Bouquet: Sequel to 'In Full Bloom': The Trilogy of the Rose (Volume 3)

by B. A. Beers

  He knew what he had to do, but the very thought of placing her in the hospital grated on him. He had no other choice, as her care would need IV fluids and adult diapers — all of this because of his discovery of Adam being alive. Cause and effect, he thought.

  Mark recalled her kneeling before the cedar chest containing Adam’s things, and had observed her as she lifted the ultrasound image to her lips; he had seen real emotions. Sami’s belief that Adam had not survived the accident was plain to see. Where was Adam now? Mark wondered. He could just imagine the guilt she was experiencing as her shattered soul was clearly visible. Focusing on Sami’s face, Mark whimpered softly, “Stop blaming yourself. It was not your fault.”

  Sighing deeply, Mark detangled himself from her and rose. He had to make arrangements; he had to talk to Gus. He needed answers, and he would not find them sitting there in the snow. Bending over, he gathered Sami into his arms. As he stood, he shifted her dead weight in his arms. A chill shook his body; he felt like he was carrying a corpse. Moving back to the cabin, he called to the dogs. “Let’s go.”

  Grandma Jo’s voice reached him. “She’s dead?”

  “No,” he called back. She might be better off if she was, he thought sadly.

  “Out again?” she asked.

  “Yes and no,” Mark answered truthfully. “It is not the same. It is no ‘watchdog’ this time. This time she is conscious, but totally unaware.”

  “Mark?” Grandma Jo asked, obviously distraught.

  “I know,” he replied.

  “Will she come back?” she asked.

  “I really don’t know,” Mark confessed.

  “What is the meaning of all this?” Gus asked.

  “She has escaped inside herself,” Mark offered. “She has shut down completely.”

  “Nonsense. Mumbo jumbo,” Gus stated.

  “No, it is quite possible,” Mark retorted.

  “She just needs a real good kick in the ass like Hank used to do,” Gus remarked.

  “Excuse me?” Mark asked, stepping onto the porch and adjusting Sami in his arms.

  “Yeah, saw him do it a couple of times,” Gus shared.

  “Great. Add abuse to her list,” Mark barked.

  “No, not abuse. Just a firm hand,” Gus offered. “Kid had a wild side.”

  “Sami?” Grandma Jo cried.

  “Don’t let her appearance fool you. She was a hellion in her teen years,” Gus offered.

  Mark recalled the ‘Mrs. Carter’ side of Sami and cringed. He could see her rebellious side. He wondered just how far back this personality split went. Did the death and hiding of her twin split her? “You need to share more with me,” he said to Gus. “I need to set her down first.” Mark walked into the cabin and called, “Place a blanket over the couch.”

  Seeing Grandma Jo move to do his bidding, he waited until it was positioned before placing Sami on the blanket. As Grandma Jo secured another blanket over Sami, Mark directed, “Please make more coffee for us. I need to make a call.” Moving to the door, he reached for his cell and called out, “Gus, make yourself comfortable.”

  Back on the porch, Mark spotted the two dogs at the bottom of the steps eyeing him. “Not your fault. Go in and get warm,” he suggested. As the two dogs darted into the cabin, Mark closed the door and dialed the clinic. When Mrs. Mills answered, he ordered, “I need Jon, now.”

  Mark paced the porch while he waited for Jon to pick up. His mind was racing. The completed puzzle was far from done. The added pieces were coming fast. Prioritizing everything was key. Her physical needs were at the top; he had to get her back to Phoenix into the hospital as quickly as possible. And, he needed to get in touch with her attorney. Mark had bankrolled the ER care for her arm, but admitting her to the hospital? He needed to know if she had insurance, and his exploration of her wallet provided no evidence of insurance. Jon would need to be his point on finding out this information for him. Plus, he needed to talk to Gus.

  When Jon’s voice sounded on the phone, Mark informed his former mentor of the current situation and his need. Without hesitation, Jon assured him that all would be arranged by the time Mark returned to the valley.

  ***

  Pleased with the outcome of the call, Mark reentered the cabin. His eyes immediately went to Sami. As if. . . , he thought. She is gone until you work your stuff, he hoped. He knew of cases where the soul never re-linked with the world, resulting in bodies kept alive by machines. He prayed that Sami’s current state would not last very long. Shifting his eyes, he spotted the two dogs before the fire, stretched out, but watchful.

  The sound of soft voices behind him caused him to laugh softly. “You don’t have to whisper,” he directed. “You won’t disturb her.”

  “Oh, Mark,” Grandma Jo gushed. “He was there.”

  “Where?” Mark asked, moving over to the table and taking a seat.

  “At the accident scene,” Gus answered. “Used to be a voluntary fireman up here.”

  “Tell me,” Mark requested.

  “First on the scene, after the police,” he began, grimacing. “Bad accident. Jackknifed tanker truck. Six cars impacted, including June’s. Didn’t know that fact until later. I knew they were up for the weekend, but I thought they had left before the storm started. I was assisting the police when I noticed Sami. She was walking down the middle of the road, covered in blood. She was dazed. . .out of it. . . when I got to her. I am the one who took Molly out of her arms and called for the paramedics. When they saw her condition and her obvious stage of labor, they got her into the ambulance fast. After seeing Sami off, I searched for June. She and Sami’s husband had not survived. Her car had gone under the tanker; the impact took the roof off. Police figured they were the first to have been impacted. I explained to the police that I was a family friend and about Sami. They authorized me to get her purse. I retrieved her purse and with Molly in my arms, got in my truck and drove to the hospital in Flagstaff.”

  “At the hospital, I inquired about Sami and showed them her ID. They informed me that she had delivered a baby boy and was refusing to see it. Lost on what to tell them, I searched Sami’s purse and located a contact list. Finding her attorney’s name and calling the number, I was surprised when he answered the phone. I identified myself and explained the situation. He requested that I wait at the hospital until he arrived. I assured him I would and was thoroughly impressed by his immediate offer to drive to Flagstaff, thinking he was one hell of an attorney. Didn’t know at the time that he was also the father of Sami’s best friend, Linda.”

  “When the two arrived at the hospital, I knew Sami was in good hands. I informed him that I had Molly in my truck. Linda immediately requested that she take over caring for Molly. I agreed and handed over the dog. She thanked me for my care and said she would keep me informed. I gave her my number and left. True to her word, Linda still provides updates on Sami. She and her husband, Rick, come up every summer to visit with me and stay here in this cabin.”

  “Here?” Mark asked.

  “Sure,” Gus answered, confused.

  “Sami’s cabin?” Mark asked again.

  “Linda has Adam?” Grandma Jo offered.

  “Of course,” Gus replied.

  “I need to talk to this Linda,” Mark stated.

  “Got her number at my place,” Gus offered.

  “Let’s go,” Mark directed. “On the way, you can tell me more about her hellion years.”

  “You should ask Linda about it. From what I heard, they were a team,” Gus suggested.

  “Oh, I will,” Mark stated, getting to his feet.

  ***

  ELEVEN

  On his feet, Mark scanned the cabin. “What are you looking for?” Grandma Jo asked, seeing his search.

  “That damn coat,” Mark stated roughly.

  “Whoa, Mark. No need to jump down my throat,” she retorted at his tone.

  “Sorry,” Mark replied, taking a breath. “Have a lot on my mind.”

&nb
sp; “That damn coat you are seeking is on you,” Grandma Jo offered.

  “Stunned, Mark looked down and moaned. “I never took it off?” he asked.

  “Good guess,” Gus chuckled.

  “Where is my mind?” Mark asked, shaking his head.

  “Where it should be,” Grandma Jo answered with authority, coming at him fast and shoving him to the door.

  Mark backed away from her and collided into the couch on which Sami had been placed. Startled, he viewed her deadpan eyes. Silently, he stood, watching her and willing her to blink to moisten her eyes. He was not an advocate for taping the eyelids closed to protect the eyes from dryness. He knew blinking was a reflex and for some, a gauge to evaluate the extent of her withdraw. Reaching over the back of the couch, he snapped his fingers above her face. He watched as she closed her eyes. He drew in his breath, wondering if her actions were a response or was it just timing on his part. “Sami?” he asked softly. Her eyelids did not move; they remained closed.

  “Anything?” Grandma Jo asked, coming up beside him and looking down at the comatose girl.

  “No,” Mark frowned. “She is out.”

  “I must admit, I do prefer her eyes closed instead of the wide-eyed stare. It was spooky looking,” Gus offered. “She looks like she is asleep, instead of dead.”

  Mark cringed at Gus’ observation. He had felt the same, but didn’t want to voice it. “It might not last for long,” Mark offered, sighing.

  “What? Her current state or her closed eyes?” Grandma Jo asked.

  “Both,” Mark answered truthfully. “There is no way to know. The mind is a remarkable agent.”

  “Is she playing games with us?” Gus asked. Both Mark and Grandma Jo looked at him intently. “I had to ask,” he defended his questions. “To me, it just doesn’t seem possible.”

  “What? Withdraw into yourself or escape from reality?” Mark asked.

  “Yes,” Gus answered.

  “It is more common than you may believe. It is extreme, I admit. We are dealing with a disturbed mind — one mired in emotional turbulence. Researchers are constantly exploring the capacity of the brain on not only the bodies’ requirements, but also the psychological needs. I understand the logic behind your question, but in a disturbed mind, logic is not a factor. The simple truth of Adam’s survival was too much for her to process. The body reacted by going into a protective mode. . . much like she did when the package arrived, Grandma Jo,” he educated them, looking at Grandma Jo.

  “Is she in a hypnotic state?” Grandma Jo asked.

  “No, this is different. Under the trance, she reacted to me,” Mark answered. Seeing Grandma Jo’s look, he continued, “When I moved her to the bedroom, she reached her arms around me, she reacted to my touch. This time, she has not. If she was playing games, as Gus had wondered, her body would respond. Her eyes would betray her. Her body would show signs of awareness. Right now, she is unaware. For example,” Mark offered, walking over to Grandma Jo’s knitting needles on the chair next to the couch. Returning, he lowered the blanket to reveal Sami’s hands. Taking the needles, he poked her right hand — not hard, but with enough pressure to have caused a reaction.

  Receiving no reflex movement to his action, he looked at Gus. “An aware person would automatically flinch away from the needle,” he stated.

  “How is that possible?” Gus asked.

  Mark shook his head and pulled the blanket back over Sami. Placing the needles back on the chair, he replied, “Some say the brain releases a chemical to bring on this self-induced coma. Others say the mind is so focused on protecting the psyche that there is nothing left. Still others say that the spirit is in God’s hands. I, for one, believe they are all correct.”

  “How do you get her out of it?” Grandma Jo asked. “Molly brought her out before.”

  Mark looked at Molly and smiled. “Yes, she did play a vital role, but it was Sami herself who brought her out of the trance. This time is different. A separate mental trigger is required; my goal is to find this trigger. I could pump her full of drugs to find the right combination to reverse the imbalance, but it could be more harmful than good. What she needs is to heal herself,” he stated.

  “So, you are suggesting you do nothing?” Gus asked.

  “Far from it. Her physical needs will need to be monitored and controlled, while we use every means possible to stimulate her mind,” Mark countered.

  “How? She is unaware?” Grandma Jo asked.

  “Appeal to all of her other senses, primarily her auditory function — talk to her, utilize her music. I also favor the sense of smell — her paints, flowers, your baking skills, Grandma Jo. Basically, give her a reason to mend, a reason to return,” Mark offered.

  “Tall task,” Gus stated.

  “True, but in my opinion, the only option,” Mark affirmed.

  Woof’s deep bark caught them off guard. “What is it, Woof?” Gus asked as both dogs raced to the door, barking. “Must have heard something.”

  Mark hurried to the door. “It could be David,” he suggested, reaching and opening the door around the two barking dogs. The dogs darted out before him. “Stay on the porch,” Mark ordered as he spotted his red truck slowly traverse the deep snow into the clearing. Both dogs stopped barking and looked at him. “You heard me,” he said forcefully, moving to the top of the steps. Keeping his eyes locked on the windshield, he viewed not only David and Ollie, but a woman in the passenger seat.

  “Reinforcements?” Gus asked behind Mark.

  Without turning, Mark replied, wondering about the unknown passenger. “You could say that. It is our ticket out of here; my 4X4 truck can handle the deep snow.”

  “It is more than that. That is Linda,” Gus said, walking down the steps followed by the dogs, then Mark.

  “Linda?” Mark asked.

  “Yes, sir,” Gus replied.

  ***

  TWELVE

  Mark watched the strawberry-blonde, petite woman as she climbed out of the passenger side and waved to Gus. “Thought that was your truck blocking the road,” she stated, stepping into the snow.

  Nodding, Gus responded, “Didn’t expect company.”

  “Where is she?” Linda asked, looking at the porch and seeing Grandma Jo and then, Mark. “Dr. Stevens?”

  “Yes,” Mark answered, looking at David sternly.

  “Don’t get all bent out of shape. I am Linda, Sami’s friend,” she directed. “I didn’t give him an option.”

  “I. . .,“ David started as he shrugged his shoulders, opening the wing door to release Ollie from the cab of the truck. “She was at Sami’s house this morning.”

  “Explain,” Mark directed as he bent down to greet his anxious dog who was being checked out by Woof. “Tell Woof to back off, Gus.”

  “Woof,” Gus called.

  “I suggest you all come inside,” Grandma Jo called. “You’ll freeze out here. I’ll make more coffee.”

  Mark looked up to see David move to the bed of the truck. “Leave it. We are not staying,” he ordered, turning to the cabin.

  “Why?” Linda asked, stepping over to him.

  “You’ll see,” Mark replied.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Linda asked in an annoyed voice. “Where is Sami?”

  “Inside,” Mark stated, not looking at her.

  “What happened?” Linda asked as she rushed ahead of him into the cabin.

  “She is on the couch,” Mark called out to her, seeing her disappear into the cabin.

  “What’s up?” David asked. “Do you know about her son?”

  “Yes,” Mark replied, pointing to Gus. “David, meet Gus.” As the two men exchanged nods, Mark added, “Gus is a friend of Sami’s and caretaker of this cabin. David is a member of my support team.” He entered the cabin and saw Linda on the floor in front of Sami.

  “Sami?” Linda called softly, reaching out to touch Sami’s face.

  Mark watched for a response from Sami to her friend’s voice a
nd touch. Witnessing no visible response from Sami, he shook his head. A feeling of disappointment cascaded over him. He hadn’t realized that he had hoped Linda’s presence would awaken Sami. Linda wasn’t the trigger. “Let’s all sit,” he directed, taking off the coat and hanging it on the peg near the door.

  “What is wrong with her now?” Linda asked, gaining her feet and walking over to the table.