A Frayed Knot

"Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter."

                                                                                                                                                      -Joseph Addison

Prologue

As the thunder is clamoring and trembling the palazzo; it disturbs me from a deep sleep. The pulse of the rain drumming on the clay tiles of the roof eerily echo through the darkness of my bedroom. The sporadic lightening flashing on to the walls and floor seem to be the only light. I glance to my ceiling and the fan has halted. The power must be out. My window storm shutters are violently slamming back and forth against the facade of the house. I leaped from my bed to open the window, just ample enough to catch the shutters in full swing and lock them closed. I can close the window and curtains, but not without the ferociousness of the wind and rain soaking my white silk gown, and making it completely transparent, and clinging to my blossoming curves. This year, I had finally caught up with all my friends. The other girls have had the attention of every boy in our class since last summer, but not me. I was over here looking like a stick with elbows and knees.

I was climbing back into my comfortable bed to relax when I hear Daddy's voice demanding me and the staff from the grand foyer. "Abigail, come downstairs right away! Curtis, please bring towels and put on some coffee when the power returns." I raced down the hall through the darkness to the top of the main staircase in a panic to see what is happening. I am midway down the staircase when I grasp that I am still in a see- through night gown and bare feet. Feeling embarrassed, why didn't I grab my robe and slippers? I am sure as frightened as Daddy sounds he won't notice or be upset. This storm is raging war on this house and I pray that Daddy is okay.

Just before stepping upon the landing of the staircase, I spot a husky man with two boys in tow standing with Daddy. One of the boys appears to be about my age and the other seems to be older by a few years. I cross my arms to cover my chest and try my best to stand just behind Daddy as he introduces me. "Fellas, this here is my daughter, Abigail. If there is anything you boys need don't hesitate to ask her. She is the at home supervisor," he says in a chuckle. As I look up to the three standing here in our entry looking completely ship wrecked and soaked to the bone, I wonder to myself why are they here? As if on que, "Good evening ma'am, I am Peter Evans, and these handsome boys are my sons. This here is Wyatt and Benjamin." Daddy looks to me as I step in front of him to shake their hand. The older boy, Wyatt, is looking at me like I am a piece of cake, and he hasn't eaten in weeks. Benjamin looks a bit shy, quiet, and tired. His expression is as if surrendering, just to get a warm meal, and place to rest. Daddy muttered, "Well Abigail, let's allow these fellas to get dried off and Curtis can show them to the north wing to get some rest." Peter pats Daddy on the back, "Thank you Joseph for your hospitality, and I hope we won't be much of a burden. The boys and I will have the marina rebuilt as soon as possible." Daddy answers, "Peter, I have no doubt. Meanwhile, you and the boys are more than welcome to stay as long as necessary. Wyatt and Benjamin, please make yourselves at home. Abigail will show you around tomorrow and make you feel welcome."

The next morning, the sun was beaming through the storm shutters, as if the storm was all a dream. Glancing at the ceiling, my fan was spinning and whirling up a breeze. The power is back on. I jumped from the bed, opened the window, and unlocked the shutters. I pushed just enough for them to swing all the way open. It was a beautiful sunny day on the sea. The seagulls were looking for their food in the sand. The tide was blue with a line of tiny white caps tumbling and pulling the sand back out into the sea, as if they were magnetically attracted to one another. I turned to grab a robe feeling the light cool sea breeze blow my curtains from behind me. I reach in my large walk-in closet for one of my many robes. I choose a white one with tiny pink polka dots. I make my way down the grand staircase in the foyer to the kitchen. I can hear the boys giggling. My Daddy is probably telling one of his lame fishing stories. "Good morning Daddy, Peter, Wyatt, and Benjamin." I address them while grabbing some pancakes, bacon, and orange juice from the island in the middle of the kitchen. Peter, Daddy, and the boys were sitting at the service kitchen table that is usually for the staff to eat at. I decide to sit with them. Daddy and Peter talk about materials for the marina. I choose that now would be a good time to ask what happened at the marina. Without a second thought, I decide to interrupt, "Daddy, is everything okay at Balentine's?" Daddy whispers after releasing a long breath, "I'm so sorry Abigail for leaving you in the dark. Mr. Evans and his boys were stuck in that hurricane last night and wrecked into our bistro marina. They will be staying with us, and in the meantime, we will rebuild it. Peter and the boys will be staying in the north wing of the house. Furthermore, since Wyatt is sixteen, he has volunteered to work for me at the bistro until Peter and I have the dock replaced. Ben is the same age as you, thirteen, and will probably be hanging out with you here if you don't mind. Please introduce him to your friends, show him the theater room, swimming pool, and the back gate to the beach? Please, I also ask that you try and make him feel welcome? Benjamin, I hope that is okay with you, and I am sure Abigail and yourself will have some fun? She keeps a tight ship around here and is very busy, but she is also very popular with the other kids around here. I am sure you will make friends with some of them in no time." Benjamin smiles at me and replies, "Yes sir, I would love to help out. I am used to working on the fishing boat with Wyatt and Dad, but mostly, I am used to being busy working. So, if you need me at the marina don't hesitate to ask. Oh, and you can call me Ben." Peter rubs Ben's hair and smiles. He is very proud of his boys and it shows.