet behind her. Susan, Sonny, Rayne, Kylie, Larry, and a dozen other Clan Wells Point members were in the Talbot County Courtroom in Easton with Judge Watkins. Judge Watkins announced the agenda then asked Susan to identify her grandchildren and daughter. Callie was then asked if she was fully aware that she was giving up all parental rights to her children.
“Yes I do,” Callie bravely answered as she struggled to hold back her tears. “I love Sonny and Rayne enough to give them to two people I’ve known most of my life. They’re both good people and I couldn’t ask for a better couple to raise my babies. I’ve messed up big time and accept my punishment. I want my babies to have a better life.”
“Very well, since no one here has any objections I hereby declare Kylie and Larry Scott to be the parents of Sonny and Rayne Warren. I also authorize that they be hereafter known as Sonny and Rayne Scott,” Judge Watkins ordered. “Before we close the link, Kylie and Larry would like to say a few words.”
“Callie, Larry and I will keep you in our prayers,” Kylie promised as she and Larry each cuddled a baby. “Copies of the adoption paperwork will be forwarded to you with our address. We’d like to keep in touch with you so we can keep you updated on the children’s progress. You’ve given us the gift of parenthood and for that you have our eternal gratitude. Sonny and Rayne will know they’re adopted and that you are their birth mother. When you are released, you’re more than welcome to come see them. If you need help making arrangements to come back here we’ll help. Just remember you’ll always have a home here. We will be Sonny’s and Rayne’s parents but we will not cut you out of their lives.”
Callie smiled as she fought back tears of gratitude. “Thank you,” she sobbed. “Please give Sonny and Rayne a hug and kiss for me.”
“We’ll do that every night,” Kylie promised. “Just make sure you behave so you can get out early and come home.”
Callie totally lost it at that point only able to nod her head in promise and gratitude as the connection was cut.
With the official court business over, Judge Watkins came down from the bench to kiss the babies and hug the new parents. Then she gave Susan a warm hug. “Susan, I’ve sent a request to Amanda Frost, an assistant attorney general for Maryland, requesting her assistance to work with the Texas Attorney General to see if we can do anything to get Callie’s sentence altered. Ideally we’d like to get her reassigned to a work release program and have administration of the program done in Maryland. The Clan Wells Point has agreed to pay all the costs of the transfer and the administration of the work release program. Since the Clan already administers two people on work release within the Clan, we’re hoping Callie can be the third. Unfortunately, that will take time.”
“I understand,” Susan smiled wearily. “This body only has a week or two left in it. Just knowing that the Clan is working to bring Callie home does my heart good. I have every confidence she’s learned a very bitter lesson and will thrive under the love of the Clan.”
Judge Watkins smiled and nodded her agreement as they both looked at Kylie and Larry adoring Sonny and Rayne.
The Judge also signed off on Kevin’s plan to have Callie temporarily return for her mother’s funeral. The Clan Wells Point offered to pay all the travel expenses for the bereavement furlough including the salary for two Texas deputies to provide round trip escort services. With the signature of the judge and the offer to cover all expenses the Texas Department of Criminal Justice agreed to furlough Callie and provide the deputies.
After the adoption was finalized, Susan had a quick meeting with Kevin, Jane, and Robert to sign the official paperwork to join the CWP. The three clan leaders then headed to the hospital for the final meeting with Rachel and Theo to join the CWP. Previous discussions had established the parameters of the contract which guaranteed the Jablonski’s would have full CWP membership. The CWP had already voted to accept the Jablonski’s as full members of the CWP as soon as the contract was signed and notarized. There were now seventy CWP members.
*****
Friday was also a momentous day for Sam, Mary Ann, and Gilligan Evans. While the adoption of the twins was proceeding, they were with Dr. Sykes in her Bay Hundred Health Center office. Dr. Sykes was going over the ramifications of Sam beginning HRT. The family was well aware of the consequences and had agreed to Dr. Sykes requirement this session be filmed.
“Now that all the legalities are done,” Dr. Sykes declared. “I need to know if you’re ready to proceed with the HRT therapy?”
Mary Ann and Gilligan looked at Sam who sat nervously between them. “Sam, we love you unconditionally,” Mary Ann stated seriously. “We always will. Whether you’re our daughter or our son, we whole heartedly support you. This is YOUR decision.”
“Thanks,” Sam smiled nervously. “I really appreciate your support. This is something I MUST do. I tried but I’ve never been your daughter. I had never been happy with myself until I started living as the boy I am. The HRT will help me grow into becoming the man I need to be. I’ll admit I’m scared, but I have no doubts I need to begin HRT.”
“I’ll need your signatures on the paperwork signifying you’ve been appropriately counseled and understand the consequences of beginning HRT,” Dr. Sykes placed a multi-page document before them. “While you read and sign at the appropriate places, I’ll prepare the initial injection of testosterone and give you prescriptions for the pills. I’ll need weekly blood tests to monitor your testosterone levels until we reach a suitable level of stability. Then we’ll keep testing monthly for a year.”
The Evans family signed the documents. Dr. Sykes made sure the signatures were properly done, then gave Sam her first shot of boy juice. Hugs and congratulations were shared. Sam led HIS family outside with a spring in HIS step and a broad smile on HIS face.
*****
Saturday June 21 was hectic. It was the day the new cattle arrived. It had taken several weeks to prepare for the increase. With the exception of the wetlands and forests, all the farm land west of the O’Brien homestead, south of Long Cove, east of the Bozman-Neavitt Road and north of Balls Creek was converted to pasture. The existing pastures had been enclosed by triple plank rail pressure treated wood fence stained white. The former fields were converted to pasture by planting a mixture of grass and clover. They were then enclosed with three plank rail pressure treated wood fence painted white to match the preexisting pastures. The expanded pasture would accommodate the hundred and fifty dairy cows, sixty five steers and the up to thirty horses of the CWP Horse Rescue program.
Every available person was on hand. At 10:00am the first semi tractor trailer made the turn from Dougherty Lane onto Johns Cove Lane heading north and stopped. A pair of wooden road barricades were set across Dougherty Lane. One adult and three of the under eleven year olds were stationed on the back side to shoo the cattle south. The fifty dairy cows were herded off the cattle trailer and guided south on Johns Cove Lane. One adult and four teens herded them down the road. Since the sides of the road were already fenced due to the adjacent fields there was little difficulty moving the cows. At the farm complex, cars and trucks had been parked front to back from the fences to create a steel path to guide the cows into the newly enlarged dairy barn. Other adults and teens guided the cows to food and water. Another semi load arrived fifteen minute later until all one hundred new dairy cows were in their new home. The Clan Wells Point dairy herd had increased to one hundred fifty head. The third semi load carried steers and they were herded directly into the pasture on the south side of Dougherty Road creating a steer herd of sixty five head.
It took most of the following week to work the new dairy cows into the farm routine. Every day at 6:30am and 4:30pm the cows were milked in the twin milking parlor. While only three workers were needed, one adult crew chief and two teen or adult helpers, twelve people were trained so the chore could be switched off and illnesses covered. The cattle were rotated to various fields with the maximum walking time between the barn and the pasture being twenty minutes. The lanes were used as cattle paths with portable wooden barricades directing the cattle to the selected fields. Five small 80cc motorcycles rated at 2.5HP with a top speed of 23MPH were purchased for the teens to herd cattle or horses. The bikes were stripped down basic units with the engine mounted on a tubular steel frame with fenders over the 14.5"x7.6" tires. The units were 36.5" long with a seat height of 23" and carried a max rider weight of 150 pounds. The bikes were quite durable and easy to maintain and repair.
*****
At the same time the CWP had to accommodate farming the newly acquired Jablonski farm. The smaller two hundred twenty five acre farm provided replacement planting acreage for that lost to the enlarged grazing areas. In the nineteen fifties two lots along the Bozman-Neavitt Road were cut from the fields for Theo and his sister to build homes. The farm retained ownership. After Theo’s sister moved her place was rented. After the death of his father, Theo moved back into farmhouse to work the farm and take care of his mother. The place he vacated was then rented. Currently, only the northern lot was rented. Robert and Dr. Olsen checked out the Jablonski farmhouse to see what was needed to remodel the first floor to accommodate Theo’s disabilities. The second floor would be remodeled for a rental apartment. As soon as plans could be drawn up the remodeling would begin.
Also on the same day the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel received it’s first non CWP patient, a sixteen year old girl who suffered brain damage due to the removal of a brain tumor. The non clinical setting coupled with daily peer interaction allowed a steady and rapid recovery. The Memorial Hospital at Easton, Shore Health System, University of Maryland Medical System which housed the Requard Rehab Center for Acute Rehabilitation was delighted with the results. Two more needy teens soon arrived. After that, the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel had a steady flow of patients keeping it’s three beds filled. There was a waiting list of teens so as soon as one was released another arrived.
*****
Wednesday June 25 the entire Clan gathered to celebrate Krista’s 14th birthday. Gifts were kept to a minimum but the love shared for the energetic and feisty girl was most certainly not curtailed. Krista was quite embarrassed as everyone acknowledged that she was the heart and soul of the Clan Wells Point and that without her spunk and enthusiasm they would not have come together.
*****
Susan Warren’s last few days were rough and painful. Everyone could tell her end was rapidly approaching. Two or three women were nearby each day and every evening members of the Clan stopped by the farmhouse to chat with her. She faced her end with bravery and a smile. Refusing false platitudes, she steadfastly admitted she was slipping away. She insisted she had no regrets and had every confidence Sonny and Rayne had the best parents and that the Clan would see they were brought up in love and hope. She admitted she’d spoken to Carol who assured her she’d assist in her graduation and that everything would be fine. No doubts existed in her mind the Clan would do all they could to bring Callie home and help her begin a new and productive life. Her sole request was that her ashes be spread on Wells Point. Everyone admired her attitude and had no doubt the ghostly Carol had reassured her.
Near 4:00am on June 30, Susan Warren was awakened by a cool ocean breeze. Opening her eyes she saw a smiling Carol O’Brien standing at the side of her bed holding out her hand. Susan understood. Her pain, weakness and fatigue were gone. Returning Carol’s smile, she placed her hand in Carol’s as her spiritual body rose from her now stilled earthly body. Silently they walked through the doors to the bedroom where Sonny and Rayne slept. Lovingly she kissed them farewell. The two apparitions then floated through the wall to soar into the sky on a heavenly journey.
Shortly after dawn Evelyn discovered Susan had passed away. She shivered a bit upon seeing the wet floor, then went to rouse the rest of the family. Evelyn, Rachel, Tony, Larry and Kylie hurried to the bedroom to gaze not only at Susan’s smiling still emaciated form, but also the puddle of seawater with bits of seaweed in it beside the bed. Two sets of wet seaweed strewn footprints led from the bed into the babies room. Tony took video of the ghostly evidence and placed some of the water and seaweed bits in an emptied baby food jar.
Calls were made throughout the Clan. By the time the coroner arrived, nearly the entire Clan was silently gathered outside the home. The coroner was puzzled to see they were smiling not understanding they knew Susan was in good hands since Carol had come to take her home. Krista, Lyndi, and Teri were crying tears of joy knowing their mother was still watching over them and had heard Krista’s prayer.
In Texas Callie was having another restless night. The guilt she felt for her bad choices ate at her. Hurting her mother by running away and hooking up with Dusty who committed the robbery/murder that sent her to jail. Both were stupid immature actions. The only good thing was the twins. The fact her mom took the twins even as she was dying was an undeserved bittersweet relief. Kylie and Larry adopting the twins was a blessing. But her helplessness to ease her mother’s dying days really ate at her. About 3:00am a dream interrupted her nightmares. In the dream her mother appeared in her cell and climbed into her bunk and hugged her just like she did when she was small, whimpering and frightened by thunder storms. Immediately the months of fatigue, worries, and guilt melted away. She slept soundly the rest of the night.
The authorities in Texas were notified of Susan’s death at 7:00am their time. The arrangements made for the emergency bereavement furlough to bring Callie home for the funeral were set into motion.
Callie awoke feeling better than she had in months. The dream visit from her mother had rallied her spirit and restored a bit of hope. Her cellmate was puzzled by Callie’s upbeat demeanor. The inmates of Callie’s cell block were in the cafeteria finishing breakfast when the prison chaplain entered. Everyone knew someone was about to receive bad news. All hoped it was someone else.
Callie suddenly understood her dream. Her mother had died yet even in her cancer ravaged death she had stopped by to give her one last hug. She stood and slowly headed for the chaplain. Tears flowed down her face before the words were spoken. The rest of the women knew Callie’s mom had been in bad shape. Somberly they bussed their trays and left the room as the chaplain comforted Callie.
Callie was shocked when a guard arrived to escort her to a small conference room. Inside a deputy warden waited.
“Your mother had good friends,” the deputy warden said. “They’ve arranged a bereavement furlough for you to fly home for the funeral and then back. They’re picking up the cost of the flights and all costs for two deputies to accompany you. We’ll provide you with civilian clothes for three days. You’ll be flying from Dallas to DC this afternoon. You and the deputies will be staying at the Clan Wells Point B&B in Neavitt. You’ll be flying back here the day after the burial.”
Callie was heartbroken that her mother was gone but glad her suffering was over. Biting her lips to keep from sobbing openly tears flowed down her cheeks as she nodded her gratitude.
A pair of female deputies escorted Callie to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport into Dulles Airport in DC. Leroy met them wearing his deputy uniform and driving a sheriff’s cruiser. The one hundred twenty mile trip took nearly three hours. As they set out one of the deputies stated it was extremely unusual for out of state bereavement furloughs to be granted and wondered how the family had arranged it.
“Before I explain I need to ask Callie if she’s okay with sharing a bit of her history,” Leroy stated.
“You mean my babies,” Callie asked.
“Yes,” Leroy replied.
That surprised the Texas deputies
“It’s okay,” Callie sighed. “Do you think I can see them while I’m here?”
“I can guarantee it,” Leroy smiled. “Tell the deputies about your babies and your mother.”
Callie explained about her pregnancy and that her mother took the babies from the prison. She also explained about the advanced cancer. The deputies were stunned by the fact the babies were adopted by a transsexual mother and her husband.
Both deputies shook their heads and one asked, “Do you really think it’s safe to have your babies raised by one of those freaks?”
“Obviously you’ve never had an honest interaction with a transsexual. Sonny and Rayne couldn’t have better parents,” Leroy declared before Callie could respond. “My younger brother Larry is their new father. Their mother Kylie had the misfortune to be born with the wrong genitals but that’s was corrected before they married. That makes me one of the babies’ uncles. I also have a daughter who just turned fourteen who was also born with the wrong genitals. She’s the feistiest girl you’ll ever meet. Last year her mother died, they were living in Cape Cod at the time. Over a six week period Krista led her nine year old twin sisters on foot from there to her grandmother in Neavitt Maryland.”
“I think I heard of something about that on the news,” a deputy said. “Wasn’t she involved with a murderer and some sort of scandal?”
“Yes,” Leroy answered and proceeded too explain about the kidnaping by the escaped prisoner and by then triple murderer, the desperate intentional crash and the fatal self defense struggle. Then he explained how Krista blew the lid off the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems scandal, then led her cheerleading squad to repeatedly cheer MICKEY to bring Jasmine out of her coma. “Then there’s the dozens of other local people she’s helped since her arrival. Four boys were in a bad car crash, two with limbs amputated. They’re well on the road to recovery at a Youth Rehab Hostel she was instrumental in setting up. Krista was also responsible for saving Kylie when she tried to take her life last summer. Those of us most effected by Krista have gotten together, at her urging, to form The Clan Wells Point. So far we have seventy one members including Sonny and Rayne, well with Susan’s death we’re back to seventy members. You’ll being staying in one of our B&Bs. Callie, your mother only returned to her home after she brought Sonny and Rayne to us to gather personal belongings. The Clan provided hospice care and she stayed in the same house with the new parents and Kylie’s mom, aunt and cousin. She was with the babies every day and passed there in her sleep. We all knew your mom’s time was short so when we accepted the offer for adoption, the Clan set the wheels in motion to get you furloughed for her funeral.”
Callie and the deputies were stunned by the revelation. They asked questions about the Clan Wells Point for the rest of the trip. The growth and cohesiveness of the group as well as the businesses they absorbed or established seemed mind boggling.
When they arrived at Wells Point they headed to the main farmhouse for supper with the gathered Clan. Callie cried as for the first time she was able to hold and cuddle Sonny and Rayne. The Texan deputies were also welcomed with open arms. When they met Kylie they began to understand their prejudice against transgender people was wrong. That was driven home when they met Krista. The hearty meal went down well.
Callie sat between Kylie and Larry for the meal. It was clear to Callie and the deputies that the adopted parents were truly and irrevocably in love. Callie was amazed by Kylie as she realized the shyness and awkwardness that Kyle had exuded as a male classmate were still present but were now a natural part of her inherent femininity. In hindsight looking back in her memories of Kyle it was quite evident he’d been a transsexual. What was even more convincing was that Kylie was so natural as Sonny and Rayne’s doting mom. Of course Larry was just as natural being their proud dad. Any lingering doubts Callie harbored about Kylie and Larry being suitable parents disappeared.
After the meal funeral arrangements were discussed. Callie had no desire to see the empty husk her mom had inhabited when she died instead preferring to remember her as the vibrant mother she once knew. Once that was decided, a phone call to the funeral home was all that was needed to proceed with the cremation. The deputies were amazed by the casual interaction and obvious caring the Clan members openly displayed. Settling into the CWP B&B for the night, the exhausted visitors had no problem falling asleep.
In the morning they enjoyed a pleasant breakfast in the B&B. Then they returned to the main farmhouse. The deputies again sat and watched the interaction of their charge and the Clan members. Callie helped feed the twins as they discussed Susan’s passing with Kylie, Evelyn and Rachel. Jane, Krista and Jasmine joined them. Callie fondly remembered her mother as a strong vital woman and voiced her sincere regrets for the anguish she had caused. The woman she’d seen when she gave up the twins was worn and tired.
After lunch, Tony set up his computer as Krista began to speak. “My mother ran away from home when she discovered she was pregnant with me. Our life wasn’t easy but we got by on our love until she was stricken with cancer and was dying. She was too weak to travel and we were so poor we spent the winter in an unheated beachfront cabin. Her last night she made my sisters promise to listen to me, then she told me to take care of my sisters. That night, wearing her nightgown she stumbled from the cabin and staggered into the surf. I woke up but it was too late. I followed her tracks to the water’s edge. I knew she was gone and felt lost. When I returned to the cabin I found a note. She apologized but said it was the only way to keep us together. If children’s services got us we’d be split up. Inside the note was a letter from gram and fifty dollars. Gram was too poor to help us but said she’d take us in. In the morning I led my sisters as we set out on our odyssey. We tried to do small jobs to earn money so we could buy food. I thought I was a boy when we left, but no one wanted to hire a scraggly pugnacious boy. I was getting desperate so with my sisters we went into a bakery. With my long hair I was mistaken for a girl and we were given work. I’d discovered people gave us jobs when I pretended to be a girl. After that I masqueraded as girl. We walked to southern New Jersey but by then I was exhausted and sick, finally collapsing when I was almost hit by a car. The woman driver took us in and nursed me back to health, then she and her husband drove us here. They’ve since moved here and are part of our Clan. The upshot was that by the time I got here I realized I’d never really been a boy and that being a girl was right for me.”
“Another thing was that although my mother was dead, she was not gone. When I discovered my dad, he knew I was a boy but he recognized me as a girl. I don’t like to lie so when I met the rest of his family, I had to tell them I was transgender. Uncle Larry was shocked as I explained myself. Suddenly he said ‘OH SHIT’, jumped on his motorcycle and took off. Dad, Pappy and Uncle David followed him in a truck.” With that said Krista looked at Kylie.
“We’d just graduated. I had been transitioning but hadn’t told anyone. Larry was my best friend and I was hopelessly in love with him but I’d never told him. Earlier on the day Krista just spoke about I met him for lunch and confessed everything. He laughed, thought I was joking. I was devastated and ran away from him. I was in a funk all afternoon then decided to kill myself. There was an old barn we liked to play around and I decided to go there and hang myself. I took my girl clothes and changed since I wanted to die as the girl I truly was. As I was preparing to do the deed a wind began wafting through the barn... but it was closed. The breeze smelled of the ocean. Then a fog appeared and slowly coalesced into a woman, a haggard weary dead woman wearing a soggy nightgown with seaweed in her hair. She was trying to get me to stop, I could see her mouthing NO. I was spooked and hesitated quite a while but I was so depressed I finally hung myself.”
“Larry knew where Kylie would go,” Krista continued. “He roared to the barn and drove right through the doors then jumped off and lifted Kylie to take the pressure off the rope. Dad and the others got there and cut her down, revived her and called 911. While they waited they put her back into her boy clothes. All four saw the saltwater puddle and the seaweed.”
“Although I hadn’t met Krista at that point, she visited me the next day in the hospital,” Kylie picked up. “I recognized her. She looked like a younger healthy version of the ghost who tried to stop me. The ghost had been Krista’s dead mother.” Kylie looked at Jasmine.
“I’d been raped my foster father, then he choked me putting me in a coma,” Jasmine began. “I ended up in a nursing home for over two years but they were ripping off insurances and government reimbursements. I was near death curled in a fetal position when they found me. They found me because of Krista.”
“While we were on our Odyssey, we met a couple, retired teachers, in Mystic, Connecticut,” Krista said. “They knew we were homeless and avoiding children’s services because they’d split us apart. They told us they retired after reporting a family to children’s service. By law they as teachers had to report what they saw. Children’s services put the three girls in separate homes. The oldest girl was raped and in a coma. Since the investigation was botched the man got off free. The distraught mother killed the man and was sent to jail. The guilt ridden couple retired and were traveling trying to forget what happened. Their story stuck with me. A few months after I’d started school here I was at a football game with my brothers, my sisters and I were cheerleaders. My boyfriend, Tony here, and I took a walk and heard a girl crying in the bushes. We talked her out and discovered she’d been raped by her mother’s boyfriend. She was six. The mother and boyfriend were arrested. The guy was killed in jail. The mother sent to jail. My family adopted the girl, Sandi is my sister now. But what happened to her reminded me about the family we were told about by the teachers.”
“A couple of my classmates are computer whizzes,” Krista continued. “I asked them to find out what they could about the family. We turned over what we found to the authorities. That led to the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems scandal. They found Jasmine and we managed to get her placed in a local rehab hospital. I was upset when I first saw Jaz all curled up,” Krista said. “The doctors didn’t know if she’d ever wake up. I was so upset I couldn’t sleep. Somewhere after 1:00am I got up and walked down to the cemetery at the end of Wells Point where my mom is buried. I asked her to help Jaz and she did.”
“With everything we discovered the courts had totally messed up in handling Jasmine’s family,” Krista continued. “We were able to get her mom released, got her sisters and brought them here. When Jaz heard their voices she responded, but just. Her sisters came with us to another football game and my cheer squad happened to be doing MICKEY. Her sisters said that was Jaz’s favorite when she’d done cheering. We talked the squad into going to the hospital and they brought Jaz out in her bed. We cheered and cheered. Each time she responded more until she finally woke up.”
“What she hasn’t said was that I was dying when they found me,” Jaz added softly. “I was lost, barely an ember of myself, lost in a foggy nothingness and fading. A loving voice brought me back and urged me to save myself. The voice kept urging me on and sang my mom’s favorite song, ‘Summer Breeze’. She named me Jasmine because of that song. The voice kept urging me on and singing. It seemed to take forever. I was climbing through a tunnel heading for a light at the end when I heard my mom and sisters. I got excited and tried harder. But the tunnel got steeper and I couldn’t go any further. Then I felt and smelled an ocean breeze and the voice materialized into a haggard weary woman in a wet nightgown with seaweed in her hair. She took my hand and pulled me along. It energized me when I heard Krista and the cheerleaders singing MICKEY. I was able to climb out of the tunnel. That’s when I woke up. When I saw Krista I realized she looked a lot like the angel that brought me out.”
Callie and the deputies weren’t sure how to take what they’d heard. It sounded bizarre and a bit spooky. A ghost who saved people.
“Callie, the reason we’re telling you this is I asked my mom to help your mother, to make her end easier,” Krista explained.
“Yesterday when we found your mom had passed she had a smile on her face,” Tony added. “I took some video, but not of your mom. You need to see this.”
Tony brought up the video on the computer. They saw the seaweed strewn puddle on the floor by the bed and the dual wet footprints walking into Sonny and Rayne’s bedroom by their cribs. Then he gave Callie the small jar with the water and seaweed he’d collected.
“Carol was there to collect your mom,” Kylie declared. “Then she escorted her to say goodbye to the twins before she took her spirit away.”
Callie smiled and nodded her head as tears flowed down her cheeks. “Mom visited me after she passed. I haven’t slept well since I was arrested, nightmares every night. What I thought was a dream was real! She came to me in the cell, then climbed into my bunk to hug me just like she did when I was a young kid scared of a thunderstorm. She chased away the nightmares.”
The deputies had tears in their eyes. They desperately wanted to believe what they were told was the truth.
Rev. Giles arrived to finalize arrangements for the funeral. Callie had no issues with her mother’s request that her ashes be scattered on Wells Point. It was decided a brief memorial service would be held in the church the next morning. One phone call set up the phone tree for the entire Clan and had the teens calling all of Susan’s friends and distant relatives to tell of the arrangements. They were also informed that as soon as the memorial service was completed, everyone would be invited to Wells Point for a picnic with games and the scattering of ashes so wearing casual clothing and shoes was expected. Again Callie and the deputies were amazed. They’d never considered a funeral or memorial service to be a celebration. Rev. Giles smiled and explained it was a celebration of Susan’s life and her graduation to the afterlife.
Kylie slipped out unnoticed as the planning wound up. Minutes later they all heard the rumble of a powerful motor. Everyone stepped onto the porch. The deputies and Callie were surprised to behold the pink and green tartan paint job on the DUKW. In a few moments they were seated inside the DUKW and spent the rest of the afternoon touring the Clan Wells Point. Callie and the deputies were amazed by all they saw and the obvious caring and concern of the people. The CWP Youth Rehab Hostel really impressed them. They joined Kylie, Larry, Evelyn, Rachel and Tony for supper in the main farmhouse. Quite naturally the twins were cuddled and adored.
The next morning Callie and the deputies joined the Clan and other parishioners in the memorial service at St. Luke’s UMC Church. Quite a few of Susan’s friends and a few distant relatives attended. Rev. Giles announced that all were invited to attend the picnic and ash scattering celebration on Wells Point which immediately followed that Service.
The memorial service was anything but somber. Many stories of Susan’s life were fondly recounted when those attending were asked if they had anything they’d like to share. Callie was brought to tears by many of the tales. As the last person spoke, Krista sidled up to Callie.
“Now’s your chance,” Krista urged. “A lot of people know bits and pieces about you and feel you were a disappointment to your mom. Tell them your story.”
“My story is failure and disappointment,” Callie sniffed. “I’d be too embarrassed.”
“Okay,” Krista nodded to Callie. Then she walked to the microphone to speak. “I’m Krista Scott. I only knew Susan for the last sixteen days of her life. Even as she was dying, she did what she could for her family. While those of you not familiar with the Clan Wells Point may not believe this, my late mother Carol has become the Clan’s guardian Angel. She was dying from cancer and drowned in the ocean so my sisters and I wouldn’t be placed in foster homes. By dying as she did gave us a chance to get away to come here. Since then she’s made several appearances to Clan members leaving salt water and bits of seaweed behind. Susan had told us she’d spoken to Carol in a dream who assured her when it was her time she’d come for her. The morning she passed we found two sets of wet footprints with bits of seaweed leading from Susan’s bed to the twin’s bedroom.”
“Knowing the Clan Wells Point would look after her family Susan spent her last days content,” Krista said. “Most of you know her daughter Callie ran away last year. Susan never stopped loving Callie. She knew Callie would do things she’d regret but had faith in her daughter to eventually see the error of her ways and do the right thing. I’m here to tell you Susan was right about her daughter. You might have heard tales of how Callie got mixed up in some bad business, how the guy she was with murdered a man while robbing him. How she was arrested as an accomplice and is serving a long prison term in Texas. That’s only part of the story.”
“Callie was pregnant when the robbery and murder happened,” Krista continued. “She didn’t know what the guy was planning. All she’d been told was to drive him to a business deal at some guy’s home. When he ‘completed’ the deal, he came out and Callie drove away. She only learned what had happened when they were arrested the next day and it devastated her. She was charged as an accessory to murder and armed robbery. Her public defender did an extremely poor job. Even though she was innocent of any knowledge of the crime, she admitted she had driven the perpetrator to and from the crime scene and was sentenced as a criminal instead of an innocent dupe. It turned out she was pregnant with twins and that the State of Texas would take the babies and put them into foster care unless Callie had family to take them. Callie did the right thing by calling her mother to get the twins. Even though Susan was terminally ill with cancer she flew to Texas. It was only when Callie saw her that she realized how sick her mom was.”
“Not wanting to burden her mother Callie apologized and said she’d let the state take custody of the twins,” Krista explained. “Susan insisted she’d take the twins and promised to find suitable foster parents for them so Callie relented. Unfortunately the trip and taking care of the newborn twins took a lot out of Susan. It took everything she had just to take care of the babies. She had no time to search out foster parents. Then the answer to her prayers came from this church. My uncle Larry Scott married Kylie Masters. The bridal party procession from this church to the reception was done in my great great grandfather’s DUKW which Kylie restored. After going through town the DUKW entered St. Michael’s harbor and sailed around the Bay Hundred peninsula to the Clan Wells Point where the reception was held. Since the Antique and Classic Boat Festival was going on, the DUKW fit right in and the wedding and processional was broadcast as part of the coverage.”
“Susan saw the broadcast of the wedding and knew she’d found the perfect foster parents,” Krista went on. “She knew Larry and Kylie since they had been classmates with Callie and knew they were good people. She also knew Kylie could never give birth since just like me she’s transgender. Susan placed an emergency call to Texas to talk to Callie. Callie was initially surprised to learn Kylie had made the transition to female having only known her as Kyle. However with what she knew about Kyle the transition explained a lot of things about why Kyle was always so different. She also knew Kyle and Larry had been best friends. So after a bit of thought she approved of having them become the twins’ parents. Susan loaded the twins in her car and headed out to Wells Point to crash the reception. She told us she had the most wonderful wedding present for Kylie and Larry and explained what had happened to Callie, then she passed out from exhaustion.”
“For those of you who don’t know, Larry and Kylie, and their adopted twins Sonny and Rayne, are part of the seventy member strong Clan Wells Point,” Krista declared. “We are a loving and caring self created Clan who help each other as well as outsiders. Once Susan came to us she never left our embracing arms and the Clan accepted her as a member. We put her up in the same home Kylie and Larry shared with Kylie’s mom, aunt, and cousin along with the twins. The Clan provided hospice looking after her all her needs and soothing her last days. She saw and held her grandchildren every day. She saw the love and devotion Kylie and Larry gave the twins. Last week when the adoption of the twins was completed, Callie witnessed it via an internet feed and voiced her approval when asked. Kylie told Callie the twins would know their birth mother, that Callie would be kept informed of their progress and that when she was released she’d find a welcome home with the Clan.”
“As you can see from what I’ve said, Susan never lost faith in Callie,” Krista summarized. “Callie made some mistakes but other than smoking pot never knowingly did anything illegal. She owned up to her mistakes and took looking after the twins seriously and responsibility. Callie is here today on bereavement furlough missing her mother and has seen first hand that Sonny and Rayne are in good hands and have a bright future. What she doesn’t know is that the Clan lawyer has been in contact with a well known defense lawyer in Houston who has reviewed Callie’s arrest, trial, conviction and sentence. We and he have concluded her guilty plea and conviction was a farce since none of the evidence that Callie was an unwitting accomplice was presented. Tomorrow morning a petition will be filed to ask for a full review of the case with intention to pursue charges against the incompetent public defender, the overzealous prosecutor and the judge with gross misconduct for railroading an innocent victim. We’re hoping to have Callie’s charges dismissed or at least reduced to misdemeanor status and have her sentence reduced to time served. Callie, when you’re released a ticket to fly home to the Clan will be waiting and if you desire, you’ll become a member of the Clan Wells Point. Sonny and Rayne will remain the official children of Kylie and Larry but you’ll be welcomed to be a regular part of their lives as a beloved aunt. I have no doubts that Susan is watching us and is absolutely delighted. Long may Susan Warren’s life, love and memory be honored!”
Callie was in tears. The Texan deputies were once more astonished. Those attending not members of the Clan were surprised by the revelations.
Chapter 3
Susan’s memorial service ended and a caravan proceeded to Wells Point where open sided tents had been set up and a catering staff was finishing the preparation for the meal. Those new to the area were impressed with the beauty of the area and the fantastic view of Broad Creek. Clan members freely intermingled with the guests answering any and all questions. The atmosphere of the gathering was far from austere. The pleasant environs banished any gloom. The noon buffet meal was well received and enjoyed. As some settled to enjoy the cooling breeze the children began to play tag while the teens and adults enjoyed badminton and volley ball. The games ended by 4:00pm. Krista led Kylie and Larry, carrying Sonny and Rayne, with Callie carrying Susan’s ashes into the Wells-O’Brien Cemetery. The six headed inside the enclosure while everyone else gathered about the stone walls. Bottles of soap bubbles were distributed to those along the walls. Standing atop a ladder, Tony recorded the ash spreading celebration.
“My mother loved life,” Callie spoke clearly. “Now I understand why she fell in love with everything about the Clan Wells Point. She knew that her grandchildren had a loving family and home. Despite the short time she received succor here she was so impressed she asked that her ashes be scattered here, amongst the resting place of the ancestors of the Clan Wells Point’s inspiration, Krista Scott. I look forward to joining the Clan and honoring my mother’s faith in me. Please open the soap bottles and fill the air with sparkling bubbles as we scatter the last earthly remains of Susan Warren upon this beautiful garden.”
Everyone dipped their bubble wands into the bottles and began to blow bubbles. With nearly one hundred people blowing bubbles, the air was quickly filled with a myriad of rainbow hued spheres wafting willy nilly in the gentle breeze. The sight was one of awe inspiring beauty. With surgical gloves on her hands Krista reached into the box of cremains to gather the ashes. One small handful at a time she lofted the ashes into the air amongst the bubbles. They walked about the enclosure until the last ashes were scattered. Then Callie and Krista lifted their arms heavenward and with skirts swirling spun in circles of joyous dance through the bubbles as they frolicked around Kylie and Larry who held the giggling Sonny and Rayne as Rev. Giles intoned “From the King James Bible in Genesis 3:19: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
As Rev. Giles spoke Jimmy picked up his fiddle and Sam his banjo as Kylie accompanied by Larry began to sing ‘In the Garden’. Garden
The flow of bubbles began to falter since no one had a dry eye. When the beautiful song ended sniffling could be heard from all sides as the birds in the trees twittered while the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze.
“I want to thank everyone for sharing this wonderful celebration of my mother’s life,” Callie whispered as she sniffled. “Mom, I apologize for the wrongs I’ve done and promise to live the rest of my life honoring your memory.”
The celebration broke up with hugs being freely exchanged. The deputies were included. The Texans had never witnessed such a moving memorial service. It most certainly was nothing like the sad somber experiences they’d had witnessed in the past. This truly had been a celebration of life.
Krista, Lyndi and Teri stepped inside the cemetery enclosure to commune with their mother. “Oh my God!” the twins exclaimed as they started jumping up and down with excitement. Krista sprinted out to grab Callie’s hand and pull her inside.
Their excitement drew nearly everyone back to the enclosure.
Callie stood with her mouth hanging open as she stood beside Krista and the twins looking in astonishment at the monument and tugged her to Carol’s grave.
The hair and gown of the angel were wet with scattered pieces of seaweed.
“That’s my mom saying she approved of Susan’s graduation party,” Krista declared.
The CWP members smiled. The guests shivered wondering if Carol was indeed a guardian angel. The Texan Deputies exchanged looks of surprise. Just as so many others who had been touched by the Clan Wells Point their lives were forever changed for the better.
Callie and the deputies spent a pleasant evening at the main farmhouse cuddling Sonny and Rayne. As the day ended they returned to the CWP B&B they turned in for their last night in Wells Point. For the first time in months Callie easily fell asleep without what had become normal hours long tossing and turning.
Callie dreamed of the enlightening celebration of scattering her mother’s ashes in the bright sunshine. The way the bubbles floated and bounced through the gentle breeze glinting in the warm sunlight as she gave vent to the joyous release via the impromptu dance with Krista while Kylie and Larry sang ‘In The Garden’. In her dream she saw a startling sight. The way the ashes tactilely fell upon the bubbles created a pattern... an astonishing image... her mother! The cancer worn face smiled with unearthly beauty. There was utter joy and peace in her drawn yet angelic visage.
“Callie, be at peace,” the words flowed from the image. “I’m with Carol now, a second guardian angel for the Clan Wells Point. God has accepted your apologies and your promise to live the rest of your life honoring my memory. I can do no less. The Clan will see to it you are freed and return here. Never forget, my dear child, God and I love you!” Then the ghostly image blew a kiss before the bubbles began to float apart.
Callie awoke energized and hopeful. They had breakfast with the twins and their Clan family. Krista and Tony waited until the meal was complete.
“Tony filmed the ash scattering service,” Krista stated. “We reviewed the film last night and were pleasantly surprised.”
They played the recording on the computer screen. Callie smiled broadly while the others sat in open mouthed awe. The recording revealed the image formed by the floating bubbles of Susan smiling upon her daughter and grandchildren as her ashes were being scattered.
“I saw that in a dream last night,” Callie smiled. “She told me to be at peace and that she and God accepted my apology and promise.”
“I’ve made a DVD with that recording,” Tony said. “It also has the memorial service in the church and clips of your mom with the twins as well as the twins with Kylie and Larry. I hope they let you keep it to share with your fellow inmates.”
The deputies were now spooked but in a good way. The Clan was so spiritual and confident that life continued after death. The concept that loved ones graduated rather than died was one of hope.
“I’m not a Methodist,” one deputy said. “Could my family and I join the Clan?”
“The criteria for joining the Clan is to be caring, loving, and honest,” Krista smiled. “It doesn’t matter what your beliefs are as long as they’re compatible with ours. Two of our members are non-Christian Wiccans. You’d have to come here and ask us to join us. We’d get to know you and you us as we’ve done the last few days. If both sides agree, we invite you to join us.”
“I’ll most certainly be discussing this with my husband,” the deputy, Diane Hoffman, replied.
Krista hugged her and gave her the address for the Clan website and facebook page.
At that point Leroy arrived with the cruiser to take the three back to the airport for the trip home. Diane continued to discuss the Clan for the entire trip. Leroy explained that his wages for picking them up and delivering them to Dulles as well as the cost of using the cruiser was being reimbursed to the county by the CWP.
*****
The Clan enjoyed a pleasant late afternoon/evening picnic at the landing on Friday the Fourth of July. A late afternoon meeting of the CWP was held. After each operation reported their status, the directors, Steven Campbell, Kevin and Jane Stuart, and Robert Scott, thanked everyone for their work. Then Steven addressed the gathering.
“While CWP is prospering, what we’ve been fearing is getting closer. For the last few years people and businesses were paying more than fair market value for properties. The stock market is overpriced and out of control. Several large financial firms are on the verge of collapse. The financial market has been in trouble for months and we think things will implode in the next two to three months. That will cause a massive stock market correction. Thousands of mortgages are upside down, owing more than their properties are worth leaving them with negative equity. The collapse started with the crash of the sub-prime mortgage market during 2007. Fortunately we saw what was coming and we’ve retrenched. We’ve liquidated much of our stock investments since we’re sure the stock market will soon take a dive. I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes down fifty percent. Many business will go belly up. People will lose their jobs and tens of thousands of mortgages will go into default. A significant portion of the economy will begin to implode. The good news is the Clan is prepared to weather the collapse. We have no debt. We own all the Clan property, several of which we bought since they were being sold because the owners were overextended. We’re ready to take advantage of further collapse. We have enough liquidity to buy properties that go into foreclosure or close to foreclosure. We’ll only do so in the Bay Hundred area and we will not overextend ourselves. We’re already keeping an eye on several local properties we expect will soon be on the market. We’ve already contacted the owners to let them know we’re interested and if they deal directly with us they’ll have an immediate sale without realtor fees. We’re letting you know that we’re prepared for what’s about to happen so there will be no need for any worries.”
The meeting ended with Krista making an announcement that special guests would be arriving the first weekend of August. Reservations had been made for the Greens from West Virginia to visit the Clan. She gave a brief overview of the expanded family including the unique names of K8t and M8t, that M8t is a MTF TS and about the by then infamous Battle of the Transsexual versus the Bikers. The news they’d be arriving in their rebuilt 1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was greeted with smiles by those old enough to remember the golden age of the American automobile. Everyone looked forward to meeting the visitors.
The meeting ended as darkness fell. Soon the kids and teens were having a ball with sparklers while the adults smiled.
Saturday July 5 at 3:00pm the Clan divided themselves between the DUKW, the Coconut Island fishing charter boat and the Teacher’s Peace charter boat. The three vessels were able to handle the entire Clan. They sailed around Bay Hundred into the Miles River opposite the Chesapeake Maritime Museum in St. Michaels about two hundred feet off the forest on Fairview Point on the north shore arriving about 6:00pm. The Teacher’s Peace anchored first parallel to the shore. The Coconut Island eased up so the bow sprit tucked on the shoreward side of the TP before anchoring. The DUKW backed against the stern of the CI before anchoring. They tied the three vessels together so the Clan members could easily pass from one boat to another. On port side of the larger Coconut Island grills were set up and other goodies placed upon the top of the cabin for a picnic spread. The kids, teens and many of the adults went into the water to swim and just splash around. As dusk fell everyone settled onto the starboard side of the vessels to watch the fantastic fireworks display that was launched from the point of farmland between Tide Mill Cove and the Maritime Museum. The booming echoed and re-echoed across the Miles River. The colorful brilliant aerial displays reflected off the still waters of the estuary.
Cheers and boat horns tooting echoed across the waters at the resounding conclusion of the patriotic display. With practiced ease the three CWP vessels disengaged and headed for home. It was just past midnight when the convoy broke up to head to their individual docks. Everyone was in bed by 1:00am.
*****
At 6:30am on July 6, Gretchen received a call from her oldest brother, Harold. Her father, Winston, was in the hospital having suffered a major heart attack. The doctor’s prognosis was not good and could die at any time. Harold informed Gretchen their dad’s last wish was to see her and his grandchildren. Naturally Gretchen promised to catch the first flight to Vancouver.
The entire Clan rallied. As Gretchen and Cynthia packed bags Steven attempted to make flight reservations but found there were no direct flights. The best he could get was a one stop flight/transfer with a flight time of nine hours boarding at 1:00pm. After a quick conference call to Kevin, Jane, and Robert, the other directors of the CWP, Steven contacted a non commercial flight operation renting a LearJet that would leave Baltimore at 11:00am on a five and a quarter hour direct flight. At 10:00 a private helicopter landed in the grassy triangle at the intersection of Long Cove and Tree Lanes. Gretchen, George, Benny Cynthia and Steven with their luggage boarded in minutes and sped off to the Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshal airport. The forty mile flight took twenty minutes. The Learjet took off a few minutes before 11:00am for Vancouver.
*****
That same afternoon Robert, Jane, Kevin, Gilligan and Mary Ann traveled to St. Michaels to check out what had been Susan’s home. The address was 301 West Chew Street, the last home on the street just past the intersection with Tilden Street. Waterfront Park was between Tilden Street and San Domingo Creek, crossing West Chew Street bordering 301 West Chew Street. The public dock in Waterfront Park extended off the end of West Chew Street. It was the same dock The CWP Contracting and Construction had enlarged last year and was the berth of the Coconut Island. The house was perfectly situated to the ship’s birth. The house could serve as the ticket office and with a bit of remodeling as a B&B. The public boat launch was at the south end of the park.
The main portion of the home was a two story forty feet by thirty five feet. A one story twenty feet by thirty feet wing came off the northeast corner. A two story twenty five feet by twenty five feet wing came off the southeast corner of the main part. A forty feet by thirty feet two story garage was located five feet southeast of the southeast wing. They decided to add a one story twenty five feet by thirty five feet extension to the southeast wing along side and attached to the garage.
The main home and southeast addition could be remodeled into a B&B with six ensuite rooms on each floor. The Northeast addition would be split in half. One part to be the B&B office as well as the ticket office for the Coconut Island tours while the other would be a kitchen/dining room combo for the B&B. The addition connecting the house to the garage would become an apartment as would the second floor of the garage. The Evans family would move into the larger second floor apartment.
The new B&B would be named the CWP Susan’s Place B&B
*****
After landing at Vancouver International Airport by 2:00pm Pacific DSL time they were in a taxi heading for Vancouver General Hospital. At 2:40 a very concerned Gretchen led her new family into the acute care waiting room.
Doris, Denise and Gregory, the spouses of her siblings, were in the room riding herd on their seven children. Doris was the one to recognize her sister-in law. “Oh my God... Gretchen! How did you get here so quickly?”
“We flew in,” Gretchen explained as she hugged Doris. “How is dad? Is he still alive?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t look good,” Denise answered as she hugged Gretchen.
“We think he’s been hanging on to say goodbye to you,” Greg added as he hugged her.
Gretchen hugged her nieces and nephews then introduced her sons and American in-laws to her Canadian in-laws, nephews and nieces. Benny was noticeably shy but allowed his aunts and uncle to hug him after his grandparents nodded it was okay. The receptionist contacted the acute care nursing station that Gretchen had arrived. In moments Harold burst through the doors.
Startled to see Gretchen, he wearily smiled and swept her into a warm embrace. “I don’t know how you made it so quickly but it’s good you did. Dad’s still hanging on but he hasn’t responded to us for the last hour.” Looking at the other newcomers he saw the two children he didn’t know. “Your’s?”
“Benny and George,” Gretchen replied as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Benny, your grandpa Winston would like to see you. I’m your uncle Harold. Will you let me carry you while your mom carries George?”
Benny glanced at Cynthia and Steven who nodded their heads. The two year old reached up to his uncle.
Three minutes later Harold led Gretchen into the room. Upon seeing her haggard father it took all her will power to keep from gasping. Her mother, Elizabeth, was seated by his side holding his hand. She bit her lips as she smiled with gratitude to see her youngest daughter and grandchildren.
“Winnie, Winnie, Gretchen’s here! She has Benny and George,” Elizabeth managed to keep from crying. “Winnie, Gretchen is here to see you!”
The weary man stirred for the first time in over an hour. “Gret... Gret...” he mumbled.
“Yes, dad, Gretchen is here,” Diana, Getchen’s sister seated on the other side of her dad said when she saw her mother was too emotional to speak. “Gretchen, come over here and take daddy’s hand.”
With tears rolling down her cheeks Gretchen moved into the space vacated by her older sister who took little George. “Daddy, I’m here,” Gretchen whispered as she took his hand in hers and leaned over to kiss his cheek.
“Gret... Gretch,” Winston rallied as he squeezed her hand and opened his weary rheumy eyes to gaze upon the tear strewn face of his baby. “I... I’m sorry, baby.” He drew in a raw gasping breath. “I was wrong to turn my back on you. I...” A shallow rasping cough shook his body.
“Daddy, it’s okay. I was wrong about Ben and you were right. There is no need to apologize,” Gretchen reassured him as he struggled to catch his breath.
“I’m dying,” Winston gasped. “I need to apologize.”
“Okay, daddy, I forgive you and thank you for apologizing,” Gretchen whispered as she struggled to hold back her tears.
“Your children...” Winston gasped.
“They’re right here, daddy,” Gretchen sniffed as Harold and Diane moved to hold the children beside their mother.
“Thank you, they’re beautiful,” Winston wearily smiled as he looked upon his youngest grandchildren for the first and last time. Then he looked around at his four children and wife. “It’s almost time. I’m sorry I messed up so much... kids... don’t be stubborn like me... never be ashamed to admit you were wrong. Tell everyone I love them. Liz... I’ll be waiting...” With that his body shuddered and his eyes closed.
Everyone was in tears as the alarms on the monitors went off. A nurse hurried in noting the flatline. Quietly she shut off the alarms and left the grieving family. The doctor on duty with the nurse entered and checked the still man. No words were needed as they disconnected the monitors and drips. When they finished they stepped back to let the sniffling family say goodbye to their patriarch.
Gretchen and Diane moved to their mother and wrapped her in a loving hug as the grieving widow cried. Harold and George stood stoically behind them. After five minutes, Harold cleared his throat. “Mom, we should go out to the others.”
Elizabeth nodded her head but didn’t move.
Gretchen walked around the bed and slipped her hand into her mothers then leaned forward to kiss her father. “Goodbye Daddy, I love you.” Then she stepped back.
Diane handed baby George to her brother George then leaned over to kiss her father goodbye. She then walked around the bed to sandwich her crying mother with Gretchen. The uncles holding their nephews, placed a hand on their father’s still hand. Supported by her daughters Elizabeth leaned forward to kiss Winston’s lips for the last time. Silently they stepped back as the patiently waiting nurse stepped forward to pull the sheet over his head. With that the grieving family headed to the waiting room.
The instant they saw the solemn tear stained faces, the waiting spouses and grandchildren knew Winston had passed. Doris and Denise joined in the group hug of a very distraught Elizabeth. The older children understood that their grandfather had died and began to cry. It didn’t take long for the gloom to have all the children crying. It was 3:10pm, a half hour after Gretchen had arrived.
Once they ran of tears Gretchen solemnly introduced her in laws to her siblings and mother explaining they’d chartered a Learjet to get her to Vancouver. If she’d taken commercial flights
she wouldn’t have arrive until 8:00pm.
“Thank you for getting Gretchen here in time,” Harold said to Steven and Cynthia. “I’m sorry we can’t reimburse the costs...”
“There’s no need to worry what it cost,” Steven smiled. “When word of Winston’s heart attack spread through the Clan Wells Point they all agreed it was more important that Gretchen get here ASAP rather than worry about the cost.”
Harold was puzzled. “What’s the Clan Wells Point?”
“Seventy two people make up The Clan Wells Point,” Steven explained. “We’re a disparate collection of caring adults and children. We have individual family homes on commonly owned land and operate several successful businesses. We’re a modern commune working together for the common good without the need to have everyone receive the same benefits and life style. We remain individuals within the whole. To join everyone exchanges their land and savings to the Clan in exchange for shares of the whole which makes everyone in the CWP millionaires. Some, like Gretchen, had nothing to exchange but the Clan voted her and Benny in just the same. We take care of our own.”
Harold and those listening were surprised. They thought communes to outdated hippyish dinosaurs.
By this time it became evident to Cynthia and Steven that the grieving family didn’t know what to do. With a silent glance, Cynthia moved to comfort the women while Steven did the same with the men.
Thirty year old Harold was the new family patriarch and totally unprepared for the position. Twenty nine year old George was no better. Brother-in law twenty eight year old Gregory was equally overwhelmed.
“This may sound inappropriate but have any arrangements been made,” Steven asked after several moments of obvious desolate confusion.
The brothers exchanged looks of guilt then shook their heads. “None of us including dad ever expected anything like this,” Harold sighed. “Dad took care of everything. He collapsed on the job yesterday afternoon. We don’t even know how to complete the job.”
Steven sighed and spoke gently. “Do you mind if I may make a few suggestions?”
“No,” Harold replied with undisguised humility. “I’m ashamed to admit we’re lost and would appreciate any advice you can give.”
“I assume you’ve been here all day if not all night,” Steven began seeing them nod. “I’ve made reservations for us to stay at the Holiday Inn Vancouver. They have a restaurant, Stages Bistro and Lounge. It’s only a few blocks away. Why don’t we all go there for a meal. I’ll call ahead and have them set up to accommodate us all. We can discuss arrangements and make plans for the future.”
“Ah, that sounds nice but to be honest, we can’t afford it,” Harold said with embarrassment. “The business hasn’t been doing too well the last few months. I guess we should have seen there was something wrong with Dad but he never let us say anything. We’ve been going hand to mouth for the last six weeks. Dad kept trying to bull his way through but it caught up to him. Now...”
“We definitely need to have a sit down meal,” Steven declared. “The Clan Wells Point will pick up the tab.”
“For all of us?” George asked with clear disbelief. “You don’t even know us!”
“Gretchen and her sons are part of my family and the Clan family,” Steven declared. “You lot are also Gretchen’s family. Her family is our family. Like her, I’m sure you’re good people. That’s all I need to know. My wife and I stand by our family. Now, no more talk. Let the staff here know we’ll have someone pick up you father’s body as soon as they release it which will probably be tomorrow. Then let’s head out.”
Accustomed to being told what to do, the bereaved family did as they were told.
Forty five minutes later the family was ushered into a corner of the Stages Bistro and Lounge.
“Let me get this straight,” Steven said after half an hour of dinner conversation. “You know virtually nothing about how your dad ran Rich Construction.”
The three men nodded their heads in embarrassment.
“Winston was a megalomaniac and handled everything,” Elizabeth said.
“Okay, excuse me a moment while I make a call,” Steven said as he stepped away from the table.
“It sounds like you’d like me to come up and see what I can discover,” Robert said after listening to Steven explaining the situation. “I’ll brief David on what he needs to cover then I’ll fly up tomorrow. It’ll probably take a week or so to make sense of what’s going on.”
After thanking Robert Steven returned to the table. “The Clan Wells Point has a Contracting and Constructing division. I spoke to Robert Scott who heads it up. His son David is second in command and will take over while Robert flies up here to see if he can figure out the status of Rich Construction and get you fellows back on your feet.”
The guys exchanged looks of disbelief and confusion as Harold asked, “He’d do that? What will it cost?”
“Yes, he’ll do it,” Steven assured them. “The cost, if any, will be low, no more than expenses. It’s what the Clan Wells Point is all about.”
The next day Cynthia helped Elizabeth make funeral arrangement while the guys took Steven to the cluttered business office. Steven looked about the cluttered and disorganized office, sighed and with assistance from the guys began to sort through the piles of papers.
Robert arrived in Vancouver at 8:00pm taking a taxi to the Hilton.
The next two days Robert began trying to sort out the jobs while Steven worked on the accounts. What they discovered was an utter mess. Winston Rich had been an arrogant, prideful and volatile man, as he’d shown himself to be when Steven and Cynthia had rescued Gretchen and Benny in December. His often explosive attitude had caused friends and acquaintances to fade away. Along with that his frequent outbursts increasingly damaged his business reputation amongst customers and vendors. Good employees left for greener pastures until it was just Winston, his sons and son-in-law. This in turn caused a downturn in customers and higher costs for raw materials. The man had indeed been an utter megalomaniac keeping his family out of the business loop.
The funeral was held the next day, Thursday, July 10. Other than the immediate family, only a handful of people showed up. Even his siblings were no shows. The somber service was short and the burial service brief. Afterward, courtesy of Steven and Cynthia, the family had a somber meal in a private room at a nice restaurant. When the meal was over, Steven and Robert stood to address the family.
“Please don’t take what I’m about to say as condemnation,” Steven began. “I didn’t know Winston well enough to make a judgement. I only spoke to him one time and it was not a pleasant nor fruitful experience. From what Robert and I have discovered the business is a mess and virtually bankrupt. You all have homes on the family farm which is mortgaged to the hilt and in default. From what we can deduce he mortgaged the farm to keep the business afloat. Every supplier is owed money and none will sell to the business at business rates. It’s retail cash and carry only. As for credit cards, they’re all maxed out. From what you’ve said he had been wound up tighter than a drum for months. I’d venture to say the stress of impending bankruptcy is what brought on the heart attack.”
“He was always too proud and stubborn to admit he needed help,” Elizabeth tearfully sighed. “I truly loved him, but to be honest over the last several months I was debating divorce.”
“We knew business was bad but we had no idea it was this bad,” Harold admitted. “I’m an electrician, Greg is a plumber, and George is a roofer, none of us knows how to run the business. What can we do?”
“Honestly, the best thing you can do is close the business and let the bank take the farm,” Steven declared. “The business is too damaged to even attempt to sell and the bank will soon evict you from your homes. Winston’s estate is insolvent. I’m not familiar with Canadian bankruptcy law but I did some research. Since everything was in Winston’s name and he left no will, none of you can be held responsible for his debt. At the same time there will be nothing left to inherit. I took the liberty to make an appointment with a lawyer for tomorrow. I’ll accompany you and present the debts owed. The jobs you’re working on will need to be notified that work cannot continue and the business has closed with no assets. You’ll have a few weeks before you’ll have to move. You’ll need to get other jobs and find new homes.”
The family exchanged looks of disbelief and fear.
“An alternative is for you to pack up and move to Maryland,” Robert announced. “I’m sure Gretchen would love to have you nearby. The Clan Wells Point Contracting and Construction consists of myself, my sons David and Larry and eight employees although currently there are only five. Larry left to take over the Clan Wells Point Organic Farm but still helps out if needed, the electrician, the roofer, and the plumber have all moved away so I’m short handed. We’ve been using temp workers but they need a lot of supervision and are unreliable. Gentlemen, I can offer each of you a job if you want it and we’ll help you find a place to live. As the Clan expands there will be other jobs available.”
Again the family exchanged looks of disbelief but this time tinged with hope.
“Please join us,” Gretchen declared. “The Clan Wells Point is the most wonderful group of people you’ll ever meet. Steven, Cynthia, and Robert came here to help you simply because you’re my family. If you come to join us you won’t be disappointed!”
“You are all welcome to join us,” Steven said. “But I’ll warn you up front if you’re bigoted stay away. We have several transgender members as well as some gay and lesbian members.”
“My youngest son’s wife is transgender as is one of my granddaughters,” Robert added. “That granddaughter is fourteen and the driving force behind our Clan. If you can accept that, then you’ll be welcomed.”
“If we move where would we live,” Elizabeth asked.
“That depends on you,” Steven smiled. “You might have to rent until we can secure permanent housing. If so we’d make the arrangements and pay the rent. But we have our eyes on some of the neighboring properties we think will soon be available. As Canadian immigrants to the United States you’ll need to obtain lawful permanent residence, a green card. You can do so either as immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, Benny and George, or as employment-sponsored immigrants.”
That evening Robert flew home. The next day Steven accompanied Elizabeth and her four children to see an estate lawyer. After reviewing the presented documents the man was reluctant to get involved since it was doubtful funds would be available to pay him. Steven set it up so that the CWP would, with documentation, pay his fee if the estate settlement didn’t. The family signed all appropriate documents.
So it was that on Friday July 11 the Rich family began packing. Cynthia stayed with Gretchen and the two kids to assist Elizabeth. Steven flew home to make arrangements for them to move to Maryland. The two thousand seventy eight mile trip would take 45 hours on the road not counting stops and overnights. Not counting stops they planned to drive ten hours a day with the drivers swapping out as needed. They intended to leave just after dawn on Wednesday July 14.
On Saturday Steven called the owners of the first four houses on the south side Almost Neavitt Road. In the months since the rest of the properties along the road had been melded into The Clan Wells Point those owners had been having second thoughts about turning down the Clan’s generous offer to purchase their properties. All four were vacation homes and with the stumbling economy their income was down as their expenses rose. All were underwater in their mortgages, sinking deeper week by week with no end in sight. They saw the CWP prospering even though the economy was going down the tubes. Steven offered to assume all debts on the property with a small but decent cash takeaway for the furnishings. By Friday all four sold with closure by the eighteenth of July.
The Rich family had cleaned up their affairs in British Columbia and caravanned four and a half days to The Clan Wells Point. They arrived a bit after noon on Sunday July 20. The family temporarily crowded into the large first home on Almost Neavitt Road while the other three homes were winterized for full year round occupation. They were greeted by Steven, Robert and Jane as well as the teens who assisted with the unpacking.
The CWP held an evening picnic to welcome the Rich family. The newcomers couldn’t quite grasp they were being so openly welcomed. They realized that Gretchen had not been exaggerating about the CWP’s shared caring and love. The Canadian family was unanimously voted into CWP membership. Harold and George Rich with Gregory Harris became employees of CWP Contracting and Construction. As the other three homes were renovated, the Rich siblings moved into the three homes. Sons Harold and George, with their wives and children, moved into readied homes. The daughter Diana, with her husband Gregory and children with the widowed Elizabeth moved into the third home. The Clan Wells Point now had eighty four members.
*****
Starting Monday July 21 the Tidewater Titans began their four day summer Fundamental/Conditioning Football Camp and Fundamental Cheerleading Camp from 6am to 8pm. There were six age groups. The youngest who played flag football were the cubs for ages five and six. No one from the CWP was in this group. The next age group was the tiny mites for ages five, six and seven in the thirty five to seventy five pound range; James Harris was in this group. The next group was the mitey-mites for ages seven, eight and nine in the forty five to ninety pound range; Peter Scott, Leroy (LJ) Scott Jr., and Kevin Rich for football while Sandi Scott was in cheerleading. The junior pee-wees were the next group for eight, nine, ten and eleven year olds in the sixty to one hundred five pound range; Kyle Rich, Chris Olsen, Harold (HJ) Rich and George (GJ) Rich for football and Ivy Reese for cheerleading. The pee-wees were for nine, ten and eleven year olds in the seventy five to one hundred twenty pound range; Lyndi and Teri Scott and Joyce Rich for cheerleading. The oldest group was the midgets for eleven, twelve, thirteen and fourteen year olds in the one hundred five to one hundred sixty pounds; Tony Masters, Jimmy Boswell, Phil Abott, Dwayne Harper, Sam Evans and Marcus Olsen for football with Krista Scott, Jasmine Reese, Jenny Ewell and Holly Reese for cheerleading.
Needless to say having twenty three participants there was extensive car pooling. Two weeks of preseason practices were scheduled for Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning August 11. The Saturday practices would end with the start of the season since that was the game day. The football season consisted of eight games with the first game scheduled for Saturday August 30. The regular season ended October 18th with succeeding Saturday games for championships if they qualified.
*****
Seeing all the CWP kids involved with the Tidewater Titans Elizabeth Rich noticed a need and spoke to her daughter and daughter-in-laws. With the CWP growing, there was a burgeoning need for an organized daycare. The four women worked well together. In addition, Diana had completed three years at the University of British Columbia majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in early childhood education. With Diana’s education she could easily guide the women of the family in setting up and operating a daycare under the auspices of the Clan. The idea of forming a CWP daycare had been previously discussed by the CWP so when Elizabeth raised the idea it was warmly received. When Kevin checked into the legal requirements for a daycare center they were delighted that Diana’s education qualified her to function as the director since she had accumulated 90 hours of college in early childhood education. CWP Daycare was quickly established.
The CWP prospered. Every operation had full schedules and steady work. The kinks were worked out of the recent expansion of CWP Organic Farm. Weekend workloads were set up to be shared so everyone had free time.
A couple in their eighties had a home on the other side of the Bozman-Neavitt Road from the home of Dr. Sykes and Rev. Giles. Like many retirees the economic crunch hit them hard. Their long time home needed extensive repairs and renovations but with savings and retirement funds much reduced they could no longer afford to stay in their home. Knowing the CWP had recently bought the four homes on Almost Neavitt Road they approached Steven about selling their home. Quite naturally the Clan was interested and quickly closed a deal beneficial to the couple who moved into a retirement home.
The shell of the home had several rotting sections but the roof was leaking, the electric and plumbing outdated, and the yard was overgrown. After discussion, CWP Construction tore down the building to erect a two story building. The center of the U-shaped replacement building was sixty feet by thirty feet with wings fifteen by thirty feet creating a thirty by thirty feet courtyard. The first floor would be a spacious and modern daycare center capable of handling up to fifty preschoolers. CWP Daycare would be able to move in by the end of September. The second floor was divided into six apartments fifteen feet by thirty feet with multiple outside stair access to an eight feet wrap around deck on the north, west and south sides.
Leroy was wondering why the Sheriff asked him to attend a meeting of the Talbot County Sheriff’s office employment committee. The Lieutenant in charge of Administration thanked Leroy for coming. They quickly got down to business. They wanted Leroy’s input on an applicant. Leroy smiled when they mentioned Diane Hoffman’s name and that he and fellow Clan members were listed as local references.
“Diane was one of two Texan Deputies who accompanied Callie Warren here for her mother’s funeral,” Leroy explained. “She was impressed with the area and, to be honest, the Clan Wells Point. She asked about moving to the area and wondered if there were any openings in our department. It’s my professional opinion that both deputies took their duties seriously, shared the duties and behaved in a professional manner. Diane had better people skills and asked probing but polite questions. As for my personal opinion, I feel Diane would be an asset to our force and to the Clan Wells Point. More than that I can’t attest.”
The committee thanked Leroy for his time and input. A few days later Laura mentioned that Diane Hoffman had made reservations for her family for the first week in August.
Just after 7pm on Friday August 1 a minivan slowly entered Wells Point Lane. The driver was pointing things out to the man seated in the passenger seat and the three kids in the rear seat. Upon reaching Johns Cove Road they turned north stopping before the CWP B&B. Laura came out to greet the Hoffman family. Jimmy and Betty Boswell came out to help the travel weary family carry their luggage to their rooms. Diane introduced her family, husband Wayne, sons Kyle, 9, John, 7, and daughter Judy, 6.
The next morning during breakfast the Hoffmans were told they’d be taken on a tour of the CWP as soon as they finished eating. Leroy and Krista arrived at the CWP B&B in the DUKW as the family emerged on the front portico. Diane chuckled at Wayne’s startled reaction to the hulking bizarrely pink and green tartan painted amphibious monster. The kids had never seen a DUKW and laughed at the ungainly tartan behemoth. Krista stood by the rear ladder to introduce herself and her father. Having ridden the beast before and setting an example for her family Diane cheerfully and quickly climbed the ladder. Then she turned back to help the eager children aboard. Wayne helped steady the children as they eagerly clambered up the ladder. The expression upon his face revealed his doubt and a tinge of fear.
Once everyone was seated Krista sat behind the wheel and proceeded down Johns Cove Road before turning east on Wells Point Road. Wayne’s eyes were wide seeing the young teen girl driving the huge rumbling machine. Wayne looked to his wife only to see her smiling smugly. Then he looked to Leroy hoping for some sort of sanity.
“Relax,” Leroy chuckled. “Krista is my daughter and has a junior pilot’s license to drive this monster as long as a licensed adult is onboard. Obviously, Diane didn’t mention that I’m a Talbot County Deputy. I’m the one who locally coordinated her on-duty trip in June.”
Wayne looked to Diane who broke out laughing. Realizing he’d been duped, he shook his head. Then another bit of what Diane had said popped into his mind. Turning to look closely at Krista his mouth dropped open.
Chapter 4
Watching the interplay in the rear view mirrors Krista giggled. “I’m a girl. I just have a birth defect that’ll be fixed when I’m old enough.”
The three children witnessed the exchange, looking intently at Krista to see if they could spot her birth defect.
Wayne’s mouth opened and closed like a fish as he looked between Krista, Diane and Leroy.
“I told you you’d never spot her,” Diane chuckled.
“You’re right,” Wayne admitted. “Krista, I apologize for my ignorance.”
“I accept and thank you,” Krista smiled.
“I told you our idea about transsexuals was totally wrong,” Diane smiled as she hugged her confused husband.
“It’s unfortunate that most people assume transsexuals are flamboyant drag queens,” Leroy declared. “If you intend to settle here you’ll have to learn the truth and give up your prejudice. Amongst the eighty four CWP members we have four MTF and one FTM Transsexuals as well as two gay and one lesbian couples. Most of us are Methodists but we have Catholics, Lutherans and two Wiccans. To us labels are unimportant. What’s inside the person is what’s important to us.”
“That sounds unreal,” Wayne declared as he tried to wrap his redneck upbringing around this new reality. “From what Diane told me the Clan Wells Point sounds almost like some sort of Utopia. However, my experiences have taught me not to hope for Utopia in real life.”
“Most of us thought the same way,” Leroy replied. “Krista taught us differently. Our fellowship as the Clan Wells Point is probably as close to Utopia as it gets.”
“Honey, this is what I tried to tell you,” Diane reassuredly squeezed Wayne’s hand. “It’s why I insisted we come here so I can interview for a deputy position here. I want the kids to grow up with this comradery.”
Things began to fall into place for Kyle. “Krista, are you like that girl, Jazz, who was on TV last year?”
“Yes I am,” Krista smiled. “She’s younger than I am and she knew she wasn’t a boy a lot sooner than I did. By going on 20/20 with Barbara Waters she and her family are showing being transgender is not a bad thing.”
John was confused. “What is transgender?”
“Transgender is the name for a medical condition,” Krista spoke up. “Before I explain further let me ask you a question. What I ask may sound weird and I don’t mean to get you upset. Are you a boy?”
John frowned. “Sure!”
Krista nodded. “How do you know you’re a boy?”
John was perplexed for a moment. “Because I have a willie.”
“I have a vajay-jay,” Judy spoke up. “That makes me a girl!”
“Yes. A willie and a vajay-jay are the physical indicators that a person is a boy or girl,” Krista said. “John, how else do you know you’re a boy?”
Now John was truly perplexed. “I don’t know... I just know I’m a boy.”
“Very Good,” Krista smiled. “Your mind tells you that you’re a boy. Judy, is there another way you know you’re a girl”
Judy shrugged her shoulders. “I guess my mind tells me I’m a girl.”
“Right! So there are two ways to know if you’re a boy or a girl,” Krista explained. “Being a boy or a girl is called your gender. For most people, the physical gender indicators, a willie or a vajay-jay, agree with the gender of your mind. For a few of us, our physical gender and our mind gender do NOT agree. I have a willie which means my body is a boy but my mind KNOWS I’m a girl. When your physical gender doesn’t agree with your mind gender that’s called being transgender.”
“That sounds like it’s really confusing,” Judy declared.
“It certainly can be confusing especially since some people won’t accept someone can have different physical and mind genders,” Krista declared. “Medical Science and doctors now know being transgender is a real condition. They’ve learned there is no way to change the gender of a mind. They have learned to change the gender of a physical body to match a mind’s gender.”
Judy frowned. “Why don’t you have that done?”
“I will, but the law says a person can’t do it until they’re eighteen years old,” Krista sighed.
The children nodded accepting what Krista told them.
Wayne just shook his head as he learned what being transgender was all about right along with his kids.
By the time the discussion was completed they had reached the end of Wells Point. The next three hours were spent on a leisurely tour of the CWP. The height of the DUKW made it easy to see every point of interest pointed out. Wayne was blown away by the manure digester on the farm. As a cowboy/farm worker he easily understood the differences between Texan farming practices on more arid farms often covering several square miles versus the damper acre intensive farms of the Chesapeake Bay. Wayne spent the entire next day with Larry observing the CWP farming process. The two hit it off and Wayne found himself hoping Diane would get the job so he could work on the farm.
The Hoffman children spent time with similarly aged CWP kids. On Monday Leroy took Diane into Easton for the interview for the deputy sheriff position. The interviews went well and Diane was offered the position. That evening the Hoffmans were accepted as members of the Clan Wells Point, now eighty nine members strong. Wayne eagerly accepted a job with the CWP farm.
Plans were made. The family would return to Texas to hand in their two week work notice and close up their apartment. They wanted to be in their new home, the recently purchased fourth refitted home on Almost Neavitt Road so the kids could begin the new school year.
*****
On Friday August 8 Krista’s phone rang a 5:00pm. “Hello, this is Krista.”
“Hi Krista, this is K8t Green. We’ve just reached the Chesapeake Bay at Annapolis. According to our GPS we should reach Neavitt in about an hour.”
“That’s great,” Krista enthused eager to meet the Greens. “We’ll meet you at the Clan Wells Point Bakery on Wells Point Lane just off the Bozman Neavitt Road. I’ll let everyone know you’re on the way.”
Krista and most of the teens were eagerly gathered at the Bakery by ten before 6:00pm. Kylie and Larry waited with Jane and Lisa at the front door of the bakery. Like all the Clan they’d been amazed about the confrontation the Greens had with the Bikers. Kylie, being a devout motorhead, was also eager to see the Big Green Machine. At 6:01 they heard the powerful resonate rumble of a decelerating vehicle. In seconds they saw the biggest car any of the teens had ever seen turning onto Wells Point Lane. The green metal flake paint 58TP left them know it was the Greens in their 1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. The car rumbled slowly to a stop in the parking lot of the CWP Bakery as the awed teens swarmed the behemoth dubbed The Mean Green Machine. 58TPC
After the engine shut down the two doors opened. A pretty sixteen year old girl emerged from behind the wheel with a broad smile plastered on her face. A smiling sixteen year old boy exited from the passenger side. The front seats folded forward and a middle aged woman, an older woman and man exited.
“K8t,” Krista smiled as she stepped forward to hug the older teen. “How was the trip?”
“Good,” K8t replied. “We left at 10:00am, stopped every hour to swap off drivers and for restrooms breaks and leg stretches and once for lunch.”
Krista smiled. “How far did you travel?”
“Four hundred and sixty miles,” K8t answered.
“Whoa, that’s quite a one day trip,” Jane said as the adults joined them.
“I’m Kylie,” she introduced herself to M8t. “I run CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair. How did the Big Green Machine perform?”
“Smooth,” M8t smiled. “Even at highway speeds the engine never strained. Would you like to see the engine?”
“Sure,” Kylie smiled.
K8t reached back inside and popped the hood. The teens were surprised to see the hood open backwards. When they saw the engine they all gasped at the massive size that virtually filled the huge engine compartment. Engine
“It’s a 430 cubic inch Super Maurder engine that tested on a dynamiter at 430hp @ 5500 rpm,” M8t proudly reported. “This Y-block engine with triple two barrel carburetors was the first American production automobile engine to attain a 400 hp rating right off the assembly line.”
“This is a genuine classic,” Kylie said with awe. “I guess the side pipes upped the horsepower above factory specs.”
“That it did,” The older man chuckled. “I’m Dinky Dow. These two found a rusting derelict that had been hidden in a collapsing shed for forty one years. K8t’s great grandpa bought it new and parked it after his wife was too afraid of it’s power to ride in it. There were 6407 58 TurnPike Cruisers made and only 100 had this engine.”
Tony asked, “How much does it weight?”
“The factory weight was 4320 pounds,” M8t answered. “We added two five gallon fuel tanks sealed from the interior under the rear seats. Fully fueled the Big Green Machine weighs in at 4350 pounds.”
Jimmy asked, “How fast can it go?”
We’re not sure,” K8t said. “We took it to a street drag competition shortly after we completed the rebuild. We ran four times, the slowest was 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and it finished the quarter mile in 14.57 seconds at 99.10mph. We won the competition when The Big Green Machine went from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 14.02 seconds at 101.52mph. We beat every other street legal car at the competition.”
drag
Everyone was awed by the huge behemoth the Greens proudly displayed.
“I think we’ve done enough jawing,” Jane smiled. “Let’s head down to the CWP Landing for a picnic supper. The entire Clan will be there. We can all get to know each other. I’m sure your car will attract a lot of attention too!”
The teens hopped on their bikes and took off helter skelter down the Wells Point Lane. Jane and Lisa got into their car as did Kylie and Larry. The Greens piled back into the 58 TPC to follow the others.
Needless to say the arrival of the Big Green Machine drew nearly the entire Clan to drool over the flashy behemoth. Brenda and Harriet followed Jane and Lisa to where the picnic was being prepared as Dinky, M8t and K8t showed off their pride and joy answering any and all questions.
When the question of how long it took to rebuild the rusted derelict M8t and K8t blushed as Dinky proudly answered. “These two found it in the shed where it sat for forty one years when they were thirteen. The first I knew about it was when they brought the wheels with rotted flat tires to my garage to be fixed so they could move it. They had to dig holes in the dirt floored shed to jack the body high enough to get the tires off. When they told me it was the first step in restoring the car I just shook my head at their youthful naivete. Then they told me the wheels were from K8t’s great grandpa’s 58 TPC. I’d seen the monster driving around when it was new so I was eager to see it get back on the road. They were determined to rebuild it themselves so I had them start working for me part time in my repair and salvage business. As they learned I instructed and supervised as they did all the work. Once they had used tires on the wheels I towed it to my shop. They spent nearly three years stripping it down to the frame, refinishing the frame and body parts as well as rebuilding the engine. We had the chrome parts sent out for replating once they sanded them down. When everything was refurbished, they reassembled it. They refitted the entire interior with the suede leather. The car was ready to drive by the time they turned sixteen. Both passed their driver’s test in April and May driving the 58 TPC. They did all the work themselves. I just supervised and instructed.”
By then the picnic was ready. After they were all seated at the picnic tables and Grace had been said, K8t stood. “If it’s alright with everyone, I’d like to dedicate this meal to my Grandmother Harriet and her new husband Dinky Dow. They were married last Saturday and this trip is their honeymoon.”
Everyone stood, applauded and congratulated the newlyweds.
Several people were curious about Dinky’s name. Jasmine finally gathered enough courage to ask how he got his nickname. Dinky just smiled and deferred to Harriet.
“In school I was a few years ahead of a young man everyone thought was at best slightly insane. Of course, Dinky never liked his given name, Clarence Dimwity. He was a loner and the weird intense young man enlisted in the Marines right out of high school in 1966. He served two thirteen month tours in Vietnam. Those who knew him said he was not quite right before he went to ‘nam’ and he certainly wasn’t any better when he returned.”
Everyone chuckled a bit as Dinky stood and bowed before Harriet continued.
“In Nam, Dinky was with I Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines during the siege of Hill 881 outside Khe Sanh from January through April 1968. The company was surrounded and cut off for the entire time, supplied only by helicopters. In actions before the siege the Vietnamese rangers he’d fought alongside had called his berserk battle behavior ‘dien cai dau’ which meant ‘crazy’. His fellow grunts nick named him the American pronunciation for the French/Vietnamese words, Dinky Dow. During the siege on Hill 881 he lived up to that designation. As the relief choppers swooped in to offload supplies and take out casualties he was one of the men who consistently broke from the safety of their positions to carry stretchers with wounded and dead to the choppers and to lug the supplies to safety. One time a chopper lifted off before he’d gotten clear of the underslung cargo net and one foot was snagged in netting. He flew the five miles from Hill 881 to Khe Sanh dangling beneath the chopper by that one foot. Two days later he flew back to Hill 881 on the next supply run. During his tours Dinky earned three purple hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, and numerous South Vietnamese medals for his fierce selfless actions.”
Everyone was impressed. Then Dinky stood and spoke. “It wasn’t until I’d shipped back to the US that the PTSD hit me. Nearly everyone thought I was at best slightly insane. I stayed by myself and avoided people. After a few months I used my military pay to buy a closed garage and started my business. My mechanical ability, honesty and fair business dealings made the business succeed. I’ll admit I was civil to customers while still being anti-social. I lived in a small mobile home behind the garage and proudly flew Old Glory above a USMC flag. It wasn’t until two scrawny kids showed up with four wheels with rotted flat tires that I began to open up. They helped me overcome my PTSD. Through them I met Harriet, the rest is history.”
Again everyone smiled. From the correspondence between Krista and K8t The CWP members already knew that K8t was transgender and that M8t was her boyfriend. They knew the name changes had been prompted due to public hatred of transsexuals and that the pair had endured a lot of harassment yet persevered to a begrudging acceptance with quite a bit of acceptance. They also knew about the horrific battle with the bikers. By the end of the picnic the Greens felt welcomed. The fatigue of their long trip was catching up with the Greens so once the meal was completed, they headed up the lanes to the Clan Wells Point B&B where they were staying.
Saturday Krista and Tony took the Greens for a horseback tour of the CWP. The farm with it’s state of the art milking parlor and the manure digesting system was impressive. The CWP Youth Rehab Hostel along with Barney Flint and Freddy Grant really impressed the Greens. They ate lunch at the O’Brien homestead then Kylie showed them her workshop in the barn. Once more the pink and green plaid DUKW attracted their attention.
As the licensed pilot Kylie accompanied Krista as she drove the DUKW from the garage, loaded the Greens, then headed out into Broad Creek. They headed north around Wells Point skirting the shore of the CWP. Turning about they headed back to swing around the CWP Balls Creek shore. Then they headed south into Broad Creek sailing about the Neavitt Peninsula rounding the tip at Nelson Point. From there they crossed Harris Creek to Tilgham Island into Knapps Narrow cruising under the Tilgham draw bridge into the Chesapeake. Riding in the DUKW brought memories back for Dinky who had ridden in them back in ‘Nam. By the time they returned it was time for supper. This time they ate at the main farmhouse. K8t found the fact that Kylie was a post op transsexual, married to Krista’s uncle Larry and the mother of adopted twins gave her hope for a similar future. The other members of the Clan Wells Point made the Greens feel like old friends.
Sunday morning the Greens left for home at 10:00am having made lifelong friends with the Clan Wells Point. They were giving a great deal of thought to the offer the CWP made to have them move and join the Clan. Dinky would easily fit in to the CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair and Brenda CWP Youth Rehab Hostel. Harriet would fit in the CWP, LLC. M8t and K8t would fit into CWP Organic Farm but most likely would relocate Gr8 Green Lawn Services. But they had business responsibilities and wanted to finish school in West Virginia. They promised to keep in touch.
*****
With the continued growth of the Clan Wells Point a few changes were needed. The main farmhouse could no longer hold the expanded CWP for meals. At the same time, the business of CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair was growing. While the barn on the O’Brien Farmstead was large enough to handle the increase, it was a bit to far off the Bozman-Neavitt Road to be convenient for the growing non CWP clientele. Being closer to the CWP Collision Repair and Body Shop would also be beneficial. Once vacated, the barn could be modified to make a suitable CWP meeting place. The ideal place to move the CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair would be a new building between Almost Neavitt Road and the Cemetery along the Bozman-Neavitt Road.
The forty feet by one hundred thirty five feet new service station was designed with six twelve feet by twenty six feet service bays and three sixteen by forty feet service bays with a fifteen feet by forty feet office parallel to the Bozman-Neavit Road with restrooms and showers on the north wall. A fourteen by seventy five feet warehouse was located behind the shorter bays. The Bays were accessed from the north side of Almost Neavitt Road. The move to the new site was on October 8.
While that was going on the former milk house of the O’Brien homestead barn Jane had been using for chickens was stripped bare and pressure washed. The twenty feet by twenty feet annex was then outfitted with a state of the art commercial kitchen. The barn would be thoroughly cleaned to serve as the gathering spot for the Clan.
*****
The rest of the summer passed quickly for the Clan. Good news arrived from Texas on August 20, the courts had approved Callie’s appeal of her conviction and sentence. The Hoffmans arrived from Texas in time for the kids to begin the 2008-2009 school year on August 26. They moved into the first home on Almost Neavitt Road. All of the students from the Clan were eager to return to school. Gretchen was enrolled at The University of Maryland as a sophomore in their Physical Therapy program. All the credits she’d earned during her freshman year at the University of British Columbia had been accepted. She’d be staying two blocks off the campus at the CWP House returning home for the weekends. Grandmother Cynthia would be taking care of Benny and George when they weren’t at the daycare. Ivy offered to help Cynthia with her cousins after school.
Since April the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel with the cooperation of CWP Collision Repair and Body Shop and CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair completed a project they’d begun in January. It had taken Leo Kahn three months to locate two vans suitable to be converted into a handicap accessible passenger van. Two 2002 Ford E350 cargo vans, one an extended version. Both were in rough shape. The drive trains were shot and the bodies dented. The frames and suspensions were solid.
Kylie removed and rebuilt the two drive trains into one while Leo, Brandon and Gary reworked the bodies. Utilizing the extended van as the base with the drive train removed, they cut the van in two just behind the drivers seat. They then cut the center out of the other van, from behind the dash to just in front of the rear wheels. They welded the center section of the smaller van between the severed portions of the larger van thus extending the van six feet. In the process they reversed the inserted unit so there would be side doors on both sides. Since cargo vans don’t have windows behind the front, they cut out the side panels to install windows to convert it from a cargo van to a wagon van. They removed the roof and installed an eighteen inch fiberglass raised roof. Removing the rear doors they installed a remote control six hundred pound capacity wheelchair lift with power doors. Inside the wheelchair lift in place of a rear bench seat they installed two side by side wheelchair tie down points and across a narrow aisle was another tie down point. Thanks to the rebuilt extended body there were four rows of three person bench seats with a narrow front to rear aisle. The rear two bench seats were removable which revealed three additional wheelchair tie down points each. When completed, the van could be configured to carry three people in wheelchairs, thirteen passengers and a driver or six people in wheelchairs, ten passengers and a driver or nine people in wheelchairs, seven passengers and a driver. The entire frame was reinforced and the original single drive shaft was replaced by a double unit to accommodate the longer wheelbase. The suspension was strengthened to handle the increased weight. The last step was to paint the now twenty five feet long van in the green and pink CWP tartan.
The van was ready for use by the time the school year began and served as a private transport from the CWP for the thirteen students attending St. Michaels Junior Senior High School. While Benny had his prosthesis, there were days when he still needed a power wheel chair.
With the start of the school year, as what had become defacto CWP practice, new seventh graders Marcus Olsen and Holly Reese began working, Marcus with his dad in CPW Metal Works and Holly with at the CWP Landing. All CWP businesses were holding their own even as the stock market and many businesses began stumbling.
*****
For the 2008-2009 school year the students from the Clan Wells Point were in 12th grade: Jamie Ewell, Freddy Grant and Barney Flint; 8th grade: Krista Scott, Tony Masters, Jasmine Reese, Jimmy Boswell, Phil Abott, Dwayne Harper, Jenny Ewell and Sam Evans; 7th grade: Holly Reese and Marcus Olsen. Amongst them six were LGBT, all of whom had come out the previous year. Because of their trail blazing ten students came out as LGBT for the new school year.
St. Michaels Middle/Senior High school had an enrollment of three hundred ninety students with an average sixty five students per grade. LGBT population in the USA is LGB by a percentage of 3.5% and T of 0.3%. According to these percentages the school should have 13 to 14 LGB students and one T student. For this year there were thirteen LGB students and four T. While the number of transgender was statistically out of proportion all were from the Clan Wells Point. Only two were originally locals, the other two moved into the area.
As they had the previous school year the school administration and staff accepted and supported the LGBT students as did seventy five percent of the students. They made a concerted effort to squash any bullying.
As it had done the previous school year, two small groups were upset by the open acceptance of the LGBT, the Christian fundamentalists and the few redneck skinheads who had forgotten the lesson the tragic crash Barney, Freddy, Dwayne and Phil had last Halloween. The Bay Hundred area, St. Michaels and the entire peninsula, was unlike many nearby areas. Because of the physical layout of the peninsula with it’s many creeks and coves the shoreline was immense. This made the area extremely attractive for waterfront development. There were hundreds of vacation homes most with their own dock. It wasn’t unusual for waterfront properties to be worth millions of dollars. The affluent owners lifestyles were urban rather than rural and thus usually quite liberal in their attitudes. Starting in the early nineteen seventies St. Michaels grew into a tourist mecca with many boutiques, restaurants, and historical sites, museums, artists and artisans in residence who by their very nature liberal. The majority of the tourists in St. Michaels were also of the liberal persuasion. The vast majority of the economy revolved around tourists spending money or meeting the wants and desires of the shore front property owners. In fact, two out of three working residents of the Bay Hundred area were employed in some aspect of directly serving the well to do shore line property owners and tourists.
The locals, if they wanted to flourish, had to cater to the sensitivities of their paymasters. For those who took the Bible literally, suppressing their conservative ideals around the financially secure liberals took a high toll. Over the years most eventually moved leaving a small isolated cadre. The same happened to the skinheads and other hater rednecks. Thirty five years of catering to the liberals thinned the ranks of the oft stubborn conservative base population that had dominated the Bay Hundred area prior to the changes of the seventies.
The Christian Fundamentalists students voiced their opinions and disdain of the LGBT but avoided open confrontation. The four ever rebellious skinheads were not that smart. The first two weeks saw numerous non physical but verbally nasty confrontations. Thanks to the vigilance of the staff all such encounters were quickly squashed and the instigators appropriately disciplined until they learned to be non-confrontational.
*****
In mid September many in the school (as well as the world) who were aware of the economy were surprised and stunned by the collapse of Lehman Brothers Bank, the USA’s fourth largest bank. This rippled to London and the world. At nearly the same time Bank of America gobbled up Merrill Lynch which was on the verge of collapsing financially. The world's biggest insurance company, AIG, had seen its stock market value collapse. There were fears that if the firm were to go under it would bring the world banking system down. The head of the US Federal Reserve knew that, unlike Lehman Brothers, he could not let AIG fail. He announced an $85 billion emergency loan. The students from the Clan Wells point were not surprised since Steven had warned them a financial collapse was imminent. While the immediate effect in the Bay Hundred area was muted, the well to do non local waterfront property owners would be hit hard over the coming months and years.
*****
Krista and Tony were once more nominated for their class representatives for the student council. No one ran against them and on September 21 they were elected. Senior Ken Poore, the president, suggested that with the increased number of openly LGBT students the council should sponsor a Gay-Straight Alliance as a means of counteracting the haters. The idea was unanimously endorsed and would be presented to the administration. Another decision was to once again have a Halloween Dance. Tony and Krista had already received the okay from the Clan to host the event in the barn at the O’Brien homestead where it had been held last year. Like last year, a raffle was scheduled to raise the money to pay for the insurance and other expenses with the excess going to Toys for Tots. Since Halloween fell on a Friday that would be the date of the dance. Krista brought up another idea.
“In June a seventy six year old farmer neighbor had a stroke while he was working in his fields,” Krista began. “He’s home now and recovering but he’ll never work the fields again. The Clan Wells Point took over preparing his fields while he was hospitalized. Once it was clear he wasn’t going to be able to resume farming we bought the farm granting he and his wife clan membership. Once he came home he had problems adapting to not farming so we teens spent time talking to him. Mr. Jablonski had an interesting life. He was born in Poland in 1932, came to the US with his parents before WWII who settled on the farm. In 1950 he joined the Marine Corp and fought in the Korean War. He was with the 1st Marine Division at the Battle of Chosin Resevoir where 30,000 Marines were surrounded by 120,000 Chinese soldiers. They were stretched out along a road in the mountains in below freezing weather. When ordered to retreat Marine General Oliver Smith remarked: "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction." It took fourteen days to fight their way out.”
“The reason I’m telling you this is because veterans like Theodore Jablonski fought for us,” Krista declared. “Many died, more were wounded, and to some extent all suffered PTSD. Mr. Jablonski was eighteen in 1950. He’s seventy six now and amongst the youngest Korean War vets. The vets from WWII are at least five years older, most are older. These heros are dying off. Mr. Jablonski would like to go to Washington, DC to visit the Korean War Memorial to say goodbye to his fellow soldiers in arms who have already passed on. I’m sure a lot of the Vets from WWII would like to see the WWII Memorial. Unfortunately at their age they can’t go on their own. They need younger people to help them push their wheel chairs or give them an arm to lean on. They need us. If we can help these Vets we should.”
“We can do it,” Krista stated. “I’d like to suggest we use the band to raise funds. The band already has an impressive repertoire of appropriate tunes so rehearsals shouldn’t be an issue. We could hold a concert of Big Band and Swing Music. We’ll contact the local VFW and American Legion posts to non financially sponsor the concert and supply us with the names of WWII and Korean Vets. If we begin now we can reserve busses to take the vets and we helpers to DC to Tour the Memorials sometime during the Veterans Day weekend. We can become local road based veteran support group like the Honor Flight Network to help vets who can’t get their on their own visit the DC Memorials.”
The student council was excited about the idea and agreed to speak to the administration about the idea. By the end of the month the idea was eagerly accepted by the administration and the band teacher/director, a Big Band and Swing afficionado, leapt into the concert preparations. Fortunately the band already had quite a repertoire of suitable music. The two veteran organizations in Talbot County, the American Legion Talbot Post 70 at 29511 Canvasback Drive, Easton and the Veterans of Foreign Wars 5118 at 355 Glebe Road, Easton were pleased and excited about the idea to bus the older vets to the Memorials during the Veterans Day weekend. Delmarva Community Transit who provided public bus service for Talbot County agreed to supply buses to transport the vets and assistants at cost.
*****
The plans for the Halloween Party pretty much followed those of the last year. Since the precedent had been established last year, the students decided print four thousand $5.00 raffle tickets, doubling the amount. Just as they had no problem selling two thousand tickets, during the weeks leading up to Halloween they easily sold the four thousand tickets this year raising $20,000.00. The event insurance policy covering liability at the barn went up $50 to $550.00. The printing costs rose slightly to $130.00 from $100.00. The raffle prizes were increased to encourage sales, first place to $150.00, second to $100.00, third to $75.00, fourth to $50.00, fifth changed to $25.00 with sixth through tenth at $10.00. So $450.00 went for prize money. Total expenses came to $1130.00 meaning that Toys for Tots would receive $18,870.00.
*****
The Veterans Concert was scheduled for Friday October 24 in the Gym of the St. Michaels Middle High School. Covered with patriotic red white and blue bunting a raised stage had been assembled at one end. The gymnasium was packed. The bleachers on either side of the basketball court each sat three hundred twelve people and were filled with friends and family of the students. The six hundred twenty five folding chairs were set up on the basketball court filled with veterans and their families. Harry Halls from WOBC-TV channel 16 in Salisbury, having heard about the concert and the plan to take the vets to the WWII Memorial for the Veterans Day weekend, made arrangements to film the concert.
The band and singers were excitedly anxious as the event sold out. The band was dressed in khaki trousers, olive green dress shirts and spit polished black shoes mimicking WWII military uniforms. The singers, Krista, Jasmine and Jenny dressed in WAC costumes as the Andrews Sisters did during their wartime performances. A cacophony of mumbled expectant voices filled the gym as the audience waited for the show to begin. The WOBC-TV16 crew had discreetly set up microphones at the sides and center of the stage in the back of the gymnasium while setting up a small platform in the front to film over the heads of the audience. A roving camera to film the audience reactions was also present.
The long sharp trilling of a whistle sounded from the lobby at the front of the gymnasium caused the murmuring voices of the audience to begin subsiding. The instant the whistle stopped, the band began playing Sousa’s most famous march, ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’. Stars
The doors leading to the lobby were opened. Krista carrying the American Flag followed by Jasmine and Jenny carrying the flags of the Talbot County VFW Post and the American Legion Post led the band in a column of twos as they marched in playing the rousing tune. Everyone who was capable of standing did so. They marched one circuit of the aisles between the bleachers and seats on the basketball court before mounting the stage. The VFW flag was placed on the right front corner of the stage and the American Legion flag on the left corner just as the march ended. The two girls moved to flank Krista as she placed the American Flag in the Center of the stage. The band and girls stood at attention then saluted the flag as the three girls, standing at a vintage WWII microphone, began an acapella rendition of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’. SSB
When the girls began to sing the audience fell silent, many with their mouths open in delighted surprise at the girls’ clear voices and fantastic harmony as they sang. When they finished the gym erupted in raucous cheers, whistles and applause.
When the cheers quieted Krista began to speak. “We’d like to welcome and thank everyone who came out tonight to honor our veterans. The girls and I as well as several of the band are from the Clan Wells Point. When a neighbor had a stroke while working his farm late last spring we stepped up to assist him. He and his wife were accepted into the Clan and we remodeled his home to accommodate his disabilities and took over running his farm. My friends and I had seen and waved to this couple but we only met this Korean War vet after he returned home. Part of his therapy was to stimulate his mind. We spent hours asking questions about his past and listening to his answers. We learned he immigrated to the US as a child and were impressed by his honesty, work ethic, strength and devotion to his family and adopted country. We learned about the horrors he and his fellow Marines faced when they were cut off at the Chosin Reservoir enduring the brutal cold and snow. When ordered to retreat Marine General Oliver Smith remarked: "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction”. Outnumbered four to one it took fourteen days to fight their way out losing many men in the process yet they did their best to bring their wounded and dead with them. These men, like all veterans, were heros.”
“In school we “LEARN” about the wars and battles our country fought. But until we talked to this man we never fathomed the hell that is war. The way he recounted his story we could feel the biting cold and anguish. That helped us realize that nearly every combat veteran suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The brutality of combat changes them. Most refuse to talk about their experiences because it dredges up bad memories. Instead they bury the horror which only allows it to fester. Those of us who have benefitted from their sacrifices owe these vets a debt we cant’ repay. We need to help them deal with their demons. We must not force them to discuss their nightmarish past, but we have to let them know we’ll listen when they’re ready to talk as my friends did and do for one of the heros of the Korean War.”
“During our interaction with this hero we felt his pain. We could sense his bond of brotherhood with his fellow leathernecks. Many of his buddies died in Korea. Many were wounded. After returning home he lost contact with his former comrades in arms. Now in his later years, he yearns to reunite with those that survive. The fact he never had the opportunity to say goodbye or pay last respects to those who died knaws at his soul.”
“We talked to the other veterans in the Clan Wells Point about their combat experiences. One is a vet from The Vietnam War. He explained to us that any combat situation is hell and the men you fight beside become closer than brothers. Like the Korean War vet he had buddies wounded or killed and then lost track of his comrades, partially because they were unable to discuss their trauma and the hatred for Vietnam vets that was rampant when they came home. For him visiting the Vietnam War Memorial was cathartic. It allowed him to remember the chaos of combat and the shared fraternity of his buddies. He explained to us he could recognize the other vets present by their reactions and found it was easy to talk to them about their shared angst.”
“That motivated us to try to help the older vets who may have physical issues visiting the DC WWII and Korean War Memorials. When the school year started we suggested the Student Council take up the effort to help our older vets, each with a student assistant, visit the Memorials. We’re all here tonight because we want to thank the vets for their service and sacrifice. Now, without further ado, we’ll begin our concert with what we think is the most appropriate song for our brave veterans, ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’!”
Everyone applauded as the three girls gathered around the microphone. The audience smiled as the familiar intro to the jaunty tune began. The girls did a bit of jitterbugging between verses. (start at 0.24) bugle
The audience burst out in cheers, whistles and applause as the girls curtseyed and walked off stage. The band director/teacher announced each song before the band launched into them, ‘Harbor Lights’ by Shep Fields then ‘Perfidia’ by Jerry Dorsey followed by ‘Take the A Train’ by Billy Strayhorn. The tunes each received well deserved enthusiastic applause.
“While this tune is from 1954 we really like it and feel it fits right in,” Krista explained to the smiling audience as the girls returned to the microphone. “Please enjoy ‘Mr. Sandman’!” sand
Once more the audience responded enthusiastically. The girls stepped offstage as the band began the next song, ‘String of Pearls’, followed by ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000' followed by ‘Habenero’, all by Glenn Miller. Again each song was well received and appreciated.
“This is another old favorite,” Krista stated as the girls returned to the microphone. “Please enjoy ‘Moonlight Serenade’ by Glenn Miller
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHYv2XoLMiI Carly Simon) moon
The audience was once more awed by the girls’ harmony and burst into applause. The Band then launched into ‘Woodchoppers Ball’ by Woody Herman then ‘Sentimental Journey’ by Les Brown followed by ‘Dancing in the Dark’ by Artie Shaw.
“We’ll have a twenty minute intermission after this song. There are refreshment tables set up in the lobby,” Krista announced as the girls returned to the mic. “This is an old favorite, please enjoy ‘I’ll be With you in Apple Blossom Time’.” apple
The audience cheered and whistled as the girls and Band bowed, then exited behind the stage. The audience stood and stretched. Smiles were endemic. Nearly everyone was delighted with the quality of the music. The excited discussions swelled in volume.
The performers returned to the stage at the end of the intermission. Keeping with the big band theme the drummer began a Gene Kruppa style drum solo. kruppa
The audience returned to their seats and quieted as the 3 minute drum solo thrummed. The audience cheered and applauded as the solo ended.
“Welcome back,” Krista spoke as she and the girls gathered around the mic. “Lets start off with the quintessential Big Band tune, ‘In the Mood’! mood
The audience cheered and applauded. As the girls curtseyed and stepped aside the band struck up the next tunes, ‘I’m Getting Sentimental Over You’ by Tommy Dorsey, ‘Sunrise Serenade’ by Glenn Miller and ‘Oh Lady Be Good’ by Count Bassie. The audience enthusiastically cheered and clapped after each song.
“This selection was another favorite,” Krista smiled as she and the girls returned to center stage. “Please enjoy ‘Begin the Beguine’! begin
The audience showed their appreciation of the girls who stepped aside as the band played ‘Stardust’ by Artie Shaw, ‘Sentimental Journey’ by Les Brown and ‘Marie’ by Tommy Dorsey. The audience enthusiastically showed their appreciation.
“Our next song is another classic,” Krista said as the girls returned. “We know you’ll enjoy ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’!” choo
The audience enthusiastically showed their appreciation of the girl’s singing. As the girls stepped off the band presented ‘Perdido’ by Duke Ellington, ‘One O’clock Jump’ by Count Bassie and ‘Stompin At the Savoy’ by Benny Goodman. The audience eagerly applauded their efforts.
“Before we present our last tune,” Krista enthused as the girls took the stage. “We’d like to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I know I speak for the band when I say we had a terrific time performing for you. We’d like to end the night with a rousing tune. We know you’ll enjoy ‘Sing Sing Sing’!” sing
When the song ended everyone who could stood for a raucous standing ovation. The cheers, whistles, and applause resounded through the gymnasium. The band put down their instruments to step to the front of the stage where with the girls they all linked hands and bowed to the audience.
“We’d like to thank you for making this fund raising concert a success,” Krista enthused into the mic as the applause lessened. “Delmarva Community Transit has agreed to support our effort by providing up to six tour buses at cost to transport us to DC. The Clan Wells Point is providing their handicap accessible van which can accommodate up to nine people in manual or power wheel chairs. We have sign up sheets in the lobby for anyone who would like to join us on the trip to DC on Saturday November 8. We’ll leave from the St. Michaels Middle/High School Parking lot at 8:30am. The only costs for vets and one guest will be for food and souvenirs. Further information will be sent to all who sign up. Thank You!”
Again there was applause which the teens basked in for a few moments before they moved off the stage to stand in a line on the floor in front of the stage to greet the audience. It seemed nearly everyone stepped forward. The older grizzled vets, many in wheelchairs or using walkers, made the effort to shake the performers hands. Quite a few had damp eyes. The family members who accompanied them were visibly grateful for the kids’ effort.
As the last of the well wishers trailed past the tired but elated teens the kids noticed Harry Halls and his mobile cameraman had positioned himself so he could address them. “I’d like to congratulate everyone! That was a fantastic concert! Knowing this bunch I expected a good show but you far surpassed my expectations. What you’re doing for these vets is wonderful! With your permission, I’d like to accompany your trip.”
Krista looked over her classmates all of whom were smiling, then to the band director and the school principal who nodded their approval. “Mr. Halls, we’d be honored to have you join the trip.”
“Thank you,” Harry replied. “With your approval, I’ll produce a DVD of the concert. All profit from selling DVDs would go to assist getting Eastern Shore veterans to the DC Memorials.”
The band enthusiastically approved while the band director and school principal agreed to get official approval.
That night on the nightly news Harry reported on the two hour concert. “Tonight I had the privilege to witness a wonderful concert at the St. Michaels Middle/High School! The brainchild of the spitfire we met last year, Krista Scott. Inspired by a Korean War veteran she brought the idea to transport and accompany vets who couldn’t otherwise make it to their war Memorials in DC. The student council took the idea and ran with it holding a successful sold out fund raising concert tonight. Here are a few highlights.” The band entry to ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ and the girls acapella Star Spangled Banner were shown in their entirety while snippets of the rest of the show were highlighted. Harry ended the report by stating that if the school granted approval, DVDs of the concert would be available with profits to help vets get to the DC Memorials.
Chapter 5
On Tuesday October 28 Kylie was nearly bursting at the seams laughing as spun in a circle with giggling twins Sonny and Rayne clasped in her arms. Larry, Evelyn, Rachel and Tony exchanged perplexed frowns as they watched the bizarre behavior. When she noticed she was being watched she stopped spinning to smile at them.
“Callie’s going to be released,” Kylie squealed with delight as she bounced up and down on her toes. “The lawyer from Texas called! He determined Callie was so wracked with guilt by the murder she simply pled guilty to the chargers and that her public defender merely accept her guilty plea. No one even questioned if she knew her boyfriend intended to commit a crime. When he questioned the boyfriend he laughed declaring that Callie had no idea what he was doing and that no one had ever asked him that question. The lawyer presented the evidence to the Texas Attorney Generals office for review declaring his intention to pursue charges against the incompetent public defender, the overzealous prosecutor and the judge for gross misconduct for railroading an innocent victim. Once they reviewed the case and questioned everyone they fired the public defender and sanctioned the prosecutor and judge. Callie’s conviction has been overturned and all charges dismissed! They’re processing her release and will let us know when so we can make arrangements for her to fly home!”
The news of Callie’s pending release flew through the Clan Wells Point bringing joy to everyone. The CWP made arrangements with their Texas lawyer to make arrangements for Callie to come home upon her release.
*****
As the Days approached for the Halloween Dance the CWP Organic Farm harvested a supply of corn stocks to be made into corn shocks and other decorations in and outside the barn. The trees along the entrance to Wells Point Lane were wrapped in corn stalks as were trees along the lane leading to the barn. Deciding against any type of haunted house they went with a country theme. Bales of straw were arranged to serve as benches and serving tables.
With CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair moved out of the O’Brien barn on October 8. The long side of the forty feet by hundred feet barn ran parallel to Wells Point Lane. Behind the barn was what had been a concrete barn yard. On the south east side of the barnyard twenty feet from the barn was an open sided shed fifteen feet wide and seventy feet long ran parallel to the barn. Next to that but fifty feet back from the barn ran a second open sided shed twenty feet long and seventy feet long that had been divided in half with the eastern portion being enclosed with garage doors on east end to serve as a garage for the DUKW. With the back doors of the barn open and if Halloween night was clear and starry, the entire barnyard would be used as a massive 7000 square feet dance floor. The site was large enough to accommodate every student and a guest plus chaperones.
With the Halloween Dance scheduled for Friday, maps on how to get to the O'Brien barn were posted on the school bulletin boards and available as fliers. The dance committee and at least one adult faculty advisor came out each school night the week of the dance to decorate the huge building. The excitement at the school built all week as the decorating committee reported their progress each day. The response was so great the school felt obligated to remind the students that only students from their school and a date could attend any school sanctioned dance. Any date who was not a student in grades seven through twelve in another school had to be pre-approved. All who attended would have to present a current school photo ID or equivalent to get inside. The dance began at seven and no one would be admitted after eight. The music would end at eleven and the dance would close down by eleven thirty.
The night of the dance the weather cooperated with a temperature of 62 degrees and clear skies.
Like the previous year Robert arranged for ten port-a-potties and an old moonshine still was set up to dispense Mountain Dew. Three quarters of the teachers signed up with their significant others had agreed to be there as chaperones as did many parents, especially those of the CWP. It wasn’t that the chaperones were needed, it was the adults simply wanting to see the teens having a good time. It didn’t hurt that there were enough chaperones so they could take one hour turns on duty and enjoying the dance themselves. A section of the outside dance floor was set aside for the adults.
For four of the CWP teens the dance dredged up bad memories. The previous Halloween Freddy Grant, Barney Flint, Phil Abott and Dwayne Harper had been amongst the worst of the trouble making redneck hooligans in the school. They had been drinking and smoking pot while vandalizing the Bay Hundred area before the dance. As they were driving a Chevy Colorado crew cab down Wells Point Lane to crash the dance they saw the police checkpoint that had been set up to check dance attendees for illicit booze and drugs. Spinning around they took off back to the main highway with the police giving chase. Wells Point Lane meets the Bozman Neavitt Road at a sixty degree angle. Emerging from the uneven gravel surface of Wells Point Lane onto the flat blacktop of the Bozman-Neavitt Road at ninety MPH was a booze and pot hazed mistake. The unyielding black top didn't allow a sliding skid the way gravel did. The truck skipped sideways and rolled. After that their memories blurred.
In their hospital beds they learned the pickup truck rolled three times before slamming into the trees on the western side of the Bozman-Neavitt Road. Since they were too macho to wear seatbelts they were all ejected at some point during the rollovers. The pursuing police stopped broadside in the center of the road with their lights flashing to stop traffic. Seeing the horrific wreckage one officer called for EMTs, rescue and ambulance as well as back-up while the second officer jumped out to check the bodies strewn helter-skelter amongst the wreckage across the road and berm.
Freddy had been driving and flew out the driver’s door unfortunately his right foot became entangled in the steering wheel. Knocked unconscious almost immediately, half in the vehicle and half out he rode through two rolls. The first impact crushed both femurs, the second splintered his right femur shredding the muscles. The momentum then ripped the leg apart flinging him twenty feet while his foot and lower leg remained lodged in the steering wheel. His life was saved when an officer saw the blood spurting from the stump and ran over to apply a tourniquet.
Barney was the first to be ejected. Flying out of the front passenger door he flew thirty feet before impacting the asphalt knocking him out resulting in a nasty compound fracture just above the elbow of his left arm that had severed an artery. An officer saved his life by applying a tourniquet.
Dwayne ended up on the berm about twenty feet south of the wreck. A stopped motorist knelt by the boy semi-conscious and dazed boy keeping him still until the EMTS arrived. Fortunately despite the pain he was lucid enough to tell the EMTs there had been four in the truck.
Freddy, with his torn off leg, and Barney were airlifted out while Dwayne went out by ambulance. The EMTs, police and firefighters began a frantic search for the missing Phil. After ten minutes of combing the wreck debris area and beyond they couldn’t find the fourth boy. Finally one of the rescuers heard a faint moan from above. Flashlights stabbed into the leafy boughs of the trees above the path the tumbling pick-up had followed. It only took a few seconds until they located the bloodied youth entrapped in broken branches about twenty feet above the ground, five feet above the lowest limbs. Spotlights and ladders were brought and the EMTS and rescue personnel climbed up to check on Phil. They immediately saw both arms and at least one leg were broken. They also saw they could not extract him without causing more injury. They had to wait twenty minutes for a pair of bucket trucks to arrive to get him down.
The months of pain and agony that followed was hellaciously hard on the four guys who discovered they weren’t as tough as they’d thought. The school itself changed as the students read the newspaper reports of the horrific crash. The ‘cool’ ‘tough guys’ were shown to be ignorant jerks. It came out all four boys were drunk and high on weed and the two older also had amphetamines in them. The four boys were seriously injured. The two with amphetamines in their systems had been medi-vaced to John's Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore where Barney’s arm had to be removed and Freddy’s severed leg was too damaged to be re-attach. The younger boys were in Memorial Hospital in Easton with numerous broken bones and concussions. The stupidity of their actions while the vast majority of the school had been having a good time at the dance shook up the entire student body. Together they exerted extreme peer pressure to force the remaining arrogant rebellious redneck teens to moderate their wild behavior. That coupled with the positive influences Krista had brought to the school virtually eliminated bullying. As for the four bashed up boys, they now freely admitted that Krista and the CWP had saved them. The CWP Youth Rehab Hostel was founded to treat Barney and Freddy. The horrific crash changed their lives and brought them into fellowship with the Clan Wells Point.
A fifth person was also greatly effected by the previous year’s Halloween dance, Jamie Ewell. Seeing Krista and Kylie enjoying the dance had ripped apart the jock facade of the star soccer player. As his mask crumbled James Ewell fled the dance running into the swampy wetlands behind the barn where he intended to drown himself only to be saved by Krista. The later confrontation with his dad, Dick Ewell, when James was revealed as transgender ended up with the bigoted man assaulting his wife and Leroy in his role as deputy. With his dad jailed Jamie began transitioning and she and her mother Ruth joined the CWP. By the Christmas dance Jamie and Freddy were dating as were Dwayne and Phil.
The night of this year’s dance, signs were posted on SR579 directing students and chaperones onto Wells Point Lane. Larry had parked a corn stalk decorated tractor across each side lane with a big sign and arrow pointing in the direction of the O'Brien barn. There was enough room to drive past the tractor if the residents needed to get in or out. The behavior and attitude of the student body had improved so that unlike last year there was no need for police, sheriffs deputies, a drug sniffing dog or a police sobriety checkpoint. Larry directed the arriving vehicles into the nearby fields to park.
Of the school’s three hundred ninety students, three hundred eighty five showed up and brought an additional one hundred forty two guests. There were fifty two chaperones for a total turn out of five hundred seventy nine, all of whom were costumed. This was the best attended dance in the school's history.
Traditionally the school's stage crew set up and operated the DJ system for every dance and did so tonight. Just like last year they were delighted with the open dance floor and ran wires to set up speakers all over the place which enabled the volume to be kept down so conversations could be held yet was loud enough to dance. The smiles on the faces of the students and chaperones left no doubts that once again the effort to hold the dance in the barn was a good one. One addition from the previous year was hay rides. From the CWP Landing two old style wooden hay wagons drawn by four horses each were available for half hour rides in a loop down Longs Cove Road to Locust neck Lane to Wells Point Lane back to the start at the barn.
Seniors Jamie and Freddy double dated with Barney and Melinda Willis, daughter of the owner of Charisma Clothing Boutique. The two couples thoroughly enjoyed the dance and hayride. Eighth graders Dwayne and Phil enjoyed the dance and hayride with their classmates Krista and Tony, Jasmine and Jimmy, and Jenny and Sam. The eight CWP friends enjoyed kissing and cuddling in the straw.
Overall the Halloween Dance was a roaring success. The fact they were able to donate $18,870.00 to Toys For Tots, the excess from the raffle tickets was icing on the cake. Harry Halls, the reporter from WBOC-TV Channel 16 in Salisbury had learned about the large donation and the Halloween dance during the concert for the vets. Contacting the school and the CWP he requested and received permission to do a filmed report on the dance and sizeable donation. The filmed report was picked up by the Fox news network of which TV16 was an affiliate. The report was very well received.
*****
Callie was released from prison Friday morning the day of the Halloween dance. Instead of flying out that day she arranged an overnight stay and a Saturday morning visit to her ex-boyfriend at the prison he was serving his life sentence. By 9:00 am she was seated in the visiting room. Just like on TV crime shows the room was divided in half by a glass security wall with counter tops on either side. The counter tops were partitioned into individual partitions with telephones so the prisoner and visitor could talk but not touch.
With mixed emotions Dustin Ritter smiled when he saw Callie come into the room and sit opposite him. “You’re free now?”
“Yes,” Callie answered. “My conviction was voided and I was released yesterday.”
Dusty sighed with ill concealed jealousy. “That’s good. Callie, I’m really sorry for getting you involved with my stupidity. How are your babies?”
Callie was caught off guard. “You know about the twins?”
“Yeah,” Dusty nodded. “You never told me you were knocked up... am I the father?”
“Yes,” Callie answered. “I only found out I was pregnant when I was in prison. At that point I was too pissed off to let you know. The main reason I came to see you was to tell you about the twins and their adoptive parents. Did the prison notify you?”
“No, I received a letter from someone named Krista Scott,” Dusty explained. “She seems to be a very caring woman.
Callie smiled and shook her head. “She’s an amazing fourteen year old. A year and a half ago her family was about to become homeless and her cancer ridden mother was too weak to go on so she walked into the ocean to drown herself after telling Krista to take her sisters from Cape Cod to the Maryland Eastern Shore. She was twelve and her twin sisters were nine when, with only $50, they set out to WALK over four hundred fifty miles. Of the next thirty four days they walked on twenty six and did odd jobs to earn money on the days of rest. They used garbage bags as ponchos. When one sister shredded her poncho Krista gave her’s to the sister and got soaked. That brought on a fever but she pushed on for four more days before she stumbled onto the road and was sideswiped by a car before collapsing. The woman driver took the three girls home, nursed Krista back to health, then she and her husband drove them to their grandmother just outside Neavitt, Maryland. What was ironic is that when they set out Krista was the brother of the twins. During their odyssey no one wanted give him a job until a baker who thought he was a girl. To survive, he unhappily accepted pretending to be a girl. As each day passed the unwanted masquerade became more real until she realized she was transgender.”
“That makes her letter a bit clearer,” Dusty said. “She explained your mother came to get our twins after they were born to save them from being put up for adoption despite the fact she was dying from cancer but promised to see the babies went to loving parents. Krista explained that her uncle and his bride were your classmates but that the bride was a transsexual who had the surgery and their wedding was televised as part of a boat festival. When your mom saw them, she knew they could not have children of their own and knowing their families realized they would make great parents. Then she wrote that she and they were all part of a self made clan called Wells Point.”
“They go by the name The Clan Wells Point,” Callie explained. “They’re the most wonderful caring people you’ll ever meet.”
“That’s what she said in her letter,” Dusty nodded. “She wrote that they provided hospice care for your mom in the same house as the twins, Sonny and Rayne, that she was able to cuddle and love them until she passed.”
“Yes,” Callie said as she wiped away tears. “The Clan made arrangements to have deputies escort me back home for the funeral. I was able to cuddle Sonny and Rayne for three days. The funeral they had for my mom was absolutely beautiful. They said a person doesn’t die, they graduate to heaven.”
“Maybe you will but I’ll be going to hell,” Dusty sighed. “I really screwed up. Until I dried up in here I didn’t realize how stupid using drugs made me. Now I have to pay for taking another man’s life. I’m getting what I deserve.”
“Yes, but you can evade Hell if you honestly confess your sins to God,” Callie replied. “The Clan Wells Point taught me that much. The three days I spent with the Clan Wells Point made any doubts that God cares about us disappear. They started the ball rolling to get my conviction overturned.”
“Krista had that in her letter,” Dusty smiled. “She said I’d most likely be questioned about your role in the robbery and murder and that it was vital that I told the truth, whatever it was. That really surprised me. I don’t understand why she didn’t coach me on what to say.”
“That’s easy,” Cassie nodded. “The Clan Wells Point is based on honesty and helping others. If the truth wouldn’t free me, then I didn’t deserve to get out. The clan is all about integrity.”
“That seems a bit harsh,” Dusty frowned. “But I guess it works for them. When they came to question me about you I told the truth. Now you’re free so you can go back and get the twins.”
“No,” Cassie said. “I’ll go back but Larry and Kylie are better parents than I could ever be. Maybe someday I’ll make a good mom but I’m not there yet. The Clan Wells Point wants me to join them so I’ll be near Sonny and Rayne and interact with them but as an aunt. I’ll keep you up to date on them.”
“In her letter that’s what Krista said you’d do,” Dusty solemnly declared. “Look Cassie, I need to apologize for getting you involved in my craziness. Now that I’m free of drugs I can think clearer and realize I really screwed up and dragged you into it. You didn’t deserve to be jailed. It was all my arrogant drug fueled stupidity.”
“Yes it was,” Cassie agreed. “But it seems like your time in prison has matured you.”
“That it has,” Dusty sighed. “Being sober has helped. I still can’t understand why I let drugs take over but I did what I did. I can’t deny I killed the man.”
“The first step to redemption is by accepting responsibility which you’ve done,” Cassie smiled as she placed a hand on the glass separating them.
“I’ve done that,” Dusty sighed as he placed his hand against hers. “But I’ll spend the rest of my life in prison.”
“Not necessarily,” Cassie looked deeply into his eyes. “If you show your remorse and stay out of trouble, the lawyer who got me freed said you’ll be eligible for parole in thirty years.”
“That’s a long time,” Dusty griped. “But it’s better than the rest of my life. But to get parole I have to have a place to live and a way to support myself. How will I be able to do that? My family and friends have written me off. Without outside support I’ll never get out.”
“Dusty, you HAVE outside support,” Cassie declared with a grin. “The Clan Wells Point has your back.”
“Yeah, right,” Dusty huffed clearly feeling hopeless. “They have no reason to help a murder they’ve never met.”
“Yes they do,” Cassie smiled. “Sonny and Rayne are members of the clan. That makes you a person of interest for them. In all honesty you are Sonny and Rayne’s sperm donor just as I’m their egg donor. Kylie and Larry are their mother and father. The twins will be told about us. Just as I’m their aunt, you are the twin’s uncle.”
“Wow,” Dusty gasped with surprise. “So they’ll help me at a parole hearing?”
An announcement came over the PA system announcing visiting time would end in two minutes.
“Yes,” Cassie assured him. “When I return home, I’ll make sure the Clan discusses setting up regular communication with you so they know in advance when you become eligible. When the time comes they’ll coordinate a good lawyer for you just as they did for me. To give you a bit more hope, I’m the fourth person they’ve gotten or kept out of jail. The first two are Clan members serving out work release parole. The woman is considered an aunt to her daughter and the man is considered an uncle to his three daughters and two sons. The third had her murder conviction overturned to manslaughter and was sentenced to time served.”
“So there is hope for me,” Dusty mused. “Thirty years is a long time. I hope I can do it.”
“You can do it,” Cassie assured him. “I’ll make sure you get photos of Sonny and Rayne. They’ll be your motivation.”
Dusty nodded his head. “Krista included a photo of the twins and their parents in her letter. Look, I’ll do my best. I guess it’s too much to ask if you’ll be waiting for me?”
“I’ll be there and will be your friend,” Cassie replied. “But I can’t promise to wait for you.”
“Fair enough,” Dusty sighed. “Thanks for being honest.”
“It’s what the Clan Wells Point does,” Cassie declared.
With that a guard collected Dustin to return him to his cell.
By 2:00pm Cassie was boarding the jet to fly to DC where she’d be met by Leroy and Krista.
Carrying the two suitcases containing all her worldly possessions Cassie walked out of the arrival area at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. With a huge grin she received a welcome home hug from Krista. The pair hugged then each carried a suitcase to Leroy waiting by the curb in his F150 crew cab pickup. Leroy put the suitcases behind the front passenger seat then assisted Cassie as she sat in the seat. Krista slipped into the rear seat behind the driver. It was nearly 7:00pm when they set out on the trip home. The hour and three quarter trip stretched another 45 minutes as they stopped at Ava’s Pizzeria in St. Michaels for supper. Cassie was once more impressed with Krista. When she learned Cassie’s arrival time the spunky girl had asked Kylie and Larry for suggestions about Cassie’s favorite food that would be unavailable in prison. It was 9:30pm when they arrived at the main farmhouse. Tony, Kylie and Larry came out to welcome Cassie. Tony and Krista carried the suitcases inside to the spare bedroom where Cassie would be staying overnight.
The renovations to Susan’s Place B&B had been completed. On Sunday November 2 the Evans family moved into the apartment above the garage. Mary Ann would be running the dual office for the B&B and CWP Charter Fishing Boat. Callie was delighted to be offered the then vacated crew position on the Coconut Island and moved into the other apartment. That evening the Clan Wells Point had their first meeting meal in the O’Brien barn. Cassie was brought to tears to learn her mother had requested she inherit her shares and was granted membership into the CWP. The Clan Wells Point now had ninety members. The Clan was also excited about the upcoming Veterans excursion to DC. Nearly everyone who would be available next Saturday decided to carpool to follow the bus caravan.
On Tuesday Jenny received a call from Jason Lieberman. The estate of her grandparents was ready to be sold and closed. If she wanted anything from the estate she had two weeks to retrieve it. A very sullen Jenny sat down with her mother and big sister to discuss options.
“I don’t want anything from the estate,” Jenny began. “But am I cutting off my nose to spite my face? Will I want any of the photos and other mementos a few years from now? God! Even with them dead they still haunt me!”
“We can’t tell you what to do,” Ruth sighed as she felt for her adopted daughter. “But what you said about cutting off your nose could be true. I don’t mind taking you back to Pennsylvania. Just because you do go back doesn’t mean you have to take anything. If you do bring anything home you can store it away. If at a later time you decide to get rid of it we’ll do so. What I’m saying is you have multiple choices. Some are final, some buy time. But if you don’t at least look now, you may remember something you might have wanted in the future.”
“Sis, you life in Pennsylvania was hell,” Jamie declared. “The fact you’ve emerged from that the wonderful caring sister and person you are is fantastic! But you can’t just shut the door on your past. You need to deal with it. Mom and I will help you do it. Sis, you’re not alone in this! We have your back.”
Jenny bit her lips as tears began to trickle down her cheeks. “It’s not fair to you,” she blubbered. “You’ve done so much already just taking me in. I can’t burden you with any more.”
Ruth and Jamie moved to envelope Jenny in protective hugs. “Baby, if you need more help that Jamie or can give you we can get professional help. You ARE my daughter and Jamie’s sister! We love you unconditionally! Sweety, you never dealt with the fact your grandparents tried to kill you! You’ve buried it and it’s still eating at you. Jamie and I can see it. You never take time to just relax. You throw yourself from one activity to another with no downtime. WE need to deal with your anger about your birth family as a family.”
“BUT I KILLED THEM,” Jenny sobbed. “My failure to be the son my dad wanted led to him beating my me and my mother! Then when he jkilled her I KILLED HIM! I TOOK HIS LIFE! ME! Then I killed my grandparents when they tried to kill me! I’m responsible for all four deaths! ME! I did it...” Jenny totally broke down.
Lung emptying sobs shook her body as well as Ruth and Jamie as they cuddled her with love. From the back of the now fenced in back yard Snoopy, Spike, Andy, Olaf, Marbles and Belle began howling and baying jumping against the door to the screened in porch in desperate effort to get to their beloved mistress.
The baying echoed across the area. Larry and Kylie ran from the farmhouse to see what was going on. Frank, Heather and Jasmine ran from the north from the Landing. The five saw each other heading to the Ewell home. Larry and Kylie headed to the back yard to calm the beagles while the other three headed for the front door. It was plain to see the beagles were frantic about getting into the house.
“I... I need to tell the dogs I’m okay before they break in,” Jenny whispered as she managed to pull herself together. As Ruth and Jamie stood helping the trembling Jenny to her feet a loud knocking came from the front door. Realizing the neighbors were concerned about the chaotic baying Ruth went to the front door. Larry and Kylie were swarmed by the desperately baying beagles as soon as they entered the yard. The energetic jumping dogs immediately began to herd the two humans to the back door knowing they could open it so they could get inside to help Jenny.
As Ruth welcomed Frank, Heather and Jasmine in the front door Jamie helped Jenny to the back door. Hearing the latch turning the beagles abandoned Larry and Kylie. Their already frantic baying rose in urgency as they rushed the door as it opened. As soon as the door was opened enough to jamb a snout in the opening all five dogs forced their way inside. Jamie and Jenny were swamped by the leaping beagles who promptly nosed Jamie away as they pulled Jenny to the floor to cover her with doggy kisses, cries and whimpers. Jenny’s tears returned only now they were tears of happiness as she returned the doggy hugs and kisses to the eager Beagles.
The neighbors quietly headed home when they realized Jenny had an emotional meltdown. Her beloved beagles were the best short term solution. No one even questioned why she broke down. Nearly every one in the CWP had been concerned for her wondering how long she could bury her angst.
*****
The next week was hectic as all the detailed preparations were completed for the veteran’s trip. Two hundred seventy two vets had signed up! With a guest each and a student volunteer for each vet that meant eight hundred seventeen needed to be transported! With coverage of the fund raising concert for the vets’ trip by Harry Halls and the WBOC TV 16 film crew there were numerous family members of the vets who also wanted to accompany the tour. It was understood they would provide their own transportation. The band director had checked with the DC National Mall security to see if the band could put on a mini concert for their vets near the WWII Memorial. Upon finding it was possible he had no trouble convincing the school administration to allow the forty member band to perform.
Between student volunteers to be assistants for the veterans and the band three hundred twelve students were needed. Fortunately nearly the entire student body stepped forward to help. The students council, school advisors and volunteers began arriving at the school parking lot at 7:00am. The six tour buses provided at cost by Delmarva Community Transit needed to be supplemented by ten school buses. The tour buses could carry forty eight passengers and the school buses fifty two for a total capacity of eight hundred eight on the buses. With consultations with the leadership of the VFW and American Legion the oldest vets and those with special needs were scheduled for the more comfortable tour buses. Each vet was allowed one guest, (their spouse, a family member or a friend) to accompany them. The CWP handicap accessible van carried nine power wheelchair bound vets and seven passengers. The CWP also provided three crew cab pickup trucks with five people each to transport six personal power scooters each for those who needed assistance walking distances. The CWP also provided a sixteen feet long by seven feet wide stake bed truck to carry one hundred transport wheelchairs for vets who might not be able to walk the distances in the National Mall. The chairs were borrowed from churches, funeral homes, nursing homes and rehab centers across Talbot County. In addition there were twenty one personal vehicles with an average of five people each. Last was the WBOC TV 16 News Van with Harry Halls and a two man crew. A total of one thousand fifteen people were in their group.
At 8:30 the forty four vehicle caravan set out. Arrangements had been made to reserve parking spaces for the vehicles in a parking lot just south of the Jefferson Memorial. It was a bit after 10:00am when the caravan offloaded on Ohio Drive SW midway between the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. The day was a sunny sixty one degrees with barely a breeze. The wheelchairs and transport wheelchairs were offloaded and when they saw the distances involved those families that brought wheelchairs for their vets did the same. The initial walk to the National Mall was half a mile. The Korean War, WWII and Vietnam War Memorials were located around the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pond with a walking distance of nearly a mile between them.
The large group stayed together. Those vets with additional family joined the vet and guest with student assistant. Most of the vets were quiet and solemn as the import of the visit struck home. The massive group walked up Ohio Drive SW to Independence Avenue SW which they crossed to Daniel French Drive SW. The Korean War Memorial was just off that street.
Docents explained the haunting 19 stainless steel statues represented an advance party. They are approximately seven feet tall and represent an ethnic cross section of America. There are fourteen Army, three Marine, one Navy and one Air Force members. The statues stand in patches of Juniper bushes and are separated by polished granite strips, which give a semblance of order and symbolize the rice paddies and terrain of Korea. The troops wear ponchos covering their weapons and equipment. The ponchos seem to blow in the cold winds of Korea. The adjacent Mural Wall consists of forty one panels extending one hundred sixty four feet. Over two thousand four hundred photographs of the Korean War were obtained from the National Archives. They were enhanced by computer to give a uniform lighting effect and the desired size. The mural, representing those forces supporting the foot soldier, depicts Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel and their equipment. The etchings are arranged to give a wavy appearance in harmony with the layout of the statues. The reflective quality of the Academy Black Granite creates the image of a total of 38 statues, symbolic of the 38th Parallel and the 38 months of the war. When viewed from afar, it also creates the appearance of the mountain ranges of Korea. Korea
As the group walked about the monument idle chatter slowly faded. Krista was pushing Mr Jablonski’s wheelchair with Mrs Jablonski at his side. They stopped at the apex of the statues. Theo, normally a stoic man, began to shake and tears flowed down his cheeks.
Rachel was shocked and concerned by his behavior. “Theo, are you alright?”
Too choked up to speak, the man shook his head no.
Rachel began to panic fearing another stroke. “Oh God, not another stroke! Where can we get an ambulance? HELP! Can someone call an ambulance?”
Theo became agitated and gripped Rachel’s arm shaking his head no. “No ambulance... I just need... some time.”
As people gathered to see what was going on Krista stepped around and knelt in front of Theo taking his hands in hers. “Theo... these were you brothers?”
The formerly stoic man sniffed and nodded. “Brothers... my brothers...” he managed to whisper.
One of the docents had come over to see what was happening. She heard what Krista asked and Theo’s response. “He’ll be okay. He’s just overwhelmed with memories and long suppressed PTSD. This happens on a regular basis. Just give him space and time to deal with it.”
Those closest patted Theo’s shoulder reassuringly as those who had gathered dispersed.
Rachel stood by his side holding one hand gazing at the statues wondering why they had effected her normally taciturn husband.
“Mr Jablonski, you were there,” Krista said as she placed a hand on his shoulder opposite his wife. You remember the rain, the snow, the ice, the fighting, killing, watching you buddies die, the horror you couldn’t stop or control. But you endured. You came through the hell. Since then you’ve lived the best life you could to honor those who didn’t come home. You were a hero during the war and your life since then has been that of a hero. Like many veterans you never asked to be a hero, you just are one.”
Theo nodded his head as he absorbed Krista’s words of wisdom. “I never wanted to be a hero.”
“Real heros never want to be heros,” Krista declared.
“You’re one smart girl,” Theo sighed as he reached up to pat Krista’s hand. Then he looked up at his wife. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make a scene.”
“Oh Theo,” Rachel replied. “I love you.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Mr Jablonski,” Krista smiled as she stood even as tears began to flow down her cheeks. “After what you lived through with your buddies you’ve earned the right to cry. You, sir, are my hero,” With that she hugged him.
Rachel joined the hug. After a few moments they moved on to view the rest of the monument.
From there the group moved to the Lincoln Memorial, then on to the north side of the reflecting pool to the Three Soldiers Statue portraying three young uniformed American soldiers. While the military attire is meant to be symbolic and general in nature, the combat equipment displayed represents the figures as serving in either the U.S. Army, or U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Of the three men, the lead figure represents a Marine. The man on the right wears combat equipment consistent with a U.S. Army Soldier. The man on the left is slightly less specific in the service representation of his gear and uniform, but he appears to be a U.S. Army Soldier. In order to portray the major ethnic groups that were represented in the ranks of U.S. combat personnel that served in Vietnam, the statue's three men are purposely identifiable as European American, African American, and Latino. The Three Soldiers statue was designed to supplement the somber Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
It was a short walk to the iconic Vietnam War Memorial Wall. Made up of two walls each two hundred forty six feet nine inches long etched with the names of the servicemen being honored in panels of horizontal rows. The walls are sunk into the ground with the earth behind them. At the highest tip where they meet they are ten feet high and they taper to a height of eight inches at their extremities. Symbolically, this is described as a wound that is closed and healing. When a visitor looks upon the wall his or her reflection can be seen simultaneously with the engraved names which is meant to symbolically bring the past and present together. One wall points toward the Washington Monument the other in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial. There is a pathway along the base of the Wall, where visitors may walk.
One of the most striking things the group noticed was the lack of the familiar jabbering of tourists. Instead there was a respectful silence. Nearly everyone over fifty had tears in their eyes. Many small groups of older men wearing jackets, vests, hats and pins identifying them as Vietnam Vets slowly moved along the wall as their fingertips traced the names. When they touched a name they recognized, one of their fallen comrades, their fingers lingered and tears trickled down their cheeks. The shuffling of feet and the squeak of wheelchairs was the dominant sound. Soft whispered prayers were also periodically heard. The monument was sobering for the students. It was one thing to hear statistics in a classroom that over fifty eight thousand men died in the war. It was quite another to actually see that many names etched on the walls. It helped drive home the enormity of the loss.
The group moved silently to the nearby Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the first time a memorial that honors women's patriotic service. It was the first tangible symbol of honor for American women. The multi-figure bronze six feet eight inches tall monument is a sculpture in the round portraying three Vietnam-era women, one of whom is caring for a wounded male soldier. nam
From there the group traveled along the north side of the reflecting pool to Seventeenth Street NW to approach the World War Two Memorial from the east. The monument consists of consists of fifty six granite pillars, each seventeen feet tall, arranged in a semicircle around a plaza with two triumphal arches on opposite sides each forty three feet tall. Two-thirds of the seven and a half acre site is landscaping and water. Each pillar is inscribed with the name of one of the forty eight U.S. states of 1945 as well as the District of Columbia, the Alaska Territory and Territory of Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The northern arch is inscribed with "Atlantic"; the southern one, "Pacific." The plaza is three hundred thirty seven feet ten inches long and two hundred forty feet two inches wide, is sunk 6 feet below grade, and contains a pool that is two hundred forty six feet nine inches by one hundred forty seven feet eight inches. The memorial includes two inconspicuously located "Kilroy was here” engravings. Their inclusion in the memorial acknowledges the significance of the symbol to American soldiers during World War II and how it represented their presence and protection wherever it was inscribed.
Entering the semicircle from the east the group walked along the two walls picturing scenes of the war experience in bas relief. The wall toward the Pacific arch the scenes begin with soon-to-be servicemen getting physical exams, taking the oath, and being issued military gear. The reliefs progress through several iconic scenes, including combat and burying the dead, ending in a homecoming scene. On the wall toward the Atlantic arch there is a similar progression, but with scenes generally more typical of the European theatre. Some scenes take place in England, depicting the preparations for air and sea assaults. The last scene is of a handshake between the American and Russian armies when the western and eastern fronts met in Germany.
The Freedom Wall is on the west side of the memorial, with a view of the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial behind it. The wall has four thousand forty eight gold stars each representing 100 Americans who died in the war. In front of the wall lies the message "Here we mark the price of freedom".
The cheeks of the WWII vets were streaked with tears as those who accompanied them hugged them and listened to their whispered heartfelt and often heartrending reminisces. No one who watched the old vets had dry eyes as they watched the old men tremble as memories of fighting, watching buddies die, the unending tension of war and the comradery of the squad mates. More than one grizzled man broke down as the walls of their hidden and often denied war memories crumbled. For many families the tough old man they’d known finally showed his humanity. The raw emotions of the vets effected the students. All who were there were changed by what they shared. wwii
The somber group moved down the west side of the reflecting pool to the DC War Memorial. The monument is a circular, open-air, Doric structure built almost entirely of Vermont marble. The memorial has an overall height of forty seven feet and a diameter of forty four feet, large enough to accommodate the entire U.S. Marine Band. It was intended that the structure be a memorial and a bandstand and that each concert would be a tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the war. The memorial stands on a four feet high circular marble platform around which are inscribed the names of 499 Washington residents who died in service during World War I. The names were inscribed on the face of the platform in alphabetical order with no distinction made to rank, race, or gender. Arrangements had been made with the authorities for the St. Michael’s Middle High School band to use the Memorial. wwI
As the school band set up under the rotunda of the Monument. The large group spread out on the lawn and under the Ash Woods around memorial settling onto blankets. Brown bag lunches and drinks were distributed to the group. When ready, the band director blew three shrill tweets on his whistle. The band promptly launched into the ever rousing Sousa march Stars and Stripes Forever. From the back of the memorial, Krista led a color guard around the walkway to the front. Krista carried Old Glory with Jennie carrying the American Legion flag and Jasmine carrying the VFW flag. They formed a line with Old Glory in the center on the sixth step centered on the front of the memorial. Tony, Jimmy, Phil, Dwayne and Sam followed carrying the flags of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps formed a line four steps down in front of the girls. Holly, Lyndi and Teri followed the flags and when the song ended replaced Krista, Jenny and Jasmine as flag holders. The three girls relieved of their burden climbed to the deck of the monument to front the band.
“I’d like to thank everyone who made today’s tour possible,” Krista spoke into the microphone. “I speak for all the students when I say we had no idea just how important these Memorials are. We want to give a heartfelt thank you to all who have served in the armed services. Please, enjoy our presentation!”
Drawn by the live music, more visitors to the area gathered to listen. While the band played the three girls sang. They played the anthem of the US Army, ‘The Army Goes Rolling Along’. Next was the US Navy anthem, ‘Anchors Away’. Then came the Air Force anthem, ‘Wild Blue Yonder’. Then came the Coast Guard theme, ‘Semper Paratus’.
Krista spoke up. “We students are thankful for the service and sacrifice of all veterans. In preparing for this trip we’ve learned a lot. Our generation has benefitted from past generations and we honor you. Because of technology we are different from past generations, but we pledge to do our part to continue your legacy. The last theme we want to play is the Marine Hymn, but in a non traditional style that speaks to our generation. This was version is performed by Madison Rising, a patriotic rock group. I hope you enjoy it or at least forgive us. This song goes out to the men and women who exemplify honor, courage and commitment! They are the few, the proud, they are the United States Marines! Semper fi!” With that the band launched into the rock version of the iconic theme. fi
“I hope everyone has enjoyed our humble presentation,” Krista declared. “If you are able can you please stand for our second last song.”
As the first notes of the Star Spangled Banner rang out people stood facing the flag. The three girls sang the lyrics of all four verses loud and clear. The listeners broke into cheers and applause.
When the cheers ended Krista spoke. “Please remain standing for this last appropriate tune.”
The band’s lead trumpet player then walked to the microphone and began to play ‘Taps’. taps
Tears were freely rolling down everyone’s cheeks as the haunting mournful notes echoed through the trees and monuments.
With an emotion choked voice Krista once more stepped to the mic. “May God bless us all!”
The band began to pack up and students moved through the crowd with garbage bags to collect the rubbish. The veterans and those accompanying them packed up. The drivers of the convoy brought the busses and other vehicles to the west bound curbs of Independence Avenue SW. It was a solemn but grateful group that boarded their transport to return home. Everyone had been forever moved by the day trip to the veteran’s memorials. Harry Halls and his film crew had accompanied the large group filming the memorials but also the reactions of the veterans. No one regretted the trip. That evening a hastily edited five minute synopsis of the trip appeared on the news and swept the nation. vet
Longer edited versions of the recorded trip were made and shared across the nation as part of the 2008 Veteran’s Day. As the chief instigator of the expedition Krista once more found herself in the spotlight.
After a lot of discussion about what was at her grandparents’ home Jenny admitted it would be worth another trip north. On Veteran’s Day with his E350 pickup and seven feet by twenty feet trailer Robert with Krista as a passenger led Ed Nelson in his 2005 Expedition with Ruth, Jamie and Jenny inside to drive to Pennsylvania to go through Jenny’s grandparents’ property. Having learned from the last trip, they packed lunch and plenty of drinks. The nearly four hour trip was uneventful and they arrived at the homestead a bit after 10am.
With a bit of trepidation Jenny led the way inside. In the livingroom she retrieved a set of keys hidden inside the winding door of an imposing ornate grandfather clock and pointed Robert and Ed to the two gun cabinets filled with rifles, shotguns and pistols. Ruth was clearly bedazzled by the clock.
Jenny smiled. “I’ve always loved that clock. It’s an 1895 Riefler. My great grandfather served in the 5th Infantry Division of Patton’s Third Army and was one of the first Third Army troops to cross the Rhine. He bought the clock after the war ended from a German widow while serving as part of the occupying force.”
As the girls looked around the rustic livingroom Ed and Robert checked out the gun cabinets. Both were awed by the sheer firepower held within. Among the pistols were two Desert Eagle .50 caliber with six 7 round magazines and holsters, two Springfield Armory Model 1911 .45 caliber with six 9 round magazines and holsters, two scary CZ-USA Scorpian EVO 9mm with six 20 round magazines, two WWII German Army P38 9mm with three 8 round magazines that Jenny’s great grandfather brought back from Germany, and two Walther PK380 .38 caliber with six 8 round magazines. The shotguns consisted of four 5 shot 12 gauge pump action, two 4 shot 12 gauge semi-auto, and two 12 gauge side by side double barrel guns. In addition there were two AR-15 assault rifles .223 caliber with six 30 round magazines, a Springfield Armory M1A semi-automatic .308 caliber with two 10 round magazines, an auto-ordinance Thompson style semi-automatic .45 caliber with two 50 round drums, a Henry Big Boy lever action .44 magnum caliber with 10 shot capacity, a Winchester Model 1873 lever action octagonal barrel .44-40 caliber with 13 shot capacity, two WWII German Army Karabiner 98k Mauser 7.92mm with sniper scopes that Jenny’s great grandfather brought back from Germany, and a Remington 700 ADL Varmint bolt action .223 caliber with 5 shot capacity. There were seven scopes that could be attached to the rifles as well as thousands of rounds of various caliber ammunition for the weapons. There were also a pair of crossbows with forty bolts and three compound bows with quivers and thirty hunting and eighty target arrows.
After going through the gun cabinets Robert shook his head. “Jenny, your grandfather was ready to start a war!”
“Yeah,” Jenny agreed. “That was my family. Some of those guns were my dad’s. I noticed his gun cabinet and guns were missing when we cleaned out that house. The Remington .223 caliber bolt action rifle was mine.”
“I don’t foresee a need for them but with what’s happening in the financial markets you never know if the need for self defense might arise,” Krista sighed. “Would you object if we bring the weapons back to the Clan?”
“I don’t think it would hurt,” Jenny agreed. “I enjoyed target shooting it’s just hunting I disliked. I don’t object to hunting if the meat is consumed I just don’t want to do it. Maybe we could set up a shooting range.”
“I ike the idea. Somewhere out on the tip of Wells Point would be a safe place to put a shooting range together,” Robert said. “We’ll have to get the ownership of all these weapons transferred.”
Jenny nodded her agreement then moved on. “Krista, can you help me check the fireplace?”
As Krista walked over to the large walk-in fireplace she asked, “Are we looking for a hidden stash?”
“Yes,” Jenny said as she used the wooden handle of a fire poker to tap on the bricks on one side of the fireplace. “Memorial day a year and a half ago I was told there was a hollow storage space inside but I don’t know where.”
Krista began doing the same using another poker on the other side. Brick by brick they checked the huge fireplace. After several minutes Krista found a loose brick. The excited girls eagerly pried and tugged on the brick until they wiggled it out enough to grasp and pull it out. As it slid out two other bricks loosened. By the time they pulled all the loose bricks out there was a hole sixteen inches wide and nine inches high. Inside was a steel box that virtually filled the space. Grasping the handle Jenny tugged the box.
“This feels really heavy,” Jenny declared as the box slowly pulled out. “Krista, can you help me lift it out?”
“Sure,” Krista answered as she grasped the corners of the box. For it’s size the box was heavy but the girls easily handled it. By the time they set it on the floor everyone gathered around curious to see what treasure might be hidden inside. They all gasped when it was opened. On top were twelve bundles of 50 hundred dollar bills, $5000.00 each for $60,000,00. Under the cash they found gold coins which Robert identified as one troy ounce Krugerrands. When counted they had five hundred coins. The current price of gold was worth $860.00 per ounce for a worth of $450,000. In all the box held $490,00.00. They were all stunned by the value.
“I take it your grandparents didn’t like banks any better than lawyers,” Ruth shook her head. “Your lawyer said they only had a checking account that they used sparingly.”
“They didn’t trust any government or big businesses,” Jenny sighed.
Ruth and Jenny kept checking through the house where they gathered the loose photographs and photo albums, several beautiful hand made quilts, sheets, blankets and towels as well as numerous antiques including numerous oil lamps. Robert, Ed, Jamie and Krista headed out to the Quonset hut garage behind the house. There were garage doors at both ends of the thirty feet wide by sixty five feet long steel building. Inside the back garage door were two ATVs and a box trailer seven feet wide and twelve feet long and six feet high with a thirty two inch wide door near the front on the right side. They began sorting through the contents. The task of seeing was junk versus good took quite a while as they had to go through all sorts of tools. Picks shovels, pry bars, rakes, hoes, axes, picks, scythes, sledge hammers, chain saws, power tools, oil, nails, screws and other supplies as well as hundreds of small hand tools the Clan could put to good use was set aside. As they were working Jenny came out to call them into the house for lunch.
The box trailer was hitched to the back of Ed’s Expedition and driven back to the house. The gun cabinets and grandfather clock and most of the antiques were loaded inside. The ATVs were loaded on Robert’s flat trailer above the wheels, then the tools and supplies were loaded onto the trailer. By the time they had loaded what they wanted it was nearly 3:00pm.
As they pulled onto the long driveway Jenny suddenly called out “WAIT! STOP!”
Ed stopped, blew his horn and flashed his lights at Robert as Jenny leapt from his Expedition and jogged over to the large pond. Robert stopped and got out of his truck as did Krista. Ruth Jamie and Ed got out of their vehicle, all following Jenny to the fifty feet wide by one hundred eighty feet long pond created by a low wide damn.
“I learned to kayak on the pond in this kayak,” Jenny reminisced as she stoked the green smooth polyethylene hull as she gazed almost longingly at the still water. “We can use the kayaks and canoes at the Landing.” With that said she knelt down by the log rack upon which the upside down watercraft were chained to retrieve the hidden keys for the padlocks quickly unlocking both chains.
While the men carried the two kayaks to Robert’s truck to slide them atop the built in ladder rack Jenny led Krista and Jamie to a six feet by eight feet rusted shed on the far side of the pond where the paddles were stored.
Jenny retrieved two double bladed kayak paddles and two life vests, Krista four single blade canoe paddles and Jamie four more life vests. As they were returning Jenny stopped to look at the water flowing from the pipe that drained the pond. The twelve inch pipe extended three feet from the dam breast that formed the pond. The normal outflow exiting the pipe was just a bit more than the flow of an unrestricted garden hose. It was only during heavy rains the pipe filled. The water arced out of the pipe to drop five feet to the small channel through which the water flowed further down the valley. The cascading flow had carved a three feet rounded basin about eighteen inches deep with the water trickling out the lowest point. The impact of the water created foamy bubbles that floated about the surface before popping.
“When I was little I used to love coming out here to just sit on the grass and watch the patterns the bubbles made,” Jenny sighed. “It was a lot like looking for stuff in clouds.”
Krista and Jamie smiled as they too watched the swirling bubbles coalesce into a shape. The three girls drew in a gasping breath. The image formed was one they’d seen several months before... during the ash scattering celebration... Susan Warren! The image repeatedly mouthed three words. It was almost as if the girls could hear her saying “Wait ten minutes!” As soon as they understood the image broke apart. The startled girls exchanged looks of surprise and trepidation.
“What are you looking at?” Ruth asked as she joined the girls after helping the men lift the canoes atop the box trailer.
“We were looking at the bubbles,” Jenny whispered clearly spooked. “I used to spend hours sitting here watching the them.”
“I take it you saw something that spooked you,” Ruth stated as she looked between the girls.
“We saw Susan Warren,” the awed Jamie answered as the men joined them. This was her first direct interaction with the clan’s supernatural guardian angels “She told us to wait ten minutes.”
Everyone was silent for a few moments. Then Robert spoke. “I don’t understand this spiritual stuff with guardian angels but I have learned to believe it. We wait ten minutes.”
Everyone nodded agreement as they went back to the vehicles where they double checked the tie downs on the kayaks and canoes. When the ten minutes passed they loaded up and anxiously began the trip home. It was obvious to all of them they’d been told to wait because something was going to happen... and while driving it would most likely be an accident of some sort... never a good thing.
Thirty two miles later they had just crossed from Berks into Lancaster County on southbound US Route 222 where it was a four lane limited access interstate with a sixty foot wide grass strip dividing the lanes. They were a mile and half south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike when the reason for Susan’s warning happened. It was 3:50pm.
“Look at that idiot,” Robert who was on high alert pointed out to Krista. They saw a sports car in the northbound lanes passing other vehicles in the 65mph speed zone as if they were sitting still. As they watched in horror as a car following a tractor trailer signaled and moved into the passing lane unaware of the excessively speeding sports car closing in. The speeding car futilely slammed on the brakes and steered into the grass median but still slammed into the left back of the innocent car. The front of the sports car disintegrated and began flipping end over end down the median. The struck car was violently knocked into the saddle fuel tank of the tractor cracking it open before it spun into the median. The tractor slid sideways as the driver fought to regain control. Suddenly the drive tires regained traction. The tractor with it’s trailer rumbled forward straight across the median into the southbound lanes. The tractor trailer t-boned a southbound mid sized two door sedan bulldozing it off the road. The side of the road was shaped in a drainage swale behind which was the mowed slope of a bush and tree covered hill. The car was shoved into the swale where the passenger side dug into the hill stopping the tractor trailer while pinning it to the hill. Sparks from the impact ignited the leaking diesel fuel.
The southbound lanes were going uphill so as soon as Robert saw what was happening he got off the gas and when the crash occurred he braked. Ed did the same. Both stopped with Robert about fifty feet from the tractor trailer now blocking both southbound lanes and shoulders.
The flaming leaking fuel ran beneath the tractor and flowed down the road, fortunately running off into the swale before reaching Robert’s truck. The driver’s side of the car was partially crushed and some of the flaming fuel was flowing beneath it. Without a thought for their own safety Robert and Krista jumped out of their truck to assist. Ed, Ruth, Jamie and Jenny did the same. Being closer Robert and Krista made it across the swale before the burning leaking fuel cut it off. Scrambling to the car they looked inside while Robert fruitlessly tried the passenger door. The flames were licking up the driver’s side and back of the car.
“Oh God,” Krista gasped “There’s kids in car seats!”
“Ed, get the big pry bar out of the trailer,” Robert yelled. “We’ll have to pop the door!” By the time he turned back to the car Krista was scrambling through the shattered rear window into the rear seat. Robert knew yelling at her was useless as once more his spunky granddaughter simply leapt into the fray.
Ed, Ruth, Jamie and Jenny ran to the trailer and searched for the tool. They found it and also a wrecking bar. Running north about fifty feet they were able to cross the swale and head to the car.
As she got herself inside Krista saw both babies appeared uninjured and were crying healthily. She saw the flames licking up the crushed driver’s side. The passenger, apparently the mother, appeared dazed and bruised with a bloody nose, saved by the air bag. The driver was unconscious and as she checked she was horrified to note his left arm was trapped with the humorous bone snapped off just above the elbow protruding from the shredded flesh and bleeding profusely. Realizing he would quickly bleed out she removed her braided leather belt, wrapped it twice above the shredded muscle and bone and tied it off as tightly as she could.
By then the others had reached the car. Robert jammed the wrecking bar into the space between the frame and the door and heaved. With a groan the gap widened. With a few tries the gap was wide enough to get the heavy five foot long steel pry bar in the gap. Both men began working the gap.
Ruth was looking for Krista wondering where she’d gone.
“My God she’s in the car,” Jenny gasped as they looked into the car where the flames were igniting the headliner.
“Take this one,” Krista shouted as she slide an occupied car seat sideways out the back window after cutting the seat belt.
Carefully avoiding the flames coming up from the back of the car Jamie grasped it feeling the building heat. After she handed the seat with crying infant to Jenny, Krista used her Swiss Army knife to cut the seat belt holding the second car seat.
The door finally yielded to the men’s Herculean effort, groaned and popped open. Robert reached inside to push down the deflated airbag then leaned over her to unbuckle the seatbelt. Then he pulled the confused woman out of the burning wreck. Ruth assisted the woman to stumble up the hill away from the flames to where Jenny sat holding and soothing the cries of the six week old baby girl.
Coughing from the smoke and ducking to avoid the burning headliner Krista handed the second car seat out the back window to Jamie who scurried away to join her mother and sister where she removed and hugged the crying eighteen month old boy.
Robert crouched in the passenger seat unsuccessfully trying to tug the driver out. Krista turned to help instantly realizing the man’s arm was too badly trapped to free him. “His arm is trapped,” she coughed. “We can’t get him out this way. I’ll have to cut off his arm.”
Shifting a bit Robert could see the shattered arm and tourniquet and realized Krista was correct. With disbelief in her stamina he watched as she once more unlimbered her Swiss Army knife and shrugged her jacket over her head to protect her hair from the flames. Leaning into the flames she began cutting through the deboned shredded meat of the man’s arm. Robert kept tension on the man’s right arm to make the cutting easier. Nearly the entire roof liner was aflame by the time Robert felt the release as the arm separated. By then the flames was singing his hair through his baseball cap. Dragging the man by his remaining arm he backed out the wrenched open passenger door where Ed knocked Robert’s burning hat off his head.
Quickly shifting about Ed grabbed the man’s legs as Robert shot his arms beneath the unconscious man’s shoulders. The two men then carried him up the hill.
As Krista scrambled out the door right behind them the flaming roof liner dropped on her. Just as she got out the interior went up in flames. Somehow she’d managed to snag the diaper bag and scooped up the woman’s purse before sprawling to the grass outside the car. She had to slip out of her burning jacket before she ran away from the fully engulfed car.
The distraught woman was seated on the hillside crying as she cuddled her children as she watched the men carry her unconscious husband from the wreck. Jamie and Jenny ran down to assist Krista patting out the smouldering spots on her clothes and hair. Less than five minutes had passed since the crash.
Other motorists stopped by the epic crash had checked the initial two vehicles. Several were attending to the occupants of the nearer car while a few walked around the shredded sports car. Most were silently standing back watching, many with cell phones out recording the carnage. Emergency personnel had yet to arrive.
Ruth got up to assist the heavily coughing Krista sit beside the mother as Jamie and Jenny ran back to Ed’s vehicle to get several bottles of water and blankets.
Ed and Robert, who had to stop several times to catch their breath were both panting from the exertion as they staggered to the group carrying the unconscious man.
The woman saw his missing arm and gasped. “Ben! Oh my God!”
“I’m (cough) sorry,” Krista apologized. “His arm was (cough) trapped and the flames (cough) were getting closer (cough) and hotter. (cough) I had to (cough) cut it off to (cough) get him out.”
“You... you cut it off?” The woman asked in disbelief.
“It was the only (cough) way to save him, (cough)” Krista sniffled as the enormity of what she’d done hit her.
“Is he going to survive?” The woman asked softly.
“I don’t know, (cough)” Krista answered with compassion. “The arm was (cough) pretty well busted (cough) up and he was (cough) bleeding out. (cough) I put a tourniquet (cough) on to stop the bleed. (Cough) When the paramedics (cough) get here they’ll (cough) have to stabilize him (cough) then get him to a (cough) trauma center.”
At that point the car’s fuel tank exploded. Several people who had approached the inferno with cell phones recording the scene were struck by debris although none were seriously injured.
Jamie and Jenny returned handing out water bottles and blankets to everyone. Krista promptly opened a bottle and downed about half to soothe her smoke irritated throat.
“You saved my babies too,” the battered woman looked at Krista noting her singed hair clearly awed. “You risked your life going into a burning car to save strangers. I can’t ever thank you... all of you... I don’t even know your names.”
“I’m Robert Scott,” Robert introduced himself. “This brave young lady is my granddaughter Krista Scott. This is Ed Nelson, Ruth Ewell and her daughters Jamie and Jenny.
“I’m VERY pleased to meet you. You saved us. With out your help...” the woman shivered as she clutched the children closer while glancing at the fully engulfed car. “My husband is Ben Johnson. I’m Kelly Johnson, this is our son Grant and daughter Penny. If Ben dies...,” tears began to flow down her cheeks.
“He won’t die,” Krista firmly stated. “It wasn’t an accident that we were right behind you.”
The woman sniffled and looked at Krista a bit strangely.
“We come from Maryland,” Krista explained. “We were up near Virginville getting things from Jenny’s grandparents estate. As we were getting ready to leave... I know this will sound strange but it’s true... an angel appeared to Jenny, Jamie and I telling us to wait ten minutes. We’ve had encounters with angels before and know to do what they say so we delayed out departure. If we’d have left when we first tried, we’d have missed the accident. Your family might have died horribly in the crash.”
Kelly looked at Krista in disbelief, wondering if she was telling a tale but a quick glance at the others revealed they thought the weird tale was true. “An angel appeared... so you would be here to save us?”
“Yes,” Krista declared. “That means your family is now tied to us. We’re all part of the Clan Wells Point. We currently have ninety members and live on the Clan property. We have two guardian angels looking out for us. One was my mother, Carol O’Brien and the other was Susan Warren. Susan is the one who told us to wait.”
Kelly looked uncertain and a bit fearful. “Are you some sort of cult?”
“No,” Robert smiled. “We’re family and friends who have been drawn together by Krista. We formed nearly a year and a quarter ago.”
Kelly looked confused. “So Krista is head of this clan?”
“No... although she is the nexus,” Robert smiled to ease her concerns. “Positive things seem to happen around her. I’m one of four elected directors of the Clan Wells Point. We’re a self help group with public outreach. Saving your family aren’t the first people we’ve rescued because of Krista. A year and a half ago she led her younger sisters in walking from Cape Cod to Wells Point after her mother died. Then she and the angel her mother had become had a hand in saving my youngest son’s best friend from suicide. After that her boyfriend’s estranged and jailed father broke out of jail, killed three guards, kidnaped Krista, her boyfriend and his mother intending to kill them. Krista intentionally caused their car to crash then wrestled the killer for control of the gun in the overturned wreck and killed him with a windshield wiper through his eye into his brain getting shot twice in the process. As she was recovering she and Tony, her boyfriend, were walking in the park by the football fields where my grandsons play Pop Warner football, the exercise was to help her recover from her wounds. She heard a little girl hiding in some bushes crying and coaxed her out. The six year old girl had been raped. The rapist was killed in prison and the girls is now Krista’s adopted sister. Then she was instrumental in unraveling the Apple Tree scandal in the process saving the life of a comatose girl. All that happened in a six month span. We formed the Clan Wells Point to continue and expand the spirit of caring and giving that Krista exudes.”
“I heard about those things,” Kelly replied as she looked in awe at the blushing unassuming Krista.
The sounds of approaching sirens interrupted further discussion. Within minutes a fire truck screamed to the wreck. The blazing car and tractor trailer were assaulted by the firefighters. The paramedics and ambulance were right behind. Police quickly arrived. The attention of the medical personnel centered on the people in the first car and the driver of the tractor trailer who had been able to bailout safely with only bruises.
Robert and Ed were shouting and waving their arms hoping to attract the attention of the paramedics. Krista shrugged off her blanket and sprinted off down the hill.
“There she goes again,” Ruth shook her head as she picked up the discarded blanket.
They watched in amazement as the young spitfire dodged through the onlookers and firefighters to the paramedics.
“We pulled the people from the car that burned up,” Krista explained as she grabbed a paramedic by the arm to get his attention. “I had to cut off the driver’s arm so we could get him out and he’s lost a lot of blood. He’s unconscious but alive and desperately needs help. He’s up on the hill. My grandfather is the one waving his arms.”
The paramedic looked at Krista with his mouth hanging open but followed her pointed arm to see two men waving standing half way up the hill. With amazing speed he called to his partner, grabbed their gear and followed the girl to the hill.
The paramedics quickly assessed Ben’s condition. While one paramedic took vital signs and accessed his injuries another started an IV to get fluids into him to supplement what blood remained. A third called for a medivac. The paramedic Krista approached checked the amputated arm and looked her in disbelief. He simply couldn’t believe the teen had amputated the arm.
The Life Lion EMS was based in Hershey, about twenty straight line miles away. By the time the chopper landed they had Ben on a litter and moved him to the road. Quickly loaded they took off for the fifteen minute flight to transport him to the level one trauma unit at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Other medical personnel arrived to check out the children and Kelly. Ruth insisted they also check Krista. The paramedic checking her gasped as he saw the first degree burns on her hands and the left side of her face. Not once had she complained but Ruth had detected her discomfort. They treated her with burn ointment but no dressings advising that if the discomfort grew too intense she should seek immediate medical assistance. Kelly was deemed non critical but they recommended she go to the hospital for treatment for observation for a mild concussion. The children were cleared.
While the medical treatments were happening, the police were canvassing witnesses to determine the cause and responsibility of the crash. Robert told them all he’d seen and what they had done to rescue the Johnson family. His sequence of events was the most complete and tied together the other witness’ partial reports. The officer clearly didn’t believe that Krista had been so instrumental including cutting off a man’s arm. However when he questioned Krista he noted the burns on her hands and face as well as her singed hair. Obviously she had crawled in the burning car! The officer was clearly impressed.
The driver of the sports car wasn’t using his seatbelt and was ejected as his car disintegrated and flipped end over end for three hundred feet. His body was found a hundred feet past the main wreckage of his car. The driver and passenger of the car he hit were wearing seatbelts. They suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital as a precaution. They were discharged after overnight observation. The trucker was just shaken up refusing to go to the hospital. All vehicles involved were totalled.
As the import of what had happened finally hit, Kelly began to tremble and cry. Ruth comforted her as Jamie and Jenny took care of the kids.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do,” Kelly sobbed. “Ben had been laid off and out of work for five months so our savings were gone and our credit cards nearly maxed when he got a new job two months ago. I was a paralegal. We couldn’t afford daycare so I asked my boss for six weeks off after Penny was born. He refused and fired me. We have no health insurance, I have no job, Ben certainly won’t be going back to work. We owe the obstetrician and hospital for Penny’s birth. We’re so far in debt and behind on our rent we’ll soon be evicted.”
Ruth shook her head. “Do you have any family that can help?”
“No,” Kelly sniffed. “Ben and I met at community college and we just clicked. When we refused to break up our families shunned us. Both are dead set against interracial dating. Our families disowned us when we married.
“That’s just stupid,” Krista declared. “Pappy, Susan didn’t delay us just so we’d save the Johnson family today. We need to save them, period. They’ll make good additions to the Clan.”
“We’ve been talking about hiring a paralegal,” Ruth nodded.
“Ben could recuperate with us and rehab at the Hostel,” Jamie added. They can move into one of the apartments over the daycare and the kids could go to the daycare.”
“We can find a meaningful job for Ben when he’s able to return to work,” Jenny stated.
“Okay, okay,” Robert chuckled. “Kelly, I’d like to invite your family to join the Clans Well Point.”
Kelly couldn’t believe her ears. Not only had this remarkable group rescued her family from death, they were offering to take them in. “Not that I’m not grateful, but why would you offer to take in total strangers?”
“It’s what the Clan Wells Point does,” Krista simply stated. “The ambulance wanted to take you to Lancaster General Hospital but they took Ben to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. I say we take Kelly there so she can be closer to Ben. They can check her out there.”
“I’ll stay with Kelly,” Ruth declared. “Jamie and Jenny can look after Grant and Penny while you head home. I’ll call Elisabeth Rich to give her a heads up. I know she’ll look after them until Kelly can joins us.”
Ruth turned to Kelly. “Liz is a mother of four and grandmother of nine and is head of the Clan Wells Point Daycare so she is well versed on childcare.”
Reassured Kelly breathed a sigh of relief.
“We can swap out people staying with Kelly so she can get to know us,” Ruth continued. “I’d recommend two of us be with her at a time just to make logistics easier. The first can bring me a change of clothes and a car up to Hershey tomorrow. We’ll bring up a new person each day and send another home. Once we’re sure Ben’s okay, Kelly and I will go back to their apartment. When Ben is stable enough we can take Kelly to Bozman so she can see the Clan Wells Point first hand. We can begin packing between visits to Ben. As soon as Ben’s able to be moved, you send a truck up to load their things and we bring him down.”
“I just can’t wrap my head about what you’re offering to do,” Kelly sniffled. “No one has ever gone out of their way to help Ben and I. Since our parents rejected us we’ve struggled. I just don’t understand why?”
“As we said one of the Clan Wells Point guardian angels told us to hold our return trip home so we’d be here to save your family,” Krista stated forcibly. “We really have no choice but to help you. The moment we began saving you, we committed ourselves and the Clan Wells Point to bringing you into our extended family.”
Kelly shook her head. “It’s as simple as that?”
“Yes,” Krista, Jamie and Jenny simultaneously answered.
Kelly just looked at them with stunned disbelief. But when she looked at the adults they exuded the same sense of assuredness. Tears flowed from her eyes. “Thank you.”
Everyone hugged her. By then night was falling and so was the temperature so they gathered their things to head back to the vehicles to stay warm. Jenny and Jamie joined Krista in Robert’s truck while the car seats with the kids were secured in the rear seat of Ed’s Expedition with Kelly seated between them. Ruth sat in the front.
After the accident the police and fire police had detoured traffic off the interstate. Then they began directing the vehicles stuck in the mile and half backup to turn around and exit into the detour. By the time darkness fell the only one’s still stuck were the CWP vehicles.
By that time a tilt flatbed towtruck and a large wrecker arrived. While the wrecked but relatively intact car in the median was loaded onto the tilt-back the wrecker hooked up to the rear of the tractor trailer. Once the tilt-back was clear and despite the tires being burned off the front of the tractor the powerful wrecker was able to drag it into the median. It was 6:45pm when the police allowed Robert to drive up the passing lane as crews cleaned debris from the driving lane and another flatbed tow truck prepared to load the burned out remains of the Johnson’s car.
Ed took the lead so Kelly could guide them to her apartment. Three miles down the road they turned off US 222 onto US 322 westbound into the town of Ephrata. The Johnson apartment was a mile past the intersection where US 322 was East Main Street.
They parked along the street and all went inside the small two bedroom apartment. The kids were fed and changed and their clothes were packed. Kelly showered and changed. Krista cleaned up and the burn ointment was reapplied. Soon they were headed west on US 322 out of Ephrata. It took forty five minutes to travel the thirty miles to the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. It was 8:20 when Robert and Krista accompanied Ruth and Kelly inside the trauma unit to check on Ben while Jamie and Jenny joined Ed to look after the kids.
It took a few minutes for the doctor to come out to them. “I’m Dr. Scornivachi. Mrs. Johnson, we’ve stabilized your husband. He’ll need further surgery but we need to give him time to recuperate from the blood loss. In all we had to give him five pints of blood. The good news is there appears to be no head or internal injuries.”
Kelly released the breath she’d been holding since the doctor approached. “Can I see him?”
“It’ll be about half an hour until we get him settled in ICU,” Dr. Scornivachi said. “It could be hours until he wakes up. I’ll have someone take you up once he’s settled.”
“Thank you for saving his life,” Kelly sniffled.
“Whoever got the tourniquet on his arm saved his life,” Dr. Scornivachi replied. “I was told it was a young girl who did that and severed his arm. She must be one tough and courageous girl. I wish I could meet her.”
“This is Krista Scott,” Ruth said introducing the girl who had hung back so the adults could talk freely. “She’s the one who did it.”
Dr. Scornivachi raised his eyebrows as he looked at the blushing Krista. He noted the ointment covered burns on her hands and face and singed hair. “Young lady, I’m impressed. Obviously you risked your life to get Ben out. You managed to cut low enough to leave enough flesh to close the wound. I’m curious, what did you use?”
Krista dug in her pocket and pulled out her still bloodstained Swiss Army knife. “I used this. I read about that hiker a few years ago who cut off his own arm so I figured I could do it.”
“I’m doubly impressed,” Dr. Scornivachi declared. “Would you mind if I borrowed your knife to show the other doctors? We’ve all been wondering what was used. I’ll clean it up and get it back to you in about ten minutes.”
Dr. Scornivachi returned ten minutes later with three other doctors. “Krista, here is your knife, cleaned and disinfected. This is Dr. Rightmyer, Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Westfield. We all worked on Ben. When I told them you were here and showed them the knife you used they asked to meet you. Gentlemen, I’m pleased to introduce Miss Krista Scott.”
“Young lady, I’m delighted to meet you,” Dr. Rightmyer declared. “You’ve restored my faith in the youth of today. I don’t know many adults who would risk their life in a burning car to save a man they didn’t know.”
“Although I didn’t see it she saved my children too,” Kelly gratefully added.
“The children were unhurt in the rear seat in their car seats,” Robert explained. “Krista crawled through the shattered back seat, saw the kids were okay and that Kelly was stunned. When she checked Ben she saw his arm was trapped and he was bleeding badly. While Ed and I used pry bars to open Kelly’s door to get her out Krista took off her belt to use as a tourniquet for Ben. We got the door open and pulled Kelly free while Krista cut the car seats free and passed them out to Jamie and Jenny, Ruth’s daughters. The roof liner was burning as Krista cut Ben free. I tugged him out once he was freed and she grabbed the diaper bag and Kelly’s purse as she scrambled out seconds before the interior was engulfed. She had to struggle to take off her jacket which had caught fire. When it comes to helping others my granddaughter knows no fear.”
“I’m doubly impressed, Krista,” Dr. Fletcher smiled. “You ARE a hero! You saved not only Ben’s life but the children as well. Now, let me take a quick look at your burns.”
Gently he checked her face and hands determining the burns while tender and painful were all first degree burns. “You’ll be tender and sore for about three days. Keep the burns coated with a good anesthetic burn ointment and you should make a full recovery.
“Krista, you look somewhat familiar,” Dr Westfield mused as he tried to place the recognition.
“She’s been in the news several times,” Ruth smiled. “She’s the girl who lead her sisters from Cape Cod to Maryland on foot. Then she wrestled a murder for his gun and killed him with a windshield wiper after crashing the car he was kidnapping her, her boyfriend and his mother in. Later she rescued a child rape victim, broke the Apple Tree scandal, and helped pull a girl from a coma. She was the guiding force behind a local veterans’ trip to DC on Saturday.”
“Okay,” Dr. Westfield smiled. “I just saw you on the news for being the driving force for organizing that trip to the veterans memorials in DC. They mentioned some of your past exploits. Now I’m doubly delighted to meet you! You are indeed extraordinary!”
“Krista, if you ever decide to pursue an education in medicine, I think I speak for all of us when I say we’ll give you letter’s of recommendation,” Dr. Scornavachi declared. “This hospital is the teaching medical school for Penn State University. We’ll also sign recommendations for scholarships. You have the courage and stamina to do great things in whatever career you chose!”
Krista smiled and blushed at the praise. She didn’t really think she was all that brave. She just helped others.
Chapter 7
After the doctors returned to their work Kelly, Ruth and Krista discussed what to do. Kelly was impatiently waiting to get to Ben’s side. Convinced the Clan Wells Point was as good as they seemed she decided to trust them to take care of Grant and Penny. That Ruth and others would be with her while she stayed with Ben only reinforced her budding belief in the Clan. Krista stayed inside in case they came to escort Kelly to the ICU while she headed outside to kiss her children goodbye. Ruth accompanied her to kiss Jamie and Jenny. When they returned Kelly hugged and thanked Krista before Krista headed out to the vehicles. It was 9:00pm when they left for the three and half hour trip home to the CWP.
Liz Rich and her daughter Diana Harris were waiting at the O’Brien homestead when the weary troop arrived from their extended Pennsylvania trip. The car seats with the sleeping children were gently moved to her car. It was only a short detour for Liz to drop Jamie and Jenny off at their home. Since Jamie was a senior no one had an issue with she and Jenny being alone in their house. The neighbors on both sides were close. Krista was swarmed by her parents as well as maternal grandparents and nana Scott. All were concerned about her burns.
Krista blushed as Robert and Ed explained exactly what Krista had done in rescuing the Johnson family. As can be expected she blushed and demurred that she’d just done what needed to be done. After a re-application of burn ointment the exhausted girl headed off to bed. The proud parents and grandparents worried about their impulsive scion but understood there was little they could do to rein in her impulsive heroics.
Krista was tired but energized when she awoke Tuesday morning. Her siblings swarmed her with hugs and kisses before the ate breakfast. Once again they were proud of their older sister. Pat did a quick trim to snip off and even up her singed hair. Krista did give in a bit. She’d washed off the burn ointment when she’d showered intending to go without to school. The tightness and discomfort caused her to reluctantly let Pat put fresh ointment on the burns along with the promise to come to her in the nurse’s office for a reapplication of ointment.
Most of the CWP middle/high school students had heard about Krista’s heroics by the time they gathered for the ride to school. Her burns gave evidence of her brush with death. As they expected Krista demurred to do more than acknowledge she’d helped rescue the family. Jamie and Jenny however couldn’t get done telling about Krista’s bravery.
As the school nurse Pat usually arrived at least fifteen minutes before the first bus. Her first stop was the office to report Krista’s exploits and her injuries as well as her lack of sleep. The principal, Dr. Harris, was once more impressed by the spunky girl.
When Krista arrived at school she was promptly sent to the office where she met Ken Poore the student council president. The school had decided to start the day with an assembly to review and discuss the DC trip.
Krista smiled wearily as she thought about the chaotic three day weekend. Friday evening had been spent preparing for the Veteran’s trip to the DC war memorials. Saturday had been the emotional and often heart wrenching trip to DC. Sunday had been catching up on chores and homework. Monday had been the life changing trip to Pennsylvania and another brush with death. Krista giggled to herself as she wondered if perhaps she might be a cat. She was only fourteen but had already gone through three of her nine lives.
Once in the auditorium Ken, Krista and several teacher chaperones sat on the stage to lead the discussion. Most of the student comments centered on how much they learned from the veteran they assisted. The quiet strength and humility the men exhibited inspired them. The depth of emotion the memorials evoked left most vets nearly speechless with tear streaked cheeks. The students realized the trip shook them emotionally.
They recognized the veterans were real life heroes. They were also brought to the realization that war was not a casual event nor, unfortunately, was it uncommon. World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, the current War against Terror, all happened in the last one hundred years. No generation had avoided living through a war. The students had fathers and sometimes brothers and sisters who were veterans or currently active in the Middle East Wars. The War on Terror didn’t look like it would end anytime soon which meant they could be thrown into the unyielding harsh crucible of war. Could they do it? Would they one day have kids looking up to them as heros?
“We can’t waste time worrying about a future we have little control over,” Krista spoke up after discerning the concerns of her fellow students. “The veterans we were with were heros. But not one of them ever set out to be a hero or FELT they were heros. Each did what they had to do when faced with a crisis. It was simply a reaction to the circumstances they found themselves in. Mr. Jablonski, the vet I was with, told me the only thing to do is simply be true to yourself. When our turn comes we’ll do the same.”
“What Krista said is true.” Dr. Harris declared. “Krista is a perfect example of what she said. We know Krista is humble and just like the rest of you. She never brags about what she’s done. Everything she’s done that we consider extraordinary she did because that’s what needed to be done. Leading her sisters hiking from Cape Cod to here, wrestling a murderer for his gun killing him in self defense in the process, saving a little girl who had been raped, blowing apart the Apple Tree scandal, helping pull one of your classmates from a coma. An ordinary girl did those things. In tonight’s news you’ll learn that yesterday Krista did it again. She made a trip to Pennsylvania with her grandfather Robert, Ed Nelson, Ruth Ewell and her daughters, your classmates Jamie and Jenny. On their way home a horrific auto crash occurred on a limited access interstate with a wide grass median. A speeding driver in the north bound lane struck another auto. That car struck a tractor trailer causing it to cross the median and broadside the car traveling south directly in front of Krista and crew. The fuel tank of the tractor was split and ignited. The leaking burning fuel ran under the partially crushed car.”
“Nearly everyone witnessing such carnage would be horrified,” Dr. Harris continued. “Most of the other drivers stopped and whipped out their phones to take pictures. A few ran to help the occupants of the car that hit the tractor trailer. Krista and her grandfather rushed to the smashed car with the fire beneath it. The drivers side was crushed and the car wedged against the hillside. While Robert and Ed used pry bars to open the jammed passenger door, Krista crawled inside through the broken rear window. There were two kids in car seats in the rear seat, a six week old and an eighteen month old. Seeing they were okay and the passenger dazed, she checked the driver. The man’s left arm was trapped and mangled bleeding profusely. Using her belt she applied a tourniquet to keep him from bleeding to death. Then she released the car seats and passed them out the back window to Jamie and Jenny. Flames were licking up the drivers side of the car as the men popped the door and pulled the dazed woman out. Robert ducked back in to pull out the driver but he was trapped, his left arm trapped and mangled. The headliner of the car was burning by then so Krista used her pocket knife to sever the man’s arm so Robert could pull him out. By the time Krista scrambled out the interior was going up in flames. Her jacket was on fire and if you look at her face and hands you can see the first degree burns she suffered.”
The students listened to the tale of Krista’s latest exploits in stunned silence. Those near Jamie and Jenny looked for affirmation and received it.
“It was past midnight, actually early this morning, when they arrived home,” Dr. Harris added. “Yet all three girls are here this morning. Together they saved a family of four who would have otherwise burned to death since no one else even tried to help rescue them. All of them were heroic, but none of them feel that way. I’m sure they’re proud of what they did but they never set out to be heros. I’m also sure they were scared and terrified while they did those things. But each will tell you they merely did what they had to do. They were being true to themselves and what they did was simply their reaction to the circumstances. Each and every one of you might one day be a hero but it’s something you can’t prepare for. We all have the potential to be a hero.”
As the students looked at Krista in her seat upon the stage they could see she was trying not to be the center of attention. She wasn’t looking for praise. They could also see her burns and hastily trimmed hair. The words of the principal eased much of the student’s discomfort about being able to be a hero if the circumstances warranted.
The rest of the week was hectic. Krista’s burns healed and by Friday the redness was no longer tender. The Clan Wells Point women had set up a rotation. Each day one would drive to Hershey. Jane drove up on Tuesday meeting Kelly and Ruth. Together they went to the hospital to see Ben.
While Ben was on morphine he was aware that he’d lost his arm although he had no memory of the accident. He could hardly believe he’d been saved by a fourteen year old girl. The mere idea she’d had the gumption to cut off his arm to free him boggled his mind. He doubted if he could have done the same. To learn she’d been burned by the fire yet stuck to the task was almost impossible for him to accept.
Ben was thankful his family had been saved from a fiery death and had trouble understanding why complete strangers not only put their lives on the line for people they didn’t know but were now offering a new home and family to them. During periods of wakefulness Jane explained more about the Clan Wells Point and shared pictures and films on her computer. Jane answered a lot of questions about Krista. Ben and Kelly were surprised to learn that Krista was transgender.
“I never had a clue,” Kelly declared with amazement. “She’s spunky but all girl.”
“That she is,” Jane smiled. “She’s not the only transgender. In fact all three girls who saved you are transgender.”
Kelly was clearly surprised. “All three! Really?”
“Yes,” Jane smiled. “The Clan Wells Point is LGBT friendly. Of the ninety people in clan four are male to female transsexuals, one is a female to male transsexual, two are lesbian and four are gay. I hope that isn’t an issue.”
“Not at all,” Ben blurted out a bit defensively. “As an interracial couple we’ve experienced a great deal of hate and prejudice. That won’t be a problem for the clan will it?”
“I don’t foresee any issues,” Jane replied. “While you will be the first black member, we all work with blacks and latinos. None of us have issues with race, gender, orientation, or religion. Rest assured, since Krista invited you to join us, no one will have any issues. It’s simply not in us.”
On Wednesday Lisa Nelson joined them in Hershey. After a few hours Ruth headed home. Ben went in for what was hoped to be his final surgery.
Thursday Sarah Spade arrived in the morning and Jane headed home in the afternoon. It was Friday before they began to wean Ben off the morphine and began light physical therapy. It was tough addapting to the loss of his arm and he seriously wondered if he could ever be useful. Friday Evelyn Masters arrived and Lisa headed home. Saturday Rachel Masters came up with two passengers, Freddy Grant and Barney Flint.
The teens sat with Barney to explain that life did go on after losing a limb and that life could be good. The fact Freddy had two artificial legs and Barney had an artificial arm went a long way in giving Ben hope. They showed him videos of last year’s Christmas dance to prove their state of recovery two months after their accident. The boys rode back home with Sarah as did Kelly. Ben knew she was missing Grant and Penny. He had assured her he’d be okay while she was gone, especially since Evelyn and Rachel were staying.
Liz greeted Kelly with a hug then took her to the living room where Diana was watching the kids. Kelly smiled to see seven year old James playing with Grant and soon to be five year old Karen entertaining Penny. Grant’s face exploded in smiles when he saw his mother, launching himself at her. Penny, gurgling happily, was equally glad to see her mother. Robert and Krista took Kelly and her children on a tour of the Clan Wells Point including showing them one of the open apartments above CWP Daycare. While only two bedrooms, the kids could share for a few years until a bigger house was secured. After the tour they headed to the barn at the O’Brien homestead where a full Clan meal and meeting took place. At first Kelly was a bit intimidated by the sheer number of people but they were so friendly she was soon put at ease. Kelly was brought to tears by the open welcome. That night she slept with her children, her first night of true rest since the accident.
The next morning Kelly tearfully kissed her children goodbye and joined Betty Boswell for the trip to Hershey with Krista. Ben was pleased by Kelly’s enthusiastic positive report about the Clan Wells Point and how well their kids were doing.
“Ben, the most wonderful person in the world is here to see how you’re doing,” Kelly smiled after reporting on her trip.
Quirking his eyebrows Ben looked to the door.
A smiling teen girl entered. “Hello Ben. I’m really glad to see you’re looking a lot better than the last time I saw you.”
Ben was momentarily confused. He couldn’t recall every having met the cute girl. Then it hit him. “You’re the one who saved my family,” he declared as he looked at her with awe disbelieving she could have done the things he’d been told she did. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” Tears of gratefulness began to trickle from his eyes.
Krista bit her lips as she struggled to hold back her tears. “You’re more than welcome.” Then she leaned over the bed from his good side to gently but firmly hug him.
As Ben returned the hug as best as he could he saw the fading redness on Krista’s hands and left cheek. After breaking the hug Ben asked, “How were you able to do it? How could you endure the flames to save a stranger? My God, how could do all that and cut off my arm?”
Krista understood he wasn’t questioning that it was necessary to severe his arm. “Remembering what I did terrifies me,” Krista softly admitted with a shiver. “I’ve done a lot of things that terrify me. I can still see the face of the man I killed, I can feel the bullets from his gun hitting me. It was him or me, my boyfriend, and his mother. I was the only one in shape to take him on. If I find myself in a situation where something needs to be done, I just do it. I’m not a hero, it’s just how I’m made.”
After that Krista explained that the Clan Wells Point was the result of her family and friends joining together to help other. Ben, Kelly and Krista spent over an hour discussing the clan. The hopes of the couple were soaring.
Krista rode home with Sarah that afternoon. Even after meeting the spunky heroine Ben could hardly believe she had the courage to do what she’d done to save his family. He was so impressed that he didn’t even think about the fact she a transsexual. When he did he understood it didn’t really matter. As far as he was concerned Krista was all girl. Monday Ruth returned and Janet home. The seven women continued on that rotation.
With the support he was receiving from his wife and the Clan Wells Point Ben’s recovery was moving along ahead of schedule. The psychiatric issues that went along with losing a limb were present but greatly reduced. Having met Barney and Freddy had done a lot to ease his state of mind. On Wednesday Lisa told Dr. Scornavachi during Ben’s daily exam that the CWP operated the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel and that clan member Dr. Olsen was a rehab physician with the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, the Requard Rehab Center for Acute Rehabilitation. It was easy for Dr. Scornavachi to verify Dr. Olsen’s credentials. After consultation between the two physicians both felt it would benefit Ben to be home with his family. Dr. Olsen made arrangements to come up on Saturday with Rachel to meet with Dr. Scornivachi to review Ben’s condition and conduct a joint exam.
So it was that on Saturday November 22 that both physicians were satisfied with Ben’s progress as well as Dr. Olsen’s ability to see to Ben’s needs. Ben was cleared to go to his new with the Clan Wells Point. Robert, Tony, and Krista had driven up separately in Robert’s truck with the flatbed trailer. They emptied the Johnson’s apartment while Ben was being examined. Once he was discharged Evelyn drove Rachel, Dr. Olsen, Kelly, and Ben back to their nearly emptied apartment so the couple could make sure nothing was missed.
Ben still had trouble believing the Clan Wells Point was taking in his family. Not only were they taking them in and moving them to Bozman they paid off their credit cards, back rent, paid the still outstanding bills for Penny’s birth and promised to pay whatever medical bills would remain after the vehicle insurances paid. A lawsuit had already been filed against the deceased speeder’s estate to recover all current and future medical expenses, loss of use damages as well as significant punitive damages.
Rachel rode back to Bozman with Robert, Tony and Krista to give the those in the car a bit more room. The pace was relaxed to prevent excessive bouncing giving Ben a gentler ride. As they turned onto MD Route 33 they slowed down to show Ben and Kelly points of interest around their new home.
“The peninsula is known as the Bay Hundred,” Evelyn explained. “That’s a left over from the colonial period where the representative governing body was based on one hundred voters. The peninsula had a hundred voters. The peninsula is a part of Talbot county that extends into the Chesapeake Bay. St. Michaels is the main town. One of the earliest industries was ship building. Up through the 1950s oystering and fishing were primary industries. Now quite a few of the businesses cater to tourists which means we have a lot of crafts and boutiques. One of the main attractions is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Once you’re feeling stronger you can tour the site. It’s quite interesting.”
“The Clan as we call ourselves is based around Wells Point which is Krista’s family’s ancestral lands,” Evelyn said. “Just outside of town the land hooks south to Tilghman Island. We live down a long finger extending south before the Tilghman hook. The Bay Hundred area has hundreds of creeks and well over a hundred miles of coastline. The clan land consists of a majority of the bottom third of the finger.”
“The Clan Wells point is just over a year old,” Evelyn continued. “As you’re aware we coalesced around Krista. I guess you could say she’s our moral compass. She’s motivated us to emulate her openness and willingness to help. We’ve tripled in size both people and land wise since we started.
It didn’t take long until they turned into the lane of the CWP Daycare. “Here we are, your new home,” Evelyn said. “You’re apartment is on the second floor above the daycare.”
As Ben exited the car he was surrounded by dozens of smiling faces greeting and welcoming him. Grant and Penny were front and center. Tears of relief and happiness trickled down his cheeks as he carefully hugged and kissed his children. Again he couldn’t believe these strangers had not only saved him and his family, they were now welcoming them to a new home and future with open arms. He snuggled with Kelly and the kids as people began to unload the truck and trailer. In less than half an hour everything had been carried into their new home. Krista, Tony, Jaz, Jimmy, Phil, Dwayne, Jenny and Sam stayed to help unpack and move the furniture where they wanted. Once assured they were settled in the teens left.
“They were all so open and friendly,” Ben marveled. “I’ll admit I had more than a bit of fear they’d be against me for being black but I didn’t see any evidence of prejudice. I hate to say this but maybe the accident was the best thing to happen to us. I’m starting to feel we finally have a home for our family and a future.”
“All I’ve seen is acceptance and encouragement,” Kelly replied. “The family that kept Grant and Penny didn’t have any issues that they’re racially mixed. That family has only been here since July. The youngest daughter and her two children were rescued by the clan in her time of need after her dad disowned her. The dad was a megalomaniac, owned a construction company in Vancouver and when he had a massive heart attack the clan flew her and the kids home in a charter jet in time to say goodbye. The widow, two sons and one daughter with their children had no idea of the business status so the clan sorted it out. It was bankrupt. They invited the entire family to move here. They’re just so open and honest!”
As planned Robert arrived to pick them up to take them to what was by then being called The Clan Barn on the O’Brien homestead. Every member of the clan greeted them with a round of applause. Introductions were made and a brief meeting was held during which the Johnsons were accepted as the newest members of the Clan Wells Point. Kylie was just finishing the full mechanical rebuild of a 1999 Ford Escort station wagon that would be turned over to the Johnsons after CWP Collision and Repair repaired the body and repainted it. Once more the newest members were simply blown away by the generosity and warm welcome.
Kylie and Larry impressed them. Just as they had issues believing Krista, Jenny and Jamie were transgirls they had difficulty believing Kylie had ever been male. The way she doted on the Sonny and Rayne was total mother. That she was also a mechanic and head of CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair only added to their admiration. With Larry heading the CWP Organic Farm the fact that young people were heading Clan operations boggled their minds. The banquet that followed let the newest members understand joining the Clan Wlls Point was the best thing to ever happen to them. The Clan Wells Point was now ninety four members strong.
In other business the clan decided that with the seamless absorption of the Jablonski farm and the success of the milking parlor and the manure digester to increase the dairy herd to four hundred head. Even using the excess heat to heat the CWP farm and house, the Ewell home and the building of CWP landing there was still plenty left over. They planned to extend the heating to all the nearby buildings; Robert and Sheila’s home, the CWP Law and Accounting offices, the barn across the street, the CWP Metal Works, the CWP B&B and the O’Brien homestead and barn.
Larry reported the research he’d done on wind turbines. “With our location on the Chesapeake Bay and the relatively flat surrounding terrain wind is in steady and regular supply. Winds of five mph and greater are available on average twenty hours a day. Horizontal wind turbines pivot to follow the wind and have large propeller blades. The main problem they present for Wells Point is that with all the local wet lands we have a very large bird population. Any spinning blades would kill birds. Added to that is the hum and whomping sounds. Those are the main reasons there aren’t too many wind farms in the area.”
“Those issues can be eliminated with smaller vertical axis wind turbines with helix blades,” Larry went on. “At ten feet in diameter and thirty feet high they wouldn’t be eyesores. That size will generate five kilowatts per hour in a five mph wind and easily handle winds of ninety mph. The units max out at twenty kwh at twenty mph. Since the blades don’t pivot with the wind they remain in the same plane at all times. The blades can be encased inside steel frames with metallic screening which will eliminate bird and bat strikes. In addition the power plant is mounted on the base providing easier maintenance.”
“Five kwh doesn’t sound like much,” Larry explained. “But the average use for homes is one and half kwh. Each turbine can easily power three homes. With higher wind speeds producing more power we’ll produce a lot more power than we need even with four hours down time a day. We can build units at the sides of the lanes on CWP property in areas outside the forested lands. Spacing the units fifty feet apart in unobstructed areas I estimate we can build four hundred units. I suggest building twenty a month so it would take us twenty months. This is all green energy and we’ll be classified as a commercial supplier so we have control of the rates for what we sell. At current market electricity rates we’ll pay off our investment in three years.”
“If we vote to go ahead I suggest we create a new business, the CWP Green Power Initiatives,” Larry stated. “We’ll need three full time employees, a two person maintenance crew and one full time office manager to head the operation. CWP Contracting and Construction can handle the installations which will reduce our start up costs.”
With that a unanimous vote was taken to create the CWP Green Power Initiatives.
“Ben,” Robert turned to the newest clan member. “You earned an associates degree in Renewable Energy Technologies at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.”
“Yes Sir, I did,” Ben replied hopefully. “But I couldn’t find a job in that field.”
“Well, I think you’ll be the ideal person to head up the CWP Green Power Company,” Robert smiled. “That is if you’re interested in the position?”
“Yes sir!” Ben excitedly exclaimed as tears of joy leaked from his eyes. Two years of having his hopes and dreams dashed in ever getting a job involving green energy he was now being granted his desire in aces. Not only would he be working in the green energy field, he’d be heading the business!
Kelly had tears of joy flowing as she hugged her husband. The entire clan congratulated him with handshakes and hugs.
The next few days were typical for the clan. Ben was taken on a tour where he checked out every operation. Still recuperating, Ben was able to spend about three hours on the go before he had to take a break. With a fast internet connection he was able to verify Larry’s research on the vertical wind turbines.
The fact the CWP was so ecologically conscious and making real progress towards meeting all their electrical needs from renewable sources made him feel eager to become a contributing member. Ben found the manure digester, which would fall under the auspices of the newly formed CWP Green Power Initiatives quite fascinating. Ben quickly realized the digester was being underutilized. The unit processed manure in an enclosed system producing methane gas. The gas was captured, compressed into liquid for storage in a two thousand gallon tank and used to run a one hundred kwh internal combustion generator. With larger manure processing more gas than could be consumed was being produced. The excess gas was compressed into three additional two thousand gallon tanks. Ben’s suggestion was to convert all the farm vehicles to dual fuel usage using thirty pound portable tanks like those used on industrial forklifts. There would still be capacity remaining so additional vehicles could be converted to dual fuel usage. How many would be determined by the availability of methane. The savings in gasoline would pay off the investment in a few months.
When he told Larry the young man slapped himself in the forehead. “Sometimes I wonder where my mind is. Using the excess methane to fuel the farm vehicles was one of my initial objectives with the digester. I got so wrapped up in getting the farm up and running and building the digester that aspect slipped my mind. Of course, that was also the time Kylie was in Thailand having her SRS surgery.”
“I fully understand how things can slip away from you,” Ben sighed. “Kelly and I met in college and hit it off. When she told her parents she was dating an African American they went through the roof. So much for their being ‘liberals’. Kelly was devastated. I was embarrassed when my parents were just as bad. They told us if we continued dating we’d be disowned. We were in love and defied them. We hoped that when we announced our engagement they’d see we were in love and accept us but they didn’t. Up till then they’d been financially helping us but we were instantly cut off. We weren’t living together but without their aid we couldn’t afford our rents and we’d just started our last year in school. Needless to say we were angry. Pooling our meager finances we found a rundown efficiency apartment. Between semesters we had more free time but no money so we... well Grant was born nine months later. As soon as we realized we were pregnant we tried once more to get our parents onboard but met stone walls. We married as soon as we could.”
“I found a full time third shift job so we’d have health insurance and could afford a bigger place,” Ben continued. “We managed to graduate with good grades but there were no jobs in my field in the area and I simply couldn’t go off for job interviews. After Grant was born Kelly landed the paralegal job. My green energy industry career just slipped away from me. Life has a tendency to derail our hopes and plans.”
“I hear you,” Larry agreed. “Now, I’ll ask Kylie to check into what’s needed to convert vehicles to dual fuel usage and the cost. Can you check on the price of thirty pound fuel tanks and mounting brackets?”
“Sure,” Ben answered with a smile happy to be able to dive into his dream career.
“As soon as we get the costs you and I will present it to the CWP directors,” Larry explained. “If they give us the green light we order the parts we’ll need.”
Ben seemed a bit surprised. “Doesn’t the clan as a whole need to approve before we move ahead?”
“No,” Larry said. “What we’re asking for falls under your purview with the CWP Green Power Initiatives. The directors have the authority to give you the go ahead. At the next clan meeting you simply report what you’re doing. Once a budget is set up for your operation, you won’t need to get approval for normal budgeted operating expenses.”
The preparations began on Monday in the Clan Barn. Pies were baked and refrigerated. Turduckens were created. Stuffing prepared, cookies baked. Thanksgiving morning at 3:00am the turduckens went into ovens. At 11:00am the Clan Wells Point loaded the prepared meals into vehicles. A large caravan with half the clan members set out. The three vehicles stopped off at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in St. Michaels, ten vehicles went to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton, three vehicles went to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cordova, three vehicles went to Scott’s United Methodist Church in Trappe and three vehicles went to Waters United Methodist Church in Oxford. Each of the four groups carried their goodies into the churches banquet area and set up. People down on their luck, the elderly, the lonely, the disabled began to arrive to enjoy a genuine home made delicious Thanksgiving dinner. In all eight hundred seventy three people were served in the four Talbot County Churches. No one left hungry. After cleaning up, each group returned to The Clan Barn for their own CWP Thanksgiving meal.
After the meal Krista addressed the assembled CWP. “I’ve been thinking about what happened to the Johnsons. By now you all realize that’s dangerous.”
Grins and chuckles were endemic amongst the listeners.
“Being in the hospital is not a fun experience,” she continued. “We pulled together for the Johnsons and they now have a bright future. But what about other people who might have no where to turn for help? Not one of us can deny that despite the investment of time and hard work what we did today for the needy of Talbot County feels wonderful! I’d like us to continue reaching out to others. Visiting the hospital brought back memories of Jasmine’s ordeal. Seeing the needy little kids today as we fed them almost ripped my heart out. I feel compelled to do something for kids who will be in the hospital or who are homeless, especially for Christmas. I have an idea but will need your help. I’d like to knit or crochet soft cuddly teddy bears. The problem is I have no idea how to go about doing so. Can you help me?”
The response was quick and enthusiastic. Several of the 40ish and over women volunteered to show the younger girls how to knit and crochet. A few even had patterns for teddy bears as well as rabbits. One even had a pattern for a cabbit. Plans were made for evening instructional and manufacturing sessions.
Spurred on by Krista’s idea, Robert made another suggestion. “I don’t mean to sound sexist but the reality is by the time we’re able to know the differences between boys and girls we’re already segregated by gender. Some of the boys might be too macho for stuffed animals. Some of our boys might not want to knit or crochet yet still want to help. When my sons were small we were just beginning our business and money was tight. I had access to scrap wood so I began to make wooden toys. Cars, trucks, blocks, puzzles and even building sets. All were sanded smooth and painted. I wouldn’t mind teaching the older boys how to make wooden toys. The younger boys can sand and paint them. Before anyone says more, I know and understand the clan does not accept forcing anyone into a specific gender stereotype. Any boy who wants to knit or crochet can do so just as any girl who wants to work with wood would be welcomed.”
“You know,” Leroy said thoughtfully. “When we grew bigger you made us ride on wooden toys and rocking horses. You even made animals we could sit on to use on the swing set. Maybe we can look into a new business for the CWP. Making and selling hand crafted toys. People are willing to pay for high quality. We could even make swing sets, castles, forts and houses.”
Every one liked the ideas and discussion of the new opportunities swept through the gathered clan. Krista’s idea of making toys for the poor and hospitalized kids for Christmas was instituted. Research into the manufacturing idea was also approved.
Chapter 8
On Monday December 22, Krista, Jasmine, Jenny & Holly were getting ready to deliver the teddy bears, rabbits, and cabbits they and other CWP members had crocheted. They gathered in the nurse’s office after classes finished to change into cute green with red trim Christmas elf costumes. Pat, Krista’s mom and the school nurse, had the soft crocheted animals in the rear of her Expedition. They traveled into Easton to stop at the Neighborhood Services Center, which was simply a drop off.
At the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center they went into the children’s ward. After checking in with head nurse, Mrs. Miller, she escorted the elves into the kid’s rooms. The kids squealed with delight as they hugged their lovingly crafted stuffed animals. Witnessing their delight and happiness, the staff as well as the CWP girls were near tears. The parents and relatives of the hospitalized children who were present were grateful for the teen elves bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to their hospitalized children.
As they were preparing to leave Jaz noted a room that was marked ‘Isolation, please sanitize hands. Must wear gowns, gloves, booties and masks before entering’. “We didn’t visit that room,” Jaz said to Nurse Miller.
“She’s in isolation,” Nurse Miller answered. “While I’m sure she’d love a teddy bear, the risk of infection is too great.”
“We didn’t know if they’d be needed but just in case we have three sterilized stuffies,” Jaz smiled in reply as Jenny pulled three gallon sized stuffy filled ziplock bags. “We boiled them for twenty minutes then put them in a dryer we’d treated with Lysol to tumble dry on low heat. When they were dry we put on surgical gloves, rinsed our gloved hands with alcohol, sprayed Lysol into the opened bags, then packed the stuffies in the bags sealing them.”
A weary looking woman who had been standing by the nurses station almost forlornly watching the smiling elves bringing joy to the children was approaching the restricted room and overheard Jaz speaking. “You went to all that trouble not even knowing if they were needed?”
“A bit over a year ago I was in here for a few weeks,” Jaz softly replied as tears began to fill her eyes. “I don’t think I’d have survived if a complete stranger hadn’t reached out to help me.” Then she looked at Krista who smiled and blushed.
The woman and Nurse Miller realized the silent exchanged glances meant that Krista was the stranger.
“I’m sure they are sterilized,” Nurse Miller sighed. “But hospital regulations won’t allow me to let her have one.”
The weary woman sighed. “Becky really misses her stuffies. Please, can’t you let them give her one if I give my permission?”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Farr,” Nurse Miller replied clearly not liking being the heavy. “My hands are tied.”
“Let me make a call,” an authoritative but friendly voice spoke up.
The girls and Pat smiled as they saw it was Dr. Olsen who headed over to the nursing station to make a phone call to the hospital’s head administrator.
“Dr. Eastman, this is Dr. Olsen, how are you doing? ..... I’m fine. I need your okay to help the little girl in isolation. ..... No, she’s doing well. I have four cute elves from the Clan Wells Point standing in front of me. ..... Yes, they just dropped off the stuffed animals they made. I know isolation protocols prohibit stuffed animals but the girls sought my advice on how to sterilize the stuffed animals. ..... They boiled them for twenty minutes, dried them in a clothes drier treated with Lysol, then bagged them in ziplock bags treated with Lysol. ..... Of course I’ll vouch for them, the Clan Wells Point would never risk the health of anyone. ..... Mrs. Farr is right here listening along with the girls, Mrs. Scott and Nurse Miller. ..... Thank you, Dr. Eastman. I’ll pass you over to Nurse Miller so you can tell her it’s okay.”
“I got approval,” Nurse Miller smiled after she hung up the phone. “Dr. Eastman is emailing a permission slip. I’ll print it then once Dr. Olsen and Mrs. Farr sign it you can give Becky a stuffed animal. You can gown up a while.”
With that the four elves followed Mrs. Farr to the cart by the door to Becky’s room. The girls followed Mrs. Farr’s example as they sanitized their hands, then donned the gowns, booties, face masks and exam gloves.
While sanitizing her hands Jenny gasped and stared at the bubbles, then smiled and resumed washing her hands. Krista cocked her head to one side to look at Jenny. Jenny smiled and mouthed “Susan Warren.” Krista returned the smile and nodded knowing they’d talk later.
Mrs. Farr led the girls inside. Lying on the bed was a small girl with her head turned to the window. A sad, forlorn expression was clearly evident upon her face.
“Becky, Santa sent four elves to see you,” Mrs. Farr gently told her daughter.
Becky sighed and turned her head to see her mother and four teen girls. Since the gowns were semi transparent the elf costumes the girls wore were visible. Her eyes lit up and her face erupted into a grin as she hit the buttons on her bed to raise it to a sitting position. With and excited but weak voice she asked, “Are you really Santa’s elves?”
“Yes we are,” Jaz replied. “Santa sent us down from the north pole because he knows you’re a good girl. He also understands you really miss your stuffies. We have three special hand made stuffies that have been sanitized just for you!”
With that Krista held out a bag with a teddy bear, Jenny held out a bag with a rabbit and Holly held out a bag with a cabbit. Becky’s entire body seemed to light up as each girl unzipped the sealed bag she held so the little girl could pull out the stuffed animal.
As she pulled each stuffy out, she gave it a loving hug until she cuddled all three in her arms. Tears of joy trickled down her cheeks as she nuzzled them. “They ARE safe for me,” Becky exclaimed. “I can smell the sani stuff in them! I love them. Thank Santa for remembering me and thank you for bring them to me!”
“You’re very welcome, Becky,” Jenny declared as she fought back her own tears of happiness. “I’m sure having these will help you get better faster so you can go home.”
“Mommy says we can’t go back to our old home,” Becky answered. “My daddy went away and we’ll have to find a new place to live but we don’t know where that is yet.”
The girls looked at Mrs. Farr and saw her fighting back tears.
“Well, Santa knows everything and since you and your mommy are both good girls he has arranged a new home for you where you’ll have lots of friends,” Krista smiled.
Mrs. Farr’s face showed fear and she shook her head to let Krista know that wasn’t the case.
“Becky, while you get to know your new friends Santa wants us to take your mommy outside so we can tell her about your new home. Is that all right?”
“Sure,” Becky grinned as she hugged her new stuffies. “See Mommy. I told you Santa would help us! She’s been really worried about finding a new home.”
“I’ll be back in a few moments, sweetheart,” Mrs. Farr said as she kissed Becky’s head. She glared at the girls as she followed them out of the room.
“What do you think you’re doing,” Mrs. Farr almost cried in frustration. “We have no home! My no good husband Lenny took off six months ago. At the end of June, the 30th as a matter of fact, we took Becky to John Hopkins in Baltimore when we were told a donor heart was available from a little boy who was in a car crash. After the surgery Lenny went home and never came back. Because of taking care of Becky I haven’t been able to work. By the time Becky was discharged we’d been evicted from our apartment. I found a job here and we came down living in an efficiency apartment above the business. Then six weeks ago the business I was working at closed and we were evicted. We’ve been going from shelter to shelter while I tried to find work but Becky got sick so here we are. Now you have her hopes up that we’ll have a new home and friends! Her heart will be broken!” With that she broke down in tears.
Krista looked at her mother who was already on the phone to the clan. “Mrs. Farr, you do have a home with friends waiting for you and Becky. We’re from the Clan Wells Point and we help people. You and Becky have a home waiting for you with us.”
“You’re serious, you’re really serious,” Mrs. Farr asked not believing what she was hearing. Then she listened as Pat spoke.
“Yes Jane, they have no home and you know Krista. ..... Yes, the little girl had a heart transplant six months ago. ..... Okay, we’ll work out the details. I can bring the girls back tomorrow night to sit with Becky while I bring Mrs. Farr back to Wells Point to check out an apartment and meet with the you and the other clan directors. ..... Okay, we’ll talk when we get home.”
“Thanks Gram,” Krista called out before Pat disconnected the call.
“Krista is always serious about helping people,” Pat smiled. “I’m Patricia Scott and this is my daughter Krista Scott and her friends Jenny Ewell and Jasmine and Holly Reese. We’re part of the Clan Wells Point. Krista invited you to join us and if you agree you can join the clan too. As you heard the girls will come back tomorrow afternoon to spend some time with Becky while I take you back to Wells Point to check out an apartment and meet the clan directors.”
“Oh... Krista,” Mrs. Farr exclaimed as she looked from Krista to Jaz. “You’re the girl that saved that family from a burning car a few weeks ago up in Pennsylvania. The Clan Wells Point... your offer is real?”
“It’s very real,” Pat smiled.
“I... I don’t know what to say,” Mrs. Farr sniffed as she couldn’t believe her fortune was changing because of four cute elves. “Oh... I’m Wendy Farr. I’m delighted to meet you.”
“Mommy! Mommy! Come quick!” Becky excitedly called.
Naturally Wendy dashed back into the room followed by the girls. The girls stopped short when they smelled salt water and saw the water and seaweed on the floor by Becky’s bed.
“Mommy, an angel was just here,” the little girl exclaimed as she sat up and threw back the covers. “She said she was a Christmas Angel who came to make me better! Mommy, she kissed me on the head and all the pain went away! She said the elves know all about her and that we’d soon be living with a new grandma in our new home!”
“Sweetheart, don’t get all excited,” Wendy rushed over to make Becky lie back and cover her.
“Mommy, I’m all better!” Becky squealed with delight. “The elves brought the Christmas Angel to make me better.”
“Mrs Farr,” Krista interrupted as she dug in the pouch she wore. “Becky did see an angel... look on the floor.”
Wendy was getting upset afraid the excitement would make Becky worse but Krista’s words were quite forceful and insistent. Almost against her will she looked to the floor, frowning when she saw the water and seaweed. “What? Where did that come from? How did it get in here?”
“It’s the angel’s calling card,” Krista answered with utter assurance as she handed a worn photo to Wendy. “Ask Becky if this was the angel.”
Wendy hesitantly took the photo and looked at it to see a worn weary woman who’s eyes sparkled with life. “Who is she?”
“My birth mother,” Krista smiled proudly. “She’s been looking over my sisters and I since she died. She became the Clan Wells Point’s first guardian angel. We have two now. If she kissed Becky she has been healed.”
Wendy wanted to believe but it was so far fetched as to be unbelievable. Fearful and with a trembling hand she showed the picture to Becky. “Sweetheart, have you ever seen this woman?”
“That’s her Mommy!” Becky exuded happiness. “That’s the Christmas angel that made me better!”
Wendy felt feint. Could it be true? Had her prayers been answered? Wendy looked at Krista and the girls. “You believe Becky. You all believe her.”
“Yes ma’am,” Jenny spoke. “As we were washing up to come in here I saw the face of the second clan guardian angel. Becky really saw a Christmas angel and she is cured.”
The seriousness and serenity on the faces of all the girls showed their total conviction that Becky had been cured. Still not sure, afraid to get her hopes up, Wendy looked to Pat who had just entered but heard the conservation.
“Becky has been cured,” Pat affirmed after a glance to the water and seaweed. “It’ll take a day or so to medically verify but Becky should be able to come to your new home in time for Christmas.”
Wendy burst into tears of joy as Pat hugged her with understanding. Becky understood her mother was overjoyed that she’d been cured.
Arrangements were made to have the girls come out right after school which would allow Pat enough time to give Wendy a quick tour of the Clan Wells Point before darkness fell. After exchanging hugs Wendy returned to her daughter.
“You don’t know how much of a burden you’ve released from her shoulders,” Nurse Miller smiled. “We’ve been keeping an eye on her afraid she’d have a breakdown.
As Pat and the girls headed for the elevator Krista nudged Jenny. “You saw Susan Warren in the bubbles while you washed your hands?”
“Yes,” Jenny nodded only to see confusion on the other three faces. “When I was sanitizing my hands I saw Susan in the bubbles. She was mouthing the words ‘Three more’.”
“Wendy and Becky make two new recruits we’ve saved so we have another to save tonight,” Jaz smiled looking forward to helping someone else.
The elevator stopped two floors down. As the doors opened they saw a woman in her fifties with her head against the wall beside the hospice department. It was clear to see she was forlornly crying. As one the five exited the elevator. Holly pulled a teddy bear out of the bag and walked to the woman.
“It looks like you could use this,” Holly softly declared as she held out the bear.
The woman instantly stood straight and stifled her tears to look at the proffered bear and the four elves. Hesitantly she accepted the teddy bear. Biting her lips she clutched the stuffed animal to her breasts and broke down in tears. The girls warmly hugged the woman which was the exact thing she needed at that moment.
It took ten minutes before she pulled herself together. “Thank you,” she whispered as she dabbed her eyes with a tissue Pat passed to her.
Pat exchanged glances with the girls then asked, “Have you had supper?”
“Supper... no,” the red eyed woman said. “I... I really haven’t been eating well lately.”
“Well, then join us. Our treat,” Pat smiled. “We just finished handing out stuffed animals on the children’s ward.”
“Okay,” the woman wearily agreed.
“I’m Pat Scott, this is my daughter Krista and her friends Jenny Ewell and Jasmine and Holly Reese,” Pat introduced herself and the girls.
“I’m Helen Teeter,” the woman sighed.
As they rode down the elevator Pat decided the woman was in no shape to drive. Helen didn’t object to riding with them. Fifteen minutes later they were pulling into the Easton Chili’s. They all realized Helen was merely going through the motions of life.
They were seated by the outside wall in the middle of the dining area. After their meals arrived and they began to eat Helen seemed to be stimulated by the chattering girls perking up a bit.
Krista noted a tiny bit of sparkle appear in Helen’s weary eyes. “Mrs. Teeter, what can we do to help you?”
“Help me, my sweet child you already have,” Helen smiled sadly. “Simply being with you lively girls has shown me life goes on.”
“It does,” Jenny softly replied. “Last year at this time my life was horrible. You see, I’m a girl with a birth defect. I was born with male genitals. Needless to say I didn’t come close to living up to my parent’s expectations. On New Years Eve I decided to tell them I was transgender. I figured they’d kill me which would end my living hell. My dad flipped out and began beating me. He threw me through a wall. While I was dazed my mom finally came to my defense. Dad was in a rage and turned on her, strangling her. I tried to stop him by grabbing an empty beer bottle. I was so wobbly I barely made it to him. I put everything I had into the swing as I brained him. I passed out. When I woke up I found dad had strangled mom and I’d killed him.”
“My word,” Helen gasped. “That’s horrible. But now... I’d never have guessed you weren’t born a girl. I’d always thought transsexuals were freaks but I’ve learned I was wrong. You’re like that spunky girl Krista.”
Three girls giggled and looked at Krista who looked down at her plate and blushed.
“Oh my,” Helen exclaimed in surprise. “You’re THAT Krista!”
“Yes ma’am,” Krista admitted.
Then she looked at Jasmine and Holly. It was easy to tell they were sisters. Her gaze settled on Jaz. “Are you the girl who was in a coma?”
“Yes ma’am,” Jaz acknowledged.
“Well, it seems I’m in good company,” Helen smiled but then her smile faded. “I want to thank you for your act of kindness in taking a weary old woman to supper.”
“Whatever trouble you’re experiencing will pass,” Jenny declared with certainty. “If you need friends, we’re here.”
Helen bit her lip yet managed a tired smile. “I could sure use friends right now.”
“It helps to share your problems,” Krista stated. “Instead of bearing all your woes on your shoulders, friends will share the burden lightening yours. Like Jenny said, we’re here for you.”
Tears began to trickle down Helen’s cheeks. “I... I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”
Krista looked at the other girls who nodded their heads. As they rose to stand Krista began to sing. The other girls joined in a moving acapella rendition after the first line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogXIkxxurDQ )
“The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with gladness
Of love for one another
It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on our way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother...”
The angelic harmonizing of the four teens still in their Elf costumes had stilled all conversation in the normally verbose restaurant. When they finished the entire place erupted in cheers and applause while Helen was openly crying. The girls surrounded her with a loving mass hug.
Several people called out asking for the girls to sing another song. Sheepishly looking about they saw everyone smiling, including the staff. After a quick conference they turned to face the room and began to sing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjdfjrtf1Q
“The fireplace is burning bright, shining all on me
I see the presents underneath the good old Christmas tree
And I wait all night 'til Santa comes to wake me from my dreams
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
I see the children play outside, like angels in the snow
While mom and daddy share a kiss under the mistletoe
And we'll cherish all these simple things wherever we may be
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
I've got this Christmas song in my heart
I've got the candles glowing in the dark
I'm hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
I listen for the thud of reindeer walking on the roof
As I fall asleep to lullabies, the morning's coming soon
The only gift I'll ever need is the joy of family
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
I've got this Christmas song in my heart (song in my heart)
I've got the candles glowing in the dark
I'm hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
Ooooohhhhoooohhooohhh
Ooooohhhhoooohhooohhh
Oh, the joy that fills our hearts and makes us see
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me
I've got this Christmas song in my heart
I've got the candles glowing in the dark
And then for years to come we'll always know one thing
That's the love that Christmas can bring
Oh, why? 'Cause that's Christmas to me”
The place once more erupted in cheers and applause as well as calls for more. The girls curtseyed but demurred another song and sat to finish their meal.
As the sound of conversation returned Helen smiled at the girls. “That was simply delightful. Thank you.” Then she took a deep breath. “When you found me outside the elevator I was just leaving the hospice unit. My husband, Kirk, just lost his battle with cancer.”
“My birth mother died of cancer,” Krista said as she placed a comforting hand on Helen’s hand. “It’s not easy watching your loved one slowly fade away. You have our condolences. You also have our friendship and support. Don’t try to deny your grief. You need to embrace it to get through it.”
“I know,” Helen said. “But it’s so hard with the other things that happened. Our son Kirk Jr. was killed in Afghanistan in June. His wife Linda and five year old son Kurt were devastated. Kirk and I did our best to support them but we were torn apart too. After the funeral we had a reception. We’ll never know what happened but as they drove home Linda’s car crossed into oncoming traffic hitting a tractor trailer head on. She was killed instantly. Kurt was flown to John Hopkins. We rushed there and kept vigil but after three days he was declared brain dead. We agreed to have his organs donated which was done on June 30. At least his death saved others. The entire ordeal was hard on both of us but we leaned on each other. We’d just buried Linda and Kurt on July 3 when my Kirk collapsed. That’s when we found out he had cancer. Kirk stayed strong right up to the end. I stayed strong for him but today... he went to his reward but I’ve been left behind. It’s not fair... losing our son and his family then six months later losing Kirk... I have no family left. I’m all alone now... with Christmas so close... a large part of me wishes I’d die so I could join them.”
“You’re not alone,” Pat assured her. “You have us.”
Helen smiled wearily through her tears.
“It wasn’t chance that we were at the hospital tonight,” Jenny spoke up. “God set things up so we’d be there. Up in the children’s ward we met a little girl who recently had a heart transplant and had to re-hospitalized for an infection. We had sterilized three stuffies just in case someone was in isolation so we were able to give them to the girl. As we were sanitizing to go into her room, I saw the image of one of our clan guardian angels form in the bubbles on my hands. She was mouthing the words ‘Three more’. We met Becky and her mom Wendy. When we found out they’re homeless we invited them to join the Clan Wells Point, numbers one and two. Then the other clan guardian angel came and healed the girl. We met you as we were leaving. Since you have no family left, we’ll invite you to join the clan. You’re number three.”
“All this based on seeing an angel in soap bubbles?” It was clear Helen was skeptical.
“The Clan Wells Point has two angels,” Jaz explained. “The first angel was Krista’s birth mother, Carol. She helped me escape the coma I was trapped in. She led me to near consciousness then Krista and the cheerleaders helped me wake up. She’s been active with the clan. Then in June a woman clan member, Susan, died of cancer. Carol came for her, they left wet footprints on the floor from her bedroom to the bedroom of her infant twin grandchildren’s. When we scattered her ashes she we blew bubbles to celebrate her graduation to the next life. We recorded the celebration and when we watched the recording we saw Susan’s image on the bubbles smiling at us.”
“Last month we were in Pennsylvania cleaning out my late grandparent’s home,” Jenny picked up the conversation. “As we were getting ready to leave I stopped at the outflow pipe of their pond to look at the swirling bubbles like I did when I was a little kid. Susan’s face appeared in the bubbles and mouthed ‘Ten minutes’ so we delayed our departure by ten minutes. As we were traveling home a nasty accident happened right in front of us. Krista crawled inside a burning car, handed out two kids in car seats, put a tourniquet on the driver’s cut arm, then cut off his arm to free him. We saved the family and they’re now part of the clan. If we had not delayed the ten minutes, the accident would have happened after we passed the site. We’ve learned to trust our guardian angels when they communicate with us. We were meant to meet you tonight to offer you membership in the Clan Wells Point.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Helen replied now a little spooked.
“You need to join the clan,” Krista stated firmly despite tears trickling from the corners of her eyes.
The others were instantly concerned about what had evoked the tears.
“Helen, your family is not all gone,” Krista declared. “Parts of your grandson are still alive. Not only that, but I know where his heart is.” More tears flowed down her cheeks as she struggled to maintain her composure.
The others were momentarily puzzled, then one by one their faces lit up and they gasped.
“Oh my God,” Helen gasped. “My grandson’s heart is in that little girl...” With that she broke down in heart rending sobs.
The girls immediately swarmed her with hugs.
Once Helen regained control Pat insisted she not be alone and brought her back to the clan. As they drove Krista called Kylie to explain what was going on. Minutes later Pat pulled up in front of the main farmhouse. Helen found herself surrounded by Kylie and Larry holding Sonny and Rayne, as well as Tony, Evelyn and Rachel Masters. Pat left her in their capable hands as she took the girls and herself home.
Helen was overwhelmed by the care and concern of these people she’d never met. They talked about Helen’s recent losses, the little girl who had her grandson’s heart, and the clan. It was a bit after eleven when she settled into bed. As could be expected sleep eluded her for quite some time.
Eventually she slipped into a hazy semi sleep. She found herself wandering through the cemetery where Kirk Jr,, Linda and Kurt were buried. The sun was shining, the leaves of the trees were blowing in a gentle breeze and the birds were singing sweetly. As she approached their graves she saw the back of a man standing before the graves looking at the grave stones. As she walked closer she wondered who he might be as other than herself she knew of no one who would visit the graves. Cautiously she slowed her approach.
“There’s no need to be afraid, dear,” Kirk Teeter smiled as he turned to face her.
Helen froze as she stared at her husband. “Kirk? Oh my God!” Then she noticed the tombstones were visible through his body.
“Now that I’ve graduated I’ll be leaving shortly to join Kirk Jr., Linda and Kurt,” Kirk smiled. “A lovely woman who was a member of the Clan Wells Point named Susan eased my passing. She told me I’d be allowed to say goodbye to you and assure you the kids are okay. We’ll all be waiting when it’s your time to graduate. In the meantime Kurt wants to give you a Christmas present. He said you’d always have a place in his heart and he’d like you to become the grandmother of the little girl who received his heart. Like you she and her mother have no living family. I totally agree with him.. You need to move forward. Join the Clan Wells Point with them and be her grandmother. Until we meet again my love.”
With that he began to fade away. As he did so Helen saw her son and his family fade into view waving to her. The four held hands as they walked away with Kurt looking over his shoulder smiling. Helen stood watching as they and the cemetery faded into mist.
When she awoke in the morning for the first time since her son’s death Helen felt refreshed. Dressing she joined the others for breakfast. After making arrangements to have Kirk’s funeral on Wednesday afternoon she spent the day playing with Sonny and Rayne. Bill Dougherty drove Helen to the school so she could ride with Pat and the girls back to the hospital.
Upon arrival on the pediatric ward they all donned protective gear then entered Becky’s room. Becky smiled to see the four girls.
Helen stood just inside the room staring at the cute little girl. She remembered that Kurt had said he’d always have a place for her in his heart. That heart was still beating in that darling little girl. Upon seeing her Helen understood she could do nothing less than love the little girl who lived thanks to her grandson’s heart.
Wendy noted Helen trembling and blinking back tears. She assumed she was someone from the clan.
Becky noted the girls were not wearing their elf outfits. “Are you off duty?”
“Yes,” Krista smiled. “We help Santa when he needs elves in this area. Most of the time, like now, we’re just regular girls.”
“Okay,” Becky nodded. “Do you live at the north pole?”
“No, we live nearby,” Krista answered. “Santa’s travel magic only works on Christmas Eve. The North Pole is too far away for us to go back and forth. In fact, when you’re in your new home we will be neighbors.”
“I hope our new home is nice,” Becky said. “Our last home wasn’t very nice. Are there any kids my age there?”
“There are two girls and a boy your age as well as lots of older and younger kids,” Krista smiled. “We have a lot of pictures on my computer. We can show you what your house and the area looks like as well as the kids.”
Wendy smiled when she saw Krista pull her computer out.
“It’s been sterilized,” Pat whispered. “Even though it isn’t needed anymore.”
The adults left the girls entertaining Becky. Pat introduced the women as they headed to the parking lot. Pat revealed Helen’s recent bereavement and Wendy’s loss of spouse and home.
As they drove to Wells Point Pat spoke up. “Wendy, do you know the who donated Becky’s heart?”
“We tried to find out but they wouldn’t tell us unless the donor’s family agreed,” Wendy answered from the rear seat. “I really wanted to thank them for giving me the gift of life for my baby.”
“It was my grandson, Kurt,” Helen declared with a shaky voice.
“Oh my God, Helen, I’m sorry for your loss but thank you for having the courage to save my daughter,” Wendy exclaimed as she reached across the seat to grasp Helen’s hand. “That’s why you were looking at Becky. She’ll be delighted to meet you.”
“I look forward to getting to know both of you,” Helen managed to squeak out as she grasped Wendy’s hand.
Pat then explained about the clan angels Carol and Susan and how they impacted the clan. Then she told Wendy about Jenny seeing Susan in the bubbles while sanitizing her hands
As the two women held hands Helen explained about her dream vision seeing her deceased family and that her grandson had told her she’d always have a place in his heart and now that his heart was in Becky that meant that love was now in her. “Wendy, you have no family but Becky and I have no one. Could I please become Becky’s new grandmother? My love is already in her heart.”
Wendy choked up. The love and hope in Helen’s voice touched her heart. Being the lone adult dealing with Becky’s situation was wearing her down. Having someone to help, to be Becky’s grandmother sounded good. With a tremulous voice she responded. “I have one condition for you to become Becky’s grandmother... you have to become my mother.”
“Of course,” Helen sniffled as they squeezed each other’s hands.
With the revelation out of the way Pat explained a bit about the Clan Wells Point. When they approached the clan land she pointed out the fields and forests. She drove down to the former Jablonski farm to show that land. Then she turned into Almost Neavitt Road driving to the house the Evans family recently vacated.
“This is the house the clan would provide for you,” Pat explained as she stopped beside the house. “We’ll come back in a bit. I want to give you a quick tour of the rest of the clan land.”
The women were amazed at just how much property the clan owned and how many homes and businesses were present. They stopped in the offices of CWP LLC where they met with the clan directors to discuss membership. Since Wendy had little more than the clothes she and Becky had she had no assets to pool. Helen had two homes, the one she lived in and the one she inherited from her grandson’s estate. Helen asked if Steven could process adoption papers for Wendy thus making Becky her granddaughter. Since both were adults there would be no issue and Steve promised to process it the next day. With luck it might be approved before Christmas.
As darkness fell Pat drove the women back to the house that would be theirs. The one and a half story three bedroom two bath home was spacious with a nice lawn. Helen assured Wendy the furniture in her home would fit nicely. Before they left the clan property Pat off of Bills l lane onto the grass verge surrounding the pasture to the end of what the kids had tagged Turkey Drumstick Point (on maps it looks like a turkey drumstick) across Johns Cove from the CWP Landing. Both women gasped in awe as they looked across Balls Creek. The southern shore was lined with houses and docks, all decorated with brightly colored Christmas lights. The lights sparkled as they reflected off the gentle waves running across the water.
“I hope we can bring Becky home in time to see this,” Wendy sighed.
“If the weather’s good the kids want to have a bonfire out here on Christmas Eve after the church service,” Pat smiled.
Forty five minutes later they were back at the hospital. The girls had kept Becky so entertained she hadn’t had time to miss her mother.
Alonng with Wendy’s worries being alleviated Becky’s condition improved rapidly. With help from the clan Helen packed up her house. While Kirk’s funeral was being held on Wednesday morning the CWP moved Helens furniture and belongings into the home on Wells Point. They even filled the pantry and refrigerator, made the beds and set up a Christmas tree complete with wrapped gifts for Becky.
The four directors of CWP, Pat and Wendy attended the funeral to support Helen. Helen herself was all smiles as she warmly greeted Kirk’s coworkers and their friends. Her upbeat attitude clearly surprised them especially when she went to the microphone to speak.
“I’d feared Kirk’s passing,” Helen began. “Just after he died I was in the hospital lobby crying while waiting for the elevator. When the doors opened four elves came out and gave me a teddy bear. They had been up on the children’s ward passing out teddy bears to the kids. They realized I was distraught and wouldn’t let me be by myself. I wound up joining them and the mother of one for supper. They told me an angel had told them to look out for a person in need. Those elves were from the Clan Wells Point. One of them was Krista Scott. I can tell you what we’ve heard about her doesn’t begin to express just how honest and caring she is. They took me out to the clan because they didn’t want me to be alone. They’d told me people don’t die, they graduate to the next life.”
“That night I dreamed I was at the cemetery going to the graves Kirk Jr, Linda, and Kurt,” Helen continued. “I saw a man looking at the graves, when he turned it was Kirk. He smiled and said he was joining them and they would be waiting for me when my time came. Then he told me Kurt kept his love for me in his heart and it was still there. As Kirk faded from view I saw Kirk Jr, Linda and Kurt join him. As they walked away Kurt turned and smiled.”
Helen paused to regain her composure. “One of the little girls the elves visited in the children’s ward turned out to be the girl who received Kurt’s heart. That little girl has Kurt’s love for me in her heart. I’ve met Becky and her mother. Due to circumstances beyond their control they’re homeless with no family just like me. Yesterday Judge Watkins approved my adoption of Wendy. Becky is now my granddaughter. Together we’ve also joined the Clan Wells Point and are moving their today. I’ll miss Kirk, but even in his death he’s looking out for me and is helping Becky and her mother have a loving family.”
“When Kirk died, I had no hopes for a merry Christmas,” Helen concluded. “Now I know I will have a very Merry Christmas with a new home and family. I also know Kirk is truly resting in peace.”
Those attending were clearly surprised by Helen’s words and not sure what to make of it. Soon they were at the cemetery for a quick internment. A small luncheon reception was held where the guests were able to talk to the CWP members including Wendy. While still not sure how to take what they learned, they were assured Helen was going to be okay.
As they left Wendy got a call from the hospital. Repeated tests could find no sign of the infection that had put Becky in the hospital. She was ready to go home! They quickly headed to the hospital.
Nurse Miller explained they’d never seen such a rapid and remarkable recovery.
It was just before supper when they arrived at the O’Brien farm. Helen, Wendy and Becky were a bit overwhelmed to see Krista leading her sisters as they finished setting the steaming food on the table.
Pat introduced the newcomers. “Everyone, this is Helen, Wendy and Becky our newest clan members. This is Jane’s husband Kevin Stewart, my husband Leroy Scott, you know Krista, these are my daughters Lyndi, Teri and Sandi and my sons Leroy Jr. and Peter.”
When they finished the meal, Helen shook her head in amazement. “That was delicious. Again Krista, you amaze me.”
“I’ve had excellent teachers,” Krista demurred as she glanced at Jane and Pat. “I couldn’t have done it without my sisters.”
The three girls smiled and blushed.
“We women will clean up,” Jane declared. “Girls, take Becky upstairs and help her dress in the Christmas Dress we got for her.”
Clad in her knee length green velvet dress with red lace trim and red tights decorated with green Christmas trees Becky looked around marveling at all the candles in the church as they entered for the Christmas Eve Service. This was the first Christmas eve service she could remember. Sandi took her around to introduce her to the other little kids before the service began. The singing mesmerized her.
After the service the members of the Clan Wells Point and a few guests caravaned out to Turkey Drumstick Point arriving at 9:30pm. They drove on the grass verge out to the southern end of the point leaving the center hundred feet clear. To provide for safe movement in the dark night Tiki style oil torches were lit illuminating the area with flickering firelight in the steady but gentle breeze. The teens immediately headed out to the boulders protectively delineating the shore. Despite having erected a thirty six inch high green plastic coated wire mesh fence the teens, sitting upon blankets, formed a human wall to prevent the excited smaller children from accidently falling into the water. The adults also knew the teens, all of whom had a companion, would enjoy the cuddle time even if it were in public... and thus safe.
Becky, now wearing a mottled white faux fur ankle length hooded winter coat, joined the other happily squealing children running to the line formed by the teens. For nearly a mile the numerous house and docks lining the southern shore of Balls Creek were decorated with thousands of sparkling multicolored Christmas lights. The gentle rippling waves on the nine hundred feet of water between Turkey Drumstick Point and the southern shore of Balls Creek reflected the gaily colored lights making them flicker and dance. It was a beautiful and enticing sight.
Several grills were fired up to heat urns of warmed apple cider. Cinnamon sticks were available for those who wanted them. Despite the barely above freezing temperatures the joyous singing of Christmas carols in the light of the flickering of torches made for a warm festive environment. Snow flakes began to fall making the small children squeal with delight and dance around trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues adding to the almost magical Christmas scene. Finally everyone gathered around a crossed log tower ten feet tall stuffed with hay.
Megaphone in hand Krista addressed her clanspeople. “Before we light our first annual bonfire we need to vote to on the membership of Helen Teeter, Wendy Farr and Becky Farr. You already know they’ve been picked by our guardian angels. All in favor of granting full membership to the three newest recruits please shout ‘AYE’.”
A loud chorus of ‘AYES’ resonded.
“Any opposed please shout ‘NAY’.”
Silence.
“Let’s give a rousing cheer for the newest members of the now ninety seven member strong Clan Wells Point!”
What followed was a raucoius ‘HOORAY’ accompanied by applause and a few whistles.
As the newest member of the Clan Wells Point Becky was given the honor of igniting the first Clan Wells Point Christmas Bonfire. With Wendy’s assistance, Becky lit an oil soaked dried moss torch from one of the oil torches. Together they thrust the torch through the logs at the base of the log stack to ignite the straw. In moments the straw was burning fiercely easily igniting the well dried logs.
Fifteen minutes later as the bonfire burned down parents carried their worn out children through the still falling snow to their vehicles for the short trip home. Most were home by 11:00pm. Those that remained did so to make sure the flames of the bonfire were doused.
Five minutes after leaving the bonfire Helen opened the door to their new home and turned on the lights. Wendy entered carrying a slumbering Becky. The women stopped in delighted surprise as they saw the furniture placed and the decorated tree with wrapped gifts beneath.
Wendy didn’t fight the tears of joyous wonder. “How did they do this?”
“I knew they were going to deliver my furniture and belongings,” Helen replied. “But to do all this... I REALLY want to belong to the Clan Wells Point!”
“Tonight has been so wonderful,” Wendy sniffled. “The church service, the bonfire, and now this... Becky is finally having a Merry Christmas.”
The women headed to the bedrooms to see if the furniture had been set up there. To their delight not only had they been set up, their clothes had been put in the closets and dressers. Helen assisted Wendy in changing Wendy into her pajamas. The women went to their rooms and collapsed into their beds.
For Wendy it was the first real night of rest she had since Becky’s heart transplant. Nearly six months of anguish and worry about her daughter’s future had ended.
For Helen the fact she’d buried her husband that morning while sad and heartrending had not been the end of her world as she’d previously feared. It had been an end, but his death had also opened the door for her new family. The fact the heart she felt beating when she hugged Becky was her grandsons made her life come full circle. The loss of one family while gaining another with a very heart warming connection between the two. (Pun intended)
The next morning Helen and Wendy were awakened by Becky’s squeals of excitement. “Mommy, Mommy, Santa was here! Santa was here!”
The women hurried to the living room to find Becky delightedly hopping and clapping. “Look! He left us presents and a tree! How did he know where to find us?”
“Remember, the girls who are Santa’s part time elves live nearby,” Wendy answered. “You saw the girls last night at the bonfire.”
Helen smiled and plugged in the lights to illuminate the tree.
Becky’s eyes lit up with pure delight. “It’s so beautiful!”
“Yes it is,” Helen agreed.
Becky looked hopefully at the adults. “Can we open the presents?”
“Not yet,” Helen answered. “We need to eat breakfast first.”
“Okay Grammy,” Becky replied with a bit of reluctance as her eyes lingered on the tree and presents.
Helen choked up as tears flowed from her eyes.
Wendy sidled over to her and whispered, “Are you alright?”
“I’m wonderful,” Helen whispered in answerer. “My grandson Kurt called me Grammy. How did she know?”
“I have no idea,” Wendy whispered then spoke to her daughter. “Becky, why did you call your new grandmother Grammy?”
“That’s the way I felt in my heart,” Becky answered with childish innocence.
Both women choked up.
Breakfast was a quick affair simply because Becky was bouncing in her seat. Soon they gathered around the tree. One by one Becky picked up a wrapped gift and took it to Helen who read the label. Becky handed the women their gifts and created a pile of her gifts. The women were pleasantly surprised to have gifts addressed to them.
One by one Becky eagerly tore through the wrapping to squeal with excitement when she saw the gift. Dolls, doll furniture, a baby carriage, pretty dresses and books were greeted with equal excitement.
Once all the gifts were open the family simply enjoyed sharing their happiness. The hopelessness they’d felt three short days before was banished. Thanks to Krista and the Clan Wells Point they experienced the best Christmas they’d ever enjoyed.
Chapter 9
Over the next few days the newest family of the Clan Wells Point melded into loving kindred. Since the women wanted to contribute to the CWP they thought of what they might do. They also took Becky to the CWP Daycare so she could get used to being around other children. Before the heart transplant she’d been too weak to mingle. Afterward she was too fragile due to her compromised immune system. Since recovering from her hospitalization thanks to the angelic intervention that seemed to be a thing of the past. Becky would join clan members Wanda Scott and Karen Harris in the pre kindergarten program at St. Michaels Elementary school which adjoined the middle/high school when school reopened in the new year.
On December 27 Wendy reached a decision. “Mom, can I ask a favor?”
“Of course, Wendy,” Helen smiled.
“I feel closer to you than I did to my birth mother,” Wendy confessed. “I’m also totally pissed off at my husband Lenny for abandoning Becky and I. I want him out of our lives and intend to divorce him. Would you mind if Becky and I changed our last name to Teeter?”
Helen bit her lips as tears of joy leaked from the corners of her eyes. Despite this she shook her head no much to Wendy’s disappointment.
“I don’t want you to change your name like that,” Helen sniffled as she smiled. “But I’ll gladly approve if you let me adopt you.”
Wendy squealed with delight and hugged Helen. The proud new mom warm returned the loving hug.
Upon being told of their desire CWP lawyer Kevin Stewart on the morning of Monday December 29 applied for the adult adoption and name changes. At the same time he filed for the divorce of Wendy from Lenny on the grounds of desertion requesting full custody of Becky, child support, and with no visitation rights. The adoption and name change was a non issue and was granted on the morning of New Years Eve. The divorce would take longer.
On Saturday December 27 the answer to their dilemma of how to contribute to the CWP came to Helen and Wendy as they watched Becky play with her three stuffies... Toys! Hand crafted toys... made with love... love they wanted to share!
*****
New Years Eve everyone gathered at the Clan Barn. The teens had set up their musical instruments on the fifteen feet by ten feet stage built where the DUKW had been stored under tarps for several decades before being refurbished. In addition to their amps they plugged into the state of the art surround sound PA system. The system was designed to enable whatever was being broadcast to be easily hearable without the need for excessive volume. The system allowed normal conversation without the need to shout over the broadcast. When ready they a began a spirited jam session. This was the first time Helen and Wendy heard the teen band, Certain Change. They were impressed with the quality, especially how Barney, with only one arm, so brilliantly played the drums. The little kids had a ball dancing to the live music. Wanda couldn’t believe how happy and lively Becky was as for the first time in her life she was able to dance with her new friends.
A yummy buffet was laid out and enjoyed by all. In groups of two the band took breaks as the others continued to play. The clanspeople mingled and talked, Helen and Wendy expressed their idea for creating a full time toy enterprise within the clan. The idea meshed perfectly with Robert’s idea of making wooden toys and Krista’s already successful plushies. The idea would be vigorously pursued with true Clan Wells Point energy.
The little kids wore themselves out nodding off despite their excitement and music. Blankets were laid out in the farthest corner of the large open room for them to nap under the watchful eyes of some adults and teens. Being little kids they had no problem sleeping through the rock music.
About ten Krista announced the teens were surrendering the stage to the newest clan music group. The teens removed their instruments and acted as roadies for the adults setting the stage for their appearance. When everything was ready Krista announced, “Although I haven’t heard them play I hope I’m right in saying we’ll all enjoy CLAN WELLS POINT PIPES ROCK!”
Everyone applauded while wondering about the name. Coming from behind a curtained stage wing the adults entered one by one. The audience chuckled as the saw everyone was wearing a kilted Scottish outfit. Leroy took up position behind the drum set. Larry picked up the lead guitar. David did the same with the bass guitar. Buffy took position behind the keyboards. Kevin came out carrying his bagpipes which surprised everyone and had more than a few slightly concerned about what they were about to hear. The last to enter was Kylie also carrying a bagpipe.
“Good evening,” Kylie exclaimed. “First off, I’d like to apologize in advance if my playing isn’t up to Kevin’s level. He and Steven knew I played the flute in the high school band and asked me to try learning the bagpipes. I agreed to give it a shot and here we are. Believe it or not ‘Clan Wells Point Pipes Rock’ is a Celtic rock band. I’m just glad there are no whole tomatoes on the buffet. (Which caused a ripple of laughter.) Well, ready or not here we come! Please enjoy our combination of Celtic and Rock music. First up is ‘Smoke on the Water’ segueing into ‘Scotland the Brave’!” rock 1
Nearly everyone was dumbfounded as they began. Larry’s guitar wailed the classic rock anthem with the bagpipes tearing right in. The bagpipes wailed right along with the guitar. Buffy moved to the front of the stage with two chains three feet long with four inch metal wiffle ball style balls on the end of each. With a butane grill lighter Ben ignited the balls which Buffy began to twirl. Nearly everyone was mesmerized by the twirling flames. As the guys danced a jig while playing, whenever they pointed their guitars towards the ceiling for five seconds flames three feet long shot out of the end of the guitar necks. At the same time flames eighteen inches long shot out of the tops of the three drone pipes on the each bagpipe and eighteen inch flames erupted from stands on either side of the drum set. The astounded smiling audience clapped and happily danced to the music. When the song ended the clan erupted in delighted cheers and applause.
“Thank you,” Kylie smiled. “Now, please enjoy our version of AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ segueing into Highway to Hell’!” rock 2
Again the bagpipes and guitars blended into their unique merger of Celtic and rock music. Once more the listeners were delighted with the results dancing and clapping to the unique synthesis of music genres. The applause and cheers were universal when the songs ended.
Kylie and the others swigged water and bowed. “Now for your enjoyment we present ‘Don’t Stop Believing’!” rock 3
Buffy began playing the piano entry as the bagpipes and guitars joined in. Everyone who knew the words joined in singing as they happily danced and swayed to the tune. Once more Larry wailed the familiar riffs. The listeners cheered and clapped. The party spirit the teens had brought forth was steamrolling. When the tune ended applause, cheers and whistles erupted as the band bowed.
“Now for a bit of a change up,” Kylie smiled. “Celtic Reggae!!!”
The audience fell silent as they exchanged looks of consternation tinged with disbelief while chuckling. “Bring it on,“ someone shouted. rock 5
Larry began to play and repeat a Reggae riff. The riff sounded sort of familiar but the crowd couldn’t quite place it. Then the drums joined in. Finally the bagpipes joined in playing the vocals.
The audience gasped and smiled, promptly singing along. “In the jungle, the quiet jungle, the lion sleeps tonight! OOOOOOHHHHH aweemaweh! Hush My darling don’t cry my darling the lion sleeps tonight!”
About half way through the song the band speed up the beat almost doubling it. As they did the two guitarists and the two bagpipers begin dancing a jig with the four interweaving amongst themselves back and forth across the stage. When they finished the crowd erupted in raucous cheers, applause and whistles.
“I’m glad we all enjoyed that unique blending of Jamaica and the Highlands,” Kylie said as she clearly worked to catch her breath. The band members all took a big swallow from their water bottle.
Again the crowd erupted into appreciative cheers and applause.
“Moving back to our rock & roll roots,” Kylie smiled. “A pair of rock classics blended in our own unique style. Please enjoy ‘We Will Rock You’ segueing into ‘I Love Rock and Roll’!” rock 6
The drums began beating out the classic staccato cadence as Diane fiddled accompaniment. Soon the bass joined in, then the rest. Once more the happy listeners sang along and danced.
About half an hour before midnight the napping kids were gently awoken. The Clan Wells Point Pipes Rock were still playing. At ten minutes before midnight the dance floor was cleared. Two circles one twenty feet in diameter and the other fifteen were created using red duct tape. Kids up through age five were lined up just outside the smaller taped circle while kids six to eleven formed up around the larger circle. Nets full of balloons had been previously hung high above the circles were lowered to about ten feet above the floor. Seeing the balloons the kids became excited and fidgeted. The parents teamed up with their younger kids with the teens filling in where needed. The rules for indoor fireworks were explained with the drop to occur at the stroke of midnight.
Leroy began beating out a tattoo on the drums. Then the wail of bagpipes playing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ began from the opposite side of the spacious room. Steven, dressed in full Highland Regalia in the Clan Wells Point distinctive green and pink tartan stepped through the adults surrounding the kids. With military precision he marched about the two circles drawing the attention of the excited and squirming kids before he marched onto the stage at fifteen seconds before midnight. Kylie led the countdown as everyone excitedly joined in. “10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
The couples had time for a short New Years Eve kiss before the mayhem began as the nets were opened dropping fifty balloons on the tots and one hundred fifty on the older kids. The indoor fireworks began with thunderous booms and excited squeals as the kids had at the bouncing balloons. The older kids stomped on the colorful balloons successfully popping about one out of every three attempts. On the other two efforts the balloons shot out from under their feet. They were bumping into each other laughing as they chased down their bouncy targets, hence the reason for the age separation. The little kids tried to imitate the older but didn’t have the mass or strength to pop or more often tumble as the balloons squirted from under their feet. Their older companions kept them from falling and soon guided them into sitting on the balloons. If that wasn’t enough, the strategic use of concealed pins did the job with the toddlers unaware they’d had help in popping their balloon. Extra balloons appeared so that each child had at least one balloon to pop. rock 7
By the end of the first minutes many of the smiling and laughing adults enjoying the excited antics of the excited kids were covering their ears due to the numerous booming pops and the shrill squeals and yelling of the excited youngsters. By the third minute the volume of booms decreased and by five minutes afterward the balloons were colorful shreds littering the floor.
As the kids settled and were herded to one side another hundred fifty balloons were dumped onto the floor. The kids watched with glee as the teens and adults began another round of noisy indoor fireworks.
After the last resounding POP recorded dance music began to play over the surround sound system. Brooms appeared and the colorful shreds were swept away. Adults and kids were soon on the dance floor. Dads danced with daughters, moms danced with sons, aunts and uncles danced with nieces and nephews, grandparents danced with grandchildren. By 12:30am as kids wore out, families headed home. Leroy and Krista were the last two. They made the rounds making sure everything was turned off before crossing Wells Point Lane to their cozy home.
What was amazing to the newest members was that while alcoholic beverages were available and consumed, no one became drunk. The clanspeople kept an eye on each other and whenever someone had a bit too much they were gently but firmly guided away from reaching the tipping point. The fact excessive drinking and steps to be taken if it occurred had been heavily discussed and agreed upon weeks before made the effort smooth. A few definitely became silly but none descended into bellicose belligerence.
Jane returned to the Clan Barn at 8:00am. Others soon joined her in the kitchen as they prepared a hefty buffet. Families began arriving at 10:30. The tables were rearranged to facilitate viewing the stage. Fifteen feet above the stage a huge outdoor advertizing billboard type TV screen was mounted on the wall. The unit was fifteen feet long and nine and one third feet high. Except for the heavy wooden beam/columns holding up the roof trusses the high def screen was easily visible from every corner of the barn. The buffet was set up and people filled plates. Those who wanted to spend the day watching football bowl games sat before the big screen. First up was the 11:00am kickoff of the Outback Bowl where the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 31 to 10. Next up with a 5:00pm kickoff of the Rose Bowl where the Penn State Nittany Lions lost to the USC Trojans 24 to 38. Last up was the 8:45 kickoff of the Orange Bowl where the Cincinnati Bearcats took on the Virginia Tech Hokies losing 7 to 20. Those who didn’t want to watch football gathered to the sides to talk and play games. All in all it was a relaxed atmosphere enabling the clan to strengthen their bonds.
*****
The Johnson family fit into the Clan Wells Point like a glove. Grant and Penny had no issues being in the CWP Daycare while their parents worked and rehabed. Penny was a happy often giggling infant. Grant was a gregarious toddler who got along with other toddlers.
By the beginning of the new year Kelly Johnson had proved to be an extremely effective paralegal in the CWP Attorney at Law offices under attorney Kevin Stewart. Within a week of starting she had grasped the ebb and flow of the office. This allowed Ruth Ewell to back off the heavy research and concentrate on being the office manager for CWP Attorney At Law and CWP LLC in their shared building.
Ben Johnson, despite being limited by his therapy and adapting to his changed circumstances, was making tremendous headway in bringing CWP Green Energy Initiatives into viable existence. The challenge restored his sense of worth which had understandably faltered with the loss of his arm. The first twenty vertical wind turbines were to be delivered on Tuesday January 6, 2009. Orders were in place for delivering twenty wind turbines a month until they reached their goal of four hundred units.
The CWP Contracting and Construction was on target to complete the concrete bases needed to mount the first twenty wind turbines when they arrived. They were also trenching and installing waterproof conduit with cables to connect the turbines to the new CWP power grid distribution center they were completing beside the digester.
The Clan Wells point itself entered the new year in great shape despite the chaos of the economy in general. The Down Jones Stock average had plunged six hundred eighty points on December 1. That was on top of the four hundred twenty seven point drop of November 19. The big crash Steven Campbell had predicted was coming to fruition. Many businesses panicked and thousands of people found their already jeopardized jobs even more fragile. Thousands of stockholders saw their finances collapsing. Thanks to Steven’s business sense the Clan Wells Point was financially solid and prepared to endure the economic crash. In fact they were poised to spring on any properties that might come on the real estate market to further expand the Clan Wells Point.
*****
On Friday January 2 one of the CWP Contracting & Construction employees, twenty five year old painter George Bracy, approached Robert with request to discuss a personal issue. Robert led him to his portable office... his pickup truck.
“Thanks for sitting down with me, boss,” George declared clearly anxious. “I know when you started the Clan Wells Point you offered all the employees an opportunity to join. Those of us left since then really like working for you but hesitated because we know construction jobs can come and go. We were worried that if your work load slacked off we’d be laid off and being members of the clan would be awkward. We also had concerns the clan would sort of implode and we’d be out of luck. Obviously we were wrong. Now I’ve got a big family problem and I can’t see anyway out of it. To be honest I’m coming to you hat in hand.”
“The clan will do what it can to help,” Robert answered with a confident smile. “The offer to you and the others to join the clan is still open. So, what’s the issue?”
“My mother, Maude, worked as a nurse’s aid for the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems,” George explained. “When they were shut down she lost her job. Unfortunately no one wants to hire anyone who was associated with them. She’s been struggling to make ends meet but temp work just doesn’t cut it. Her home is being repossessed which will put her and my brother, Barry, out on the street. Another problem is I live in a two bedroom apartment with my wife Abby and kids Gwen and Brad. The kids are getting older and need separate bedrooms. From working on the remodel I know Theo Jablonski would benefit from a part time nurse’s aid and Rachel could use help with the housework. My mom could do both, especially if we all move into the apartment above the Jablonskis. She could also help out at the CWP Youth Rehab Hostel.
“It sounds to me your family needs to join the Clan Wells Point,” Robert smiled. “I don’t see any reason not to bring you onboard but I have to get approval from the rest of the directors. Since we know you it’ll just be a formality. I also need to make sure the Jablonski apartment is still available. I’ll let you know by tomorrow.”
George returned to work with a sense of relief. While he had discussed the situation with his family, he didn’t want to get their hopes up only to be crushed. He’d wait until tomorrow to get the word of the approval before he told the rest of the family.
On Saturday while working half a day Robert let George know the CWP directors unanimously approved bringing George’s family into the Clan with them moving into the apartment above Theo and Rachel Jablonski. Needless to say George and later his family were delighted with the news.
With Robert’s permission to use the CWP Contracting and Construction vehicles to move their belongings George called his coworkers to ask if they could assist his family move the next day, Sunday. The guys agreed.
Because of the approaching eviction Maude and fifteen year old Barry had most of their things packed. George and Abby spent most of Saturday packing their things. By 6:00pm Sunday the Bracy family had their belongings moved into the apartment above the Jablonskis. They still had to unpack but at least they were moved.
Construction jobs outside the CWP had been rapidly declining since the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market. With the drops in the Dow Jones since September the construction slowdown grew. Yet because of the careful planning and quality work the CWP Contracting and Construction had steady work. Many of the competing contractors in the area had already laid off workers or closed outright. Seeing the growth and happiness of the Clan Wells Point as well as coworker George join the CWP the remaining four non clan employees of CWP Contracting and Construction decided to accept the long standing offer of clan membership. Over the next few weeks they took up residence in the Clan Wells Point territory.
Twenty eight year old carpenter Harry Dryer, his twenty eight year old wife Nancy, and daughters nine year old fourth grader Jill, eight year old third grader Karen and seven year old second grader Mindy were excited to join. They moved into the vacant southern rental home on the former Jablonski farm.
Twenty five year old Jimmy Stanley, his twenty five year old wife Bonnie and their twin daughters five year old kindergartners Lori and Dori were also excited to join. They moved into the apartment next to the Johnsons above CWP Daycare.
Drywaller Adam Green and mason Matt Haley, both twenty nine years old, were a gay couple but had never been able to live together. Upon joining the CWP they moved into an apartment above the daycare. Arrangements were made for them to drive to Hartford on Thursday January 9 to apply for a marriage license, marry and return home Sunday.
While that was going on the first twenty wind turbines were up and operating. The newest members were voted into the CWP. There were now One hundred fourteen members of the Clan Wells Point. Clan Wells Point Handcrafted Toys also became the newest clan enterprise. Helen was appointed to lead the operation with Wendy as leader of the stuffie branch. Even though they didn’t have a business site they coordinated the continued crocheting of stuffies, each now with a tag proclaiming CWP STUFFIE. They also created plans to make wooden toys as well as wooden playsets.
On January 15 Robert saw Henry Bailey walking slowly with a cane towards his mailbox as he drove past. He was a long time neighbor who ran a small family construction business. The two contractors were on friendly terms and had previously helped each other. Henry’s home and business were next door to the clan, his driveway was the first driveway to the west of the Bozman-Neavitt Road north of Wells Point Lane. Robert turned around and pulled into the driveway.
“Henry, it looks like you hurt yourself,” Robert said as he leaned out the window. “I hope it’s not serious. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“Robert, it’s good to see you,” Henry greeted as he hobbled over to the truck. “You may be just the person I need.”
“Well in that case I’m glad I stopped,” Robert replied. “Hop in, I’ll drive you up the lane. We can go inside and talk.”
“I hope you can help me out,” Henry sighed as he climbed inside. “I don’t see any way out of my problems.”
A few moments later they were seated around the kitchen table sipping coffee with Henry’s wife, Carol.
“I just got out of the hospital and my business is going down the tubes. Honestly I don’t know how I’m physically going to go of it any more. Could you take over the jobs I have started and scheduled? Unfortunately we’ve already spent most of the money they’ve paid to make ends meet.”
“That’s never good,” Robert said. “Of course we’ll help you out. Do you mind if I ask what happened?”
“It goes back to when Lester was wounded,” Henry sighed. “We’d always planned for him to work with me and take over the business. That IED in Iraq put an end to those plans.”
“Yeah, that has to be rough,” Robert commiserated. “How’s he doing?”
“Itching to come home,” Carol smiled. “He hates being in Walter Reed. They’re good at the rehab he needs but they are so overwhelmed... it’s simply too institutional. He has his prosthetics and is getting used to them but he misses being in the country side.”
“Why not bring him home,” Robert asked. “He can do rehab at the clan rehab. We’re just across the street.”
“That would be nice,” Carol sighed. “Unfortunately we might not be able to keep the place.”
“Damn,” Robert exclaimed. “Things are that bad?”
“Yeah,” Henry conceded. “A bit over three weeks ago I had a massive heart attack... almost didn’t make it. They had to do a sextuple bypass. I just came home two days ago. I’m limping from all the veins they removed from my legs to use for the bypasses. The prognosis is I should have a good recovery but my days of climbing ladders and lifting over fifty pounds are over. In other words I can’t do construction anymore.”
“Between worrying about Lester and then Henry I screwed up,” Carol confessed. “I was so wrapped up in doing what I could for Henry I wasn’t paying attention to the bills. I just wrote the checks and sent them in not even thinking about where the funds were coming from or if they were designated for business expenses. Now we’re strapped for cash and can’t refund deposits customers made. God, I feel so stupid and ashamed.”
“There’s no need for that,” Robert consoled. “Worry about those you love can make you do things without thinking. I’m sure Sheila would do the same if our circumstances were the same. Now, I have an idea that will help get you out of the mess you’re in and help out the Clan Wells Point at the same time. Let me send a quick message off to the rest of the clan executive committee.” Robert tapped away on his smart phone for a minute before looking at them and smiling. “Of course my idea will mean you have to join the clan.”
Henry and Carol chuckled. “That granddaughter of your’s has sure changed things around here,” Carol smiled. “The way you’ve been helping people since she arrived... it’s a miracle. I can tell you the Jablonskis are delighted they joined. What can we do for each other?”
“If you join the clan we’ll assume all your debt and contracts which will save your reputation and sense of worth,” Robert replied. “In return you’d have to merge your business and property into the clan in exchange for shares in the clan. You’d be able to stay living here. Also, we’ll provide a job you’ll be able to physically handle and enjoy. We’ve formed a new enterprise, CWP Handcrafted Toys. We’re crocheting stuffed animals and plan to add hand made wooden toys and playsets as soon as we find a suitable site. Your workshop barn would be an ideal location. If I recall the first floor is eighteen feet high. The half closest to the lane of it would become a showroom/store with a nine foot high ceiling. We’d do that by creating a mezzanine above it with a ceiling eight feet high that will be used for plushie assembly. The other half of the first floor would be fore woodworking and assembly of playsets with a freight elevator to the mezzanine and top floor. The second floor would be for wooden toy assembly and painting. Helen will be in overall charge of the division and Wendy will lead the plushie side. Henry, with your woodworking experience you’d be ideal to lead the wood end of the business. Carol, I think you’d make a good store manager. We can use the lot between the barn and the Bozman-Neavitt Road to display wooden playsets and as a parking lot. Lester should be able to work with you.”
“That sounds too good to be true,” Henry whispered clearly trying to remain calm as he looked to Carol with his eyebrows raised. “But know what I do about the Clan Wells Point it must be true.
“It’s the best news we’ve had,” Carol sniffed clearly struggling to maintain emotional control. 2008 was a horrible year for us. Hopefully joining the clan will make 2009 a much better year.”
“That it will,” Robert smiled. “Just for curiosity, what day did you have your heart attack?”
“December 22,” Henry answered. “The doctors said my heart stopped while they were treating me in emergency. I was unconscious but when I came too I recalled a really weird dream.”
“”When it comes to the Clan Wells Point weird dreams are taken seriously,” Robert stated seriously. “Were you in the Shore Medical Center?”
“Yeah,” Henry nodded. “Is that significant?”
“It could be,” Robert replied. “Do you know about what time you had the dream?”
“I guess it was between 5:30 and 6:00 in the evening,” Henry answered growing little spooked.
“That fits,” Robert smiled mysteriously. “Would you mind telling me about the dream?”
“Not at all,” Henry agreed. “It sounds a bit cliche but I was walking down this long tunnel heading towards a warm, beckoning bright light. I could hear voices singing growing louder as I got closer to the light. I couldn’t understand what they were saying but I never felt so contented. It was like they were welcoming me home after a long trip. A woman stepped out of a side tunnel and blocked my path. I really wanted to just brush ast her but the smile on her face stopped me. She shook her head and twirled her finger motioning me to turn around and walk away from the light. I wanted to tell her no that I wanted to continue on but my voice didn’t work. She motioned for me to go back again. Even though I didn’t want to obey, I did. I turned around and headed back out of the tunnel away from the light. Then I woke up. Weird, huh?”
“You never told me about that,” Carol said as if hurt by the secret.
“Not really,” Robert shook his head. “What did the woman look like?”
“It was hard to tell,” Henry frowned as he struggled to recall her appearance. “She was really scrawny, like someone who’s being ravaged by cancer eating up their body. But the serenity upon her face was compelling. I couldn’t refuse her order to turn back.”
Robert tapped a few times on his smart phone, then showed the image on the screen to Henry and Carol.
“That’s Susan Warren,” Carol said. “Hey... I heard she brought her grandkids to your clan to have them adopted by your son Larry and his wife Kylie. Then she stayed with them till cancer killed her.”
“Whoa,” Henry exclaimed. “That was the woman in the tunnel!”
“That explains a lot,” Robert sighed with a smile. “Krista’s mom, Jane’s daughter Carol, had terminal cancer and walked into the ocean. That’s what sparked Krista’s trek from Massachusetts. Carol has made several significant appearances to the clan... as a guardian angel. She’s saved several people’s lives. Whenever she has we’ve found puddles of sea water and seaweed as evidence. When Susan died, Carol took her spirit. There were two sets of wet seaweed footprints leading from the bed with Susan’s body down the hall to the twin’s bedroom. Susan joined Carol as a second guardian angel for the clan. She appeared to us in Pennsylvania to delay our departure by ten minutes so we were right behind that terrible accident.”
“The one where you and Krista saved that family,” Helen shuddered. “Did Krista really cut that man’s arm off?”
“From the back seat leaning over him she used her Swiss Army knife even as the flames were licking at her hands and face,” Robert shook his head. “She just got our when the interior went up. That family is now part of the clan. That girl has so much guts she scares the hell out of me some times but she does get things done.”
“We look forward to meeting her,” Helen smiled.
“While you were in emergency with your heart stopped and walking in the tunnel,” Robert began the story. “Krista and her girlfriends were up in the children’s ward dressed as elves handing out crocheted stuffed animals to the kids. She’d come up with idea for the plushies to give the kids. The same plushies we want to make for the toy business. They had sterilized some plushies in case someone with an infection needed one. While they were gowning and washing up to go into the room of a sick girl who’d had a heart transplant they saw Susan’s image in the soapy bubbles telling them THREE. The little girl, Becky, was beyond happy to have visitors and over the moon with the plushies but her mom, Wendy, was at her wits end. Her husband had left them and they were being evicted. She couldn’t work because of her daughter’s condition and they had no family to help them. Krista told them they had a new home with the clan. Wendy was pissed for getting the Becky’s hopes up and took the girls out of the room to chew them out. Becky started calling for her mom. Panicked Wendy ran back in only to have Becky tell her a Christmas Angel had appeared to heal her of the infection.”
Carol and Henry exchanged looks of disbelief tinged with hope.
“When the girls reentered there was a puddle of seawater and seaweed by the bed,” Robert continued. Krista gave Wendy a photo of her mom to show Becky. Becky said the photo was the Christmas Angel. Wendy’s infection was gone and she was discharged in time for Christmas with the clan. Wendy and Becky were ONE and TWO. They just needed THREE. As the girls headed down the elevator it stopped on the hospice floor. When the doors opened they saw a woman, Helen, leaning against the wall crying. They consoled her, took her to dinner and discovered her husband had just died. That was on top of her son being killed in Afghanistan in June and her daughter-in-law died in a car crash following his funeral. Her grandson was declared brain dead and they donated his organs. With the death of her husband she had no family left. Ironically her grandson’s heart was in the little girl the clan angel had cured.”
Henry and Carol sat spooked by the story.
“That night the Helen had a dream,” Robert went on. “She was visiting the graves of her son, daughter-in-law and grandson. She saw a man already at the graves. It was her husband who told her his passing had been eased by a clan angel named Susan and that he was okay and meeting their son, daughter-in-law and grandson the others. She saw them approach and smile at her as they came to him. He passed on a message to her from their grandson. That she’d always have a place in his heart and he’d like her to become the grandmother of the little girl who received his heart Needless to say Helen adopted Wendy making her Becky’s grandmother. They’re now members of the clan. Helen will be heading the toy division and Wendy will be leading the stuffie branch. Henry, when Susan turned you around in the that tunnel she knew you’d wind up partnering with Helen and Wendy. Remember, this was all set in motion by the Clan Wells Point Guardian Angels back on December 22.”
Henry and Carol shared a long, deep look into the other’s eyes. Both smiled and nodded wit Henry speaking. “Where do we sign to join up?”
Arrangements were made with Gretchen to pick Lester up after she finished her lessons the next day. While attending classes during the week she lived in the CWP House just off the University of Maryland in College Park. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was sixteen miles west of College Park. The detour to bring Lester up would delay her normal weekend return home by an hour.
Lester was quite excited to be going home. The Clan Wells Point was now up to one hundred seventeen members.
After school on January 15 Krista and Tony checked the CWP Facebook site. Krista did so to make sure Tony didn’t hype her heroics. She had nothing against posting the truth, but Tony, proud to be her boyfriend, had a tendency to boast about her exploits. Ever since she’d saved his mother and he from his hostile dad, he’d understood that she was naturally cool and calm in times of crisis and felt honored to be her boyfriend. By building her up he was unconsciously building himself up, a strange but honest braggadociosity. That day they found an almost pleading private message from a distraught parent.
“Krista, you’re our last hope. No one in our area will lift a finger to help us. My sixth grade son was born female. His birth name is Ellen but he’s Allen now. That has caused no end of problems since our area is extremely homophobic. Things were bad when he was in grade school but for the most part the other kids left him alone. This year he’s in middle school and a bunch of so called Christians have made him a target. Now he’s been suspended pending expulsion for fighting in school while defending himself. Our home has been vandalized, Devin, my tenth grade son supports his younger brother but is feeling the heat. On top of that my employer fired me and my wife has thrown up her hands and walked out on us. We’ve been vandalized and have received death threats and I’m afraid things will continue to escalate. Please, help us. Thanks, Howard Gantner”
Krista and Tony felt the desperate plea was real promptly asking the the data duo, Ferdy and Amy, to verify the Alabama man’s story. It didn’t take the young couple, who lived half a block apart, to determine the family’s dilemma and plea were valid and the danger was real. With the verification in hand Krista sat with her paternal grandparents Jane and Kevin to see what could be done to assist the family. Kevin reviewed the information and checked a few of their sources. After what the data duo had done in uncovering the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems scandal he trusted their findings.
Stewart called the man three times, the first two went to voicemail which was full. On the third attempt the phone was picked up but no words were spoken. It was a bit after 9pm. “This is Kevin Stewart from the Clan Wells Point. You sent a private message to us via Facebook, well, to my granddaughter Krista. We’ve verified your plight and would like to talk about your situation.”
The line was silent for a several seconds before a quivering voice spoke. “Is Krista really there?”
“Yes she is. I’ll put you on speaker,” Kevin answered. “Put your phone on speaker so your kids can listen in.”
“Hello Mr. Gantner, this is Krista Scott. The Clan Wells Point will help if we can. My grandfather is a lawyer. He’ll be able to do more for you than I can.”
“Thank you, Krista,” Howard Gantner said. “You’re my last hope. Allen is so upset I’m afraid to leave him alone. Anything you can do will be a blessing.”
“Mr. Gantner, I assume the police are aware of your situation,” Kevin answered. “Have they provided any type of protection or relief?”
“No, they’ve told us we’re getting what we deserve for allowing Satan into our lives,” Howard scowled.
“Yeah, it sounds like you’re up the creek,” Kevin sighed. “Are you in your house and is it safe for you to leave?”
“We’re in the house but there are people loitering outside on the street and they’re occasionally throwing stuff at the house,” Howard answered. “We’re afraid to go outside.”
“Okay,” Kevin said. “Krista’s father, Leroy, is a deputy sheriff for Talbot County, Maryland where we live. He’s right here listening. I’ll have him contact the Alabama Highway Patrol to get you protection ASAP. What kind of vehicle do you have? And is it inside?”
“It’s in the attached garage,” Howard replied. “I have a 2006 Ford Crew Cab F150.”
“Pack what you can into your truck and prepare to get the hell out of there when the highway patrol arrives,” Kevin explained. “Honestly, you’ll be abandoning whatever you can’t take with you.”
“But we have no where to go,” Howard sighed.
“Krista just did a MapQuest route search,” Kevin declared. “It’s a twelve hour trip from your place to us. Get out of Alabama and find a hotel for the night. Then come the rest of the way tomorrow. Do you have cash or credit to do that?”
“No,” Howard sighed. “Gloria, my soon to be ex-wife, screwed us over. She stripped our bank accounts and maxed out our credit cards. Between the kids and I we’ve got twenty six dollars.”
“Okay, you can still leave,” Kevin said. “Write down these directions. Krista will also e-mail them to you. Take US 72 to Interstate 24 east around Chattanooga to I75 north, then get on I40 east. Get off just before Knoxville at exit 383 head south on Papermill Drive NW for about a block to the Travelodge Knoxville West. I’ll call and arrange a room with two beds. When you check out, the desk can give you directions to the United Community Bank nearby. I’ll arrange to for you to pick up three hundred dollars from them. There’s an Exxon station next to the bank. Top off and get back onto I40 east then to I81 north. Stay on that into Virginia then get off on I66 to I495 north around DC. Take US 50 east across the Chesapeake Bay. When you reach the bridge across the bay call us to let us know you’re close. Stay on US 50 to just before Easton. Take Maryland route 322 south for about a mile and a half to a Ruby Tuesdays Restaurant. We’ll meet you there for supper.”
“Not that I don’t appreciate what you’re doing,” Howard said clearly choking up, “but why?”
“You already know why,” Kevin answered. “You contacted Krista. This is what she does. The rest of the Clan Wells Point has volunteered to go along for the ride and help her. It’s what has brought us together.”
“The Alabama Highway Patrol is sending a cruiser to your address,” Leroy announced. “I’ve made them aware of your situation. A patrolman will come to your door. Ask them to escort you out of the state.”
“Allen, this is Krista. Can you and Devin hear me?”
“Yes we can,” Allen said. “And thanks for helping us.”
“You’re more than welcome,” Krista replied. “Like Kevin said, pack what you want to keep but don’t worry about clothes. Just take enough for two days. We can replace what you leave behind. The same goes for movies and music and even sports equipment. Pack what you can’t replace first.”
“Okay,” Allen said. “Ah... Krista, please don’t get upset. I know you’re a male to female transsexual. Are you sure you don’t mind I’m a female to male transsexual?”
“Not in the least,” Krista chuckled. “When we meet at Ruby Tuesday tomorrow I’ll be sure to bring Sam along with us. He’s my age but just like you, female to male TG.”
“Really?” Allen exclaimed. “I won’t be alone?”
“With the Clan Wells Point you’ll never be alone,” Krista declared.
They could hear Allen trying to stifle his tears.
“Give us a call when you leave,” Kevin said. “I’ll have the reservation for the Travelodge by then. Then call tomorrow morning when you get to the bank so we can make sure everything goes smoothly. We’ll let you go pack. Good luck, we’ll talk later.”
With Krista supplying the phone number, Kevin called the Travelodge Knoxville West to make the reservation for the Gantners using a CWP credit card.
It was a bit after 10pm when Kevin’s phone rang.
“Mr. Stewart, this is Howard Gantner.”
“Howard, we’ve been waiting for your call,” Kevin responded. “I hope the Highway Patrol is there?”
“Yes, thank God. Someone threw a brick through our front window with a death threat attached,” Howard explained. “When the state patrolman arrived he witnessed people jump in vehicles and drive off. The trooper is furious and has reported the inaction of the local police to his superiors. While I don’t think it’ll amount to anything, the presence of the state officer will keep people away for a few hours. We’ve packed the truck as full as we can and are ready to leave. The Highway Patrol officer will escort us to the state line. It should take us about two and a quarter hours to cover the one hundred fifty miles to Knoxville. We can’t thank you enough.”
“Once you settle in here you can thank us by paying it forward,” Kevin replied then gave him the hotel reservation info. “We told them to expect you between midnight and 2am so you’ll be in that window. We’ll talk again in the morning. Have a safe trip.”
“I hope so,” Howard answered. “Thanks again.”
*****
On Friday morning the 16th Robert picked Henry up. Together they went to the six current or future work sites Bailey Construction had committed to do jobs. At each they met with the people who had contracted with Bailey Construction. Two were upset the projects had been started and not completed. Henry apologized and explained the reason for the delay and that he personally could not complete the job. Robert then explained CWP Contracting and Construction had bought out Bailey Construction and would responsible for completing the contracted jobs at the prices previously agreed upon. A timetable was also given for each job with completion dates. They also offered to refund all monies paid to Bailey Construction if they decided they didn’t want CWP Contracting and Construction to complete the projects. The refund offer surprised them all and made them realize Henry’s explanation was true. In addition, they were all familiar with the Clan Wells Point, it’s honesty and integrity was evident in the refund offer. Each of the six customers accepted the changeover and renewed their contracts with CWP Contracting & Construction.
*****
Kevin’s phone rang a bit after 9am. The Gantners were calling from the bank. It only took a few minutes to arrange for the $250.00 cash payment. The five hundred seventy mile trip would take nine hours on the road. With stops for fuel, restroom and lunch they figured it’d take ten hours. They agreed to call when they reached the bridge over the Chesapeake Bay.
The next call arrived at 6:45pm when Allen called to let Kevin know they’d just reached the US 50 bridge over the Chesapeake Bay. Kevin, Jane, Krista Tony, Sam and Jenny were waiting at the O’Brien homestead. They loaded into the Explorer and headed into Easton to meet the Gantners at the Ruby Tuesday just outside the Lowe’s along Maryland 322. The boys grabbed the sign they’d made. Constructed of sheets of cardboard duct taped together at two feet by eight feet mounted on two by four handles six feet long it read in letters twenty inches high ‘WELCOME GANTNERS’. Krista and Jenny had cheerleader pompoms. They headed to the grass strip on the south east corner of the intersection of Rt322 the Easton Parkway and Glebe Road. The girls placed a boombox and started their music. The boys held the sign high doing simultaneous knee bends to move it up and down in time to the music while the girls shook their pompoms and danced to their all time favorite cheering tune ‘Mickey’. Cheers Even though it was well after sunset there were streetlights that illuminated the area.
The Gantners were weary from their long drive. They were also anxious that their hopes for a new chance would fall apart unaware their harrowing ordeal would soon end. Knowing they’d soon reach their meeting point they saw the road widen to four lanes from two with the upcoming intersection and beyond being illuminated by street lights. As they slowed for the traffic signal they were stunned to see two girls dancing with pompoms and two boys holding a sign declaring WELCOME GANTNERS. They heard the tune ‘Mickey’ playing away accompanying the girls as they danced. Behind the girls in a shopping center parking lot was a Ruby Tuesday, their destination. All doubts as to the wisdom of their long flight from adversity instantly vanished.
Turning onto Glebe Road Howard honked his horn as Devin rolled down his window and happily waved. Krista and Jenny shook their pompoms above their heads and yelled “Welcome Gantners!”. Jenny scooped up the boombox as Krista skipped into the parking lot with the boys following. They stood by the Explorer as Howard pulled the truck into the space beside them.
Krista was smiling broadly as she skipped to the boy exiting giving him a hug. “You’re Devin, right?”
“Yep, you must be Krista?” He answered.
“Got it in one,” Krista giggled as she looked at the hopeful boy who exited behind Devin. “Allen! It’s wonderful to meet you,” she exclaimed as she hugged him. “Welcome to Maryland!”
By then Jenny had placed the boombox into the back of the Explorer after which the boys did the same with the sign. Jane welcomed Howard with a hug as he exited the truck with Kevin shaking his hand. By then Jenny and the boys joined Krista.
“Devin, Allen, this is one of my best friends Jenny, my boyfriend Tony, and Jenny’s boyfriend Sam.
“Sam...,” Allen looked at Sam as tears filled his eyes. “You... You’re like me?”
“If you mean do I have the sane birth defect as you, yep I do,” Sam smiled. “I’m on estrogen blockers and taking testosterone. Dr. Sykes will get you straightened out as soon as she can give you an official diagnosis. She’s a member of the Clan Wells Point and takes care of all the clan transsexuals.”
“There’s more transsexuals than you and Krista,” Allen stated with surprise. “How many are there?”
“There are five of us. You’ll make six and be the second F2M after me,” Sam answered with a smile. Jenny is M2F like Krista.”
“Really? Wow,” Allen smiled as he looked at Jenny. “It’s really cool you’re both TG.”
The nine were soon inside Ruby Tuesday seated around pushed together tables. Allen sat between Krista and Sam. Jenny sat beside Sam and Tony beside Krista and Devin. Howard sat beside Kevin and Jane who sat beside Devin and Jenny. Krista, Sam and Jenny spoke with Allen, Tony with Devin, and the adults with each other. A great deal of anxieties the Gantners had about abandoning their home in Alabama were relieved by the conversations. Jane explained how she’d gone from being a bigot about LGBT to one of the biggest supporters upon meeting her grandaughter. Kevin gave an overview of how other parents of transgender kids within the clan dealt with the issues as well as how the entire clan unflinchingly accepted people in the LGBT spectrum. The Gantners learned there were haters in the area but they were marginalized since the county and schools were LGBT supportive.
It was just a few minutes before 9pm when they left the restaurant. Tony and Allen swapped rides as they drove back to the clan. Sam would spend the night in a spare bedroom in the main farmhouse where Tony, Larry and Kylie lived. The Gantners chuckled as they turned off the Bozman-Neavitt Road onto ‘Almost Neavitt Road.’ At the start of the second ninety degree curve they pulled into a driveway leading to two houses. These were two of the four vacation rental houses next to CWO Grandview B&B. There were half a dozen vehicles and twenty people waiting at the first house. After introductions were made the Gantners were taken inside to be shown through the house. The three bedroom two and half bath home was fully furnished including pots, pans dishes utensils and linens. The many hands made short work of unloading the truck. By 10pm the Gantner family was left alone in their new home for the night. The tired family had no problem falling asleep.
The next morning Tony and Sam rode their bikes to the Gantners rental house. A few minutes later the Gantners followed the pedaling demons back to the first curve on Almost Neavitt Road, taking Bills Lane northeast it’s entire length to Dougherty Lane heading east for a short distance, then turning north on Johns Cove Lane then west on Wells Point Lane to the Clan Barn.
There they enjoyed a buffet brunch as various clan members arrived and left in a casual meet and greet to welcome the newest clan members. Howard was so relieved to meet and talk to Kylie and Larry. Knowing a transgender adult who was happily married and a mother was a load off his mind. His hopes for a happy life for Allen soared as Kylie compared her life pre Krista to life in the clan.
Kevin walked over as Howard and Kylie were talking. “So, Kylie, have you offered Howard a job?”
Howard frown with confusion.
“We’ve been talking about other things but I haven’t forgotten,” Kylie smiled at Kevin then at Howard. “May as wek=ll do it now. Howard, I understand you’re a mechanic. Did you bring your tools with you?”
“Of course,” Howard nodded trying to figure out what kind of job a twenty year old could offer him.
“My dad had his own service station business and I grew up helping him,” Kylie explained seeing his confusion. “People said he was the best mechanic in the Bay Hundred area and I learned from the best. Unfortunately he died before I was old enough to take over the business. During high school I worked on my classmates cars. When I graduated I started my own repair business. Now I’m the head of the Clan Wells Point Engine & Mechanical Repair. Ed Nelson and I are the only full time employees. Krista works part time with us but we have more business than we can handle. Truth be told we could use at least two full time mechanics. We just built a new shop with six car service bays and three truck service bays as well as a big parts warehouse. We’re the first building on the north side of Almost Neavitt Road. We’re one door away from CWP Collision Repair and Body Shop. So, would you be interested in joining us?”
“Sure,” Howard answered rekieved to have found a job so quickly. “Please don’t take any offense but I’m surprised someone so young is heading the operation, not that I’m doubting your qualifications.”
“No offense taken,” Kylie smiled.
“Just as The Clan Wells Point is not prejudiced about LGBT issues we have no age prejudice,” Kevin smiled. “If a person is qualified or has valid ideas or suggestions, we listen and take them seriously. It was Krista’s idea that we create the clan. One of the best things we ever did.”
“Now I’m really impressed,” Howard replied. “I’ll be honored to work for you and be a member of the clan.”
“Welcome aboard,” Kylie smiled. “We also strongly encourage all Clan members seventh grade and above to work in some capacity for the clan. Does Devin have any interest in mechanics?”
“He does,” Howard nodded. “As long as he’s not working under me. I have a tendency to be a bit too critical with him.”
When asked Devin eagerly accepted the job offer.
The Gantners were amazed at the many businesses the clan operated. They also met Dolores Whalen, principal fo TIlgham Elementary School, Dr. Harris, principal of St. Michaels Middle/Middle School, and Dr. Mays, the superintendent of schools to ensure Allen and Devin would be able to start school on Tuesday morning. The fact the clan had enough pull to have the school officials come to them on a Saturday morning spoke volumes about the esteem the Clan Wells Point had earned.
Dr. Sykes introduce herself to Allan as Wanda Giles, her married name. She spent half an hour talking to the boy getting to know him.
Allen liked the friendly woman but wondered why all the kids had suddenly abandoned him. It really confused him that the kids were keeping a close on him. Things got strange for a moment when his dad joined them.
“I must apologize for misleading you, Allen,” Wanda smiled. “Wanda Giles is my married name. You and I are going to be spending time together each week for about two months. My professional name is Dr. Sykes. I’m a member of the clan as well as the Clan’s go to doc for transsexuals. I wanted to get to know you a bit before I formally introduced myself. I hope you’re not upset.”
“No, I understand,” Allen smiled. “If I had known you were the transsexual doctor I’d have been so nervous! But getting to know you this way stopped that from happening.
“Good,” Dr. Sykes returned the smile. “Have you had a professional diagnosis of gender dysphoria?”
“No, mom refused to recognize that I’m a boy,” Allen declared with a lot of anger. “I don’t know what I would have done if dad and Devin hadn’t supported me.
“Well, now the three of you have a lot of support,” Dr. Sykes smiled. “I want to give you some psychological tests to verify you’re mental gender is male. If it is we can start you on estrogen blockers to prevent female puberty. I’ll tell you now I Won’t start you on testosterone until you’re in seventh grade.”
“Okay,” Allen agreed. “Stopping me from getting girly will be enough... for now.”
After eating, the Leroy rode with Howard while Larry drove Tony, Sam, Allen and Devin as they headed into Easton to the Goodwill Superstore to flesh out the Gantners’ wardrobes. Then they headed through Easton to the other side of town to the local Walmart. There they bought healthcare products and basic food to stock their kitchen. When they had what they needed they returned home to put their purchases away. After they had the house set up they headed over to the CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair to check the place out and to drop off Howard’s tools.
Sunday was spent with the Gantners having guided tours of the clan territory as well as the St. Michaels and Easton area. By the end of the day they understood coming to the clan was the best thing they’d ever done.
*****
By Monday Robert had two - two man crews out at the current job sites working to complete the tasks. Since Henry had been working alone both jobs would only take three or four days to complete.
With assistance from the construction crew, a lot of the supplies stored in the Bailey barn were transferred to the building used by CWP Contracting and Construction. In the barn itself a two man crew with Henry and Lester assisting as they were able began constructing the dividing wall between what would be the store and the wood working area as well as the mezzanine above the store. The entire building would be insulated, rewired, and a heat pump based HVAC system installed.
Helen and Wendy met with Henry, Carol and Lester to establish areas of responsibility and to determine what toys would be made. Computer searches turned up ideas and patterns. CWP Handcrafted Toys was on it’s way.
Howard and Devin spent the day adjusting to working in the CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair. They found the atmosphere cheerful but energetic and driven. Both were impressed by Krista’s mechanical aptitude. However it was Kylie’s skill that really amazed them. They knew they’d enjoy working together.
At the same time another business opportunity appeared. Walters Excavation and Concrete in St. Michaels had been struggling for almost a year. As the only excavation and concrete business in the Bay Hundred area and one of three in Talbot County, Robert had regularly subcontracted their services. A year before the business had bought new paving and excavation equipment, financing ninety percent of the cost with a one year payback. Unfortunately as the economy began to falter so did their work. Consequently the company’s ability to make the payments also faltered. As the months passed they fell further and further into the hole finally defaulting on their loan payments. By the end of 2008 the business was effectively bankrupt and forced to lay off most of their workers despite having work. They pushed the completion dates of scheduled jobs back hoping for a miracle.
As the financial situation of their business deteriorated, Mark Walters, the third generation owner began drinking which only made matters worse. No one could say for sure if it was suicide, especially since his blood alcohol level at autopsy was 0.24. The investigation showed he’d been working late in his office drowning his sorrows with Jack Daniels. Getting into his Hyundai Elantra for the short drive home he made a right turn instead of a left. Instead of driving out the lane through Waterfront Park he drove down the boat launch into San Domingo Creek. The partially submerged car was found the next morning with Mark drowned.
Mark’s wife Margaret was devastated. Even though the last year had stressed their marriage to the limits, she’d held on. As office manager for the company she was well aware of their financial straits. Their arguments about how to get out from under their burden had at times grown nasty. On January 12 she’d stormed out of the office after a particularly harsh verbal fight. When Mark didn’t come home that night she figured he’d passed out drunk in his office. She’d brought a change of clothes for him when she came in the next morning. That’s when she saw the roof of the car sticking out of the water.
The news of Mark’s death took everyone by surprise. Naturally Robert and Sheila attended the funeral offering their condolences to the childless widow and offering their assistance if needed.
“Sheila, this is Margaret Walters,” Margaret greeted Sheila on the phone a few days later on Martin Luther King Day. “I just heard you bought out Bailey Construction.”
“Not quite,” Sheila replied. “It’s more like the Clan Wells Point absorbed Bailey Construction. Basically Henry and Eve traded their home and business for shares in the clan. We’ve integrated them into the clan.”
“I see,” Eve said. “Do you think the clan would be interested in taking over Walters Excavating and Concrete?”
“We might,” Sheila answered. “We’d have to go over the books to determine the worth versus debt balance. I assume you want to retire?”
“If possible I’d like to keep working in the business,” Eve replied. “It’s the only thing I have left. We badly miscalculated the economy when we financed new equipment last year and we’re in default. The worry drove Mark to drink excessively.”
“Margaret, you have my sympathy,” Sheila responded. “Let me contact the clan’s directors. We’ll call you back to see when it’s convenient for them to look over your books. I’d guess they’ll call you today to set something up for tomorrow.”
“That would be wonderful,” Margaret sighed with relief. “I honestly don’t know how long I can take the pressure. Mark and I always leaned on each other... now... I just don’t know.”
“Margaret, try to relax,” Sheila soothed. “The cavalry is on the way.”
“Thank you,” Margaret sniffed.
Robert and Steven made arrangements to check out Walters Excavation & Concrete the next day. Arriving early Robert checked out the equipment and spoke to what remained of the worried crew while Steven went over the books. The crew felt a surge of hope. They knew Robert having worked for him during subcontracting. They hoped he’d buy the struggling business.
The debt to asset ratio was not good. If the bank foreclosed, they’d still lose because the assets wouldn’t come close to paying off the loans. Steven called the bank. With his connections and the fact the Clan Wells Point had their rather substantial accounts with the bank he was put through to the CEO and head loan officer. A brief discussion set up a meeting for that afternoon.
Allen had a smile on his face as he rode the bus home from his first day at Tilgham Elementary. It was a small school. Allen was the ninety fifth student in grades 1st through 6th. The classes averaged sixteen students which meant every student knew their classmates and the teachers had enough time to deal with any issues. There were three clan members in his class whom he had already met, Krista’s twin sisters Lyndi and Teri and Joyce Rich. One quarter of the class was from the Clan Wells Point. In all, twenty of the ninety five students were from the clan. But the best thing of all was that none of the non clan students suspected he wasn’t a cisgender boy. For the first time in his life he was accepted by his peers as the boy he’d always felt himself to be.
The meeting with the bank officers concerning the bankrupt Walters Excavation and Concrete was brief and to the point. Steven pointed out the bank had already began foreclosure proceedings against Walter’s Excavation and Concrete so they already knew, especially with Mark Walters’ death, the business could not repay the loans. On top of that the debt to asset ratio was 3 to 1. Selling the company intact with the present economy was nearly impossible. Selling off the assets would at best return fifty percent of the debt. However if Margaret actually filed for bankruptcy the banks costs would rise significantly and the settlement would stretch out for months possible years. The bankers were in a lose-lose situation. No mater what they did the bank would lose money. The question was how much and for how long. The bankers could not refute Steven’s assessmant since it matched their own.
“The Clan Wells Point is interested in acquiring the business,” Steven summarized. “But like everyone else we are being effected by the economy. We can wait until you foreclose and buy it at pennies on the dollar since, as you’re already aware, I doubt anyone else will bid. You’ll fare even worse if you try to sell off the assets plus all the employees will be out of work. The Clan Wells Point is prepared to offer fifty cents to the dollar to retire the debt and absorb the operation into the clan. You won’t get a better deal from anyone else and the business keeps contributing to the local economy.”
The bankers knew the offer was better than they would get if the foreclosed. Plus foreclosing or a formal bankruptcy would involve significant costs on the part of the bank. They put out a counter of seventy five cents to the dollar. They settled on sixty two and a half cents on the dollar.
On Wednesday January 21 Margaret joined the Clan Wells Point by signing over all her assets, private as well as business. With that paperwork in hand Steven settled the outstanding business loans of Walters Excavation and Concrete, thus ending it’s existence. CWP Excavation and Concrete came into existence. At the end of the day a meeting was held to inform the still working and laid off employees of the change in ownership as well as to formally recall the laid off employees.
All of them had worked with Robert and CWP Contracting and Construction so they knew they’d be honest and fair. Naturally they were also quite relieved to have their livelihood saved. They were offered the chance to join the clan. It was understood they’d have to discuss the matter with their families but by the next day all had accepted.
The business property was located in St. Michaels directly south of Susan’s Place B&B. The property was trapezoidal shaped. The boundary line adjacent to Susan’s Place B&B was five hundred feet, it then followed San Domingo Creek for five hundred fifty feet. From there it ran eight hundred feet along Boundary Lane. It ran 600 feet along the former railroad bed now St Michaels Nature Trail. The business did site leveling, lane grading, road grading, driveway paving, seal coating, parking lot paving, sports courts, tar-and-chip coating, retaining wall construction, lane striping, decorative and traditional concrete, masonry, fireplaces, outdoor living spaces, pool deckings, hardscapes, garage and basement floors, excavation and foundation work, agricultural barns, crawl spaces, walkways, lot clearing, snow removal and backhoe services. In addition to the former owners there were seven full time employees, most of whom lived in the rental homes and apartments owned separately from the business by the Walters.
The rental properties had been private homes bought by Mark’s grandfather and father over the last seventy years whenever they came on the market but had always been kept apart from the business. Mark inherited and owned a triangular parcel of land in St. Michaels measuring five hundred twenty five feet along the north eastern side of St. Michaels Nature Trail, three hundred feet along W. Chew Street and four hundred fifty feet along Division Street which changed into W. Maple Street southwest of W. Merengo Street. The eight houses inside the triangular parcel of land were now rental properties.
There were five houses on the south side of W. Chew street. Starting beside St. Michaels Nature Trail. House one had four apartments, two per floor. Both floors had a three bedroom 2 bath apartment as well as a one bedroom one bath apartment. House two was a three bedroom two bath single rental with detached garage. House three had two apartments, the first floor had four bedrooms with two and a half baths, the second floor had three bedrooms and two baths. House four had two apartments, each floor had three bedrooms with two baths. A corner building, house five had two apartments, the first floor was four bedrooms with two and a half baths while the second floor had three bedrooms and two baths. House six was around the corner from W. Chew Street on Division Street was a two bedroom one and a half bath single rental. Next on Division street was house seven, also a single rental with a two car attached garage, four bedrooms and two and half baths. House eight was next door to house seven but despite being on the same street because of the town street layout the house was listed as being on W. Maple Street. It had three bedrooms with two baths.
Of the seven employees, five lived in the rentals. The two who didn’t lived with their parents. All accepted the offer to join the Clan Wells Point. Forty year old Randall Hammond, the most senior employee, served as site foreman. With his second wife thirty two year old Shirley and thirteen year old son Ferdy and twelve year old seventh grade daughter Olive, they lived in the three bedroom first floor apartment in the house closest to Susan’s Place B&B on W. Chew Street. Ferdy was in the eighth grade and friends with the CWP eighth graders. He was also half of the ‘data duo’ along with his girlfriend Amy Beck. Amy’s father was also an employee, thirty two year old Gerhard Beck, a backhoe artist. With his wife thirty one year old Eva and their children thirteen year old eighth grader Amy, twelve year old seventh grader Donovan, ten year old fifth grader Lydia and nine year old fourth grader Barry they lived in house seven.
One other worker, thirty eight year old William Poore, a site leader, had children attending St Michaels Middle/High School. With his wife thirty eight year old Stevie, son seventeen year old senior Ken who was president of the student council and daughter fourteen year old ninth grader Barbie they lived in the second house on W. Chew Street. Twenty four year old Jeffrey Heaps was an equipment operator. With his wife twenty four year old Janet and children three year old Colton and one year old Annabelle they lived in the first floor apartment in the fourth house on W. Chew Street. Twenty eight year old equipment operator Sterling Kozak was divorced and lived in sixth house on Division Street. Laborers twenty one year old Bruce Nolt and twenty year old Ray Gromis were the newest employees and each lived with their parents.
With an influx of capital CWP Excavation and Concrete was on firm footing and quickly regained it’s prominent position as the go to business for anyone in the area for excavation or concrete work. For the clan it meant an expansion of territory in St. Michaels itself as well as adding twenty one more clan members swelling the Clan Wells Point to one hundred forty two people.
Margaret and Mark had lived in a house they owned on the corner of S. Talbot and Canton Streets next door to St. Luke’s UMC. The first floor of the building was a vacant retail space with a glass storefront opening onto S. Talbot Street, the main thoroughfare of St. Michaels and the heart of the pedestrian friendly historic district. The second floor was divided into two apartments. An outside stair led to a balcony four feet wide that accessed both apartments. The front apartment had three bedrooms and one bath while the rear apartment was one bedroom with one bath. Mary now lived alone in the one bedroom apartment.
The new teen members already knew the other clan teens since they were schoolmates. Until the absorption of the Walters Excavation and Concrete only Sam and Cassie had reason to make daily trips between the clan’s St. Michaels holdings and the main property at wells Point. Now there were five new teen members who needed jobs. With the larger CWP teen population in St. Michaels, a means of getting them to teen clan activities was needed. Only Ken had a driver’s licence so by default he was the designated driver. Fortunately the school bus had enough room to allow them to ride to Wells Point if Ken wasn’t available. Another option was traveling by water.
Chapter 11
With the economy tanking, a boat was found that would allow the teens to boat between the Wells Point docks and the dock in St. Michaels. It was a rebuilt 1980 Steiger Craft Skipjack with a completely enclosed cabin and pilot house that could seat nine teens. The boat was twenty three feet long with a beam of eight and a half feet with a draw of thirteen inches. The hull was fiberglass with an in-board 5.7 liter Volvo Penta engine. It also had a depth sensor, GPS, radar, a bow thruster, windlass spotlight, extended hardtop with enclosure. They named the boat ‘Teens Ahoy’. The six and a quarter mile trip would take twenty minutes at twenty MPH. By road the ten mile trip would also take twenty minutes. Both modes would require a licensed driver. The difference was the teens could get a valid boating certificate at twelve years old. To this end all the teens and any adults who wanted took an eight hour course after which they took a test to obtain a valid boating certificate.
By the end of January nearly half the adults and all the seventh grade and up kids had obtained boating certificates. The CWP Handcrafted Toys was also ready to open it’s store. Henry and Lester cut and shaped wood to make wooden cars and trucks and numerous other toys, games and puzzles. Abby Bracy, Bonnie Stanley, Nancy Dryer spouses of CWP Contracting and Construction took full time jobs with CWP Handcrafted Toys. Barry Bracy worked part-time. The teen sanded the pre-cut wood, assembled the object and stained the toys.
The people renting the first house on the former Jablonski farm gave notice they’d be vacating at the end of February. With the crashing economy the husband lost his job and they could no longer afford the rent. Steven Campbell offered to bring them into the clan but they refused. They didn’t like the LGBT friendliness. They weren’t vocal opponents of LGBT but didn’t want to condone it either which they knew the clan did. At least it would be an amicable parting.
Ferdy Hammond and Amy Beck, the geeky data duo who sniffed out the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare System scandal thus rescuing Jasmine from her death spiral coma were quite computer savy. They began working part time in the CWP LLC office assisting the clan, CWP Attorney at Law and CWP Accounting.
The first assignment of the data duo was to research and make a formal presentation to the clan directors on Howard Gantner’s finances. They already knew his wife had stripped their shared bank accounts and maxed out their credit cards. In addition since he’d lost his job in Alabama he’d been unable to make mortgage payments and he had received notice of foreclosure before fleeing the state. They needed numbers.
What they found wasn’t promising. The credit cards were in default and the house was being foreclosed. The mortgage was $180,000 in arears. $85,000 were owed on seven credit cards. On top of that the house had been trashed causing $90,000 worth of damage after they fled to the Clan Wells Point. The bank filed a civil suit to recover the damages. In total Howard owed $355,000 on a house that he never wanted to see again.
After Kevin reviewed the report he and the other clan directors sat down with Howard to discuss his options. Kevin was bluntly honest. “The best and easiest solution will be to file for total and absolute bankruptcy under the rules of Chapter 7. While it will ruin your credit rating for ten years, since you’re a member of the clan you no longer need personal credit. The only assets you have is your truck and tools. We can draw up legal documents showing you sold them to the clan leaving you with no assets. We may be able to avoid bankruptcy if the businesses realize you have zero assets. It’ll be cheaper for them to write off your debts instead of spending more money trying to pursue for repayment. I’ll present this report on your financial status along with a letter detailing how you fell so far behind to each of organizations you owe. Hopefully they’ll realize they’ll never get their money back and write you off. You’ll still get the mark against your credit score.”
“I don’t like having a mark against me,” Howard sighed as he shook his head in frustration. “But I really don’t have a choice. So okay, let’s do it.”
With that the wheels were set in motion. The detailed reports were sent to each of the businesses Howard owed. A bit of investigation on their parts showed the report was accurate. Realizing they couldn’t get blood out of a stone, they wrote off the debts and placed marks against Howards credit score. By April the debts would all be erased... at least Howard’s would be. His soon to be ex-wife had her name on the mortgage and credit cards. They went after her with a vengeance knowing it was her actions which started the cascade of events that led to Howard’s financial collapse.
As the newest members melded into the clan they found they were welcomed with open arms. Amy and Ferdy were already a couple which made four eighth grade couples. As classmates for years ninth graders Barry Bracy and Barbie Poore were well acquainted. With the added closeness of being clan members and working together they quickly became a couple. Similar circumstances also drew seventh graders Holly Reese and Donovan Beck as well as Olivia Hammond and Marcus Olsen into becoming couples.
The clan met en masse in the Clan Barn, the first full meeting for the newer members, on Sunday February 1. A buffet was set up as they gathered to watch Super Bowl XLIII. The meeting itself was held before the game. The newest members were introduced and they took an hour to get acquainted. For those newcomers who weren’t aware of Krista’s many exploits tales of her multitudinous adventures and deeds were shared while Krista blushed acknowledging her actions but downplaying her heroics.
When she had enough of being embarrassed Krista asked to address the clan. “With the growth of the clan I think we should rearrange some of our businesses. I know Gram and her cohorts do an excellent job with feeding us here. Several times she and others have talked about setting up a catering service as an adjunct to CWP Bakery. The kitchens here in the barn are suitable for a catering service. We could also rent the barn itself as a banquet or party site, maybe even wedding receptions. If people want an outdoors wedding they could hold the ceremony at the tip of Wells Point then move her for the reception. We could either rename the CWP Bakery by adding ‘and Catering’ or we could simply start a new division, CWP Catering. The bakery itself is successful with a loyal clientele. Their main complaint of the customers is having to drive all the way out here. What I propose is we relocate the bakery to the vacant retail space we gained in St. Michaels. It has a storefront and enough space to relocate the ovens and prep area. That location would allow easier access for our current customers as well as inviting additional business. That’s not counting the walk-in business we’d pick up from the tourists. Think about Cinnabons, especially if we strategically vent the ovens onto the street. A lowball estimate... we would at least double the business. A property catty-corner across the street, on the corner of Fremont and Canton is for sale. It shares the parking lot with ‘Take Me Home’, ‘St. Michaels Candies & Gifts’, and ‘The Christmas Shop’. With a bit of remodeling we can use it to sell our fruit and vegetable produce as well as eggs, milk and cheese. That also brings up another business we could start, especially since we want to increase the dairy herd in the spring. The Clan Wells Point Dairy, Produce and Poultry would be a natural progression. They’d be responsible for preparing and or making products as well as selling them in the proposed store. Also, I know we’ve been discussing it but we should really look into setting up greenhouses to grow fresh produce year round. We could use the excess heat from the digester to heat them.”
The newer members were stunned that Krista’s suggestions were being taken seriously. The fact an eighth grader could have such an impact on the clan was difficult for them to wrap their minds around.
Leroy chuckled as he read their confused thoughts. “You need to remember that the Clan Wells Point was formed because of what my daughter has done. She has a quick sharp mind and can’t stop herself from helping when she sees someone in need. What she just proposed cuts through the haze that normally slows group dynamics and cuts directly to the salient points. I truly love her to bits but just be glad she’s my daughter and not yours!”
Everyone chuckled as Krista glared at her father with her hands on her hips. “Well, daddy, you’re the one who told me to be true to myself so it’s all YOUR fault!”
Leroy duffed an imaginary hat and bowed to her making everyone laugh.
What Krista proposed was discussed and actions taken to set them in motion. CWP Bakery would be relocated to the vacant storefront. The building across the street would be purchased and remodeled to sell the fruit, vegetables, dairy products and eggs. Once the dairy herd was increased in April the CWP Dairy, Produce and Poultry would begin processing cheese, milk, butter, and ice cream as well as selling. CWP Catering would begin advertizing. The go ahead was also given to build greenhouses near the manure digester to utilize the excess heat to warm them. The fields on the north side of Wells Point lane east of Johns Cove Lane and west of the forest by the O’Brien Homestead were designated for the greenhouses.
By the time the pre-game show came on, the meeting was winding down. The newer members were delighted to be a part of the growing Clan Wells Point. The big game was somewhat anti climatic. The American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals met to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals by the score of 27–23.
Remodeling the storefront began as soon as the permits were granted. The property on the corner of Fremont and Canton Streets was quickly purchased. The remodeling there would be done when the workers had free time as they had two months to get the job done. The ovens and other baking equipment and shelves were moved and installed in one day to avoid downtime. The CWP Bakery opened in St. Michaels on Monday February 16. As Krista had predicted, venting the ovens onto the Talbot Street, the main road through town and the heart of the pedestrian ‘tourist’ shopping area, drew customers inside. The bakery business doubled the first week and because of numerous requests added coffee, tea and other beverages.
The spouses of CWP Excavation and Concrete signed up to work in the CWP Bakery. Stevie Poore was the manager with Janet Heaps and Shirley Hammond full time employees. Teens Eva and Donovan Beck, Ken and Barbie Poore and Olivia Hammond worked partime. Jane O’Brien Stewart and Lisa Nelson trained and guided the new bakery employees as they stepped back to run CWP Catering.
The upcoming increase in the dairy herd was prompting changes with the main farm. The barn needed to accommodate four hundred instead of the current one hundred fifty. After looking at their options they decided to relocate the poultry to the triangular field between Wells Point Lane, Dougherty Lane and Johns Cove Lane. The dimensions of the field were five hundred ten feet by four hundred eighty five feet by four hundred eighty five feet. The shed already in the pasture would be enlarged and heated to accommodate five hundred chickens, more than double the current two hundred. The entire field would be fenced in to a height of fifteen feet allowing the chickens to roam free in the pasture. That would allow the former chicken housing and their outside run to be converted into a cattle barn.
The clan held a buffet dinner and dance in the Clan Barn on Saturday the 14th for St. Valentines Day. The adults and the teens had a great time while the kids played in a side area that had become a defacto nursery even though the older kids wouldn’t call it that... it was simply a play area to them.
Krista received some good news during the dance and asked to make an announcement. “For those of you who weren’t with us this summer we had a visit from some people we met online. Like me, K8t is a male to female transsexual from Madison West Virginia. She and her boyfriend M8t, her mom Brenda, Grandmom Harriet and her husband Dinky were attacked by a motor cycle gang on June 12 last year in what became known as the Battle of the Transsexual Versus the Bikers. Thirty two bikers led by her hater dad attacked their farm to “teach the fag a lesson”, only eight survived and four of them were wounded. Fortunately they had a few hours warning and while the police didn’t want to get involved since the bikers hadn’t done anything wrong, they set up a strong defense. Dinky learned how to defend against attacks when he was at Khe Sanh in Vietnam. We all enjoyed the time they spent here and we invited them to join the clan. I just received a video from K8t. Please watch the screen.”
The screen flickered to life. It showed a nervous M8t wearing his home made green suede tuxedo standing beside a pool table as recording of the Wedding March began to play. The camera swept across the room to a door. Harriet entered followed by Brenda, both smiling broadly. Then Dinky stepped through to guide K8t inside. She was wearing a gorgeous homemade green suede gown that matched the tuxedo. Hooking arms he escorted her around the pool table to stand beside M8t. Brenda and Harriet served as bridesmaids while Dinky served as the groomsman. A woman minister performed their marriage ceremony. The duo signed the certificate atop the slate pool table. The person filming, naturally off camera, spoke as they signed. “I’m a docent for the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut. I’ve just recorded M8t and K8t Green marry at 14:14 o’clock on February 14, 2009 in the third floor Billiard Room. We wish them many years of wedded bliss.” The short film ended.
“They’ll be seventeen this spring but obviously they just married this afternoon,” Krista smiled. “K8t had previously written that when they returned to Madison after their visit with us they found the school and town still very intolerant. The school board was relieved when she and M8t asked to finish their schooling via home schooling. The finished their junior year curriculum by mid November and completed the senior year curriculum at the end of January and were given their diplomas. Attached to the clip you just saw was a formal request for the Green family to become a part of the Clan Wells Point. I’d like to make a motion to accept them as members.”
“We’ve had a motion to accept the Green family as members of the Clan Wells Point,” Steven called out. “Do we have a second?”
“Second,” called out Kylie. “I’d really like to have Dinky Dow join us in CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair.”
“All in favor raise your hands,” Steven said. “That looks like a majority. Any opposed raise your hands... no opposed. The ayes have it!”
“I videoed the motion and vote,” Tony said. “We can send it to K8t as a wedding gift.”
A few moments after the short video was sent Krista received a ‘Thank you’ from K8t.
The rest of the dance was enjoyed by everyone. The tots tried to mimic the adults with hilarious results and utter cuteness.
*****
The new workers at the CWP Bakery in St. Michaels easily settled into a routine. While the women were allowed to experiment with the recipes, they used the tried and true recipes Jane and Lisa provided for the daily baking. Any experimental recipes the women thought had potential they made more to make sure the taste was the same. If consistent they then shared samples with the clan to get their opinions. If it met approval it was added to their list of approved recipes.
When the Greens arrived home from Connecticut they put both properties up for sale making arrangements with their lawyer to handle the West Virginia sales. Dinky placed a ‘Going out of Business, everything must go!” sign at the entrance to his garage and used car lot. Dinky specialized in buying wrecked vehicles and restoring them. People knew the quality of his work and flocked to the garage to get bargains. Even sold at much reduced prices Dinky still made a profit. As they were divesting in West Virginia the clan was preparing a place for them. The clan attacked the house they’d initially converted to house the bakery to now convert it back to a home. Dormers were added to the attic area creating three bedrooms and two baths. The first floor had two bedrooms and one and a half baths
The fourteen feet by six feet trailer M8t and K8t used for their Gr8t Green lawn and landscaping business was filled with their mowers, lawn tractors, rototillers, and other lawn and gardening care equipment then covered with a tarp. It would be towed behind the 1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser driven by K8t. Dinky had three restored trucks. First was his 1938 Dodge Power Wagon Wrecker. The garage air tools, compressors and other large service station accessories were packed around the towing deck and driven by Harriet.
The 1957 Ford F500 Dairy Delivery truck had been a home milk delivery vehicle. It’s refrigerated van area would be useful for CWP Dairy & Produce. For the move it would easily haul all their clothes and personal effects. M8t would drive it to the clan towing a dual wheeled car transport carrier with a mint 1957 Ford Thunderbird. The T-Bird was Dinky’s pride and joy. The unique convertible hardtop featured porthole style windows on the sides of the hardtop portion. The 312ci (5.1L) engine featured 2 four barrel Holley carburetors coupled with a Paxton Supercharger put out three hundred horsepower.
The monster vehicle was the big 1956 P350 Ford Parcel Delivery Step Van Truck. The dual rear wheels supported the twelve feet deep by seven feet wide by seven feet high cargo bay. They packed their furniture and linens inside. Dinky would drive the step van towing a transport box trailer seven feet wide by sixteen feet long and seven feet high which would be packed with his tools and their weapons. Harriet would drive her 2002 Ford Escape with whatever could be fitted inside.
The Greens left Madison, WV, at 7am on Saturday February 28. The four hundred eighty mile trip was eight hours of road time. Four of the five vehicles in their convoy were over fifty years old so they planed to drive in two hour stages with a half hour break. They arrived at their new home at 5pm. The CWP teens were waiting and they unloaded their furniture and belongings into the remodeled former bakery before heading up to the Clan Barn for a meal and hearty welcome during the end of month clan general meeting.
The Clan Wells Point began with twenty eight members on September 27. 2007. It grew slowly but steadily to fifty nine members by March 1 and sixty eight members by July 1, 2008. Now at a hundred forty seven members the clan had more than doubled in size since July. The territory also more than doubled in that time. While the four directors were handling things they felt a tiny bit of guilt for simply forging ahead accepting new members and purchasing new property to add to the clan owned territory.
“I’d like to ask everyone for your input,” Jane began after the normal clan business was completed. “The four of us who serve as the directors, well usually we do things and then get your approval. Fortunately, so far no one has objected to what we’ve done. We were thinking about rotating the directors. Something like one every six months to bring fresh ideas in and to prevent us from getting too cocky. What do you think?”
“We all need to thank you for your unflinching service and direction,” Serena Moonflower spoke up. “I don’t think we need to replace you. You are the best people for the job. I doubt very much if you’ve ever disagreed with each other in your deliberations. We can appreciate your concerns about power corrupting, so what I propose is that we add a fifth member to the directors, one who changes out every six months. That will give you a new voice and at the same time involve us.”
“I’ll make that a motion,” Krista declared. “The four directors remain as permanent with a six month rotating fifth member. I’d also like to nominate Serena as the first rotating director.”
Steven stood smiling as he proudly looked at his granddaughter. “Thank you, Krista. Without you the Clan Wells Point wouldn’t exist. The fact three of the four current directors are your grandparents speaks to your positive influence. Now, the heart of the clan has made a motion. Do we have a second?”
“Second,” Tony shouted causing everyone to chuckle as they all knew he was Krista’s ever enamored boyfriend.
The vote unanimously carried.
The next day Dinky Dow headed down to CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair where he met Ed Nelson, Howard and Devin Gantner. After being shown around the building they unloaded his tools and equipment setting up in a vacant bay. It didn’t take Dinky long to convince the others to buy wrecked vehicles, restore, then give them to clan members as needed or sell them.
On Monday Harriet began working as the secretary for CWP LLC while Brenda joined CWP Youth Rehab Hostel as a nurse. M8t and K8t were assigned to CWP Dairy, Produce and Poultry heading up the new greenhouses. They began by checking out and measuring the fields designated for the greenhouses. That evening they sat down with the data duo to check out greenhouse designs, manufacturers and costs.
The Greens also turned their arsenal of weapons over to the clan. The most interesting was an antique Kentucky rifle handed down in the family since at least 1835. The most numerous were eight M1911 .45s with twenty four magazines and eight holsters. There were two 12 gauge five shot pump action shotguns and one double barreled 12 gauge shotgun. A 1913 Winchester Model 1894 lever action 30-30 with twenty six inch barrel yielding a capacity of eight rounds was in mint condition. A 7.92mm WWII era German Mauser Karabiner 98k sniper rifle equipped with the German Zeiss Zielvier 4x (ZF39) telescopic sight yielding an effective range up to 1000 meters matched the two Jenny had added to the clans growing arsenal. An AR-15 .223 caliber assault rifle with three thirty round magazines brought the count of these weapons to three. The most powerful and legendary weapon was the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), 30.06 rifle with five twenty round magazines. While the clan was well armed they sincerely hoped to never need to use them. The Clan Wells Point much preferred to follow Teddy Roosevelt’s maxim to ‘walk softly and carry a big stick’. An apropos modern proverb advising the tactic of caution and non-aggression, backed up by the ability to do violence if required.
The family that had been renting the house on the Jablonski farm vacated the house on February 28. They left the property in good shape and their security deposit was refunded. All the clan had to do was a bit of repainting.
*****
California had fallen hard since the financial crisis struck with full fury in 2008. It took a bigger hit than almost any other part of the country and was in the worst shape since the Great Depression. California was at the epicenter of the housing bubble, and of the fallout. The state lost over one half million jobs from the peak of employment in July 2007 to the present, the largest absolute drop of any state. (It would lose a million jobs by the end of 2009.) Over half of those losses came from construction, real estate and mortgage finance-related firms. Employment in the much vaunted high-tech sectors was significantly down from its peak, as well. This effected the Clan Wells Point.
Ed and Lisa Nelson’s divorced daughters lived together in California with their four children. With the cost of housing they had moved their families together three years ago. In January, two weeks apart, they lost their jobs in Silicon Valley. By the end of February they were running out of money and the luster of the promises of a bright California life had lost it’s allure. Unable to make the current mortgage payment on their already underwater home they had no where to turn but their parents. With hat in hand they called Ed and Lisa on March 1.
Delighted to hear from her daughters Lisa took the call. It had been over four years since they’d seen each other. They spoke every few weeks so the parents knew of the divorces and the job losses. There had been a bit of kerfuffle when Ed and Lisa had moved from New Jersey to Maryland. The girls simply couldn’t understand how a spunky twelve year old transgender kid had transformed their parent’s lives. They had no issue with LGBT, in fact the youngest grandchild was gender fluid. Their issue was the youth of Krista. As the months passed they had difficulty believing Krista was as dynamic as he parents reported. But the numerous news reports on Krista’s exploits let them verify their parent’s stories were true.
The girls were told to rent a U-Haul Truck to load their belongings and move their families to Maryland. At first they resisted, unable to admit California wasn’t really all they had made it out to be. But in their hearts they knew they couldn’t afford to try to stick it out. Reluctantly they agreed to move to Maryland... if their parents could rent the U-Haul and advance enough for over night lodging, food and fuel.
Naturally the clan directors approved the truck rental, hotel rentals and cash advance. The two thousand nine hundred mile trip would mean forty three hours of road time. The data duo calculate a trip route with motel reservations after each leg. Using an average of nine hours daily on the road they mapped out the route and stops including a lunch break it would take four overnight stops.
The clan had rented the biggest U-Haul truck, twenty six feet long in Easton arranging for it to be picked up Thursday in Palo Alto California by Ed & Lisa’s daughters. The size was intimidating for the two women but the salesman said driving it was similar to driving a car, just bigger. They took it home and began loading their furniture. The kids weren’t happy to be leaving their friends but understood the financial crunch they were in left no choice. If they didn’t leave they’d soon be homeless. They looked forward to seeing their grandparents and began packing their personal belongings. Arwen’s car was fairly new but still had a lot left on the car loan. She contacted the bank to tell them she couldn’t make the payments and the car was parked in front of the house ready to repossessed.
The school was notified Friday would be the kids last day. Thursday and Friday afternoon and evening they packed and loaded the truck, sleeping on the floor Friday night. Saturday morning their suitcases were loaded into the back of their SUV. One kid would ride in the truck with one sister driving. The four other kids would ride in the SUV with the other sister driving. At each stop the drivers would rotate as would the kids. It was 8am on March 7 when they left their home in the suburbs of Palo Alto.
As they drove the discussed their future. They were all unsure about the clan thing afraid it might be some sort of cult. Their financial situation left them with two choices, stay in California and be homeless or move to Maryland and the Clan Wells Point. They chose the clan.
It was late on the afternoon of March 12 when they drove through St. Michaels. As had become standard operating practice they called when the reached Annapolis and the bridge over the Chesapeake. They turned south on the Bozman-Neavitt Road driving about seven miles until they reached the cemetery on their left. About five hundred feet past that they were to turn into the second lane on the right. They were to look for a dozen vehicles parked in the grass beside the road.
The U-Haul truck slowed when it reached the cemetery. The driver and passenger could see quite a few vehicles parked just past the second lane. As they approached they noted a group of teens loitering amongst the cars and trucks. Eight of the teens ran onto the southbound lane and waved the truck to a halt.
A boy jumped onto the running board by the driver’s door. “Are you Ed and Lisa Nelson’s family?”
The driver nodded uncertainly.
“Great!” The boy enthused. “Pull in here. That’s your new home.” He said as he pointed to through the just budding trees and bushes. “Drive around the trees and back up the rear of the house.” With that he jumped down and joined the rest as they sprinted to the house. As they drew up to the house they Ed and Lisa stepped out of the back porch.
The truck turned wide as it pulled up to the recently vacated house. The SUV pulled right up behind it. The people exited the vehicles to be greeted by thirty eager smiling faces.
Ed and Lisa hugged their daughters and grandchildren then began the introductions. “This is our oldest daughter Arwen Gleason. These are her children fifteen year old Breanne, eleven year old Dominic and nine year old Taylor. This is our youngest daughter Ruby Orlando. These are her children eleven year old Brett and ten year old Blair.” The introductions continued as the newest arrivals were introduced to the clan members present.
Krista was not what they expected. The girl was bouncy, smiling and gregarious but she didn’t look like someone who wrecked a car before wrestling and killing a murderer. Nor did she look like someone who would crawl into a burning car to save a man by severing his arm.
“Were you really born a boy,” Taylor softly asked with near awe in his voice.
“Taylor!” Arwen scolded. “That’s not a polite question! Krista, I apologize for my son’s rash question.”
“There’s no need to apologize,” Krista smiled. “I get that all the time. When people meet me in the flesh I don’t look like their expectations. I’ve found I’m particularly confusing to those who question their gender or who aren’t sure. We were told Taylor is genderfluid so any question from him needs an answer. To answer your question, Taylor, I was born a boy. Physically I still am but I’ve been on testosterone blockers to shut down my male genitals and I’m taking estrogen so I go through puberty just like every other girl. Now, look around at the rest of the teens. Can you tell which ones were not born as the gender they’re currently presenting as?”
Taylor was clearly surprised as he looked over the smiling teens. “You mean there’s more of you who are transgendered?”
“Yes, I’ll give you a bit of help,” Krista smiled. “There are two boys who were born girls and I’m one of four girls who were born boys. There is also one adult who was born a boy but she had surgery to correct birth defect. She’s married to my uncle and they adopted infant twins last June”
Taylor along with the rest of his family looked over the smiling teens. They were unsure of who the transgendered were and didn’t want to risk guessing wrong. When it was clear they couldn’t guess Krista had Allen, Sam, Jenny, Jamie and K8t step forward.
Most of the newly arrived family shook their heads in disbelief. Taylor however, began to shake. Dropping to his knees he began to cry.
Arwen quickly knelt by her son hugging him. “Tay, honey, what’s wrong?”
“Mommy, I can’t do it anymore,” he sobbed. “Inside me, I’m a girl! I lied about being genderfluid because I was scared. I really got hassled at school... coming out as a girl would have been worse. But here... here I can be who I really am! Please, I need to be a girl!”
Breanna dropped to her knees to add her hug to her mother’s. “Well sis, I for one have your back.”
“SISTER,” Dominic sneered causing Taylor to flinch and his mother and sister to visually throw daggers at him. “It’s about time you fessed up. Nobody understands genderfluid. Now instead of protecting my little what-ever-it-is, I can protect my little sister! Anyway, the way you switched back and forth was too confusing. The best thing is you don’t have to even change your name!” With that he affectionately ruffled Taylor’s hair.
When Taylor recovered enough to stand on her own, the rest of the family hugged her letting her know they supported her. When the clan members did the same her heart melted.
When everyone had recovered from the emotion wrought revelation the family was given a quick tour of the six bedroom three and a half bath house. They realized two of them would have to double up which was far better than their four bedroom house back in Palo Alto where six of them were doubled up. By the time they returned outside the truck was unloaded onto the lawn.
“Tay can share my bedroom,” Breanne announced as she placed an arm around her new sister. “That is if she agrees?”
“I love to!” Tay squealed with delight as she hugged her big sister. “Thanks sis!”
With that the Gleason and Orlando families settled into their new home with the help of the clan members present. Since it was a Thursday they called into St. Michaels for pizza after getting everyone’s request for toppings.
The kids would start school on Monday giving everyone a chance to recuperate from their arduous cross country trip. Upon rising on Friday morning they dug into the coffee, tea, milk and cereals the clan had supplied. At 9am they jumped as an airhorn blared from their front yard. Running outside they were shocked to see a huge green and pink plaid DUKW. The convertible top was up so anyone inside could fight off the March chill. Ed and Lisa leaned out of an open side window.
“Bundle up and hop aboard,” Ed called out. “We’ll take you on a tour of the Clan Wells Point.”
After grabbing a jacket Dominic walked around the DUKW with his eyes brimming with humor. “Where did that come from?”
“Climb in,” Ed chuckled at his oldest grandson. “I’ll explain as we travel.”
Once everyone was on board Ed drove down Jablonski Lane to the tip of Change Point explaining how the clan took over the Jablonski farm and was now taking care of Theo. Looking out from Change Point they looked across the waters. To the south east was the Choptank River, to the west was Tilgham Island, and to the southwest was the Chesapeake Bay. After turning around they headed back the way they’d come. Ed explained the DUKW was a surplus vehicle that Krista’s great great grandfather had purchased after WWII. He used to rescue people when a nasty hurricane came through back in 1972. Spent three days getting supplies to those who were stranded and rescuing any who needed it. This beast was the only thing that could travel the bays and coves as well as the fields and swamps and washed out roads. The engine and transaxles were pretty well beat up by then so he parked it in his barn and trough a tarp over it. He never did get around to fixing it. When we first came down we discovered it in the barn. Kylie, Krista and I overhauled all the mechanicals and got it running last winter. We sanded the olive drab paint down and repainted it in the Clan Wells Point tartan.”
After that they traveled around the clan territory as Ed and Lisa pointed out paces of interest. When they got to the end of Wells Point Ed told everyone to sit and hold on. Slowly he trundled over the stone line shore breakwater into Broad Creek. They then sailed northeast into the San Domingo Creek. As they approached the public dock they steered to the right and rumbled up the public boat launch. Susan’s Place B&B as well as CWP Excavation and Concrete. They drove down the streets to the St. Luke’s UMC and the CWP Bakery where they stopped for drinks and sticky buns. From there they drove two blocks to the Acme where they did their grocery shopping before driving back to the house.
Saturday they spent settling into their new home. Sunday they attended their first clan get together at the clan barn. Everyone welcomed them into the Clan Wells Point. The Clan Wells Point had swelled to one hundred fifty four members.
Ben Reese asked to address the gathered clan. “I want to thank everyone for the chance to redeem myself. I want to apologize to my family for all the hurt I caused. I’m disgusted with myself for how conceited and selfish I was. My time with the clan has opened my eyes and I can honestly say I’m a changed man. I understand my ex wives have grown past me. I don’t blame them. Again I apologize for betraying them. I know I’m still on probation and have been working whatever grunt jobs have needed a warm body. I’d like to settle down with a steady job. If you’ll have me, I’d like to become the full time operator of the manure digester.”
“I think Ben would be a good fit for the position,” Larry declared. With the upcoming arrival of another two hundred fifty cows and another three hundred chickens the need for a full time operator at the digester is paramount. Ben has done every job without complaint and has earned my trust. If no one objects, I’m in favor of giving him the position.”
Steven stood to address the clan. “Does anyone object to assigning Ben to be our full time operator for the Manure Digester?” He waited a few moments but no one objected. “Hearing no objections, congratulations on your new position, Ben.”
“Thank you. I have another request,” Ben declared as he reached out for Buffy’s hand. “Buffy and I have been living in the Nelson home for over a year. We’ve grown quite fond of each other. We’ve discussed our mutual attraction and ask permission to marry and move into a apartment above CWP Daycare.”
Nearly everyone smiled and applauded until Jasmine stood, then they fell silent. Holly and Ivy stood and walked over to their half brothers Benny Jr and George picking the toddlers up. Jaz led her siblings to Ben and Buffy. As they approached Sandi Scott, the daughter she’d given up for adoption by Krista’s parents, joined them. Not a sound was heard as the six kids stood before the nervous duo. Jaz stared the duo down until they lowered their gaze in defeat.
Chapter 12
“Well, FATHER,” Jaz finally spoke firmly as she glared at her erstwhile father. “You have a lot of damn gall standing up here talking about getting married after what you’ve done to us!”
The hush that had fallen over the group became heavy with anxiety. Many feared the hostility in Jasmine’s words might be the start of the love and hope that made up the Clan Wells Point might shatter.
Then Sandi stepped to up to Buffy to ominously glare at her mother. “You betrayed me. You allowed my innocence to be stolen by an animal. Now you want us to approve of you marrying this man who betrayed his children?”
Sandi, Ivy holding George, Holly holding Benny Jr, and Jaz stood in a line glaring at their parent. Benny Jr and George were glaring too. They didn’t know why but they did know if their half sisters were upset they should also be upset.
Ben and Buffy wilted before the withering glare of their offspring. Both felt their hope slipping away. The clan members shrank in their seats as they felt the raw emotion the six kids were shooting at their parent.
After several painful minutes Jaz sighed heavily. “Well, FATHER, you’d better make sure we’re part of the wedding party!”
“Yes, MOTHER,” Sandi added looking at her birth mom. “We’d better be part of the wedding party!”
With that the six kids stepped forward to surround the nervous pair in a group hug. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and the applause once more began. The six had quite effectively told off their parent then forgave them symbolically forgiving them by wanting to be part of the wedding.
“Of course you’ll all be part of the wedding party,” Ben declared as Buffy smiled with relief.
Krista smiled as she squeezed Tony’s hand.
Tony returned the squeeze and softly asked, “You knew they were going to do that, didn’t you?”
“Naturally,” Krista giggled. “I realized before Thanksgiving they were falling in love. At every clan gathering they were side by side, discreetly holding hands when they thought no one was watching. I let Jaz, Holly, Ivy and Sandi know what I’d seen. They watched and saw what I did. They planned that little show so they’d be ready when they announced their plans to marry. They knew Benny and George would follow their lead.”
“Remind me to never try to outsmart you,” Tony smiled.
“You’re welcome to try,” Krista smiled. “Just don’t expect to succeed.”
With that Tony twisted stepping in front of Krista to plant a big kiss on her lips completely catching the girl by surprise.
“Okay, I stand corrected. You can occasionally outsmart me” Krista smiled at him before going in for another passionate kiss.”
“Hey you two, get a room,” Sam snarked as he had his arm about Jenny.
“If they know what’s good for them they’d better not,” Pat smirked from behind the two teenaged couples.
Krista twisted her head to look at her stepmom. “We know better than that but don’t expect us to be totally celibate.” Then she kissed Tony again.
“Kids... no wonder I’m getting gray hair,” Pat sighed dramatically before laughing.
Quite a few clan memebers who had witnessed the playful exchange chuckled with them.
The gathering continued and the date of Saturday March 28 was selected for the marriage.
*****
Audrey Aldrich was pleasantly surprised by the remodeling and successful opening of the CWP Bakery. The owner of ‘Take Me Home’ in the building next to CWP Bakery just across Canton Street. She rented space to ‘St. Michaels Candy & Gifts’ and ‘The Christmas Shop’ in that building. She also owned the tiny building next door renting it to ‘Silva Wear’. At sixty six years old and considering the economy she decided it was time to retire. She approached the clan to see if they might be interested in purchasing her properties and business. The asking price was steep. Steven made a counter offer that was considerably lower bluntly telling the her that with the economy sunk no one would pay the asking price or even make an offer better than the clan’s offer. In addition he reminded her that if she listed with a realtor she’d lose six percent on fees and commissions. Realizing Steven was telling her the truth, she began bargaining to reach a mutually agreeable price.
“The Clan Wells Point seems to be involved in a lot of outreach,” Audrey said as the bargaining bogged down. “I’ve heard a lot of pretty fantastic stories about what you do, especially that girl Krista. I seems unbelievable that a girl her age could do half of what they say she’s done. I know she took out that badass Jack Masters, that was all over the news. But did she really cut off that man’s arm to free him from a burning car?”
“That she did,” Steven smiled. “She crawled inside through the shattered rear window, saw the driver was bleeding badly, and put a tourniquet on his arm. Then she unbuckled and handed out the car carriers with the babies in them. By then Robert and Ed had popped open the passenger door and pulled the mother of the babies out. By then the flames were licking up through the drivers side windows. Krista cut the seatbelt to free the driver as Robert tried to pull him out but his mangled left arm was trapped. Krista sawed through his arm, severing it at the elbow so Robert could pull the unconscious man out. By the time Krista scrambled out the roof liner was burning. Just as she got out the gas tank exploded. She was burned on her hands and face., thankfully not badly.”
“Incredible,” Audrey sighed. “I think I’d help out in an emergency but I doubt I’d ever think about risking my life like that.”
“That’s the thing with Krista,” Steven said. “She doesn’t think about risking her life. When she see’s someone in need she simply does what she can to help.”
“Well all I can say is she must have one hell of a guardian angel looking out for her,” Audrey declared.
“Actually she has two,” Steven replied in all seriousness.
Audrey was a bit spooked as she realized Steven honestly believed what he’d said.
“You know, instead of the clan buying you out you could join the clan,” Steven said. “Would you like to take a tour of the Clan Wells Point?”
“Sure,” Audrey agreed. “I’ve got nothing to lose.”
Together with his wife Cynthia, Steve chauffeured Audrey around the clan territory taking her on a tour of the dairy, digester, vertical windmills and power distribution center. They also checked in on the fledgling CWP Handcrafted Toys. Audrey was excited seeing the handcrafted wooden toys and stuffed animals.
“You’ll need to get these smaller items into ‘Take Me Home’, Audrey raved. “They’ll sell like hot cakes!”
“If we can reach an agreement we probably will,” Cynthia smiled. “In fact, I’m considering if I want to manage it. I’m just about the only adult in the Clan who isn’t retired or working. I did a lot of volunteer work before we joined the clan. When we joined I did a lot of baby-sitting. But since we’ve established out own daycare I haven’t had much to do.”
“Running ‘Take Me Home’ will keep you busy,” Audrey smiled wistfully. “Part of me doesn’t want to sell. A bigger part of me doesn’t want to leave St Michaels. But I am ready to retire. The idea of packing up and moving to a new place is intimidating and daunting.”
“When we uprooted ourselves from the west coast to settle with the clan was scary,” Cynthia agreed. “But it was well worth doing. We went from having a son who didn’t bother to communicate with us to having two soon to be three daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. Now we even have our son back. Joining the Clan Wells Point is the best thing we’ve ever done. So, do you have any plans for your retirement? Anywhere you’d like to settle down?”
“I haven’t given much thought to either,” Audrey replied. “To be honest I like living in St. Michaels and have wanted to get more involved in civic activities. As far as plans for retirement I started working when I was eleven. Honestly, I don’t know how to not work. I’d just like to get out of the day to day drudgery. Unfortunately I have no living family with which to share my life.”
“You live in one of the apartments above ‘The Christmas Shop’,” Cynthia stated. “Correct?
“Yes,” Audrey answered. “Once I sell I’ll have to move... unless... you said it’s possible for me to join your clan? The idea of being a part of something so much bigger and dynamic than myself seems quite attractive. I could stay in my apartment and help transition the store to your management.”
“That would be wonderful,” Cynthia declared with enthusiasm. “You’d get a huge family with the clan.”
Audrey was near tears. The idea of having a family after nearly thirty years of being alone was too attractive to pass up. “Okay, if you’ll have me I’d like to join the clan.”
Within two days the deal was done. Audrey Aldrich was the newest member of the now one hundred fifty five member strong Clan Wells Point.
The large combined two story building that came with Audrey joining the clan was opposite CWP Bakery across Canton Street and fronted on South Talbot Street. The building was one hundred feet by one hundred feet with a rear parking lot one hundred feet by seventy five feet which adjoined the parking lot of the building the clan previously purchased on the corner of Canton and Fremont Streets. At one time the three now joined stores had been separate buildings but once Audrey owned all three she had them connected with a large addition added behind as well as connecting the buildings side to side.
‘The Christmas Shop’ was on the corner of Canton and Talbot Streets. Occupying an area forty feet by forty feet they offered the charms of the arts and crafts of the Eastern Shore and specially selected gifts from around the world with a Christmas/Hanukkah/winter theme. Above ‘The Christmas Shop’ were two apartments, a two bedroom one bath rented unit and a one bedroom one bath apartment that Audrey called home.
‘St. Michaels Candy & Gifts’ was next with an area of forty feet by thirty five feet. They made most of the candy on site including flavored and caramel popcorn and cotton candy as well as assorted chocolates and dipped in chocolate cherries and strawberries. Above ‘St. Michaels Candy & Gifts’ was a thirty five by forty feet three bedroom one bath apartment.
‘Take Me Home’ occupied an area forty feet by twenty five feet. ‘Take Me Home’ sold Collectibles, knick-nacks, antiques and furniture. Above ‘Take Me Home’ was a forty feet by twenty five feet two bedroom 1 bath apartment. With the change in ownership the store became CWP Take Me Home. The stuuffies and wooden toys were added to the items for sale and proved quite successful. CWP Handrafted Toys was heavily advertized.
The rest of the two story building behind the three stores was a warehouse one hundred feet by sixty feet originally all for ‘Take Me Home’. The clan decided to reduce the antique furniture stock which eliminated the need for such a large warehouse. The first floor warehouse would become the site for the CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry store. The second floor would remain warehouse for ‘Take Me Home’ with any left over space used for storage for the clan businesses in St. Michaels.
Included in the change of ownership was a small parcel of land beside the large building. The twenty five feet by one hundred seventy five feet lot had a small building facing Talbot Street. The fifteen feet wide by twenty feet deep building housed ‘Silva Wear’, made and sold handcrafted jewelry.
The building the clan originally had planned to remodel for CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry they repurposed for CWP Hairy Wish Now, a health and beauty spa to be run by sisters Arwen Gleason and Ruby Orlando. The second floor was to be remodeled into two mirror image seventeen feet by thirty five feet apartments with two bedrooms and bath each.
The sisters had worked at different high end salons back in California but due to the economic crunch had been laid off in an effort to cut costs by the business they had worked for. With Kevin’s assistance they filed for the necessary Maryland Beautician Certification Licenses. With their years of experience neither had any issues getting what they needed. By April 1 they were ready to open with Buffy Herr as an eager apprentice. Breanne Gleason would also work their part time.
Saturday March 28 was the wedding of Ben Reese and Buffy Her. It was held in the Clan Barn. Jasmine served as maid of honor while Sandi Scott was the bridesmaid with one year old George Reese as the flower girl. Holly Reese Served as best man while Ivy Reese served as the groomsman with three year old Benny Reese Jr as the ring bearer. The entire wedding party wore kilts in the pink and green Clan Wells Point tartan motif. The groom, best man, groomsman and ring bearer wore sky blue kneesox with sky blue long sleeved ruffled blouses. The Bride, maid of honor, bridesmaid and flower girl wore pink kneesox with pastel pink long sleeved ruffled blouses. The only real difference between the two sides was the color.
When it was time for the service to start, with Steven and Kevin on their bagpipes, Diane on the fiddle and Leroy on a bodhran, they began playing a lively Irish jig for the processional. When the music began Ben Reese followed his daughters Holly and Ivy as they gaily danced down the wide aisle between the clan members to the stage. Everyone smiled and chuckled. As the pipes swirled, daughters Jasmine and Sandi did an Irish step dance to the makeshift altar on the stage where Rev. Giles waited. Again everyone smiled. Then Ben and son Benny Jr, the ring bearer jigged down the aisle. Everyone broke into giggles and laughter as they saw the flower girl make the trek. One year old son George was safely strapped into a safety seat secured in the back half of a Radio Flyer wagon with wooden side rails. In the front half sat a bubble machine spewing a steady stream of bubbles up at a forty five degree angle to the floor. The wagon was pulled by a remote control foot long Max Power Tow Truck. The truck twisted and turned in time with the music as it drove down the eight feet wide aisle. Tony was operating the controls and little George was giggling with delight as he was pulled into the cascading stream of bubbles. His chubby little hands did their best to snag errant bubbles. Tony deftly parked the wagon in front of the stage so the bubbles continued to freely flow. Finally the bride had her moment of glory as she did a jaunty Irish step dance down the aisle.
The wedding ceremony proceeded. When it came time for the vows Rev. Giles paused the ceremony so first Ben and then Buffy could speak.
“Before the Clan Wells Point came into my life I was a self centered egomaniac who thoughtlessly tossed aside those who loved me. I callously hurt my wives and children. I was a terrible human being. Fortunately the Clan rescued those I abandoned and brought me to justice. I was a self righteousness jerk. When I was brought to justice I was angry... and terrified of the long sentence I faced. Then a miracle happened. My daughters forgave me and asked I be paroled into the clan. For the first time in my life I was genuinely grateful... still self centered, but grateful. The clan accepted my parole and put me to work. I shoveled manure and did every dirty job that needed doing. But no one laughed at me. No one teased me. In fact they praised me for a job well done, often while working by my side at the dirty jobs. I learned that working with your hands and getting dirty is liberating. My eyes were opened to what really matters in life. It’s not money or fame, it’s helping others. The joy of helping someone is far greater than any material thing or title can begin to duplicate. For the first time in my life I discovered true joy. The clan has resurrected me, and I shall always be thankful.”
“I too have been resurrected by the clan,” Buffy declared. “I dropped out of school when I became pregnant. I was stealing from my family to buy marijuana. I was also disrespectful and nasty to my parents. Things became so bad they had no choice but to kick me out of the house. I was too arrogant and self centered to care. Somehow my baby came out with no birth defects or issues. I loved her, but I was hooked on drugs. I prostituted myself to feed and clothe us and to buy my drugs. I bounced from one bad drug dealer to another. The last one... when I was to far gone to give in to his sexual demands... he turned to my sweet little girl... Sandi, I am so so sorry I failed you! After she was molested she ran away. God was smiling on her because he led Krista to find her. But it was two days after she’d fled... and I was so high I never realized she was gone until the police arrived to arrest me and my druggie boyfriend for child abuse. I was horrified that I failed my baby and plead guilty to all charges and was sentenced to ten years in jail. Sandi was adopted into Krista’s family. She couldn’t have better siblings or parents. They allowed me to witness and agree with the adoption. Jail was horrible. I went through drug withdrawal cold turkey but I was determined to beat the devil on my back. I was beat up almost every day but I accepted that as part of my penance. Then the clan managed to get me released on parole. I too did every dirty job and earned praise for my efforts. I can’t thank the clan enough for getting me out of hell of illegal drug use.”
Rev. Giles resumed the ceremony. The couple exchanged honest, heartfelt vows. Their children, now their nephews and nieces, hugged the newlyweds before greeting the rest of those attending. The reception was spectacular and the newly wed couple were given a two night honeymoon in DC with tickets to the performances at the Kennedy Center. When they returned they settled into an apartment above CWP Daycare.
Kevin was making progress on the legal front. Wendy’s divorce from Lenny Farr was progressing nicely. The charge of abandonment and thus child endangerment didn’t sit well with the court. In fact he’d been arrested on the child endangerment charges. Lenny Farr was beside himself in lock up. As Wendy wanted, conveyed to the courts by Kevin, Lenny agreed to the divorce and gave up all parental rights to Becky in exchange for a sentence of five years court supervised parole with the Clan Wells Point. He was brought out to the clan and placed in Ed and Sheila’s home.
The other divorce was that of Howard Gantner from Gloria Gantner. This divorce was anything but civil. The initial steps of filing Chapter for Chapter 7 bankruptcy were in place. The banks holding the mortgage on the house, the car loan for Gloria’s new SUV and for the maxed out credit cards had conducted their investigations. They verified Howard was penniless and found that his claim it was his wife who ran up all the charges and forced Howard and sons to flee Alabama was valid. Knowing it was impossible to squeeze anything out of Howard they viciously turned on Gloria. She found her new SUV had been repossessed and her bank accounts locked down. The IRS also nailed her for unreported income thanks to an anonymous tip which locked her access to the new bank accounts she’d set up to stash the money she’d taken from the joint accounts and credit cards. She was left penniless and on the hook for the financial debacle she’d created. In fact she was currently in jail having assaulted the tow truck operator when he picked up the SUV. When the police arrived she attacked a police officer. All her so-called friends abandoned her. She couldn’t make bail and was awaiting trial. Unfortunately she couldn’t file for bankruptcy because she had too much in her bank accounts even though the IRS had them locked down.
Lenny was one of the clan’s few failures although it was not their fault. After one day shoveling cow manure he stole what cash he could find from Ed and Lisa, stole their car and took off.
Fortunately all CWP vehicles had tracking devices installed. When the police caught up with him just outside Baltimore they gave chase. At speeds exceeding one hundred mph while on the 695 Beltway. As with many so called ‘tough guys’ Lenny disdained seatbelts as being for wussies. The police estimated he was doing ninety when he sideswiped the concrete median barrier and rolled the car. About the third roll he was ejected, reaching an estimated thirty feet high before slamming down in the oncoming traffic. The tractor trailer never had time to avoid him. With Lenny dead the divorce was mute.
At the start all farm related activities had fallen under the all encompassing CWP Organic Farm. From that start everything the clan produced was done without artificial hormones or antibiotics and were classified as organic. The cattle and chickens had adequate access to pasture allowing them to be called range fed and classified as organic. As the clan grew and the farm expanded it became necessary to split off operations. The first had been the CWP Green Power Initiatives which took the CWP Manure Digester with it. The still growing CWP Vertical Wind Turbine Farm and the CWP Power Grid Distribution Center were other divisions that fell within the CWP Green Power Initiatives.
With increase of the chickens and cows and the accompanying increase in eggs and milk it became cost effective to begin self processing of the eggs and milk. That meant either creating or repurposing existing buildings to handle the processing. For the clan that also meant making sure the new processing areas were easy to sanitize.
The eighty feet by thirty feet barn at the intersection of Johns Cove Lane and Apple Lane was remodeled and brought up to sanitation standards. Remodeled to have three floors it was set up as a dairy processing plant. They could pasteurize, homogenize and bottle milk, separate cream to make butter and icecream and make cheese.
The southern attached fifteen feet by thirty feet shed attached to the barn at the intersection of Wells Point Lane and Dougherty Lane and across from the new chicken yard was converted to process eggs; washing, grading, sanitizing and packing them in egg cartons. The rest of the barn and northern shed would be set for slaughtering cattle and chickens then butchered for meat.
The renovation and expansion of the shed in the triangular pasture and the high surrounding fence were completed creating a new chicken yard. The chickens were quickly relocated to their new home ten days moved to the new site ten days before the arrival of the cows. That left just enough time to gut and remodel the former chicken house into a cattle barn.
With the upcoming growth of the cattle herd and chicken flock, spinoff divisions from the CWP Organic Farm occurred. Headed by Serena Moonflower and Misty Dawn the CWP Dairy would process milk for marketing and need two employees. CWP Poultry would process eggs and would need to hire a manager and at least two workers. CWP Butcher Shop would process the steers, cows that consistently no longer met milk production quotas and chickens that no longer produced adequate eggs. A head butcher and at least two assistants would have to be hired. CWP Greenhouses would grow vegetables year round and would be headed by M8t and K8t. The CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry Store in St. Michaels would need a manager and four employees.
On April 1 five cattle trucks arrived. The dairy herd increased to four hundred head. A week later new chickens arrived bringing the flock to five hundred. By Easter the manure digester was going at eighty percent capacity. There were seventy vertical windmills in operation. Between the digester and the windmills the clan was producing seventy percent of the power they consumed.
Knowing the clan needed skilled people to fill the expanding positions for the clan Krista suggested they contact Transgender support groups especially Parents of Transgender kids in Boston, Providence, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Baltimore, DC, Richmond, Norfolk, Charlotte, and Atlanta. The support groups quickly recognized the Clan Wells Point for their open LGBT support having seen the news reports of Krista. The advertized positions were not sugar coated. Anyone applying would need to be a willing worker. But all the benefits and freedom to be themselves without fear of harassment the Clan Wells Point offered was also made evident.
Dozens of people applied. Thirty percent were sent ‘Thank you for applying but...’ letters. The rest were contacted to set up appointments for a Skype face to face interview. Another twenty five percent failed to follow through with the Skype interview. A bit over half of the Skype interviews were deemed incompatible either by the applicant or by the clan. That left twenty percent of the original applicants. Selecting those who were deemed the best fit for each position arrangements were made for face to face interviews and tours with two night reservations in one of the four clan B&Bs.
The first to be interviewed were those who were being harassed for supporting their transgender child. The Cooper family traveled from just north of Albany, New York. Dan was twenty nine and worked as a lineman for the local Electric utility. Tracy Cooper was twenty eight and was the produce department manager in a store of a large supermarket chain. Ten year old Lane and six year old Corrine were normal kids. Eight year old Louise was transgender. Ever since she was born she’d identified as female and steadfastly refused to accept she was born male. It was Lane who first insisted he had two younger sisters. Corrine never thought of her big sister as anything but a girl. Dan and Tracy struggled with the concept their middle child was transgender. It was the massive difference in her behavior and happiness when they allowed her to be a girl at home as compared to being forced to be a boy at school. Louise was teased and tormented by classmates for being a sissy when in Louis mode. When they finally allowed Louise to attend school as herself at the start of the current school year that the crap hit the fan. While the school officially accepted transgender youth practice was quite different. The staff barely tolerated Louise and always waited until an incident occurred before stepping in. The in school harassment extended to the siblings. In public the family was harassed. Tracy received several disciplinary actions when self-righteous customers went after her for allowing her middle child to be an abomination. Not one disciplinary action was due to her work quality. The same happened to Dan. The family was fed up.
The interview went well, Steven and Jane agreed Tracy would be the perfect choice for manager of CWP Dairy, Produce and Poultry. A benefit was that Dan had skills needed by CWP Green Power Initiatives. With the growing Vertical Wind Turbine Farm an experienced lineman would be a boon. After touring the clan territory Dan and Tracy expressed their feelings both could handle the jobs. They were still concerned about the acceptance of Louise by the other kids.
The clan gathered in the Clan Barn for a meet and greet. Needless to say the Coopers were delighted to meet the transgender clan members. That Kylie was post op, married, and the mother of two babies impressed them. Jenny and Sam, being boy and girl friends with both being transgender amazed them. Meeting Jamie and boyfriend Freddie excited them. Jamie was a big boned T-girl but none the less feminine. That Freddie was a double amputee just made things better. Ellen Gantner being transgender in elementary school made filled them with hope for Louise. It was Krista who stunned them. They were aware of her exploits. The cute perky girl most certainly didn’t match the image they’d conjured of the heroic transgender teen. They found it hard to imagine the petite bundle of giggles could have done what she’d done. They were amazed to see several photos of Krista Jenny had taken at the car wreck. One was of her crawling into the back of the burning car. Another of her handing out a car seat with baby inside. Another was with flames licking up tthe driver’s side with her leaning over the driver. Then there was one horrifying image of Krista bailing out of the car as it was engulfed in a fireball. The image of Krista with burned hands and face with scorched hair tending to the severed stump of Ben’s left arm made them shivered. The presence of Ben Johnson and his family served notice that the clan cared as much as Krista.
The Cooper children got along with the clan children. The clan kids made them feel welcome including them in their play. The Coopers signed on with the Clan Wells Point. They planned to head back to New York, hand in their two notice, and move to the Clan. A first floor apartment in one of the houses acquired with CWP Excavation & Concrete in St. Michaels had four bedrooms and two and a half baths would meet the needs of the Coopers.
The next interviews were unique. Twenty five year olds Elaine and Justin Landis with their two year old son Shane. They were expecting their second child, due in two months. What was unusual was that they were both parents were transsexual. While Justin looked a bit awkward with the baby bump both were clearly delighted to be parents. They came from Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. Born and raised in the Amish tradition neither felt comfortable in their proscribed gender roles. They’d know each other from childhood but both had been too shy and repressed to interact with other children. Knowing something was wrong with them felt horribly out of place. They were lucky to hit their Rumspringa at the same time. As part of a larger group of teens they left their tightly controlled home life to explore the world. Within a week they had gravitated to each other and split form the group. The LGBT scene in Philadelphia was an eye opener. Upon seeing transgender people, both realized the true cause of their feeling out of place. They realized they were transgender. They experimented crossing the gender lines and for the first time in their lives they felt right. They quickly fell in love.
Returning home they resumed their birth gender masquerade as Gabriel and Joy and announced they were engaged. This didn’t set well with the elders since most engagements were arranged within the community. Everyone knew both had been reclusive but their time on Rumspringa had given both confidence they’d been sorely lacking. Reluctantly their betrothal was accepted. They were married, occupying a small house of Gabriel’s family farm with both working in the family butcher shop. They last four years only able to be themselves in the safety of their small house. The strain became too much and they finally announced they were leaving the fold. Of course they were instantly shunned. They quietly moved and assumed their real gender identities. With their experience in the family butcher shop they landed jobs in a supermarket meat department. Needless to say Justin/Joy became pregnant the truth came out and they took a lot of heat but persevered. But when Justin became pregnant the second time the bigotry became too great. Fortunately the clan’s add came at the perfect time.
The interview with the clan went well. The fact their were other transsexuals living openly was great. To learn Jenny and Sam were cross gender dating made them feel at home. They returned to Pennsylvania to work out their two weeks notice. Both would be working in CWP Butcher Shop with Elaine managing. The free standing twenty five feet by forty five feet garage with the home Harold, Doris, Joyce, Harold Jr. and Kevin Rich lived in was converted to a three bedromm one and half bath home for th Landis family.
Thirty five yer old Julio Santana, his wife thirty four year old Marie, their fifteen year old daughter Sophie and thirteen year old son Hector hailed from Atlanta. Julio was applying for the manager of CWP Poultry. He had nineteen years working on chicken farms which gave him the experience the clan was looking for. Marie was a silver lining in the potential hire. She had a degree in Computer Science and was a networking specialist with experience in trouble shooting system malfunctions and maintaining servers. While the clan had not been looking for someone in that area after talking to her they realized they needed someone to coordinate their rapid expansion. Together the couple was simply too good to pass up. The main reason they were looking to relocate was because of Marie. Marie had been born Martin but transitioned after leaving home at eighteen. Julio knew Martin and looked out for the oft bullied underclassman. They lost track of each other after Martin moved out. Julio married his childhood sweetheart, Linda, who happened to be Martin’s cousin.
Shortly after the birth of Hector, Linda was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Although they fought the horrid disease, Linda succumbed when she was thirty. This left a huge hole in the Santana family. Martin, by then post op transsexual Marie, came to her cousin’s funeral. The families were horrified and verbally abused Marie to the point of tears. Before she could flee Julio stepped up to once more protect him/her.
“Marie is here to pay respects to Linda,” Julio scolded. “She is not here to be insulted by her family! We all Martin was different. But not one of you ever stood up for him when he was bullied. I did. Linda fell in love with me because I cared about her cousin! Now you insult her by the way you treat Marie. Now I tell you this only once. If you cannot accept Marie you are not welcome here! Leave now and may you never cross my path again!”
Nearly three quarters of the people left in a huff. Marie tried to dissuade Julio but he was steadfast. Sophie and Hector supported their father. After the not well attended burial, Julio invited Marie home since she had no where to stay. Marie poured her heart out to Julio, both finding solace in the sense of loss both felt. Marie while skilled had two strikes against her. First she was Hispanic, second she was transgender. It was difficult to determine which was the bigger strike. For the next two years they kept in touch as Marie was bounced from job to job because of the bigotry she faced. Julio did as he’d threatened at the funeral and avoided the bigoted relatives. Then two years ago they began dating and after six months they quietly married and Marie adopted Sophie and Hector.
Needless to say the Clan Wels Point hired both. Julio to head up CWP Poultry and Marie to work in CWP LLC as the networking manager. She quickly to Ferdy and Amy under her wings and began to teach them the world of computer systems.
Chapter 13
The Santana family moved into the large former garage converted to three bedroom two bath home on the lot with the house where Howard, Devin & Allen Gantner lived. There were now one hundred sixty seven members in The Clan Wells Point.
With the management positions in the subdivisions of CWP Organic Farm filled by clan members the full time hourly positions were easy to fill with non-clan employees. All newly hired non clan people were placed on a three month probation to see if they would fit into the positions. The clan expected all employees to work to their potential without slacking off. All managers were expected to work side by side with the people under their responsibility. It was made clear that no employee was expected to do a job that a manager couldn’t or wouldn’t do. Weekly verbal evaluations were to be videoed between management and probationaries. Ratings were issued ranging from Unacceptable, Almost, Acceptable, Good and Exceptional for effort, attitude, cooperation, drive, and teamwork. The new hires knew they had to be at Acceptable or above by the end of probation in all categories. Anyone not working up to expectations would know it and what was expected.
They were paid a living wage at the start. Insurance would be available upon completion of probation. The clan was self insured for normal medical expenses and had purchased catastrophic coverage for major medical situations. At the end of probation all non clan employees were given the option of joining the clan.
M8t and K8t were busy. By the end of April the first steel framed poly covered greenhouses were being set up. There were two greenhouse sizes. The larger was ninety feet long by thirty feet wide. The smaller was forty five feet long by thirty feet wide. All had a side walls four feet high with the center ten feet high. They would be placed with ten feet between each greenhouse and fifteen feet between each row. They began setting them up in the field north of Wells Point Lane and west of the O’Brien homestead. One hundred sixty of the ninety feet long and twenty of the forty five feet long units would eventually be set up in the irregularly shaped field. When the field to the west of the first was filled with greenhouses it would have one hundred forty two of the ninety feet long and nineteen of the forty five feet long units for a total of three hundred two ninety feet long and thirty nine of the forty five feet long units. This would allow a year round growing season for tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower celery, carrots, peas, string beans and other veggies. In the two fields north of Wells Point Lane east of the O’Brien homestead they would plant vegetables in traditional garden style. The three fields south of Wells Point Lane would be stagger planted sweet corn, a new planting every two weeks so they’d have a good supply all summer long.
CWP Hairy Wish Now health & beauty spa opened May first. The remodeling of the former first floor warehouse of ‘Take Me Home’ was completed. The CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry Store was ready to open it’s doors by mid-May. The bottled milk, butter cream cheese and ice cream from the start up of the CWP Dairy was put on sale as were the cartons of fresh eggs from the CWP Poultry. Fresh chicken meat was also available from CWP Butcher Shop with beef available by the end of May. The organic and free range products were well received by the public. The business at CWP Bakery was just across the narrow one way street nearly doubled as people were drawn in by the fresh produce and meats.
With the end of the school year on June 5th the clan kids completing sixth grade were promoted to seventh grade and were elevated to preteen status in the clan. For the Clan Wells Point that meant they were old enough and expected to begin working for the clan. It also meant they were allowed to pair up dating. Of course they understood the clan’s expected levels of behavior for dating. The six kids had been in the same classroom at Tilgham Elementary and rode the school bus together so they were well acquainted and had already gravitated together in pairings. Lyndi Scott and Allen Gantner, Teri Scott and Dominic Gleason, and Joyce Rich and Brett Orlando. Krista made sure Allen and Dominic knew their new girlfriends’ big sister would be keeping an eye on them. For work the six preteens decided to join the CWP Greenhouses. Most likely as time and the seasons progressed the teens would slip into and out of other CWP work divisions on temporary basis.
The first full weekend of June opened what could have been a nasty can of worms. A bit after noon on Saturday June 6th a car pulled up outside the main farmhouse. Two men and two women stepped out of the car and looked around. The men in particular were bewildered by what they saw. The lines of vertical wind turbines especially intrigued them.
“Christ, this ain’t like the old man,” James Dougherty grumbled as he surveyed the wind turbines and all the additions and renovations to the barn, outbuildings and house. “It looks fairly recent too.”
“It sure as hell isn’t something he’d do,” John Dougherty agreed. “Hell, there’s got to be four or five hundred chickens up in that run.”
Just then the farmhouse door opened and a well built bronzed young man stepped out onto the porch. “Are you lost? Can I help you with anything?”
“We’re not lost,” John answered as he looked at the young man sizing him up. “We grew up here.”
“Oh, you must be old Bills sons,” Larry smiled as he stepped down and extended his hand to James. “I’m Larry Scott. I live here with my wife, our twins, my mother-in-law, my wife’s aunt and my wife’s cousin.”
James said nothing and didn’t smile as he grasped the young man’s hand and squeezed hard. Based on what Larry had learned from Bill about his sons that was not unexpected. He kept his easy smile and returned the forceful handshake. James quickly realized he was outclassed and broke the handshake.
“So did the old man die? We tried calling but his phone is no longer in service and we couldn’t find a listing for him. We should have been called about the estate,” James almost growled.
“No, Bills doing fine,” Larry smiled. “We built him a new home with it’s own dock down on Dog Cove. He spends most of his time fishing when the weather’s good.”
“So he still owns the place then and you’re the hired help,” James sniffed.
“Oh no, he traded the farm for membership in the Clan Wells Point,” Larry smiled. “We built his new home for him and he still helps out on the farm when things get busy. We call him our farmer emeritus.”
“Larry, I called Steven, Kevin, Robert and Jane,” Kylie said as she stepped out onto the porch followed by Tony. “They’ll all be here in a few minutes. Would you like to step inside out of the heat for some lemonade?”
James frowned and looked at John.
“Will you two let it drop until we get more information,” Darlene scolded the two men.
“I’m Irene Dougherty,” the other woman smiled as she pointed to the others. “This jerk is my husband John. The other jerk is my brother-in-law James. That’s his wife Darlene.”
“I’m Kylie Scott,” Kylie smiled. “This is my cousin Tony. Now come on in. We’ve finished eating but we have a nice apple crumb pie for desert and you’re welcome to join us.”
The women didn’t hesitate climbing up onto the porch. The men grumbled but followed. Tony held the door open for them and Larry followed the men. Tony knew to wait for the others to get there.
Inside the guests were led into the dining room. Evelyn and Rachel were each seated by a high chair with a grinning infant inside. “This is my mother Evelyn, my aunt Rachel who is Tony’s mom, and our twins Sonny and Rayne. Please, have a seat. Oh, and this is my niece Krista.”
Krista emerged from the kitchen with a glass pitcher of home made iced lemonade which she poured into the glasses she’d already set at the table. Placing the pitcher on the table she returned to the kitchen only to quickly come back with a large pie that had been warming in the oven. The wafting scent made everyone’s mouth water. “I put a second pie in to warm,” the cute girl smiled.
The sound of vehicles pulling up to the farmhouse could be heard. Soon Steven, Robert, Kevin and Jane entered the dining room. Robert and Jane smiled with recognition.
“Long time no see, James, John,” Robert greeted as he shook the men’s hands. “You both remember Jane.”
The men returned the greetings. Robert and James had been classmates as had Jane and John.
Steven and Kevin were introduced as were Irene and Darlene. Everyone took a seat as Krista and Kylie served lemonade and apple pie. As they were digging in the door opened and Bill Dougherty entered followed by Tony.
All conversation stopped as the crusty old father glared at his sons. “Wat ya dewin hair?” Bill grumbled. [What are you doing here?]
“What makes you think you we want something,” James growled back as everyone’s hackles raised.
“Ah dint ask wat ya want. Ah ain’t heared ah peep out ah ya sens yar ma dun died,” Bill accused as he and his sons fiercely glared at each other. [“I didn’t ask what you want. I ain’t heard a peep out of you since your mom died.”]
“Bill, the main reason we’ve stayed out of touch was because of you,” Darlene spoke softly. “You never let us know she was sick. We would have come. We...”
“Da reesin ah dint cull wus shae dint wun’ mi ta cull,” Bill sighed. “Shae wus pissd ya ne’er cum ta vizit. Shae wus pissd ya ne’er let us knuw wen ya had kieds. Shae wus pissd ya ne’er e’en boderd senin Chrismas ca’ds! Shae dint wun’ yur piti wen shae clea’ly dint ha’ yur lo’e!” [The reason I didn’t call was she didn’t want me to call. She was pissed you never came to visit. She was pissed you never let us know when you had kids. She was pissed ya never even bothered sending Christmas cards. She didn’t want your pity when she clearly didn’t have your love!”]
The sons and their wives bowed their heads in shame. The room fell into deathly silence.
“Mr. Dougherty, please sit down,” Krista said firmly yet gently. “As you can see we’re having warmed apple pie and fresh made icy lemonade. “I’ll bring you a slice of pie right out of the oven and I’ll put a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Now please, sit down.”
Bill maintained his glare at his sons. When Krista tenderly grasped his wrist and guided him to an open seat he reluctantly didn’t resist. As she headed into the kitchen followed by Tony Bill’s eyes never left his wilting sons and daughters-in-law. The silence was deafening by the time Krista returned with the slice of warmed apple pie ala mode. Even though the others had a slice of pie the ice cream on top of the pie made their mouths water.
“I can add a scoop of ice cream to your pie,” Krista smiled thus quite literally breaking the ice in the room. Tony had followed his girlfriend with the ice cream and the scoop. Krista went from person to person adding a scoop of vanilla to their partially eaten apple pie including her’s and Tony’s. Tony took the ice cream and scoop back to the kitchen as Krista sat at her place. Tony quickly returned. The young couple exchanged a chaste kiss once he was seated. Silence prevailed until everyone finished their pie ala mode.
“Mr. Bill,” Krista said after she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “I’m sorry your late wife and you were upset with the lack of interaction with your children. I don’t have any idea why that might have happened. While you were both deeply hurt remember it happened in the past. When I first met you, you were a hard headed, curt, and surly old man who intimidated most people he came in contact with. Since the Clan Wells Point came into your life you have changed. You’re caring and kind now. Please, listen closely to what I’m about to say. It won’t be nice and it’s not about you. But it might very well relate to your past.”
Bill sighed deeply but broke his hard glare at his sons to look at Krista. “Go ahed, speek wat ya gotta sae.” [Go ahead, say what you have to say.]
“Bill, think about Jenny,” Krista said. “You know how she came to join the clan. You know her parents physically and mentally beat her. You know they never praised her. Her self esteem was virtually non-existent. We still don’t know how she was able to drive herself here after having been beaten and thrown through a wall. You know the crap she took from her grandparents, how they literally tried to kill her. Since she’s been with the clan she’s come out of her shell and is a kind and caring and most importantly happy person. Now think about how you treated your sons growing up.”
No one said a word while Bill looked deeply at Krista. His sons and wives held hands, clearly thinking about how they were raised. Bill then sighed and looked at his sons, then looked back at Krista.
Damm it gurl,” he gruffly spoke. “‘ow in da hell’d ya git so damm sma’t?
[“Damn it, girl, How in the hell did you get so damn smart?”]
Krista blushed, smiled and placed a comforting hand atop Bill’s weathered paw.
“We dun da bes’ we culd razin ya,” Bill spoke softly to his sons. “We razed ya da saim wae we wus razed. We ne’er e’en taut we migh’ be doin it rong. Naw dat Krista’s opn’d ma damm blin’ eyz ah see we ne’er ugg’d ya ‘nough. We ne’er tol’ ya wen ya wus doin gud. It twernt ar wae. “Ell we dint no anuda wae. Workin da faum, keepin a ruf o’er ar heds, makin sur we a’ways ‘ad ‘nough ta eet, makin sur ya ‘ad desen clothz, dat takd all ar time. Dats ‘ow we livd all ar lives. Dats ‘ow I livd a’ter Edna pasd... ‘til Krista came ta liv wit ‘er gram Jane. Spunkist damm gal ‘n da hole damm wo’ld! Changd e’ryting ‘roun hea’... e’en changd me. Look, ya knoe ah’m a prud man an ah noe ya ne’er hear’ me ‘pologiz fer nuthin. Bu’ lik ah sade, Krista ‘as changd me. I e’en ‘cept an ‘elp dem transaxals lik ‘er. James, John, Darlene, Irene, ah’m sory fer da wae we razed ya an ast ‘f ya can fin it ‘n yur harz ta fergiv yur ma an me” [“We did the best we could raising you. We raised you the same way we were raised. We never even thought we might be doing it wrong. Now that Krista’s opened my damn blind eyes I see we never hugged you enough. We never told you when you were doing good. It wasn’t our way. Hell we didn’t know any other way. Working the farm, keeping a roof over our heads, making sure we always had enough to eat, making sure you had decent clothes, that took all our time. That’s how we lived all our lives. That’s how I lived after Edna passed... until Krista came to live with her gram Jane. Spunkiest damn girl in the whole damn world! Changed everything around here... even changed me. Look, you know I’m a proud man and I know you never heard me apologize for nothing. But like I said, Krista has changed me. I even accept and help them transsexuals like her. James, John, Darlene, Irene, I’m sorry for the way we raised you and ask if you can find it in your hearts to forgive your mom and I.”]
James, John, Darlene and Irene sat there with their mouth’s hanging open. None of them could believe that the crusty old man had actually apologized and clearly meant it. Krista sprung from her chair with a broad grin to stand behind Bill and wrap him in a warm hug kissing him on the cheek to which he responded with a smile reaching up to pat her clasped hands. If anything the four stunned onlookers were even more stunned.
“Cloz ya mauths,” Bill chuckled as he accepted a kiss on the cheek from Krista. “Ah tol’ ya sheas changd me.” [“Close your mouths. I told you she’s changed me.”]
James, Darlene, John and Irene were clearly amazed. They were also giving Krista a much closer inspection.
“I’ll say she has,” James finally managed to reply. “Not that I don’t appreciate the change but how’d you do it?”
“And did he say you’re a tranny?” John asked.
“Krista and I are both girls,” Kylie declared forcefully. “We simply had a birth defect in that we were born male.”
Their surprise ballooned as they looked at Kylie. “But you’re a woman and a wife and mother!”
“She sure is,” Larry smiled as he slipped a hand about Kylie’s waist. “She’s also a top notch mechanic and is the head of the Clan Wells Point Engine and Mechanical Repair.”
“I know where Wells Point is,” James said, “but what’s this Clan Wells Point thing?”
“That’s who we are,” Jane declared. “There are one hundred sixty seven of us now and we’re still growing. We’re a self made clan of like minded people who came together because of my granddaughter Krista. She and Kylie were the first two of the clan’s nine male to female transsexuals. We also have three female to male transsexuals, two lesbians and six gay members. We own the whole of this peninsula and all the land up to Cherry Cove as well as the Jablonski farm and over a dozen buildings in St. Michaels. Krista has personally saved over a dozen people. She crawled into a burning car last fall to save a family of four. To get the driver out she had to severe his arm.”
“Oh my God,” Darlene gasped. “That was you? Up in Pennsylvania, right?”
“Yeah, that was me,” Krista admitted with a blush. “There was no one else that could help. I knew if I didn’t get them out they’d burn to death before anyone else could get there to help. The kids were in car seats. I had to go inside to get them out. The driver’s arm was trapped and the flames were licking in the window. I had to cut off his arm to get him out. It was the only way to save his life.”
Irene shook her head. “Didn’t they say the car exploded seconds after you got out?”
“It did,” Robert agreed. “The roof liner was on fire as I pulled the man out after Krista severed his arm at the elbow. She was burned on the face and hands while she worked and her hair was smoldering. I’ll tell you I was terrified but she never hesitated. Honestly the only reason I went in to get him was I knew she couldn’t get him out before it went up and there was no way she would abandon him. Even so she was the last out before it exploded.”
“You were there,” James said. “I can’t see you letting her crawl into a burning car.”
“If I’d had a choice I wouldn’t have,” Robert chuckled. “But my granddaughter is a force to be reckoned with. She was crawling inside the smashed rear window before I’d even had a chance to evaluate the situation.”
John krinkled his brow. “So are you and Jane married?”
“I’m Jane’s husband,” Kevin smiled. “Robert is her father’s dad. Larry here is his youngest.”
John cocked his head and looked at Kylie, Larry, Krista, and Tony. “So you have a granddaughter and a daughter-in-law who are transgender?”
“Sure do,” Robert chuckled. “I knew my life had changed the first day I met Krista. She saved Kylie’s life that day.”
“That was my fault,” Larry declared. “It was the day my best friend Kyle came out to me and I laughed. I didn’t understand why he ran off but it bothered me. That evening I met Krista for the first time and she confessed she was transsexual and how difficult it was coming to terms with her mental and soul gender. At that moment I realized what Kyle was trying to tell me and I took off to find her.”
“I was so upset I decided to take my own life,” Kylie continued. “Fortunately Kyle realized what he’d done and knew where to find me. I was dangling from the rope when he found me and he lifted me taking the pressure off. I was unconscious but still breathing.”
“My other sons, Leroy who is Krista’s father and David, followed Larry,” Robert picked up. “We cut her down and got her to the hospital.”
“We haven’t been apart since,” Kylie smiled as she snuggled against Larry.
“So na ya noe ah’v changd an dat ah’m a memba o’ da clan,” Bill drawled. “So why’d ya d’cied ta cum vizitn?” [“So now you know I’ve changed and that I’m a member of the clan. So why’d you decide to come visiting?”]
“We were concerned about you,” Darlene said. “We know things are hard right now and you are getting older. All our kids are struggling. The company Daniel worked for went belly up and their really struggling to get by on Betty’s wages. Harry had to take a pay cut and Jeanette lost her job.”
“Kevin and Linda have both lost their jobs,” Irene added. “Virginia lost her job and Howard is afraid he’ll soon be without a job. Karen and Mike are struggling. Their employers are floundering.”
“We thought if things really got bad maybe the kids could move out here to help you on the farm,” John said.
“But it looks like that isn’t an option,” James sighed.
“Of course it’s an option,” Steven declared. “Your dad is a clan member and we take care of our own. But we believe in that wise old saying ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ We much prefer to teach while we help. You and your children are more than welcome to come join us. I suggest we show you around the CWP and let you talk to the members and see what we do and how we live. Then you can go home, tell your kids, then all come back for a weekend and check us out. We can and will provide homes and jobs if you decide to join us.”
“Kylie,” Jane spoke up. If you can you spare Krista for the rest of the day she can take Bill and his family on a the grand tour.”
“We’ll manage,” Kylie replied. “Larry, can you let Tony accompany them?”
“Can do,” Larry smiled. “Why don’t you two fetch the DUKW?”
The pair took off out the door at a run. They hopped on the 4-wheeler and with Krista hugging Tony roared off.”
Darlene looked puzzled. “Fetch the duck?”
“Oh shit,” John exclaimed. “Jane, do you still have that old monster?”
“Sure do,” Jane chuckled. “Kylie here gave it a complete overhaul and rebuilt it last year. It’s been running fine ever since.”
“Damn girl you’ve got to be one hell of a mechanic,” James declared. “Wasn’t that monster parked since Hurricane Agnes back in ‘72?”
Yep, it was covered with a tarp and parked in our barn for a bit over thirty five years,” Jane replied. Wait until you see the paint job! Krista and her friends designed a tartan for the Clan Wells Point. Leo Kahn painted it for us. It’s a bright two tone green and pink plaid. We use it on most of the clan’s signs.”
“So those businesses we saw driving through St. Michaels with the plaid signs,” Irene spoke up. “I think they all began with CWP... for the Clan Wells Point... they’re part of your clan?”
“They certainly are,” Jane chuckled. “And we’re still growing.”
Just then they heard the solid rumble of a powerful engine pull up in front of the house. At Robert’s urging they stepped out onto the porch to see the WWII era DUKW painted in a flashy two tone green and pink plaid happily purring in the lane. They were surprised to see Krista driving.
“Don’t worry,” Jane assured them. “Krista is licensed and qualified to drive that monster. She drove it through St. Michaels with Kylie and Larry’s wedding party from St. Luke’s UMC to the launch. Then piloted it around the whole peninsula to the landing. She can drive it on the road as long as there’s a licensed adult driver on board.”
In a few moments Bill and his family was aboard the DUKW. A case of bottled water was placed on board. As the slowly drove up Johns Cove Lane turning left onto Dougherty Lane by the chicken run. Tony explained the expanded main farm with the five hundred head dairy herd, an eighty head steer herd, the five hundred chicken flock. The vertical wind turbines, the manure digester and the CWP Green Power Initiative. The brothers, raised on the very traditional farm run by their dad, Bill, were astounded. Shortly after turning onto Dougherty Lane they turned left onto Bills Lane heading down to Bills new home on Dog Cove.
The teens stayed on the DUKW as Bill took his family on a quick tour of his new home and dock. They were impressed that the home was elevated above flood stage as well as the ADA compliant ramp to the living quarters. They could see Bill was quite happy with his living arrangements.
Once they reboarded, Krista continued down the lane to Almost Neavitt Road. They stopped at CWP Collision Repair & Body Shop so the visiting family could meet with old acquaintance Leo Kahn. They again reboarded and drove down to the eastern end of Almost Neavitt Road at CWP Grandview B&B while Bill explained the clan owned everything north of Balls Creek. Krista turned the DUKW around and drove back to the other end of Almost Neavitt Road. As they passed CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair Kylie stepped to the overhead door from beneath the truck raised up on a lift. Her grease covered hands gave clear evidence she’d been working on the vehicle. The visitors were surprised to see the large many bayed service station.
Turning south they only traveled a short distance on the Bozman-Neavitt Road before turning onto Jablonski Lane and stopping at the Jablonski home for a quick visit. When they left they drove down to Change point, the southern most point of the Clan Wells Point territory. Turning around they headed north. The kids were amazed as Krista pulled into the lane for CWP Daycare. The kids were happily playing in the fenced in playground with adequate adult supervision.
“The clan daycare accepts kids up through sixth grade,” Krista explained. “There is no charge for clan members and a reasonable charge for non clan members. Once clan kids complete sixth grade they’re considered preteens. It’s clan policy that all preteens and older have jobs in a clan business. I work in the service station with my aunt Kylie and Tony works with his cousin-in-law, my uncle Larry on CWP Organic Farm. When school is in session we work weekends and after classes, during holidays and summer we work full time.”
Irene was surprised that Krista was so casual about the “Isn’t that a bit harsh working so many hours?”
“Not really,” Tony spoke up. “If something comes up, like your arrival for instance, we can be cut free to handle it like Kylie and Larry did today. On veterans day weekend last year our school student council put on a fund raising concert to raise money to take local veterans to the DC War Memorials on Veterans Day Weekend. We were given time off to practice, rehearse and perform. In cooperation with the local VFW and American Legion we took a total of one thousand fifteen people on our trip. Three hundred twelve out of three hundred ninety students participated. Each of the two hundred seventy two vets had a student escort. We all had a good trip and believe me, we realized what those vets did and appreciate their sacrifices.”
“The adults guide us and instill a sense of responsibility for ourselves and others,” Krista added. “You won’t find one of us slacking off. You won’t find one of us complaining. We know what is expected of us and do it the best of our ability. We’re honestly happy and are all friends. The adults in the clan don’t expect us to do anymore or any less than they do. They lead us by example. Since we formed the Clan Wells Point in September of 2007 I have never heard an argument much less a fight. We do have disagreements but they’re handled politely and civilly. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere but with the clan.”
“That’s quite impressive,” Darlene said. “But it seems too amazing to believe.”
“It duz,” Bill smiled. “Bu’ ev’y word be tru. Dat’s why ah’v changd. It tuk da clans gudnez ta brake tr’ue da sheel’ ah’d ‘rected. Juz da evdenz ah changd shuld be ‘nouf ta sho’ ya da Clan Wells Poin’ be gud.” [“It does. But every word is true. That’s why I’ve changed. It took the clan’s goodness to break through the crusty shield I’d erected. Just the evidence I changed should be enough to show you the Clan Wells Point is good.”]
His sons and daughter-in-laws most certainly could not dispute Bill had certainly changed.
Leaving the CWP Daycare onto the Bozman-Neavitt Road heading north they turned into the first driveway opposite Wells Point Lane. They noticed the plaid sign indicating ‘CWP Handcrafted Toys’. From the Bozman-Neavitt Road they could see large wooden swingsets with sliding boards, pirate ships, trucks, and playhouses. Pulling up to the store everyone climbed down to enter the store where they saw the small wooden and plushie toys. They then did a quick tour of the manufacturing, assembly, sewing, and painting rooms.
As they once more pulled out heading north on the Bozman-Neavitt Road they headed about three thousand feet where Krista turned left into a lane. “The fields on either side of the lane is as far north as the clan territory goes,” Krista said. “The Jablonski’s had bought every field from their farm up to here on this side of the Bozman-Neavitt Road. When they joined the clan it all became part of the clan territory.”
With that she turned around and pulled out heading south on the Bozman-Neavitt Road. Retracing her route until she reached Cheery Cove where she turned left onto Apple Lane.
“Dis arya shud luk familya, bouys,”Bill Chuckled as they drove into the fields. [This area should look familiar, boys,”]
“Yeah it does,” James sighed. “We spent a lot of time in these fields.”
“There were three plaid signs where we turned in,” Irene declared. “CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises, CWP Youth Rehab Hospital and CWP Dairy.”
“At CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises we make clothes, banners, tarps, sails, upholstery and just about anything else that’s made of fabric, Krista explained. “CWP Youth Rehab Hostel is a rehab center for kids and teens.”
Darlene was surprised. “Really? As in Physical Therapy?”
“Yup,” Tony nodded. Halloween a year and a half ago we had a school dance at the O’Brien barn. Four students who thought they were tough ass rednecks got drunk and high. They ran from the police check point but wrecked as they came off Wells Point Lane onto Bozman-Neavitt Road. Their truck rolled and everyone was ejected. One ended up losing both legs and another an arm. We set up the Youth Rehab Hostel for them and brought them here as soon as they were healed from the trauma. We set them up with artificial limbs. They both just graduated from high school and are enrolled at the University of Maryland in College Park in the Physical Therapist Program.”
“That sounds impressive,” John said. “I guess they learned their lesson and turned their lives around.”
“Da clan done dat,” Bill nodded. “Krista woo’nt let em ‘loan. Dragd em kikin ‘n scremin inta da clan. Convinsed da clan ta bild da rehab fer dem.” [The clan did that. Krista wouldn’t let em alone. Dragged them kicking and screaming into the clan. Convinced the clan to build the rehab for them.”]
Irene raised her eyebrows. “Krista did that?”
“Krista has her fingers in just about everything,” Tony chuckled. “When she gets an idea you can go along with her or get out of the way. None of us have ever gotten out of the way.”
They drove until they reached Wells Point Lane Krista then turned to head out to the point. Tony explained about the manure digester and wind farm as well as the greenhouses. Moments later they passed the O’Brien homestead then made their way down to Wells Point where Krista drove straight into the Broad Creek.
The DUKW cruised up Broad Creek into San Domingo Creek. When they neared the public dock in St. Michaels she drove the DUKW up the public launch between CWP Susan’s Place B&B and CWP Excavation and Concrete. They drove through Waterfront Park, past the eight rental houses, then proceeded out to Talbot Street. Their they turned west into St. Luke’s UMC parking lot, through the cemetery, then east on Canton Street to the parking lot at CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry store. They took a brief tour of the store and CWP Bakery just across the street. After enjoying cinnamon rolls they left heading back to the public dock they’d arrived on.
Sailing back down San Domingo Creek to Broad Creek, past Wells Point and up Balls Creek then into Johns Cove where they exited the water up the launch at CWP Landing where they saw the kayaks and canoes as well as the horses. Soon they were back to the main farmhouse.
Bill joined his family for supper with Larry and Kylie and family. Afterward they sat on the porch and a general discussion of their family. The two couples stayed in spare rooms in the main farmhouse.
The next day James, Darlene, John and Irene went to church with Bill then returned to The Clan Barn for a robust brunch where they met the entire clan. By the time they headed home later that afternoon they knew they’d be bringing their kids and grandkids out for a tour.
Bill Dougherty’s sons and wives, the second Dougherty generation had met with their third generation children and spouses to discuss their future. James and John worked for the same company and knew their employer was preparing to move operations to Mexico which meant they’d be out of work within six months or even sooner. Their sons, daughters, son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws were all worried about their future since each of the five had at least one member unemployed. Arrangements were made for the family to visit over the Fourth of July Weekend.
The clan made plans for an all day picnic celebration on June 14. The day was a seminal date for the clan. What happened on that day culminated with the founding of the Clan Wells Point one hundred seven days later on September 29. Not only was it Flag Day, June 14 was the day a cancer ridden near dead Carol O’Brien commissioned her twelve year old son Kristopher to somehow get his nine year old twin sisters Lyndi and Teri from Cape Cod Massachusetts to their grandmother’s Jane O’Brien, farm near Neavitt, Maryland with only fifty dollars. Along the way Kristopher discovered his true gender.
What would have been a five hundred mile plus trek stalled on the thirty forth day when Krissy collapsed after almost being struck by a car driven by Lisa nelson. After recovering at the Nelson home they drove Krissy and her sisters to their grandmother and her father. The rest was, as they say, history. During the stressful trip Krista grew into a person who had no choice but to help others.
Carol O’Brien took her life by walking into the Atlantic Ocean early in the morning after commissioning Kristopher. While her body was recovered and buried in the family cemetery on Wells Point, the sight of the picnic. They all knew that Carol’s final resting place was not the end of her life. She became the clan’s Guardian Angel as did Susan Warren her body died due to the ravages of cancer.
The day was bright and sunny with temperature in the low eighties with gentle winds of two to three MPH. The celebration began at 10am. Grills were lit and hot dogs, burgers, and chicken went on. Corn on the cob was in large pots of boiling water. Ice tea, lemonade, Coke’s and coffee were available. A softball game started as did badminton and volleyball. Games of freeze tag and red light green light, were played. Of course the all time favorite bubble wands were readily available. Laughter and squeals of joy were ever present. Tony was playing softball and Krista was helping to keep an eye on the babys, infants and toddlers who were corralled in a fenced in area.
There was the loud metallic CRACK of an aluminum baseball bat. Krista, Jaz and Jenny were walking to the grills when someone shouted “LOOK OUT” as the ball flew off sideways toward the fenced in area. Reacting like the cat she often appeared to be Krista whirled about to see the ball hurtling toward the little kids. With her typical selfless instincts and feline grace she dove to block the errant ball. Her aim was good but not perfect. Leaping sideways with arms outstretched the ball struck her left forearm deflecting it away from the defenseless kids but not stopping it. The hard nearly four inch in diameter ball hit ricocheted from her arm to smash squarely on the bridge of her nose.
Needless to say Krista instantly saw stars as blood exploded from her nose. She landed prone with a thud and bounced nearly a foot into the air. Jaz and Jenny ran to her as did dozens of others. Dazed, Krista pushed herself up to look to the startled toddlers to make sure none had been hurt. With double vision she couldn’t tell if she’d succeeded. With sheer guts and determination she crawled to her feet. Wobbling back and forth she blearily saw the kids staring at her.
Jaz was the first to reach her best friend. She was horrified to see the bridge of her nose was bashed in. “Krista... oh my God! Krista! Sit down!” Jaz grabbed Krista by the shoulders and tried to make her sit down.
Krista resisted mumbling “Duh kishds...”
Jaz wrapped her arms about Krista and with Jenny’s assistance sat down pulling her with her. “The kids are okay, Krista, you saved them.”
“Yuh shuur?” Krista asked as her head bobbled and she looked almost cross eyed at her BFF.
Jaz struggled to keep from crying as she hugged Krista, her clasped hands soaked by the blood pouring from her BFF’s nose. “I’m sure, Krista, you saved them,” she forced herself to say.
“Gud...” Krista mumbled as she relaxed into her friend’s embrace and closed her eyes. Then her body spasmed for fifteen seconds, went limp and lay still in Jasmine’s caring embrace. The blood flowing from her nose stopped.
Jaz let out a horrified wail. “NOOOOOOooooo...” As she burst into tears clutching the friend who had saved her life.
By then others reached Krista. Several distracted the kids. Leroy had seen his feisty daughter leap and winced as he not only saw the ball’s double impact but heard it. Much like his daughter often did when someone needed help he sprinted to her aid. Several people stood gathered around Krista’s still form clearly in shock when he reached her. One look was enough to let him know Krista had succumbed to her injuries. Without hesitation he scooped her limp form off Jasmine’s lap and stood, gently laying her head against his shoulder as he swiftly ran to the first aid tent they always set up for picnics.
Jaz collapsed in tears. Jenny was crying too and knelt by Jaz hugging the equally distraught girl.
Dr Olsen and Dr. Sykes had been heading toward Krista but diverted to the first aid tent when they saw Leroy carrying Krista’s limp form. Gently Leroy laid the still body of his feisty daughter upon the sturdy table and stepped back as the doctors moved in. A quick check of her carotid artery revealed no pulse. Dr. Olsen began CPR as Dr. Sykes cleared her throat. Jane and Pat burst into the tent horrified to see the doctors frantically working on Krista. Leroy hugged both then shoving his anguish down stepped outside to keep people away and call for a ambulance.
Jane and Pat held each other as their tears flowed freely. Word quietly spread through the gathered now solemn clan that Krista was being given CPR. Tony saw Lyndi, Teri and Sandi crying in each other’s arms. Quietly he embraced the three and gently guided them through the crowd to the tent. Her brothers LJ and Peter followed in their wake.
No one could believe Krista was fatally injured... not Krista... thoughts of what would happen to the clan intruded into their shock... but quickly refocused on Krista.
After five minutes of CPR it was clear to the doctors and those in the tent that Krista was not going to wake up. Her eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead were near black from blunt force hemorrhages. The ever cheerful face looked distorted and waxlike. Sobs filled those inside as Pat led Jane outside. All it took for those waiting hopefully outside to see the misery on Jane’s and Pat’s faces before they too began crying.
Dr. Sykes draped a blanket over the fragile still form and she and Dr’ Olsen sadly stepped outside into the stunned but still caring arms of the grieving clan.
“Please kneel with me and pray,” Rev. Giles declared in a shaky voice as he and everyone else knelt. “Dear Lord, I know you have Krista in your loving arms. But we don’t understand why. I’ve never in my life asked why... but now I am... dear Lord, WHY? Krista was full of love and caring. How many times did she disregard her own safety to save others? Even today... she put herself in harm’s way to save others! She had so much to share! She wasn’t done! We’re not done with her!!! Dear Lord, I apologize for questioning your mysterious ways. Give us the strength to endure this horrendous loss! Give us the strength to live up to Krista’s hopes and example! Let her life be the inspiration for those of us left behind!”
For the next several minutes the only sound was quiet heartfelt and heart rending crying.
{To be continued....}
Chapter 14 B
The sound of the tent flap being opened drew everyone’s attention to the tent. A gasp escaped every mouth as Krista walked out. A serene smile filled her bludgeoned purple face as her eyes seemed to be gazing off into the sky. Her bloody tank top and shorts added further evidence to the horrific blow she’d taken. Drs. Olsen’s and Sykes’ mouths dropped as they witnessed the medical impossibility.
No one muttered a word as Krista sauntered toward her family cemetery. The clan quietly parted like the Red Sea as she tranquilly and unseeingly moved through them.
Jaz rose with Jenny by her side and joined her BFF. “Krista, what do you see?”
“My mom and Susan, our clan guardian angels,” Krista answered almost dreamily as she continued smiling off into the distance. “They said I did a good job saving the little ones and God is letting them heal me.”
While Krista spoke softly her words were firm and clear enough for all to hear. Many glances of disbelief were exchanged.
Jenny shivered “Di... Did you see God?”
“I saw his love,” Krista answered. “It’s so beautiful! Death is nothing we need to fear. God’s arms are ready to grasp our soul!” By then she stepped through the gate into the tree shaded cemetery and stopped before the angel headstone marking the final resting place of Carol O’Brien’s no longer needed earthly body. As Krista stood blissfully looking at the stone angel the rest of the clan silently moved so they could see Krista without the carved stone hiding her from view. A bright sunbeam darted through the dappled branches lancing between the rounded tips of the stone angel’s wings to brightly illuminate Krista’s dented and battered purple face.
Everyone caught their breath as the sunbeam illuminating Krista’s face began to cause her face to glow brighter and brighter until they could no longer bear to look at her visage. Several seconds later the sunbeam faded as did the brilliant glow radiating from Krista’s face. Nearly everyone gasped as they were able to once more see Krista’s face. The massive bruising and dent on Krista’s face was gone!
Leroy, Jane, Pat, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, LJ and Peter rushed to Krista and engulfed her in a hug. Krista then hugged Jaz and Jenny. As Krista stepped from the cemetery the rest of the clan swarmed her. They had all seen the miraculous healing of her bruised face. All were awed with many ready to worship the resurrected and healed girl. Any lingering or hidden doubts they had about being part of the clan vanished.
The warbling of sirens approached. In moments the ambulance and paramedics from Tilgham Fire Department emerged from the forest that separated Wells Point from the rest of the Peninsula. Leroy waved them to the first aid tent. Krista knew she had to get checked out so joined her father and the doctors at the paramedic van. She also heard the whispers of several people saying she was Divine.
The paramedics could see the clear evidence on Krista’s clothes that she had been heavily bleeding but there was no evidence of an injury. Normally they would have been leery of a claim of miraculous healing but they were well aware of the clan and Krista.
Krista exited the tent graciously thanking the paramedics. After they left she mounted the back of a pickup so all could see her. “Please, listen to what I have to say. I am a child of God... just as each of you are children of God. I am NOT Divine! I’m simply myself, a soon to be fifteen year old girl. Granted, I was dead, but in today’s world there are thousands of people who died but came back to life. The clan’s guardian angels kept my soul in my body until my metabolism rejuvenated my life force. I was healed because I’m not done using my God-given gifts to help others. Before you ask I have no idea how or what God wants me to do other than what I’ve already been doing. So far I just seem to know when I have to take an action. I keep my heart and mind open and so far I’ve been able to respond when a need presented itself just as I did today. In November when I crawled into a burning wrecked car to save the Johnson family I shrugged off just how close I came to dying by joking that I was like a cat and I’d just spent the third of my nine lives. Today I know I spent the fourth life. That only leaves me with five more.”
Chuckles swept through the clan.
“I’m not afraid of dying,” Krista smiled. “Also remember we do not die. When we finish our earthly life we graduate to live with God. He calls us home where we meet friends and family who graduated before us and when they graduate we greet those we left behind. I know where I’ll be going. It’s where every member of the clan will go. Please understand that when I spend the last of my nine lives, know I did so willingly and with no regrets. Now... let’s get back to our picnic!”
The picnic resumed as Leroy drove Krista and Jaz home to change out of their bloodied clothes. By the time they returned the party was once more in full swing... except for the softball. It had been decided a safety net needed to be procured before the next game.
As Krista, hand in hand with Tony and flanked by Jaz and Jimmy on one side and Jenny and Sam on the other walked amongst the clan people greeted her with smiles and hugs. Phil and Dwayne followed on their heels as the teen couples meandered through the clan. Many hugged Krista.
Krista stopped short as she approached Steven and Cynthia Campbell. The smile on her face turned into a frown. All who noticed the change grew concerned.
“Krista,” Steven began. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m not sure,” Krista replied as she tilted her head to obtain a different perspective to look at him. “Could you please turn in a circle?”
Not sure what was going on he did so. Upon seeing her frown had deepened he asked, “Something is wrong, isn’t it?
By now more people were watching.
“While I was being healed our Guardian Angels told me I was being given a gift,” Krista spoke softly. “But they didn’t say what kind of gift. Maybe this is it. Mr Campbell, are you positive you’re feeling okay? I see a black... I don’t know how to describe it... a swirling boiling sort of smoke, like a writhing nest of snakes... yet not... I guess the best word would be a miasma. It seems to be coming from your heart.”
Dr Sykes looked at Steven. “Have you had any tightness or pain in your chest, back, neck, or arms?”
Steven shook his head.
“Any pain radiating down your arms?”
Another head shake.
“Dizziness?” Another head shake.
“Fatigue?” Another head shake.
“Lightheadedness?” Another head shake.
“Clammy skin?” Another head shake.
“Cold sweat?” Another head shake.
“Sweating?” Another head shake.
“Abnormal heartbeat?” Yet another head shake.
“Anxiety?” Another head shake.
“Shortness of breath?” Another head shake.
Before Dr. Sykes could speak Cynthia spoke up. “Steven, you were short of breath after playing with Benny and George the other night.”
“That’s just old age and not enough exercise,” Steven grumbled.
“No it’s not,” Krista spoke up. “There is something wrong with your heart. Dr. Sykes, please admit him to the hospital first thing tomorrow morning. You don’t have the time to wait longer.”
“But I feel all right,” Steven complained.
“Steven!” Cynthia scolded.
“Mr Campbell, the clan needs you,” Krista urged. “Please don’t let us down.”
“Okay, I’ll do it,” Steven reluctantly demurred knowing Cynthia would have no rest until he had been checked out.
The picnic continued with only slightly diminished enthusiasm and a powerful sense of belonging to the Clan Wells Point.
The next morning at 8am Dr. Sykes admitted Steven to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton. The EKG showed a few irregularities but nothing really out of the ordinary for a fifty seven year old man. The electrocardiogram tests showed similar results. The stress test showed questionable results but raised no serious red flags. Steven was ready to leave but Dr. Sykes asked that he undergo a heart catheterization just to make sure. Grumbling he agreed.
Word spread through the clan like wildfire. The catheterization revealed four severely blocked vessels in Steven’s heart. An emergency heart bypass was performed starting at 2pm. When he went to Cardiac ICU recovery, the surgeon revealed that after they cracked open his breast bone and spread is ribs to access his still strongly beating heart they found two other blocked vessels. He’d underwent a sextuple bypass. The surgeon also stated that he’d been a walking time bomb and didn’t understand how he’d avoided having a heart attack... which would most likely have been fatal. Considering the lack of symptoms and the ambiguous test results, the surgeon wanted to know why Dr. Sykes had insisted on having the tests done in the first place and why she’d insisted upon performing the catheterization.
Dr. Sykes shook her head. “You’re familiar with Krista Scott?”
“From your clan? Yes, I’m familiar with her,” the surgeon said. “She’s a most remarkable girl.”
“Yesterday we were having a picnic and she was hit right between the eyes with a soft ball. She leapt in front of it to keep it from hitting a group of infants,” Dr. Sykes said. “It crushed the bridge of her nose and orbital. She stayed conscious long enough to make sure the kids were okay, then she passed, went into a TBI seizure, and her heart stopped. Dr. Olsen and I tried to resuscitate her but it was no use. She was gone, clinically dead. We covered her with a blanket and left her body in the first aid tent.”
“Oh my God,” the surgeon gasped. “I’m sorry, I hadn’t heard anything.”
“That’s because she’s Krista,” Dr Sykes smiled. “She walked out of the tent. Most of her face was purple and the dent was clearly visible on her face. “We watched as she walked into her family cemetery and stood before her mother’s grave. A sunbeam hit her face and she glowed so brightly we couldn’t bear to look at her. When the glow faded she was cured... completely healed without the slightest sign of trauma. The only sign that she’d been severely injured was her blood soaked clothes.”
“My God,” the surgeon looked askance.
“She said the clan’s Guardian Angels, one of whom is her birth mother, kept her soul in her body and that God didn’t want her yet,” Dr. Sykes’ explained. “If I hadn’t seen it I would have difficulty believing it. She WAS dead! Her nasal bone and supraorbital foramen bones had been broken and caved in. Then she came back to life and I and the entire clan SAW her totally healed by a sunbeam! She said she’d been given a gift but didn’t know what it was. A bit later she saw Steven and told us she could see a miasma coming from his heart and that we had to get him admitted to today. I had no choice but to push for the catheterization.”
“I can understand why,” the surgeon agreed. “As bad as his blockages were, if he’d suffered a heart attack I doubt he’d have survived. Since he didn’t have a heart attack his recovery should be quicker than normal.”
Krista was a bit spooked to learn how accurate her prognostication had been but knew she’d been given the gift to save Steven. What remained to be seen was if her gift was a one time thing.
On June 16 the clan grew to one hundred sixty eight members with the birth of Skye Landis, their second child. Elaine and Justin were delighted. The transgender M2F and F2M couple had held off completing their gender confirmation surgeries until after the birth of their second child. Now they could proceed.
Since he was in decent shape for his age and since he hadn’t had a heart attack, Steven was allowed to return home on Saturday. The clan set up an on call nurse from amongst the members. Steven wasn’t one to just sit around relaxing so while his movement was restricted he was able to exercise his mind via computer.
Now that he was forced into being sedentary, several things became evident. First was the clan needed more jobs and businesses for the current members as well as for any new members. The second was to clarify the jobs status the of the clan’s youth to make sure what they were doing was within the law.
Maryland law about the employment of minors required minors obtain a working permit for each employer. In most cases kids thirteen and under could not get permits. For ages fourteen and fifteen the hour limits were four hours on any day when school is in session and eight hours on any day when school is not in session. There was also a limit of twenty three hours in any week when school is in session for five days and forty hours in any week when school is not in session. They may only work between the hours of 7:00am and 8:00pm (9:00pm from Memorial Day until Labor Day). The hours worked by a minor enrolled in a bona fide work-study or student-learner program when school is normally in session may not be counted towards the permissible hours of work.
Minors between the ages of sixteen and seventeen may spend no more than 12 hours in a combination of school hours and work hours each day and must be allowed at least eight consecutive hours of non-work, non-school time in each twenty four hour period.
Exceptions to hours and occupations may be granted by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. Applications for exceptions should be addressed to the Commissioner giving explicit details. Activities not considered employment if performed outside of the prescribed school day and the activity does not involve mining, manufacturing or hazardous occupations. The activities include: Farm work performed on a farm. Domestic work performed in or about a home. Work performed in a business owned or operated by a parent or one standing in the place of a parent. Work performed by non-paid volunteers in a charitable or non-profit organization, employed with the written consent of a parent or one standing in the place of a parent. Caddying on a golf course. Employment as an instructor on an instructional sailboat. Manufacturing of evergreen wreaths in or about a home. Delivery of newspapers to the consumer. Work performed as a counselor, assistant counselor, or instructor in a youth camp certified under the Maryland Youth Camp Act. Hazardous work performed by non-paid volunteers of a volunteer fire department or company or volunteer rescue squad who have completed or are taking a course of study relating to firefighting or rescue and who are sixteen years of age or older.
It was clan policy that kids of twelve who completed the sixth grade took jobs in a clan business. The fourteen year old and older teens working wasn’t an issue. But having the twelve and thirteen year olds working on the surface violated state law. However, there were several reasons why the clan practice didn’t violate the law. Kevin Stewart, the clan lawyer during the legal formation of the clan included documentation that the clan was in effect an extended family. The clan was set up so that the parent was the primary guardian. The board of directors served as surrogates for parents as secondary guardians. The head manager of each clan business that employed youth were assigned tertiary guardianship. All businesses were set up with the clan as owner with the board of directors as head. What this boiled down to was that the entire Clan Wells Point was considered to be a family so all the businesses were family businesses.
On top of that most jobs for the twelve and thirteen year olds were titular. The main purpose was to instill a sense of responsibility by introducing them to the reality and responsibility of the adult world. They were expected to go to their ‘job’ after school for four days plus Saturday. Their primary responsibility was simply to be there. If they had homework, they were to do it. They fetched drinks, swept floors, emptied trash and other minor tasks. If they had an activity at school, church or similar group they were allowed time off, but that aspect applied to all ages.
*****
The first week of May the CWP Contracting & Construction storage barn on the end of Wells Point was emptied and the contents moved to the CWP Excavation and Concrete compound in St. Michaels. Once empty the two story storage barn was converted into eight - three bedroom one and one half bath condominiums finishing the last week of June.
Throughout May and June the clan was approached by several neighbors who were in financial trouble. There were two homes with docks on the north and west sides of Cherry Cove. Both were summer homes of the retired owners. Both sets of owners had lost over half of their retirement portfolio and could no longer afford the vacation homes. The clan made very lowball offers with a sweetheart incentive. The owner would receive a two week free stay at CWP Grandview B&B every year for life and their children would receive a one week free stay for ten years. They accepted.
There were over a dozen properties in St. Michaels that were also on the market. The clan was interested in the three adjacent to their holdings on the block formed by Talbot, Canton and Fremont Streets. The first was a clothing store with three apartments above. The business had been barely hanging on when the economy was good. Now the frustrated owner wanted to sell and retire. Next was a long narrow two story building that housed a books and games store with four apartments on the second floor. The parking lot behind the already clan owned buildings could be extended to cover their back yards. The last building housed an old fashioned country store that needed new life breathed into it with a second floor apartment.
While evaluating these stores, Mary Willis approached the clan. Mary owned the Charisma Clothing Boutique, a favorite with the clan women. While her store was successful, the down turned economy cut severely into her profit margin. The owner of the building housing her store was also hurt by the poor economy and raised her rent. The rise in rent was enough that once the summer tourist season was over Mary’s profit margin would turn from black to red.
The result was the clan bought all three properties and businesses. Mary Willis and her daughter Melinda, who had just graduated high school with Jamie, Freddie, Barney and Ken joined the Clan Wells Point bringing the Charisma Clothing Boutique under the clan’s umbrella. Tuesdays were the slowest business day so the clan mobilized and transferred the entire inventory from the rented shop to the clan owned clothing store blending the stock of the closing store into that being moved in. The clan teens acted like a human conveyor belt to carry the clothes and displays across and one block south on Talbot Street to the new location. CWP Charisma Clothing Boutique opened the next day. Since Mary and Melinda had lived in an apartment above the store the clan also assisted the women to move into a two bedroom apartment above the store. The Clan Wells Point was now one hundred seventy members strong.
St. Michaels Country Store was renamed CWP Country Store. The books and game store became CWP Books & Games. The former owners agreed to stay on through Labor Day to train new staff.
The clan also purchased the two businesses located in the buildings they already owned. The Christmas Shop became the CWP Christmas Shop and the gifts and candies store became CWP Gifts and Candies. The former owners also agreed to stay on through labor day.
Twenty five years ago the Jablonski’s had purchased an independent farm located west of the Bozman-Neavitt Road north of Wells Point Lane. To finance the farmland purchase the northernmost field was divided into twenty three building lots. Over the ensuing years when things got tight thirteen additional parcels that were not prime farm land were sold off for housing including the farm’s buildings. Bay Hundred Real Estate was handling the sales of six of those properties but with the economy in such poor shape they had few showings and hadn’t had any offers. There were also three properties adjacent to the Jablonski farm that Theo’s father had sold before Theo took over. Those were located between the farm, Turkey Neck Point and Harris creek to the west. The three homes, from south to north, were the three most luxurious and expensive properties on the Bozman-Neavitt peninsula. Bay Hundred Real Estate was the primary seller for them and had not even had anyone interested in seeing the million plus dollar homes. The economy was so bad the Bay Hundred Real Estate itself was up for sale.
The clan conducted all their banking business with the Talbot Bank of Easton, usually at the St. Michael’s office. It’s where they cut the deal to bring Walters Excavation and Concrete into the clan. Although Steven was physically limited, his business acumen was not diminished. With the clan directors he sat down with the head of the bank’s business loan department. Like every other business the bank was feeling the effects of the economic downturn. The cost of this latest spate of purchases and desired purchases would exceed the cash reserves of the clan. However, the opportunity to buy the properties at a low price was too good to pass up. For the first time the clan wanted to take out a business loan. There was no question about the clan having the property to back the loan. The bank approved the loan at the low bank rates. Several of the owners asked to finish the summer before vacating. The clan agreed with a slight reduction in the selling price to compensate rent. By June 30 the purchases were completed.
The clan did a quick remodel to the Christmas Shop carving out a fifteen feet by fifteen feet area in the front window on the side by Canton Street. That area became the site of CWP Bay Hundred Real Estate.
*****
Bill Dougherty’s twenty five person family arrived Thursday evening July 2 for their three day holiday weekend stay. They newly constructed condominiums had been furnished ready for occupation and that’s where they were staying. His family consisted of two sons, two daughter-in-laws, five grandchildren, five grandchildren-in-law, and eleven great grandchildren. Bill’s oldest son and his wife had two married children with two children each. The younger son and his wife had three married children. The oldest had three children and the other two had two each.
The grandchildren, their spouses and all the great grandchildren had only been to the farm for the funeral when their grandmother died almost five years before. At the time they really hadn’t seen the place. Now they were here to scope the place out as a possible future home.
The grandchildren and their families had driven in individually while the two brothers and their spouses came in one vehicle. They had between a three to five hour drive and they left after work and stopped for supper on the way. Bill with Krista and Tony greeted them as they arrived and showed each to the condo they’d be occupying.
Friday morning the clan gathered in the clan barn for breakfast and a meet and greet. The grandchildren and great grandchildren were awed not only by the size of the clan but also their friendliness. After they finished eating Krista, Tony, Jaz and Kylie pulled the DUKW from it’s garage. The grandchildren and great grandchildren eagerly climbed aboard. That Krista was the driver amazed everyone. Jaz spoke to the girls and Tony to the boys and Kylie to the adults as they drove about the clan lands. They were quite impressed with the clan’s dedication to operating as green as possible. The manure digester and vertical windmills were prime examples of the clan’s green initiatives. After touring the land areas, Krista drove the DUKW down the public ramp at the far end of Neavitt, then cruised around Broad Creek before heading up the boat launch at the CWP Landing. They enjoyed a picnic lunch then moved to the adjacent CWP Horse Rescue. The kids were delighted at the opportunity to go horseback riding. That evening they enjoyed a full meal in the clan barn.
Saturday morning, the fourth, the crew from CWP Excavation & Concrete trundled the old tug boat down a set of tracks into the waters of San Domingo Creek. Once in the water they fired up the engine. Although it had been two years since the small boat had been in the water it had been properly stored and maintained. Then they launched a pair of thirty two feet by fourteen feet construction barges. The sturdy tug gathered the barges and began pushing them out into broad creek. The tug and barges were used for building docks, boat lifts and also stabilizing the shoreline. The tug set off to make the hours long voyage around the Bay Hundred Peninsula to just off Fairview Point in the Miles River.
Later seventy five clan and guests boarded the DUKW, the Teacher’s Peace, The Coconut Island and Teens Ahoy to make the trek around the Bay Hundred Peninsula to join the slower moving barges. The Teacher’s Peace and Teens Ahoy tied up to the barges and dropped anchors to stabilize the conglomerate vessels. The DUKW and Coconut Island unloaded their passengers then cruised down to the public landing and dock at Newcomb southeast of St. Michaels to pick up clan members who had car pooled to be picked up. The slower DUKW made one trip and the Coconut Island made three trips. The one hundred ninety five people on the clan’s collection of barges and boats enjoyed a grilling hotdogs and hamburgers, swimming, and just enjoying the wide smooth waters of the Miles River. As darkness fell, the lights in St. Michaels and on docks and boats in the area made for a jovial atmosphere.
Once might completely fell everyone lined up along the shore and in over a hundred boats on the Miles River. Then an orange/white streak burst from the dark point of land about twenty five hundred feet north of the cove housing the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The bright streak faded to nothing as it soared skyward followed a few seconds later by the thunderous BOOM of the mortar. Then a multi hued starburst appeared high in the sky above and yet reflected by the quiet waters like a fiery bloom amongst the stars. As the brilliant streaks dropped and faded half a dozen delay fused flash-bangs detonated. The multiple BOOMS echoing back and forth over the water.
Then the cannonade began. The mortars sending streaks into the sky as fireworks burst above, searing their brilliant light and vivacious color onto the mesmerized watcher’s retinas. Each one drawing an fantastical flower pattern into the sky. Every new streak a curve of sorts, brilliant lines with a living feel, organic in the way they grow. Fireworks explode above, vivid colors igniting the otherwise black sky. The brilliant soaring vermillion, golden and acid green flares of igniting minerals crafted to resemble flowers bursting at high speed. In between explosions the awed "ooh"s and "ahhh"s were heard throughout the crowd. The younger kids amongst the clan enjoy the thrill of shuddering at the sudden bangs as the adults smiled at the startled gasps of the children.
The phenomenal show ended twenty minutes after it started with a tremendous barrage of Booms and starry chrysanthemums. When the show ended the sudden silence was brief. Enthusiastic applause rippled amongst the onlookers as boats blew their horns. A few moments later the boats headed for their docks and the crowd on shore for their cars. The Coconut Island began the three trips to ferry the clan and guests back to the dock as the DUKW made one trip. The DUKW, Teacher’s Peace, and Teens Ahoy began the trip around the Bay Hundred Peninsula. By the time the Coconut Island returned from the third drop off run to pick up the last people for it’s return trip. The barges were well anchored and secured. They’d return the next day to haul them back to CWP Excavating and Concrete. The tug accompanied the Coconut Isle back to CWP Landing where all would anchor for the night.
By Sunday noon the barges and tug were back on land on their rails. The clan and guests gathered on Wells Point for another all day picnic. The safety net for softball was up and functioning. The Dougherty family thoroughly enjoyed the comradery and open acceptance. At one point the clan directors gathered them under a large canopy erected over six wooden picnic tables.
“I’d like to invite you to join the Clan Wells Point,” Robert addressed them. “You’ve all met my feisty granddaughter Krista.”
The Dougherty family smiled and nodded.
“This clan was created around her,” he continued. “What you see us doing, living together in harmony, helping others, is because of Krista. She has motivated us and given us a heart. If she see’s someone in dire need she does what she can to help them. You’ve met the Johnson family. They were involved in a catastrophic car crash right in front of us, trapped inside of their burning car. Krista ran to the wreck, crawled inside, removed the car seats and handed the children out to Jenny and Jamie. Ed and I were able to force the passenger door and we pulled Kelly out and carried her free. Ben was trapped by his arm and the flames were getting worse. Krista is the one who amputated his arm. It was the only way to free him.”
The looks of astonishment were clearly evident.
“Yes, she had the fortitude to cut off a man’s arm,” Robert affirmed. “Once he was freed I dragged him out with Krista making sure the tourniquet she’d placed on his stump wasn’t torn off. My hat was on fire, Krista’s hair, face and hands were burned and her jacket was on fire. The interior of the car was fully engulfed seconds after she got out. Krista is a force to be reckoned with.”
Jane explained the two Guardian Angels who looked over the clan telling how they had aided the clan. “I know much of what we’ve said seems impossible. On June 14 we had a picnic much like this one. An incident occurred involving Krista. The safety net we’ve erected is a direct result of that incident. A foul ball was hit heading directly for the toddlers. What happened was recorded.”
A projection scree had been set up. The recording began with the toddlers playing. The CRACK of the bat, the warning yells, and Krista’s leap saving the toddlers followed catching the catastrophic injury to Krista in all it’s gory. When Leroy was carrying her lifeless body to the first aid tent he’d traveled past the cameraperson capturing closeup the bloody smashed in face. Another person videoed the kneeling distraught mourning of the clan as Pastor Giles offered a heartfelt prayer. It also captured the moment the tent flap opened with Krista serenely exiting. The blood had been wiped away during triage but the ugly purple dent in her face was plainly visible. The absolute silence and awe of the gathered clan was captured as was the sunbeam piercing through the tree canopy to illuminate Krista’s crushed visage as she stood in front of her mother’s tombstone. As the intensity of the light on her face grew the recording ‘whited’ out for a few seconds. When the light faded the image revealed Krista healed. Her short speech had been captured.
They Dougherty family was clearly stunned. Specially when Krista stepped forward.
“I’m nothing special. I’ll admit at times I get a bit over zealous. I know what it’s like to live on the edge. I’ve been homeless and responsible for the safety of my younger sisters. I simply do what should be done. One of the phrases I hate is people who say somebody should do this or somebody should do that. Each of us are a somebody. If something needs to be done, simply do it! That’s what the Clan Wells Point is all about.”
“The last thing you need to know, in case you haven’t already learned, is that the clan is LGBTQ friendly,” Krista said. “We have nine male to female transsexuals, three female to male transsexuals, and six gay members. My aunt Kylie is a post op transsexual and adopted mother of two. Justin and Elaine are a pre-op transsexual couple who just had their second child. I’m one of the male to female transsexuals. To join the clan you’ll need to accept us. We’re willing to discuss or explain why we are LGBTQ. Finally, I hope to be able to welcome you to the clan.” With that Krista waited to see if anyone had questions, then left.
There was a lot of discussion, James, John, Darlene and Irene informed their kids and grandkids they’d learned of the LGBTQ aspect of the clan on their visit but had purposely kept it quiet.
“I’ll be the first to admit I always thought being LGBT was a choice,” James began. “We also had preconceived notions about them. I’ll freely admit that after meeting Krista and the other LGBT members of the clam our ideas and impressions were dead wrong. We fully accept that being LGBT is NOT a choice. Each of you have to decide whether you join the Clan Wells Point. You don’t have to join. But we, your parents or grandparents, will be joining.”
The discussion that followed was short. By mid afternoon Bill Dougherty’s family had decided to join the clan. They were welcomed aboard growing the clan to one hundred ninety five members.
It was understood the newest members had to return home to close out their affairs. By the end of July they were all back with the clan.
James, Bill’s oldest son, and Darlene Dougherty would settle into a two bedroom apartment above CWP Books & Games and take over management of CWP General Store. Their son Daniel and his wife Betty wold both join CWP Handcrafted Toys. They would live in one of the condos with their daughters Janelle, eleven, and Debbie, ten. Harry, James and Darlene’s youngest son and his wife Jeanette would take over CWP Books & Games. They would live in an apartment above CWP Charisma Clothing Boutique with their son Karl, nine and daughter Julie, seven.
John, Bill’s youngest son, and his wife Irene would take over the CWP Bay Hundred Real Estate and live in an apartment above CWP Hairy Wish Now. Their son Kevin and his wife Linda would take over the CWP Christmas Shop. With their daughter Megan, nine, son Curtis, eight, and daughter Judy, six would live in a three bedroom apartment above CWP Country Store. Their daughter Virginia and her husband Howard Smith would work on CWP Organic Farms and live in one of the condos with their son Dean, eight, and daughter Nicole, six. Their daughter Karen and her husband Mike Kline took over CWP Gifts and Candies and would live in the apartment above the store with their daughters Yvonne, seven, and Wanda, six.
The clan slowed their expansion until they regained financial stability, which for them meant no debt. While their assets far exceeded their debt, they didn’t want to overextend themselves. They prospered as many about them floundered.
The rest of the summer passed peacefully. Their organic veggies, meat, poultry, and eggs were in high demand. The expansion of the vertical wind turbines continued. Already the clan operations on the peninsula were energy independent. Soon they’d be selling enough electricity to more than offset what they had to purchase in their St. Michaels areas. The property purchases they’d made along Harris Creek provided lane side locations to add an additional three hundred windmills.
*****
This is the last chapter of A Summer’s Odyssey IV.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Krista’s Odyssey.
Rest assured Krista’s story is not over.
Real life and other story ideas do require me to take a hiatus.
Jennifer Sue
Boys will girls if they’re lucky.
CWP Tartan
https://www.flickr.com/photos/theclanwellspoint/6562321729/ Tartan
https://www.flickr.com/photos/theclanwellspoint/31435203620 Clan Wells Point Map
https://www.flickr.com/photos/theclanwellspoint/31770458286 Clan Wells Point St Michaels Map
Clan Wells Point Map
CWP Buildings & Locations First map
F: farm fields P: pastures G: greenhouses
1. Wells-O’Brien Family Cemetery
2. House: 20'x30' 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath (Ed & Lisa Nelson, Benny Reese, Buffy Herr)
3. CWP Contracting & Construction Storage Barn: 125'x25'/’T’ S 25' E of W end 20'x90'S
4. O’Brien Homestead: House: 40'x60'/wrap round porch10'x60' E&10x40 S, 2 1/2 story brick/tin roof, 1st flr: K, DR, LR Stdy, Laundry/3/4 bath, 2nd flr: 5 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath (Jane & Kevin Stewart; Leroy, Pat, Krista, Teri, Lyndi, Sandi, Peter & LJ Scott)
5. The Clan Barn: 100'x40'/20'x20' W annex former milk house now kitchen, 4 ceiling fans/air flow, flr concrete/ 8'x20' plank cvrd pit (planks 4'x10"/fld-dwn recessed 3/8" steel 3" loop 3" at ends, 3' sqr trap door to side; Silos: 2 - 20'Rx50'H, 5' S kitchen, 5' apart; Barn Yard: S concrete 7000' Sqr; Shed 1: 70'x15', 20' S barn, open side N; Shed 2: 70'x20', 50' S barn, E shed 1, open side N, E 35' half enclosed with swinging garage doors on E to serve as garage for DUKW; Orchard behind barn
6. CWP Green Energy Initiatives Power Grid Distribution Center/manure digester: methane powers 100kwh internal combustion engine, excess compressed to liquid form for storage in large tank for vehicular usage & 400 (@20/mon) vertical wind turbines (5kwp at 5mph up tp 20kwh at 20mph) handle speeds up 90mph Manure digesting system: 300' NE main farm, beyond hedgerow, SW corner of field NE of pastures accessible from Locust Neck Lane. 1/3 underground to maintain constant temperature, water table same as the water in bay digging to eight feet & earth berming. the Clan digester can handle all the manure the Bay Hundred area could produce, for a fee of $1 a ton, the Clan would process at their government licenced disposal unit. If they wanted the Clan to pick up the waste, the fee would be fifty dollars for a four ton load or portion of a load plus the dollar a ton disposal fee. a power purchase contract with Choptank Electric Cooperative, the digester produces enough electricity to provide all the electric needs on-farm with enough surplus electricity to power 45 additional homes. heat naturally generated by process keeps the digester functioning with excess to heat the CWP barns, farm house, Ewell home, the CWP Landing buildings, Robert and Sheila’s home, the CWP Law and Accounting offices, the barn across the street, the CWP Metal Works, the CWP B&B and the O’Brien homestead and barn (all buildings within 2500') In addition they squeeze or spin the liquid out the effluent, use the liquid as a spay on fertilizer and dry the remaining fiber to use as bedding for the animals.”
7. CWP Greenhouses: to be built in fields on the north side of Wells Point Lane east of Johns Cove Lane and west of the forest by the O’Brien Homestead
8. CWP B&B: Servants wing: 5BR, SR, 2B (connect main via Kit) Main 1st flr: 10'ceilings, K rear, DR front, entry Foyer/grand stairs/1/2 B either side, SR behind foyer/stairs, Ball room, 12'd veranda across colonnaded front; 2nd flr 3 sets 2BR/B in rear, wide hall open to grand stairs, 4 suites (BR/SR/B) in front open to 12'd balcony inside colonnaded veranda; geothermal HP (David & Laura & Wanda & DJ Scott, Jimmy & Betty Boswell)
9. CWP Metal Works: Barn: 80'x60': 2 1/2 story, a multi-purpose metal working shop, machine shop, small scale foundry & combination paint and powder coat shop
10 North. CWP Attorney at Law & CWP LLC (office & accounting),
Office building: (originally a house, 40'x20' 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath) 80'x30', 2 floors, 4 restooms, 2 each floor
10 South. CWP Organic Farm Buildings: 100'x50' (between barns & shed/chicken house); Barn 1: S, 80'x50' (70'x50'expansion E link with barn 2); Barn 2: dairy 40'x70' (20'x70' expansion E, 60'x25' expansion N) 150'x50'/’L’/60'x95'; Shed:N 30'x25'/60'x20' chicken house W (20'x60' expansion N of shed) 200 chickens & 10' driveway between Shed and Barn 2
CWP farm = 1755 acres 770 farmable/325 pasture building/ 655 forest & wet lands (formerly Dougherty farm/650 acres, O’Brien farm/425 acres, Longs Cove Farm/450 acres, Jablonski farm/225 acres
Milking system: 50 degree twin herringbone design/center pit between/automated milking stations behind each stall. 35 cows enter 1 side heading into feeding stanchions with their butts facing the pit at a fifty degree angle. Workers in the pit are at belly level with the cows. They wash and disinfect the teats, then apply the milking tubes. While doing this, 2nd group of 35 cows moves into the 2nd side. It takes about 5 min. to milk a cow so by the time 1st group is done, the 2nd group has been prepared so as the milking tubes are removed from a cow on the first side, the operator crosses to the opposite side of the pit and attaches the tubes to the opposite cow. The entire cycle of entry, clean, milking and exit takes 10 min. with 35 cows entering and exiting every 5 min. With this set up, 3 workers in the pit could milk 150 cows in 30 min. The entire milking parlor is sealed concrete, stainless steel, or plastic. Every part can be cleaned with a high pressure hose.
Animals: 400 head dairy herd, 80 head steer herd, 500 chickens
The CWP Organic Farm would supply milk products with no preservatives & make their own butter, cheeses, and yogurt as well as ice-cream. Chickens supply fresh eggs and meat. The grazing land is lush and normally available year round as the few times it was covered with snow it quickly melts. There would be horses for the tourists and the B&B guests to ride as well as to harness to wagons and buggies.
11. Main Farmhouse: 40'x70' W side JCL, 1st flr: kitchen 25'x20' right front of the house/center island/sink & soapstone top as a food prep area & 7 person meal counter. Behind kitchen a walk-in pantry 10'x15', a 10'x15' laundry/mud room for back door. Dining room 40'x20' front to back, enclosed back staircase/second floor to back in this space, landing opened to mudroom & dining room, stairway to basement ran under/ entry door by walkway to kitchen. pair oak tables/expansion boards end to end. 24'x5' seat 28, with 3 - 16" exp brds each to 32'x5' seat 36, plus 7 in kit seat 43. Living room 25'x40'/huge fireplace on outer N wall, front stair to 2nd flr /powder room tucked under accessible from the rear pass through DR to LR, rear porch 12'x70'
2nd fkr hall 6'w. 2 bath opposite stair landings. stairway to the attic paralleled the hall with it's start rear stairs. 3BR 13'x20' N end, 2 BR 15'x15' in middle, 2 BR 13'x20' S end outside, middle BR now hall with storage shelves and closets. Elevator 6'x6' added center exterior S side/ground level access from the outside & stops 1st, 2nd & attic floors MBR/walk in closet & bath carved out of attic for Larry and Kylie. (Larry & Kylie & Sonny & Rayne Scott & Evelyn & Tony & Rachel Masters)
12. House: 15'x30'/5'x15'W/15'x10'E 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath (Ruth & Jamie & Jennifer Sue Ewell)
13. CWP Landing: House: 15'x30'/20'x30'E/20'x25'E/30'x15' deck N/20'8' porch S 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths (Frank & Sarah Spade, Heather, Jasmine, Holly & Ivy Reese); Boat House: W 40'x40', 2 story, 1st/pits, hoist, lifts, 2nd store canoes, kayaks, sm boats & Teacher’s Peace; Pavilion/Shed: W 15'x15' with outside canoe racks; Boat Ramp 15' Dock: 5'x60'/20''x600' boat house S (40'from shore) Weekly rental Teacher’s Peace, hourly/daily small sail boat, row boat, canoe & kayak rentals & launch & supplies & stable weekly boat rental:
14. CWP Horse Rescue: Barn: 35'x40'/35'x15'S/10'x20'NW with 8'x20' porch E & 15'x15'W; Cattle Shed: open, 40'w x 20'l, 10' S barn; Shed 1: 20'x35'; Shed 2: 20'x35' rescue up to 30 head
15. Shed/Barn: 35'x40', 15x40 addition chicken coop for 500 chickens
16. Barn: 80'x40'/30'x15'S/15'x15'W/30'x15'S/15'x15'E (80 steers), Shed: 15'x15'
17. House: 30'x30'/10'x20'E 1 1/2 story, 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath; Garage: 30'x20' (Robert & Sheila Scott)
18. Cabin: masonry, 1 br, 1 1/2bath open 1 st flr, 2nd above 15' surge, full wrap balcony & ramp; dock (Bill Dougherty)
19. House (former CWP Bakery): 60'x30'/25'x10' porch S 1st flr 2 BR 1 1/2B, attic/dormers 3 BR 2 B ( M8t, K8t, Brenda, Harriet & Dinky Green)
20. House: 50'x30'/20'x15'S 5BR, 3 1/2 bath{LR:15x30, Kit/Din:20x15/laundry&1/2Bath, br(x2 on S) 12x12/Bath 6x7& 3x5closets, MBR12x16/9x6closet with aisle to 9x8MBath, 2nd floor 2 BR/Bath}; garage: 30'x35', 50' E; Barn: 80'x30'; Shed 1: 10'x10'; Shed 2: 15'x25' (Dwayne & Norma Harper, Phil & Maureen Abott, Marjorie Delp)
21. House: 20'x45'/15'x20' sunroom E/25'x35'S/20'20E deck; Garage (attached N): 30'x40'; Pavilion: 20'x30'/10'x20'W; Pool: 25'x60' kidney; Shed: 25'x20'; Dock: 5'x55'/5'x50' with 15'x25' deck W &15'x25' boat house W & 15'x15' deck E/5'x145''/20'x15' deck W (Steven & Cynthia Campbell & Gretchen & Benny & George Reese)
22. CWP Youth Rehab Hostel: House: 30'x50'/15'x8'N/20'x15 deck; Garage now gym: 35'x40'; Shed 1: 20'x15'; Shed 2: 10'x15'; Dock: 175'x5', 90*S 25'x5' (Barney & Cora Flint & Freddy Grant)
23. CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises: Barn: 35'x65': 2 1/2 story barn remodeled for office, showroom/store, cloth storeroom, cutting room, sewing room, screen printing shop for making clothing as well as a sail and awning making room and shipping and receiving dock
24. House: 45'x50'/45'x10'N/45'x10'S/20x15E 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath; Garage: 35'x45' 2 car; Shed: 15'x10'; Dock: 5'x60'/35'x15' deck E (Dr. Grace & Greg & Marcus & Chris Olsen)
25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
33. CWP Handcrafted Toys: W side Bozman-Neavitt Road 1st lane N Wells Point Lane 550'x200'
barn 45x110 1st flr: back is 45'x55'x18'H wood working shop, front is 45'x55'x9'H store with 45'x55'x8'H mezzanine soft toy manufacturing. Top flr is 45'x110'x8' wood toy assembly & paint shop, 450'x200' lot playset show & parking btwn barn & road
34. Lot: NW 350'x NE 230'xSE 400'x SW 285'; dock; sunhouse 25x45 1 st, 1BR 1B; house 45x90 1½ st/integral 2 car garage 4BR, 2½ B; shed 20x35 (Henry, Carol, & Lester Bailey)
35.
36.Lot: 230'x250'x275'x220'; House: 30'x60'; Garage: 30'x25'; Shed: 15'x15'; Shed: 25'x15' (Serena Moonflower & Misty Dawn)
37. Lot: 220'x200'x185'x185' & 115'x140'x70'x160' & 70'x85'x70'x85 & 60'x50'x35'x60' & 35'x100'x60'x90'; House: 30'x50'; Shed: 15'x15' (Dr. Wanda Sykes-Giles & Rev. Miles Giles)
38. CWP DAYCARE: Lot: 275'x275'; Building: U shape, 60x30/15x30 wings form 30x30 courtyard: first floor open daycare, 2nd floor 6 - 15'x30' 2 BR 1 B apartments/ 8' wide wrap around porch on N, W & S with multiple outside stair access, Apt 1: (Ben, Kelly, Grant & Penny Johnson), Apt 2: (Jimmy, Bonnie, Lori & Dori Stanley), Apt 3: (Adam Green & Matt Haley), Apt 4: ( Ben & Buffy Reese), Apt 5: ( ), Apt 6: ( )
37 between 39. Cemetery: Lot: 170'x230'x260'x285'
39. CWP Engine and Mechanical Repair: between Almost Neavitt Road and the Cemetery along the Bozman-Neavitt Road; 40' x 135' service station/6 12'x26' service bays & 3 16'x40' service bays, 15'x40' office parallel Bozman-Neavit Road / restrooms & showers N wall, 14'x75' warehouse behind shorter bays, bays accessed from N side Almost Neavitt Road.
40. Lot: 140'x740'x140'x740'; Shed: 20'x25'; House: 15'x25' wing, 30'x50' main, 10'x20' bump/10'x20' deck; Shed: 20'x25' (Leo & Brandon Kahn, Gary Jenckes)
41. CWP Collision Repair and Body Shop: 35'x90'(4 - 15'x35' bays garage & 2 - 15'x35' paint booth; Sheds: 10'x10'/20'x15'/10'x10'/25'x25'/10'x5'/20'x20'/15'x15'
42. House 1: 2 story, 25'x50'/15'ENW wrap deck (4BR, 3 ½ B) (Gregory, Diana, James, Karen Harris & Elizabeth Rich)
43. House : 20'x30'/15'x15'S wing attach to barn &15'x15'porch/40'x55'barn (1 1/2 story, 3BR, 2B); Garage/shop: 15'x35' (Helen, Wendy & Becky Teeter)
44. House: 2 story 30'x30'/15x20S wing/10'x10 E bump (4 BR, 2 ½ B) Dock: 5'x15'/10'x15' deck (Diane, Wayne, Kyle, John, & Judy Hoffman)
45. House: 1 ½ story 30'x30'/30'x15'N wing/25'x30'S wing (4 BR, 2 ½ B); dock: 5'x5' (George, Denise, George Jr, Kyle Rich)
46. House: 1 ½ story 25'x45'/8'x45'E porch (4 BR, 2 ½ B); Shed: 15'x20''; dock: 5'x10' (Harold, Doris, Joyce, Harold Jr. Kevin Rich)
Garage: 25'x45 converted to 3BR 1 ½ Bath home (Elaine, Justin, & Shane Landis)
47. House: ex-vacation rental 30'x25'/30'x15'Nwing (1 1/2 story, 3BR, 2 1/2B); dock: 5'x15'/90*E 40'x8' (Howard, Devin & Allen Gantner)
Garage: 25'x60'; converted into 3BR 2B home (Julio, Marie, Sophie & Hector Santana)
48. House: vacation rental 35'x35'/35'x25'Nwing & 25'x15'deck/35'x20'Swing (1 1/2 story, 4BR, 2 1/2 B); Garage: 25'x35; Shed: 15'x20'; H3 dock: 5'x15'/T 50'’x8 'E & W (rental)
49. Boat Shed: 25'x60', electric boat hoist, 5'x10'dock
50. Rental House: 30'x35'/10'x15' E porch (3BR, 1 1/2B) (rental)
shared dock 5'x20'
51. Rental House: 30'x35'/10'x15' Wporch/10'x15'Eporch (3BR, 1 1/2B) (rental)
52 East. CWP Grandview B&B: House 3: Grandview B&B: 45'x50' 2 story/10'x50'Eporch/15'x20'Nwing (2 1/2 story, owner apt in attic,6BR, 3B on 2nd floor, 2 large FP, 2 - 1/2B on 1st); Pool: 20'x50';Gazebo: 10'x10'; Garage: 15'x30'; Shed: 10'x15' (Kurt and Amanda Schilling )
52 West. 53.
54. Lot: 430'x160'; House: 2 story 30'x40' (6BR, 3 1/2B); Shed 1: 30'x30'; Shed 2" 30'x20' (Arwen, Breanne, Dominic & Taylor Gleason & Ruby, Brett & Blair Orlando)
55. Lot: 180'x130'; House: 2 story 30'x40' 1 story 30'x30' N / 10'x20' porch W (4 BR, 2 1/2B) (Harry, Nancy, Jill, Karen & Mindy Dryer)
56. Barn: 2 attached, 40'x30' & 40'x30'; Attached ‘L’: 30'x30' from barn to 40'x30'; Shed 1 B: 10'x10'; Shed 2 B: 30'x30'; Silo 15' round
57. Farm House: 45'x20' 2 story / 10' 3 side porch (S,W,N enclosed) 1st floor remodel for handi access, (2BR 2 B) 2nd & attic rent apart: 3 BR & B attic, 1 BR, 3/4 B, 1 MBR/B, kit, lvgrm; Shed 1 FH: 10'x10'; Shed 2 FH: 10'x10'; Shed 3 FH: 30'x20'; Shed 4 FH: 10"x30' (1st flr apt: Theo & Rachel Jablonski; 2nd flr apt: George, Abby, Brad, Gwen, Barry & Maude Bracy)
58.
Clan Wells Point St Michaels Map
CWP Buildings & Locations
Waterfront Park: in St. Michaels Around the end of W. Chew Street west of Tilden Street. Public dock extends off W. Chew Street the same dock CWP Contracting and Construction enlarged & berth of the Coconut Island.
1. CWP Susan’s Place B&B: St. Michaels, NW 125' along 301 W Chew Street, (cross street Tilden). NE 175' along southern part of Waterfront Park, SE 225' adjoining CWP Excavation & Concrete, SW 200' along San Domingo Creek, northern part of Waterfront Park across Chew Street, private dock beside the Public boat launch at SE/SW corner from alley separating Susan’s Place from CWP Excavation & Concrete. The main portion of the home was a 2 story 40' by 35'. A 1 story 20' by 30' wing off the NE corner. A 2 story 25' by 25' wing off the SE corner of the main part. A 40' by 30' 2 story garage located 5' southeast from SE wing. CWP added a 1 story 25' by 35' extension to the SE wing along side & attached to the garage. The main home & SE addition remodeled into B&B with 6 ensuite rooms on each floor. The NE addition split in half, 1 part B&B office & ticket office for CWP Charter Fishing Boat Hdqtrs “Coconut Island”. other part a kitchen/dining room combo for the B&B. The addition connecting the house to the garage was an apartment: (Callie Warren) as would the second floor of the garage apartment: (Gilligan, Mary Ann, & Sam Evans)
2. CWP Excavation & Concrete: St. Michaels directly south of Susan’s Place B&B. trapezoidal shaped, adjacent to Susan’s Place B&B NW 500', San Domingo Creek SW 550', SE 800' Boundry Lane, NE 600 feet along the former railroad bed now St Michaels Nature Trail
Division/Chew Rentals: Triangular NE 450' Division St/W. Maple Ave, SW 525' St Michaels Nature Trail, NW 300' W. Chew St adjacent to Susan’s place & CWP Excavation & Concrete; 8 houses
3. House 1: Chew St, 4 apts: 48'x20' 2 ½st, 20'x24' 2 st
1st fl fr apt 3 BR 2 B (Randall, Shirley, Ferdy & Olivia Hammond)
1st fl rear apt 1 BR 1B (rented )
2nd fl fr apt 3 BR 2 B (rented)
2nd fl rear apt 1 BR 1B (rented)
4. House 2: Chew St, 20'x32' 2 st, 12'x32' porch 20'x24' det gar 3 BR 2 B (William, Stevie, Ken & Barbie Poore)
5. House 3 Chew St, 2 apt: 24'x20' 2 st, 16'x16' 2 st, 16'x36' 1 st
1st fl apt 4 BR 2 ½ B (Dan, Tracy, Lane, Louise & Corrine Cooper)
2nd fl apt 3 BR 2 B (rented)
6. House 4: Chew St, 2 apt: 24'x48' 2 st,
1st fl apt 3 BR 2 B (Jeffrey, Janet, Colton & Annabelle Heaps)
2nd fl apt 3 BR 2 B (rented)
7. House 5: Chew St, 2 apt: 20'x36' 2 st, 24'x24' 2 st, 12'x24' 1 st
1st fl apt 4BR 2 ½ B (Dan, Tracy, Lane, Louise & Corrine Cooper)
2nd fl apt 3BR 2 B (rented)
8. House 6: Division St: 28'x28' 1 ½ st 2 BR 1 B (Sterling Kozak)
9. House 7: W. Division St: 32'x20' att gar, 32'x32' 1 ½ st, 32'x40' 1 st 4 BR 2 ½ B (Gerhard, Eva, Amy, Donovan, Lydia & Barry Beck)
10. House 8: W. Maple St: 28'x40' 1 ½ st, 8'x28' porch 3BR 2 B (Margaret Walters)
11. Cemetery: St. Luke’s UMC
12. St. Luke’s UMC
13. Southwest corner Talbot St. & Canton St.: Lot 35'x135' house 22'x35 2 st, 32x20,
1st flr retail, CWP Bakery
2nd flr fr apt 3BR 1B (rented)
2nd flr rr apt 1 BR 1B (Margaret Walters)
14. Northwest corner Talbot & Canton Sts with rear adjoining Canton & Fremont Sts:
Lot 1: 100'x175', 2 story building 100'x100' (60'x100' warehouse added & connecting 3 buildings into 1) with parking lot 75'x100'. Facing Talbot St:
1st bldg: 1st flr: ‘The Christmas Shop’ 40'x40';
2nd flr: Apt 2BR 1B (rented)
2nd flr: Apt 1BR 1B (Audrey Aldrich)
2nd bldg: 1st flr: ‘St. Michaels Candy & Gifts’ 40'x35';
2nd flr: Apt 3BR 1 B (rented)
3rd bldg: 1st flr: ‘Take me Home’ 40'x25';
2nd flr: Apt 2BR 1B (rented)
4th bldg: Warehouse 60'x100': 1st flr CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry store;
2nd flr warehouse for ‘Take Me Home’ & misc CWP use
Lot 2: 25'x175' 1 story building 15'x20', ‘Silva Wear’
Lot 3: 100'x100',, 10'x20' shed, parking lot 50'x75' behind house connecting to parking lot on lot 1, 30'x30' parking lot beside building
2 story bldg: 35'x35' 1st flr: CWP Hairy Wish Now, Health & Beauty Spa;
2nd flr: Apt 2BR 1 B ( )
2nd flr: Apt 2BR 1 B ( )
Clan Wells Point No Map
CWP House: clan dorm building in College Park for University of Maryland: Sturdy brick 2 story building was on the northeast corner of Baltimore Avenue (US Route 1) and Calvert Road. The portion along Baltimore Avenue was 40' wide south to north, then made a 90* turn due east for 12', then turned southeast at about 90* for 62'. The portion along Calvert Road ran west to east for 70' then made a 90* turn due north for 24' to meet the angled back northern wall. The street level windowed store front ran 20' east from the intersection and 32' north with a door in the corner at the intersection facing Baltimore Avenue. A 3' wide canvas canopy/awning stretched over an arched tubular steel frame wrapped around both exterior sides of the store front. The last 8' of the western wall was an entrance door to the 2nd floor apartments and 1st floor warehouse. About 12' beyond the store front on the southern wall was an entrance door to the indoor garage/warehouse with a flight up to the 2nd floor apartments serving as an emergency escape route. 8' beyond the door was a steel overhead garage door 10'w and 8'h. There was another 16' of building beyond that. There was a door on the eastern wall next to the corner at Calvert Road that served as a rear entrance with a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. The sidewalk on Calvert Road was 3' wide from the curb, then another 3' of grass except where pavement lead to the doors. On the very edge of the Calvert Rd. side of the building at the intersection was a fire hydrant. The sidewalk along Baltimore Avenue consisted of 6' of brick sidewalk from the curb with 4' of concrete sidewalk up to the building. The Clan Wells Point remodeled installing sprinklers throughout the building, adding an elevator 6' square and adding a complete 3rd and 4th floor with a partial 5th. Solar panels were installed on the new roof for electricity and a super high efficiency heat pump system installed to provide heating and cooling. All windows and doors would be replaced with energy efficient units and all exterior walls sealed and insulated. All interior walls and floors would be insulated for sound suppression and fire resistance. The 1st floor consisted of the 20'X32' store-front which would serve as an eating/study area for residents as well as a coffee house type study lounge for customers. There was an office 8'X12' behind the store front on the Calvert Road side. A pair of four 4'X6" restrooms opened from the store front. Then there was a kitchen area 12'X16'. A walk-in refrigerator/freezer 6'X8" opened from the kitchen behind the rest rooms. The area behind that was a large open garage/storage area 38' long taking up the remainder of the floor except for the elevator which was next to the kitchen. Other than installing the sprinklers and elevator, the 1st floor merely need to be cleaned up and painted. The 2nd floor was gutted and the 3rd and 4th floors added with the same basic floor plan. The front and rear stairs connected by a single 'L' shaped hall with the elevator in the middle. Each floor would consist of 12 bed rooms averaging about a 144 sq ft with 2 shared 8'X12' bathrooms, one for guys and one for girls. This would provide 36 rooms, most of which could be rented to pay off the investment. The 5th floor would consist of a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment between the elevator and the rear stairway away from the street. This would be the residence of a full time manager for the kitchen who would double as building manager. This person would over-see a limited home-style menu available for 3 meals a day with snacks and drinks in between and after meals. Room rentals would be funneled through the campus housing office with the proviso that those students who needed accessible facilities at reasonable costs would have 1st shot. The rentals would be priced below but near off campus prices but high enough to pay the expenses. Renters would be provided 1 meal a day, with options for pre-paid 2 or 3 meals available. Any other meals and snacks would be ala-carte.
CWP Businesses
CWP, LLC: (WP10N) over CWP operations: Directors: Robert Scott, Kevin Stewart, Jane O’Brien Stewart & Steven Campbell; rotating board member 3/1 09 - 8/30/09 Serena Moonflower;
Office Manager: (also for attorney & accounting) Ruth Ewell;
secretary: Harriet Green,
online research: also for attorney & accounting) Ferdy Hammond & Amy Beck
Networking Manager: Marie Sanatana
CWP Accounting: (WP10N) Steven Campbell, accountant; Evelyn Masters, secretary
CWP Attorney at Law: (WP10N) Kevin Stewart, lawyer; Kelly Johnson, para legal
CWP Contracting & Construction: (WP3) Robert Scott, business mngr; Sheila Scott, office mngr; David Scott, foreman; Jimmie Stanley, carpenter; Harry Dryer, carpenter; George Bracy, painter; Matt Haley, mason; Adam Green, drywaller; Harold Rich, electrician, Greg Harris, plumber, and George Rich, roofer,
CWP Excavation & Concrete: (SM2) Margaret Walters,office mngr; Ray Gromis, laborer; Jeffrey Heaps, equipment operator; Gerhard Beck, backhoe artist; Bruce Nolt, laborer; Sterling Kozak, equipment operator; William Poore, site leader; Randall Hammond, site foreman;
CWP Organic Farm: (WP10S) Larry Scott, Rachel & Tony Masters, Dwayne Harper, Phil Abott, Wayne Hoffman
CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry Store: (SM14): Tracy Cooper, manager, 4 employees
CWP Greenhouses (WP7) M8t & K8t Green
CWP Dairy: Processing milk, butter ice cream cheese; Serena Moonflower, Misty Dawn co-managers 2 employees
CWP Poultry/Egg: processing: eggs: Julio Santana, manager; 2 employees
CWP Butcher Shop: butchering cattle & chickens Elaine Landis, manager; Justin Landis 1 assistant
CWP Green Power Initiatives: (WP6) Ben Johnson (head)
CWP Vertical Wind Turbine Farm: Dan Cooper, lineman
CWP Power Grid Distribution Center:
CWP Manure Digester: Ben Reese (head operator)
CWP Hairy Wish Now: (SM14) Arwen Gleason & Ruby Orlando co managers, Buffy Herr apprentice, Breanne Gleason
CWP Take Me Home: Cynthia Campbell,
CWP Horse Rescue: (WP14) up to 45 Heather & Jasmine Reese & Jimmy Boswell
CWP Landing: (WP13) Frank & Sarah Spade & Sam Evans & Jenny Ewell, Holly Reese
CWP B&B: (WP8) Laura Scott, Betty Boswell
CWP Grandview B&B: (WP52) Kurt & Amanda Shilling
CWP Metal Works: (WP9) Greg & Marcus Olsen,
CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair: (WP39) Kylie Masters Scott, Ed Nelson, Howard Gantner,, Dinky Dow Green, Krista Scott, Devin Gantner
CWP Bakery: (SM13) offering coffee, tea & beverages Stevie Poore; manager, Janet Heaps, Shirley Hammond, Eva and Donovan Beck, Ken and Barbie Poore, & Olivia Hammond
Jane O'Brien Stewart, Lisa Nelson guide/train bakery employees
CWP Catering: (WP5) (Clan Barn) Jane O’Brien Stewart, Lisa Nelson
CWP Youth Rehab Hostel: (WP22) Dr. Olsen, Cora & Barny Flint, Freddy Grant, Maude Bracy, Brenda Green
CWP Fabric and Cloth Enterprises: (WP23) Marjorie Delp emeritus, Norma Harper, Maureen Abott, Jamie Ewell
CWP Collision Repair and Body Shop: (WP41) Leo & Brandon Kahn, Gary Jenckes
CWP Charter Fishing Boat: (SM2) ‘Coconut Island’ Gilligan Evans & Callie Warren
CWP Susan’s Place B&B: (SM2) Mary Ann Evans
CWP Daycare: (WP38) Diana Harris, Elizabeth, Doris & Denise Rich
CWP Handcrafted Toys: (WP33) Helen Teeter, manager; Wanda Teeter, plushie leader; Henry Bailey, wood leader; Carol Bailey, store mngr, Abby Bracy & Barry Bracy
CWP House: clan dorm building in College park for University of Maryland
CWP Facebook and YouTube pages
CWP post office box in our Post Office in Bozman, MD 21612,
A SUMMER’S ODYSSEY CHARACTERS
(ASOx A Summer’s Odyssey book x) (birthdate) (age as of 4/30/09) (school grade)
THE CLAN WELLS POINT
Krista (Kristopher/Krissy) (O’Brien) Scott - ASO1: 06/25/94:15:9th: (M2F), 8th:dgtr/ Leroy, Carol, stepdgtr/Pat, half bro\sis/Lyndi, Teri, LJ & Peter, adpt sis/Sandi, cosn/Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, gdgtr Jane, Kevin, Robert & Sheila, niec/David, Laura, Larry & Kylie, GF/Tony, CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair, lead guitar {light freckles across nose, blond silken hair, blue eyes} (Krista is like a cat, has gone through 3 of 9 lives)
Lyndi (O’Brien) Scott - ASO1: 07/07/97:10/7th: dgtr/Carol, Leroy & Pat, twin/Teri, half sis/Krista, adpt sis/LJ, Peter & Sandi, cosn/Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, gdgtr Jane, Kevin, Robert, & Sheila, niec/David, Laura, Larry & Kylie, {light freckles across nose, blond silken hair, blue eyes}
Teri (O’Brien) Scott - ASO1: 07/07/97:11/7th: twin/Lyndi, half sis/Krista, adpt sis/LJ, Peter & Sandi, cosn/Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, gdgtr Jane, Kevin, Robert & Sheila, niec/David, Laura, Larry & Kylie, {light freckles across nose, blond silken hair, blue eyes}
Leroy (LJ) Scott Jr. - ASO1: 03/12/00:9/4th: son/Leroy, Patricia, half bro/Krista, Adptbro/Lyndi, Teri & Sandi, cosn/Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, gson/Robert, Sheila, nphw/David, Laura, Larry & Kylie,
Peter Scott - ASO1: 04/04/01:8/3rd: son/Leroy, Patricia, half bro/Krista, Adptbro/Lyndi, Teri & Sandi, cosn/Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, gson/Robert, Sheila, nphw/David, Laura, Larry & Kylie,
Sandi (Herr) Scott - ASO2: 02/23/01:8:3rd: molested, dgtr/Leroy, Pat, sis/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, LJ, Peter, cosn/Wanda, DJ, Sonny, Rayne, gdgtr/Jane, Robert, Sheila, niec/David, Laura, Larry, Kyli
Leroy Scott - ASO1:08/12/79:29:Adult: husb/Pat, dad/Krista, Peter, LJ, adptdad/Lyndi, Teri & Sandi, uncl/Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, bro/David & Larry, son/Robert & Sheila, sonlaw/Jane & Kevin, Talbot County Deputy Sheriff, drummer
Patricia (Pat) Scott - ASO1:10/09/79:29:Adult: wife/Leroy, mom/LJ & Peter, stpmom/Krista, adptmom/ Krista, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, dgtrlaw/Jane, Kevin, Robert & Sheila, aunt/Wand, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, Middle-high school nurse
Jane {Gram} (O’Brien) Stewart - ASO1:06/22/1960:49:Adult: wife/Kevin(3/29/08), mom/Carol, momlaw/Leroy & Pat, grndmom/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, LJ, Peter, Sandi, CWP Bakery, Clan Director, piano
Kevin Stewart - ASO2:6/12/59:50:Adult: husb/Jane (3/29/08), gdad/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, LJ, Peter, Sandi, dadlaw/Leroy & Pat, CWP Attorney at Law, Clan Director, bagpipes
Robert {Pappy} Scott - ASO1:05/16/58:51:Adult: husb/Sheila, dad/Leroy, David & Larry, gdad/Krista, LJ, Peter, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, CWP Contracting & Construction, business mngr, Clan director
Sheila {Nana} Scott - ASO1:06/21/59:50:Addult: wif/Robert, mom/Leroy, David & Larry, Gmom/Krista, LJ, Peter, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, Wanda, DJ, Sonny & Rayne, CWP Contracting & Construction office mngr, piano
David Scott - ASO1:07/28/82:26:Adult: husb/Laura, dad/Wanda, DJ, uncl/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, LJ, Peter, Sonny, Rayne, & Jimmy, bro/Leroy & Larry, son/Robert & Sheila, CWP Contracting & Construction, foreman; bass guitar
Laura Scott - ASO1:09/21/82:26:Adult: wife/David, mom/Wanda & DJ, aunt/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, LJ, Peter, Sonny, Rayne, & Jimmy, CWP B&B
Wanda Scott - ASO1:06/22/04:5:K: dgtr/David & Laura, sis/DJ, cosn/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, LJ, Peter, Sonny, Rayne, & Jimmy, gdgtr/Robert & Sheila, niec/Leroy, Pat, Larry & Kylie
David (DJ) Scott Jr. - ASO1:06/18/06:3:Nursery: son/David & Laura, bro/Wanda, cosn Krista, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, LJ, Peter, Sonny, Rayne, & Jimmy, gson/Robert & Sheila, nphw/Leroy, Pat, Larry & Kylie
Larry Allen Scott - ASO1:11/1/88:20:Adult: Husb/Kylie, dad/Sonny & Rayne, Uncl/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, Sandi, LJ, Peter, Wanda & DJ, bro/ Leroy & David, son/Robert & Sheila, bro/Leroy & David, CWP Organic Farm,
Kylie (Kyle) (Masters) Scott - ASO1:12/15/88:20:Adult: (M2F), wif/Larry, mom/Sonny & Rayne, aunt/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, LJ, Peter, Wanda & DJ, SRS Jan 08, CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair, flute, bagpipes
Sonny (Warren) Scott - ASO3:5/22/08:1:Infant: twinbro/Rayne, son/Callie, gdson/Susan, adptson/Larry & Kylie, cosn/Krista, Lyndi, Teri, LJ, Peter, Wanda & DJ, adptgson/Robert & Sheila,
Rayne (Warren) Scott -ASO3:5/22/08:1:Infant twinsis/Sonny, dgtr/Callie, gdgtr/Susan, adptdgtr/Larry & Kylie, cosn/ Krista, Lyndi, Teri, LJ, Peter, Wanda & DJ, adptgdgtr/Robert & Sheila,
Lisa Nelson - ASO1:11/23/53:55:Adult: wife/Ed, mom/Arwen & Ruby, gmom/Brianne, Dominic, Taylor, Brett & Blair, foster/Benny & Buffy until 3/1/09, CWP Bakery,
Ed Nelson - ASO1:09/03/52:56:Adult: husb/Lisa, dad/Arwen & Ruby, gdad/Brianne, Dominic, Taylor, Brett & Blair foster/Benny & Buffyuntil 3/1/09, CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair, retired police detective
Evelyn Masters - ASO1:09/17/67:41:Adult: Wife/Jim (dec), mom/Kylie, aunt/Tony, gaunt Sonny, Rayne, CWP LLC accountant sectry
Tony Masters - ASO1:4/10/94:15:9th: son/Jack(dec) & Rachel, cosn/Kylie, uncl/Sonny & Rayne, nphw/Jim & Evelyn, BF/Krista, CWP Organic Farm, tailback, large, exbully, bass guitar {red hair, freckles, sparkling green eyes & impish grin
Rachel Masters - ASO1:8/17/75:33:Adult: wife/Jack(dec), mom/Tony, aunt/Kylie, gaunt/Sonny, Rayne, CWP Organic Farm
Dr. Wanda Sykes-Giles - ASO1:12/12/61:47:Adult: wife/Miles, gynecologist & psychiatric gender specialist at Bay Hundred Health Center
Rev. Miles Giles - ASO1:02/24/62:47:Adult: husb/ Wanda, pastor of St. Luke’s UMC Church
Jimmy Boswell - ASO1:01/03/95:14:9th: son/Betty, cousin Wanda & DJ, nphw/ Laura & David, BF/Jaz, CWP Horse Rescue, violin
Betty Boswell - ASO1:10/23/76:32:Adult: mom/Jimmy, Aunt/Wanda & DJ, sislaw/ Laura & David, widow of Laura’s older brother, CWP B&B housekeeper
Dwayne Harper - ASO2:3/15/95:14:9th: (G), son/Norma, BF/Phil, CWP Organic Farm, trombone
Norma Harper - ASO2:8/12/77:33:Adult: mom/Dwayne, CWP Fabric & Cloth Enterprises
Phil Abott - ASO2:3/27/95:14:9th: (G), son/Maureen, BF/Dwayne, CWP Organic Farm, trumpet
Maureen Abott - ASO2:11/6/74:34:Adult: mom/Phil, CWP Fabric & Cloth Enterprises
Marjorie Delp - ASO2:5/21/40:69:Adult: former babysiter Phil & Dwayne, CWP Fabric & Cloth Enterprises
Frank Spade - AS01:2/24/46:64:Adult: husb/Sarah, adptdad/ Heather, adptgdad Jasmine, Holly & Ivy, retired teacher, CWP Landing
Sarah Spade - ASO1:04/12/46:63:Adult: adptmom/Heather, adptgmom/Jasmine, Holly & Ivy, retired teacher, CWP Landing, piano,
Heather Reese - ASO2:09/30/76:32:Adult: mom/Jasmine, Holly& Ivy, adptdgtr/ Frank & Sarah, exhusb/Ben, sisex/Grethcen & Buffy, stepaunt/Ben Jr, George & Sandi, ex-exotic dancer, lost kids, killed man who raped Jasmine, CWP Horse Rescue,
Jasmine Reese - ASO2:08/12/94:14:9th: dgtr/Heather, sis/Holly & Ivy, hlfsis/BJ & George, stepniec/Gretchen & Buffy, stepsis/Sandi, gdgtr/Steven, Cynthia, Frank & Sarah GF/Jimmy, niec(dgtr)/Ben, raped in foster care, catatonic, CWP Horse Rescue, flute
Holly Reese - ASO2:05/21/96:13:8th:, dgtr/Heather, sis/Jasmine & Ivy, hlfsis/BJ & George, stepsis/Sandi, gdgtr/Steven, Cynthia, Frank & Sarah, niec(dgtr)/Ben, stepniec/Gretchen & Buffy GF/Donovan, foster care, CWP Landing
Ivy Reese - ASO2:06/9/98:11:6th: foster care, dgtr/Heather, sis/Jasmine & Holly, hlfsis/BJ & George, niec/Gretchen, stepsis/Sandi, gdgtr Steven, Cynthia, Frank & Sarah, niec(dgtr)/Ben, stepniec/Gretchen & Buffy
Ben (Benny) Reese - ASO2:05/25/76:33:Adult: exhusb/Heather & Gretchen, husb/Buffy 3/28/09, son/Cynthia, sonlaw/Steven, uncle(dad)/Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, Ben Jr, George & Sandi, 1/29/08 sentenced to 59 yrs, suspended to 5 yr release to CWP/5 yr renewal/commute/CWP ok, CWP Green Power Initiatives, Manure Digester operator
Buffy (Herr) Reese - ASO2:08/28/84:24: aunt(mom)/Sandi, Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, Ben Jr, & George, dgtrlaw/Cynthia & Steven, sisexwif/Heather & Gretchen, stepaunt/Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, Ben Jr & George, exdope head, 11/1/07 sentenced 10 years prison, 3/15/08 paroled to CWP, married Ben 3/28/09, apprentice CWP Hairy Wish Now, drums
Steven Campbell - ASO2:03/27/54:57:Adult: husb/Cynthia, stepdad/Benny, dadlaw/Heather, Gretchen & Buffy, gdad/Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, BJ & George, stepgdad/Sandi, CWP LLC accountant, bagpipes
Cynthia Campbell - ASO2:03/9/54:57:Adult: wif/Steven, mom/Benny, momlaw/Heather, Gretchen & Buffy, gmom Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, BJ & George,, stepgmom/Sandi, CWP Take Me Home, piano
Gretchen Reese - ASO2:09/23/86:22:Univ: dgtr/Winston & Elizabeth, exwif/Benny, mom/BJ & George, sis/Harold, George & Diane, sislaw/Doris, Denise & Gregory, aunt/Joyce Harold, Kevin, George, Kyle, James, Karen, sisex/Heather & Buffy, stepaunt/Jasmine, Holly, Ivy & Sandi, study to be PT
Benny Reese Jr(BJ) -ASO2: 07/01/06:2:Toddler: son/Gretchen, bro/George, hlfbro/Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, nphw/Heather, Harold, George, Diane, Doris, Denise & Gregory, grndson/Steven, Cynthia, Elizabeth & Winston(dec) nepw(son)/Ben, stepbro/Sandi, stepaunt/Buffy & Heather,
George Reese - ASO2/3:02/18/08:1:Infant: son/Gretchen, bro/Benny Jr, hlfbro/Jasmine, Holly, Ivy, nepw/Heather, Harold, George, Diane, Doris, Denise & Gregory, grndson/Steven, Cynthia, nphw(son)/Ben, stepbro/Sandi, stepaunt/Buffy & Heather,
Dr. Grace Olsen - ASO2:03/24/66:43:Adult: wif/Greg, mom/Marcus & Chris, CWP Youth Rehab Hostel & Requard Rehab Center for Acute Rehabilitation, (neurological physiatrist & Physical medicine and rehabilitation)
Greg Olsen - ASO2:06/06/64:45:Adult: husb/Grace, dad/Marcus & Chris, CWP Metal Works (machinist/designer - computer numerically controlled {CNC})
Marcus Olsen - ASO2:01/28/96:13:8th: son/Greg & Grace, bro/Chris, BF Olivia, CWP Metal Works
Chris Olsen - ASO2:03/17/98:11:6th: son/Greg & Grace, bro/Marcus
Jamie (James) Ewell - ASO2:12/29/90:18:Univ: (M2F), dgtr/Ruth & Dick, Adptsis/Jenny, cosn/Linda Sweeney, GF/Freddy, 6'2", 220# exforward striker on the school's soccer team, xmas dance queen 2007, tambourine & vocals, CWP Fabric & Cloth Enterprises,
Ruth Ewell - ASO2:05/30/70:39:Adult: exwife/Dick, mom/Jamie, adptmom/Jenny, CWP Attorney at Law secrtry
Jenny (Jennifer Sue) (Justin Raven) Ewell - ASO3:04/01/94:15:9th: (M2F), adptdgtr/Ruth, adptsis/Jamie, exson/Charlie(dec) & Lorraine (dec), exgson/Richard(dec) & Virginia(dec), GF/Sam, runaway, killed father 01/01/08, {chin length straight red hair, green eyes, 5'3" 105#}, CWP Landing
Freddy Grant - ASO2:04/21/91:18:Adult: son/Jacob, BF/Jamie, exhoods, legs ampt’d/ 3" left & 6" right stumps, Otto Bock Orthopedic Industry C-Legs, (skull & 3 vertabrea fractured,9 ribs broken, punctured lung, cut kidney, remove part of liver & spleen) xmas dance co-king, CWP Youth Rehab Hostel, keyboards
Barney Flint - ASO2:6/3/91:18:Adult: son/Cora, exhoods, remove spleen, 1 kidney, 1/2 lung, left arm, (right humerus severe fracture, left arm humerus, all ribs & 3 vertebrae & skull & cheeks & nose & jaw fractured, collar bone snapped, 4 top & 4 bottom front teeth shattered) xmas dance co-king, CWP Youth Rehab Hostel, drummer
Cora Flint - ASO2:05/05/70:39:Adult: mom/Barney, CWP Youth Rehab Hostel
Sam (Samantha) Evans - ASO3:06/08/95:14:9th: (F2M), son/Gilligan & Mary Ann, BF/Jenny, CWP Landing, banjo & mandolin, & steel guitar
Mary Ann Evans - ASO3:08/11/74:34:Adult: wife/Gilligan, mom/Sam, office CWP Charter & Susan’s Place B&B
Gilligan Evans - ASO3:05/22/73:36: husb/Mary Ann, dad/Sam, CWP Charter Fishing Boat (The Coconut Island)
Kurt Schilling - ASO3:9/24/71:37:Adult: hus/Amanda, Grandview B&B
Amanda Schilling - ASO3:10/13/72:36Adult: wif/Kurt, Grandview B&B
Leo (Leonard) Kahn - ASO3:3/25/46:63:Adult: husb/Irene(dec), gdad/Brandon, gdadlaw/Gary, CWP Collision Repair & Body Shop
Brandon Kahn - ASO3:2/5/89:20:Adult: (G) husb/Gary, gson/Leo, 6'1', 230#, CWP Collision Repair & Body Shop
Gary Jenckes - ASO3:4/6/89:20:Adult: (G), husb/Brandon, sonlaw/ Leo, CWP Collision Repair & Body Shop
Serena Moonflower - ASO3:3/16/49:60:Adult: (L), ex-hippie lives/Misty, CWP Organic Farm
Misty Dawn - ASO3:6/21/49:60:Adult: (L), ex-hippie lives/Serena, CWP Organic Farm
Bill (William) Dougherty - ASO2:03/22/38:71: CWP Organic Farm emeritus, fiddle
Elizabeth Rich - ASO4:11/12/59:49:Adult: wif/Winston, mom/Gretchen, Harold, George & Diana, momlaw/Doris, Denise & Gregory, gmom to Joyce, Harold Jr, Kevin, George Jr, Kyle, James, Karen, Benny Jr & George, CWP Daycare
Harold Rich - ASO4:9/25/78:31:Adult: hus/Doris, son/Winston(dec) & Elizabeth, bro/Gretchen, George, Diana, brolaw/Denise & Gregory, dad/Joyce, Harold Jr., Kevin, uncl/George Jr, Kyle, James, Karen, Benny Jr & George, CWP Contracting & Construction, electrician
Doris Rich - ASO4:12/8/78:31:Adult: wif/Harold, mom/Joyce, Harold Jr., Kevin, dgtrlaw/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth, sislaw/ Gretchen, George, Diana, Denice & Gregory, aunt/George Jr, Kyle, James, Karen, Benny Jr & George, CWP Daycare
Joyce Rich - ASO4:6/5/97:12:7th: dgtr/Harold & Doris, sis/Harold Jr., Kevin, cosn/George Jr, Kyle, James, Karen. Benny Jr & George, niec/George, Diana, Denise, Gregory & Gretchen, gdgtr/Winston(dec) & Elizabeth,
Harold Rich Jr. - ASO4:8/23/98:10/6th: son/Harold & Doris, bro/Joyce & Kevin, cosn/George Jr, Kyle, James, Karen. Benny Jr & George, nphw/George, Diana, Denise, Gregory & Gretchen, gson/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth,
Kevin Rich - ASO4:11/9/99:9:4th: son/Harold & Doris, bro/Joyce & Harold Jr., cosn/George Jr, Kyle, James, Karen. Benny Jr & George, nphw/George, Diana, Denise, Gregory & Gretchen, gson/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth,
George Rich - ASO4:10/16/79:29:Adult: hus/Denise, son/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth, dad/Denise, George Jr. & Kyle, bro/Gretchen, Harold, Diana, brolaw/Doris & Gregory, uncl/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, James, Karen, Benny Jr, & George, CWP Contracting & Construction, roofer
Denise Rich - ASO4:2/15/79:30:Adult: wif/George, mom/George Jr., Kyle, dgtr/ Winston (dec) & Elisabeth, sislaw/Harold, Doris, Diana, Gregory, & Gretchen, aunt/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, James, Karen, Benny Jr, & George, CWP Daycare
George Rich Jr. - ASO4:5/16/98:11/6th: son/George, Denise, bro/Kyle, cosn/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, James, Karen, Benny Jr & George, nphw/Harold, Doris, Diana, Gregory & Gretchen, gson/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth,
Kyle Rich - ASO4:3/6/99:10/5th: son George, Denise, bro/George Jr., cosn/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, James, Karen, Benny Jr & George, nphw/Harold, Doris, Diana, Gregory & Gretchen, gson/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth,
Diana Rich Harris- ASO4:1/21/81:28:Adult: wif/Gregory, dght/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth, sis/Gretchen, Harold & George, sislaw/Doris & Gregory, mom/James, Karen, aunt/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, George Jr, Kyle, Benny Jr, & George, CWP Daycare
Gregory Harris - ASO4:12/6/79:29:Adult: hus/Diana, dad/James, Karen, uncl/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, George Jr, Kyle, Benny Jr, & George, brolaw/Gretchen, Harold, George, Doris & Gregory, sonlaw/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth, CWP Contracting & Construction, plumber
James Harris - ASO4:9/12/02:7/2nd: son/Diana, Gregory, bro/Karen gson/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth, cosn/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, George Jr, Kyle, Benny Jr, & George, nphw/Gretchen, Harold, George, Doris & Gregory,
Karen Harris - ASO4:11/23/03:6:K: dght/Diana, Gregory, sis James, gdgtr/Winston (dec) & Elizabeth, cosn/Joyce, Harold, Kevin, George Jr, Kyle, Benny Jr, & George, niec/Gretchen, Harold, George, Doris & Gregory,
Diane Hoffman - ASO4:11/23/78:30:Adult: wif/Wayne, mom/Kyle, John, Judy, former Texas deputy now Talbot County Deputy Sheriff, fiddle
Wayne Hoffman - ASO4:1/28/78:31:Adult: hus/Diane, dad/Kyle, John, Judy former cowboy/farmer now CWP Organic Farm
Kyle Hoffman - ASO4:3/14/99:10:5th: son/Diane & Wayne, bro/John & Judy
John Hoffman - ASO4:5/7/01:8:3rd: son/Diane & Wayne Bro/ Kyle & Judy
Judy Hoffman - ASO4:7/21/02:6:2nd: dgtr/Diane & Wayne, sis/Kyle & John
Theodore Jablonski - ASO4:2/21/32:77:adult: hus/Rachel, farmer, (west of Neavitt) stroke, retired
Rachel Jablonski - ASO4:5/12/36:73:Adult: wif/Theodore, farmer retired
Callie Warren - ASO3:5/26/89:20:Adult: - aunt(mom)/Sonny & Rayne, dgtr/Susan, jailed 1/15/08 in Texas 20 to life/accessory murder & armed robbery, 11/28/16 conviction overturned, released 11/31/16, CWP Charter Fishing Boat
Ben Johnson - ASO4:3/13/86:23:Adult: hus/Kelly, dad/Grant & Penny, left arm amputated mid upper, associates degree in Renewable Energy Technologies at the Pa College of Technology Williamsport, CWP Green Energy Initiatives
Kelly Johnson - ASO4:4/9/86:23:Adult: wife/Ben, mom/Grant & Penny, Pa College of Technology Williamsport, associates degree para legal, CWP Attorney At Law para-legal
Grant Johnson - ASO4:8/14/07:1:Infant: son/Ben & Kelly, bro /Penny
Penny Johnson - ASO4:9/26/08:0:Baby: dgtr/Ben & Kelly, sis/ Grant,
Wendy (Farr) Teeter - ASO4:8/2/83:25:Adult: exwif/Lenny, mom/Becky, adptdgtr/Helen, CWP Handcrafted Toys plushie leader
Becky (Farr) Teeter - ASO4:3/8/04:5:K: dgtr/Lenny & Wendy, adptgdgtr/Helen, heart transplant recipient (from Kurt Teeter)
Helen Teeter - ASO4:5/15/57:52:Adult: wif/Kirk, mom/Kirk II, adptmom/Wendy, gmom Kurt, adptgdgtr/Becky, CWP Handcrafted Toys, mngr
George Bracy - ASO1:06/23/83:26:Adult: hus/Abby, dad/Gwen & Brad, son/Maude, bro/Barry, CWP Contracting & Construction painter
Abby Bracy - ASO4:08/13/83:25:Adult: wif/George, mom/Gwen & Maude, dgtrlaw/Maude, sislaw/Barry, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Gwen Bracy - ASO4:3/30/03:6:1st: dgtr/George & Abby, sis/Brad, gdgtr/Maude, niec/Barry
Brad Bracy - ASOR:4/5/04:5:K: son/George & Abby, bro/Gwen, gson/Maude, neph/Barry
Maude Bracy - ASO4:7/9/57:51:Adult: mom/George & Barry, gmom/Gwen & Brad, momlaw/Abby, CWP Youth Rehab Hostel nurses aid
Barry Bracy - ASO4:5/2/94:15:10th: son/Maude, bro/George, brolaw/Abby, Uncl/Gewn & Brad, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Jimmy Stanley - ASO1:01/20/83:25:Adult: hus/Bonnie, dad/Lori & Dori, CWP Contracting & Construction carpentry
Bonnie Stanley - ASO4:07/9/83:25:Adult: wif/Jimmy, mom/ Lori & Dori, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Lori Stanley - ASO4:01/15/03:6:1st: dgtr/Jimmy & Bonnie, twinsis/Dori
Dori Stanley -ASO4:01/15/03:6:1st: dgtr/Jimmy & Bonnie, twinsis/Lori
Harry Dryer - ASO1:05/29/80:29:Adult: hus/Nancy, dad/Jill, Karen & Mindy, CWP Contracting & Construction carpentry
Nancy Dryer - ASO4:10/16/80:28:Adult: wif/Harry, mom/Jill, Karen & Mindy, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Jill Dryer - ASO4:9/7/98:10:5th: dgtr/Harry & Nancy, sis/Karen & Mindy,
Karen Dryer - ASO4:11/16/99:9:4th: dgtr/Harry & Nancy, sis/Jill & Mindy
Mindy Dryer - ASO4:10/21/00:8:3rd: dgtr/Harry & Nancy, sis/Jill & Karen
Matt Haley - ASO1:10/09/79:29:Adult:(G) hus/Adam Green, CWP Contracting & Construction mason
Adam Green - ASO1:06/18/79:30:Adult: (G) hus/Matt Haley, CWP Contracting & Construction drywaller
Henry Bailey - ASO4:07/12/15:52:Adult: hus/Carol, dad/Lester, 6 bypass, CWP Handcrafted Toys wood leader
Carol Bailey - ASO4:9/22/56:52:Adult: wif/Henry, mom/Lester, CWP Handcrafted Toys store mngr
Lester Bailey - ASO4:03/14/87:22:Adult: son/Henry & Carol, wounded vet, rt leg amp at knee, lft leg amp mid thigh, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Howard Gantner - ASO4:12/4/72:36:Adult: exhus/Gloria, dad/Devin & Allen, CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair
Devin Gantner - ASO4:2/9/93:16:11th: son/Howard & Gloria, bro/Allen, CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair
Allen (Ellen) Gantner ASO4:4/11/97:12:7th: (F2M), son/Howard & Gloria, bro/Devin
Margaret Walters - ASO4:7/10/78:40:Adult: wif/Mark (dec), CWP Excavation & Concrete, office mngr
Ray Gromis - ASO4:11/5/88:20:Adult: CWP Excavation & Concrete, laborer
Jeffrey Heaps - ASO4:9/29/84:24:Adult: hus/Janet, dad/Colton & Annabelle, CWP Excavation & Concrete, equipment operator
Janet Heaps - ASO4:5/17/84:25:Adult: wif/Jeffrey, mom/Colton & Annabelle, CWP Bakery
Colton Heaps - ASO4:6/9/05:4:PreK: son/Jeffrey & Janet, bro/Annabelle
Annabelle Heaps - ASO4:8/3/07:1:Infant: dgtr/Jeffrey & Janet, sis/Colton
William Poore - ASO4:6/4/70:39:Adult: hus/Stevie, dad/Ken & Barbie, CWP Excavation & Concrete site leader
Stevie Poore - ASO4: 7/14/70:38: wif/William, mom/Ken & Barbie, CWP Bakery manager
Ken Poore - ASO2: 02/30/91:18:Adult: son/William & Stevie, bro/Barbie, Student council president, CWP Bakery
Barbie Poore - ASO4: 3/6/94:15:10th: dgtr/William & Stevie, sis/Ken, GF/Barry, CWP Bakery
Gerhard Beck - ASO4: 8/30/76:32:Adult: hus/Eva, dad/Amy, Donovan, Lydia & Barry, CWP Excavation & Concrete backhoe artist
Eva Beck - ASO4:6/13/77:32:Adult: wif/Gerhard, mom/Amy, Donovan, Lydia & Barry, CWP Bakery
Amy Beck - ASO2:03/19/95:14:9th: dgtr/Gerhard & Eva, sis/Donovan, Lydia & Barry, GF/Ferdy, {geek/ glasses}, 1/2 of data duo, CWP LLC
Donovan Beck - ASO4:4/26/96:13:8th: son/Gerhard & Eva, bro/Amy, Lydia & Barry, BF/Holly CWP Bakery
Lydia Beck - ASO4:8/1/98:11:6th: dgtr/Gerhard & Eva, sis/Amy, Donovan & Barry
Barry Beck - ASO4:5/7/99:10:4th: son/Gerhard & Eva, bro/Amy, Donovan & Lydia
Randall Hammond - ASO4:5/19/68:41:Adult: hus/Shirley, dad Ferdy & Olivia, CWP Excavation & Concrete site foreman
Shirley Hammond - ASO4:12/1/76:32:Adult: wif/Randall, mom/Ferdy & Olivia, CWP Bakery
Ferdy (Ferdinand) Hammond - ASO2:07/21/95:13:9th: son/Randall & Shirley, bro/Olivia, BF Amy {geeky loaner}, 1/2 of data duo, CWP LLC
Olivia Hammond - ASO4:08/29/96:12:8th: dgtr/Randall & Shirley, sis/Ferdy, GF/Marcus CWP Bakery
Bruce Nolt - ASO4:7/26/87:21:Adult: CWP Excavation & Concrete, laborer,
Sterling Kozak - ASO4:10/21/80:28:Adult CWP Excavation & Concrete, equipment operator
M8t (Karl Howard) Green - ASO4:4/12/92:17:Adult: husb/K8t, adptson& sonlaw/Brenda, adptgson Harriet & Dinky, co owner Gr8 Green Landscaping, 58TPC, CWP Dairy & Produce, greenhouses
K8t (Kathan Wheeler) Green - ASO4:5/21/92:16:Adult: (M2F), wife/M8t, dgtr/Brenda, gdgtr/Harriet & Dinky, co owner Gr8 Green Lawn Landscaping, 58TPC CWP Dairy & Produce, greenhouses
Brenda (Dobbins, Wheeler) Green - ASO4:1/23/73:36:Adult: mom/K8t, adptmom&momlaw/M8t, dgtr/Harriet, CWP Youth Rehab Hostel nurse
Harriet (Dobbins)Green - ASO4:10/8/45:64:Adult: wife/Dinky, mom/Brenda, gmom/K8t & M8t, CWP LLC secretary
Dinky Dow (Clarence Dimwitty) Green - ASO4:11/12/48:61:Adult: husb/Harriet, dadlaw/Benda, gdad/M8t & K8t, Dinky Dow’s Garage, (berserk battle behavior ‘dien cai dau’ which means ‘crazy’) CWP Engine & Mechanical Repair
Arwen Gleason - ASO4:6/28/73:36:Adult: dgtr/Ed & Lisa, mom/Breanne, Dominic & Taylor, sis/Ruby, aunt/Brett & Blair CWP Hairy Wish Now, heaklth & beauty spa
Breanne Gleason - ASO4:8/19/93:15:11th, dgtr/Arwen, sis/Dominic & Taylor, cosn/Brett & Blair, niece/Ruby, gdgtr/ Ed & Lisa, CWP Hairy Wish Now beauty & health spa
Dominic Gleason - ASO4:3/4/97:12:7th: son/Arwin, bro/Breanne & Blair, cosn/Brett & Blair, niece/Ruby, gdgtr/Ed & Lisa, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Taylor Gleason - ASO4:6/21/99:10:5th: (M2F) dgtr/Arwen, sis/Brianne & Dominic, cosn/Brett & Blair, niec/Ruby, gdgtr/ Ed & Lisa
Ruby Orlando - ASO4:5/18/76:33:Adult: dgtr/Ed & Lisa, mom/Brett & Blair, sis/Arwen, aunt/Breanne, Dominic & Taylor, CWP Hairy Wish Now beauty & health spa
Brett Orlano - ASO4:7/16/97:11:7th: son/Ruby, bro/Blair, csn/Breanne, Dominic & Taylor, npw/Arwen, gson/Ed & Lisa, CWP Handcrafted Toys
Blair Orlando - ASO4:6/23/98:11:6th: dgtr/Ruby, sis/Brett, csn/Breanne, Dominic & Taylor, npw/Arwen, gdgtr/Ed & Lisa
Audrey Aldrich - ASO4:2/15/43:66: owner of ‘Take Me Home’, retired, joined CWP 03/09
Dan Cooper - ASO4:10/17/80:29: husb/Tracy, dad/Lane, Louise & Corrine, CWP Vertical Wind Turbine Far, lineman
Tracy Cooper - ASO4:28,11/3/80:28: wif/Dan, mom/Lane, Louise & Corrine, CWP Dairy, Produce & Poultry Store manager
Lane Cooper - ASO4:7/6/98:10:6th: son/Dan & Tracy, bro/Louise & Corrine,
Louise (Louis) Cooper - ASO4:8/9/00:4th:(M2F) dgtr/Dan & Tracy, sis/Lane & Corrine,
Corrine Cooper - ASO4:7/15/02:2nd: dgtr/Dan & Tracy, sis/Lane & Louise,
Justin (Joy) Landis - ASO4:6/9/84:25: (F2M) husb/Elaine, dad(mom)/Shane, CWP Butcher Shop
Elaine (Gabriel) Landis - ASO4:5/29/84:25:(M2F) wif/Justin, mom(dad)/ Shane, CWP Butcher Shop manager
Shane Landis ASO4:4/8/07:2:Toddler: son/ Justin & Elaine
Julio Santana - ASO4:3/21/74:35: husb/Marie, widr/Linda, dad/Sophie & Hector, CWP Poultry manager
Marie Santana - ASO4:4/15/75:34: (M2F) wif/Julio, cosn/Linda, stepmom/Sophie & Hector, CWP LLC Networking Chief
Sophie Santana - ASO4:2/12/94:15:10th: dgtr/Julio & Linda, stepdgtr/Marie, sis/Hector
Hector Santana - ASO4:6/30/96:13:8th: son/Julio & Linds stepson/Marie, bro/Sophie
Snoopy! Spike! Andy! Olaf! Marbles! Belle! beagles
RE-OCCURRING CHARACTERS
Dick Ewell - ASO2:07/23/69:39:Adult: husb/Ruth, dad/Jamie, jailed 10/26/07 assault Ruth & Leroy, 2 yrs, release 12/15/09
Harry Halls - ASO2:10/12/74:34:Adult: TV rprtr WBOC-TV Channel 16 Fox affiliate Salisbury
Jacob Grant - ASO2:09/07/63:45:Adult: dad/Freddy, drunk
Judge Catherine Watkins - ASO1:07/07/52:56:Adult Krista’s name change & adoptions
Judge Wallace - ASO1:08/10/44:64:Adult Kylie’s name change
Old man Simmons - ASO1:05/07/45:64:Adult higher level math teacher
Dolores Whalen - ASO4:11/4/68:40:Adult: Tilgham Elementary School principal
Dr. Harris - ASO1:09/29/53:54:Adult: Jr/Sr High Principal
Dr. Mays - ASO1:07/14/51:57:Adult school district superintendent
Nate Peters - ASO1:03/6/58:51:Adult: St Michaels police chief
Craig Holtzman - ASO1:07/18/78:30:Adult: St Michaels police officer
Kent Graham - ASO1:06/23/60:49:Adult photographer
Hannah Graham - ASO1:08/26/59:49:Adult: wife & assistant of Kent
Daniel Steiner - ASO1:7/1/62:46:Adult: owner DBS Fine Jewelers
Brenda Steiner - ASO1:9/21/62:46:Adult: owner DBS Fine Jewelers
Mary Willis - ASO1:09/17/62:46:Adult: owner of Charisma Clothing Boutique
Melinda Willis - ASO1:06/25/91:18:Adult: daughter of Mary,
Capt. Ed Farley - ASO1:09/23/53:55:Adult: captain of H.M. Krentz
Mr. Warren - ASO1:12/20/64:44:Adult: Mr. W, Mitey-Mite football head coach, Midget asst coach
Mindy Welch - ASO1:01/07/75:34:Adult” girls cheer coach
Karen Savage - ASO1:07/30/95:13:9th: cheerleader, sporty {bouncy blond}
Beth Savage - ASO1:05/18/75:34:Adult: Karen's mom
Lisa Bennet - ASO1:11/02/94:14:9th: cheerleader, sporty
Kate Winslow - ASO2:04/28/95:14:9th, Krista, friend, sporty
Brittany Bailey - ASO2:8/26/95:13:9th: snobette
Chloe Carpenter - ASO2:09/14/95:13:9th: snobette
Tiffany Teasdale - ASO2:02/15/95:14:9th: snobette
Fiona Harper - ASO2:03/23/95:14:9th: csn/Dwayne, niec/Norma, {mousey, straight brown hair and glasses}
Lacy Blount - ASO2:06/27/95:14:9th: girly girl, not trendy fashionwise
Megan Leonard - ASO2:08/16/95:13:9th: {over weight, dumpy}
Klaus Smythe - ASO2:06/10/95:14:9th: jock, buddy Tony
Garret Houseman - ASO2:03/13/95:14:9th: jock, buddy Tony
Leo Thomas - ASO2:04/04/95:14:9th: class clown
Gary Stevens - ASO2:05/06/95:14:9th: class clown
Gwen Moore - ASO2:10/17/89:18:Adult: former Student council president
Linda Sweeney - ASO2:05/05/93:16:11th: cosn/Jamie Ewell
Amanda Frost - ASO2:02/17/69:40:Adult: Maryland assistant State Attorney General
Linda Roberts - ASO1:03/02/84:25:Adult: receptionist at gynecologist
Jason Lieberman - ASO3:04/21/71:38:Adult Pennsylvania Lawyer for Justin/Jennifer Sue
Dustin Ritter - ASO4:9/19/86:22:Adult: Callie’s ex, dad/Sonny & Rayne, life for murder & robbry Texas eligible parole 2027
Gloria Gantner - ASO4:5/16/73:36:Adult: wif/Howard, mom/Devin & Allen, abandoned family
DECEASED CHARACTERS
Carol O’Brien - ASO1:07/08/79(died 6/14/07: 28) mom/Kris, Lyndi, & Teri, dgtr Jane,
Irene Kahn - ASO3:5/15/46:(died 1/20/06:60), wif/Leo
Charlie Raven - ASO3:08/10/74:(killed by Jenny 1/1/08:33): hus/Lorraine, dad/Jenny,
Lorraine Raven - ASO3:09/11/74:(killed 1/1/08:33): wif/Charlie, mom/Jenny Justin’s mom
Jim Masters - ASO103/25/67:(died 10/15/03:36) hus/ Evelyn, dad/ Kylie, ace mechanic
Jack Masters - ASO1:12/01/68:(killed by Krista 8/26/07:38) hus/Rachel, dad/Tony, Uncle/Kylie, killed 3 men,
Susan Warren - ASO3:8/15/59:(died 6/30/08:48) - mom/Callie, grndmom/Sonny, Rayne
Winston Rich - ASO2:09/19/58:49:(died 7/6/08:49) hus/Elizabeth, dad/Gretchen, Harold, George, Diana,
Richard Raven - ASO3:02/02/54:54:(died 6/19/08:54) dad/Charlie, grandad/Jenny
Virginia Raven - ASO3:07/14/54:53:(died 6/19/08:53)mom/Charlie, grndmom/Jenny
Mr. Travers - ASO2:11/18/61:(killed by Heather 1/22/04:43) Jasmine’s rapist foster father,
Dan Miller - ASO2:12/02/78:(killed in jail 9/9/07:29) Buffy's BF & pedophile rapist of Sandi,
Edna Dougherty -ASO2:11/15/38/67(died 8/14/04) wife/Bill
James O’Brien - ASO4:10/22/59:48(died 9/29/02)Husb/Jane, grbdad/Krista
James Wells - ASO3:1918:(died 1990) great great grandfather/Krista
Elizabeth Hall Wells - n/a:1920:(died 1991) great great gandmother/Krista
James Wells Jr - n/a:1940:(killed Vietnam 1966) great grandfather/Krista
Helen Jones Wells - n/a:1941:(died car crash 1978) great grandmother/Krista, Mom/Jane
Kirk Teeter - ASO4:n/a:(died 12/22/08:52) hus/Helen, dad/Kirk II, gdad/Kirk III
Kirk Teeter Jr. - ASO4:n/a:(died 6/16/08:26) hus/Kirk Jr, mom/Kirk III son/Kirk & Helen
Linda Teeter - ASO4:n/a:(died 6/27/08:25) wif/Kirk II, mom Kirk III
Kurt Teeter - ASO4:n/a:(died 6/30/08:5) deceased organ donor (heart to Becky Farr)
Mark Walters - ASO4:n/a:(died 01/12/09:46) owner of Walters Excavation and Concrete
Lenny Farr - ASO4:1/21/83:26:(died car crash 3/29/090): hus/Wendy, dad/Becky, abndn family 06/08,
Linda Santana - ASO4:4/28/74:30:(died cancer 5/15/04) wif/Julio, mom Sophie & Hector
ONE TIME CHARACTERS
Fred Kase - ASO1:04/26/70:39:Adult CWP Contracting & Construction, plumber, quit 5/04
Jason Kern - ASO1:01/30/73:36:Adult: CWP Contracting & Construction, electrician, quit 4/04
Jeff Duncan - ASO1:10/25/75:33: CWP Contracting & Construction siding & roofing, quit 2/04
Judge Timmons - ASO2: Cecil County president judge
Judge Rudolph - ASO2: Cecil County presiding judge at Heather's trial
Harry Thomas - ASO2: Cecil County DA who prosecuted Heather's case.
DA Mark Baldwin - ASO3: Berks County district attorney
Mr. Dunn - ASO3: 07/26/56:51: bigot redneck tenant farmer on Campbell bought farm
Mr & Mrs. Wagner - ASO4: ages 51, own farm just south of Bozman, 1/3 size of CWP farm
Chief Kramer - ASO4: Chief of Police Fleetwood, Pa
Officer Dobbins - ASO4: officer of Fleetwood Police
Dr. Scornivachi - ASO4: Surgeon patch up Ben at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Dr. Rightmyer - ASO4: Surgeon patch up Ben at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Dr. Fletcher - ASO4: Surgeon patch up Ben at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Dr. Westfield - ASO4: Surgeon patch up Ben at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Dr. Eastman - ASO4: administrative head University of Maryland Shore Medical Center
Mrs. Miller - ASO4: head nurse, pediatric floor University of Maryland Shore Medical Center
CWP Members
Jane & Kevin Stewart / Sandi & Krista(M2F) & Teri & Lyndi & LJ & Pete & Pat & Leroy Scott / Robert & Sheila Scott / Bill Dougherty / Larry & Kylie(M2F) & Sonny & Rayne Scott, Evelyn & Tony & Rachel Masters / Ruth & Jamie(M2F) & Jennifer Sue(M2F) Ewell / Frank & Sarah Spade / Heather & Jasmine & Holly & Ivy Reese / David & Laura & Wanda & DJ Scott / Jimmy & Betty Boswell / Ed & Lisa Nelson / Steven & Cynthia Campbell & Gretchen & Benny & George Reese / Barney & Cora Flint & Freddy Grant / Dr. Grace & Greg & Marcus & Chris Olsen / Dwayne(G) & Norma Harper / Phil(G) & Maureen Abott / Marjorie Delp / Gilligan, Marcy and Sam(F2M) Evans / Kurt & Amanda Schilling / Benny Reese / Leo & Brandon(G) Kahn & Gary(G) Jenkes / Buffy Reese / Dr. Wanda Sykes & Rev. Miles Giles / Serena Moonflower(L) & Misty Dawn(L) / Theodore & Rachel Jablonski / Harold, Doris, Joyce, Harold Jr., & Kevin Rich / George, Denise, George Jr., & Kyle Rich / Gregory, Diana, James, & Karen Harris & Elizabeth Rich / Diane, Wayne, Kyle, John, & Judy Hoffman / Callie Warren / Ben, Kelly, Grant & Penny Johnson / Wendy & Becky & Helen Teeter / George, Abby, Gwen, Brad, Maude, & Barry Bracy / Harry, Nancy, Jill, Karen & Mindy Dryer / Jimmy, Bonnie, Lori & Dori Stanley / Adam Green (G) & Matt Haley(G) / Henry, Carol & Lester Bailey / Howard, Devin & Allen(F2M) Gantner / Margaret Walters / Ray Gromis / Jeffrey, Janet, Colton, & Annabelle Heaps / Gerhard, Eva, Amy, Donovan, Lydia & Barry Beck / Bruce Nolt / Sterling Kozak, William, Stevie, Ken & Barbie Poore / Randal, Shirley, Ferdy & Olivia Hammond / M8t, K8t(M2F), Brenda, Harriet, & Dinky Green / Arwen, Breanne, Dominic & Taylor(M2F) Gleason; Ruby, Brett & Blair Orlando / Audrey Aldrich / Dan, Tracy, Lane, Louise(M2F) & Corrine Cooper / Elaine(M2F), Justin(F2M), & Shane Landis / Julio, Marie(M2F), Sophie & Hector Santana / (167 not counting Susan Warren) {9 - M2F, 3 - F2M, 2 - lesbian & 6 - gay}
STUDENT COUPLES
Freddy & Jamie Krista & Tony Jasmine & Jimmy
Phi & Dwayne Jenny & Sam Amy & Ferdy
Barbie & Barry Holly & Donovan Olivia & Marcus
STUDENTS as of start of 2009-2010 school year
22-+ Univ: PG {boy/girl friends}
21-22 Univ. D: [Not in clan]
20-21 Univ C: Gretchen Reese,
19-20 Univ B:
18-19 Univ A: {Jamie Ewell (M2F) & Freddy Grant}, Barney Flint, Ken Poore
17-18 12th grade:
16-17 11th grade: Devin Gantner, Brianne Gleason, [Linda Sweeney]
15-16 10th grade: {Barry Bracy & Barbie Poore} Sophie Santana
14-15 9th grade: {Krista Scott (M2F) & Tony Masters} {Jasmine Reese & Jimmy Boswell} {Phil Abott (G) & Dwayne Harper (G)} {Jenny Ewell (M2F) & Sam Evans (F2M} {Amy Beck & Ferdy Hammond} [Lacy Blount]
13-14 8th grade: {Holly Reese & Donovan Beck} {Olivia Hammond & Marcus Olsen} Hector Santana
12-13 7th grade: {Lyndi Scott & Allen Gantner (F2M)} {Teri Scott & Dominic Gleason} {Joyce Rich & Brett Orlando}
11-12 6th grade: Ivy Reese, Chris Olsen, HJ (Harold) Rich, GJ (George) Rich, Lydia Beck, Blair Orlando, Lane Cooper
10-11 5th grade: Kyle Rich, Kyle Hoffman, Jill Dryer, Barry Beck, Taylor Gleason
9-10 4th grade: LJ (Leroy) Scott, Kevin Rich, Karen Dryer, Louise Cooper
8-9 3rd grade: Peter Scott, Sandi Scott,, John Hoffman, Mindy Dryer
7-8 2nd grade: James Harris, Judy Hoffman, Corrine Cooper
6-7 1st grade: Lori & Dori Stanley, Gwen Bracy
5-6 Kndrgrtn: Wanda Scott, Karen Harris, Brad Bracy, Becky Farr
4-5 preKndgtn: Colton Heaps
3-4 Nursery: DJ (David) Scott, Benny Reese,
2-3 Toddler: Grant Johnson, Annabelle Heaps, Shane Landis
1-2 Infant: George Reese, Sonny Scott, Rayne Scott, Penny Johnson
Baby:
CERTAIN CHANGE
Barney - one armed drummer (like the Thunder God, Rick Allen of Def Leppard)
Krista - lead guitarist Tony - bass guitar
Freddy - keyboards Jimmy - fiddle
Jamie - lead vocals & tamborine Dwayne - trombone
Phil - Trumpet Jenny - sax
Sam - banjo & mandolin & steel guitar Jaz - flute & 2nd keyboard
ADULT MUSICIANS
Jane, Sheila, Cynthia, Sarah, Ruth - piano Steven & Kevin & Kylie- bagpipes
Bill & Diane - fiddle Leroy & Buffy - drummer, bodhran
David - bass guitar Larry - lead guitar
Gilligan - banjo Mary Ann - mandolin
CLAN WELLS POINT PIPES ROCK
Bagpipes: Kevin & Kylie Lead guitar: Larry
Bass Guitar: David Drummer: Leroy
Drummer/Tamborine/Dance: Buffy Fiddle: Diane
Krista’s Generations
Generation I: James Wells b 1918 d 1990 old DUKW Elizabeth Hall Wells b 1920 d 1991 old
Generation II: James Wells Jr b 1940 d 1966 ‘nam Helen Jones Wells b 1941 d 1978 car crash
Generation III: Jane Wells (O’Brien) Stewart b 1960 Frank O’Briean b 1955 d 2002 heart attack
Generation IV: Carol O’Brien b 1979 d 2007 Leroy Scott b 1979
Generation V: Krista O’Brien Scott b 1995
CWP VEHICLES
E350 reconstructed 25' handi accessible wagon van/ WC lift seats 13 & driver & 3 WC/ 10 & driver + 6 WC/ 7 & driver + 9 WC - CWP Youth Rehab Hostel - 18" raised roof, remote control 600# capacity pwr WC lift/pwr rear doors, inside WC lift instead of rear bench seat = 2 side by side WC tie down points & across a narrow aisle another tie down point, 4 rows of 3 person bench seats / narrow front to rear aisle, (rear 2 bench seats removable for 3 additional WC tie down points each, painted the green and pink CWP tartan.
F-350 super duty crew cab 2005 – Robert (pappy)
Escape SUV 2006 - Sheila (nana)
Escape SUV 2002 - Harriet Green
Econoline van 1990 - Jane (gram)
Explorer sport track 2003 - David
Explorer Sport Track - 2002 Jenny
Escort - 2002 - Jenny
Expedition 2004 - Laura
VW Beetle 1972 - Kylie (fruitmobile) painted purple and decorated with daisies
Ranger 2003 Edge extended cab, 5 passenger, V-6 - Larry
Expedition 2005 - Pat & Spades
F 150 crew cab 2003 - Leroy (dad)
Expedition 2006 -Ed Nelson
Lincoln Navigator SUV 2008, silver - Campbells
Taurus X AWD 2008 silver - Heather
Taurus X AWD 2008 blue - Gretchen
1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser The original factory specs for the car were impressive: Weight: 4320 pounds; Length: 213.2"’ Width: 81"; Height: 56.1"; Wheelbase: 122"; Front Track: 59.4"; Rear Track: 59"; Turning Radius: 43.7'; Front Legroom: 44.1"; Rear Legroom: 43.4"; Front Headroom: 33.9"; Rear Headroom: 33.2"; Front Bench Seat: 61.3"; Rear bench seat: 62.9"; Passenger Compartment Volume: 102.3 cuf; Trunk Volume: 31 cuf; Front Suspension: Independent ball joint with coil springs; Rear Suspension: Longitudinal leaf spring; Steering: Gear Recirculating ball and rack; Engine: Ford MEL series V-8, 430 ci Super Marauder; Ignition: 4-stroke spark; Fuel: High octane Gasoline; Fuel system: 3 2-barrel Holly carburetors; Valves: 2/cylinder, V-90 degree OHV; Bore: 4.3"; Stroke: 3.7"; Compression Ratio: 10.5:1; Horsepower: 400; Torque: 480 ftlbs; Transmission: Multi-Matic 3 speed; Gearbox: Lincoln Turbo-Drive by Borg Warner 2.91 Diff. ratio; Fuel Capacity: 20.1 gallons; Tire Size: 8.00 - 14, Tread Width: 8", Rim size: 14". The factory acceleration standards for the two ton plus behemoth were impressive: 0-20 mph: 2.0 sec.; 0-40 mph: 4.4 sec.; 0-60 mph: 7 sec.; 0-80 mph: 12.3 sec.; 0-100 mph: 19.4 sec.; 0-130 mph: 79.5 sec. Added 2 - 5 gallon fuel tanks under rear seat sealed from interior for fuel cap. 30.1, added side pipes, Chrome Mags with 235/75 R15 radial tires, 9.25inchs wide and 28.9 inches high. Super Maurder 430ci engine dyno’d at 430hp @ 5500 rpm, The Big Green Machine went from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 14.02 seconds at 101.52mph
1957 Ford Thunderbird (Dinky’s pride and joy) unique convertible hardtop featured porthole style windows on the sides of the hardtop portion. The 312ci (5.1L) engine featured 2 -4 barrel Holley carburetors coupled with a Paxton Supercharger put out 300 horsepower.
1938 Dodge Power Wagon Wrecker 4" letters “The Few. The Proud. The Marines. Semper Fidelis” painted in large circle. Centered inside circle is USMC emblem/‘Leatherneck’ emblazoned above emblem while ‘Ooh Rah’ emblazoned beneath emblem. ‘Dinky’ printed on left side of emblem while ‘Dow’ on right side.
1957 Ford F500 Dairy Delivery truck ex home milk delivery, refrigerated van area/CWP Dairy & Produce.
1956 P350 Ford Parcel Delivery Step Van dual rear wheels support the 12'Dx7'Wx7'H cargo bay
Tractor - 4 Ford
motorcycle Harley V-Rod 2006 - Larry & 5 - 80cc, 2.5HP, 23MPH to herd cattle or horses.
ATV - 4
trailer - flat bed/3' sides 7'w x 20'l
trailer - flat bed/18" sides 8'w x 10'l (for 2 ATVS)
trailer - enclosed 7'w x 12'l / 32" door left front side
trailer - 14'x6'/3' rails & 6' fold gate ramp rear made frm 10' frame of pickup/axle & suspension, added 4' back & V shape front, deck 2"x6" pressure treated lumber/4"x6" edges Gr8 Green
trailer - dual axle transport box trailer 7'Wx16'Lx7'H
Car transport trailer - dual axle
DUKW - 1943 (James Wells Krista’s gr gr gf, WWII vet) last run Hurricane Agnes June 1972 capacity 26 or 2 1/2 ton payload over land or water. Modified with Chevy 350ci / Turbo 400 autotran / a 2 speed transfer case/10 forward speeds & 2 reverse / 6 wheel drive, a water propeller & 10 ton winch. All or any of these can be run separately or together in any combination. Top speed: land 65 mph / water 10 mph. Tire inflation system: 2 cylinder air compressor & air tank allows the driver to inflate/deflate any one or all six tires at the same time from the dashboard. The dashboard also has a tire pressure gauge so that air pressure can be monitored. The front brake lines are protected in steel conduit with barbed wire cutters on the outside. weighs 7 1/2 tons empty and is 8' 3" W 31' L 7' 2" H, made 1942-1945 by GMC man. spec. GMC 270 ci 6 cyl. & Clark un-synchronized 5 spd
Coconut Island - fishing charter, Skipjack, 49 ft. length on deck, 70ft. length overall, 15.5 ft. beam, draws 4ft. 10 in. with the centerboard up, displaces 26 tons, and carries almost 2000 square feet of sail, 32 passengers & crew of 2
Teacher’s Peace - passenger charter, Island Packet Estero, 38' deck, 31' waterline, 14' beam, 4' draft, 3 cabins/8 berths, 708 sq ft sail
Teens Ahoy - rebuilt 1980 Steiger Craft Skipjack /enclosed cabin & pilot house seats 9 teens. 23'L x 8 1/2'W. draw 13" fiberglass hull, in-board 5.7 liter Volvo Penta engine. With depth sensor, GPS, radar, a bow thruster, windlass spotlight, extended hardtop with enclosure.
Canoe - 2
Kayak - 2
CWP WEAPONS
2 Desert Eagle .50 caliber with six 7 round magazines and holsters
10 Springfield Armory Model 1911 .45 caliber with thirty 9 round magazines and ten holsters
2 CZ-USA Scorpian EVO 9mm with six 20 round magazines
2 WWII German Army P38 9mm with three 8 round magazines Jenny’s grtgrdfather brought from Germany
2 Walther PK380 .38 caliber with six 8 round magazines
6 - 5 shot 12 gauge pump action shotguns
2 - 4 shot 12 gauge semi-auto shotguns
3 - 12 gauge side by side double barrel shotguns
3 - AR-15 assault rifles .223 caliber with nine 30 round magazines
1 Springfield Armory M1A semi-automatic rifle.308 caliber with two 10 round magazines
1 auto-ordinance Thompson style semi-automatic .45 caliber with two 50 round drums
1 Henry Big Boy lever action rifle .44 magnum caliber with 10 shot capacity
1 Winchester Model 1873 lever action octagonal barrel rifle .44-40 caliber with 13 shot capacity
1 Winchester Model 1894 lever action 30-30 26" barrel 8 round capacity
3 - WWII German Army Karabiner 98k Mauser 7.92mm/equipped with the German Zeiss Zielvier 4x (ZF39) telescopic sight yielding an effective range up to 1000 meters. Jenny’s grgrndfthr brought from Germany, 1 from K8t
1 Remington 700 ADL Varmint bolt action .223 caliber with 5 shot capacity
plus seven scopes attachable to the rifles
1 - M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) 30.06 rifle with 5 - 20 round magazines
thousands of rounds of various caliber ammunition for the weapons
2 crossbows with forty bolts
3 compound bows with quivers with thirty hunting and eighty target arrows.
MISC CWP POSSESSIONS
Krista’s Necklace/Pendant - long delicate golden chain suspending glittering emerald in finely filigreed gold setting/ dazzling stone shining in the reflected light (1993: $600) matching earrings: tiny glittering emeralds in finely filigreed gold setting, perfect matches pendant (2007: earrings $5000, pendant $ 7000, set, $15,000)
Grandfather clock imposing ornate 1895 Riefler Jenny’s grgrndftr5th Inf. Div. Patton’s 3rd Army 1st cross Rhine
Miscellaneous
Charm School, Inc.: Located in Bowie, MD, guidance to aspiring talent & professional models, specialists in personal presentation, image make-overs, & social development, dedicated to empowering students with self-confidence, poise & distinguishing character
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup
Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems (defunct)
Arundel Mills Mall in Jessup
Westfield Mall in Annaoplis
The Center at Salisbury in Salisbury
Talbot Bank of Easton 1013 S. Talbot St, St. Michaels, MD
M&T Bank 1208 Talbot St, St Michaels, MD
PNC Bank 1101 S. Talbot St, St Michaels, MD
Bank of America 305 talbot St, St Michaels, MD
Goodwill Super Store 134 N. Washington Street, Easton
NEWSPAPER & RADIO & TV STATIONS
Easton Star Democrat - published Sunday thru Friday
WBOC-TV (Channel 16; SALISBURY, MD; Owner: WBOC, INC.) FOX affiliate
WTGM - 960 AM
WCBM – 680 AM – talk radio with Rush Limbaugh (Baltimore)
WHFS – 1090 – sports & news (Baltimore)
WHFS – 1580 – talk (Baltimore)
WJHU - 88.1 FM - John Hopkins University multi format (Baltimore)
WPOC - 93.1 FM - Country (Baltimore)
WCEI - 96.7 FM - Easton Adult Contemporary
WIYY - 98.0 FM - Rock & Classic Rock with “Twisted Bits” (Baltimore)
WHFS 99.1 FM – Spanish format (Annapolis)
WQHQ - 104.7 FM
WHFS 105.7 FM – Sports (Baltimore)
WWMX - 106.5 FM – 80s to Current music, most popular station (Baltimore)
WMDT - Channel 47; SALISBURY, MD; ABC affiliate
WBAL Channel 11 – NBC affiliate (Baltimore)
WNUV Channel 45 - Fox affiliate (Baltimore)
WJZ Channel 13 –CBS affiliate (Baltimore)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Talbot County Sheriffs Department: 115 Dover St. W., Easton,
St. Michaels Police Department: 21601 St. Michaels, MD 21663
Talbot County Courthouse: 11 North Washington Street, Easton, Maryland 21601
Natural Resources Police (NRP): Eastern Region Hillsboro Office (Area 2) P.O. Box 157, Queen Anne, MD 21657 (Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties)
Primary Maryland state agency enforcing the State Boat Act & conducting search and rescue operations. The NRP have patrol boat duty stations throughout the Chesapeake Bay strategically located to enhance daily patrols for boating & conservation enforcement. The NRP is the lead state agency for search & rescue & coordinate efforts with the United States Coast Guard and county law enforcement marine units.
FIRE DEPARTMENT & EMS & Medical Centers
Tilghman Island Volunteer Fire Department & EMS staffed 24 hours a day
St. Michaels Volunteer Fire Department & EMS staffed 24 hours a day 1001 S. Talbot St.
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, Requard Rehab Center for Acute
Rehabilitation 509 Idlewild Ave, Easton
Bay Hundred Health Center 933 S. Talbot St. St Michaels (Dr. Sykes) part of Choptank Community Health Systems
PARKS
Back Creek Community Park (Tilgman Island_
Neavitt Community Park (Neavitt)
Perry Cabin Park & Sports Center (710 N. Talbot, St Michaels)
Seymour Ave Waterfront Park (750 Seymour, St. Michaels)
Sinclair Ave Waterfront Park (Tilgman Island)
Tilgman Island Elem Scl Sports Cntr (Tilgman Island)
TALBOT COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER (Easton)
Athletic Fields Ice Rink Eastern Shore Hockey Assoc
Rooms for Trade Shows Youth Hockey League
UTILITES
Choptank Electric Cooperative, Inc.:110 S Talbot St Unit 6, Saint Michaels
Easton Utilities Verizon
Electric Gas Telephone
Cable Sewer Internet
Internet Water Cable
Delmarva Community Transit: public bus service for Talbot County
CLUBS
4-H Clubs
Bozman Homemakers Club
Tidewater Titans Football
cubs (flag) 5-6 tiny-mite 5,6,7 35-75 mitey-mite 7,8,9 45-90
jr pee-wee 8,9,10,11 60-105 pee-wee 9,10,11, 75-120 midget 11-12-13-14 105-160
A. James Clark North Easton Sports Complex
1078 N Washington St Easton, MD
26.2 acres Town Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Football, Field Hockey, Softball
4 baseball fields & 4 soccer fields
Fundamental/Conditioning Football Camp & Fundamental Cheerleading Camp July 15- 19 6-8 pm Mount Pleasant Field
2009 Eastern Region Champs peewee
replaced by Shore Hawks for 2013
LIBRARY
Talbot County Free Library
main: Easton / branches in Tilgman Island & St. Michaels
SCHOOLS
ST. MICHAELS MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL 200 SEYMOUR AVE ST. MICHAELS
Grades 7-12, Public school, 390 students, 65/class Home of the Saints
Principal School Manager Assistant Principal
Secretary x3 Cafeteria Manager Computer Technician
Guidance Counselor x2 School Security Officer Instructional Facilitator/Technology
Art Teacher x2 English Teacher x5 Biology/Environmental Science
Math Teacher x5 Science Teacher x2 Social Studies Teacher x3
Music Teacher x2 Spanish Physical Education Teacher
Health Teacher Tech Ed Teacher x2 Special Education Personal Assistant
Business Education Foreign Language Teacher Instructional Assistant
Band Theater/drama Special Education Teacher x3
Varsity & Junior Varsity Sports:
Baseball & Softball Boys & Girls Basketball Wrestling Tennis
Girls Field Hockey Boys & Girls Soccer Golf
TILGHMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 21374 FOSTER AVE, TILGHMAN
grades 1-6 94 students
Principal Secretary Instructional Assistant x2
Teacher x 5 Teacher Special Education Title I Math Resource
School Start & End Times
Start 8:45 (Doors open at 8:15) Delayed Opening 10:00 (Doors open at 9:45)
Regular Dismissal 3:15 Early Dismisssal 1:15
Specialist Schedules
Music: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday Art: Friday
Band: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday P.E.: Tuesday & Thursday
Speech: Monday Guidance Counselor: Monday & Thursday
ST. MICHAELS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 100 SEYMOUR AVE ST, MICHAELS
Grades PK-6 Public school 263 students
Principal School Manager Secretary x2Head Custodian
Assit. Cafeteria Manager Media Specialist Pre-K Teacher
Guidance Counselor Teacher x 14 Physical Education Teacher
Computer Technician Instructional Assistant x3 Reading Specialist
Speech Pathology Music Teacher Art Teacher
Special Ed Teacher x2 Special Ed Secretary Instructional Assistant - Special
VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
American Legion Talbot Post 70: 29511 Canvasback Drive, Easton
Veterans of Foreign Wars 5118: 355 Glebe Road, Easton
Vietnam War - March 8, 1965 - April 30, 1975
Afghanistan War - October 2, 2001
1st Gulf War - August 2, 1990 - Feb 28, 1991
2nd Gulf War - March 20 - May 1 2003
CHURCHES
Union United Methodist Church, St. Michaels (African American)
Tilghman United Methodist Church, Tilghman
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, St. Michaels (Rev. Giles)
St. Michaels Chapel St, St. Michaels (Roman Catholic) Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
Christ Episcopal Church, St. Michaels
Gospel Tabernacle Apostolic Church, St. Michaels
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Easton
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Cordova
Scott’s United Methodist Church, Trappe
Waters United Methodist Church, Oxford.
Bozman United Methodist Church - Bozman-Neavitt Rd., Bozman
Neavitt United Methodist Church - 6395 Bozman-Neavitt Rd., Neavitt
COLLEGES
University of Maryland, College Park
Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD (Community College)
Salisbury College, Salisbury, MD (part of University of Maryland)
Washington College, Chestertown, MD
ZIP CODES
21612 Bozman (unincorporated) 21624 Clairborne (unincorporated)
21647 McDaniel (unincorporated) 21652 Neavitt (unincorporated)
21663 St Michaels 21665 Sherwood (unincorporated)
21671 Tilgman (Island) (unincorporated) 21676 Wittman (unincorporated)
Storm Surge for 100 Bay Peninsula
Cat 1 - 3-6 feet, Cat 2 - 6-9 feet, Cat 3 - 7-11 feet,
Cat 4 - 10-13 feet, Cat 5 - 13-20 feet
St. Michaels:
Medicine Shoppe - pharmacy North & Fremont Sts. St.
DBS Fine Jewelers of St. Michaels - (1988) 111 S. Talbot St., Daniel & Brenda Steiner
Bank of America - 305 Talbot Street,
Petals - 500 S. Talbot St., fresh flowers, gifts, gourmet baskets
Charisma Clothing Boutique - 201 S. Talbot St., Mary Willis, daughter Melinda- 11th;
The Inn at Perry Cabin - is a luxurious manor house resort and spa;
Kent Photography - Kent Graham, wife/asst Hannah Graham,
H.M. Krentz - Capt Ed Farley, sailboat
The Poore House - printer
Serendipity Salon and Spa
Historical Sites
St. Mary's Square: The Square was a feature of the original plan of St. Michaels developed by
James Braddock in 1778 laid out approximately 20 acres of land into streets and lots (mostly 60 x 120 feet. A survey made in 1804-1806 in accordance with an Act of the Legislature officially created the Town of St. Michaels.
"Public market house": was built on the Square around 1805.
"Mechanics' Bell": now on the Square was rung daily at 7 a.m., 12 noon, and 5 p.m., and measured the working day for the carpenters in the nearby shipyards.
Former Methodist Church: built in 1839. Its use as a church was discontinued in 1871. The building stands on the site of the first Methodist Church in St. Michaels,
St. Michaels Museum: at St. Mary's Square
The Cannonball House: During War of 1812, the Battle of St. Michaels, a cannonball penetrated the roof of this house, rolled across the attic floor and bounced down the staircase,
The Cottage: home of the Lambdin family, shipwrights who built large Bay craft such as schooners, pungies, and bugeyes as well as the popular working and racing canoes. The house is constructed of hickory, mortised and pegged, with an unusual fireplace and mantel in the main room.
The Amelia Welby House: brick covered with mahogany siding. Amelia Welby, called by some the first Poet Laureate of Maryland, and who was warmly praised by her contemporary Edgar Allen Poe, is said to have been born in this house.
The Cannons: two cannons in Church Creek Park are replicas of two given to St. Michaels in 1813
The Tarr House: is a Bed & Breakfast.
The Bruff-Mansfleld House:
Hell's Crossing: This intersection earned its nickname long ago from the fights among the watermen returning to their boats after a night "on the town"!
Small Frame House: built between 1800 and 1810, is one of the last 10 relatively unmodified survivors of many almost identical dwellings which once lined the streets of old St. Michaels.
Haddaway's Shipyard:
The Dr. Dodson House: Bed & Breakfast
The Snuggery: log houses with modern siding there are said to be black walnut logs 16 to 19 inches thick The Victorian interior features marbled mantels and period woodwork.
The Shannahan House: This house was designed and built by Henry Clay Dodson in 1873. The size of the house and its unique mansard roof set the Shannahan House apart from the other houses of St. Michaels. The interior, finished with Victorian millwork, is largely unaltered. Originally with a basement kitchen, a dumbwaiter still serves between what is now the cellar and the first floor.
The Footbridge: Built on the site of many earlier bridges, today's bridge joins Navy Point to Cherry Street It has been variously known as "Sweetheart Bridge" and "Lovers' Bridge."
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at Navy Point: Dedicated to the preservation of the Bay's maritime history, the waterside museum on Navy Point consists of 26 buildings on approximately 17 acres of land. There are floating exhibits including a skipjack, a bugeye, and a "buy" boat, a boat-building and repair shop; an aquarium; a cannery warehouse; and waterfowling and "History of the Bay" exhibits. A "Steamboat" building is the newest addition. The Hooper's Strait lighthouse, which dominates the area, was moved into the museum grounds in 1966. The museum includes an indoor/outdoor collection of items related to commerce & trade, navigation, fisheries, and waterfowling, plus a collection of 85 vessels. This collection of sail, power, and row boats is the largest and most important collection of its kind in the world. On the site is a steam saw and grist mill. A wharf in front was the landing for the steamboat OLIVE,
Freedom's Friend Lodge: constructed in 1883 for the Freeman's Friend Lodge Number 1024 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows.
The St. Michaels Branch Library est. June 1981, is part of the Talbot County Free Library system and, through that part of the Maryland Interlibrary Loan Organization (MILO). It is manned entirely by volunteers. Library hours 10 to 6 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays & 10 to 8 on Thursdays.
Town Hall Mail: 1870, the "Masonic Company of Talbot County" was incorporated "to erect a building to contain a Masonic Lodge Room and a Town Hall to be used as a place of Public Meeting. Under a series of owners the meeting room was variously used as a bowling alley, movie house, and storage loft; while the first floor has housed a hardware store, barber shop, printing office, and variety store.
Wrightson House: has handsome original handcarved mantels and matching cupboards.
Col. Joseph Kemp House: A Georgian-style house built in 1805 by Col. Joseph Kemp, a Revolutionary soldier The doorways of the house, staircases, and mantels are of mahogany. The Kemp House is now an inn.
The Crepe Myrtle House: built between 1845 and 1853, including beams and timbers, an enclosed stairway, second-story wide pine flooring, and other woodwork features.
San Domingo Creek this body of water is locally known as "Back Creek." The headwaters begin near the end of Grace St.
Gibson's cannon: near the harbor in Church Cove Park (known to natives as "Muskrat Park").
Berkeley Hall: built around 1840. The house contains a mahogany staircase, original ornate plaster moldings, "cross" doors, and a milk-glasschandelier in the large first-floor living room.
The Old Inn: A red brick building constructed in 1816 It has a cellar, unusual in St. Michaels, which still has a large fireplace where cooking was done. The Old Inn was also the St. Michaels Bank for a number of years.
Mount Pleasant: This white brick former residence. The central part is of the original construction. The building is now the Maryland National Bank.
The St. Michaels Winery: crafts boutique wines in the historic Old Mill. You can visit their tasting room and store, where they sell their wine and other treats such as locally made cheeses, gourmet mustards made with their wine, and premium olive oils and tapenades. Located at 605 S. Talbot Street.
The St. Michaels Fresh Farm Market: is open in Saturdays 8:30am to noon from April to October. A "producer only" market at which local farmers sell only what they grow. Located at Church Grove, Willow and Green Street.
St. Michaels Cycling: The flat country roads surrounding St. Michaels have wide shoulders and are popular with bicyclists of all ages.
Tilgham:
Harrison’s Chesapeake House - seafood restaurant in Tilgham
Fairbank Tackle, Fuel & Market on Tilghman Island sells fishing bait & tackle as well as tackle parts & are tackle repair specialists. They also sell Gas & diesel fuel for vehicles & at their dock
Agencies/Programs
Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) - provides farmers grants up to 87.5% cost to install conservation measures known as best management practices (BMPs) on farms to prevent soil erosion, manage nutrients and safeguard water quality in streams, rivers & the Chesapeake Bay. Grassed waterways constructed to prevent gully erosion in farm fields, streamside buffers of grasses and trees planted to filter sediment and farm runoff, and animal waste management systems constructed to help farmers safely handle and store manure resources are among more than 30 BMPs currently eligible for MACS grants.
Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA): Manure management protects environmental quality through containment and control of animal manure and waste nutrients associated with animal production. Manure management is an integral component of a nutrient management plan for any land where animal manure and waste nutrients associated with animal production exist or are utilized as a nutrient source. The nutrient management plan must be developed to address current manure management practices. Manure management planning is a management tool to improve resource utilization and to minimize potential non-point source pollution. Manure management planning consists of evaluation of existing conditions and procedures; identification of any improvement measures and; development of a schedule of implementation of identified improvement measures. It is used to identify site specific conditions and management deficiencies. Manure management planning considers the relationship of manure management to the overall operation of the land and the impact on the local environment. Manure management components selected are those most likely to succeed given the existing and potential economic condition, management skill, equipment, labor, site conditions, cropping systems and enterprise objectives. Manure management must encompass all land where animals are kept and all land used for manure storage, treatment or utilization that is under the control of the agricultural operator. Agricultural operators with insufficient land to utilize manure and waste nutrients associated with animal production must adopt manure management practices that contain or manage manure to minimize the potential for nutrient loss or runoff prior to export to other agricultural operations or receiving facilities. Manure management includes structural or management components necessary to manage animal manure for optimal benefit while minimizing water quality impacts. Manure management consists of a single component such as a diversion to exclude clean water from concentrated manure areas or several BMPs that function together to address site conditions, animal and manure management, manure storage and nutrient application requirements. Technical assistance is available from agricultural agencies including local soil conservation districts, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension and private consultants to address environmental problems or improve management efficiencies. Design criteria and specifications for individual components are contained in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide for Maryland, which is located in every local soil conservation district office. Operations may elect to use alternative criteria for design of temporary or permanent components where shown to be consistent with sound engineering, agronomic, and management principles such that the components achieve the intended purpose. If, over time, there are changes in the enterprise, modifications to the plan and manure management shall be required if necessary to achieve objectives of minimizing the potential for nutrient loss. The comprehensive evaluation of manure management shall include the following when applicable: Account for the location and size of the operation, it's proximity to waters, and the operation's enterprise (field crops, pasture, animals, etc.) and management ( crop rotation, machinery, etc.). Identify and address any problems that are associated with the operation's practices. Problems include nutrient runoff, ineffective manure management or utilization, or related environmental concerns. Account for soils (fertility, erodibility, texture), any topographical features that would be of concern such as steep slopes, drainage patterns or karst topography and proximity of natural resources such as water resources, sink holes and other sensitive areas. Manure management shall achieve the dual purposes of management efficiency and environmental protection and keep labor and costs reasonable for the operation and its continuation. Components include technology and management for manure collection, transport, treatment, storage, utilization and disposal; runoff and erosion control; animal control and other items. Address selected components by purpose in relation to other components and to manure management as a whole. Component details include purpose, size, shape, capacity, placement and other important information. Engineered structural components should include sufficient design information that will verify the safety, functionality and effectiveness of the structure. Address what kind of equipment is currently used or will be needed to operate the system, how the animal manure is applied to the land, and the time and labor required to manage animal manure, maintain BMPs, and apply nutrients. If additional BMPs are identified as needed, develop a reasonable timetable and sequence for implementing components. Manure management practices shall be installed or adopted in a sequence that allows each to function as intended without hazard to other components, the overall system, animals or humans. Address managerial, health, safety, environmental, mechanical, structural and other aspects of component operation. Address the types, timing and methods of operator conducted inspections and evaluations of components to identify and correct any disfunction.
Maryland Organic Certification Program (MOCP): The most widely used definition and one that has been adopted by the National Organic Standards Board, is “an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”
National Organic Program (NOP): a single set of US standards for organic production, labeling, and marketing and an advisory body, the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The Maryland Department of Agriculture Organic Certification Program (MOCP) was accredited by the USDA for compliance with the NOP in 2002.
Certification: As mentioned earlier, certification under the National Organic Program (NOP) is required to label, represent, and market products as organic. Producers can obtain certification from a state certifier such as MOCP. Under the NOP regulations, all operations or portions of operations that produce or handle agricultural products that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be certified. In addition to the NOP regulation of substances used in organic processing and handling, other Federal, State, and local laws and regulations apply to protect food safety and public health. The authority of these laws supersedes any organic standards and organic producers must comply with these other laws pertaining to their organic operation. Other applicable laws do not provide exemption for use of prohibited substances. It is important to recognize that organic certification addresses the process involved in producing and handling a product. Organic certification is voluntary and it assures the consumer that the product was grown using organic methods, and no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically engineered organisms were used in production, and that precautions were taken to prevent contamination from the outside.
Physical Therapist: PT assistant after two years of schooling. PT requires four years of undergraduate study, independence and control over PT career is a master's degree, MPT, another two years. From there it takes another year to get your doctorate, DPT. Then if you want to go further, you'll need to become a medical doctor which would take another two years
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) judge appointed to ensure children are placed in safe homes in a timely manner and receive all appropriate services while under the court's jurisdiction.
Fishing
Bass, Black Sea 12-1/2" May 22 thru Oct. 11 and Nov. 1 thru Dec. 31 25/person/day Bass, Largemouth 15" = Mar 1 - Jun 15
Bass, Smallmouth 12" Open Year Round 5/person/day
Striped Bass (Bay& Choptank) May 16, 2010 - Dec. 15, 2010 2 @ 18"- 28"/person/day.
Catfish: Blue, Channel, White 10" Open year round (Except bullheads)
Pickerel, Chain 14" 10/person/day CLOSED Mar 15 - Apr 30
Pike, Walleyed (Walleye) 15" Open year round 5/person/day By rod and reel, hook and line only
Clam, Hard Transverse 1" Open year round 250/person/day
Crab, Blue
All season 3 1/2" Soft Crab
4/1-7/14 5" Male Hard 3¼" Male Peeler
7/15 - 12/15 5¼" Male Hard 3½" Male Peeler
Apr 1 - Dec 15 Closed Wednesdays Except handlines, dip nets and pots at private piers
Apr, Oct, Nov and Dec 1/2 hour after sunrise - sunset in tributaries
May, Jun, Jul, Aug and Sep 1/2 hour before sunrise -sunset
Harvest of Females is prohibited, except soft crabs.
Croaker 9" Open year round 25/person/day
Drum, Black 16" 1/person/day & not more than 6/boat/day
Drum, Red 18" - 27" Open year round 1/person/day
Eel, American 6" If pot mesh less than 1/2" x 1/2" escape panel required With a recreational crab license-10 pots for bait for personal use.(License is required to set pots)
Flounder, Summer 19" 3 fish/person/day Apr 17 thru Nov 22
Lobster 3-3/8" carapace Open year round 5-1/2" max size for females and males 100 Lobster/person/day or 500 lobster/trip for 5 day or longer trip. V-notched females are prohibited.
Mackerel, Spanish 14" Open year round 15/fish/person/day
Oysters 3" Oct 1-Mar 31-1 Bushel/day Mon-Fri sunrise-3 PM Sat sunrise to noon CLOSED AREAS shaft tongs, rakes, hand and diving
Perch, White Gear other than hook & line 8" No size limit for Hook & Line
Perch, Yellow 9" 10/person/day
Sea Trout, Spotted 14" Open year round 10 fish/person/day
Scup 8" Open year round 50 fish/person/day
Snapping Turtles OPEN YEAR ROUND May not use hook and line, trotline, bow and arrow, spear, gig or gig iron or any device that would pierce any part of a turtle.
Tautog 14" Jan 1 - May 15 & Nov 1 - Nov 30, 4/person/day May 16 - Oct 31, 2/person/day Closed December
Walleye 15" Open year round 5 fish/person/day
Weakfish 13" Open year round 1 fish/person/day
Crabbing is one activity everyone in the family can enjoy for hours. Maryland Blue Crabs can be found just about anywhere near the Chesapeake bay from a few inches deep to the deepest parts of the bay. Crabbing season is usually June to October. Driving along the Chesapeake waterfront, you'll see people dangling string from the sides of the docks, piers, bridges and shorelines. They are using baited hand lines to catch the Maryland Blue Crabs. Other recreational gears to catch Blue Crabs include mesh rings, collapsible crab traps, trotlines, and dip nets. Bait hand lines and dip netting are two of the simplest ways anybody can use to catch the delicious blue crabs. The easy method to recreational Maryland Blue Crabbing is the bait hand line method. Tie a bait to a long string or fishing line and slowly lower it into the water. Use a weight to keep the line down. Slowly raise the line when you feel a nibble and use your net to scoop the crab on the end of your line. Crabbing with a Net near the cove or shoreline, you can use a dip net while on foot or in a boat. You have to spot the crab, dip and net it. This method requires more patience and hand-eye coordination.
Determining a Blue Crab's gender
A crab's gender can be determined by the shape of the abdomen on its underside. The male crab has an abdomen shaped like an inverted "T". An adult female's abdomen is broad and rounded. A female carrying a cluster of orange eggs beneath her apron is known as a "sponge crab and is nearly ready to spawn.
Popular crabbing places for the delectable Maryland Blue Crabs
A license is NOT required of an individual who uses 10 or fewer traps and rings, dipnets, handlines No more than 22 hard crabs, 12 soft crabs or peelers
OWNER OF PRIVATE SHORELINE PROPERTY
Creel limits vary depending on whether crabber is licensed or not - Individual Crabbing information above.
2 crab pots from a private property or pier or within 100 yds of shore and attached by line
Two cull rings required in upper chamber 1 measuring at least 2 3/16", 1 measuring at least 2 5/16"
Turtle Reduction Device no larger than 1¾" x 4¾"
According to Maryland regulation, a collapsible crab trap is defined as a manually operated, portable device having a flat bottom not more than 1 square foot, and not more than four articulated sides, each with an area not more than 1 square foot. The trap shall be designed so that failure to apply manually exerted tension on the closing mechanism allows the crabs to escape. In other words, a crab trap must allow crabs to enter and exit the trap until the user pulls the line up to retrieve the trap. This pulling of the line manually closes the sides on the trap.
CATCH LIMITS FOR AN UNLICENSED BOAT:
Without any licensed persons in the unlicensed boat;
4 dozen hard crabs & 1 dozen soft crabs or peelers
One licensed crabber in the boat alone or with unlicensed crabbers;
1 bushel of hard crabs & 2 dozen soft crabs and peelers
If 2 or more licensed persons in the unlicensed boat;
2 bushels of hard crabs & 2 dozen soft crabs or peelers
Consolidated Bay Sport Boat License allows everyone on board a vessel used for pleasure to recreationally fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in lieu of individual licenses. A special complimentary Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license, which includes recreational crabbing, will be issued to the boat owner purchasing this license. $50.00 for residents and nonresidents
Added Info
$500,000 Holly & Ivy
$3,000,000 Heather
$5,000,000 Jasmine + legitimate costs rehabilitation, physical and mental, an ongoing expense
$500,000 trust fund for Krista
Grazing 1.5 acres/head, acre is 200'x200' all fields around main farm can handle 220 head
Environmental Concern Inc. - a 501(c)3 public not for profit Corporation, that is dedicated to working with all aspects of wetlands; the most productive and fascinating ecosystems in the world. After more than 40 years of providing wetland services in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and beyond, we continue to broaden our partnership efforts. We have made significant progress in the ongoing effort to improve the water quality in the bay; yet there is still much work to be done. Protecting our wetlands is vital.
We would like to invite you to visit our 7 acre facility located at the headwaters of San Domingo Creek in St. Michaels, MD. At the site you can view over 120 native wetland plants propagated and grown for wetland restoration efforts. In addition to supplying trees, shrubs and emergent grasses to wholesale and retail buyers, the nursery also supplies the wetland plants for EC’s restoration and education projects.
Since EC’s founding in 1972, the restoration division has restored over 35 miles of shoreline in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed using the bioengineering protocol developed by our founder Dr. Garbisch. Over the years engineers and scientists at EC have refined this technique, a process that has been proven over time as an effective long term solution to control shoreline erosion. In addition the division also constructs and restores wetland facilities to improve wastewater treatment and stormwater management. We are proud to be the recipient of the largest planting contract ever sent out to bid by the Baltimore District ACOE. The EC team planted 550,000 wetland plants on Poplar Island in 2005 (one of the largest restoration projects using dredged material in the nation).
EC’s education division works to increase understanding of, foster appreciation for, and encourage the stewardships of wetland systems. This is accomplished through materials/curriculum development, schoolyard habitat development and innovative outreach programs.
NOTES
MD gay Marriage: January 1, 2013
Facebook founded February 4, 2004
Twitter founded March 21, 2006
Snapchat launched July 2011
Instagram launched October 2010
smart phone iphone early 2007
Odyssey locale info
by Jennifer Sue
Almost all locations are actual sites although I’ve borrowed them for the story.
Apparently I'm too technically challanged to insert an image. It can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?id=100001202338...
Titled: A summer's Odyssey & Oddessy II
If someone with tech savy can insert the image, I'd be mighty thankful.
Wells Point roads:
WPL: Wells Point Lane, from SR579 150' to #11, 750' to LCL, 1600' to #1, 400' to #2, 500' to JCL, 800' to LNL, 1000' to #9 & 1st “Y” of SCL, 200" to 2nd “Y”, 1050" to N/S tree line, 150' thru forest, 600' thru fields, 1200' thru forest, 650' thru fields to #10, 450' to Broad Creek end of Wells Point Lane = 9350' total
DL: Dougherty Lane, angles SE from WPL to JCL (550'l)
JCL: Johns Cove lane, N/S ends in inverted "Y" in S, xing WPL 500' E DL& WPL, 1530'l: start "Y" in S, goes N 630' to DL, 550' to WPL, 350' to N end
BL: Bills Lane, runs 900' SW from DL, 50' W DL x JCL
LNL: Locust Neck Lane, 800' E of JCL off WPL, WPL S end Locust Neck, 2000'
SCL: Steves Cove Lane, dual start WPL in "Y" around O'Brien Barn, 1000' past LCL, behind barn SW through trees to field, S along field, to Locust Neck, 2000' then turns W 900' meet end of LNL
LCL: Longs Cove Lane, starts N side WPL 900' E of SR579, NE at 45da 900', lane turns 45da NE 700' to barn, road splits at barn, left 45da NW 200', 45da NE 1400', 90da turn W 700 end 2nd barn
TL: Tree Lane, splits off LCL 45da turn past barn, 100' N, 90da turn E 500' end
AL: Apple Lane, Apple Lane 750' E from SR579 then turns NE at 75da, 350' to 30' from shoreline, follows shoreline at 30' for 300',then turns E inland 100' ends in backwards sideways "J"
1. 1st house: 3 BR, 1 1/2B, detached 2 car garage, on S side WPL , 1600' E of LCL (Robert and Sheila)
2. 2nd Farmstead: WPL & DL, 400' E #1
2A. 2nd house, WPL: 3 BR/1 1/2 B, N WPL @ DL (tenant)
2B. Livestock barn: 35'w x 40'l, NW/SE orient, half in/out fenced triangular field S of WPL @ DL, E borders JCL SW borders DL: steers graze field all year, hay and feed in barn.
2C. Livestock barn: 40'w x 80'l, NW/SE orient, 2 attached "L" shape buildings on back corners, one NW side, 1 SE side, barn NW 15' SW 35' SE 40 NE 20' to barn, 4 fenced pastures radiating behind barn, 3/fenced in pastures behind them.
2D. Shed: 15'x15'NW/SE orient, 50' SE of barn, 40' SW DL
2M. Dairy farm, not used 10 years, clean-up & sanitize milk house.
3. Storage barn: 50'w x 70'l, E JCL @ 100'N DLx in forest. utilized any purpose.
4. House & dock, 1 BR 1 1/2 B, end BL, BL runs SW DL, 50' W DL x JCL (Bill)
5. Main farmstead: 300' S JCL x DL (Larry, Kylie, Tony, Rachel, Evelyn)
5A. Large farmhouse, 40'x70', W side JCL,
5B. Main farm, E JCL, N2S: farmyard 50'w x 110'l form by 3 buildings/ 4 fenced pastures surrounding
5B1. chicken house, 20'w x 60'l attached to livestock shed 25'w x 35'l.
5B2. barn, 40'l x 70'w
5B3. barn, 50'w x 80'l
6. House: 3BR 1 1/2B, E JCL, 250' S main farm (tenant)
7. Landing: 80' S #6, S end JCL
7A. Big house, 5BR, 2 1/2B, NW of JCL end in E/W inverted "Y" (Spades)
7B. Boathouse, 40x40', 2 story: SW 8A; 1st floor service pits, boat lifts & hoists up to 35', 2nd floor small boat, kayak and canoe storage.
7C. Storage shed 15'x15', 70' SW 8B.
7D. Boat ramp, 15'w into JC, 25' SW 8C, end of W leg of "Y".
7E. Pier 5'w x 60'l, 25' S 8D in SW from shore:
7F. Pavilion 20'l x 60'w off S end of pier atop pilings 40' from shore.
7G. Barn complex: S of E "Y" seven large fenced in pastures.
7G1. Shed 10'w x 20' attached to
7G2. Shed 20'x20' attached to
7G3. Barn, 35'w x 40'l, livestock
7G4. Cattle shed open, 40'w x 20'l, 10' S barn
7H. Shed 20'w x 35'l, N of E "Y"
7I. Shed 35'w x 20'l, 15' N 8H
8. Mansion, N end JCL, 350'N WPL
9. O'Brien farmstead, 1000' past LNL, last 200' through forest
9A. House: wrap around porch 8'/tin roof, 1st flr, K, DR, LR Stdy, Laundry/PR 2nd flr, 5 BR & B
9B. Barn: 40'w x 100'l/ 20'x20' milk-house on E,
9C. Barn Yard: concrete, 7000 Sq’ behind on S,
9D. Cattle Shed open: 20' S barn, 15'x70' on SW side of barnyard
9E. Shed: 50' S barn, 20'x70', on SE side of barnyard
9F. Silos: 2 - 20'round x 50' h, 5' S milk-house, 5' apart, beside 20' center of 9D
10. Wells Point
10A. House (Nelsons): S of WPL,
10B. Storage barn, S WPL, SW/NE orient, 25'w x 100'l with "T" 20'w x 70'l start 25' fron SW/SE corner
11. House, 150' off SR579 house on N side WPL 25'x50'/10'x20' enclosed porch
12. Farm, 2500' N of WPL on LCL
12A. House, 30'x50'/10'x25' porch on SE, 60' NE of barn on TL, SE of 90da turn
12B. Barn, 25'x70', 2500' N of LCL start at WPL, 10' W of LCL
12C. Shed 10'x15' 50' NE barn/ 10' N 25'x30' shed
12D. Shed, 25'x30', 10' N of 12C, 30' off LCL
12E. Garage, 40'x40', 50' E of house on TL
13. Estate, end of TL
13A. Mansion 25'w x 60'l/20'x20' "L' & 25'x35'greatroom & 15'x20'sunroom & 20'x40' porch & 30'x40' attached garage,
13B. Pool, kidney shape,25'x50', 200'NE of mansion
13C. Pool-House, 20'x40/20'x20' "T", 15' N pool
13D. Boat house, 20'x20', 250'SE of house
13E. Pier, 10'x200' S into Long Cove, 70' out W side 20'x30' deck & 20'x30' boathouse/ 110'out on E side is 20'x'20' deck / at end is 20'x30' deck
14 Homestead, driveway starts E of last 90da of LCL
14A. Home, 30'x50', S side of driveway end
14B, Garage, 40'x35', 50' N of house, N side of driveway end
14C. Shed, 15'x30', 15' NE garage
14D. Shed 15'x20', 15' E of 14C
14E. Pier, 8'w x 175' makes 90da S 20', 70' E 14B
15. Barn 30'x60', end LCL
16. Homestead, end AL,
16A. Garage, 35'x50', 20' east of end AL
16B. House, 30'x60'/ 15'x60' porches front & back, 60' N garage
16C. Shed, 10'x10' is 40' SE of house & 40' NE of garage
16D. Pier 8'x50'/15'x30' deck at end is 60' NW of house
*****
For an overview of the locale, click on the following site, scroll down to the map. The map scale can be changed by clicking on the arrows in the upper left corner. Wells Point is northeast of Neavitt across Balls Creek. The Bay Hundred area is the entire peninsula from St. Michaels.
http://maryland.hometownlocator.com/md/talbot/neavitt.cfm