“Ok, well I love you Karlie and will be here waiting for you to come home again. Have a safe flight.” Mom says and kisses my cheek and walks out the door. A pang of guilt hits me as I realize that I am leaving her again too. I tried to get her to come with me but she used the store as her excuse again. I can’t blame her. She has never lived anywhere but Colvin.
Taking a deep breath I get into my car and point it down the highway out of Colvin and towards the Tulsa airport. Where a plane is awaiting to take me out of this disaster of a situation I have here. Again.
***
“Thought you would want to know that Karlie just left for Miami. She is taking a job down there on some magazine. She should be back in ten days but with the way things are with Aiden, I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t come back. She is really hurt Amelia. I know. He is hurting too but Karlie is the one losing in this battle, Aiden is gaining a child. One that isn’t Karlie’s. I’m not sure what they are going to do about the wedding, but we have to just hang on to what we have already done and just pray that before long they will work it out. Thanks, you too. Talk soon. Bye.” Ella Mae hangs up the store phone and frowns knowing that Amelia feels just as helpless as she does when it comes to helping their kids work through this.
17
“Aiden, where are you?” Audrey calls out inside the barn.
“Over here with Spook. What are you doing here?” I ask leaning my head back against the stall wall. I am sitting in here with my legs stretched out, ankles crossed and head leaned back. I feel closest to Karlie in here because of the many years we have shared around him.
“I just talked to Karlie and I thought you should know she is in Miami. She left yesterday. She’s doing a shoot there for that guy she worked for in LA. She is staying with Savannah but plans to be back in a little over a week. If she comes back.” She says and sits down on the hay bale outside the stall.
“Are you telling me she won’t be back again? Audrey, seriously?” I pipe up and sit up stock straight fully aware of the seriousness of this.
“Her plane comes back then, but whether she will or not, it’s too soon to know. Have you seen Tracey since the news all hit?” she asks and tries to smile to make me feel a little better. But it doesn’t. I don’t like seeing anyone smile right now.
“I tried to go the other day to her doctor appointment but I guess the doctor only wanted to do the blood test to ensure she was actually pregnant. He made her an appointment next month. That’s all I know.” I say and wipe my hand over my face trying to wake myself up from this nightmare I am clearly having.
“They didn’t even do an exam? She says she is almost four months along so he should have at least done one and probably done a sonogram. That’s really weird.” She says and scrunches up her forehead showing just how strange it all seemed to her. I know nothing about babies or pregnancies so I don’t understand the issue.
“Well, that’s what she said. I have no choice but to wait I guess. I’m sorry you are caught in the middle. I know it’s tough thinking bad about your best friend. She isn’t a bad girl, just didn’t do the news delivery the right way.”
“Well, it’s all weird. A teacher from the high school just had her first sonogram and she is barely three months along. So it’s strange that it’s so different with Tracey. Maybe they have a different doctor. Have to go. Love you brother.”
I look around and feel as though even the barn looks different without Karlie a part of it. The house has not been the same since she left. I don’t sleep much, I don’t eat there, and I can’t get any work done there. Even when Tracey and I broke up I never felt the loss when I was in the house. Bringing Karlie here and moving her in changed the whole thing. She made the house a home instead of just a roof over our heads. But now it’s empty and she is gone to Miami. What else do I expect? This small town can gossip and I’m sure she feels embarrassed. Even more than I do because she feels like such an outsider.
I take my phone out and text her not knowing if she will even reply.
Have a good time in Miami. Be safe. Love you always.
Nope. No reply. I should have known even though I know she still loves me. Maybe it is a good idea that she went to Miami. Wish I could have gone with her.
***
Wrapping up the day of shooting in the Miami heat, I wait for the car service to pick me up and drive me back to Savannah’s. I have been here for almost 24 hours and it feels great. Just not the same since I have had Aiden beside me for the past couple months. I keep catching myself trying to send him texts about what I see and what I want to do but before I can I stop myself.
As I shake off those thoughts I hear my phone chime in my purse. Probably Savannah wondering when I will be there. She wants to go out to dinner for a girl’s night. I take the phone out and gasp as I see who sent it and what was sent. I can’t reply. He has to know I am upset and don’t want to talk to him. But I want nothing more than to reply that I love him always. Always. Even if he has a new family with someone else.
I scroll through my contacts and call Savannah. “Hey you. Yep, just got in the car and headed your way. Be there in a few.” I smile and say knowing she is running around the house trying to get her kids ready for the babysitter. Her husband has been in Hong Kong on business since I arrived and I’m not so sure he will be back before my flight home. That seems weird too because I never hear her talking to him. The kids don’t even ask where their father is. Who am I to judge with the state of my relationship back in Colvin? I just sit back in the seat and watch the Miami scenery change from skyscrapers to condos and huge houses with palm trees in the front yards.
Savannah lives in a gated community close to the ocean but it’s a secluded spot that allows privacy for celebrities and families not wanting the spotlight on them when home. She even told me that she thinks a well-known comedian has a house a block over from hers and a famous basketball player a couple farther over. Not sure what Savannah’s husband does, but they sure live in the lap of luxury.
Pulling up in front of her house, I get out and once again look at the front of it and it takes my breath away. It’s such an immaculate place and it makes me really miss the AK. I would give anything to be back a week ago when Aiden and I made love in the big bathtub and didn’t have a care in the world except for what color of flowers and ribbon to use for the wedding. The wedding. What are we going to do about the wedding? Can I go through with it knowing what I know now? Heck I don’t even know if Aiden still wants to marry me or if he wants to marry Tracey to make a stable home for their baby. Marry her? Karlie come on.
I walk into Savannah’s house and try to put the outside situation behind me at least for the night.
***
“So, have you talked to Aiden at all since you left?”
“No. I don’t know what to say to him. It kills me to think that she is carrying his baby. I was supposed to be the one to give him his first child. Not her. I just don’t understand how this all could happen. Things were so good. We are so close to the wedding. Was so close. Ugh!”
“Are you sure you don’t want to still marry Aiden? You have loved each other most of your lives.”
“Loved each other? What are you talking about?”
“I have known forever, the whole town has known, that you two were head over heels in love with each other for as long as we can remember. Neither of you was willing to take the chance though. Being friends was all you could guarantee would happen between you. Am I wrong?”
“Yes, I didn’t know that though until after the funeral and Aiden found me at the creek.”
“The creek at the 6AB. Boy have I ever heard about that place a million times over the years.”
“It’s my favorite place be nice.”
“Oh I was being nice. My point is, are you sure you want to throw all of that away just because a baby was conceived while you two were with other people? You had someone else too. It could very easily have happened to you and Jeremy. Am I
right?”
“I guess you’re right. I hadn’t thought about it that way. It hurt so much to hear that she was pregnant. I let the jealousy get the best of me a little too much. I ran away again, like I have every time a problem came up with Aiden. I am so dumb. I promised him I wouldn’t run away again after he came after me in LA.”
“He texted you earlier didn’t he?”
“Yes, but I didn’t reply. He said to have a good time here in Miami, be safe and that he loved me always.”
“Aww and you want to give that up? Who cares if you have to accept another person into your fairy tale? It’s real life Karlie. You of all people should know that after losing your father.”
“Savannah, this was supposed to be a ladies night out without any men involved. Why did you have to bring him up? I have been trying so hard to not think about him or to miss him.”
“How has that worked out for you?”
“You are evil. You know perfectly well that he is all I can think about. I could have sworn I saw him about twenty times during this week. I guess I have expected him to come after me again. I have been a little selfish haven’t I?”
“A little? Just kidding. So you freaked out when you heard the news. Who can blame you? I know Aiden doesn’t. When you are done with this shoot, you need to go home and talk to him. Seriously sit down and have that hard conversation. Figure out if you can make your relationship work exactly the way it is but with his child in it too.”
“Ok, no more talking just more drinking. I want to have some fun! I will think about this all later when we are not dressed like this and surrounded by people like this.”
“Whatever you say Karlie.”
Climbing into bed tonight and the world is spinning and I don’t remember ever having this much alcohol in my system. Ever. Too many margaritas. Dancing around laughing and drinking kept my mind off of Aiden and Colvin. But now that I am climbing into my bed at Savannah’s house, I can’t help but let my thoughts go to him. Can’t help remembering lying in his arms in our bed, hearing him tell me that he loves me. Telling him that I love him just as much. Dreaming of what our wedding was going to be like and finally being able to call him my husband.
I sigh and roll over to look at the clock. It’s midnight in Colvin. I can’t help but wonder what Aiden is doing right now. Wonder if he misses me still or if he is moving on with Tracey and their baby. I grab my phone off the night stand and start to send him a text but realize that he isn’t mine to text anymore. May never be again.
***
“Tracey, I called to let you know that I made another appointment at the clinic so that I can be there and ask some questions. It’s tomorrow at 10:15. Let me know if you need me to swing by and pick you up or if you are going to just meet me there. Thanks. Bye.” I leave on her voicemail. I made the appointment more for myself than anyone because this all still doesn’t seem real. Yes, Karlie left me days ago and I have been absolutely miserable without her, but the whole baby thing has left me feeling so uneasy and not like an expectant father should feel. And that isn’t fair to the baby.
The next morning I still haven’t heard from Tracey. I have tried several more times this morning with no call back. Oh wait, that is until now.
“Finally, I have been trying to get ahold of you since yesterday. Did you get my message?”
“Yes, Aiden, I did. I didn’t ask for you to make another appointment. I have another next month and you can just wait until that one to ask your questions.” And she hung up. Why is she so mad at me? I thought she wanted me to be more involved in this? I was trying to be a better person in this impossible situation and she bit my head off. I’ll just go by myself then. I guess I don’t really need her to be there to ask the questions anyway.
Walking into the clinic I definitely feel out of place. There are mothers with their young children and pregnant women all over the place. Maybe I shouldn’t be here without Tracey. Before I can change my mind though the receptionist who happens to be a lady from our church sees me and waves me over.
“Aiden, how are you? What can I do for you?”
“I called and made an appointment for Tracey Wheeler and myself for 10:15. She decided not to come though so it’s just me. I have a lot of questions for her doctor.” I say feeling a bit embarrassed by the situation. I don’t know if it’s gone viral or not but I still feel like I am under a microscope.
“Well, I really shouldn’t be telling you this, but Tracey isn’t a patient here Aiden. At least not yet. I heard you two were expecting but haven’t seen her in yet. Please let her know she really needs to get in for her first exam and get things started. Time flies when you least expect it to.” She says and hands me a stack of pregnancy pamphlets which makes me even more uncomfortable.
I am standing here stunned. She must be able to read the shock on my face because she just smiles and asks, “Anything else you need Aiden?”
I shake my head no and turn to walk out the door. I am more confused than before about Tracey and this baby. She told me she came the other day. But that lady says no. What is going on here?
I open my pickup door and climb inside. Once in the silence and safety of the cab, I dial Tracey’s number. No answer. Imagine that. I’ll just swing by her house then and make her talk to me. So, I put on my seatbelt, start the pickup and drive towards her apartment building fully intent on getting to the bottom of this.
***
“Tracey, answer the door! I know you’re here! Your car is outside!” I yell while beating on her door once again. The neighbors are starting to hear me and I’m able to catch them peeping out their windows to see what all the ruckus is about. “Come on Tracey!” Why isn’t she answering? I never had a key to her apartment when we were together so I can’t even use that. How else do I get in?
Audrey! She has a key!
“Audrey I need you to come open up Tracey’s apartment. I have been beating on her door for the past ten minutes and she isn’t answering. Yes, her car is here. I know she is. Yes, I’ll wait here but hurry up!” Hanging up my cell phone I see George and Mable, the older couple from across the courtyard, coming up my way. Great, I bet they called the cops.
“I’m sorry for the noise. I just can’t get her to answer the door.” I say apologizing for how bad this whole situation must look.
“Aiden, it’s ok. She is here we haven’t seen her leave today. There was a lady there with her all night but she left earlier this morning. They got pretty rowdy so I bet Tracey is in bed still. What do you need?” George asks and shakes my hand. “Good to see you back around here.”
“Like a party? That’s not good.” I exclaim needing inside even more to see what’s going on. What is she thinking?
“Son, I’m sure she is ok. We didn’t actually see her drinking, just carrying in some bottles of alcohol. That friend of hers has been coming around a lot since you two broke up. She may even stay several days at a time. Tracey doesn’t leave her apartment much but when she does it’s with that lady.” Mabel says and gives her husband’s arm a squeeze conveying that it is time to move on. I lean over and lightly hug each one and watch as they walk away arm in arm. A bit of my heart tugs and I can’t help but wish that would be Karlie and I when we are their ages.
I try knocking a few more times with no answer so I sit on the front step to wait on Audrey. Luckily I only have to wait a few minutes before she shows up with a very worried look on her face. She quickly unlocks the door and I am relieved that I can finally go inside and figure out what is going on.
But we both stop in our tracks as we see the terrible state that her apartment is in. The place is filthy. A week’s worth of fast food containers and junk food, alcohol bottles and glasses, and clothes just laying everywhere. And the smell is horrendous! Looking at Audrey beside me, she has a hand over her mouth and nose unable to grasp the site either.
“I haven’t been over here in a few weeks Aiden. I call and call but she never answers or returns the calls. I ho
nestly got wrapped up in my own life and helping with your wedding that I let her slip through. I am ashamed to say.”
I put my hand on her back to comfort her and say, “It’s not your fault Audrey, she is an adult. Maybe you should go check the bedrooms to see if she is in there.” I step aside to allow her to move on but shake my head in disgust. How can anyone live like this?
“Aiden! Hurry!” I hear Audrey yell from the back bedroom. I rush in the door to see the worst sight yet.
Laying diagonal on the bed is a passed out female with barely any clothes on and a rubber band wrapped tightly around her upper left arm. Once it registers that it’s Tracey I fly to her side to check if she is alive. She is faintly breathing and thankfully alive. I say her name a few times when she finally starts to open her eyes. Oh thank goodness. I thought she was dead when I first came in.
She sits up groggy and unaware of her surroundings. I can tell by the look on her face she is really wondering what I am doing here. She looks down at her arm and rips off the rubber band and hides it underneath her. I lift a syringe off of the floor and ask, “Looking for this?”
She takes it from my hand and tries to jump off the bed but her body isn’t ready so she falls back down.
“What are you two doing here? How did you get in?” she whispers unable to look at either of us as she speaks. She is full of embarrassment and shame.
I stand up and say, “I called Audrey to come use her key. You weren’t answering your door and I was worried because your car was outside. Thought maybe something was wrong with the baby. You didn’t show up for the appointment this morning.”
After a few minutes of silence she finally looks up at me and says, “There is no baby Aiden. I lied to get you to take me back.” Tracey puts her head back down but continues, “I was at an all-time low after I heard you proposed to Karlie and I thought a baby would make you come back to me.”
Down to the Creek- Book 1 of the Colvin Series Page 12