Part 6

The pounding of feet on the stairs woke her from her dreamless sleep. It took several minutes for her to realize she was back in the guest bedroom at Crabapple Farm. From the light streaming in around the pale blue curtains, she could tell it was late morning.

As she stared up at the ceiling, she tried to recall the previous evening, but her last memory was being at the hospital with Dan at her side.

Hearing footsteps coming down the hall toward the bedroom, she turned her head to the window and closed her eyes. She didn't want to see anyone.

The door creaked open and the footsteps moved closer to the bed. She remained still as a hand gently brushed the curls from her forehead. After a moment, whoever it was retreated from the room as more steps came down the hall.

"Is she still asleep?" her father asked.

"She is," Helen answered. "I'm really worried about her. She should be awake by now."

"She's been through a lot," Peter said. "For her to recover, she needs all the rest she can get."

"I just can't believe all that's happened," Helen said. "I am shocked. I can't believe someone would do those things to another human being."

"I take it you believe Trixie and Jim."

"I believed the two of them from the moment Trixie told us," Helen admitted. "I know my daughter, and I know she's not that type of person. As for Jim..."

"He's an honorable young man that wouldn't do anything to hurt Trixie," Peter finished.

"Exactly. And with all that has transpired, I really don't want Trixie to go back to that school."

"You doubt this will be cleared up?"

"Mayor Williams left here about a half hour after you did without a word about what he discussed with Amelia. He said he would talk to us later and left with her."

"Matt didn't look happy when we crossed paths at the hospital," Peter acknowledged.

"He wasn't," Helen said. "His face was as red as his hair when the mayor left."

"I take it Jim was livid too."

"I couldn't tell you which one was angrier."

"I think it's probably Jim. He has seen these attacks on Trixie first hand."

"And my fear is that they will continue when Trixie goes back to school," Helen said.

"What do you suggest?" Peter asked. "We can't afford private school or a tutor."

"I don't know," Helen sighed.

"And don't you think that if she doesn't go back to school everyone will believe the lies that have been going around?"

"I just need to do something," Helen said. "My little girl is hurting and I feel helpless."

"You're doing exactly what she needs right now."

"I just wish it was more."

"I think you're amazing."

"Oh, Peter."

"Come on. We'll come back and check on her in a bit."

"Okay."

As they walked away, Trixie let out a sigh. She hadn't thought about returning to school after the holidays. She knew that it was not a place where she wanted to be, not with everyone believing  the poster.

Her first encounter with people after the poster was enough. She doubted anyone would believe it had been a joke. Stuff like that just caused more problems.

Trixie wondered how her life got so complicated.

"Is there anything you need, Trixie?" Bobby asked as he hurried into the room and over to the bed.

Trixie lifted her head slightly off the plumped pillows and looked at her little brother. She shook her head slowly, making sure she didn't hurt herself.

"Do you want me to read to you?" Bobby offered.

Trixie wrote. "Not right now. But thank you."

"Okay. But I'll be back to check on you later."

Trixie offered him a small smile and he left the room.

As she settled her head on the pillow again, she heard Bobby ask, "Moms, where's Trixie?"

"She's in the guest bedroom," Helen answered.

"That's not Trixie."

"What do you mean? Of course it's Trixie."

"It's not," Bobby said. "She seems so sad and that's not Trixie."

"I think she seems different to you because she is hurt and isn't moving around like she usually does."

"It's not that. It's her eyes. I don't see Trixie in her eyes."

"She's there," Helen tried to reassure him. "And as she begins to feel like her old self, you'll see Trixie in her eyes again."

"All right," Bobby said, but didn't sound convinced.

Trixie closed her eyes feeling guilty. She felt she was ruining everyone's life. Part of her wished the car had killed her.

"Trixie," Helen said, getting her attention.

She looked at her mother.

"I have to run a couple errands and am taking Bobby with me. Your father is in the den and will check on you in a bit, okay?"

Trixie nodded.

"Do you need anything?"

Trixie shook her head.

"All right." Helen kissed her forehead. "I'll see you in a bit."

Helen left the room and a short while later she heard the car leave the driveway.

She was dozing off when she heard slow footsteps coming toward the room. She opened her eyes to see who was there. Trixie tried to keep the surprise off her face at the appearance of Mart. He stood still as he gazed at her.

Trixie had no idea why he was there, but she didn't care. He had proved to her where he stood, and that was not with her. Knowing she didn't have the energy to fight with him, she closed her eyes and hoped he would leave her alone.

After a few minutes, she heard his footsteps moving away.

"Knock, knock."

Trixie turned her head to see Matthew Wheeler standing in the doorway.

"May I come in?" he asked.

Trixie nodded and watched as he slowly approached the bed. He settled in the chair beside her. She had no idea what Jim's father was doing there. The worst thought popped in her head.

She wrote, "Is Jim okay?"

"Jim is fine," Matthew answered. "He's home sleeping. The doctor gave him some pain medication for his ribs."

Trixie sighed in relief.

"I was hoping you and I could talk. Your father said it was fine."

"What do you want to know?" Trixie wrote.

“Jim told me what has been going on. And after all that went on last evening, I want to hear it from you."

"Why?"

"I want all the information about what she has been doing. I going to make sure it stops."

"It won't matter," Trixie wrote. "She won't get punished for it."

"Why do you think that?"

"It's just like celebrities. They do a crime, but don't serve the time. Amelia will get away with it."

"What if I promised you that she would suffer the consequences of her actions?"

"Please don't make promises that you can't keep," Trixie wrote. "No matter what happens, everyone at school already believes it all. Nothing is going to change that."

"Trixie, I want to help you. No one should have to go through what's been done to you."

"I'm sorry, but I don't see the point."

Matthew was quiet for a moment. "All right, I understand. I'm going to let you rest. Jim will probably be by later to see you."

"Okay," Trixie wrote.

He gave her a smile and left the room.

Alone once again, Trixie wondered why Matthew Wheeler couldn't see that no matter what actions were taken, there would be no resolution for her. It was just what was, and there was no way to fix it. She felt that if he tried, it would just make things ten times worse for her.

"Hey," a voice said.

Trixie moved her head and looked at the door. A small smile appeared on her face at the sight of Jim. He looked tired as he moved toward the bed, cradling his chest.

"How are you?" Jim asked as he gently sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Okay," Trixie wrote. "You?"

"I've got three broken ribs."

"Oh, Jim."

"It's all right. My ribs will heal."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault and you shouldn't blame yourself," Jim said as he took her hand in his. He paused. "Trix, I wish I had some good news for you, but nothing was said last night after you left."

"I know."

"You do?"

"I overheard Moms and Dad."

"I wish the mayor would've said something last night, but he didn't."

"It doesn't matter."

"Of course it does. She is in the wrong and should be punished for it."

"No matter what we say, she is going to get away with it because her father is the mayor."

"That's all the more reason to keep at it."

"I'm sorry, Jim, but there is no point. No one believes us. If we keep at this, we will just get hurt worse."

"I can't believe you," Jim said. "You've always fought where there was wrong, and now you're just letting everyone walk all over you."

"I'm not."

"You are. You're letting what everyone has said and done dictate how you deal with this. You're allowing all of them to change you from the Trixie I met when I first came to Sleepyside."

"I'm not."

"You are." Jim stood up, wincing at the quick movement. "If you want to back down from this fight, then go ahead. I won't stop you. But I'm not going to. This was wrong and the only way it will come to an end is if make it right."

Jim turned and left the room, Trixie watching his retreating form, stunned. The kitchen door slammed shut a moment later.

He has no idea what I'm going through, she thought. He has no idea the humiliation I've been through. And he doesn't understand that Amelia will get away with what she's done. No matter what we say or how many times we say it, it won't change things. Amelia knows her father is the mayor and that she can do whatever she wants, no matter what it is.

But what am I supposed to do? There's no way I will be able to get the mayor to believe me. Amelia has her entourage who will vouch for her. Who do I have? No one. With the way Honey and Di have been, they'd probably claim I did this all to myself. I just can't win. There's no way for me to win. Amelia has so many people who would lie for her so she won't get into trouble. That just makes it worse for me.

Trixie closed her eyes and prayed for sleep to come.

It was December 23rd and Trixie was trying to find a way to get into a joyous mood. Her uncle, Andrew Belden, and aunt, Alicia Johnson, had descended on the farm the previous night to celebrate the holiday. She had tried to show some enthusiasm at their arrival, but she just couldn't do more than smile.

Andrew was given Bobby's room, while Bobby was going to sleep on the floor in Mart and Brian's room. Alicia was going to sleep in Trixie's room on the second floor.

Trixie knew her parents would want her to join the rest of the family on Christmas. She felt that to put on a happy face, she would need all the rest she could get. She knew the tension was going to be at an all-time high since her brother's didn't believe her.

"Knock, knock."

Trixie lifted her head and looked at the door. She lifted her hand motioned her uncle into the room.

Andrew settled on the bed beside her and took her free hand in his.

"Is there anything you need?"

Trixie shook her head as she wrote. "I'm fine."

"Really?"

"I guess so."

"Peter and Helen have told me all that's happened," Andrew said.

Trixie shifted her gaze to the bedspread, not wanting to see the disappointment on his face. She knew he wouldn't like the situation she had gotten herself into or the fact that she wasn't going to fight for what was right.

"Look at me," Andrew said gently as he lifted her chin so she was looking at his face. "Trixie, I am shocked teenagers in this town could do such a thing. No matter what anyone says, I know all those things are not true. And I also know that your brother's will realize that all they have heard have been lies."

Trixie shook her head. "They won't believe it."

"They may not believe it now, but I'm certain they will."

Trixie continued shaking her head. "They believe everyone else. They won't change their minds."

"What if the person who did this comes forward and admits it?"

"It won't happen," Trixie wrote. "The person who is behind this will get away with it."

"Are you sure?"

Trixie nodded. "It's not worth fighting because no matter what anyone say, they won't believe it."

"I understand," Andrew said. "I just wish there was something I could do."

Trixie smiled as she wrote. "You being here is just right."

"I wish it was more," Andrew said. "How about I call the rest of the Bob-Whites and see if they could come over and keep you company for a bit?"

"Don't bother. None of them will come."

"Why not? All of the Bob-Whites are as close as a family."

"I'm no longer a Bob-White."

"That's news to me," Andrew said. "Tell me what happened. I have a feeling that will explain a lot."

Trixie glanced at the door, wondering who would interrupt them.

"Don't worry about being disturbed," Andrew said. "I left instructions that we were to be left alone until I came out." He patted her hand. "Now, start writing."

Trixie looked at her uncle and knew he wasn't going to go until he got the whole story. So, she began scribbling on the paper.

Her scrawl filled the paper until the whole story was out; from the changes she noticed in Honey and Di, to her resignation from the Bob-Whites, to this last confrontation with Jim. Several times Andrew asked questions to clarify what she was writing, but he never commented about it. Now that she was done, Trixie was hesitant to look her uncle in the eye, fearful he would side with the others.

"Trixie, look at me," he said gently.

She slowly lifted her gaze and tried to read his facial expression, but she couldn't.

"I do understand all that has happened and I think the steps you took were the right ones for you."

Trixie signed in relief.

"I think you did all you could to keep your friendship with Honey and Di, even though it sounds like the two of them are the ones who've changed. I think how you handled finding the poster on your locker was perfect. No one should be subjected to that treatment and what those other students said was inappropriate. I am appalled that your brothers believe that, instead of you and Jim. I'm also disappointed at Brian's actions the other night. That's not what I want to hear about from someone who wants to be a doctor.

"With all you've told me, I do believe that you are right that she won't get in trouble for what she's done. I also can see your worry about returning to school and coming in contact with her again." He reached over and took Trixie's hand in his. "And I promise you, I will do all I can to make sure everything is all right."

Trixie tried to smile.

"And don't worry about Jim. I'm quite sure he'll be by to see you. He really cares for you and I'm sure this is bothering him, too."

"Thank you," Trixie mouthed.

"You're welcome, sweetie." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Now, get some rest and I'll bring you your dinner in a bit."

Trixie nodded and watched her uncle leave the room. She felt a small sense of hope that things would be all right.

It was Christmas Eve and Trixie was alone in her room. Her parents and brothers had headed to church after she reassured them she would be fine. Alicia had left with them, but Andrew opted out stating he was tired from his flight.

As she watched the snowflakes fall outside the window, she hoped her uncle was right and that Jim would be by to see her. She knew she needed to apologize. Jim had a point, but she knew when it was time stop. Trixie felt that if Jim didn't come to the farm, she would have to find a way to get to him. She really needed to see him.

"Hey. You up for some company?"

Trixie turned and smiled. The person she was thinking about was there. She nodded.

Jim made his way into the room and slowly sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. He took her hand and looked her in the eye.

"I'm sorry, Trix," Jim said. "My anger at this situation got the better of me the other day and I took it out on you. I am so sorry. I know you may not forgive me, but I am sorry."

Trixie squeezed his hand. She mouthed. "It's okay."

"I should have listened to what you were trying to tell me. I finally thought it through. It's taken me time to realize that I was trying to tell you what to do. You're right that she will probably get away with all the trouble she's caused. She has her father who is in a position of power and will do all that he can so she won't get punished."

"She's just not worth fighting," Trixie wrote. "If we did, she would just make it worse for me."

"You're right. I just wish there was a way to stop it once and for all. Since she did this to you, what's to stop her from doing the same thing to someone else."

"She will get what she deserves in due time. If people are mean and cruel, they usually get what they deserve eventually."

"It probably won't be soon enough for me," Jim said. "And I don't think my Dad wants to wait either."

"What do you mean?"

"Dad is pretty angry. He's disappointed in the mayor for not taking this seriously and getting Amelia to apologize."

"She won't apologize. And I doubt she was the only one involved."

"Dad thought the same thing and you both were right."

Trixie looked at Jim confused and motioned for him to explain.

Jim signed as looked down at the bed cover. A sinking feeling filled her stomach. As much as she dreaded the words that were to come, she knew she needed to hear it. She squeezed his hand encouraging him to tell her.

He slowly lifted his head and she saw the hurt in his eyes. She felt sick.

"It was Honey and Di," Jim said.

Trixie looked at him, hoping she had heard him wrong. But from the look on his face, she knew it was the truth.

"I'm sorry," Trixie mouthed.

"I'm the one who's sorry," Jim said quickly. "I've seen the distance that has grown between the three of you. I've also seen how much Honey craves Amelia's approval. I should've realized she was doing something."

"It's not your fault."

"I'm her big brother. I should've known what she was doing. Big brothers watch out for their siblings and protect them from what could hurt them. They are also supposed to keep them from hurting others and that's where I failed."

"You didn't fail," Trixie quickly wrote. "The decisions Honey made were hers alone. You have been the best big brother she could ever have. Just because she made poor choices, you shouldn't blame yourself."

"I should've tried to talk to her more. Maybe if I had, this wouldn't have gotten so out of hand."

"She might not have listened."

"But at least I would've tried. Maybe neither of us would be here now if I had."

Trixie knew if they kept along this subject, Jim would just get angrier.

"How did your dad find out she was involved?"

Jim sighed. "He confronted her about her friendship with Amelia. He wanted to know what Honey's involvement was in the events that happened to you. She tried to deny it, but when she pushed, he got the truth."

"If he tried to use that info, it would be a case of who said what and the other denying it."

"Exactly."

"Then we just have to move on," Trixie wrote.

"I wish there was more that we could do," Jim admitted. "But I know you're right that nothing will happen even if the truth comes out. It's just a shame that people use their parents' money and position in society to get away with whatever they want."

"Those people are the ones who lose in the end."

"You're right," Jim sighed. "Is there anything you need me to do? Anything you need?"

"I'm okay. I'm just glad you're here. I was hoping you'd come back."

"It took a little while for me to get my head straight with all the thoughts swirling through my brain. I wish I would've gotten it organized sooner."

"You're here now. That's what matters."

Jim squeezed her hand again.

Trixie decided to switch to a lighter subject. "Are you going away for the holidays?"

"We're staying here, much to Honey's dismay," Jim replied. "There had been talk about going to the west coast for the week, but after all this, Dad decided we needed to spend some quality family time together. No going anywhere."

"Oh," Trixie mouthed, realizing this would be the last time she'd see him until after the holidays.

"Dad thinks this is a good idea to make the family bond stronger and to help us remember our roots."

"It'll be nice that you'll get that uninterrupted time with your parents."

"Hopefully it'll bring all of us together," Jim said.

"What time do you need to go?" Trixie questioned.

Jim stared at her for a moment and then his eyes went wide. "Oh, Trixie, I'm sorry. I wasn't clear. It's more that Honey won't be going anywhere. Mother and Dad consider you family and made it a point to tell me that I can come see you anytime I want. I'm sorry I wasn't clear."

"It's okay," Trixie said.

"So, what are you going to do tonight?"

Trixie pointed to the television and wrote "Classic."

"What are you watching? 'It's a Wonderful Life?' 'A Christmas Carol?'"

Trixie shook her head and motioned toward the screen. Jim looked and said, "'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' is definitely a classic." He looked at her. "Do you mind if I stay and watch?"

"I'd like that," Trixie wrote.

Jim turned around and slid himself back so that he was leaning against the headboard beside Trixie. She leaned her head against his shoulder and they watched the movie together, unaware of Andrew Belden observing them from the doorway with a smile on his face.

The next morning, Peter and Andrew helped Trixie into the living room to join the rest of the family for Christmas. She sat down gently in the recliner as uneasiness washed over her. It was the first time she had been in the same room as her older brother's. As she got comfortable in the chair, Bobby came over and sat on the edge of the seat next to her. Alicia and Andrew were sitting on the couch. Brian and Mart settled on the floor by the fireplace.

Helen and Peter entered the room bringing mugs of hot chocolate and a plate full of homemade coffee cake. As soon as everyone had their drinks, Peter began handing out gifts that had been piled under the Christmas tree.

Trixie watched her family send the remnants of various colored paper into a pile as the gifts were unwrapped.

"Do you want to start with this one?" Bobby asked, holding out a box to her.

Trixie nodded. She pulled the paper off the box. She lifted the lid and saw it was an older edition Lucy Radcliffe book which she had been searching for. She tore her gaze away from the cover and looked at her mother. She mouthed, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Helen said.

Trixie made her way through the gifts. She was appreciative of everything she received, but she just couldn't get into the holiday spirit.

As all the wrapping paper was being put into garbage bags, there was a knock on the kitchen door. Peter said, "I'll get it."

Trixie looked at the pile of gifts and wondered how she was going to move everything to her room.

"Helen, could you come here for a minute?" Peter called out.

Helen left the room as Trixie tugged on Bobby's shirt sleeve. She pointed to the note she had written. "Please take my gifts to the guest room."

"Okay." Bobby picked up several items and left the room.

Alicia and Andrew finished cleaning up the wrapping paper before collecting the mugs and leaving the living room. Out of the corner of her eye, Trixie saw Mart and Brian leave the room with their arms full of presents.

Trixie had no idea what to do. Her life felt alien to her. She wondered when it had all changed.

Bobby returned to the living room and gathered a few more gifts. He disappeared just as quickly.

A moment later, Mart returned to living room. They looked at each other awkwardly, unsure of what they could say to each other, if anything at all.

"Trix," Mart finally said as he moved over to her. He kneeled down beside the chair and looked her in the eye. "I am sorry, Trix. I know you may never accept my apology, but you need to know that I was wrong. I should never have believed what other people told me without hearing your side. I jumped to conclusions. I know I've teased you about doing it and here I've done it. I feel so badly. I know you would never do those things because you are a much better person than that. You have a good head on your shoulders and I need to trust you." He looked down at the floor. "And if you never forgive me, I have no one to blame but myself. But you really need to know that I'm sorry."

Trixie stared at her almost twin, shocked he was actually apologizing. She had never expected to hear those words from him. She could hear the genuine remorse in his voice.

Trixie's forgiving nature took over. Without much thought, she reached over and touched his arm. Mart looked up and she mouthed, "Apology accepted."

He offered her a small smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You'll never know how much I regret all this."

"I understand," Trixie wrote. "But you need to make amends with a couple of other people too."

"I know," Mart said. "I'm going to head up there later. I don't want this to go on any longer."

Curiosity got her and she wrote, "What made you change your mind?"

"I've been doing a lot of thinking. I also listened to all that happened the night of the ball and realized you weren't behind all this. Everything that was going on was because of her." Mart shook his head. "I should have been watching better so none of this happened. I'm your big brother and I failed you."

"You didn't fail me," Trixie wrote. "You just got sidetracked by other things. None of this is your fault."

"Thanks, Trix, but I know that I wasn't doing what I was supposed to and I'm the one who has to live with that."

Before the conversation could go any farther, they heard Helen exclaim, "I can't believe it!"

Trixie and Mart shared a confused look before they slowly got up and headed toward the kitchen together. The closer they got, the more they could hear their mother ranting.

"I can't believe this," Helen said, her face red as she shook the piece of paper in her hands.

Glancing at their father, they could see he was also angry.

"If he thinks he can get away with this, he is mistaken," Helen said as she threw the paper on the kitchen table.

"Helen, you need to calm down," Peter said. "We will check with a lawyer and see if there is anything we can do."

"I am just shocked that he believes he can get away with this. And to top it off, it gets delivered on Christmas. Christmas! Of all the gall to do this and ruin the holiday for us. He has absolutely no consideration for anyone."

"What's going on?" Brian asked.

Trixie jumped, startled that she hadn't heard him come up behind her.

"We just received a letter," Peter explained.

"And Moms is upset about that?" Mart asked.

"A letter being delivered is fine," Helen stated. "But when someone includes a check to cover up his daughter's sins, that's when I get upset."

"Who sent the check?" Brian asked.

"The mayor," Helen said with distaste in her voice.

"They mayor is buying your silence?" Mart asked.

Pounding on the door startled all of them.

Peter pulled the kitchen door open revealing Matthew Wheeler and Jim Frayne.

"Did you get this?" Matthew demanded as he shook a piece of paper in front of them.

"I take it you're not happy?" Peter asked sarcastically.

"He has to be out of his mind!" Matthew exclaimed. "He's trying to buy our silence so his daughter won't get in trouble."

"You need to calm down, Dad," Jim said.

"I will not," Matthew said. "This has just gone too far. It's an insult and I will not put up with it."

"What so you suggest we do?" Peter asked. "We've tried talking to him, but he is going to protect his daughter. He's not going to change his mind."

"Then maybe its time he got a wake up call," Matthew said.

Trixie looked at Jim and their eyes met. From their expressions, neither of them knew what was to come and that left them both uneasy.

"This will be resolved, one way or another," Matthew said definitely.

TO BE CONTINUED….