“Calvin,” Sasha supplied.
“Yeah, him.”
If the truth were known, she was glad Jordan kept drilling the guy with questions. Especially when he asked Calvin about his past girlfriends. Through Jordan, she learned more in one afternoon about the guy than she’d learned in two months of dating him.
“Would you tell Forrest I’m going to be a little late, if he calls?”
“No problem, I’ll make sure to tell him.”
“Thanks,” Sasha said before laying the cordless phone down on the table and turning on the vacuum. When she finished vacuuming out front, she decided to give the office a quick run-over and left the vacuum cleaner in there when she was done.
♥ ♥ ♥
“You’ve got to be kidding!” Forrest felt the air escape from his lungs. His fingers gripped the phone tighter, turning his knuckles white. “Is she okay?”
“From what I heard, she’ll recover. They kept the woman overnight for observation. The police have an APB out on Doug. You better keep an eye out for your girlfriend until they catch him,” Nick suggested.
“Thanks, Nick, I will.” Forrest hung up without saying goodbye and instantly dialed The Bridal Shoppe’s number. Beeping reverberated in his ear. He pounded his fist on the counter, hung up and dialed her home number.
“Hello,” Jordan answered.
“Jordan, this is Forrest. Is Sasha home?”
“No, but she asked me to give you a message. She’s going to be a little late.”
“Thanks, tell her to stay put if she gets home.” Without waiting for a response, Forrest hung up the phone and tried The Bridal Shoppe number again. Busy. Clutching the receiver tightly in his hand, he dialed one more number.
“Operator. How may I help you?”
“I’ve been trying to get through to a number and it keeps ringing busy. It’s an emergency. Can you cut in and let them know I’m trying to reach them?”
“If you give me the number, I can check the line and notify them,” the operator replied in an even tone.
Forrest wondered how they could be so calm. He told her it was an emergency. He ground out the numbers, then added, “Please hurry.”
What seemed like an eternity later, the operator returned. “I’m sorry, Sir. There is no one talking on the line.”
“Does that mean she’s off the phone?”
“I’m sorry, Sir. The phone may be off the hook. Is there anything else I can do for you today?”
“No,” Forrest said between clenched teeth and slammed the phone down. He had to think. Jordan said she was running a little late. Maybe she hadn’t left work yet. His eyes widened as his worse fears came to mind.
Forrest grabbed his jacket and dashed out the door.
♥ ♥ ♥
A cool breeze sent goose bumps up Sasha’s spine. She bundled her coat closer and fidgeted with her key.
Suddenly, her body was pressed against the car as a hand covered her mouth. “Hello. Remember me?”
That voice—it instantly turned her stomach. It was him! She nodded. Tears welled up in her eyes; she blinked, trying to keep them from falling.
“I thought you might,” Doug whispered in her ear as his free hand played with a strand of her hair. “I always loved the way your hair smelled. Delicious.”
Sasha turned her head frantically from side to side, until her mouth was free.
“What do you want?” Sasha whispered in a shaky voice.
Doug’s laugh bellowed through the cold winter air, but no one was around to hear—except her. “I thought we could go out and have a good time again. What do you think?”
“I think you’re disgusting and I wouldn’t exactly call being… mauled by you a good time.”
“I plan to do a lot more than mauling and I promise this time you won’t be opening your mouth to anybody about it either,” Doug threatened. Grabbing her around the waist and clasping her arm against her body, he grabbed her keys and opened the door.
Sasha attempted to pull away. He tightened his grip. When she stomped on his foot, he muttered underneath his breath, then shoved her into the car, keeping hold of her arm. “Scoot over and buckle up.”
“Gee, you’re concerned for my safety. How thoughtful,” Sasha said with sarcasm.
A grin spread across his face, making her stomach turn. “Your safety has nothing to do with it.”
Sasha knew what he meant. She couldn’t get away as easily if her seat belt were secured. Think, Sasha, think, she commanded herself. Then it came to her—her pepper spray. Doug had a strong grip on her arm, holding her close. Lord, please help me. The strap of her purse was still dangling around her arm, but the rest of it lay on the floorboard. Slowly she began to pull her purse closer, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
For you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Sasha began to remember scriptures she read Sunday morning when she did her devotions. Then she remembered her discussion with Forrest about forgiving. It almost seemed ridiculous to forgive Doug for all he’d done against her, but he didn’t know God. He was a lost soul, lead by Satan to do his bidding.
This time, she wasn’t going to be his victim. With more determination, she grabbed her purse and slid her hand into it to find the pepper spray. Then she found it. “Thank you, Lord.”
Doug glanced over at Sasha. He let go of her arm and reached over for the other hand that was clasped around a can of pepper spray. Sasha yanked her arm away. With the swift movement, the can went flying out of her hand, hit the dashboard, bounced off and hit her leg before plummeting to the floorboard.
Her face lit up in horror. Doug let out a sinister laugh. “Nice try. Save some of that fight for later. I love a challenge.”
He grabbed a handful of her brown hair and pulled, giving her a reminder that he was in control. Her heart beat frantically. She had to do something, but what? When they came to a stop sign, he began to turn left. A sharp elbow jab to his midsection caused him to cry out, momentarily losing his grip on her hair.
In a frenzy, she lunged forward and grabbed the can of spray off the floorboard. Doug grabbed her hair and yanked her back. “Oh no you don’t.”
Silently she prayed he hadn’t seen her retrieve the canister. She flipped off the protective cap in excitement.
“What?” Doug glanced at her and she smiled. “What are you smiling about? Looking forward to having some fun?”
“No, but I am looking forward to this.” Doug glanced at her again. Hot, caustic streams of pepper spray covered his face, filled his eyes, and seared the inside of his open mouth. He screamed and covered his face, yelling obscenities as he frantically wiped his eyes, his foot pressing on the accelerator.
♥ ♥ ♥
Forrest sped up. Something in his spirit made him panic. Lord, please keep her safe. Please. He spotted the green Escort when he was practically upon it. Inside, he could faintly see the driver’s hand raised. There wasn’t enough time for him to see who was sitting in the passenger seat. There were definitely two people in the car.
Screeching to a halt, he pulled into a parking lot and turned his truck around. Someone passed in front of him, he wasn’t sure whom, but it irritated him and frantically wished they would get out of the way. Forrest pulled out and passed the guy in front of him. He had to get to Sasha before anything happened.
Sasha’s car veered into oncoming traffic, crashing into a car. Forrest slammed on his brakes and swerved, barely missing the Escort’s rear end. Putting his truck in park, he bounded from the vehicle and ran towards the Escort. Yanking the passenger door open, he gently grabbed Sasha by the shoulders and leaned her back against the seat. A stream of blood was running down her forehead. Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed his handkerchief and dabbed at the wound on her head, then applied pressure, hoping to stop the bleeding.
Doug had opened the door and was stumbling around, his hands covering his face.
A middle-aged woman in tears muttered, “I don’t kno
w what happened. They pulled out in front of me.”
Forrest glanced to where Doug was standing. As pitiful as Doug looked, screaming like a baby, all he could think about was what he was going to do to Sasha. Forrest left Sasha’s side, making a straight path for the object of his irritation.
“Go call an ambulance,” Forrest said as he passed the driver of the other vehicle and continued towards Doug, his hands balled into fists. He swung and hit Doug in the stomach.
Forrest was about to take another swing at Doug when he heard police sirens. Before he had a chance to think, two officers rushed them.
“Back up,” one officer ordered. “Who was driving the green Escort?”
The woman driving the lime Neon pointed to Doug, who was still moaning, “My face, it’s burning.”
One of the police officers tried to pull Doug’s hands away from his face so he could see what was wrong with him. Doug gripped the officer's collar and threw him aside. The other officer grabbed Doug.
“Officer, this man’s wanted in connection with a rape that took place last night,” Forrest said. "He kidnapped my fiancée and just wrecked her car." More than anything he wanted to tear into Doug, but knew it would do no good. They’d likely arrest him and he wouldn’t get to see Sasha… He turned towards the Escort where Sasha lay slumped in her seat. “She needs a doctor. She’s unconscious.”
The officer let go of him.
“There’s an ambulance on the way,” the other officer holding Doug said, then took out his handcuffs.
Forrest didn’t hear anything else. He ran back to Sasha’s side. She moaned and slowly moved her head, bringing her hand up to touch the wound. “Easy, honey. Help is on the way.”
♥ ♥ ♥
After the doctor finished checking Sasha over, an officer had come in and taken her statement. She was tired after the ordeal she’d been through. When Forrest entered the room, she smiled, which faded just as quickly as it had appeared when Jordan trailed in behind him.
Jordan walked over and took her hand in his. Forrest went around to the other side of the bed and took her other hand.
“Why didn’t you ever tell us what happened?” Jordan asked.
Forrest frowned at Jordan. “She needs to rest.”
“I’m sorry, Sash, I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s all right. It hasn’t been something I’ve wanted to talk about with anyone. I’m glad it’s finally over.” Sasha held her brother’s hand next to her cheek. “They said Doug will be in jail for a long time after assaulting the other woman and kidnapping me. The bad news is they’re going to impound my car since it was involved in a crime.”
Sasha sighed. “Oh, well. Guess it probably wasn’t running very well after the accident anyway.” She tried to smile then flinched in pain.
“Take it easy.” Forrest ran his fingers gently along the side of her face. “It’s getting late. Maybe we should let you get some rest.”
“Don’t leave,” Sasha pleaded, looking directly at Forrest. She felt safe having him by her side.
“Okay, I’ll stay for a little while longer.” Forrest brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.
“How about I give you two a little time alone,” Jordan suggested. “I’ll go down to the cafeteria and get a bite to eat. You want anything while I’m gone?”
“A sandwich would be nice. I didn’t get to eat dinner.”
“What about you?” Jordan asked, pausing near the door while he waited for Forrest response.
Forrest reached for his wallet.
“I’ll get it, just let me know what you want.”
“I’ll have a cheeseburger and a cola. Thanks.” Forrest nodded. When Jordan left the room, he squeezed Sasha’s hand in his. “Your brother's not half bad.”
Sasha smiled. “I think he’s pretty special.”
“So is his sister.”
Sasha could feel her cheeks grow warm, instinctively she twirled the engagement ring on her finger.
“Are you in pain?”
Sasha shook her head.
“Then why the frown?”
“I was just thinking,” Sasha’s said wistfully. She removed her hand from his, reached over and pulled the diamond ring off her finger.
Forrest put his hand up. “Keep it.”
Sasha could feel her eyes mist. She held the ring in front of her and stared at it.
“Look, Sasha, I’ve been thinking, too.” Forrest paused. “It’s been kind of nice having someone to look after. I don’t want it to end.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I’m crazy about you. From the moment I came home and found you climbing through my window… I can’t imagine life without you in it. I don’t have a lot to offer, but my heart. What do you think the chances are of us making this engagement real?”
“Real?” Sasha couldn’t believe her ears.
“I want to be there all the time, Sasha. You’ve become a part of my life. I love you.”
“You do?”
Forrest nodded.
“I’m in love with you, too.” Sasha reached her arms up and Forrest took his cue, hugging her in a tender embrace. “I can’t imagine not having you there, either.”
“Think of it this way, your brother finally approves of me.”
Sasha laughed. “Took him long enough. I’m not sure he thought too much of you when he found out we were engaged.”
“Are engaged.” Forrest lightly kissed her lips. “Sasha Steinfeld, would you consider marrying a poor man like me and making me the richest man in the world?”
“The richest?”
“Yes." Forrest took the ring from her hand and placed it back on her finger, then kissed her tenderly. Her heart fluttered in excitement. "With you by my side, I could never want for anything more.”
“Hamburger anyone?” Jordan asked as he entered the room. “You both aren’t going to make me keep watching you two get mushy, are you? I’ve had enough of it all week, the way you’ve both been making googly eyes at each other. Please." Jordan rolled his eyes. "Good thing I finished eating or I’d lose my appetite.”
Sasha laughed. In spite of everything Doug had tried to take away from her, God was restoring her back to normal. She still felt uneasy inside, but with God and Forrest, it was going to be all right.
Spring Break
Seasons of the Heart novella series
By Susette Williams
Published by Family Friendly Fiction
©2015 by Susette Williams
Cover Art ©2012 Nathaniel Williams
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic, mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter One
“Hold on, Annie.” Kelly Sanders tried to keep the tremble from her voice, afraid she would frighten the girl. “I’m coming up to get you.”
Kelly stared with trepidation at the old oak tree in front of the two-story children’s home. The onset of spring should have brought forth new growth, but instead of sprouts of green leaves, the tree stood barren. It also sported a tom
boy, who had somehow climbed up to rescue Kee Kee, the cat the children from the children’s home had adopted. A couple of people from the neighborhood had ventured from their own yards to observe the commotion. Someone gasped.
“Oh, I don’t think you should do that,” Margaret, the administrator said. “The fire department said they would be here in less than twenty minutes.”
“That could be too late.” Kelly frowned. At least she was wearing jeans and tennis shoes. She hadn’t climbed a tree in a few years, but she imagined it had to be like riding a bicycle. Once you’ve learned, you never forget how.
Kelly hunched down to get more force behind her as she jumped for the lower limb. Relief washed over her when she reached the branch. She hoisted her feet up around the limb and maneuvered until she was kneeling on the branch, then slowly stood and worked her way up the next few branches until she reached Annie and the misbehaving kitty.
“See, I told you I’d come get you.” Kelly forced a smile, feeling ill-at-ease with the bark pieces that had chipped away beneath her feet and hands on the climb. “Why don’t we head down now?”
Annie nodded. “We have to take Kee Kee with us.”
She laughed. “Of course we do.”
For a seven-year-old, Annie had a strong resolve and determination. But Kelly could tell she was like any other child who just wanted to be loved and have someone be there for them. If she were married, she’d take all the children at the home with her. Her heart ached to think some parents didn’t want their children, or worse yet, caused them harm. Not everyone was blessed with the ability to have children. If they were, and they did, they should cherish them. Especially angels like Annie.
Annie clasped Kee Kee in one arm before reaching for Kelly with her other.
“I’m going to lower you to the limb below.” Kelly pointed toward the limb in question. “I want you to get your balance on it and carefully straddle it while I lower myself down; and we’ll do that over and over again until we reach the bottom. Got it?”
Seasons of the Heart Page 14