THE
SECRET WITHIN
Kristy Russell
Cover design and illustration by Puffinbarger Photos
Copyright 2011 Kristy Russell
Smashwords Edition
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/kristyrussell
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“THE SECRET WITH IN”
All I could do was wish for a couple more hours of sleep, instead I hit the notorious snooze button once again, hoping for a few more minutes. I lie there with my eyes closed listening to the thunder roll over the roof, and knock on the windows of the house. I was trying to decide whether I should get up or stay in my freshly found, comfortable position. After all, being in my state of pregnancy was hard to find any comfort at any time. My due date was past by three days and I was feeling it! I felt as though the famous phrase “due at any moment” had passed me by and I was going to be this way forever! My pelvic bones were rubbing with every step, my breaths were short and hardly there, but I knew the moment would arrive when I would finally hold this precious child for the first time. I felt as though I had been waiting my whole life for that moment, yet it seemed so far away. As I lay there with my eyes closed, soaking in the comfort, my mind began to race, brainstorming the day. This was Monday, April 23, 2002, marking the three year anniversary of our little gift/coffee shop. My thoughts darting from one check point to another when suddenly, the alarm broke all concentration, sending sharp streaks through out my body.
With a short winded sigh, I started to reach for the off button when Charlie beat me to the punch. Leaning over me with an ornery notion, he said, “Morning Honey” smiling from ear to ear, he kissed me on the forehead.
“Good morning Charlie” I mumbled, not wanting to open my eyes, I let a small tried laugh creep its way out. I slowly opened my eyes to see him still leaning over me, wide awake and ready for the day. I soon realized I had to go to the bathroom, again, so I slowly sat up, letting my feet touch the soft carpet, yawning I stretched my arms up over my head. It felt good to have a small amount of room to breathe. If only I could just hold them there through out the day, then breathing wouldn’t be such a chore, but that wasn’t in any equation of mine. I slipped my swollen feet into my white panda slippers, the only comfortable type of shoe I could wear that didn’t feel tight, and started to stand up, but my body did not allow this to happen. I quickly found myself back on the edge of the bed. Patting my stomach I said, “Okay little one, momma’s gotta go to the bathroom and I'm hungry, lets get ourselves out of this bed.” and I tried again. Losing my balance, I was right back where I started. I realized Charlie was standing in the doorway of the bedroom smiling. “You’re surely not laughing at me… now are you?” I asked him as I squinted my eyes and gave him the -you better not be- look.
“Me? Huh, of course not,…” Charlie replied with a guilty chuckle. Extending his hand, he helped me stand to my feet.
“Did you make breakfast?” I asked. The aroma filled the house, resulting in the growling of my stomach!
“Omelets” Charlie replied with a smile.
With that, my mouth began to water. Charlie headed toward the kitchen to double check the special breakfast he had prepared. Instead of eating at the table, he had placed everything on a serving tray adding a rose and a glass of chocolate milk. Charlie thought it would be nice to eat in the living room. This was a busy day and he wanted to help by starting it with a loving surprise of my favorite breakfast and drink. As I washed my hands, my stomach began to tighten sending a sharp but dulling pain through my abdomen. I placed my hands on the edge of the sink and braced for the unknown. Wondering if this could possibly be the real thing, but disregarding any thought that it could be, due to the number of times this has happened in the last couple of days, I decided to just brush it off as another false alarm. I figured if it happened again before we left the house then I’d pay more attention to the time, but until then my hunger was growing and the growling was intensifying. I dried my hands and began making my way to the kitchen. It hurt to walk, so I gripped the bathroom door handle, using it as a crutch.
The hallway was decorated with molding about half way up, I used this to help me walk from one place to another when in that part of the house. My heart melted as I approached the kitchen, Charlie had placed a serving tray on the couch, decorated with breakfast and a beautiful red rose. “Awe, you’re so sweet, I love you, Mr. Charles Chestney.” I grabbed the remote as I sat down on the couch, pulling the serving tray over my lap.
“For you my sweet” he said lovingly, yet with sarcastic charm.
“Oh my gosh Charlie…” I laughed and turned on the television switching to the morning news hoping to catch a weather report before we left the house. “You put extra onions in here…” I said surprisingly, and turned up the TV volume:
… dry line coming in from the north we are in for storms through
out the day,
these storms maybe sever including hail, strong
winds…
“Well, looks and sounds like the day will be interesting, I mean with the storms and stuff”, I commented, as the thunder beat against the bricks of the house.
“Ya, listen to that wind” Charlie replied, the wind moaned its way over the roof. “I hope it lets up before I head out this morning, I don’t wanna be driven’ in it” He added.
About that time, I felt another contraction accompanied with the same dulling pain like the one in the bathroom earlier. Charlie noticed the expression on my face and asked “You okay?”
“Oh ya, I’m fine, its nothin’.” I reassured him.
“You sure?” he asked.
“Ya, I’m fine...” I replied, chuckling so Charlie wouldn’t worry. “This is the best omelet, but I can’t eat it all.” I continued, and took one last drink of my chocolate milk. I sat the glass in the cup holder of the oak trimmed compartment that could be hidden when the back of the seat was lifted back into the back of the couch. I tried to stand up, but wouldn’t have done so well if it weren’t for Charlie’s help.
“I’m gonna’ get dressed.” I said, trying to take a much needed deep breath.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Charlie asked watching me slowly waddle my way down the hall.
“Charlie… I am fine!” I giggled, “its just hard to breath…and walk” I added, frustrated.
Concerned, Charlie replied “Okay,” tucking his lips in as they tightened against each other. He shook his head, he could tell something was different in the way I was moving, but he wasn’t sure why I kept blowing it off as though nothing was wrong. He wondered if it had something to do with the store’s anniversary celebration. “I’ll meet you in there in a minute and help with your shoes and socks,” he added.
“Okay…” I replied as I made my way down the hall using the side molding for stability. Running through my clothing choices in my mind, knowing I was wearing tennis shoes, since that was the second choice next to my panda slippers for comfort, I wanted to be comfortable today… it was just one of those days, but I knew I couldn’t look too comfortable. I don’t think wearing cut off sweat pants and a t-shirt would be appropriate. Laughing at the thoughts of my wanting to be over comfortable, I tried another attempt at a deep breath of air, only to fail. It just wasn’t going to happen. So I stopped and stretched my arms over my head to breath and yes, that helped actually. Now, standing in front of the closet, running my fingers through my clothes one at a time, whispering no…no…no…hope was growing slim. I was starting to run out of options when I stumbled upon my bibbed maternity over-all shorts. “Hey!” I thought, grabbing them and a white hooded shirt that hung beside them, I lay them on the bed and plopped myself on the edge. I was changing out of my night shirt and slipping my legs into the shorts when Charlie entered the room.
“Are ya’ ready?” he asked.
“Yeah” I replied with a small grunt, through the struggle of getting dressed I collapsed on the bed, winded as though I just finished the ten mile marathon. Charlie kneeled on one knee and lifted my leg helping me with my socks and shoes.
“I don’t know how I would do this without you Charlie, I love you.” I said flinging my arms letting them land stretched out on the bed.
“Love ya’ too babe” Charlie replied smiling. He tied my shoes and gently put my foot onto the floor as he stood up. He held his hand out waiting for mine, and helped me off the bed. As I stood to my feet, he held my face, and kissed me on the forehead, while looking into my eyes he added, “…and I will love you forever.”
“Oh, Charlie…” I replied, hugging him, my emotions started to swell in my throat, “I love you.” I stuttered through a quivering voice. Unable to stop the rising emotion, a tear streamed down my cheek melting into Charlie’s shirt. As I started to pull away, he stopped me and held my right arm, and wiped my face dry.
“It’s gonna’ be okay”, he said as we embraced.
“I need to finish getting ready” I said, knowing if I didn’t leave this moment, but if I did, I would be an emotional basket case and there was too much going on today for that. I slipped out of Charlie’s arms and walked to the dresser where I grabbed my white ball cap. Pulling the top portion of my hair through the back hole, I pulled the hat down over my head and settled it into the position that was comfortable. Then I put silver hoop earrings in my ears. Leaning closer to the mirror I applied black eyeliner and black mascara. Taking a step back gazing at the reflection in the mirror, I let out a sigh and laughed “I - am - a - blimp!”
Charlie just rolled his eyes at me and smiled. “I think we should just take the same car today,” Charlie stated. “The storms are bad out there and I would feel better having you with me,” he added.
“That’s fine, I don’t feel like driven’ today anyway” I replied. Grabbing my purse, I continued, “Okay, let’s go!”. I grabbed my cell phone and headed toward the front door. Charlie followed shortly behind.
-CHAPTER TWO-
Charlie and Mary met close to 7 years ago at a church function. Mary’s best friend, Stacy Haskell, (at the time, Stacy Nichols) asked her to go to this church function, while Allen Haskell (Stacy’s husband) brought Charlie Chestney. Stacy and Allen were dating and set this meeting up without the two knowing. Shortly after Charlie and Mary met, they began to date, and were married over a year later. Mary had waited for someone like Charlie. But due to a couple of past relationships in which both guys had issues, it was hard for Mary to see guys as anything else than jerks. Charlie was everything to her, and he treated her with much respect, holding her high on a pedestal, she was everything to him also. Their plans for a life together bloomed as time went by. Everything seemed to fall into place.
Although there were the normal down falls that come with newly weds, Charlie and Mary seemed to have it under control, not letting the little things bother them. They were connected in a way not many couples were. They prayed together and asked for God’s guidance in all they did. With each day starting unknown paths, they walked their journey as it came, hand in hand and loving each other more and more each day, forgetting what life was like before.
Now they are expecting their first child, and celebrating the three year anniversary of their little coffee shop. Mary had always dreamed of owning a little store like she had now. By sharing this dream with Charlie, he grew to love it the same. Their store had started small but grew rapidly and now their reputation was strong. They shared talks of expanding some day with new stores in other towns but for now their baby came first. The decision was made to wait until the baby was a little over a year old before plans would begin.
Mary’s visions as a child came to life during the building of their shop, watching it transform was almost too much excitement to handle. She carefully planned the layout and cautiously shopped so just the right pieces of furniture were purchased. The store had an early 1800’s western touch. There were seven small round tables made of barn wood with two chairs each near the front entrance. Two of the tables, bigger in size, were located on the east wall, a bench on one side and two chairs on the other. The east wall had six windows, eight feet in height three feet wide sitting off the floor by a foot. The walls were covered in old barn wood planks positioned in a diagonal direction. She felt it gave the place a saloon look but in a modern sort of way. The ceiling peaked twenty feet high with thick beams joining at the center. The floors were also barn wood, except for the clear layer of flooring put on top so cleaning was easy. The front counter was twenty-five feet long with rounded edges. Five bar stools, matching the rest of the furniture, sat in front of ten feet of it. The remaining length of the counter was a display case trimmed in drift wood. It held coffees from different parts of the world. Beside each coffee, was a dish (coffee cup, plate or saucer) from that country, each at least one hundred years old if not older.
The back of the store kept the same theme but instead of the inside of a bar, it was more like the living quarters of that era. A couch, off white in color, covered in a velvet cloth, sat in the middle of the building, its back facing the front of the store, and two high back chairs. Flowers of many different colors and various sizes was the pattern covering the three pieces of furniture
which set around the bear clawed, cherry stained, oak coffee table. Fresh flowers set in an antique vase in the middle of the table. Standing six feet up the wall and nine feet in length was
a wooden book shelf filled with antique vases, pitchers and books for reading.
Behind the front counter were swinging doors leading into a room we used as a break room/office. Mary made it as comfortable as she could, with a pillow couch, coffee table, and one end table, all found at garage sales. This room was the size of a small one room apartment and was purposely built this way in case there was ever a need to stay at the store. The kitchen area had a small sink and dorm sized refrigerator and hot plate sat on the counter. Mary enjoyed cooking at the store and sometimes made chili, stew, even breakfast on occasion. The bathroom had everything including a stand up shower.
New customers kept coming, more and more each month, some of them Mary and Charlie became attached to. To name a few, Thelma Johnson who reminded Charlie of his grandmother, her facial features, hair and her voice, would take him back to her kitchen as a child. Each time she came in, he would make it a point to say hello and give her a hug. Mary would share recipes with her and ask tips about cooking.
Stanley Witherlow, first introduced himself as ‘old man Stan’, liked to joke around and share stories from his past. He had fought in World War II, lived in many different countries, and was full of history. Mary and Charlie both have found themselves drawn into his story telling as if they were there breathing in the dust filled air as it would feather across your face. Their list of regulars was long and each had a story to tell, making them all feel like family.
Each year their anniversary celebration grew, Mary would start planning several months ahead. By brainstorming ideas, knowing she would narrow them down, using the number of years in business, this year she was using three of her celebration ideas. She put together a gift basket filled with ten coffees from ten different countries, four coffee cups from four of the countries so the coffee and cup would match. She added four creamers French vanilla, hazelnut, pumpkin, and peppermint. This was the grand prize worth one hundred and fifty dollars. The second prize was a new coffee pot worth one hundred dollars and the third prize a fifty dollar gift certificate. Everything was in place and ready except for the grand prize basket. The truck carrying the shipment of coffee broke down about three hours south of the store in Farmville, TX. With this, it threw a different twist on this years celebrations but nothing too bad. Her display would be a make-shift basket until the coffees arrived. The drawings for the prizes are scheduled to take place at three in the afternoon over the radio. The local Christian radio station is setting up a live feed from their store at two o’clock to build up the excitement of listeners. Registration for the drawings last the full year, giving the range of possible winners
nation wide. Those out of state will be given a call of their winnings and their item mailed to them.
-CHAPTER THREE-
Charlie followed me with his hand on my back as we ran to the car, the rain pounding hard, leaving its signature all over us and the road. Once Charlie made sure I was secure in our black Chevy Tahoe, he ran around to the other side, quickly opening the door and jumping into the driver’s seat. The outside surroundings made it feel like the night was upon us. The storm wasn’t moving out of the area very fast and it grew angrier with each minute. Charlie leaned into the steering wheel giving him more visibility as he looked towards the sky. The lightening flashed revealing monstrous clouds, as the thunder cracked its fiery wipe slicing through anything in its path. I jumped at the sound hitting the car “OH GOD!” I yelled, grabbing the arm rest on the door. Throwing my hand to my chest, my heart pounding, “God, that scared me..” I added under my breath.
Charlie took my hand asking “Are you okay?”
Feeling kind of stupid I sheepishly replied, “ya’…”
Charlie started the car while looking around. The thunder tore its way through the air, leaving the sky to the spidery legs of the lightening that stretched from the east to west, north to south leaving a transparent electric blue fading haze. Giving us another glimpse of the raging clouds left a lonely feeling in my stomach, this storm didn’t look normal to me....it didn’t feel normal. I started thinking of our anniversary celebration and I began to worry about the customers wondering if they were going to try and get out in this, surely they wouldn’t I thought. I turned the radio up in an effort to hear a weather update, but the rage of the storm roared loudly, forcing me to turn the radio up to a much louder volume, revealing a song being played.
“My gosh! Look at how fast the street’s filling up!” I commented, gazing in amazement out my side window.
Charlie stayed focused on his driving. The water pools were popping up everywhere, spraying the grass as we drove through them. Blankets of water cover the windshield causing Charlie to have to slow to almost a stop. The windshield wipers were on their highest setting. The bumping rhythm helped me to focus through the contraction that started. This one was joined with pain. I laid the back of the seat down closed my eyes and listened to the wipers. The weather report came over the radio…
“the national weather service has issued a
tornado watch for
the following counties:
Kiowa, Jackson, Tillman, Washita,
Cotton,
Comanche, Caddo, Canadian
Grady, Stephens, Jefferson, and McClain
Counties
stay tuned, we will keep you updated.
“Kinda figured that..” I said sitting back up in the seat. The wind raced past the trees slapping each leaf with a forceful vengeance, whipping limbs in directions yet unnamed, swirling the rain into all directions.
“Almost there…” Charlie said slowing down the car due to the lack of visibility.
It was raining harder now as Charlie came to an almost complete stop. I held on to my seat belt, closed my eyes once again and began to say a silent prayer “Lord, thank you for this rain and our safety. I give you praise, in Jesus name… Amen” Charlie sped up just a little as the rain started to lighten up. Visibility was better and the wind not so bad now. We were only a couple blocks from the store now. I dug around my purse trying to find the store keys when a strange heavy feeling over took me. Thinking it had something to do with my excitement revolving around our celebration and the storm combined, I dismissed it as nothing. As we pulled into the parking lot of the store I let out a sigh.
“Okay…” I said “…here we go.” I continued, and looked at Charlie with a smile from ear to ear. I had waited and planned for this day and I knew the storm would blow over soon.
“Ya’, our big day… our third big day” Charlie replied smiling back.
“You know what we could use… a carport thing off the side of the building for days like this” I said chuckling.
“HA! … Ya’…” Charlie replied with an open smile as if trying to picture where it might go.
“Ya’…” he continued still in a pondered thought, letting his focus turn to the rain…would be nice on a day like this huh?” he added.
“Ya’…” I answered suddenly feeling tired and not wanting to get out of the truck. For some reason it had become overwhelmingly comfortable, and I could feel my body sink into the seat.
“Let me unlock the doors and go in first... I’ll motion you when I’m ready” Charlie said.
With a sigh I said “Okay….sounds good, I think I could fall asleep”
Charlie patted my stomach and gave me a smile before stepping out into what was now a normal rain. I sat there in the quiet listening to the thunder grow still, lightening flashes were not as threatening now. My eyes grew heavy as I slowly took in as much of a deep breath as I could. Regaining my motivation, I sat straight up in the truck yawned and put my hand on the door handle just about the time Charlie was coming back outside. With one leg out of the car, another contraction came, surprising me. I froze in position and slowly stood up in the door of the truck.
Charlie noticed this one, there was no hiding it. An immediate panic hit him and without control he blurted “MARY!” He grabbed my hand, and put his other hand on my back “You okay?” he asked.
“Ya’..” I whispered looking at the ground, rain now running off the bill of my hat.
“You sure?” he asked as he bent down to see my face.
I nodded and started to move away from the truck.
“I’m not leavin’ you today” He said.
“This has been going on for a few days, I think I’m gonna’ be fine…” I replied as he guided me into the store. By the time the door closed behind us, the tightening was gone, but the pressure I was feeling was bad and I needed to sit down. I pointed to the chair closest to us and Charlie helped me to it. I put my purse and keys on the table and took my hat off, everything was soaking wet and it was cold!
“Be back with a towel” Charlie said, heading to the back room.
We had thirty minutes until time to open and my mind started going through the events of the day when the cell rang. I fumbled through my purse trying to find it but was too late. I missed the call,… it was Stacy. I called her back and headed over to the counter to get the radio ready for the day.
“Hey!” Stacy said answering the phone.
“I couldn’t find my phone. It was in the bottom of my purse!” I said laughing at myself.
“Ha, Ha, hey I’m on my way… didn’t wanna’ get out in the heavy part of the storm … so I waited, you doin’ okay? Stacy asked.
“Ya’, fine… still having those tightening spells” I replied, pulling the radio out and setting it on the counter.
“You are so close girl, ya’ know?” Stacy squealed, with excitement.
“You think? Really? I’ve been doin’ this for days now” I replied.
“Ya’! I think! I’ll see ya’ in a few, stopping for a drink, want something?” She asked.
“Na, thanks” I replied “See ya’ in a few”
“Oh hey…Allen’s callin’ talk later -k-?, bye” she said as she hung up.
Laying the phone on the counter, I turned on the radio to a low volume and sat it back under the counter, checked to make sure the flash light worked, just in case it was needed. Charlie
came back in from the back room. “Here babe”, he said as he put a blanket over my shoulders and pulled my wet hair from under it. Placing his hand on my back, he walked around me placing his other on my stomach. With a smile he said, “My little family” kissing my forehead we embraced each other.
“Gosh Charlie… we are about to be parents!”, I said grinning from ear to ear, my eyes grew big full of anticipation.
“I know”, Charlie replied, kissing me on the lips.
Charlie turned and started walking toward the front of the store while I continued checking the flashlights and searching for candles. Thunder pounded its fists on the earth once again letting us know he was still around. The sky was lit with a soft glow of lightening that slowly faded. I started placing a couple of candles about the store, giving two of them to the tables and one to the coffee table.
Charlie turned away from the window and said, “I’m not goin’ to get that stuff today. I don’t think I should leave you.”
“Charlie, you gotta’ go. I’ll be fine, besides Stacy’s on her way here now…,” I explained. I wanted so badly to have the coffee basket set out for all to see. It was heart breaking to think I might not be putting it out for display. “I’ll be fine” I added.
Charlie shook his head, letting out a sigh “I don’t know… are you sure everything’s fine?”
“Charlie…I’m fine” I said, with a small smile and raised eyebrows. “Stacy’s gonna’ be here any moment, and it doesn’t take too long to get that stuff and you are meeting him half way right?” I added.
“Ya’,” Charlie answered, looking at the floor in thought.
“Okay, that’s only three hours. I’m gonna’ be fine.” I told him with a growing smile. Checking the time I noticed there were five minutes before time to open. Stacy walked in the door and announced her presence.
“I’m Here!” she said smiles all around, giggling she headed my way “come here, I gotta’ see my baby.” Stacy continued while walking toward me making instant contact with my belly. Squealing she said “Oh gosh! I can’t wait.”
I laughed at her and rolled my eyes. “You’re gonna’ be here all day right?” I asked.
“That’s the plan” Stacy replied with a wink. “Here, gotcha’ a water anyway… here Charlie, got you one too.” She continued and tossed his to him. “Lawton, OK better get its act together and clear up those skies out there… we gotta’ party to happen today!” Stacy said walking with almost a hop towards the doors to unlock them and flip on the lights.
Nine o’clock was here and it was time to open for the day. I sat on the couch in the reading area of the store and watched out the window. I was tired and just wanted to relax for a moment. Charlie felt pulled and undecided about what he should do turning to Stacy he asked, “Your gonna’ be here all day right?”
“Yes” she replied.
“…and what time is your Dr. appointment today?” he asked me.
“Four-thirty,” I replied
“K’… if I head that way now, I can get back before the drawings and still take you to the Dr.’s office.” Charlie rubbed his chin as he spoke. Letting out a sigh, he paused for a moment looking at me. “..And you’re sure?” he asked.
“Yes,” I replied with a single nod.
The store phone broke all train of thought and conversation. Charlie headed toward it to answer the call. “Lil’ Coffee Shop, this is Charlie, how can I help you?” As he was answering the phone, I decided to go into the back and sit on the couch in there. Walking past the front counter through the swinging doors, I let my hand brush across Charlie’s back. He was standing by the wall talking on the phone. The pressure I was feeling hurt and I just wanted to lay down for a little bit. Stacy noticed my walk and followed me in there.
“You don’t have much time left…” she stated.
“Ya think so?” I asked, “well, there's so much more pressure this past couple of days. It’s harder to walk” I added.
“Oh hun’, I’m sorry,” she said her face scrunched. “Let me get you some more water,” she added as she walked over to the fridge. The wind wasn’t as strong as earlier, but was still beating on the side of the building.
“Think it’ll storm anymore today?” I asked.
“Hope not,” Stacy replied, handing me the water.
“Thanks,” I said. “Sometimes the sounds of a storm relaxes me,” I said laying back on the couch. “crazy huh’?”
“No, I guess?” Stacy laughed.
Charlie came through the swinging doors, his keys in his hand, he was ready to head out so he could quickly get back. “I just called the guy, he’s on his way to meet me, you sure everything’s okay?” He asked as he leaned over me.
Rubbing my stomach I smiled. “Yeess, everything’s okay,” I answered raising my head to kiss him goodbye.
“Stacy, thanks for bein’ here…,” Charlie said and smiled at her.
“Of course, wouldn’t have it any other way, you don’t worry, she’s gonna’ to be fine… go so you can get back here.” Stacy said patting him on the back.
“Bye Mary, I love you” Charlie said as he walked out the door.
Silence fell upon the room leaving the rhythm of the wind and rain. “That was some storm huh’?” I asked.
“Ya’, just don’t know if it is really over… it looks weird out there… really weird!” Stacy said
“I’m gonna’ turn up the radio a bit..” She added as she walked through the swinging doors. Just as she turned up the volume another weather update was already being given…
…these storms are bringing large hail, damaging winds, and the
chance of tornadoes. This is a newly developed storm heading into
Oklahoma ….that’s Tillman County right now at about 25 miles
an hour.
Again, this is a severe storm with hail and damaging
winds…
no tornadoes at this time… we have chasers out
now…
stay tuned we will keep you updated…
“Hmm, I was hoping the storms were over.” I commented.
Charlie came back into the store almost in a full run right to Mary. “You know, I could stay, I don’t have to go.”
Shaking my head and laughing, I sat up on the couch and said “Charlie… look at me, babe I
am fine… go get that shipment and get back here!” Still laughing under my words I continued, “There are other items in that stuff that we need, we have outs and people waiting on them…” Giving him a slight punch on the leg, “No go silly!” He leaned down again and kissed me goodbye…
“Bye again Charlie…,” Stacy said still listening to the radio.
Looking back at Stacy he said “take care of her k’?”
“Charlie! GO!” Stacy firmly said with a chuckle and pointed to the door.
Stacy turned and leaned her back on the counter propping her elbows on its edge. Leaning her head back and looking at the ceiling she said, “WOW! That man’s a nervous wreck!!” Laughing, she came back through the swinging doors to the room I was in shaking her head.
Laughing back, “I know!” I replied shaking my head, my still smiling for a while. . My stomach began to tighten again. Stacy noticed the change on my face.
“Mmmaaarrryyy???” she said with suspicion, “is what I think happening …REALLY happening?!” I could hear the change in her voice as her excitement started to grow.
“No, doubt it… I have been doing this for a couple of days now…” I said looking at her. I continued, “Sometimes with, sometimes without pain… makes me feel heavy though,.” I added.
“OOOO MARY!" she squeaked out while clapping her hands, “I’ll bet we’re at the hospital by morning!!” and gave me a high five.
“You think?” I asked.
“Well, I’m no doctor, but it wouldn’t surprise me.” Stacy’s excitement shrilled through her words. “I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Oh my gosh! I knew it!” she added while almost skipping to the couch. Sitting down she continued, “I saw how you were walking a bit ago and I thought OOOOOOOOO! But I didn’t say anything because I just figured it wasn’t anything cause you hadn’t told me of this!!” Stacy’s smile ran from ear to ear, but quickly disappeared… gasping she looked right at me lowering her head in a more serious position, with a lower tone in her voice she said, “Charlie doesn’t know huh’?”
I stay silent for a little bit, before I could answer, she interrupted, “Mary!” Her mouth hung open.
“No…listen, I haven’t noticed a pattern and didn’t feel I should say anything on account it could be false… I don’t want to go through all that again, so I’ve stayed quiet… but the pressure this past couple of days… well yesterday and today really has been bad! I can hardly walk… my bones are rubbing so bad it hurts to move while sitting…” shaking my head and wincing in pain.
Stacy became quiet, looking at the floor in thought. “How far is Charlie going?”
Instant worry came over me and overwhelming guilt scurried through my body. With widened eyes and tears beginning to flow, I looked at Stacy. “Oh God…what are you saying? Do I call him back? Did I screw up?” I started to cry as I continued to talk “What have I done?” My voice cracked.
“No, no Mary…it’s okay, you’re fine… I was just wondering how far he was going.” Stacy said trying to comfort me.
“He’ll be gone about three hours...” I replied waiting for any kind of confirmation that things would be fine.
“Have you timed them?” she asked.
“No” I answered.
“K’, no biggy, we’ll start now, so the next time it happens lets get a time pattern if there is one.” Stacy said with a reassuring smile and holding my arm. About then, the bell hanging over the door rang, Stacy put a small amount of pressure on my leg and said “I got this,” and left the room….
-CHAPTER FOUR-
As Charlie left town, he stopped at the convenience store for gas and something to drink. After paying the cashier and walking out of the store, he looked up at the sky, noticing a new storm forming in the distance. Another storm? he thought as he took a drink of the pop. Tucking the gas receipt into his pocket and standing on the sidewalk, he pondered on whether or not he should actually go. After all, the shipment wasn’t going anywhere and would be there tomorrow. At least by then, maybe all the storms would be long gone but then what if Mary has the baby tomorrow? Charlie thought for a while on what he should do. Remembering Stacy being there put a bit more comfort on his heart but there was still that weird feeling he just couldn’t shake. He thought about calling Mary to check on her but he had only left just ten minutes ago. He slowly started back to the van sipping his pop. Taking one last glance at the storm building in the distance, he climbed into the van and started the engine. He couldn’t get himself to leave, he sat in the parking lot for about ten minutes in a strange daze. He was unable to decide his actions. Going over the morning in his mind, he remembered how hard it was for her to walk. The storm that just left and the one on its way and the three year anniversary had him pulled. Letting his head fall to rest on the stirring wheel, he let out a huge groaning sigh.
Charlie sat himself up in his seat. Putting one hand on the wheel, he started the van and proceeded to continue on his way for the new merchandise. Still not feeling quite right about leaving, he decided it wasn’t worth it. He turned around about ten minutes into the trip and headed back towards Mary. Once he arrived back at the convenience store, he sat in the parking lot for a few moments, again trying to decide whether or not he should go. He reasoned with himself. If he had just kept going he would have been thirty minutes into the trip, which meant he would already be that much closer to being back to Mary’s side. Letting out a big sigh, he turned on the radio to hear the weather, put the van in drive and headed out again. But this still didn’t settle his nerves; so he grabbed his cell and called Mary. When Mary and Charlie built their store, they also had plans to buy a cargo van for picking up Merchandise. They knew it would eventually be needed as their business grew. Although it had only been three years since they opened, their need for a company van was here. This trip would be the vans first trip to anywhere besides across town. They purchased it just two days prior. It was white with no side windows on the back sides, only windows in the rear doors. On the side of the van they had a coffee cup sitting on a saucer and steam rolling from it. This picture was sitting at an angle pointing toward the front of the truck. Written on both sides was, “Lil’ Coffee Shack” in dark burgundy with a midnight blue swoosh.
Mary’s cell started ringing…”Hey babe!” She was happy to hear from him even though he had just left. “Everything okay?” she asked.
“Ya’ everything’s fine, I’m just checkin’ on you.”
“Charlie, I’m fine!” I said giggling. His concern twitter patted my heart. He was so wonderful!
“Well…” Charlie paused, “I’ve just had a funny feelin’ ever since I left and I guess I just needed to call and make sure your all right.”
“Yes, I am fine.” “Stacy is helping a customer.” “I am listening to the radio and still on the couch.” I replied.
“Well… I’m worried… and guess I shouldn’t be, just call me if you need to.” Charlie said.
“You know I will, be safe, love you.!” I said.
“Love you too!.” Charlie replied.
As Charlie ended the call, he looked out the window. It looked as though he was heading toward the developing storm. It was close so he figured he would be rained on soon. It was building high. This told him it could be a bad one. He turned on the radio drumming his fingers to the beat of the drum, waiting on a weather report. This did not help release the tightening grip on his discernment. The song faded from his thoughts and he again was back on Mary.... she’s haven’ that baby today… he thought while slightly nodding his head. Focusing on the highway and the merchandise pick up is what he needed to do. So the thought of her in labor, while he was gone, would subside. Interrupting his concentration, the DJ broke into the middle of the song…
This is an update from the National Weather Service… We
are
tracking a newly developing storm inside Tillman County
moving
North East at 30-35 miles per hour.
Comanche County is in the
direct path of this storm.
This storm is brining large hail,
damaging winds and a chance
for tornadoes.
This storm is
developing fast with rapid changes…
stay tuned. We will keep
you advised!
Charlie kept an eye on the storm as it was quickly getting closer. The wind was already starting
Starting to pick up, making it difficult to drive the van. The temperature changed in a matter of seconds with no care for any one’s comfort. Charlie turned the air conditioner down and checked his watch. He was now truly thirty minutes into the trip meaning it has been an hour since he left Mary. The wind picked up again and started to take control of the van, bumping it from one line to another. Charlie slowed down and so did the other traffic. Oncoming cars were spotted with droplets of rain. The sky was growing darker and darker with each minute. Suddenly, Charlie realized he was at the storms edge. Kisses of rain speckled his windshield. The drops were large, leaving quarter sized splatters all over. Lightening flashed pictures of the clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance giving warning of its coming. Charlie still had another hour on the highway before he met the truck holding their merchandise. He thought about the time he has been gone and the total time he will be gone. All the while, his thoughts were wrapped with concern for Mary and now this storm ahead. Once again, the radio cut through with a new weather update. Charlie tuned in…
*****
“Stacy, the weather beeps…” I had to yell so she could hear me. I managed to get up off the couch and make my way through the swinging doors.
“Got it…” Stacy replied, and turned up the radio.
…Once again we have an update on the newly developed storm
now
entering Comanche County traveling 35-40 miles per hour…
-the weatherman paused, conversations could be heard in the background concerning the storm-
Uumm’, looks like we have hail… large hail in this cell over
the
Tillman and Comanche County line… wind gusts reported over
90m
miles per hour, stay away from all windows
if you live in a
mobile home, seek other shelter now.
This storm is now capable of
developing a tornado
if you live in the North part of Tillman
County and all of
Comanche County you ARE under a tornado watch.
This is a serious
dangerous storm and is rapidly continuing to
build.
We have weather trackers out now with continuous updates.
We will
keep you informed…
As I listened to the weather report my heart sank…Charlie! He’s driving right into this thing… I made my way to the couch for my cell, feeling my anxiety levels rise. My hands started to shake. Telling myself to stay calm wasn’t working…I was going to have a baby any moment Well it could be any second according to Stacy’s reaction earlier and my husband is on the highway for some stinkin’ coffee! My thoughts raced and uncontrolled feelings were rising rapidly. Suddenly, the thunder hit so hard it rattled every wall, vibrating through my chest. I screamed and jumped. My heart raced and I still was unable to find the cell…WHERE did it go? I thought as Stacy walked in the room
“Mary” she said with a stern voice. Seeing the panic and frustration overtaking me, she knew all fun and games were over. She had a take charge kind of attitude when it came to things spiraling out of a persons control. “What?!” I snapped. Tears began to roll down my face. “I put all this first and now Charlie’s out in a storm and I could have this baby any minute? Why did I send him away?” I said while crying uncontrollably. “Here… a.. contra..ct..ion!” I was now barely able to talk.