Dear Diary, today I did more running away from things than anyone ever should. But I’ll get to that in a few minutes. Right now, I guess I need to go back and start from the beginning. Perhaps that will help me sort things out.
Right on time, as she was wont to do, Susan arrived at Aunt Ruby’s. I was still upstairs, hurting and bitter inside, wondering how I would ever face her. As it turned out, I shoved a school jersey over my head and thumped my way downstairs to greet the traitor.
“Marty!” she exclaimed, grinning as if she hadn’t stabbed me in the back.
She was stick-thin and in the back of my mind, I felt concerned about this. In the past, since her teen years, her weight had gone up and down, and not just by a little bit either. But she seemed okay to me as I noted her rosy cheeks and bright eyes. My eyes misted a little when I realized that as a young adult, she resembled Momma more than any of us,
“Aren’t you going to say hi?” Aunt Ruby asked.
Shrugging I said, “Of course, hi. I’m really sorry but I’m just on my way out the door. I’m going to the game with Xalen.”
Aunt Ruby’s right eyebrow went up as she regarded me but I tried to ignore her as I impatiently glanced out the front window, hoping Xalen would get here fast.
“Maybe I can go with you?” Susan said. “I’d love to see the school.”
“Sorry, no can do,” I mumbled. “I’m afraid we only have two tickets.”
“But you knew I was coming today, why didn’t you either get me a ticket or not go? I can’t wait to catch up with you.”
My conscience began tugging at my heart, but I brushed it off before it could grab hold. “I apologize, but this was planned long before you decided to come here.”
I knew she was hurt, I could see it in her expression, but some cruel thing in me had decided before her arrival that she didn’t deserve my time. To make it worse, when I thought about Theo, it was as if a piece of cold steel had replaced my heart and I promised myself I would never, no matter how hurt I ever was, cry over a man again. Instead, I would will myself not to care. Hell would have to freeze over before my heart would ever bleed because of some guy again!
“Oh, okay,” she murmured as Xalen knocked and I let him in.
“Hello, Marty,” he said, giving me a bewildered look.
“Hi. Um, this is my sister Susan. Susan, this is Xalen. Well, good seeing you Susan, I guess we’d better go.”
“Bye,” she answered as I dragged Xalen out the door.
“What was that all about? What’s going on?”
Breathing a sigh of relief, I said, “Thanks so much for getting here so quickly. I know I owe you an explanation.”
“That’s for certain. I haven’t felt that awkward in a long while.”
“I know, again, I’m sorry. Can we get out of here?”
The truth was, I couldn’t take Susan to the game with me because I’d lamely made that whole thing up to avoid her. A fact which, I was sure, hadn’t escaped Aunt Ruby’s attention.
Luckily, Xalen is a patient man. Without a word, he opened the car door for me and took me to his place on the beach. It wasn’t until we got there that I spilled everything to him about Theo and Susan.
He quietly listened to it all without interrupting or asking stupid questions. When I’d finally finished and he still didn’t say anything, I started to get a little worried.
“Well?”
He seemed reluctant to say what was on his mind but when I wouldn’t stop staring at him, he said, “I think… you’re jealous.”
“What?” I exploded. “How could you take her side?”
My anger really seemed to increase his discomfort, but he didn’t back down. “I’m not taking sides. Please, just listen.”
“Fine.”
“First, put that pouty lip away.”
Begrudgingly, I did.
“From what little I know, it seems that you neglected to tell your sister of your feelings for Theo. I am not sure why she neglected to see it, though, because when you happen to feel something, it is very obvious. Still, whether she did or didn’t, perhaps she took your grand dreams for your future as a signal that you had let go of him.”
I hated when he made sense. Part of me knew he was probably right as the Susan I remembered would never hurt me or act selfishly. The other part, though, didn’t want to let go of the anger and indignation.
I must have been silent longer than I thought because he said, “Honestly, I think you should go home and give Susan a chance to explain.”
“Are you kicking me out?”
“Of course not.”
Slowly, I began to realize that Xalen was my only friend in Longview. There was a marked age difference, it was true, but as time went on, it seemed to matter less and less.
Standing before me was a guy with a kind spirit and a gentle smile. It occurred to me all at once that I was attracted to him. Slowly, I stepped forward, put my arms around him and rested my head on his shoulder. The luxurious yet organic smell of his leather jacket tickled my nose, mixing with the fresh scent of soap.
As I embraced him, I felt his arms link around me, pulling me closer for a moment.
Then it was over way too soon, yet he allowed my hand to linger in his.
As if possessed, I leaned in again, my lips touching his in a kiss. At first, he hesitated, then I could feel him giving in as his mouth moved greedily against mine. It only took a moment for our frantic kiss to grow deeper, making me realize how much I wanted this.
Suddenly, though, with a growl, he pulled away and staggered a few steps from me.
“Wh-what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice a tight squeak.
His voice didn’t seem much better as he said, “I can’t – we can’t – ”
” – But why?” I demanded as tears filled my eyes. Had I read him wrong? For a moment, I thought for sure he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
“I apologize, Marty. I should not have allowed myself to get carried away.”
He still didn’t turn to face me. My cheeks turned crimson as humiliation stung my heart like a swarm of bees.
That was the first run of the day. Not willing to face the rejection I felt, I sprinted out the door toward home. I could hear his voice calling my name but I didn’t so much as turn around.
When I finally got home, out of breath and sweating like crazy, I realized I didn’t want to face Susan and the rest of them just yet. Instead, I sneaked around the side of the building and hid on the Abernathys’ side.
“Hello! Marty, isn’t it?” I heard a cheerful voice behind me.
“Hi, Mr. Abernathy.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re hiding from someone.”
A half-sob, half-laugh escaped my strangled throat. “I guess you could say that.”
Nodding as if he knew exactly what was going on, he said, “Sister relationships can be difficult.”
Staring at him blankly for a moment, my heart stopped.
“How did – ”
“Oh, that wife of mine knew all about Susan’s arrival and our walls are paper thin. I figure this nastiness has to do with a boy?”
Something wasn’t sitting right with me. What exactly had he heard coming from our unit? I hadn’t argued with Susan so he couldn’t have eavesdropped on that…
“Hey! Wait a minute! You can hear?”
“Much better than my lovely wife knows, yes. Tell me, if you lived with a voice like that for more than half your life, wouldn’t you pretend just a little bit, too, so you wouldn’t have to hear it so often?”
“I reckon,” I uneasily said. “I’d better go.”
As I walked a few steps away, he left his garden and followed me. Reluctantly, I turned to face him again. “Are you following me?”
“I didn’t think we were done with our conversation.”
“What’s left to say?” Except, how did you know I was having problems with Susan over a guy? I asked myself.
“I know a good deal of things,” he said as if he’d read my mind. “Perhaps you’d like to come inside and tell me all about it, sweetie?”
The hairs on the back of my neck were standing straight up on end and a chill went down my back. Suddenly, I didn’t see Mr. Abernathy as the little elderly, grandfatherly man next door who was next to helpless under his wife’s control.
“I’ve gotta go!” I announced, turning on my heel.
That was the second run of the day. From behind me, I could hear him snort with laughter which about made me come more unglued than I already was.
Rounding the corner and flying into the house, I ran right into Aunt Ruby. In hurried, anxious sentences, I told her about our creepster next door and how I didn’t think Gloria should go over there. When I was finished, I couldn’t tell if she believed me, but at least she said if there was any kind of doubt, she agreed with me about Gloria.
That evening, exhausted, I put my pajamas on and decided to go to bed even though it wasn’t dark yet. In my mind, I thought the best thing to do was to pull the covers over my head and forget this day even happened.
But, that was a luxury I wasn’t to have. As I dragged myself into my bedroom, I was greeted by Susan who was glaring furiously at me.
“How could you?”
“How could I what?”
“I don’t have my own email and since you were signed into yours, I decided to send my note from there.”
Bewildered, I followed her gaze to the open email on my computer and, with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, saw the hateful email I’d written to her when I first found out she and Theo were getting married.
“You went through my email?”
“It had my name on it so I thought you forgot to hit send.”
“Susan, I didn’t forget to hit send, I never intended on you seeing it. I thought I deleted it.”
Flying into my face, with fire in her eyes, she yelled, “How could you write those awful things about me? How could you wish such horrible things on me?”
That’s when I should have shut up after sincerely apologizing to her because I did feel bad that I’d written that and that she’d seen it. But sometimes when I make a decision, like to be quiet and do the sensible thing, my brain is late to the party.
Instead, I found myself yelling back at her. “How could you date Theo? How could you write that letter to me, saying you hoped I was happy for you that you were engaged? You hurt me, too!”
Almost immediately, I heard Momma’s voice in my head reminding me, ‘Two wrongs don’t make a right.’ I was too far gone to stop myself, though.
“You left Winchester and Theo without so much as a glance behind! And you knew, deep down, he never liked you that way!”
That was all I could take. Throwing clothes on, I ignored the fact she was in the room as best I could. My adrenaline was pumping as my third run began.
By the time I got to Xalen’s, it was dark and I figured he would think I’d gone mad. When he opened the door, he stepped aside without a word, letting me in.
“You didn’t work things out with your sister, did you?” When I glumly shook my head, he added, “You made things worse.”
“How’d you know?”
“Well, you’re back here again, out of breath. But there is another reason. Everything you do has a sense of passion about it. There is no middle ground with you and, again, since you are here, I could only guess there was an argument.”
“Congratulations, you win the big prize. And, jeez, Xalen, do you even know how to relax? Do you really wear a tie to bed?”
“No, no,” he laughed, ushering me in. Quickly, he got me a glass of ice water. After I drank the entire thing, we sat on the couch in the living room.
“Why don’t you tell me what happened?”
I thought about it, then shook my head again. “I’m all talked out on the subject. I do want to tell you how sorry I am about this morning, though. I don’t know if I’ve ever been that embarrassed before.”
“I am afraid it is I who should apologize to you. I never should have allowed things to go that far.”
“Because you’re my professor and I work for you, too?”
He nodded. “Yes, it’s highly inappropriate.”
I could feel the heat in my cheeks as I said, “But I came on to you.”
“I could see it coming and I didn’t stop you.”
“You could see it coming?”
“A mile away. I had a weak moment and I’m sorry.”
“Could you ever see us together? In the future, I mean when I’m out of school?” I dared to ask despite the uncomfortable flip flops it caused in my stomach.
He was quiet for a moment and I wondered if that was because he was considering it or if he was trying to find a way to let me down easy.
“So much will have changed for you by then so who could say? I think you should reevaluate your feelings regarding me as today, I think perhaps your attraction to me was a rebound.”
“A rebound?”
He paused before explaining. “In plain terms, a rebound is the man you hook up with right after a breakup.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure he was right so I would have to think more on that.
Suddenly, I wanted to know more about him and to talk way less about me. “Have you ever been married?”
“No, not even close. My life is a lot more complicated than you know. So, I’m afraid the thought of marriage has never been on the table.”
“What complicates your life so much?”
“I told you before how my father is the head of the Neptune Foundation. I do a lot of work for them and one day will take my father’s place. It’s a huge commitment and the work is… complicated. I wish I could explain further but I’m not at liberty to say exactly how I help.”
“There’s that word ‘complicated’ again. I don’t understand how collecting antiquities is so cloak and dagger.”
Again, he hesitated, then said, “One day, I hope to tell you all about it. For now, I can’t.”
Leaning back on the sofa, I thought about this and hoped he would keep his promise to tell me someday…
…I awoke on the couch with a start, squinting at the sun as it peaked through the blinds. Falling asleep was not something I remembered doing, but I did recall a certain dream where Xalen threw caution to the wind and we had a crazy intense makeout session.
Glancing next to me, I saw Xalen had fallen asleep, too, right where he sat.
Kicking off my shoes even though the day was chilly, I walked down the beach, trying to imagine myself having a boring, ordinary life in Winchester. Maybe if I hadn’t left the first chance I got, Theo would be marrying me, not my sister.
Yet, something she’d said stuck with me. The part about how he’d never liked me in a romantic way. Even though it stung my heart, deep down, I knew this was true. Why had I ignored that fact and pretended to myself that we had a future together?
My phone began to ring, interrupting my thoughts.
“Hello?”
“Marty, how are you?”
Tears formed in my eyes and I bit my lower lip to keep from crying. “I’ve missed you so much, Momma!”
Just like a dam that breaks and barely taking a breath, I let it all out about Theo and Susan.
When I was finished, she said, “I’m so sorry this all hurt you so much. I was afraid of that. And it’s the reason I called. Did Susan tell you what Dad and I told her about the engagement?”
“No, but we fought, so there wasn’t’ much of a chance for her to tell me.”
“Dad and I don’t approve, plain and simple. I guess it’s the idea that since your Uncle Leo and Aunt Wilda adopted him, he is a Capra and technically your first cousin.”
“Eww… I never thought of that.”
“Susan hadn’t either. Anyway, we’re hoping school will change this situation for her. And I really hope the two of you can make up and get along.”
“We’ll try,” I promised even though, at the moment, it seemed doubtful.
She then told me to have Susan call her which, since there were no phones in Winchester, meant Susan was to call the hotel on the mainland to leave a message that would then be relayed to Momma via the ferry.
There were definitely things about Winchester I did not miss, the phone situation being one of them.
As I tucked my phone back into my pocket, I stared out at the ocean. In January, I would begin school along with Susan and then… what?
Suddenly, the world seemed very large and I felt very small.
Author’s Note: Due to time constraints, I’ve had to cut out the section where I planned to show Marty at the university. For that, I apologize. However, beginning in the next chapter, there will be a time jump and you’ll be able to dive right into what Marty is doing!
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I need to pause here for a moment to express my confusion about Marty’s character. Couple of things caused this. First we see her read a letter from Theo and she reveals to us she has feelings for him. Then in one of the following chapters she says she doesn’t want to get involved with any guy or get married. She even brings Gloria with her to Xalen’s place in order to prevent any awkward situation. And next thing she throws a tantrum about her sister’s betrayal and throws herself at Xalen and kisses him. So who Marty really is and what she really wants? I’m having a hard time to understand her. Either she is the intelligent and determined girl who wants to pursue a career in archeology or she is a romantic who wanted to get married to Theo and live with him on the island. Or she is lying to herself in many things. As for the archeology, it’s the next thing that confused me a little. She wanted to go to university without any idea what she wants to study, what she wants to do in life? She then attented Xalen’s single lecture and all of a sudden she knew it’s the right thing for her without even considering other options? Did I miss something? There’s a lot of contradictions and I’m trying to know my way around them. 😞
Thank you. I can see why Marty might be confusing. The problem is, she is a product of where she grew up. She was isolated on the island in a backward community that values marriage above most anything else. So, this has been ingrained in her since childhood. But, then, she has visions of adventure, and she wants to explore the world and do something out of the ordinary. She always had a crush on Theo, but I don’t think she truly wanted to marry him; although, she herself may not realize why she’s so upset about it all. The bottom line is, she’s trying to sort out her past life with her present life, and she is confused, too.
As for the class with Xalen, she’s always wanted adventure. It all seemed to fall in place for her, making more sense for her. I know a lot of people who go to university, not knowing what they want to do with their life. Marty was one of them until she discovered archaeology. The reason she can jump on this without exploring other options is because that’s how Marty is, jumping in feet first without a second thought. She often regrets things later. lolol
Wow! Lots of action in this chapter.
Ouch on the sisterly argument. I wondered if it was going to come to a head and how that would happen. Marty, you have to be careful what you leave on your computer. LOL. I’m sure it will all work out though. In the end, they are sisters and love each other no matter what.
Oh boy! Embarrassing and awkward encounter with Xalen. I wonder how that will all turn out in the end, and I wonder what the big secret is that he can’t reveal. Very interesting.
Blue and Mart’s reaction to the engagement is interesting, too. I guess I hadn’t thought of the first cousin thing, but yeah, that can definitely put a monkey wrench into things. I wonder if they will go through with it anyway regardless of the disapproval. The bottom line is, time will definitely tell.
Thank you so much 🙂 Oh, yeah, Marty needs to learn more about computers and how to delete stuff. LOLOL Let’s hope it does work out.
Embarrassing and awkward with Xalen is right! hahaha I’m glad you’re interested in his secret as it is a huge deal later. 😀
I kind of went back and forth on the first cousin thing and tried to imagine how they’d feel about that. lol You’re so right that time will definitely tell.
My heart hurts for Marty so much. What Susan said was so uncalled for and she knew Marty liked Theo. I hope Marty can just move on from this whole thing and makeup with Susan and that Susan and Theo break up because I also thought it was weird that she was going to marry her cousin, even if they’re not blood-related.
I agree about the whole cousin thing, it is kind of … ewww. I hope the same things for Marty that you mentioned.
Hmm I knew there meeting would be explosive. I don’t feel bad for her though. If she wanted Theo she should have stayed home and told him she had feelings for him. Susan was right about that. Marty is acting like a spoiled brat when something she thinks is hers is taken away from her. Then to go and make a pass for Xalen right after complaining about Susan taking Theo from her really showed she had no real feelings for Theo. I’m glad Xalen didn’t pursue it. He needs someone a lot more mature than that.
Thank you so much 🙂 I agree about Xalen. He is miles ahead of her because of his age and life experience. I couldn’t really see him starting anything with her right now because he’s so serious about his career. I think Marty will be in a better place once she figures out what it is she really wants and then pursues that instead.
This is a great article, thank you for sharing
Thank you so much. 🙂 I’m glad you liked it.
Aaaw, I had a feeling that there was something between the two, but that Xalen isn’t a creep and kept his distance. It really speaks to his character that he won’t take advantage of her. *Whispers* Ishipitalot.
And boy do I know how Marty feels – I’m not even an impulsive hot-head at all, but sometimes when you’re angry and hurt you just can’t help but dig yourself deeper.
Thank you so much. 🙂 Another Xalen/Marty shipper! 😀 I think he really is trying to be a good mentor to her. I’m so glad you could relate to her, too, even if she is a different personality type. 🙂 That means a lot.
I love that you’re still writing for TS3. I need to catch up.
Thank you so much! I love 4, but 3 still has a special place in my heart. 😀
Same here. I like 4 better than I originally did, but TS3 is still my fave.
(Gasp) Have I done it? Have I really done it?! I’m caught up at last!!!! WEEEEEEEEEE! I’m so happy lol.
So much happened in this chapter, I’m not sure I can comment on it all! I’m really looking forward to seeing how all this works out and who ends up with who.
Woot woot! 😀 Me, too! lol
I have this feeling, idk… call it intuition, that Xalen is most certainly not a rebound. Calling it now!
LOL! You call it, girl! You just might be right about this one!
LOL (I hope I am)!
(Continued) jump ahead next chapter, but this has been so eventful. I will have to revisit what happened on the couch 😕
LOL Thank you so much for reading and commenting. 🙂
Wow…. So being 1st cousins by adoption. I know we’re going
lol 🙂 Yes, it was something the kids didn’t really think about because they knew him before he was adopted.
Marty can run, but she is erratic! When she stops running, maybe things will go well for her!
Oh my goodness, Jerry, you are so right about that! 🙂
👍
Well sometimes wild kissess happened ahaha. It was like a revelation to her. These conversation with her mom and with Xalen are rich of wise for her.
Thank you so much. I do believe you’re right about the conversations with mom and Xalen. It can only help her. 😀
Marty is still young she needs to sometimes have help from people she trusts to think of the right.
Yes, that’s so true.
Oh Marty. This generation story has not started out well for you so far. But I see bright things on her horizon.
I never realized that Theo is technically her cousin, so in my book Marty dodged a bullet.
And I miss Blue too!
thank you so much! 🙂 You are so right about the rough start, but you’re also right that there are good things coming up for her.
I do think, as you do, that Marty dodged a bullet.
What a heavy chapter! Lots of conflicts that had previously been bubbling under the surface just exploded in her face. I wish she hadn’t argued with Susan. A calm talk about their feelings would’ve been much better. I agree with Blue about the whole engagement thing (hmm Theo is technically a cousin… Wonder what the Winchester community would think about that!) but Susan did have a point about Theo never liking Marty “that way”. Speaking of which… Yikes! Her and Xalen do have feelings for each other, but how experienced is Marty in this? How experienced is he? I think she needs to get a good feel of what she’s looking for in a relationship before jumping into things with Xalen (or anyone else for that matter lol)
Thank you so much, Raymond! 🙂 I kind of wish she and Susan hadn’t argued, too, looking back on it. The good thing is, I don’t think this will be a lasting conflict at all.
Those are such good questions about Xalen and Marty. In all honesty, it was her first kiss ever. So, you are definitely right that she needs to not jump into a relationship yet with anyone.
🙁 I am still a xalen fan .. but is he hiding something? OH and UGH that old nosey neighbor Mr Abernathy .. I would have given his nose a pop to put it back in its place … but all is well that ends well .. TAKING TO MOM!
Thank you, Lisa! 🙂 I’m glad you’re a Xalen fan – and that seems to be the big question. If he’s hiding something, is it big? Little? Would it be life changing to Marty? Oh, the possibilities! 😀 That would have been great for Marty to do! LOL
Ohhh yes … I hope it is not horrible
I’m still working on the details, but I think you’ll be surprised. 😀
Can’t wait
Only one thing I can’t figure out why she did was show how jealous she was in front of xalen if she had as many feelings for him as it appears she did … Sorry just sitting here story musing
That’s a good point. I think she just tells it like it is and she was being honest with him when she told him the situation with Theo. I also think she doesn’t quite have her stuff together and her emotions confuse her. LOL
Yes … She needs to be a bit more calculating LOL
LOL I think you’re right!
I finally catched up with your blog within a week, reading whenever I could.
I can tell you, that was a ride, my stomach muscles got sour from sitting at my computer,
so I layed down and went on reading with my tablet. It was just so good, I couldn’t stop.
So Xalen refused after giving Marty her first kiss. I would say, the damage is already done with that.
With all other confuseness around her, she may preserve her feelings for him, no matter that he’s way older.
But I wonder, what she could be for him ? Where will it lead into ?
Hopefully, Marty and Susan will be able to straighten things out.
What a mess Susan must be, after her parents didn’t approve her engagement to Theo.
If they both really do love each other, what decision they’d made about it?
I guess, her loose of weight has to do with this fact.
Looking forward to the next chapter. 🙂
Thank you so much! I saw your likes and thought you were reading a lot! lol Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
I think you may be right about Marty as far as Xalen goes. To her, the age difference is mattering less and less.
That’s a good question about where it may lead! 😀 Time will tell.
I think Marty and Susan will straighten things out. They should come to realize that they each played a part in this.
You also might be right about Susan’s weight loss. That has to have come as a huge disappointment not to have her parents’ blessing on her engagement.
Agh, what a messy situation! With the fighting with her sister, Xalen’s rejection, and creepy Mr. Abernathy, Marty’s certainly off to a rough start! I hope things improve for her soon!
On a side note, I understand why Susan is upset, by why on Earth did she think it was acceptable to go through Marty’s email? The fact that she decided to use it without permission is bad, but going through /drafted/ emails is even worse. If I were Marty, I’d be absolutely furious.
Thank you so much! 🙂 It didn’t take long to get messy, did it? lol I think things will go well for Marty even with the ups and downs.
You’re right about Susan regarding Marty’s email. She never should have done that. Hopefully, she and Marty will work this out, sooner rather than later.
Ok, it sucks that Susan saw that message, but she opened Marty’s email! Without permission! It’s just a mess all around.
Xalen is right about Marty rebounding. Her feelings are a complete mess at the moment.
I’m also concerned for Susan’s weight loss. I hope Theo doesn’t have something to do with it, in a bad way.
Thank you so much! 🙂 You’re right, of course about the email. Also, think Marty quickly got out of the habit of sharing everything with younger sisters. So, she wasn’t as careful with her email as she should have been. Not that Susan should have been in there. lol
You’re also right about her feelings. I think the best thing she could do right now is throw herself into her school work and concentrate on that. I think she would feel more stable if she did.
Oh dear, I hope Theo didn’t have anything to do with that either.
Oh my! That certainly was a chapter full of mishaps.
First of all, while I’m still not completely trusting Xalen, I’m nodding in approval to the way he managed to restrain himself. He doesn’t seem to be like ‘those’ professors, and I am glad he set those boundaries for Marty very clearly. I would ship them if their age gap wasn’t so large. But I do wonder what his mysterious complication is…
Oh, Susan. It’s worrying how skinny she is. I think with this dilemma both of them are at fault both definitely more Marty. And wow, yeah… I didn’t think of Theo being a cousin. Though technically he’s not related to them in blood. Hmm.
Wow, Mr. Abernathy gives me the shivers. I do hope he’s not really a creep!
Awesome chapter 😊
Thank you, Lila. 🙂 I can totally understand your reservations about Xalen even though he did right thing then with Marty. There is something he has going on that he has not shared. More on that later! 🙂
I agree with what you say about Marty and Susan’s predicament. I do think Marty is beginning to realize that she chose to ignore the fact that Theo never showed her interest in a romantic way.
That was a wild ride! I kinda wanted her to hook up with Xalen but very glad she didn’t. But with that dream this may not be over anytime soon. She was pining for him before she knew about Theo, so I don’t think it was a rebound.
And Mr. Abernathy is a definite creepster. He had me cringing! Good call Marty for telling Ruby.
A time jump will be fun! Can’t wait to delve into the Marvelous Adventures of Marty! 😂
Thank you, Audrey! I like how they might be as a couple but you are right that the timing is off. Perhaps in the future. Good point about how you don’t think it was a rebound.
Mr. Abernathy is very cringy, for sure! There might be more on this later.
I can’t wait either!
I honestly was thinking about the whole “Theo was adopted by her aunt and uncle” thing last chapter and wondering if any of them realized that. I know Winchester is a bit backwards, but let’s not be THAT redneck, ladies!! Anyway, this is getting very complicated for everyone. I blame Theo. Theo’s a little turd! And Xalen’s words have me wondering if maybe his family is involved in some Indian Jones stuff. That would be highly interesting. I’m still holding out that they end up together and go on grand adventures!
Thank you, Rosie! 🙂 See, you already thought how that might be awkward. 😀 LOL about what you said about Theo! haha Hmmm…. Indiana Jones stuff? Well, you might be on the right track, or it could be something even stranger! LOL
Aaah, so much going on in this chapter!! How delightful! 😀
First of all, I am sooo relieved that Xalen’s behavior was the appropriate one, and he’s not some kind of predator. I can see he had a weak moment, but he eventually restrained himself… which makes me now rooting for Marty and him so bad! <3
The dream Marty had…haha, haven't we all been there? Lol!
Susan, as many others have pointed out, does not seem healthy! I wonder how that's gonna play out.
And I'm very intrigued to find out what Xalen does for a living! Sounds… promising 😁
Awesome chapter! 😀
Thank you so much! 🙂 There was a lot going on, wasn’t there? lol Yes, I was relieved about Xalen, too. He’s one of those characters that you don’t instantly get to know right away because he is not an open book like our Marty. I do like the thought of him and Marty in the future….. 😀 We’ll see how that works out.
Oh the dream she had! LOLOLOL
Marty Is more in Love with Xalen then she realizes. In some regards she is still very young and immature when it comes to boys/men. I really hope her and Susan get things worked out between them and Theo was really never the right one for either of them.
Thank you, Lil. You just might be right about Marty’s feelings for Xalen. Only time will tell in that regard. You are definitely right that Marty is still very young and immature. She was also very sheltered. I think she and Susan can work this out, I guess we will see what’s happened after the time jump.
All of a sudden I don’t like Mr. Abernathy…creepy! Of course, he’s the least of Marty’s problems at the moment. I’m sure she and Susan will eventually make up, but I certainly hope it doesn’t take too long. I admire Xalen for his strength of character, albeit a bit after the fact, and now we have a mystery about him, as well! And I really don’t agree with the ‘cousin’ problem, since there is no blood relation there at all, but that’s just my opinion. This was really a good chapter, full of new revelations and now, new worries! I am looking forward to seeing how Susan adjusts to college life, or if returning to the island will be her bigger desire. Of course there, she has her parents disapproval to face, and Theo. Yup, lots going on – good chapter! =D
Thank you, Marj! Mr. Abernathy is definitely creepy but you’re right about where he ranks on the list of problems. lol I think you’re right that Marty and Susan will work through this. As for Xalen, I’m very glad he showed restraint, although it was hard for him. I can see how the cousin thing wouldn’t bother everyone since Theo is adopted, I think for Blue and Matt, it’s the idea of it.
So much drama! Love it.
Marty is definitely getting her fair share of rejection. So far, I think she’s been the most relatable of all heirs. At least for me. I winced when she threw herself at Xalen right after hearing about Theo, but it makes her so human! Plus let’s face it. Attraction.
Oh my gosh! Susan! She’s changed so much and Marty is right. She looks so much like Blue!
And first cousin… meh. Though really… there’s nothing wrong with that, but yeah… It’s weird. My sister is adopted, and I can’t ever imagine her ending up with our cousins. O_O
Thank you so much, Joanna! Marty is getting her share of rejection, isn’t she? LOL I’m so glad you find her more relatable. I think she’s basically an every day girl who’s been sheltered, but also has that side that just wants to experience as much as she can.
I winced when she threw herself at Xalen, too. lol
I didn’t know how many readers would have an issue with the cousin thing, but I figured either way, Blue and Matt would.
I’m also excited for the time jump !
Thank you! I’m excited, too!
Well I am really happy that Marty is so passionate and spills her feelings everywhere ! It had saved her from a lifetime of frozen pain and living death! Even all the crazy complications and embarrassing messy situations are worth it!
Thank you so much! 🙂 Marty is refreshing to write for that reason alone. lol I can’t even tell you how much fun I’m having with her.
I bet! Ooooh ! I also just thought of how great her genes are!
I can’t wait to see what her future family looks like 😀
This chapter was delightfully long and plentiful in action.
First, why is Susan so thin? She doesn’t seem really healthy, I wouldn’t call that kind of figure a good one since she used to be rather plump and I am not sure what she did to get there. I’m worried.
I am proud of Xalen. It really would’ve been bad of him to go with Marty just like that, when he’s her professor. Plus Marty is still so young and I don’t think she is aware of what she wants yet. It’s for the better that they won’t be in a relationship for now. I’m relieved that Xalen isn’t one of those professors that take advantage of their pretty and young students.
It seems that Mr. Abernathy wasn’t at all what Marty thought he was. It seems kind of creepy that he knows that much, though. Is he really that observant or is there more to that?
The fault is both on Susan and Marty. Both girls said things they probably didn’t mean and it ended up so nastily. It reminds me of the situation between Memphis and Keniesha. I hope they can work things out eventually.
Blue is right, Theo is technically their cousin. I wonder what will eventually be decided about this. It’s good that Marty talked to her mom.
PS “But sometimes when I make a decision, like to be quiet and do the sensible thing, my brain is late to the party.”- that’s so Marty!
Thank you, Jowita. I did go on a bit longer this time. lol
Susan is too thin, for sure. It can’t be healthy for her to have lost so much weight. We’ll learn more about her in the future when she re-enters the story.
I think you understand Marty very well – maybe better than she understands herself. She doesn’t know what she wants. I think her thoughts about Theo were comforting to her since she has completely stepped out of her comfort zone. I’m also relieved that Xalen showed restraint. I think he has taught Marty more than what he teaches at uni. lol
And Mr. Abernathy? Well, I really can’t say because there just might be more to it. 😀 I am still trying to figure out how this will play out.
I agree completely that both sisters are at fault. It’s funny how easily they could fall out over a boy. It is a little reminiscent of Memphis and Keniesha. I think, though, they’ll realize their bond is stronger with each other than it is with Theo.
I figured Blue should weigh in. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed that Matt especially, but Blue, too, would not like any of their girls to be in a relationship with Theo because of that. To them, even though he is not a blood relative, it just wouldn’t seem right.
Hahahaha! I’m so glad you liked that. Marty is a blast to write, I can honestly say!
Ooooo! Marty’s first kiss…and not with the person she imagined it to be with!
I hope Marty is not mistaking gratitude with affection. But at the same time I can believe that she would come to have feelings for him, older man or not. Hopefully Xalen has sense for both of them.
The girls will make up I am sure of it. This particular misunderstanding shows how sheltered she has been, living in a dream world of happily ever after. Time for her to step out of her bubble and see the world exactly as it is. Then, she can find her own life and make it a real happy ever after story.
Thank you, Bee. 🙂 Yes! It was her first kiss – and not with Theo! lol It is definitely a good thing Xalen showed restraint. This could have ended up so badly for Marty. And who knows what the future holds?
As for Susan, you are right that they will eventually make up. I could not have said it better about how being so sheltered has affected them.