Gwyn's Return, page 1
Copyright © 2021 by Heidi Harris
Paperback: ISBN-13 : 979-8473619256
Hardcover: ISBN-13 : 979-8477908844
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Heidi Harris, heidiharriswrites@gmail.com.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by Heidi Harris
Illustrations by Heidi Harris
Contents
For Alfred,
Scripture
Map of Angeline
Map of Dorin
Gwyn's Family Tree
Goldie Locke's Family Tree
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. 6
7. 7
8. 8
9. 9
10. 10
11. 11
12. 12
13. 13
14. 14
15. 15
16. 16
17. 17
18. 18
19. 19
20. 20
21. 21
22. 22
23. 23
24. 24
25. 25
26. 26
27. 27
28. 28
11 Months Later...
29. 29
30. 30
1 Year Later...
31. 31
10 Years Later...
32. 32
5 Years Later...
33. 33
34. 34
35. EPILOGUE
NIGHTINGALE EFFECT
36. 1
1 Year Later...
37. 2
38. 3
Heidi Harris
Books by Heidi Harris: Storyteller
For Alfred,
One of the most loyal, hardworking men you will ever meet.
He is diligence in action.
He is one of the most practical men I know, and I respect him for it.
He is a godly man that does his best to live it daily.
Scripture
“Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.”
(Proverbs 4:23) NASB
There are times in my life where I did the right thing,
because it was the right thing; not because it was the easy thing.
In the end, it helped me to be a better woman.
Giving up is easy, but it doesn't lead to a happy life.
If you find something worth working for, work for it.
It will be worth it.
1
“Wait up!” I ran after my Aunt Nadia. She slowed down enough to give me a chance to catch up. “Where are Nolan and Niko?” I scanned the area for my younger cousins.
“Ashlyn has them. They wanted to play with Tara and Tristan. Is everything okay?” Nadia put her arm around me.
Everything was not okay. My future was catching up to me. I had sought out Nadia, because she made me feel better. She grew up in Angeline, just like I did. Even though we looked nothing alike with her hair in purple and black pigtails put up in identical messy buns, we were kindred souls.
“My brother is being nice to you, isn't he?” Nadia smirked.
“Yeah, Dad is fine.” I shrugged. “No worries there.”
“I hear your 17th birthday is coming up.” My aunt gave my shoulder a little squeeze and let go.
“Yeah, about that.” I winced.
“It's really not so bad.” Nadia gave me a knowing look.
“I'm just not a hundred percent sure that I want to go back to Angeline right now. I mean, I'm still getting used to the real world. I actually have a friend here.” I sighed.
“It takes a while to get the hang of the real world.” Nadia kicked the sand, and it flew up in the air.
I nodded. “Yeah, exactly.”
“You're still trying to find yourself.” My Aunt Nadia seemed to read my soul.
“Yeah, maybe that's it.” I hadn't thought about it like that. “Maybe.” My attention shifted to the horizon as I thought about the concept more in depth.
“How are Sawel and Si?” Nadia changed the subject.
“They are... them.” I rolled my eyes.
“Brothers, man.” Nadia grinned. “I should know. I have one on either side.”
“Twin trouble.” I rolled my eyes. “They are so competitive, half the time they are arguing about something.” I kicked the sand. I like the way it felt in between my toes. “It wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so competitive. Everything is a race.”
“Boys can be like that. Girls can too.” She kicked sand into the air again.
“I'm on the varsity softball team this year.” I kicked up more sand as I walked.
“Congratulations.” Aunt Nadia smiled. “I bet your Dad is so proud of you too. Kade was so excited when he got varsity in High School and the scholarship for college.”
“I was supposed to try out for relief pitcher, but I think... Dad's sure I'm going to get pitcher. He says I'm good enough, but I think he's partial.” The decision was weighing heavily on my heart. I knew I made the varsity team, but they hadn't confirmed if I only made relief pitcher. I should still get a chance to pitch, but it would be later in the game and I really wanted to start.
“Well, he would know. I mean, he's in line for MVP this year.” She winked at me.
“I know, Mom is ecstatic. She has several of her pictures in nationwide papers.” I nodded.
“I heard she is starting to get a reputation as a Sports Photographer.” Nadia grinned.
“She is.” I smiled. “Next time you come by, check out the pictures in the Living Room. It's starting to look like the Baseball Hall of Fame in there.” I shook my head and laughed. “Most of them are of Dad, but there are a few of Uncle Emmy hanging on the wall too.”
My Aunt Nadia laughed. “Kade is such a ham. I bet he loves it.”
I laughed. “I think Dad is going to get Rookie of the Year. They have won the first three games and two of them were because Dad got a home run in the last inning.” I was really proud of my father. I knew he put a lot of time into the game he loved and it was finally paying off.
“Don't tell Uncle Emmy, but Kade is my favorite player.” Aunt Nadia leaned forward like she had a secret.
“Mine too.” I giggled. “We have box seats tomorrow for the game. Are you coming?”
She groaned. “I wish I could, but I already promised Niko and Nolan I would take them to Karate practice.”
“Little Ninjas.” I grinned.
“They wish.” Nadia laughed.
“How is Uncle T doing? I haven't seen him around lately.”
“Oh, he's fine. He's working on a demo with his brothers. They wanted me to play bass with them, but I thought I would just record it by myself later and work it into the track. It takes them a while to work out their creative differences.” Nadia rolled her eyes.
“So my brothers are the only ones that argue?” I laughed.
“No.” My aunt's eyes were wide as she sighed.
“I really love their song, Time Traveling Love.” I thought about the heartfelt song.
“Me too.” Nadia grinned and hummed a few bars. “Riq was so proud when he finished writing it.” She referred to Uncle Tariq. Everyone else called him T.
“Enough talk about them. The game I want to see most is you.” Aunt Nadia pointed at me. “I will be there opening night.”
“Good, I can take all the support I can get.” I grinned.
“Don't tell the family that, or they will all show up.” Aunt Nadia whispered.
We both laughed together.
“Nobody wants that.” I rolled my eyes.
“No, they don't.” Aunt Nadia winked at me.
2
“Hurry up, kids! Dad's game starts in 10 minutes!” Mom growled. “We're not going to be late this time!”
“Coming!” My younger sister Kerris came bouncing down the stairs. “Daddy is going to be awesome.” She sang the last word.
“You better listen to your brothers and sister.” Mom pointed at Ker. “Remember, I have to take some pictures of Daddy.”
“And Uncle Emmy.” Sion walked into the room.
“And Uncle Emmy.” Mom agreed.
“And everyone else.” Sawel added.
“And everyone else.” Mom sighed. “So you guys need to make sure you don't lose your sister.” Mom pointed at each of us.
“It'll be fine Mom, promise. I think I can keep them in line.” I eyed my brothers. They both ignored me.
“You are all to be on your best behavior.” She pointed at each of us. “You got it?”
“Yes.” Si answered like he was bored with the conversation.
“Sure Mom.” Sawel nodded.
“What about me, Mommy?” Kerris stepped closer to her.
“You're to behave too.” A smile tugged at her lips. Mom's attention shifted to me.
I nodded my head. “I got this and if I don't next time, Grams and Gramps can watch you.” I glared at my brothers.
“All right. Let's go.” Mom touched her neckla
“It's alright. I got it.” I waved at Mom.
Mom pulled out a card and handed it to me. I put it in my back pocket. She rubbed her necklace and her camera was in hand along with her camera bag before she left me alone with my three siblings.
“Alright, we need snacks.” Sawel was adamant.
“I'll go get them.” Sion raised his hand.
“Me too.” Sawel nodded his head.
“I will stay here with Ker if you get us each a pop and...”
“Yeah, yeah we know.” Sawel interrupted.
Sion held out his hand for the card.
I pulled the card out of my back pocket. “I want receipts. Don't screw this up. We are supposed to come all season.” I frowned.
Sion clasped the card tightly. “We won't.”
My brothers disappeared out the door. I prayed to God they wouldn't screw it up. Maybe one of these days we would work out our differences, but today wasn't that day. I turned to check on Ker when I heard the door open behind me.
“What did you guys forget?” I turned back around to see a handsome man walking through the door.
“Nothing... yet.” He smirked. “I didn't see you guys walk past me.” He pointed toward the door. “Were they twins? I didn't see them walk in either.” He frowned. His gaze met mine, and a smile crossed his face.
“Well... I...” I was speechless. There was no logical way to explain to a normal person how we Storytold our way inside of here.
“What's your name?” Ker was ready to pounce on him with questions.
“Brent.” He answered.
“What are you doing here?” My pint size sister was a force to be reckoned with.
“I'm writing an article for my blog. My Dad got me this seat last minute. Normally, I hit the nosebleed section.” He smiled.
“That was nice of him.” Kerris agreed. “This is my sister.” She pointed to me.
He held out his hand to me. “Nice to meet you, sister.”
Kerris laughed and shook her head. “No, her name is Gwyn.”
“Nice to meet you Gwyn. I'm Brent.” He shook my hand. His blue eyes were captivating. “And you are?” He pointed to my younger sister.
“Kerris. Kerris Boik. My Daddy is the third baseman.” She told him proudly.
“Oh, that's a big deal.” Brent smiled slightly as he nodded his head.
“It is.” Kerris smiled.
Brent glanced at me and mouthed. Is she serious?
I nodded.
“So if she is his daughter... what does that make you? Are you adopted?” Brent's gaze returned to me.
“I... uh...” I stumbled over my words.
The door flew open just in the nick of time as Sawel and Sion came in bearing snacks. They were laughing as they made a beeline to us. They both started handing out drinks and snacks. Before I knew it, my hands were full.
“Thank you!” Kerris grinned.
“Thank you.” I took a drink of my cup.
They both sat down and started to get comfortable.
“The card?” I asked.
Sion slipped it into my back pocket with a crumpled up receipt.
“Thanks.” I searched for a good place to put down my pretzel and drink. I finally decided to put the pretzel on my leg and hoped it balanced long enough to eat.
“Who are you?” Sawel demanded.
“That's Brent, he is writing an article about Daddy.” Kerris took a bite of her hot dog.
“Oh, okay.” Sion answered and gave Sawel a look.
I knew what that expression meant right away. We weren't supposed to mention that Kade was our Dad, mainly because we were too old to be his kids and Dad gave out his real age for the stats. The rest of the world didn't know about Angeline and wouldn't understand. Kerris was still young enough that they wouldn't put much thought into it, but it was easier if everyone thought we were his siblings or cousins.
My brothers shot me a look. I nodded almost imperceptibly. They wanted me to handle Mr. Article Writer. He was asking too many questions. We needed to start reminding Ker to shut up around strangers. I knew that would be an uphill battle, because she was so proud of Dad. We all were.
Sion and Sawel traded food back and forth. We tried to dodge all future questions with our mouths full. It helped. Brent seemed to take the hint.
Kerris stood up. “Daddy's up!” She grinned.
The Gs walked through the door. My Dad's parents walked up to us. We already had Grams and Gramps, so usually referred to them as the Gs when I talked about them at home. In person, I usually just called Dad's Mom by her name Alison and his Dad Cassius by Cass.
“I didn't know you were coming?” I took another drink.
“Sorry to disappoint.” Alison grinned.
“No, G. We're glad you could come.” Sawel got up and made a place for Cass to sit between them. “Sit here.”
Cass scooped up Kerris and pointed towards Dad. He hit the ball, and it went straight to right field. Dad made it to first, but the ball was back to the pitcher before he could make it to second. We were a little bummed about that, but at least he had made it on base. A few plays went by. Brent disappeared. I wasn't sure if he had enough for his article and was leaving or something else. A few more minutes went by and I forgot about him altogether.
“G, can you watch them?” I glanced at Alison.
“Sure Honey.” She nodded.
“I'm going to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back.” I got up and made my way out the door.
It didn't take me long to run into Brent. “You're a Storyteller.” He laid down the accusation.
I glanced at him, but chose not to answer.
He tried another tactic. “Where are you running off to?” His eyes were curious.
“This isn't 20 Questions. Sorry.” I tried to ignore him, but he matched me step for step.
“Force of habit.” Brent kept walking with me. “But from what your little sister said, there's only one conclusion I can come to.”
I felt like he was trying to trap me. For all I knew, he was trying to record the conversation. What I wouldn't give right now to have my full Storytelling Abilities, but I wasn't 17 and although that did happen from time to time before my birthday, I didn't have control of when it would work. And right now, it wasn't working, no matter how intently I thought the story.
If this kept up, I might have a problem with Brent. I really didn't want to have to involve Mom, but the risk of Brent exposing us was growing greater as each second ticked by. My parents definitely needed to have a talk with Ker and explain the situation. I could always ask the Gs to Storytell my way out of this. That was better than disrupting Mom and Dad while they were at work, I reasoned.
Brent put a hand on my shoulder and stopped me. I froze, not sure what to think or do. “Hey, like it's okay.”
Brent scanned the area to make sure no one was listening or staring at either of us. He reached into his shirt and pulled out a silver coin hanging around his neck. I recognized the style immediately. Every male in my family had a necklace like that with their last name engraved on the coin. It was used to hone Storyteller Abilities.
“I'm Brent Poveste, by the way, if that helps this conversation along.” His eyes held mine.
I winced. I swallowed and scanned the area. No one was paying any attention to us in the least. I wasn't a 100% sure that it wasn't a trap, but a none-Storyteller is not just going to pull the name Poveste out of a hat. I reached for his necklace to confirm he wasn't pulling my leg. Sure enough, Poveste was written on the necklace among the other engravings. I let the necklace slip from my fingertips. Uncle JJ and & Aunt Callie had the last name Poveste, just like the original Storytellers.
“I have a question for you.” I was not about to get caught in a trap.
His blue eyes didn't waiver. “Anything. What is it?”
“Since you are sharing all of this information, I have one question. Where did you get your name, Poveste?” I swallowed.
“From the original Angeline, of course.” Brent's head tilted.
