Heather watched as the muscles of his jaw clenched tighter before he continued, “He dragged me into the living room and made me sit on the floor. I tried not to cry because I knew he’d hit me. His favorite show was on, and I was told to sit still and not move unless he needed me to go get something for him. After what seemed like hours, I started to fall asleep. Then he would whack me hard on the back of my head until I woke up. He warned me that if I wasn’t a good boy that he would punish me. I guess it’s my own fault. My father was a bad man.”
Heather sat motionless while trying to digest his shocking story. No wonder something seemed off about Henry. Any child who survived such abuse would be permanently scarred. Heather’s heart ached at his story, and her fears began to fade.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Phillips, I can’t even begin to imagine what you’ve been through.” Her gaze drifted to the ground as guilt washed over her. How could I be so cruel to midjudge him?
“It’s alright, Miss Parks. I just wanted you to know what you were looking at. That’s all.”
Henry glanced up at the moon. “You ever meet someone you know is made just for you, Miss Parks? Like deep down, you know they were made specially just for you?”
Heather nodded her head in agreement.
“I have too, and I found it in Linda. She reminds me of my sweet dear mother. Linda doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going to tell her how special she is. I tried many times to tell her, but she still holds onto her crazy idea of what love feels like. You know what I mean?” He stared at Heather as if she were genuinely interested.
“No, I don’t Mr. Phillips; I can’t say that I do.” She forced a swallow past the lump in her throat and took in a deep breath of the cool night air.
“Well, all you women are in love with Mr. Robbins. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but he can’t be happy with that prissy Miss Wilson. No, he can’t be happy with just one woman; he has to have each and every one of you, even my Linda.
Heather could see the veins begin to bulge around his neck.
“Soon she will see that I’m the one for her.”
Heather felt a chill run down her spine. His ominous tone chased away any sympathy she had felt during the last minute. She could tell he was a very disturbed man, one that wasn’t safe to be alone with. She needed to get away from the strange gardener without alarming him. If she could somehow make it to the church and wait until the early morning, then maybe with God’s blessing, her car would miraculously start without problems.
“Well, that’s wonderful, Mr. Phillips. Linda is a sweet woman. I want her to be happy. I hope you will be good to each other.” She gave him a hasty smile and started down the hill.
“We will, Miss Parks, don’t you worry about that. Things around here are going to be changing soon, you just mark my word,” he shouted after her as she continued in the opposite direction of the house.
Heather continued her brisk pace, nervously looking over her shoulder several times just to make sure Henry didn’t stalk her. When she arrived at the church, all the lights were out, including the one above the main door. She knew it meant Pastor Avery was still out of town, giving Heather the opportunity to stay overnight until she could find a way to fix her car and be on her way.
Her gaze drifted around the quaint little church, taking in the beautiful colors of the large stained glass window behind the pulpit and the slightly faded pews. Heather couldn’t help wondering how many Crystal Cove residents had been saved in this place? Their lives changed forever by the power of the Gospel. Knowing now that the place was protected from the hands of greedy developers comforted her, and she felt satisfaction knowing that God has used her to save this place.
Heather continued her way to a small room adjacent to the pastor’s quarters, which had a large sofa she could sleep on.
She made herself comfortable on the soft checkered fabric, closed her eyes, and tried to clear her thoughts. But images of Michael and how he had spilled his words of love on her continued to torture her consciousness.
Love wasn’t real. It made you lose your individuality and freedom until you no longer knew who you were anymore. Love was something you could share with God and God alone. He was the only sure person in life. The only content place to rest your heart. Her thoughts turned to Evelyn and how quickly the girl had improved. If there was only one thing good that came out of her visit to the Robbins household, it was the fact she had helped restore Evelyn’s hope in life. That was a priceless gift only her job could offer. Heather curled up on the soft cushions, and for the first time since her childhood, she cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 8
Heather woke to a cloudy gray sky, her eyes puffy and swollen from the nighttime release of emotions. There was only one thing on her mind and that was to remained focused on her goal of leaving Crystal Cove and not looking back. After getting dressed, she packed her few belongings and headed out to her car. With one quick prayer, she stuck the key into the ignition and turned. After three unsuccessful turns, the car finally shuddered as the engine sparked to life.
Thank you God for making it work.
Heather stole a glance over her shoulder, making sure there would be no witnesses to her escape. Seeing no signs of morning life, she shifted the car into gear and gassed the vehicle quietly toward her next destination. There was only one last thing Heather needed to do and that was to call Allison for information about her new assignment. She pressed several buttons and only waited two rings before a bubbly female voice answered.
“Hey Heather, so I have the information about your new assignment. I have to warn you that it’s only temporary until I find you something better. Usually you give me more advance notice, but I’m doing the best I can.”
“I understand Allison, thanks for working with me. This was really important to me, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am. I owe you one.” A weary sigh escaped her lips.
“You okay over there?” Allison’s voice turned serious.
“Yeah, I’m good, Allison. It’s just time to move on. And can you please do me a favor?”
“Of course, Heather.”
“Please don’t share the details of my next assignment with the Robbins family.”
“Everything alright? Did they do something to upset you?”
“No, Allison, they were a wonderful family to work with. It’s just that I wanted to move on with my life. And by the way, I’ll be getting a new cell number tomorrow so I’ll give it to you once I find out what it is.”
“Alright girl. It’s none of my business, but you know I’ll do my best to get you what you want.”
“I know, Allison. Thanks a million.”
After inquiring about Allison’s kids, Heather received the final details about her new assignment. When their conversation was finished, Heather said good-bye and refocused her attention back to the infamous winding Pacific Coast Highway that would lead her out of Newport Beach and to a new chapter in her life story.
San Diego was a Southern California tourist paradise packed full of people and noise. It took just under an hour and a half to get there, and Heather prided herself for not crying once since she left the Robbins household. Even when Eleanor called halfway through her drive to say good-bye, she maintained a steady composure. She had spoken to most of the household except for James, who was out, and Michael who was still in bed. Only Eleanor could see through her thinly disguised excuses.
“I do wish you had stayed dear, if only to say good-bye properly.” Eleanor sighed on the phone.
“I do too Eleanor, but Michael was ... well, he was upset. And considering what he had been through, I didn’t want to make it worse.”
“My son is one tough cookie, sweetheart. You don’t give him enough credit ... he loves you, you know that right?”
“Even if he does, it would never work; we’d end up unhappy and miserable. I couldn’t do that to him, I just couldn’t.
They exchanged a few brief comments about keeping in
touch, and Heather turned her attention on navigating through the hustle and bustle of the city.
Her thoughts turned toward her newest assignment. This time a boy was in need of a nurse who could take him to school and appointments. He had chronic ear and upper respiratory infections and was under constant supervised care. His mother was a music producer and his father was always on the road. Both parents were too busy to provide the care their son needed. The only thing Heather knew about her next patient was the fact he was six and active in sports when he could participate.
As she turned past a city library, Heather found the entrance to the subdivision and made her way to a three-story house with lime green shutters. She parked in front of the house and made her way to a pair of tall white doors. After straightening her uniform, she pressed the doorbell and waited. Within seconds, a woman with long dark hair and brown eyes greeted her at the door.
“Hello, I’m Mrs. Sanchez. You must be Heather.”
“Yes, Mrs. Sanchez. I’m here for Harry.”
“Please, come in and make yourself comfortable.” The young mother opened the door wider and motioned toward the living room.
Heather made herself comfortable on a plush chair and listened as Mrs. Sanchez began to talk.
“Basically, little Harry needs someone to watch over him in the afternoons after school and to make him dinner at night. When he’s feeling well, he’s very active, sometimes too active.” Mrs. Sanchez drew her lips into a smile. “But overall, he’s a good boy and will listen when told to do something. Your most important duty is to watch for signs that he’s not feeling well or not being himself. If we catch it early, it’ll mean less time in the hospital.” A rush of air escaped the woman’s lungs. “It’s not easy for me when Harry’s sick. But thank God he’s always so optimistic about it. Now that you’re here, it’ll make it easier for me to juggle work and spend time with him.” She gave Heather an appreciative smile.
“I understand completely, Mrs. Sanchez. My last assignment was caring for a little girl who had cancer. Early detection was the most important part of my job.”
“Please, you don’t have to be so formal with me. You can call me Liv. If you don’t mind me asking, what was your experience like at your last job? I hate to pry, but I like to know a little history about my son’s caretakers. Harry means the world to me, and I want to make sure you’re a good fit for him.”
“I completely understand, Liv. I would do the same if I were in your position.” Heather lowered her gaze at the hardwood floor for a second before answering her question. “I loved everything about my last position ... everything. But to be honest, I thought it was time for a change. I was becoming too attached to the family and losing sight of why I was hired in the first place.” She forced her lips into a thin smile and started to fidget with her purse on the bar.
“I appreciate you sharing that with me, Heather. It sounds like you keep work a priority, and that makes you a great nurse.”
“Thanks, Liv. I try my best.”
“Come, let me show you around the house and introduce you to Harry.”
Heather follow Liv around the house and was introduced to Harry and their small dog, Manny. When the tour was done, Liv led the nurse to a quaint and cozy room that was to be her living quarters. Heather spent the next hour organizing her belongings. Her assignment didn’t formally start until tomorrow, so she had the rest of the day to get settled in and acclimate to her new surroundings.
When Heather had finished unpacking, she slipped off her white leather shoes and gazed longingly out her window. The sky was a perfect pitch of blue, signaling the start of a beautiful day, a new hope, and a new patient who needed the blessings of her care. Without a doubt, she knew God had amazing things planned for her future, and she could only hope that with time, Michael would accept and understand the reasons for her hasty departure.
Chapter 9
Michael paced back and forth in front of the large mahogany desk to his office. Even though it only had been a few weeks, it seemed like years since Heather had gone. Not only had he lost someone he loved dearly, she had stolen his ability to experience any peace in his life. Michael couldn’t believe it had already been two weeks since he had returned from the hospital.
It should have been easy to distract his hopeless mind. Business was booming, and to escape his pain, he had turned himself into a carbon copy of his early years. A shrewd businessman who drowned himself under the pressures of an eighty-hour work week and refused to accept any failures. But no matter how much he tried to drown out the wailing of his broken heart, nothing could stop his pain.
His obsession with business didn’t go unnoticed by his parents. The older Mr. Robbins was impressed, proud that his son had finally met his expectations, but Eleanor was worried and talked her husband into visiting Michael over the weekend. When they arrived at Crystal Cove, it was obvious Michael didn’t want to discuss his feelings.
“Michael dear, I know you’re hurting, but you can’t lock yourself up in this house forever.” She gave him a motherly smile, one that she often used to help him feel better as a child.
“Yes, Mother, I know. I know I should get out and socialize more,” Michael mocked as he leaned deeper into his leather chair.
“Michael, please don’t be sarcastic. Even though it rubs against every fiber of my being, I’m willing to even lower my standards and consider you settling for that Wilson woman rather than see you suffer like this.” She patted his hand. “I’m worried for you.”
“Mom, I’m fine. I’m trying to work this out on my own. Business is booming, and I’m staying busy. I don’t know what else to do.” Michael shrugged his shoulders with resignation.
“Alright son. I understand it’s something you need to struggle with on your own. Just know that I’m here for you if you need someone to talk to.” A sigh escaped Eleanor’s lips. “I am worried about Evelyn, though.”
Michael opened his mouth to speak, but Eleanor raised a hand at him.
“I know she’s fine here. There’s no doubt you’re a wonderful father, Michael. But since Evelyn has been doing so well, especially with Andrew being here, I’ve been thinking it might be best if she came back with us for a little while. Just for a few weeks. I think the change might be good for her. Just think about it, Michael. It would be good for her to experience the country, and you get some time to take care of yourself.”
His mother stood up to go. “Promise you’ll give it serious thought tonight and let me know by morning, dear.
“I will, Mother.”
Eleanor started toward the door. “But whatever you decide, make sure you get rid of that scruffy beard.” His mother gave him a disapproving smile. “Unless you’re planning on going up to the mountains to live.” A chuckle escaped her lips as she left the room.
Michael couldn’t help grinning. If anything, his mother was stubborn like a mule. When she formed an opinion about something, not even fire and brimstone could change her mind.
Michael stopped by the large ornate mirror hanging over the fireplace and studied the rugged features of his reflection.
What was wrong with this beard?
Michael had grown fond of the rugged look. It revealed a different side of his personality. A free and adventurous side that he wished Heather could have experienced. But now the nurse would never know the sensitive side of his heart, a side that now felt incomplete and scarred.
His thoughts lingered on his mother’s earlier comments about Evelyn. There was no doubt his little angel was doing better. And most of the credit belonged to Heather and the loving kindness she displayed to everyone. How could anyone not be drawn to her sweet innocence? Even he couldn’t resist the invisible magnetism that had melted his heart.
Yet in spite of her overflowing love for others, she couldn’t allow another to love her deeply. Nothing made sense to Michael. The woman had softened his hardened heart like a flame to wax. And just when his heart began to hope for love again,
she had ripped out his heart out and stomped on it.
A part of him wished Heather had never come into his life. That she had never given him hope that he could truly love again. But Michael knew that was the little boy speaking inside, a boy that had trusted and been hurt. He couldn’t deny the fact he treasured every special moment they had shared and even though God had taken Heather to another place in her life, he was happy to have shared a small part of it.
She had given him renewed hope in God, life, and love. She had restored his faith in the Almighty, and now he was ready to face life and love with God on his side. Maybe with a little prayer, God would show him the direction he needed to take and bring the right woman into his life.
He picked up his cell phone and made a call to Dr. Morrison, Evelyn’s oncologist. She needed a complete medical evaluation before she could leave for her grandparents. Even though his parents only lived one hundred twenty-five miles away, he couldn’t take any chances after the last scare at Thrill Mountain. Michael needed to make sure Evelyn’s immune system was strong enough to handle the outside exposure; otherwise, she would be confined inside his parents’ home during the entire stay. A soft-spoken receptionist answered the phone and helped him set up an appointment two days later. When the call was finished, Michael settled back into his chair and pleaded with God for a miraculous healing for his daughter.
Two days later, Michael found himself standing in Dr. Morrison’s office with a look of disbelief on his face.
“What do you mean the cancer is gone?” Michael asked with raised brows and a doubtful voice. “So what you’re saying is ... complete remission?”
Dr. Morrison gave him a reassuring smile. “Yes, Mr. Robbins, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” The doctor set the chart down on his desk. “I mean, I’ve never seen anything like this before. Your daughter had an incurable leukemia and maybe only immune gene therapy could have given her a chance at a normal life. But Evelyn’s blood tests and CAT scans are completely normal without it. Her white cell count is in the normal range again.” Dr. Morrison shook his head with wonder. “Someone up there must be looking out for her.”
Beyond a Broken Dream Page 6