Part I: PartingChapter 1: ThursdayChapter 2: Intermission Chapter 3: Responsibility Part II: Conditional LoveChapter 4: SalvageChapter 5: Compomise Chapter 6: Appearances Chapter 7: Steadfast Chapter 8: Scorecard Chapter 9: Middle Chapter 10: Haunting Part III: The ReckoningChapter 11: DeparturesChapter 12: Endurance Chapter 13: Letters Chapter 14: Contrition Chapter 15: Waning Chapter 16: Intervening Chapter 17: Detour Chapter 18: Reunion Chapter 19: Exclusive Chapter 20: Gifts Chapter 21: Pennance Part IV: The Third EventChapter 22: ConfidenceChapter 23: Priorities Chapter 24: Dichotomies Chapter 25: Questions Chapter 26: Inattentiveness Chapter 27: Impetuous Chapter 28: Caged Chapter 29: Secrets Chapter 30: Family Chapter 31: Unfulfilled Chapter 32: Drowning Chapter 33: Persistence Chapter 34: Falling Chapter 35: Promises |
Chapter 15: WaningPaul Caudill entered his house and loosened his red and gray pinstripe tie from around his neck. He tried to raise a smile, but the thought of the empty house and Nancy in Texas was hardly a welcoming prospect. Nothing seemed to be in place without her.He left his things in the front entry and called his wife in Texas. While they both had been away in their opposite directions, the calls they shared to one another were welcoming, almost as if they had just been married again. Almost regrettably, Nancy added before they hung up, “Don't forget, Jessica is with Dr. Boston, the little gray house with white trim about two blocks from the grocery store.” Their two weeks apart, however, had all but removed Jessica from their minds. He had hoped Jessica would magically disappear when he returned home. “I won't dear. How is your mother doing?” He wouldn’t have admitted it, but he had enjoyed the time away, hoping that Nancy would have just forgotten Jessica and left her up as the lost cause that she was becoming. It would have been wonderful to return home to find that Jessica was removed from their care. “She's getting better, but I don't want to leave just yet. I want to make sure she gets settled.” Nancy seemed distracted again by her mother’s health. “All right. I'll go get Jessica. When you come home, I'll have your favorite glass of wine and a seat waiting for you, we'll have dinner, just the two of us at your favorite restaurant.” He spoke with a firm voice as he promised his wife a nice night out. “But what about Jessica?” Nancy’s attention was once again confronted with thoughts of adoption. She gyrated through these two phases; unsure of where her attention was really needed right now. “We'll get a sitter.” He replied neglecting notion that Jessica was old enough to watch herself and possibly a small child. “All right. It does sound good.” Nancy was looking forward to the relaxing night with her husband. Paul left after checking the mail that had been stacked in the front door way, scooping most of the mess aside to sort through and reluctantly drove up to the house where Nancy had said it would be; Jessica was outside in the front oiling the lawn mower. She finished, cleaned her hands on an oily rag and picked up the mower. She pushed it through the last few rows and put the mower away in the garage. Two small girls squirted each other with a hose while an older girl tried to wash the car in the carport. He got out of his car and crossed the street. He stood on the sidewalk, not crossing into the property. Somewhere between a lump in his throat and a bark, Paul found his voice. “Jessica.” Jessie looked up and saw Mr. Caudill. For an instant, as if a chill came over her, she stood there staring at him then, Jessie went inside the garage and disappeared into the house. Dr. Boston looked up from her paperwork as Jessie came into the house. She didn’t even look at Dr. Boston just made a straight beeline to the room where she had been staying. A little worried, Dr. Boston first looked outside, and saw Mr. Caudill standing on the sidewalk. “Hello Mr. Caudill.” Christine said going up to him. “I'm afraid I don't remember you.” His eyes narrowed wondering what she was going to do. “I'm Christine Boston, I gave you and your wife a tour of Jessie's school.” “Oh. Are your parents about?” He was polite, but didn’t relax. Nor did he recall her. The twins ran about, chasing each other with the hose, the water splashed next to Mr. Caudill, surprising him. He glared at the twins who shied away. “Sara Ann, Jamie, turn off that hose and come on inside,” Dr. Boston came out. Gratefully in the eyes of Mr. Caudill, the twins complied and ran inside. “Jessica told me you were here. I'm Amy Boston.” “Yes. I'm here to take her home.” He was clearly relieved to see that there was finally an adult around. “She'll be out in a few minutes.” Dr. Boston glanced back at the house. His memory was as blunt as his words. “You're that doctor. Nancy was impressed with you.” “I'm flattered, how is her mother?” “She is getting better, Nancy will be home soon.” Reported Mr. Caudill. “I'm ready.” Jessie came with her two duffel bags. “Well, Jessica was a joy to have. If you need anything, you know where to find us.” She spoke to Jessie directly. “Thank you for your hospitality, it won't be forgotten.” Jessie looked away and murmured as she followed Mr. Caudill to the car. He led Jessica to the car and put her things in the back. “How can she stand to be shuttled around like that?” asked Christine. Dr. Boston didn’t know how to answer Christine. Is there a constant in accepting change? Dr. Boston wondered. “Come on, we have to get dinner ready.” Dr. Boston put her arm around Christine, but they stayed outside as Mr. Caudill drove away. Undoubtedly there was something missing that night without Jessie in the fourth chair. After five minutes of driving, Paul looked in the rear view mirror at Jessica. “Did you enjoy your stay?” Jessie looked startled that he attempted to make conversation. “Yes.” She stammered. She took the bait and decided to ask, “Did your business trip go well?” “Yes.” The prompt answer exhausted their conversational possibilities. “We’ll be going to the club for dinner tonight. I expect you to dress properly.” He announced as they drove up to the house. “Nancy isn’t home yet?” “No. She still needs to settle her mother in.” Jessie detected a hint of despair in his voice. “I’m sorry she’s not home yet. I can only imagine you miss her.” The comment took Paul by surprise. He was certain that Jessica was unfeeling and cold. He gauged her apprehensively for a moment. “We leave in an hour.” He said and then unlocked the backseat so she could take her things out.
Posted 200311.30-RHM |