by Rimmy London
Chapter 12
Chase wandered the main level of Poppyridge like a phantom, no thought in his head. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Abby and Ava still slept upstairs, his two girls that managed to make up the entirety of his heart. He glanced up the stairs, stopping his haunt. In the early morning, a pale bluish light streamed in through the long windows. The sun wouldn't peak the trees for a good two hours, and normally, he would have been home from the gym, showered, and back on the road for work already.
But this morning was different. He'd stayed in bed, watching Abby, wrapping his arms carefully around her as she slept. The last few days they'd spent together were filled with outside adventures, good food, and great movies. But it was nothing like he'd wanted it to be. Sure, she was still getting used to the medication she'd started. And it had kept her calm… but it had also stripped the joy from her life.
Chase's stomach turned at the thought. Perhaps she could cycle off them, and things would go back to normal. In the beginning, he imagined a few months would be a good first trial. But now, with less than a week down, he wanted her to try stopping the pills. Their effect was too extreme, even at such a low dose.
He glanced at the clock in the kitchen as it chimed once. 6:15, and he needed to get on the road. A sudden idea had him feeling a little more cheerful. His patient just after lunch hour had canceled, so if he needed to, he could run home at lunchtime and check on things. It would be a lot of driving for one day, but at least his mind would be at ease. With one last glance upstairs, he slipped his jacket on over his suit shirt and grabbed his keys from the counter.
The morning dragged on, with the handful of patients he saw not presenting much of a challenge. Most just wanted to be heard. He inserted advice when he thought it warranted, but it wasn't why they came. They wanted to talk it out. And so, he listened.
In the back of his mind was an ever-running dialogue about Abby, his voice analyzing and strategizing. What did they know for sure? What could he do to help? What had he overlooked? That was the question—the one that wouldn't leave him, the thought that he'd overlooked something. But the more he reviewed all Abby had told him, the less likely it seemed. There was simply nothing to overlook. He blew out a gust of breath, leaning forward and resting his chin on his fist. What was it, then?
"Ms. Stakley would like to schedule an appointment today, Doctor Roberts." His receptionist's voice rang out from the intercom. "Would it be all right if I write her in at one? You had a cancellation."
For half a second, Chase wanted to say no. He ached to see Abby, if only to ease the anxiety building up inside. But he knew he shouldn't. A young woman whose fiancé recently passed away was no one to put off. "Yes, go ahead." He glanced back at the clock. One more patient and then he could at least call Abby. The ticking of the clock suddenly seemed particularly loud, clicking away in the background.
Next was a new patient named Jacob. Younger, hardly in his thirties… with a fear of getting older. Chase tried to keep his heart open, his mind willing to see from this man's perspective. But he'd barely begun to live! Didn't he know that the girlfriend he spoke of could be the adoration of his life? Filling every ounce of his being with a love and elation that he'd never known was possible before, changing his very nature?
The clock continued ticking, and his mind caught hold of a singular thought. He held his hand up, stopping the man's lamenting for a moment. "I understand your fears."
Chase stood, walking in time with the clock. Had it always been so loud? Did this man hear it as clearly?
"But I need you to allow me to guide your thoughts for a moment." He paused, looking back at Jacob until he'd nodded and sank back in his chair, resistant but relenting. Good enough. "Could it be that this anxiety you've shared—which is very common, believe me—is simply an inner reminder that your every moment is a gift?"
The clock ticked on happily as if pleased to be useful. Chase smiled. Jacob smiled, his youth still so plain on his face. A smooth glow to his skin, although in his eyes was an etching of concern.
"Let me continue." Chase sighed. "You've told me that you fear all the ways that time will change you on the outside, but have you considered the way that you will grow on the inside? Have you considered that this moment, right here, right now, could place you on a path you could've never seen before?" He turned and focused on the man's dark eyes, now trained back at his astutely. "This moment is one of infinite importance in your life. From here you will choose your future, you will take hold of each day and all that it affords you, and you will cherish it. There are no limits to what you can achieve, to what's possible."
He gauged his next words, knowing full well that some patients didn't want to hear all his dreaming. But this young man was now perched on the edge of his seat, drinking it in.
"And right now, if you can feel that strength in your chest, that desire in your bones, to do something formidable… now is the time you must begin. Take that path you didn't see before." Chase lowered back into his chair. "Can you do that?"
Jacob cleared his throat. "I don't know what I was expecting when I scheduled this appointment." He shook his head, with a full grin now on his face. "But I can't believe the difference you've made for me in a matter of minutes. I feel like a fool, honestly."
"That's never my intention—"
"No, I know." Jacob laughed. "I know it's not." His eyes lifted, softening. "Thank you so much. I can't believe how much I'd let this anxiety just run away with me. Honestly, I think I know what I have to do now. I had no idea before." He stood and reached his hand out, shaking Chase's hand in a firm grip. "Can I come again next week?"
"Absolutely." Chase couldn't help but wonder if Jacob's girlfriend was going to be a fiancée soon. It had him remembering the day he'd proposed to Abby. He watched Jacob leave, with visions of Abby's face in the sunset and her hair tossed by the sea breeze. He'd never forget that moment.
Reaching for his phone, he called her quickly, anxious to hear her voice.
"Hello?"
"Abby." Chase felt more relief than he was ready for, nearly gasping as he sank back into his chair. "How are things going? I've got a little break for lunch and thought I'd give you a call." He didn't want to sound too anxious, like he was checking up on her… even though he was.
"Oh, that's nice."
He could hear sounds of movement in the background and tried to pinpoint what she was doing. "You guys having lunch?"
"Yeah."
There were more sounds.
"Okay, uh…" He tried to think of something wonderful they could do together when he got home or something brilliant or funny he could say, but nothing came to him. "I've got a pretty busy schedule this week, but you can call me anytime if you need."
"I will, Chase. Thanks."
He could hear the effort in her voice, like she'd recognized his concern and wanted to be appreciative, but she just didn't feel it. The thought had his mood sinking. "I love you, Bee."
"I love you too."
There was a moment of pause, where he would normally end the call, but for some reason, he couldn't. He stayed locked in place with his phone to his ear, listening to every sound and whisper of breath. "You're sure you're okay?" he finally asked, dropping any false strength that might have been there before. "I'm worried about you, love."
She sighed, long and tired. "I know you are, but things are okay. I promise." A drawer closed. "I was just packing for the trip tomorrow, but I didn't want to say anything. I know you're not excited about me going. We are having lunch though, I wasn't lying." She laughed, a fleeting melody. "But don't worry, things are going great. Ava and I are having fun making a surprise for you when you get home. Right, Ava? Are we gonna surprise Daddy?"
"Tookies!" Ava shouted.
"Shh, it's a secret, remember?"
"Ooooh, yes. Tookies," she whispered, although her voice still managed to be loud.
Chase laughed, feeling a million times better after
hearing them conspiring together. "I'm so excited to come home and see what my surprise is!" he said loudly, hoping Ava was listening.
"Tookies!" she shouted again.
"Shh, Ava!"
He wanted to drive home that instant and kiss them both. "I can't wait to see you girls. Love you."
"Wuv you, Daddy."
"Love you, Chase."
His mind eased, and the rest of the afternoon flew by. He hardly noticed the clock again. All he could think of was holding his girls in his arms and taking another step closer to normal. The slow pace through rush hour traffic was always a headache, and he pictured the stress-free commute he'd have if he lived out by Cedar Creek where he grew up. It was something he'd begun to think about more and more, ever since he'd spent the weekend there with Abby and Ava.
He took the exit to Poppyridge and appreciated every inch of the drive, the wilderness surrounding him was familiar and beautiful. He couldn't imagine moving away, especially when it had been Abby's dream come true. The fact that they ever finished the inn was a miracle in itself. How could he ever consider asking her to leave? He pushed all thoughts of Cedar Creek to the back of his mind, vowing to stay invested in their inn at Poppyridge. It was the happily ever after Abby deserved.
Pulling up to the house, he expected Ava would run out the door to greet him, but when she didn't, he tried not to let the discouragement build up. Besides, she was probably busy eating the cookies they'd made. The thought had him smiling as he walked inside. A few guests were gathered by the fire, chatting. They cast smiles in his direction and continued their conversation.
Chase peeked into the kitchen, expecting a couple of flour-dusted, beautiful faces to jump out and surprise him, but it was silent. The kitchen was covered in bowls, spoons, and cookie dough, some of it rolled out on the countertop with cookie cutters scattered about.
An uncomfortable feeling coiled in Chase's stomach. "Abby?" He called upstairs, but the only sounds were of the guests as they made their way out the back. One of them, an older woman with silvery-blonde hair, changed course, and approached.
"I believe I saw her taking the dog out for a walk earlier," she offered with a smile, but then her brows fell, crimping her skin together in between. "It seemed she was in a hurry. Perhaps she wanted to make it back to see you?"
"Oh." Chase glanced out the windows to the redwoods. The sun had nearly set, and the tree's long shadows had already reached the house. "Well, I am a bit early. I'll just go check on her."
"Very good." She smiled. "This place is so wonderful, I've been wanting to tell you."
Chase smiled, glancing out the windows again and noticing the sky already looked a shade darker.
"The location is incredible, with the redwood forest and the beautifully pure coastline. I couldn't imagine a more serene spot to vacation." She held out her hand and took Chase's in hers. "Thank you so much, it really is beautiful."
"I'm so glad. Enjoy your evening." Chase squeezed her hand back and turned in the next moment. He couldn't risk any further conversation, not when the sky was getting darker by the second. When he stepped outside, he headed straight for the trees. He glanced back to see Champ had been let out of his kennel. Hoping they were together, he whistled loudly. "Champ!"
He kicked up to a jog at the trailhead, rounding the first crest in the forest floor. It undulated gently, making for beautiful scenery but also allowing anyone or anything to disappear even at a relatively close range. He called for Champ again, knowing the Labrador's ears would pick it up.
Perhaps the woman was wrong, and Abby and Ava were simply upstairs. Maybe they'd fallen asleep, and that was why they didn't answer. But if that was the case, why was there cookie dough left unbaked on the counter? It wasn't like Abby to leave a cookie project unfinished.
He skidded to a stop with his head cocked, holding his breath. The sound had been distant, but he was sure he'd heard something. "Abby!" His voice ricocheted through the trees, like a gunshot in the silence. Why wasn't she answering?
Again, he heard it. A single bark. Like a warning or cry for help. "Champ!" He whistled as loud as he could. "Here, boy!" He jogged in the direction of a third bark, this time the sound closer. The shadows had become deep, darkness flooding the forest floor. He kept a careful eye on each bush and rock, dodging branches in the last second as they came into view. His heart was pumping painfully, his mind too willing to show him scenes that would explain Abby's wandering in the forest.
The yellow lab's tail came into view, whipping generously against a bush. His leash was taut as he pulled against it, and at the other end, Abby stood motionless, gazing deeper into the forest.
Chase scanned the area. "Abby?" He walked up to her, but she stayed still until he reached for her arm. Then she turned, her face a mixture of determination and confusion.
"What's going on?" Chase couldn't shake the fear, not when so many things were still unknown. "Are you okay? Where's Ava?"
Abby's gaze finally dropped to his. She released a deep breath. "She fell asleep upstairs. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"Why didn't you answer me?" Chase's voice was raised, he couldn't help it. He'd nearly had a heart attack, and she was just out for a stroll? It wasn't making sense.
"I just came out for a walk with Champ."
Abby's eyes fluttered to the ground and back again, and Chase tensed. It was a common habit of people who were lying. But why would she lie to him?
"He ran off after something. I think it was a deer. I just got him back again and was watching for the deer. I thought I saw it."
A strange silence tinged the air between them, lingering like poisoned fog. Chase couldn't decide how to answer; it seemed obvious that she'd just lied to his face. But then, he wasn't being fair. The medication had tainted her perfect personality so severely, perhaps this was another side effect.
He pulled in a heavy breath, the shadows almost hiding the expression in her eyes. "I'm glad you're okay," he said softly, taking her into his arms. It was what he'd wanted all day, but the embrace felt cold. Her arms were shadows, phantoms easily brushed away. "Let's go check on Ava." He refused to take her nonchalance to heart, reminding himself that the medication had wreaked havoc on her already stressed psyche. At least she was okay. He glanced at her while they walked, surprised at the lack of emotion on her face. Her mouth was set and her eyes unmoving, like stone.
"I should have finished the cookies, but Ava was so tired, and then Champ wouldn't stop barking. I think he's been tied up for too long. So I just went out for a walk."
"Uh-huh." Chase found it hard to respond at all. Champ never barked, and Ava went to sleep easily. Could it be possible she was just tying off the loose ends of her lies?
When they walked in the house, the same woman Chase had spoken to before was sitting on the couch with Ava on her lap, pointing animatedly at pictures in a wilderness magazine. Ava glanced over when they entered, her face lighting up.
"Oh, look who's here!" the woman said, smiling back at them.
But Chase couldn't move. His heart was full of horror, and he wore it plainly on his face. Ava had been left with complete strangers? Just so Abby could walk the dog? Things were not okay. He made eye contact briefly with the woman, and she seemed to understand instantly that he wasn't happy with the situation.
"I heard her crying, and I hadn't seen either of you come in yet," she explained in a rush as she retreated. "I'm sorry if that was out of place, I was just trying to help."
Chase let the suspended breath out of his lungs. "I appreciate your help, really. Thank you." He watched as her eyes narrowed, and she nodded slowly, clearly at odds with the way he appeared versus the words that came from his mouth. He worked to find some semblance of calm.
But when he turned back to Abby, he started at the paleness of her face. Her eyes locked onto his. It was as if she'd been waiting a lifetime for him to turn, even though it had only been a matter of minutes. When her eyes began to fill with tear
s, he couldn't take it any longer.
"What's going on?" His voice was a whisper, the only strength he could manage. Something had to change. There was entirely too much Abby was holding in. She needed to start talking… and he had a feeling she was about to.
Chapter 13
Abby's throat burned, searing pain from forcing down her emotions. But they wouldn't stay put any longer. Tears streamed down her face before she could say a word. They returned to the kitchen amidst the cookie dough and mixing bowls, and Chase stared back at her with desperation in his eyes. She wanted so badly to make everything better between them, but what she was about to say would devastate him.
"I saw him again," she finally managed, the words pushing through her raw throat. "My dad." His eyebrow lifted, but there was no other change in his face. She half sobbed as she began to explain, knowing he wouldn't believe her, but also positive about what she saw. "He was standing back by the trees, where he could see in through the kitchen window at me and Ava making cookies. He was there—I saw him. I recognized him."
"And he was wearing the same shirt like the picture you have from fifteen years ago?" Chase asked quietly. "Abby, think about it."
"Why?" she shouted, feeling the pain in her own heart at the surprise on his face. "Why do I have to think about it when he was right there?" She threw her hand toward the window and froze. The night had fallen, dark and solid with the windows casting her reflection back at her.
