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~*~*~ Buried Jewels~*~*~ ----Final Chapter---- *Blue* |
------*~*Buried Jewels*~*~------
*~*~*---Part Eight, Final Chapter ---*~*~
-----When we must say Goodbye-----
CHAPTER XV
Julie walked up to the hill, looking around at the old house, when she turned around, seeing Matthew behind her. “Are we going to look for that tree?” He grinned. “You don’t give up, do you?” she said. “Nope, not really.” He said grinning.
“Well, there is one right over there, it’s small, not too tall yet round enough and would make a pretty Christmas tree don’t you think?” She looked up at him. “Yea I think that it would.” He said. They worked together, until finally the tree came down.
“I think I worked up a sweat with this one.” He said laughing, wiping his brow. ” This brings back so many memories for me, I Wish, I wish.” She left what she was going to say, unsaid.
“You wish your brother was here?” Matthew asked her. “Yes, I do, I miss him more then I can ever say, there was so much I wanted to tell him, so much I wanted to share, I should be an aunt by now, I should be holding his babies and making a fuss over
children’s clothes or the latest fashions with his wife, I am sorry, Matthew.” She said. Matthew reached out touching her arm. “Don’t be Julie, you loved him, he was your brother, I know he loved you.” He said.
“You talked to him, often?” Julie asked him. “Nah just maybe a time or two, what brother doesn’t adore his kid sister, you know they may not act like they do, but they do.” He smiled. For the first time, Julie noticed Matthew’s eyes; they were gray.
“Michael had gray eyes, too.” She said. “Did he?” Matthew asked. ‘Yes, we had a German shepherd while growing up, that dog loved him, I ‘d never seen any thing like it, I think he could have charmed a wolf, how he loved animals, as much as me if not more.
“I remember we were playing in the swimming hole one Summer, it was getting late and he had thrown me in the water, trying to teach me how to swim, yet I didn’t swim I sank like a rock.” She laughed from the memory.
He teased me , saying come on out, but I had went to the bottom, he had jumped in for me and in the process, cut himself on a piece of glass or a sharp rock; there was a deep gash on his right shoulder, it bled something terrible, dad wanted to take him to the doctor to get stitches, but he wouldn’t hear of it, he had said it would heal in time.”
Matthew picked up the tree and they started back down the hill. “So you and he played in the woods here?” He asked her. “Yes, there wasn’t any inch of these woods, we hadn’t covered.
We were pirates one day; he was Sinbad; The Fierce Pirate; and I was Anne Bonney; the female Pirate of Barbados and then Civil War Spies the next.” She smiled. “Sounds like you have some very fond memories, Julie, don’t you think Your brother would want you to be happy again?” Matthew stopped, looking at her.
“Yes he would want me to be happy again, but I will be happier once we find him.” She stated. They continued to walk over the hill. Matthew decided to change the subject when he saw a dark blue car in the drive.
“Looks like you have some company.” He said. “It’s my uncle, Sam, come on, you should meet him, he is quite the character.” Julie laughed. Matthew laughed, knowing someone all too well just like him, a long time ago.
‘Open the door, Greg.” Julie yelled. Sam got up for the kitchen table. “Well, look what we’ve got here, I say it’s about time, you started trimming the tree, girl, what took you so long!?” Sam’s hearty laugh seemed to vibrate; echoing throughout the house.
“Hi Uncle Sam, I’m so glad you changed your mind.” She hugged him. “Sam, I’d like you to meet, Matthew; Matthew Travers.” Julie introduced them.
Sam reached out his hand to shake Matthew’s hand. When their eyes met, Sam saw eyes so like his own. Tommy had inherited his mother’s brown eyes. He recalled how he had teased Frank, when Mike had been born, telling him that he and Joy had
sneaked out to the back of the barn. He remembered so well, when Frank had laughed good naturedly, telling him that he would never see the day when Joy Claridge would ever look at an Old Sea Dog like him, only in his dreams.
Sam was briefly taken aback, for the life of him he couldn’t figure out why, he had thought about that from out of nowhere, he must be getting old. ‘It’s nice to meet you, Sam.” Matthew said.
“Likewise, Matthew.” Sam replied. Julie disappeared upstairs, looking in the hallway closet. ‘Would someone bring a chair up here!?” She yelled from upstairs. Matthew took the stairs two at a time.
“What do you need?” He asked. “I need some help, I need to get those ornaments from off the very top shelf, I swear, Michael must have.”……. “Can you reach them?” She turned looking at Matthew. “Sure let me see.” He said. He reached up to the top shelf bringing down the entire box. “These are a lot of ornaments.” He said.
“Yes, we made most of them.” Julie picked up, holding the rocking horse, the toy soldier in her hand. ‘Some of these our grandfather Jedediah made for us, carving them from wood and then we painted them.” She smiled. She handed the wooden ship to Matthew. ‘These are real nice, Julie.” He said, turning the ship over in his hand.
“I bet you’ve never seen any like them have you?” She smiled. “Nope I sure haven’t.” He replied. “Well, let’s see the icicles and candy canes are in the middle drawer, the holly and mistletoe, hmm I cannot understand where the wreath would be or the tree decoration for the top of the tree, the lights are in here, oh, I‘d forgotten we had so many lights, you look in that box and I‘ll check through this one.” she said.
Matthew began rummaging through the box, it smelled musty and old, no doubt it had been a long time since a tree had been on display, he only hoped half the lights still worked. “Is this what you are looking for?” He asked her, smiling.
“The Angel with the star, Oh, you found it.” She looked at him with a puzzled expression. “What’s wrong?” He asked. “I know this looks like the Angel that Michael had dropped, breaking its wing, but it’s not broken at all, I remember the day he dropped it.”
‘‘Well, maybe he glued it back together?” Matthew said. “That’s funny.” Julie ran her hands over the Angel Ornament, it doesn’t look like it had been glued. ‘What?” He asked. “Nothing, it just seems strange that’s all.” She replied. “Is there any thing else?” Matthew asked her. “No, I think that’s it.” She laughed.
“ok looks like we’ve got quite a job ahead of us.” Matthew laughed. “Well, let’s get busy then.” She laughed. Uncle Sam, You and Greg are in charge of finding something for dinner, Mom, Tresa and Tommy his
wife will be here tomorrow, I’ve got to get all these lights together, get the tree decorated, let’s have some lunch and then we’ll start Matthew, I need to make out a list of what I’ll need tomorrow for dinner.” She smiled.
No one asked why she wasn’t have dinner on Christmas Eve or Day, they knew why. “I think I’ll volunteer, how about I take your list, go shopping real quick, get back here in time to help you decorate the tree, now don’t touch that tree without me!” He laughed.
Julie smiled. “ok no one touches the tree but me and Matthew.” Julie looked at Sam and Greg. Greg held his hands up in defense. ”I promise you won’t get any complaints from me, I know nothing about decorating a Christmas tree and don’t want to learn right now.” Every one laughed.
“Me either, Julie I think I will ride into town with Matthew if he doesn’t mind.” Sam said. “Sure I don’t mind at all.” Matthew replied. “Real slick, Sam so you get out of hanging the lights, too.” Greg fussed. “Ah now Greg, that’s a good job for you and Julie.” He laughed. “Sure sure.” He replied.
“Give me a second.” Matthew said. He went out the door with LadyShira and her pups on his heels. Sam followed him. He started to say something when he saw, Matthew take off his shirt to change into another.
Noticing the scar on his right shoulder. ‘Where’d you get the scar?” Sam asked him. “Oh that, ah when I was a kid, me and my sister were playing in a creek and I slipped cutting myself.” Matthew said.
‘So you have a sister, family?” Sam wanted to know. “Yes I did at one time.” Matthew replied. ‘Julie seems to really like you., I haven’t seen her laugh like that since, well it’s been a while.” Sam commented. ‘Julie is a very nice lady, Greg told me about her brother.”
Matthew turned to walk out the door. When Sam blocked his path. “What kind of game are you playing here, these are people‘s lives, that girl has been through more then enough let me say, what‘s your game, is it money?” He asked Matthew.
“Game, what do you mean, I am not playing any game, I don’t play games with people’s lives, Sambo.” Sam was dumbfounded. “What?” ‘I said I don’t play games, Sam.” Matthew replied. Looking into one another’s eyes, Sam knew there had been only one person to ever call him that name never since or before “Michael?”
‘But, how when, what happened?” Sam simply stared at him, his lips trembling. “My God, it is you but, but how, what happened where have you been all this time?” Sam was a big man, but Matthew made up for it, what he lacked in size, he was some taller then the older man.
Matthew hugged him. Then patted his shoulder. “Don’t ask so many questions Sam, they are questions I cannot answer.” He simply said. “Jul…. Julie, does she know?” He asked.
Matthew looked at him, moving his hand over his chin as he had done so many times when he was deep in thought. Sam couldn’t recall how many times he had seen Michael do that. It was the same habit he had.
‘I don’t think so, deep down she might, but a person has got to be willing to believe, first, she is still hurting, she cannot let go. “Well we better be going and getting that dinner.” Matthew stated.
“Are you going to tell her?” Sam asked him. “I don’t know yet, Sam, I’m not sure she would understand., it may hurt her so much worse then it already has.” Matthew said.
They got into the truck, driving into town. “Don’t you think she deserves the chance, the right to know?” Sam persisted. “It’s not a matter of deserving the chance or her
right to know, I’m not so sure that it wouldn’t do more harm then good.” he said. “Why, Michael you are here, you are here with us all now.” Sam said. “Yes, I am here Sam but I can’t stay.” He said flatly.
“What are you saying, Michael, why can’t you stay, I don’t understand, help me to understand, for years your father never gave up the hope that he would find you, he grieved Michael, deeply grieved for
you, how much that man loved you, I love you, Julie loves you, my God what are you saying, man that you are staying for a while then leaving us all over again!?” Sam was out of breath.
Matthew reached over, touching Sam’s arm. ”Calm down, just calm down, there’s no sense in you getting this worked up, Sam. This is what I mean, why I am not sure whether to tell Julie, with you
being so upset, imagine what it might do to her?” He said trying to make him see. “You have changed , Michael but not your eyes though your face, it is so different, I would have
never known, had you not looked me in the eye and called me Sambo, your mannerisms are still the same, I don’t understand.” Sam said, confusion in his gaze.
Matthew looked over at his only uncle and smiled. “I probably would not have said a word, Sam had you not pressed me, there’s something I have to do before I must go, but not today.
Today, we’re going to buy the Christmas dinner, trim that tree, go sleigh riding, sing Christmas carols as we did so long ago and I know Dad is here with us, his Love will always be here, Sam.
But this time is for those who remain, this memory is for the living. We are together one more time; Mom, You, Sis; we’re going to enjoy this time together Sam, please don‘t question why, because I
cannot tell you why.” He said. Sam had to wipe the tears away. ”I’m not one much for crying son, but how I wish your dad could have been here.” Sam said.
Matthew turned the ignition off. “He is Sam; he is in spirit.” He smiled. They walked into the store, browsing through the isles. Picking up a turkey, chicken, ham, stuffing and an assortment of desserts, potatoes. By the time they were finished.
They were wheeling out two carts to the pickup truck. By the time they were finished shopping for a few other items, from down the street, it was 5:00pm
They headed back to the farm, when they saw multicolored prisms of light shining from the barn, the house, along the fences, up in the trees.
It looked like a Miniature city, with every inch of the place lit up with lights and a variety of decorations of Snowmen, a Nativity Scene, Angels and a Choir, with Santa and His Reindeer.
Snow was still coming down. ’She’s got it looking like it did, only better, looks like she’s added a few more decorations.” Sam laughed. “It looks like it is going to be a White Christmas after all.” Matthew said.
“Yes it does.” Sam said. They carried the groceries into the house. Julie and Greg nowhere to be found. They both walked out side seeing them in the back yard playing with the dogs, making a Snowman, or more like having a Snowball fight.
Sam laughed. “Can any one join?” He asked. He looked at Matthew, smiling. “Let’s get’em!” Laughter rang throughout the valley that night.
Julie prepared dinner for all of them, and began preparing the Christmas dinner for tomorrow. Smiling to herself.
Matthew walked up behind her, putting his arm around her shoulder. “Hmm, something sure smells awfully good, I’ve heard you are a fine cook, Julie.” He said laughing. She laughed, hugging Matthew. “Which one was it told you that, was it Yourself, Greg or Uncle Sam or Yourself?” She teased.
“Hmm I believe it was Greg and uncle Sam and myself, yes indeed.” He said. He winked at Sam and Greg. They enjoyed a nice dinner and after finishing the dishes, Julie put the turkey in the oven. “We need to decorate that tree, Matthew.” Julie said. “Well, I was wondering when you were going to get around to that.” He laughed.
Sam had bought 10 rolls of film while he was in town, snapping photos of every one left and right. Greg had brought down his Camcorder. Filming Julie cooking with Matthew teasing her. “The tree looks great.” Sam said.
‘How are we going to get the Angel with her star on the top?” Julie asked. “Hmm, here’s how you do it, I’ll give you a leg up!” Matthew volunteered. She screamed with laughter, when Matthew came up behind her. “Michael used to do that, he’d always lift me up to put the Angel on the tree.” She said looking at Matthew.
“Ah, any brother would do that.” Matthew laughed. Julie didn’t miss Matthew’s comment. “Any brother?” Do you have a sister, Matthew?” She asked him. Matthew smiled. “I used to, a long time ago, she was a lot like you.” He said.
“So you were close?” she inquired. “Yep about as close as any brother and sister could be, I was always pulling her hair, throwing her in creeks, chasing would- be boyfriends off, kinda like your brother.” He laughed. “Oh!” Julie said.
‘Is that all brothers are good for!?” She screamed, laughing. Grabbing a pillow from off the sofa swatting him over the head with it. He laughed.
“Yep kinda like that.“ he said. Sam watched as they played together, his mind returning as if it were only yesterday, when they would wrestle around the house, with that dog running after them.
Funny how a person doesn’t notice all those things, until they are grown and gone and the house becomes so silent. He felt old, old and weary, and although he felt an overwhelming sense of
melancholy, he was still happy, and he felt lighter, yes, his heart felt lighter then it had felt in years. Even if only for a little while, he would enjoy this moment, treasure it because it would have to last a lifetime.
Joy and Tresa arrived at 10:00am that morning. Tresa’s 10 year son and 6 year old little daughter went wild over LadyShira and her pups. Tommy and Adrianna had finally made it.
Julie was so happy to finally meet her. The house was soon filling with more people; some she hadn’t seen in years. Some long time neighbors, others old high school friends.
They all agreeing; they saw all the beautiful lights and decorations up on Goblin Mountain and decided they had better go investigate.
Matthew and Sam stood back, observing all the noise and laughter. Tresa’s two children running in and out of the kitchen playing with the pups. “Where did Greg, disappear to?” Matthew asked Sam.
“I think he went to his house for a few minutes, I think he has a surprise of his own.” Sam smiled. “I would say it is about time, wouldn’t you?” Matthew commented. Sam laughed.
“I would say it’s about time for both of them.” He and Sam joined Joy, playing the piano. He looked at Joy. “Mind if I join you?” Joy laughed. “You can play?” She smiled.
“A little.” He laughed. They both played and sang, “Silent Night.” There was a hush that came over the room. Julie stood in silence, her heart so touched, when one lone tear streamed down her face. Matthew caught her attention and gave her a wink.
While all eyes were on Matthew. “Sleep in Heavenly Peace.” He smiled. Raising his shoulders as if to say, I don’t know, grinning. When he looked at Joy; they smiled at one another and Matthew hugged, her.
“I thought you said you could only play a little; I haven’t heard a voice like that, since, well it’s been a long time.” She commented a little misty eyed. Matthew hugged her again.
Even Sam stood back from the crowd that had gathered in a circle, listening to the beautiful singing, both of them sounded like Angels coming down from Heaven in their midst.
CHAPTER XVII
Greg found what he was looking for and walked back down to the house. He’d never been so nervous in all of his life. He’d thought at first he had lost it. Opening the case, looking inside, how it shined, winking back at him.
The snow was coming down a lot harder now, the stars were shining brightly in the sky, the air was cold and crisp, what a nice night for a bonfire, roasting marsh mellows for the kids.
What a wonderful time Julie was having, for so long this was what she needed. He just prayed she would say yes to the question he was about to ask her, that is if he could get her alone for one minute. He smiled to himself.
Passing by the barn; he heard Gobby’s little Wind Dancer whinny at him. Deciding to check on her, he flipped the light switch. The barn’s hallway flooded with light.
When suddenly, someone hit him from behind. Greg staggered backward, trying to regain his balance. “What are you thinking you are doing interferin in our bidness.” The man said.
“Greg swung with his left hand connecting with the left side of the man’s cheek. He knocked him backward.
The man reached for a shovel, hung up on the side of the barn stalls. He came at Greg, he blindly looked around for something to protect himself. But there was nothing.
He spotted a Cane hook, Matthew had used yesterday to lift the hay up into the loft. In a split second, he dove toward the ground, then rolled to the side just missing the shovel only by inches. He caught the man on his right leg, bringing him to his knees.
Careful, to avoid the swinging shovel., clearly the man was injured and hurting. Greg caught him again, this time on the right side of the cheek. He hit him again and then again. He was out.
Greg looked around for someone else. It seemed the man had came alone. Greg, reached for the hay bail, reaching into his pocket he cut a line, tying the man up, both his feet and hands.
He walked back to the house, noticing for the first time, the man must have cut him, his shoulder was bleeding, he couldn’t let any one see this, there would too many questions. He walked up the hill to the foreman’s house, cleaning up his shoulder and then changing shirts.
Matthew walked in the door. What’s taking you so long, Greg, what happened to you?” He asked. “I foiled the plans of a bunch of scum to extort money from Julie.” Greg said. “Extort money from Julie, for what?” Matthew asked.
“Never mind, Matthew, it’s nothing, I took care of it, but I would appreciate if you would get the hayride going so I can call the cops and get that guy out of the barn” He said.
“There is someone in the barn? Matthew asked. Yeah, there is, but he’s tied up.” Greg answered. “Do you know who it is?” Matthew asked him. “I have an idea, it’s some of Alpha Amburgey’s thugs.” Greg said.
“Alpha Amburgey, Veronnis Amburgey’s brother?” Matthew asked. Greg looked at him strangely. “You know Alpha and Veronnis Amburgey?” Greg was suspicious. ‘I’ve heard of them, didn’t one of them have a son named Charlie?” Matthew attempted to smooth over his slip.
Greg knew he needed to lighten up of course he would have known Charlie Amburgey since he had been in the same battalion as Mike. “Yes, Veronnis was Charlie’s dad., it is Veronnis’ brother and some ex cons who extorted money from
Frank; Julie’s dad on the pretense that Charlie Amburgey had informants in Old Saigon., they extorted money from Frank and were in hopes of extorting money from Julie.
But Sam and I did a little investigating, learned that Charlie died in a wreck several years ago, we also uncovered that an attorney in town was also involved.
I’m sure the police are picking him up right about now.” Greg glanced down at his watch. “ Good thing I still have some old contacts in law enforcement, eh Matthew?” Greg finished. Grinning.
“Sure is Greg, when did you and Sam catch on to all of this?” “Julie’s dad had mentioned something about Julie needing to be careful not to trust, every one. She was aware of this but when she had been informed that she had a package at the same
attorney’s office, believing him to be an old friend of her dad’s, he believed she would fall into their trap., he had set the bait and she was biting, yet she began having her own suspicions when she found the dog tags, knowing they were fake.
That’s when she came to me, not wanting to worry her uncle about all this since he and her father had been trying for many years, never finding so much as one lead and then it soon came to a dead end after about three years of searching.
But, Sam became suspicious, when she found dog tags that were supposed to have belonged to her brother, they were hoping that Julie would fall for it
never knowing in their wildest dreams., when the last time Mike had came in, Julie had carved her initials on the back of her brother’s dog tags, it was kind of an inside joke between Julie and Mike.
When her dad found the dog tags, he tried to tell Sam., to be careful, but by then it was too late to inform Julie it had been a con game; a set up to extort more money from the family.” Greg finished.
Sam and Julie’s father had been searching for him all this time?” Matthew wanted to know. “Yes, Frank had never given up hope that someday his son would come home, and Julie was prepared to take up where her father had left off.”
Greg stated. Matthew didn’t know what to say, he just didn’t say any thing at all. “Well, I guess I had better get the horses and sleigh ready.” Matthew said instead. “Tell Sam and Julie I’ll be starting the bonfire, when every one comes back.” He said.
“We’ll do.“ Matthew smiled walked out closing the door behind him. Greg finished cleaning up, he went in search for the case he had, had in his hand when he had the run- in with one of Ambergey’s men.
He looked through the hay, but couldn’t find it, searching outside looking through every thing, finally he saw something lying on the ground where he had punched the thug. Relieved to have found the case.
He had gathered the wood they would need for the bonfire. He lit it and it began smoking, finally igniting. Matthew wanted to go with them on the sleigh ride. He wouldn’t have missed it.
There was at least ten more kids in the sleigh along with Tresa'a kids. They were all singing, “Jingle Bells.” Sam took them on another round down over the hill and out through the valley.
The kids were getting tired and Joy seemed a little tired herself, so Sam took them back, handing the reins to Matthew, while he and Julie continued the sleigh ride. They were half way down the hill when Julie looked over at Matthew. “Uncle Sam said you may be leaving, Matthew is that true?”
“Yeah, Julie, I must be moving on as much as I hate to leave, I don’t want to but I must.” He said. He looked over at her, watching her as she talked in the moonlight.
“You’ve made a beautiful woman, Julie You have so much to live for, to look forward to.” Matthew said. Not knowing if they would have the opportunity to talk again after tonight, he knew he wouldn't. He wanted to be able to stay for the dinner the day after Christmas, but he didn’t think so
“I wish you didn’t have to go Matthew, I’ve grown so fond of you, all of us have.” She said. “You remind me so much of my Brother, it is kinda scary.” She said. Then, she looped her arm through his.
Matthew moved the horses’ reins to his left hand, then putting his right arm around her. “I do? I remind you of Michael?” He asked her. “What is it about me, that reminds you of your brother Julie?” He wanted to know.
“I don’t know what it is about You, but sometimes when I look at you, it’s almost as if I am seeing Michael, is that strange, Matthew?” She asked him. “No, Julie, it’s not strange, it’s not strange at all, I want to tell you something, life is what we make it, Julie, there is darkness and there is
light, someone once told me that, when we are sad, it‘s like we are living in the darkness, we cannot see the light because we are blinded by the pain; the hurt, the grief, but when we begin to accept things as they truly are, not how
we wished they could have been, especially when what we wish for the most, is already gone, and yet, in each of us we have a gift inside, that gift is Love, Julie.,
Remember we always carry that love we feel for someone, that’s what is so wonderful about loving someone whether it’s a brother, a sister a mother, father, cousin, aunt uncle or friend, a husband or wife. That Love, It is with us always, it never goes away, it stays with
each person, and when we move on, whether it is with living here, as our loved ones would wish for us, to live life to its fullest; to be happy, then that person we have lost can move on to life eternal, yet we carry that love with us, Julie, we can see the light once again, does that make sense?.” He asked her.
“I think so, Matthew, I believe I understand.” She said. Hugging him closer. “Look at that shooting star!” Did you see it?” She asked. “Yes, I saw it, beautiful.” He smiled. “Julie, after I leave, I want you to do something for me.” Matthew said to her.
‘I want you to promise me something.” Sure, Matthew whatever I can do to help, you know that, do you need any money, any thing at all?” She asked him. He smiled. When she raised up to look at him. “Are you sure Matthew?” He smiled again. Yes I am sure, I don’t need any money, I am fine, promise.” He smiled.
“If you are sure?” Julie doubted it, he had seemed nearly starved when he came to her home. She would find that duffel bag of his and put some money in an envelope for him. He obviously had a whole lot of pride. She thought.
He slipped something into her hand. “I want you to hang on to this for me, Julie.” He said. “I want you to promise me, that You will be happy again, I’ve noticed Greg when he is around you, I think he is going to ask you something tomorrow.” He said with a laugh.
‘What you really think so?” She asked him. “I know so, I know he is going to ask you to marry him.” Matthew stated. ‘I think you both would be very happy, don’t you?” Matthew asked her. “I believe so, but I can do without his stubborn,
CHAPTER XVIII
Strong headed ways at times.” She laughed. “Strong headed stubborn streak, are you sure we’re talking about the same person or are we talking about you as well?” He teased. She laughed.
‘Matthew do you know what time it is?” She asked him. ‘Yes I do, it’s almost Christmas Eve.” He said. “You can’t stay for dinner, are you sure? What is one more day, Matthew?” “I know Julie, I wish I could, but I must be going.” He said.
“Now I want you to put that key in your pocket and keep it safe and when you take your next trip up on the hill, there is a rock next to the old Oak tree stump, I want you to take your garden shovel and dig down about two feet, there is a surprise there for you.” He finished.
‘‘What surprise, what kind of surprise, Matthew, I’m not a child.” She laughed. “Just tell me what it is.” She said. ‘I know your not, we’ll just call it something between old friends how’s that?” He said to her.
They rode in the sleigh for another hour, when Matthew said he needed to get the horses back and he knew that she was getting cold. They went back, while he took the horses to the barn.
Sam met them at the doorway. “Hey, did you two have a nice ride?” Sam asked. Although Greg didn’t seem too pleased, from what she could see. “Matthew went over and shook Greg’s hand, telling him to take good care of Julie. “Where are you going?” Greg asked him. “I need to get moving on, Greg.” Matthew said.
“I’ll be right back.” Julie told them. She went into the house as quiet as she could, knowing Tresa had put the children to bed a few hours ago. Her mother was sleeping in the next bedroom as well. Julie bent down opening the floor board inside the closet, turning a combination lock.
She took out three thousand dollars, finding an envelope, she slipped the money inside, sealing the envelope then putting tape on top of the flap. She searched for Matthew’s duffel bag, but realized he must still have it up at Greg’s place.
She slipped out the door and walked through the darkness to the foreman’s house her dad had built on this land when she was a child. She searched for Matthew’s green duffel, finding it. She slipped the money down inside. Then walked out the door, walking around to the back of the barn where Sam, Matthew and Greg stood talking.
“There you are.” Greg said. ‘Are you ready to roast some marsh mellows?” He asked her. “Sure.” She said. “Matthew, are you going to join us?” She asked him. But when she turned around, she saw him walking toward the foreman’s house.
“He’s got to get going, Julie.” Sam said. “He’s got a long way to go.” He finished. She felt her chest tighten. “I’m not sure why he has to leave now.” She said.
Sam came up to stand beside her, giving his niece a bear hug. Julie hugged him back, never knowing her uncle to be so affectionate before. “Let’s get back to the bonfire, honey I’ve got something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
Greg said. “And just what would that be, Greg Williamson?” She teased. Sam laughed. Sam watched them, as they walked off down to the fire. He slipped through the woods up the hill. Matthew was standing there, waiting.
“You’ll take good care of her, You and Greg?” Matthew asked. “You know we will, Son.” Sam said. The two men stood there for a few minutes longer. Matthew turned around, hugging him. “I’ve always loved you, Sam.” “I have always been so proud of you, did I ever tell you that?” Sam asked him with tears in his eyes.
“Yeah, I know, Sam, I’ve always known.” He said. “I love you, too son.” Sam said to him. He turned to walk away, throwing the green duffel over his back. Sam stood there in the silence, he watched him disappear through the trees. He didn’t question why, because there wasn’t any answers, just as Michael had said.
For quite a while, Sam stood on the hillside, looking up at the stars, then, he watched the crowd of people, hearing laughter once again. While he stood there in silence overlooking the valley below. He walked to his brother’s grave, brushed his hand across the slate gray monument believing tonight, finally he had the peace he had needed.
His son was at last, finally home. Family and friends gathered for dinner two days, later while laughter filled the house. When Joy asked where was Matthew. “He had to be on his way, Joy.” Sam said. They opened gifts and Greg handed Julie his gift.
Then got down on his knee in the kitchen, proposing to her. Every one was ecstatic. Laughter rang out when every one began yelling at her, “Yes, yes, yes!” She and Greg laughed. He winked at her and said, “Well, I guess you can’t say no.” He told her. She threw her arms around him, saying yes.
The next couple of days, after Christmas, Joy was busy making wedding arrangements. Greg and Julie took it all in stride. They had decided on a May wedding date. Every one said their goodbyes and left. Joy promised teary-eyed she would be calling her as soon as she got home. Julie had discussed with her mother about the possibility of she moving back here to be with Julie, Greg and Sam.
Her mother said she would give it some serious thought. Sam rode to the airport with them, to see Joy off. “Sam Tracy, you stay in touch.” Joy said. Sam laughed. “I will Joy.” He hugged the woman who he had always thought of as a sister. Julie watched her plane take off. The sun was nearly setting. Tresa and her children had left Christmas Eve day in order to get back spending Christmas with her husband and their families.
The trip back was in silence. They gathered into the house. When Julie remembered the gold key, Matthew had given her in the sleigh. Sam and Greg had went to the family room to watch a ball game. Julie said she was going to walk up on the hill. “This evening, are you breaking your morning ritual?” He asked her.
“No, I just want to walk up there for a little while.” she said. Sam gave Greg a strange look she noticed. “I’ll be back.” She laughed. Julie slipped on her heavy wool coat, walking to the top of the hill. She visited her father’s grave for a few minutes and then turned walking down the old path she and
Michael had made walking through here all those years ago. She looked for the Oak tree stump, Matthew had mentioned. She saw the old house, as memories flooding her heart. She reached inside her coat pocket, for the small garden shovel. Bending down on one knee, she began digging.
"The strangest thing, I've ever seen." Greg said. "What's that, Sam asked him, with mild curiosity. "I know, I took several photographs of Matthew and Julie and so many others, with him in the pictures, why aren't any of them, here showing him in the photographs?" Greg asked.
"Sam looked through all the pictures. It was true, he knew he had taken some of Matthew,too. Not one had him in them, when he himself knew he had posed for a few for him with Julie.
"I don't know Greg." Sam stated instead. Thinking to himself, maybe Angels don't show up in pictures. They were questions he'd never have any answers for, so he wasn't going to question, why, he just accepted it for what it was; a Gift; a Prayer answered.
Her shovel hit something hard. Moving the dirt away, she saw something had been covered in plastic. Picking it up, she removed the plastic, finding a gold treasure chest of some kind.
It was beautiful! It was not only gold it was solid gold., oh my goodness Matthew must have paid a small fortune for this she thought to herself, noticing for the first time, why he had handed her the gold key that night.
Reaching inside her trousers, she held the gold key in her hand. She turned the lock on the gold treasure chest. Opening the lid, inside wrapped in royal blue velvet; there were sapphires, rubies, diamonds, emeralds, so many.
Underneath; the money, she had given him in the envelope and a note and at first what she thought was a silver necklace. She picked it up, seeing the dog tags. She held them in her hand, seeing her brother’s name on the front, turning them over, she saw the carving of her initials.
She began crying, her heart breaking. After a few minutes, she wiped her eyes, reading the note. “”Remember, what I said, the love, inside? you take it with You and in your heart, I will always be there. Be happy Julie, I will always love you, little sister, Love always, Michael””
She sat there for the longest time. Holding against her heart; the note her brother had written to her. She walked to her father’s grave side and saw a bouquet of beautiful Red Roses.
She sat down on the cold concrete bench in the falling snow. Wondering how many had received a gift such as this; she would cherish it always. As she sat watching as the sun was going down; a ball of red fire in the sky, the color of gray and lavender. |
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| Alias | Date | Reply |
| Epox |
3/18/2006 4:16:00 PM |
Sis, the ending was sad but good. I liked the supernatural tone to it also. I was a bit confused... but I think Matthew is actually Michael (and Michael's dead and has come back as Matthew)? I understood the whole set up part with Alpha, though. Overall, I enjoyed reading this! |
| ky_bluebird |
3/19/2006 2:13:00 AM |
Yeah, Michael was Matthew, Perhaps an Angel in Disguise as Michael??... Who really Knows, right?......Sadly enough, Goodbyes do happen.,It may not be as Dramatic as in this incident....,But I have heard real-life Cases of Others' who were visited by Angels and I Believe if those who have Lost a Loved One., whatever the circumstance., if they will truly see with their heart., there is Always Some type of Sign; whether a simple act in Nature or gesture from Someone., Something they may say., A simple, yet Clear Message for the Living to remember Loved Ones Passed., with Love and a Smile, rather then Tears and anguish., Perhaps putting the Past to rest., bringing Closure and with it Peace and Comfort.............Alpha Amburgey was a Crook, preying on Others' Grief, Sadly enough his son; Charlie had passed in the process...., But what's even more Sad, Although this is not a True Story; but in reality I have heard Stories of Cases when there are Those who were Actually bringing DOG Tags back to The States, on the Pretense that these tags were from MIA and Deceased Servicemen., A Tragedy in and of itself, that there are Cold, Cruel Heartless People who would do this to Others' in the name of Greed and Profit. I Believe People such as those., will receive their Comeuppance; Their Just reward..... I am glad that You liked the Story, I rushed it a little., may not have been as good as it could have been (??) But I'm glad You liked it, anyway :)...~Love and Hugs~ Sis.....Take/Care! |
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