The Ten of Them: Chapter 21

The Ten of Them: Chapter 21





For whatever reason, Sam hadn’t experienced a Christmas in her life. Most parents love the excuse to spoil their kids that Christmas gives them. After Sam’s visit to her grandmother’s home I think I understand why Sam hasn’t had a Christmas. Her grandmother appeared to barely make ends meet and had for a very long time judging from the poor condition the home was in.


During the last chapter Ron and Reese return and both separated from the military. George and Alyssa return from their vacation with giving the family just enough time to finish their cottage. Alyssa loves her cottage, every weekend and several times during the week you can find them there. George really loves it and the boat dock; he even bought a new bass boat for his new dock. The family seems to have moved Saturday morning breakfast to Alyssa’s larger dining area. We catch back up with the family as they sit down to Saturday morning breakfast.

Ron looks around at the cottage before he asks Reese, “Would you like a place like this may be with a couple more bedrooms?”

Reese says, “I think it would be marvelous if we can have place like this. I really don’t need thirty-two rooms, and indoor pool, although those are nice. Without them it would give us an excuse to come and visit JJ and Kathryn.”

Sam setting beside Reese says, “Reese, don’t forget about me too.”

Reese says, “Sam you would be a reason to come and visit even without all the bonuses.”

Daniel says, “You know this is my design, I should be able to add two more bedrooms to it easily do you want them with the master or split.”

Ron thinks for a moment and his hesitation gives time for Reese to reply, “Add the second two bedrooms as split, and leave the one near the master as a nursery with access from the master only. I want to have a guest suite off the bonus room.”

Daniel says, “That will be easy enough, I should even have enough room left for a larger utility room.”

Ron chuckles before he says, “I knew Reese would say what she really wanted if I hesitated long enough.”

There’s a clank from underneath the table and Reese yelps “Ouch.”

Ron chuckles, “Sweetheart you kicked the wrong leg.” Reese just sticks her tongue out at Ron. The entire table cracks up as Ron kisses Reese.

Today I have a special treat, scrambled toast I’m used cinnamon bread, dipped in an egg better with just a slight touch of French vanilla, with no cinnamon on the outside it looks like someone forgot it. I do serve it with powdered sugar or syrup. Sam and Kara like powdered sugar with a sprinkling of cinnamon on theirs. It’s something I learned from Bobby’s and Mary’s restaurant, being a silent partner does have the benefits of getting some recipes. Because the cinnamon is in the bread it has a totally different taste than normal French toast.

I’m disappointed not getting any. It disappeared from the table before I had a chance to set down. Although I did get the best complement I’ve ever had on my cooking. Alyssa, Helen and Misty actually want the recipe, Kathryn gives them a wink, when I say it’s a closely guarded family secret. The three actually point out that their family. To which I say, “I didn’t say I wasn’t going to give it to you, I just don’t want you sharing it with everyone.”

Kathryn giggles, “I just emailed it to you. It’s actually Bobby and Mary’s recipe.” I stick my tongue out at Kathryn, who only giggles at me. Kathryn giggles stop abruptly and she gets a strange look on her face. Her hand drops to her stomach with her eyes wide she says, “I think the baby really likes that scrambled toast, she’s jumping around.”

My hand goes to Kathryn’s belly and I can feel the baby push has Kathryn says, “Oh that’s a strong little kick you got there Amanda.” Helen is at Kathryn side, and Kathryn takes her mother’s hand so she can feel the baby kick. Eventually everyone in the family gets the feel the baby move or kick. Sam gets the biggest smile as she feels Amanda kick at her hand. Amanda settles down after a while as Kathryn relaxes on the sofa. I have been caressing Kathryn’s belly and not too long after Amanda settles down Kathryn falls asleep against me.

Helen smiles as she quietly says, “JJ, I’m so happy for the two of you. It’s all that I want for my girls, if they can find someone like you, someone who would love them above everything else.”

Daniel whispers into Kara’s ear causing her to smile. The two of them are comfortable in each other’s embrace, and I reflect back almost a month ago he had asked permission from the Coach to ask Kara to marry him. Kara isn’t wearing that ring so I assume he’s trying to wait for the perfect moment or to create one.

When I gave Kathryn her ring it was only a half a surprise to her she knew I was planning on something but had no clue as to what. Kathryn told me later she believed I was going to try to seduce her long before she did, as she felt that was what was going on when I gave her ring to her and asked if she would marry me.

Helen looks at Daniel and Kara and she smiles before she says, “I think I got two down, and three to go.”

Kara giggles, “Maybe if I can just get Daniel to ask.”

Daniel sensing the opportunity slides his hand into his back pocket unnoticed by Kara and Helen. I can see he’s withdrawing the ring, and from the sound of Kathryn’s breathing she’s no longer asleep and is now witnessing what Daniel is doing. She doesn’t give it away, and neither do I.

He brings the ring out as he slides out from under Kara and goes to the floor on one knee. The room is silent as Daniel raises the ring to Kara for her to see. Daniel asks, “Kara my love will you do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

The family collectively holds our breath waiting for Kara’s answer. Fortunately we do not have to hold our breath long as Kara begins to scream, “Yes! Oh yes!”

The coach comes to Helen side as he watched the two embrace and kiss lovingly, he hugs his wife and gives her a kiss on the cheek. I know he shared the fact that Daniel has asked for Kara’s hand, and if I didn’t know better I swear the two have a wedding planned knowing how Helen thinks it’s probably on Christmas.

It doesn’t take long before the entire family is congratulating the happy couple, Kara shows off the ring to oh and ah from the other girls. Kathryn giggles, “I think your diamond is bigger.”

Kara says, “I don’t care if it is or isn’t. I’m just happy I got one.”

Kathryn hugging her sister says, “I’m happy for you too Sis.”

It takes a little while before the happy couple can sneak off together, and once we realize they have the majority of the family chuckles happy for the two of them.

Karen seems a little down and Kathryn I find out that her and Matt had a fight. Helen overhearing comes to her daughter, hugging Karen she says, “Don’t give up hope, a lot of couples have fights too. Sometimes it’s very healthy for the relationship. Very few people are exact matches and get along all the time.”

Kathryn gives what advice she can by saying, “Mom is right Sis. Just because you guys fight once in a while doesn’t mean it’s a bad relationship. It’s just that you’re adjusting to each other.”

Karen says, “Kathryn, I don’t believe you and JJ have ever had a fight.”

Karen is right Kathryn and I have never had anything more than a heated discussion on occasion. That made each of us feel so bad we almost immediately apologize to the other. Kathryn says to her sister, “We really haven’t, we haven’t had more than a heated discussion and that made us feel so bad we apologized immediately. What we do is talk to each other, I know exactly how JJ feels when it comes to any subject, and he knows exactly how I feel. We can agree to disagree without it destroying our relationship. We can shift our opinion or position on a subject to come to an agreement. For us we realize will never forget any argument we have, so we work harder it not having them.”

Take a deep breath before I add, “I think we also realize, it doesn’t pay to try to win in a relationship. When you’re in love the only way to win is to make sure it’s a draw, that way both win. Our relationship is all about being partners. Your sister and I love each other we respect each other and we’ll protect each other.”

Karen gives her sister and me a hug and she says, “Matt is a good guy, but he has some funny beliefs. I wish he would just talk to me like you and Kathryn do.”

Helen says, “Communication begins with you, you have to tell him. Other than Kathryn and JJ I don’t know any couple that can read each other’s minds. So talk to him it is the only way he will know.”

Kathryn giggles, “Mom I can only feel what JJ feels, I can’t really tell you what he’s thinking.”

I shake my head in agreement and say, “When Kathryn is happy or sad her eyes change color, all I do is touch her hand and I can tell that in a dark room. I probably can find her very easily, but as to tell you exactly what’s on her mind I couldn’t tell you. I could tell you how she feels just the way she can for me. I do know what she craves. She gives those to me as well.”

Kathryn giggles merrily and says, “JJ, go find what I’m craving please.”

I come back with two bowls of vanilla ice cream with potato chips on the side. With a chuckle I say, “At least you didn’t want a pickle.”

Helen giggles at the way Kathryn’s eyes light up and says, “JJ that’s not a disadvantage.”

Kathryn giggles, and I have to chuckle before I reply, “It was yesterday, what she was craving for was pretty disgusting.” Thankfully they don’t ask me to describe it.

Sam is with Alyssa, I think Sam is missing Alyssa a lot, on Saturdays Sam is with her as much is possible. I know a few times during the week Alyssa has come out to the house just to visit. I’m at school so I’m not totally aware of everything going on, but I try to keep up on who comes and goes through the day. It is not due to a trust issue, it’s just a way that I can keep an eye on my family to help protect them. I set up my security system to send me a photo on my cell phone of people coming and going.

It isn’t until Monday that Daniel and Kara are seen again, Monday at lunch I ask Kara how was the rest of your weekend. Kara giggles, and says, “We set a date what are you guys doing on Christmas?”

Chuckling I look at her and say, “I’m not sure maybe going to a wedding.”

Kara smiles brightly and says, “If it’s my wedding you were thinking of you may be going to, you would be right.”

I return her bright smile and say, “Congratulations I’ll love to be at your wedding.”

Kara says, “Actually it’s at 3 o’clock on Christmas Eve, I just got off the phone with Reverend Akins his church is available, but we’ll have to either use decorations they have or redecorate once were finished.”

Smiling I think aloud, “a Christmas theme wedding, that’s a pretty good idea to bad it’s not colder around here we can use a sled to take you to the reception.”

Kara laughs, “With as many geniuses we have in the family I’m sure you can figure it out, but don’t freeze the road.”

When Kathryn and Sam slides in beside me Kara says, “I was wondering if you two were going to get my message and show up.”

Kathryn says warmly, “You know I’ll be here for you.”

Kara giggles, “I was just wondering about you getting the message.” The two of them giggle.

Sam steals a bite from my plate and makes a face before she says, “Daddy that isn’t very good.”

Kathryn giggles, “We’ll go down town and get something to eat Sam that’s better.”

Kara and I immediately stand up with the trays, as Kathryn giggles. I say, “I don’t care if there’s rumors are not if you’re going to Bobby and Mary’s for lunch then we’re going too.”

Kara giggles, “I’ll call Daniel and have him meet us there.”

Kara calls Daniel, and Kathryn calls ahead having a table ready for us, we even place our orders and as soon as we walk in the table is being set. Daniel arrives just as we sit down, and he takes his place by Kara and the first thing that they share is a kiss. After Sam finishes her first mouthful she says, “Daddy I didn’t realize how good this is until tasting the cafeterias’ food.”

Mary’s oldest daughter having graduated last year giggles and says, “Princess Sam my Mom’s going to be very happy to hear that.”

Sam is smiling and says, “I love your Mom’s cooking. It’s always the best.”

We make it back in time, and Daniel drops off Kara and she gives him a long passionate kiss in front of a bunch of freshman Janet being one. Kathryn and I bump into Janet on her way to class she asked, “Who was that guy Kara was kissing?”

Kathryn says, “Just so you don’t start a rumor accidentally, Kara was kissing her fiancé Daniel.”

Janet says, “Sorry about that, but I have to tell Kara congratulations next class.”

Instead of going to the library I take Kathryn and Sam to study Hall with me. Sam is a little disappointed, but one of the girls from self-defense class is there and gives Sam a hug.

Kathryn and Sam watch as I help the students with many questions from different classes. Almost every subject in school we seem to go over and help several of the students who are having problems. Kathryn helps several as well that I would not have time to otherwise.

With the class work getting harder it’s easy for a student to either become distracted or simply not understand part of the subject. With the number of students in class is also easy for a teacher to miss that one student who doesn’t quite understand the subject. I would not say one of these students is less intelligent or less deserving. I would say they just become lost in a subject. It’s just too bad more educators are not available to help these students.

At the end of study hall Sam and Kathryn walk with me to the self-defense class. Sam gives me a tug and I pick her up onto my shoulders. Sam rides my shoulders through the halls and Kathryn hugs my arm, a lot of students give us smiles as we walk past.

Arriving in class I put Sam down and she’s nearly swarmed by the young girls, they all want to give Sam a hug and Sam loves the attention and gives them as much back as she gets. Kathryn surprises me when she pulls out a workout outfit for Sam. Sam takes the outfit she goes with the girls to the locker room to change. Giving Kathryn a questioning look she says, “The principles said as long as she has parental permission she could join the class. Here’s the permission slip you need to sign.”

Chuckling I signed beside Kathryn’s name and take it into the office to file with the others. Sam surprises some of the girls as she goes through the steps of the Karta without problems. I’m teaching a new throw to the class, Sam’s learned it over a month ago so I bring her up to the front of the class to show how a smaller person is not at a disadvantage using this move. I explained the steps of the throw and Sam copies my moves exactly. I have the class go through the movements several times before actually attempting it.

Once they have it down, I step back up to the front of the class I say, “I’m going to act as the attacker and Sam will defend herself.” I give Sam a nod and she returns it. I make the movements of an attacker wielding a knife, Sam goes to the movements of the throw and I fly over her head and land on my ass further than she’s ever thrown me. The class is absolutely silent as I lie still for a moment. I raise my head and turned to look at Sam. She only grins at me when she knows I’m okay and sees mine. She runs and jumps onto my chest and asked loudly, “Daddy did I do it right.”

Grinning up at Sam I say, “Yes you did Sam.” When Kathryn is the first to crack up the rest of the class begins to laugh.

Ron and Reese have shown up and are watching from the bleachers. Ron says, “If I hadn’t seen it myself I wouldn’t believe it.”

When I stand and explain to the class I teach you the moves that even a smaller lighter person can defend themselves against a larger attacker. Sam here is less than a fourth my weight, and half my body height if she can throw me, you should be able to do the same once you learn the move. The look that comes across the students face is what a teacher truly works for, not pride or happiness it was a look of confidence a look that said I can do that too.

We work a little longer, then I have them do stretches and Sam helps me lead the other students. I send the students off to the showers, but I hold Sam back. I ask, “Sam can you help me show that same move to the advents class in about fifteen minutes?” Sam grins and shakes her head eagerly yes. Then I tell her, “You don’t need a shower yet, you can go through the advents class with me.” Sam has a wide smile as she gives me a hug. Then she runs up and talks to her Mom.

Reese is giggling when she asks, “Sam was it fun to throw your Dad like that.”

Sam looking her godmother in the eyes says, “At first I was a little afraid that I might have hurt Daddy. When he looked at me with that grin that said he was proud of me it felt really good.”

Kara coming in the class seen Sam in workout clothing and catching Sam’s answer is confused. She asks, “Sam, are you taking class with us?”

Sam turning to her aunt with a bright smile says, “Daddy wants me to show you guys a move. He just taught it to the last class.”

Kara leaves to get dressed as Sam cuddles up in Kathryn’s lap or what’s left of it. At four and a half months along Kathryn’s lap seems to be disappearing more each day. Amanda seems to be active a lot more each day as well. As Sam leans against her Mommy the baby kicks and Sam begins to giggle, Sam says, “Amanda is trying to get my attention Mommy.”

Kathryn giggles saying, “She has been moving around ever since I started laughing.”

Sam giggles, “I guess you woke her up Mommy.”

Several of the girls once dressed come by to speak to Sam and Sam tells them that she’s joining them for the class today. Janet shakes her head in disbelief. Kara giggles, before she says to Janet, “Watch Sam as she goes through the Karta.”

At the beginning of the class I start them on the Karta and notice as Janet watches Sam closely. After the class is warmed up, I asked if they remember the move and all but two girls Janet and another raise their hand. I ask the class, “Do you feel confident doing the throw? Only a few lower their hands, I then ask, “Against someone who’s four times your weight and twice your height?” The rest of the class lowers their hands.

Only Sam holds her hand up. A few students in the class begin to giggle. I give Sam a reassuring smile and asked if she’s ready, Sam shakes her head and goes into her stance. The class is watching although some still giggle. I have backed us a little closer to the edge giving Sam a little more room and so she didn’t throw me nearly off the pads again. When I make my attack Sam’s move is smooth and fluid and I go flying overhead against it still land near the edge of the pads. Sam has thrown me a good twelve feet. I lay still to a silent gym. After giving the moment for the realization to sink in I set up an open my arms for Sam. Sam practically flies into my embrace with a wide smile.

I stand holding Sam as I address the class by asking “Now who believes that you can defend yourself from someone much larger?”

When Sam raises her hand every single hand goes up. The look of confidence spreads throughout the class and Sam created the effect I truly wanted. Pairing them up afterwards for some reason no one wants Sam is a partner. I happily take her as my partner. We work through several throws, and I have a few of the smaller girls toss me. After their stretches I send them to the showers, and Kara takes Sam, Kathryn hands Sam a gym bag with a change of clothes for her and a towel.

Since football season is over, and I’m not part of the basketball team, I’m off for the day. A few of the class after showering bring Sam back dressed in her clean close. They swing Sam as they walk with her, Sam giggles as the girls swing her up and I catch her. Janet carries Sam’s bag.

Janet asks, “A lot of girls don’t understand why you don’t give belts for their skill levels?”

I state, “The dojo I trained in required classes that I wasn’t able to attend to allow the instructor to give out belts. I began training the students here four years ago, and no one has asked that question until today.”

Janet follows with a second question, “Just so I know what Kara’s level would be?”

I didn’t realize Kara was standing behind me when I say, “I have a third Dan in tae kwon do and a second Dan jujitsu, Kara would have at least two Dan tae kwon do and in Jujitsu.”

Kara begins to giggle, “That means I’m pretty bad ass.”

Chuckling I turn and tell her, “If your brothers haven’t been training with anyone else, you’re the second or third toughest person in the County.”

Kara giggles and says, “I guess Kathryn would give me a very hard time trying to find out to see who is second or third.”

Kathryn hugs Kara before she says, “I don’t care, you’re my sister and nobody is messing with you, not even me.”

Kara hugs Kathryn back and says, “You’re right sis, no one is going to mess with you too.”

Janet asks, “If she’s that much higher level than I, why did you pair us?”

I answer, “Because she is the best to defend against an unknown move, you are trained out-of-state and in a different dojo from my original. By the way I would not say you’re a green belt anymore, closer to maybe purple on a good day.”

Janet was a little stunned by the news but she quickly gets a smile on her face. Before she asked, “Does that mean I’m catching up with most of the class?”

Telling Janet the truth I say, “You’re just about caught up with everyone, by Christmas you should be easily caught up with everyone. You did start at a disadvantage most of the girls when they started class would’ve been at least one or two belt levels higher than you. You’re doing great.”

Janet practically floats away. Kara, Ron, Reese, Sam, Kathryn and I had to our cars to go home.

Ron and Reese were thinking of today for their wedding, but because of conflict of scheduling we moved it to tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock. We actually had the church for a rehearsal yesterday and it went off without a hitch. Reese’s father and mother have flown in and we put them up in the town’s best bed and breakfast. Reese’s father and mother were speechless as she showed them her accounts. Reese also wrote a check equal to the payoff for all her parents’ bills. I smile at Reese as she says, “JJ taught Kathryn how to trade they taught Marshall and Misty, who in turn taught us.