Allison O'Brian on Her Own, Volume 2 Read online

  “I’ll say! I can’t imagine what I’d do in your case. I know I would’ve been furious!”

  “I was. I was even mad at God. But it was weird, Andrew. I was out on the rocks by the ocean, and I was so confused and angry I felt like giving up. . . .” Her voice drifted away. She hesitated, not knowing if she should share something so personal. Her faith, small as it was, had always been a private thing to her.

  “Yeah, then what happened?” Andrew prodded.

  “You may not believe me. I almost didn’t believe it myself at the time. . . .” Allison wondered if Andrew would understand. He quickly glanced her way and nodded encouragingly.

  “Well, it was strange, because it was stormy and noisy with the waves beating onto the rocks and everything. But I’m certain I heard God tell me to forgive her.”

  “You mean forgive your mother?”

  “Yes, it was as clear as you and me talking, Andrew. I asked God to help me, and He did—just like that,” she snapped her fingers. “I forgave Marsha. He even showed me that I need to pray for her. It became so clear to me that even though she has all the money and fame she could ever want, she’s not happy. Not really.”

  “But how did that change her mind? I mean, about letting you come back?”

  Allison just finished the part about the poem and her talk with Marsha as they pulled up to the train station.

  “Wow, Allison. That’s amazing. All I can say is that God sure is looking out for you.”

  Allison grinned. “He sure is! Now I can’t wait to see the look on Dad’s face!” She was so excited she practically skipped into the terminal. They could see the train had already arrived, and Allison searched through the crowd for her father’s face. Just then someone grabbed her from behind and spun her around.

  “Am I dreaming or is this really my little girl?” James O’Brian squeezed Allison’s arms, and his face broke into a wide grin. It looked as if someone had turned a light on inside him.

  “Dad,” she cried. “I’m home! I’m really home! To stay! For good!”

  They hugged for a long time, and when James finally pulled away, Allison saw tears glistening on his cheeks.

  “Just tell me this, Allison,” James began with a frown that was threatening to cloud his sunny face. “Tell me you didn’t run away again. Tell me that this is all legal and above board and that no one will come steal you away again.”

  Allison laughed and held up her right hand as if under oath. “I came with Marsha’s blessing. She put me on the plane herself.”

  In that same moment a loud whoop filled the train terminal, and it seemed that everyone was staring at them. But Allison didn’t care. She was home!

  More hugs were exchanged, and Allison met Grace’s aunt Mildred from the East. She had traveled with them and would be visiting with Grace’s mother in Port View for a couple of weeks. Soon they had gathered their bags and were happily walking out to the parking lot with James’ arm securely around her shoulders.

  “But, Allison,” Grace began, “I thought you wanted to stay with Marsha—”

  “I know that’s what I told you at the time, and I’m sorry that I had to lie to you and Dad at Grandmother Madison’s. I just didn’t know what else to do. It seemed so hopeless, and I didn’t want Dad wasting his time trying to get me back with more court battles. I hoped everyone could get on with their lives, and I believed that Marsha wanted me to live with her in Beverly Hills. Even though it wasn’t my first choice, I thought perhaps I could make the best—”

  Allison’s words were cut off by another bear hug from her dad. “Oh, Allison Mercury O’Brian, I’m so thankful that you’re back with me.” And then she heard him whisper, “Thank you, God. I thank you, God.”

  Allison briefly explained Marsha’s change of heart, promising more details later. As they reached the car, a cool autumn breeze rustled through the trees, and it felt like it was about to rain. To Allison, it felt perfectly delicious.

  “Someone pinch me,” James said gruffly when they were all settled into the car. He was behind the wheel now, but he hadn’t started the engine yet. Grace had slipped into the backseat with Andrew and Aunt Mildred. Allison was seated in the front next to James.

  “I just can’t believe this is actually happening,” he continued. “I had completely given up.” He turned around to see Grace. “Poor Grace. She and Aunt Mildred probably wanted to drop-kick me from the back end of the train.”

  Grace only smiled, then shook her head. James turned back to Allison. “It’s true, I was horrible! In fact, for the first two days of the trip I was downright rude. I was so angry. Finally I had to give it all up to God.” He shook his head slowly, but no one else spoke, then he went on in a quiet voice. “It was a moment I’ll always remember. We were going over the Great Plains, and the sun was almost down, and there seemed to be nothing but emptiness every which way you looked. It was almost symbolic of how I felt. It was there in the middle of that vast nothingness that I asked God to help me through all this and to somehow bring about justice—His justice.”

  Allison squeezed his hand. “And He did.”

  James laughed. “He certainly did!”

  Large drops of rain began pelting the car, and Andrew started unpacking Muriel’s picnic basket. They all dug in to fried chicken and homemade biscuits, and soon everyone was chattering at once. The car’s windows became too foggy to see through, but it gave the car such a cozy feeling Allison felt she could’ve lived like that forever.

  “Your Muriel is quite a cook,” Aunt Mildred exclaimed. “These biscuits are lighter than air.”

  “Well, that’s the best rainy-day picnic I’ve ever had,” Grace said as she repacked the basket.

  “Me too!” James chimed in. “But I think we better head for home now. I know one young man who has school tomorrow.” Then he glanced at Allison. “And you and I will have a lot to do, as well. We’ll need to get you properly registered at school. I only took care of the preliminaries last summer when I thought you’d be starting the school year here.”

  “I can’t wait. You know, this will be my first time in a real school—a public school. What’s it like, Andrew? How do you like it? Are the kids—”

  “Whoa, too many questions,” Andrew interrupted. “It’s a nice school, Allison. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

  “Of course she will,” James agreed. “And guess what, Allison? Hal and Marge Jenson just moved here from Southern California. I think you met their daughter last summer—”

  “You mean Shirley Jenson?” Allison asked with surprise. Andrew snickered slightly from the backseat.

  “Yes, do you remember her?” James asked.

  “I guess you could say that.” Allison groaned. So much for thinking that her little world would be perfect. “Why did they decide to move back to Oregon?”

  “Hal decided to come up here in order to keep a closer eye on things with the shipping company. You may remember that his mother was your grandpa’s partner. But Bea is getting older, and Hal wants to get more involved. You see, when your grandfather died, I inherited his portion of the business, and that makes Hal and me partners of sorts.”

  Allison wondered if Shirley’s dad was anything like his daughter. She hoped not. One troublemaker in that family was enough!

  “So, Allison,” Grace said, “do you have everything you’ll need for school?” As usual, Grace was a genius at changing subjects to happier things.

  “I’m not sure yet,” Allison said. “Marsha is sending me a box of clothing she thought I might be able to use, but knowing Marsha’s taste, they could be covered with sequins and feathers!”

  “Well, you and Heather could always have fun playing dress-up,” Aunt Mildred offered.

  “Actually, I think it’s Marsha’s way of saying she’s sorry. . . .” Allison’s voice faltered.

  “Of course it is,” agreed Grace. “I’ll bet the box is full of great things. And you know clothing shopping around Tamaqua Point is almost nonexiste
nt other than a few yard goods at the general store. If you like, I’d love to help you get a school wardrobe together. I sew a lot for Heather. . . .”

  “Really? I knew that you did some alterations for Heather, but would you actually sew clothes for me, too? Are you sure they would look okay?” Allison clapped her hand over her mouth the minute she let the thought escape.

  Grace laughed. “Well, keep in mind Heather is blind, but she rarely complains about how my sewing looks.”

  “Nonsense,” James said. “Don’t let Grace fool you. Heather’s clothes look like they could’ve come from Paris. She does an amazing job.”

  “Grace is a fine seamstress,” injected Aunt Mildred. “She always has been.”

  “I’m sorry, Grace,” Allison said. “I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just that I’ve never had any homemade clothing. I mean, Nanny Jane used to knit me things, but that was different.”

  “You’re used to shopping on the East Coast, but things are a little different here. In fact, if you need to be stylish in a hurry, sometimes it’s better to sew.”

  “Well, I’d be glad to have your help, Grace. I sure don’t want to have to go to school in Marsha’s clothes.”

  Andrew chuckled. “If you did, you’d probably fit right in with Shirley Jenson!” Both he and Allison broke into silly laughter.

  “Now, I hope you kids will be nice to Shirley,” James said. “It’s not easy being new in school. And from what I hear, Andrew, Shirley really looks up to you.”

  “I know, sir,” Andrew said, turning serious. “I try to be nice to her, but sometimes—well . . . she, uh—”

  Allison finished for him. “Sometimes she just comes on a little too strong.”

  “Exactly,” said Andrew. And this time Grace and Aunt Mildred both laughed.

  “I see,” James said. “Well, as they say, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

  “Meaning she’s like her parents?” Allison asked.

  “She’s definitely her mother’s daughter,” James confirmed.

  Allison wanted to question her father further, but she stopped herself. This was meant to be a happy day. She would just have to think about Shirley and Mrs. Jenson another time.

  “I know it’s late, Grace,” Allison said as James pulled the Buick up to Grace’s little ocean-side cabin. “But may I please go in and say hi to Heather? I won’t wake up Winston.”

  “Of course, Allison. Heather would skin us alive if we let you get away without saying hello. And don’t worry about Winston.”

  Allison tiptoed into the house behind Grace while Andrew and James carried in Grace’s bags. Only one light was burning, and Allison smiled as she looked around the familiar living room. It was as cozy and sweet as ever, with her father’s oil painting still hanging above the fireplace. She slipped into Heather’s room and heard Heather stir.

  “Grace, is that you?” Heather muttered sleepily.

  “No, but Grace is—”

  “Allison!” screamed Heather, leaping from the bed and easily finding Allison in the darkness. She hugged her and continued to cry, “I can’t believe it! It’s really you! It’s really you! You’re here. You’re really here!”

  Allison started to giggle as she whispered, “Shh, you’re going to wake up Winston.” But it was too late; he was already bounding into Heather’s room.

  “Allison, Allison!” he yelped. “You came back!”

  “What on earth are you doing here?” Heather asked.

  “Well, I just popped in to say hi, silly!”

  “No, really, Al, what are you doing? Are you just passing through or what?”

  “I’m home, Heather. I get to live with Dad.”

  “No kidding? Really, are you serious?” Heather started to cry, but Allison knew they were happy tears. The two hugged again, then Allison tousled Winston’s hair.

  “Winston, you better get back into bed,” Allison warned. “I promised Grace I wouldn’t wake you.” Winston grinned and streaked back to his room.

  “I better go, Heather,” Allison said. “It’s late and you have school in the morning. You should get back to sleep.”

  “As if I can!” Heather exclaimed with delight.

  “I guess I shouldn’t have disturbed you.” She pulled one of Heather’s blond curls. “I’m sure you were wanting to get in your beauty rest.”

  “Oh, I can see you’re still your same old sweet self, Al. I sure have missed you. There’s so much to tell you. High school is pretty neat. I made it into advanced band with my flute, and I’m also taking up piano. Oh, we have so much to talk about—”

  “Yes, you do,” interrupted Grace with a smile. “As much as I hate to break up this reunion, I think you should save it for tomorrow, girls. I just got Winston back to bed, and it’s almost midnight.”

  “I know, Grace. Dad’s waiting, and I’m sure you are both exhausted from your trip. We’ll all talk tomorrow. Why don’t you all come over for dinner?”

  “Are you cooking?” teased Heather.

  “No, but I’m sure Muriel is already planning a feast.”

  “We’ll be there with bells on, Allison,” Grace said with a hug. “I am so happy you’re home, dear.”

  Allison made her way back outside, inhaling deeply the salt air from the Pacific Ocean. As she rode home with her father, her happiness encircled her like a warm hug, and she knew everything she had gone through to get to this point had been worth it. Utterly content, Allison let the gentle rocking of the car soothe her weary body.

  Muriel had left a light on in the kitchen, and a pot of hot cocoa was still sitting on a corner of the old wood stove. A pair of cups and saucers and a plate of cookies were close by. James and Allison sat and quietly sipped and munched at the kitchen table. James kept his eyes on Allison the whole time.

  “I can still hardly believe it,” he said. “You just cannot imagine how glad I am that you are here.”

  “I think I can, Dad.” She smiled.

  “Maybe so. Maybe so. Promise me you’ll still be here in the morning, and I’ll let us go to bed. I’m sure you must be as tired as I am after flying cross-country.”

  “I’ll be here, Dad.”

  She kissed his rough cheek good-night and scampered up the stairs. A little fire was burning in the ceramic-tiled fireplace, and the scent of lavender told her that Muriel must’ve put fresh sheets on. She kneeled before her bed—not because she thought God could only hear her if she kneeled, but because she wanted to—and she thanked Him for all He’d done. Here she was, back with her friends and family in Tamaqua Point, about to go to sleep in her very own room. She was truly thankful.

  Not wanting to waste a minute of her first morning back home, Allison got up with the sun, dressed quickly, and hurried downstairs. She could hear her dad’s voice in the den, and it sounded troubled. She didn’t want to eavesdrop, but she couldn’t help but catch a snatch of the conversation.

  “I think we should discuss this further, Hal. It sounds like a risky venture. Are you sure your mother has agreed? No, I’m not disputing your word—”

  She hurried past the open door. Already, good smells were enticing her toward the kitchen, and Allison wanted to get away from the disagreeable conversation. She was slightly relieved, though, to learn he was only talking to Hal. Her first response was to think that perhaps Marsha had changed her mind and was demanding that Allison return to Oakmont. That would be too horrible.

  “Morning, Allison,” greeted Muriel as she poured an even, round circle of pancake batter onto the sizzling griddle.

  “Hi, Muriel, that looks yummy.”

  “I heard Jamie get up, and I thought I’d get a jump start on breakfast. But I didn’t expect you to be up so soon. Is your dad still on the phone?” Muriel frowned as if she knew something was not right.

  “Yeah, he didn’t sound too happy. Is anything wrong?”

  “I probably shouldn’t say, but when it comes to family I don’t keep secrets. Now, as far as the rest o
f the world goes—that’s another story.”

  Allison nodded and knew it was true. If anyone could be trusted, it was Muriel.

  “It’s this whole shipping business. Hal has got it into his noggin that they need to expand. He wants to purchase another company that’s not doing too well. Your dad is taking it cautiously, and Hal keeps acting like Jamie is going to blow the whole deal and sink the business to boot!”

  “I see. . . . It must be hard for him.”

  “It is.” Muriel continued in a quieter voice, watching for the door as she spoke. “Here Jamie is barely back to civilization after living such an isolated life, and the poor boy gets thrust right back into this whole shipping business again. In fact, it was this very business that drove him and your grandfather apart in the first place.”

  Allison nodded. “I remember. Do you suppose he feels like it’s even more important now? Like he needs to do a really good job since Grandpa is gone?”

  “I think you’re a pretty smart gal for your age, Allison.”

  “Poor Dad.”

  “What do you mean ‘poor dad’?” James asked from the doorway.

  Allison spun around in surprise but was relieved to see him smiling. “Oh, I just mean having to talk to that disagreeable Mr. Jenson first thing in the morning,” she laughed, hoping to make light of it.

  “Well, then, I must agree with you—poor dad!” He reached out and touched her arm. “But having you here makes Mr. Jenson seem like much less of a problem.” He turned to Muriel. “And this breakfast looks good enough to make all my problems disappear!”

  Later that morning, James drove Allison to Port View to register for school. Allison had changed her mind three times about what to wear. She knew they’d only be there for a short while, but she didn’t want to wear the wrong thing. She had heard Marsha go on about the importance of first impressions, but after all those years of wearing uniforms in a girls’ school, she didn’t have a clue what was the proper public school attire.