Chapter 2

Susan was really pissed about the judge's settlement. She thought about fighting it but her lawyer said she didn't have much of a chance of winning. I believe what she hated the most was having to pay me a hundred and fifty dollars a week in child support. I had to admit it kind of surprised me.

My dad did loan me the money to pay off Susan. I promised I would pay him back. Each week when the courts sent me the money from Susan, I gave it to my dad. I made more than enough to live on and with Susan out of the picture, I even had a little money to save.

Life was pretty good except for being pestered by Susan. Trina told me that the weekends she spent with her mother she was questioned about me all the time.

Trina did tell me her mom apologized for what she had seen. I guess she did have a little respect for Trina or was still acting like a good mother. After the first couple of months Susan started making excuses why she couldn't take Trina. It was either working late or taking business trips.

Supposedly she became a secretary for a couple of the lawyers. There's no way she would tell me anymore than that. I figured she did some of the work on her back. I didn't care as long as she didn't do it in front of Trina.

One day dad called me into the office. He told me he had a surprise for me. I walked in and saw an old friend. It was Samantha. We always called her Sam.

When I was around twelve or so, Sam came to live with us as a foster child. She was fourteen at the time. Her parents were caught dealing drugs and were sent to prison. Mom and Dad were asked to auction off their house and belongings. That's when they met Sam.

She was going to live in a child care facility when Mom asked to be her foster parent. Most people foster younger kids but my parents saw something special in Sam. She stayed with us until enlisting in the service when she graduated.

I really liked her and missed her when she left for the service. She was somewhat of a tomboy and didn't take shit from anyone. I know she loved my parents just by her actions. Whenever they asked her to do something, she never gave them any lip.

There were a few guys picking on me and I saw her kick one in the gonads and hit another with a two by four. She told them if they ever picked on me again, she'd kick their ass. I will say they were two grades higher than me. I doubt if I would have stood a chance. That was probably when I found out I was a wuss.

I was fairly smart and helped Sam with her homework. To me she was like an older sister. In a sense I guess I loved her but never told her so. I hugged her when she left, I even had tears in my eyes.

She did come home on leave but I was away at college. This was the first time I had seen her in ten years. She looked good. It's hard to describe her. Long blond hair, nice figure from what I could tell, and a smile with big dimples.

She gave me a big hug. Dad said he hired her as our new receptionist. I remember him telling her years ago that if she needed anything to let him know. Now that she was out of the service she was looking for a job.

She said she had spent her early years in combat but the last few years overseas doing mostly computer and electronics work.

During the separation of our divorce it was so nice to see Sam's smiling face every morning. One thing I might add here is that Susan and Sam never cared for each other from the day they met. I remember Susan saying that she thought Sam was strange. She actually said she wondered if she was a dyke since she really didn't date.

How did she know if Sam dated or not? She must be having her watched or something. I did know that a couple of the divorced agents asked Sam out but she refused respectfully. She wouldn't tell anyone about her personal life.

Sam on the other hand told me that she liked studying people and she didn't think Susan was trustworthy. "Mark, I care for you. I don't want to tell you how to live your life, but don't trust her."

I didn't trust Susan. I caught word that she was still screwing around even during the separation. It really made me look bad but I had to put my best foot forward so there wasn't a chance of losing Trina.

Dad invited Trina and I over for a cookout on Saturday for a welcome home party for Sam.

When we arrived I introduced Trina to Sam. They got a long great together. Trina never left her side the whole time we were there. I guess they had both made a new friend.

It appeared that when Trina met Sam, there was an instant connection. Sam would stoop down when talking to Trina. I knew Trina like that. Halloween was coming up so Sam asked Trina what she was going to wear 'Trick or Treating'. Trina told her she probably couldn't go out this year. She said her Mom said she had to work late and wouldn't be able to take her.

For those readers who don't know what 'Trick or Treating' is, I'll try to explain. On Halloween the little kids get dressed up in costumes and go door to door to the neighbors and are given candy. It used to be that if a treat wasn't given then a prank would be played on the non giver. Nowadays, there aren't many pranks and the neighbors who want to take part leave their porch lights on.

Sam looked up at me for an explanation. "I usually pass out the candy to the neighbor kids and Susan would usually take Trina door to door. This year she said she has to work over. I guess she doesn't feel obligated do to the divorce."

I later told Sam the truth which was Susan was going to a Halloween party herself. It really pissed Sam off that a mother put herself before her daughter.

"Sam, Susan has always put herself first," I explained.

"Trina," said Sam, "would you like me to take you 'Trick or Treating'? I'll wear my uniform and go with you."

Trina couldn't have been happier. She told Sam that she was going to dress as a princess, since that was what her daddy always called her. It was just one more thing that showed me what type of person Sam was. I wondered why Susan couldn't have been as nice.

Susan would stop by the house and always have an excuse of forgetting something. I think what she was doing was checking up on me. It didn't do her any good because I was the same old wuss. When Susan found out that Sam was taking Trina out for Halloween, she was pissed.

"Trina and I deserve a life too. You go to your fucking party. Sam and I will see that Trina goes Trick or Treating."

I couldn't wait for the divorce to become final. After that I had no reason to let Susan in the house. Right now I was biding my time.

When Trina wasn't around Susan would always throw up her lovers at me. She just wouldn't let it go. I know I shouldn't have let it bother me, but it did.

On Halloween I had Trina all dressed in her princess outfit. She looked so pretty. Sam arrived in her uniform and I have to say that I never saw a better looking soldier. I gave them both a sack and they headed down the walk to get their candy. I sat on our porch and passed out candy to all the ghosts, goblins and all the other children dressed in colorful costumes.

About an hour and a half later here came my two trick or treaters with their bags full of candy. Sam said that Trina was pretty much worn out. We turned off our porch light, most kids were done by now, and Sam helped Trina with her costume.

I made us all some popcorn and poured a glass of apple cider and we decided to watch Hero's. It was a show about a group of people who had super powers. Some could read minds, others couldn't die, one woman could freeze anything, and some could even travel through time.

I mentioned to Sam that I had just got interested in the show and had been watching it with Trina. Of course Trina always falls asleep and I end up watching it myself.

It was so nice having Sam there with me. It felt like a family but Sam was just a good friend and foster sister.

Finally the day arrived and our divorce was final and life went on. I really did enjoy doing things with Trina. Right now she was my life. I should mention that right after Trina was born, I did have a DNA done. She truly was my daughter. I never told Susan I had the test done.

I do have to say that there was a bad side to my life also. I knew about Joe, Warren and Brad. I figured there were countless others but I didn't have any names. I think that was a good thing. Deep down I wanted revenge but didn't know how to go about it.

Every time I saw one of these assholes, they would snicker and laugh at me. I figured it embarrassed Trina but she never said anything. I knew I had to get some type of revenge, but how?

I saw Sam every day when I went to work. She was one of the bright spots of my days. Sam and I had become closer and closer at the office ever since the divorce was final. She was doing everything for me. It was as though she was becoming my personal secretary. She made my appointments for me and led me to a lot of walk-in customers.

One day when I brought Trina along to the office, she and Sam were talking. When I came back out of the office Trina asked me if Sam could go out and eat with us and go to the movies.

"Princess, Sam probably already has plans."

"No I don't," said Sam smiling.

"She might not like pizza and seeing a children's movie."

"I like pizza and I love animated movies," said Sam still smiling.

What could I say? I think these two already had this planned. I set up a time and let Sam know we would be by to pick her up.

We had a great time. I loved having adult company especially Sam and she and Trina got along great. On the way home I said, "We should do this again sometime."

Trina looked at Sam and said, "Tomorrow night Daddy and I make popcorn and watch Hero's together. Want to join us?"

I was about to make another excuse but Sam spoke first. "I'd love to come and watch TV with you and your dad." I was really happy about this but I knew I needed to control my emotions around Sam. We were just friends and she trusted me. I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize our relationship.

About halfway through the show, Trina fell asleep. Sam looked over at me and asked what I was thinking? She said I had a silly grin on my face.

"I was thinking if I had a super power I could get rid of those assholes that ruined my marriage and made me a wuss."

"Mark, you won, let it go. You have a beautiful daughter and a good job and a nice place to live," said Sam.

"I know you're right but I can't get over being made fun of every time I see those assholes. If I had a super power, I could get my revenge."

"So, what power would you like?" asked Sam going along with me.

"I don't know, maybe to be able to make things happen to them. Like having Warren freeze to death in his own freezer at work. Maybe Brad could have a barbell fall on him and crush his windpipe."

"You're thinking all bad thoughts Mark. That's not good. What about some good ones?" she smiled at me.

I had good ones. I want to kiss and make love to Sam but I knew that wasn't even possible. Some thoughts I had to keep to myself.

Sam got up to leave and thanked me for inviting her over. She said she had a wonderful time and to kiss Trina for her. I gave her a hug and walked her to the door.

The next morning we arose to a thunderstorm. After getting Trina ready for school I dropped her off and headed to my office. As I got out of my car lighting struck right next to me. I don't think it hit me but did knock me over and I banged my head on my car.

The next thing I knew I woke up in a hospital bed. Standing over me was Sam. "What happened" I asked. "I remember seeing lighting and falling."

"According to the doctors you fell and banged your head on your car. You have a concussion. They did an MRI and you'll be ok but will have to spend tonight in the hospital," replied Sam.

"What about Trina?" I asked.

"I'll pick her up at school and bring her to see you. She can spend the night with me if it's alright with you."

"Of course it ok with me. There's no one I trust more. Darn, my head feels funny."

"Of course, you just banged your head and have a concussion. Don't worry, the doctors said you'll be good as new in a couple of days."

There was something else but I didn't want to tell Sam. I just felt like I could do something special like a super power. I wondered if I could bend people's wills. I know I shouldn't have done it but I willed that Sam would kiss me.

"Well, I better get back to the office. You take care of yourself and listen to the doctors." She then leaned over and kissed me on the lips. It was more than a peck and felt so good.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that an old college friend of yours stopped by the office this morning. He said he would stop by here to see you." She gave me another little peck and left.

I had to wonder if I had a super power. She did kiss me after I willed it. I also wondered who might be stopping by. I fell asleep and was woken by my old friend Tony de Marco from college. He said he had business in Ohio and thought he'd stop by and see me.

We talked about old times and I thanked him for help getting me laid. We both laughed and he asked me about Susan. I told him about her cheating and then us getting a divorce. I told him I did get a beautiful daughter out of it. He mentioned that he had three kids and was happily married.

Before leaving he reminded me that if I ever needed anything to let him know. I thought that maybe I should hire him to wipe out a couple of my old enemies but there is no way I'd ask that of a friend.

Again I began thinking about Warren and him laughing at me. He stood there in front of me just two days ago and told his buddies how he just got back from fucking my ex. God, I wanted to hit him so bad.

While I was thinking revenge I looked up and there was Trina with Sam. "Hi Princess, how was school?"

"Fine Daddy, Sam told me you got hit by lighting and bumped your head. Are you ok?"

"I'm fine. Hopefully I should be able to get out of here tomorrow," I replied.

"Sam is taking me over to see grandma but will be back tonight to take me to her place. I wish you could come with us."

That put a smile on my face. I would have loved to spend the night at Sam's place. I looked at her and maybe willed the same thought. I had to stop doing that. If Sam and I were to be together I wanted it because she wanted to be with me, not just my willing it.

The Doc wanted to keep me one extra day. No use arguing with him. Besides Sam said she thought it would be best also. When she came close and looked into my eyes I couldn't help but will another kiss and received it.

"Mark there is something I need to tell you. It's very personal but I feel you need to know."

"What is it Sam?"

She looked a bit nervous. She asked Trina to wait in the hallway for her. "I haven't told you the total truth and need to tell you."

"Tell me what?"

"Before being released from the service I was put in a psyche ward for two months. I wasn't crazy but I did stab two soldiers."

"You don't have to tell me this Sam."

"Yes I do. Please let me finish. There was a group of us at a bar and the guys were getting a little too drunk. They began to paw and grab at me. I told them a number of times to quit but they wouldn't. Two of them grabbed me, one holding me and the other trying to undress me. Other guys stood around and laughed. I was able to get hold of a beer bottle and smashed it against one guys head and took the broken bottle and stabbed the other one in the stomach.

"The next think I knew was the MP's were arresting me and taking me to the psyche ward where I spent two months. All the soldiers stood together and said everything was just done in fun and I got violent. It was chalked up to some type of syndrome. I just wanted you to know the truth about my past."

"I'm so sorry for you. You deserve so much better. Thank you for confiding in me." I had to wonder if in some way I had asked her to be honest with me. I knew I would have to watch this power.

After she left I thought about her, Tony and Warren as I fell asleep. The next morning I was awakened by Trina and Sam. "Daddy, you get to come home today. Me and Sam are taking you out for breakfast. We're going to Mc Donald's."

Not my favorite place to eat but the company sure was nice. While we ate, Trina told me everything she had done for the last two days. She said she slept with Sam in her big bed. I had to laugh when she said I should sleep there some time. I know she just wasn't thinking but I liked the idea.

After I got home I started reading the paper. I noticed that Warren from the grocery store was found frozen in his walk-in freezer. Apparently the inside opening mechanism wasn't working and he froze to death. The article said they didn't suspect foul play. It was just a freak accident.

My dad called and asked if I was alright. He had been out of town and didn't get a chance to come and see me at the hospital. After I told him everything was fine he asked me if I could go to the grocery store where Warren worked and fill out the insurance claim. I guess Warren was insured with us.

Some of the people looked at me kind of funny as I filled out the papers. They all knew how Warren bragged about bagging my ex. I guess they had to wonder if I had anything to do with this in some way.

They had no idea that I willed it. I mentioned it to Sam how I willed it and that I had told her the week before. In an odd sort of way, I killed Warren.

"Mark, it was an accident. Just because you thought it doesn't make you responsible," replied Sam.

"Sam, you don't understand. I'm not sad about what happened. He was an asshole and a jerk and I don't feel bad at all about him freezing to death. I just have to wonder exactly how it happened."

"If you believe you have some super magical power then put it to good use. Wish for more sales and a better life," said Sam.

Over the next week I closed every one of my appointments that Sam had set up for me. Before going into each house I willed that they would purchase the insurance. I also sold two houses that week.

I was happy, Dad was happy and so was Sam. Life was good until I ran into Brad. I had a real estate appointment to list a house. When I got there no one answered the door for a few minutes. I tried ringing the doorbell again and a nice looking lady answered the door in a robe.

"I'm Mark Royer. We had an appointment to sign your real estate papers. I have the sign to put in your yard."

"I'm sorry, I lost track of the time. Can I sign the papers and you can put the sign in the lawn. You can take your outside picture but if you can come back another time and take some of the inside. I'd like to straighten it up some first."