by Barb Shuler
“Picnic day?” I asked, confused. Granted I'd only been in there when my services were needed or when I had to see Dr. Crandall, but how'd I miss this?
“Yeah, picnic day. Each week Dani Lynn tries to come up with something interactive for the people staying there. There is such a mix of ages that it has to be something fun that will allow them to intermingle,” she said.
“It seems to do the residents there good,” Papa agreed. “Especially the ones that have no other family. It allows them to socialize in a safe place.”
“Having our kids there helps as well,” Jackson said. Drew nodded his agreement.
“I'm sure Kaitlyn has been sucked into the hurricane that is the Landry children already,” Stella laughed.
“Oh Lord,” I grinned. “Can we go see them? I mean, I'm tired as hell, but I need to see for myself that they're okay, and safe.”
“Sure, we can go now. Sorry, Chuckles, you're not allowed. I'll bring her back soon,” Stella said as she stood. I gave Charlie a big hug and a kiss. Both of us said “I love you” as we pulled back. With a grin I left his side and moved to hug Papa.
“I love you, Sweet Pea.”
“I love you too, Papa.”
With one last wave I was dragged out of the station and towards the Center, all the while hoping this would be the beginning of a fresh start for Cassie and Kaitlyn.
10
Give Me Calm
Shelby
The choice to go to the center with Stella was easy. I wanted to go home with Charlie most of all, but I needed this. I needed to calm my own nerves and fears. I'd gone to Papa’s long enough to change my clothes and was now in a pair of cut-offs and a t-shirt. I walked with Stella towards Dani Lynn’s Crisis Center. It had started as a place for anyone that needed to escape an unsafe home. They had a few residents from time to time and a few that seemed to be permanent. It was like it's own community.
While I waited for Stella to type in the code for the side door I scanned the property. It was easy to spot the cameras watching the property. I was willing to make a bet that for every camera you saw, there were three you didn't. This place, this Haven, had more protection than the bank on Main Street. That thought made me smile.
“Got it. I swear Derek changes it just to keep me confused,” Stella grumbled. We were inside, the door shut and locked before I could blink.
“Jeez,” I huffed.
“Safety first, princess,” she said laughing as I scowled at her.
She gripped my hand and pulled me back through the hallway and out to the back room. She pushed the screen door open and we stepped out. The sounds of children laughing, dogs barking and happiness rolling through the air made the ache in my heart fade away.
There were a few adult women, a boy who looked to be about Derek and Carter’s age, and a few small ones I hadn't seen before. I saw Kaitlyn playing with Ryan and her blocks. Cue the aww’s. I placed my hand on my chest and gave the backyard and gardens a good look.
“Stella! Shelby, come on over,” Dani Lynn called out to us. At her call the little monsters all made a new line for us in a cheer of shouts.
“Sheby! Steya! My Shelbys!” I laughed as I went down on my knees to greet them. Stella had done the same.
“Hey, my little monsters,” I gave Taylor, Tyler and Elijah - who had been a few steps behind the bigger kids - a kiss on their cheeks. Stella had Robert squealing in laughter as she tickled him.
“You bings a sutters?” Ryan asked as she stumbled over to me. Stella and I rotated kiddos out as I shook my head.
“I didn't, princess. I'll bring some next time okay?” I said as I scooped her up and gave her a big kiss on her cheek.
“Otays,” she said with a big grin before launching herself at Stella. I laughed and took in a deep breath. I reached down to scratch behind Thor’s ears.
“Hey, buddy,” I cooed at the dog.
“Hey, y'all come grab a plate,” Kristol said, breezing by us with a pitcher of what I assumed was lemonade in her hand.
“Grab a kid, too,” Dani Lynn laughed as she finished setting up a big table of food.
There were large red and white checkered cloths of some sort laying out around the grass. There was nothing else to do but grin.
“Daaaaay Daaaaaaaaay,” Tyler shrieked and took off across the yard. We all laughed as he and Carter walked around from behind the large shed with big boxes in their arms.
“What are they up to?” Stella asked as she set Ryan back onto her feet.
“B-u-b-b-l-e machines,” I laughed when Dani Lynn started spelling out the word bubble. The kids would never settle down if they knew they'd get to play with bubbles.
“Ah, gotcha. So today's mission is to entertain our guests and wear the kids out so they pass out?” Stella said with a snort.
“Damn skippy,” Dani Lynn said grinning. “Might mean I get to pee alone for once.”
“I doubt that. Jacks has to lock bathroom doors because they both just walk right in,” Kristol chimed in. “Everyone should have learned that by now.” Her eyes flashed to Stella and we all laughed.
“Whatever, not like Ryan saw anything. She did scare the piss out of me.”
“Can we eat now? I-I'm starving,” a tall lanky kid said as he came up to stand by the table but not close enough to be touched.
“Sure thing Colton, grab a plate and fill up. Get as much as you can eat,” Dani Lynn said.
“The food’s ready, everyone come eat,” Dani Lynn hollered out. Her voice carried across the yard. Everyone seemed to smile and head this way.
I observed them for a few moments and let my gaze fan the yard. Where had Kaitlyn gone? Where was Cassie? I turned and scanned the whole area looking for them both. I spotted Kaitlyn - finally. She was hidden under a table that was covered in potted hanging plants. I turned to Dani Lynn.
“Where is Cassie?”
“She's in her room,” she frowned. “She's talking with Doc Crandall.”
“Okay,” I nodded and moved my way over to where Kaitlin had gone to hide. She met my gaze with big blue eyes. The fear clouding them made my heart thump hard in my chest.
“I'm s-sorry,” she shouted as she scrambled back under the table further. I glanced around and noted the eyes on us. I sighed heavily. When I saw Kristol ready to move this way I waved her back. I could do this. I wouldn’t let this baby down.
“Hey, sweetheart, there's nothing to be sorry for. I just came to see if you wanted something to eat. Are you hungry?” I asked keeping my voice low.
“I-” she started and looked down at the raggedy ass stuffed animal of hers. I needed to get her a new one. That thing was just gross.
“Come on, it's okay. Everyone here is going to eat,” I said as I held my hand out to her, keeping it flat so she could take it.
“I nots eads wids bid peaspoles,” she stutters out. The poor kid was freaking out.
She started to pant and the widening of her eyes told me all I needed to know. I had to grit my teeth and bite back a snarl. They had her afraid to eat? My gut churned with anger and feelings all too familiar to the panic I now saw on her face.
“I promise. No one here will hurt you for eating with us. We can go eat with Lana and Ryan. Would you like that?” I asked. My voice had only cracked once. I was proud of that.
Slowly - painfully slowly - she came out from under the table and right to me. I pulled her into me and hugged her tight. She sniffled a few times and it was too late then. I pushed her back slightly.
“I'm sorry, sweetheart. I forgot about your boo boo’s,” I frowned and brushed her floppy blonde curls back from her face.
“I otays,” she said as she tugged her elephant closer.
The thing smelled. Ugh. I wanted to puke at the smell. How I had missed that earlier, I don't know. I picked it up with two fingers and then got a good look at her. She was dirty again, and I didn't know when the last time her hair had been washed. My God.
“How about after we eat, I gi
ve you a bath, wash your hair and make it all pretty again. Then,” I leaned in and whispered, “we can get some ice cream?”
Her face lit up at the mention of ice cream. I glanced around and even though a few eyes were still on us, they'd all spread out to eat.
“Us can does its. I haves bwead? I lites bwead,” she said nodding her head as she pointed to the table.
“You can have whatever you want. Let's leave, uh, your elephant here and we’ll give her a washing too. Okay?” I asked her hoping to avoid a fit.
“Otays,” she said as I stood, her tiny little body pressed against mine.
I dropped the elephant on the table by the plants and moved to wash our hands off in the fountain. Then we went and made a plate. A big plate. I moved us over to where Lana, Derek and Carter sat, all three with a baby in their lap. They'd done like I did and just fixed one big ass plate. It was always the easiest way to do this. They always eat off of someone's plate, even if they had their own.
Lana was able to get Kaitlyn to do some talking, but she kept giving the boys a hard look as she ate. I think she was trying to figure them out. I’d noticed that Lana had on a small, yet, beautiful heart-shaped diamond ring on her right hand. I’d asked her about it and, to my delight, I got a big grin from her and Derek.
“It’s my promise to always be here for her.” His words made my heart melt. They had all grown into good-hearted young adults. I smiled.
“Good, you see that you do that. We’d hate to have to kick your butt…” I was cut off by laughing from Carter and Lana. I gave Derek, whose face had a pink tint to it now a wink. I loved these kids.
I sat, amazed at these people around us. Even Kaitlyn had relaxed a little more with our playful bantering. So much so that she went into starving kid mode. I had to slow Kaitlyn’s eating down twice so she didn't get sick. Poor kid probably was starving.
After a plate full of food, we were stuffed. I offered to help clean up, but this place worked like a family. Everyone helped do stuff, even the kids. Taylor and Tyler were helping Derek and Carter fold up the blankets. Lana and Ryan were putting the forks and spoons into pans to take inside to the dishwasher and the young man Dani Lynn had called Colten was tossing the paper plates in a trash bag.
I was waved away a second time and took the hint. I chuckled as I carried Kaitlyn inside and to her mom's room. The room was empty, so I went to the bathroom and started the water. One clean little girl, coming up.
With the events of the day, I guess my body was a lot more exhausted than I had originally thought. I'd only meant to come to the center, see Kaitlin and then go home. That didn't happen. I sat up slowly from the bed in Kaitlin’s room, Dani Lynn and Jayna hovering as I scrubbed my hands over my face.
“Crap, what time is it?” I asked. My jaw cracked as I spoke. Ugh, that hurt but felt good. I shifted on the bed and blinked my eyes again.
“Shh, keep your voice down so you don't wake her,” Jayna said, her finger pointing to a heavily sleeping Kaitlin. Someone had brought that elephant of hers back in. It was still ratty, but it seemed to be clean at least.
I ran my fingers through her curls and turned back to face them both. I kept my voice low as I asked again, “What time is it?”
“It's almost seven,” Dani Lynn said, a small smile pulling at her lips. “We were checking on you both. You were sleeping so good, I hated to wake you.”
“Where’s Cassie?” I asked, looking around the room.
“She's in another room. She didn't want to wake either of you earlier,” Jayna said. “She said no one had ever been able to get Kaitlyn to sleep but her. Until you did today. That lady was mighty impressed.”
“I didn't mean to fall asleep. I got her cleaned up, and let me tell you, that was no small chore. She had grass matted into her hair. Grass!” My voice got a little louder on that and Jayna shushed me again.
“There's no telling when she was last cared for like that. I offered to give her a bath and wash her hair after she got here but she didn't want anyone touching her. Lana and Ryan were the only ones she'd get remotely close to earlier. That is, until you got here,” Dani Lynn said with a small smile.
“She was so sleepy after her bath and me scrubbing and brushing the matted parts of her hair. I'm so glad I didn't have to cut it.” I let myself get lost in my thoughts for a moment. My eyes went to the little girl beside me. “When I said I'd go get her Mama so I could go home, she started crying and… this was the only thing I could think of. I told her I'd lay with her until she went to sleep, then I was going to go home. Guess I failed at that.”
“It's okay, hun, you needed the rest too. You've both had a helluva long day. You feeling okay now? Should I call Charles to come and get ya?” Jayna asked and I shook my head.
“No, ma’am, I'll walk down to his house. Or jog as the case will be. I need to stretch my muscles and think. I do my best thinking when I'm jog-” I stopped and looked down at my sandals. “On second thought, I'll walk and think.”
“That's a good idea. Now you best call back and let us know you made it home. Don't be makin’ an old woman worry,” Jayna said. Both Dani Lynn and I shared a look and grinned.
“Yes, ma’am, don't you worry about that,” I said standing and hugged both women. I made my way out of the center and headed back up the road. Seemed my trek would be shorter than I thought. As I walked up the road I saw Charlie’s truck parked in front of Papa’s. I smiled and headed up the drive. I needed to give them both a big hug.
11
With This Ring
Charlie
Four months after Shelby’s car accident and the bar fight life went crazy again. Her father has been spotted a time or two - it could be more, but I'm trusting her to tell me about those sightings. Life changes so fast. As my aunt Trisha always says, life giveth, and life taketh away.
We’ve had a little shadow with us a lot. At first I was apprehensive. I won't lie. I thought Shelby was getting too attached to Kaitlyn, but on the other hand the other girls had her just as much as Shelby did. They’d all been trying to keep her distracted while her mama slowly left this place. No child deserves to lose a parent.
No one knew it, but Cassie had been battling with health issues. It wasn't until she collapsed one day and was sent to the hospital in Lufkin that they discovered she was eat up with cancer. Literally head to toe. They'd opened her up and closed her right back up.
The funeral had been short and sweet, for Kaitlyn’s sake. Doctor Crandall had spoken to her about everything to make sure she understood what was going on. Every time someone asked her if she was okay, if she understood where her Mama had gone, she would nod her head and say, “mommy is an angels. Her protets me now.”
Out of the mouth of babes, right?
After that Shelby jumped through a few hoops, and a week later was able to get a judge to give her temporary custody of Kaitlyn. It was obvious that they were meant to be together. That sweet little girl was not only smart but observant.
While Shelby worked, Kaitlyn would stay with Doc and watch her share of the Disney movies the girls got for her, go to the center - if the kids were there - or Lana would take her to Kristol and Jackson’s when she went to watch the little monsters there. She was always someplace safe with people that cared about her.
Now, it was time to change things up some. My girl has been through so much, but today, today is a special day for us all. As I paced the front of the church my heart thudded against my ribcage. A slap against my shoulder had me tensing.
“Relax, kid,” Dad said, chuckling.
“I'm relaxed. It's just hot in here,” I retorted. I was relaxed, dammit, and so nervous I felt like I may be sick. This was what the chicks were supposed to do. I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed.
“Leave him alone, Robert,” Aunt Tricia said as she came up and straightened my tie. She made sure each piece on my uniform was properly positioned before she looked up at me. I grinned down at her.
“I wasn’
t messin’ with him, Trish. He’s just nervous,” Dad said, defensively.
“He should be. It's a big day. His life is changing, his family is growing and, he's making himself happy.” She paused and moved to cup my cheek. I rested my hand on hers. “I'm so proud of the man you've become. Thank God you turned out to be the man we all knew you had inside you.”
“I- thank you. I love you, Auntie T. So much,” I said hugging her super tight. “It's still hot in here,” I grumped as I sat her back on her feet.
“He’s panting like an old alley cat.”
I turned and flipped off both Trace and Chipper before I turned back to Dad.
“Charles, relax, son. It's not hot. You're gonna sweat yourself out of your uniform. You two, get in place,” he said, pointing to Trace and Chipper.
“On it,” they chimed out and took off down the aisle. I couldn't help but chuckle.
“We’re ready, gents. Please take your places,” Pastor Riggs said smiling. With a deep breath I moved to take my place. Dad and Aunt Trisha moved to the front bench. In a few long minutes, I'd get to see my girl in all her wedding day beauty.
I couldn't wait.
Shelby
“Oh my God, y'all I can't do this,” I rushed out. A room full of women gazed back at me, brows raised.
“What?” Stella said coming up and getting right in my face. “You already said yes, cracker, now shift it.”
Ugh.
“Not that. I mean these death traps y'all call shoes,” I said, glaring at her.
“Oh, well, I'm with ya on those heels. There's pretty much only one kind of woman that can pull those-”
“Stella Grace, don't you finish that thought,” Dani Lynn said as she helped both Tyler, and Kaitlyn down from the chairs they’d been sitting in.