First Love..again

Prologue "Do you think it's a coincidence that the two of us ended up here together after more than 20 years, or do you think it's fate," Madison asked shyly? She wasn’t sure she really wanted to know his response. Would he think she was silly? Would he think she was sentimental? The unknown for Madison was absolutely unbelievable. She held her breath in anticipation. "I guess I never really believed in fate before. I always thought that we controlled our own future,” Benjamin admitted. Madison released the breath that she had been holding in. How silly he must think I am, she rationalized. “But being here with you now, knowing that this was completely out of our control, it definitely makes me consider the alternative," Benjamin said softly, as he looked into Madison's big, beautiful, brown eyes! Madison’s heart began to skip a beat now. Maybe he was seeing things exactly as she was. Maybe they were in the same page. "You know me, I've always been a believer that things happen for a reason. If it's meant to be, it will be," Madison whispered to Benjamin with a glimmer of light upon her lips! He smiled. His heart too skipped a beat. "Now I remember the reason why I loved you so much back then," he whispered, staring at her intently! Madison became overcome with love for the man she still secretly carried a torch for. "We were so young! In one way it seems like forever ago, and in the same realm, being here with you now, it feels like it could have been yesterday.” She bit her lip! Benjamin thought of what he had right in front of him. Something that held been so important to him once. It was important again. She was important. Then he thought of the family he had waiting for him to return. They must be so worried. It pained him to think of their suffering. "I know what you mean! So much has changed for the both of us. We're both married, we both have families of our own, but yet in this moment, knowing that we are here and we are together, practically stranded for an unknown amount of time, it's almost as if nothing has really changed for us at all," he poured out his thoughts! Madison knew exactly what he had spoken of. She felt it ok too well. Everything was upside down. What of my husband and kids? Would they too move on in the temporary holding pattern of our lives? Would he Len upon another, would he fall in love with one another. Would her kids forget? All of those things crossed her mind. She needed to bury it all. It hurt too bad. Benjamin then reach down and grabbed her hand and held it within his own. He could see that she was deep in thought. She was here with him but also yet so far. “Are you okay?” “Yes,” she wiped a small tee from her cheek. He looked back now to stare contently into the eyes of his former lover, his very first love, and at one time, his very best friend! It pained him to see her so torn, the same as he. _____________________________________________ Chapter One: Three Weeks Ago Benjamin stood in the Board Room of his family run business, Freehold Industries. The company was founded by his Great Grand Father some 30 plus years ago, and where Benjamin was now the Chief Operating Officer. He looked at the flyer that went around the room full of executives. It stated, "A Business Hand Leaves a Print in the Sand." That's kind of a catchy slogan,he thought to himself. “What is this,” he held the flyer up for the room to see? "The local Chamber of Commerce is trying to form a group of businesses and non-profit members to donate supplies and volunteer efforts in the Helio Islands. As you know, the region has had major devastation recently from a massive hurricane. I think it would be good if we donated some of our products, and a member of the team to deliver them with the other members of the relief mission," Benjamin's Father, Arnold Freehold relayed to his top team! "Anyone want to go?" Benjamin got excited. This sounded very rewarding. It also could be great for business. Ben knew he was the guy for the job. He raised his hand up first before anyone else could process the offer. "I'll do it, Sir," Benjamin offered! " I've done similar volunteer work like this in the past for the company, and it brought us great PR!" "That's my boy! I like your initiative," Arnold praised his Son! Ben nodded in affirmation to his Dad. He then took. Harsh reality check. She’s not gonna like this, he sighed at the thought of having to go home now. ............ That very evening, when Benjamin got home, he was greeted the same as he always was. His wife, Heather, came over and gave him a kiss, his youngest son Bradley and Bradley’s twin sister Hannah, who were both 5 years old, ran up to him and gave him a big hug! Yes, Bradley and Hannah were twins, but they were not identical twins. They did get along, though, like the best of friends. Hannah was by far the more outgoing one of the two, where Bradley pretty much just went along for the ride that is sister would take him on. "Daddy," they screamed with excitement! "Hi guys," Benjamin stated happily! "Where are your brothers and sister?" he always asked, knowing full well what the answer would be? "Harrison, Tanner, and Brian are playing on the Xbox," his wife chimed in! She made a face that said, Do you really need to ask? Benjamin knew that face. He kissed her shrugged up nose. “Of course they are,” he happily played along with the daily monologue. Harrison was the oldest of their children, at 14 years old. He was a typical teen, into electronics and girls. Ben had tried hard over the years to get him interested in the family business, but he wasn't having it...not yet at least. However, he was still young, Benjamin understood. Tanner and Brian were the oldest set of twins, at 11 years old. Identical in all aspects of the word, were these two. They looked alike, acted alike, and enjoyed the same things, which typically included video games, hanging with friends, and being outdoors. "Harper's in her room, reading a book," Hannah stated. "She won't play with me, Daddy,” she now tugged at his suit coat. Harper was his oldest daughter, at 7 years old, however she was only the 4th oldest of the six siblings. She was the one that pretty much liked to keep to herself most of the time. She was happy with a book, watching a movie, or just playing with her dolls. The three older boys typically hung out together, and the two youngest were practically inseparable, although young Hannah craved female attention...or any attention for that matter. She was the social butterfly of the family! "Oh, Hannah Banana, some things just never change," Benjamin reached down and picked up his little girl and tossed her in the air! Hannah giggled. She loved her father. All the kids loved their father. And he loved them equally as much. After dinner, Benjamin decided to tell Heather his exciting news. "He knew he couldn’t very well keep it a secret for long. There was no point. She would find out soon enough. It was better to get it out in the open and deal with it head on. “Here goes nothing,”Brian whispered under his breath. “Darling, I have big news to tell you," Benjamin pulled her aside by the hand in hopes to soften the inevitable blow. Heather looked at him curiously. What could he be up to now, she wondered. Benjamin was a man of big idea. U just wish he would consult me first before acting upon them. She too now braces her emotions for the inevitable. "The company is sending me on a relief mission to the Helio Islands with supplies," he said excitedly! Isn't that great?" "Ahhhh yeah, that's great and all... but what about your family?” “I won’t be gone that long. You know it’s good for business and good to give back,” Ben held her hands. He does get it. He doesn’t appreciate me and lol that I do. Heather found herself beginning to become infuriated at the thoughts running like wildfire in her brain. “We have six kids here. I'm kind of just barely not pulling my hair out with this bunch," Heather said dramatically! He gave her an understanding look. "I know, Darling, but this is a good chance to make a difference in so many people's lives! Plus, it is good PR for Freehold Industries," he explained again! He could see now that she was really upset. He knew she would be. He knew he needed to calm her down, to make her understand. "I get it Benjamin...I get it," she said casually. However, it was clear that she didn't like the decision. “I’m sorry,” he kissed her forehead. Heather settled din now at his touch. His forehead kisses always eased her worries. He was good about that. Heather didn’t know what she’d do without him. He was her rock. She depended on him for everything. He was the only bit of sanity she had with 6 kids running around. "If you really don't want me to go, Heather, I'll get someone else to go in my place ," Benjamin assured her! "No...it's your company. You should go," she finally stated! "That's my girl," he kissed her cheek! "It is a great opportunity, too! I've never been to that part of the world," Benjamin added! Heather looked to the side at the toys spewed about and then back to her husband. "One day when these kids of ours are all grown and out of our house, maybe you'll take me," she stated! "It's a deal," he smiled at her. ............... Meanwhile, in the next town over, Madison Mortimer was sitting in her two story mansion on the hill, working in her home office, as she did each day. She looked out the window to the mountainside, off in the distance. The dew was settling over the top. It was simply beautiful. She felt grateful for her life. Madison started a non-profit 15 years ago with the help of her very successful, very wealthy husband, Avery Mortimer, of the Mortimer Group. Avery himself, was almost 17 years older than Madison. His family grew up wealthy. However, the majority of his money came from Venture Capital, entirely of his own success. Madison was so proud of the man that he had become. After Madison married Avery, he helped her start her own non-profit, supplying toiletries to third world countries. She loved what she did, not for the notoriety, but because she had a kind heart and wanted to do the right thing. She also loved that Avery was always her biggest supporter and number one fan. To him, Madison could do anything, as long as she was happy. That was all that he needed to be happy. He loved her unconditionally. "Madison, Love," he stated, "Henrietta has breakfast prepared. Why don't you stop working for a few minutes and come on down," Avery poked his head into her office! Madison gave a warm smile to her husband. He was the sweetest. She then gave him a wink, closed her laptop, and followed him downstairs to the breakfast table. "Good morning, My Loves," she said happily, looking at her beautiful family spread out at the grand table before her. Sitting there was her eldest child, Parker, who was now almost 16 years old, as well as her youngest child, Morgan, who was 13 years old. I really do have the perfect family, she thought to herself in that moment. Her son was a smart, intelligent young man with a keen sense for business. He no doubt would take over Avery's business one-day; probably sooner than later! After college, though, of course! Her youngest child, on the other hand, though, her daughter Morgan, was the complete opposite. She was definitely not cut out for the business world. She was more of a carefree soul, who wanted nothing more than to solve all the world's problems. She had the kindest heart that Madison had ever seen. She even often helped her mother with the nonprofit work from time to time. Then, of course, there was Avery, her handsome husband. Although he was much older than she, he was still striking in her eyes. Many a woman had told her that she was so very lucky to have a man like him. That sentiment was not lost on her either. She knew what she had in him, and she was so grateful for it. Avery made her feel like the most special woman in the world! "Kids, say hi to your Mom," Avery commanded respect and follow through. "Hi Mom," Parker added! "Good morning, Momma," Madison chimed in! "So what is on your agenda today," Madison asked of the family, starting at Parker first? "School, and Debate Team," Parker noted. "School and Dance," Morgan explained. "Business meetings all day, Love," Avery smiled at his wife. "And you," he asked? Madison smiled. She appreciated that they thought to check in on her day, too. It was important that each of them felt equally appreciated. Avery and Madison really tried hard to instill that to their kids. "Preparing for my trip to the Helio Islands in a couple of weeks," she noted. "I'm excited for this mission! I'm so glad I was asked to join," Madison said happily! "Well, why wouldn't they ask you? They couldn't get a more qualified person for the team," Avery complimented her. He then reached over and grabbed her hand to show his support. “Yeah, Mom! They need you,” Parker chimed in! “I wanna give, too!” Morgan pouted. “One day, My Dear, one day,” she gave an understanding smile.