by Mya O'Malley
“No, I’m glad you called, really.”
Morgan hated all the game playing that surrounded dating and relationships. Friends had inquired about when it was okay to call, how many times per day was acceptable. What did she think about this? Morgan was a firm believer in not playing games. If you felt like picking up the phone and calling, then you should just do it.
“Whew. I’m happy to hear that. I don’t play games, Morgan. You should know that about me. I don’t want to worry about how it’ll look if I call you too soon and all of that nonsense. Life is too short for that.”
Clearly, they felt the same about this. That was a good thing. Morgan soon found that she could sit for hours and listen to the sound of his voice.
Before they knew it, summer was upon them and Morgan looked forward to spending the time relaxing. She and Declan were in the process of getting to know one another, complete with all the perks of young love. Tonight he had promised to take her somewhere special to celebrate the end of her school year. What did he have in mind?
One of the things she was coming to understand about Declan was his stubbornness. It came out in ways such as this; she couldn’t get him to share his plans for the evening. All he asked was that she dressed casually for the evening and let her inner child out. What was that even supposed to mean?
Patience wasn’t her strong suit as she waited for Declan to arrive at her place. Dressed in denim shorts and a blue tank top, she peeked out her living room window. He was here, right on time. She grabbed her bag and ran to the driveway to meet him.
“Hey, beautiful,” Declan wrapped his arms around her.
She breathed in his fresh cologne. “Hey.”
“Ready to have some fun?”
They walked hand in hand to his truck as she swallowed back her comment. What was the point in asking where they were headed? He would only shake his head in that adorable way and tell her she would find out soon enough.
Classic rock sounded through the speakers of the truck as they rode in silence. Every once in a while, Declan chuckled and then turned his gaze to her, mischief in his eyes. If she wasn’t so crazy about him, she just might smack that grin right off his handsome face.
“We’re here.”
A crowded parking lot lay before them; cars and children were visible in every direction. Signs advertising the fair were generously displayed around the parking area.
A fair? She threw her hands in front of her mouth as she laughed loudly. “Declan! I haven’t been to a fair in ages. This is amazing.”
“I aim to please,” he stated, pulling into a spot on the grassy section of the lot. They would have quite the walk, but who cared when she had Declan by her side?
“Come on, let’s grab some popcorn, I’m starving.” Declan pulled her across the parking lot, his eyes wide. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was as excited as she was about the night ahead of them.
“What made you decide to bring me here?”
He nodded his head, a grin playing on his lips. “I don’t know, Morgan. You kind of make me feel like a kid again. Everything is fresh and new when I’m with you.”
What better place to feel like a kid than the fair, complete with all these wild rides that brought back memories of childhood. She understood and felt more than ever that they clicked together.
“Spectacular idea,” she shared, clutching his hand a little tighter. She had a feeling tonight would be a night to remember.
Popcorn and cotton candy filled her stomach as they walked from ride to ride. She could handle any of these rides, from the swings to the gravity rides. Fear of heights was a different matter. From the time she was a small child, she had been petrified of heights. Standing before them was a Ferris wheel, a rather high Ferris wheel, even by usual standards.
“What do you think?” Declan raised his eyes to the height of the wheel. Hell no, she wanted to say, but didn’t wish to look like a chicken, standing there, a grown woman, afraid of this ride.
“I don’t know. I think I’ve had enough excitement for tonight,” she responded as she twirled her fingers through her dark hair.
“Oh, I’m just getting started. The excitement for tonight is far from over. But okay, we’ll leave.”
Good. He seemed to accept her response without pushing her, but what else was he up to? Declan pulled her close, kissing her head softly. “Scared? It’s okay. Everyone has something they’re afraid of.”
“I’m not…” It was no use; she wouldn’t lie to him. “I guess I am.”
With a loud sigh, Declan kissed her again.
“Where to now?” She gazed up at his height.
“How does dinner in town at that place by the river sound?”
“Oh, I could never refuse Italian.”
It was the place they had their first real date, right after they had met. Thoughtfulness. She added the attribute to her growing list of words to describe Declan. Guys from her past were always attentive at first, but then they seemed to show less effort as the relationship continued. Although she and Declan were still getting to know each other, she was convinced this was no act; he was one of those rare men who put themselves last in a relationship.
No place on Earth was better than being with her. The only way their summer could have been better was if he had taken her away on vacation. Unforeseen scheduling conflicts at work prohibited him from getting away from the construction site, but Declan figured he and Morgan had plenty of time for trips in their future. With summer winding down, he realized he had never been happier than he was with Morgan by his side. Together they lay on the small beach on the Hudson River.
“You seem so serious, everything okay?”
He propped himself up on his elbow and ran his fingers through her hair. “Everything is wonderful.”
Too wonderful, a nagging voice told him. Negativity wasn’t usually something he felt weighed down by; perhaps it was the impending end of summer that made him feel melancholy. Freedom from work allowed Morgan to spend more time with him; she would be heading back to work soon, too tired to keep up with this schedule of seeing each other every day, most likely.
“Liar.” Morgan gazed up at him. “You’re good at many things, but lying isn’t one of them.”
No, he supposed she had a point. “I’m crazy about you.”
He was a private man who kept his feelings close to him. At this point in their relationship, he loved her. God, how he loved her. But then why hadn’t he expressed that to her? He was scared. So heights weren’t among his top fears, but sharing his feelings with this amazing woman was right up there. What if she couldn’t say the words back to him? Rejection was definitely another fear. He saw it though, in the way he caught her looking at him when she didn’t think he was watching.
“I’m crazy about you, too.” Her eyes were vulnerable. He loved her, he loved her like no other woman before. Morgan was becoming his best friend and the girl he could picture himself spending his life with.
“Come here,” Declan sighed, moving her face closer to him. He kissed her, this woman who evoked so many emotions from him.
“Declan…”
He was wrapped up in the moment, this felt so right. For the first time, his head and his heart were in the same place.
“I love you,” he stopped her mid-sentence. “I love you, Morgan.”
“I love you, Declan.”
He never thought to ask her what she had been about to say to him. It didn’t matter now; he held her close, the only sound coming from the gulls overhead. Nothing else mattered.
CHAPTER THREE
RISING EARLY, MORGAN FELT a zest for life. Yes, life was good, for she had Declan Blake by her side nearly every day. From that morning at the school months ago, she and Declan had been inseparable.
Heading outside to place some bags for an arts and crafts project in her car, Morgan glanced up at the sky. A clear blue September sky only enhanced her good mood. Humming softly to herself, Morgan locked the door to her house and
settled into the car. After sending off a good morning text to Declan, she focused on pulling out of her driveway and headed to work.
It had been a good start to her new school year; the students were adorable and Morgan’s mind swirled with ideas for fall projects to kick off the season. Even the mild traffic didn’t bother her that morning; she simply turned up the radio and hummed along for the remainder of her commute.
The students arrived on time as usual, and Morgan greeted each and every little face. Taking the lead in the hallway, Morgan glanced back at Elle, who walked beside Molly. The poor little girl was having separation issues with mom at the bus stop each morning. Morgan made it a priority to have that girl smiling — she wouldn’t give up until she had succeeded.
“I’m trying, but she is one stubborn cookie,” Elle whispered as she ushered the sullen girl to the coat rack.
Morgan winked at Elle as she moved quickly to help settle the other students. The second bell of the morning chimed brightly as Morgan took a silent head count and moved to her attendance book. All the students were present today, so that was a promising start to this bright Tuesday morning.
Just as Morgan glanced up at the large clock on the wall, the morning announcements started. Voices of the students filled the classroom as everyone settled in, taking their places on the colorful rug. A wide smile graced Morgan’s face as she clapped, preparing her students for their morning routine.
Cries from the center of the rug stole Morgan’s attention. Molly again. Where is that book about the mother bear and her child? Morgan instructed the children to wait a moment as she perused the bookcase, searching for the familiar title. Ah — there it is.
One of the qualities of a good teacher included being flexible and changing up the schedule when necessary. She knew this book would help ease Molly’s separation issues. Minutes later, not only had Molly’s expression changed, but most of the other children also appeared more relaxed. So her morning schedule was altered, no big deal. By the time she had asked a variety of comprehension questions relating to the characters and plot of the story, Morgan noted that at least a half an hour had passed.
Just as Morgan prepared for circle time activities, an announcement sounded from the intercom system. Instead of the usual cheerful voice of Mr. Howard, the pleasant-mannered principal, a strained Mr. Howard sounded from the intercom system.
“Teachers, please check your email immediately. I repeat, check your email immediately.”
It was unusual for the principal to make such an announcement. Brows etched with concern, Morgan’s gaze met with Elle’s equally concerned one.
“Check your email.” Elle motioned for Morgan to hurry to the computer.
Just as she was signing on, Morgan heard her cell vibrate. It was Declan calling. Should she answer it? Normally, the answer would be no, not during class, but an eerie feeling seeped further into Morgan’s bones as she stood, mesmerized, frozen to the spot.
“Miss Matthews!” Elle’s voice broke through as Morgan reached slowly for her cell.
“Declan, what’s wrong?”
His voice was serious, and his words devastating as he told her what had happened.
“Oh my God.” It was barely a whisper as Morgan sank into her chair. “Declan.” She snapped her cell phone shut as she captured her breath. Elle rushed to her side.
Declan was in Manhattan, picking up some contracts for his company. Of all the mornings he could have gone down. Somehow she should have known, if only she could have stopped him from going today. Wishful thinking got her nowhere; it was unreasonable to think she could have known, but still.
“What is it?” Elle urged.
“Elle, we’ve been attacked. Two planes crashed into the towers at the World Trade Center,” Morgan whispered.
The blank look of confusion only intensified the surreal feelings scattering around in Morgan’s body. This was unreal, like nothing she had ever imagined.
Explaining as briefly as she could without being overheard by the students, Morgan watched as Elle’s jaw dropped. This was no time to sit and contemplate the news; this was the time for doing what she did best — taking care of her students.
Without preamble, Morgan instructed Elle to begin the usual morning routine, along with the weather and calendar activities. Elle nodded as Morgan jumped onto her computer with shaky hands to read the plan of action from Principal Howard.
Mrs. Jonson, the building secretary, would be taking care of phone calls to ask parents if they wanted to pick up their children. Teachers were told not to alarm children, but to get them packed and ready to go.
Suddenly, Morgan’s mind was on autopilot as she thought of nothing but getting her students home safely. Any outsider would have probably never guessed how anxious both women were on the inside, but as true professionals, Morgan and Elle packed up the students with soothing words and smiles on their faces. Minutes dragged by as Morgan waited for parents to arrive.
Once her students were seated and she had nothing to do but wait, she checked her cell phone. Declan had called again, stating in his message that the Pentagon had been hit and both the south tower and north tower had collapsed. At that point, tensions were high, but somehow Morgan managed to bite back the tears of fear, confusion, and worry as she escorted her last few students to the classroom door for pick up.
Only when they were alone did Morgan reach for Elle and hold her tight. Sobbing into her friend’s shoulder, the women wept together. What could they say? What words could possibly describe the swinging range of emotions that were present in the room? Finally, Morgan released Elle and swiped at her own tear-stained face.
“Go, go home. Stay safe,” Morgan instructed as her heart pounded.
“I can…” Elle started only to be swiftly interrupted.
“Go, I’ll walk out with you.” Morgan grabbed her jacket off the back of her desk chair and reached for her bag.
The hallways were silent as the staff members nodded to each other, each seemingly anxious to get home to their loved ones. There was no need for words as Morgan and Elle hugged goodbye in the parking lot.
Blaring sounds startled Morgan, causing her to jolt. Gazing up, fighter jets littered the perfect blue sky. Instinctively, Morgan knew that sky would never look the same to anyone.
Only when she was alone in her car did Morgan allow all of it to sink in. How many people were among the dead? Missing? Weeping quietly, Morgan let herself imagine how those poor, innocent people must have felt, sitting on those planes, working in the offices of the Twin Towers. Honestly, she couldn’t begin to imagine, but she could feel for those souls, she could keep them in her prayers.
Even as a small child, her mother stated that Morgan had a sensitive soul, perhaps too sensitive at times. It was just like Morgan to think of all the horrific details that these unfortunate individuals must have gone through. Thoughts of victims, loss, and pain clouded her mind. Through it all, Declan’s face was forefront, hushing her, telling her to relax. Declan. She had to hear his voice, had to know that he was safe.
One, two, three endless rings and then he picked up, sounding out of breath. “Morgan.”
“Declan, I need to see you.” She wouldn’t feel safe until she was wrapped in his arms.
“Morgan, I need to see you, too, but I can’t, not right now.”
What does he mean? She would go wherever he was; it didn’t matter. Right now nothing mattered except him.
“I… I can’t, honey. I’m staying here.” The air went silent.
After a few moments, she found her voice. “What?” But she knew, hell, she knew exactly what that stubborn, heroic man was going to do.
“No, you can’t, you can’t! It’s too dangerous, Declan. I bet you won’t even be allowed anywhere near the site.” What is he thinking?
“My buddy from the NYPD just called. They need all the help they can get. It’s not a question, Morgan. I have to help. I need to be there. Listen, cell phone service is spotty, yo
u probably won’t be able to reach me anymore.”
There was no arguing with him. Finality rung out through his words. Of course he would go, and she would be a fool to try to stop him. Was she being selfish to want to keep him safe? It didn’t matter to her at that moment. The only thing that would soothe her aching mind right now would be for him to be at her side.
“Please God, please keep him safe.” She hadn’t even realized that she had spoken the words aloud.
“I will be safe, please, try to believe that. I’m going to help others, Morgan, please don’t be mad.”
Morgan knew that he didn’t need her being upset, not now. Their relationship had an equal give and take. Morgan stood up for what she believed, and so did Declan. Now was one of those times where she had to let him go.
“Be safe, Declan. God, I love you so much.” She breathed.
“And I love you. I’m coming back to you. I will be back.”
“I’ll be waiting. Should I make you some dinner?”
“Dinner? Honey, all the bridges have been shut down. Most likely I’ll be working through the night and crashing at Stephen’s place.” His friend from the police department, of course. She supposed that made sense.
He would help out forever if he could. If that man didn’t need to sleep, he never would. Her heart swelled with love for him. Suddenly, she was proud of Declan Blake, prouder than she ever thought she could feel.
“Go out there, Declan. Go and save those poor people.”
Would there be many people left to save? Horrific images of unspeakable horror wracked her brain, over and over.
“Morgan. You do know that I will do whatever it takes to help out here or wherever I may be needed.”
She knew that, deep in her heart, she had always known that her Declan was made for bigger things. This was one of the things that she loved most about him.
“I do know that, and I love you for it.” Barely a whisper, she ended the call, praying with all her might that her man would come home to her, safe and sound.