| General Fiction posted February 23, 2024 | Chapters: |
...22 23 -24- 25... 
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A busy day for Gabby
A chapter in the book Life's Twisted Road
LIfe's Twisted Road - Chap 24
by Begin Again
END OF CHAPTER 23
"It was a pretty day. Warm and sunny. It was fun until Bobby saw the kid's truck go past." Judy paused, remembering, and then went on, "He went crazy. He raced onto the highway, following the kid's truck. He was driving like a madman. I was terrified, screaming for him to stop. His face was red, and he yelled that the kid was going to pay, and nobody was going to stop him. He kept slamming against the boy's truck. I knew we were going to die, especially when I saw the semi." Judy squeezed her eyes shut, shivering, and then she lay quiet.
Jackson said, "I know this is tough, Judy. But I needed your side of the story."
"What about the boy? Is he —"
"Dion's in critical condition, but he's alive."
"Thank heavens, for that." She smiled at Gabby. "Don't cry. I'm sorry for you, honey. Your daddy thought he was trying to protect you." She heaved a heavy sigh. "Now, I need to rest."
Gabby and Jackson stood, each mulling over Judy's story, as they thanked her and left. In the hallway, Jackson asked, "Gabby, you ever heard about this Juan guy?"
"I don't know him." She paused and looked away, biting her lip.
"What is it, Gabby?" Jackson waited, hoping she had a lead.
"I've never met this Juan guy, but I might know someone who has." Gabby stared at the floor, knowing she faced the dilemma of betraying her friends to help Dion.
*****
CHAPTER 24
"Listen, let me think about it okay?" Gabby's eyes pleaded with Jackson. I want to see Dion, but then I'm meeting Audrey at Chuck's Diner for lunch. Would you care to join us?"
It was Jackson's turn to stare at the floor. He chose his words carefully. "I'm not sure your aunt wants to see me."
"Why? Did something happen?" Gabby quizzed. "She certainly can't blame you for my father's actions."
"You know how couples are. It's a difference of opinions. We'll work things out."
"If you change your mind, we will be there at noon. Now, I'd like to see Dion."
"He's on the seventh floor, Room 732."
"Thanks." Gabby headed for the elevator, dismissing thoughts of her aunt and Jackson. She couldn't wait to tell Dion about Judy's conversation with her and Jackson.
*****
Gabby leaned against the elevator wall while she thought about the statement Judy had shared with Jackson. A cold chill ran up and down her spine when she thought about her father. Locked away memories flooded through her mind. Times when he'd come home drunk and lost his temper with her mother. If only they'd told someone. Would the future look different now?
The elevator eased to a stop. Gabby checked the floor number and waited for the door to open. She allowed two women to exit and then she followed. Jason was standing there, waiting for its arrival.
Time froze. The two teenagers stared at each other, uncertain of what to say. Over a few days, their entire lives had changed. The once lovers seemed like strangers to each other.
Gabby recovered first and held the elevator door. "Are you going in?"
Jason flushed and stammered, "I was — but —." Where once they'd shared their feelings, now he felt uncomfortable. He tried again. "Could we talk?"
"Talk? I think you've said all that needs to be said, don't you?" Losing trust in Jason and their friendship was a punch to her stomach. Pained, she turned to walk away.
Jason spoke louder, "I'm sorry — about — your dad." She stopped, and he lowered his voice. "Losing your mom and dad has got to be the worst thing possible. I'm sorry."
"Thank you, Jason." Gabby swallowed hard before adding, "I've got to go. I want to stop in and see Dion." She stepped away again.
This time, Jason reached out and grabbed her arm. "Wait, just give me another minute." Her eyes flared, and he released her arm. "Please?"
Deciding he wouldn't leave her be until he said his piece, she said, "Fine. Say what you have to say, Jason." She wanted to get as far away from him as she could. She wanted to run and not stop till she couldn't see or hear him. It hurt to discover what she thought was true love was a sham, a game till he moved on with his life. Instead, she faced him and listened.
"I know I didn't handle things right, you know, about the baby. But you turned my life upside down, and I didn't know what to do."
"No, we turned our lives upside down, Jason. You and I, together." A tear threatened to escape from the corner of her eye. She brushed it away.
"I know. I'm trying to get this right. I didn't mean to hurt you." He ran his hand across his face, desperate to make his case. His voice trembled as he said, "I was scared. I had plans for my future."
"Really, Jason? You don't think I had plans or dreams? Because I did. But things happen and plans change."
His answer was too quick as he spoke, "Not mine. Sure, Dion will not be part of it, but my plans are still the same."
Her anger boiled over. Shaking her head, she snapped, spitting out her words, "Good for you. Mine aren't. And Dion's certainly aren't. I'm glad you can live happily ever after."
"You don't understand. I'm sorry you had to go to the clinic alone, but now you can put it behind you." Jason shrugged. "I'm glad my friend could be there for you."
"Yeah, your best friend stepped up when you couldn't. But — I didn't have an abortion, Jason. No thanks to you, but I'm still carrying my baby."
Jason's jaw dropped open. "I thought —"
"You thought wrong, but that's none of your concern. You aren't a part of my life anymore. As far as the baby, it's not yours."
Jason mulled over Gabby's words. A moment of relief washed over him, followed by a twinge of jealousy. He was off the hook, but someone else fathered her child. Still, he couldn't just let it go. "If I'm not the father, then who? Not Dion? Were you two messing around behind my back?"
"Jason, it's all about you, isn't it? This baby is mine and no one else. You and I are done!" Gabby turned to go and added, "We will be fine. Enjoy playing football, Jason. I wish you well."
With shoulders squared, Gabby marched down the hallway, closing the door on a part of her past while Jason stared in disbelief.
*****
Shortly before reaching room 732, she stopped, inhaled deeply, and then slowly released the air, expelling her anger. She didn't want to see Dion that way. He'd been so kind to her, and she felt guilty for how her father repaid him. She prayed he wouldn't scream and tell her to leave.
Standing near the door entrance, she saw Dion, his legs and arms wrapped in layers of gauze. His left leg swung in a sling from the ceiling. A cast covered his right arm. He wore a turban much like the one Judy had worn. Her heart sank, knowing her father caused all the pain Dion was suffering. Hesitating, she turned to leave.
"Gabby, come in." Dion chuckled. "Forgive me for not getting up."
"Oh, Dion, I feel awful. How can you joke when you're in so much pain?" Her eyes traveled from his head to his feet.
"I've got an in with the nurse. She provides me with all the good stuff, so I don't feel a thing." Gabby remained standing in the doorway, not sure whether to go in or leave.
Dion smiled. "Don't just stand in the doorway, girl. I don't bite, and even if I am rabid, these drugs will kill anything."
Gabby couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor."
"Doc says my funny bone was probably the only thing not broken or cracked." He nodded toward a chair. "Pull the chair up and stay awhile. I'll try not to run you off with my bad jokes."
"Seriously, Dion, what do the doctors say about your recovery?"
"Looks like I'll be developing a very close relationship with my physical therapist, but he's not my type." Dion paused before adding, "On a serious note, playing with the pros isn't in the game plan anymore, if that's what you wanted to know."
Gabby gulped, unable to even lift her head to face him. "It sounds trivial, but I am sorry, Dion. My father —"
"Stop beating yourself up, Gabby. It's not your fault."
"But if you hadn't been with me at the clinic —"
"I chose to be with you, Gabby. Just like your dad chose to jump to conclusions and because of that, he lost his life. We all make choices, good and bad. No one, especially me, holds you responsible for your dad's choices."
It was barely a whisper, but she responded, "Thank you, Dion." Her eyes told him much more.
Wanting to clear the tension in the room, Dion laughed. "Guess I won't have to be getting up at 5 a.m. for practice anymore. Coach says he's arranged for me to do homeschooling to finish out the year."
Gabby's hand went to her stomach, and she smiled. "Homeschooling for me, too! Maybe we could be study buddies, but you have to promise not to cheat."
"Sounds fantastic! The coach has been talking to the people in the know and I might be able to work as an assistant coach of sorts while I finish classes at the local junior college. It's not playing ball, but I'll still be involved in the game I love."
"I'm so proud of you. You're amazing! You've got such a positive attitude."
"It's that time, Dion." A young man entered the room and stood at the foot of Dion's bed. "Excuse me for overhearing your conversation, but ask him about that positive attitude after today's session."
Dion growled, "Gabby, meet Alan. He's my friendly physical therapist, better known as the torturer."
"Nice to meet you, Gabby. I'm afraid I must steal your man away for now. I keep telling him torture will get him back on his feet."
Embarrassed by Alan's remark about Dion being her man, she opened her mouth to correct him, but Dion spoke first, "Alan, I told you Gabby and I are keeping our relationship on the hush. After all, I've got to be walking before we can discuss a wedding date." Gabby's cheeks turned a crimson rose. Dion enjoyed the moment and then laughed. "Just kidding, Gabby." His eyes twinkled as he admired her glow before Alan moved the bed toward the door. Reaching out his left hand, he touched her arm. "Be sure and come back — soon."
All she could do was wave as his bed disappeared down the hall.
*****
It was a nice warm day and Taylor enjoyed walking along, delivering the mail, and chatting now and then with the town's people. Of course, the major gossip lately was about the crash out on Highway 101.
"You have a good day, Taylor. Thanks for the mail." Ms. Mayfield couldn't stop herself from flirting with him. "Make sure you stop by tomorrow. I'll have a fresh peach pie for your dinner tomorrow night."
"Mighty kind of you." Taylor nodded and continued on his route.
He handed a bundle of mail to Mr. Johnson. "Looks like those seed catalogs are coming in."
"Yeah, it will be time soon enough to be working in my gardens. Then, my knees will complain louder than the crickets. You have a good day, Taylor.
The next stop was the Sheriff's Department. Taylor looked through his bag and found the mail as two trucks drove by carrying the wrecked vehicles from the accident. Taylor watched for a moment and then went inside.
"Good morning, Charlie. I saw them bringing in the vehicles from that accident on Highway 101. By the looks of them, it's lucky anyone survived."
Charlie looked up from his desk to respond, "Yeah, it was one heck of a crash."
"I never cared too much for Bobby, but it's too bad he didn't get a chance to appreciate that new truck of his."
Charlie raised an eyebrow and looked at Taylor. "New truck? Bobby's had that Ford of his for years."
"You don't say. I thought he'd gotten a new one. I'd swear I saw him climbing out of the Dodge they just hauled in."
Bells and alarms were ringing in Charlie's head. "You sure it was the same truck, Taylor? When was this?"
"Hmm — I guess it must have been the same day as the accident. I remember because he climbed out of the truck and nearly knocked me over. Sure was in a hurry. Didn't even bother with a hello. Just turned and hurried between the two buildings." Taylor rubbed his chin. "Makes a man wonder what he was doing in someone else's truck."
"Sure does, Taylor. Sure does." Charlie grabbed his phone. "I've got to give Jackson a call. You have a good day now."
Charlie was excited to tell his boss he'd solved the mystery. He knew how the drugs got into Dion's truck.
END OF CHAPTER 23
"It was a pretty day. Warm and sunny. It was fun until Bobby saw the kid's truck go past." Judy paused, remembering, and then went on, "He went crazy. He raced onto the highway, following the kid's truck. He was driving like a madman. I was terrified, screaming for him to stop. His face was red, and he yelled that the kid was going to pay, and nobody was going to stop him. He kept slamming against the boy's truck. I knew we were going to die, especially when I saw the semi." Judy squeezed her eyes shut, shivering, and then she lay quiet.
Jackson said, "I know this is tough, Judy. But I needed your side of the story."
"What about the boy? Is he —"
"Dion's in critical condition, but he's alive."
"Thank heavens, for that." She smiled at Gabby. "Don't cry. I'm sorry for you, honey. Your daddy thought he was trying to protect you." She heaved a heavy sigh. "Now, I need to rest."
Gabby and Jackson stood, each mulling over Judy's story, as they thanked her and left. In the hallway, Jackson asked, "Gabby, you ever heard about this Juan guy?"
"I don't know him." She paused and looked away, biting her lip.
"What is it, Gabby?" Jackson waited, hoping she had a lead.
"I've never met this Juan guy, but I might know someone who has." Gabby stared at the floor, knowing she faced the dilemma of betraying her friends to help Dion.
*****
CHAPTER 24
"Listen, let me think about it okay?" Gabby's eyes pleaded with Jackson. I want to see Dion, but then I'm meeting Audrey at Chuck's Diner for lunch. Would you care to join us?"
It was Jackson's turn to stare at the floor. He chose his words carefully. "I'm not sure your aunt wants to see me."
"Why? Did something happen?" Gabby quizzed. "She certainly can't blame you for my father's actions."
"You know how couples are. It's a difference of opinions. We'll work things out."
"If you change your mind, we will be there at noon. Now, I'd like to see Dion."
"He's on the seventh floor, Room 732."
"Thanks." Gabby headed for the elevator, dismissing thoughts of her aunt and Jackson. She couldn't wait to tell Dion about Judy's conversation with her and Jackson.
*****
Gabby leaned against the elevator wall while she thought about the statement Judy had shared with Jackson. A cold chill ran up and down her spine when she thought about her father. Locked away memories flooded through her mind. Times when he'd come home drunk and lost his temper with her mother. If only they'd told someone. Would the future look different now?
The elevator eased to a stop. Gabby checked the floor number and waited for the door to open. She allowed two women to exit and then she followed. Jason was standing there, waiting for its arrival.
Time froze. The two teenagers stared at each other, uncertain of what to say. Over a few days, their entire lives had changed. The once lovers seemed like strangers to each other.
Gabby recovered first and held the elevator door. "Are you going in?"
Jason flushed and stammered, "I was — but —." Where once they'd shared their feelings, now he felt uncomfortable. He tried again. "Could we talk?"
"Talk? I think you've said all that needs to be said, don't you?" Losing trust in Jason and their friendship was a punch to her stomach. Pained, she turned to walk away.
Jason spoke louder, "I'm sorry — about — your dad." She stopped, and he lowered his voice. "Losing your mom and dad has got to be the worst thing possible. I'm sorry."
"Thank you, Jason." Gabby swallowed hard before adding, "I've got to go. I want to stop in and see Dion." She stepped away again.
This time, Jason reached out and grabbed her arm. "Wait, just give me another minute." Her eyes flared, and he released her arm. "Please?"
Deciding he wouldn't leave her be until he said his piece, she said, "Fine. Say what you have to say, Jason." She wanted to get as far away from him as she could. She wanted to run and not stop till she couldn't see or hear him. It hurt to discover what she thought was true love was a sham, a game till he moved on with his life. Instead, she faced him and listened.
"I know I didn't handle things right, you know, about the baby. But you turned my life upside down, and I didn't know what to do."
"No, we turned our lives upside down, Jason. You and I, together." A tear threatened to escape from the corner of her eye. She brushed it away.
"I know. I'm trying to get this right. I didn't mean to hurt you." He ran his hand across his face, desperate to make his case. His voice trembled as he said, "I was scared. I had plans for my future."
"Really, Jason? You don't think I had plans or dreams? Because I did. But things happen and plans change."
His answer was too quick as he spoke, "Not mine. Sure, Dion will not be part of it, but my plans are still the same."
Her anger boiled over. Shaking her head, she snapped, spitting out her words, "Good for you. Mine aren't. And Dion's certainly aren't. I'm glad you can live happily ever after."
"You don't understand. I'm sorry you had to go to the clinic alone, but now you can put it behind you." Jason shrugged. "I'm glad my friend could be there for you."
"Yeah, your best friend stepped up when you couldn't. But — I didn't have an abortion, Jason. No thanks to you, but I'm still carrying my baby."
Jason's jaw dropped open. "I thought —"
"You thought wrong, but that's none of your concern. You aren't a part of my life anymore. As far as the baby, it's not yours."
Jason mulled over Gabby's words. A moment of relief washed over him, followed by a twinge of jealousy. He was off the hook, but someone else fathered her child. Still, he couldn't just let it go. "If I'm not the father, then who? Not Dion? Were you two messing around behind my back?"
"Jason, it's all about you, isn't it? This baby is mine and no one else. You and I are done!" Gabby turned to go and added, "We will be fine. Enjoy playing football, Jason. I wish you well."
With shoulders squared, Gabby marched down the hallway, closing the door on a part of her past while Jason stared in disbelief.
*****
Shortly before reaching room 732, she stopped, inhaled deeply, and then slowly released the air, expelling her anger. She didn't want to see Dion that way. He'd been so kind to her, and she felt guilty for how her father repaid him. She prayed he wouldn't scream and tell her to leave.
Standing near the door entrance, she saw Dion, his legs and arms wrapped in layers of gauze. His left leg swung in a sling from the ceiling. A cast covered his right arm. He wore a turban much like the one Judy had worn. Her heart sank, knowing her father caused all the pain Dion was suffering. Hesitating, she turned to leave.
"Gabby, come in." Dion chuckled. "Forgive me for not getting up."
"Oh, Dion, I feel awful. How can you joke when you're in so much pain?" Her eyes traveled from his head to his feet.
"I've got an in with the nurse. She provides me with all the good stuff, so I don't feel a thing." Gabby remained standing in the doorway, not sure whether to go in or leave.
"It was a pretty day. Warm and sunny. It was fun until Bobby saw the kid's truck go past." Judy paused, remembering, and then went on, "He went crazy. He raced onto the highway, following the kid's truck. He was driving like a madman. I was terrified, screaming for him to stop. His face was red, and he yelled that the kid was going to pay, and nobody was going to stop him. He kept slamming against the boy's truck. I knew we were going to die, especially when I saw the semi." Judy squeezed her eyes shut, shivering, and then she lay quiet.
Jackson said, "I know this is tough, Judy. But I needed your side of the story."
"What about the boy? Is he —"
"Dion's in critical condition, but he's alive."
"Thank heavens, for that." She smiled at Gabby. "Don't cry. I'm sorry for you, honey. Your daddy thought he was trying to protect you." She heaved a heavy sigh. "Now, I need to rest."
Gabby and Jackson stood, each mulling over Judy's story, as they thanked her and left. In the hallway, Jackson asked, "Gabby, you ever heard about this Juan guy?"
"I don't know him." She paused and looked away, biting her lip.
"What is it, Gabby?" Jackson waited, hoping she had a lead.
"I've never met this Juan guy, but I might know someone who has." Gabby stared at the floor, knowing she faced the dilemma of betraying her friends to help Dion.
*****
CHAPTER 24
"Listen, let me think about it okay?" Gabby's eyes pleaded with Jackson. I want to see Dion, but then I'm meeting Audrey at Chuck's Diner for lunch. Would you care to join us?"
It was Jackson's turn to stare at the floor. He chose his words carefully. "I'm not sure your aunt wants to see me."
"Why? Did something happen?" Gabby quizzed. "She certainly can't blame you for my father's actions."
"You know how couples are. It's a difference of opinions. We'll work things out."
"If you change your mind, we will be there at noon. Now, I'd like to see Dion."
"He's on the seventh floor, Room 732."
"Thanks." Gabby headed for the elevator, dismissing thoughts of her aunt and Jackson. She couldn't wait to tell Dion about Judy's conversation with her and Jackson.
*****
Gabby leaned against the elevator wall while she thought about the statement Judy had shared with Jackson. A cold chill ran up and down her spine when she thought about her father. Locked away memories flooded through her mind. Times when he'd come home drunk and lost his temper with her mother. If only they'd told someone. Would the future look different now?
The elevator eased to a stop. Gabby checked the floor number and waited for the door to open. She allowed two women to exit and then she followed. Jason was standing there, waiting for its arrival.
Time froze. The two teenagers stared at each other, uncertain of what to say. Over a few days, their entire lives had changed. The once lovers seemed like strangers to each other.
Gabby recovered first and held the elevator door. "Are you going in?"
Jason flushed and stammered, "I was — but —." Where once they'd shared their feelings, now he felt uncomfortable. He tried again. "Could we talk?"
"Talk? I think you've said all that needs to be said, don't you?" Losing trust in Jason and their friendship was a punch to her stomach. Pained, she turned to walk away.
Jason spoke louder, "I'm sorry — about — your dad." She stopped, and he lowered his voice. "Losing your mom and dad has got to be the worst thing possible. I'm sorry."
"Thank you, Jason." Gabby swallowed hard before adding, "I've got to go. I want to stop in and see Dion." She stepped away again.
This time, Jason reached out and grabbed her arm. "Wait, just give me another minute." Her eyes flared, and he released her arm. "Please?"
Deciding he wouldn't leave her be until he said his piece, she said, "Fine. Say what you have to say, Jason." She wanted to get as far away from him as she could. She wanted to run and not stop till she couldn't see or hear him. It hurt to discover what she thought was true love was a sham, a game till he moved on with his life. Instead, she faced him and listened.
"I know I didn't handle things right, you know, about the baby. But you turned my life upside down, and I didn't know what to do."
"No, we turned our lives upside down, Jason. You and I, together." A tear threatened to escape from the corner of her eye. She brushed it away.
"I know. I'm trying to get this right. I didn't mean to hurt you." He ran his hand across his face, desperate to make his case. His voice trembled as he said, "I was scared. I had plans for my future."
"Really, Jason? You don't think I had plans or dreams? Because I did. But things happen and plans change."
His answer was too quick as he spoke, "Not mine. Sure, Dion will not be part of it, but my plans are still the same."
Her anger boiled over. Shaking her head, she snapped, spitting out her words, "Good for you. Mine aren't. And Dion's certainly aren't. I'm glad you can live happily ever after."
"You don't understand. I'm sorry you had to go to the clinic alone, but now you can put it behind you." Jason shrugged. "I'm glad my friend could be there for you."
"Yeah, your best friend stepped up when you couldn't. But — I didn't have an abortion, Jason. No thanks to you, but I'm still carrying my baby."
Jason's jaw dropped open. "I thought —"
"You thought wrong, but that's none of your concern. You aren't a part of my life anymore. As far as the baby, it's not yours."
Jason mulled over Gabby's words. A moment of relief washed over him, followed by a twinge of jealousy. He was off the hook, but someone else fathered her child. Still, he couldn't just let it go. "If I'm not the father, then who? Not Dion? Were you two messing around behind my back?"
"Jason, it's all about you, isn't it? This baby is mine and no one else. You and I are done!" Gabby turned to go and added, "We will be fine. Enjoy playing football, Jason. I wish you well."
With shoulders squared, Gabby marched down the hallway, closing the door on a part of her past while Jason stared in disbelief.
*****
Shortly before reaching room 732, she stopped, inhaled deeply, and then slowly released the air, expelling her anger. She didn't want to see Dion that way. He'd been so kind to her, and she felt guilty for how her father repaid him. She prayed he wouldn't scream and tell her to leave.
Standing near the door entrance, she saw Dion, his legs and arms wrapped in layers of gauze. His left leg swung in a sling from the ceiling. A cast covered his right arm. He wore a turban much like the one Judy had worn. Her heart sank, knowing her father caused all the pain Dion was suffering. Hesitating, she turned to leave.
"Gabby, come in." Dion chuckled. "Forgive me for not getting up."
"Oh, Dion, I feel awful. How can you joke when you're in so much pain?" Her eyes traveled from his head to his feet.
"I've got an in with the nurse. She provides me with all the good stuff, so I don't feel a thing." Gabby remained standing in the doorway, not sure whether to go in or leave.
Dion smiled. "Don't just stand in the doorway, girl. I don't bite, and even if I am rabid, these drugs will kill anything."
Gabby couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor."
"Doc says my funny bone was probably the only thing not broken or cracked." He nodded toward a chair. "Pull the chair up and stay awhile. I'll try not to run you off with my bad jokes."
"Seriously, Dion, what do the doctors say about your recovery?"
"Looks like I'll be developing a very close relationship with my physical therapist, but he's not my type." Dion paused before adding, "On a serious note, playing with the pros isn't in the game plan anymore, if that's what you wanted to know."
Gabby gulped, unable to even lift her head to face him. "It sounds trivial, but I am sorry, Dion. My father —"
"Stop beating yourself up, Gabby. It's not your fault."
"But if you hadn't been with me at the clinic —"
"I chose to be with you, Gabby. Just like your dad chose to jump to conclusions and because of that, he lost his life. We all make choices, good and bad. No one, especially me, holds you responsible for your dad's choices."
It was barely a whisper, but she responded, "Thank you, Dion." Her eyes told him much more.
Wanting to clear the tension in the room, Dion laughed. "Guess I won't have to be getting up at 5 a.m. for practice anymore. Coach says he's arranged for me to do homeschooling to finish out the year."
Gabby's hand went to her stomach, and she smiled. "Homeschooling for me, too! Maybe we could be study buddies, but you have to promise not to cheat."
"Sounds fantastic! The coach has been talking to the people in the know and I might be able to work as an assistant coach of sorts while I finish classes at the local junior college. It's not playing ball, but I'll still be involved in the game I love."
"I'm so proud of you. You're amazing! You've got such a positive attitude."
"It's that time, Dion." A young man entered the room and stood at the foot of Dion's bed. "Excuse me for overhearing your conversation, but ask him about that positive attitude after today's session."
Dion growled, "Gabby, meet Alan. He's my friendly physical therapist, better known as the torturer."
"Nice to meet you, Gabby. I'm afraid I must steal your man away for now. I keep telling him torture will get him back on his feet."
Embarrassed by Alan's remark about Dion being her man, she opened her mouth to correct him, but Dion spoke first, "Alan, I told you Gabby and I are keeping our relationship on the hush. After all, I've got to be walking before we can discuss a wedding date." Gabby's cheeks turned a crimson rose. Dion enjoyed the moment and then laughed. "Just kidding, Gabby." His eyes twinkled as he admired her glow before Alan moved the bed toward the door. Reaching out his left hand, he touched her arm. "Be sure and come back — soon."
All she could do was wave as his bed disappeared down the hall.
*****
It was a nice warm day and Taylor enjoyed walking along, delivering the mail, and chatting now and then with the town's people. Of course, the major gossip lately was about the crash out on Highway 101.
"You have a good day, Taylor. Thanks for the mail." Ms. Mayfield couldn't stop herself from flirting with him. "Make sure you stop by tomorrow. I'll have a fresh peach pie for your dinner tomorrow night."
"Mighty kind of you." Taylor nodded and continued on his route.
He handed a bundle of mail to Mr. Johnson. "Looks like those seed catalogs are coming in."
"Yeah, it will be time soon enough to be working in my gardens. Then, my knees will complain louder than the crickets. You have a good day, Taylor.
The next stop was the Sheriff's Department. Taylor looked through his bag and found the mail as two trucks drove by carrying the wrecked vehicles from the accident. Taylor watched for a moment and then went inside.
"Good morning, Charlie. I saw them bringing in the vehicles from that accident on Highway 101. By the looks of them, it's lucky anyone survived."
Charlie looked up from his desk to respond, "Yeah, it was one heck of a crash."
"I never cared too much for Bobby, but it's too bad he didn't get a chance to appreciate that new truck of his."
Charlie raised an eyebrow and looked at Taylor. "New truck? Bobby's had that Ford of his for years."
"You don't say. I thought he'd gotten a new one. I'd swear I saw him climbing out of the Dodge they just hauled in."
Bells and alarms were ringing in Charlie's head. "You sure it was the same truck, Taylor? When was this?"
"Hmm — I guess it must have been the same day as the accident. I remember because he climbed out of the truck and nearly knocked me over. Sure was in a hurry. Didn't even bother with a hello. Just turned and hurried between the two buildings." Taylor rubbed his chin. "Makes a man wonder what he was doing in someone else's truck."
"Sure does, Taylor. Sure does." Charlie grabbed his phone. "I've got to give Jackson a call. You have a good day now."
Charlie was excited to tell his boss he'd solved the mystery. He knew how the drugs got into Dion's truck.
Gabby couldn't stop herself from laughing. "Glad to see you haven't lost your sense of humor."
"Doc says my funny bone was probably the only thing not broken or cracked." He nodded toward a chair. "Pull the chair up and stay awhile. I'll try not to run you off with my bad jokes."
"Seriously, Dion, what do the doctors say about your recovery?"
"Looks like I'll be developing a very close relationship with my physical therapist, but he's not my type." Dion paused before adding, "On a serious note, playing with the pros isn't in the game plan anymore, if that's what you wanted to know."
Gabby gulped, unable to even lift her head to face him. "It sounds trivial, but I am sorry, Dion. My father —"
"Stop beating yourself up, Gabby. It's not your fault."
"But if you hadn't been with me at the clinic —"
"I chose to be with you, Gabby. Just like your dad chose to jump to conclusions and because of that, he lost his life. We all make choices, good and bad. No one, especially me, holds you responsible for your dad's choices."
It was barely a whisper, but she responded, "Thank you, Dion." Her eyes told him much more.
Wanting to clear the tension in the room, Dion laughed. "Guess I won't have to be getting up at 5 a.m. for practice anymore. Coach says he's arranged for me to do homeschooling to finish out the year."
Gabby's hand went to her stomach, and she smiled. "Homeschooling for me, too! Maybe we could be study buddies, but you have to promise not to cheat."
"Sounds fantastic! The coach has been talking to the people in the know and I might be able to work as an assistant coach of sorts while I finish classes at the local junior college. It's not playing ball, but I'll still be involved in the game I love."
"I'm so proud of you. You're amazing! You've got such a positive attitude."
"It's that time, Dion." A young man entered the room and stood at the foot of Dion's bed. "Excuse me for overhearing your conversation, but ask him about that positive attitude after today's session."
Dion growled, "Gabby, meet Alan. He's my friendly physical therapist, better known as the torturer."
"Nice to meet you, Gabby. I'm afraid I must steal your man away for now. I keep telling him torture will get him back on his feet."
Embarrassed by Alan's remark about Dion being her man, she opened her mouth to correct him, but Dion spoke first, "Alan, I told you Gabby and I are keeping our relationship on the hush. After all, I've got to be walking before we can discuss a wedding date." Gabby's cheeks turned a crimson rose. Dion enjoyed the moment and then laughed. "Just kidding, Gabby." His eyes twinkled as he admired her glow before Alan moved the bed toward the door. Reaching out his left hand, he touched her arm. "Be sure and come back — soon."
All she could do was wave as his bed disappeared down the hall.
*****
It was a nice warm day and Taylor enjoyed walking along, delivering the mail, and chatting now and then with the town's people. Of course, the major gossip lately was about the crash out on Highway 101.
"You have a good day, Taylor. Thanks for the mail." Ms. Mayfield couldn't stop herself from flirting with him. "Make sure you stop by tomorrow. I'll have a fresh peach pie for your dinner tomorrow night."
"Mighty kind of you." Taylor nodded and continued on his route.
He handed a bundle of mail to Mr. Johnson. "Looks like those seed catalogs are coming in."
"Yeah, it will be time soon enough to be working in my gardens. Then, my knees will complain louder than the crickets. You have a good day, Taylor.
The next stop was the Sheriff's Department. Taylor looked through his bag and found the mail as two trucks drove by carrying the wrecked vehicles from the accident. Taylor watched for a moment and then went inside.
"Good morning, Charlie. I saw them bringing in the vehicles from that accident on Highway 101. By the looks of them, it's lucky anyone survived."
Charlie looked up from his desk to respond, "Yeah, it was one heck of a crash."
"I never cared too much for Bobby, but it's too bad he didn't get a chance to appreciate that new truck of his."
Charlie raised an eyebrow and looked at Taylor. "New truck? Bobby's had that Ford of his for years."
"You don't say. I thought he'd gotten a new one. I'd swear I saw him climbing out of the Dodge they just hauled in."
Bells and alarms were ringing in Charlie's head. "You sure it was the same truck, Taylor? When was this?"
"Hmm — I guess it must have been the same day as the accident. I remember because he climbed out of the truck and nearly knocked me over. Sure was in a hurry. Didn't even bother with a hello. Just turned and hurried between the two buildings." Taylor rubbed his chin. "Makes a man wonder what he was doing in someone else's truck."
"Sure does, Taylor. Sure does." Charlie grabbed his phone. "I've got to give Jackson a call. You have a good day now."
Charlie was excited to tell his boss he'd solved the mystery. He knew how the drugs got into Dion's truck.
 Recognized |
ISABELLA - Natasha's grandmother
DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend
JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate
COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor
GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky
BOBBY - Gabby's father
AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt
JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day
PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman
AMANDA - Paddy's wife
LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers
CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff
JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey
JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier
AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe
ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd
AL - a firefighter at the scene
TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier
ALEJANDRO - a local farmer
LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. DION - Star quarterback and Jason's best friend
JASON - Dion's best friend and teammate
COACH - the high school football coach and team counselor
GABBY - Jason's girlfriend and best friends with Natasha and Becky
BOBBY - Gabby's father
AUDREY - Bobby's sister and Gabby's Aunt
JUDY -THE BLONDE - Bobby's drinking date for the day
PADDY -THE JOGGER - A nice older Irish gentleman
AMANDA - Paddy's wife
LUCILLE LAKEWOOD - one of the arresting officers
CHARLIE - Department Manager for the Sheriff
JACKSON - the sheriff and the man dating Bobby's sister, Audrey
JUAN - Local pool boy and behind the scenes drug supplier
AUSTIN - semi driver and owner of Roscoe
ROSCOE - Austin's co-pilot, a German Shepherd
AL - a firefighter at the scene
TAYLOR - a town resident and mail carrier
ALEJANDRO - a local farmer
LAYLA - a registered nurse and Jackson's sister
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