“Mom!” Katie yelled from down the hall. “You have to come look at your room!”
A four poster wrought iron bed was strategically placed in the room so that the morning rays woke her every day. White chiffon draped around the connecting bars at the top of the bed with plush white, gray and teal coverings on the mattress. The same exposed brick wall from the living room carried into her room. It was tranquil and rustic and she never wanted to leave. This was her new favorite place to be.
Katie grabbed hold of Jill’s hand and pulled her into her room.
This was definitely a room designed by a nine-year-old. It was a typical girl room, but the color choices were more grown up. Katie’s room was decorated with fuchsia pink and electric blue bedding and curtains while the walls were a more subdued gray. She had chosen random shaped wall decals to enhance the plain walls. A lamp on the nightstand was reminiscent of an antique Tiffany lamp. There was no closet but instead a large armoire, that looked a lot like the one from the room her mom slept in at Mike’s. That made Jill a little curious. The room looked like it belonged to a teenager and it pricked Jill’s heart just a bit. There would come a day when her girl would leave the nest and forge her own way in the world. Then what?
Not wanting to deal with that thought at this moment, she walked out of the bedroom and back to the main room.
Jill stood in the middle of the room and kept turning in circles to catch each detail in every nook and cranny. But when her eyes finally rested on the one that made it all possible she couldn't contain herself anymore. She ran across the room as best as she could and leapt into his arms, wrapping her own arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Neither of them could help but laugh at the pure excitement and joy this moment held.
Burying her nose into his neck, she gave him her thanks in muffled tones. “I can't begin to thank you enough for everything you've done." Pulling her head from the crick of his neck to look at him head on, she realized the awkwardness of the position they were in and jumped out of his arms. Stepping back and taking his hands instead, she finished her speech. "Of all the gifts I have ever received this is truly the most wonderful. You haven't just given us a beautiful space to live in but a fresh start."
Emotion pooled in his eyes, and in return caused her own to begin to water. Tears of joy quickly streamed down both their cheeks. Finally Mike spoke in response to her thanks.
"You deserve all of this and so much more." The look in his eyes told her much more but with an audience present she knew that he would not utter the words, yet.
Later that evening, lying in her new bed, Jill was about to fall to sleep when a distressing knock on the door reverberated through the apartment. Not wanting to get out of her little oasis, she threw the covers over her head and prayed they would figure out that they had the wrong place. Guilt pieced her, which then forced her from her comfort and into the unknown.
Jill made a sleepy attempt to put her robe on as she padded through the hall.
“Mom? Who is it?”
“I don’t know honey. Stay in your room though.”
Another knock met her as she reached the door. Turning on the monitor by the door that belonged to a security system Mike had installed, Jill was perplexed at who stood on the other side.
Unlocking the locks as quickly as possible, she regretted letting Mike be in charge of the security at this point. Not only had he installed the camera, but three door locking systems that confused a person at midnight.
Finally able to open the door to her guest, she prayed for strength to handle whatever drama was about to come. Any time her sister Julie came around, drama was bound to accompany her.
Chapter 15
This was the last thing she needed to happen this week. This was the last week before recitals and she had to be able to focus strictly on that. There was only room on her plate for Katie’s needs and the upcoming recitals. When she mentioned it to Mike, he said he understood, but his sad eyes told how disappointed he would be. She shared the sentiment but had no time to think about it. Now, her little sister sat on her brand new couch, mascara stains on her cheeks and an ugly bruise on her face.
Is that really the way to think about Julie, as one more task?
Jill stood at the kitchen counter, praying for grace toward her sister, and dare she think it, patience.
Julie was nine years younger than Jill and their relationship was strained, to say the least. The biggest blow was when Julie told their dad that she was meeting Mike in the park. Jill had held her little sister, who was eight at the time, solely responsible for their separation. Now that she thought about it, it was really silly. The girl was little at the time and did exactly what little girls did.
What about everything she did when she was older? Looks like she hadn’t learned.
Are you really blaming your sister for the abuse she has suffered? Don’t you think that maybe you’re the one being selfish? Don’t you think that maybe you should drop the bitterness and love her like she needs? Don’t you think you should love her like I do?
The reprimand brought clarity to Jill’s heart. She had been the selfish one. Heartbreak had a way of doing that. But it had been seventeen years since she and Mike split ways. If God had wanted them together, He would have crossed their paths again. Like now.
She shelved the thought of Mike for later and shifted her focus to her sister; the person who needed her big sister right now, not the bitter one either.
“Lord, help me to be what she needs right now. Don’t let my own thoughts of her get in the way of whatever You want me to do and say to her. Let my words be Yours,” she prayed as she gathered ice for a pack for Julie’s face and a bottled water for her to drink. It was all she had to offer until she picked up groceries.
Jill took a deep breath, letting the calm a prayer can give settle in, and went to her sister.
“Wanna talk about it?” Jill asked as she handed Julie the items.
“Not really,” Julie hissed as she applied the ice pack. “But I’m guessing you’re going to make me talk anyway.”
“I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to. I do need to know if we are in danger though. Do I need to call the police?” Jill had been the bossy big sister long enough. If she was going to love her sister the way God would, she had to let her sister be an adult and not pass judgment on her choices; unless it put her and Katie in danger.
“I don’t think so.”
Jill waited for more information, but Julie didn’t give any.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Mom.”
“When did you talk to her?” Her mom hadn’t said anything about talking to Julie in the last two weeks.
“She called after the house caved. How are you feeling?”
Jill didn’t want to talk about herself, but if it was what Julie needed, she’d do it. “I’m doing better. Almost one hundred percent, good thing since recitals are in two weeks.”
Remorse crossed Julie’s face, “I didn’t mean to barge in on such a big week.” She got up from the couch, “I’ll go. I know how stressful this week can be.”
Concern for her sister’s wellbeing flooded her, launching her from the chair she was in. “No, Jules, don’t go. I have an extra room now. Honestly, I could use the extra hand if you’re willing to help; even if it is around here.”
“I’d like that.” Julie looked around the space, “You have a beautiful place. You’re lucky to have great friends.”
“They are great.” Julie sat back down and Jill followed suit. “Mom tells me Mike is back in the picture.”
The comment made her heart race. This was not a topic she wanted to broach but it was a rare moment in their relationship.
“As a friend. Mom sees more than what is there.”
“Well, your blushing face tells me something different,” Julie laughed.
“It’s late,” Jill rose and walked toward the hall. She was still trying to wrap her brain
around whatever was happening between her and Mike. She wasn’t about to process it all tonight. “Let me show you the room and the bathroom. You can shower, quickly, if you’d like.” Warning stopped her in her tracks. Turning to Julie, she asked what she didn’t want to.
“Jules, do you need to go to the hospital first?” Silence hung in the air as Julie picked at the water bottle wrapper. “I hate to ask, but you can’t shower if. . .”
“I’ve already been there. I am clear now and a shower is more than welcomed.”
Jill couldn’t hold back the onslaught of sadness and anger that hit her. “I am so sorry, Julie. You should have called me. I would have come, somehow,” Jill told her as she embraced her sister.
“I needed the time. I haven’t told mom.” Julie pulled back from Jill to look at her, “I don’t want mom to know I am here yet. Can you give me a couple of days?”
“Julie, you’re an adult now and I have to let you do this your way.” Whether she agreed or not, she needed to give Julie the space and time she needed. She wasn’t her sister.
Jill showed Julie her room and where the bathroom was. Once she heard the shower come on and gave her sister plenty of time to get in, Jill quickly placed a pair of pajamas and other items on the vanity in the bathroom for Julie and went for her room. Walking by Katie’s room, she heard her sweet daughter’s voice call out to her.
“Is Aunt Julie okay?”
Jill walked into the room and sat on Katie’s bed. She tried to decide what to tell the little girl who was just beginning to see the world and its cruel ways.
“No, sweetie, but she will be, with lots of prayer, love, and support from us. Now go back to sleep.”
Jill waited until Katie’s breathing deepened and evened out. Lord, I pray she never faces the same issues my sister has. Keep her safe, please.
Back in her room, Jill’s emotions felt raw. She needed someone to talk to even just briefly.
When she was settled into her bed, Jill reached for her phone. Only one person’s face came to mind - Mike’s.
Praying that she wouldn’t wake him if he was asleep, she sent him a text.
Jill: You awake?
Mike: Yeah. Something told me to pray for you about an hour ago.
Having someone praying for her besides her mom warmed her heart.
Jill: Thanks. I need it.
Mike: Can I help? You okay?
Jill: Julie showed up on my door step.
Mike: Wow, that is worthy of prayer. Wanna talk about it?
Jill: I can’t. Told her I wouldn’t. But pray for her.
Mike: Will do. You need anything?
His concern for her just cemented her growing feelings for him. She would be a fool to let him slip away again.
Jill: Just knowing that you’re praying for me helps more than you know. Thanks.
Mike: Please call if you need anything. I mean it.
Jill: I will. Thank you.
Mike: Anytime, Red.
Placing her phone in sleep mode, she asked for guidance in both situations one more time. She needed God’s wisdom now more than ever. “Lord, thank you for putting Emma in my path so that she could guide me back in Your direction. Bless her for her willingness to listen to You.”
*****
Oh how he missed her. She had only been gone for three days but it felt like a month since he had last seen her shining face. But there was no time to pout as he had to work tonight.
It was his last day at the hospital, and no one knew except a couple of doctors and the management at the hospital. Mike was more than ready to brush this place off and enjoy a simpler life. No more night shifts, no more dead nights that glide into crazy mornings. It was a day job and he had paid enough of his dues to get this chance. Being next door to Jill most days had its appeal as well.
“Dr. Emerson, can you come out here please?” Chelsea asked after popping her head in the office. She was one of the few nurses he trusted. He trusted her enough to offer her a position in his office. She had not accepted yet, but he prayed she would. Having two little ones at home and a husband who worked a lot of hours, the new job would be a benefit for them.
“Everything okay?” he asked as he followed her into the hall.
“Yeah, there’s just a small situation that you need to have a look at.”
This was not normal practice and her lack of directness made him wonder if she had something up her sleeve.
Turning the corner to the center of the ER, his suspicions were confirmed.
“Surprise!”
The room was filled with coworkers and balloons. Their hugs and congratulations warmed his heart. For the first time since he started working at this hospital, he felt appreciated. Being mindful of any patients, he did a quick glance into the rooms surrounding the center station. Every room was empty, which was very rare.
“How did you all know?” he asked as a fellow doctor shook his hand and then hugged him with a pat on the back.
“We didn’t until three days ago,” a nurse behind the counter shouted.
“You lucked out with no patients,” he stated over the noise.
“Keeping the balloons in hiding today was a trick. You have been everywhere in this ER,” Chelsea declared. “A special gift from me to you,” she stated as she handed him an envelope. She gave him a wink and a nod and walked away. He had a hunch that the enclosed item was her acceptance letter and a copy of her resignation letter to the hospital. He’d look later.
It wasn’t long before a call came in and the party broke up, making everyone go back to work.
When the EMT’s rolled in the patient, the excitement of the day vanished. He knew the man was up there in years, but he had hoped to never see Eugene in the ER. Quick on their heels, Mike listened closely of the rundown of what had happened to the man who had become dear to him.
While Chelsea and a couple other nurses got Eugene settled, Mike took the man’s hand. Cold and clammy, concern for this man flooded Mike’s being and he began to pray while asking the normal questions, in a friendlier way.
“Fancy meeting you here, Eugene. Did Jill get tired of you watching her dance?”
The old man attempted a chuckle, but a harsh cough raked through his body making him cringe in pain.
“I didn’t think so. How long have you been feeling like this?”
“A week or so.”
“At your age, you can’t wait that long to get to your doctor, pal. I’m going to order a chest x-ray and some blood work and see what we’re up against. Is that okay with you?”
“Sure thing Doc.”
It was rare for Mike to have a personal connection to a patient, and he could see why it would typically be a bad thing to care for someone you knew. He struggled not to sit by Eugene's side and keep him company as they waited for test results.
Looking over the man’s chart for next of kin who lived nearby, he was relieved to see one of the names on his call list: Jillian Mathews. All the others lived out of state. Mike made the calls to the family members and even went so far as to ask permission to have Jill come sit with him. All agreed as they confessed that their father had spoken highly of Jill.
His heart beat with excitement as he dialed Jill’s number.
“Hello?” her voice sung through the line and straight to his heart. You’ve got it bad.
Mike filled her in on what had happened, as best as he could. Funny how what is routine can become forgotten when talking to someone you care so deeply about. He had to remedy this soon.
Mike peeked in on Eugene every twenty minutes, giving breathing treatments and other medicines time to work. The man had a severe case of pneumonia. Mike suspected that since he lived alone and there was no one to take him and nurse him back to health, that he would be admitted to long term care.
When his last shift ended and the last of the charts were filled out, Mike walked down the hall to Eugene’s exam room.
Eugene seemed to be resting peacefully while Jill sat at h
is bedside with a book in her hand. She looked deep in concentration so he didn’t say a word. The book she read had a large sunflower on the front and from what he could make of the title, it involved a cafe’. Lowe was all he could make out in the name of the author. He knew it was a mundane detail but he found himself studying every detail that would make her the amazing woman she was. For instance, he learned of the last few months that Jill enjoyed reading.
Jill’s red mane draped around her face and she struggled to keep it tucked behind one ear. His fingers itched to tuck the soft looking locks for her. Her green eyes shifted across the page and her eyebrows knit together, making him wonder what she was reading. Did she like what she was reading or was it disturbing her?
Not wanting to get caught watching her, he shifted his focus on the frail looking man in the bed. They hadn’t spoken for long that day on the bench, but he felt a bond with him that he couldn’t seem to shake. A part of Mike felt like he was watching his own father in the bed. It had been difficult watching his dad die slowly as his body was ravaged by cancer. True, Eugene only had pneumonia, but it could turn quickly for a man his age. Mike wasn’t ready to deal with any more death this year.
“He’s been pretty quiet. He smiled when I came in and took his hand, but has been asleep the rest of the time,” Jill informed him as she rose and stood next to him. She was so close he could wrap an arm around her shoulder without pulling her near. He was beginning to feel just raw enough that he did just that. She inched even closer and wrapped both her arms around him. Her head on his chest, her arms holding him tight, Mike drew in her support and encouragement as they watched their friend rest.
“Thank you for staying with him. I’m sure he was glad to have you here. His kids just live too far away. It was easier for me to do my job knowing you were in here with him. Thank you, Jill.” Her lavender and vanilla scent filled his head with images of holding her this way all the time.
“I’m glad this was an off day and I could be here.” She let go of his waist and looked up at him, the stress of her face concerned him. “Can I talk to you, outside?”
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