Love of Truth

by C. T. Oliver

  I pull back before the desire to pull loose her top and cop a feel of her breasts in front of everyone gets a greater hold on me.

  “Baby, are you sure we have to be here?” I ask wistfully, pressing my forehead to hers.

  She giggles softly. “Yes, but there’s always tonight.” She runs a hand down the side of my face.

  “This is what happens when you don’t give me a proper wakeup call.” I shake my head at her.

  “Okay, proper wakeup call from now on.” She smiles brightly and hugs me tightly before sliding down my body. I sigh heavily as I watch her back dimples walk away from me and try to make my way over to everyone while trying to hide the circus-sized tent I pitched with my swim trunks.

  “Ughhh, I’m too full for this.” Cory lets out a loud burp and holds on to the side of his stomach.

  “Focus, its nine to twelve and technically we’re only playing against two girls.” I look through the net and see Blu still standing in the back with the puppies. He’s sipping away at his cocktail where he’s been this match started, over thirty minutes ago.

  “But they’re so good,” Cory groans. “Who knew Pen has such a hard serve.”

  “Dude, we got the ball back, now ace it.” Ben tosses the ball to Cory.

  I stand towards the front of the net waiting for Cory to serve. Man, for such petite girls, they’re quick. Cory throws the ball up in the air and jumps up to smack it over the net into the middle of their court. Amelia digs it up into the air and Pen punts it over our side. Ben sets the ball up and I jump for the spike. The ball comes down in the middle of their court. And it’s as if it’s in slow motion, I can see Amelia dive but then she leans to her left mid-air landing to the side just as Mozart runs away from where Amelia would have landed.

  I run under the net over to her. She is raising herself up on one elbow, not moving her left leg. “Amelia, are you okay?” I ask, reaching out to pull her into my lap.

  Her face is grimacing in pain and she is still not moving her leg as Cory kneels down to examine it. “It hurts,” she groans.

  “I know, baby. Let Cory look at it.” I press my lips to her head to ease her. Pen kneels down and brushes Amelia’s bangs out of her eyes and holds on to her friend’s hand.

  “It’s her ankle. I think it’s just a twist, but I’m not sure. It could be broken.” Cory presses his thumb on her ankle and the area doesn’t change color. “Yeah, swelling is already setting in. We should take her to a doctor.”

  “Okay Amelia, I’m going to pick you up. Hold on.” I gently move to cradle her in my arms and pick her up effortlessly. Ben throws a shirt on my shoulder for me to put on later.

  “No, the party.” She looks back at everyone, though we can all see the pain on her face.

  “Babe, just go get it checked out. We’ll still be here when you get back,” Pen smiles at her friend.

  “Yeah Mel, I’m sorry I didn’t keep the babies out of the way.” Blu couldn’t look Amelia in the eyes.

  “Its fine, you know me. I sprain my ankle all the time.” She sucks a breath her through her teeth as I start to step forward and her ankle moves from the motions of my step.

  “I’m sorry, baby. I’ll walk gently.”

  “Its fine, I’ll keep it still.” She rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, I ruined the fun.”

  “Amelia, you moved out of the way of hurting a puppy and ended up hurting yourself. I don’t know how I feel about that. I don’t wish harm on a puppy, but at the same time I wish it wasn’t you.” I place kisses on top of her head as I approach the steps to the house from the beach. “Get ready I think these steps might hurt a little.” I can feel her body tighten and she pulls herself closer to me. With each step I can feel her tightening her body more and more and the color leaving her face.

  I pull up to the city clinic following Amelia’s directions and quickly dash out of the SUV to help her out. Knowing her, she would want to get out herself. I carry her into a waiting area and settle her into a cushioned chair and prop her leg on the coffee table. Amelia tries to hide it, but she’s in a lot of pain. I run up to the reception counter and start pounding on the service bell like I’m having a seizure.

  “Babe, if you keep doing that they’re going to think some kid is playing a prank and not want to come out,” Amelia admonishes me with a strained look on her face. The idea of Amelia in pain eats at me.

  “Amelia, please don’t strain yourself. Just wait, I’ll get some help.” I’m about to run through the ‘employee’ door when a man in his fifties with a white coat on comes up to the desk and gives me a stern look. His expression lightens up when his eyes catch sight of who the patient is.

  “Melia girlie, are you hurt?” The doctor comes out from the half door connected to the reception counter and is on his knees examining Amelia’s ankle in seconds.

  “You know me, Dr. Andrews, other girls have weak knees, I have weak ankles.” She tries to laugh at her own joke, but the pain is too much for her a muster a giggle.

  “Well, it doesn’t look broken, but if it’s a sprain it’s pretty bad. It’s starting to bruise, Melia.” Dr. Andrews stands up and puts his hands on his hips. “I think we should get some x-rays for me to confidently rule out the break and then we’ll go from there. Okay, Melia?” Dr. Andrews smiles warmly at her.

  “Sure, whatever you think is best.” I can see tears lining the rim of her eyes. She must be in so much pain.

  “Okay, let me get the wheelchair and wheel you into x-ray right away.” Dr. Andrews turns to get the nurse that is now at the counter.

  “It’s okay, I got her.” I turn and gently lift Amelia. She naturally settles in where she belongs.

  “Young man, I don’t think that’s wise, you can cause her more pain.” Dr. Andrews gives me a stern look.

  I raise an eyebrow at him. I’m normally not an ass, but this is Amelia. “She’s fine, now let’s not waste any more time. Where is the x-ray room?” I say in what Amelia has dubbed my lawyer voice. “And if your nurse could grab Amelia something to wear, I would greatly appreciate it.” I slowly start to head towards the room Dr. Andrews pointed to without acknowledging the doctor’s disapproval.

  It doesn’t take long for Amelia to be in and out of x-rays and into an exam room. Luckily, Dr. Andrews saw how much pain Amelia is in and has given her something for it. I’m constantly holding onto her hand and placing kisses on her head so she knows I’m by her side.

  “Amelia, can I ask you something?” I stroke her bangs to the side. Amelia is sitting on the exam table with her left leg propped up with ice wrapped around it while we wait for the doctor to look at the x-rays.

  “Hmmm sure.” She leans her head back on my chest and closes her eyes.

  “I know I’ve only been around him for a couple of days and it might not be right to ask, but does Blu have a drinking problem?” I look down at her face.

  She slowly opens her eyes. What looks like guilt comes across her face. “You’re right, you don’t know him well enough, but I’m going to tell you because I don’t want you to misjudge him,” she says in a calm voice.

  Looking down, she takes a deep breath before starting the story. “When we first met, Blu used to drink after work, in the evenings, you know,” she shrugs. “I thought it was fine because I didn’t drink and I thought it was a normal thing to do.” She starts playing with the hem of the scrub shirt the nurse has lent her. “Then one evening when Pen and I were over at his apartment, Pen went into his closet looking for a belt or whatever and she found bottles stashed in there. Empty bottles, half full bottles, full bottles, just bottles and bottles.” She starts to pull at the hem of the shirt.

  I cover her hand with mine and listen to what she has to say.

  “When we finally had the guts to talk to him about it weeks later, he told us,” she sighs and looks up at me with concern and sadness for her friend. “His parents disowned him and kicked him out because of who he is, and they did it on his eighteenth birthday. Af
ter that, Pen and I helped him and he was able to let go of some of the anger. He went to meetings, found ways to focus on his business and to make something of himself. But every now and then, mostly on his birthday, he has a few. Pen and I don’t have the heart to say no. I know he misses his parents, so I—” she shrugs. “That’s why Pen and I always make it a family thing for him. We’re his family now.” A tear runs down her cheek. I lean down and kiss it away.

  “I am constantly amazed by how strong you and friends are,” I hug her to me. I can’t believe the treasure that is Amelia Adler. “And you’re right, thank you for not letting me misjudge Blu,” I say, just as Dr. Andrews knocks on the door and comes in still eyeing me disapprovingly.

  “Alright, Melia, the x-ray shows what I suspected.” The doctor slides the x-ray onto the light box. “Though you don’t have a broken ankle, it is a major sprain.” The doctor uses his pen as a pointer. “This area is very swollen,” he points to the x-ray. “And as you can see already, you have quite a large bruise. So I don’t want you to take it lightly like you have before.” The doctor turns around giving Amelia a stern look. “You don’t think I know, but I know you usually wrap it and then the next day you’re out running and surfing up a storm again.” His face softens at Amelia’s mischievous smile. “Now, you know the drill: ice, heat, pressure, elevation, and rest.” He gives her a serious look. “Real rest, Melia. At least for five days, no pressure on that ankle.”

  “But that’s the rest of my break!” Amelia whispers in shock. “And I have to teach on Monday. I have so much I have to plan on the weekend.”

  “Last time I checked, lesson planning doesn’t require you standing.” Dr. Andrews raises an eyebrow at Amelia.

  Amelia sighs heavily. “I suppose,” she pouts.

  “Okay, I’m going to give you something for the pain for the next five days.” Dr. Andrews immediately holds up his hand right when Amelia opens her mouth to say something. “I know, you don’t need it, but I’m going to give it to you just in case. Please, make an old man happy, and take the pills with you.” Dr. Andrews hands the prescriptions to me. “And fill them.” He looks sternly at me. I nod, understanding his look.

  “Okay, Dr. Andrews.” Amelia sighs heavily looking down at her ankle. “If you’re free this evening, come by for dinner. We made a lot for Blu’s birthday dinner,” Amelia smiles fondly at the doctor.

  “Oh, is it the boy’s birthday? Well wish him a ‘Happy Birthday’ for me. I ah—I have a dinner tonight.” I think I see a slight blush on the doctor’s face.

  “Okay.” Amelia tilts her head to the side and raises an eyebrow at the doctor. “Well, in case you want to come by, you know we’ll be up late.” Her smile turns mischievous.

  “You girlie, need to rest up.” Dr. Andrews places his hands on his hips, trying to look serious, only his face softens at Amelia’s smile. “Now, how’s your uncle Kevin. Haven’t heard from the guy in over a year.”

  “He’s, ah—good.” Amelia starts to scoot off the end of the table, trying to get off. “Married life suits him well.” She offers the doctor a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “Well okay, let him know I said hi and if he’s up for taking the boat out to fish—” Dr. Andrews trails off. He must also sense Amelia’s discomfort.

  Amelia reaches out for the crutches as I help her get off the table. “Sure, I’ll let him know.” She puts on a smile that I can tell is not hers. “Thank you so much for taking care of me.”

  “Melia, you know I’ll always take care of you,” Dr. Andrews says to her in a fatherly tone and helps her with the crutches before giving me a look I understand as to look after her carefully.

  We drive back in comfortable silence. When I pull over to the side of the house, I see Amelia’s breathing evenly with her head back and eyes closed. God, she’s more beautiful every time I look at her. I come over to her side and start to gently lift her out of the SUV right as Pen runs out from the house. I gently carry Amelia into the house and lay her on her couch while Pen helps her get comfortable.

  “Thanks, I think it might be the pain killer the doctor gave her,” I whisper to Pen.

  “Is she okay? It’s not broken, is it?” Pen whispers, lightly draping the afghan over Amelia.

  “No, but a bad sprain. She has to be off her feet for a few days.” I grab a few pillows to elevate her foot.

  “Psshh, I give it two days max,” Pen giggles.

  Larry comes trotting out from the kitchen dragging his hippo with him and scratches the bottom of the couch. “Shhh, little man. Mommy is sleeping.” I lean down to pick him up. “Come on, you can keep daddy company. We have to go find a heating pad for mommy’s ankle.” I look over at Pen. She has the biggest smile on her face. “What?”

  Pen clears her throat. “Um, nothing. I think there’s a heating pad in one of the drawers out in the garage. Her uncle has a few because Amelia always sprains her ankle,” she smiles warmly at me. “Thanks for taking her to the doctor. I’m, ...ahh, I’m really glad she met you.”

  My heart swells at Pen’s approval. “Sure. Thanks. I’m really happy I found her.”

  Pen nods and starts to head toward the kitchen. “I’m making dinner. Why don’t you relax with Blu on the back porch.”

  “Sure.”

  I send the guys to go fill Amelia’s prescription and then run out to the garage with Larry to find the heating pad. On the way back to the house, I see Blu sitting on the porch looking off into the ocean. I know Amelia doesn’t hold anything against Blu, but I can tell he’s feeling a little guilty she got hurt. Larry and I come up the porch and sit next to him. I’m not a big fan of talking about feelings, but I feel this is something Amelia and mom would want me to do.

  “How is she?” Blu asks after a few minutes of awkward silence.

  “Badly sprained ankle. Five days off her feet.” I scratch Larry’s head and earn a few finger nibbles.

  Blu chuckles dryly, continuing to look at into the ocean. “I give it two days.”

  “Funny, that’s what Pen said.”

  Blu sighs heavily. “Yup, we know our girl pretty well.”

  “She cares a lot about you, you know.” I look for a reaction on Blu’s face. Fondness.

  “She cares a lot about everyone. She not only cares for people, she nurtures them, heals them.” Blu shrugs and continues to look at into the ocean. “That’s just who she is.”

  “You feel like she healed you, man?” I ask.

  Blu is quiet for a long time. I wonder if he’s going to answer and then he looks over at me. “I think—being around Amelia is like drinking from the well of goodness. Her love and support makes me, hell anyone, stronger and a better person.”

  I nod because I can’t disagree with him.

  After a moment of quiet, “You know she’s been hurt before, right?” Blu asks looking at me seriously.

  “Yeah, we talked about that.”

  “You should know after what happened with her ex, she closed herself up. For a while, that well was dry. Either she needed that well for herself or she boarded it, who knows.” Blu shrugs. “But she’s happy and opening herself up again. Just—just don’t hurt her by changing into someone stupid. If you deceive her, she’ll close up again.” Blu looks at me with serious eyes.

  “I know.” I give him an affirming nod. The feeling of her closing herself up is there whenever her family comes up. I know I should hear this from Amelia, but I want to understand and be there for her. “Today, at the doctor’s, he mentioned her uncle Kevin, and she closed up like that. What happened?” I soothe Larry’s little body as I look over at Blu.

  Blu sighs heavily. “You will get a sense of this sooner or later, I guess.” Blu continues to look at into the ocean. “Since you’re picking it up early—” he trails off and runs his hand through his hair. “I’m going to tell you, only because I want Amelia to be happy. I know when it comes to this subject she’s very reluctant to talk about it.” Blu sits up straighter in his c
hair. “Amelia’s family consists mostly of her mom’s side of the family. They’re successful people, but when it comes down to it, that’s all there really is. Success. That’s how they value one another. Except for Amelia. Because her mom isn’t here anymore and her aunts took responsibility for her, they put a lot of pressure and demands on her to succeed and make something out of her life in a ‘respectable field’.” Blu uses heavy emphasis with his air quotations. “That’s how they measure happiness, by your success and how much money you make,” Blu shrugs. In a lower tone he says. “But a part of me feels they put so much pressure on her because they want her secure. They feel guilty for neglecting her over the years, so if she’s secure they won’t feel as if they just left her hanging. Even though that’s just what they did.” Blu looks over at me. “You’ll see it when you meet the family. They’ll just blast her with questions about her education choice and career and how much she’ll make. They don’t see with their freaking eyes that she just wants to make a difference in the world.” Blu is getting angry with every word. It shows how he really cares for Amelia.

  Shit, I’m getting anxious from hearing all this, but I value the information.

  “So there you have it, what you choose to do with it is your choice. But treat her well, okay? She’s had enough sadness to last this lifetime.”

  “Thanks man, I will.” I pick up Larry and the heating pad when Blu moves to grab it.

  “Do you mind if I do that for her? I want to talk to her.” Blu looks apologetically at me.

  “Um, sure. She’s sleeping, though. I was going to wait.” I get up from the lounge chair.

  “Okay. Thanks, man.” Blu offers me his hand.

  “Sure.”

  Chapter 23

  Sharp needles are prickling my left leg as the numbness fades away. My leg is being held over an open fire pit being offered to the Gods of who freaking cares. “I want my foot!” I yell at them as I sit straight up on the couch. I look around at the living room and remember where I am just as the pain sets in.