17, mid-March

It was a long, cold winter. For Tabitha, all she wished for was the heating system that her parents had in New York. Her grandmother's place did have some heat, but it was an ongoing problem. They all had to use several blankets around the house, with little Issac bulked up at all times. Tabitha tried to talk to her grandmother about getting it fixed, but she refused, so they all had to suffer.

Whenever Father Foley would come he would put on the fireplace, which she was surprised still worked. If she had thought her summer attire was ridiculous, then now she looked as if she was from Alaska, donned in a thick jacket along with her other layers. At least with all the clothes they had to wear, he didn't eye her as openly.

The only place where she could wear a decent amount of clothes was the shop. Phillip wasn't as cruel and knew he needed to provide heat for her. The days were slow, seeing that no one tried to leave their house unless they needed to. Phillip saw that several prescriptions had yet to be picked up by customers. He wasn't complaining because there was space running out of his pharmacy, but rather that many of his customers were older. They needed their meds if they didn't want to be on bed rest.

Seeing the days moving slowly for him, Phillip decided to spend time devising how to make sure all the orders were fulfilled. He pondered over it day and night. It wasn't that it was important, but Phillip did care about the people of the community. Tabitha saw how troubled he was with this, and despite her full plate of problems, she wanted to help him out even a little.

One evening when she was finished with dinner and was busy with Issac, she looked at his clothes and realized that he needed a larger size. His clothes were small on him (which wasn't a problem since he was a bit smaller than most babies). While looking through Issac's clothes her mother sent for her, Tabitha found a piece of paper hidden at the bottom of the box. It was one of those dentist cards sent to remind someone to go to their appointment.

Although it wasn't much, it made her think. Phillip could create a system to call his customers and remind them about picking up their medications. It was a great plan! He seemed to be meticulous when it came to the pharmacy, so keeping track of the customer's dates wouldn't be too much to do either. Tabitha decided that the next day she would tell him about it, to see if he liked the idea or not. And besides, it would save him money than to send out paper reminders in the mail. It would also help to show that he is a caring member of the community.

She smiled, heading down into the kitchen after putting Issac to rest. She was happy to do something kind for Phillip after all the ways he's helped her out in the last few months. He was a tremendous help to her than she initially thought after confiding the truth in him. Other than one incident, Phillip made sure no one knew about his knowledge that Tabitha told him. Looking for a snack to eat, she paused, seeing a daunting figure in her kitchen. Yes, her kitchen.

For the most part, she was the one using it helps to take care of her grandmother.

He was there making a cup of tea.

She was to his back, so soft steps were the answer. As long as she didn't do anything too loud, he wouldn't even notice she was there, or so she thought. She tiptoed to the top of the cupboard to grab the glass bottle (reminding her of being a child sneaking a cookie out of the cookie jar).

"Hello, Tabitha."

Surprised, her hands shook, and mid-air, the glass jar was falling towards the floor. She was expecting glass to fly in all directions, loud noise followed by Issac's crying. Instead, there was silence.

When she looked, Father Foley had caught the jar just in time. Her hands were still shaking, though, but it was from being so close to him again after so long.

After Christmas, Tabitha decided to start walking home. Despite the biting cold, the warmth from his car wasn't worth the risk. She spent much more hours with Phillip. Sometimes if she didn't have too much work, she would have dinner with him.

She knew what most people might be saying, that they were an item and no one should be surprised if wedding bells should ring for them soon. Even though it did make Tabitha blush, she knew in reality that wasn't the case. Phillip was like the older brother she never had. Besides, she knew that he also didn't see her in a romantic light. He was protective of her, but not in an inappropriate way.

Stephen looked at Tabitha in her nightgown covered by a robe. Her eyes showed tiredness that she refused to battle upfront. Even though he caught the glass, she still seemed pretty alarmed, probably shocked to see him there. That wasn't true. Since New Years', her grandmother hadn't been able to get off her bed. After finally convincing Sonya to allow a doctor to see her, Tabitha was shocked to hear the news.

Her grandmother only had months to live. She called her parents to tell them the news, but they were silent, fighting tears at the reality that they wouldn't be able to see Sonya during her fighting battle for time. Tabitha promised to take care of her to her best ability. Whenever Tabitha wasn't around, there were others to help her out.

~~~

(January)

Phillip sought to repair whatever was lost with Sonya all those years before, so he asked Tabitha to arrange a time for him to talk to her grandmother. Tabitha wasn't sure of what would come of it, but she hoped her grandmother wouldn't be upset, and she would resolve the misunderstanding.

It turned out that it was the simple talk that helped repair a friendship. Phillip felt a pain in his chest, seeing his old friend seeming so helpless physically. He could remember seeing her so strong, and full of joy. He asked her straight up what he did for her to be so upset at him.

Sonya wasn't too pleased at first, seeing Phillip's face, but it was her granddaughter's pleading which forced her to agree to this. Sonya knew Tabitha was thinking in her interest in wanting old hatchets to bury. She told him the reason as to why she couldn't stand to look at his face; it was for what he did to his family.

Now, Sonya's family was nowhere near perfect. There was a lot of betrayal concerning money. Sonya learned early on that money can cause plenty of problems, leaving her in severed terms with most of her family.

She never expected to hear that Phillip was like her family. She told him that his sister came to her while he was in uni, saying how he had changed his father's will and took all the money to invest. His sister, Susan, was left with nothing for her and her family, asking Sonya for help. Sonya herself never talked to the girl. Either she would avoid her or be always busy doing something else. Since Sonya arrived at Seahill, people would always talk bad about Susan, but of course, she didn't want to believe it.

Susan had gotten married at a young age and started a family of her own. Although Phillip was quiet about the situation, his anger showed by his actions, refusing to speak about or to his sister. Sonya remembered how sad Susan had looked with the baby in her hand. She never wanted to see any of her family members like that, so she decided to help her out. Although she didn't hear from the girl since that day, Sonya hoped she made the right choice and, they lived a good life.

Phillip was surprised to hear this. It wasn't true, not one bit. Susan was the one who manipulated everyone. She changed the will without anyone's knowledge, forcing their father to sign since he was unable to care for himself. She also managed to put her husband's name in the will so he would get some shares too. All that was left was the shop, left to rot for twenty years before, and a shabby home that his sister abandoned.

Phillip was hurt. Sonya never asked him for his side of the story. She believed at face value.

Sonya realized as she explained her side how stupid she sounded. She always tried to pride herself in being able to read into the situation, reading people accurately. That must be her problem, her pride. She remembered reading in the Bible how dangerous pride can be. It was bearing its fruits for her now. She lost a friendship for years because of her pride. Sonya did see Phillip struggle when he came back, toiling every day to make the shop presentable. There was a chance that deep down, she realized how she fell into a trap, but her pride refused to acknowledge at that time.

Her granddaughter showed her what it is like to show someone grace. Despite her warnings, Tabitha defied it, seeing the better part of Phillip. Despite her old years, Sonya understood that there was something to learn from young folk.

Sonya knew now that at her last run, she needed to do the right thing. She left her pride behind, begging Phillip for forgiveness. If she knew Phillip well, she would've known that she didn't need to beg for anything. All he wanted was his friend back. He was glad to bury the hatchet and make amends.

From that day in January, both did everything to repair the relationship, just not in a rushed fashion. He did come by a few days a week, helping to take care of her when Tabitha and Stephen were at the school. Sonya gained back her trust in Phillip, soon apologizing to Tabitha for being so upset with her months before when she first started to work for Phillip.

When February came around, it was evident that Sonya couldn't take care of Issac anymore. During Issac's first birthday, Sonya couldn't even hold him in her arms while sitting for five minutes. It saddened her deeply knowing how she just met this beauty only months before, and now she could only look at him. It pained knowing how useless she became, and although no one would say it, she was a burden.

Tabitha, Stephen, and Phillip never saw Sonya as a burden. She was always trying to be happy and never wanted to make things difficult for them. She needed to understand that she just needed to allow them to help her. Sonya did so much for them over the years. Now they were repaying her kindness.

Phillip also helped out caring for Issac, taking him into the shop. He was the little joy everyone who had come to the shop looked forward to seeing. It was rare for the child to cry unless he was fussy and knew it was time for Tabitha to come back to him. Although everyone heard the story of Issac being Tabitha's brother, not all believed it. Seeing how 'helpful' Phillip was, they all started to concoct their theories.

Many were expecting a marriage in the summer.

~~~

[Present Day]

Tabitha wasn't expecting to see Father Foley so late at night. He held onto the glass still, both frozen. "I haven't seen you in some time. How are you?" Her lip quivered a little, not sure of how to respond. She hated being alone with him, reminded of what would usually happen. But this was her grandmother's house.

He wouldn't dare...

"I-I'm busy. I'm studying for my last midterm." She decided to look for something else to eat, preferably something at the ground level. Better yet, maybe something to drink. Yes, water is quick to get. She moved away from him to the other side towards the pitcher, grabbing a glass from the dish rack.

"I see you've been working at that shop more often. Maybe you should do something less stressful. Something which wouldn't demand your time as much". Tabitha rolled her eyes, taking a sip of water, crossing one arm over herself. "Nothing is wrong with me working at the shop." She gulped the rest down quickly, coughing up a storm. Father Foley moved to assist her, but she jumped as if she was on fire.

"Don't touch me!"

Her fear was evident. Brown eyes wide in frenzy. Stephen set the glass jar on the counter.

"Look, I just wanted to say you should maybe switch jobs. I...I need someone to look after my home a little. It won't be as many hours, but you'll be paid enough to help care for your grandmother and Issac."

She squirmed against the end of the counter she was by thinking of what he was saying. "I don't believe that's appropriate, Father Foley."

He let out a frustrated sigh hearing her response, "How is it not appropriate? It would be an honest living. How is that not appropriate when you go around with Brennan shamelessly? He is practically flaunting you out to everyone. Don't you know what people say about the both of you? I'll not have it!"

Her eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "First of all, you will not dictate what is inappropriate, seeing that despite your front, you know nothing about that! Secondly, there is nothing but between Mr. Brennan and me. Everything people are saying is lies. He has been nothing but good to me, and I'll not have you out of all people try to tarnish his name." She looked at him with much disdain.

"Tabitha, I'm not saying anything about Brennan. Quite frankly, I could care less about him if it wasn't for you working for him." He cornered her now. Both of her hands went on the counter behind her. She wanted to get out of there. Her robe opened, his eyes drifted down before looking at her again.

"Tell me, is it true you both are planning to wed when you graduate?" Knowing the truth, she refused to speak it. "If those people are speaking the truth, what would you do? You're a priest, Stephen". Hurt was in his eyes, but Tabitha felt no guilt. He was cruel to her so much over the years but was in different ways. Stephen Foley deserved no sympathy.

"Tabitha...Tabitha, can't you see? I would do anything for you! I'll even leave the parish for you."

The young girl shook her head, "No, you wouldn't do it for me; you'd do it to have me. I'm not sure you even like me or if it's just the idea of me. And I believe you should leave the parish, but it's because of how disgusting your behavior is. A man who can do the things you've done to me should never be allowed to lead people spiritually."

Tabitha made attempts to move out of his cornering, but it was to no avail. He, of course, made attempts to get closer to her. His hands encircled her waist, pulling their faces mere inches apart. Her hands now moved on his chest to push him away.

"Get away from me!"

Her hands flew to hit him on his face, but he stopped her by grabbing her wrists. "Tabitha, just please stop pushing me away. Answer one thing for me. Who is Issac?" Her heart quickened, wondering what he had suspected. Did his mother tell him anything?

"Issac is my brother. You already know that."

"No, I don't. You say that to everyone. Sonya may believe that, but no one else in this town does. You know exactly what I'm asking. Who. Is. Issac?"

She kept her mouth twisted, not finding the strength to move away from him. Tabitha stomped on his foot hard, and when he let her loose, she moved away, didn't go to her room. If she went anywhere now, he would follow her. "Is Issac your child; is that the question you want to ask me? I know people in this town aren't asking that question. They think you're too pure to do anything".

Tabitha was trying her best to avoid answering his question. The consequences of that were something she didn't want to face at the current moment.

"Look, both my grandmother and Issac are asleep, and I have a midterm to study for tomorrow. Please, leave." She turned back and walked to her room, hoping he had gotten the message.

Well, Stephen had gotten a message from what she said. He would leave her to study for that exam. He didn't want to be the reason she didn't do as well as she wanted. If anything, her reaction to the question made it even more true.

Issac was his son, as he assumed from the beginning. He would need her to admit that, and knowing how stubborn she was, Stephen would have to do something drastic for her to speak.

He left the cottage with a smile plastered on his face.

Stephen knew exactly how to make that girl cave.

~~~

She did it.

Tabitha finally finished her last midterm! Now she could just take a break from classes, at least for the weekend. The teachers were kind enough to give them a small break, with no homework for the weekend. There was hope she would be able to sleep earlier and rest her brain cells a little.

It was midday, and there were about two classes left before going home for a bit, but she was happy. She was speaking with some of the girls who she became more acquainted with over the months. Amid their conversation about current pop culture, her teacher disrupted the class for an announcement.

"Tabitha, Father Foley wants to see you in his office."

There were "ohhhs" and "ahhss" going about in the class, "Looks like someone's gonna get punished. Tell me, does he use a ruler?"

Tabitha sent a disgusted look towards Nels. She was always trying to make trouble for her. When she first came, Nels was trying to start a rumor that Tabitha was in some illicit relationship with Father Foley. Fortunately, it was shut down immediately when some other student bashed Nels and reminded her about her mother's affairs.

Shaking her head, Tabitha followed her teacher's orders and went to the office. She made sure her blazer was straight, and her socks were up to her knees. She didn't need him to criticize her appearance like the first day.

As she got closer to the door, her footsteps slowed. Her fear could be seen if the observer cared enough to look closely. She didn't want to do it, but the secretary urged her in, "Go ahead, Tabitha. He's waiting for you. Doesn't make any sense to waste time" With a gulp, she entered the darkroom. There was some light peering from the window, but it didn't bring warmth.

Father Foley was sitting by his desk, fingers laced together as he looked at her with dark eyes. "Tabitha, please sit down." There was a gesture towards the empty set, which she walked towards and took a slow descent to. The last time she was here, he lectured her about a doctrine in the book of Acts, and how he determined her interpretation wrong.

Holding her legs close, she looked at his dark eyes. "We had a discussion last night, one left with an unanswered question." He got up and walked around her. She noticed that he wasn't in the gown he would wear for mass, but an all-black attire and his cleric collar. Her hands held onto the armrests tightly, fingers turned white.

"What question?" Tabitha honestly didn't remember, having crammed for the midterm she had taken today. He was usually an out of sight, out of mind for her when it came to schoolwork. Anything he may have asked her had flown out the same time he did last night.

He had stood directly in front of her, brooding down as her demure figure crouched into the chair. "Don't be like this, Tabitha. You know what question I'm talking about."