by Linda Ellen
Vic, visibly shaken, ran a hand through his hair as he tried to wrap his mind around the doctor’s words. “Is…is she gonna be okay?”
The doctor hesitated, but seeing the obvious depth of emotion in the young man, he continued as if Vic were, indeed, the young lady’s husband.
“She made it through surgery, and she’s stable now, but the next forty-eight hours will be critical. She lost a lot of blood before we could get the hemorrhaging stopped and for a few minutes…” he gave pause, picturing the panic in the operating room when they had realized the hospital’s stock of Louise’s blood type was quite low. “Well, the fact that you were here and happen to possess the same blood type…” Then laying a hand on Vic’s arm, he added in an attempt to encourage him, “She’s a lucky young woman. If you hadn’t saved us the time to search for a donor with the correct type, and gotten her here when you did…if she had been alone when it ruptured, there is a good chance she would not have survived.”
Dry mouthed, Vic could only nod, hoping his actions had truly been enough.
With that, the doctor turned to go back inside, with the assurance that Louise would be well cared for, and they could see her in the morning.
Once he was gone, the four concerned people stood together for a minute, trying to absorb the enormity of the situation. None, except the reverend, had ever been involved in such a serious occurrence.
“Where’s Tommy?” Sarah suddenly asked. Vic’s eyes widened, as up to that point, he had totally forgotten about the existence of Louise’s son.
Doc offered, “Louise has been staying with one of my parishioners, Irene Waller. She’s taking care of the child. I telephoned her and let her know what happened.” Again Vic reacted, his brow furrowed as he recalled the information about Louise staying with his dear friend and surrogate mother.
Glancing at his wife, Sonny spoke up, “Well…we can’t do anything more here tonight. Might as well go home and come back in the morning, like the doctor said.”
Sarah slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. “You might want to send your parents a telegram and let them know what has happened…” Sonny acknowledged that was probably a good idea.
Vic glanced over at the closed doors that led to the rest of the hospital, wishing he could crash through them and find Louise. He desperately wanted to stay with her and make sure she was soundly recuperating. However, knowing that was impossible, he only sighed softly.
“Think I’ll…go let Miss Irene know.”
*
In response to a soft knock, Irene glanced at the clock on the wall, noting the time as 9:45 pm. Dreadfully worried and wondering what was going on with Louise, and with Vic, she had been in the act of turning off the lamp in the living room in preparation for retiring for the night. Now, she reached down to securely fasten the tie on her robe and crossed to the door.
When she opened it, she found a worried but otherwise fine Vic occupying the hallway. He had changed out of his stained clothes in order not to frighten her.
“Vic! Come in!” she greeted. Reaching out for his hand and drawing him inside, she noticed there appeared to be traces of bloodstains on his skin where he had only given them a cursory washing. Thoroughly concerned, she shut the door and then gave him a quick hug before gesturing for him to have a seat on the couch.
He gratefully sank down onto its smooth, slip-covered surface, thinking it had been a long and emotionally taxing day since he had risen that morning in his room in Evansville. When he had set out on his journey to Louisville, he could not have had an inkling of the things that would transpire before the sun went down. And it was certainly not the circumstances with which he had pictured his reunion with this woman for which he cared so deeply. Gazing at her now, he noticed in these four years her hair had acquired quite a bit more silver than before, but like he remembered, a certain glow…a gentle goodness, still radiated from her countenance. Her green eyes, just then, appeared quite concerned and he realized, belatedly, that she seemed to have been on the verge of going to bed. It made him feel bad that he hadn’t looked at the clock before heading over to see her.
Closing his eyes for a moment, his tired brain seemed to make his thoughts more muddled by the second.
“How is Louise?” the kind, dear woman asked as she studied the face of the young man before her. She could plainly see he was still quite distraught. She had been thinking, as well, about the fact that this was not the way she had envisioned their reunion. The quiet young man she had seen at their parting was now a confident, mature man of twenty-five.
“The doctor said she’s stable, but she lost a lot of blood…they wouldn’t let us see her until tomorrow.” His despair pulled at his face as he said the words.
“When Reverend Latham called and told me she had collapsed, I…” she paused, unsure if Louise had told Vic about the baby as she had encouraged.
Vic met her eyes. “She told me about the baby…just before it happened. The doctor said she had a…eckt…” he hesitated, trying to remember the exact term.
“Ectopic?”
Vic nodded, bringing one hand up to rub the heel of his palm against his forehead, trying to stave off a stabbing tension headache. “Yeah…she…she almost bled to death,” he added softly, the memory of the words the surgeon had confided making him shiver.
“Oh Vic,” Irene crooned with sympathy, reaching out to once again touch his arm. They spent the next few minutes discussing the situation, with Vic sharing what a horrible experience it was, and how frightened he had been that he wouldn’t get her to the hospital in time.
Just as Irene was about to say what a shame it was that such a thing happened just hours upon his arrival back in town, they both heard a soft voice from the doorway.
“Mama?”
Vic looked over and saw a small boy of about two, with light brown, wavy hair that was mussed from sleep. The child, still heavy lidded, was wiping his eyes with one hand and holding a small blanket with the other – a corner of it pressed to his face as the rest trailed behind him.
“Tommy, what are you doing out of bed, young man?” Irene asked the child, albeit gently. Holding out one hand, she encouraged, “Come here.”
The little boy shuffled barefoot over to her, sailing straight into her arms before turning his head to look over at the unknown man. He stared at Vic, his big blue eyes seeming to search his features as if there was something familiar about him.
Vic smiled in greeting as he perused the child, looking for some feature that resembled Louise. Realizing the young boy looked like his father, he held his emotions in check. He was striving hard not to let it show that he was thinking that perhaps if things had been different, this might have been his son. With a heroic effort, he pushed back the familiar thoughts of whether or not he could accept this and take it all on.
Suddenly, recognition dawned in the child’s eyes and he smiled shyly. Turning to meet Irene’s eyes, Tommy pointed with one finger toward Vic as he said to her proudly, “Vic!”
Surprised, the adults stared at him for a moment, then Irene asked for clarity, “Tommy, sweetheart…you know Mr. Vic?”
The bright child vigorously bobbed his head.
“But…” she lingered, meeting Vic’s astonished gaze. “How do you know Vic?”
“Mama’s tweasure box,” he explained, quite seriously. Then, he mimicked someone holding a photo and ‘hugged’ it to his chest as he mumbled, “Mmmm. Pitchur of Mama’s fwend, Vic!”
Irene’s eyes widened as she hugged him close, feeling utterly amazed. Obviously, Louise had shown the little boy Vic’s picture, no doubt many times, and had told him the man’s name – and he remembered. He’d even recognized him from the photo. She and Vic shared a smile as he felt his heart at once begin to warm toward the toddler.
Vic did have some practice with children when he lived with Jack and Liz and had interacted with his niece and nephew. Knowing he was a stranger to Louise’s little boy, nevertheless, he took a cha
nce and leaned near, keeping his smile friendly. Holding out his hands, eyebrows raised, he silently asked Tommy if he could hold him.
Tommy seemed to consider that for a moment, and then from Irene’s arms, he reached out with both hands toward the newcomer as he tilted toward him.
Vic took him in his arms and gently set him on his lap, marveling at the handsome little man. He felt drawn to him because he was a part of Louise as he realized the boy had inherited his mother’s sweetness.
Tommy stared up at him with his wide, angelic blue eyes for a moment. Then realizing he hadn’t seen his mother, he looked around the room and back at Vic.
“Where Mama?” he asked softly.
Vic clamped his lips together in a small pout and gave one negative shake of his head.
“Your Mama’s not here…but she’s gonna be alright…I promise,” Vic murmured. It was as if Tommy knew that Vic was a good man and one that could be trusted. Children always know – they can sense a person’s character. Totally at ease, the child leaned toward Vic, cuddling into his arms as they closed around him.
“Your Mama’s gonna be just fine, Tommy,” Vic reiterated, meeting Irene’s misty eyes. “She’s gotta be.”
Vic then closed his eyes, sending up a silent prayer.
*
The first sensation of awareness she experienced was the feeling of smooth, cool fingers touching her wrist.
Gradually, Louise broke through to consciousness, becoming aware that she was lying in a bed with sunshine streaming in through a window nearby. Her eyes opened slowly, and she found herself gazing up at the nurse who was in the act of taking her pulse. The dark haired woman glanced over and saw that her patient was reviving, and she responded with a friendly smile.
“Good morning, honey. How do you feel? Are you in much pain?”
Louise tried to focus, swallowing dryly. Her mouth felt like it was lined with cardboard.
The nurse noticed and promptly stepped to the bedside table, poured some water into a glass from a pitcher, and helped Louise to take a few sips.
Louise gave her a groggy smile of thanks and relaxed against the pillow.
“W…what happened?” she asked, confused.
“You were rushed here to the hospital yesterday…and you’ve had surgery…” the nurse paused, determining if the patient was stable enough for details. “But you’re going to be fine. I’m Nurse Nancy. You just let me know if there is anything you need.”
Louise had latched on to the words hospital and surgery as she forced her mind to reach back into memories of the day before. Suddenly, as if switching on a light bulb, she remembered…Fleet coming over…getting dressed…the taxi ride to the bowling alley…Vic!
She gasped involuntarily and tried to lift her head, croaking, “Vic…Vic?”
Nurse Nancy smiled understandingly. “Is that your husband? He and your family are right outside waiting to see you.”
Louise’s eyes clouded for a moment; her brow furrowed. “Husband? But…did Vic leave? Oh NO!” Tears began to pool in her eyes, and the nurse immediately became concerned. “Ssshh, honey. You’re all right. Everything is just fine,” she soothed, reaching out a gentle hand and smoothing back a lock of Louise’s hair from her forehead. “You mustn’t upset yourself. You need your strength to recover from your surgery,” she added caringly.
“Vic…I want…Vic…” Louise whispered, her lip quivering like a little girl, which is what she felt like at that moment – totally powerless, confused and weak. The frantic pounding of her heart made her feel dizzy due to the tremendous strain her body had endured, and she feebly raised a hand to her forehead. Hazy images swam across her mind as she tried hard to remember…the terrible searing pain…the concern on Vic’s face as he gazed down at her…then the sensation of being in his arms as he ran with her to the car. There were bits and pieces of the harrowing ride to the hospital, and Vic’s voice seemingly from far away, begging her to stay with him…then the last few dregs of memory – Vic’s voice screaming for help…bright lights above her as she felt herself being wheeled down a corridor…and then…nothing.
And now…her husband was here? Did T.J. make Vic leave? Louise moaned miserably as she tried to make sense of everything and she wondered frantically what had happened while she was unconscious. Was there a fight? Did Vic get disgusted and leave? And the baby…she was sure, with the amount of pain she had experienced, that she had probably lost it. That thought caused a confusing combination of relief and guilt.
The nurse patted Louise’s arm consolingly and quickly crossed to the door, opening it slightly. Louise could hear only muffled words exchanged in the hallway.
Five people were milling nearby and Nancy gazed at them – three men and two women, one of which was very pregnant.
“Which one of you is Vic?”
Vic stepped forward instantly, cutting short his pep talk from Alec as the others gathered behind him.
“I’m Vic…”
The pretty brunette nurse smiled, thinking that the young woman inside was quite lucky – she had a very handsome husband and he seemed quite worried about her.
“She’s asking for you.”
*
Louise had closed her eyes in exhaustion, when the next thing she knew, Vic’s voice was murmuring, “Louise? Honey? Its me…”
Opening her eyes, she was half afraid that her memories of yesterday had been a huge, elaborate dream. But he was real, and he was right there with her. She hadn’t been dreaming!
“Vic,” she whispered in immense relief, forcing her eyes to focus on his beloved face. With much effort, she raised a hand and caressed the dark morning stubble on his cheeks and chin where he hadn’t taken the time to shave after he had crashed on the couch at Alec and Fleet’s.
“Are you really here?” she whispered.
He smiled that smile she adored and had dreamed of and fantasized about for so long. His dimples were so pronounced, and stars were in his eyes as he gazed at her.
“I’m here…I’m right here,” he spoke softly, covering her hand with his own and moving it to his mouth, he kissed her fingers before cradling it against his chest. She seemed so small and pale lying there in that hospital bed. He’d been so afraid he would never see her looking back at him again. However, his heart squeezed overwhelmingly at the look of love he now saw shining in her eyes as he watched them fill with tears that slowly spilled down her temples.
“Don’t leave me…Vic…I need you…so much…”
Vic teared up as well and he sniffled as he shook his head. “Don’t you worry, my Mary Lou, I ain’t ever leaving you again. Ever. Racehorses couldn’t drag me away. Heck, the muddy Ohio couldn’t sweep me away!” he joked, trying to get her to smile.
He reached up and gently brushed her tears away. “We’re finally together again…and everything is gonna be just fine. From now on it’ll be smooth sailin’, like the Idlewild cruisin’ down the river at sunset.” Smiling tenderly, he watched as her eyes closed and her body relaxed; a sweet, contented smile adorned her face as she slipped into a restful sleep, trusting that he would be there to take care of every detail.
Just before she dropped off, a wispy smile crossed her features as she mused, Thank You, God. My Vic came back to me…we’ll finally…be…happy…
‡
EPILOGUE
Present day
“What happened then?” David asked from his position on the floor next to the couch.
The group had long ago drifted into the living room where they could be more comfortable, as the oft-told story had been shared. This time, however, Louise had added a great many details that none of the family had ever heard before – the keenness of her memory astounding her listeners.
Louise raised an ever-present hanky up to her face and dabbed at her eyes. Chuckling a bit, she looked over at David, once again marveling at how the young man had inherited the Matthews’ traits, especially his Grandfather’s breathtaking brown eyes.
�
��Why, we got married, of course,” she teased with a wink, her hazel eyes still just as sharp as they twinkled with mischief. Although her sable brown hair had long ago turned more salt than pepper, and her creamy skin had slowly developed lines of age and worry, she was still a pretty woman. All her life, people had always told her she didn’t look her age – and that still applied. At eighty-nine she could, most of the time, pass for a woman in her seventies. Except on bad days when the arthritis flared up, or tiredness overtook her energy. But none of that had ever dampened the spark behind those eyes…the eyes her Vic had loved so dearly…
“You got married right away?” Linda’s husband chimed in from his lounging place across the room, where he was sitting on the floor in the circle of his wife’s arms and legs as she perched on a chair.
“What about the divorce from TJ?” Jim piped up.
“What about Vic’s job in Evansville? Where did you guys live once you got married?” Bud queried.
“I’ve never heard the details of that myself,” Tom – who had long ago insisted that he be relieved of his moniker “Tommy” – interjected with an indulgent smile. Being the oldest, he had heard the tale more times than any of the others, but he never tired of hearing the stories about the man who had raised him with so much patience and love, and whom he had always affectionately called, “Chief.” Indeed, Vic had been the Chief in all of their lives and Tom had always known that Vic adored their mother.
Louise laughed and shook her head, her voice tired from talking for so many hours. “My, my,” she chuckled with a flip of her hanky. “You’re right, we couldn’t marry right away. Too many incidentals to take care of. But that would be Part Two of the saga and will have to wait for another time. I’m afraid this old filly needs to bed down for the night.” Gazing around the room at her family, she smiled delightedly and then asked, “Aren’t you young folks tired? It’s been an awfully long day.”