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Vivian Gilbert Zabel
| Writings |
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Case of the Missing Coach is
the sequel to The Base
Stealers Club. Both books tell
the story of the Jonesville
Chargers' challenge to reach
major championships against all
odds.
A sub-group of the team call
themselves the Base Stealers
Club because only bases should
be stolen. This bunch of players,
led by Ryan Scott, Colby Bryce,
and Shane Foster, help solve
mysteries in both books.
Both novels for youngsters can
be ordered from bookstores or
the 4RV store
the sequel to The Base
Stealers Club. Both books tell
the story of the Jonesville
Chargers' challenge to reach
major championships against all
odds.
A sub-group of the team call
themselves the Base Stealers
Club because only bases should
be stolen. This bunch of players,
led by Ryan Scott, Colby Bryce,
and Shane Foster, help solve
mysteries in both books.
Both novels for youngsters can
be ordered from bookstores or
the 4RV store
Walking the Earth can be ordered
from bookstores or on Amazon.com.
Hidden Lies and Other Stories
joins the talents of Vivian and Holly
Jahangiri. Although both authors
have different writing styles, their
stories mesh to create an interesting
collection of short stories.
Hidden Lies can also be ordered from
bookstores or on Amazon.com.
| Articles - Tips for Writing |
| Books |
Blog - Vivian Gilbert Zabel
| Poetry |
| Gone Little children play in the street, Laughing as they hide and seek, But none of them are you. With sparkling eyes, smiling faces, None of them are you. No, none of them are you. Other children’s arms may hug me, Their tender lips kiss me on the cheek, But no more embraces come from you. Others come to visit me at home, Or I can go to stay with them, But I never can see you two. Dark curls bouncing on a small girl’s head, Brown eyes in a young boy’s gaze Bring memories of the you I knew. Though knowing you are growing up, Would no longer look the same, My eyes search for you every day. You’re gone. I don’t know where you are. You’re gone, And I don’t know how far. You’re gone. My heart beats ‘round a hole. You’re gone, And I’m afraid you’re all alone. Please, God, help me - They’re gone. Written for two of my grandchildren, taken by their father in November, 1996, never seen or heard from by us since. Update: We saw Faris and Meena for the first time in 11 1/2 years on July 18, 2008 © Copyright 2002 by Vivian Gilbert Zabel |
Case of the Missing Coach
By V. Gilbert Zabel
Published by: 4RV Publishing LLC
ISBN-13: 978-0-9797513-1-8
ISBN-10: 0-9797513-1-4
Kurtis wants nothing more than to be near the baseball
team, helping in any way he can. However, his brother
Ryan finds Kurtis a bit on the annoying side, always in his
way. But this story isn't only about brothers. The author,
right from the start, has spun a yarn surrounding the
mystery as to who vandalized the Chargers team's baseball
equipment.
The boys on the team had formed their own little club
called the Base Stealers Club, initiated when they teamed
up and solved a previous mystery. Now the boys are at it
again, this time to discover the identity of the vandals.
Yet, the boys have another dilemma: what to do to raise
funds to allow all their teammates to participate in the
National Tournament, hosted outside their vicinity.
Vivian Zabel gives us a delightful tale of sportsmanship,
excitement centering the team’s efforts
to win the tournament games amidst dangerous and
mysterious going-ons, building confidence, and
friendship; everything a young adult or even a family
By V. Gilbert Zabel
Published by: 4RV Publishing LLC
ISBN-13: 978-0-9797513-1-8
ISBN-10: 0-9797513-1-4
Kurtis wants nothing more than to be near the baseball
team, helping in any way he can. However, his brother
Ryan finds Kurtis a bit on the annoying side, always in his
way. But this story isn't only about brothers. The author,
right from the start, has spun a yarn surrounding the
mystery as to who vandalized the Chargers team's baseball
equipment.
The boys on the team had formed their own little club
called the Base Stealers Club, initiated when they teamed
up and solved a previous mystery. Now the boys are at it
again, this time to discover the identity of the vandals.
Yet, the boys have another dilemma: what to do to raise
funds to allow all their teammates to participate in the
National Tournament, hosted outside their vicinity.
Vivian Zabel gives us a delightful tale of sportsmanship,
excitement centering the team’s efforts
to win the tournament games amidst dangerous and
mysterious going-ons, building confidence, and
friendship; everything a young adult or even a family
| Review: Case of the Missing Coach by Lea Schizas |
(review con't)
would enjoy reading about.
What I loved the most about this book is the way the
mystery played out in snippets, pulling me to continue
reading and finding out what would happen next. The boys
pulling through as a team and their interaction with the
youngest brother brought a realistic side to it.
Excitement is built slowly as to ‘who is this mystery person
determined to get the team off the Nationals and back
home’. From mysterious threatening notes, phone calls, fire
alarms going off in their hotel, to tampered food, Vivian
Zabel punches in a hoot full of excitement for the reader.
It’s easy to read and comprehend, the black and white
pictures add realism to each chapter, and the question
“What’s going to happen” eats away at you until the very
end.
A Great Read all around.
Lea Schizas – Muse Book Reviewer
would enjoy reading about.
What I loved the most about this book is the way the
mystery played out in snippets, pulling me to continue
reading and finding out what would happen next. The boys
pulling through as a team and their interaction with the
youngest brother brought a realistic side to it.
Excitement is built slowly as to ‘who is this mystery person
determined to get the team off the Nationals and back
home’. From mysterious threatening notes, phone calls, fire
alarms going off in their hotel, to tampered food, Vivian
Zabel punches in a hoot full of excitement for the reader.
It’s easy to read and comprehend, the black and white
pictures add realism to each chapter, and the question
“What’s going to happen” eats away at you until the very
end.
A Great Read all around.
Lea Schizas – Muse Book Reviewer
After she parked the minivan in the family parking area at the rear of the bed and breakfast, Torri slipped from the vehicle and removed the
packing box of school items. She used her hip to shut the door before trudging to the porch and the family entrance. Carefully balancing the box, she
entered the door and carried her burden up the back flight of stairs to the suite of rooms at the front of the second floor that her grandparents had
remodeled for her and her children. She carefully placed the box on the floor next to her computer table in the sitting room. Brushing strands of hair
from her forehead, she thought, Whew, I’m glad the school year is over.
“Mommie? Mommie?” Leann’s voice echoed down the hall as she ran toward their rooms. The three-year-old whirlwind swept through the
door and into her mother’s arms. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too, but now we have all summer to be together.” Torri swung her daughter before standing her back on the floor. “Right now,
though, I need to put my feet up. Sit with me and tell me what you did this morning.”
Torri sank to the sofa while kicking off her shoes. She positioned herself in the corner of the arm and back with her legs stretched down the
sofa, snuggling Leann on her lap.
“Now, sweetie, where’s your brother?”
“He went with Gramps to town. I wanted to stay here and wait for you.”
“I’m so glad you did. I sure wanted to see you, too,” Torri told her. “But before we talk about all your adventures, I think we need to talk
about your yelling in the house.” When Leann ducked her head, her mother tipped her chin with one finger. “It’s okay this time. Sometimes it’s hard
to remember when we’re excited, but we need to remember that people staying here don’t enjoy someone yelling. May I help you remember?”
“Yes, Mommie.” Leann beamed, her momentary unhappiness banished.
“Now, what have you done this morning? Did you visit the kittens in the barn?”
“Oh, yes. There’s a white one and two black ones. Can I have one, please?”
“Sweetie, you already have all of them.”
“But they not Leann’s.”
“We’ll talk to Gram and Gramps later. Presently the kittens have to stay with their mother. Now - ”
Following a quick knock on the door, Bess entered the room, smiled at her two girls, and dropped into the armchair facing them.
“So, the school year is finally officially over.”
“Yes, and I am ready. This has been some year - one I’m glad is over.”
“But you enjoyed it, right?”
“Well, I enjoyed teaching. I enjoyed feeling productive. I did not enjoy all the garbage from Mike, but I am glad he’s gone from my life.” Torri
clasped her hand over her mouth. “Oops, sorry.” Looking down and hugging Leann, she added, “I’m sorry, sweetie, I may be mad at your daddy,
but you shouldn’t be. He is your daddy, and he will stay your daddy.”
“When will he be my daddy ‘gain?”
“I don’t know, Leann, but tell you what, I’ll help you write him a letter if you want.That way you can ask him when you’ll see him or when he’ll
call.”
“Okay!” Leann slipped off her mother’s lap and ran toward the door.
“Where are you going, sweetie?”
“I want some of Gram’s paper, downstairs.”
“Very well, but please walk and please be quiet, okay?”
“Okay,” Leann answered as she left the room.
“Whew! Why can’t I have some of that energy?” Torri asked her grandmother, as she leaned her head wearily against the back of the sofa. “I
don’t know how Leann will react if Mike doesn’t answer or doesn’t contact her, but I have to keep communications as open as I can. He is her
father.” After Bess gave her a frown, Torri changed the subject. “How are you managing her and Lyle? I can make other arrangements, you know?”
“Torri, we went over this right after you were hired. With all the help we have around here, we manage very well. Besides your grandfather is
having the time of his life, and Bob and Gloria consider those children their grandchildren. We’re having a ball.”
“I don’t know what we would have done without you.” With a half laugh, Torri shook her head. “I don’t know what I would have done
without you and Uncle Bob and Aunt Gloria all my life. You became my parents, my examples, my very stability after my parents died.”
“Honey, we haven’t done anything special. All we’ve ever done is love you.”
Looking up at the ceiling, Torri spoke more to herself than to Bess, “Nothing special, she says. Taking on the job of raising an orphaned
granddaughter and now her children.” Turning to Bess, she smiled with eyes brimming with tears. “Gram, I could not have gone through this
divorce, a new job, keeping an emotional balance with the children without you.”
Bess rose from her chair and crossed to move Torri’s legs off the sofa, to sit beside and hold her.
“Oh, honey, you’ve had too much. Gramps and I were glad we could help. We love you, and we love those kids. Standing by helplessly and
watching the way Mike treated you and the children hurt. Watching you change and become so withdrawn and unassertive did, too.” The older
woman exhaled a soft breath. “But until you were ready to stop the emotional and mental abuse, we couldn’t do anything except pray and wait.”
“Gram, I knew for so long what he was, but I believed in my vows. I thought... I thought for so long that the problem was me, that Mike was
right. I kept thinking that if I just tried harder... that if I did what he wanted... things would improve and Mike would be happy... well, I finally gave
up.”
“I know, I know. Now you’re rid of him, apparently for good. Huh! He doesn’t even contact the children.” Bess closed her mouth with a
snap. Patting Torri on her shoulder and smoothing her granddaughter’s dark hair, Bess stood and returned to the armchair.
“Well, maybe I’d better talk about what I came to talk about. Guess what I heard today?”
“What, Gram, did you hear today?” Torri wiped her eyes with her fingertips, ready to hear her grandmother’s latest tidbit.
“Alice Rogers, uh, Thomas and her husband - what is his name?”
“Jason, Gram.”
“That’s it. Anyway, they are moving back. Jason has taken a position with the
sheriff’s department.”
“Alice and Jason.” A smile momentarily brightened her face. “I haven’t seen them in years. Alice and I wrote for awhile, but... I guess I didn’t
want anyone to know... Everything was easier to hide if I didn’t have to pretend... Anyway, I quite writing or calling.”
“I understand, honey. Now you and your ‘bestest’ friend can perhaps become close friends again.” Bess pushed herself from the chair. “I’d
better get downstairs. Two couples are scheduled to check in, and since Suzanne is off today, I’m acting receptionist. Lunch will be ready in about
fifteen minutes. You’ll have about enough time to help Leann, but I don’t understand why you want to. Mike didn’t want any
contact with the children, and apparently still doesn’t. He didn’t want parental rights of any kind.” Bess sighed loudly. “I’m sorry. Enough about
that. It’s your decision. I’ll try to keep that opinion to myself.”
“Gram, you may voice your opinion all you want.” Torri gave a brief chuckle. “I wouldn’t know what to think if you stopped now. Think you’re
sick, I guess.”
Bess laughed as she turned to the entry way and had barely left the room when Leann scurried through the door, carrying an envelope and sheet
of stationary from the bed and breakfast office. Mother and daughter spent the time until lunch writing a letter to the absent father, a task Torri found
possible by pretending she didn’t know the person being written. I suppose, she thought, I never really did know Mike.
Sitting at the lunch table in the kitchen a few minutes later, Torri looked at the beloved faces around her: Gram, Gramps, Leann, Lyle, Bob,
Gloria, Terry, Josie. Silently she wondered how she could explain to anyone how they completed her life. Her late mother’s brother, Bob (Uncle
Grandpa to the children), and his wife Gloria (Aunt Grandma) helped run the bed and breakfast with its gift shop. Having their own home on the
grounds, called the cottage, didn’t stop them from eating most meals with the rest of the family and staff. They lovingly welcomed Torri and her
children: Since with no children of their own, Torri became like their daughter after the fatal automobile accident that stole her parents, and Lyle and
Leann were the closest to grandchildren they would ever have. Terry and Josie, handyman and cook, lived in an apartment over the garage. The
missing Suzanne acted as receptionist and general helper.
“Where are Misty and Tricia?” Torri asked Gloria, who sat across the table.
“They wanted to run some errands during their lunch break today. Said they’d get a bite on the run,” Gloria answered. “Those two deserve a
break, I guess. They work hard enough when we’re full. They’re good girls.”
Torri hid her smile in a napkin at the thought of the forty-year-olds being called girls. The housekeeping staff for over twenty years, the two had
supervised and loved Torri during her childhood and now did the same for her children.
As Torri helped clear the table after lunch, her grandfather entered the kitchen. “You have a visitor, Torri.”
“Who is it, Gramps?” After glancing around to be sure neither child was around, she asked, “It’s not Mike, is it?”
“No, it’s not him. I would have told you immediately. You need to get over that fear. He can’t harm you now.”
“I know, Gramps. I don’t understand why I still have this dread that he’s going to retaliate in some way.”
“If he didn’t contest the divorce in any way, didn’t even want visitation rights, why would he bother you now?”
“I said I don’t understand my feelings,” Torri admitted. “So, who’s here and where?”
“It’s Alice, and she’s in the family room. Go on, I’ll finish this.”
“Where are the kids?” Torri turned to ask.
“They went with your grandmother to check the garden. She said there were some beans ready to pick.”
“Oh, no. There won’t be any if she lets them help pick.”
“Torri, you worry too much. You were their age when you started ‘helping’ in the garden. Now, scoot. Alice is waiting.”
Hurrying to the family room, Torri wondered, I wonder if Alice has changed? Oh, I hope not. We were so close for …she chuckled to herself,
many years, since we were just babies. Torri stopped in the doorway and watched Alice, who sat on the floor playing dolls with Leann.
Alice glanced up, smiled, jumped to her feet, and threw her arms around Torri. “It is so good to see you again. I’ve missed you.”
“I know. I’ve missed you, too. I’m sorry I put so much distance between us for so long. I couldn’t; I didn’t want...”
“Hey! None of that, Torri. Any time you wanted to talk was fine, is fine. Any time, you didn’t, that’s fine, too. I’m glad to see you, to talk
even if only about the weather. Okay?”
“Okay.” Stepping back, Torri placed her hands on Alice’s shoulders while she studied her friend. “You do look great. I’ve missed you so
much.” Slipping her arm through Alice’s, she sat them both on the sofa.
“Mommie?” Leann climbed onto her mother’s lap.
“Yes, sweetie? I thought you were helping Gram in the garden.”
“Oh, I forgot. I told Gram I was gonna go to the bathroom.” Leann slid off Torri’s lap and rushed to the French doors opening onto the side
porch. “I gotta hurry. Lyle will pick all the beans.”
Glancing at each other, both women burst into laughter, all constraints vanishing, if any had existed.
“What brought you back to the Edmond area?” Torri curled her legs under her and turned toward her friend. “Finally waking up brought me
back.”
“Jason was offered a job with the sheriff’s department, and we’ve wanted to return home for a long time.” Alice reached over and squeezed one
of Torri’s hands. “What have you been doing since you’ve been back? Mom said something about your teaching school.”
“Well, I was able to get a position at Edmond North, in advanced math. With two growing kids I needed a job, and since I don’t have to put
them in day care or with a baby-sitter... Besides I like teaching. What about you? Going to be a homebody?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m going to find something to do, somewhere close, I hope.” Alice patted Torri’s hand. “What happened, Torri? You
and Mike seemed so happy the few times I saw you or talked with you.”
“Oh, where to start …” Torri turned her head away, staring at the rug.
“If you don’t want to talk, I said I’d understand.”
“I really don’t know where to start,” Torri said, turning back to look at her friend. “Mike was a very good actor, seemed the perfect husband,
but he wasn’t what he appeared. He wanted to control every move, every thought I had. He also thought he had the right to have any woman on the
side he wanted.” She gave a humorless laugh. “I thought he would change once we had children. He acted as if he wanted them so much.” Burying
her face in her hands, Torri shivered with the memories.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Alice started to rise but stopped when Torri pulled her back down.
“It’s okay. Maybe I need to talk about the past. Maybe then it will stay in the past. I’ll try to condense the sorry story of my failure.” She
took a deep breath and continued, “Mike never had enough money to pay the bills or to buy groceries, but he always had enough to buy whatever he
wanted, to go wherever he wanted to go, to purchase... ‘things’ for his women. When he was home, he wanted the kids out of sight and quiet. No
matter what happened or didn’t happen, he insisted I caused the problem or kept him from being successful.” Another shiver trembled through her.
“He only hurt me... physically... once, the night I left; other times though, the, uh, emotional and mental ‘beatings’ were much worse. He would...
badger me for hours about my faults and the opportunities I cost him until I... I just sat, curled into a ball of despair. I, uh, lost me somewhere along
the way.”
Lost in her memories, Torri stood and walked to the window on the far side of the room. She stared sightlessly at the yard for a moment before
turning back to Alice.
“The last straw was finding out he had married another woman.” Torri walked back to sit in the chair across from the sofa. Bending to place
her elbows on her knees, she watched Alice’s face as she told the story of the unexpected phone call nearly a year earlier and her flight back home.
“That’s all; except that when I filed for divorce, Mike never contested it, never asked for anything, even signed a form stating he didn’t want
visitation rights. In fact, somehow, he talked the second wife into legally marrying him. I don’t know... Not wanting anything doesn’t sound like
him; he’s usually quite vindictive. I can’t believe he walked away with nothing.”
“Wow, and I thought I had troubles. I’m so sorry I couldn’t help some way.”
“Alice, no one could. I was the only one who could change my life.” Torri licked her now-dry lips. “Once I came home, everyone helped and
has been very supportive. I feel as if I’ve been reborn, and the children, oh, my poor babies, have bloomed since they’re surrounded by love and
acceptance. Mike belittled them and was so cruel. He even hit Lyle once... no reason, just slapped him.” Tears flowed down her face as she poured
her words into the open. “I don’t know why I didn’t leave sooner. I just don’t know.”
“Torri, I’m so sorry. I wish I had known.”
Taking a tissue from the box on the coffee table, Torri wiped her eyes and blew her nose before she gave a shaky smile. “I’m glad you’re back.
Talking to you helps. Now, what about you and Jason?”
“We’re still happily married. I guess the only cloud over our parade is not having any children. You know how we both wanted kids. Anyway,
nothing has worked, and we don’t have the money for all the expensive fertility things. Jason is not perfect, but neither am I. We love each other
anyway.” Alice paused. “Our problems haven’t been major, nothing like what you’ve gone through.”
“I didn’t tell you the sad saga of my life to make you feel bad.” Torri smiled at her friend. “You and Jason always seemed well matched, even in
high school. You know, Jason tried to warn me about Mike even then, but I wouldn’t listen. Huh! I thought I knew Mike better than he did, even
though he and Mike had known each other forever.” She gave a dry laugh. “That sums up my life until I awoke - I wouldn’t listen.”
“Hey, let’s forget the past and look at the future, like dinner at my house tomorrow night.”
“Alice, I‘m so glad you‘re back and we‘re together again. All right, dinner it is. What time, stag or with Leann and Lyle?”
“Of course bring them. Jason would enjoy the children coming, and so will I. Later we can plan some adult times.” Alice glanced at her
watch. “Oh, my, look at the time. I promised Mom I would help her can some beets. Come on, walk me to my car.”
The smile on Torri’s face remained when she joined her children and grandmother in the garden after watching Alice leave. As she weeded rows
of plants, the feeling of well-being warmed her heart while the late May sun heated her back.
(comments can be sent to Vivian at vivian@viviangilbertzabel.com)
packing box of school items. She used her hip to shut the door before trudging to the porch and the family entrance. Carefully balancing the box, she
entered the door and carried her burden up the back flight of stairs to the suite of rooms at the front of the second floor that her grandparents had
remodeled for her and her children. She carefully placed the box on the floor next to her computer table in the sitting room. Brushing strands of hair
from her forehead, she thought, Whew, I’m glad the school year is over.
“Mommie? Mommie?” Leann’s voice echoed down the hall as she ran toward their rooms. The three-year-old whirlwind swept through the
door and into her mother’s arms. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too, but now we have all summer to be together.” Torri swung her daughter before standing her back on the floor. “Right now,
though, I need to put my feet up. Sit with me and tell me what you did this morning.”
Torri sank to the sofa while kicking off her shoes. She positioned herself in the corner of the arm and back with her legs stretched down the
sofa, snuggling Leann on her lap.
“Now, sweetie, where’s your brother?”
“He went with Gramps to town. I wanted to stay here and wait for you.”
“I’m so glad you did. I sure wanted to see you, too,” Torri told her. “But before we talk about all your adventures, I think we need to talk
about your yelling in the house.” When Leann ducked her head, her mother tipped her chin with one finger. “It’s okay this time. Sometimes it’s hard
to remember when we’re excited, but we need to remember that people staying here don’t enjoy someone yelling. May I help you remember?”
“Yes, Mommie.” Leann beamed, her momentary unhappiness banished.
“Now, what have you done this morning? Did you visit the kittens in the barn?”
“Oh, yes. There’s a white one and two black ones. Can I have one, please?”
“Sweetie, you already have all of them.”
“But they not Leann’s.”
“We’ll talk to Gram and Gramps later. Presently the kittens have to stay with their mother. Now - ”
Following a quick knock on the door, Bess entered the room, smiled at her two girls, and dropped into the armchair facing them.
“So, the school year is finally officially over.”
“Yes, and I am ready. This has been some year - one I’m glad is over.”
“But you enjoyed it, right?”
“Well, I enjoyed teaching. I enjoyed feeling productive. I did not enjoy all the garbage from Mike, but I am glad he’s gone from my life.” Torri
clasped her hand over her mouth. “Oops, sorry.” Looking down and hugging Leann, she added, “I’m sorry, sweetie, I may be mad at your daddy,
but you shouldn’t be. He is your daddy, and he will stay your daddy.”
“When will he be my daddy ‘gain?”
“I don’t know, Leann, but tell you what, I’ll help you write him a letter if you want.That way you can ask him when you’ll see him or when he’ll
call.”
“Okay!” Leann slipped off her mother’s lap and ran toward the door.
“Where are you going, sweetie?”
“I want some of Gram’s paper, downstairs.”
“Very well, but please walk and please be quiet, okay?”
“Okay,” Leann answered as she left the room.
“Whew! Why can’t I have some of that energy?” Torri asked her grandmother, as she leaned her head wearily against the back of the sofa. “I
don’t know how Leann will react if Mike doesn’t answer or doesn’t contact her, but I have to keep communications as open as I can. He is her
father.” After Bess gave her a frown, Torri changed the subject. “How are you managing her and Lyle? I can make other arrangements, you know?”
“Torri, we went over this right after you were hired. With all the help we have around here, we manage very well. Besides your grandfather is
having the time of his life, and Bob and Gloria consider those children their grandchildren. We’re having a ball.”
“I don’t know what we would have done without you.” With a half laugh, Torri shook her head. “I don’t know what I would have done
without you and Uncle Bob and Aunt Gloria all my life. You became my parents, my examples, my very stability after my parents died.”
“Honey, we haven’t done anything special. All we’ve ever done is love you.”
Looking up at the ceiling, Torri spoke more to herself than to Bess, “Nothing special, she says. Taking on the job of raising an orphaned
granddaughter and now her children.” Turning to Bess, she smiled with eyes brimming with tears. “Gram, I could not have gone through this
divorce, a new job, keeping an emotional balance with the children without you.”
Bess rose from her chair and crossed to move Torri’s legs off the sofa, to sit beside and hold her.
“Oh, honey, you’ve had too much. Gramps and I were glad we could help. We love you, and we love those kids. Standing by helplessly and
watching the way Mike treated you and the children hurt. Watching you change and become so withdrawn and unassertive did, too.” The older
woman exhaled a soft breath. “But until you were ready to stop the emotional and mental abuse, we couldn’t do anything except pray and wait.”
“Gram, I knew for so long what he was, but I believed in my vows. I thought... I thought for so long that the problem was me, that Mike was
right. I kept thinking that if I just tried harder... that if I did what he wanted... things would improve and Mike would be happy... well, I finally gave
up.”
“I know, I know. Now you’re rid of him, apparently for good. Huh! He doesn’t even contact the children.” Bess closed her mouth with a
snap. Patting Torri on her shoulder and smoothing her granddaughter’s dark hair, Bess stood and returned to the armchair.
“Well, maybe I’d better talk about what I came to talk about. Guess what I heard today?”
“What, Gram, did you hear today?” Torri wiped her eyes with her fingertips, ready to hear her grandmother’s latest tidbit.
“Alice Rogers, uh, Thomas and her husband - what is his name?”
“Jason, Gram.”
“That’s it. Anyway, they are moving back. Jason has taken a position with the
sheriff’s department.”
“Alice and Jason.” A smile momentarily brightened her face. “I haven’t seen them in years. Alice and I wrote for awhile, but... I guess I didn’t
want anyone to know... Everything was easier to hide if I didn’t have to pretend... Anyway, I quite writing or calling.”
“I understand, honey. Now you and your ‘bestest’ friend can perhaps become close friends again.” Bess pushed herself from the chair. “I’d
better get downstairs. Two couples are scheduled to check in, and since Suzanne is off today, I’m acting receptionist. Lunch will be ready in about
fifteen minutes. You’ll have about enough time to help Leann, but I don’t understand why you want to. Mike didn’t want any
contact with the children, and apparently still doesn’t. He didn’t want parental rights of any kind.” Bess sighed loudly. “I’m sorry. Enough about
that. It’s your decision. I’ll try to keep that opinion to myself.”
“Gram, you may voice your opinion all you want.” Torri gave a brief chuckle. “I wouldn’t know what to think if you stopped now. Think you’re
sick, I guess.”
Bess laughed as she turned to the entry way and had barely left the room when Leann scurried through the door, carrying an envelope and sheet
of stationary from the bed and breakfast office. Mother and daughter spent the time until lunch writing a letter to the absent father, a task Torri found
possible by pretending she didn’t know the person being written. I suppose, she thought, I never really did know Mike.
Sitting at the lunch table in the kitchen a few minutes later, Torri looked at the beloved faces around her: Gram, Gramps, Leann, Lyle, Bob,
Gloria, Terry, Josie. Silently she wondered how she could explain to anyone how they completed her life. Her late mother’s brother, Bob (Uncle
Grandpa to the children), and his wife Gloria (Aunt Grandma) helped run the bed and breakfast with its gift shop. Having their own home on the
grounds, called the cottage, didn’t stop them from eating most meals with the rest of the family and staff. They lovingly welcomed Torri and her
children: Since with no children of their own, Torri became like their daughter after the fatal automobile accident that stole her parents, and Lyle and
Leann were the closest to grandchildren they would ever have. Terry and Josie, handyman and cook, lived in an apartment over the garage. The
missing Suzanne acted as receptionist and general helper.
“Where are Misty and Tricia?” Torri asked Gloria, who sat across the table.
“They wanted to run some errands during their lunch break today. Said they’d get a bite on the run,” Gloria answered. “Those two deserve a
break, I guess. They work hard enough when we’re full. They’re good girls.”
Torri hid her smile in a napkin at the thought of the forty-year-olds being called girls. The housekeeping staff for over twenty years, the two had
supervised and loved Torri during her childhood and now did the same for her children.
As Torri helped clear the table after lunch, her grandfather entered the kitchen. “You have a visitor, Torri.”
“Who is it, Gramps?” After glancing around to be sure neither child was around, she asked, “It’s not Mike, is it?”
“No, it’s not him. I would have told you immediately. You need to get over that fear. He can’t harm you now.”
“I know, Gramps. I don’t understand why I still have this dread that he’s going to retaliate in some way.”
“If he didn’t contest the divorce in any way, didn’t even want visitation rights, why would he bother you now?”
“I said I don’t understand my feelings,” Torri admitted. “So, who’s here and where?”
“It’s Alice, and she’s in the family room. Go on, I’ll finish this.”
“Where are the kids?” Torri turned to ask.
“They went with your grandmother to check the garden. She said there were some beans ready to pick.”
“Oh, no. There won’t be any if she lets them help pick.”
“Torri, you worry too much. You were their age when you started ‘helping’ in the garden. Now, scoot. Alice is waiting.”
Hurrying to the family room, Torri wondered, I wonder if Alice has changed? Oh, I hope not. We were so close for …she chuckled to herself,
many years, since we were just babies. Torri stopped in the doorway and watched Alice, who sat on the floor playing dolls with Leann.
Alice glanced up, smiled, jumped to her feet, and threw her arms around Torri. “It is so good to see you again. I’ve missed you.”
“I know. I’ve missed you, too. I’m sorry I put so much distance between us for so long. I couldn’t; I didn’t want...”
“Hey! None of that, Torri. Any time you wanted to talk was fine, is fine. Any time, you didn’t, that’s fine, too. I’m glad to see you, to talk
even if only about the weather. Okay?”
“Okay.” Stepping back, Torri placed her hands on Alice’s shoulders while she studied her friend. “You do look great. I’ve missed you so
much.” Slipping her arm through Alice’s, she sat them both on the sofa.
“Mommie?” Leann climbed onto her mother’s lap.
“Yes, sweetie? I thought you were helping Gram in the garden.”
“Oh, I forgot. I told Gram I was gonna go to the bathroom.” Leann slid off Torri’s lap and rushed to the French doors opening onto the side
porch. “I gotta hurry. Lyle will pick all the beans.”
Glancing at each other, both women burst into laughter, all constraints vanishing, if any had existed.
“What brought you back to the Edmond area?” Torri curled her legs under her and turned toward her friend. “Finally waking up brought me
back.”
“Jason was offered a job with the sheriff’s department, and we’ve wanted to return home for a long time.” Alice reached over and squeezed one
of Torri’s hands. “What have you been doing since you’ve been back? Mom said something about your teaching school.”
“Well, I was able to get a position at Edmond North, in advanced math. With two growing kids I needed a job, and since I don’t have to put
them in day care or with a baby-sitter... Besides I like teaching. What about you? Going to be a homebody?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m going to find something to do, somewhere close, I hope.” Alice patted Torri’s hand. “What happened, Torri? You
and Mike seemed so happy the few times I saw you or talked with you.”
“Oh, where to start …” Torri turned her head away, staring at the rug.
“If you don’t want to talk, I said I’d understand.”
“I really don’t know where to start,” Torri said, turning back to look at her friend. “Mike was a very good actor, seemed the perfect husband,
but he wasn’t what he appeared. He wanted to control every move, every thought I had. He also thought he had the right to have any woman on the
side he wanted.” She gave a humorless laugh. “I thought he would change once we had children. He acted as if he wanted them so much.” Burying
her face in her hands, Torri shivered with the memories.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Alice started to rise but stopped when Torri pulled her back down.
“It’s okay. Maybe I need to talk about the past. Maybe then it will stay in the past. I’ll try to condense the sorry story of my failure.” She
took a deep breath and continued, “Mike never had enough money to pay the bills or to buy groceries, but he always had enough to buy whatever he
wanted, to go wherever he wanted to go, to purchase... ‘things’ for his women. When he was home, he wanted the kids out of sight and quiet. No
matter what happened or didn’t happen, he insisted I caused the problem or kept him from being successful.” Another shiver trembled through her.
“He only hurt me... physically... once, the night I left; other times though, the, uh, emotional and mental ‘beatings’ were much worse. He would...
badger me for hours about my faults and the opportunities I cost him until I... I just sat, curled into a ball of despair. I, uh, lost me somewhere along
the way.”
Lost in her memories, Torri stood and walked to the window on the far side of the room. She stared sightlessly at the yard for a moment before
turning back to Alice.
“The last straw was finding out he had married another woman.” Torri walked back to sit in the chair across from the sofa. Bending to place
her elbows on her knees, she watched Alice’s face as she told the story of the unexpected phone call nearly a year earlier and her flight back home.
“That’s all; except that when I filed for divorce, Mike never contested it, never asked for anything, even signed a form stating he didn’t want
visitation rights. In fact, somehow, he talked the second wife into legally marrying him. I don’t know... Not wanting anything doesn’t sound like
him; he’s usually quite vindictive. I can’t believe he walked away with nothing.”
“Wow, and I thought I had troubles. I’m so sorry I couldn’t help some way.”
“Alice, no one could. I was the only one who could change my life.” Torri licked her now-dry lips. “Once I came home, everyone helped and
has been very supportive. I feel as if I’ve been reborn, and the children, oh, my poor babies, have bloomed since they’re surrounded by love and
acceptance. Mike belittled them and was so cruel. He even hit Lyle once... no reason, just slapped him.” Tears flowed down her face as she poured
her words into the open. “I don’t know why I didn’t leave sooner. I just don’t know.”
“Torri, I’m so sorry. I wish I had known.”
Taking a tissue from the box on the coffee table, Torri wiped her eyes and blew her nose before she gave a shaky smile. “I’m glad you’re back.
Talking to you helps. Now, what about you and Jason?”
“We’re still happily married. I guess the only cloud over our parade is not having any children. You know how we both wanted kids. Anyway,
nothing has worked, and we don’t have the money for all the expensive fertility things. Jason is not perfect, but neither am I. We love each other
anyway.” Alice paused. “Our problems haven’t been major, nothing like what you’ve gone through.”
“I didn’t tell you the sad saga of my life to make you feel bad.” Torri smiled at her friend. “You and Jason always seemed well matched, even in
high school. You know, Jason tried to warn me about Mike even then, but I wouldn’t listen. Huh! I thought I knew Mike better than he did, even
though he and Mike had known each other forever.” She gave a dry laugh. “That sums up my life until I awoke - I wouldn’t listen.”
“Hey, let’s forget the past and look at the future, like dinner at my house tomorrow night.”
“Alice, I‘m so glad you‘re back and we‘re together again. All right, dinner it is. What time, stag or with Leann and Lyle?”
“Of course bring them. Jason would enjoy the children coming, and so will I. Later we can plan some adult times.” Alice glanced at her
watch. “Oh, my, look at the time. I promised Mom I would help her can some beets. Come on, walk me to my car.”
The smile on Torri’s face remained when she joined her children and grandmother in the garden after watching Alice leave. As she weeded rows
of plants, the feeling of well-being warmed her heart while the late May sun heated her back.
(comments can be sent to Vivian at vivian@viviangilbertzabel.com)
| Stolen by Vivian Gilbert Zabel Chapter 2 |
| Midnight Hours available from 4RV Publishing, local book stores, Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.com |
| Information about books, book review, and sample of poetry at bottom of page. |