Facing Redemption

by Kimberly McKay

The nurse looked at her computer, and scrolled through some information. “Yes, he’s right down that hallway, in room 245B. He just returned from some tests. Maybe that’s why your mom didn’t answer her cell?” The nurse offered. She did a quick look to his left hand. No ring.

  “Thank you. I appreciate your help. You guys are much better equipped to deal with family up here than the last nurse I just battled with … I mean dealt with.” Timothy’s face relaxed. He looked to her hospital badge. “Nurse Henski? Did I pronounce that right?”

  “Pretty good, you came close.” She sweetly smiled, and looked down to her workstation. Her shift was over and it had been a slow morning. If the conversation continued, she’d planned on writing her number down on a sticky for him, but by the time she could grab a pen and look back up for more banter, any hopes of flirting were walking away. She watched him walk down the long hallway and dropped her pen back in place.

  “Henski.” The head nurse on duty rounded the counter. “Your shift is up. Turn in your closing paperwork and stop flirting with the patient’s family.”

  “I know. Can’t blame a girl for trying though. He was pretty cute and no ring,” she replied. Nurse Henski snuck one more look down the hallway before she saw her missed opportunity turn the corner.

  Timothy quickly found the room and pushed through the door. His mom was sitting in the chair smiling at his dad. His dad was sitting up in his bed, alert and awake. The difference in is father was a miracle.

  “Hey I almost took you for dead last night,” Timothy joked walking around to his dad’s bedside. “It’s good to see you’re up and at em sir.”

  “It’s good to be here.” Mr. Banks said slightly slurred.

  “How is he?” He looked to his mom. Before she could speak, Mr. Banks interrupted.

  “I’m fine.” He said with a grouchy tone.

  Timothy and his mom laughed in sync. “I know you’ve got to be feeling better now.” Timothy laughed back at his dad. It was music to his ears, and a real sign of health to see that his dad had a spitfire spirit enough to get upset when he was talked over instead of to.

  “Good morning folks. I’m Dr. Sinclair and I’m in charge of your dad’s care today.” Everyone turned toward the 30-something Doctor. He looked young enough to still be in college, let alone already in med school or out of residency. Timothy’s eyes shot up at his mom and she smiled wanly.

  “I’m stopping by on my rounds to let you know your dad’s condition has vastly improved, but based on the tests from this morning he’s going to need a lot of aftercare. Now his vitals are strong, which is why we took him from ICU but we’re going to keep him for a few more days to observe and run some more tests.”

  “Thank you Doctor Sinclair.” Mrs. Banks smiled. “What kind of aftercare are we talking about?”

  “Well your standard PT … um physical therapy. His left side is still affected. He’s going to want to do a lot on his own and will be frustrated when he can’t. So I’d even suggest counseling if you feel it’s needed. Sometimes patients struggle with their condition mentally when they’re bound like this physically.”

  Mrs. Banks mouth dropped open. Mr. Banks face clouded with anger. Timothy was taken back. This young kid had no idea what he was suggesting. Mr. Banks in counseling? That was enough to get him kicked out on his wet ears.

  Seeing the response he’d received, the doctor quickly recovered. “But your condition is not permanent Mr. Banks. So maybe the thought of counseling is a little extreme … umm. You will need aggressive physical therapy though and I’d suggest a live in nurse for the first few months, if at all possible.”

  “Months?” Mrs. Banks said astounded. “I thought you said he was doing well?”

  “Well, he is. If you hadn’t gotten him the medical help he needed as quickly as you did – there could have been permanent damage to his motor functions. Your husband is a lucky man, Mrs. Banks.” Dr. Sinclair put Mr. Banks chart back down and turned to leave. “Call the nurse with any questions and I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

  After the doctor left, Mrs. Banks let out a long sigh. “How am I going to do this?”

  “Ma, we’re … going to be … okay.” Mr. Banks lovingly said to his wife. He’d reach for her hand if he could, but she was on his left side. So he lifted his right hand to cross over him in effort to hold her hand. Mrs. Banks quickly sat on the bed’s edge to hold her husband’s good hand. “You and me … are going to … get through this - ok?”

  “I’m going to take care of you honey.” Mrs. Banks said, before lovingly laying a kiss on her husband’s lips.

  “Dad, I’m going to help to. Whatever you guys need, I’m going to help.”

  “Son, this is not your responsibility.” Mr. Banks was speaking better, but his speech was still very slow. “We’re going to be fine. You heard the doctor. This is not permanent. I’m going to get better.”

  “Still dad – you’ve always been there for me. You and mom both have been by me every step of the way. And I need to be here … for you both.” He couldn’t imagine leaving his parents in this state. “We’ll talk about what that means later. Right now you just get better! Okay?” Timothy leaned down to kiss his dad’s forehead, and then leaned over to kiss his mom. “I love you guys.”

  “We love you too honey.” Mrs. Banks said tearing up. She lifted her hand to his chin and looked into his eyes for a few minutes. “You’re the best son a mom could ask for.”

  Timothy grinned. “Well this son has something to say if you’re ready for some good news.”

  Mrs. Banks’ hands flew to her face. She knew what was coming. She started crying for a different reason this time. Mr. Banks’ face shone in anticipation.

  “Tell me my boy. It wouldn’t have to do with that beautiful girl I saw in my room last night? I thought I’d died and gone to heaven for a minute. I could have sworn she was my angel.” Mr. Banks slowly dragged his words out for everyone to hear.

  Timothy chuckled. “I know the feeling dad. That angel is going to be your daughter in law hopefully. Mom gave me grandmother’s ring.” Timothy’s heart swelled up with pride and his heart felt like it might explode.

  Mrs. Banks laughed in delight. “Well of course she’ll say yes. She’d be crazy not too!”

  Mr. Banks joined in the joyous laughter. “Well congratulations Tim. I’m very happy for the two of you. She seems to be a real sweetheart, for the few seconds I had with her anyway.” Mr. Banks face changed to a scowl. “Now as for the few seconds I had with that doctor, I’d like to kick him out on his rear. How old is that snot nosed brat and who is he to come in here telling me it will take months? He doesn’t know whom he’s dealing with, that boy! Why don’t you go see about getting me another doctor?”

  Timothy laughed. “I’m on it dad.” He pulled out his cell. “See you guys later. I’m going to make a few calls.” He leaned down to kiss them both and then left the room. As he was leaving he could hear his parents chatter. He breathed a sigh of relief that his dad was a fighter. Mr. Banks still looked fragile and Timothy knew it would take time, but he knew he’d be okay.

  As he walked to the elevator, the nurse looked up in anticipation. He waved good-bye and started dialing his cell. Timothy scrolled through his contacts on his smart phone, looking for one of his college buddies. He smiled when he found what he was looking for. The record read, Guy Winfield – doctor extraordinaire. He lightly tapped the contact name and laughed out loud when he heard Guy’s voicemail.

  “Hi this is Dr. Winfield – I’m out saving lives but leave me a message …”

  That was so typical. Guy was a great doctor and friend but a little to egocentric for most people. He could afford to be as he was one of top cardiac specialists on the east coast. Timothy turned to punch the ground level button on the elevator and saw the nurse wave as the doors closed in front of him. He half waved with a confused look on his face, and proceeded to leave a message for Guy.

  Chapter 28

  Lauri and C
hastity finished clearing the dining room table at the Mikales’ home. As the two walked through to the kitchen, Lauri was pleasantly surprised to find Timothy already washing the dishes. She paused to give Chastity an approving look.

  “Nice guy you’ve got there.” She whispered to Chastity.

  “So far.” Chastity winked and secretly smiled. She knew she had the very last good guy left on the planet. With her history, she especially knew how amazing Timothy was. And after all the texts she’d been receiving from Anne, she honestly was relieved she didn’t have to deal with the dating scene anymore.

  Lauri walked up behind Jesse, who sat at the kitchen bar and whispered in his ear. “What happened to you helping me out like that?” She said and motioned toward Timothy. “I can’t remember the last time you did dishes.”

  Jesse grinned up at his wife in retreat before taking the dishes from her hands. “Timothy, you can’t come into my house and make me look bad now.”

  Chastity laughed and kissed her man on the cheek. “Lauri, you want to leave these two to the dishes?”

  “Sure! I haven’t been able to have that luxury in a while. Why don’t you come in the living room and we’ll catch up while we leave the men with the dirty work?”

  “I’d love too. See you guys.” Chastity said before leaving with Lauri.

  There was an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds as Timothy struggled with how to bring up what he wanted to discuss with Jesse. He rinsed the last plate and handed it to Jesse to place it in the dishwasher.

  “That’s the last one sir.”

  “Thanks, but you don’t have to call me sir. We’re not that formal around here.”

  Jesse took a second to take everything in. Timothy looked strained.

  “Everything okay Tim? You feel alright?”

  “Well actually now that you mention it …”

  The light dawned in Jesse’s eyes. He knew what was coming next.

  “Sir … um, Jesse. I’ve been dating your niece for over a year and a half now. And although I’d love to discuss these matters with her dad … maybe that was a wrong choice of words.”

  “You’re doing just fine son. Keep going.” Jesse smiled. He leaned back against the kitchen counter and crossed his arms. He was enjoying watching the young man squirm just a little bit.

  “Well, since I can’t ask her parent’s permission for her hand in marriage. I wanted to ask you, the next best thing to her father.”

  Jesse beamed from ear to ear. “Well that’s more like it. I was wondering when you two would get around to doing this.”

  “Well I haven’t asked her yet. I was planning to tomorrow when we go out for dinner.”

  Jessed clamped his hand on Timothy’s shoulder. “Welcome to the family.”

  “Whew.” Timothy felt like he was going to pass out. “Now to pop the question.”

  “If you speak to her with half the heart you did in here – to me – you’ll do just fine. I can’t see it turning out any better.”

  “Thank you Jesse. This really means a lot to me.”

  “You’re welcome. Now tell me how your dad is doing. Chastity was telling me he had a stroke?”

  Timothy sadly nodded his head. “He’s supposedly going to be okay but needs lots of therapy. And I honestly don’t know how my mom is going to handle that alone. I feel like I need to move back here to help out for a while. I don’t know if Chastity will want to sign on for all of that. I don’t know what to do. It means I’d have to sell my practice, move across the country…”

  “Whoa. Take it one step at a time. Talk to Chastity, and if she loves you the way I know she does, she’ll go where you do.”

  “Well she was already in the process of moving to northern California so we wouldn’t have to do this thing long distance anymore.”

  “See? Be optimistic. There’s half your battle…finding a woman who would move for you.”

  “Maybe you’re right.”

  Chastity poked her head in before they knew she was almost in the kitchen. She only heard the tale end of the conversation.

  “And Timothy? If you’re serious about moving back here, I’d be honored to have you come to work for me. I can always use bright young legal minds on my team.”

  “Really?’

  Jesse nodded in response and was about to finish their conversation before they saw Chastity step fully into view.

  “Hey.” Timothy said nervously. “Uh, how long have you been in here?”

  “Not long.” Chastity lied. “I just stepped in. You about ready? Alex is getting tired and Lauri’s putting him to bed.”

  “Sure babe.” He smiled in relief. He gave Jesse a knowing nod and shook his hand. “Thanks again sir.”

  “What did I tell you about the sir business? You’re family.”

  Chastity was taken back not sure what all transgressed in the kitchen. Puzzled she looked from one man to the next. “Everything alright in here?”

  “Yes!” Both said in unison.

  “Okay then. Thanks Jesse.” Chastity reached to hug her uncle and whispered in his ear. “Did you just offer him a job?”

  Jesse leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Timothy quickly retrieved Chastity’s coat and anxiously ushered her from the kitchen. It was obvious that Chastity knew something was up, so he quickly said his goodbyes and opened the front door for her to follow.

  “Oh hey wait! I forgot to give you something.” Jesse crossed the hallway and picked up a stack of letters. “I know you said you didn’t want to read the rest. And I know I promised not to push you toward something, but … these are yours and you need to decide what to do with them. You should have them all.”

  Chastity gently took the small stack out of his hands, and placed them in her purse. “Okay. I’ll take them. I’m not sure what to do with them, but they are addressed to me – and I should make the call. Right?”

  “Right.” Jesse kissed her on the cheek and pulled his wife toward him, into the doorway, as the couple left.

  Chastity stepped out into the cold night with a backwards wave to her family. Her uncle looked like the Cheshire cat. She didn’t know if it was because he was happy she took the letters or something else.

  She watched him put his arm around Laura and whisper something in her ear. She beamed in response and vigorously waved bye to Chastity.

  Timothy practically slammed the door shut and rushed her to the car.

  “Anything I should know about?” Chastity inquired.

  “Nope,” Timothy said as he opened her car door. He put her inside and rushed around to start the engine. “Could it be any colder out there?” He blew into his hands as he waiting for the car to warm up.

  Chastity looked him over. His eyes were twinkling. He had a boyish quality about him at the moment. And instead of questioning, she ruffled his hair with her hand.

  “Okay.” She looked him over one more time before he pulled out of the drive. She held her purse with one hand and grabbed his hand with the other.

  Jesse watched the taillights drive off into the wintry night. He was so happy he had Chastity, and now Timothy, as part of his family.

  Chapter 29

  Both Chastity and Timothy had made plans to extend their trip for a few days due to Mr. Banks unexpected medical condition. Since they’d been in Oklahoma City, the two had spent every spare moment at the hospital. Today Timothy suggested she sleep in while he went see his father released and transitioned home. There was a lot to do to finalize his home health care.

  Although Chastity was happy to be by his side through every step, she was glad to still be lying in her bed. Slowly she stretched as far as her body would let her, allowing every muscle to finally wake up. Her usual morning ritual involved coffee and a run, but this morning she thought she’d take it easy and sleep as long as she could. Except here she was at 8:30 a.m., fully awake, bored, and not quite in the mood to run.

  After a lon
g shower, Chastity dressed and got out her iPad to check her email and Facebook accounts. She scrolled through the daily status updates, laughing at some and rolling her eyes at others. Some people posted way too much information, but at least she still got a glimpse of her friends’ lives. She loved seeing pictures of their children, families, and vacation photos. Some day she’d have more of those to post herself.

  Chastity smiled in hopes of what hers and Timothy’s children would look like, then frowned. I’ve got to stop imagining a life with him without even knowing if he’s going to marry me. Chastity’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her cell ringing. She grabbed it off the charger and smiled when she saw Anne’s face pop up on the screen.

  “Hey Anna Banana. What are you doing up this early?” Chastity looked at the hotel’s digital alarm next to her bed. With the time change her friend should still be in the wee hours of the morning.

  “I couldn’t sleep and I figured you’d be up and finished with your run by now.”

  “Everything ok?”

  “No.” Anne started crying.

  Chastity sat straight up concerned. “Hey. What happened?”

  “I’ve tried not to bog you down with my problems. I really have. I know you’ve been nervous about your trip to meet the parents … and now with Timothy’s dad and his health. I just didn’t know what to do …” Anne blubbered through tears.

  “You know you can always count on me! We’re more than friends…you’re like my sister.”

  “I know. I just didn’t want to bog you down with anything extra.”

  “Tell me already. What did he do to you?”

  “How did you know it had to do with Brent?”

  “Anne, I’ve known you longer than anyone, and I’ve never seen you cry like this. If you’re crying this bad, it’s because your heart is broken – and I’m going to kill him!”

  “He … he …” Anne stammered.

  “Was there someone else?” Chastity asked quietly. All she heard in response was more crying. “How’d you find out sweetheart?”