Letting Misery Go

by Michelle Larks

  “We have Joshua and Maggie to put through college. Hopefully, with help from the Lord, Joshua will get a sports scholarship, and Maggie will win an academic one.”

  “That’s why I couldn’t agree to us taking out a loan against the house. We may need to do that when it’s time for the kids to go to college.”

  “We were blessed that your mother gave us the house when she and Aunt Alice bought the apartment building, and that the mortgage was paid off,” Brian remarked.

  “You are so right,” Sarah concurred. “On another topic, I was so proud of Naomi today. She definitely has her head on straight. Who would’ve thought that she would have two degrees? She has a sense of poise and sophistication that I could never hope to have. I am so in awe of her.”

  “You’re just fine the way you are, babe.” Brian kissed Sarah’s cheek. “I’m proud of her too. She seems to have her life mapped out for her. I wish we could have done better by her. Still, in the long run, things turned out well, better than we could have hoped for when you gave birth to her.” His voice became hushed. “One day, we’re going to have to tell Maggie and Joshua that Naomi is their sister, and not their aunt. Time is passing so quickly, you know, that day may be here sooner that we think,” Brian said.

  “I know, and I’m not sure how they’re going to react.” Sarah looked troubled.

  “Probably a little confused at first, but they’re good kids. They’ll be fine,” Brian said encouragingly.

  “I just hope they don’t look at us as hypocrites. We have emphasized so much the importance of waiting to have sex, and then for them to find out I had Naomi at fifteen ... I don’t know.” Sarah’s voice trailed off.

  “I think they’ll look at us as being impulsive, and realize that we made a mistake by not waiting to have sex until we were married.”

  “I hope you’re right. But the situation could turn out to be a case of ‘do as I say, not as I do.’”

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Brian pulled Sarah into his arms. They snuggled together and continued to talk into the night. Finally Brian dropped off to sleep. Sarah couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, her body racked with tension. Visions of trying to tell Maggie and Joshua the truth of Naomi’s parentage intruded in her thoughts.

  Sarah’s eyes filled with tears as she imagined a horrible backlash from her children, especially Maggie. The young girl thought the sun rose and fell on her mother. Sarah couldn’t bear being imperfect in her daughter’s eyes. Finally she nestled against Brian’s warm body and settled into a troubled sleep. Nightmares of Maggie pointing an accusing finger at her, yelling, “Mommy, you’re a hypocrite,” over and over, marred Sarah’s rest.

  Chapter Thirty

  After sharing breakfast in the hotel dining room, the family spent Sunday with Naomi and Montgomery. They all attended a local nondenominational church. Later in the day, Sarah and Ruth prepared Sunday dinner.

  Daniel tried several times during the day to engage Ruth in personal conversation. She managed to avoid him like the plague. That evening when the family returned to the hotel, Ruth was relieved there wasn’t a knock at her door.

  The shrill ring of the telephone awakened Ruth the following morning. She had requested a wake-up call. She rose from the bed and opened her Bible, which lay on the nightstand, and turned to Psalm 118: O Give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. She continued reading the chapter until she came to the twenty-fourth verse. Her lips curved into a smile as she read, This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. She said her morning prayers. Then she prepared for the day.

  Ruth rode back to Chicago with Sarah and Brian. The two older women exchanged worried glances because Maggie was unusually quiet. Her face was pale and her mood withdrawn. Sarah asked Maggie a couple of times if anything was wrong. With her head bowed, Maggie replied that she was tired.

  By one o’clock that afternoon, the family had returned safely home to Chicago without incident, and they all went their separate ways. They had decided to leave Edwardsville very early to avoid rush-hour traffic.

  After Ruth changed clothes, she went downstairs to collect her mail. Then she went to visit Alice, who was feeling a little better. When Ruth returned to her apartment, she called the home to check on Queen Esther; then she called Aron to tell him that she had made it safely back to Chicago. They made plans to meet later that evening. By midafternoon, Ruth went to visit Brother Duncan’s family.

  When she arrived at the Duncan home, she found the house filled with his immediate family members, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After greetings were warmly exchanged, Ruth and Brother Duncan’s three daughters and two sons entered the dining room. Brother Duncan’s oldest daughter, Edwina, went into the kitchen to prepare coffee. When she was done, Ruth and the Duncan siblings sat in the dining room to discuss the funeral arrangements.

  The wake was set for Saturday morning, with the funeral to follow immediately. Brother’s Duncan’s middle daughter promised to have the program done no later than Wednesday.

  “So, is there anything else I can do for you?” Ruth asked the family. They agreed that was all for now. Ruth prayed for the family and prepared to leave.

  Edwina put her hand on Ruth’s arm, saying, “Pastor Wilcox, my father had a package he wanted me to give you. Please give me a moment to go to his room and get it for you.”

  Ruth chatted with the family until Edwina returned to the living room. She handed Ruth a large envelope with her name on it.

  “Thank you, Edwina,” Ruth said, stuffing the envelope into her bag. “I’ll be in touch with you; and if there’s anything I or the church can do, please give June a call. The Helping Hands Club will be in touch also. They’d like to assist you with the repast.”

  “Thank you, Pastor. We’ve gotten many calls from the church members. They have made our burden a little easier, knowing we have our church family to reach out to.”

  “Take care, God is in the blessing business, even in the midst of your sorrow,” Ruth murmured. She left the house and drove to the North Side to visit her mother.

  Queen Esther was not in a very good mood that day. She wasn’t talkative, except to say how she wanted to go home with Bishop, and Ruth had to coax her to eat. Ruth stayed with Queen for a few hours and then headed home.

  There was an accident on the expressway, which made Ruth’s drive home twice as long. By the time she parked her car in the garage and walked inside the apartment building, Ruth was exhausted, mentally and physically. She checked on Alice, who was asleep. Ruth dropped her bag on the floor when she went into her own apartment; she sat on the sofa, crossed her legs, and leaned her head against the back of the sofa, closing her eyes.

  She sat that way until her doorbell rang. She got up slowly from the sofa and pressed the intercom button. “Who is it?” she asked.

  “It’s Daniel.”

  She reluctantly pressed the buzzer, allowing him entry into the building. She unlocked and opened the front door.

  “Daniel,” she murmured. Ruth nervously raked her fingers through her hair. “Come in.”

  They walked to the living room. Ruth sat on a chair across from Daniel, who sat on the couch. He took off his jacket and laid it on the sofa, and then he laid his cap on the cocktail table.

  “What can I do for you, Daniel?” Ruth asked him point-blank.

  “Thank you for seeing me. I know you told me to call you later today, but I have an urgent problem and need your help.”

  Ruth was taken aback, her hand fluttered to her neck. She couldn’t imagine what Daniel could possibly want, and what she could do to help him. She nodded her head and said, “Go on.”

  “I’m having a financial situation,” Daniel confessed. “And I’ve lost the house. When I got home today, I had another notice from the mortgage company. This one told me I have thirty days to vacate the premises.” He shifted uncomfortably on the couch.
/>   “I’m sorry to hear that. I know the economy has affected a lot of people adversely,” Ruth said. Her voice oozed sympathy. “I don’t know what I can do to help you.”

  “Actually, there is something you can do. Sarah told me you have an apartment for rent, and I was wondering if you would consider renting it to me.”

  Shock blossomed across Ruth’s face. “Daniel, I don’t think that would be a good idea,” she finally blurted out.

  “I know it would be a little awkward at first, but I think it could work.” Daniel was prepared to present his case.

  “First of all, we don’t have any children in the building, and that was by design. We prefer to rent to senior citizens, so they can have a quiet place to live. Daniel, you have three boys; and from what I’ve seen, they’re not quiet at all.”

  “I understand”—Daniel nodded his head—“but this is me, your ex-husband, and I’m in need. I’m begging you to help me,” he said humbly.

  Ruth had never seen this side of Daniel, and she felt floored, to say the least.

  “Aren’t there other places you can check into?” Ruth asked. Her eyes searched Daniel’s face, trying to find an ulterior motive for his request.

  “I’ve been looking around, and most places want an arm and a leg for enough room for me and the boys. Sarah told me your apartments have two bedrooms, and a sun parlor that could be turned into a third. That would be perfect. It will be an adjustment for the boys, coming from a large house in the suburbs to an apartment in the city. I feel we can make it work, though.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, but here?” Ruth’s eyes widened with mistrust. “Maybe you should look for a house to rent. That might be better than an apartment.”

  “I have.” Daniel’s voice deepened with emotion and he held out his hand. “I haven’t had much luck. I’m on a fixed income. Lenora wasn’t paying the bills like she said she was. Most of the bills for the house were in my name, so my credit is shot.”

  “Oh,” Ruth said. Understanding dawned in her eyes. She realized why he had come to her. He needed a place to live.

  “I would be good for the money. I just need time to get things together. It wouldn’t have to be a long-term lease, just enough time to get back on my feet.” Daniel continued to press his case.

  “Daniel, I don’t know.” Ruth twisted her hands together nervously. “The building doesn’t belong to me alone. Alice is the co-owner, and she would have to approve as well. Give me time to think about it, and I’ll get back to you.” Ruth felt extremely uncomfortable with Daniel’s request. She wanted the conversation to be over.

  Daniel stood up. “That’s all I can ask.” He put his jacket on and zipped it up. “Wasn’t Naomi’s graduation great? I’m proud of her. You did a good job raising the kids, Ruth. My hat goes off to you. I was surprised to see Naomi with a white man. It looks like she has done well for herself. Looks like she’s about to marry into money.” Daniel put his cap on his head.

  Ruth didn’t miss the veiled challenge that Daniel had thrown at her. She had the feeling that if she didn’t go along with his agenda, he would try to hit up Montgomery for money.

  “I hope you’re not planning on asking Montgomery for money,” Ruth said sternly. “He’s not your son-in-law yet. And I don’t think Naomi would approve, so I wouldn’t recommend going that route.”

  “I will do what I have to do to make sure the boys don’t suffer,” Daniel remarked casually. “Just give some thought to my request, Ruth. I know you will come to the right decision. Oh, and by the way, your apartment is nice. I like it.”

  “Thank you.” Ruth was visibly upset as she walked Daniel to the front door.

  Before he departed, Daniel leaned over and kissed Ruth’s cheek. “Thank you for hearing me out, and I’ll be looking forward to your call.” He then exited the apartment.

  Ruth stood at the door with her mouth open. Finally she closed the door and walked to the sofa, where she sat down heavily. “Lord, what should I do now?” she said aloud. “I can’t be responsible for those children being out on the street. Guide me, Lord, and show me the way.”

  Her cell phone rang again. Now what? she thought. She clicked the phone on.

  “Hello, Ruth, I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.” It was Aron. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news. There is damage on the roof on the south side of the church. Several tiles have fallen loose. I think you need to come here as soon as you can,” Aron told her sympathetically.

  “Okay, I’m on my way.” Ruth exhaled loudly. She went to the bathroom and washed her face; then she headed to The Temple. She hoped the day wouldn’t get any worse.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Thirty minutes later, Aron led Ruth to the south side of the church, where he pointed out where tiles had come loose from the roof. “It doesn’t appear to be very bad, but you may want to have it checked out by a professional. I’m afraid I’m out of my league with roofs,” he said.

  “Thank you, Aron.” Ruth sighed as her eyes traveled along the top of the building. “You may want to give James a call to find out the name and number of the contractor we use. I’m sure I have the information in my office, but James may have it more readily available.”

  “He gave me a file with vendor information in it. I don’t remember seeing a contractor name for roofs. I’ll look at it again when I get home.”

  “I’d appreciate that. The timing is bad, because of the financial crisis.”

  “You might consider taking bids, or see if a member of the church is a roofer, and he could give you a discounted rate,” Aron suggested.

  Ruth nodded. “I’ll look into that.”

  They left the balcony and returned to the first floor of the church.

  “So how was your visit with your mother?” Aron asked as he walked Ruth to her car.

  “It wasn’t one of her better days. I think Queen was a bit put out that no one came to visit her this weekend. She seems to be more manageable with a set pattern. Hopefully, things will get better as the week goes on.”

  “So, are we still on for this evening?” Aron asked after Ruth had gotten inside her car.

  “We definitely are. One of the church members is an author, and she has a book signing at Borders on Ninety-fifth and Western, so I’m going to stop by there. Then we can meet for dinner. How does that sound?”

  “Would you like me to go with you to the signing?” Aron asked.

  “Not this time, maybe next time,” Ruth said. She didn’t miss the look of sadness that crossed his face.

  She felt bad and knew she had hurt Aron, but Ruth didn’t want to run the risk of running into any more church members. As Ruth had feared, Jocelyn had mentioned running into Ruth and Aron to some of her friends. According to the grapevine, Ruth and Aron had rendezvoused at the hotel. Ruth had received a few phone calls and squashed the rumor.

  “I’ll call you when I leave the bookstore. I’m looking forward to our date tonight. I have some things I want to share with you,” she said.

  “Okay, I’ll see you tonight, then.”

  Ruth started up her car and pulled from the parking lot. She groaned heavily. I have a lot going on, she thought.

  When Daniel arrived home, he felt pleased about the way his discussion had gone with Ruth, and he wore a smug look on his face. He was pretty much convinced that she would rent him the apartment. By being that close to her, he figured, it would be only a matter of time before they reconciled. He had activated plan A of his mission to get Ruth back, beginning with phone calls seeking her advice. Plus, he knew Ruth loved children, and he felt the boys would warm to her one day.

  He felt lucky that Sarah had left a couple of church bulletins at his house when she stayed with him. Sarah’s leaving them helped Daniel put plan B into motion. He used the numbers listed in the bulletin to place telephone calls to several church members, expressing his displeasure to them that their pastor was dating a convicted murderer.

  He checked the me
ssages on his answering machine, and there was one from David’s school. The school secretary explained that David had been fighting, and that Daniel needed to come to school to pick up his son. David was also being suspended from school for two days.

  I swear that boy is hard to handle, but handle him I will, Daniel thought. He erased the message and listened to the next one. It was from Lenora. He tightened his grip on the receiver of the telephone and frowned.

  “Hey, Dan, it’s me, Lenora.” Her voice sounded cheerful. “I’m going to be in town Friday. Trevor has a concert in Old Town. I’d like to talk to you and get some things settled. Please give me a call back at 775-555-1515.”

  Daniel held his breath and then exhaled noisily. He rocked back on his heels, hung up the telephone, went to the living room, and sat down on his reclining chair. He wondered what Lenora really wanted. What was she up to?

  The telephone rang again. There was a scowl on Daniel’s face as he stomped to the kitchen.

  “Hello,” he said, nearly yelling as he answered the telephone.

  “Mr. Wilcox, this is Mrs. Perry again from Arcadia Elementary School. I called you earlier regarding David. I’m afraid I’m calling again with bad news. Your son Darnell was in an accident at school. We just sent him by ambulance to St. James Hospital.”

  “My son is on the way to the hospital and you’re just now calling me?” Daniel shouted. “Why wasn’t I notified earlier?”

  “Sir, we tried to call you and no one answered. We have his mother’s work number on file, but when we called it, the number was disconnected. We only have the home number for you,” the woman quickly explained.

  “Was he hurt badly?” Daniel asked anxiously.

  “He fell and hit his head in the playground, so it was serious,” the woman told him in a mournful tone of voice.

  “Okay, I’m on my way.” Daniel hung up the telephone and rushed out of the house.

  As he broke the speed limit during the short ride to the hospital, he called Sarah to tell her what had happened.