Laurie's Time (The Fairfield Series)

by Maryann Jordan

  “I know I’m being paranoid, but there’s a minivan with dark windows that I keep seeing around here, right after you told me about Cindy’s parents.” Laurie looked into Jean’s worried face. “I know I may be paranoid, after all this is an elementary school and minivans are always around here.”

  “Do you think we should let the authorities know?” Jean asked.

  “I told the principal, and I also called the Carlsons. They said they would be diligent, and of course, they always come into the school to pick her up. I just wish I could get a license number, but with this damn limp, I’m not good for much,” she said in frustration.

  Jean leaned over and touched her arm. “I’m praying for you Laurie. I know this is hard for you.”

  Laurie appreciated the sentiment and concern. Looking at her watch, she blew her whistle and called the children back inside. Several of the boys fought over who would get to hold the door for her.

  “Why thank you, gentlemen,” Laurie exclaimed as she went inside. The boys laughed and continued to hold the doors for the rest of the class.

  *

  Rob wanted to make sure he was at the school to help Laurie, so he got there early. Signing in at the office, he went to her room. As he entered, chaos erupted. “The fireman, the fireman,” the children yelled. Rob laughed as he entered, standing as the children swarmed around him.

  “Is there another fire?” one little girl asked.

  “No, no,” he quickly assured her. “I’m just here to say hello to your teacher and to check up on all of you.”

  His eyes sought Laurie’s and her smile dazzled him.

  “Okay, children, we have five minutes to get ready. Find your red homework folders and make sure to put them in your backpacks. Tommy, I want your mom to send in a note if you are going on the art field trip. Josie, don’t forget your hat and gloves today.”

  He noticed that the children immediately listened to their teacher and began to gather their materials. He looked over at a small girl who was standing very still staring up at him with huge eyes. Not afraid, but definitely wary. That must be Cindy.

  Knowing his size made him too imposing, he squatted down so that he would be less frightening. Cindy watched him carefully as Ms. Dodd walked over to him saying hello.

  “Cindy, would you like to meet the fireman that helped the children earlier this year?” Laurie asked.

  Cindy walked over to Laurie and stood by her side, still staring at Rob.

  Rob softly greeted Cindy, being careful not to reach out to her. Cindy stayed next to Laurie, but smiled shyly at him.

  “Run get ready to go home, sweetie,” Laurie told her, and Cindy ran to get her coat.

  He stood and looked at his beautiful girlfriend. Her hair, pulled back away from her face, hung long down her back. Her red sweater, modest in appearance, could not hide her figure from his perusal. Wearing black slacks again, he noticed that she was wearing black tennis shoes. Cocking his eyebrow as he looked down, she just shrugged and explained, “I’m steadier with these shoes, and I can’t wear heels and limp around all day.”

  Nodding in understanding, he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her pain away. But twenty-five pairs of eyes all around would not make that a good idea.

  He watched in awe as she corralled all the students and limped out with them to the buses. He followed them as Josie wanted to hold his hand. Standing to the side as Laurie managed to get each student to their bus or into their parent’s cars, he noticed that one lady came to Laurie to take Cindy’s hand. At a discreet distance, he could catch part of their conversation.

  “I wasn’t able to get to the road to get a license plate number, but I have alerted our principal, and I wanted you to know.”

  She finished up with her children and turned to Rob. “I just have to finish in my room, and then we can head to the doctors.”

  He wanted to carry her, but knew that she would not appreciate the gesture. He walked slowly beside her as she limped back to her room. Once inside and away from prying eyes, he swooped in and picked her up in his strong arms. She threw her arms around his neck and brought her lips to his. Aware of where he was, he kept the kiss gentle but wanted nothing more than to delve his tongue inside her warm mouth. Setting her back on her feet, he slid her body closely down the front of his. Giggling, she looked down as he adjusted the tightness in his jeans.

  She went about quickly straightening the room, Rob helping as directed.

  “Babe, what were you saying to Mrs. Carlson? Something about trying to see a license plate?”

  “Oh, I was told that Cindy’s parents might be looking for her even though the judge who placed her with the Carlson’s temporarily took away their parental rights. Ever since then, I keep seeing the same minivan with darkened windows drive by. It pauses near the school, and when we are out playing, it stops for a while. So today I decided to walk over and see who was inside and what they were doing. But when I got closer, they pulled away quickly.”

  She said this so matter of fact, that she never noticed a drop in the temperature in the room.

  “Are you fuckin’ kidding me?” he asked, barely keeping his anger in check. “Babe, you think someone, anyone, is around who shouldn’t be, you call the police. You do not walk over to have a chat!”

  Laurie looked at his face, his tight jaw ticking, and realized that he couldn’t help but always try to jump in to protect her.

  “Honey, there was a fence between me and them. They couldn’t have hurt me, and I think it’s important that they know that someone is watching out for the children.” Taking a few halting steps over to him, she placed her hand on his chest right over his heart, looking up into his eyes. “Rob, we always have to be aware of child molesters and pedophiles hanging around elementary schools. Even if it had nothing to do with Cindy, I have to be diligent.”

  Hanging his head, silently praying for patience in dealing with his beautiful but headstrong woman, he looked in her eyes and saw her silent plea for understanding.

  Placing his hands on either side of her face, he softly kissed her lips. “Babe, I get there is so much more about what you do than just teach. Never even realized. But I want you safe. What is your school’s protocol for this type of shit?”

  “Our school safety plan has me alert our principal of any and all concerns and observations, which I have done. It’s up to her to alert the school safety officer who, based on the information, lets the police know. I often see the police cars drive by the school routinely.”

  He felt her fingers rub his chest over his heart, and he captured her hands in his much larger one. “Thanks for telling me, Laurie. I just want you safe.”

  Her smile spread to her whole face, and Rob felt it wrap around his heart.

  “No secrets, Rob. Remember? Of course I’ll tell you.”

  She turned to pick up her coat and purse, and he stood rooted to the spot.

  No secrets. But fuck. I gotta do whatever I can to take care of you. Please forgive me when you find out.

  He then escorted her to his truck, lifting her up comfortably to place her in the passenger seat. Handing her Bernie’s bag, much to Laurie’s delight, they headed to the doctor’s office.

  Chapter 15

  Rob sat in the waiting room while Dr. Alexander completed her physical examination of Laurie. The nurse brought him in when they were ready to discuss the possibilities.

  Laurie sat holding his hand, as Dr. Alexander began.

  “Laurie, often when trying to find out what is going on with someone who has a variety of symptoms, the best thing we can do is start eliminating concerns. For example, here is what I do know. Your x-rays and scans show no abnormalities or tumors.”

  Laurie felt Rob’s hand squeezing hers tighter with every word the doctor spoke.

  “Your blue toes and fingers when you get cold are probably caused by Reynaud’s disease. This is not a debilitating condition, usually more of a nuisance than anything else. Obvio
usly cold affects it, but so can stress. Some things you can do are to take care of your hands and feet. Keep them warm, don’t go barefoot, and don’t wear tight rings or shoes.”

  Laurie nodded. So far, so good. Nothing she couldn’t handle. Glancing to the side, she wanted to see how Rob was handling everything. Eyes focused on the doctor, his jaw was tight, and she could feel stress pouring off of him.

  “Your other symptoms do concern me. The low grade fever, your severe joint pain and swelling, combined with the Reynaud’s, all point to an autoimmune disease, possibly lupus.”

  Laurie and Rob stole quick looks at each other, neither knowing what lupus was. Looking back at Dr. Alexander, Laurie admitted, “I don’t know what that is.”

  “Autoimmune diseases cause the body’s natural immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy healthy body tissue.”

  Rob suddenly remembered how Jake’s mother had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and hearing Jake mention autoimmune. Fuck, why hadn’t I paid more attention to what Mrs. Campbell has?

  “I have a friend whose mom has rheumatoid arthritis,” he volunteered.

  Dr. Alexander nodded her head enthusiastically. “Exactly! They are both autoimmune diseases. Where RA affects just the joints, well with lupus your body’s immune system attacks your internal organs as well as joints.”

  Laurie sat in stunned silence. Taking it all in. Letting the news slide slowly into the corners of her mind. Glancing out of the window, she noticed the cars driving up and down the road. Her mind suddenly thought of how many people had sat in this very office hearing news that was going to change their lives. Not just here. But in all doctor’s offices. All hospitals. We drive by them every day, but we never think of what news is being given that alters people’s lives. Lupus. Lupus.

  “Laurie, are you all right, dear,” Dr. Alexander gently asked.

  Her eyes snapped back to the doctor’s and then over to Rob’s, seeing his concerned face. Letting go of her hand, he placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug.

  “Babe?”

  “Fine. I’m fine.” Turning back to the doctor, she stoically asked, “So, do I have lupus and if so, what does it mean?”

  “I will be referring you to a rheumatologist for further diagnosis, but I think it is very likely that they will concur. They will do more blood tests and have you complete a family medical history.”

  This statement grabbed Rob’s attention and solidified his resolve to find Laurie’s father. His thoughts were interrupted by Laurie’s statement.

  “I only have information on my maternal side; I never knew my father.”

  Dr. Alexander nodded and said that while they wouldn’t have the whole picture, having her mother’s history would be helpful.

  “If I do have lupus, what exactly does that mean, and what is the cure?”

  At this, Dr. Alexander took a deep breath, and both Laurie and Rob felt themselves on high alert.

  “Laurie, there is no cure. The disease is unpredictable and difficult to control. Mostly the rheumatologist will treat the symptoms with a variety of drugs. Some days you will have no pain and feel absolutely fine. Other days, it will be hard to get out of bed. But Laurie,” Dr. Alexander said when she was sure she had her attention, “Many people with lupus live normal lives as long as they control the symptoms. They work, they exercise, they have fun, they have families.”

  At this last statement, Laurie looked quickly at Rob and then back to Dr. Alexander.

  “So lupus won’t affect my ability to have children?”

  Again, Dr. Alexander hesitated. Why do doctors do that? Just tell me. Tell me the truth!

  “It shouldn’t affect your ability to get pregnant, although it can affect if you can carry the child to term.”

  Feeling light headed, Laurie slumped onto Rob’s shoulder. He grabbed her, as the doctor called for the nurse to bring the ammonia capsules.

  Pushing her head between her legs, he said, “Breathe, babe. Deep, slow breaths.”

  The nurse entered the room and quickly held the ammonia to her nose. Reviving, Laurie was embarrassed. Leaning back heavily on Rob, she looked at the doctor.

  “I’m so sorry, Dr. Alexander. It’s just a lot to take in, but I want to know it all.”

  Rob continued to stroke her arm as she leaned heavily against him. He wanted to hit something, rail against God, take this burden from her. While I was concerned with nameless fucks, this woman was working, studying, living to improve her situation. She is a thousand times better than I ever was. Why her? Well, I sure as hell am going to take care of her.

  “My dear, no apology is necessary. You have been given a great shock. I’m going to give you some literature to take home, and then you will be more prepared for your rheumatology appointment. My nurse will make the appointment for you when you leave. I will be working carefully with them for your treatment plan. I also want to start you on prednisone, a steroid, for the inflammation in your neck and knee.”

  Rob had seen enough football injuries to know all about using steroids to help with inflammation. Finally, something I understand. He also knew they worked quickly but wasn’t sure if they could be taken indefinitely. But thank fuck…it’s a start.

  By this time, Laurie was just nodding without taking in any more information. He assisted her up and took the literature from the doctor. She leaned on him as they made the next appointment and went out to the truck. He kept glancing at her pale face, but she wasn’t saying anything. He picked her up, gently placing her in his truck. Leaning over to buckle her in, he brushed her hair from her face. Wanting to kiss her, he held himself back as her eyes did not even seem to register his presence.

  He swung his tall frame up into the driver’s side. Placing his hands on the steering wheel, he just sat, not moving. Looking over at her, sitting stoically, his heart ached for her. “Laurie, I’m here for you, baby. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

  She turned her head towards the handsome visage in front of her and felt his love. It was almost tangible. Smiling a small smile, she reached over and placed her small hand on his.

  He lunged across the console, capturing her mouth in a gentle kiss, pouring all the love he could possibly give into the kiss. Feel this, babe. Feel what I feel. Please let me take care of you.

  She spoke softly against his lips. “I love you, Robert MacDonald.”

  “I love you too, Laurie Dodd.” Hesitating for a moment, he continued. “Babe, I was talkin’ to Tom earlier about your apartment. Carol is practically moved in with him, and the lease is up in a month. Makes no sense to find a new roommate, when we spend so much time together. My place has an elevator.”

  She gave a half-hearted laugh. “Honey, are you still trying to convince me to move in with you?” More somberly, she added, “It’s a big step. Are you sure we’re ready or are you doing this out of a sense of guilt or responsibility?”

  He took her face in his hands, “Babe, I’m listing all these practical reasons. But the honest-to-god truth is that I love you. Loved you since I met you. You are my life. Before you, I was existin’, but not livin’. I want to wake up lookin’ at your gorgeous face every mornin’ and go to bed with you in my arms every night. Truth is, you make me want to be a better man. Hell, I am a better man just by bein’ with you.” Kissing her lightly, he added, “Please, babe, move in with me. It’s our time.”

  Tears flowed down her cheeks as she held him tight. He wiped her tears with his rough thumbs. Smiling up at him, she gave him her answer. “Rob, I have worked for so long just to make it in life. Always feeling like I was searching. But this place is it for me. You are it for me. My searching is over. I love you with all that I am. So, yes, I will move in with you.”

  He dove in, plundering her mouth, their tongues clashing, tasting her, feeling her, breathing her. She felt the familiar dampening of her panties and ache between her legs. As she started to squirm to relieve the pressure, he chuckled. Pulling back, he said,
“Babe, I swear I could take you right here. But the parking lot of the doctor’s office is probably not the best place to bury myself deep inside of you.”

  Laughing, she agreed, moving back in her seat. Rob, adjusting his swollen dick in his jeans, started the truck.

  “Laurie darlin’, my parents wanted us to come over for dinner, but I’ll call them and we can go another time.”

  She thought for a moment and then said, “Rob, I’m not going to go home and fall apart. The news today sucked, but we need to tell your parents about moving in together and we can tell them what’s going on at the same time.”

  “You sure, babe?”

  Shrugging, she admitted, “Honey, I’m not sure of anything right now. But I really don’t mind seeing them.”

  “Well, all right. By the way, Mom’s having some of your favorite cake.”

  “Now that’s a reason to go!”

  *

  Dinner with the MacDonald’s was just what Laurie needed. From the moment they walked in the front door, Mac and Bernie swooped in, surrounding them with hugs and comfort. Keeping the conversation light during dinner since Suzy was around, she was able to enjoy herself and the delicious meal. It was so obvious that their family loved each other dearly. Suzy even joked about being their ‘oops baby’, explaining the reason there were fifteen years between her and Rob.

  “Well, you are the prettiest ‘oops’ I ever saw, baby girl,” Mac said as he winked first at Suzy and then at his wife.

  After dinner, Bernie suggested they take the cake and coffee into the family room to get comfortable.

  “Let me help clear the table, Bernie,” Laurie offered as she rose to begin gathering plates.

  “No!” four voices shouted out at once, startling Laurie into dropping one of the plates back onto the table.

  “Babe, you don’t need to be on your feet or puttin’ strain on your knee.”

  “Laurie, I’ll help Momma. You go sit down,” Suzy offered.

  Bernie and Mac made similar excuses.

  Rob walked over and tagged Laurie around the shoulders. “Come on, babe. You’ve had an exhausting day. Let’s sit down for now.”