Not A Good Reason

by McCarthy, G. L.

  “Oh shit, sorry Oliver. We’ll talk later.” Sam flushed as now she understood why Oliver looked at her like he’d never seen a gun before. That wasn’t what he was reacting to.

  “Thanks Sam I will. Sweet dreams and don’t apologize, I loved it.” Oliver wondered if he truly was going to be able to stay with Sam for as long as she lived.

  Alex closed the door to their bedroom as now they had a male house guest to be aware of. Sam pulled Alex close and hoped that when the alarm went off, in another forty five minutes, she would wake refreshed and none of this would have happened.

  But when the alarm did go off Sam rolled over and saw Alex looking at her with a sly smile on her face.

  “Oliver, huh. So now you have your own spirit to look after you too.” Alex had been reviewing the strange dreams she’d been having since Sam had left to drive home.

  “So it wasn’t a dream. I don’t understand why I’m the only one who can see him!” Sam figured Alex maybe, but then she hadn’t see Anna and Ramon at first.

  “Because you need to help him crossover. I’ve had several very cryptic dreams lately. I was watching you try to save someone in each one, but I couldn’t help you. I can tell you it won’t be easy. He doesn’t want to go yet. You may have some convincing to do. But I’ll help in anyway I can.” Alex now understood the dreams and was very grateful she had a heads up on all this or she would have wondered about Sam’s sanity.

  “Darlin’ tell Anna and Ramon I’ll take any help they can give. Maybe it’s been them all along who were taking me to Oliver in the first place. You get ready for work and I’ll fix you breakfast.” Sam gave Alex her good morning kiss and jumped out of bed.

  “Don’t forget your robe. We have a male house guest now.” Alex winked at Sam as she grabbed hers. “Oh can you do me a favor and make sure he’s not in the bathroom.”

  “Will do.” Sam grabbed her robe off the back of the bedroom door and went looking for Oliver.

  Sam looked in the bathroom and the guest room and found no signs of Oliver. The automatic coffeemaker was almost done perking and Sam grabbed the eggs and bread to make Alex a sandwich. First day of school, did she want her to make her lunch; she’d need to go ask.

  “Hi Sam.” Oliver appeared behind Sam in the kitchen.

  “Oliver! You need to stop doing that or I’ll die before my time from a heart attack.” Sam had jumped before she turned and came face to face with the smiling kid.

  “Sorry, I went for a walk. It’s really pretty around here. Nice and quiet, no one living near by. I like it.” Oliver smiled and sat on the window seat.

  “I’m glad. We like it too. Listen Oliver are you sure you can’t – you know, go to Heaven?” Sam really didn’t know how to ask such a question.

  “If I could, why would I still be here?”

  “Good question. I’ll have to work on that one.” Sam waved the spatula in the air as she turned to flip the egg.

  “Your lady friend is pretty. What’s her name again?” Oliver wondered why they slept in the same bed if they had a spare room.

  “Alexandria, but she prefers being called Alex. Uh, how do I explain this to you? She’s my wife. These days we have both men and women who prefer to be with someone of the same sex. I know what it says in the Bible, but we feel God made us this way for a reason. Do you understand?” Sam hoped she’d explained it clearly enough.

  “There was a couple of old spinster ladies back home that people would talk about. You know why they never married as they were both acceptable looking and seemed right in the head. They’re probably the same as you two; I don’t rightly know or care. You’re both nice to me and I can’t ask for anything more.” Oliver smiled and truly didn’t care who she loved, she was good to him and was letting him stay around. That was good enough.

  “How’s Oliver this morning?” Alex could hear the one sided conversation as she came out of the bedroom dressed and ready to go. Not having to do hair and makeup saved tons of time.

  “He likes it here. Nice and quiet.” Sam smiled wide at Alex as she gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

  “Wonderful. Oliver, I hope you can keep an eye on the place while we’re away. I teach school and will be home around four o’clock.” Alex wanted him to feel needed; she thought it might help him build self worth.

  “Do you want to take a lunch today?” Sam was ready to spring into action to make her another sandwich.

  “Not today. I want to eat in the cafeteria and say hello to everyone. You know catch up on everyone’s doings over the holidays. But thank you for the offer.” Alex poured a cup of coffee into her travel cup and smiled at Sam with that “what now” look.

  “I explained to Oliver about us being married. He’s cool.” Sam was trying not to laugh as this seemed so unreal.

  “Perfect. What are your plans for the day, Lover?” Alex felt like there was a chaperone in the room.

  “Go into town and see the Sheriff. Do some clothes shopping and stop by and see TJ.” Sam wondered if Oliver was going to want to go too.

  “Sounds like a full day. Can you walk me to my truck?” Alex wanted a real goodbye kiss and not a quick peck.

  “Sure Darlin’. Oliver I’ll be right back.” Sam wrapped Alex’s egg sandwich in a paper towel and put it on a plate and followed her out.

  Sam closed the door behind her as she hit the garage door opener. It was drizzling and there was a good chance of showers later in the day. Alex made sure she had her umbrella and goulashes, just in case.

  “I’m so sorry, Alex. I can’t believe this is happening.” Sam gave Alex a nice goodbye kiss.

  “I’m not. I think it’s cute and glad it’s you that has a special friend now. Be understanding and go with the flow. I love you very much. See you tonight.” Alex kissed Sam again then started her truck. As she drove off she waved goodbye and took a bite of her egg sandwich. Having Sam see her off was a great way to start her day.

  Sam closed the garage as she still needed to get a few things done before she got dressed. First thing was to look up Jack Hood in the Internet White Pages and see if he had an address in Shamokin. As Sam walked back in, Oliver was gone again. Sam was pleased to find that Jack Hood had several addresses and phone numbers. A call to the first listing rewarded Sam with speaking to the man himself. Jack assured her it wasn’t necessary to pay for the bale of straw. He was glad it was available for use and wouldn’t go to waste. After stating he was thrilled to hear she made it home safely Sam requested his email address and then said her goodbye. Next up, make a call to both the Sheriff and TJ to see when they would be around. Sam thought of what Alex had said about going with the flow. Wasn’t that what the truck driver had said to her about what she was heading into she’d need to heed this advice.

  Sam decided reheated orange chicken sounded good for breakfast and then got dressed before making a few phone calls. Not that she was worried, but wondered where the heck Oliver got to. The Sheriff was anxious to go over her training schedule and TJ wanted to have lunch with her to catch up on all that had happened at the ranch. When Sam was ready to leave she just spoke out loud hoping Oliver could hear that she’d be back and to keep an eye on the house. Maybe watching the house would keep him there and not with her every minute of the day only time would tell.

  Chapter 9

  As Alex drove to school it felt so strange to be actually going to work. She’d been off for what seemed forever, but it had only been six weeks. As expected, balloons where tied to her name sign in front of her parking space. No doubt the work of her sixth grade student Megan, her biggest fan. She would need to make sure and thank her for her thoughtfulness. Alex looked for Cyn’s little blue mustang, but now that she had a girlfriend she seriously doubted she would arrive at school as early as before TJ entered her life. Several other teachers were getting out of their cars and commenting on the balloons. Alex chatted a bit as they walked to the teachers’ lounge. She would have waited for Cyn, but it was drizzling harder now and
she didn’t want to get all that wet.

  Before TJ came into Cyn’s life she was always very early and had the coffee on so a few early birds could get a second cup. Now that Cyn had a life she flew in with only minutes to spare before the first bell rang. Alex was just finishing her coffee when Cyn did just that.

  “Hey girlfriend. Where’s my toast and jam?” Alex had gotten used to having it with Cyn before classes started.

  “Not happenin’ anymore woman. You have your girlfriend and I have mine to make it for us.” Cyn was so happy Alex was back at work. She had missed her so much.

  “Oh fine. I see how it is now. A pretty blonde comes into your life and I get the boot.” Alex loved to tease Cyn and was ecstatic she had a girlfriend who was crazy about her.

  “Tough love, baby. I’ve got my priorities now and it’s all about me.” Cyn put her sack lunch in the refrigerator, gave Alex a big hug and poured herself a half a cup of coffee.

  “I’ve missed you. I mean I know I saw you Saturday, but I’ve missed us. Just you and me. I hope now that we’re getting back to normal we can still have us time?” Alex hoped Cyn remembered their Wednesday nights for quality time together.

  “Of course. This Wednesday night is my turn I believe to come up with something amazing for us to do.” Cyn had already cleared it with TJ and had suggested she and Sam do something together on that night as well.

  “I can hardly wait. I didn’t bring lunch as I thought I’d eat in the cafeteria and see how the girls in the kitchen are doing.” Alex figured if it rained they’d be eating inside anyway.

  “Sure. My lunch isn’t anything special. It will keep until tomorrow.” Cyn downed the last of her coffee just as the five minute bell rang signaling that everyone needed to get to class. This was the start of a new school day in a whole new year.

  The old Alex would have made it a point to be at school thirty minutes before her first class after such a long absence. The new Alex could figure it all out when she walked into her room. The welcome back sign taped to the black board was signed by all of her students. It was too early in the day to be brought to tears, but this could certainly do it. Alex turned away from the class and pretended to glance over the signatures – all the while trying to compose herself.

  “I see once again you’re all hoping for an easy “A” from me. After this I just might do it. Did everyone have a great holiday break?” Alex would have been extremely surprised if she didn’t get a rousing response which she did.

  “Okay I know you think I’m going to have you write about what you did over the holidays and guess what? You’re wrong. I want you to tell me what you learned while I was gone. We’re going to have an oral pop quiz.” Alex smiled at her girls and started calling names.

  The number of incorrect answers wasn’t as bad as it could have been, considering the fact that the girls had just come back from two weeks off. Their assignment was to brush up on what they’d missed as there was going to be a test on Friday.

  Megan was early to the second period class and greeted Alex with a big hug and a small present wrapped in Christmas paper.

  “Megan you shouldn’t have spent your money on me. The balloons on my parking space are plenty.” Alex liked Megan but the fact that her mother had tried to kill her was always in the back of her mind.

  “I know, but I made it.” Megan was very proud of her gift.

  “Tell you what; I’ll open it after class. I need to get the class started.” Alex placed the gift down and waited for Megan to take her seat.

  Giving the second period class a pop quiz as well produced the same if not a little better results. When the class ended Megan was at Alex’s desk before the bell finished ringing.

  “Now let’s take a look at your handy work.” Alex felt her stomach twist into knots as Megan’s gift was a little handmade frame with a picture of her with her mother – Sally Jennings.

  “Do you like it?” Megan was beaming.

  “Oh, Megan. It’s wonderful. Thank you.” Alex was beginning to shake.

  “You don’t know how much we appreciate all that you’ve done for us.” Megan gave Alex a sweet kiss on the cheek and ran out as not to be late to her next class.

  Alex quickly put the frame in her drawer and needed some air, before her desire to throw up became a reality. Alex made it to the door just as several girls started to come in.

  “Excuse me girls, I’ll be right back.” Alex felt tears running down her face as she thought she would never have to see that woman’s face ever again.

  “Miss Whitney are you okay?” Stacey, a senior, could see the look on Alex’s face as she passed her.

  Not responding sent Stacey in pursuit of Alex to see if there was anything she could do. It was taking deep breaths and pure concentration that kept Alex from losing it completely. Stacey could see the panic in Alex’s eyes as she paced back and forth under the overhang just outside the exterior door.

  “I’m all right Stacey. I just saw a picture of someone I thought I’d never see again. And not in a good way. I can’t believe I’m acting this way.” Alex’s arms felt like lead as she tried to shake them out.

  “You’ve been through so much lately. We all know it’s going to take time. Do you want me to get Mrs. Greenway?” Stacey thought Alex needed to go home and try and forget whoever she saw.

  “No, I’m good. Really, I just needed a moment. Shall we go back inside, before we get all wet?” The drizzle had turned into a light rain and the wind was blowing it under the overhang.

  As Alex and Stacey walked back into the classroom she decided to confide in this class as it was made up of seniors. Alex told them about the gift and upon seeing the picture of Megan’s mother had caused her to have a flashback of what happened on Old Woman’s Hill. The girls all understood and promised to keep what she had told them inside the class room. She didn’t want it getting around the school that she freaked out in one of her classes. Unlike the first two classes the third period class discussed how traumatic incidents in our lives can stay with us forever. But Alex did let the girls know that there would be a test on Friday.

  When the lunch bell rang Alex sat down at her desk and looked at the drawer which contained the cause of her panic attack. When Cyn walked in it felt like deja vu of the day Alex received the gift from Richard Greenway.

  “Alex what is it?” Cyn didn’t know what could be wrong.

  “Megan gave me a present.” Looking up at Cyn she was shaking her head. “It’s a picture of her and her mother.”

  “Oh my God. Are you all right?” Cyn could only imagine what went through Alex’s mind when she saw her face again.

  “Cyn I can’t explain it. It was like I was standing in front of her again and she was smiling at me and telling me she was going to kill me.” Alex needed to get away from that picture. “Let’s get out of here now.”

  Cyn took Alex’s hand and gave it a squeeze as they left the room. Alex asked Cyn if she could please put that picture away so she’d never have to see it again. Cyn wanted to throw it in the trash, but Alex couldn’t bring herself to let her do it.

  It was seeing all the familiar faces in the cafeteria and being able to eat with Frederick that brought Alex out of her temporary funk. It was like old times and the Three Musketeers were together again. Alex told Frederick about the picture but didn’t want to talk about it – she just wanted him to know. Then Cyn and Frederick took turns telling stories of all that had gone on while Alex had been recouping. Cyn excused herself a few minutes before lunch was to end to be able to get back to remove the picture from Alex’s drawer. With her mission accomplished Cyn took it back to her classroom and buried it under a stack of books in her bottom drawer. She would figure out later where to put it so Alex would never see it again.

  When the final bell rang at the end of the school day, Alex was ready for a stiff drink and wondered if Sam wanted to meet her in town for dinner. If not she may just need to stop by the Tea House for a large glass of Plum w
ine to go.

  Chapter 10

  While Alex had a rough first day back, Sam’s couldn’t have gone better. The Sheriff couldn’t wait for her to finish the academy so he could have her on staff full time. TJ asked if she was up for some mechanic training on Wednesday night while Cyn and Alex were doing their thing. Sam wasn’t sure what her first day at the academy was going to be like, but said she’d be there if she was still able to stand. Both the Sheriff and TJ were all ears when Sam relayed the Oliver story and asked if he was with her. Sam wasn’t sure what was up in that department, as she hadn’t seen him since they talked back at the house. Sam figured he may be checking out the area or he just couldn’t materialize all the time. But if he ever did make an appearance while they were around she’d be sure to introduce them to each other.

  Clothes shopping was the only task Sam wasn’t that thrilled about doing, but she needed something other than Levi’s and her uniform to wear. The local mercantile didn’t have much in the way of the latest hot fashions, but it did have the basics. Sam purchased two white cotton blouses as well as several pairs of slacks in black, brown and white. As for shoes, the only thing that caught her eye, besides hiking boots, was loafers. After purchasing a pair in black and seal brown she was ready to head for home. Sam wanted to be there waiting when Alex arrived from her first day back at school, and to see if Oliver was around and ask him what he did all day.

  With everything placed neatly on the passenger’s seat, Sam started to pull out of the parking spot when her cell phone rang.

  “Hey Darlin’ are you home already?” Sam wondered if they let the girls out a little early. “No, I’m just leaving and wondered if you’re up for egg rolls.” Alex knew Sam had Chinese food last night and probably ate it for breakfast, but she really wanted that glass of wine.