Mia leaves her car at the restaurant and rides with me to get Sawyer Jackson, then go to the church. Nelly is already there when we arrive. I get out of the truck and see the neighbor guy who was yellin’ obscenities at me walkin down the street. I glare at him darin’ him to say something else. He looks at me, Sawyer Jackson, and then at Mia. He tilts his hat in our direction and says, “Ma’am.”
“Hello,” we say in unison.
I look behind me and Abel Lee is watchin’ us or the man, I can’t be sure which. He’s still at the old school workin’, but he has a clear view of the church. I give him a big smile and wave before walkin’ into the church.
Nelly has a large stockpot on the stove with chili simmerin’ in it. I inhale the aroma, which takes me back to my childhood. “Smells delicious.”
“Thank you.” Nelly removes the lid and stirs the ingredients in the pot. Mia puts on an apron and gets to work on makin’ a cake. I lay out a few toys for Sawyer Jackson to play with before I help them. It’s so much easier cookin’ everything at the church since Abel Lee stocked the kitchen. It gives us time to spend together and I enjoy that.
A delivery of food comes in and I sign for it before puttin’ everything away. I don’t know how Abel Lee arranged the food for the church to be delivered, but I like it. It’s very convenient. It sure would be nice to have groceries delivered to the house.
“Who placed the order for this food?”
Nelly wipes her hands off on her apron. “I did. Pastor Jenson and Abel showed me how to order it online. It took a few tries, but I think I must have done it right.”
“This is nice.”
“I thought you had to have a restaurant or a vendors license to have food delivered to you,” Mia says as she pulls out a cake from the oven.
“Me, too,” Nelly says.
As usual, Abel Lee is doing something good for the community and for us. It sure does help us out and saves us time shoppin’ for groceries for so many people.
Soon, the church starts fillin’ up with people. Levi, Bud, and Abel Lee all wander in at the same time. I’m surprised to see Ethan walk in. Rick Crooks also walks in with his wife, Patty. A few people from the church and a few more guys who are helpin’ with the repairs of the old school also come in. This really is a community dinner; it’s just a normal dinner with family and friends.
The room fills up with friendly chatter. We set the food out and everyone helps themselves. I remember when Abel Lee used to eat very little; he was always worried about not havin’ enough food for everyone. Now, he doesn’t worry about that.
Bud says grace, and we take our seats wherever there’s room for us to sit. Abel Lee always makes sure we have three seats together. I like knowing that my seat and Sawyer Jackson’s seat are beside his. Ethan also sits with us. He looks tired. I don’t ask him if he’s okay. I still haven’t figured out a way to tell Sawyer Jackson. I decide I’ll have to tell him tonight.
“Do you want to come over tonight?” I ask Ethan.
He looks at me, and I nod in Sawyer Jackson’s direction.
“Oh yeah, I think I should.”
Everyone has a good time, but sometimes I wonder if it’s forced. I try to smile, but it’s hard, knowin’ that Heather Sue died just a few days ago. I also have an internal battle goin’ on within myself. I didn’t like her because of what happened between my husband and her, but at the same time, I didn’t want her to die. Do I go to her funeral and mourn her, or do I stay home?
“What’s goin’ on in the beautiful head of yours?”
I look up at Abel Lee and try to smile. I lean into him and he tilts his head down closer to me. “Lots of stuff. My thoughts are runnin’ wild,” I whisper.
“We’ll talk about it tonight.” He kisses my temple and then holds my hand under the table; it helps to ease my troubled thoughts.
Later that night, Ethan comes over so we can tell Sawyer Jackson about Heather Sue. It goes better than I thought. Abel Lee thinks it’s best to be honest with him, so we are. We did cover up some things, because I don’t want him to be frightened. I’m scared enough for the both of us.
When Sawyer Jackson goes to bed, Ethan tells us that Heather Sue was cremated and that her memorial service is scheduled for Saturday at the Rose Farm church.
I don’t tell him I’m debatin’ on goin’ to the memorial service. I’ll talk to Abel Lee about it first. When Ethan leaves, Abel Lee doesn’t waste any time.
“So, what’s goin’ on with you?” He takes me by the arm and leads me into the livin’ room. He sits down and pulls me onto his lap. Spinnin’ around, I wrap my arm around his neck and throw my legs over the arm of the cushioned chair.
“I’m not sure if I should go to Heather Sue’s memorial service.”
He searches one eye and then the other. “Because of what happened while you were married?”
Just the thought of it opens old wounds. “Yes. I didn’t like her, but I never wished death on her.”
He thinks for a minute. “We should send flowers, arrive late, sign the guest book, and then make an excuse to leave early.”
I laugh. “That would take care of my dilemma.”
“Good, I’ll order something from the florist tomorrow. Is there a certain flower or plant you want to send?”
“Peace lilies.”
He nods, “Good choice.”
“Thank you, Abel Lee.”
He runs his hand up and down my jean-covered leg. “You’re welcome. I hope you know there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
Leaning in, I kiss him. “I know that.”
“I love you, Savannah Mae.”
“I love you, too.”
Abel Lee
I pick her up in one swift move and carry her through the house as I turn off the lights and recheck the locked doors.
She giggles. “I hope you know that I can walk.”
“I know.” I carefully set her down only when we reach our bedroom. I make one last check on Sawyer Jackson before joining her in the bedroom. She’s standing at the dresser slipping on one of my old tee-shirts. I watch as the tee-shirt slides over her bare back and over her lacy white panties.
She looks over her shoulder and says, “When you stare at me like that, you give me a complex.”
“I can’t help it. You’re absolutely beautiful.” She looks in the mirror at me without saying anything. Savannah Mae takes compliments as well as I take words of gratitude. I stand in the doorway and watch as she brushes her hair before climbing into bed.
“You gonna stand there all day, or you gonna come to bed?”
I turn off the light and strip down to my boxer briefs. As soon as I get into bed, Savannah Mae wraps herself around me. I wrap my arms around her and say, “I love the way we fit together. It’s like you were made for me.”
She moans and says, “I was made for you.”
Since we got back together, I have basically moved in with her. I didn’t want to be apart from her. I buy the groceries and pay the bills whenever I see them lying around, or when I can get them out of the mailbox before she does. I asked her to let me pay the mortgage payment but she refused. I don’t feel like I’m doing enough for her. I want to take care of her. I want to lighten her load and make life easier for her and for Sawyer Jackson.
Two months has passed since Heather Sue’s murder. They still haven’t found her killer, and not much is being said about it. The community is still frightened, but people are trying to move forward.
The workshop is coming along as scheduled, and we started installing the equipment on the playground. Savannah Mae and I are getting closer, and I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going with her. I love her and I love her son as if he were mine. I can only hope that one day I’ll be blessed with a son as wonderful as Sawyer Jackson.
Savannah Mae and Momma had a baby shower for Mia. All through the pregnancy, we all have had mixed feelings about the pregnancy. We all want the baby to be born healthy, but w
e fear he won’t be. The baby shower was co-ed. I didn’t want to go, but in the end I was glad to be a part of it. Mia and Levi were happy and excited. There was no talk of Down syndrome or other problems. It was a day to celebrate and prepare for the soon-to-be birth of a baby, Mia and Levi’s baby, my nephew.
I was expecting to see a lot of blue and pink clothes, but surprisingly, I didn’t. I did see a lot of yellow and green sleepers and blankets.
Samantha Marie graduated nursing school and is waiting to take the NCLEX test. She studies a lot and is worried about passing the final exam to get her R.N. license. Everytime I see her she has a stack of index cards. Questions on the front, answers on the back.
Life is going as it should. No more murders, no more notes to Savannah Mae or myself from an unknown person, and no drama in our small town. Even the new neighbor has changed his ways when it comes to Savannah Mae. I guess that his being trapped on a roof for hours gave him time to think about how to approach a pretty girl.
The old school has taken on a new look. The renovations have completely transformed the old school. We still call it “the old school,” and that name may never change, and I’m fine with that. It was the old school for many years. Maybe I should name the business that. “Old School Furniture, Figurines, and Sculptures.” I put that to memory.
Mia
Levi and I finally got the last of the gifts we got from the baby shower washed and put away. It’s hard to believe I’m due any day now. I feel great. I’m not sure what a nine-months-pregnant person is supposed to feel like. Nelly says I’m nesting. I guess that means I’m getting ready for the baby. Of course I am, it’ll be here any day now.
I vacuum, wash the sheets, sweep the front porch, and clean the windows. I can’t bring a baby home to a dirty house.
Levi and I have researched labor and deliveries, and we know the first birth of a baby usually takes the longest. We even took a timed drive to Zanesville to see how long it’ll take. We also took a timed drive to Perry County to see which hospital was the closest to our front door. I was happy when Zanesville won. We live in Perry County, but Muskingum County Hospital is the closest to us.
Levi calls everyday on his lunch break to see how I’m doing, and today is no different. I hurry into the house and answer the phone.
The concern in his voice is evident. “Mia, are you okay?”
I giggle, “I’m fine. I was outside, I had to hurry to get to the phone.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes, we’re both fine.” I sit down in the chair and run my hand over my large belly. It tightens and I know it’s another Braxton Hicks contraction — also known as false labor.
“What are you doin’ outside?”
Since the murders of Megan Rose and Heather Sue, Levi doesn’t like me to go outside alone. To be honest, I was afraid at first, but it’s summertime, and it’s broad daylight, so what could happen? It’s too nice of a day to not enjoy it. “Sweeping off the front porch. I want everything perfect when we bring the baby home.”
“I’m pretty sure the baby won’t take notice if the front porch isn’t swept.”
I can sense the smile across his face. “Maybe you’re right, but I’ll notice.”
“Take it easy and leave the other stuff for me to do when I get home tonight.”
“I think everything’s done.”
“No contractions today?”
“Just the Braxton Hicks ones that have teased us the last several months.” I think I hear relief comin’ through the phone.
“Good. Promise me you’ll lie down and rest. I don’t want you to overdo it.”
I giggle again. “I feel fine; in fact, I feel great. But if you want me to lie down, I will.” I run my hand over my belly and feel the tightness of it. Suddenly my bladder feels like it’s going to burst.
“I gotta pee.”
He laughs and I know he’s relaxin’. “Okay, I won’t keep you. I love you, and I’ll be home right after work.”
“Okay, love you, too. Gotta go before I pee myself.”
We both laugh before I hang up the phone.
Savannah Mae
I’m off work today and plannin’ on cookin’ steaks on the grill for dinner. Abel Lee has been doin’ the grocery shoppin’ since we’ve been back together. I have to admit, I like havin’ a house full of food.
The first time he went to the store, he didn’t do so well. He learned quickly that we are not a junk-food family. I only go to the market for real food. Milk, bread, butter, and things like that. It’s been nice and he does a great job. I don’t think he shops with a grocery list; it looks more like he buys whatever he wants and as much as he wants.
The steaks are marinatin’, the potato salad is made, and the watermelon is in the refrigerator chillin’. I called Mom to check on Sawyer Jackson. He spent the night with them and hasn’t gotten home yet. It looks like he won’t be home again tonight either. Mom said they have plans on goin’ to the drive-in movies in Lancaster. Drive-in movie theaters are disappearing, but Lancaster still has one.
I get a call from Mia and answer excitedly. “Hey, Mia.”
“Can you come over?”
I can hear the distress in her voice. “What’s wrong?” I start removin’ my apron and look out the window for Abel Lee. I’m thankful I can see the old school from my house.
“My water broke.” She moans in pain. “I can’t get ahold of Levi.”
“I’m on my way.”
I grab my keys and run across the field to tell Abel Lee.
“Mark, where’s Abel Lee?” I ask the first person I see. I look around frantically and I don’t see Abel Lee or Bud.
“He ran up to the lumber yard with Bud.”
“Okay, I’ll call him, thanks.”
“Won’t do much good. I have his cell phone.”
“Tell him Mia’s in labor and to call me.”
“Okay, I sure will.”
I run to my car and rush to Mia’s house. I plan on what to do when I get there. I’ll load up her hospital bag, call Levi, and drive her to the nearest hospital. I can do that. Remain calm. First-time babies are never in a hurry to make an appearance.
I pull up and park on the street in front of her house. The front door is open and the screen is closed. I rush inside her house.
“Mia,” I yell. I was expectin’ her to be sittin’ on the couch waitin’ for me with her overnight bag by the front door.
I hear a painful voice call, “Up here.”
I run up the stairs takin’ them two at a time. She’s lyin on the bed in pain when I see her.
“It’s comin’,” she moans.
No, not now! Wait! Wait for me to get you to the hospital. Keep your legs closed and take some deep breaths. I take some deep breaths and try to make my voice calm.
“How far apart are your contractions?” Walkin’ over to her, I try to not show my fear.
“They’re close.”
I sit down on the bed and try to assess the situation. She’s breathing, she has a pulse. No, that’s for C.P.R. Shit! Childbirth? What do you do for childbirth? Boil water and get towels. Why do you boil water? Why would you use scalding water? I have no idea. Boiling water makes no sense to me. It’s probably to keep other people busy so they’re out of the way of the people doin’ the real work. If someone else was here, I’d gladly boil some water.
“C’mon, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“I can’t move, it’s comin’.” This time her moans are louder and scarier.
On the white comforter I see blood I didn’t notice earlier.
“I’ll call Levi.” Or Nelly, or Bud, or Abel Lee. I’ll even call Bill the cook at Peaches Place. I’ll call anybody and everybody just so I’m not here alone. I need to boil water.
I stand to leave to get my cell phone from the car.
She reaches out and grabs my arm. “No, don’t leave me.”
Her grip is strong and painful. I should probably look
under the crochet afghan she is covered up with, but I’m scared. What if I see a baby? What if the baby is crowning? Run, Savannah Mae! I hate the battle that’s going on in my head. Pull yourself together, Savannah Mae. You can do this. Your friend needs you.
“Okay, let me see.” I slowly raise the afghan and look. My eyes are closed and I have to force myself to look. I open one eye. I was expectin’ to see a little blood, but it looks more like a bloody massacre.
“Oh! My! God! Help! Me!” In between each word, she screams.
“Mia, listen to me.”
I want to go outside and make a run for it. I’m scared, and I have no idea how to help Mia.
“I need my phone; I need to make a phone call. I’ll be right back.”
“Use. The. House. Phone.” She moans in between each word.
I quickly pick up the phone and call 911. Then I call Abel Lee. I’m disappointed when Mark answers. Mia cries out in pain and I call Mom. Samantha Marie answers. I tell her what’s going on but she hangs up in the middle of the call. Why didn’t I think to do that when Mia called? Hang up on her like it was a bad connection? I put that to memory.
“Oh, God. It hurts.” I look at Mia, and Sawyer Jackson’s birth comes rushin’ back in my memory. It was such a great experience. I had the love and support from so many people. I swear I wanted to get pregnant again as soon as I could after he was born. His birth was so magical. Then I remember the stress Mia and Levi have carried all through her pregnancy. Not knowin’ if their baby would have Down syndrome. Not knowin’ how severe it would be if the baby did have it. Not knowin’ whether it would live or die.
Okay, take some deep breaths. Remember what you learned in Lamaze class.
“Mia, look at me.” Her eyes are pinched closed. I clap my hands and speak louder. “Mia, look at me!” She opens her eyes and I can see fear and pain. “Remember what you learned in Lamaze class. Breathe.” She nods her head and breathes too fast. I breathe with her, never takin’ my eyes off hers. “Slow.” She follows my breathin’. “Good girl. Nice and slow,” I say calmly.
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