THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
By Atonia Walpole
(Picture creations also by Atonia)
Part 9:
Dee was astonished as Terry related the phone conversation he’d had with Bud. “That’s such an unSidlike thing for him to do. It worries me a little. Anytime he does something different I’m wondering why. What new game has he invented for himself?”
“I had the same thoughts. All the time we thought Hawk had taken Caroline and Sid had her for no other reason than to make Maximus suffer. Then he sends her back uninjured and heals Maximus. Not to mention what he did to Cort. Cort’s very lucky to have come out of that…blueness without any lasting effects. I’m looking forward to getting to know Daisy better.”
“She seems wonderful. I’m so happy for Cort.”
“I talked to Linda, too. She’s going to send the jet down for us.”
“I’m loving that woman more each day.” Dee made a face. “Now I’m missing everybody.”
Terry chuckled, “Two weeks, Nolia.”
“Terry, I know I’ve said some things about Thorneton…about wanting to leave. I think I got a little scared. I was afraid of this place. I need to apologize. Thorneton is a large part of you. It went into making you…you. I could never dislike anything that went into that process.”
“Does that include the Major?”
“Um, yes, it does. I don’t know him as you do. I know I love you and if there’s any bit of him in you then I have to like him.”
“Anything you need before I start turning out lights?”
“A trip to the bathroom.” Dee was still so sore it was difficult for her to walk without support from Terry. She leaned on him as he walked her to the bathroom. “I’ll ring when I’m finished in here.” She kissed his cheek and he left her.
There were times like now when she sat on the toilet and looked around the bathroom that she could believe this was Terry’s mother’s décor. She could believe his mother ordered the drapes in the bedroom and the matching bedding. She liked that feeling of being somehow connected to his past. It wasn’t true, none of it and she knew but still there was such a sense of him in Thorneton.
She leaned against the sink and brushed her teeth. A quick brush through her hair and she was ready for bed. “Terry?” She waited holding onto the door for him to come to her aid. He was in the kitchen having a drink of water.
“Terry?” She distinctly felt an arm around her waist and she closed her eyes not wanting to see what was holding her up and helping her to the bed. When she sat on the edge of the bed she opened her eyes and there was nothing to see. She shuddered and then said, “Thank you, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
There was no response except the door closing half way. She turned to lay down and found a rosebud from the side of the house lying on her pillow. She smiled and held it to her nose. Major Terry Thorne.
Terry came into the bedroom surprised to see her in the bed. “You walked?”
“I walked.” She held out the rosebud. “With help from Major Thorne.”
Terry looked serious. This was taking it a step to far. “How did that happen?”
“I don’t know. I called you a couple of times and all of a sudden I felt…this arm around me. I was afraid to look until I got to the bed and when I did there wasn’t anyone here…except this rosebud.”
Terry took a deep breath and went over to his side of the bed. “Maybe we do need to leave.”
“It was kind of weird.” She reached for her bedside light.
Terry turned on his side facing her and placed a hand on her stomach. “I don’t think it will happen again.”
Terry took Dee into the living room the next morning and brought her some muffins and coffee. Marthene had dropped the muffins off earlier that morning while she was still asleep.
“That was awfully nice of her. Mmm, banana nut.”
“She’s a nice lady.”
“Have you eaten?” she asked, through a mouth full of muffin.
“I have. I’ve been thinking,” He looked up at her. “Maybe we should check outta here and maybe go to a hotel in Coffs…somewhere with an elevator for you and a whirlpool bath. I’m not sure this is the right place for you to recover.”
Dee slowed her chewing and swallowed. “What brought this thought to mind?”
“I want what’s best for you.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. Was it the…intervention of Major Thorne last night that made you have second thoughts about staying here?”
He sighed, “Yes, I suppose it was.”
“You aren’t comfortable around him anymore?”
“I’m not comfortable with him touching you. I don’t care what the circumstances were. I do believe he means no harm to us. He saved your life.”
“Look, I’ve worked in some so called, haunted places, in my career. Places inhabited by spirits. I’ve never felt threatened or afraid. Sometimes a little uneasy, like I’ve trespassed into their space, but I’ve never retreated. You and I came blundering into Thorneton like you owned it…you thought you did, and in truth you do now. We disturbed his space and I’m sure he’s curious about me as he was you. I was injured and he knows how special I am to you. He did what he could for me. You’ve done the rest, Terry. The rosebud was a nice to touch. He’s got a touch of romance and sentimentality about him just like you do. You’re the one who’s flesh and blood, alive and here. You don’t need to worry about me but if you want to go to Coffs and check into a nice hotel with room service and whirlpool baths…I’m not going to argue with you.”
He grinned a little, “That settles it. I’ll call Cody and ask him to find a place for us. A nice place, no expense spared. It’ll be like a real holiday. We’ll also be close to the hospital, the airport and shopping if you feel so inclined.”
Terry called Cody and had him find a suitable hotel for them. With that taken care of he went out to the flat rock in the stream and sat down looking into the water. It was the best thing to do…leave. He’d found what he came for and though it wasn’t what he thought it gave him more of a sense of who he was. Russell had picked up a lot from Major Thorne and used it to create Terry Thorne. He still had questions unanswered and maybe they never would be answered. He had to wonder how important they were. What was important to him was inside the house on the sofa. Deidre.
He looked back toward the house now. He was connected to it and always would be. Maybe what she said was correct…he did own it now and with the real owner’s permission. Would he ever come back? He sighed, and shook his head slightly. Probably not. A small pebble made a circle in the water.
“You know I’m leaving. It’s become too personal here and Deidre will be more comfortable in a hotel. As soon as she’s able we’re going home.”
Another pebble hit the water. Terry looked toward the bank, gauging he was over there somewhere. “This has been quite an experience. I’m glad I came…glad I know the truth about myself. I still have questions. How much of me is you and how much is Russell? Were you ever married?”
A handful of little pebbles hit the water. “Is that a no?”
A single pebble.
“So that part was made up. In my movie I was married, divorced and had a thirteen year old son…I lost him when I was taken out. Tell me, is your Dino still around?”
A pebble hit the stream slipping a couple of times. Terry wasn’t sure what that meant. Can we go inside and find a bit of paper? I don’t read stones that well.”
Dino was last seen in Sydney drinking heavily. No idea where he is now. He was with me when I died.
“That’s tough. I can see my bloke doing the same if it were me. Who is Cody?”
A cousin. He’s a waster but a good waster. Known him since I was a teen. You don’t like roses
“I do like roses. When I said it was getting a little too familiar around here you know what I meant.”
Nothing to fear from me. She needed help to the bed. Fine sheila you have. Take her to Coffs
“I intend to. She’ll be more comfortable with room service. Nothing to do with you…really. I keep wondering…how much of your personality I have.”
The pencil drew a few doodles and then- mannerisms, some speech patterns you’re more Rusty than me. He’s a softie, ya know. If I were you and you were me I’d tell you to bugger off. Lot of inner strength in him tho. He don’t take shite. It’s been good knowing you. Glad you came.
“Yeah, maybe I’ll come back some day…or send another Rusty creation your way. Be kind.”
Ha ha
Terry smiled and closed and locked the door to the side porch. “Don’t imagine you need doors.”
He packed up their luggage and carried them out to the car. Next he came in for Dee. “Where did you get…ah, never mind,” he grinned.
“It appeared on the end table. I’m going to keep it.” She held the full blown red rose to her nose.
He carried her to the car and strapped her in. "We’ll stop by Marthene’s and tell her to clear out the food. She’s been really good to us, Nolia.”
“I know. I feel kind of bad running off like this.”
“We aren’t running off. We’re going to act like real holiday makers in Coffs.”
“Terry, I’ve enjoyed staying here. It’s a beautiful place and regardless of what you think, it’s very much you.”
“Really? I’ve been told that I’m more Rusty than the real Terry Thorne.”
Dee rolled her eyes toward him. “You don’t think he’d lie to you, do you? Huh?” She laughed. “Let’s go to Coffs. I can already feel that whirlpool.”
ON TO PART 10
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