Grace After the Storm

by Sandy Sinnett

  6 – Storms-a-Brewin’

  It had been two weeks since Laci and Mitch left, and Brad would arrive later that day – coming to take over her business. Hannah couldn’t stay in bed any longer. She got up and went downstairs. The lodge was quiet and cold, so she built a fire knowing her grandmother would be up soon. Set to auto-brew, the coffee pot had kicked on and soon the familiar aroma was coursing through the air. She yawned and watched as the wood caught fire, listening to each pop and crackle. The fireplace in the lodge was made with large, smooth stones and spanned at least eight feet across. The hearth was big enough that she could even sit cross-legged on top of it. On the opposite side of her was an over-sized checkerboard cloth that her dad bought years ago at a Cracker Barrel during one of their vacations down south. They used to sit and play for hours, and the memory of him always letting her win made her both happy and sad at the same time. Now, the guests used it during their stay – building memories of their own.

  A high-pitched beeping noise went off, announcing to the whole house that morning was here and the coffee was ready to be poured. Years ago, Hannah had tried to turn the alarm off, but she couldn’t figure it out and got mad. After pounding on it a few times with her fist, somehow thinking that would work, she instead activated a permanent alarm in the process, causing it to now go off every morning without fail whether she liked it or not. She chalked it up as a haunting spirit of her mother who always enjoyed waking her before she was ready. It was also Lois’ alarm clock, which meant that her door would be creaking open anytime now and she would want her breakfast.

  Hannah made her way to the kitchen and started cooking, but there was still no sign of her grandmother. That worried her. After the bacon was done, she turned off the stove and walked down the hall to check on Lois. Standing outside of her grandmother’s door, she listened closely. Luckily, Lois snored like a freight train, and after she heard the roar of the engine chugging away inside, Hannah smiled and sighed with relief knowing all was well.

  Over the last few months, Lois’ health had continued to decline, so Hannah cherished each and every moment with her. Their time together was precious – Lois was the only family she had left – and since losing her mother, Lois had become like a second mother. Even as a kid she spent most of her free time with Lois. She was at her house every summer and even had her own room there – her favorite place to go. Hannah grew up watching her grandmother fuss over things like her outfit, her hair and makeup, the perfect pair of shoes to match her outfit – you name it. Lois was the ultimate ‘diva grandma’. Hannah, on the other hand, was mostly tomboy. Still, there was a small part of her that enjoyed putting on makeup and dressing up once in a while – a little Lois managed to rub off after all.

  Breakfast was ready and as if on cue, Lois’ door finally opened and her footsteps echoed down the hall. When she walked into the kitchen, Hannah could tell something was wrong.

  “Good morning, my sweet girl,” Lois said, her soft voice was cracked and shaky. She smiled and Hannah noticed her mouth was lined with dried blood.

  “Grandma, are you alright? Sit down.”

  “I’m okay. Don’t you worry about me, I want to know about you? Are you ready for your visitor today?”

  “Oh Grams, did you have to bring that up now? Can’t we eat first?”

  “I’m not stopping you from eating. You can still talk and eat, right?”

  “Ugh,” Hannah let out a big sigh. “No. I’m not ready. I’m scared to death and I have no desire to sell this place – not to that man anyway.”

  “Aw, honey… this is all part of a much bigger plan. You- ,” Lois’ voice trailed off and she grabbed her chest, then let out a hard cough. “Jules… I’m not feeling so good.” She brought the tissue up to her mouth. More blood.

  “We’re going to the doctor right now, Grandma. I’m going to go get dressed. Drink some water, and I know you probably don’t feel like it, but try and eat something.”

  “I’ll eat my eggs, but don’t hurry. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Lois was whispering by that point, hunched over the table and white as a sheet.

  Hannah knelt down on the floor next to Lois. “You’ll be alright Grandma… don’t worry. We’ll get you some help and you’ll be just fine. Don’t give up on me yet, okay? I can’t lose you.”

  “Oh Sweetie. I love you. You’ll never lose me,” Lois said.

  Hannah ran upstairs, threw on some makeup and clothes, and then hurried back downstairs. She took out her cell and called Clare.

  “Hello?” Clare answered.

  “Hi Clare, this is Hannah. I need you to come over and watch the B&B. I’m taking Grams to the doctor – she’s getting worse.”

  Clare could hear the panic in Hannah’s voice. “Of course, I’ll be right over! You can leave – don’t wait on me. I’m getting in the car as we speak.”

  “Thank you, Clare. I… I’m expecting a guest today. His name is Brad Young and he’s Mitch’s brother. He’ll be staying a little while to look over the property. I’ll explain the details later.”

  “Yeah… no worries. I’ll get him checked in. Go and take care of Grams. Tell her I love her?”

  “I will.”

  Hannah knew that Clare loved Lois almost as if she were her own grandmother. Clare had been a bright spot in Hannah’s life for the past several years, and even though they were complete strangers when they first met, they were family now.

  Hannah walked into the dining room to get her grandmother. She had eaten some of her eggs, but her face was now paler than before.

  “Let’s go, Grandma. We’re going to get you some help, okay?”

  Hannah sat in the hospital room with Lois, waiting on test results. Finally the doctor came back inside.

  “Hello, Mrs. McCrae. I’m Dr. Westmore.” He reached out and patted Lois on the hand. Not a customary meeting ritual, but it was kind. He was an older man in his mid-sixties, perfectly combed silver hair, and a musky, Old Spice smell to him.

  “Hello, doctor. You can call me Lois.”

  “Well, Lois… it looks like you’ve had a bad respiratory condition for some time now, and it’s now much worse. You’ve developed what we call ‘walking pneumonia’, and it will become more severe if we don’t get you treated with antibiotics.”

  “I’m not staying in this hospital – you can just forget it.” Lois turned her head away from the doctor, ignoring him like a teenage girl would ignore a bossy parent. She had hated hospitals ever since her brother broke his hip years ago. He’d gone in for surgery and rehab, but due to an infection, he never came out.

  The doctor smiled politely. “I understand Lois. Walking pneumonia isn’t something to take lightly. It can be treated at home, as long as you promise to take your medicine for me, okay? Can you do that?” His brow was furrowed as he talked.

  “Doctor, can I talk with you out in the hall?” Hannah got the distinct impression that there was something he wasn’t telling them. They walked out of Lois’ room to speak privately.

  Hannah dropped her shoulders. “Doc, I need to know everything here. Your words say one thing, but your facial expression shows something much different. Is it worse than you’re letting her believe?”

  “Ms. McCrae –,”

  “It’s Ms. Blake.”

  “Ms. Blake. Your grandmother’s condition can be treated at home with antibiotics, however at her age and in her frail state, she may worsen quickly if she’s not watched. I can hospitalize her now and give her IV antibiotics, but knowing her distaste for hospitals, I fear that would actually make her condition worse. She has pneumonia and she’ll need constant supervision and care. She’ll have the most trouble breathing at night, so you may want to consider sleeping very close to her. Can you do that?”

  “Yes, no question. She lives with me and I’m around her all day. I’ll make sure she is well cared for. Is there anything else?”

  “Keep her well hydrated and watch her food intake. Has she been eating regularly – goo
d meals?”

  “Her appetite has definitely diminished, but some days are better than others. I’ll make sure she eats.”

  “Alright then. Call me if you need anything. Here is my card. If she gets worse, call an ambulance or get her to the hospital. I’m afraid it will escalate to that eventually, so be prepared.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate you allowing her to go home.”

  “My pleasure.” He walked away and Hannah paused for a few minutes before going back into Lois’ room. Don’t take her away from me, God. Not yet. I don’t want to be alone.

  Hannah walked back inside and helped Lois gather her things, then they headed home.

  *****

  Brad’s flight to Portland was long and loud, filled with crying babies and whiny toddlers. He was exhausted and looked forward to checking into his room and crashing. After renting a car, he made his way to Carson, still a solid hour’s drive from the airport. That hour was a gateway for his mind to wander – going from place to place, thinking about the estate, what it would look like, and what the owner might look like. He smiled mischievously. I just hope she’s good looking – that will make this whole process a lot easier to deal with, he thought. The enthusiasm to buy the property was lacking on his part, but he promised Mitch and Laci that he would keep an open mind. Alright God, I’m not sure why you’ve orchestrated all of this, but this lady had better appreciate what we’re doing for her, that’s all I can say.

  Brad didn’t mention God often and rarely talked to him out loud or in silent prayer; and although church was a big part of his childhood, he’d long since given up his faith after his Dad died. Watching Mitch lose his first wife didn’t help either. Mitch gave up on faith too, for a time, but once Laci came into his life he managed to find his way back. Brad continued to push God farther away though, became cynical. Once again, on the outside of everything – love, faith, and even family. He was everyone else’s ‘go-to’ guy, the babysitter, the big brother, the cool uncle, but he longed to be something special to just one… his one.

  Before he realized it, he had made it to the estate and saw the sign up ahead. He pulled in and parked, then got out and took a few minutes to look the place over. Not bad, he thought. He walked up the steps of the lodge-like building which he assumed was the Bed & Breakfast, and knocked on the door. No answer. He turned the doorknob. It was unlocked, so he started to walk inside when a young girl came barreling up the porch steps and startled him.

  “Hey! What are you doing? Everybody’s gone right now. I’m watching the place until they get back,” Clare said, out of breath.

  Brad turned toward the girl. She looked to be around 16 or 17, wearing faded blue jeans filled with holes and a grungy hooded sweatshirt. She was staring a hole through him. No wonder they are losing customers.

  “Okay – do you know when the owner will be back? I’m here to check out the property for purchase.”

  “Are you Mitch’s brother?” she asked.

  “Yeah – how did…”

  “Hannah told me you would be arriving today. I can get you checked in if you want. You look horrible,” she giggled.

  Brad’s eyebrow lurched up, figuring that to be a typical teenage remark, but still a little surprised by her outspokenness. “Gee, thanks. And who are you exactly?”

  “I’m Clare.”

  “Where is Hannah?”

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but she took her grandmother to the doctor. She called a few minutes ago and they are on their way back – should be home any minute now. Come with me and I’ll get your key.”

  Clare walked inside and left the door ajar for Brad. He followed, and Clare came right back to give him his room key. “You’re in the Bay View Suite. First door on the left at the top of the stairs.” Clare walked away.

  “Thanks,” Brad called out.

  She turned her head back toward him. “Yep – that’s what I do.”

  “Not much on small talk are you?” he muttered under his breath, but Clare was already in the other room by then.

  He went back out to the car to get his bags, and then headed up to his room and decided to lay down and rest for a few minutes. It was short lived, his nerves were a bit on edge, so any efforts to relax were futile. Instead, he got up and went downstairs, thinking he would take a self-guided tour around the property. On his way there though, his stomach let out a rumble loud enough to shake the walls. Now where did that teenage being go off to? Surely she could help me find some food around here. He looked all around the house, but Clare was nowhere to be found. It’s a kitchen… can’t be that hard to find. Finally he stumbled upon the kitchen, and even managed to locate a banana to satisfy his pang.

  Walking back into the foyer, Brad heard the door squeak open and watched to see who it was, figuring it was Clare. It wasn’t. It was Hannah, walking through the door backwards. She was pulling her grandmother in a wheelchair, struggling to get it up over the door jam. Brad couldn’t see her face, but her long, curly red hair swung from side to side. He smiled in anticipation, and waited patiently for them to get inside so he could introduce himself.

  Hannah closed the door behind them and turned Lois around. Brad was standing quietly at the back of the foyer and was about to say hello… until he saw her face. It was her. My Jules. Shocked at the sight, he couldn’t move and took in a sharp, quick breath. His jaw dropped first, his banana second, landing on the floor with a dull thud. They were both frozen in place, stunned as they beheld each other.

  For Brad, time stood still. She was even more beautiful now than the day they’d first met nearly nine years ago. Her long red hair flowed into the sassy look on her face, and she was wearing what he remembered to be his favorite outfit – blue jeans, boots, and a tight long-sleeved t-shirt, untucked.

  “Jules? Is… is that you?” Brad stuttered.

  Hannah didn’t say a word. No ‘hello’. No, ‘how are you’. No reply – not one syllable left her lips. She stood motionless, staring into the face of the man who left her eight years ago. Her fiancé. The love of her life. Slowly and methodically, she walked toward him, her boot heels clicking against the wood floor. Now directly in front of him, she reached up with her right hand and slapped him across his cheek as hard as she could. So hard in fact, that her hand burned from making contact. She turned around and slowly walked toward her grandmother.

  “Son of a biscuit-eater…,” she quietly mumbled under her breath, shaking her hand to ease the sting. Brad overheard her and smiled, looking down at the floor to hide his face.

  “I take it you two know each other?” Lois asked in a soft voice, a little smirk spread across her face.

  “I suppose I deserve that. But what are you doing here, Jules? I was supposed to meet someone named Hannah Blake. Where is she?” he asked, clearly confused.

  Hannah was reluctant to turn and face him, but when her grandmother patted her on the hand, she figured he deserved some sort of reply. She turned around and looked him in the eye, her face stern and serious. Right about that time, Brad reached up and pushed his dark brown hair backward with his fingers, like a model in a photo shoot.

  After seeing that, Hannah’s insides boiled – she was a complete basket case! Why does he have to look so stinking hot? I didn’t know jeans could be that tight. Why couldn’t he have a chunky middle with forty or so extra pounds, or bad teeth? Good grief just look at him… he looks like a famous country music singer getting ready to take the stage for his adoring fans! He’s even more gorgeous now than he was then. How am I going to pull this off? I hate him for what he did to me! I hate that he gave up on us… but if I let myself feel what still lives in my heart, he’ll think I’m weak or desperate. Well, not this girl. After that slap, I certainly don’t look weak. Now THAT felt good! Here goes nothing… She thought, encouraging herself internally.

  “I am Hannah Blake!” Hannah’s voice was cold and tense, remembering the pain he had caused her. “Jules is my middle name and McCrae was my maiden name
.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s right. I heard you got married. A school teacher, correct? So where is the lucky ball and chain?” Brad couldn’t deal with the surprise of seeing her after all this time, so he replied with his ever-so-dry sense of humor and sarcasm – a veritable defense mechanism when things got tough or too emotional.

  “Let’s just say it didn’t work out. I never bothered to change my name back – too much of a hassle I guess.”

  Brad laughed, almost enjoying the display unfolding between them.

  “Well, well, well… Jules McRae. What’s it been now – six, seven years? I remember you telling me your parents owned a small business near the Oregon border, but I think you left out a few details, love.”

  “Don’t call me ‘Jules’! You lost that privilege a long time ago – right about the time you walked out and gave up on us. It’s ‘Hannah’ to you. And for the record, it’s been eight years and I gave you as much information as I could back then. Maybe if you’d stuck around a little longer, you would have learned the full story or maybe even had a chance to meet them.” Hannah lowered her head, saddened by the thought of her parents not having the chance to meet the love of her life.

  Brad looked down at Hannah’s grandmother, still smiling at the two of them as they bickered. Suddenly, he remembered Mitch telling him about Hannah’s parents, and a fleeting moment of remorse entered his thoughts.

  “I’m… I’m sorry about your parents by the way. Mitch told me you lost them.”

  “No you’re not, so don’t pretend like you are. I know you better than that, which is why I’d like you to get out of my house. It’ll be a cold day in… well you know where… before I ever sell this place to you!”

  Brad chuckled, “You still can’t curse can you? No matter how bad you want to.”