17, end of August

Adjusting to living with her grandmother was hard, permanently, and with new priorities. Like Brennan had promised, she worked hard every day. At first, Tabitha thought she was just going to watch the shop for a few hours as he had insinuated at their first meaning, but that was not the case.

Her duties were to keep inventory, clean the shop, assist customers, sometimes even helping to account for the balance books for him as he was pretty busy with the pharmacy part of the business.

It seemed as though the people of Seahill was happy. They were glad to see Tabitha becoming a part of their community and helping out Brennan. Before, Phillip would always seem to be a mess, having a confused, stern stare wanting to make everything all right. Of course, the positives come to the criticisms. Many folks wondered why the young girl chose to spend more time at the shop than with her grandmother, who was stuck alone with young Issac. There were also talks about being alone with Brennan, mostly from older women.

If they had only known how alone she was with the priest.

Tabitha supposed that it was her favorite part of the job. She was able to avoid seeing Father Foley. Well, she manages to do that for the majority of the summer.

When she first told her grandmother that she was going to work with Brennan, they argued. It took Tabitha by surprise, only having ever seen the kinder side of her grandmother. She screamed and nearly cussed, Tabitha almost physically pushing herself into a corner. She had heard about her grandmother's anger from her parents several times, as to warn her to be on her best behavior, but she never expected to face it, not for doing something good like getting a job.

But it wasn't the job that brought on the fight, only the person she was working for.

The only thing that made things worse was that Foley was right there, witness to it all. He probably relished every moment of Tabitha being humiliated in that fashion.

Stephen did not enjoy seeing Tabitha being yelled at by Sonya, despite an odd fulfillment of her finally called out for doing something wrong. Disappointment surfaced hearing that she had gotten a job, perhaps her way of showing that she was moving into her new role as a caretaker.

He thought that Tabitha should not have to take up a job to support her family. She should be taken care of, not the other way around.

None the less, it was the fear in her eyes that changed things for him. That look reminded him of that night, guilt flowing over him. He did look back at the young child who ended up crying as the result of Sonya screaming. He was surprised she had spoken the way she did. It reminded him that even his beloved friend was not a perfect being.

Although Stephen did not voice it, he had his doubts in the beginning about the baby, about whether Tabitha was lying or not. There was an odd familiarity about Issac, but he could not place his finger on it. The baby had a strong resemblance to Tabitha in many ways, which would be plausible if they are indeed siblings.

He decided to stop wasting time thinking about that. Stephen's thoughts moved towards who Tabitha would be working along. Brennan was not seen as a good man by Sonya, so that meant he should not be near Tabitha.

Well, Stephen should not be near Tabitha either, but there he was barely five feet away.

Over that summer, he would go to the house more often. It was in hopes of seeing Tabitha. Stephen would not fool himself in saying his thoughts towards the young girl did not change. They did. Stephen did not know what had happened over the last two months, but he knew there was a desire to see her and be around her more. The priest knew that this new desire towards her maybe worse than how it was before.

Stephen considered himself blessed when Tabitha was busy at the shop. Often, more times than not, he wanted to go into that shop and see her, maybe even talk with her. Deep down, the priest knew she would only run from his presence. He would always notice the look that she had just by seeing him, she was petrified, but she was never vocal. Whenever Sonya would make her stay around with him, her pretty, dark eyes remained to the floor.

In the evenings, Stephen would sit in his living room, on his plush chair, thinking about Tabitha a bit more than he was willing to admit. He would close his eyes, thinking about her attire.

She started to wear outfits that were considered more modest, long sleeves and jeans, sweaters even at times. Her hair started to grow longer, covering her face more. It was as if she wanted to disappear.

The only time he ever saw her smile was when Issac was in the picture. Stephen also managed to ruin that sentiment. One day Sonya told her to give him to hold Issac, and the young girl was not for it. Tabitha held onto the baby tighter as if she was going to lose him. Sonya began to tell her granddaughter that it was silly to be so protective of her brother and that Stephen was safe. Stephen knew Tabitha thought he was not a safe person. After some deliberation and little choice, she had allowed him to hold the child.

Stephen did not understand it, but there was an odd feeling having the small boy in his arms. It felt right, but he was not sure why. Even though his attention was on the baby, he did register the shaking of Tabitha's hands, trembling to see the baby coo in his arms.

Since that day, Tabitha had gone out to avoid Stephen at all costs, even trying to keep Issac away from him whenever he visited. Sonya did not understand but reprimanded Tabitha about it.

Stephen knew that things were different for all of them now, and that baby was the source of it.

~~~

In her move from New York to Ireland, Tabitha thought the toughest thing would be transferring her grades. It was quite easy, to her surprise, and she was thankful to see that it would be a smooth transition. She was going to spend her last year there before she was to head off to college. There were many places in mind that she had thought of going to, Princeton, Harvard, NYU. They all did sound far-fetched for someone like her, a lower-class child born to immigrant parents, but there was still some hope for her.

She was always on the top of her class, having a near-perfect grade point average. Not only that, but she also put herself in several extra-curricular activities, knowing that those colleges were also going to look into that. It was a lot to handle, especially during the obstacles of the previous year, but she refused to lose focus. There was too much at stake. Now, she was going to be in an all-girls Catholic school to finish up her time before college. Although she had to send in applications, this year was also important for the admissions offices of the colleges to watch, so she had to juggle everything, which now included a job and taking care of two individuals who were unable to take care of themselves.

Tabitha did not want to go to a Catholic school at first, but her grandmother thought it would be best. Sonya believed that it was not too far from the house, and Tabitha was bright enough to get a scholarship, which would be good to write in her college applications. Tabitha agreed, taking this compromise. Without a doubt, they would be going to Mass and have religious classes, so there would be conflict, at least with the teachings.

The only positive was the uniform. Tabitha was glad she did not have to worry about what to wear as another task to add to her plate.

She headed out early that day, making sure she gave a proper first impression. Classes would start at 7:45 am, she reached at 7 am. She left the formula and all the necessities that were needed for Issac at arms reach for her grandmother. Hopefully, she could come back to the house for a few moments until her shift started at Brennan's store.

She had gone to the office of the school, wondering if the office had her information and her schedule. Tabitha did come the day before, hoping it would be available like all the other students, but unfortunately was not the case. The secretary told her that the headmaster had it and she would have to come in early for it today.

It made her wonder who the headmaster could be. She had always heard rumors back home that in Catholic schools, the headmaster would be a priest or something, but Tabitha scoffed at the thought. There was no way that a priest would be the headmaster. Father Foley would be the headmaster then, but what qualifications did he have? He had no degree in education, so how can he be in charge in that way? Maybe Tabitha was thinking just too far ahead. She should not have such bleak imaginations.

Tabitha waited outside the headmaster's office, her foot rapidly shaking as she felt her nerves getting to her. The ticking of the clock on the ceiling was a reminder of how long she was waiting there. By 7:15, on the dot, the secretary told her that she could go into the office, that the headmaster would be there shortly.

She had walked into the office. The room was lit dimly, the sun shining through the blinds as it was coming up from sunrise. The office was neat. Files were in place, and the crosses appropriately placed on the right parts of the office. There was also a Bible in front of the nameplate of whoever this office belonged to, how ironic. She would move it, but she was scared to do so. The last thing she wanted was to get yelled at first thing entering the school. Tabitha thought it would be best if she took a seat.

Her hands ran through her straight black hair, which had grown nearly mid-back now. She had a bad habit of biting her lip when nervous, not in a sexy way like the movies showed, but pulling her bottom lip and biting it till it was all dried and chapped. It was not cute, but sometimes she could not stop herself. It felt like an eternity, but finally, she heard the door open. Although the person was silent, she sat up straight, crossing her legs appropriately, and had her hands on her lap. Dark brown eyes cast down to her skirt. The reason unknown to her, but she did it anyway.

Tabitha saw the shoes of the person walk around her to the desk. She heard the person take a seat and the clearing of his throat.

"Good morning, Tabitha."

Her fingers began to fidget, recognizing who it was.

Wasn't life funny?

~~~

Stephen was unsure how this would turn out, especially with how things were between him and the young girl.

He would not lie. He told Sonya to allow her granddaughter to come to his school. He wanted a reason to see Tabitha again, and if it meant to confine her in these walls where he could watch her, then so be it.

He had taken a look into her school records too, surprised with how good her grades were. He would not deny that he never thought of her as being the smartest person, but it was due to his prejudices against her. She could go places, but would she? Seeing the life she was living, it would be hard for her to juggle going to a decent college and take care of her family.

He always thought that family should be the first priority for a woman, over herself at least. He watched her body seated in front of him, her eyes refusing to look up. Her defiance against him was gone, which he saw as a good thing.

But as always, she had the upper hand by not answering him.

"Tabitha, when someone says good morning, you should respond."

Her coffee eyes glanced at him briefly before mumbling a response. It was better than nothing.

There was nothing but hate in her heart when looking at him, the pain still evident in the burning she felt with his gaze on her body. Her mother taught her that one should not hate. It was unChristian to hold unto such feelings. Deep down, she knew her mother was right. Tabitha did not want to forgive Foley yet. It was still all too fresh.

"Alright. Well, here is the timetable of your classes every day. I know you might be against it, but you will have to attend Friday mass like everyone else, no questions asked. Also, wear your blazer. Modesty is of importance here, something I know you do not know much of."

She knew he said that to get a rile out of her, but Tabitha was not going to give in. Twisting her mouth, she said thank you and got up to leave with her schedule at hand.

"You are not dismissed yet, Miss Rampersaud."

She froze, refusing to turn and see him. His tall body moved out of the chair, walking heavy steps towards her frozen form. Foley's body folded as he bent down towards her ear, whispering harshly, "Don't forget, Tabitha, I call the shots here. My word is the law, so you will have to obey it too."

She hoped the trembling in her fingers wasn't showing too much. Tabitha wanted to cry so badly but knew she needed to stay strong.

She only wondered how things could turn so badly for her. As soon as she walked out into the hall, hands moved quickly, wiping the tears that threaten to fall out.

~~~

The good thing about having classes early in the day was also ending early, around 2 in the afternoon. As Tabitha was leaving, she saw Father Foley outside. He was probably looking at all the girls leaving, but he was also searching.

He was looking for her.

She tried her best to hide her face as she was going, knowing that she had to go home and take care of everything.

Of course, the world never aligned in her favor. Tabitha felt a hand on her shoulder, and she turned around with fright in her eyes.

"Wait here a few moments. I'll take you home."

"N-no, it's fine. I can walk. It's not too far away."

"I promised your grandmother I'll take care of you. Stay here." There was no room for argument, and Tabitha was scared of what would happen if she disobeyed his words.

She knew that other students will wonder why they were together. Why would the headmaster offer her a ride home? All the faculty knew that Foley was her grandmother's friend, and found distaste in his show of favoritism. Fortunately, after meeting her and looking at her records, they could not deny her ability in academics.

So, in other words, no one would question his intentions towards Tabitha. Like everyone else, they believed that Father Foley was that saintly man, helping out an elderly woman and her grandchildren.

She took a step away from him but looked away from his direction. Her feet tapped on the grass as time went by, knowing that she would have to rush and do everything.

Finally, the front of the school was empty. Father Foley had gone to get his car. She could go now, but would it make sense? His car would be faster than her unless Tabitha ran and found another way to get home. Shaking her head, she heard the engine of the familiar car, and thoughts of two years ago emerged into her mind. Though hesitant, she entered the car and sat as far as she could within the parameters given.

For the most part, the drive was silent, as the majority of their positive interactions. Brown eyes looked out the window, hoping for the ride to get shorter. It would be fifteen minutes before they reach, although it would take Tabitha twenty walking alone. She was a fast walker, had to be when living in New York.

"How are your classes?"

She looked at the priest, wondering why he had to pry. Honestly, if he wanted to know, he could ask her teachers. "They're fine. It's just the first day, so nothing too special."

She could feel his eyes on her, but she was watching her hands.

Stephen bit his right index finger, looking at Tabitha's unwillingness to talk. He could understand that she was uncomfortable with him, but she had to grow up. Worse things happen to people all the time, and they still had to interact with them still was part of their lives. He switched hands as his now free hand went straight to touch her skirt covered thigh. He felt her become stiff, jerking to move away, but he held onto it firmly.

"Tabitha, you have to talk to me." Her eyes looked at him with a change of emotions, "No, I don't. You are not my father. I don't have to do anything you say outside that building."

Damn. Already her first day, and she was butting heads with Foley too quickly.

Anger fueled his blood. Although there was other stress from the day built up, Tabitha did and said the littlest things to make it peak. He stopped the car abruptly. It was midway back to her grandmother's house. There was no one else around, just like before.

He had gotten out from his side, slamming his door before walking around to her side. Tabitha wanted to jump, run for the hills, but she was frozen. Images of that night entered her mind. Her body became paralyzed under the reminder of what happened when he was upset with her. She felt like she was now in an out of body experience. He opened the door and grabbed her out of the car, pushing her roughly on it.

Stephen watched her with dark eyes, but his mind was screaming for him to stop. Do not make the mistake again, Stephen. His mind was saying the same mantra several times. His big hands went over her shoulders, holding them with a gentle touch.

His hands began to brush over her hair, almost caressing her as a lover would. Pain filled her eyes, wanting nothing more than to be out of his reach. "Look, you need to remember this Tabitha. Other than your grandmother, I'm all you and your brother have. She needs me. Therefore, you need me too. If anything happens to her, then remember, I'll be the one who will take care of you. I will always be here to take care of you, alright?"

His hand held onto the side of her face, lifting it to look up at him. With the sun shining, half of his face was blocked with the blazing light. She could not decipher what his intentions were. If anything, Tabitha realized his eyes would always give him away.

"My grandmother may need you, but I do not. I have a job, and whether you want to believe it or not, I will be heading back to New York for college. As I said, I do not have to listen to you, so let go of me."

This was her attempt at saving face, her way of showing that he was not going to control her like he did others. Tabitha took notice of how others would act around him, even ones who didn't want to do as he said. There was that look of fear from those like he had the power to take everything from them if they made the wrong move. There were looks of adoration from people like her grandmother, doing as he asked because of that odd charm he had shown everyone else.

"No, Tabitha, you do. Don't forget. I have control of your future. It would be best not to displease me." His eyes moved down, to her lips, to her uniform. Finally, he let her go, expecting her to enter back into the car.