In Another Time

by Cate Buchanan

  “Because there were no identifying items on me except the dog tags I’d been wearing that bore the name Sandy Evans, the name Evans on my ripped fatigues’ pocket and above all, Jeanette had confirmed my identity, the Army Air Force eventually made an official proclamation that I was indeed, Sandy Alexander Evans.

  “So, I basically started life all over again. Jeanette, Donald, and I lived in our apartment in Long Beach for a few months after I was released from the hospital while I continued to work with therapists who were helping to develop my speech and physical prowess.

  “As soon as they deemed me fit enough to exist in the real world without further assistance from them, we used the money from the sale of my deceased adoptive parents’ Oklahoma farmland to obtain a mortgage on a Christmas tree farm in northern California. Jeanette said we’d already set the plan in motion before I left the country for my missions, and when the owners learned of my injury, they’d been willing to postpone the sale until my condition improved.

  “So, you see. Everyone back home in King’s Landing had been told that I, Samuel Aaron Evanston, was dead. It wasn’t until I was hit in the head by a tree baler a little over a year and a half ago, that I began remembering things about my past. Sam Evanston’s past, that is. It all came back to me in chunks and pieces.

  “During the last days of her life, Jeanette confessed what she’d done and had fiercely apologized many times. She begged for my forgiveness until the day she passed from this Earth which I accepted immediately, but it made me feel guilty more than anything. She’d endured years of emotional anguish and remorse because of the choice she made. It must have tormented her every day wondering if and when I regained my memory, how she would be able to explain her deception. So how could I deny her forgiveness?” He shrugged.

  “Wow,” Sadie murmured.

  Sam nodded. “She did confess that at first she’d actually thought I was Sandy Evans, her husband, when they asked her to identify me as I lay unconscious. She said from the window in the door of my room we looked so much alike, similar build, height, and hair color, but when she entered the room and got a closer look at me, she’d broken down. When the commanding officer asked her to confirm that I was her husband, she said that she’d been crying so hard that he couldn’t understand her. Then bleak visions of Donald growing up without a father flashed behind her eyes, and she’d made up her mind then and there telling him yes. Confirming that I was her husband had sealed my fate, but it hadn’t been a premeditated act. It was an act of desperation. I can only imagine how heartbroken she must have been when she saw me lying there instead of her husband, and how scared and bereft she felt when she made the decision to lie about my identity and change all our lives forever.”

  Sadie still sat staring at him, mesmerized. She hadn’t even taken a sip of her Coke. At his silence, she sat up straight and said, “Why, Sam, that’s the saddest story I’ve ever heard. You lived another man’s life for nearly half a century. It’s all so, well, it’s just so…bizarre.” She shook her head trying to wrap her mind around his story. “You had to learn how to be Sandy Evans solely from the details you got from Jeanette because you couldn’t remember who you really were. Wow.”

  “Yes, and I remember now that Sandy and I did look remarkably alike. The guys in our unit used to give us crap about it all the time calling us “the trooper twins” and purposely mixing up our names. It didn’t help either that our positions in the plane were directly across from each other. Anyway, he’d been hit by enemy fire and I’d gotten the head injury while trying to save his life. That’s why I had his dog tags around my neck. There were shards of shrapnel in his neck, so I’d yanked them off his neck and tucked them around mine because I was afraid they were strangling him. I did everything I could to keep him alive, but before I could place the tags back around his lifeless neck, our plane was struck again. I was pitched into the air and landed head first against the wall of the fuselage and was knocked out. I still don’t know what happened to my tags or the ‘ton’ part of my name tag, except I do remember he’d had a death grip on my pocket with my name tag as I held him in my arms, so I guess it was ripped off. So, it’s almost like it was meant to be,” he lamented.

  As she replayed the details of his story aloud Sadie lamented, “How tragic for all of you. Sandy lost his life. Jeanette lost her husband and made a dreadful, life-altering decision for all of you. And for you Sam, because you basically lost your life too.” Then, in awe she said softly, “You’ve lived two men’s lives in one lifetime. What an incredible, just…mind-blowing story. You must’ve felt completely bewildered, especially when the memories of your past life came back to you. I can’t even imagine how wronged and cheated you felt.”

  “Yes, both times I was completely at a loss. But the first time, what could I do but move to a new place and start a new life with Jeanette and Donald, which seemed the only sensible thing to do for all of us. I didn’t know any difference. Other than a few memories that had stuck with me and when I’d asked Jeanette about them, she’d answered my questions about our past in a strained manner, we really did have a good life. She was a sweet person. And even though I loved her, after the second head injury when my memories came back and started making sense, all I could think about was getting back to Lillian.”

  “Your whole story sounds like an episode out of The Twilight Zone. You’ve lived most of your life believing you were someone else. When your memory came back, I’m sure you were confused, but weren’t you just also…livid with Jeanette for lying to you? I think I would be. I’m sure you mourned for all the plans you’d made for your life as Sam Evanston. Plans I’m sure you’d made with Lala.” Then, as full recognition hit her, she exclaimed, “Poor Lala! She must’ve been completely devastated. No wonder she fainted when she saw you! She’s believed that you died in the war for all these years.” She started getting more upset. “And your poor, poor parents. How could such a horrible mistake have been made. It’s just purely awful!” By the end of her rant she was nearly shouting and her vision was blurred by tears.

  She thought about the two young lovers who’d believed they had their whole lives together ahead of them, and how easily it’d been ripped from them.

  Just like that.

  Lala had lived almost an entire lifetime not knowing that Sam, her Sam, the love of her life, was still alive. And Sam. He had to have felt so much anger and sorrow when he found out the truth about his real identity.

  Her heart felt so heavy. She didn’t have it in her to ask him the other questions that had been on her mind. Somehow, they just didn’t seem to matter as much right then.

  With downcast, tear-filled eyes and her hand pressed to her heart, Sadie said, “Sam, I’m sorry. I truly am. I’m so overwhelmed by what you’ve shared with me. That, coupled with the stress of dealing with Lala’s fainting spell, well, I don’t think I have the strength to hear any more right now. My mind’s reeling. I can’t even imagine how you must have felt when your memories came back.” Looking up at him she sighed and asked, “How long will you be staying in town?”

  “I’d planned to take a flight out Monday morning, but then Lillian returned. Do you think she’ll want to see me? I know I frightened her tonight. I realize now that my idea of just showing up to see her was foolish. The alternatives had seemed too impersonal, though. Ah, it’s all a mess now. What do you think, Sadie? How should I approach her? Will you help me, please?” Sam’s shoulders drooped and he sank onto the corner of the bed.

  He gazed up at her with those heartbreakingly hopeful blue eyes, and what else could she say except yes, she’d help him break the news that he actually was alive to Lala. She asked him to make plans to stay a few days longer so they could figure out how best to do it. Then, she added, he’d probably need more time to explain everything to Lala, so he should count on staying in town indefinitely. She was sure he had more to tell Lala than the bit of overwhelming information he’d shared with her tonight.

  Before l
eaving, Sadie promised she’d call Sam’s room in the morning and let him know when it was a good time for them to get together to devise a plan. She explained about Aunt Joy’s birthday party the next afternoon and that she felt it was too soon for him and Lala to see each other. Sadie felt that she needed to wait until it could be determined if Lala was healthy enough to find out that the man she’d loved in another time was not dead as she’d believed for so many years.

  Sam agreed and said he’d be waiting for her call. In the meantime, he’d call home and let them know he was going to stay a little longer than he had planned.

  Having a semblance of a plan in place and a better understanding of the delicacy of the situation, Sadie felt better about working with Sam to find the best way to bring him and Lala together again. Hopefully, the bond they had from another time was strong enough to help them find their way back into each other’s lives.

  *****

  That night after checking on Lala, Sadie slipped between the sheets and allowed herself time to digest all she’d learned from Sam. She decided she’d never heard a more tragic, heartbreaking story before. So many people’s lives had been affected, and she didn’t know how Sam didn’t hate Jeanette because of her deception. She’d literally played God with his life. Sadie had certainly felt disgust for her. Knowing that life can be so fickle, and no one ever knows what hand they’re going to be dealt, not only made her feel sad, it also scared her a little. If it could happen to two people she knew, it could happen to anyone, even her. Brushing away the tears that had been rolling down her cheeks, she vowed to do everything in her power to bring the ill-fated couple together again.

  *****

  As they slept that night, all three had enchanting dreams about heartwarming trysts.

  Lillian felt herself swept up in the strong arms of a handsome stranger. His face mysteriously hidden by shadow, his gentle, loving touch and the heartfelt promises he whispered in her ear about never letting her go, bathed her in such a complete state of bliss. It was unlike anything she’d ever felt before.

  Sam dreamt of a lithe, amber-eyed beauty sweeping into his welcoming arms. Clinging to him tightly she promised to never let him go. An abundance of warmth and love filled his heart like he had never felt before.

  In Sadie’s dream, she and David Evans were the long-lost lovers. He was holding her tenderly, stroking her hair looking hungrily into her eyes before dipping his head and lightly kissing her. When their passion deepened, their kiss intensified. A feeling of pure elation engulfed her like nothing she’d ever felt before.

  In their sleep, each one sighed and smiled.

  Chapter 30

  Sunday Morning

  Lillian woke as the first rays of sun peeked through the window blinds. She felt light and gloriously happy. Slipping from her bed, she went through her morning bathroom ritual, then donned her robe and slippers, quietly opened her bedroom door and descended the stairs.

  Once in the kitchen, she realized that being gone for the past couple of months had left her food supplies sorely lacking. In the freezer she spied a package of English muffins and set them on the counter to thaw before toasting. Then she filled the teapot and turned on the burner to boil some water. As she reached for butter and jam in the refrigerator, she began humming a lilting tune. Setting the table in the breakfast nook, she stopped short when she recognized the tune. She hadn’t thought about that song in years. Actually, she concluded, it’d been nearly forty years since she’d thought about it. “Who Wouldn’t Love You?” was the song that Sam Evanston had sung to her as they danced. Ellen had played the 45-rpm record over and over that night at the lake house.

  It’d been a gorgeous spring night. Thinking back, she closed her eyes and remembered how she and Sam had ended up dancing alone on the patio outside the den barely hearing the music playing in the background. Sam had looked deep into her eyes as he sang to her. When the song ended, he gently pulled her closer to him and passionately kissed her. That was the moment she knew he was the love of her life.

  Interrupting her reverie, Sadie whispered, “Lala, are you okay?”

  “Oh, Sadie. You startled me!” Lillian said spinning around to see Sadie standing just inside the kitchen looking as white as a ghost.

  “Lala, you were swaying and just staring off into space. I thought you were having another episode!” Sadie exclaimed with her hand over her heart.

  “Oh, dear. I’m so sorry. I was just recalling a fond memory. I found myself humming a song I hadn’t heard in years, and it took me back to another time. I was just lost in thought is all. I’m fine. In fact, I feel better than fine. I feel wonderful!”

  Stepping closer to her and studying her face, Sadie noticed that she did look radiant. She was glowing and there was a slight blush in her cheeks. Sadie thought she seemed happier than she’d seen her in years. Just then, the toasted English muffins popped up in the toaster.

  “Have a seat, sweetheart. I’ll get the muffins, and the water for the tea is hot. Let me pour you a cup. Did you sleep well? I guess I was more exhausted than I thought. There’s nothing like sleeping in my own bed. I haven’t slept that well in months, and I had the most wonderful dream,” she rambled happily as she placed the muffins on a plate and poured steaming water over the teabags in their cups.

  “Thank you. Yes, I slept great, and it looks like it’s going to be a perfectly lovely autumn day,” Sadie answered as she threw back the dot Swiss cafe curtains in the bay window of the breakfast nook. Taking her seat at the table, she continued, “Josie said we should come by a little before noon for Aunt Joy’s party. The twins will be there. Jace can’t make it though. But he’s on fall break next week, so he’s going to come home Thursday and surprise Aunt Joy,” she shared as she buttered her English muffin and dunked her tea bag into the hot water. “The staff of Comfort & Joy and all of Aunt Joy’s friends and neighbors are invited, so there should be plenty of talk, laughter and delicious food,” she added.

  “I’m sure it’ll be a great party,” Lillian agreed. “On another note, sweetheart, I know I gave everyone a little scare last night. It’s funny, though, because this morning I feel so refreshed and unusually excited about the future. May I ask you a question about last night?” Lillian asked sincerely as she took her seat.

  Answering a little too brightly, Sadie said, “Sure, Lala. What do you want to know?”

  Lillian squinted her eyes and looked her dead in the face and asked, “How did I end up on the sofa in the breakroom? I mean, did someone carry me back there? I know this is going to sound silly, but I dreamed last night that a tall gentleman, actually, he was someone I knew in the past, softly spoke my name in the café. I saw him standing there and I think I said his name, too. Then I fainted and he carried me to the breakroom. He knelt next to me and spoke to me so tenderly and held my hand for a few minutes. Did that happen? I mean, I know I fainted, but did a man who none of you know step in to help when I passed out? It all seemed so real. I think it’s why I feel so rejuvenated this morning,” she added.

  Sadie knew she could never tell Lillian a lie, so deciding that less was best, she quickly came up with an explanation. “Um, Aunt Joy and I caught you when you started to collapse. Then a sweet older gentleman sitting close by helped us get you to the breakroom and onto the sofa. I think he knelt next to you and checked your pulse or something. He wasn’t there when you came to?” she asked deciding she’d see how much of it Lala actually remembered.

  “You know, now that I think of it, no. There wasn’t a man there when I woke up. So I guess it was just the dream that’s made me feel so cheerful. Oh, well, that and being home with my family. It’s a glorious day, and it’s my baby’s birthday. I’m so happy I made it back to celebrate with her.

  “You know though, I’m afraid this is going to be a difficult one for her. Without Sebastian. He always made such a huge production of her birthday, their anniversary, and well, every celebration. We’ve definitely got some big shoes to fill,” L
illian said matter-of-factly then sighed.

  “Oh, I know. Uncle Bash was her knight in shining armor, her Prince Charming. Their marriage, their relationship has always been the model for what I want.” Sighing, she continued, “I don’t know how many times I wished he hadn’t gone on that fishing trip last spring. I can’t even imagine how often Aunt Joy and the kids have thought the same thing. It’s just so devastating. You hear about people drowning, but you don’t ever think it’ll happen to someone you know and love. Especially someone who was such a good swimmer,” Sadie finished sadly.

  “Sweetheart, let’s make it our mission to make this the happiest day for her that we can. Hopefully, there will be lots of people there throughout the whole day to keep her mind off everything except her birthday celebration,” Lillian said clapping her hands together once. “I do worry about afterward, though. You know, when she’s alone tonight. I know the twins and Josie will be home, but they won’t be in her room at bedtime. I’m afraid that’s when it’ll hit her. When it’s quiet and she’s alone in her bed. But I’m a firm believer in letting people handle grief their own way. I’ve been given my fair share of opportunities to grieve in my lifetime. Unfortunately, it’s a process we must all experience at some point,” Lillian lamented.

  “I worry about her too. She puts on a brave face at work and I’m sure she does for the kids at home, too. Knowing what she’s going through, my heart just breaks for her. She’s such a strong, loving, joyful person. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by women like you and her and Aunt Holly,” Sadie said rising from the table to get the teapot to pour them a second cup. Leaning down to kiss Lala on the cheek, she asked, “Lala, I’m curious. You said that in your dream when you passed out there was a tall stranger who you thought was someone you knew in another time. If he was someone that you actually knew, what was his name?”