==========================================
Part Twenty-One by Pat ([email protected])
Rated PG-13
==========================================
Charged with excitement and coupled with the
eagerness and inexperience of having each other, it did not last long.
Very shortly after it began they were spent, lying together wrapped in each
others arms, willing their breathing to calm.
"You have me--always," she finally murmured into the crook of his
neck. "No matter where we go, who else comes into our lives, you
have me."
"I want that so much," he whispered, stroking hair back from her
face. "Not only do I want that, but I need it. I need to know
that I have that. I can always count on you being there."
"How long you planning to stay here?" she asked softly.
"What did they give you for time?"
"Sixty days convalescence," he sighed. "Sixty days to
decide what I want to do with my career, which right at the moment means about
as much as that manure pile out back."
"Harm stop that right now," she scolded. "My God you're
still the same person. So you can't fly at night. Big deal.
You can instruct if that's what you want, or you can retrain. As smart as
you are, with the grades you made, you can be whatever you want to be
still."
He shrugged his shoulders as he held her. "Yeah I know. I've
even given some thought to going to law school. JAG. Did you know
that my dad told my mom once that he was going to retire at twenty and use his
GI benefits to go to law school?"
"No. Amazing, because I sometimes think about that too," she
murmured, her head still resting in the crook of his neck.
"Well I've got sixty days to report to NavPerCen for reassignment and for
right now I don't want to talk about that. You and I, here together,
that's what I want to talk about."
"Or not," he added as his lips found hers again. "Maybe
that's the problem with us. Too much talking, not enough loving."
"Again?"
"Again," he nodded, adding, "If you want."
"Oh yeah I want Flyboy. I can't get too much of you."
==========================================
Part Twenty-Two by Rising Sun ([email protected])
Rated: G
==========================================
HALLOWEEN 1983
2107 LOCAL - EDDIE’S HOUSE
Let’s Stay Together by Tina Turner was pulsating
from the house as Mac approached. She
rang the doorbell and was about to head for the back door when Count Dracula
opened it and grinned widely.
“Morticia Adaams! You look divine!” He said.
Mac grinned at her friend Eddie with Harm away the
friendship between the two had strengthened.
“Those teeth look rather sharp there Count.” She waltzed in and was
emerced into an alternate universe of goblins, ghouls, vampires and creatures
that could only reside in the imagination of teenagers.
The party was going to be a hit.
+ + +
TWO HOURS LATER
By the time Mac had waded her way to the punch bowl
the bowl was punching back. She may
like the taste of alcohol but Mac was not dumb, and drinking at the party was
not part of her modus opperandi. Eddie
on the other had was already home and could drink his father’s entire stash
should he so desire.
With a virgin cola in hand she went in search of
fresh non-pulsating air. She found it
at the swing set in the back yard set up for the last of Eddie’s siblings.
Mac watched as a cute young man approached her.
They were a match. Gomez Adaams spoke
to her “Cara mia.” He held out his hand.
“Gomez?” She smiled at the young man but she didn’t
know him. That didn’t take away from
the fact that he was endearing.
“Sí.” He hiccupped and suddenly sat at her feet.
She chuckled “Not a good way to introduce yourself
mon cher.” She looked down at him.
“French!
Tish! You spoke French!” And he attempted to execute the rest of the
ritual of kissing up the arm, but failed.
Mac sniggered and easily pushed his head back. “What is your name?”
“Gomez Adaams!” He declared.
Mac sighed.
“When you are in disguise… what name do you use?”
“Oh... Christopher Ragle everyone calls me Chris”
He said and bowed where he sat. “At
your service.”
“You don’t go to our school.” She told him and
hoped he could provide a coherent response.
“I go to a different school but Eddie invited
me.” He managed to explain.
“I see.” Mac replied, she stood as her clock kicked
in it was time to head home breaking curfew was a dangerous activity at the
Mackenzie house.
“You are leaving Cara mia.” He wailed.
“Oui.” She smiled and walked away leaving Señor
Adaams wailing after her “I will find you! Never fear!” he fell back and passed
out.
“More than likely I’ll find you.” She thought as
she headed home.
==========================================
HALLOWEEN 1983
2107 LOCAL – ANNAPOLIS
“Rabb?” No response
“Rabb?” Again silence.
“God damn it! Rabb!” Jack Keeter finally poked the
twenty year old in the ribs cage.
“Huh?”
“Oh for heaven’s sake Rabb. You look like you’ve
seen a ghost!”
“Right! I’m back and the next round is on me.” The
words died on Sturgis Turner’s lips as he froze in place. “Mac?”
Keeter groaned.
“You would think that the two of you had never seen a woman before!”
“Women I have seen.” Sturgis replied and sat. “I
can assure you that this one never.”
“He said that too.” The woman chuckled “In fact
that is all he’s said.”
“What was that?” Sturgis asked.
“Mac. Who’s
Mac?”
Sturgis straightened his uniform and replied with a
question. “And your name ma’am?”
“Diane Schonke”
The resemblance of this freshman to Mac was
uncanny. Harm finished his beer in one.
==========================================
1709 LOCAL
THE OLD MILL
Fifteen-year-old Mac lay in the straw; beside her
was Eddie. For once they were not drinking.
Well not yet.
“Mac?”
“Mmm?”
“What the hell is that!” Eddied could take it no
more as he looked at what should be a punching bag but really couldn’t be.
“A punching bag.”
Eddie snorted, “I seriously doubt that!”
“It meets my needs.” She replied.
“Which are?” A voice asked.
Mac and Eddie sat up abruptly. “Chris!” Eddie squealed and stood to greet
his friend. “You found the place!”
“Easily.” Chris replied his eyes glued to Mac.
Eddie introduced them. “Mac meet …”
“Gomez Adaams.” She finished.
Chris frowned then his face lit up with the memory.
He fell to his knees. “Mortisha! I thought I’d lost you!”
Mac chuckled.
“You brought the stuff?” Eddie asked.
“As promised.” Chris produced a brown paper bag and
spoke to Mac. “So what need could that
bag possibly fill in you?”
She felt as if they had stopped talking about the
bag but answered anyway. “My dad taught
me self defense I use the bag to practice.”
“Oh this is going to be the making of a beautiful
friendship!” Eddie declared as he examined the two bottles Chris had brought
with him.
Still looking at Mac Chris replied, “I sure hope
so.”
She blushed.
==========================================
Part Twenty-Three by Melissa ([email protected])
Rating: PG
==========================================
JUST AFTER SUNRISE
RABB FAMILY FARM (OLD BARN)
BELLEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
The first sensation Mac felt when she woke up was that of the morning sun in
her eyes. The next was the warmth of the hard body pressed up against her
back under the blanket. She refused to open her eyes and have it all
taken away from her since dreams only stay as long as you sleep. In her
life, a feeling such as the one she felt didn't come during daylight hours.
"Morning, Sarah." A husky voiced mumbled into her hair. Her
eyes opened and she smiled. She hadn't been dreaming after all.
"How did you know I was awake?"
"You stopped moving. You've always shifted in your sleep," Harm
mumbled back pulling her closer so that she rolled to face him. He leaned
over and captured her lips with his own. The kiss was slow and not
demanding like those the night before. Not that he didn't want her as
much now as he did then, but because he felt no need to hurry.
"And you talk," Mac informed him as their lips parted. She
smiled sweetly at him.
"I do not."
"Do too."
Harm pinned her down under him and closed his lips over hers effectively
rendering her unable to speak. Their hands traveled along each other’s
bodies as they melted into one another once again.
==========================================
1230 HOURS LOCAL
RABB FAMILY FARM
BELLEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
"I didn't hear you two come in last night," Sara commented to the
young couple that walked into the kitchen keeping a respectable distance
between themselves but never taking their eyes from the one another. She
smiled a loving--and knowing--smile at them and gestured toward the table that
was set for lunch. "Or go out this morning."
"We were quiet," Mac lied knowing full well that Grams wasn't buying
it. If she and Harm were any more obvious, they'd be all over each other.
"Uh huh. A salad for Harmon and my special beef stew for
Sarah," Sara said placing their food down in front of them. There
are veggies on the table and chips and crackers in the cupboard if you're
hungry when you're done. I'm going out to the porch to read--it's such a
beautiful day. Enjoy, my dears." With that, she left the room.
"She knows," Harm decided.
"She definitely knows."
==========================================
2305 HOURS LOCAL
RABB FAMILY FARM (HARM'S ROOM)
BELLEVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
"What does this mean, Harm?" Mac whispered to the man who held her
tight against his bare chest. He didn't respond.
"Harm?" She put her head up to see his face. He was
relaxed and his eyes were closed. He was sleeping she realized.
Sighing, she laid her head back down on his chest and was lulled into a
peaceful rest by the steady beating of his heart.
==========================================
Part Twenty-Four by Audrey ([email protected])
Rating: PG - language
==========================================
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, 1984MACKENZIE RESIDENCE0945 LOCAL Seventeen-year-old Mac stretched out on the sofa, flipping through the morning paper. Thanksgiving had been a peaceful
holiday with her father surprising her by cooking a rather nice Thanksgiving dinner. Granted, it had been small and some of the
food had looked less than prefect, but they both had enjoyed it and chatted companionably well into the evening hours. Harm had called to wish her a happy Thanksgiving, apologizing for not being able to come down for the holiday. He'd been
loaded down with work and had told her that he and a few friends were going to celebrate by going out to dinner. Sighing, Mac folded the paper and set it on the end table for her father to read after he got up. A quick glance at the clock told
her that it was time to go and meet Eddie and Chris at the old mill - the main hangout of the trio. She ducked into her father's
room to tell him that she'd be out for the morning, and then left the house. + + + THE OLD MILL1000 LOCAL "Took you long enough." A charming grin crossed Chris' face as Mac approached. He was sitting beside Eddie and they were each holding a beer bottle.
Eddie offered one to Mac, which she refused by telling him that it was too early to start drinking. "There's no such thing as too early." Eddie commented. Chris joined him in a laugh and then turned his attention to Mac. "Hey, guess what? I got my own place!" Mac's eyes widened in surprise as she sat between the two boys. "Really?" Eddie nodded. "You've got to see it, Mac! It is awesome! Think of all the parties we'll be able to have. The keggers, the beer
busts..." Chris and Mac exchanged an amused look as Eddie continued on. Chris finally ended Eddie's ramblings by throwing an empty
beer bottle at him. "Anyway," Chris began, turning his attention to Mac. "I was thinking..." "Dangerous habit." Mac quipped. Eddie chuckled. Chris rolled his eyes, grinning at her. "I thought you might like to move in with me." Mac stared at Chris in shock. Move in with him? Hell, they'd never even kissed! They were...friends. Close friends but friends
nonetheless. From the way Eddie choked on his swig of alcohol, Chris had not brought up the idea with him either. "Awfully sudden, don't you think?" Mac inquired. "You'd get away from your dad." Chris pointed out. True. But lately the relationship between father and daughter had been going so well. Mac watched as Eddie struggled to his
feet, murmuring something about "nature calling" and stumbled off. Her eyes remained fixed on his retreating form until Chris
reached out to clasp her hand. Mac's eyes locked on their interlinked hands, a warm feeling spreading through her. Her gaze drifted up until her eyes met his... They were pulling apart, breathless, a mere seconds later. Mac's head spun and she couldn't recall how she had come to be
kissing the young man before her but it had happened. And it had been wonderful. "Wow." Chris voiced her own sentiments with that single word. His hands remained loosely on her shoulders, her hands pressed gently against his chest. Mac could feel her heart fluttering
about inside her chest like a nervous butterfly, wondering if he'd kiss her again. He did. "Whoa...get a room." Eddie had returned to see his friends embracing and although he feigned disinterest, deep inside he was
cheering. They needed each other. They were perfect for each other. "So, whatcha say?" Chris asked finally. "Wanna move in with me?" Oh. Right. "Chris," Mac began. "It's not that I don't want to but..." She paused, searching for the words. "It's just that...things
between Dad and I have been going so great lately. I don't want to lose that." For a second, Chris looked slightly hurt. Behind him, Eddie frowned. Of course -now- she would choose to stick around with her
dad. But Chris nodded. "That's cool." He said finally. "But the offer will always be open to you." Mac smiled. "Thanks." She wanted to kiss him again, but with Eddie standing right there it seemed too weird. "I better get going.
Dad'll be wondering where I am." "See ya, Mac." Eddie said, waving a hand dismissively as he sank back onto the ground and tipped his half-empty bottle back. Mac started to rise, but Chris tugged on her hand, pulling her down again. He glanced quickly over at Eddie, then back at Mac.
"I love you, Mac." He whispered. Startled, Mac didn't know what to say. He – loved - her? At a loss for words, she gave him a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth
and then left. "You say somethin', dude?" Eddie drawled. "Nothin'." Chris replied. "Toss me a bottle." + + + MACKENZIE RESIDENCE2220 LOCAL Mac snuggled on the couch with a blanket, the only light in the house coming from the television. The local station was showing
"The Wizard of Oz" and Mac found herself smiling as Dorothy danced down the yellow brick road with Toto and the Scarecrow.
When they had been younger, she and Harm had danced through his house one day singing the songs from the movie. His
mom probably still had the pictures, too. The sound of a car door shutting in the front yard pulled her attentions away from the movie as her father entered the house. She
knew instantly that he was drunk. Again. Joe squinted at the high-pitched voice belonging to the fictional Dorothy. "Damn it, Sarah." He growled. "Turn that thing off!" "But Dad..." Mac protested as her father marched across the room to hit the power button on the television. Angered, she got up
and hit the button again and the characters once again danced across the screen. "Didn't you hear me?" Joe asked from across the room. "Turn that damn thing off! You're too old to watch that crap anyway!" "I'm seventeen years old!" Mac replied. "I can watch whatever I please!" "Not in -my- house you can't!" Joe yelled, stumbling to his feet. "Now turn it off or go to your room!" "No!" Damn it, why couldn't she watch it? She hadn't seen "The Wizard of Oz" in its entirety since Harm had been here and she
really liked the movie. "Sarah..." Joe's shook a finger at her and addressed her in a voice that held a warning tone to it. "No, damn it!" Mac was frustrated. He'd been home barely two minutes and they were already in a fierce argument. And over a
movie, no less. Drunken and angry, Joe's reactions were hard to predict. The first swing of his hand caught Mac across the cheek, but she was
quick and avoided the next one. Tears burned in her eyes as she watched her father's rage build. "Fine!" She yelled finally, stomping out of the room in defeat.
She heard Joe's curses as he turned off the television and flopped onto the couch. Mac locked herself in her room, angry tears
spilling down her cheeks. She felt like a caged animal ready to strike at any moment. She grabbed her pillow and swung it
blindly across the room where it knocked her phone from her bedside table. Pausing, Mac looked at the fallen phone. Chris. If she moved in with him she could watch whatever she wanted, whenever she
wanted. She wouldn't have to take any more crap from her father. Her fingers had dialed Eddie's house before she knew it. After
getting Chris' new number from him, she called Chris and everything was arranged in a span of ten minutes. Quickly tossing some clothes and her most valuable things into a suitcase, Mac waited until she heard Chris' truck pull up out
front. Her father looked at her, bewildered, as she marched out into the family room with her luggage. "Where the hell do ya think you're goin'?" He slurred, beer bottle in hand. "I'm moving in with Chris." Mac announced, sounding almost giddy. Joe sputtered angrily, telling her that she had no right to make decisions like that without informing him. She simply marched out
the front door and clambered into her boyfriend's truck. As they drove off she could make out the angry form of Joe Mackenzie
cursing and waving his fists at them from the doorway.
==========================================
Part Twenty-Five by Pat ([email protected])
==========================================
RABB FARM "Harmon if you wear the paint off that porch floor I swear you're going to repaint it," Grams yelled from the kitchen window,
shaking her head at the same time. Her grandson was pacing, as he always did when he was anxious. The kitchen timer sent her scurrying back to the kitchen just as the cloud of dust at the end of the driveway signified that whom he
was awaiting had arrived. "Hi Beautiful," he breathed when Mac stepped from the car into his arms. "I've been waiting for hours." "Sorry, late start and bad traffic. OK what's so urgent there Sailor?" "It's come. My orders. My approval. It's come through. I'm going to transfer to the JAG Corps starting Monday for orientation
and then my enrollment in law school is a done deal." "YES," she squealed and threw her arms around his neck. He lifted her off her feet and swung her around in his excitement. "They called me yesterday," he panted. "I was starting to panic
because my leave was up and I didn't want to be stuck at some desk job someplace just killing time like the washed up
aviator I am so when then called. . .well relief doesn't half cover it." "Harm I'm really really happy for you," she laughed and hugged him once more. "And I know you're going to knock 'em dead. There's nothing you can't do when you put your mind to it. And cut out that
washed up aviator crappola anyway. You're still a member of the US Navy, and you'll be as good a lawyer as you were a pilot." "I hope so," he gasped and and turned serious. "OK Flyboy you're fading out on me," she said in concern. "What's wrong?" He shrugged sheepishly and took her hand. "Walk with me." Following the old familiar path to the river, they walked in silence for a while until the sound of the water welcomed them. "Talk to me Harm," she whispered. "In flight school, through all my training, I always had to be the best," he said finally, looking deeply into her dark eyes. "Now I'm
going into a totally different setting. These people are good. Not good in a cockpit which is more nerve and instinct, but good
with books and what if I'm not." "What if you stop worrying," she smiled, touching his face with gentle hands. "Harm you are the smartest person I know. The smartest person I've ever met, and not just book smart but common sense
smart too, and that's going to make you a great lawyer." "You really think so?" "Put it this way. If I was charged with murder, I'd trust you with my life," she laughed, brushing her fingertips along his jawline. "Yeah?" "Yeah. You can do this Harm." "You really think so?" "Isn't that why you had me come up here this weekend. So that I could tell you that?" "Well yeah," he admitted. "I needed to hear that. But I also needed to have some of this." His lips found hers a second later,
and a second after that she was lost in his arms.
==========================================
Part Twenty-Six by Rising Sun ([email protected])
Rated PG-13
AN: There is a lesson here and it ain’t don’t drink
and drive!
==========================================
ONE WEEK LATER - 1109 LOCAL
CHRIS’ PLACE
Mac awoke and instantly wished that she
hadn’t. She had the mother of all
hangovers. She peeped through one eye and immediately closed it. The slight shaft of light threatened to
shatter her brain. All thoughts of
staying put made a U-turn as she felt the need to heave. She barely made it to
the bath in time. She threw up and
remained seated on the floor. She groaned in worship at the porcelain God and
vowed never to leave its side.
She was miserable.
She was hung over.
She could barely remember the night before.
She was sore.
Sore?
Mac focused. The action pulled another groan from her. It was coming back. She’d slept with Chris. If she remembered, the logic was that it was time she became woman to his man. The only evidence she had that she had actually gone through with it was that she hurt in all the right places. Mother had not warned her about her first time or even the day after. Maybe it was better that way. Oh God! She thought I hope I’m not pregnant! Harm would killer her. All her plans to join him at Annapolis flashed by her.
A tear rolled down her cheek.
She couldn’t even remember her first time. Crossing
over from girl to woman should have been better than a drunken roll.
Where did it happen?
The Mill?
The Car?
Was it really with Chris?
Was Eddie there?
Had she been with Eddie too?
She couldn’t remember a blasted thing! This much she concluded. It should have been
with Harm. At least she’d remember that!
The front door slammed as someone left and her
entire being protested. She heaved into the toilet again and vowed that next
time she’d be sober. Well, she justified
I’ve already done it once why stop now?
==========================================
AT THE SAME TIME
PUBLIC PAYPHONE
THE CAPTAIN’S CELLAR, ANNAPOLIS
Harm finally hung up the phone.
“Any luck?” Diane asked over the noise in the bar.
He had a strong sense of déjà vu as he remembered a
similar conversation with Gyn. He shook
his head. “She’s out. Seems the Mackenzie house in empty.”
“Come and join us you can call later.” She
encouraged.
“You go ahead. I’ll join you in a minute.” He
turned his back on her to try the phone again.
She looked at his back for a few seconds and left
to join Jack Keeter and Sturgis Turner.
“What is it with him and this Mac!?” She demanded.
Sturgis chuckled.
“I don’t understand it and I’ve known them all my life. Rabb and I were not friends at school. We
competed over everything. But that friendship he has with Mac is a force of
nature. Roll with it or get out of the
way.”
“Men and women can’t be friends.” Keeter announced.
“These two are.” Sturgis stated as though it were a
law of physics. “There is a four year
gap between them. Can you just not see it?
Mac at five tagging along with an eight year old WITH HIS PERMISSION!
Man he got teased so all through school but he never dropped her nor she him.”
“He is calling a seventeen year old?” Diane was
almost indignant.
Keeter’s antenna went up. “Diane … if what Sturgis says is even half true don’t rub Rabb
the wrong way on this.”
She was about to reply when Harm joined them.
“Oh for God’s sake man. Get a grip. The kid’s probably out doing what teens do!”
Sturgis teased.
“I know.” He replied but still looked glum. “But I was hoping to catch her at home, not
even her dad answered. Ah well”
“Can we please change the subject!” Diane snapped.
“With pleasure” Keeter replied.
“Army Navy game tomorrow!” Sturgis started. “I tell you solemnly. There shall be much wailing and gnashing of
teeth and I don’t mean the players!”
“Tell them!” Keeter shouted but made no difference
over the din.
“The son of the preacher man predicts!” Harm
chuckled.
“You doubt?” He challenged.
“With you on the team NEVER! Go NAVY!” Harm held up
his beer bottle.
“GO NAVY!” The rest joined and clinked their
drinks.
“GO NAVY!” The bar echoed the chorus.
Harm grinned. He loved this life. Now if only Mac were here. He couldn’t wait!
==========================================
1247 LOCAL
BATHROOM AT CHRIS’ PLACE
Mac remained on the floor. No one had come in search of her. That was
good and bad. Good cause she needed
peace and quiet. Bad because obviously no one had missed her. If Harm were around he would have missed her
and have come looking for her. No if it
had been Harm he’d still be in the bed with her. It would have been a bed and
not… wherever.
What day was it?
Was it a school day?
More important what time was it?
Ok so daylight saving time gave her pause but for
the first time that she could remember she had no idea of the time… and she had
lost a memory. She took a vow. This was the last time she was having sex
and moonshine at the same time. She’d have both but not at the same time. The
combination obviously didn’t agree with her.
==========================================
Part Twenty-Seven by Melissa ([email protected])
AN: I don't know how long it would take for Harm to start class, but to make this work; it had to be a few months. I hope
everyone will forgive any inaccuracies. ========================================== A FEW MONTHS AFTER PART 25HARM'S APARTMENTWASHINGTON, DC His back ached, his vision was blurring, and the only thing he really wanted to do was sleep, but if he didn't want to start off law
school on a bad foot, he had to study. He threw the text book onto the coffee table and took a look around his new place. It was
small and cheap which made it the perfect place for him. It wasn't a home, of course. It was just a place to sleep until he got
everything together. He would have a home someday. A home he would return to after a long days work. A place where a
woman he loved with his whole heart would be. A place where he would find his children would be playing in the yard. "That'll be the day," he chuckled to the empty apartment. He felt like a kid studying like he was. After he got through flight
school, he never thought he'd have to hit the books again. It wasn't like he had a fifteen year old's immature hatred of it, but that
didn't stop it from being tedious. "Only three more years," he reminded himself. The reminder only made him feel even less hopeless. He stretched out and
reached for his beer on the end table. After flying F-14's for a living, studying to be a lawyer seemed...well, boring. The phone ringing broke his thought. "Hello?" "Hey, honey, how's school been going?" a faked high-pitched distinctly male voice breathed. "Hey, Keet. Watch it...I can still kick your ass," Harm laughed. "Dream on. You could *NEVER* kick my ass," Keeter said in his normal tone. "Anyway, seriously, how have your classes been
going?" "Okay, I guess. I'm in class with a bunch of arrogant twenty three year olds that think they know everything, and I have to read
redundant passages from books that use words that are five syllables long just to make the author seem smarter," Harm replied
sardonically. "So you fit in...That's good." "Screw you." "No thanks. I have this chick on board that already has that taken care of." "Do the terms fraternization and conduct unbecoming mean anything to you, Keet?" "See...You're sounding like a lawyer already." "I'm hanging up now." "On that note--Call Mac. She's worried about you. You haven't called her in over a month, and she's thinking that she's done
something wrong which I know she hasn't because you hold her up as some kind of saint. So tell Uncle Keeter what's going on." "I've been busy." "Too busy to give your best friend a phone call?" This conversation was making Harm very uncomfortable. "The transition's been weird. I'm glad to be here, but it's different. It's
been tough." "Call her, Rabb. Don't screw what you have with her up just because you can't swallow your pride," Keeter advised. "I'll call her, I promise." "That's good. I've gotta jet. Some of the guys here are getting the wrong idea." "Adios, amigo." "Ciao." Harm hung up the phone and stared at it wondering why he hadn't called Mac.
==========================================
Part Twenty Eight by Rising Sun ([email protected])
==========================================
THANKSGIVING 1985
CHRIS AND MAC’S PLACE
Thanksgiving had marked one year of Mac and Chris
living together.
The first few weeks had been difficult. She had missed her home. True it wasn’t much but it was home and she
missed it, but that had worn of and she had settled into the new place. As promised the three musketeers had existed
in a drunken haze.
Chris had got a part time job at the local car
wash, she at Mac Donald’s and Eddie and Wall Mart. They drank their way through most of the wages.
Chris had finally quit school and one was more
likely to find Mac at home drunk than at school. Her grades had fallen and her graduating was in doubt.
There was a knock on the door. “Get that will ya!”
Mac screeched. There was no answer then
she remembered that Chris was at work.
She staggered to the door.
She opened it and began “No Jehovah’s Witnesses
wanted here!” She gripped the door for support. There was no reply. She
raised her head and looked at the tall man. She squinted “Harm?” She slurred.
Harm stepped into the apartment. He picked his way in. “Mac?” He was horrified at what he saw but
managed to control his voice.
She closed the door, followed him in swiped the
newspapers off the nearest chair and offered it to him.
For the first time in all the time that he knew Mac
Harm felt uncomfortable. “What happened
Mac?” He whispered as he examined the room.
She landed on an opposite chair. “Like what?”
“You don’t call you don’t write your drunk your
missing school…”
“You ain’t my mother you ain’t my father…” She
echoed his tone.
“No I’m more than that. I’m your friend and I’m
worried about you.” He said. “Mac your
dreams. Please come back with me to my
house you can stay with my mom.”
She smiled “You never liked Chris did you.” She
accused. “It’ll be all right Harm.
Don’t worry about me.”
“That’s the problem Mac I’ll always worry about
you.” He stood. “Be safe Mac but more important be happy.”
A saddened Harm left.
==========================================
AT THE DUCK POND
Harm walked along the bank and stopped at their
spot.
There were so many memories here!!!
[FLASH BACK]
As
she approached on her bicycle she saw the familiar form of Harm. In one fluid
motion the bike came to a halt, Mac jumped off and she flung herself on her
best friend.
“Hey!”
he jumped.
“Harm
I was worried! I couldn’t find you anywhere!” The eleven year old wailed.
“I’ve been around squirt.” He said.
“I’ll
be twelve next month so watch who you call squirt.” Came her automatic
response.
+ + +
He
followed her. “Mac you’re crying.” He was shocked. Mac didn’t usually cry. He felt bad that he was the cause. He reached over and wiped first one then the
other cheek. She looked at him and
their eyes locked. By mutual unspoken
consent Harm leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
[END OF FLASH BACK]
Sitting at the base of the tree and for the first
time since he’d learnt of his father’s disappearance Harm cried
==========================================
NOVEMBER 13, 1985
RABB’S RESIDENCE
Trish picked up the phone “Rabb’s Residence.”
“Hey mom!” Harm said.
“Darling how are you?”
“Mom have you heard from Mac?” He sounded
worried. “Today is her birthday and I
called but there was no answer.”
Trish took a deep breath. She’d been postponing
telling her son Mac’s latest news. Now
there was no dodging it. “Mac left
town.”
“SHE WHAT!”
“She left town.” There was more. “But before she
left she married Chris.”
There was stunned silence. Finally “When?” He
whispered. “Will she be back?”
“Last week.” Now she was worried. “I head it was
for her honeymoon so I assume she’ll be back. You ok son?”
His voice was so soft she hardly heard him “Yeah mom. See you for the holidays.” He hung up.
==========================================
Part Twenty-Nine by Pat ([email protected])
========================================== 21 DECEMBER 1985 "Harm you look good," Trish greeted him happily. The house smelled of gingerbread and pine and Christmas music played in
the background. "A man in a uniform. Of course you look exactly like your dad. And that's hard but that's not ever going to
change. Go speak to your grandmother, who of course is in the den knitting and watching her stories." "Yes ma'am," he answered automatically and walked down the familiar hallway. "Grams I'm here," he called, pushing the partly open door more fully open. The TV blasted and she nearly jumped from her
chair when he put his hand on her shoulder and kissed her cheek. "Harmon about damn time," she laughed. "I was afraid they were going to keep you over Christmas." "No way. Miss Christmas dinner here? Not likely. Hey I didn't mean to interrupt your story time. I'll change and then I'm going to
take out the snow mobile OK. I've been on that bus for hours and I desperately need some air and space." After securing his mother's approval, he took off. There was enough snow on the ground to make the experience more than
wonderful. The next best thing to being in the cockpit of a Tomcat. Almost as if he was on autopilot, he ended up at Mac's old place, wondering if she and Chris were living there now. His answer
came in the form of something new in the driveway, an old trailer, looking like if it was moved more than a foot it would simply
cave in. Playing a hunch he knocked at the door and sure enough Mac herself opened it, clutching her bathrobe tightly around
herself. "Hi," he managed, startled by her appearance. Her hair hung in strings, her face hollowed at the cheekbones, and the robe that
seemingly went around her twice dwarfed her painfully thin body. "Harm," she whispered, and tears almost at once came to her eyes. "I'm glad to see you Sailor. You look good. Come in;
excuse the mess. I haven't had a chance to clean up today and Chris took off with some of his biker buddies for a couple days
last night--they were out until about three this morning drinking." She stepped aside and he walked in, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness after the brightness of the sun and snow. "You want
a beer? I'm sure there's plenty left." "Uh...no I don't think so," he frowned. "So the Navy's treating you pretty good is it?" "Yeah I like it. I'm staying with it. I'm fourth in....My God Mac your face. What happened to you? No don't answer that I know.
That SOB hit you didn't he." It was a statement not a question. She hung her head in shame. "I make him mad sometimes." "You make me mad a lot of the time but I don't haul off and smack you," he exploded. "What the hell is the matter with this guy?
And while you're answering that tell me what the hell is the matter with you for letting him do that." "He just gets upset with me like when I don't move fast enough to get him a beer or when he wants sex and I don't," she
screamed back through her tears. "If you were any kind of a friend you wouldn't make me talk about this stuff. I can't help it." He was about to scream back that she could in fact help it when instead he simply pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair and
holding her to him. Her robe gapped open, revealing the soft curve of her breast and he drew in his breath sharply, his desire to
make love to her becoming overwhelming. "Sarah," he breathed just before his mouth closed over hers. "Sarah I... we can't.
No we can't. You're married." "Harm please. Please for the next little while," she panted. "He's gone. He won't be back any time soon. My dad's gone too,
went hunting or something. I need you Harm. I've missed you so much." "If you missed me that damn bad why did you marry that jerk?" he demanded.
==========================================
Part Thirty by Rising Sun ([email protected])
==========================================
2349 LOCAL
PROM NIGHT – JUNE 1986
By what could only be termed a miracle Sarah “Mac”
Mackenzie-Regale, Christopher “Chris” Regale and Edward “Eddie” Mathews
graduated from their respective High Schools.
Mac’s grades had been so outstanding that the slump in the final weeks
had dented her average but hadn’t annihilated them.
It was prom night and her husband was out of town,
for which she had thanked every God she knew.
The boss at the carwash had taken him to a convention in Vegas. Or so she thought he said.
She stood in front of the full-length mirror and
examined her handiwork. It had taken a
great amount of concentration to get her makeup on as her hand shook so badly
but she’d managed to get it done. She’d
cut her hair into a bob and she wore a bright red sleeve less floor length
dress. The dress complimented every
curve that she had and the split flashed her shapely legs with every step she
took. It was also backless. If she had any doubt as to the wisdom of
blowing her whole paycheck on the dress Eddie’s reaction was worth it.
He nodded and that is how it was that she and Eddie
went to the ball minus Chris.
+ + +
The music of a generation vibrated the night.
Use it up and wear it out by Odyssey
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Freedom – Wham!
Nothing’s Gonna Stop us Now – Starship
Were some of the songs that Mac made her personal
duty to dance to.
The planning committee had done an outstanding job
and the gym had been transformed into a teenagers dream. The hall was dark, the music loud and the
drinks strong someone had seen to that!
All too soon they were being thrown out. The party was over.
“You wanna drive?” Eddie swayed in the breeze.
“Give me that.” Mac grabbed the keys from him. “I’m taking one route so that means you
crash at my place.” She informed her friend and escort.
“Aye ma’am” he saluted.
“Don’t do that.” She said as she opened the door
for him. The salute had reminded her of Harm.
“Get in.”
“Aye ma’am” he repeated.
Mac wobbled to the driver’s side of the car. Neither was in any condition to be driving
but that never occurred to either.
“Hey Mac! Give me a ride?” Jessie came up to the
window.
“No.” Mac said flatly. “I have plans and that don’t
involve three people.” And with that she hit the accelerator and sped off.
When quizzed afterwards she had no memory of the
next few minutes but the results burned itself on her soul.
+ + +
Mac opened her eyes her face was against the car
window and she could feel the breeze coming from somewhere. There were flashing lights. She stirred.
“We got a live one here!” Some on shouted and she
heard sounds of an engine. Her door
began to give way and finally she tumbled out.
Strong hands caught her. “Easy miss.” A fireman said.
“Eddie?” She queried.
“Over here miss.” The fireman said then spotted her
wedding band “Ma’am“ He corrected.
Mac spotted Eddie and moved towards him. The rescuer tried to guide to a spot where
he could examine her. But she refused
to cooperate. He gave up and followed her. He’d treat her as she consoled her
husband he assumed incorrectly.
Mac stooped next to her friend. Next to Harm Eddie
was the oldest friend she had. “Eddie?” She whispered. “Eddie?”
His eyes flickered open. He was covered in
blood. “Hey.” He managed. He swallowed
and grimaced. “You ok?”
She nodded. He on the other hand was a mess. The Emergency Medical Technicians were
working frantically on him. He had broken bones; a cracked skull and blood
flowed freely everywhere. “… not making
it.” He managed to say.
She sobbed loudly.
“Help him!” She screamed at the EMTs.
One of the Techs shook his head at her.
She turned to look at Eddie wildly. He smiled at her and the effort made him
wince. The look of death cast its
shadow over him; he became calm and still and there by the side of the road
Eddie.
She buried her head in his bloodied, broken chest and cried.