Promise of Springtime

by Marie Savage

  “It wasn’t my business and I figured you would tell me sooner or later. The thing about pregnancy is that you can only hide it for so long. And from the looks of you,” she says, pausing as she looks down at my stomach, “you have about reached that point.”

  “Do they know?” I ask, looking toward the back.

  “Yes. They all mentioned it to me that they suspected. I told them to mind their own business.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I really needed the job.”

  “Honey, I’m not mad at you. A baby is a blessing, not a burden.”

  “Babies,” I correct her.

  “What?” She looks at me strangely.

  “I’m having twins.” I smile at her.

  “Oh, bless you, child.” She hugs me and starts laughing. “When are they due?” she asks.

  “Mid-September.”

  “Have you seen a doctor?”

  “Yes, and I have another appointment next week.”

  “Well, I want you to stop overdoing it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all help each other here. I want you to take more breaks and take care of yourself.”

  “I will.”

  “Now, you promise me or I will drive you to the hospital myself.”

  “I promise.”

  “Okay.”

  “Is everything okay? Honey, are you all right?” Christy asks as all three of them creep back into the dining area.

  I look at Rose and nod, letting her be the one to make the announcement.

  “Well, it looks like all of you are right, we’re having a baby,” she announces, looking at me. “I’m sorry, scratch that, I mean babies. Julie is having twins.”

  Everyone smiles and comes over to hug me and congratulate me, and for the very first time, I actually see grumpy ole Joe smile.

  Ben

  I get up and get ready for work. My back is killing me from sleeping on the couch, but I have definitely slept in worse places. Renee and Dustin are still asleep so I decide to sneak out and grab breakfast on my own. Anytime Renee and I see each other, it starts an argument, and I’m just not in the mood.

  Bobby, the guy who I’m working for on the weekends, gave me a few business cards to pass around to the local businesses. Now is as good a time as any, and maybe I can score a job for this weekend. I’m not sure how much more of this I can stand.

  Julie

  It’s Friday and Rose isn’t thrilled that I came in this morning. She wanted me to start my weekend off early and get some rest. I tell her time and time again that I’m fine and can do my job. Rose insists that I take the weekend off after my little fainting spell yesterday. I agree, as it will give me time to maybe get the babies’ room painted. Rose and Christy are already talking about a baby shower, and I realize now how unfair I’m being to my best friend Holly. I haven’t even spoken to her since I left a few weeks ago after her father’s funeral.

  I promise myself that I will call her this afternoon after my shift and tell her. There’s no use waiting to tell Ben first now, since he has moved on with his ex-wife and son. I will still eventually tell him, but it will be closer to when I deliver these little guys.

  I hear the familiar chime of the bells over the door, signaling that a customer walked in. I step out, getting ready to greet them, when I realize that it’s Ben who just walked in. Quickly, I retreat to the back, praying that he didn’t see me.

  “Hey, girl, what are you doing? Don’t forget that right after we lock up today, we have hair appointments at Bess’s. Hun? Are you all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Christy asks as I bump into her, trying to hide.

  “Christy, can you wait on him—the man who just walked in? I’m not feeling really well,” I lie, hoping that I can get out of here fast.

  “Are you okay?” she asks, placing her hands on my shoulders to look me over. Ever since the cat is out of the bag about my pregnancy, everyone is in protective mode when it concerns me.

  “Yes, just a little dizzy. I’m going to go into Rose’s office and take a quick break,” I tell her, feeling awful for playing the pregnancy card, but I can’t face Ben right now. He will look at me and know that I’ve been hiding his baby from him.

  Christy walks to the doorway and peeks out to check out the customer. “Whoa, that hottie would make any girl a little dizzy. Are you sure you don’t want to go wait on him? He may be single,” she teases.

  “No, I don’t want to wait on him, I can’t let him see me. Not now,” I protest a little too much.

  “Hold on a sec. Do you know him?”

  Done with lying to my friends, I look at her and nod.

  “Is he the daddy?” She looks down at my stomach

  In for a penny, in for a pound, I think to myself as I nod once again.

  Christy’s jaw drops as she peeks out once again. When she looks at me again, she looks pissed. “Should I call Joe and Monty to take care of him?” she asks.

  “No, it’s not like that. Ben is a good man,” I quickly come to his defense.

  “Well, if he’s such a good man, how come he isn’t taking care of you and his babies?” She quickly points out.

  “Please, Christy. I will explain later. I promise.”

  “You’re damn straight, you will,” she says as she walks out to take care of him.

  I go and sit in the office, trying to relax. I’m not ready to face him yet. I’m too vulnerable.

  Ben

  I go ahead and seat myself as the sign at the front indicates. I pass by this place on my way to work every day and have wanted to stop, but never took the time until today. Part of it reminds me of Carl’s diner back in Clover, where I first met my Julie. I still want to call her mine, even though it’s no longer the case. That girl has her claws into my heart and is not letting go. Or is it me who isn’t letting go?

  “Good morning. Can I start you off with some coffee?” the cheerful curvy waitress asks as she comes to the booth where I’m sitting.

  “Yes, please, ma’am,” I respond.

  “Here’s the menu. Our special this morning is biscuits and gravy. We make the best ones in town.”

  Not as good as my Julie, I think to myself.

  She hands me the menu and immediately pours me a cup of coffee, not even bothering to ask me how I take it.

  “I’m not sure what I would like yet. Will you give me a minute to look over the menu?”

  “Sure, hun, take your time,” she says, giving me a strained smile, like she’d rather pour the coffee over my head than in my cup. Luckily, she doesn’t miss the cup and heads back over to the counter.

  I watch as she keeps looking at me. Every time our eyes connect, she just smiles. Does she know me? Is she a friend of Renee’s or something? I wonder. I quickly dismiss it and look at the simple menu.

  Minutes later, when I close the menu, she’s back. “Have you decided what you want?”

  “I will have the western omelet with country potatoes and wheat toast, please.”

  “Coming right up.” She leaves me and heads to the back.

  My breakfast comes fast and I’m enjoying every delicious bite. What I’m not enjoying is everyone’s fascination of coming and checking me out. The waitress won’t stop glaring over at me, and now I have caught who appears to be the busboy looking over at me. He’s a big boy and could be a challenge if he has a problem with me. I even catch the cook peering out to give me a scathing look. Something is definitely going on.

  They must know Renee and think I’m the asshole in all of this. There is no telling what kind of lies she has told them. Too bad I won’t be able to come back here after today. The food is delicious, but these folks are making me feel like at any moment they will kick my ass.

  A pleasant older woman comes from the back and heads my way. This is where I will be asked to leave and never return, I can just feel it. However, she’s smiling, so I let my guard down a little.

  “Hello there, my name is Rose McDaniel. I’m the owner of this diner,” s
he says and confirms my suspicions that I’m about to be asked to leave.

  I promise myself that I will go quietly and not create a scene. “Hello,” I respond.

  She waits.

  “Sorry, my name is Ben, Ben Parker,” I finally add.

  She nods and sits down in the booth, facing me. “Parker, hmm, the name is familiar. Are you from around here?” she asks.

  “Yes, ma’am, I grew up here,” I tell her, wondering why she wants to know if she is just going to have me thrown out.

  “I don’t forget a face. You’re Virginia’s boy, aren’t you?” She smiles.

  I’m taken aback by the mention of my mother. I’m beginning to feel that this isn’t about Renee at all. “Yes, ma’am, did you know my mom?”

  “Yes, she worked for me years ago. Aren’t you in the Marines?” she asks.

  “Yes, ma’am, I got out though, a couple of years ago.”

  Anytime I would call my mom, she would be at this job or the next. I was so caught up in my own world, I paid no mind to hers.

  “I think I have your picture on my board,” she says as she points to the front of the diner.

  I look over my shoulder to see a board with lots of pictures. I had glanced at it when I first walked in, but didn’t take the time to see if I recognized anyone.

  “So, are you back for a visit or are you living here again?” she asks as I turn back to face her.

  “Living here,” I reply as I relax a little.

  “How’s your mama? I haven’t heard from her in years.”

  “She died, ma’am, just before I got out.”

  “Oh, hun, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. When she left, she didn’t keep in touch with us.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t you have a sister?”

  “Yes, ma’am, Mary.”

  “Virginia used to brag on the both of you so. Especially you.” She smiles. “Are you married?” she asks.

  “No, not anymore.”

  “Any kids?”

  “I have a son. He’s almost two.”

  “Well, don’t worry, a nice-looking guy like you won’t stay single for long. There are lots of pretty single girls in our little town. Some are right under your nose.” She smiles.

  “To tell you the truth, I’m not really looking.” I laugh, realizing I’m about to be set up with her daughter, granddaughter, niece, or someone.

  “Really? Why’s that? You’re a young man. Don’t you want a wife and more kids one day?” she asks.

  “Well …” I hesitate, wondering if it’s fair to continue when I’m not interested in being with anyone else. But she’s a nice lady, and she knew my mom. Maybe if I tell her my situation, she will back off trying to play matchmaker. I could use a friendly ear about now, anyway. “Actually, I’m in love with a girl and I’m hoping one day to find her so I can tell her,” I confess.

  “Is it a local girl?” she asks.

  “No, ma’am, she’s from Alabama.”

  “Did you meet her while you were in the service?”

  “No, ma’am, it’s a long story.”

  “Why can’t you find her?”

  “She moved and now no one, her friends and family, will tell me where she is.”

  “I see. Have you tried calling her?”

  “I know it should be that simple, but no, I haven’t called her. She’s moved on with someone else and I don’t want to upset her. She’s happy now.”

  “How long ago did you two break up?” she asks.

  “Feels like a lifetime ago, but it’s only been about a month or so.”

  “Are you sure she’s happy? Maybe she misses you too.”

  “That’s a nice idea, but I doubt it.”

  “Seems to me, you owe it to her to tell her how you feel. Maybe she doesn’t know, maybe she thinks you don’t want her, so she chose him instead.”

  “I appreciate that, but I’m going to let it be. She made her decision and I just have to live with it.”

  She looks like she wants to say something else but she stops and smiles at me, nodding.

  I reach for my wallet, ready to pay, when I see the business cards Bobby asked me to pass out, staring at me. “Do you mind if I leave some business cards up at the front? I’m working part-time for this construction handyman company. We are looking for some extra work.”

  “Sure, doll, just leave them with me.” She holds out her hand.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” I hand her the money and cards, deciding to leave a good tip before heading out.

  “Have a nice day and come back and see us soon,” she adds.

  I smile over at her, happy that I’m welcomed back. “I will, I promise,” I say before heading out.

  Julie

  I don’t know how long I wait in Rose’s office, but it is Rose who fetches me when the coast is clear.

  “It’s okay now, he left,” she says before sitting at her desk.

  I immediately get up and get ready to head back out.

  “Julie, sit back down. I want to talk to you,” she says.

  I should have known I wouldn’t get away without a talking to. I sit back down and face her.

  “So, why don’t you tell me the story of you and Ben from the beginning?” She smiles at me.

  I take a deep breath and begin.

  Chapter 8

  Julie

  While everyone else handles the diner, Rose and I talk in her office after Ben left. She listens attentively as I tell her the story of Ben and me, from the very beginning to the sad end. Not once does she interrupt me. When I am done, she pauses for a few moments before saying a word.

  “I think you should know something,” she says, coming over to sit beside me.

  “What?” I ask, worried that she is going to say something that I don’t want to hear. Something like the fact that I should forget about him since he has moved on with Renee. My anxiety grows as she puts her arm around me and gives me a hug.

  “He misses you and is still very much in love with you.”

  “What?” I look at her, confused.

  “He told me how he is in love with a girl but now he doesn’t know where she is. He said she’s disappeared and he doesn’t know where. I assume that’s you?” she asks.

  “I didn’t disappear,” I try to explain.

  “Maybe not in your mind, but in his, you did. You moved without telling him, right? You moved to his own hometown.”

  I nod.

  “He also said something about you being happy with another guy. That’s the reason he doesn’t tell you how he feels,” Rose adds.

  “What?” My eyes grow wide as I stare at her. “No, he has it all wrong. I’m not with Tyler,” I quickly defend myself.

  “Tyler?”

  “Yeah, the guy, you know? The one I kissed. The reason Ben broke up with me.”

  “Well, that is what he believes, whether it’s true or not. By the way, I think you also ought to know, I knew Ben’s mother.”

  “You did?”

  “She worked for me, years ago. She was a lonely woman taking care of her two kids and doing the best she could. Sort of like you,” she says, hugging me again. “I have Ben’s photo up on my board of local heroes. I’m surprised you didn’t notice it after all these weeks.”

  “I never really looked at it. I thought it was a memory board of those who have died. I hate being reminded of such things.”

  “It seems to me that there are a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to you and your Ben. I think you should find him and talk to him. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to hide your pregnancy.”

  “I know, but what if you’re wrong? I don’t want to get hurt again, Rose.” I lean into her, grateful for her support.

  “I know, sweetie, but the man I spoke to a little while ago would rather die than hurt you.”

  “How can you be so sure?” I ask her.

  “I just have a feeling for these kinds of things.” She smiles, moving the hair out of my face.<
br />
  “Should I try to find him now?” I ask, trying to wipe away my tears.

  “That’s up to you, but I think you should find him soon.” She smiles.

  I end up repeating my story to Christy in the kitchen while Joe and Monty pretend to be cleaning up and not hanging on every word. I don’t try to hide my story, not anymore. Before we lock up and leave for the day, I walk over to the hero board as Rose calls it. I scan the pictures that I avoided, before I quickly find Ben.

  God, he is so handsome in his uniform, and suddenly, the memory of the day I first saw him, flashes into my mind. It wasn’t the day outside of the diner, when he was homeless and hungry. It was like he said, the day of the funeral, Jason’s funeral. I remember him, now. He helped me up. I remember how he helped me up when I was kneeling beside Bo.

  Everyone heads to the front as Rose gets ready to let us out and lock the door.

  “Those Marine guys are always such wusses. He should man up and do right by you and these babies,” Joe says in his grumpy tone.

  “I think you and the babies are better off. We can take care of you. All of us, I mean,” Monty chimes in.

  “Honey, I say you run and snag him up. If he isn’t remarried to her yet, you have a chance.” Christy wraps her arm around me.

  “All of you mind your own business. This is Julie’s decision and we will support whatever she decides to do. Here, hun,” Rose says as she hands me a business card.

  “What’s this?” I ask her as I look at the card.

  “You said something about needing some help with handiwork. This guy comes highly recommended.”

  “Thanks.” I place the card inside my purse.

  “No problem.” She smiles.

  “Come on, Julie, we better get going before we are late for our hair appointments.”

  I look in the mirror once I’m home, admiring my new do. My once very long hair is now shoulder length. It brings a more mature look about me. I needed this; I’m going to be a mommy soon. As I stare into the mirror, I wonder what Ben would think about my hair. What would Holly think? I then remember my promise to myself that I would call her and tell her the truth.