promise1

As Troy looked out of the airplane window, all he could see was the clouds that surronded him. He had made this trip twice before, but this time it was different. This time he wasn't going to America a shy young seventeen year old exchange student, or to meet an old friend, but to keep a promise that he had made many years ago. As he looked out the window his thought drifted to the first time he sat foot on American soil from his homeland of Australia. He had signed up as an exchange student for a country much closer, but when he was told he had been chosen to go to America he was estatic. When he arrived in America he was greeted by two members of the family that he would be spending the year with. Nick(also a senior) and his father greeted Troy at the airport. At first the adjustment was difficult for his accent was hard to understand. He had thought about returning home the first week of his visit because the culture was just so different but he decided to give it some more time. He was so glad that he did. It turned out to be the best year of his life in spite of the little mishaps that he and Nick had gotten themselves in. He had made so many friend there. He and Nick developed a close brotherly relationship and stayed in touch even after Troy returned home.
Troy once again found himself returning to America for a visit. Nick was now married and they had a two year old daughter. While he was there Nick and his wife had asked Troy if he would be her godparent and Troy accepted. A few years went by and they remained in contact. He received letters and pictures of what he considered his American child, whom he was now returning to America to retrieve. He had just gotten the news of the tragic deaths of his best friend and his wife, so he was once again going to America to keep his promise. The promise to take this child and raise her as his own.
When the plane landed, Troy made his way through the farmiliar airport and picked up his rental car. In less than an hour he was home. He passed the school where he had attended his senior year. He pulled to the curb and watched some boys playing basketball. It brought back memories of when he, Nick and the other guys had played there. As he passed the park, he remembered the parties that they had, had down by the river. As he sat ther in his car thinking back he couldn't help but smile. He also remembered being called downstairs the following morning by Nicks dad. At first Troy had no idea that they had been figured out, but he was a smart kid. One look at Nicks face and then his fathers, and he knew they were in trouble. As he drove further into the familiar neighborhood he parked in front of the house that he had spent his senior year in. He remembered the lecture about the drinking, like it was yesterday, and when his host father sent him to his room he quickly obeyed. He remembered sitting in his room listening to the yelps and cries of Nick as his father laid the belt upon him. Troy was so relieved but felt guilty for not being punished for commiting the same crime as Nick. Troy hadn't really understood the need for that kind of punishment until he had children of his own.
He had left behind in his homeland, a wife and three lovely children to make this trip and soon he would have a fourth. When he and his wife had their first child he swore he would never use spanking as a form of discipline, but as his children grew he did find himself , on occasion resorting to a swat here and there, but rarely ever used it. Little did her know, that was about to change. He made his way down the street in search of the address he had been given by a social service lady that had called him about Nick and his wife. He was greeted and invited in by Mrs Stanley. She was a very young woman and quite friendly as she offered Troy a seat to talk.

"I am so glad that you were able to come, how was your flight?" she asked.

"It was just fine thank you," replied Troy as he took a seat.

"First let me tell you how sorry I am about your friend and his wife," she said.

"I just can't believe it." Troy replied. Rebecca wasn't with her Mum and Dad when the accident happened?" he asked.

"No. We were lucky that she was at a friends for the night, but she is here and not doing very well," she replied.

"Does she know about me,? he asked.

"Yes, she knows about you and we have explained it to her," Mrs Stanley replied.

"I want to tell you that this is going to be difficult for all of you for awhile, but in time things will get better," she said.

"I understand how tough this is going to be, but is it the right thing to take Rebecca out of the country so soon after her parents deaths.

"The sooner you take her the better she will be," Mrs Stanley stated. Let me tell you, she is very shy.

"Just then a lady and a very small child entered the room. Troy knew she was now eight but she looked so tiny. He face was covered in red as she had been crying. Her hair was all mangled from not being combed and she was still wearing her pajamas. He stood up and approached, but Rebecca slipped past him and took a place in the corner on the floor as she starred off into space.

"Can I be alone with her,? asked Troy.

"If you need anything we will be in the room across the hall," she replied as she and the other lady left.

Troy stood there watching little Rebecca as she sat quietly in the corner with her knees bent to her chest and her arms wrapped around them.

"Rebecca," Troy called. But she didn't answer.

Troy worked his way to the corner and seated himself just in front of her. She said nothing. As he reached out to touch her hand she recoiled further into the corner. This was going to be more difficult than he thought.

"I'm not going to hurt you sweetheart," he stated as he reached out for her.

"Who are you,? she asked in a very quiet voice as she continued to look at the floor.

"I'm a friend of your parents. My Name is Troy," he replied.

"My parents don't have any friends now," she replied, as the tears snuck down her cheeks.

"No honey, that's not true. They have many friends," he replied.

She stared at him for a minute. I'm suppose to go live with you, right?"she asked.

"Yes you are. That is what your parents wanted for you, and I promise to take very good care of you," he replied as he gave her a tissue.

"You talk different," she said as she made a scrunched face at him.

"Well I don't live in America. I came over in an airplane to get you," he replied.

"Do all people in Australia talk like you?" she asked.

Your parents have talked to you about me then," he stated.

"You look different than your pictures," she stated as she scooted a little closer.

"I am glad that you have seen picks of me so I'm not a total stranger," he replied. "I would be nervous going with a stranger if I was a little girl."

Just then Rebecca stood up and walked over to the window to look out.

"When will we be leaving?" she asked as she peeked through the curtains.

"In a few days little mate, in a few days," he replied as he walked over and stood behind her.

Rebecca turned around and looked up at Troy. She looked so tiny and he wasn't sure what to do for this sad heartbroken child. Suddenly Rebecca threw her arms around his waste and started to cry into his stomach.

"I want my Mommy and Daddy," she bellowed out as the tears decended down her cheeks.

Troys heart sank and he scooped her into his arms.

"Its ok baby. Everything will be ok. I promise."

Troy seated himself on the couch and continued to cradle Rebecca until her tears had subsided. Talking quietly to her and brushing her mangled hair from her face. He held her for a very long time.

"Do you feel better now my little mate?" he asked.

"A little," she replied as she looked up at him.

"It's ok to be sad, I'm sad to you know," he stated as he looked at her.

"You are?" she asked in amazement.

"Your Mummy, Daddy and I were good friends, and if you ever want to talk about them, it might help your hurt go away," he replied.

"I don't like these people here. I want to go home to my house and my bed," she replied as she continued to pick at Troys big strong hands.

"I will take you where ever you want to go but you have to do something for me," he replied.

"What?" she asked.

You go take a bath and get your hair fixed and we will go," he replied.

"Really! she asked.

"Yup," he answered.

"Ok. I will go get ready," she replied as she hopped from his lap and headed out into the hall and up the stairs.

"Rebecca," called Mrs Stanley. Are you ok?.

Rebacca turned around and replied with a smile. "I need to take a bath and get all nice cause we are going out.

She then ran up the stairs.

"Well Troy, I don't know what you said or did to that child but it worked. she hasn't spoken to anyone since she arrived here."

"She has her own little spark and she will be just fine," replied Troy.

"I don't know if it is a good idea for her to go out...

Troy cut her off.

"I appreciate everything that you have done for her until I could get here, but according to her parents wishes, she is my responsibility now and out is what she needs if she is to get over loosing her parents. If you will just get her things together.........

"Well she doesn't have anything here. everything is still at her house. Before you take her I do need you to sign a few forms," she stated.

While Rebecca was getting her bath Troy tied up all the loose ends and again thanked Mrs Stanley for caring for Rebecca. As he sat and waited for her, several children passed by. He couldn't help but wonder why they were there and what their stories were.

He was soon pulled from his thoughts by a tiny voice "Troy, I'm ready to go," she stated.

As he focused, there before him stood Rebecca. She looked much better now that her hair had been washed and put into a ponytail. She was wearing bib shorts, white socks, tennis shoes and a little blue shirt, with a baseball cap to match. She now looked like the little girl he had seen picks of.

"Little mate, your the prettiest thing I have ever seen," he stated as he leaned over and tapped her hat.

Rebecca smiled, took his hand and they left together.

Rebecca sat in silence as they drove back to her neighborhood. She was feeling a little sad for she knew it would be the last time she would be going there. When Troy stopped the car Rebecca jumped out and ran to the front door and waited for Troy.

"Um Rebecca, I don't have a key to get in," he stated.

Rebecca then walked along the flower bed and retrieved a small tin box. She took it to troy and inside was a key. Rebecca and Troy entered.

"Rebecca," he called as he knelt to her level. "I think we can stay just a few minutes. We can get you a few things together and come back tomorrow and pack the things you want to take with you. We will have to ship them, but you can take some things on the plane with you.

"Ok," she replied as she went up the stairs toward her room.

Troy decided to leave her alone for a few minutes as he needed to make a few phone calls. Just then he heard a farmiliar voice. He turned to see Nicks father in the doorway. Troy hugged him and they made their way into the kitchen.

"I was just going to call you," Troy stated. I know I promised to take Rebecca, but It might be better if she were with you.

"I love Rebecca, but I'm an old man. To old to raise an eight year old. Besides with the behavior problems she has I couldn't do it.

"Behavior problems?" Troy asked in a puzzled voice.

"Troy, you lived in my home for a year. You know I ran a tight ship and for some reason my son chose to let that child rule the roost. We had fights about that and he made sure I couldn't get her. That child is eight and never been disciplined. She has a mouth with a temper to match.

"Well she seems fine so far," replied Troy.

You will soon find out that you have your hands full," he replied. I hope that you will not be like my son and discipline that child!". They all need guidance and rules in order to grow up right.

"Really, she seems fine to me. She is missing her parents, but she will be fine.

I know, but give her time. Give her time," he stated.

Just then Rebecca entered the room smiling, but when she saw her gramps, her smile quickly turned upside down.

"What do you want?" she asked, as she placed her hands on her hips.

Rebecca, don't be rude," Troy scolded.

"GET OUT!!" she shouted, as she stomped her foot.

"Rebecca! Troy again scolded. Don't talk to your grandfather like that.

"Daddy don't like him so he can't be here," she stated.

Troy walked over and took her by the hand. She wiggled and squirmed as he led her back to her room.

Rebecca, me and your grandpa need to talk. I know this upsets you, but we do have to. I want you to pick some things from your room that you want to take with you and put them on your bed. When you get done play quietly with your things. When we are done talking I will come get you. ok?

Rebecca looked at Troy, jerked her hand away and walked into her room.

Troy and her grandpa discussed the sale of the house and the trust that would be set up for Rebecca. They would also get an allowance every month for her care.

When Troy returned to Rebecca's room to retrieve her, he was very shocked. Everything that Rebecca owned was very strategically piled onto her bed.

Troy now knew he definitely had his hands full.