What Once Was Can Be 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? "I guess I never really believed in fate before. I always thought that we controlled our own future. 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! "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 said with a glimmer of light upon her lips! "Now I remember the reason why I loved you so much back then" he whispered and stated her intently! "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 added with a slight smile, as she bit he lip! "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! Benjamin then reach down and grabbed her hand and held it within his own, as he looked back to stare contently into the eyes of his former lover, his very first love, and at one time, his very best friend! ________________________________________________ Chapter One: Three Weeks Ago Benjamin stood in the Board Room of his family run business, Freehold Industries, which was started 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. "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?" "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! ............ That 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 his twin Sister Hannah, who were both 5 years old, ran up to him and gave him a big hug! 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 or 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? Harrison was the oldest of their children, at 14 years old. He was a typical teen, into electronics and girls. Benjamin tried 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!" 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, movie, or just playing with her dolls. The three older boys typically hung out together, and the two youngest where 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! After dinner, Benjamin decided to tell his wife Heather his exciting news. "Darling, I have big news to tell you," Benjamin pulled her aside by the hand. Heather looked at him curiously. "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? 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 different in so many people's lives! Plus it is good PR for Freehold Industries," he explained! "I get it Benjamin...I get it," she said casually. However it was clear that she didn't like the decision. "If you really don't want me to go Heather, I'll get someone else to go," Benjamin assured her! "No...it's you're 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! "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. 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 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. 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. "Madison, Love," he stated, "Henrietta has breakfast prepared. Why don't you stop working for a few minutes and come on down," Avery's peeked into the office! Madison gave a warm smile to her husband, closed her laptop, and followed him downstairs to the breakfast table. "Good morning My Loves," she said happily, looking at her beautiful family. Sitting there was her eldest child, Parker, who was now almost 16 years old, s well as her youngest child, Morgan, who was 13 years old. She really did 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 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 Mother," Avery commanded respect "Hi Mom," Parker added! "Good morning Momma," Madison chimed in! "So what is on your agent today," Madison asked the family? "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? "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? They couldn't get a more qualified person for the team," Avery complimented her.