Ember Skies

by Nicky Crawford

  Taking Ember’s hand, I cautiously approach the topic, “I don’t want to make you any more upset than you already are, but what happened with Austin tonight? I was concerned after receiving your text earlier, but I didn’t want to press the situation.”

  Ember stared out the window for a few moments before leveling her gaze on me, “He asked if I was done having a temper tantrum. He doesn’t understand why it’s taking me so long to forget everything he has done. After calling me an ungrateful bitch, he threw me against the wall. Then he threatened me about what would happen if I try to leave him.”

  My heart breaks for anyone who is stuck in situations like this. I never imagined how much pain I would feel hearing how the woman I am falling for has to live in hell every single day. “What threats does he make, Em?”

  She leaned her head against the window and looked up at the sky. It’s a beautiful, cloudless night and since we are far from the city, millions of stars are bright and visible. I’ve begun to notice a pattern when she’s avoiding situations. She always looks up at the sky. I’ve never really thought much of it until now.

  “Em?” She slowly moved her head toward me and smiled. “Why do you always stare at the sky?”

  Sighing, she positioned her body in the passenger seat so she was facing me, “You know how some people bite their lip or nails in certain situations? Everyone has some quirk when trying to avoid things, well looking at the sky is mine. I know, I know, weird right? There is something so peaceful about the sky. The clouds, the colors of a sunset, and of course the stars. It really doesn’t matter how the sky looks, it’s just beautiful and calming.”

  I know exactly what she means; I just wish she didn’t feel the need to turn to her coping mechanism when she’s around me. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but I want you to know that you can tell me anything. Everything you say is safe with me, Ember.”

  Ember shoved a handful of sour patch kids in her mouth. She chewed slowly while appearing deep in thought. After swallowing, she reached over and grabbed my hand, placing it on the center console intertwined with hers. For a few moments, the silence was deafening. When I gave her hand a light squeeze, she smiled and leaned back into the seat, still facing me.

  “Things were not always this way with Austin. Actually, they use to be pretty great. His dad was a real piece of shit to his mother and their children. He drank daily and eventually drank himself to death. Austin always held on to the notion that there was good left in his father, but he was a cruel man. Shortly after his death, Austin started drinking. I tried to get him to go to counseling, but after one appointment, he stopped. Eventually he would come home drunk numerous times a week and if I did even the slightest thing to piss him off, he would hit me.”

  A few tears rolled down her cheek while she silently relived painful memories of the past couple of years. I wanted to pull the truck over and wrap her in my arms, but getting to her parent’s house quickly is our top priority.

  Removing my hand from hers, I wiped her tears away with my thumb. When my hand cupped the side of her face, she put her hand on mine and held it there for a few minutes, clearly enjoying the feel of my closeness as much as I was. I laced her fingers through mine and squeezed, silently willing her to continue with her story.

  “I tried to leave, but he would threaten me every time. He said that he would take Harlee and I would never see her again.”

  By now, Ember is sobbing. I know we need to get to her parent’s house, but I cannot keep sitting this far away when she is so upset.

  Pulling onto the side of the road, I turned my hazard lights on and jumped out. Ember was too busy sobbing into her hands to notice, and when I open the door she jumped. I grabbed her legs and gently swung her around to face me. I couldn’t wipe the tears fast enough as they came pouring from her eyes like a heavy rain.

  I lightly cupped her face and made her look at me, “Baby, he cannot take Harlee away from you. You are such a strong woman. Why would you believe that bullshit threat?” She tried to pull my hands away, but I wouldn’t let her. I’m not trying to be an asshole, but she needs to talk to me. Whatever hold Austin has on her needs to end.

  “Talk to me, Ember. I’m not him, I’m not Austin. Just please talk to me.”

  Her hands reached out and grabbed my shirt. Pulling me closing to her, she rested her head against my chest. When I wrapped my arms around her, she nuzzled her face against me, igniting a feeling deep inside that I’ve never felt before. I knew I was falling hard for this woman, but I didn’t realize just how hard until this moment.

  With a long sigh, she continued her story, “A few months after he hit me the first time, I tried to leave in the middle of the night. I made it to my vehicle before he dragged me back inside. Luckily, Harlee was with Harper for the night. I was planning to pick her up on my way out of town. He beat me bad that night; worse than ever. He brought me a lock box and inside were photos of me and another man. It’s not what you think though, Dalton. I didn’t cheat.”

  Kissing the top of her head, I whispered, “I would never think anything like that, baby.”

  Nodding against my chest, she pressed on. “I had no knowledge of the photos. One night, we had a bunch of people over. I only had a couple drinks and was only buzzed, but somehow I passed out. The night I tried to leave, he told me that he drugged me and the guy in the photos. He set it up to look like I was cheating on him so that I would never be able to leave. How am I supposed to leave, Dalton? How? He will tell everyone that I’m some loose whore and get custody of my baby.”

  Her sobbing started all over again and by this time, I am so fucking furious I am seeing red. Austin has everyone fooled. He puts on this fake ass façade of being a strong leader and doting husband, but he is nothing but a coward. Grabbing Ember’s shoulders, I lightly stepped back, needing to look her in the eyes. When she looked down, I tilted her chin up to look at me.

  “You have me now. I promise to get you and Harlee away from him and…”

  “But how, Dalton. Don’t you think I’ve tried? I’ve fucking tried.” She looked down again as tears cascaded down her cheeks.

  “Look at me, Ember.” When she did, I asked, “Did you have me in your corner when you tried to leave him?” She carefully surveyed my eyes before shaking her head no. “Exactly. Do you trust me?” Unable to speak from crying, she shook her head yes. “Good. Then trust me when I say that I will take all of your pain away.” Gently placing my lips on her forehead I whispered, “I promise.”

  We made it to her hometown by sunrise. Driving through the night cut a good hour off the normal time it would take to get here, not to mention I have a lead foot. After I pulled over and made my promise to Ember, we spent the rest of the drive talking about anything that didn’t pertain to current or past relationships. Every moment spent getting to know each other, I fell harder and harder for this girl.

  As we drove through town, Ember pointed out random places and told me stories of her childhood and teenage years. I loved hearing her laugh as she remembered all the great memories of her life and I felt honored that she shared them with me. From the sound of it, she and her friends were a bit wild and reckless as teenagers.

  My favorite story was about her horseback riding naked through the fields and in the pond down the street from her parent’s home with her friends. Just the thought of Ember wearing absolutely nothing set my heart, and other body parts, on fire. I grew up riding horses too, with clothes on of course, but I loved having something in common with her. I still have a horse back home and she still has her old horse at her parent’s. She lit up when she talked about riding and I look forward to making memories with her on the back of a horse.

  As we pulled down the long driveway that led to her childhood home, my heart started beating erratically. I have no idea what to expect when I meet everyone and I really hope I can help Ember through her pain when she sees her dad in the hospital.

  The house is two stories with a wraparou
nd porch much like my house. I can see why Ember loved being at my house so much; the resemblance is uncanny. Lining the driveway were lush green pastures. One side had cows and the other had roughly ten horses. A huge barn sat in the back of their property next to a large garden. Being here makes me feel at home. I grew up in a similar setting in Montana.

  After we parked, I pulled our bags from the truck and followed Ember inside. The inside was beautiful, just as I expected. The smell of eggs and bacon filled my senses as we stepped inside. Her mother came from around the corner and wrapped her arms around Ember. After a long embrace, Ember introduced us, “Mom, this is Dalton. Dalton this is Claudel, my…”

  Her mom waved her hand toward Ember, shushing her, “Mom, feel free to call me mom. I’ve heard so much about you, Dalton. Welcome to our home.” She wrapped her arms around me and it instantly felt like I was a part of their family. Any worry I had faded away with a single hug. I could see Ember out of the corner of my eye, with a beautiful smile plastered on her face.

  I wonder what Ember has told her about me. I honestly assumed that she would have no idea who I was. As we walked into the kitchen, I was more than surprised to see a feast of food on the counter.

  Turning to her mother, Ember asked, “Uh mom, were you up all night baking?”

  After handing us each a plate, her mother replied, “Good Heavens no. People from church have been bringing food by non-stop. I have no idea how we are going to eat all of this.” I love how close their community is. It’s nice to know that they have support from the town.

  After loading up our plates, Ember turned to her mother and asked, “How is Daddy?”

  Her mom’s face fell, the sadness evident in her eyes, “No change, Sweetie. I left about an hour ago so I could be here when you both arrived. Alex and Sidney should be here very shortly with Harlee and Tate, and then we will head over to the hospital.” Putting a smile on her face she added, “Now eat up, you two have had a long night.” I admire her mother’s strength through such a difficult time. I see where Ember gets it from.

  After breakfast we took our bags upstairs. Ember and Harlee will be staying in her childhood bedroom while I stay in the guestroom directly across the hall. After showing me around, Ember turned to me and put her hands on either side of my face. She pulled my forehead to rest against hers and smiled, “Thank you for being here, Dalton. It means so much to me.”

  Leaning back I pressed my lips against her forehead and whispered, “I would do anything for you, Ember.”

  Hearing commotion downstairs, we broke apart and made our way down the steps. Ember’s face lit up when she saw her beautiful daughter.

  “Mommy mommy!” Harlee ran and jumped into Ember’s arms, clasping her little hands around Ember’s neck. “I missed you so much, baby girl.” Ember pointed to me and said, “Baby, this is my friend, Dalton.”

  I bent down to her level and smiled, expecting her to shy away from me. When she rushed toward me and into my arms, I was a goner. My heart almost exploded with love. Now I’m wrapped around the finger of two women; I’m in trouble. With her arms still around me, she whispered in my ear, “I asked Mamie for a moose, but she said no. I was sad.”

  I tried to contain my laughter, I loved how random her statement was. “Moose are wild, they make awful pets, Harlee. Ponies are a lot more fun.”

  She put her little hands on my cheeks and stared at me with purpose, “I love my pony, but I need a moose. He can even sleep in my room.”

  “Harlee.” Ember gave her a warning look, “You know you can’t have a moose.” Harlee tried giving her a sad look, but quickly realized her mom wasn’t going to give in to her need for a pet moose.

  “I’ve never seen her take to someone new like that before. You must be as special as Ember said you are, Dalton.” Her mother’s words caused Ember to blush and hide her face. I did feel extremely special to be accepted so quickly by Harlee.

  Walking into the kitchen, Ember introduced me to her sister-in-law, Sidney, who ignored my outstretched hand and pulled me in for a hug. I love how affectionate this family is. “Dalton, come meet my husband, Alex.” I walked over to Alex, wondering if he too would hug me. He was holding his newborn son in his arms and after handing him to Sidney, he stretched his hand out and gave me a firm shake before pulling me in for a man hug. I love this family, Austin doesn’t know how good he has it.

  As I started talking to Alex, I could see Ember out of the corner of my eye. She was interpreting my words to him through sign language. I had no idea he was deaf, and Ember has no idea that I know how to sign. Turning to Ember, I raised my hands and signed, “One of my best friends is deaf. I’ve been signing since I was little.” The smile on her face said it all. She was elated.

  Once the introductions were done, we quickly helped clean up the kitchen and headed out the door. Harlee was walking next to me to the truck, so I scooped her up and put her on my shoulders. I started galloping like a horse and the sound of her laughter echoed in the summer air. I set her down to install her car seat in the back of my truck and buckled her in.

  Once Ember and I got in, she turned to me and said, “You become more amazing every second I spend with you.” I smiled and started the truck. Turning around in her driveway, I followed behind her mom’s truck to the hospital.

  To say I was nervous for Dalton to meet my family, would be an understatement. Alex has always been extremely protective of me and I did not expect him to like Dalton right off the bat. I also didn’t expect Harlee to take to him as if she has known him her entire life. My mom and Sidney are sweet natured and see the good in everyone, but the way my brother and daughter reacted to him, just proves how amazing he is.

  “Mommy? Do I get to see PawPaw, too? Mamie said ‘no’ yesterday.” Harlee’s face looked so sad when she asked to see my Dad. It broke my heart.

  “Baby, when PawPaw starts feeling better, then you can see him, okay?”

  A few tears slid down her face and I turned to Dalton, needing a distraction. He reached back and grabbed Harlee’s hand, “Harlee, how about you give Mommy a message to tell PawPaw. It can be anything you want and then after we leave the hospital, we can do something fun.”

  Harlee wrapped both her tiny hands around his, her face lit up with excitement, “I wanna ride my pony! Mommy, tell PawPaw I wuv him bigger.”

  When I was little, my dad would always say, “I love you big” and I would say “I love you bigger.” I love that he does the same with Harlee.

  As we make our way into the hospital, tears start to threaten my sanity. Seeing my dad hooked up to machines and clinging to life will be more difficult than I can put into words. As we stand in the ICU waiting room, my mom turns to me with a knowing look, clearly sensing my fears of seeing my dad in here, “Ember, why don’t you and Dalton go in first. We can only go two at a time.”

  I nod as Dalton grabs my arm. Turning to my mom he says, “Ma’am, I really don’t want to intrude.”

  My mom smiles at Dalton and pats his shoulder, “Don’t be silly, you’re family now. Go in in there with Ember.” He smiled, grabbed my hand, and we walked to my Dad’s room together.

  “Miss Ember, my how you’ve grown child and just as pretty as ever.” Turning to the source of the voice, I see our neighbor and my mom’s lifelong friend, Miss Anne. I practically run to her and give her a big hug, “Miss Anne! It’s so good to see you. This is Dalton.”

  “I know child, your momma’s told me all about him. Come give me some sugar, son.” Watching Dalton engulf Miss Anne’s small frame with his big, strong arms, warms my soul. Like myself, my mom is a nurse. She works in labor and delivery with Miss Anne, but she is filling in today for someone in the ICU. After agreeing to go to Anne’s for lunch one day this week, we make our way to see my dad.

  When my eyes take in the machines keeping my dad alive, and I notice how beat up he looks, I breakdown. Dalton holds me close to his chest as I sob uncontrollably. After a few minutes, I collect myself enough
to turn to my dad and put my hand on his. Leaning into him I whisper, “Daddy, its L.B. I made it home, Daddy. Please wake up.” Dalton rubs my back as I beg my Daddy to wake up. I knew seeing him like this would be awful, but I didn’t realize how destroyed and devastated I would feel.

  I sat in the chair next to his bed. Dalton held my hand while he leaned toward my Dad and whispered, “Sir, I’ll take good care of your girls until you wake up. That’s a promise.” He spoke so quietly that I almost didn’t hear him. The fact that Dalton is here means the world to me, but the fact that he actually cares about everything that’s going on, is indescribable. When the nurse comes in to check his vital signs, I give him a kiss on the cheek and we head back out into the waiting room.

  I took my nephew from Sidney and sent her and Alex in to see my dad while my mom went to talk to the doctor. When we sat down in the chairs, Harlee grabbed a book from the children’s area and crawled up on Dalton’s lap. “Can you read dis book?”

  She leaned against Dalton’s chest as he very animatedly read the “Three Little Pigs” to my sweet little girl. Watching the two of them interact ignited emotions I’ve never felt before. I know Austin loves Harlee, but he hardly pays any attention to her and it breaks my heart. Dalton’s interaction with her is so sweet and natural.