REUNION
By Karla Lammers
Robert pulled open the front door of the farmhouse and felt the bite of the November wind, but the cold was quickly forgotten as he noticed a looming, shadowy figure leaning against the barn. Robert glanced back into the house where his parents slept, then pulled the door shut tight, threw back his shoulders and approached the visitor.
“Boy, are you Robert Hill?”
Robert scanned the man’s long hair and scruffy appearance. Something seemed familiar. “Yes, sir.”
“Here.” The stranger shoved a brown package tied with twine into Robert’s hands.
“Who are you?”
“A friend of your mum’s,” he replied and turned on his heel. Robert watched the man mount a black horse and ride off. My mother? thought Robert. She hates me.
Inside the barn, he breathed in the familiar odor of hay and shavings. Bessie mooed, eager to be milked. Robert ignored her and sat on a hay bale. He pulled his gloves from his chilled fingers and tore open the package. A worn, black eye patch fell onto his lap and a folded sheet of paper floated to the ground. He examined the patch, but the thing held no meaning for him. He reached for the piece of paper, unfolded it and found handwriting inside:
“Dearest Robert,
Fifteen years ago today, your father was hanged in Jamaica for piracy while your existence in the womb saved your mother from the same fate. You are the son of John Rackham, better known as Calico Jack, and his mistress, Anne Bonny. You are a man now and entitled to find your own destiny. If you come to me, I will help you discover your heritage. Meet me in six months time at the market in Falmouth, England under the clock tower at The Moor.
Your true Mum.”
Robert read the note three times before he removed his cap, placed it inside for safekeeping and jammed the cap back on his head. He discarded the brown paper and put the eye patch in his pocket, then he went about his chores all the while mulling over the contents of the note.
During the day, Robert kept to himself. He’d always sensed his mother disliked him but didn’t know why. He’d given up trying to please her. Instead, he stayed out of her way. He did feel a bond with his father and sought him out that evening on the front porch, where the scent of pipe tobacco enveloped him.
“Dad, would you read this please?” Robert handed over the note and patch.
Alex Hill rubbed the velvety patch between his fingers and read the note. He rose slowly and lifted his eyes to meet the boy who stood a whole head taller than he did. “Robert, the reason your mother is so hard on you is because she couldn’t have children, and she’s convinced you’re the bastard of some mistress I had. That’s not the truth,” Alex said as he spread his arms, “but you are a bastard child.”
“What are you saying?”
“My brother, Thomas, had fallen on hard times and had joined up with a pirate ship named ‘The Treasure,’” Alex continued. “They were captured in Jamaica and the owner of the ship was hanged. His mistress was pregnant…with you. Thomas was reprieved from a death sentence since he was only the cook. He stole you away after your birth and brought you to me—said your parents were dead. I haven’t seen him since.”
“Was that him this morning? Almost as tall as me with long dark hair and a scar on his chin?”
“Could be. I couldn’t say for sure without seeing him. But Robert, what’s important here is what course you want your life to take. Sounds like your real mother is alive. I’ll support you, whatever choice you make.”
Robert paused and stared at the man he’d always loved. He didn’t want to hurt him, but he’d already made his decision. “Father, I need to meet her. I know we’re in the Colonies and she’s in England, but I could get hired as a shipmate and earn passage,” said Robert. “I have to go.” He sucked in his breath as he waited for a response.
Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out his father’s only legacy—a fine, gold pocket watch. The chain tinkled as he placed the heirloom in Robert’s palm and closed his fingers around it. “Go, Son, with my blessing.”
“This isn’t goodbye,” Robert cried as the men exchanged a solid bear hug. “I will see you again. I know you need my help with the farm.”
Alex scuffed his boots on the porch. “I won’t hold you to that. Not when you have no idea, nor do I, what your future holds,” he said. “You pack up your belongings and leave first light. I’ll drive you to town in the wagon. But now, we need to tell your Mother.”
“She won’t care! Can’t I just leave?”
“No, Son. It’s the right thing to do. We’ll show her the letter. Just maybe, she’ll finally forgive me and, just maybe, she’ll stop hating you.”
“But it will be too late,” said Robert.
“It’s never too late to correct a wrong. I believe that’s why you’ve received a letter after all these years. Maybe your real mother has been in prison? Or maybe she couldn’t live anymore without knowing you. Whatever the reason, I hope you’ll write and let me know how things are with you.”
“I will, Father. I will. And I’ll be back, too.”
“As long as I’m alive, you’ll always have a home here to come back to should you need it,” said Alex as he wrapped an arm around Robert’s shoulder and opened the front door to go inside.
THE END
Karla Lammers works as a corporate lawyer and has written several academic articles. Since turning her pen toward literary fiction, several of her short stories have appeared in online publications. She is a contributing blogger at www.worldswellwritten.com and lives in the Midwest with her husband, daughter, labrador and beta fish. Contact Karla.
