Once the purchase was made, she headed back to the room, only to hear raised voices as she was nearing the door’s entrance. The group appeared to be in the midst of what sounded like an heated conversation. Deciding it best not to interrupt, she chose to wait outside until the coast was clear.
“I don’t want Louise staying here alone,” Anne heard Charles say, “Rick, would you mind driving Anne and Etta to Black Butte and then bring back my parents? At their age, I don’t trust them to drive right now, especially with them being so worried.”
“Of course, but I really think Anne should be the one to stay,” replied Rick.
Rick’s comment caused Anne to freeze. Fearing her knees might lock on her, Anne rested against the wall while continuing to unashamedly eavesdrop. She was hoping to hear Rick say more, but instead Mary’s upset voice came next.
“What do you mean by that? Anne is nothing to Louise. I, on the other hand, am her sister-in-law!” argued Mary, obviously disgruntled about the suggestion that she be the one sent home.
Mary’s attitude exasperated Anne. Everything was always about Mary. Her sister rarely every considered what was best for the group. Anne leaned her head against the wall, silently venting her annoyance until an unexpected shrill phone rang loudly at the nurse’s station, startling Anne’s already shattered nerves. Jerking upright, Anne nearly spilt all the cups of coffee on the tray she was carrying. Anne was fortunate that she was able to recover her composure just in time to pin her back against the wall, albeit awkwardly, which steadied the filled cups of coffee. Surveying the floor, Anne was pleased to find that very little liquid had dropped to the ground. Her balancing act was working until Anne realized she was stuck. During her masterful recovery, her feet had distanced themselves nearly three feet into the hallway, leaving her in a precarious position. She knew that any sudden movement could cause her to be upended and all would be lost—surely someone from inside the room would hear the crash of her fall and know that Anne had been listening in on their conversation. Feeling her legs ache and tremble as they fought against the uncomfortable position she was maintaining, Anne had to make a quick decision. Hoping that mini steps back towards the wall might help relieve the pain and regain her balance, Anne slowly began this task. Instantly, Anne felt the strain to her muscles slightly diminish. She began to believe all was safe until one of her shoes came into contact with a bit of the spilt coffee, causing Anne’s left foot to slip out of control. Foreseeing herself doing the splits, Anne elected the less painful of the two and chose to let her bottom cushion the inevitable fall. Anne muffled an exclamation of pain as her rear came crashing down with a loud thump on the floor. The noise aroused the attention within the room.
“I just heard something,” Charles announced. “Maybe it’s the doctor.”
Anne was aghast, unsure of what to do next. As Charles moved towards the open hallway, she panicked. Giving herself no time for second guesses, Anne surrendered the tray, leaving it temporarily on the floor so she could stand up unhampered. Knowing she had mere seconds, Anne quickly retrieved the beverages, then moved swiftly several paces away to make it appear as if she was just approaching the room.
“Yes, but I believe Anne the more capable…” Rick said, continuing his point with Mary. In his mind, Mary would be more work than help, creating an extra burden which no one needed at this time.
“I am just as good as she is!” Mary responded in an affronted tone.
Positioning herself in a walking stance, Anne greeted Charles just as he stepped out into the hallway. Overly bright, she said, “Hi Charles, here’s the coffee!”
Somewhat surprised, Charles expressed his thanks and motioned her into the room, “We just started discussing who will be staying here to watch over Louise.”
“Oh,” Anne said as she followed Charles inside.
Mary gave Anne a scowl, then moved in defiance towards Charles as if to say, Who are you going to choose?
Anne brushed off her sister’s rudeness and handed one of the coffees to Charles and the other to Rick, smiling at the latter as she did so. Anne hoped her smile might convey a measure of her appreciation, knowing that she’d probably never get the chance to personally thank him for his confidence in her. Rick reciprocated the smile, unaware that Anne had overheard his kind words. Immediately Anne was transported back to a time when special looks between the two of them came so effortlessly. It felt so wonderful to once again lock eyes with Rick and be able to truly smile. Savoring these warm thoughts, Anne sat silently while the arrangements were sorted out concerning who would stay.
Mary fought bitterly to the end and achieved victory. No one could really blame Charles though for giving in. What choice did he have? If he didn’t let Mary stay, he’d be in the doghouse all week, maybe even longer. Pressing the point just wasn’t worth the cost for him, and since he would remain behind as well, Charles felt his contribution in caring for his sister would be enough.
Rick was not pleased about the arrangements but he managed to keep his mouth shut. However, upon observing the triumphant look on Mary’s face as she ordered a late dinner for Charles and herself, it became more than he could bear. Rick decided he needed to get away before he said something he’d regret, so he quickly offered to head out immediately with Anne and Etta en route to Black Butte.
Anne had to admit she was a little nervous about the trek back to the Musgrove’s. Etta was already having trouble staying awake as it nearly one o’clock in the morning, and that meant she and Rick would essentially be alone for nearly three and a half hours. Will he try to talk to me? Should I pretend to be asleep? Anne’s thoughts hounded her as she and Etta followed Rick to his vehicle. I’ll just have to follow his lead, Anne concluded, knowing that this was much easier said than done.
Chapter 26
Anne sat in the back with Etta who, just as she had predicted, was fast asleep. The sound of the steady rainfall outside plus the heat radiating from the vehicle’s vents was making it difficult for even Anne to stay awake. But she wouldn’t allow herself that luxury, not with the possibility of Rick opening up to her. Several times she fancied Rick looking at her through the rear-view mirror, but then told herself it was just wishful thinking.
“Anne,” Rick’s velvety deep voice jolted Anne from her daydreaming. Hearing the tenderness in his voice as he spoke her name caused her heart to flutter like that of a middle-school girl with a crush. Get a hold of yourself! she scolded. Before Anne could think of how to reply, Rick began again, “I regret…” but then paused.
Yes? Anne thought, hoping she could mentally will Rick to speak more swiftly. What do you regret? Please tell me!
But before Rick could finish, Etta stirred awake. Anne watched as Etta slowly raised her head from Anne’s lap and stretched. Yawning, she asked, “How long have I been asleep?”
No one answered. Both Rick and Anne were silent, with Anne feeling quite frustrated at Etta’s ill timing. What had Rick planned to say? So many thoughts raced through her mind. If the topic had been about Louise, couldn’t Rick have continued his words? So, if the subject was not about Louise, then what does he regret?
Etta took their silence as a hint, sensing the awkwardness in the air. “Did I interrupt something?” she asked, looking between the two.
“No…nothing at all,” Rick answered.
Anne lowered her eyes at Rick’s response. She tried to tell herself she was being stupid for feeling hurt by Rick’s curt and emotionless reply to Etta. Once again, Anne had foolishly dared to dream that just maybe Rick wanted to make things right between the two of them. Perhaps Rick regrets his actions which tore us apart—like driving off in anger as he did all those years ago. Or, and this is more likely, Anne thought ruefully, Did he just want to apologize for the past before moving on to the future with Louise? All that they once shared as a couple was now evaporating like a fleeting whisper. Anne began to feel perhaps all she’d ever meant to Rick was just what he had stated to Etta, “nothing”—
not even worth the time for him to finish his thoughts out loud.
Anne closed her eyes tightly as if to somehow shield her heart. The solace of a room to herself could not be fulfilled soon enough…
Chapter 27
As expected, the Musgrove home was in an uproar. Mr. Musgrove moved about the house like a man on a mission, all the while trying to placate his incapacitated wife who sobbed on Anne’s shoulder. Clara unfortunately assumed the worse about Louise’s condition. In Mrs. Musgrove’s mind, they had little time left to see their baby girl alive one last time. It took all of Anne’s emotional sensibility to soothe Clara’s sorrows and assure her that Louise’s doctor and the nursing staff had everything under control.
By the time Mr. Musgrove and Rick had loaded up the luggage into the vehicle, Clara had composed herself enough to put on her jacket. “Are you sure you’ll be alright?” she asked while embracing Anne at the front door. Clara was worried about Anne having to take care of the distraught Etta and the boys on such a windy and rainy night. That’s what Anne admired about Mrs. Musgrove—even in her own trials, she still managed to be concerned for others.
“Yes, now go! Your daughter needs you,” Anne assured her.
Mrs. Musgrove kissed Anne’s forehead. “Anne, I am so thankful you’re here.”
Mr. Musgrove opened the front door and stepped part way through, stopping to ask his wife, “Ready, dear? Rick’s waiting.”
Mrs. Musgrove nodded and walked past her husband as he held the door open for her. Stanley lingered though, hoping he could speak with Anne privately while Clara made her way to the car.
“Anne, I also just want to thank you. Clara feels so much easier knowing you’re in charge. Here’s the number to my cell phone if you need to reach me.” Anne smiled and grasped his hand in a sympathetic squeeze while taking the slip of paper offered by Stanley. With that, Mr. Musgrove gave Anne an appreciative nod and closed the door, carrying with him the final piece of luggage.
Anne went to the window to watch as Rick took the suitcase from Mr. Musgrove and packed it into the trunk. To her surprise, Rick gave one last look in the direction of the house before making his way to the driver’s seat to climb quickly inside. Moments later, the vehicle pulled away in the direction of the freeway.
“Is Aunt Louise going to be okay?” Nicholas asked Anne the following evening when she was tucking him into bed next to his brother.
Pushing Nick’s hair away from his face tenderly, Anne answered, “The doctor’s are doing everything they can to make her better. If you’d like, we can say a little prayer for her.”
The boys melted Anne’s heart when they immediately put their hands together and bowed their heads. Anne closed her eyes in response.
“Dear God,” began Nicholas, “Please make Aunt Louise better. Amen.”
Anne smiled and ruffled his hair, “Okay you two, it’s time for bed now.”
The boys scooted under their sheets and Anne tucked them in, leaning over to kiss them on their foreheads before turning out the light. As she was leaving the room, Anne took a moment to say her own quiet prayer for Louise.
Two days later, Anne sat at the kitchen table sketching some card designs while Etta took the boys outside for some needed playtime. It was good to see Etta coming out of her depression. Being so close to Louise, she had done little more than cry and sleep, worrying so much about her sister since leaving Lincoln City. Looking outside the window, Anne viewed her nephews’ intent faces as they played in the sand box with their Tonka trucks, causing Anne to smile. It was refreshing to finally be able to relax somewhat. Since arriving, Anne had been up early each day making calls and doing household chores. With Etta unable to help, it left Anne to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of the boys and being the family’s cook and bottle washer—so having this time to finally express herself creatively was a reward for her.
Ten minutes later, the sound of a ringing phone broke her concentration. She got up quickly to answer it.
“Anne, she’s awake,” Charles said on the line with obvious relief. Anne bowed her head and thanked God for this answered prayer.
Chapter 28
With Louise recuperating nicely, life returned somewhat to normal and Anne found she was not needed as before. The doctor had insisted that Louise stay one extra day at the hospital before moving to the rehabilitation care facility. Louise would require treatment for six weeks while her collarbone, hip and wrist mended. Since Harve’s wife, Melissa, was a physical therapist, the Musgrove’s felt safe in trusting Louise to her care, and opted to have their daughter treated in Lincoln City. As an added plus, they felt the ocean air would be of benefit to Louise.
Now that everything was stable, Anne was free to join her father in California. With a sense of anticipation that was also mingled with mixed emotions at leaving, Anne packed up her bags and boarded a plane headed for Sacramento.
She found herself humming the old Peter, Paul and Mary tune, “I’m Leaving On A Jet Plane”. Anne only remembered a few snippets of the lyrics, but quickly found she was depressing herself with the song as it brought Rick to her mind. Why does he have to enter into everything I do? How pitiful is that!
Putting on her headset, she flipped through the selections on her iPod until she came across the newest album from Corinne Bailey Rae which Anne had recently purchased online. Settling back into her seat, she closed her eyes with a determination. Enough of Rick! It’s time to start dreaming of my new life in California. What is the saying? ‘California or bust!’ With that, Anne resolved to enjoy the flight.
Having arrived safely, Anne shaded her eyes from the blinding sun as she hailed an approaching taxi once outside the airport terminal. Although she had notified her family in advance of her arrival, no one had been there to greet her. Earlier Anne had tried paging them, hoping they might have been running late or perhaps accidentally showed up at the wrong bagging area. But sadly, time had proved each theory wrong. After collecting her luggage and making her way up the escalator into the warm California air, Anne tried hard to hide the disappointment and hurt she felt.
Anne was used to doing things on her own. Since her mother’s death at thirteen, Anne quickly discovered if she wanted something done, she had to do it herself. Her father had been too wrapped up in his own life or in Elizabeth, his favorite child, to take notice of her. Although Carol had tried to fill her mother’s shoes, for which Anne was grateful, no one could ever replace her mother. Anne and Carol had forged a special bond, yet it wasn’t the same, nor was Carol as readily accessible as a real mom, what with her living in a different household than that of the girls.
When the taxi pulled up the driveway to her family’s new home, Anne found herself pleasantly surprised. She couldn’t help but admire its quaintness, especially since it was surrounded by acres of beautiful and well-kept vineyards farmed by local wine merchants. Anne paid the taxi driver and lugged her suitcases into the house using the key her father had sent her months ago.
“Hello? Anybody home?” she called out while visually taking in her new surroundings.
Glancing around at the tasteful selections of wallpaper, the rich and deep hues of various paint combinations as well as the expensive appointments and exquisite furnishings, Anne instantly recognized her sister’s impeccable taste.
Wow! thought Anne. My sister sure didn’t lose any time in redecorating! What a waste that Elizabeth doesn’t use this God-given talent to be an interior decorator. Anne was quite proud of her sister’s obvious talent. Elizabeth had done a excellent job incorporating local Venetian influences and blending them into the home’s modern style.
Leaving her luggage in the hallway, Anne meandered into the kitchen to see more of the impressive stylistic changes by Elizabeth. A note lying on the shiny marble countertop caught Anne’s eye. Picking it up, she read it out loud.
Anne,
Glad you got in safely. Sorry we weren’t there to meet you at the airport, but there was an important
event at the country club which Dad and I wanted to attend. We’ll be back in time for one of your delicious home-cooked meals. Elizabeth
Feeling a bit like Cinderella, Anne raised her eyebrows as if to say, What a nice welcome home. Checking through the kitchen’s well-stocked cupboards to see what there was to work with, Anne pondered the “important event” that kept her family at the country club. If she was the betting type, which she wasn’t, Anne would place her money on a massage for her father and a facial for Elizabeth.
Chapter 29
“How was your time with Mary?” Elizabeth asked Anne later that evening. Her family, along with Susan Clay, were about to partake of the meal Anne, aka Cinderella, had slaved over earlier.
Using the ingredients on hand, Anne prepared chicken, stuffed with feta cheese, along with a savory potato and green bean salad and freshly baked bread. Even Anne was pleased by how well everything had turned out. Reaching for her water glass, Anne answered Elizabeth, “Good. We had a few scares though. First, there was Nicholas falling from the tree, and then Louise’s accident.”
“By Louise you mean one of the Musgrove girls?” asked Mr. Elliot.
“Uh-huh,” said Anne, taking another bite of her dinner.
“We got your email about Nick. How’s my grandson, the little bugger, doing?” Mr. Elliot passed his bowl to Susan for seconds, enjoying the delicious food.
“Much better,” Anne answered.
“Good…good…” He rubbed his hands together, anticipating the warm and succulent flavors in his mouth.
“So, what was the event at the country club?” Anne asked Elizabeth.
“You remember Will Elliot don’t you? My old boyfriend from school? Well, he invited us to play tennis. He’s very good. In fact, he almost went pro back in college.”
A Modern Day Persuasion Page 11