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You Had Me From Hello
Soft crying woke 24-year-old Trixie Frayne. Quietly getting out of bed, she slipped on her robe and made her way to the nursery. She stepped into the room and saw their month old daughter, Katje, was crying. She picked the baby up and held her close to her chest.
“What’s wrong with Mommy’s little angel?” she asked quietly.
Katje’s tears continued to fall as she squirmed in Trixie’s embrace.
Trixie moved over to the changing table and quickly got a dry diaper on her daughter. Once that task was done, she headed downstairs to get a bottle ready.
Cradling Katje in her arm, she tried to be as quiet as she could so she didn’t wake her husband, Jim.
James Winthrop Frayne II was her husband of almost a year. Their first anniversary was just days away.
Once the bottle was ready, Trixie moved into the living room and settled in the recliner. As Katje ate, Trixie tried to hold back a yawn. She was exhausted.
I never really thought having a baby would be so tiring, she thought. I love having her in my life, but there is so much responsibility and care needed. This is much different than when all of the Bob-Whites were caring for Dodgy. I think it all worked so well since we were working together. But right now, it’s just Jim and me.
And Jim is doing his best. I can’t ask him to stay home. He has work that he has to do at the school. His job is important. And when he is home, he helps out all he can. He’s wonderful. I just hope that this will get easier as time goes by.
Trixie lifted Katje to her shoulder when she finished eating and got her to burp. As she stood up, she cradled Katje in her arms and rocked her to sleep.
Heading back up to the nursery, she set Katje in her crib and watched her sleep for a moment.
“Sleep tight, my darling.”
The next morning Trixie was up early again since Katje was hungry. She had gotten into habit of getting to their daughter before she woke Jim, so he would be well rested for work.
After feeding Katje, she made Jim some breakfast knowing it wouldn’t be long before he made an appearance.
She was rocking Katje in her arms when Jim finally entered the kitchen. He asked, “How are my two girls?”
“One is fed and ready for another nap,” Trixie said.
Jim kissed Katje then gave Trixie a peck on the cheek. “And the other one?”
“Ready to eat breakfast with you.”
Jim smiled. “Let me put our beautiful baby girl in the basinet and then we can eat.”
“All right,” Trixie said, handing Katje to him.
Trixie watched Jim hold Katje close to his chest as they moved toward the basinet. Once she was set inside, Jim returned to the table and they sat down.
“What do you have planned for today?” Jim asked as they ate.
“Nothing much.” Trixie covered her mouth as she yawned.
“How many times did she wake you last night?” Jim asked setting his fork down.
“I think four.”
“I didn’t even hear her.”
“It’s all right. Each time I heard her start fussing, I got to her before she could wake you.”
“I would’ve gone to her so you could get some sleep.”
“It’s okay.”
“Well, I don’t think I’ll be late tonight ad maybe you can get some sleep. You do look tired.”
“I’m all right.”
“I need to get going,” Jim said getting to his feet. He moved next to her and gave her a kiss. “I love you and I’ll see you later.”
“I love you too.”
“Bye.”
Trixie watched Jim grab his keys and leave the house.
She knew that if she had woken Jim, he would’ve gone to Katje, but then both of them would’ve been exhausted.
“I guess that’s one of the prices we have to pay for having a baby and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Katje started crying again.
“I guess someone wants her Momma,” Trixie mumbled heading to the basinet. Picking Katje up, the tears seemed to ease some. “Let’s get the work done together.”
Trixie felt something get draped over her and her hair get brushed back from her face. Opening her eyes, she saw Katje asleep in the bed beside her. She immediately remembered barricading Katje on the bed with pillows before stretching out beside her.
Rolling onto her back, she saw Jim sitting on the bed beside her.
“Hello, there,” Jim said with a smile.
“When did you get home?” Trixie asked softly.
“A little while ago.” Jim brushed a curl behind her ear. “It looks like you got some rest.”
Trixie looked at Katje, then back at Jim. “She let me take a nap too.”
“Are you hungry?”
“A little and you probably are too.” Trixie started to sit up. “I’ll go pull something together.”
“Stay put,” Jim said. “I’ll get dinner ready so you can rest a little longer.”
“Jim, I can handle it. Besides, you’ve been working all day.”
“Making a simple meal won’t be a problem. You relax until it’s time to eat.”
“All right.”
As Jim left the room, Trixie leaned back and closed her eyes.
Jim is absolutely wonderful, she thought. After working all day, he comes home and offers to make dinner. I am going to have to figure out some way to show my appreciation.
Before she could come up with a plan, Katje started crying. Letting out a sigh, Trixie rolled to her side and opened her eyes. She reached over and Katje grasped Trixie’s thumb in her little hand.
In a fluid motion, Trixie scooped Katje up and cradled her in her arm. Getting to her feet, she made her way downstairs. As she stepped into the kitchen, she saw a bottle was being heated on the stove.
Jim turned away from the stove and smiled. “I thought you were going back to sleep.”
“Someone had other plans.”
“I kind of thought she would. That’s why I got the bottle started. It should be ready in a moment.”
“All right.”
Trixie settled at the table with Katje. “So, how were things at the school today?”
“Fine. The kids have been studying hard and I think this is going to be a successful year.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“Mart has also been putting in a lot of time.”
“That surprises me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, Mart has been spending a lot of time here in Sleepyside.”
“He works here,” Jim said getting the bottle and handing it to her.
“I know that. But there have been several times in the past couple weeks he’s stayed at the farm instead of going home.”
“Why should he drive all the way back to the city late at night if he’s going to have to turn around and come right back?”
“You have a point there.” Trixie adjusted her arm holding Katje. “But I still think there’s something going on. Mart used to make sure he was home each night to be with Di and the twins.”
“Trix, your brother has been putting in a lot of time at the school and probably figured it was better staying here instead of going back to the city. If he was tired, it was probably better he stayed instead of making the long drive and getting into an accident.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I know you think something is going on, but I wouldn’t worry about it.” He kissed the top of her head. “Besides, I thought you said no business for a couple months.”
“I never said anything about family.”
“Too true.”
At that moment, the buzzer on the stove went off ending the conversation. As Jim took care of the food, Trixie finished feeding Katje, burped her and set her in the basinet. She was looking forward to a quiet dinner.
When they finished eating, Trixie insisted that she would do the dishes since Jim cooked. Once she finished, she walked into the living room and saw Jim leaning back in the recliner with Katje cradled against his chest, asleep.
She watched him for a moment as she thought about how perfect they looked together. Jim loves her just as much as I do. They look wonderful together.
The ringing of the phone got her attention. She quickly grabbed the living room extension before Jim woke.
“Hello?”
“Trixie? It’s Di.”
“Hi, Di. How are you?”
“I’m okay. Trixie, there’s a reason I called.”
“I thought so. What is it?”
“Have you see Mart?”
“Not today. Why?”
“He hasn’t returned home yet.”
“Maybe he’s working late or is at the farm.”
“Trixie, when he does either of those things, he usually calls.”
“There’s no answer at the farm?” Trixie asked, surprised.
“None. I’m worried about him, Trixie. This is so unusual.”
“Okay, Di. You need to relax. Let me see what Jim has to say.”
“Okay.”
Trixie set the phone down and moved into the living room. She moved next to the chair and gently shook his shoulder. “Jim, wake up.”
“What?” Jim asked opening his eyes.
“Jim, did you see Mart today?”
“Yeah.”
“And?”
“And what?”
Trixie let out a breath. “Di is on the phone wondering where Mart is. Did he say anything to you about his plans for after work?”
“No, he didn’t,” Jim said as he sat up. “I figured he was going back to the city.”
Trixie picked up the phone and put it to her ear. “Di, Jim has no clue as to where Mart is. If you want, we’ll start making calls here.”
“That’s not necessary, Trixie. He’s probably on his way now and is stuck in traffic. I’ll talk to you later.”
Click.
Trixie set the phone down. Jim asked, “Mart’s not home?”
Trixie turned to face him. “Not yet. She said that he’s not at the farm and doesn’t think he’s working late.”
“Maybe I should go check the school,” Jim said getting to his feet without waking Katje. “He may still be there.”
“Would you mind?”
“No.” Jim handed Katje to her and gave her a kiss. “I’ll be back.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Jim grabbed his coat and left the house.
What is going on with that brother of mine? She wondered. Why didn’t he say something to Di instead of having her worry? That is so unlike him. I wonder what is going on.
Two hours later, Trixie heard an engine in the driveway. Glancing out the window, she saw Jim pull his Jeep to a stop. She let the curtain fall as she moved toward the kitchen door to let him in.
As she pulled the door open, she saw Jim was at the passenger door of the Jeep. In the moonlight she saw her brother being helped out of the vehicle. She watched Mart stumble as he took a couple steps.
Jim helped Mart inside and her brother fell into one of the kitchen chairs.
“What’s going on?” Trixie asked.
“He’s drunk,” Jim said, slipping off his coat and hanging it on the hook by the door.
“What?”
“I found him at the bar in town.”
“What were you doing there?” Trixie asked staring at her almost twin.
“None of your business,” Mart said, slurring his words.
“I think it may be Di’s.”
“Leave Di out of this.”
“I’ll make some coffee so we can sober him up,” Jim said.
“I think we should let him suffer,” Trixie said.
“Trix.”
She let out a breath. “I know.”
As Jim set to making the coffee, Trixie sat down next to her brother. “Mart, tell me what’s going on. Why did you go get drunk?”
“Leave it alone.”
“Come on, Mart. Level with me. Di was worried about you when she called.”
Mart’s head picked up. “Di called?”
Trixie nodded. “She tried reaching you at the school and at the farm. And when she couldn’t, she called us.”
“I should call her,” Mart mumbled.
“Why don’t you let Trixie do that,” Jim suggested handing him a mug. “I don’t think you’re in any condition to explain yourself.”
“I can handle my own wife,” Mart said harshly.
“It was only a suggestion,” Jim said.
Trixie could see Jim was getting angry.
“I can handle my own affairs, thank you very much.” Mart staggered to his feet.
Trixie quickly got up. “Let me get the phone for you.”
“I can get it myself.” Mart shoved Trixie back as he staggered and he hit the floor, hard.
Trixie fell backward into the counter before sinking to the floor.
“Trixie!” Jim exclaimed as he crouched down beside her.
“I’m all right,” Trixie mumbled, reaching for her back where it hit.
“Are you sure?”
Trixie looked at Jim and saw there was concern on his face. “I’m okay.” She looked over to where Mart was sprawled on the linoleum. “Mart?”
Jim moved over and rolled Mart onto his back. “He’s out.”
Trixie let out a breath. “Can you get him to the guest room?”
“Yeah. He should probably sleep it off, but he’ll be regretting it in the morning.”
“It’s his own fault.”
Jim hauled Mart to his feet and got a hold of him. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
As Jim left the room, Trixie struggled to her feet. Standing up straight, she realized she was all right, but bruises would show up. Grabbing the phone, she quickly dialed Di’s number.
The phone was picked up on the second ring. “Mart?”
“No, Di. It’s Trixie.”
“Trixie, I can’t talk now. I need to keep the line open in case Mart calls.”
“Di, Mart is here at Ten Acres.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He wasn’t feeling good so he crashed.”
“Is he all right?”
“He will be after he gets some sleep,” Trixie said.
Di was quiet for a moment. “Could you have him call me in the morning?”
“Of course.”
“Thanks, Trixie.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
Trixie set the phone down. She had no idea what was going on between those two, but was determined to figure it out.
“Hey.”
Turning, she saw Jim entering the kitchen. She smiled at him. “Is Mart all taken care of?”
Jim nodded. “He’ll be out all night.” He wrapped his arms around her. “How are you?”
“I’m okay.”
“Really?”
“I may have some bruises, but I’ll be okay.”
“I take it you let Di know he was here?”
Trixie nodded. “Mart needs to call her when he gets up.”
Jim pulled her close to his chest and held her tight. “Trix, I need to tell you something.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ll never let anyone hurt you. Not even your family.”
“Thank you. But I don’t think Mart knew what he was doing.”
Jim leaned back and looked at her. “That’s no excuse.”
“I know.” Trixie stifled a yawn. “Sorry.”
“That’s all right.” Jim brushed the long curls behind her ears. “Why don’t you go to bed? If I’m right, Katje will be hungry soon and I’ll give her a bottle.”
“That’s okay. I can take care of it. You’ve worked all day and I know you need to get back to the school early in the morning.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” Jim said, running his hands through her hair.
“And what’s that?” Trixie asked softly as he kissed her cheek.
“We take care of that together.” He kissed the side of her neck.
“I like the sound of that,” she murmured as he nuzzled her neck. Trixie leaned back as he continued to kiss her moving to the front of her neck and then to the other side. It had been a while since Jim had kissed her like that.
As his kisses moved closer to her lips, there was crying. Jim groaned as Trixie leaned her head against his chest.
She said, “Your daughter has impeccable timing.”
“How about I get her while you get the bottle ready?”
“All right.” She gave Jim a kiss. “But we will finish later.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Jim returned the kiss and went to get their daughter.
“I guess there is romance after having a baby, after all,” she mumbled as she got the bottle ready.
The next morning Trixie and Jim were seated at the table eating breakfast when Mart stumbled into the room.
“Good morning, my almost twin.”
“Shhh,” Mart said putting his head in his hands. “My head hurts.”
“Serves you right,” Jim said.
“Wait a second,” Mart said, sitting down. “Back up here. What is going on?”
“What do you remember from last night?” Jim asked.
“Nothing. My mind is blank.”
“Would you like me to fill you in?” Jim asked.
“Jim,” Trixie warned, seeing he was still upset about what happened to her the previous evening.
“What is going on?” Mart asked loudly and wincing.
“How about I brought you back here after finding you drunk at the bar. Then when Trixie suggested you call Di and went to grab the phone, you shoved her into the counter.”
Mart’s eyes flew wide open as he stared at her. “Are you all right?”
“Well, I could’ve lived without the bruises.”
“Oh, Trix. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”
“Why don’t you tell us what you were doing at the bar,” Trixie suggested.
“It’s nothing.”
Trixie decided she wasn’t going to push it. “Fine. You don’t have to tell us. But you need to call Di. She wanted to talk to you once you woke up.”
“All right.” Mart got to his feet. “I’ll call her.”
Mart left the kitchen grabbing the phone as he went. They listened as the door to the guest bedroom was closed.
“Trix, why didn’t you push it with Mart?”
“I think there’s something going on between him and Di. And if there is, I don’t want to alienate him, but be there to support him.”
Jim reached over and squeezed her hand. “You always think of others.”
“I just want everyone to be happy.”
“YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” Mart yelled. “YOU CAN’T!”
“I don’t think they are happy,” Jim said.
A sudden thump was heard. Trixie looked at Jim. “I think you’re right.”
Trixie got to her feet and headed to the guest bedroom. Knocking on the door, she asked, “Mart? Can I come in?”
There was no response.
She pushed the door open and was surprised at the sight. Mart was sitting on the bed, his elbows on his knees with his head in his hands.
“Mart? What’s going on?” He stayed quiet. “Is something wrong with Di or the twins?”
“The twins are fine.”
“Then what is it?”
Mart lifted his head staring at the wall. “Di wants a divorce.”
“What?” Trixie’s mouth fell open, shocked.
“Di wants a divorce,” Mart repeated.
“Did she way why?”
“No.”
“Mart, you have to talk to her. I know you love her and she loves you.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if she does,” Mart said softly.
“What do you mean?”
“Never mind,” Mart said getting to his feet.
“I won’t never mind.” Trixie stood up. “I have realized something is going on with you two. Now, why don’t you level with me?”
“Why should I?”
“Because I’m your sister.”
“Like that means anything,” Mart spat out.
Trixie felt as if she had been slapped. “What is going on?”
Mart turned to face her and he looked angry. “Being my sister used to mean something, but that has changed.”
“I’ll always be your sister. Nothing will ever change that.”
“Things have changed. You didn’t even have the decency to come to my wedding.”
Trixie knew he was upset. “I apologized for not coming. I couldn’t get away.”
“Always an excuse. But you were able to get away for Brian and Honey’s. I know which brother you care about the most.”
“All of you mean the same to me.”
“Right.” Mart turned and started for the door. He stopped, and then turned back. “You know, I don’t even care that you weren’t there. Those who really cared made an effort to be there.”
“Mart, I do care.”
“Yeah, right. All these problems with Di started when you couldn’t attend the wedding. So in reality, this mess is you fault.”
“It’s not my fault if you and Di can’t talk things out. That’s the only way to fix what’s wrong.”
“It is your fault,” Mart sneered. “And nothing will change my thoughts on that.”
Mart pulled the bedroom door open and walked out.
Trixie stood there in shock. She couldn’t understand her brother’s thinking or why he blamed her. It didn’t make sense.
“Trix?” a voice said getting her attention.
Looking up she saw Jim standing in the doorway. She tried to smile, but she couldn’t.
“Trix? What’s going on? Mart just stormed out of here. Did he talk to Di?”
“He talked to her.” She sat down on the bed.
“And I take it the news isn’t good.”
Trixie shook her head. “It’s not good. Di wants a divorce.”
“What? Why?”
“I don’t know,” Trixie said softly.
“Trix, are you all right?” Jim asked as he walked over and kneeled in front of her.
Trixie looked at Jim’s concerned face. She knew the problems Mart and Di were having were not her fault, but still felt bad that she had missed their wedding. She had wanted to be there, but she had been working with agents and couldn’t get away.
“Trix?”
She blinked. “What time do you have to be at school?”
“I have time. Why?”
“Would you mind staying here for a little while? I need to get out of here.”
“Sure.”
Trixie leaned forward and gave Jim a kiss. “Thank you.”
An hour later Trixie was making her way back o the house. She had needed to get out and clear her thoughts. Walking through the woods seemed to help. She knew she wasn’t at fault. She knew he struck out at her because he was upset about Di’s decision and she couldn’t hold it against him.
I should have made an effort to explain the reason I couldn’t be here to them, she thought. I do feel bad that I missed it, but what else could I do? It was my job. I wonder if there is anything I can do to help them solve their problems and realize how much they love each other. There has to be something.
Returning to the house, Trixie stepped into the warm kitchen and was surprised at how quiet it was. Slipping off her coat and hanging it on the hook, she made her way toward the living room looking for Jim.
Stopping in the doorway, she immediately saw him stretched out on the floor with Katje beside him between two pillows. They were asleep.
Trixie moved over toward them and settled on the floor by Jim’s head.
I don’t know how I would survive if Jim wanted a divorce, she thought. We love each other so much that it’s something I couldn’t fathom.
Brushing the red hair back on Jim’s forehead, she gave it a kiss. As she leaned back, she saw Jim move and open his eyes. He looked up and smiled.
“You’re back.”
“Yeah. Thanks for sticking around.”
“No problem.” Jim propped his head up on his arm. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay.” She looked at her watch. “You should probably get to the school.”
“I can stick around if you need me to.”
“I’ll always need you, but you should go to work.”
Jim stared at her. “You know, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say that you needed me.”
“I may not say it, but I do. I don’t know what my life would be like without you.”
“Probably lonely like we’ve already gone through.”
“At least we were able to get back together.”
“That’s true.” Jim sat up. “If you need to talk or anything, give me a call.”
“Okay.”
Jim leaned over and gave her a kiss. “By the way, Mother called and wants to know what kind of music we would like to have at the anniversary dinner at the country club.”
Trixie groaned. “Why did we agree to this?”
“Maybe because Mother was so insistent.”
“When does she need to know?”
“Tomorrow at the latest. I know that’s not much time to think about it, but we could discuss it at dinner.”
Trixie smiled. “I’d like that.”
“All right. I’ll see you later.” Jim kissed her again. “Have a good day.”
“You too.”
“Bye.” Jim got to his feet and left the house.
She looked at Katje. “I guess it’s just you and me today, sweetie.”
That night, Trixie and Jim were snuggled on the couch together watching television. She was leaning up against him as he cradled Katje in his left arm. They had already come up with a list of songs for the anniversary party and Jim was going to drop them off to his mother the following day.
As they sat there, Trixie allowed her eyes to close as she thought back to earlier in the day. As much as she didn’t want to, she called Di to see if she was all right and to find out what was really going on. But there was no answer. She wondered if Mart and Di would be able to get through this.
The doorbell ringing got her attention. She sat up as she opened her eyes and then got to her feet. She made her way to the door and pulled it open.
“Hi, Trix.”
“Dan!” Trixie exclaimed. “It’s so good to see you. Come on in.”
“How are you?” he asked stepping inside and she closed the door.
“Pretty good. How about you?”
“Not bad. How is the littlest Frayne?”
Trixie smiled. “Come see for yourself.”
She led Dan into the living room where Jim was sitting.
“Dan, it’s good to see you,” Jim said. “I would get up, but…”
“I understand,” Dan said with a laugh.
“Have a seat,” Trixie said motioning toward the recliner. She sat down beside Jim.
“So what’s with the visit?” Jim asked. “Is there something going on that we need to know about?”
“I was hoping you would tell me.”
“What do you mean?” Trixie asked, confused/
“Well, I called Di and Mart’s place earlier today to confirm that Mart and I were going to get together. Di told me he wasn’t there. And when I asked to leave a message, she told me he wasn’t coming back.”
“Di said that?” Trixie asked.
Dan nodded. “Now, what is going on? Di wouldn’t tell me and I haven’t been able to reach Mart.”
“Well,” Trixie began, looking at Jim.
“He’ll find out soon enough.”
“Well.”
Before Trixie could tell him the front door flew open and Honey hurried toward her. “Trixie, have you heard what’s going on?”
“How did you find out?” Trixie asked.
“Then it’s true?”
“I can’t believe it.”
“Would you two stop?” Dan asked loudly.
Honey turned to him. “Dan! It’s been a while.”
“It sure has,” another voice said.
Trixie looked and watched her eldest brother, Brian, come into the house closing the door behind him.
“Brian!” Trixie exclaimed.
“Yes, it’s me.” He looked at Dan. “It’s good to see you.”
“Same here,” Dan said. “Now, would someone please tell me what’s going on with Mart and Di?”
“You don’t know that Di wants a divorce?” Brian asked.
“What?” Dan asked.
“That’s right,” Trixie said.
“Why does Di want a divorce?” Dan asked. “The two of them are in love.”
“That’s something none of us knows,” Trixie said, glancing at Honey. She noticed her sister-in-law looking at the floor. “Or do we?”
“Honey? Do you know something?” Jim asked.
“Honey?” Brian asked, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Honey lifted her head and Trixie could see the tears in her eyes. Trixie moved to Honey. “What is it?”
She took a breath. “Mart’s cheating on Di.”
Author’s Notes: My esteemed appreciation goes to Amy for the edit. I really do appreciate all your hard work for editing and creating a marvelous page for my stories. You definitely rock. The title “You Had Me From Hello” comes from Kenny Chesney. I am borrowing the title and will return it when I’m done.
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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