The light turned red, and the crowd at the curb surged into the crosswalk. Ellie took the man’s arm as they crossed. Riveted to the sidewalk, Caleb stared after them. For a brief instant, he wished a car would come careening down the street and run over the man on Ellie’s arm.
“I can’t take it anymore!” Caleb blurted out over the phone. “Dad, I can’t stand being away from her any longer. It’s just too painful. And now this guy shows up. I’ve got to do something. I just can’t sit on the sidelines and let him cut in and take her away from me.”
His father sighed on the other end. “Have you given any thought to how you’re going to approach her?”
“I think it should be in a public place, so she feels less intimidated. I thought I’d apologize for startling her on the elevator. Let her know how bad I feel about what happened and that I’m not some lunatic.”
“How are you planning to bring up the past to her? That’s a very delicate issue.”
“I’ve thought that through, too. I probably won’t. At least, not right away. I’ll drop a few hints here and there and see what she recalls.”
“And what if she doesn’t recall anything? Or even want to see you again? What then?”
“Here’s what I’ve decided. I believe that if she fell in love with me once, she can fall in love with me again. I know it’ll take time, but I’m willing to be patient. I don’t plan to push anything on her. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, things will start coming back to her.”
“Son, that sounds like a pretty good plan. But you’ve got to be prepared for the possibility that even though she looks the same, the accident may have changed her personality. She may not be the same Ellie you knew before.”
“I realize that, Dad. But I’ve got to try.”
“I have to agree with you.” His father paused momentarily. “But may I suggest that you stay as far away from her father as possible? For now, anyway.”
“Point taken,” Caleb acknowledged. “But if things go as I hope they do, I don’t see how I can avoid him forever.”
“You may not have to,” his father replied. “But Caleb, before you move ahead with Ellie, I think you need to find it in your heart to forgive her father.”
“Forgive him?” Caleb paced back and forth, waving his hand wildly in the air. “Dad, you’re asking the impossible! His actions are despicable. How can I forgive him after what he’s put me through? After what he’s put our family through?”
“Son, if you’re harboring any bitterness toward him, you may be setting yourself up for a repeat of what happened the last time you confronted him. And the outcome could be worse this time. Much worse.”
Caleb groaned loudly. “To be honest with you, I’m not sure I want to forgive him. If you ask me, he doesn’t deserve my forgiveness.”
“Caleb, remember that you didn’t deserve forgiveness, either. God didn’t forgive you because you were deserving of it. And now, as His follower, you’re commanded to put away all bitterness and anger, and forgive even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. I urge you not only to forgive John Smith, but to pray for him as well. That will keep bitterness at bay, I can assure you.”
Caleb sighed. “Yeah, I know. I guess you’re right.” Then he laughed and added, “As usual.”
The next morning at work the branch manager announced that a position had become available at the Atlanta headquarters. Caleb took this as an opportunity from the Lord.
It would mean he could be near Ellie every day of the week, just a few blocks from her workplace. With a prayer in his heart, he submitted his transfer.
About a week later he was informed that he’d been awarded the position.
At the end of the month Caleb moved from Columbus into a high-rise downtown Atlanta apartment building. The rent was quite a bit higher than he’d hoped to pay, but the location allowed him to walk to the office. Besides, he now lived only six blocks from where Ellie worked.
Monday was his first day in the Wilshire and Cunningham headquarters. He spent the morning meeting his new coworkers and setting up his work station, and anticipating his lunch hour. By five after twelve he was in the lobby of the building where Ellie worked. He waited, as he’d done before, by the potted palms to the side of the elevators. A few minutes later, Ellie emerged and headed for the revolving glass doors. This time she was alone.
He followed her out onto the plaza, making sure to keep his distance. She turned the corner and walked a block to a sidewalk cafe. It was the same place where he’d first spied her across the street.
Getting in line several people behind her, he bought a half Reuben sandwich and a side salad. Ellie had already gone out to the sidewalk area and was sitting by herself at one of the tables.
Lord, give me the words to say, he prayed silently, but fervently. Whatever happens, You’re in control.
Then he approached the table where she sat. “May I sit here?”
Ellie looked up from her lunch.
He smiled at her politely, “There doesn’t seem to be anywhere else to sit at the moment.”
“Be my guest,” she shrugged, returning his smile.
So far so good.
He seated himself opposite her, unwrapped his Reuben, and after praying, took a bite.
When he glanced up at her, she was staring at him warily. “Wait, you . . . you’re the guy who stopped me on the elevator last month.” He could see the fear creeping into her eyes. She glanced around as if looking for a way to escape.
“Please,” he held up a hand, “I owe you an apology. And an explanation, if you’ll allow me.”
Ellie hesitated, but she remained rooted to the edge of her chair.
He smiled again to reassure her. “I’m afraid it was a huge misunderstanding. On my part, that is. I mistook you for someone I once knew. Someone who looked very much like you. I’m really sorry I frightened you. That certainly wasn’t my intention at all. Actually, I’ve felt terrible about it ever since it happened, and I was hoping for a chance to set things straight.”
She exhaled slowly, but she still appeared unconvinced. With a slight smile, she replied, “Well that explains a few things. I guess that could happen to anyone.” Then her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “But if it’s a simple case of mistaken identity, how did you know my name?”
Caleb came prepared for that question. “This girl I used to know was named Elinor. But everyone called her Ellie.”
Ellie studied him for a moment. “My name is Elinor. And I go by Ellie, too.” She tilted her head to one side and raised an eyebrow. “So this girl not only looks like me, she’s got my name, too? Pretty strange coincidence, wouldn’t you say?”
He shrugged casually. “Well, Elinor isn’t all that uncommon, I guess.”
“Yeah, right. I meet women all the time named Ellie who look just like me.”
Caleb wasn’t sure how to take her sarcasm. Was she challenging him? Calling his bluff? Then he saw the familiar twinkle in her eye. His heart leaped in his chest.
Breaking into a grin, he responded. “Okay, so it’s not all that common. But I’m telling you the truth. I did know a girl named Ellie who looked a lot like you. Honest.”
“So where was this double of mine from?” Ellie inquired, still not fully convinced.
“Baxter. It’s in the southwest part of the state. Near Lake Seminole.” He hesitated, then decided to proceed with his next question. “Ever been there?”
“Baxter?” He held his breath. Then she shook her head. “No, I’m not even sure where that is, exactly.” She took a sip of her beverage.
In that moment he noticed her ring finger. Where was the engagement ring? Had she lost it? Had her father hidden it from her? Had he pawned it?
He shook off those disturbing thoughts and returned to the conversation in progress. “So, where are you from?” he probed gently.
“Here in Atlanta. But I lived in Virginia and the Carolinas growing up.”
“I was born and raised in Baxter, a
nd after college I lived in Columbus for a short time. I just moved here to Atlanta this past week. Job transfer.”
“What kind of work do you do?”
“I’m an architect for Wilshire and Cunningham. Their headquarters is just a few blocks from here.”
“I know the place. It’s a nice looking building.”
“Yeah, I think so, too.” Caleb flashed her another one of his grins. “But I didn’t design it.”
Her laugh nearly brought tears to his eyes. How he missed that wonderful sound. “What do you do?” he managed.
“I’m an illustrator for Beeson Publishing. I’ve been with them for about four months now.”
“That’s a pretty big company, isn’t it? You must be very talented to have landed with an outfit like that.”
“I’m very fortunate to be working for them, I suppose.” She sighed. “But illustrating isn’t what I want to do.”
“No? What do you want to do?” He took a bite of his Reuben.
“I’d really like to be a freelance artist. That’s where my heart is. Maybe have my own studio, someday. Anyway, I’d rather be outdoors painting and drawing for myself than cooped up in an office trying to capture other people’s ideas.”
“Must be hard getting started as a freelancer. Is that why you took the Beeson job? For the experience?”
Ellie hesitated. “Well, not exactly. My father sort of pushed me to take the position. He said we needed the income to—” She stopped short. “I’m sorry,” she apologized, “I don’t mean to bore you with personal stuff.”
She hastily changed the subject. “So you said you just moved here?”
“Yeah, on Saturday. This is actually my first day at work.”
“Well, then, welcome to Atlanta.” She smiled at him with her big brown eyes. “I hope you like it here.”
“Thanks. I’m sure I will.”
“By the way, what did you say your name was?”
“Caleb Sawyer.”
“Well, Mr. Sawyer, it was nice to meet you.” The twinkle returned to her eyes. “This time, anyway.”
Caleb rolled his eyes and grinned. “Hey, I’m grateful you were even willing to talk to me. So then, I’m forgiven? For the other time, I mean?”
“Sure. Like you said, it was just a misunderstanding. I can’t hold that against you, can I?” She looked at her phone. “I need to be going. I’ve got to stop by the drugstore before I go back to work.” She began to clean up her lunch.
Caleb longed to continue the conversation. “Thanks for letting me clear the air. I feel much better about it now.”
Ellie looked relieved. “So do I. I hope the rest of your first day on the job goes well.” She got to her feet.
“Thanks.” He didn’t want her to go. What if he never saw her again?
“Oh, by the way, my last name is Thompson. Maybe I’ll see you around again sometime.”
Caleb watched her walk away, her beautiful auburn hair bouncing in rhythm with his thumping heart. Then he hurriedly finished his lunch, and walked the few blocks back to work. He felt an incredible lightness in his spirit. Their first meeting had gone better than he’d hoped for. Much better!
After keeping his distance for three days—three very long days—he decided it was safe to approach her again. He wanted it to appear like another chance encounter, and spent much of Thursday evening in his new apartment reviewing the possible scenarios.
The next day he positioned himself on the open air plaza where he had a good view of the twin revolving glass doors to the building where Ellie worked. With only one person exiting at a time, the chances of missing her would be minimal. A few minutes after twelve, Ellie emerged from the building and headed across the plaza in his direction.
He started walking towards her. She was looking down at her phone and bumped into him.
“I’m sorry!” she apologized quickly.
“My bad,” he responded. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
Then she recognized him. The look was priceless. “Oh, it’s you. How are you, Caleb?”
It was the first time he’d heard her call him by name since the accident.
“I’m doing well, thank you. And you?”
“I’m good. I was just on my way to lunch.” She glanced around as if she were in a hurry to move on.
“Me, too. Hey, could you recommend any good places for me to try? I’m afraid I haven’t had much time to scope out the area yet.”
“Well, I know of a half dozen or so little delis and cafes within walking distance. They offer good food, they’re reasonably priced, and they usually have quick service.”
Caleb grinned at her. “You can’t ask much more of a deli than that, can you? If you could just point me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate it.”
“There’s a little deli on Third Avenue called Eat At Joe’s. They serve traditional American lunches. It’s one of my favorites. I was just heading there myself.” She looked at him and hesitated. “I . . . I suppose I could take you there if you like.” She smiled a sweet little smile.
His heart leaped in his chest.
“That would be great. Any place good enough for you is good enough for me.”
Together they headed up the sidewalk to the corner.
“So how’s the new job going?” Ellie glanced sideways at him.
“I’m pretty much settled into my work station. But I’m still getting acquainted with my coworkers, though. All in all, it’s a lot like the office in Columbus. Only bigger.”
She laughed. “Well, that’s Atlanta for you. Everything here is bigger and busier and faster and—”
“—and louder and more crowded,” he finished the sentence for her.
“You’ve got that right,” she laughed again. “Too loud and too crowded, if you ask me.”
They came to the corner and waited for the light to change.
“Don’t tell me you’re a small town girl at heart,” Caleb teased her.
Ellie shot him a wistful look. “Oh, I wish.”
The light turned and they started across the street.
“Have you ever considered working in a smaller community? Out in the suburbs, maybe. Anyone who cranks out paintings like yours could have a successful career just about anywhere they chose to set up shop.”
Ellie stopped in the middle of the crosswalk and stared at him. “How would you know about my paintings? You’ve never seen my work.”
Uh-oh! He had to think fast. She was frowning with suspicion again. Guiding her safely to the opposite curb, he tried in vain to concoct a reply.
Suddenly he remembered something. “Well, actually, I have seen some of your work. Aren’t you the artist who did the drawings in the lobby of the Regency Tower Hotel? I saw them when I stayed there a while back. You’re the same Ellie Thompson, aren’t you?”
The frown disappeared and her smile returned. “Oh, you saw those? Yes, I drew them.”
He heaved a sigh of relief. He’d have to really watch what he said from now on.
They reached Eat At Joe’s and ordered their food. Taking a seat at one of the red and white checkered tables, they began to eat their meal. Ellie picked up the conversation where they’d left off.
“It’s a funny thing about those drawings, though. I remember working on them when I was in high school. My senior year, I think. But I can’t remember where I was. Everything else is just a blur.”
Careful, Caleb, he cautioned himself.
“I’ve heard that creative people often get in a zone like that. You know, they tune out all the distractions and nonessentials. You must have been very focused on your work at the time.”
Ellie shook her head. “No, it’s not that. I’m usually just the opposite. I’m very alert and aware of what’s going on around me when I’m in my creative mood. Heightened senses and all that. My father says my memory is sometimes fuzzy because of the accident.”
“Accident?” Caleb’s heart skipped a beat. “You were in an
accident?”
“Yes. I don’t remember any of it, but he said I was struck by a car last December. I suffered a concussion and some memory loss, among other things. I was in a coma for nine days.”
Caleb thought back to the accident. When he’d come out of his weeklong coma, Ellie’s father had already moved her from the Columbus hospital. She was in another facility when she came out of hers.
“I’m sorry to hear that. That must have been a difficult time for you.”
“Well, like I said, I don’t remember it. Actually, I don’t remember a lot of things from the past few years. The doctors say I have selective amnesia.”
“We learned about that in Dr. Jacobson’s psych class.”
Ellie looked at him. “Dr. Albert Jacobson? Did you go to UGA, too?”
Caleb nodded. “I just finished my BA degree this past summer.”
He didn’t want to say any more about psych class with Dr. Jacobson. They had taken the same class together. But as long as Ellie was comfortable talking about her past, he decided to pry a bit.
“What kind of things do you remember?” he probed.
Ellie closed her eyes. “Well, I remember attending most of my classes, but I can’t remember much of anything else about my college experience. You know, what extracurricular activities I was involved in, the friends I hung out with, that sort of thing. It’s funny. Most students leave college remembering every detail about their social lives while forgetting some of what they learned. I’m just the opposite. Weird isn’t it?”
Caleb smiled at her. “Well, at least you remember your education. I mean, that’s what we all go to school for, isn’t it?”
Ellie laughed. “I suppose you’re right. But I’d sure like to know what else I did when I was in school besides attend class. Those activities make up an important part of who we are.”
“Well maybe someday it will come back to you,” he offered cheerfully.
“I hope so,” she sighed. “It’s like I’m missing big chunks of my life. It’s all very unsettling.”
Caleb ached to fill in the gaps for her. It was like they were assembling a puzzle together, only he was keeping some of the pieces hidden from her, and she was frustrated that she couldn’t find them. “I can only imagine. So, how far back does your amnesia go? That you know of, I mean.”
A Future and a Hope Page 29