The Healing Quilt

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  As Jennifer headed for home, she thought about everything that had happened during the quilt class. If it hadn’t been for the tension between Noreen and B.J., she would have enjoyed herself, for she found quilting to be a stress reliever.

  After I finish the wall hanging, I’ll get started on a quilt for the baby, she decided. And when Randy gets a job and there’s more money coming in, maybe I can make a queen-sized quilt for our bed.

  Jennifer turned on the radio and hummed along to a couple of her favorite tunes. It made the drive less boring. Her ankles were a little swollen from sitting so long this morning, so she decided to get some things done at home and move around more this afternoon.

  When she finally pulled into her driveway, she was relieved to see Randy’s truck. Anxious to hear about his job interview, Jennifer climbed out of the car and stepped onto the front porch. “Now, what is this?” she murmured, picking up a small box lying near the door. It had a picture of a crib mobile inside on it. I wonder where that came from.

  Stepping inside, Jennifer halted. In the middle of the living-room floor sat Randy, surrounded by baby furniture and unopened boxes. She couldn’t believe it! “What is going on, Randy? All these things must have cost a fortune!”

  “I know, I know. It’s a lot to take in,” Randy said, looking around the room. “But don’t get upset, because I—”

  “I was just going to ask where the little box by our door came from, and now I see all of this! Did you go back to the store and charge a bunch of baby things again?” Jennifer’s jaw clenched as she awaited his answer.

  Randy shook his head. “Calm down, Jen, and let me explain. I found them on the front porch when I got back from the restaurant this morning. I must have forgotten to bring in that smaller box you found. I have no idea where it all came from, and seeing all of this surprised me as much as it did you.” Randy paused a moment and stood. “But before we talk about this more, just listen to this, honey.” He reached for her hand. “I got the cook’s position at the restaurant on Bahia Vista Street! Isn’t that great news?”

  She relaxed a bit and started to giggle. “Oh Randy, what an answer to prayer! After I called you about the job opening, I could hardly wait to get home to see how it went.” Jennifer hugged him tightly, then rested her head against his chest, her whole body relaxing.

  “Maybe things are starting to look up for us now,” he said.

  Leaning back to look at his face, Jennifer nodded tearfully. “I’m so glad about your new job, and I’m anxious to hear all the details, but first, what about all these baby things? How did they end up on our porch?”

  “I don’t know. There was no note or anything. But let’s not worry about who gave us these gifts,” he said, resting his chin on top of her head. “Someone obviously wanted us to have all this furniture, and we can sure use it. Wow, I can’t believe that two good things happened today.”

  Jennifer smiled. “I’m grateful for the baby things and relieved that you didn’t charge them. I just wish I knew who to thank.”

  “Me too, but let’s just be thankful, okay?” Randy tilted her face up toward his and kissed her.

  C

  HAPTER 28

  I wonder if I could have won that drawing for baby furniture that I entered, Randy thought as he left the house Thursday morning to head to his new job. He hadn’t given it much thought until now, but if he had won the drawing, then all the baby things that had been left on their porch would make sense.

  I’ve still got plenty of time till I have to be at the restaurant, so think I’ll stop by the store on my way to work and ask who won that drawing.

  Monday had been Randy’s first day on the job. He’d worked the breakfast and lunch shifts, and things had gone well. The owners of the restaurant were nice and had even stopped by the kitchen to tell him that several customers that morning had mentioned how good the food was. He hadn’t been working a week yet, and already he was getting compliments. Boy, did that feel good, and to be working again felt even better.

  Things seem to be looking up for us, Randy mused, turning onto the street where the store was located. Since I have a job now, I don’t have to worry about our bills, and the nursery is full of everything we’ll need for the baby. Now all we need to do is try to be patient and wait for our little girl to be born. He glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror. I wonder if she’ll look like Jennifer or have more of my traits. Sure hope she doesn’t end up with a nose that’s a bit too long, like mine. Our little girl should have a cute turned-up nose, like her mother’s.

  Randy parked his truck near the store and headed inside. He hoped he wouldn’t encounter the salesclerk who’d been miffed when he’d returned the original baby furnishings. He couldn’t really blame her for that. Most likely the sale personnel worked on commission, and she’d made a sale and lost it just as fast on the same day.

  When Randy spotted a clerk in the baby section, he was relieved that it was a different woman. He stepped up to the counter and asked about the drawing that had recently been held. “I’m thinkin’ I may have won, because last Saturday a bunch of baby items were left on our front porch.”

  “The winner would have been notified by phone first,” the middle-aged clerk said. “Then once the address was verified, you would have been asked to come to the store to pick up your items.”

  Randy scratched his head. “Are you sure about that? I mean, if someone from the store tried to call and we weren’t home, maybe the baby things were delivered and left on our porch.”

  “That wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Can you at least tell me who the winner was?” Randy asked.

  “Sorry, but I don’t have access to that information, and even if I did, I would not be permitted to give it out. As I said before, if it had been you, there would have been a phone call.”

  “Okay, thanks for your time.” Randy turned and hurried out of the store. This whole thing really had him puzzled. If he hadn’t won the drawing, then who had left all that stuff at their home?

  “Good morning,” Anna Lambright said as she passed Kim near the breakfast buffet at the restaurant.

  “Morning.” Kim smiled. “I’ve missed seeing you. Guess that’s what happens when we work different shifts.”

  Anna nodded. “I actually prefer the morning shift. It gives me a chance to get some afternoon sun on the beach. Have you been there lately?”

  “Since tomorrow’s my day off, I’ll be going to Caspersen Beach in Venice with Emma, Lamar, Jan, and his daughter, Star.” Kim smiled. “We’re going to look for sharks’ teeth, and I’m really looking forward to that.”

  “I didn’t realize Jan’s daughter was in Sarasota.”

  “She’s supposed to arrive today. Jan should be picking her up soon.”

  “So you’ll get to meet her for the first time?”

  “Yes, and I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous about it. But if she’s anything like Jan, I’m sure she’ll be nice.”

  Anna poked Kim’s arm playfully. “You like him a lot, don’t you? I can see it by the gleam in your eyes.”

  Kim laughed self-consciously. “Does it really show?”

  “Yeah, but that’s okay. If being with Jan makes you happy, that’s a good thing.”

  “Thanks. Well, guess we both need to get to work. We don’t want any of our customers complaining because they had to wait too long for their orders this morning.”

  “We sure don’t. If I don’t talk to you before, have a nice time at the beach tomorrow. I’ll be thinking about you when I’m here working.”

  “I’m sure you’ll get your chance to go to the beach again soon.”

  “You’re right. My friend Mandy and I hope to go to Siesta Keys Beach.” Anna gave Kim’s arm a light tap. “See you later.”

  As Kim went to the kitchen to turn in her order, she thought about Jan and how much she’d come to care for him in such a short time. She was almost sure he felt the same way, because of the expression in
his eyes when he looked at her.

  I wonder if he’s holding back because he knows he’ll be going home in a few weeks. Maybe that’s why Jan hasn’t tried to kiss me, she thought. He might not want to give me hope that there could be anything more than just a passing friendship between us. It’s gonna be hard, but I need to accept that fact and be prepared for when he leaves.

  Jan parked his motorcycle in the parking lot and sprinted for the airport terminal. Star’s plane should be arriving any minute, and he wanted to be waiting for her. He was anxious to see Star and glad they would get an opportunity to spend some time together here in the warmer climate.

  Jan didn’t have long to wait, for a few minutes later, he spotted Star heading his way. Her dark brown hair bounced in rhythm with each step as she came closer, and her face broke into a wide smile when she saw him. Was it Jan’s imagination, or did his daughter look a bit older today? It hadn’t been that long since he’d last seen Star, so he couldn’t quite tell what the change really was.

  “Hey, Dad, it’s good to see you,” she said, giving him a hug.

  “It’s great to see you, too, kiddo. I’ve missed you a lot.”

  “Ditto.”

  “If you don’t have any checked luggage to pick up, we can head out to the parking lot.” Jan gestured to the door leading outside.

  “Nope. I knew I’d be riding home on the back of your bike, so everything I need is right here,” she said, pointing to her backpack.

  “That’s great. Let’s get going then.”

  As they walked across the parking lot, Jan looked over at his daughter. “I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s somethin’ different about you.”

  “Do you like it?” Star fluffed up her hair. “Thought I’d go with a shorter style, and I got a body wave, too. It’s a bit bouncy, but I really like the change.”

  “It’s cute, Star. Yeah, real cute. Makes you look older, too.”

  “Well, it’s time I start looking my age. I’m in my twenties now and can’t look like a teenager forever.”

  Jan would have given anything to have been a part of Star’s teenage years. He had missed out on so much of her life. It was hard not to look back and be full or regrets, but he knew he had to put the past to rest as best as he could. Star was back in his life now, and going forward was all that mattered. No more would he be missing out on anything pertaining to his daughter’s life, and he looked forward to every bit of it.

  When they reached the spot where Jan’s motorcycle was parked, Star’s eyebrows squeezed together. “What’s this for?” she asked, pointing to the new sidecar Jan had purchased on Monday. “I hope you don’t think I’m ridin’ in that.”

  “Only if you want to. Thought you could put your backpack in the sidecar and then ride on the back of the bike with me. But when we head for home in two weeks, you might be more comfortable riding in the sidecar than on the back of the bike.”

  She shook her head vigorously. “No way, Dad! Sidecars are for old ladies and dogs.”

  He chuckled. “That’s the main reason I got it, Star. Thought it’d be fun to give Brutus a ride.”

  Star rolled her eyes and whacked his arm. “You’re gettin’ strange ideas in your old age, Dad.”

  He grinned. “Not so strange, really. Think I’m just gettin’ more settled.”

  Star shook her head, pulling her curls aside and clipping them at the back of her head. “Don’t think you’ll ever be settled. You’re a free spirit, just like me.”

  “Can’t I be a free spirit and settled at the same time?” he asked after they had put on their helmets. “Look at you. You’re already making changes, like your hair.”

  “Yeah, right. So, are we going straight to Emma and Lamar’s? It’ll be nice to see them.”

  “Yep. We’re goin’ there right now. They’re looking forward to seeing you, too. Oh, and Star, I’ve made plans for us to do something fun tomorrow with Emma and Lamar.”

  “What’s that?”

  “We’ll be driving down to one of the beaches in Venice to look for sharks’ teeth. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

  “Sure, I guess so. But how are we gonna get there? There sure isn’t room in your sidecar for both Emma and Lamar.”

  “Kim will be driving us in her car.”

  Star’s body stiffened as she held her hands rigidly at her sides. “Kim’s going, too?”

  “Yeah. It’ll be a good chance for the two of you to get acquainted.”

  “Who says I want to get to know her? I mean, she’s really nothing to me.”

  “Well, she is to me, and I want you to know her.”

  “Let’s get going,” Star said, nudging Jan’s arm. “I’m hot, tired, and hungry to boot.”

  “I’m sure Emma will have lunch waiting for us when we get there,” Jan called over his shoulder as they took their seats on the bike. Turning on the engine, he headed out of the airport parking lot. He didn’t care for Star’s attitude toward Kim. It seemed as if she didn’t want to meet his new girlfriend.

  Kim is my girlfriend, isn’t she? Jan asked himself as they sailed down the road. Sure seems like it to me.

  C

  HAPTER 29

  Sitting in the backseat of Kim’s car between Emma and Lamar, Star clenched her teeth. The vehicle was small, and she felt cramped and couldn’t see out either of the side windows. She had to settle for looking straight ahead, watching Kim’s eyes in the rearview mirror as she drove them down Highway 41 toward Venice.

  Star was usually uncomfortable when someone else was driving, and today was no exception. It didn’t help that Kim kept glancing at Dad as they held a conversation. It was sickening to watch her dad smiling, nodding, and hanging on every word Kim said. Kim was no better. She kept laughing at the stupid little jokes and corny stories Dad told as they traveled along. Star would be glad when they got to Venice so she could get out of the car and be on the beach. If Dad keeps acting like a teenager with a crush, I’ll lose my appetite.

  “You’re awfully quiet,” Emma said, gently patting Star’s arm. “Are you feeling okay today?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired is all.”

  “That’s understandable. We did get up pretty early this morning, not to mention the hours you traveled yesterday on the plane.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Star studied Emma. She was wearing a navy blue dress, black shoes, and black stockings, and her white head covering was neatly in place.

  Lamar was dressed in a pale blue shirt and a pair of denim-looking trousers held up with black suspenders. His straw hat rested in his hands and would no doubt offer him shade when the sun heated things up later today.

  Star’s dad, on the other hand, had on a pair of jeans, with his swim trunks underneath. He also wore one of his biker vests, which covered his back and chest, leaving his muscular arms showing. Star wondered if he’d worn it to show off for Kim.

  She glanced down at the black shorts she’d worn, along with a light beige tank top. At her dad’s insistence, she’d brought her swimsuit along but doubted that she’d wear it. She’d rather lie on the beach and soak up the sun than go swimming. Star thought she might also try some songwriting. She’d brought along a notebook and pen, in case she became inspired by the sound of the waves or seagulls that would no doubt be soaring overhead. If she kept busy with that, maybe she wouldn’t be expected to make conversation with Kim.

  “I should have let you sit by the window,” Emma said, breaking into Star’s musings. “You’ve never been to Florida before, and there’s so much to see on this route we are taking. Have you ever been along a coastline like this?”

  Star shook her head. “I saw it from the plane when I was flying down here, but I’ve never been to the beach on the gulf before.”

  “Today should be fun for you then,” Lamar interjected. “Before too long, you’ll be able to walk right out and put your feet in the water.”

  “I’m anxious to see it,” Star admitted. “The closest thing to big water I’v
e ever seen was Lake Superior when Mom and I lived in Minneapolis. It was only one time, though, when Mom was dating some guy from Duluth. He took us to a place called Two Harbors for the day.”

  “The lakes make up a large body of water, too,” Lamar said. “It’s a lot like the ocean when you’re looking out toward the horizon and all you can see is water. Ocean waves are a lot bigger than what you’d see on a lake, though.”

  Star nodded. “I remember there were small waves on Lake Superior.”

  “Going to the lake sounds like a nice memory for you,” Emma commented.

  “It was a memory alright.” Star remembered how she’d felt like a nuisance that day, so long ago. It had been pretty clear Mom’s boyfriend Eddie wanted Mom all to himself. Thank goodness Mom broke that relationship off quickly.

  Star wondered how things would go today between her dad and Kim. Would Kim resent her and act like she was in the way? Well, Star would make sure she wasn’t in the way, because she had little to say to Kim. And if she said what was really on her mind, she would upset both Kim and Dad.

  Feeling drowsier, Star leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. “Wake me when we get there,” she murmured.

  Venice, Florida

  “According to my GPS, this is the place,” Kim said, pulling into the parking lot at Caspersen Beach. “And look, there are restrooms and a place to wash the sand off our feet, so that’ll be handy.”

  Everyone climbed out of the car, and while Emma and Lamar stretched their legs and Star headed for the restrooms, Jan went around to open the trunk, where they’d stowed all their beach supplies and picnic basket. He and Kim had purchased some beach chairs, in addition to two special scoops with long handles they could take turns using when they searched for sharks’ teeth in the shallow part of the surf. Jan could hardly wait to try out one of those contraptions.

  “I’m glad I brought plenty of sunscreen along,” Kim said, joining him at the back of the car. “From the looks of the sky, and feeling how warm it is already this morning, I’m guessing we’re in for a pretty hot day.”