Sea Scope

by Debbie De Louise

  Derek sighed. He sounded tired and possibly lonely. “I heated up the leftovers you had in the fridge. They were good. Rosy wanted some. I didn't think she'd like pasta, but you never know with cats.” He laughed, but he didn't sound happy. “Please call me again tomorrow before you get back on the road. Make sure you have enough gas to finish the drive. I love you.”

  My heart melted. He hadn't said those words to me in months. “I love you, too, Derek. Carolyn's eager for us to continue our trip right after breakfast, so it might be easier for me to call from Sea Scope. I promise I'll do that as soon as we arrive. Goodnight, honey.”

  “I'll be counting the hours.”

  The phone signaled, “end call,” as Carolyn came out of the bathroom in plaid pajamas, her hair tied into a toweled turban on her head.

  “I heard that. How sweet. He misses you already.”

  “Aren't you going to call Jack?”

  “She walked over to her bed, lowered the towel, and began to scrunch up her long hair. “I told you we don't have that type of relationship. He calls me or not.”

  “Your turn, Sarah. She looked toward the bathroom door that she'd left open. “It's clean in there by the way. Not spotless, but no bugs as far as I can tell.”

  “Well, that's a relief,” I said grabbing my night items and heading for the bugless bathroom.

  When I'd finished my night-time routine and joined Carolyn, she was sitting up in bed with her reading glasses riding the bridge of her nose as she jotted in a notebook.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, slipping into the bed next to hers. “Did you get inspiration for the Kit Kat books from our drive?”

  She paused and looked over at me. “No, but I should be working on the next book. Actually, I'm writing in my diary. I try to add to it each night before I go to sleep. It helps me wind down.”

  “Hmmm. I used to have a diary when I was young. I didn't have time to keep it up as I grew older.” That wasn't exactly the truth. I'd started writing a diary while I was at Sea Scope. It wasn't a typical diary because, even at that young age, I'd enjoyed drawing. All my entries included artwork—not doodles but sketches. The accompanying text was usually brief. I was on the beach with Glen and we found a horseshoe crab (with a drawing of the crab, of course). Aunt Julie and I baked breakfast for the guests this morning (illustrated with the muffins we'd made). Mom took us shopping at the Dock shops (a row of stores arranged in a line across the page). Dad took us fishing. (a copy of the fish I caught that made Glen jealous). The entries ended after the incident at the lighthouse. In all the commotion that day, after I got back to my room, I didn't realize my diary was missing. When I did, I thought Glen was playing a prank on me, but there was no crayon note around indicating that was the case. I expected to find it when we packed to move, but it never appeared. I could've started another one, but I took it as a sign that our time at Sea Scope was over.

  “When are you going to break the news to Derek?”

  I jumped out of my reverie. The question from Carolyn came out of the blue. She'd put down her notebook and glasses and was giving me that direct gaze that meant she expected an answer. It reminded me a bit of Aunt Julie when she'd found me with my hand in her cookie jar.

  “What news, Carolyn?”

  “Don't beat around the bush with me, Sarah. After knowing you these last three years, I can tell when you're keeping a secret. It's also very obvious you're expecting even though you're not showing yet.”

  Oh, God. If it was obvious to her, my aunt would know as soon as I walked through the door. “I don't want to tell anyone right away. I've only missed two periods. I haven't even had it confirmed, but I've been feeling nauseous and there are a few other signs.” I thought of my sore breasts and the way my body felt different.

  “We could pick up a pregnancy test at a drugstore on our drive tomorrow. If it's positive, and I'm sure it will be, you should see a doctor. Your aunt must have one. Is your family doctor still around?”

  “Who knows? I haven't been back to Sea Scope in twenty years.” I thought of Dr. Henderson, who Glen teased and called Dr. Hen behind his back. He would be close to seventy because he'd been around my aunt's age when he'd treated us for all our childhood ailments. “I told you I'd rather not say anything to anyone yet. Please keep this to yourself, Carolyn.”

  “But when do you intend to tell Derek?” she asked again.

  I sighed and looked away from her gaze. “I think I told you how things have been strained between us. That was my deciding factor in accepting my aunt's invitation. I wanted to give us space. I was afraid.” I paused. “I didn't want to be one of those women who get pregnant to save their marriage. I know a baby doesn't do that.”

  “Oh, Sarah.” Carolyn's voice took on a soothing quality as if she were comforting a child who'd scraped her knee. “Everything will be okay. You two have been trying to conceive for years. Derek will be ecstatic. I saw the way he looked at you and kissed you when he saw you off. He loves you. All couples go through these periods. Believe me, I've had enough experience with men.”

  “You've never been married, Carolyn. It's a whole different ballgame. I know he loves me, and I love him, but there's been something not right between us lately. I even feared he was seeing someone else.” I looked back at her. She was still staring at me, but her hazel eyes had warmed.

  “I think your imagination is playing tricks on you. Was there any evidence?”

  “No, but he's been spending a lot of time at school and going to education conferences and even taking overnight trips. We don't talk as much as we used to, at least not about anything important. We haven't even made love since the night I probably conceived two months ago.”

  Carolyn was silent a moment. When she replied, it was in the same soft voice. “Honey, maybe you shouldn't have gone on this trip. Is there any chance you can get Derek to join you? It'll be like a second honeymoon. You guys need to reconnect. A change of atmosphere would help. I can only stay for two weeks. That'll be the perfect time for you to convince Derek to come. I don't care about his classes. He can find someone else to teach them.” Her voice began to rise. “Your marriage is more important. For gosh sake's you're having his baby. He has a right to know. It could change things, open up his eyes a bit. I think he's already regretting letting you go.”

  “Do you really think so?” I already had that feeling myself but needed it confirmed by an outside party.

  “Yes, definitely. Now let's try to get some rest. I set my travel alarm for six. We'll get up, grab breakfast across the street, and then hit the road. I'll start off driving and then you can take over when I get tired.”

  Carolyn was so much like my aunt when it came to making sensible plans. I was the one who had a hard time deciding between the right or left paths.

  “You're not going to tell anyone, are you?”

  Carolyn put her book aside on the nightstand between us and turned off the lamp. “I'm very good at keeping secrets, Sarah. Goodnight.”

  Chapter Seven

  Sea Scope

  Julie woke with a start. Light rain was drumming against her window, but that's not what woke her. A melody drifted from downstairs, a sad song that brought a memory along with the scent of grits and eggs. Then she remembered her first guest had arrived a day early and was most likely taking on the task of making breakfast.

  She got out of bed, donned her robe and slippers, and followed the humming and aroma to the kitchen.

  Wanda was dressed and standing at the stove cooking, her long dark braid bobbing to the music. Without turning around, she said, “Mornin,' Julie.”

  “I thought I told you I would prepare something for us for breakfast today.” Julie hadn't planned anything fancy. She wasn't used to cooking for guests anymore.

  Wanda looked over her shoulder. “I couldn't help it. I like to begin my day early, and a good breakfast is the best way to start. Have a seat. This is almost ready. I expected you would be up soon.”

 
; Julie bristled at the thought of being served, but she did as Wanda asked. There were two plates, glasses, and mugs on the table along with a pitcher of orange juice. She poured herself a drink as she glanced at the clock and saw it was almost 9:00. She hadn't wanted to sleep so late. Sarah and her friend, as well as another guest, would be arriving today.

  “Coffee is on and so is hot water if you prefer tea,” Wanda said turning off the stove and scooping scrambled eggs and grits onto a plate that she brought to the table and placed in front of Julie before she served herself.

  “I'll get coffee. This is strange, your serving me.”

  “Like old times.” Wanda's smile lit up the dim kitchen. Julie had to remember to change the lightbulbs. On gloomy days, the effect was depressing. The rain was growing heavier. Unlike the gentle spring rains that touched Cape Bretton almost daily, dripping off the hanging moss on the trees that flanked the front walk, it looked as though Sea Scope was in for a drenching.

  “Listen to that rain.” Wanda had gotten up again and brought toast, jam, and butter to the table. She knew where everything was. Julie had always been very organized, and she hadn't varied where she kept any of the silverware or kitchen utensils.

  “I hope the rain doesn't delay your guests.”

  Julie was worried about that. “The other guest arriving today isn't coming as far as Sarah and her friend.”

  Wanda pursed her lips, her expression questioning. “When are you going to reveal who the other guests are, Julie? I tried to pry it out from you yesterday without any luck.”

  Julie laughed as she took a forkful of the tasty eggs and grits and swallowed it down with orange juice. “You'll know soon enough, Wanda.”

  “Why are you being so secretive?”

  They were interrupted by a tapping at the door. At first, Julie thought it was the rain being driven against the wood by the wind, but Wanda said, “Speak of the devil. I think someone's already here.”

  Julie jumped up from her seat. Surely it couldn't be Sarah and her friend. She didn't expect them until the evening. “I'll get it. You wait here, Wanda.”

  Wanda raised her eyebrows but made no comment as Julie rushed from the table.

  As Julie went to answer the door, she wondered why the visitor hadn't used the bell. Maybe it was broken again. She'd need to have it checked. Although she prided herself as being pretty handy around the house, it always helped that she usually had a man on hand to assist her. Currently between lovers, she was finding it increasingly hard to manage alone.

  The knock sounded again as she reached the door. She resisted the urge to check the peephole and opened it to the tall man standing there dripping wet.

  Even if he'd shown up uninvited, she would've recognized him immediately because of the physical similarity to his father.

  “Russell. Come in. You're soaked.” The rain had darkened and flattened his sandy curls against his head. Deep blue eyes greeted her, and she suddenly remembered she was still in her robe.

  “Hello, Ma'am. So sorry I'm early. Traffic was light coming out of Savannah. I guess people are staying off the roads in this weather.” He came through the door, water from his long trench coat spattering on the tiles of the entryway.

  “Let me get you a towel. Do you want to change your clothes? Your room is ready. I've given you what used to be the Lighthouse Room. I don't know if you remember it from when you visited with your father. It faces the lighthouse and has nautical décor.”

  Russell glanced down at his suitcase. “I actually do remember it, and I think you're right. I should change.”

  As he picked up his case and headed for the staircase, Wanda came from the kitchen. She stopped short, and her eyes widened at the sight of the visitor. “My goodness, Russell, you're the spitting image of your father. If you were a bit older, I would've mistaken you for Bartholomew.”

  “You're right, Wanda, this is Bart's son, Russell, all grown up,” Julie said.

  Wanda smiled. “How are you Russell? Is your father joining us here, too? Do you remember me?”

  Russell tipped his head in greeting. “Of course I remember you, Wanda. You always treated me to sweets when I visited.” He winked. “I would shake your hand, but I don't want to get water all over you. I was about to go change. Dad is fine, but, as I told Julie, he's away with Lydia in Europe on their honeymoon.”

  “Lydia? I didn't realize Bart had married.”

  “Yes.” Russell glanced over at Julie. “It was nice of you to send them a wedding gift. Dad was very appreciative.”

  “It was the least I could do since I couldn't attend.” The truth was she hadn't felt right about accepting the invitation. She'd been surprised to receive the lace-edged card to the grand event in Savannah. It had brought back memories of her relationship with Bart, a man ten years her junior whose wild affection for her she couldn't return. Feeling happy he'd found someone but knowing it might hurt him to see her again, she'd ripped up the paper. Her gift to the couple and Russell's invitation to Sea Scope were small attempts at making amends to Bartholomew Donovan and his son.

  “I'll be right back, ladies,” Russell said, rolling the suitcase upstairs.

  As he disappeared out of sight, Wanda called to him, “There's breakfast in the kitchen. I can heat it up for you when you come down.” She turned to Julie, her face suddenly serious, “Why in the world did you invite him, and why did you give him Michael's room?”

  Chapter Eight

  On the Road to Sea Scope

  Instead of stopping for breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts the next morning, Carolyn suggested we head to the diner next door.

  “I need something a bit more substantial and healthier than fast food before I start driving, and you need good nutrition for that baby.”

  We were already in the car having dropped off our keys at the front desk with the morning motel clerk, an older woman who thanked us and told us to come again the next time we were in the area.

  “Before we hit the diner, we need to make a quick stop in the Walgreens next door,” Carolyn added. “It's better you confirm what we both already know as soon as possible.”

  I sighed. It was an overcast day but that would probably make driving easier without the glare from the sun obstructing the view. I wondered what the weather would be like in Cape Bretton. As a child there, I recalled the heat and humidity with rains that came often but intermittently during the summer. However, the weather never bothered me much. When you're a kid, temperatures don't affect you the same as they do when you're older. “I don't know, Carolyn. I'm not sure I want to take the test.”

  She was already pulling the car into a spot near the drugstore. “Why not?” She looked over at me. Because of the cloudiness, she wasn't wearing her sunglasses, and I could see the question in her eyes. “Are you afraid?”

  “I am a bit scared,” I admitted.

  She reached over and patted my arm. “Honey, I know how much you've wanted this for so long. I'll buy the test for you and then you can try it after we eat at the diner. It won't take very long.” She paused and made her final appeal. “At least do it for me. I'm dying to know if I'm right. I'm already picturing being his or her godmother, for Pete's sake.”

  I laughed, and it relieved the stress. “Okay. Go get it, but I'll pay you back for it. Would you like me to come with you and select one?”

  She smiled. “I don't think they offer many choices, and I'm picking up the cost. It was my idea, after all, and you did agree to pay for breakfast.”

  I waited in the car while she went into the store. She was back within five minutes, as if she knew the exact aisle where the home pregnancy tests were found. I wondered if she'd ever used one. She was secretive about her past lovers, but she'd told me once about someone special with whom she came very close to walking down the aisle with until she discovered he was already married.

  Returning with the Walgreen's bag discretely containing the box, she handed it to me.

  “Thanks,” I said as she res
tarted the car. “I think.”

  Carolyn dug into her sunny-side up eggs and hash browns as she sat across from me in the diner booth. I had ordered the same thing but was moving the fork around pretending to eat.

  “What's wrong, Sarah? Are you having morning sickness again?”

  I laid down my fork in the mush I'd created from the hash browns. “No. It's nerves.”

  “About the test?”

  “That and going back to Sea Scope today. I'm looking forward to seeing my aunt, but I have no idea who else she's invited. I'm also not sure I should've left Derek.” My third and unspoken reason was that I was still thinking about the strange text message. I hadn't received another one when I checked my phone that morning, but I planned to find out who was behind it. I wasn't sure what to do yet. Carolyn's insistence on confirming my pregnancy was at least partially taking my mind off that.

  “We're a bit too far to turn around. I think you'll feel a lot better after you take the test. You want to do that now and then come back and finish your plate, or maybe you want to order something else? You really need to eat.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  She smiled. “What do you want to do?”

  I had placed the Walgreen's bag in my purse and brought it with me into the diner. “I might as well get this over with.” I stood up. “I'll be back in a few minutes.”

  Carolyn gave me a thumbs-up sign. “I almost want to go with you, but I think I'll stay and finish my meal. Don't keep me in suspense, though. I'll be waiting.”

  I was thankful the ladies' room was empty. The diner itself would normally be busier, but it was Saturday morning and regular commuters were still in bed. Most of the taken tables were occupied by seniors. As I made my way to the restrooms, I passed an older woman sitting with two friends and overheard her talking about her grandchildren. It made me consider my mission and what I was about to discover. If I was indeed pregnant, it wouldn't only mean that Derek and I would be parents but that my mother, a widow who now only had one child, would be a grandmother for the first time. My aunt, never married, would become a great aunt. It was, however, painful to think that Glen would've also been an uncle.