It hadn’t taken long before Ravyn realized she liked Marky. In fact, she liked him a whole lot more than she liked his father at the moment; however, she’d already noticed problematic behavior. Shelley had good cause for concern. Her son knew some colorful language and used it when he didn’t get his way. He also tried to steal a portable CD player at the store, but Shelley caught him before they reached the cash register and made him put it back.
And Mark could have been a positive influence in his son’s life. How can he think about helping people in a Third World country when he doesn’t even care about his own child?
Deep in Ravyn’s soul she sensed something wasn’t right, but she wrote it off as being in a state of shock and even denial. She immediately recalled Mark sitting with Carla alone in the break room and his nickname George in the ER. Maybe all the rumors were true after all.
What a scammer.
Ravyn felt heartsick. It seemed her suspicions about him had been right. Worse, he’d played her for a fool and she’d fallen for his practiced charm. Then again, that’s what she’d come to Chicago for: to learn the truth about both him and Shelley.
“I feel like I’m on a luxury vacation,” Shelley said as she made swirls in the pool with her bony foot. “Marky and me—we’re indebted to you big time.”
Out of sheer politeness and nothing more, Ravyn pushed out a smile. The sight of Shelley in a bathing suit was worrisome. She looked rail thin. Her collarbone jutted out from beneath her onion-paper thin skin, and her ribs were visible with each deep breath Shelley took. Her knobby joints were equally as prominent and her flamingo bird legs didn’t look strong enough to even support her.
Ravyn glanced back at Marky. It was obvious to her that both mother and son had enormous issues to tackle. She felt overwhelmed, and not for the first time this afternoon. What would she do with these two? Shelley needed counseling—Marky did, too. They needed money and a safe place to live, and now Ravyn felt responsible for their well-being. On the other hand, if she wasn’t careful these two might suck her time dry and deplete her savings account.
Lord, I’ve gotten myself into a real mess.
Just then Ravyn remembered Jace, the teen in the trauma room with the gunshot wound. She recalled her desire to help save his life and, later, her wish to help other teens before they found themselves in dangerous situations. On the path Marky treaded, he was headed for disaster. At least Shelley had the wisdom to see that fact before it was too late.
Ravyn drew in a deep breath and steadied her emotions. With God’s help, she could think up a course of action.
“Okay, here I go again. Watch this one!”
Ravyn looked toward the diving board. Marky did another cannonball into the water, and she and Shelley couldn’t help but laugh once more.
❧
Mark glanced at his watch. Three o’clock. He gazed around his aunt and uncle’s yard where people stood mingling. He’d hoped to catch a glimpse of Ravyn, but it didn’t look like she would show. Then again, what had he expected? He never did have another opportunity to talk to her since the shift she’d found him discussing the Lord with Carla and probably jumped to erroneous conclusions. Now his residency was completed, so he couldn’t count on seeing Ravyn at the hospital again. He’d tried to call her all weekend, both at her condo and on her cell phone, but Ravyn never answered.
Oh, she was miffed at him, all right.
Or had she gone to Chicago by herself to try to find Shelley?
Mark wondered if he was right on both accounts. He had stopped by Ravyn’s folks’ house yesterday and no one had a clue as to her whereabouts, not even Teala. He knew from their lengthy discussions in the past that Ravyn was close to her younger sister. Why had she taken off, leaving the state, without telling someone about her plans? That was downright dangerous. If her intent had been to worry Mark sick, it worked, although he’d been careful not to upset her family with his questions and suspicions.
But what if something had happened to her?
The thought kept intruding on Mark’s thoughts, and he didn’t think he’d ever forgive himself if Ravyn was hurt—or worse.
At that moment, a couple of friends paused to congratulate Mark on “surviving” his residency.
“You made it, dude!” Andy Carey declared.
The two men balled their fists and knocked knuckles.
Mark chuckled and forced himself to relax and forget about Ravyn. She was, after all, an adult who could think for herself and make her own decisions.
Besides, Mark didn’t know if he was even remotely welcome in her life in the first place.
Sixteen
In the dark and quiet hotel room, Ravyn lay awake, thinking. She’d spent two and a half days with Shelley and Marky. She’d listened with a patient ear as Shelley told her one woeful tale after another. Her life thus far had been marred by one bad decision after another. Shelley claimed she was now more than ready to start anew.
The only question was where.
Ravyn ignored the answer that came to her time and time again. The last thing she wanted to do was take Shelley and Marky back to Dubuque and let them live with her. However, God’s Holy Spirit seemed to prompt her to do exactly that.
But I don’t want to support them. What if they steal from me? Where are they going to sleep? I don’t want to give up my new bedroom set to Shelley. I worked hard for the things I have.
“Mom?”
Marky’s whispered voice stilled Ravyn’s thoughts.
“Mom, are you awake?”
“Shh.” Shelley hushed him. Both she and Marky shared the queen-sized bed next to Ravyn’s. Shelley said it was a far sight better than anything they’d slept on in years. “Be quiet or you’ll wake up Ravyn.”
“Mom, I don’t think she wants to help us.” Marky tried to speak in undertones, but it was like a foghorn trying to sound like a flute. Ravyn overheard him with little trouble, and the comment irritated her all the more. She’d been nothing but cordial and generous. She’d spent hundreds of dollars on them between buying new clothing and paying for all their meals. What else did the kid expect?
“Go to sleep, Marky.”
“But, Mom, if Ravyn doesn’t help us what are we going to do?”
“Will you quit worrying and go to sleep already?”
The silence that followed pressed in on Ravyn. She knew how Marky felt. As a little girl she had lost plenty of nights’ sleep, fretting over what would become of her family.
“Walk by faith, Ravyn,” her dad used to say. But it sounded so irresponsible to her young ears. She now knew the concept was one of God’s commands. However, as a child, Ravyn wanted to find comfort in knowing her parents were in control and that they’d take care of her. In short, she longed for a sense of security.
And that’s what Marky was asking for from his mother—security—except Shelley couldn’t offer any. She battled her own demons and needed caring for herself.
Ravyn’s heart softened. Okay, Lord. For the first time in my life I’m going to walk by faith and take Shelley and Marky home with me. All I ask is that You help me each step of the way.
“Okay, time for a meeting.” Ravyn scooted upright in her bed, then reached over and flipped on the lamp.
Shelley and Marky squinted at her from the next bed.
“I’ve got a plan—and one that I honestly believe is God’s will.”
Marky bolted into a sitting position while Shelley propped herself up on one arm.
“Are you going to help us, Ravyn?” he asked. His dark eyes shone with anticipation.
“Marky, I’ve been helping you all weekend.”
“Yeah, I know, but—”
“And we’re very grateful,” Shelley cut in before reaching backward and rapping her son in the shoulder.
He frowned and rubbed his arm.
“But I know what you’re asking for, Marky, and I think I have the answer.”
“What is it?” He appeared hopeful once more.
“You and your mom,” Ravyn said, peering at Shelley, “are coming back to Dubuque with me and you’re going to stay with me in my condo.”
Shelley sat up a little straighter. “Back to Dubuque?”
“You’ll have support there. My parents will help. No one is going to judge you. It’s not as if you’re the first single mother in the world—even though your folks forced that lie down your throat.”
“I know, but—”
“And, Marky, where I live there’s a pool and a golf course—”
Ravyn didn’t even finish her sentence before the kid let out a whoop of happiness.
“Are you sure, Ravyn?” Tears glistened in Shelley’s eyes.
“I’m sure but, um, there is one problem.” The Dariens came to Ravyn’s mind. They were so proud of Mark. Did they know he had a son?
She stood and pulled on her bathrobe. “Shelley, let’s go out on the porch and talk so Marky can sleep and dream of doing super-sized cannonballs in the pool at his new home.”
“Yes!” He flopped onto his pillow. “But now I’m too excited to sleep. Can I watch TV?”
“No. It’s late.” Shelley turned out the light.
Ravyn crossed the room, pushed back the thick drape, and slid open the patio door. Shelley followed her outside. They stood on the small veranda that overlooked the hotel’s parking lot.
“Thank you, Ravyn.” Shelley enfolded her in a hug. “Thank you. I don’t know what we would have done—”
“You’re welcome.” She stepped back. “I feel God wants me to help you out and I want to—trust and obey.”
Shelley nodded, still looking grateful. “So what’s the problem? I’ll do anything you want. I’m trying to quit smoking. I’ll sleep on the floor—”
“It has nothing to do with you.” Ravyn drew in a deep breath, hoping for both tact and boldness. “It’s, well, Mark has relatives in Dubuque. They’re sweet people and, while I couldn’t care less if Mark’s reputation is soiled, hypocrite that he is, I don’t want to hurt his aunt and uncle.” She paused. “Do you think they know about Marky?”
“Mark has an aunt and uncle in Dubuque? I didn’t know that. He’s from out of state.”
“Yes, but he’s been living with his aunt and uncle—actually his great-aunt and uncle—while he finishes med school and his residency.”
“Med school?” Shelley shook her head as if to clear it. “Wait a second—are you talking med school as in Mark is a doctor?”
“Yep, but unfortunately for you and Marky, he’s bound for the mission field, so he still doesn’t have any money.” Ravyn tipped her head, thinking over the situation. “Unless he’s lying about the mission field, too.”
“Who’s lying?”
“Mark.” Ravyn stood arms akimbo and her anger mounted. “Oooh, that rat! I’ll bet the whole medical missionary thing was a bunch of bunk so he could get out of paying child support.”
Shelley gaped at her. “Mark is a doctor? No way!”
“Yes, ‘way.’ I met him in the ER when I started my job at Victory Medical Center. He just finished his residency.” Ravyn thought back on the week. “His last day in the ER was Friday, and after he passes his boards, Mark will be a bona fide MD.”
“Ravyn. . .” Shelley appeared confused. “I’ve done a lot of mind-altering drugs. I admit that to my shame. But I’m sober enough and sane enough to know that”—she shook her head again—“there is no way on God’s green earth that Mark Leland is a medical doctor. No way.”
“Who?” Ravyn felt her rage abate, only to be replaced by confusion. “Mark Leland? Who’s that?”
“Marky’s dad.” Shelley regarded her askance. “Who are you talking about?”
“Mark Monroe.”
Shelley scrunched up her face. “Who’s that?”
Ravyn felt her throat go dry and humiliation flooded her being. “I thought he was Marky’s biological father.”
“Monroe?” Shelley shook her head. “Never heard of him.”
“Yes you have.”
The banter suddenly seemed comedic and Ravyn burst into a laugh, although nothing about the misunderstanding was funny. It had caused her much anguish this weekend, and it might have devastated Mark’s plans for his ministry. But at the moment, Ravyn couldn’t control the chortles bubbling up from somewhere deep inside her being.
Standing beside her, clad in the gray sweatpants and red tank shirt that Ravyn had purchased two days ago, Shelley regarded her with a frown. “Were you drinking at suppertime?”
“I don’t drink.” Ravyn tried in vain to suppress her ill-timed humor. “I’m sorry. I think I’m just so relieved.”
“I feel like I just entered the Twilight Zone.” Shelley combed her fingers through her shoulder-length hair, then set her hands on her bony hips.
Ravyn collected her wits. “Okay, let’s start over. Who is Marky’s father?”
“Mark Thomas Leland, formerly of Rochester, Minnesota, and currently a resident of St. Cloud. He flunked out of college and does odd jobs, but he’s unemployed more than he works. Who are you talking about?”
“Mark Monroe. He was your leading man in my dad’s summer production eleven years ago.” Ravyn’s mirth was replaced by a deep-seated sorrow. She’d believed the worst of him at every turn.
“Oh, yeah—him. I remember now. He was crazy about you, Rav. Remember how I said we were both going to end up with a guy named Mark?”
“Sure, I remember. But I thought you said that to imply I was getting in the way of your romance—with Mark.” She tipped her head to one side and eyed Shelley. “Who is Mark Leland? Where did you meet him? When did you meet him?”
“That same summer—during the production. He was the light guy. He’d been going to school in Dubuque, taking summer remedial classes. Your dad somehow met him and convinced him to volunteer to work the spotlights for the play.”
Ravyn searched her memory and came up empty. “I have no recollection of him.”
“He wasn’t a Christian.”
She shrugged out a reply. She didn’t know him.
“I talked about him all summer.”
“I thought you meant Mark Monroe.”
“Oh.” Shelley halted and seemed to consider her answer. “Well, that’s understandable. I was sneaking around with Mark Leland. I didn’t want anyone to know. But you were my best friend. I couldn’t help telling you about him.”
“Right. And I always felt responsible for—for whatever made you leave Dubuque. Until two days ago, I never knew you were pregnant and your parents sent you away. I thought Mark Monroe broke your heart and you blamed me because. . .” She recalled the last scene of the play and Mark’s kisses.
“Monroe was more interested in you than me.”
Ravyn nodded and pulled her bathrobe tighter around her. The night was warm and humid, but with so many emotions pummeling her, she felt exposed and vulnerable.
“So you thought Marky was Monroe’s kid? And what? Have you two rekindled that little spark from the past?”
“Sort of.” Ravyn stared down at her bare feet.
“Hmm. I’m surprised you’ve been so nice to us all weekend. If our roles were reversed, I think I’d want to punch you in the nose.”
“Thanks, friend,” Ravyn quipped.
“Yeah, I’m horrible, all right.” Shelley sounded serious as she gazed over the parking lot. At last she turned back to Ravyn. “But see how good you are? You’ve always been that way—always ready to help someone in need. I wasn’t surprised when you told me you’re a nurse.”
She felt another jab in her conscience and looked up. “You’re wrong, Shelley. I’ve been anything but good where Mark’s concerned. I even went so far as to question his integrity and his character. He never once lost his patience with me. Instead, he told me he cares about me and he’s phoned me at least four times this weekend. I’ve ignored his calls. I actually thought I—I hated him because I believed the worst-case scenario.”
“
There’s a very fine line between love and hate, isn’t there?”
Ravyn shrugged. With so many emotions bombarding her at the moment, she couldn’t begin to identify her true feelings for Mark.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Why wouldn’t you believe the worst? You just admitted you can’t recall meeting Mark Leland and it’s not like I introduced you two or anything. I was off in my own little world, doing what I wanted to do. I gave no thought for anyone else.”
“So every time you mentioned Mark, you meant Leland and I thought Monroe?”
“Sounds like it.”
Ravyn tossed a glance at the stars that dotted the heavens. “Unbelievable.”
Shelley folded her skinny arms and leaned against the wrought-iron rail of the porch. Next, Ravyn saw a silly grin curve her lips. “Wow. So, after all these years, you met up with your Mark again, huh?”
“Yes, but he’s leaving the day after tomorrow, and we’re at odds.”
“Too bad.” Remorse and wistfulness clotted Shelley’s voice. “A good man is hard to find.”
❧
After having breakfast with a few friends, Mark returned to his great-aunt and uncle’s house and began cleaning his bedroom. He sorted through his dresser drawers and closet. The chore didn’t take long since Mark hadn’t been home much during the last eight years. In fact, he hadn’t experienced much of life outside the hospital, classroom, and, occasionally, church since he started med school and, after that, his residency program. Mark hoped he’d adjust to reality.
He moved to the large walnut-finished desk and emptied one drawer after another. Term papers, spiral-bound notebooks, admission letters, billing statements, handwritten comments and suggestions from professors—all were both useless and priceless mementos as he strove to achieve his goals. Mark could hardly believe that day had arrived.
His cell phone rang and he rushed to answer it but then reminded himself he wasn’t on call anymore. He didn’t have to jump. With a glance at the number on the external display, he felt more than a little surprised.
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