“Aw, that’s so nice,” Beth said.
“Hockey shit,” Lil spat out. “You’re full of shit. I don’t think I have a pair of boots tall enough to walk in that.”
“Lil, stop being such a pessimist. I think it’s a nice thought,” Beth reiterated.
“Sadly, I agree with Beth,” Richard said. “It would be a basis for an everlasting relationship.”
“Andrew, would you consider coming to dinner tomorrow? It would give us the opportunity to spend more time together,” Beth asked.
“Are you sure your mother won’t mind an extra mouth to feed?” Andrew asked.
“No, she always cooks way too much. The more the merrier, she always says.”
“Okay, count me in,” he said.
“What are we, nonfriends? What happened to our invitation?” Lil asked in a hurt voice.
“You know you don’t need an invitation. You’re always at Sunday dinner anyway, you moocher,” Beth said playfully.
“You’re invited also Richard.”
“This is one dinner I wouldn’t miss,” Richard said.
CHAPTER 9
Beth sitting next to her mother in the front row pew watched her father at the pulpit. He was so distinguished looking she thought to herself. He stood at the pulpit scanning all the faces of the church members as his sermon boomed through the congregation. His silver hair was still full, parted on the side and lay comfortably in place. His olive skin glowed under the lights. He removed his black wire rim glasses and laid them on his Bible as his deep brown eyes searched the crowd and he spoke of the Ten Commandment emphasizing fidelity, family and friendship.
Beth’s head lowered in a prayer of forgiveness as she thought about her self gratification. Her mother reached over, took Beth’s hand and held it.
“Fidelity, respect, tenderness, devotion and friendship are just a few of the ingredients needed for a happy marriage,” father Masters was saying.
Oh how she wanted to find that man who would offer her these things so she could finally be rid of her virginity, Beth thought as she listened.
“A roving eye will destroy the sanctity of a marriage every time. Don’t you believe, it doesn’t hurt to look. It hurts every time and in the end it kills. It will kill the marriage,” he said as his voice rose in a booming tone.
The organ began to play. The members accompanied with voices rising loud sending their prayers and praises. The sermon was done. The singing and prayer has ended. Now members began to move about. The men shook hands and patted backs. The women embraced and kissed on the cheeks. Conversations and mingling continued long after the service was over. People were slow to make their way to their cars to head to their next destination.
Beth’s mother hurried into the house, slipped off her heels and slid into comfy, pink slippers. Beth inhaled deeply. The house smelled of cinnamon, chicken, ham, apple pie. What a glorious appetizer to the nose Beth thought.
“Mother, you have overdone it again,” Beth said as she noticed all the food and desserts which lie on the kitchen table and counter.
“Your father helped honey. There is no better way to celebrate than a family meal and I’m anxious to meet your new friend.” Beth’s mother said.
The doorbell chimed. Beth hurried to admit the first dinner guests. She hugged Cornflower and then Tommy in greeting. She kissed Kelly and showed her cousins to the sitting room. The door opened again as her father hurried in.
“I didn’t think the church would ever clear out,” he said moving forward to shake Tommy’s hand and kiss Cornflower and Kelly on the cheek. “You three live so close but you’re like strangers since you married,” Beth’s father said.
“We don’t mean to be Uncle Harry. Time has been tight since Kelly was born. Tommy works the night shift and I work the day shift. That way we save on daycare. When we are off on the same day, we spend our time together as a family,” Cornflower said.
“Now that is what my sermon was about, family. Stop by the church one Sunday as a family,” he replied and kissed Cornflower’s forehead and eyed Tommy.
“Yes sir. We will,” Tommy replied.
Beth’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She checked the caller ID and answered. “Hello Andrew. You’re not standing me up are you?”
“Not a chance. I’m outside.”
Beth ended the call and threw the door open, “Come on in and meet my parents.”
A horn blew to get Beth’s attention. She turned and saw Richard and Lil pull the yellow Mustang into a parking space. Her grandparents drove up behind the yellow Mustang and parked.
Beth took Andrew’s hand and strode to greet the newcomers. “Hey Lil, Richard. I’m really happy you came,” Beth said.
“Well, well, well, don’t you two look cozy,” Richard noted with a devilish grin.
Beth glanced at her holding of Andrew’s hand as if noticing for the first time and released it.
“Oh Beth, he was kidding,” Lil said with a smile. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Masters,” Lil greeted turning her attention to Beth’s grandparents as they exited their car.
“I didn’t see you at the service Lil,” Mr. Masters said.
“I know. But I’ll be there next week though,” Lil answered.
“Is your father here yet little lady?” he asked Beth.
“Yes Grandpa, he’s in the kitchen helping mother.”
She watched as her grandparents made their way to the house.
Beth whispered, “Lil, now you’ve done it. If you don’t show next week Grandpa will have your hide.”
“I’ll be there. I won’t disappoint him.”
Beth stared down at her hand when she felt Andrew take it into his own and began to follow her grandparents into the house. Lil and Richard followed suit. The noise level in the house instantly rose with joyful greetings and conversation.
“Would you like anything to drink?” Tommy asked Cornflower.
“Yes, I’ll take some punch and bring Kelly a cup also.”
“A cup?” Beth asked in surprise.
“She’s almost two. She’s such a smart little girl,” Cornflower said proudly.
Tommy rose from the loveseat where he was sitting next to his wife and kissed her cheek.
“I’ll be right back,” he said and reached over to kiss Kelly.
“He’s such a catch,” Beth said. “One day, I will find a man just like him.”
“Hey. Who’s to say you haven’t already found him?” said Andrew smiling into her eyes.
Lil fanned herself with her hand. “I think someone has the hots for you,” she whispered in Beth’s ear.
Beth ignored the comment. The screen door opened and Beth noticed her aunt and uncle, Cornflowers parents entered. She hurried over and showered them with hugs and kisses.
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Did you think we would pass up an invitation for a free meal?” her uncle said winking at his wife who let out a small laugh.
“Cornflower is here with the baby and Tommy.”
“Oh how I have missed my grand baby,” her aunt said.
“You just saw her last weekend honey,” her husband said.
“I know. But it’s so hard being away from her.”
“Hey Momma.” Cornflower said as she handed her the baby.
“Come to your granny baby,” she said lavishing Kelly with kisses and hugs. “I missed you so much. I’m gonna take her with me into the kitchen to see my sister-in-law.”
“Here’s your punch, baby. I gave Kelly hers in the kitchen. I see your mom has kidnapped her,” Tommy said.
“She’s her first grandchild. She misses her.”
“I know. She loves Kelly as much as I love you,” Tommy said.
“I love you too,” Cornflower said embracing her husband and brushing a kiss over his lips.
Beth and Lil walked over to look out the window while the men engaged in conversation about the upcoming baseball season.
“They are so in love,” Beth
said dreamily. “That’s why I’m going to wait until I’m married.”
“They waited?” Lil asked.
“I’m not sure. If they didn’t it’s a secret. You know how daddy is,” Beth answered.
Beth’s father entered the living room and announced that dinner is ready to be served in the dining room.
Andrew was immediately at Beth’s side. Beth noticed he was staring blankly at her father. His eyes were glued to the black shirt with the white collar trim signifying his religious status.
“Andrew are you okay?” Beth asked.
“You didn’t tell me Beth.”
“Oh my goodness Andrew, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about it. Don’t worry. My dad’s cool.”
After everyone was seated Beth’s father bowed his head in prayer over the meal as every head at the table lowered over their plates.
“Amen, now let’s eat,” her father said. I see we have a guest I haven’t been privy to meet.
“Dad, you’re so busy, I didn’t get a chance to introduce you to Andrew. I met him the morning of my graduation.”
“It’s nice to meet you young man. What are your intentions toward my daughter?” he said as he lifted his fork of string beans to his mouth.
All breath at the table seemed to stop. The room fell eerily silent. Even Kelly looked from face to face as if to say, what just happened?
“I, I,” Andrew caught off guard stammered.
“Daddy, we have only known each other a short time,” Beth said with embarrassment.
“It’s okay,” Andrew said recovering from the shock. “Beth seems like a lovely young lady. I’d like to get to know her and her family.”
Beth’s father shook his head in delightful agreement. The dinner guests let out their breaths and relaxed.
“I’m happy to be meeting you so soon after your meeting with my daughter.”
“Likewise sir.”
Beth’s mom stood. “I’m so proud of Beth. She is doing so much with her life. Becoming a nurse is such a wonderful career choice. Now we have two nurses in the family.”
Light applause echoed around the table.
“And let’s not forget Lil. She has been a part of this family for the past four years. So, let me amend my statement. We have three nurses in the family.”
“Thank you Mrs. Masters. I’m happy to be a part of your family.”
“I hate to interrupt, but Tommy won’t be able to stay long. He has to work tonight, unfortunately.” Cornflower announced.
“Why don’t you and Kelly stay over? It would be wonderful,” Beth said.
“Yes, what a lovely idea,” Beth’s mother agreed.
Cornflower looked at Tommy. “Why leave early and stay home alone. Stay here over night and celebrate. I’ll pick you up in the morning,” Tommy said.
“Alright, I’ll stay,” she said smiling widely.
CHAPTER 10
The celebratory dinner lingered into the night. After all the guests were loaded down with doggie bags and sent safely on their way Cornflower asked, “Beth, do you mind driving me home to pick up some things. I hadn’t planned on being out so long so I didn’t pack enough things for Kelly.”
“Sure Cornflower. I’ll just get my purse and keys.”
Cornflower and Beth drove along the narrow street under the moonlit sky to the freeway entrance.
“I have always wondered how you ended up with the name Cornflower,” Beth said.
“It seems everyone has called me that for as long as I can remember. My father said when we would visit the country to see his parents I was amazed by the corn fields. Whenever he looked for me, that’s where I would be. He said I reminded him of a flower amongst the corn. So, he started calling me his cornflower and I guess the name attached itself to me. I like it because I have never run into another person with it,” Cornflower said.
Twenty minutes later Beth pulled into Cornflower’s driveway and turned the engine off. Cornflower went into the house and Beth turned on the music to keep her company while she waited. Five minutes later Beth saw Cornflower backing out of the door. She slowly closed it and stood looking at it for a long few seconds before she retreated to the car. She opened the door as if it took all her energy and slumped into the car seat and held her face in her hands.
“Cornflower, what’s wrong,” Beth asked in a whisper.
“Let’s go,” she answered.
“But you didn’t get what you needed.”
“I’ll explain later, let’s go,” she said in a cracking voice.
They rode home in silence. Beth was afraid to ask more questions. She decided to give Cornflower her space. Cornflower rode in silence, staring out the window and dabbing at her eyes every once in a while. A sniffle escaped and Beth’s heart splintered.
“Please, Cornflower, how can I help you?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry. We’ll talk later.”
Arriving back home, Beth parked her car and went around to help Cornflower out of the car.
“We’re here,” Beth told Cornflower as she helped her out of the car.
“Beth I’m going to take Kelly to the guest room and go to bed. I’m really tired.”
“If Kelly isn’t tired I can play with her until she’s ready for sleep,” Beth offered.
They entered a quiet house. It appeared everyone had already gone to bed. Once upstairs they found Kelly fast asleep in the guest room.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Cornflower said with a voice full of pain.
“Good night,” was all Beth could think to say.
Beth drifted off to sleep. Something awakened her. She thought she heard a noise. She pulled on her robe and cracked her door but saw and heard nothing. She looked back at the clock. She had only been asleep for two hours. She crept into the hallway still hearing and seeing nothing.
Beth decided to check on Cornflower to see if she was still awake. She tapped on the door but didn’t get an answer. She cracked the door open to a dark room. She opened the door a little more to emit some light. Kelly lay on the bed fast asleep, but not Cornflower. She thought maybe Cornflower was downstairs so maybe she should check on the baby before heading down to talk to Cornflower.
Beth started for the bed and let out a piercing scream as she tripped and fell over something. She landed hard on the floor. Beth’s parents came running down the hallway filled with alarm. Beth’s father pushed the door fully open and flipped on the light.
Beth’s mother’s eyes filled with horror and dread as she looked toward the floor. “Oh my God, oh my God. Cornflower, Cornflower,” she screamed as she shook her where she lay on the floor. “Call 911, hurry, hurry,” she screamed.
Beth lifted herself up and crawled over to Cornflower and began assessing her as her father ran off to call for help.
“Her pulse is weak and irregular. She’s still breathing. I’ll stay with her mom while you get dressed. The ambulance will be here soon.”
Cornflower’s eyes flickered open for a brief second before closing again. “Don’t worry. You’re going to be fine. I’m here Cornflower. I’m here with you,” Beth told her as she stroked Cornflower’s silky brown hair.
CHAPTER 11
Beth was the first to enter the Emergency Room in search of her cousin. She hurried to the desk to get information. While waiting her turn she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Tommy. His eyes were sad, his face sagged and his shoulders slumped.
“Tommy, have you seen her yet? Is there any information?” Beth asked full of fear.
“They won’t let anyone in yet,” he said in a pained voice.
“What happened last night?” he asked.
Beth thought about last night to see if she had an answer. For whatever reason she decided not to tell Tommy Cornflower was distraught after stopping past the house.
She shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know. We went to bed. I couldn’t sleep, so I went to see if Cornflower was awake to keep me company. She had passed out on the floor.
”
“Family of Jessica Wilson,” a nurse standing in the door to the waiting room called.
Tommy, Beth and her parents all stood. The nurse told them they could visit two at a time as not to excite the patient. Tommy decided his aunt and uncle should go first so they could see Cornflower was okay and would be able to take the baby back home. Once the older couple had left, Tommy and Beth entered the room and were surprised to see Cornflower wide awake sitting up in bed.
“Cornflower I was so scared. I thought you were dead when I saw you on the floor,” Beth said.
“I’m okay,” she said weakly. “Beth, I’d like to speak with Tommy for a few moments alone.”
“Alright, I’ll be in the hallway. Tommy can get me when you want me to come back.”
After Beth was gone, Cornflower glared at Tommy. He felt hatred pierce his soul as her eyes fixed on his.
“How could you?” she said.
“How could I what? What are you talking about honey,” he asked.
“I came home last night,” she answered glaring at him with cold brown eyes.
Tommy just stood with his mouth open. He didn’t know what to say. He could barely breathe. He felt as if he was suffocating and his life was passing before his eyes.
“You were at the house last night,” he asked in an unbelieving whisper.
“Yes, I was and now I want you to leave and never come back Tommy.”
“No, Cornflower. I love you. I will never leave you.”
“I don’t love you anymore Tommy,” she said coldly. “Now leave before I call security.”
Tommy didn’t know what to do. His wife hated him. She was in the hospital and he didn’t know exactly why. His wife had instructed that no information was to be released to anyone.
“Tommy, is there anything I can do for you?” Beth asked as he left the room, so sincerely and caring that Tommy couldn’t stand it. He just turned and walked away.
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