Hunter bounced on the bed. "Mom, Dad get up!"
John woke up, "Hunter, are you alright?"
"Yes, but isn't it time to leave for the plane?"
John looked at the clock, "Hunter, it is four thirty in the morning! The plane doesn't leave until nine."
Beth stirred, "Hunter not until the big hand is on the six and the little hand is on the eight will we leave for the plane. Now go down and watch some television until I can get up."
"Okay, mommy," said Hunter and he jumped off the bed and they could hear him jumping on each step down the stairs.
Beth rolled over looking John. "Good morning."
He moved closer under the covers. She had very little on. "I think Hunter will have to wait for us a little while longer."
She smiled. "I was hoping you would say that, as she reached up to kiss him."
Beth was first down the stairs. Hunter was eating cereal and watching cartoons. Finally, everyone was ready to leave. Kathy, was ready to leave and had all of Hunter's things with her as well as her own. Everyone was loaded and they were out the door at 8:30 a.m.
Hunter fell asleep in the first thirty minutes of the flight which made it easier for the tired adults to rest.
Security met them at the airport. Kathy's eyebrow raised. Beth saw the smile and thought Kathy must have liked what she saw.
The place that John had picked was gorgeous. Three story colonial house, with wrap around porch. It was secluded from the road but not far from town. The top floor had enough room for all of them. Hunter's room was between Kathy's and John/Beth's room. The security team rooms were near the hallway.
The itinerary was set today with only one thing. The train museum this afternoon. Then they would ride the train tomorrow and Hershey Park the next day.
They went to the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg,PA. John seemed to be more of a kid than Hunter. Actually, even the security guards,Tim and Sean were having fun. Kathy and Beth went around the museum taking pictures of the boys and the trains. It was a wonderful little world of trains. Dinner that evening at the bed and breakfast was delicious. They were all tired from the plane flight and ready for bed. Hunter was the first to sleep.
Next day
The conductor pointed out the area where the Witness movie had been shot as they rounded the turn. John looked at Beth. She didn't look. He knew what she was thinking. He just squeezed her hand. Kathy was trying to look and started talking about the movie. Beth began to get paler as Kathy talked, remembering her own night. "Beth," Kathy asked "Are you okay?"
"I just feel a little nauseated. I'll be fine," Beth said.
John put his arm around her and pulled her close. He made eye contact with Sean.
Sean nodded. "So Kathy, what do you say we try to see if this place has a good bar tonight?"
Kathy said, "Sure." She turned to Sean and began talking about tonight.
Beth looked at John and smiled.
Hunter had not noticed anything. He had been glued to the window watching everything. He was really excited when the lunch was served. Their little family sat at one table the others were dispersed in the car. Beth was very glad that Hunter didn't know her past. He loved her the way she was.
The rest of the afternoon was very nice. Hunter and John had so much fun going through all the trains back in the yard. Sean was on the run with them.
Kathy and Beth were in the company of Jason, Andre, and Tim. It was a fun-filled afternoon until they were leaving. A horse and buggy went by. Hunter pointed . "Look, daddy at those horses. They are big."
There was and older woman looking out. Beth and her eyes met. The woman gave a nod and turned away. Tears welled up in Beth's eyes. John steadied her.
Beth said in a soft voice, "Thank you for steadying me. I am able to stand now. Thank you."
There was something in her tone, that made Kathy stare. Sean grabbed Hunter up instinctively. John brought her close. she bowed her head and they quickly walked to the cars. Nothing was said on the ride back to the Inn. They went in circles to make sure no one was following them. They hurried up the flight of stairs. John took her to their room,shut the door. "Beth, who did you see?"
"Daniel's mother. She nodded at me. I think she saw Hunter. She was giving her approval,"she said,with tears rolling down her face.
John pulled her close and she melted in his arms. It was a few minutes before they moved apart. He slowly sat her on the end of the bed, to go get her some water. He stopped and told Sean. "She saw Daniel's mother. I don't think there will be a problem." He went to get her some water.
Kathy looked at Sean, "Who is Daniel?"
Sean said, "Her first husband."
Kathy decided she would find out later because from his tone it didn't look like she would learn anymore from him. That night Sean and Kathy went out after dinner to find a local bar. John, Beth and the other security went and sat on the porch. Hunter was chasing lightening bugs with a jar, the owner had given him.
Hershey Park
The day was muggy and fun. Hunter rode on all the rides that he was allowed to go on. Kathy and Sean were struggling with their hangovers. But as the day went on seemed to start enjoying the rides. Of course, at the end of the day they just had to go to the Hershey store and pick up all their favorite candies that wasn't available to them back home. It was a good thing they had several security officers to help them carry everything!
