AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Since my breakthrough this morning I've felt better about the future. I'm dressed in a simple, colorful maxi dress with a denim jacket and boots, while Rebekah is in a long off the shoulder sweater with tight jeans and boots. I'm admiring her necklace, an intricate heart locket on a long chain. “I really like your necklace, it's very interesting.” I smile at her but notice her eyes glass over.
“It holds some of Christopher's ashes,” she says quietly.
“I'm so sorry to bring it up.” I take her hand as Derek stiffens next to her.
“It's okay, I've learned to let go, like my tattoo says, it shall pass.” She turns and pulls her sweater aside so I can see the tattoo on her upper left arm of a bird with script beneath it. This too shall pass.
“That's a sparrow right?” I help change the subject.
“Yes, they mean safety, security, and hope.” She smiles back at me.
“They can also mean rebellion from the status quo,” Greg adds as he watches her carefully.
“Yes, they can. You know the meanings of birds?”
“Yes. With Maya's stalker I learned a lot about secret meanings. Just like the one on your shoulder blade is a Mardi Gras mask. What does it mean?”
“It was just something pretty I got when I was in university,” she replies with a shrug.
“Really? Then why did you have the eyes put into it?” Greg starts to push her.
“Dad, enough, not everyone gets tattoos with a meaning.” Derek jumps to her defense. I see the tension build and remember Dr. Mason's words about Derek's tattoos. “I have two sparrows on me too,” he says to Rebekah with a smile.
“Mum has lots of tattoos, she even has one right here.” Meghan says, pointing to right below her breasts.
“Meghan, sweetie,” Rebekah says to Meghan with a stern look.
Joshua and Greg lean back and watch the exchange.
“Oh sorry, Mum. I forgot secret. Shhh…” she says with her fingers over her lips.
I smile and try to figure out a way to stop the awkwardness that has descended on our group. Just then Joshua's phone rings.
“Hello? Okay, we're on our way back… Have him wait at Ana's and my place until we get there.” He hangs up and looks at us. “Dr. Mason has arrived.” We get up and head back to the compound so we can get Dr. Mason settled into his new place.
The day of the christening we head into the little chapel where Maya and Duncan got married. The christening goes on without a hitch, all of us dressed nicely again. All the guys are in tailored black suits with white shirts. Joshua has a turquoise tie with his black suit. The pop of color brightens his eyes. I'm wearing a tight sheath dress in black, and I picked out a matching one in white for Maya. Rebekah is wearing a primarily white dress with a bright floral pattern on it, I notice another tattoo on the back of her right calf under her hose.
I remember Meghan's words about lots of tattoos and wonder if she is like Derek and uses the tattoos to control something else. I can make out what appears to be a voodoo doll this time. Is there a theme here? Meghan has on a purple tutu style princess dress. Patrice is in proper Englishwoman's dress with a hat, all in black. Even Jen is dressed up with little Tommy in a suit.
Maya and Duncan loved that we asked Derek and Rebekah to be the godparents. This time we celebrate at Joshua’s and my house with a huge brunch. I again wish Raul could have been here for this. It's been so long since we heard from him, I worry. I miss him, and I know the team does too.
“Angel, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, my love.”
“Will you look at my mum with that baby?”
“She loves Isabella. Why won't Michael tell her how he feels?”
“Oh, I’m pretty sure he has already. She won't do anything about it until Nathan is out of the picture.”
“They're so good together. Why wait?”
“Yes, they are. I think it has something to do with the last time Nathan kidnapped her. She came home different, more serious and watchful. My gut tells me he threatened Michael. So did you have a plan when you asked Rebekah and Derek to be godparents? Look at them.”
I look across my garden to see Derek keeping a close eye on Rebekah. Greg is chasing Meghan and Tommy around, and I look at him with a smile. What can I say to him? I hope they will heal each other.
I turn to see the newest addition to our group. Dr. Mason is standing in the garden taking in everyone. Maya walks up to him, and he kisses her on her temple. I didn't know they were as close as they appear. Another father figure for her? They both turn to watch Derek and are talking quietly as he continues to watch the group playing. Dr. Mason is only a few inches taller than Maya with a prominent chin covered with a trim beard and mustache. He has brownish gray hair and dancing blue eyes. He has smile and laugh lines around his eyes, yet you can see there is something else in his eyes. A pain that can’t be erased by years.
