Tommy 42

Derrick's face lit up when he saw her sitting there. "Thank God, Samantha. I knew when you heard what that beast you are dating did to me, you would come." He showed her his swollen jaw with the big blue & purple marbled bruise on it. Sam huffed. "You honestly think I am here to help you? Are you insane? Nevermind, you attacked Jeff Metcalf with a golf club, no need to answer that." It was funny, what was once a strong domineering man to Samantha now looked like a pathetic little boy. Once again pointing to the bruised jaw, Derrick said accusingly, "Look at what your so-called boyfriend did to my face." "Doesn't feel so good to be on the receiving end of flying fists, does it?" Sam was so angry, she could spit nails. "I came in here to tell you that if you ever come near me again or any of the Metcalfs, I will write the truth about you in my column. I don't care if it embarrasses me or not. If you are lucky, Jeff Metcalf will take pity on your sorry, pathetic ass & not press charges." Sam walked over to the door placing her shaking hand on the knob. "But I wouldn't count on it." She exited the room finally feeling the closure on her violent past. Jeff had his attorney draw up papers stating that if Derrick came anywhere near River Run, the Metcalfs or Samantha, Jeff would be able to pursue the assault charges. Derrick willingly signed then & left town. ********* 4 months later....... The Metcalfs were slaughtering the Shillibs in the annual baseball game. Jeff was standing next to first base while Sam up to bat. "C'mon Sam, show Artie whatchya got!" Jeff grinned as he saw Arthur's face go pale when he called him Artie. "Very funny, Metcalf. How far do you think she can hit it, she's just a skinny girl." Arthur hadn't changed over the years, his smugness was overbearing. Arthur hadn't aged as well as Jeff had over the years. He lost most of his hair, something that was apparent to everyone except Arthur who was trying to make 3 strands of hair appear like a head full. He also had gained 50 lbs he carried right in the middle. After Ginger left Arthur for Jeff, he found himself a redheaded Irish woman named Fiona. She bore him 5 children all with flaming red hair. Arthur & Fiona were still happily married. Arthur slowly released the ball towards Sam. She swung as hard as she could, making contact with the ball. With Jeff & Tommy's encouragement she tore off for first base. Skinny girl? Umm, that'll show you, thought Sam. Arthur's two sons, Dagwood & Ferguson, cheered for Sam despite their father's chagrin. The 3 Shillib daughters, Sabrina, Bridget & Gwendolyn, seemed equally unconcerned about defending the family name in this game. After the game was over, Arthur refused to even congratulate the Metcalfs. "That's okay, Artie, we will look forward to beating you again next August." Jeff hollered acrossed the park. Sam was walking with Jeff, Ginger & Tommy. "Oh my goodness, that was fun!! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Thank you for letting me play," said Sam. "Well of course you were going to play, you are like family," Ginger responded. "Absolutely!" added Jeff. Tommy reached down & grabbed Sam's hand. "I hope by next year's game, you won't be 'like' family anymore." Sam looked at Tommy, puzzled. He walked in front of her & kissed her mouth. "I hope you ARE family." He knelt down in front of her, withdrawing a ring from his pocket. "Samantha Jo Bradshaw, will you marry me?"