Beachy

Section 3

Please note: This is copyrighted (©) by me, Tammtamm. Please do not copy it or save it without my permission. Thank you. This story has some connection to the story Missy and Bob, but you won't see that until much later in the story (however, you may see some similarities). Feedback for the story should be sent to stories@iwuvjoey.com. Any similarities between the characters and people in real life are purely coincidental. These are characters from my mind (although some names and characteristics were "borrowed" from Baywatch). This is purely for enjoyment purposes only. Any and all comments should be sent to me at iwuvjoey@iwuvjoey.com unless it's feedback pertaining to the story. Thank you.

After the rescue...

"Colleen, what in the hell were you doing out there?" Ski asked once they were back on land.

"Helping. I'm a lifeguard." Colleen said.

"C'mon, don't fight, you two. Ski, I know you would have done the same thing if you were Colleen." Mitch said.

"I guess you're right." Ski said.

"I know I am. Now, do you two need a ride back to HQ to fill out reports?"

"We'll be right there. I really want to get out of these wet clothes." Colleen said.

"Yeah, me too. It's different when you're in uniform." Ski said.

"Okay. See you in a few minutes. Kevin! You coming?" Mitch yelled to his son.

"Sure." Kevin jumped on the back of the truck after he handed the cellular back to Colleen. Ski turned to Colleen.

"Well, should we go dry off?" Ski asked.

"Yeah, but first, I want to say something." Colleen said.

"What?"

"I went out in the water because there were multiple victims out there and only you and the vacationer. You needed back-up pronto and the Scarab and the units were still minutes away. I'm a lifeguard. Saving lives is what I do. Granted, I'm out of shape, but I think I conquered the fear of going back into the water." Colleen said.

"You were afraid of the water?" Ski sounded surprised.

"Terrified." Colleen commented.

"Whoa. I'm sorry for yelling at you."

"We should get changed. I don't feel like going back into the hospital for pneumonia." Colleen said.

"Yeah, I'll race ya." Ski said and took off.

"No fair!" Colleen yelled as she ran after him. Chase followed behind Colleen and Ski slowed down so she could catch up.

"What an eventful day." Colleen said.

"You're telling me. I never imagined that today would be the day that you found out how I felt." They walked onto the porch and into the house.

"Well, I did and I'm glad it's not something we can't work on. What did I do with my keys?" Colleen said as she searched her pockets.

"Try the picnic table on the patio. I saw some keys there." Ski said and ran upstairs. "I think you might be able to wear some of my sweats." he yelled down to her.

"Found my keys! That's okay, I have a set of clothes in the car." Colleen yelled back.

"Okay, I'll be right down." Ski said. Colleen went out to her car and got the extra set of clothes. She changed in the downstairs bathroom. "Colleen! You ready?" Ski said as he walked into the living room.

"Just about. Why don't you call Mitch and tell him we're on our way." Colleen said. She was having trouble buttoning her jeans.

"You read my mind, girl!" Ski said as he dialed HQ to talk to Mitch.

"Lifeguard headquarters, MJ speaking."

"Hey MJ. It's Ski. Is Mitch around?" Ski asked.

"He's talking to the family we all rescued earlier. The little girl, Amanda, is asking for Colleen. When will you two be here?"

"Colleen just got out of the bathroom so 15 minutes. Tops." Ski said.

"Okay, we'll see you when you get here." MJ said and hung up the phone.

 

"MJ, where's Amanda?" Colleen said as soon as Ski parked the car 15 minutes after they left his house. MJ was waiting for them.

"She had to be rushed to the hospital." MJ replied.

"Why?"

"She's HIV positive and began coughing uncontrollably."

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine. She just needed a shot."

"Okay. Mitch still here?" Colleen and Ski headed towards the building.

"Yeah, he's doing paperwork. I gotta go, I'll see you both later."

"Have a good night, MJ." Ski said. Colleen was already in Mitch's office.

"Hi, Mitch." Colleen said.

"Coll! How are you doing?"

"Fine. I heard that Amanda was taken to the hospital."

"Just as a precaution. How are you doing since the rescue?"

"Amazingly okay. I was a little petrified of going into the water at first, but, I needed to help. I'm a lifeguard." Colleen sat down on the couch.

"You are amazing, Colleen. I know Dave would be proud."

"Thanks. Now, I have to go fill out the report. When Ski gets here, let him know I went down to the common room?"

"Okay. Good night."

"`Night Mitch." Colleen said and closed his office door behind her.

 

"Colleen? You ready to go?" Ski said after he read the report over and signed his name to it.

"Yeah. I called the hospital and they said that Amanda was okay."

"Good. Now, I believe you wanted to go to the wharf?"

"Yes. I'm starved."

Ski and Colleen went to the wharf where Colleen felt she needed to say goodbye to David in her own way.

"Ski, what did you do with David's coral ring?" Colleen said as they drove back to his house.

"I put it in a box to give to you when you're ready."

"Oh!"

"Yeah, Coll. And I have no intention of giving it to you just yet." Ski said.

"Fine. Whenever you think I'm ready for it." Colleen said and stared out the window. Colleen didn't say another word the rest of the way home.

"Colleen, are you sure you want to drive home to your parents' house. It's pretty late." Ski asked as he walked her to her car.

"I know, but I have some business to discuss with my dad. Um, would you ride with me and my folks tomorrow and stay by my side? I really would appreciate it if you did." Colleen asked.

"What time do you want me at the house?"

"Eight-thirty in the morning?"

"Say no more. I'm there."

"Thank you." Colleen replied and gave him a hug.

"No need. I want to be there for you. I am there for you."

"Ski..." Colleen began.

"Shh. We'll talk in a few weeks about my feelings. Right now, we're just friends." Ski said.

"Right. I'll see you in the morning."

"Bright and early." Ski kissed her on the forehead and helped her into her car. "Drive safely, and call me when you get home."

"Okay. Turn on the set until I get out of range? I don't feel like listening to the radio."

"Alright. Give me a few minutes and I'll be on." Ski said. Colleen started up her car and pulled out of his driveway. Ski and Colleen talked about David until Colleen got out of range. By then, she was five minutes from her parents' house.

 

"Bill, I think I just heard Colleen drive up." Sarah Dougherty said as she walked into the Den with hot chocolate and tea.

"Mom? Dad?" Colleen called.

"In the den, sweetheart." her father answered her.

"Hi." Colleen said when she came into the room moments later.

"Did you have a nice evening?" her mother asked.

"It was eventful. Before we go any further with this conversation, I've asked Ski to ride with us tomorrow and stay by my side as well." Colleen said.

"You two talked and everything is okay?" Mr. Dougherty asked.

"He's agreed to give me my space. And he says he understands where I'm coming from."

"That's good. Would you like some cocoa or tea?"

"I'm fine mom."

"You said your evening was eventful. What happened?" Mr. Dougherty asked.

"I assisted with a multi-victim boat rescue. A small boat capsized about a half mile out from Zuma Point."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. So are all six victims. I hesitated at first, but I knew I had to help Ski and the others. I'm glad I did."

"Good for you." Both parents said.

"Are the twins sleeping?"

"Yeah, almost an hour now."

"Good. Daddy and I need to discuss some business."

"Oh, well, okay. I'll be in the kitchen. Are you hungry? Do you need anything?" her mother asked.

"No thank you, I'm fine. We'll be out in a few minutes." Colleen assured her mother. She walked her mother out into the hallway.

    

"Okay, daddy. Everything's set, right?" Colleen asked once they were sure her mother was out of earshot.

"Yes, everything is set. Now, you are absolutely sure about this?"

"Yes, daddy, absolutely." Colleen said as she signed her will. They stayed in the den and talked for a little bit before joining Mrs. Dougherty in the kitchen.

 

"Colleen? Breakfast is ready." Mr. Dougherty said as he knocked on his daughter's door, "and Ski's here."

"Oh, already?" Colleen sniffed as she opened the door.

"Yeah, honey. You almost ready?"

"I think so. Please tell momma I'm not hungry. I'll be down in a few minutes." Colleen replied. Mr. Dougherty gave her a hug.

"We'll make it through today, Colleen. I know we will."

"I just miss them all so much, daddy."

"So do we. Now, Ski is waiting downstairs with the twins and your mother. Do you have everything?"

"Wait a minute." Colleen said and grabbed the family portrait of her brother and his family, their parents, Dave, and herself as well as her purse and a box of tissues. "Now, I'm ready."

Father and daughter walked down to the kitchen together. Tears flowing from both of them. Today is the day that they lay Crystal, William, and David into the earth.

"Good morning, Colleen." Ski greeted her.

"Hi. Thanks for being here." Colleen gave Ski a hug.

"You know I wouldn't stay away. How are you doing?" Colleen and Ski walked out to the garden.

"Lousy. I was up pacing all night long. I kept playing the day's events leading up to the explosion over and over again in my mind, ya know. I wish that day never happened so much. I lost my brother, my sister-in-law, and the love of my life that day not to mention I almost lost my own life. I can't believe this is happening." Colleen said. She sat down on a nearby bench.

"I can't believe it either. I can't believe Dean set out to kill you both."

"What? I thought it was an accident!" Colleen interrupted Ski.

"Um, no.  Dean confessed that he wanted to kill you and David. He knew that David left everything to you in his will and Dean figured that if you were both dead that he and his parents would get his estate. We wanted to wait until he was fully charged before telling you everything." Ski said.

"We? Who's we?"

"Your parents, Dougie, Mitch, me."

"Damn it! When are you all going to learn that I'm not 16 anymore? Why do you continue to keep things from me?" Colleen went over to the Willow tree.

"We thought we were protecting you. Everything is done for a reason." Ski tried to explain.

"Yeah, I know. I'm just, I don't know. I just don't know." Colleen said.

"Well, listen to me. Today, you are just going to take it one moment at a time and if you need anything, a glass of water, some food, a shoulder to cry on, I'll be here." Ski said.

"Kids, we should be going." Mr. Dougherty said from the patio door.

"Your father's right, Collie."

"I know." Colleen said as she put her arm through Ski's and they walked out to the car.

Colleen and Ski sat with their backs to the driver and Colleen's parents sat opposite them in the limo. Colleen closed her eyes and leaned her head on Ski's shoulder.

"Your eyes okay?" Ski asked.

"A little teary, but their fine."

"Did you remember your sunglasses?"

"Yeah. Did you?" Colleen asked.

"Yeah. Dave's favorite kind." Ski smiled and showed her the clown sunglasses. Everyone laughed.

"I hope you're going to wear them at the funeral." Mr. Dougherty asked.

"All of the Lifeguards that can be at the funeral plan on it. Dave always wanted a bright funeral."

"Yeah, I just wish it didn't have to be so soon." Colleen said.

"I think William and Crystal would enjoy the laughter too." Mrs. Dougherty said. They arrived at the funeral home before everyone else for the viewing.

 

"I'd like a few minutes alone with David, if it's alright." Colleen said to her parents, Ski, and the McCollums. They left her alone in the parlor.

"David. My love, I miss you. I miss you so very much. It's been nearly two months since everything happened. Dean's in a lot of trouble. I can't believe he's done what he did. And you! Why didn't you tell me about being rich? Why didn't you let me in further? Daddy told me everything. Ya know, I've made a will now too. If anything happens to me, a trust fund is set up for Jessie and Joe and Ski will get the business. Why'd you have to leave me so alone so soon?" Colleen said and cried as she looked at the coffin. She sat in silence with just her thoughts while she looked at the picture of him that was taken late last year. Ski came in a little while later.

"People are starting to arrive, Collie. You okay?" Ski asked as he kneeled down next to her.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know." Colleen said and began sobbing again.

"Shh. I'm here, little one. It's okay to cry." Ski said. He sat down next to her and let her cry on his shoulder again.

The undertakers entered the room and moved David's coffin into the large room with William and Crystal's.

"Collie, can you go into the other room now?"

"As long as you don't leave me." Colleen whispered.

"I have no intention of doing so. C'mon, I'll help you." Ski said. He helped her up and they walked slowly into the other room. Crystal's parents and David's parents had arrived. Everyone was embracing everyone else. David's mother walked over to Colleen and Ski.

"Collie, oh, Collie." Mrs. McCollum cried as she embraced her.

"Don't touch me. How could you let one son kill the other? How could you." Colleen cried and ran over to David's coffin. Mrs. McCollum was flabbergasted. Colleen's father stopped Ski from going after her.

"Let me." Mr. Dougherty said and walked over to his daughter.

"Colleen?"

"Please don't start on me daddy. Today is a hard enough day as it is. I don't need any lectures."

"Then keep your comments concerning the McCollums to yourself. They're just as grief stricken as we all are. You'll understand that sometime soon." he said.

"If they're so grief stricken and so concerned about us, then why didn't they come see me in the hospital the entire time I was in? No, daddy, I'm sorry. But they are only concerned about Dean. David was adopted by them and wasn't their flesh and blood, they're only here for appearances sake." Colleen said. She was feeling really bitter towards the McCollums.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, honey. I really am."

"As long as they stay away from me, I'll be fine daddy. I promise." Colleen looked at her father.

"Okay. I'll ask them to keep their distance." he said.

"Thank you, oh, Crystal's parents are here. I need to see them. Excuse me." Colleen said. She walked over to Crystal's parents.

"Audrey, Ken. I'm so sorry." Colleen said and hugged each of them.

"It's so good to see you, Collie." Audrey Jones said.

"It feels really good to see everyone and everything again."

"Other than that, you're okay?" Ken Jones asked.

"Yes, I'm still a little weak, but I'm fine. Are you both okay? How's Jenny?"

"Jenny's outside waiting for Brandon and Bradley, she'll be in soon. We're holding up."

"I am so sorry about what happened." Colleen explained.

"It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. We can't dwell on Crystal and William's deaths. We have to move on for the twins'."

"You're all coming to the house after the service this afternoon, right?" Colleen asked.

"Yes."

"Good. The twins will be there. You can see them then."

"That's good. C'mon, walk with us over to your parents. Is that Michael Romanowski with them?" Audrey said.

"Yes, he's been a terrific friend to me through everything." Colleen explained.

"That's good. Friends can be great helps during the rough times."

"Um, I have a question for you concerning William and Crystal's house." Colleen said.

"What is it?"

"I know that they were a long way off from paying off the mortgage so I was thinking that instead of selling the house to a stranger that I would buy it for them and that maybe Jenny or one of your sons would like to live there until Jessie or Joey are old enough to decide if they want the house or not."

"You'd do that, Collie?" Ken sounded surprised.

"Yes. And I'd be willing to put their names on the deed with mine. Whomever lives in the house would be responsible for the taxes and the upkeep, but won't have to worry about mortgage payments." Colleen said.

"Thank you."

"How about both families get together in a few weeks to discuss it further?" Colleen asked.

"Okay, I'll set something up with your parents and the kids." Ken said.

"Good." Colleen said. They joined her parents and Ski up front.

"How are you doing Colleen?" Ski asked.

"Better. How about you." Colleen lied. She felt a headache coming on.

"I'm okay." Ski said. He noticed that Colleen was beginning to look a little pale. "Let's get some fresh air." he suggested. Colleen didn't argue as they walked out one of the side doors. "Now, I'm going to ask you again. How are you?" Ski said.

"Could you get me a glass of water?" Colleen asked as she put on her sunglasses, "I think a headache is coming on." Colleen said.

"Sure. Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back." Ski said. He left her to go find an undertaker to ask for some water.

"I knew it, you've overdone it!" Colleen heard Mitch's voice as she sat on a bench with her eyes closed.

"Mitch...thanks for coming. How'd you know I was out here?"

"Ski told me. He'll be out in a few minutes with some water. You okay?"

"I think I've overdone it too. Full steam ahead is what I've been doing since getting out of the hospital yesterday."

"You're suppose to be taking it easy. I heard you blew off Dave's parents."

"Something like that. Please don't even start on me about it. It was something I had to do." Colleen said. She looked at Mitch.

"I won't, I swear." Mitch said. Ski came out the side door with the water.

"Thanks, Ski." Colleen said when Ski handed her the water. Colleen took some aspirin from her purse and quickly swallowed them along with the water. "Why don't you guys go on back in? I think I'll stay out here for a few more minutes." Colleen told them.

"Because you are our friend and you need us right now." Ski stated. Mr. Dougherty came out of the side entrance.

"There you are! Everything okay?" Mr. Dougherty asked his daughter.

"I just needed some fresh air, daddy. I'm okay." Colleen said to him.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Yeah, we'll be back in a few minutes." Colleen said.

"Okay, but, if you're not feeling well, maybe you should just stay in the back or something until we get to the cemetery?" her father suggested.

"We'll see, daddy. Momma needs you, go back inside." Colleen patted her father on the cheek.

"I love you."

"I love you too, daddy." Colleen said. Mr. Dougherty went back into the funeral home.

"I'm going to go find Kevin, Collie. You take it easy. We'll talk later." Mitch kissed Colleen on the forehead and headed back into the funeral home. Ski let Colleen lay her head against his chest for a little while. She was deep in thought when Ski spoke up.

"How ya doin down there?"

"Better. Really. I was just remembering when Dave, you, MJ, and I went on that mini-vacation up to San Francisco. Remember?"

"Yeah, Dave and I lost you two on Lombard Street. So you two went shopping and didn't go back to the hotel until after our reservations for dinner at LE FIN. Boy was Dave mad!"

"He wasn't mad, just upset that I would take off like that. But you both loved the stuff we bought for you." Colleen said.

"Yeah, we did." They both laughed.

"I think we should go back in." Colleen said.

"Your head feel better?"

"Yeah. A lot better." Colleen said.

"Okay. Whatever you say, boss." Ski helped her up. All eyes were on them as they joined Colleen's parents in the front row. Crystal's sister, Jenny, put her hand on Colleen's shoulder from behind.

"You okay?" Colleen's mom asked.

"Yeah, mom. I'm okay." Colleen assured her mother. Colleen listened to everything everyone said about memories of her brother, sister-in-law, and about David. After Ski was finished, she went up to the podium. Ski was up there with her.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, Ski. I'm sure." Colleen gave him a hug.

"I'm staying up here with you then." Ski said.

"Thank you." Colleen turned to face the crowded room. The crowd was out in the garden and in the street outside the building. The PA system was set up so that all those not in the room could hear.

"Thank you all for coming today. For your thoughts, your prayers, and your words of sympathy and remembrances of my brother, William, his wife, Crystal, and my boyfriend, David McCollum. All three are greatly missed already and through memories and stories, they'll always live on. Out of this tragedy, I was the lucky one. I survived, but I don't consider myself very lucky. See, my life as well as the lives of Jessica and Joey Dougherty, Ken Jones and his family, my parents, and the McCollums has also changed. We lost a son, a brother, a boyfriend, a daughter, a sister, and a mother. Life is so precious. You realize that when a tragedy like this occurs." Colleen paused for a moment to catch her breath.

"Dave was so warm and loving and caring of everyone else. He loved children and children loved him. He and I were to be engaged that day on the boat to be married. I loved him and I know all of those of you who knew him loved him too, as he did you. His life was about lifeguarding at the beach. He lived to save lives and I couldn't save his. No one could." Colleen had to pause again. Ski handed her his handkerchief.

"I have a story for you that involves David, my brother, William, Crystal and myself. We had all gone out to Catalina for the weekend for some relaxation. Well, we were eating outside one of the seaside cafe's when David noticed that a surfer had gone under. David didn't hesitate to go help the surfer, he just did what came naturally. That is what he would want all of us to do, to do what comes naturally. Mourning comes naturally, we'll all miss him. But don't mourn too long. Dave always believed that life was precious and I believe that he lived each day to the fullest. I will mourn everything about him and my life together with him, but life does go on. Always remember the way he touched your heart. Now, if you'll excuse me." Colleen said. She didn't return to her seat, instead, she walked outside for some fresh air. Crystal's sister, Jenny, went out after her as did Ski.

"Collie? You okay?" Jenny asked.

"Yeah. I'm much better." Colleen replied.

"You held up pretty well up there."

"David gave me the strength to say those things. I don't think I'll make it through the rest of the services though. Jenny, do you think I could borrow your car? I want to go home."

"Sure." Jenny fished her keys out of her car and handed them to her.

"I'll drive you home, Collie." Ski said. Colleen handed the keys over to Ski.

"Thank you. Jenny, could you explain to my parents for me?" Colleen asked.

"I will, I'll see you later this afternoon. Oh, my car is the blue Lexus right down the block. About five cars down." Jenny pointed it out.

"Thanks, Jenn. Come on, Colleen, let's get you home." Ski said. They walked slowly to the car.

"Did I make sense in there?" Colleen asked Ski.

"Of course you did. You were wonderful." Ski said as he opened the passenger door for her. Colleen slid in and let him close the door. She locked her side and immediately closed her eyes. They drove home in silence, which, in turn, helped Colleen to fall asleep. Ski didn't wake her up; Instead, he carried her into the house and up to her room. She stirred a little, but, calmed down once Ski put an afghan over her. He went downstairs and let Mickey and Minnie in. They immediately joined Colleen in the bed. Ski opened the balcony windows to let some fresh air in and sat down on the railing overlooking the neighborhood. He didn't realize how hard today would be on him as well as Colleen until he had time to collect his thoughts and not think about Colleen. The county lost one of their best lifeguards and he lost his best friend.

A few hours later, Mrs. Dougherty came into the room to check on Colleen and noticed Ski out on the balcony.

"Ski? Hi." she said.

"Hello, Mrs. D. Is Colleen awake?"

"No. She's finally getting some real rest. How are you?"

"Okay, I guess. How was the rest of the funeral?"

"Beautiful. The lifeguards wore those clown shades when we were up at the bluff. David would have had a terrific laugh at the scene. Everyone will start arriving shortly. Why don't you come on down and get something to eat? Collie will be fine."

"Okay, Mrs. D. I'll be down in a minute. I just want to use the bathroom." Ski said. Mrs. Dougherty went back downstairs and Ski went to the bathroom before going downstairs himself. When Ski arrived downstairs, Mitch and some of the other lifeguards had arrived.

"Where's Colleen?" Shawnee asked.

"Up in her room, sleeping." Ski replied.

"Are you okay?" Billy asked him when he and Shawnee caught up with Ski.

"I'm hanging in there. Listen...tonight Colleen and I are leaving town for two weeks. Colleen needs time to heal and she's asked me to go along with her. Could you and Shawnee keep an eye on my place for me?" Ski asked Billy.

"Sure." Shawnee said. "If you two will excuse me, I'm going to go find the twins." Shawnee left the guys and headed toward the kitchen.

"Is this what Collie wants?" Billy asked.

"Yes. She said she needs time to grieve for David. All I know is we're going to the east coast. David always wanted to go to the east coast so I guess this is going to be Colleen's way of saying good-bye to him." Ski explained.

"Man all of this has got to be rough on her. I hope she knows that we're all here for her." Billy said.

"I know she does, but she's stubborn and pigheaded and very independent. She's trying to deal with everything by herself and refuses to lean on anyone."

"She's going to go mad."

"Nah, we'll help her. I'll help her. Hey, I'm thirsty. Let's go find something to drink." Ski said.

"Sounds good to me."

 

"Jenny? Could you go check on Colleen for me? I don't know where her father is and I would feel better if I knew how she was." Mrs. Dougherty asked as she made some lunch for the twins.

"Sure, Mrs. D." Jenny said and went up the back stairs to check on Colleen. Ski and Billy entered the kitchen.

"Good, you've finally made your way back here. I made you a roast beef sandwich. Is that okay?" Mrs. Dougherty asked Ski.

"Sure. Thanks." Ski said. He sat down next to Jessie.

"Billy, do you want anything?" Mrs. Dougherty asked him. Ski looked at Billy as if to say for Billy to get something.

"Some milk would be great. Where's my wife?"

"She ran to the store for more soda. How about a sandwich or some pasta?"

"Whatever you've got will be fine, Mrs. D." Billy said.

"You two are angels." Mrs. D said.

"Collie is still sleeping." Jenny said once she came back down.

"Good. She needs her rest. Her flight doesn't leave until 10 o'clock tonight or so." Mrs. D. said aloud.

"Hey, Mrs. D. this sandwich is great." Ski commented.

"I knew you'd like it. I remember the Memorial Day picnic we had here last year, you refused to eat anything but the roast beef sandwiches! I had to send William out for more roast beef!" Mrs. D laughed. Everyone joined in.

"Gramma, all done." Joey proudly displayed his plate for her.

"Jenn, could you clean him up? I'm in the middle of making sandwiches." Mrs. D asked. Mrs. McCollum and Mrs. Jones came into the kitchen.

"Sure. C'mon Joey." Jenn said.

"Sarah, you should let Jenn and Shawnee handle that. MJ said you kicked her out of the kitchen." Mrs. McCollum said.

"I need to keep busy." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"AAAHHH!!!" everyone in the kitchen heard a scream come from upstairs. Ski ran up to Colleen's room.

"Collie, it's okay. I'm here." Ski said.

"David...David..." Colleen said as she looked at Ski.

"It's okay, Collie, I know." Ski said. He sat down on the bed and took her in his arms. Mrs. Dougherty came into the room.

"She okay?" Mrs. Dougherty asked.

"Yeah, just a nightmare." Ski said.

"David...David..." Colleen continued to whimper.

"Ski...let me take care of her. You go on downstairs and finish eating." Mrs. Dougherty suggested.

"She won't let go of me." Ski said as he went to get up.

"I'll be up in a little while, then. Try to get her back to go back to sleep."

"I will. Don't worry about her. She'll be fine." Ski said. Just as Mrs. Dougherty left, Mitch came in.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Everything's under control." Ski insisted.

"Okay. I'll be back in a few minutes. Someone should explain what's going on."

"No! It's none of their business." Colleen said and stared at Mitch.

"Collie, honey. You just had a bad dream." Ski said.

"I don't care. Those people don't know what I've been through or what I'm going through. It's none of their business." Colleen stated.

"Collie, everyone's worried about you. You've been through so much lately." Mitch walked over to the bed and knelt down.

"I don't care if they're worried about me. Damn it, Mitch, I've lost my brother, my sister-in-law, and the love of my life, how in the hell do you expect me to just move on as if nothing happened?" Colleen was yelling.

"Calm down." Ski told her. Colleen got up from the bed.

"Where are you going?" Ski asked.

"None of your business, none of Mitch's business, none of anyone's business." Colleen said. She grabbed her duffel bag and her purse, her sunglasses, her medication, and her car keys.

"Collie, don't leave like this."

"I need to get away from all of this. From all these people with their sympathetic looks of concern and worry. I need to be me. You've all been keeping me from being me. Just let me be me." Colleen said. Ski grabbed her by the arms.

"Promise me you won't do anything stupid." he said.

"I swear. I'm going for a drive and then I'm going home to pack for the east coast. I'll meet you at your house at 8:30." Colleen promised him.

"Can I at least have a hug?" Mitch said.

"Yeah." Colleen said. She gave Mitch a hug. "I'll see you in a few weeks." Colleen said.

"You bet." Mitch said. Colleen gave Ski a hug.

"Thanks for being here today for me. It means a lot." Colleen whispered in his ear.

"Anytime." Ski said. "Wait, what do I tell your mom and dad?"

"Anything, and tell them not to worry." Colleen said. Quickly she threw the emergency ladder over the balcony and climbed down. Ski and Mitch watched her run to the garage, get into her jeep and leave.

"Her parents are going to flip." Mitch said.

"Maybe, but they'll understand." Ski said.

"I hope so. C'mon, I'll go with you so that you can tell them what's going on." Mitch said.

"Gee, thanks for the moral support." Ski laughed. Mrs. Dougherty came back into the room.

"Where's Colleen?"

"She left. She said she needed to get away from everyone. She's promised me she'll be at my house by 8:30 so that we can leave for the airport."

"I knew this would happen." Mrs. Dougherty said. She sat down on the bed.

"You know how she is. She needs this time on her own. She said she can't handle all the people that are downstairs." Mitch said.

"Ski, you promise me that you'll watch out after her while you two are away?" Mrs. Dougherty said.

"I swear on my dad's grave, Mrs. D. I'll take good care of her." Ski crossed his heart.

"Alright, alright, I'll try not to worry." Mrs. Dougherty said. "Why don't you fellas come on downstairs and join the rest of us? I know the twins are wondering where Ski is."

"Sure." Mitch agreed.

"We'll be right there." Ski said, "I just need to talk to Mitch for a few more minutes." Ski assured all of them.

"Good, good. I'll go find Jenny and the twins." Mrs. Dougherty said. As soon as she left the room, Ski turned to Mitch.

"Are you sure that it's okay for me to leave like this for a few weeks without notice?"

"Yeah. I talked with top management on this, Ski. They understand the situation completely and want both of you back when you're ready." Mitch assured Ski.

"If you need me, let me know when I call to check in, alright?" Ski told him.

"Yeah."

"You swear?"

"Yes, Romanowski, I swear. Now, let's get downstairs before Mrs. D. sends out another search party." Mitch suggested.

"Thanks, man. You don't know how much I appreciate this."

"Just help Collie thru everything." Mitch said.

"I'll try." Mitch and Ski went downstairs and joined everyone. Billy and Shawnee were sitting off in a corner sharing stories of William and Crystal and David with some of David's friends who weren't lifeguards while, MJ and Roe and Dougie were chatting with Dave's parents. Ski went to find Mrs. Dougherty and the twins. Mitch went to find Kevin. Shawnee saw Ski head for the kitchen and ran after him.

"What's going on, Ski? How's Colleen?" Shawnee cornered Ski in a corner of the dining room.

"She's gone. She fled down the emergency ladder in her room. I'll meet her at my house around 8:30 tonight."

"She's flippin', isn't she." Shawnee asked.

"I'm not sure, Shawnee. I'm just not sure." Ski gave her a hug.

"I'm going to go back to Billy. You're not leaving yet, are you?" she asked.

"No. I'm going to go find the twins."

"Try the den. Collie's dad set it up as a play room for everyone's kids for today." Shawnee suggested.

"Thanks." Ski hurried toward the den room. The twins spotted him as soon as he entered and ran to him.

"Uncle Ski! Uncle Ski!" they yelled. He picked them both up in a hug.

"Hey you two! I've been looking all over for you." he told them.

"Where's Aunt Collie?" Jessica asked.

"She had to leave, but she told me to give you both a kiss and a hug from her and tell you that she loved you both very, very much and that she would call you later."

"Why'd she leave?" Joey asked.

"Well, it's hard to explain."

"Did she go away like mommy and daddy?" Jessie asked. Ski walked them out to the back yard so that they could talk.

"No, she just needed to be by herself. See, she misses uncle David and mommy and daddy very much too and needed to go away." Ski tried to explain.

"I wish they didn't have to go away, but gramma and grampa say that they're watching over us." Joey said.

"I know. I miss them all too and Aunt Collie and I are going on a trip so that Aunt Collie can get some rest so we'll be away for a few weeks." Ski told them.

"Do you have to?" Joey asked again.

"Yes, we do. Aunt Collie needs some rest and I'm going to go along to make sure that she does get some and when we get back, you, your sister, Jessica, and Aunt Collie and me, we'll all go to the park. Just the four of us." Ski said. Jessica began to cry.

"Aw, Jessie, why are you crying?" Ski asked.

"I want Aunt Collie." she cried. Ski gave her a hug.

"I promise that as soon as I see her, I'll have her call you. Is that okay?" Ski asked as he wiped away her tears.

Both Jessica and Joey nodded their heads. Mr. Dougherty appeared from the rose garden.

"Hi, kids, Ski." he said.

"Grampa, grampa!" the twins ran to him.

"Mr. D." Ski greeted him.

"I hear Collie sort of shimmied down the drain pipe." Mr. Dougherty said.

"Yup."

Mr. Dougherty chuckled. "I thought she might do something like that, but that's okay. She's very independent and always did that stuff when she felt she needed to. You are going on the trip with her?"

"Yes, Mr. D. I am. She's meeting me at my apartment at 8:30." Ski gave Mr. D. the details.

"Good, good. Do you need someone to look after the place? Your dog?"

"Billy and Shawnee are going to do that, but thank you for asking."

"Do you need anything else, son?" Mr. D asked.

"I think we'll be just fine sir." Ski replied.

"Okay, I think I'll go find my wife, maybe try to get rid of some of the people here and go for a walk."

"Good idea. I can keep an eye on the twins if you'd like?"

"Crystal's parents are going to take them for a few days. Why don't we go find them together?" Mr. D suggested. They each held a twin and went into the house.

 

"Ski? I'm here." Colleen said as she stood on the back patio, looking at the ocean and petting Chase.

"I'll be right down." Ski said from his upstairs deck. He had everything packed and ready to go. He was just sitting on the deck, looking at the ocean and remembering Dave.

 

"It's only eight o'clock. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I guess I'm just anxious to leave. How'd things go with my parents?" Colleen asked after Ski joined her on the patio.

"You made your father laugh and your mom worry, but they understand. I promised the twins that you would call them. They're with Crystal's parents." Ski handed her the phone. Colleen looked at it.

"Um...okay.", Colleen said and dialed the number for Crystal's parents.

"Hello? Jones' residence, can I help you?"

"Hi, this is Colleen, who's this?"

"It's Jenny. Where'd you disappear to this afternoon?" Jenny asked.

"Couldn't handle the scene, so I shimmied down the drain pipe." Colleen told her.

"Cool. Where you at? Mom said that you're taking a trip."

"Yeah, Ski and I are going to the east coast. Are the twins still awake? Ski promised them that I would call them before we left for the airport." Colleen was uneasy.

"Yeah, hold on. I'll go get them." Colleen heard Jenny put the phone down.

"Ski, I can't do this. I can't talk to them right now." Colleen told him.

"Yes you can. You need them as much as they need you. Hey, do you have the plane tickets?" Ski said.

"Yes. They're in my back pocket...see." Colleen turned around to show him they were in her back pocket.

"Smartass." Ski smiled.

"Colleen? I'm putting you on the speakerphone." Jenny said.

"Okay." Colleen said.

"Aunt Collie? Aunt Collie?" Colleen heard a few minutes later.

"Yeah, it's me, Jessie and Joey. Are you behaving for nana and poppop?" she asked.

"Uh-huh. We miss you." they both said.

"I miss you too. I have to go away for a little while, but I'll be back real soon. You two be good, okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you both very much."

"Love you." she heard them both say. Colleen handed the phone to Ski and ran into the bathroom. Ski found her a few minutes later.

"Colleen? You okay?"

"Yeah, can we leave now?" she asked. She had been crying.

"Just gotta load the car and turn on the alarm and we're outta here."

"What about Chase?"

"Shawnee and Billy will be staying here. Chase will be fine by himself for a little while." Ski explained as he checked the windows in the dining room and kitchen.

"Okay, then I guess we're ready to go."

"Wait...who's watching your place?"

"The dogs are staying with my parents and Mitch and Kevin are going to keep an eye on the apartment for me. Just so you know, when we get back..." she began to say. Ski was standing at the door and interrupted her.

"Now, we're going to forget about when we get back and any business. You and I are going to go to the east coast to say good-bye to David, rest, relax, and see the sights." Ski made her smile.

"You are a terrific friend, you know that?" Colleen said.

"Yup, I know it. Here, take this bag, please, I believe we've got a plane to catch." Ski said.

"Wait! Do you have David's coral ring? I knew I was forgetting something and that's vital to this trip."

"Yeah, here, start loading your car and I'll go get it." Ski said. He had to think for a minute about where he put it, then he remembered that he put it in his cedar wood chest on top of his dresser. He took the steps two steps at a time while Colleen began loading the car.

Colleen had the car started and was waiting for Ski when he came out of the house.

"I was about to send a search party in." Colleen commented.

"Ha, ha!"

"Did you find the ring?"

"Yes. Don't worry it's safely tucked away." Ski assured her.

"Okay, then, I guess we're off." Colleen said.

"You want me to drive?" Ski asked before he closed the car door.

"No, I think I can manage. Now, get in."

"Okay." Ski got in the car and Colleen headed towards Pacific Coast Highway and LAX. They drove in silence, listening to the radio and deep in their own thoughts. 45 minutes later, they were at the airport.

"I'll unload the luggage and then go park the car, you can go check us in. Okay?" Ski said as they pulled into the airport.

"Okay. Make sure that the doors are locked and don't forget to put the Club on the steering wheel." Colleen instructed.

"Yes, mother." Ski teased.

"I think this trip is going to be fun." Colleen smiled. She watched as Ski unloaded the bags onto a baggage cart. "You sure you don't want me to wait for you?"

"No, go ahead and check us in." Ski insisted as he got back into the car and drove off towards the extended-trip parking lot. Colleen pushed the cart into the building and went to check everything, including her and Ski, in with the airline.

Ski met up with her 15 minutes later at the airline counter.

"We all checked in?" he asked.

"Yup, and the plane should be ready to board any minute at gate 12. I should take my medicine. Do you see a juice machine anywhere?" Colleen asked. She spotted one in the waiting area. Ski did too.

"What do you want? Apple juice?" he asked.

"That's fine, thanks." Colleen said. She went and found a seat and began looking through her carry on bag for her medicine. She found a small picture of her and David first. She looked at it for a few seconds and smiled. It was a picture of them together on one of the Scarabs after a daring rescue. She had taken a really big risk on that save and after the victim was okay, David asked her to go steady and just date each other.

"What are you looking at." Ski asked as he sat down next to her.

"Just a picture. Did you get the juice?" she asked. He handed her a can of apple juice. Colleen found her medicine, took it, and drank the juice.

"Okay, exactly where are we going on this trip?"

"New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City." Colleen said.

"Really?"

"Yeah, my father and his partner, Philip Johanneson, have made sure that everything is set for us and that we will have more than enough funds to get us through the next two weeks. I do have some business to tend to while we are there with Philip, but for the most part, it's a vacation. I don't want you to worry about anything. Everything is being taken care of money-wise by me. This is my gift to you for everything you've done for me and for David the past few months. David would be very proud of you and your friendship and this trip is how I'm going to repay you." Colleen stated.

"Collie, I can't let you do this."

"Yes, you can and you will. End of discussion." Colleen told him. They heard an announcement that their flight was now boarding at gate 12.

"Well, then, let's go." Ski said. He decided not to argue with her about the trip anymore and try to enjoy it as much as possible.

 

When they touched down in New York at Kennedy International, Philip Johanneson had a limo waiting for them.

"Where are we staying?"

"Patrick's Pubs has an apartment at the Ritz. Since we're going to be here for a few days, I thought it would be more homey-like than a hotel."

"So we're staying at the Ritz. What else aren't you telling me?"

"You're uncomfortable with the fact that David had money? Aren't you?" Colleen said to him. They were waiting for their luggage.

"No, I just wish you would have told me the entire game plan so I could have been more prepared for this."

"You think this is easy for me. I didn't know he had money either. Please don't worry about a thing, Ski. Everything is being taken care of. You've taken care of me the past few months, now it's my turn to take care of you for a few days, okay?" Colleen asked. Reluctantly, Ski gave in.

"Okay, okay. Just don't get use to this, alright?" he said.

"I promise." Colleen squealed with delight.

"Here's our luggage." They both began loading the luggage onto a baggage cart and headed out towards the main entrance.

"Philip said that there would be a limo waiting for us."

"So we should look for a sign with your name on it?"

"Good idea, Ski!" Colleen laughed. Five minutes later they found the limo driver with the sign that her name on it.

"Philip! You silly goose! Did daddy put you up to this?" Colleen asked. Philip was dressed as the limo driver.

"Nope. I haven't seen you in four years so I thought that I would surprise you tonight." Colleen gave Philip a hug.

"Thanks, oh, Philip Johanneson, this is my good friend, Michael Romanowski, Ski, this is Philip Johanneson, my father's Law partner and an old friend of the family's."

"How do you do, Mr. Johanneson?" Ski shook hands with Philip.

"Please, call me Philip."

"I'm Ski, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Well, Ski, David didn't lie when he said that you were a polite and distinguished young man. I can understand why he considered you his best friend."

"Philip, could we get going? It's nearly six a.m. your time and I'm exhausted." Colleen suggested. She could tell that Ski was getting upset.

"Sure, let's get the luggage loaded into the car and don't worry. I'm not driving. The real limo driver is sitting in the limo." Philip smiled.

 

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