Nerd and the Marine

by Grady, D. R.

  Ben noticed and got all eight of us out of the water by simply picking me and Treeny up. When he saw we were tied together he tore into my brothers, thank goodness. By the time he got there, Dory’s husband had already figured out something was wrong. And he’d started down to the lake to pull her out, but I’ve no doubt he intended to leave the rest of us.

  Ben promptly cut through our bonds all the while checking us over. The guys had no idea how closely they came to killing three of us. Treeny’s a doctor, so she checked my bruise. Hers is nearly as bad as mine. Don’t worry, we totally got them back, but I’m sore and currently writing you this e-mail standing at my kitchen counter.

  Like I said, we made them pay for their actions. When they returned from fishing they found all the cabins locked and that we took the kids into town for pizza. Leaving the nitwits to fend for themselves. (We also took all the spare keys.) Again, Ben was here, so he made short work of breaking into the cabins, and starting a fish fry, but he made them wait a long time. We were very pleased when they all apologized for nearly killing Dory, Treeny, and me. To say nothing of giving Laurie a heart attack.

  Ben made them all promise that they would not bind us again, especially not together, and toss us into the lake. They’re allowed to throw us in, just not attached to each other. He kept muttering about geniuses with absolutely no common sense. I get the giggles every time I think of it, because my brothers still have no clue. ☺

  My grandparents were there however, but had taken my purse into my cottage, so they didn’t know what had happened until they heard Ben ripping the boys apart. Then Granddad entered the action, and Ben wisely left the floor to him. (Remember, grandparents trump all.) It’s uncanny to see the two of them together. Except for skin tone, they’re the same person. Ben, of all the grandchildren, looks most like Granddad. I’ve probably told you that before.

  Did Ben say anything about Treeny when he came to visit? He wouldn’t tell me much about your visit, except that he likes you. I wouldn't mind hearing more about your visit.

  Anyway, since you’ll be buying my brothers, all seven of them, I figure you’ll get to know them well enough.

  Gotta go, my computer battery is nearly dead.

  Yours,

  Lainy

  Mitch could hear her exasperation and frustration, but also her love for her brothers. Perhaps there was still hope for him. He would never do anything to scare the girls like that. Did that mean the statute of limitations wouldn’t be a problem? Provided they had one. If her brothers could do something so wrong and still be loved, then he should be golden.

  He hoped.

  He clicked over to Ben’s e-mail address which he’d saved and started an e-mail.

  To: BenMorrison@verizon.net

  From: M_Monahan@yahoo.com

  Subject: I owe you one

  Hey Ben,

  Just got in and received an e-mail from Lainy. She told me about the little disaster at the lake, due to her brothers.

  I owe you one.

  Lainy mentioned something briefly that I found fascinating? Did you hear that she and Treeny checked each other’s bottoms? Apparently they both got bruised there. I doubt it’s appropriate to ask her, but did you hear about this? Are they okay? To hit so hard they had to check each other - that’s interesting.

  Thanks,

  Mitch

  He sent the e-mail to his outbox, and then started a reply to Lainy. Thankful again for Ben. He knew there’d been a good reason why he’d liked the man.

  To: L_Morrison@gmail.com

  From: M_Monahan@yahoo.com

  Subject: Glad you’re alive

  Hello Lainy,

  I’m glad you’re alive and thankful all you’ve got is a sore bottom. I’m sure it could have been worse. Did Bentley not toss any of the men in the lake then? You sounded exasperated with your brothers. Since Ben and your grandfather already chewed them out, I won't bother.

  You said something about Ben muttering about them being geniuses? I know Ed is, because I’ve used and trusted many of his inventions, but what about the other guys? And Max, from what you’ve said of him, I can’t imagine he was in on this?

  At least Ben got there in time, but it sounds like Dory’s husband saw a problem and would have gotten you out, too. Would he have felt as free to yell though? Since he only married into the family and isn’t related through blood?

  I’m glad you’re all right. Except for your bottom. I’m feeling that way, too, so I do understand. Missing you.

  Yours,

  Mitch

  P.S. I’ll probably watch the other two videos. Your brother Ed, although apparently lacking common sense, is a genius.

  P.S.S. I hope when you look in the mirror, you see the beautiful face I see. I hope you know you’re worthy of love. And a relationship like your family all have.

  Mitch plugged his computer back in and sent his messages before disconnecting again and returning to his cot. He glanced at Al’s bed next to his and, since it contained several days worth of sand, concluded he wasn’t around.

  Tugging the DVD stash from his footlocker, he selected Part I of Lainy Can Fix Anything.

  Propping the laptop on his midsection proved the least painful option and he watched as the scene unfolded. Lainy and several women sat around a picnic table talking. He couldn’t quite hear what they said. He saw they all had mugs in front of them and a plate of cookies.

  Kids kept running up and swiping the cookies. The ladies didn’t seem as interested in them. Mitch dug his stash out and selected a few. As the camera swung a bit, he noticed a couple off to the side. The man looked like Ben and the woman was small with red gold hair, they appeared to be deep in a discussion. The camera swung back to the occupants of the picnic table. He heard a male voice mutter, “There we go,” and suddenly he could hear the women.

  “So, do you think Treeny’ll stay in the area, Rachel?” one of the ladies asked, as the entire table glanced in the direction of the couple he had viewed. Mitch didn’t recognize the speaker per se. Except that she looked like Lainy’s mother. Had to be a grandmother or aunt.

  “I’ve wondered that, too,” Lainy’s Aunt Emma said, turning to look at Will’s wife.

  “I don’t really know. She hasn’t said anything about her plans, actually. I don’t know if she’s thought that far ahead.” Rachel’s eyes darted to the woman speaking to Ben.

  “She has a job.” Lainy reached for something at her grandmother’s elbow. A brownie.

  Which got Mitch to thinking about his stash. Rummaging around under his cot, he located his container and sampled one with her.

  “Yes, that’s true. But I’m sure she can go anywhere,” Lainy’s mother said, also snagging a brownie.

  “I wonder if Ben will play a part in her decision?”

  All of the women exchanged glances and he saw several of them frown before the woman who’d been speaking to Ben joined them at the table. He noticed she sat rather gingerly. Lainy grimaced with her and Mitch wondered if this video was taped right after both women had been dunked in the lake and come afoul on those rocks.

  “Where’s Ben, dear?”

  Treeny’s mouth firmed. “His beeper when off, and he said he had to leave.” Mitch gathered their conversation hadn’t gone quite like she’d hoped. Or had been cut short.

  “That’s the life of a Navy SEAL.” One of the other women quipped and the others nodded. Treeny’s expression turned even grimmer.

  Mitch noticed Lainy dart a quick look at Treeny. She must have thought the other woman needed some space because she made a production out of the half eaten brownie in her hand. “Mom, you make the best brownies ever.”

  Her mother laughed. “Thank you, love. Did I tell you I sent some to Mitch?”

  Lainy started. “No, you didn’t. He’ll love them.”

  “I just hope they don’t melt.”

  “Mom, I’m certain that even if they do, he won’t mind. He seems awfully grateful for anythin
g we send him.”

  “Quite true,” Aunt Emma added and Mitch thought he’d send them a thank you, just because.

  “It’s nice to send things to people you know will appreciate your efforts,” Grandmom said.

  “That’s definitely Mitch,” Lainy said firmly.

  “What’s definitely Mitch?” a new voice asked and they all watched as Melly and Laurie seated themselves.

  Dory filled them in. “He’s appreciative of whatever we send him.”

  “You should see the e-mail he sent Steve, thanking him for the Game Boy. Mitch’s friend Al also included a thank you, since Mitch won’t steal his any longer. Steve got the biggest kick out of it. He taped the letters to the wall by his desk.”

  “Mitch mentioned he asks Steve for pointers from time to time.” A funny little smile curved Lainy’s lips. Mitch’s heart twisted.

  “He does. And apparently Mitch has been giving Stevie some sports tips. He’s doing much better athletically. I’ve got higher hopes for him this year in gym,” Laurie commented and Mitch’s cheeks burned. He’d been communicating with Steve because he’d felt just like the kid, only with different circumstances.

  He hadn’t been the odd one out in his family, but simply the odd one out in general. The kid with no family, and no ties of any sort. He couldn’t remember his mother and didn’t know his father’s name. Most of the kids in his orphanage remembered parents and even siblings. He didn’t share the same experiences and always felt different. No kid liked being different. His heart had gone out to Steve, since Mitch understood, so he helped.

  “I didn’t know they e-mailed regularly. What a sweetie.” He liked how Lainy’s eyes lit up.

  “Yeah, and she’s not a little bit in love or anything,” Melly said wryly.

  Mitch watched in fascination as pink tinged Lainy’s cheeks. He noticed she wasn’t wearing her glasses and her eyes seemed brighter yet. He couldn’t say she looked any better, because any way he saw her, she was beautiful. Especially if she loved him.

  Lainy opened her mouth, but an ear-splitting cry blasted on the air before she could utter anything.

  “Hello. Somebody broke something,” Aunt Emma said in calm serenity and all the women turned in the direction of the sound.

  A little boy, probably not older than five or six came barreling up to the table, and dove into Laurie’s arms, sobbing like his dog had died.

  Lainy set to fixing the toy thrust at her and before long, there was a line of kids and some adults with various electronic devices. Mitch thought some of the broken objects looked beyond redemption. Lainy quietly assessed the various items, making few comments but seeming to enjoy the challenges presented to her.

  She did stick her tongue out when she concentrated. Mitch grinned. He figured she was the type.

  And she blushed when her sisters teased her about being in love with him.

  Despite his pain, Mitch began to whistle, glad to be alive, and determined to make it home that way, too.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Lainy yawned as she booted up her computer. She padded into her kitchen, searching for a clean mug and filled it with coffee. Bentley waited patiently at the door and she let him out on her way back to the computer.

  She clicked on her e-mail icon and downloaded her messages. Her new firewall seemed to be holding. She’d noticed some scratches on her doorknob though. Nothing inside had been rearranged but she now suspected someone else had rifled her equipment. Her new challenge was to determine if that person was friend, family, or foe.

  She turned her attention to her messages. And nearly dropped her coffee mug when she saw one from Mitch. Her heart leapt in her chest as a giddy thrill made her shiver. She set the mug down with a snap and eagerly clicked on his e-mail.

  And there it was.

  A nice long letter from Mitch. He didn’t blame her for her past relationships. In fact, he liked her more for having suffered them? She reared back. He said the men involved were to blame. Lainy blinked. Really? Why had they told her it was her fault? Were her spectacular failures entirely the men’s? Maybe. She’d have to think about it. All these years she’d blamed herself. How did one exonerate oneself after so much time had passed?

  The humiliation still had the influence to embarrass and mortify her. If those experiences weren’t her fault, why did they still possess power? But Lainy believed in Mitch more than those creeps from her past. He wouldn’t lie to her, would he? Why would he have to? She didn’t know, so she pushed the thoughts aside until she could figure out the situation.

  Mitch was back, bruised, but safe and relatively sound. She didn't like the idea of that rockslide at all.

  She cried when she reached the section about the Fandrichs. So he'd been adopted into another family for a short while. Those wonderful people had laid a foundation on which she could build. Sure, from the sound of it, they were only two people while her family was eight hundred strong, but still. They had accepted and loved him, just as her family would. Once she determined he truly wanted her. But she’d made up her mind to trust him. And judging by his message, Mitch Monahan was worthy of her trust. Could she give it to him?

  To: m_monahan@yahoo.com

  From: l_morrison@gmail.com

  Subject: You're back!

  Hello Mitch,

  I'm so happy you're back. I've missed you.

  Thank you for your remarks about my past relationships. I never thought the men involved were to blame. I just thought I was lacking, so it was my fault. You’ve given me some things to think about.

  I wish I could be there to tend to your wounds, but since I'm not, have you seen medical personnel? I really hope you have. Goodness but I'm happy to hear from you. Seems like you were gone forever.

  Thank you, also for sharing about Russ and Wendy. I realize that must have been painful for you. But am grateful you told me. I'm glad you inherited Bentley. He’s a wonderful dog and I’m happy to keep him.

  The kids have been back in school for well over a month. They're pretty much in sync with their classes and homework and after school activities now. Most Friday nights are spent at football games. (When the games are here.)

  We're related to a good portion of the team, so, we all go out to support the kids. Lots of nephews on the team, and some of the nieces are cheerleaders. Plus the band members. There are also the field hockey players and some in soccer. Most any night of the week I can be found freezing on a bleacher somewhere. We are certainly into October. I'll be attending home games until November, I imagine. Since I think we'll go on to districts in all of the aforementioned sports.

  In case you were wondering, yes, these sports span all of the age levels. So, not only am I doing the high school viewing, but this extends all the way down to pee wee level, too. Have you ever seen a bunch of seven year olds try to play football? It's endearingly comical. I'll see if I can convince Ed to send you a video. Too funny by half.

  We're carving pumpkins next week and already the kids are talking about Halloween costumes. I'll send pictures. ☺ I bought a new camera and have kept it away from my brothers.

  Oh, to answer your question, Max was not in on the tying and tossing us into the lake fiasco. He didn't make it down that weekend. So, it was just the six bozos. We're still holding it against Max though, because had he been here, we probably wouldn't have gotten tied up. He'd have just started throwing us in. Which would have at least been better than our experience. Just a get wet deal, not a get wet, nearly die, and walk around with a sore kiester for the entire next week deal. I'm healed, of course, now. But it was tough going for a week or so. I don't recommend it.

  Oh, please try to avoid rockslides. That scared me!

  I look forward to hearing from you more frequently for a while. But I understand you'll have to leave again soon. Which I despise, but I'm trying to think of this as the sooner you leave, the sooner you'll come back and the sooner this wretched year will be up and I'll get to hold you.

  Bentley sen
ds his love and says he can't wait to lick you. I promise to give him some teeth cleaning biscuits before you come.

  I missed you!

  Yours,

  Lainy

  Reading through Lainy’s e-mail, he thought of the kids already in school and of yellow school buses and wished he could be on his way to work and have to wait for a bus. He wished he could be on those bleachers with Lainy, holding her close, savoring the feel of her against him.

  He'd love to see a pee wee game with her. Watch the little squirts playing without a clue as to what they should do. He thought of the soccer teams and the band members. Were there pee wee cheerleaders? And field hockey. He'd never seen a game, but imagined Destiny probably played. She seemed like the field hockey type.

  He could sit in the bleachers with Lainy and keep her warm at all these sporting events. He could hold her to his heart’s content. Because he wanted to hold her for a long time. And she said she wanted to hold him. Hopefully that meant the idiots she’d dated hadn’t scared her off men permanently. She said hold him, not hug him.

  That alone warmed him through to his core. Not that the air wasn't hot to the point of stifling and so warm it could cook eggs left out on the counter. But this kind of warmth was spread by love, not weather. He hadn’t known this kind of awareness before, not even from the Fandrichs. What he felt now seemed to delve much deeper.

  He imagined her family carving pumpkins. The kids would probably grow bored and the parents would finish the job. He imagined the bakers, pulling trays of mouth watering treats from the oven. Maybe they'd drink warm cider and hot chocolate.

  They'd sit by a fire and the adults would gossip while the kids played. Maybe some of the herd would chase Bentley and the family dogs. How he wanted to be a part of their family celebrations. Instead, he'd be sloughing through yet more sand or scaling yet another hill with loose rocks. He'd be experiencing sand storms while Pennsylvania would see snowstorms. Joy – Mitch let out a long sigh.