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Fulfilling Another Dream Part I
Twenty-four-old Trixie Frayne stood at the window of the two-story house called Ten Acres watching the snow come down. She could see a storm was coming and hoped her husband of almost a year would be home soon.
She moved away from the window and sat down on the couch.
It had been a long year full of firsts. She and Honey Wheeler-Belden had gotten their detective agency started. That been a dream of theirs since they were 14 and it had finally come true.
The agency had gotten started right after the wedding of Trixie and her husband, and the birth of Honey and Brian’s first child, a son, Peter Matthew.
With the agency getting more attention, people were bringing them more cases. They enjoyed solving mysteries, especially together.
Trixie pulled the afghan off the back of the couch and covered her legs. She knew staring out the window wouldn’t bring him home any sooner. He would get there once his business was completed.
She thought about how the friends she grew up with had changed. She had been excited when her best friend and brother announced they were getting married. She knew how much Honey loved Brian.
But he wasn’t the only Belden boy that was in love. Her other brother Mart had married another friend, Diana Lynch, three years earlier. They had welcomed their first children two years earlier. They had twins, Mary and Michael.
We are all so happy, she thought as she snuggled under the afghan. Our lives have turned out just as we wanted.
With that, she drifted to sleep.
Trixie was hurrying through the woods. Someone was after her. Someone she didn’t trust. She pushed herself to keep going. She wasn’t running, but moving at a steady pace.
She knew she had to get away. The woods were dark. She kept moving, hoping to get far away. The person following her was getting closer. She could tell because the sound of twigs breaking was nearer.
I have to get away, she thought. I have to get to safety.
All of a sudden her feet slipped out from underneath her. She screamed as she fell.
“Trixie? Wake up.”
She opened her eyes and saw a shadow leaning over her. She started to slide back but stopped when the light was turned on and she realized it was her husband, Jim, calling her.
“Oh, Jim.”
“It’s all right,” he said touching her face. “You were dreaming.”
Trixie closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. She knew he was right. She opened her eyes and looked at him again. “Did you just get home?”
Jim nodded as he ran a hand through his thick red hair. “The roads are getting slick.”
“Is everything all right at the school?” she asked, pulling herself up slightly.
“Everything’s fine there.” He squeezed her hand. “Come on. It’s late. Let’s go upstairs.”
Trixie nodded and Jim helped her to her feet. He turned off the light and they made their way upstairs to their room. As Jim changed his clothes, Trixie sat down on the bed and slid underneath the covers.
Jim came to the bed and crawled under the covers beside her. He turned off the light and slid close to her. Trixie lifted her head so Jim could slide his arm underneath.
“Have you been taking it easy like the doctor ordered?” Jim asked, kissing her cheek.
“I’ve been listening.”
“We just don’t want anything to happen to you or the baby,” Jim said, putting his other hand on her stomach.
“I know. I’ve been taking it easy. Every time I call Honey, Brian answers and asks me hundreds of questions.”
“He just wants to make sure everything is all right in this last month,” Jim said. “And I’m glad he keeps checking on you. I don’t want anything to happen to you or our child.”
“I love you, Jim.”
“I love you too.”
They kissed and fell asleep holding one another.
* * * * *
Trixie tossed and turned most of the night. She couldn’t get comfortable in the bed. She was thrilled to be carrying their first child, but she didn’t like being so uncomfortable.
She quietly climbed out of the bed without waking Jim. She watched Jim roll onto his back. She grabbed the comforter and covered him with it.
She slipped on her robe and slippers before heading downstairs. She went into the kitchen and started heating some water. She pulled a tea bag out of the cupboard and looked out the window. The snow was coming down in thick clumps. She had a feeling it was going to leave a mess.
The kettle started to whistle and she quickly took it off the stove. She got her tea ready and went into the living room, where she sat down in the recliner. She was tired and wanted to sleep. She sipped the tea as she closed her eyes. She was excited she was going to be a mother and she knew Jim would be a wonderful father.
She set the cup on the table and then put her hands on her extended stomach. She couldn’t wait to hold their baby.
* * * * *
Trixie slowly moved her head. She opened her eyes and saw the room was bright. She lifted her hand and looked at her watch and saw it was mid-morning. She couldn’t believe she had slept so late.
She heard footsteps come into the room. She turned and saw Jim standing in the doorway with a mug in his hands.
“You’re awake,” he said coming toward her.
“I didn’t mean to oversleep.”
“It’s all right.” He sat down on the stool by her feet.
“You must be hungry,” Trixie said. “I’ll get breakfast ready.”
“You don’t need to,” Jim said. “I already had something to eat.” He pulled the stool closer to her. “Besides, you’re supposed to take it easy. You promised me and the doctor.”
Trixie smiled at his gentle reminder. “I know, but I have a hard time just sitting still.”
“Don’t I know it.” He smiled in return. “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you get dressed and come to the school with me? The students are rehearsing the play for everyone.”
“That does sound nice,” she said. “It would also get me out of the house.”
“That was part of the idea. I know you hate being cooped up.”
“I’m glad you thought of it.”
“We’ll need to leave shortly.”
“I’d better get changed then.”
Jim helped Trixie to her feet and gave her a kiss before she made her way upstairs.
* * * * *
An hour later they arrived at the school. Jim had used his inheritance to build a boys’ school. He wanted to give children the chance to grow and learn in a healthy environment. His dream was coming true.
Jim stopped his Jeep near the door and shut off the engine. As he moved around to the passenger side, Trixie unhooked her seatbelt and opened the door. He took hold of her hand and helped her down. She closed the door and they made their way inside.
As they stepped inside, a female voice said, “Mr. Frayne, I’m so glad you’re here.”
They turned and saw Sally Walter, the English teacher, coming toward them.
“What is it?” Jim asked, as he helped Trixie take off her coat.
“A man was just here looking for you,” she said.
Trixie looked at Jim and noticed a puzzled look on his face. Jim said, “I wasn’t expecting to meet with anyone today.”
“Do you remember what he looked like?” Trixie asked.
“Trixie,” Jim said.
“He was an older gentleman,” Sally said. “It was someone I’ve never seen before.”
“Was there anything that stood out about him?” Trixie asked.
“He was older and didn’t have a lot of hair. He was also demanding. He wanted to know where you were,” Sally said.
“He doesn’t sound familiar,” Jim said. “And if it’s important, he’ll be back.” He looked at Trixie. “Come on. They’ll be getting started soon.”
“All right.”
They moved to the gymnasium and saw the stage set up at one end. The students were just getting into position to begin the rehearsal.
As the production began, Trixie went back to wondering about the man who came looking for Jim. She didn’t like the idea; she also had a feeling trouble was brewing. She wasn’t sure if the visitor had anything to do with it or not, but she felt they needed to be careful.
The sound of applause interrupted her thoughts. She saw the students practicing their bows in the front of the room and she added her applause.
She stayed seated as Jim went over to the students and talked to them. She saw they were trying to see how fast they could get out of the costumes they were wearing.
As she stayed there, she watched Jim while he interacted with the students. She knew how much the school meant to him, as well as the students. He loved spending time talking to them each and every day to see how they were doing.
He is helping children who were in a similar situation as he was, she thought. He is making a difference for all of them. I can’t wait to see him with his own children.
“Trixie?”
“What?” She looked and saw Jim coming toward her.
He knelt in front of her. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” She creased her forehead. “Why do you ask?”
“I called your name three times,” Jim said, pushing the hair away from her forehead. “You had a far off look on your face.”
“I was just thinking.”
“About what?”
She smiled. “About you.”
Jim smiled. “I hope they were good thoughts.”
“They always are,” Trixie said.
“Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
“All right.”
She got to her feet and they made their way toward Jim’s office. They went inside and she sat down on the couch. The walk had tired her out.
“I have a couple of things to take care of and then we can head home,” Jim said.
“There’s no rush. I just enjoy being with you.”
Before Jim could say anything, there was a knock on the door. Jim said, “Come in.”
The door opened to reveal Brian and Honey standing there.
“Hey there,” Jim said. “It’s good to see you both.”
“It’s only been two days,” Honey said coming into the office with Brian. She gave Jim a hug before sitting down on the couch with Trixie.
“I like seeing my family,” Jim said.
“At least we are close enough to see one another when we want,” Brian said. “It’s just a shame all of the Bob-Whites couldn’t have stayed in Sleepyside.”
“I know,” Trixie said. “I miss Dan.”
“Me too,” Honey said.
“So, why do we get this visit?” Jim asked.
“I came by to check on Marcus,” Brian said. “I wanted to make sure that cut is healing.”
Jim looked at his watch. “He should be heading to his room right now. We can go meet him.”
“All right,” Brian said.
Jim looked at Honey and Trixie. “We’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“We’ll be fine,” Honey said.
Jim and Brian left the office, closing the door behind them.
Honey turned to Trixie. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine. I just can’t wait for the baby to be born. It feels like I’ve been carrying this weight for years.”
“I felt the same way. But once you hold the baby, all that ‘weight’ as you call it, disappears from your mind.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. You’ll be thrilled as soon as that baby is in your arms for the first time.”
“I’m really looking forward to this.”
“I know you are,” Honey said. “But you’re not the only one. Jim is ecstatic.”
“He’s been great,” Trixie said, a dreamy look filling her face. “But I wish he would cut me a little slack.”
“He just wants to make sure everything is all right.”
“Did Brian get overprotective in the last month of your pregnancy?” Trixie asked.
“More than you realize. During that last month, whenever I was home, Brian had me resting on the couch doing absolutely nothing. I was going nuts. He wouldn’t even let me go to the kitchen to get a glass of water.”
“Jim hasn’t gone that far.”
“At least you’re taking the whole month off before the baby is due,” Honey said. “I think that will give Jim the idea that you are willing to take it easy.”
“I thought it was a good idea. I want to make sure everything is set for when we bring the baby home for the first time.”
“You and Jim are going to make terrific parents.”
“Thanks.”
At that moment, the telephone on Jim’s desk rang. Trixie got to her feet and moved to the desk. She picked up the phone. “Hello?” There was no response. “Hello?”
Click.
“Who is it?” Honey asked.
Trixie set the phone down. “I don’t know. The person hung up.”
“Maybe the person expected Jim to answer,” Honey suggested.
Trixie knew that was possible. The phone rang again. She picked it up.
“Jim Frayne’s office. How can I help you?”
Click.
She set the phone down again. Honey asked, “Another hang up?”
Trixie nodded. “This is too weird.”
“Don’t get on a mystery kick,” Honey said. “That will make Jim angry.”
“I know.” Trixie moved back to the couch and sat down. She leaned back and closed her eyes.
She was tired. I’m always tired nowadays, she thought. I don’t want to get involved in a mystery right now. I have enough to deal with.
She heard the office door open and she opened her eyes. Brian and Jim came in.
“How’s the patient?” Honey asked.
“Doing just fine,” Brian said. He looked at his sister. “How are you feeling? You look tired.”
“I’ve been having trouble sleeping,” she admitted. “It’s tough to sleep with this weight.”
“It’ll only be a few more weeks,” Brian said. “Then you won’t be able sleep, but it’ll be a different kind of tired.”
“I think I can handle that.”
“Well, if it gets to the point where you can’t sleep at all, let me know.”
“I’ll be fine,” Trixie said. “But thanks.”
“No problem.” Brian looked at his watch and then at Honey. “We need to get going.”
Honey looked at her watch. “You’re right. We need to pick up Petey from your parents.”
“Thanks for stopping by,” Jim said. “You’ve set my mind at ease.”
“Let me know if you need anything else,” Brian said.
“All right,” Jim said.
“I’ll call you later, Trix,” Honey said.
“That’s fine.”
Brian and Honey left the office, closing the door behind them. Jim moved over and sat down on the couch beside her. He took her hand in his. With his other hand, he brushed the hair back from her face. “Why don’t we head home so you can take it easy?”
“I’m fine,” she said, turning to look at him. “But I am getting hungry.”
“I don’t think you’re the only one who is hungry,” Jim said putting his hand on her belly.
Trixie felt the baby kicking. She put her hand on Jim’s as she looked at him. He was also smiling. She said, “I think our little one is telling us something.”
“Why don’t we go into town for lunch and then head home?” Jim suggested.
“We need to stop at the store. There are a few things I need to pick up.”
“Like what?” Jim asked, moving closer.
“Some milk and bread. We’ve also run out of pickles.”
“I thought we bought a jar the other day,” Jim said.
“We did.”
“We can see if there’s anything else we need when we get there.”
“That sounds great.”
“Why don’t we go then,” Jim said. “We should head to Wimpy’s for lunch. It’s been a while since we’ve been there.”
“I’d like that.”
“Then let’s go.”
Trixie got to her feet and slipped her coat on. She was looking forward to going to their old hangout.
As they exited the office, they heard Jim’s name called out. One of the other teachers was coming in their direction.
“I’m going to the Jeep,” Trixie said.
“I’ll be there in a moment.”
Trixie nodded and made her way out to the Jeep. As she neared it, she saw some movement near the woods. She stared, trying to see what it was.
Could someone be lurking around the school? she thought. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s probably one of the students hurrying inside to warm up. I’m probably letting my imagination get the best of me.
She shook her head and climbed in the Jeep. As she closed the door, she looked out the windshield. Jim had just exited the front door and was pulling his jacket tightly around himself. He hurried along the path toward the Jeep.
He got in and they headed for lunch.
* * * * *
When they arrived at Wimpy’s, they moved to a booth and sat down. Within a few minutes, they had given the waitress their order. As they waited for their food Trixie looked out the window, since Jim was involved in a conversation on his cell phone.
As she watched the people walking by, she saw the snow was coming down even more. She wondered if they were going to get a blizzard since it didn’t seem to want to stop.
She looked across the street and saw a man standing on the sidewalk, apparently staring at Wimpy’s. He was wearing black jeans and a black coat with a cap pulled down over his eyes. She had a feeling she had seen him before, but she couldn’t place where.
The man turned and quickly walked away. She watched him go. She wished she could remember where she’d seen him before. She wondered if the man had something to do with one of her past cases.
“Trix.”
She turned and saw Jim was staring at her. He reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“Sorry,” she said.
“It’s all right.”
“Did you ask me something?”
Jim shook his head. “What’s going on outside? Something mysterious?”
Trixie smiled at her husband. “I was just watching the snow.”
Jim looked out the window. “It really is coming down. I think another storm is heading our way.”
“We shouldn’t waste a lot of time,” Trixie said.
“After we stop at the store, we’ll head back to our nice, warm home.” Jim squeezed her hand again. “Just the two of us.”
“I’d like that.”
The waitress brought their order and they started eating. The thought of the man slipped from Trixie’s mind.
They went to the store once they finished eating and picked up the items they needed. As they made their way through the store, Trixie kept having the feeling that someone was following them.
Each time she turned around, there was no one there. She tried to shake the feeling, but it wouldn’t go away. She hoped it was just her imagination.
They paid for their items and went back to the Jeep.
Once inside, Trixie hooked her seatbelt and leaned back. She closed her eyes. She felt Jim get in beside her and close the door.
As he started the engine, she felt him take her hand in his. Jim said, “We’ll be home shortly.”
“I can’t wait.”
As Jim pulled out of the parking lot, Trixie opened her eyes. She could see the snow coming down even more.
“Do you know how much snow we’re supposed to get?” Trixie asked.
“Possibly a foot,” Jim answered. “But there’s no need to worry.”
“I’m not.”
Jim looked at her. “You really look tired.” He focused back on the road. “You probably shouldn’t have done so much.”
“I think it was all the fresh air.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
Trixie watched Jim as he maneuvered his way along the snow covered roads. It looked to her as if the plows hadn’t gone through yet.
They were halfway home when Jim said, “He can’t be doing this.”
“What is it?” she asked.
Jim looked in his rearview and then the side mirror before focusing on the road in front of them. “This guy is tailgating. I wish he would just back off.”
Trixie turned and looked out the back window. The car was right on their bumper.
“Is your seatbelt on?” Jim asked.
“Yeah,” Trixie said reaching down and making sure it was secure.
She looked at Jim and saw his hands were holding the wheel tightly. She knew he was concerned. He was focused on his driving. She knew she needed to stay quiet.
“Hang on.”
She looked out the drivers’ side window and saw the car had pulled up beside them. The car swung toward the Jeep.
Jim quickly turned the wheel to the right. The Jeep slipped off the road and went front end into a ditch. They were both thrown forward. Their seatbelts held them, but Jim hit his head on the steering wheel. Trixie hit her head on the passenger window as she fell back in the seat.
Author’s Notes: Once again my esteemed appreciation goes to Kaye and Amy for the edit. And more thanks goes to Amy for making my site look as good as it does. This story was the first story I wrote after I found Trixie Belden on the ’net. I was amazed at all the wonderful writing and that many people had aged the Bob-Whites and had them moving in new directions, and even some non-traditional paths. Everyone’s stories that I read were an inspiration as to what I could write and am pleased that this story, while it was the first one I had written after I had found Jix, it is also the story for my fourth Jixaversary. I am honored to be a member of this wonderful community and thank everyone for making me feel right at home. You all are truly wonderful.
Disclaimer: This is an unauthorized fan fiction site and is not affiliated with Random House in any way. No profit is being made from these pages.
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