Past Triggers

Weeks passed and everyone Christopher sent in search of Samuel returned with no good news and a relentless Christopher kept sending them back. David's wife, Mary Elise gave a disappointing grin and returned to her room when she heard the last but same report. She longed for good news of Samuel as did her father-in-law. Her mind had been consumed with thoughts of Samuel and she was eager to see what he looked like. Nights passed and she longed even more. David began to sense the change in attitude and discomposure towards him. He was starting to think something was wrong with his father and wife. No matter how much he tried, they wouldn't leave it alone. They never gave up. Christopher and Mary Elise waited like a stalker with unlimited patience in the dead of night hoping for good news. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say my father and wife are in love with Samuel" David confessed to the priest. But he didn't know any better. Something beyond his understanding was happening and he knew he had to do something fast. The signals had clearly been delivered and he had taken measures to make sure Samuel never saw the estate. "Do not do anything you'll regret..." The priest advised, "He helped you...the very least give him a reward for his kindness." David was not amazed by the priest's counsel. "You are only saying that because you are a priest" he said, "if you were in my shoes, you'd have done worse" On that note, he walked out of the confession booth and into the aisle "Pray for me father, that God will have mercy for what I'm about to do" 

The next morning David secretly sent one of his men to find and kill Samuel before any of the servants did.

It was a glorious night and Samuel without fearing for his safety, stepped out from the old cabin he had remodeled to suit his desperate needs. In order to keep his disappearance, he stayed in a small cabin which was buried in one of his mother's secret lands. For weeks everything seemed fine and in order. Nothing troubled him until Mildred, the maid, met him at a store purchasing some supplies. Samuel was birthed into an affluent family but his gift had caused him to live a life of insanity somewhat. He'd purchased new outfits and shoes befitting a man of his social stature. Mildred hardly recognized him and it would have been so had he not said a word. But he couldn't help it. "What kind of name is Gregoire? Is it french?" Samuel mocked the storekeeper. Mildred could remember that sound even her sleep. "Hello, sir, you had the Rivers worried. Master Rivers thought you had passed." She was overjoyed when her smile broke Samuel's puzzled glare. "...so it is really you, sir..." She hugged him and with all her might, forced him to come to the estate. Samuel had no choice but to do her bidding. Mildred was starting to embarrass him.

When they arrived at the estate, the news of Samuel's return raced around and Mildred found great favor in the eyes of her master and Mary Elise. For a moment, he felt feisty and then he was scared again. This was a terrible idea and there was nothing he could do about it now. Christopher thew a feast in Samuel's honor and thanked him greatly for his selfless act. He snickered at the obvious lie and continued his feasting. All through the night, Mary Elise's eyes were fixed on Samuel and she felt her insides melt each time he smiled. David accompanied her to thank him and without hesitation, she embraced his trembling body. He knew what he'd done and there was no going back now. Arm in arm, David and his wife Mary Elise, glided across the hall and they were soon lost in a cluster of rich people. Of course, they had no idea how rich Samuel was and he wasn't ready to show it. Before the night ended, Samuel knew his fate was sealed "I'm sure going to die in this house..." He whispered as Christopher broke the news of his handing over the deed to one of his farms as a gift to Samuel. David, upon hearing almost choked on his wine as anger simmered inside of him like a boiling pot. His gaze froze on Samuel who was lounging peacefully. He tried to give it back but Christopher wouldn't hear any of it. Samuel smiled a happy nervous smile and finally said out loud, "I'm an honorable man so I accept with pleasure" Everyone clapped and cheered with joy admist the shock and awe that filled the atmosphere

He closed his eyes again, searching for some kind of peace, however brief. But he couldn't go back to sleep and he couldn't stand the rattling chaos within. Samuel slid to the edge of the bed and then to the floor. Haunted by the tragedy that awaited him, he walked out to the balcony gazing at the beautiful night sky. Alone in the darkness, he thought aloud whispering as he tried to find a solution. It wouldn't be long now... death would be paying him a visit soon.