Through The Pieces

by Bobbi Jo Bentz

  "Maggie, I have one more gift for you." She looked up at me with a questioning look on her face. "But I have everything I wanted and more." She jumped off the couch and ran towards me as I set the box on the table. The kitten inside made it clear it wanted out. Maggie froze in position. The kitten let out another protest and she carefully opened the top of the box just as the kitten let out a cry for help. Maggie immediately scooped it up and clung to it. The smile on her face was priceless.

  "Is it mine to keep?"

  "Yes, your very own kitty, and it’s a girl."

  "A girl! You're a girl. And you're so sweet and pretty." She was snuggling the kitten against her face. "Thank you, thank you, Mommy. I love her. What's her name?"

  "You get to pick her name. I have the food, litter box, and collar for her."

  "Did you hear that? I get to pick your name. What should we call you?" Maggie gushed to the kitten. "I am going to call her Pippi because of her red hair. Just like Pippi Longstocking."

  "Pippi, that's a wonderful name." Tears pricked my eyes.

  "Do you like her Buck?"

  Buck smiled at the exchange. "I do, and she is the cutest kitten I have ever seen."

  I reached down to pick up the wrapping paper just as Maggie set Pippi on the floor. The kitten gave a mighty leap and landed square in the middle of the paper, then raced around the room like an orange blur. Maggie and Buck sat on the couch and watched, each with a look of pure wonderment on their faces. They laughed when Pippi pounced on the paper.

  I was floating in my joy as I went to the kitchen to check on the egg bake. It was bubbling up nicely. I shut the oven, and it was then I noticed the two large red bags by the table. How nice of Buck to bring gifts for Maggie. I put a water dish and some food on a rug near the door and returned to the living room.

  "So, before we eat, do we want to clean up this wrapping paper or should we leave it until after brunch? Oh, and Maggie can you get Pippi's litter box out of my closet? But be careful it’s heavy. Put it in the bathroom."

  Maggie jumped down from the couch. "Sure, Mommy. Pippi, come on, let's get your litter box. I will show you where you need to go potty." She tried unsuccessfully to get Pippi to follow.

  Pippi was too interested in attacking the wrapping paper and getting it stuck on her claws. She would shake her paws to no avail, then try to take a step, stop, and shake again. This continued until Maggie came to her aid and gently pulled the paper free. Maggie took her to my room and began her new duty of taking care of a kitten.

  While Maggie and Pippi were out of the room, I began picking up the discarded wrapping paper. Buck pitched in until every last piece of tape and paper was cleaned off the carpeting. He then grabbed the trash bag and set it outside the door. Wow, he really was one of the kindest man I had ever met. He went to the closet, rolled out the vacuum cleaner, and began to vacuum. He looked up at me as I stood there dumbfounded.

  "Buck, thank you. Thank you for so much. I don't even know where to begin."

  He wrapped the cord on the vacuum and returned it to the closet, then came to stand next to me. He brought his hand up and I thought he was going to touch me, but then he hesitated and his hand dropped to his side.

  "Claire, is Maggie okay with me spending the day with you two?" He almost sounded shy and unsure.

  "I asked her earlier and she said it was a good idea. Besides, she’ll be busy with her iPad and the kitten." I took a step closer to him. There was only a mere inch between our bodies. Our eyes met and my breath quickened under his gaze. I reached to touch his lips, hesitating at his sharp intake of breath. His head moved to meet my fingertips, and the heat from his lips sent shivers down my body. He placed a soft kiss on my hand and closed his eyes tightly. The power I felt by being able to give him this much pleasure made me almost dizzy. I wanted to explore every inch of his body. I wanted him to touch and feel every part of my body and soul. My body clenched in anticipation and the thought of him naked.

  "Mommy? Pippi is thirsty." Maggie called. I instantly backed a safe distance away from Buck.

  "I have a bowl of water and food in the kitchen for her." I put a hand up to my chest and could feel the feel my heart’s rapid beat. Buck’s intense stare pinned me in place.

  Chapter 13

  Claire

  We all sat down to eat. Maggie and Buck exchanged stories, each trying to top the other. They continued to one-up each other, and I was transfixed by their easy conversation. Maggie was truly happy; I was truly happy. After our meal, Buck helped store the leftovers, load the dishwasher, and then wiped off the table, Maggie never far from his side. I couldn't deny how nice it felt to have someone help me and take the time to talk with Maggie. He would be a wonderful father someday. Wow, where did that thought come from? I mean, I liked him and he liked me, but it didn’t mean I wanted to marry him, did it? That was just me being crazy, right? Get it together, Claire. You just kissed him, he isn't going to get down on one knee. He probably would think I was crazy if he could hear my thoughts. Okay, movie time.

  We made a bed of blankets on the floor, and I grabbed all the pillows and put them down. Maggie put in A Christmas Story, and I was about to take a seat on the floor next to Buck when she plopped down between us. Maggie tried to get Pippi to sit with her but the kitten was having too much fun adapting to its new home to sit still for any length of time. I was feeling utterly happy today. It had been one of the nicest Christmas days that I’d had in recent years. During the movie, I would occasionally sneak glances at Buck, then quickly turn back to the television when he looked my way.

  Maggie must have noticed and she stared at me like I was sprouting a second head. "Mommy, why do you keep looking at Buck?"

  Darn, I’d been caught.

  "Oh, I was a looking for the kitten." I congratulated myself on my quick thinking.

  "No, you keep looking at Buck."

  Crap. "Well--I--I was making sure he liked the movie." Yeah, that's right. I chanced a look at Buck and the smirk on his face proved how wrong I was. Double crap.

  "I think you're right, Maggie. She was looking at me," he chimed in.

  "That's the same thing Rose does when she likes someone. I think Mommy likes you. Do you like her Buck?"

  Hello, I am sitting here. I am sitting here, and I definitely want to exit this conversation.

  "Yes I do, Maggie. Is that okay with you? I mean I like you, too, and I would like to see both of you more. I guess what I am saying is to both of you...I really want to be part of your lives." He was embarrassed--I could tell by the way he was rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.

  "Okay. I think Mommy likes you, too. Do you like Buck, Mommy?"

  All eyes were on me. My face must have turned ten shades of red. "Yes I do." I looked down at my hands as my daughter, the matchmaker, continued.

  "Well, then you are boyfriend and girlfriend," she said with a bright smile. A glance at Buck revealed a smile spreading across his face. He wrapped an arm around Maggie and pulled her close. She snuggled up to him.

  "Thanks Maggie. I didn't know how to ask your Mom to be my girlfriend. I think we are going to make a pair, Maggie."

  "Well, I figured Mommy wouldn't ask you herself."

  Ah, so it was the start of a conspiracy. "Hey, I am right here."

  "Oh, would you look at that, Buck? Mommy is right here." Maggie peered at me as if I magically appeared.

  "I think you're right. Well, hello Claire." At this Maggie laughed.

  "Here I was going to offer Christmas cookies, but you two are making fun of me, so I guess I will just eat them myself later."

  "You wouldn't! Mommy, you know I love cookies, especially Christmas cookies." She detached herself from Buck and scooted close to me.

  "Hey, I thought I was your bud?" Buck questioned. "Sorry Buck." She so was not sorry. Maggie was up and ready for her prize. Cookies.

  "Yep, her love of cookies rivals that of Cookie Monster." I went to retrieve the cookies from their hiding place i
n the cupboard over the stove, Maggie in hot pursuit, her eyes following my every move. I had barely opened the lid when she dived in with both hands. I took the container to the living room and offered it to Buck. Maggie watched him closely, possessive of the cookies.

  "These are great. Did you make them?"

  "Yep, they are Maggie's favorite."

  "I can see why." He took another.

  We were about halfway through the movie when Maggie decided to take Pippi in her room and play on her new iPad. Once Maggie was in her room, Buck sat close to me and took my hand in his, rubbing the top of it with his thumb. I tried to focus on the movie, but his touch diverted my attention. The feel of his body next to mine was wonderful. I rested my head on his shoulder, so comfortable. Comfortable with his body next to me, comfortable with him spending Christmas with us. His free hand moved to my chin, tilting it until I was looking into his eyes. I licked my lips in anticipation, and he lowered his head. I could taste the sweetness of the cookies on his lips. The kiss was soft and slow. My body came alive, and I parted my lips so he could explore my mouth with his tongue. His hands cupped my face as the kiss intensified. I felt dizzy with desire, and moaned as his fingertips traced my collarbone. my body no longer controlled by my brain. Buck took this as an invitation to caress my breasts lightly through my cami. My nipples hardened under his feather-like touch. Buck groaned, and my body begged for more. My hands managed to find themselves in his hair. I crawled up on his lap, his arms wrapping around me. I quickened the kiss and let out a ragged breath when he thrust his hips up to meet me. I could feel his desire against my thin pajama bottoms, and opened my eyes to find him staring at me.

  "We really should stop or I may not be able to." The lust in his eyes underscored his words.

  "Oh, yeah, Maggie is in her room. Bad Claire," I said, the realization like a cold glass of ice water poured on my ardor. I quickly sat down next to him, and he laced his fingers through mine.

  "It's not that I don't want to. Because believe me, Claire, I have been thinking about it nonstop for months." This made me smile. He placed a light kiss on my forehead, and I snuggled up against him, trying to hide the happiness I felt. Merry Christmas, indeed.

  The rest of the day flew by, me snuggled up to Buck. Maggie wandered in and out of the room, occasionally climbing onto Buck’s lap. When it got late, Buck said he needed to go since he had to work in the morning. He got up to take our glasses to the kitchen and I followed him.

  He spun around, looking upset. "I forgot about the Christmas gifts! Some hot mom kept me thoroughly distracted this afternoon."

  "Don't look at me! I was winging it. I thought you wanted my distraction," I answered coyly.

  He hooked an arm around my waist and pulled me to him. "I will always want your distractions." He pressed his lips against mine. It was over too quickly, my lips already missing his.

  "We’ll wait until you come back to open them."

  "Well at least let Maggie open her gifts." He winked at me. God he was beautiful to look at.

  Buck left and I let Maggie open her gifts. He’d gotten her some dolls and some a fishing rod and fishing tackle. I sure hoped he planned to take her fishing, since I didn't know the first thing about it. She loved her gifts and as soon as I got her to bed, I planned to send him a text to thank him. I got Maggie and Pippi settled in her room, moved the litter box to her room, closed the door, then took a quick shower. Back in my own room, I grabbed my phone and texted Buck.

  Me: Maggie loves her gifts. Thank you!

  My phone pinged almost immediately.

  Buck: Glad to hear it. I will take her fishing in the spring.

  Oh, well I guess he planned on being a part of our lives for quite sometime. This revelation brought a smile to my face.

  Me: Deal

  Buck: Did you open yours?

  Me: I said I would when you are here

  Buck: Open it

  Me: Okay

  He certainly didn't have to ask me twice. I went in the kitchen, grabbed the box with my name on it, and return to my room. Inside the box was bubble wrap. I pulled it out and found an oil diffuser, some scented oil, another small box, and an envelope. I opened the envelope.

  Claire,

  Merry Christmas and thank you for inviting me to spend the day with you and Maggie. I have watched you become a stronger independent woman. You are not a victim, you are a survivor. You deserve and are deserving of something wonderful. Despite the things you’ve been through, you shine brighter than any diamond.Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life.

  Yours,

  Will Buckingham (Buck)

  P.S. The oil diffuser will help when Boris comes to visit.

  He was unbelievably kind and wonderful. Tears escaped my eyes. I hadn't cried because I was happy in a long time. I looked at the small box and frowned. It was the size a ring would come in, black velvet with a tiny red bow. I inspected it for a few minutes, then opened it. Inside was a diamond pendant. It was exquisite. But how could I accept this beautiful and obviously expensive gift? I snapped the little box shut and got my phone.

  Me: That was the kindest note I have ever gotten, but I can't accept the necklace.

  Buck: Thank you and yes you can. Now I am turning my phone off. Sweet dreams, Claire...

  Oh, that sneaky jerk. I opened the box and touched the diamond. It was gorgeous. I smiled and put it on my nightstand. I needed to get some sleep. I turned the light off and crawled into bed. After flipping and flopping a bit, I sat up and turned on the light again. Taking the necklace from its velvet resting spot, I fastened it around my neck. I switched off the lamp once more, and with one hand clutching the pendant, I fell into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 14

  Claire

  In the days following Christmas, Maggie and I enjoyed our new kitten. Pippi was a welcome addition to the family. I had just got done with a long shift and needed to go home and shower before picking up Maggie. My whole body felt as if I had just run a marathon. My legs were like noodles and my back was stiff. I climbed up my stairs, imagining the hot bath I would be in soon. As I climbed the last step, I noticed my door was ajar Odd. I knew I had locked it. I pushed it open and my stomach dropped at the sight in front of me. My hands trembled.

  "Claire." Scott casually sat on my couch. Frozen in place, I was in some sort of nightmare and could not wake up. "Well, are you going to say something?"

  Was I? Could I even talk? The tremor in my hands increased and my palms were sweating. The fear building inside me made my breath hitch. "Wh--Why are you here?" My voice was a whisper.

  "I missed you."

  "You--ah, can't be here. I have a restraining order." My words came out choppy.

  "But you are my wife, Claire. You belong to me."

  I nervously looked around. "You need to leave, please."

  He got up from the couch, stomped over to me, and grabbed my forearm, pulling me forward so that I was standing in front of him. With his other hand, he slammed the door behind me. The frown on his face was a good indication that I had precious little time before he was out of control

  "Claire, we need to talk. I don't want you here in this apartment. I want you home. I promise not to drink so much, and I will never hit you again. I promise."

  I had heard it all before; he always said this. I felt sick to my stomach and wanted to turn away but was petrified at what he would do. "I--I can't. You need to leave, Scott. We are done. I won't live like that anymore." My fear began to dissipate slightly, and in its place, my blood began to boil. My hands balled into fists. I shrugged off his grip and realization crossed his face.

  "You need to leave now, before I call the police. And if you break into my house again, I will not hesitate to call first!" I regained my voice. I felt empowered. This was my life and this was the new me. I would not be afraid of this man anymore.

  "Claire, please baby, listen." He sounded pathetic.

  I shook my head and rummaged in my purse for
my phone. He was backing away from me, making his way to the door. He was defeated, not me! The surge of adrenaline afforded by this victory made my head tingle in delight.

  "Goodbye, Scott," I called as he scampered down the steps. I slammed the door and threw the deadbolt, leaning against it as a smile crept on my face. Then my stomach lurched, and I dashed into the bathroom to throw up. This was the first time I’d stood up to Scott, and it felt good. Damned good. Also damned scary. Scarier than anything I had done before.

  I waited until I’d calmed down completely, then asked Annie to bring Maggie home. She wanted to know what had happened, then begged me to call the police, but I didn't. I just wanted to get some sleep. She thought it better to have Maggie spend the night with her and Matt, and I agreed. She wanted me to come as well, but after arguing for the better part of fifteen minutes, I convinced her I would be fine and promised I would have my cell phone with me at all times.

  A knock at the door later that evening made my stomach clench. I tiptoed over and peered out the peephole. Relief washed over me when I saw Buck on the other side. I opened the door to him, forcing myself not to fall into his arms.

  "Claire, are you okay? Are you sure you don't want to call the police?" His brows were furrowed.

  "No,” I insisted. “I’ll be fine, and tomorrow I’ll have the locks changed."

  He looked apprehensive. "I already have the new lock, and I am going to change it now." He held up a brown bag imprinted with the logo of the local hardware store.

  "Oh, thank you, Buck! Not only are you a doctor, you're a locksmith too!" I tried unsuccessfully to lighten the mood.

  Looking tense, he went about changing the lock. When he’d finished, I placed a hand on his shoulder and he sighed. "Why don't you get ready for bed? I’m staying here tonight."

  Oh. I went into the bathroom and took a quick shower, making sure everything was shaved. I put on a cotton nightie and robe and returned to the living room. He was sitting on the couch, staring at the door as if it were responsible for Scott’s break-in.

  "Hey, you okay?" He came over to where I stood, the expression on his face melting me. He bent down and cradled me in his arms, then carried me to the bedroom and laid me gently on the bed.