by CJ Murphy
Val rubbed her face. “Every time I get close, something happens and I can’t pin it down. I know who was there that day and those who survived swear there wasn’t anyone else there except our crew. The pictures clearly show someone holding that child, but the angles are so bad I can’t tell who it is. It only shows a small part of the uniform, and I’m almost positive it’s a marine by the pattern. The only thing in focus is the child’s face and those damn crayons.”
Liz nodded. She had her own thoughts about who was in the picture. It was nothing she could prove though, and she wanted Val to come to a conclusion on her own. If she didn’t, she doubted Val would accept it. “Until you exorcise this demon, you’re never going to be free. We need to concentrate on filling in all the blanks. Just as importantly, Val, you need to tell Laurel exactly how you feel. She deserves to know the truth. Don’t waste a chance to be happy.”
Liz watched Val drop her head back and close her eyes. She wondered which pain was worse, the one in Val’s shoulder or the one in her heart.
Chapter Fifteen
VAL SMILED AS LAUREL pulled into the parking lot of The Bodyshop. They made their way inside, she signed in and made small talk with the one of the receptionists. They settled in the waiting area. A spry sixtyish looking older woman walked around the corner, and Val hugged her.
“Hi, Anya, how are you?”
“The better question is, how are you? You aren’t supposed to be showing up here in a set of wheels instead of on that bionic leg we made you,” Anya chided her.
Val chuckled. “I know. Somehow, I didn’t manage to keep the shiny side up this time. Thank a kid in a convertible. Give me a little longer and I’ll be good as new. One thing though, I’d really appreciate being able to stand up on my own.”
Anya patted Val’s shoulder. “I’ll bet. Let’s see what we can do about that, and who’s this?”
Val shook her head. “I’m sorry, Anya. This is Laurel Stemple. She’s been carting me all over trying to get me back on my feet, literally. She and her grandmother are like family to me and have sort of adopted me. Laurel, this is Anya Cavender. She and her sons are the magicians who helped me walk again.”
Laurel shook Anya’s outstretched hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The pleasure is all mine.” Anya waved her hand. “Come on back.”
They traveled down the hall to a small room with a long table with cabinets beside it. Framed photographs hung on the wall showing patients being fitted for their new arms or legs and children being given a chance to walk or hold a ball. Poignant, but still filled with joy.
Anya and Laurel helped Val get situated on a table and then raised it so she and Val were on even ground. Val suddenly realized that constantly looking up at everyone bothered her. “Nice to be able to have an eye to eye conversation.” It felt empowering.
Anya pulled up a small rolling cart and placed her hand on Val’s forearm. “I know how important that is. Now, depending on how badly you destroyed our masterpiece, we should be able to get you back up on two feet fairly quickly. Do you have what’s left of it?”
Laurel handed her a duffle bag. Anya removed the prosthesis and examined it, moving behind the long table with a bright light. Pulling specialized tools from the cabinets, she began to disassemble the leg. After that was complete, she began to look at the control systems. Several structural pieces were visibly damaged. Val watched as Anya carefully took apart each component, scrutinizing the leg.
Anya looked up at Val. “You trashed this pretty good.”
Val gritted her teeth in disappointment. “It came off in the accident. Most of it was protected in my boot, but the socket took a pretty good tumble. Think you can fix it?” Val asked hopefully. Laurel stood close beside her and she felt a hand massage the back of her neck. This woman’s touch quieted the churning in her stomach and the turmoil in her head.
Anya raised an eyebrow. “Is that a rhetorical question? Val, we haven’t stayed in business for over twenty years because we weren’t any good at this. I may be seventy years old, but I still know a thing or two.”
Val grinned. “I wasn’t doubting you. I’d hate to start all over. It took us a year to get it right last time.”
“And you complained the entire time that it was good enough, but I could see it needed adjusting. With the notes from last time, it shouldn’t be that hard. Were you having any issues with your sleeve? I’d really prefer we do a new one so it’s made at the same time the socket is. We can go with the same materials as last time. You know how critical that is to your comfort.”
Val looked at the woman with true affection, admiring her dedication and professionalism. “The sleeve was starting to get a little worn, but it was still holding up.”
Holding up the pieces of Val’s leg, Anya continued. “Let’s get Charley in here so he can get a new mold, and Daren and I’ll get started on fixing this.” She eyed the lightweight titanium frame. “Depending on how bad this is, we can get it done in a day or two. If we have to create it all from scratch, it might be at least a week before we can get you in to try it out for the first fitting.”
“I’m staying at Liz and Jo’s, so I’m in town. I’ll make it work. Laurel may have to go back, though. We’ll see. I need my leg back, Anya, I really do. I forgot what it’s like to be without it. With this banged up shoulder, I can’t even crutch my way around.”
Laurel shook her head. “Val, you know I don’t mind helping you. I’ll be around as long as you need me.”
Val felt a squeeze. She looked down at a pair of joined hands and had no recollection of reaching for Laurel. She only knew that holding her hand felt so right. “I know you don’t. Laurel, you can’t be away from the store that long.” She raised Laurel’s hand to her lips and kissed it.
“You let me worry about that. If I come back to Cool Springs without you, I’m likely to have to go cut a switch.”
Anya looked concerned, but Val laughed and held up her hand to allay her unease. “Don’t worry, Anya, it’s an empty threat by a feisty matriarch of the most interesting place I’ve ever been. Laurel and her grandmother run a small store and diner in West Virginia.”
Anya turned to Laurel. “Is that the place with the deer head with the Viking helmet I’ve seen in your pictures?”
Laurel chuckled. “One and the same.”
“Ah. Let’s see what we can do to get both of you back there.” Anya left the room.
Val closed her eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to stay positive.
Laurel’s soft voice penetrated her consciousness. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m worried about this. These guys are the best in the business. They’re also perfectionists. I sure hope I didn’t destroy it, forcing us to start all over.”
Laurel came over to stand in front of Val and kissed her forehead. She moved between Val’s spread legs and wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her close.
Val rested her chin on Laurel’s shoulder and breathed in the sweet trace of the tropics she always associated with her. The scent settled Val’s nerves and made her think about sitting on a beach with Laurel. Her mind filled with the picture of the waves crashing onto the shore and the water gently flowing over the sand. She could imagine Laurel in a bikini and felt a pulse start deep in her center. God, how she wanted Laurel…wanted to feel her beneath her. Before she could completely lose herself in her thoughts, a knock at the door brought them back to reality. Charley walked in with a bucket dangling from his hand. He sat it down and strode over to Val. “Long time no see. What have you done now to give me the pleasure of dipping your leg in goo? I could think of a dozen other ways I’d like to visit with you.”
There was a subtle lilt to his voice and a feminine manner. He was a beautiful sort of handsome. He looked a little like the love child of Bon Jovi and George Michael with a mane full of blond hair feathered back and at his collar. His vibrant green eyes shimmered with mischief.
Val’s smile widened. “Ho
w are you, Charley?”
“Fabulous, darling. I can tell by that new bondage getup you’re wearing that you aren’t as fabulous as normal.”
Val felt the blush crawl up her neck and her ears felt hot. She looked over at Laurel who had her free hand up over her mouth trying to hide a smirk and stifle a laugh. It wasn’t working.
Charley spoke up. “Where are your manners, girlfriend? Who is this beauty you have with you and why haven’t I ever seen her before?” He held out his hand and shook Laurel’s.
Val sighed. “Charley, this is Laurel Stemple. Laurel, meet Charley Cavender, artist extraordinaire and hair aficionado. Laurel has graciously been taking incredible care of me while I recover.”
Charley took an exaggerated bow. “Honey, I have no doubt you have your hands full there. As brilliant and talented as this hunk is, she can be a royal pain in the ass at times.”
“Just because I won’t let you dress me up and accompany you to the leather bar.” Val smirked and Laurel’s eyes got big.
Laurel wasn’t as successful at hiding her laugh this time. “Why, Val, I’m seeing a totally different side of you.”
Charley smiled at Laurel and hugged Val. “A boy can dream, you know. Down to business. Mom said you’ll need a new socket and sleeve. Let’s start with the sleeve, shall we?”
Val rolled her eyes at him. “Now there’s a great idea. Let’s get started.”
***
Laurel watched as Charley went about mixing up something in the bucket that reminded her of the material the dentist used to create her retainer after the braces. He handed Val a tube of something to rub on her amputated leg. Val shook her head and frowned at him.
“I’ve only got one wing here dipshit,” Val said, whacking him in the head with the tube.
“Watch the hair! Laurel has two good hands, as far as I can tell.” He looked at Laurel. “You’ll be more than capable to act as my assistant, won’t you, darling?” Charley smiled like a Cheshire cat.
Laurel caught Val flipping him the middle finger of her immobilized hand. She felt her face grow warm as she took the tube from Val. Never having touched Val this way, she tried to calm her pounding heart and rolled Val’s jeans up to her knee, exposing the flesh beneath. Without looking at Val, she squeezed some of the gel into her hands and warmed it between them. It had a faint blue tint to it with no odor that she could detect. She placed both hands around the stump, riddled with scar tissue and felt Val stiffen as she rubbed the gel on her skin. The blush crept higher into her cheeks. Closing her eyes for a moment, she enjoyed the feel of the warm skin beneath her hands. She could swear she heard Val whimper, but convinced herself it was a figment of her imagination. Soon, Val relaxed into her touch.
Charley broke the almost tangible intimacy. “Put a couple of coats on that so it doesn’t stick when we go to remove her leg after this sets up. Besides, Val is close to orgasming, I’d hate to rob her of a climax.”
Something smacked the man and Laurel looked up to see Anya frowning. “Charley, don’t be so crass. Laurel isn’t used to your teasing with Val.”
Charley laughed. “Oh, Momma, I couldn’t help it. Val’s like a love-sick puppy and after all the shit she’s given me over the years, it serves her right.”
Anya rolled her eyes. “Be that as it may, Laurel doesn’t deserve your teenage antics.” Anya handed Laurel a towel. “Forgive my son, Laurel. I raised him better. There’s only so much a mother can do.”
Laurel’s blush grew hotter as she wiped the gel off her hands. “Kids, what are you going to do with them?”
“Ok, Val, dive in.” Charley held the bucket close enough that Val could stick her leg in the mixture. He brought a stool over and rested the bucket on it to allow the mixture to solidify. “I’ll be back in a bit. I need to go gather the other compounds for the sleeve.”
Shaking her head, Anya held up Val’s busted prosthesis. “Okay, Val. The microprocessor is shot on your old leg. We’ve got some boards in stock, so it’s just a matter of programming one with your settings. However, replacing the other components will take a few days. Charley will use the measurements and the molds we take today to get to work on your sleeve and socket. We should be able to bring you in for a fitting Thursday afternoon, maybe early evening. Does that work for you two?”
“I don’t have much choice. I don’t know about Laurel, she—”
Laurel interrupted. “Will be right here with you, Val.” She leaned in and put her mouth close to Val’s ear. “I told you I wouldn’t leave you alone, and I meant it.”
Anya chuckled and grabbed the tube of lubrication from Laurel. “Oh my God, I think you might’ve met your match, Val. Charley will be back to do a few measurements and then we’ll set you up for your return appointment. Laurel, I’m happy to know she has someone who sees through that bullshit bravado. It’s nice to meet you.”
Laurel nodded. “Thank you, Anya, it’s been nice meeting you, too. We’ll see you on Thursday.”
Val hugged her. “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice, Anya. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Val, you’ll always be welcome here.” Putting her hand on Val’s shoulder, she turned to Laurel. “All the photos and news articles you see in here are compliments of this talented photographer. She brought attention to what we could do, not only for veterans but children as well. We couldn’t have bought that kind of publicity. There’s no way for us to repay her.”
Val covered Anya’s hand with her own. “It’s been my pleasure. You’ve helped me more than I could have imagined. The joy I’ve seen you put on a child’s face when they take their first steps, or as they’re able to pick something up for themselves, that’s priceless. I know what that feels like, and I wanted more people to know about those who make that happen every day.”
Laurel looked around the room at the incredible photos that hung on every wall. Each one displayed a moment of triumph for the person in the image. Val had captured those moments of beauty and dignity.
“I agree, she’s pretty special.” She brushed her hand across Val’s shoulders and ran her fingers into the hair at the back of Val’s head. She looked around the room at the pictures and realized that with every new person she met in Val’s life, another piece fell into place. Val was like a puzzle. One that she very much wanted to see in its entirety. She leaned in and kissed Val’s temple. More special than I could have even imagined.
Chapter Sixteen
VAL TENSED AS A they sat outside of The Walter Reed Military Medical Center. She’d always referred to it as Bethesda. Her stomach knotted. It was time to go see about her shoulder. Val was dreading having Cat and Laurel meet. It’d been several years since she’d replaced Val’s elbow. She was the best at what she did or Val would have sought treatment elsewhere. She wanted her shoulder fixed and fixed right. That fact alone had brought her back to the best the VA had to offer.
After they were signed in, they sat in an enormous area with dozens of others waiting to be seen. The noise of a busy hospital beeped, vibrated, and rattled around her. Rows of industrial chairs sat all around the room filled with men and women of all ages. Dull yellow walls fell short of providing a cheery atmosphere. The individuals who sat around her waited their turn to see whatever specialty dealt with their injury. Prosthetic limbs, scarred and misshapen bodies were all around her, the cost of war evident. The vacant, hollowed eyes, clouded with sand and memories, were easily recognizable to those who shared those nightmares. Those scars were harder to treat, if they were treatable at all.
She watched a woman younger than her. Her knee bounced up and down, and she rolled a coin back and forth through her fingers and across her knuckles. A chocolate lab sat between her legs, his head resting on her thigh. She was absently stroking his head with her free hand. Her eyes were blank. Val looked away and blinked back emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. These were the true cost of freedom and democracy. The price that those in this room paid so that others could go about their
day not thinking for even a second about that cost. She was brought out of her reverie by a soft voice.
“Is it always like this?” Laurel asked.
“Always. Some are here for routine examinations or prescription refills, some for more serious issues.” It still angered Val at the wait many of her fellow veterans had to go through to get the treatment they desperately needed. People who’d lost friends and pieces of themselves in the lands they fought in, now had to fight to see a doctor or to have a procedure in the richest and most advanced country in the world. Shameful and it never changes. “If I hadn’t already had this appointment scheduled six months ago for some pain in my elbow, I’d still be on the waiting list.” Val turned her attention to thumbing through the most recent edition of Stars and Stripes, her eyes drawn to a picture taken near Mosul.
Laurel’s phone buzzed. Her fingers worked the keyboard texting, a faraway look on her face.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I got a text from Beth. She’s giving me shit, because I didn’t call last night. Gram’s giving her the devil for information about you.” Laurel laughed. “Not that’s she’s concerned about me. You on the other hand...”
Val chuckled. “I have an idea. How about this evening we call, or if Beth can help her, we’ll do a video chat on Facebook?”
“Oh, she’d love that. I’ll text Beth a time.” Laurel’s thumbs flew over the screen.