There Must Be A Mistake Ch. 26

"It is said that the best sex happens between people who were once married. I have a patient; I have to go."

What is he up to? He is willing to send my parents to the Greek Isles in a presidential cabin all expenses paid, just to get rid of them so he can speak to me, and the girls, alone. He is incapable of lying. In all the years of our marriage, never once did he lie to me. What is going on?

Just as Joseph promised, three days later a certified package was delivered to their door. Sandra signed for it and delivered it to her mother. There was no screaming or yelling, she just called out for Harold.

"Harold is this for real, or a come on?"

Harold read the entire package and said, "I think it's for real. The attorney's name at the bottom has his phone number, and email address. I'm going to call him now, and verify it."

"Davis, Organ, and Sachs, how may I help you?"

"Hello, my name is Harold Ames. I received a package in the mail. It is in regards to a free trip to the Greek Isles. I'd like to know if it is for real or if it's a come on for a sales pitch?"

"One moment Mister Ames, I will transfer you to Mister Davis."

"Mister Ames, this is Robert Davis, congratulations. This trip is for real. There are no catches, no sales pitches, nothing for you to buy, nothing for you to watch. This was a random contest, and the computer spit out your name. I will say it again, congratulations. You get the Presidential Suite, all expenses paid, while you are on board, a limousine will pick you up at home and bring you to Burlington. A private jet will fly you to New York, where you will stay for three days, and have tickets to two Broadway shows. You will not have to stand in line to board the ship. You will be escorted on by the first mate. He will bring you to your cabin, and instruct you on all the amenities onboard. If you wish to dine in the cabin, there is no extra charge. You will love this cruise; there is nothing finer in the cruise industry."

"What is the name of the ship?"

"I'm sorry I forgot to mention that item. It is the Queen Elizabeth II."

"Oh my God, I have dreamt about going on that ship all my life. Every time I call, it is already booked."

"We booked that cabin two years in advance to make sure it was available. Again, I say to you Mister Ames, my heartiest congratulations. Don't forget to sign the document on the fourth page, have it notarized, and get it back to me as soon as possible. If you want, you can have a lawyer look at it, but I guarantee you this is on the up and up."

"It will be in the mail to you tomorrow Mister Davis. Thank you so much."

"Maude, we are going on the Queen Elizabeth II. We have the best cabin, no charges at all while we are onboard. We can have Steve look at it, but I don't think there is any problem. Mister Davis sounded as excited as I am now."

"We have to tell Sandy were leaving, and leave her enough money for the two weeks will be gone."

"I'll give her some cash, and one of my credit cards. She is a good girl, and will not overspend, especially now after the accident. She has taken that especially hard."

"You could buy her a new car before we leave."

"Yes that might lift her spirits. I'll take her along with me so she can pick it out."

"You were always so thoughtful that way Harold."

"I'll do it tomorrow."

"Sandy, come up here for a moment."

"I'm sorry dad, I was online with the social center. Did you call me?"

"Yes dear, we have something to tell you. Would you come up please?"

"Sure."

Her father went through everything about the trip, and Sandy sat there with her mouth open appropriately. When he was finished, Sandy sat there stunned.

"Dad did you check to see if this was for real, or just a come on. There are so many scams going on now you have to be very careful."

"I called the attorney's office and verified all the information. This is a trip of a lifetime, and I'm going to have Steve look at it tomorrow, just in case."

"That's a very good idea dad, I couldn't be happier for both of you."

Sandra walked over to her father and gave him a huge hug, which was very rare. She went over to her mother and did the same thing, which was even rarer. This was a very cold New England family, which rarely showed affection or emotion. This time Sandy thought it was a great idea.

"Wait until the girls hear about your trip. They will be jumping up and down all around the house. They will be so happy for both of you, especially after everything you just lost, because of me."

"It wasn't because of you. Get that out of your head. Someone spiked your drinks in an attempt to rape you. I want you to be thankful that it didn't go that far."

"But dad, look at all the money you lost because of me. I will never be able to repay that in any way. I feel so horrible about it, and I don't know what to do. That's all I dream about every night. How do I repay my parents for their kindness, and support? They've always been there for me, and I let them down."

"Sandra, you did not let us down. You could have died in that accident. What would we have done without you? You are so special to us. You have always been an obedient child. You gave up your husband for your parents. We will never forget that sacrifice. You must return to life, return to happiness, and find someone here that will make you happy again."

Sandra put her arms around her father, and her head on his chest. "Thank you dad, you have always been my strength."

"We are going to buy you a new car tomorrow. Don't say no, because you are coming with me to do it. The Mercedes saved your life, because of all its safety features. If you want another one we will get it. If you want something better, we will find it, and buy it. Whatever you want, you will have."

"I don't know if I'm ready to drive again."

"The people that you were serving before need you. You can't let them down by staying home. When you go to the club don't go down that street. Use Country Club Road, it will keep you from speeding."

"Okay dad, I will do what you tell me to do. You are always right anyhow."

"Thank you baby, go back to your computer and help those people."

"Thank you dad, thank you mom, congratulations on your trip again. I hope Steve does not find any bugs in it, because I can't think of two more deserving people to get it then you."

She walked down the stairs slowly, with her head down.

Maude said, "Harold, are you sure she's ready to drive? She seems very conflicted."

"The best way to get someone's confidence back in a case like this, it's just like falling off a horse. You have to put them right back on, or they will never try to ride again. We have to put Sandy back in a car, before she ever tries to drive again."

"Okay Harold, let's do it your way, and see if it works. On another note, why don't you call Steve, and see if he's available. I can't wait to make sure this trip is for real."

Two hours later, they were dancing in the living room. The trip was for real page 4 was signed, notarized and in the mail with next day delivery, certified return receipt requested. They were leaving for New York City Thursday morning, and they were packing like maniacs."

Thursday morning at 7:30 AM, two men in liveried uniforms got out of the limousine and walked to the front door.

Maude opened the door for them, and began picking up a suitcase. One of the men said, "Madame, your vacation has started. From this point on, all you have to do is ask, and everything will be done for you."

Maude was stunned. She had always traveled first-class, because she always had money. However, she had never been treated like this. They would not even let her carry her makeup bag. She almost had to fight with them over her handbag, because it was so huge.

Harold said, "It's times like these I'm happy I'm a man."

Sandra returned just in time to say goodbye to her parents. She was driving in her new Mercedes, in the same color red as she had before. She just dropped off her kids at school, and wanted to act like the dutiful daughter she did all week. She jumped out of her car, and ran directly to her mother.

She hugged her tightly and said, "What am I going to do without you for 20 days. We've never been a part that long."

"Sandra, you must follow your father's advice. You must find a nice young man here and be happy."

"I promise mom, as soon as you get back I will begin looking. Some nice young men at the club have shown interest in me. I have been in such a poor mood, I have not been good company. That will stop when you get home."

"I'm very happy you said that Sandra. It's not only good for you, but it is also very healthy for the girls to have a man around the house."

"Yes I know that. Watching you and dad has been a wonderful education for me. You couldn't be happier with each other if you tried. I have wonderful parents. Have a great time mom, and be sure to take tons of pictures."

"We brought four cameras with us, all digital. As long as we keep our fingers out of the way, the pictures should be awesome."

"Let me say goodbye to dad, before they say you have to leave."

"Go ahead I'll get in the car. It's a huge car."

Sandy ran over to her father, and hugged him.

"Dad thank you for the car. I hope you have an awesome trip, and that you take time to get out of the cabin. I know it's going to look like you're driving the Queen Elizabeth II, but there are a lot of exciting things to do on that boat/ship, and it would be a shame for you to miss them. This is a trip sent from heaven, because of all the hard work you've done. Please enjoy it."

"We will baby, I promise you that, we will."

"The driver yelled, "Mister Ames, we are running late."

"Daddy move your ass, you don't want to start your vacation, by being late."

"You're right." He reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out an envelope containing $10,000.00.

"You enjoy yourself while we were gone."

"Daddy, I couldn't spend all this money and six months."

"Try baby, I want you to have a good time with the girls. Don't tell your mother about this, she'll have a fit."

"Thank you dad, get in the car and start your vacation."

"I'm gone little girl, enjoy."

As soon as the limousine was out of sight, Sandra ran into the house, pulled out three suitcases from the girls closets, and began to pack their clothes. It took her a total of 30 minutes to do both girls.

She went into her room, took out a suitcase, and a large case for dresses, and laid them on the bed. It took her more than an hour to pack her clothes.

She had no idea why she packed her most delicate panties and bras. It was not as if she intended to sleep with him, was it? Why hadn't she slept with any other man since her divorce? In her heart, she knew she still loved him, but the thought of her sister trying to kill her children again, over her parent's money was too much to take.

She hated the divorce. She hated the look on Joseph's face even more. He didn't even fight her in court. She hated her lawyer because of what he took from Joseph. He even took his honor, which was too much for her to bear. When it was over, the six jurors found him guilty, but they could not lift their heads to look at him. It was a disgrace, and they knew it.

***************

Sandra pulled the girls out of school at 12 PM. One thing she was not going to be today was late.

At exactly 2:45 PM and limousine pulled up in front of the house. It was the same two men from this morning. They picked up the luggage, put it in the trunk, and waited for the three women to get into the car. The girls were dressed casually and ran to the limousine. Sandy was in a pair of slacks and a blouse. She set the alarm, pulled a small suitcase out of the house closed and triple locked the door.

One of the men started towards her to take the small piece of luggage, and she yelled, "No, this stays with me."

He said, "Yes ma'am, and reentered the car."

The girls giggled all the way to Burlington.

"They could put a bid in here Mom."

"Don't laugh Rebecca, some of these special limousines are equipped with beds."

"What would you do it with a bed and limousine?"

"Sandra didn't answer."

Rebecca's eyes opened wide. "They do that in a car?"

"You will be 10 years old in two weeks. You're not supposed to know about that yet."

"Mom, please, half the girls in my class are on birth control pills."

Sandra's mouth opened wide but no words came out.

"Yes mother, I know all about sex, so you do not have to worry about the sex talk."

"I can't believe 10 and 11-year-old girls are on birth control pills. I didn't get my period until I was 13"

"Times change mother, young women are maturing earlier."

"I know exactly what your father is going to say."

"What would that be?"

"Put them both in chastity belts, and leave the keys with me."

"He wouldn't do that to us."

"He would do it in a heartbeat."

"Would he do that Debbie?"

"If I were you, I would tell dad I am a virgin, and I know nothing about sex. Otherwise, you will be in three chastity belts."

"Why three chastity belts?"

"One for your Vagina and one for each breast."

"Dad sounds like an ogre."

"You've only been away from your father for 18 months Debbie, and you don't remember anything about him?"

"I remember he was always nice."

"Yes he was, then why would you call him an ogre?"

"He's going to put me in chastity belts."

"Are you planning on having sex anytime soon? If you are, I have to get you a prescription from your pediatrician for birth control pills. That will make your father hit the ceiling."

From the speaker, a voice said, "We are at the airport madam. You have to go through security, and your bags have to be checked before they can go on the aircraft. We will be with you all the way."

"Thank you very much."

There was a special section for them to go through, as well as a special area for their bags to be checked. They were approaching the brand new Gulfstream 650 with their jaws dragging on the ground.

"This is a beautiful aircraft mommy."

"It certainly is. I've never seen anything like it."

As they approached the steps, the captain and first officer greeted them. Then the captain asked a rather weird question.

"Mrs. Finch, who do you know that you were able to get this aircraft?"

"Captain, I don't know anyone. My former husband called and told me to be at the airport and there would be a aircraft waiting to take me to Austin. I did not know what type of aircraft it would be."

"Do you see the tail number of this aircraft? It ends in 001. It is the first of its kind. It just rolled off the assembly line. Normally it goes to an Arab sheik, or one of the richest people in the world. You are the first people to ride in it. This is the new Gulfstream 650ER. It can flying from New York to Jakarta Indonesia nonstop. Get onboard, you are in for the ride of your life."

"Why is that Captain?"

"We have to brand-new advanced Rolls-Royce engines, and are carrying a very light load of fuel. We are going to be flying at 57,000 feet, possibly higher. We are going to push this baby to the wall. According to the specs, it can go at .98 Mach. We are going to see if we can push the winglets past Mach One."

"Is that safe?"

"I want to go home to my wife and kids tonight, if that's what you're asking."

"Sit down and buckle up, we will be off the ground in 10 minutes. This is Adrian. She will take care of all your needs."

"Gulfstream began to taxi to the end of the runway, and requested a climb at 5000 feet per minute after his left turn heading southwest.

Burlington Tower said, "ER 001 departing traffic climbing to 4000 feet making a left turn just clear of the runway. Subject departing traffic you are cleared to 58,000 feet, contact Boston Center 124.25 leaving 5000 feet. Cleared for takeoff."

"Roger tower, traffic is insight. Boston center 124.25 leaving 5000 feet. Have a good day.

"Adrian take a regular seat and tie yourself in tight. It's rocket time."

Adrian checked the kids' seatbelts, and then Sandy's.

"Kids this is going to be so much fun."

She took a seat across from Sandy and locked herself in.

"What's going to happen," Sandy said.

"Just remember to breathe, and you will be fine."

The engines began spooling up but the aircraft didn't move. The engines began to roar, but the aircraft still didn't move.

Adrian yelled, "Hang on everyone, here we go."

The aircraft began to shake when the brakes were released and the aircraft roared down the runway. It seemed like seconds afterwards the nose was in the air and they were climbing towards the sun.

Debbie and Rebecca were lasting nonstop. Sandra was white as a ghost. Adrian yelled over to her, "Breathe Sandy breathe."

"I'm too frightened to breathe."

"If you don't breathe I'll have to stand up and smack you. Now breathe dammit."

Sandy closed her eyes, opened her mouth, and took in a really huge gulp of air.

"Let it out now."

Sandy did, and she began breathing regularly. Color began returning to her face, and she turned to look at her daughters.

"What the hell is so funny?"

"You peed."

Sandy looked down, and sure enough, there was a puddle on the floor beneath her.

"I was just christening the aircraft."

Adrian said, "When we finish climbing, I'll get some paper towels."

"No, you will not clean that up, I will. Do you have anything for the seat?"

"Yes, I'll bring it out."

Sandy turned to her daughters and said, "For laughing at me, I'm going to let you clean up."

"Oh yuck, do we have to."

"For more than a year and a half, I cleaned up your pee and your poop. Why shouldn't you cleanup mine."

"It's disgusting."

"I agree, but I did it for both of you, and I didn't complain."

Debbie said, "I'm never having children, I don't like cleaning up crap."

Rebecca agreed, "Me neither, I never want to handle that stuff."

Adrian said, "Sandy, my sisters said the same thing. Between them, they have eight kids. I wanted kids, and I can't have them. There is something wrong in this world."

"11 minutes and 48 seconds, and we are level at 58,000 feet."

"Why did he announce that?"

He will log it in, and show it to the engineers and the senior pilot. They will keep an eye on the performance rating of the engines and the aircraft. Now he will set the aircraft's long-range cruise and start our descent over North Texas without using any fuel. There is an absolute beauty in flying."

"I can believe it, I just don't know what I have in store for me when I get to Temple."

"You're going to see the spacecraft?"

"Possibly, but I'm actually going to see my former husband, and he would tell me what it's about."

"He sent you a limousine, got this aircraft for you, and I expect another limousine to take you to him, and you have no idea what it's about? Madame someone has to hit you over the head with a baseball bat."

"It can't possibly be that. We haven't talked in 18 months, and he only sent me an email."

"He sent you an email, limousine, airplane, and what else?"

"Oh, to cover my coming down here, he sent my parents to the Greek Isles on the QE2 in the presidential suite."

"It couldn't possibly be that, not possible at all. Where the fuck is my baseball bat."

A bell rang, and Adrian got up to answer it.

"Yes my lord and master, would you like one lump or two. You want two today. Wonderful, Sandra needs a few herself. So after I'm finished with my baseball bat on her head, I can give you the two you so rightly deserve. Two lumps in your tea, and two lumps on the right side of your head. Coming right up sir."

"In case you didn't figure it out Sandra that was the first officer. He is also my first officer. We've been married for 13 years, and it seems like a week. He is the best thing that ever happened to me, and he feels the same about me."