"DAAAAVVVVVVVIIIIIIDDD!! MUUUUFFFFFFIIIIIIIINNNNNNN!! DAAAAVVVVIIIIIIIDDDD!!"
When I heard that awful scream, my heart dropped to my knees. Somehow I knew it was Ben, but I also feared something had happened to the twins or maybe Riekie. Everyone in the room heard it. Diane leapt to her feet and ran to me. "What? What?"
I knew it was Carol. She screamed again, "DAAAAAVVVVVIIIIDD!" then broke down into uncontrollable sobs. I tried and tried to get her to hear me. "Carol Anne, Honey, what's wrong?... C'mon, Sweetheart, get a grip so you can tell us!"
Diane hugged in close to me and spoke so Carol could hear her. "Carol Anne, it's Muffin! What's wrong? You're scaring me! What's wrong? C'mon, My Love, talk to us!"
Finally Carol slowed her sobbing and calmed enough to answer us. "D-D-D-David... M-M-M-Muffin! I-I n-need you! B-B-Ben needs you! G-g-get h-here as--as quick as you c-can!! I-I don't-don't know h-how m-much time we h-have! I'm so all alone! I need you NOW!" She broke down again into sobs, but regained some composure as she heard our voices saying sweet nothings, soothing her. Diane and I were talking at the same time, so all she heard was sounds, but it helped.
I needed basic information, nothing more, "Carol Anne! We'll be there as quick as we can get a flight, but we need to know where you are! Get a grip for a few more minutes, Sweetheart. We're as good as on our way. Now tell me what's wrong."
Carol gulped and gasped, fighting back her tears. She rushed her words, in her usual run-on way when she was under stress. I could hear the fear and anguish lurking in her voice. "I went to my regular prenatal appointment with the doctor and Ben said he'd be OK and I was only gone a little over an hour, but when I got back, he was in agony and I couldn't do anything for him and I called his doctor and he called an ambulance and we're at the hospital now and I called you as quickly as I could, once he was admitted and I'm so scared, David!" She caught her breathe and went on, "The doctor met us here, and says Ben's cancer has gone wild and they're still running some tests, but all the staff are being too nice and just a minute before I called the doctor said he might not make it another twenty four hours! Oh, David! I'm so scared! Come to us as soon as you can! Ben's conscious and asking for both of you. David! Muffin! I need you! HURRY!" She descended into more wracking sobs.
I calmed her a bit more with soft words and Diane made soothing noises. "I'm sorry, Sweetheart, I need just a little more information. OK, Honey, what hospital?"
Carol got a grip again and was able to talk more normally, as she realized she had other people to call and plans to make. "We're at the Foothills Medical Centre. Ben's in ICU right now, but the doctor said they're moving him to Palliative Care once they get his pain under control. HURRY, David! I have to go now, I don't want to be away from him for long, and I still have to call Riekie and Bob and Ben's boys. Ben wants them, too, but he told me to call you first. And I really need Riekie! I hope her machine isn't still full..."
"Carol Anne, we'll come as soon as we can book a flight. If you call now, Riekie's machine should be clear. I was able to get through less than an hour ago. Try her before you call Bob. When I find out what flight we're on, I'll call the hospital and have them get a message to you, OK? Now, you have to be strong for Ben and the babies. Can you do that? We'll be there as quickly as possible. We love you, and we're on our way."
"O-OK, David. I'll call Riekie right now. HURRY, please! I need your arms around me! Oh! It looks like they're getting ready to move Ben! Gotta go! I love you! HURRY! 'Bye!"
Carol hung up in a rush, not waiting for us to say goodbye. I took a minute to get my own breathing under control, and dialed Riekie's number just to check. I got a busy signal that I hoped was Carol leaving her urgent message. Diane hugged me tight, tears running down her cheeks. I didn't know if she was crying for Ben, her lover's pain, or both. I tasted salt, and realized I was weeping, too.
The aunts had just been serving their fantastic supper when all this started. Everyone started asking questions at once. I held up my hand for quiet, then gave them a brief synopsis and asked them to hold supper while I checked the airlines for the earliest flight to Calgary. I didn't have a clue who to call, so I called Information and got the number for the information desk at Pearson.
The lady who answered at Pearson was extremely helpful when I explained what I needed and why. I'm sure she heard the catch in my voice as I told her we had been called to a deathbed, and needed to get there as quickly as possible. She checked all available flights, then put me through to the Air Canada booking clerk, explained my urgent need and stayed on the line to ensure I got a flight.
The booking clerk was sympathetic, but all flights tonight were booked solid with no standby. The last one was at 10:45, booked full, and nothing again until morning. It was Christmas, after all, and booking a flight on short notice was almost impossible. She checked again, and found two new cancellations on AC107, to depart at 07:15 tomorrow morning, Christmas Eve. There were standby's ahead of us, but she offered to bump us to the head of the list on compassionate grounds. I grabbed them. It wasn't as soon as we wanted, but would have to do. We'd have time to pack and even get some sleep. I gave her my credit card number over the phone. When we were finished, I had seats for two confirmed and paid for. I thanked both of these very helpful people and got their names. I would be writing a nice thank you note to their superiors. I wished both a Merry Christmas and hung up.
With the flight out of the way, there was no real rush to call the hospital, especially with Ben just being moved. The front desk probably didn't know Ben was in Palliative Care yet. I didn't feel much like eating, but that meal still smelled very good. Diane and I sat down at the table to join the rest. She pulled her chair as close to me as she could get, and hung onto my arm as I asked Mom to say a prayer to the Goddess for Ben and Carol. Mom made an eloquent prayer, and finished it by asking the Goddess to bless our meal.
The exuberance of earlier was replaced by sadness and concern, but the supper the aunts had prepared was excellent as usual, and I surprised myself with how much I was actually able to eat. Over supper, I brought the rest of the family up-to-date on what Carol told us.
After supper, we made plans. I called information again for the number for Foothills, then called the hospital. I told them who I was; Benjamin Young had just been admitted and transferred to Palliative Care, and would they please get a message to his wife, Carol Lloyd. I told them our flight number and the estimated arrival time. They said they'd get the message to her. Diane and I worried about spoiling Christmas for the kids. Mom and the aunts took charge, and made sure we had nothing to worry about. The kids would have their Christmas and they'd look after the dinner as well. We just had to get to Carol and Ben.
Rhiannon had heard everything and was very reassuring for one so young. She said we must go to Mommy Carol and that she and Jenny would be fine with Grampa, Oma Pie and Oma Jo. Nanny and Poppy would be there too.
Paul said he'd drive us to the airport as he was familiar with the terminals so we wouldn't have to pay parking for an unknown period. Dad was going too, as company for Paul on the return trip. Fortunately, the weather had remained good since the big storm, and the roads were in good shape. We'd be leaving the farm about four in the morning, so traffic should be light.
Plans made, Mom shooed Diane and me off to pack and get some sleep. She and the aunts looked after cleaning up from supper. Everyone would stay at our place for the next few days until they heard what was happening, and ensure the kids got to enjoy Christmas regardless. Paul and Dad got sent to get some sleep, too. We went to bed at the same time as the kids. We tucked them in, and because we would be gone before they got up, we gave them extra hugs and kisses.
We didn't know how long we'd be gone, so we packed for a week. We'd probably be staying at Carol's house, so if we needed clean clothes, we'd be able to use her laundry facilities. I slipped in my Christmas presents for the girls and Diane had a few small gifts that she packed as well. Once packed, we had a quick shower together, and crawled into bed, setting the alarm for 3:00. Diane cuddled up close and we just hugged. I expected to sleep poorly, but I was soon out, and didn't hear a thing until the alarm went off. Diane looked like she'd slept poorly, but she didn't complain.
When we got downstairs, Mom and the aunts were already up with breakfast ready. They made sure we didn't leave without something to eat, and packed a thermos of coffee for Paul and Dad who came in a few minutes after us. Breakfast over, we loaded our bags in Paul's car and started the drive to the airport in the cold and dark of a December winter morning. Mom and the aunts saw us off with hugs and kisses. As we left, the aunts handed us some parcels to take with us -- Christmas presents for Carol, Bob, Riekie, Sandy and Iain -- and Ben. They said they had gifts for Riekie's kids, too, but they were too large to send on the plane. They'd just have to wait until they came home, whenever that would be.
The drive to the airport was uneventful and we made it in lots of time. We checked into the departures desk, got our boarding passes and tickets for the flight, and checked our luggage, just one bag for each of us. The rest was carry-on, including the Christmas presents Mom and the aunts sent with us. We spent a little time in the departure lounge with Dad and Paul. Despite the reason for our trip, this was Diane's first time flying, and she was excited. It was warm in the lounge so we removed our winter coats. She wore one of her sexy short skirts and a sweater that showed her pert boobies just nicely. I noticed several of the men giving my little pixie some very appreciative glances.
Before long our flight was called, and we said goodbye to Paul and Dad. We said we'd call as soon as we had any news and could get to a phone. The flight itself was uneventful, but Diane clung to my arm during takeoff and landing. We hit a little turbulence a couple times, causing her to suck in her breath, but she actually seemed to enjoy the trip. We arrived in Calgary ahead of schedule at about 9:15 Mountain. Despite the Christmas rush, the baggage claim went quickly, and we soon had our luggage. The next thing was to get a rental car if one was available. I looked over to the rental car booths. Almost all posted a 'Sold Out' sign. Budget looked like our only bet, as there was a customer at the booth filling out a rental form.
I stepped up to the rental booth just as the lady in front of me completed her rental form, Diane slightly behind me, watching our luggage. I heard the girl at the booth tell the customer she was lucky, she got the last vehicle they had. I felt like an absolute ass. I knew I should have reserved one last night, but I wasn't thinking as clearly as I might have in the rush of emotions. Well, we'd just have to take the limo service or get a cab to the hospital and make do from there.
The matronly woman in front of me looked familiar from behind. She was dressed very conservatively, but well, in a full pleated wool skirt that came to mid-calf. I noticed a shapely stocking-clad calf showing below the hemline and an expensive-looking tweed coat draped over her arm. For a top she wore a heavy loose fitting turtle neck sweater, her blonde hair done up in a tight bun. The woman's overall carriage and bearing was very familiar. As she turned away from the counter, putting the rental papers in her purse, I stepped a little closer and spoke softly to her, "Hello, Little One."
Her head shot up at the sound of my voice, and that name. She looked straight at me, not at first recognizing me with a beard. Suddenly, though, recognition sparkled in those blue eyes I knew so well. Her mouth opened and closed with no sound, and then she launched herself straight into my arms. "DAVID!!"
Her mouth found mine in a mind-searing kiss with lots of tongue. As we kissed, I reached to the back of her head, found the pin holding her hair up and pulled, releasing a torrent of blonde beauty. My hands continued to stroke that hair I loved so much, freeing those golden tresses to flow freely around her shoulders. The kiss deepened and she got the patented tongue-suck action going. My arms dropped to embrace her fully, and as our bodies strained together, I felt a very hot mound pressing and grinding into my rising penis then a spasm passed through her body as she gasped into my mouth. After an eternity, we broke from the kiss, and she clung to me, breathing in my ear. "You can still make me come with just a kiss. I need to change my panties. <giggle> Take me to bed..." The more things change, the more they stay the same...
As we stepped back holding hands and gazing into each others eyes, a small hand touched her arm and a soft voice close beside us said, "We'd love to, but this isn't the place. <giggle> Beautiful, so beautiful! More beautiful than the pictures."
Riekie (For it was she, if you hadn't already guessed!) looked to see who had spoken. She saw Diane and a beautiful smile illuminated that already gorgeous face. Diane was glowing, a look of pure love adorning her beautiful elvin features. Riekie exclaimed, "The pixie from my dreams! You're real, and so beautiful!"
I stepped back to introduce them, but they had eyes only for each other, and I didn't know if they heard me. At first they reached out their hands and just touched, eyes locked together then they sort of melted into each other's arms and locked together in a torrid kiss similar to the one I just shared with Riekie. As they kissed, their pelvises ground together, and I saw them both shudder as spasms shook their bodies. I was glad I had my coat in my hand to hide the sudden tent in my pants. The poor girl from the car rental was watching too, her face flushed, eyes gleaming. I noticed she was a very pretty blonde with a touch of red in her hair. Several passersby stopped to watch as well.
Diane and Riekie finally broke from their embrace and Riekie asked breathlessly, "What... What are you doing here?"
Diane smiled and answered for both of us, "The same as you I guess, Riekie. Looks like you got Carol Anne's message."
Riekie looked quizzical when Diane referred to Carol as 'Carol Anne', but contained it as she said, "There was a frantic message from Carol Anne to get here as fast as I could, but the tape ran out before she could finish. It sounded so frantic, though, I just had to come. Diane Marie, do you two know what it's about?" So they had heard the introductions!
I answered her question myself. "Yes, Little One, we know what it's about. I guess you didn't get my message, either. Right now, Ben is in Foothills Medical Centre Palliative Care Unit dying. They brought him in yesterday. He asked to see all of us. Did you not get my message?"
Riekie was shocked at my news of Ben, and again had a questioning look as to how we were so involved. She answered my question. "The only message I picked up was the most recent, that one from Carol Anne. As soon as I heard her screaming for me, I forgot about checking any others, and made arrangements to get here. I wasn't even sure where she was, but I thought I heard Foothills just before the tape ran out."
I took her by the arm, leading her toward a bank of pay phones, Diane following. "Can you check your messages remotely?"
"Yes, why?"
I wanted her to know why we were there, and my message might be the easiest way. Besides, if she was working to a deadline, I wanted her to know I'd done what I could. "It's important to me. Trust me. Please call your machine and check the rest of your messages. It only took a week to get through."
Riekie hesitated then said. "OK, but I have to get my children first."
"You brought the twins with you?"
She explained as she led us toward an airport Sky Cap holding two small children by the hands. "Yes, I don't have an 'au pair' or anyone in Winnipeg I could leave them with, and I don't expect to be returning there anyway. Carol Anne's call just made me leave a little sooner. I left the girls in the care of this Sky Cap while I arranged for the rental car. Let's get them first then I'll check my messages." I nodded agreement as we walked toward the Sky Cap.
When we approached the Sky Cap, he recognized Riekie and handed the kids over to her. The kids hugged her, but acted shy and said nothing. She gave him some money, and asked the girls if they had been good for the nice man. In unison, they said politely, "Yes, Mommy." The Sky Cap said they were no trouble at all, and were a delight. I took a good look at the two girls -- identical twins -- the sweetest little darlings you ever saw. At that age, their blonde hair was almost white. They looked very much like their mother, and would be real heart throbs when they got older. They weren't dressed identically, thank God. Riekie didn't introduce us as she took them each by a hand and led them to the pay phones.
As she fumbled in her purse for some change, she told the kids to hang on to the pretty lady's hands and be good. The kids' blue eyes were big as saucers, but they did as they were told, and each took one of Diane's hands. As she took their small hands in hers, I could tell Diane was as smitten by these beautiful little creatures as I was.
Because her number would be out of service within the week, Riekie had to pay for the call instead of charging it back. She was having trouble finding her change. I finally remembered my manners and dug in my pocket for my loose coins. I had more than enough for her call. As I handed it to her with my left hand, Riekie's eyes got big when she saw my ring. I noticed she was still wearing hers, too. I felt very good.
Riekie got through to her office number and punched in a couple key codes to retrieve her messages, clearing them as she listened. Even from where I stood, I could tell the first one was Carol's, as I heard the scream of 'RIEKIE... '. She cursed (?!) when she heard a couple of the other messages, then it was obvious she heard mine, because she smiled and seemed to melt. Instead of clearing it, she set it to replay, and motioned both Diane and me over so we could hear it again with her.
We heard my message : "This is David. I don't know for sure what three words you want, but try these -- I love you. Please come home. We're back together. Come to me. It is Time. I remember this promise you once made, do you? 'I will know no other man but you, and will hold you in my heart forever. This I swear to you by the Goddess and her creatures here are my witnesses. I am yours unconditionally, totally. If you call, I will come, though it be from the ends of the earth.' Well, Riekie, I'm calling."
Riekie shocked her kids by reaching to me and kissing me sweetly. She whispered, "I am coming home, whether you called or not, and any one of those three-word phrases is acceptable. I just wanted to know if you remembered my promise. <Carol was right!> Do you remember the rest of that promise made in a stable twenty years ago? I said, 'David, know that I will always love you. For me, you are the One... I swear to you right now that I WILL have your babies and I will bear your name. The Goddess and her witnesses hear me again.' Do you remember that?" She kissed me again.
Shaken that she remembered that oath verbatim, when she released me from her second intense kiss, I said, "We have our chance, now, Princess to do that. Carol Anne is already pregnant, as you know. So's Diane Marie, or as she prefers, 'Muffin'. To bring you quickly up-to-date — the Power is back. Carol Anne and I have reconciled, though she chose to stay with Ben through his illness and she is healed of her old hurt, finally. We are a family again..."
Riekie didn't let me finish. She turned to those darling little girls and said. "K.P. and D.J., I told you some day soon he would find us, well here he is. Children, this is Daddy, and the pretty lady holding on to you is Diane Marie. You should call her Mommy Diane."
Four thunderstruck faces stared at Riekie in consternation and disbelief, but the kids recovered more quickly than Diane or me. They seemed to take 'Mommy Diane' in stride, because they both turned to her, curtsied (These were definitely Riekie's kids!), and said sweetly, again in unison, "Hello, Mommy Diane." Then they hugged her enthusiastically.
They weren't so sure about me, though, and after exchanging a look between themselves one of them (K.P.?) spoke up and said. "But Mommy, he doesn't look like Daddy."
Riekie smiled patiently and drew a battered photograph from her purse. I recognized it as one of the prom pictures Dolly had taken of me alone. It had been enlarged, but I still recognized it. Riekie then produced a pencil, and after a quick scrutiny of my current appearance, hastily made some penciled in adjustments to the photo. She showed it to me. It was a fairly accurate sketch of how I appeared. She then showed it to the kids, explaining the difference was the beard. When they looked at me again their bright blue eyes lit up in full recognition.
Suddenly, two little blonde bombshells exploded on me, hugging me, reaching for kisses and crying over and over, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Needless to say, I was in a state of shock. Diane was totally speechless.
Both Diane and I worked our mouths, but no words came out. Finally, I managed to half utter, "Wha... ?'
Riekie giggled at our shock. Finally she took pity on us and said. "David? Do you remember making donations to a fertility clinic several years ago? I'm afraid I coerced you into making those donations for me, not the clinic. We don't have time for the details right now, but these children are YOURS, no one else's. I'll tell you all about it on the way to the hospital. I hope you can drive a van as that's all they had left, and it looks like we'll need it with our combined luggage."
For the first time I noticed the Sky Cap who babysat the kids had followed us at a discrete distance pushing a cart laden with baggage. We asked the Sky Cap to lead us to the car rental area. He asked to see the rental agreement, and led us to an area outside the terminal. The only vehicle there was a large Chevy van with two bucket seats up front and two bench seats in the back. The Alberta plate matched the number on the key tag Riekie handed me. I unlocked the van and the Sky Cap loaded our luggage in the back. I gave him a handsome tip -- he'd been very patient waiting for us, and had probably lost lots of opportunities at other tips while we delayed him. He thanked us and wished us a Merry Christmas. Despite what seemed like a lengthy delay while we'd kissed and Riekie checked her messages, we left the airport by ten o'clock
We strapped the kids in the middle seat with Diane between them. Riekie rode up front with me. She'd been to the Foothills Medical Centre before, and was able to guide me through an unfamiliar city to get there. It was still about a half hour from the airport. As soon as we were clear of the actual airport traffic, I glanced at Riekie, still taken by her beauty, She hadn't changed much at all, but like Carol when I first met her in September, tended to wear very conservative clothing that made her look several years older than her thirty seven. My spontaneous act of letting her hair down had already made her look younger. Despite driving, I could hardly take my eyes off her. The old love just welled and grew. I had a lump the size of Ontario in my throat.
I wanted to know why she said two almost six year olds that couldn't possibly be mine, were. "Riekie, don't play games with me. These children are too young to be any that we may have produced. What gives?"
Diane, from the seat behind us, and cozily being cuddled by the six year olds under discussion wanted to know, too. "Riekie, dear you mentioned a fertility clinic, what was that all about?"
Riekie laughed and started her story. "David? Do you remember when I got you to make those donations of his Precious Stuff to the fertility clinic?" I'd almost forgotten that episode in my life, but I nodded. "The main function of that clinic wasn't to collect anonymous samples, but to work with infertile couples. The anonymous samples were for use with totally infertile couples. The clinic also collected samples from husbands with low sperm counts which could then be combined to raise the count per 'dose' to increase the odds of conception.
"They also collected samples from husbands whose jobs placed their reproductive organs at high risk, such as those who worked near radiation and preserved them in case they were needed. I registered us as a high risk couple, and preserved his Precious Stuff for future use. I was very serious when I told you on two separate occasions that I WOULD have your babies.
"The clinic never paid anyone for their samples. I used my own money to coerce you into doing it. Actually it was my father's 'blood money' put to good use. I was fairly certain you were broke. You had counted so much on RMC that I knew you hadn't been able to save very much toward a private education. I would have done it even if you hadn't been 'on the skids' as they say, but that made it even easier to get you to do it, and I was able to shake you up enough you started to clean up your act."
I wanted to know more about this 'blood money'. Carol had hinted that Riekie somehow blackmailed her father into paying Riekie's full expenses despite her numerous scholarships and awards, but that was for later. I let her continue with her story.
"So, I had four samples of his Precious Stuff and no idea when, or if, I'd ever use them. My hope was that I wouldn't have to, but the years passed, and no call came from you. I talked to Bob fairly regularly, and he said you were still wandering aimlessly through life. Then he told me you had married. At first, it was a shock, but I still had hope, so I deliberately sought out and married a man I knew I couldn't love, one who just saw me as a 'business opportunity', someone I could 'park' myself with for a few years. It helped that he was older and more career and money oriented than anything.
"I'm afraid I was as cold-blooded about it as he was. He knew I had been previously 'married', but never asked the details. I think he thought I was a young widow. To be fair to Rick, on our wedding night, he did try in a clumsy, mechanical way, to make love to me, but I froze and wouldn't let him near me, because of my oath to you that no man would ever touch me except you. He never tried to make love to me after that, and never asked for an explanation. I think when he needed gratification, he visited a prostitute, but I never knew for sure. We opened our practice together, he immersed himself in lab work, and I let him ride my credentials at the University. Oh! I know Bob despised Rick for it, but I was as guilty as Rick.
"The next few years was a blur of work, then Bob told me about the birth of your first child. I was stunned and started to seriously lose hope, until Bob said something almost in passing that caused my hope to leap. He said you thought you had felt a stirring of your Power again. Somehow I knew the right time had come to use those samples I'd laid away. I took some leave from the University, returned to Toronto, visited the clinic and started the artificial insemination process. I missed my timing three times, and was down to the last sample, but I said a prayer to the Goddess, the first I'd said in years, and the last one impregnated me. There, sitting behind you is the result -- two happy almost-six-year olds who know who their Daddy really is.
"I was ecstatic when I found I was going to have twins. When I first told Rick I was going to a fertility clinic to get pregnant by my first husband from stored semen, he acted as if I was going to the street. When I got pregnant, he wanted nothing to do with the children or me, which suited me fine. Thank the Goddess I had thought to put a clause in the prenuptial agreement that I had semen from my first marriage, and could use it if I saw the need or I think he'd have divorced me then before I was ready. He'd had his lawyer draw up that contract, and there were many clauses protecting his business interests, with little to protect me. When the children were born, I was alone in the hospital except for Mom. Rick wouldn't even acknowledge their existence. When asked the father's name, I gave yours. Would you like to see their birth certificates?"
I was reeling at her story. I hadn't interrupted except to ask road directions as we drove to the hospital. I answered her query, and had one or two of my own. "Yeah, not that I doubt you, Princess, but somehow, seeing those documents may drive it home. Although, I'm reminded of something Pie and Jo said in September when they showed me pictures of your... our kids. They said if they hadn't known better, they'd have sworn they were mine. Ha! Ha! I guess they didn't know better, eh? So, the kids' last name is Lloyd is that correct? The aunts told me they went by their initials, K.P. and D.J. and called their father 'Rick', but didn't elaborate."
"Yes, David. Their names are 'Katrina (Kit) Piete Lloyd' and 'Dorothy (Dolly) Joanna Lloyd'. Rick eventually did come to recognize their existence and was not unkind to them in his own way. He called them by their initials, 'K.P.' and 'D.J', which stuck, and they called him Rick, never Daddy, because they knew he wasn't, but I think you have more questions, My Darling." Riekie gave me one of those long loving looks I remembered. I had to jerk my head away to avoid wrecking the van and killing us all.
I was pleasantly surprised. She'd named the girls after the four 'sisters'. She'd answered two of my questions before I asked them — 'Why the initials?' and 'Did they really call Rick by his name?' but I had a doozie. "How is it that they know me?"
She laughed. "I was wondering when you'd ask. From the minute they were conceived, I talked to them, even in the womb, and told them all about their father, telling them what a wonderful man he was, and that someday he would find us and take us home to the farm. I always had some of the pictures Mom took on our prom night, and I had that one of you enlarged and framed. I showed it to them every day from the day they were born. Not only do they know you, David, they love you. Couldn't you tell that from the way they reacted once they recognized you with your beard? By the way, I'm not sure if I like it."
Diane giggled from the seat behind, where she'd been listening raptly to Riekie's story. "Carol Anne wasn't sure if she liked it either and I've never known him without it, but if he shaves it off, we'll both disown him. Mrs. Pussy and Pussy have fallen in love with it, and so will Sweet Pussy, if you catch my meaning."
Riekie was shocked to hear Diane refer to her pussy creature. "How did you know about that? Did David tell you?"
Diane laughed and said. "You're not the only one who dreamed of someone. I've seen you in my dreams for months, and a few times actually heard you speak. In my dreams, we made love, and you told me to be nice to Sweet Pussy."
Riekie was amazed. "Those were more than dreams, I think, because I had the same ones. Hmmmm."
Now it was my turn to ask Riekie about strange occurrences. "Riekie? What did you mean 'from the moment they were conceived.'?"
She smiled at the memory. "It's funny, you know? When they were conceived, I swore I saw a small flash of light, and I somehow knew. Isn't that strange?"
I wasn't actually surprised, but thought if she'd conceived naturally rather than artificially, she'd have seen a much brighter flash. "Not as strange as you might think; Carol Anne knew when she conceived, too. In September, around the time of your mother's funeral, did you have an unusual experience?"
Riekie looked relieved when I asked. "Oh yes. David! It was the Sunday after Mom's funeral. I was lying in bed with the girls, just lazing around, sort of dozing, when suddenly I felt this wave of love pass over me, and I thought I was walking down our old road with you and Carol Anne, only it was in autumn colours and so beautiful! Then I felt my heart almost burst with love for the two of you. I dozed off again then was suddenly awakened by this flash of light, and a feeling that something wonderful had happened. Then the strangest thing of all... I swore, way off in the distance, I heard old Clyde howl happily, and D.J. woke up saying that Daddy just made her a little brother."
"Anything else?"
"Not really, except on Monday I was very busy finishing my work at the university when I got an unsigned telegram that just said 'WE DID IT!! SEPT. 22, 1985, IN THE OLD BARN ON YOUR BLANKET! YOU WERE HERE IN OUR HEARTS!' and I knew instantly what D.J. meant, and who you were with. I was so happy for you and Carol Anne! Both of the twins have the Sight, I think. They seem to know things they shouldn't and keep saying they talk to their sister in their dreams. What sister?"
One of the kids piped up from the back seat. "Rhian-non! And sometimes Jenny, but she's too little to say much."
Riekie looked at me and asked in a small almost frightened voice. "Who're Rhiannon and Jenny?"
I was almost too stunned for words. I sometimes thought Rhiannon knew more than she told. "Our girls. We didn't know Jen had the Sight, she's only two, but Rhiannon has it very strongly. She knew before we even did it, that Carol Anne and I were going to make a baby brother for her. We have lots more news for you, but finish your story. What we have to tell will take more time than we have right now. Is your divorce final? And why was your answering machine always full?"
She smiled and said. "Yes, I got the final decree Friday. It was a battle because of the prenuptial agreement, but it also made it easier in a way. Rick and I agreed from the beginning that either of us could get out if we thought there was no more to be gained by staying together. I always thought it would be him initiating divorce proceedings, but it was me. Something told me just before Mom died that the time was right. Rick fought it, but couldn't win. Then this past week, between him and his lawyer, they kept my machine full of stupid messages, almost as if they were doing it to keep people from getting in touch with me. That's why I swore when I checked my messages just now. There was another stupid message just taking up tape space keeping Carol Anne from leaving her full message. I don't have a home phone anymore; the kids and I have been living in a hotel for the last month, preparing for the move from Winnipeg."
We came to a turn, and I interrupted Riekie to ask which way. She pointed and said it wasn't far now, then she continued. "Once I moved from the house and finished at the University, all I had was the office phone. I've been busy every day sitting with the doctors who are taking over my patients bringing them up to speed on the files, and visiting those patients that were in hospital, so I was never near the phone, and the staff were let go when the last patient files were transferred. That work is done now and I'm ready to come home, David, if you still want me to."
Once again, Diane interjected. "Whaddaya mean if he still wants you to? What about Carol Anne and me?"
Riekie wasn't sure how to respond. "Well, I don't know. Will you let me come home? And I'm still not sure about Carol Anne... David, the sign for the hospital parking should be right up here."
Diane giggled, letting Riekie off the hook. "Riekie, My Love, not only can you come home, both Carol Anne and I demand you do. As David said in his message, we're calling now. Riekie, she can tell you better than I how much she misses you, but I know Carol Anne is desperate to be back with you. On the phone last night, she screamed that she needs you. She's afraid you don't want her back. You two have some catching up to do."
Just as Diane finished her little speech, I pulled into a large gated parking lot. The sign said, 'Foothills Medical Centre Palliative Care Unit'. I pulled up and asked the attendant how long we could park. He said as long as we needed, and gave me a ticket to display in the windshield. It was just before ten thirty Mountain time.
We'd been in Calgary just over an hour, and my life had already received some more huge jolts. We met Riekie out of the blue; she told us directly she was ready to come home and I found out I had two stunning little daughters who actually sort of knew me. I wondered what else lay in store. It was Christmas, and although our mission here was a sad one, Riekie had given me three of the best Christmas presents I could ever want — herself and two wonderful children.