"I just didn't have time to respond. I've been busy preparing for this wedding."
"So is Jake here?" Mike asked.
"Of course, he is. He is the best man."
"So you are still with him?" Mike asked.
"Why wouldn't I be? Heather asked.
"I just thought you would be over him by now," Mike replied.
"Mike, I don't have time to talk to you right now. My uncle is fixing to get married soon. And everything is not going as planned. Can we have this conversation later?" Heather asked.
Mike could tell that Heather was overwhelmed. "Of course. I'll talk to you more after the wedding."
"Why don't you go over there and mingle or find a seat. The ceremony will start in half an hour or so," Heather pointed toward the barn.
The barn had been emptied, cleaned, and prepared for the ceremony. Beautiful white wisteria flowers hung over the doorway. Tall candlesticks with yellow rose arrangements were placed in the back of the barn, where the vows would be spoken. Rustic ladders were around the barn with pictures and arrangements of flowers and candles sitting upon the steps. Chairs were lined in even rows leaving a center aisle. Guests were already arriving and mingling with other friends and family.
Heather had prepared for everything, including having a backup for things that went wrong. She wasn't expecting Mike to show up, which brought her anxiety a notch higher. She couldn't decide if she should tell Jake that Mike was there. She didn't want anything to damper Mick and Sally's wedding day but knew it would be best to prepare him before he actually saw him.
"Jake, can I talk to you for a minute?" Heather asked.
"What's up, Babe? Everything looks good, no need to worry about anything."
"I just wanted to share something with you, because I didn't want you to think I was keeping something from you," Heather replied.
"Okay, what's up?" Jake said. Jake started to tense up, afraid of what Heather was going to say to him.
"Mike is here. Somehow uncle Mick invited him and so he is here."
"Why? Heather don't you think it a little strange that he is here."
"Of course I do. I didn't have a clue he would be here until I saw him at the door."
"So that was him when the doorbell rang?" Jake asked.
"Yes. Please don't make a fuss about it. This is uncle Mick's day. We can talk to Mike later about why he is here. But, for now, let's just focus on the wedding okay," Heather urged.
"Heather, you know I don't want to ruin your uncle's big day. I'm not going to say anything. I might even be polite when I see him, but tomorrow all bets are off the table."
"I understand. Please help me get everyone ready. The wedding is about to start soon. Did the preacher show up yet?"
"Yeah. I saw him outside about fifteen minutes ago."
"Do you have the rings?" Heather asked.
"Yes, I have the rings. I'll check on Mick and Shawn to make sure they are ready. You check on Sally and Stephanie."
"Jake, thank you for all your help. I love you so much; you just don't know how much I appreciate you."
"I love you too and yes, I know. I'm glad I could help," Jake replied.
Chapter 25
The day was finally over, Mick and Sally had left in his pickup truck on their honeymoon. Heather finally was able to sit and relax on the couch and take a deep breath. She was happy everything worked out. No arguments, no missteps, everyone seemed happy. Jake had left to take his mother home. Everyone seemed to have left the farm until Heather looked up and saw Mike standing there.
"Mike, how did you get in here?" She inquired.
"I saw everyone leave, so I thought it would be okay to come in."
"Look I'm tired, I really don't feel like having company right now," Heather stated.
"Heather, I missed you. These last few weeks have been hard. I miss our talks, our conversations," Mike said.
"Mike, I really don't know what you think you are accomplishing. This is my home. This is my life now. Why are you here exactly?" Heather asked.
"I want us to build on our relationship. I miss you and can't live without you."
"Mike we don't have a relationship. We are only friends, remember?"
"Heather, you are perfect. You deserve someone better than Jake."
"Mike you are scaring me. You know I love Jake," Heather stated.
"You know he's not right for you. He doesn't understand you as I do," Mike declared.
"Mike, I need you to leave. I have told you that I'm with Jake and you don't seem to understand me."
"Heather, I'm not leaving without you," Mike replied.
Heather couldn't believe her ears. Where was this all coming from. Mike knew she had a relationship with Jake. Why did he think he could change that? Why was he acting this way?
"Mike, if you don't leave now...."
"If I don't leave, what?" What Heather?"
Fear began to form in Heather's mind. Her stomach began to hurt. Her head began to throb. Then all of the sudden....
"What's going on?" Shawn asked.
"Shawn, thank goodness you are here!"
"I don't know who you are, but I'm having a conversation with my girlfriend," Mike uttered.
"Shawn, he is acting crazy. Please make him leave," Heather urged.
"If you don't get out of this house now, You are going to regret it, trust me," Shawn informed Mike.
Mike couldn't stand the thought of some guy getting in the way of him talking to Heather, but didn't want to fight with Shawn. He knew he couldn't fight and didn't want to take that chance. So when he seen Shawn tighten his fist and hold it in the air, he knew it was time to go. He wasn't ready to fight this guy and possibly get whipped.
"Heather, I'm leaving, but I'll come back later, and we can discuss this further," Mike said.
"Dude, you better not ever come here again, do you understand me?" Shawn shook his fist at Mike, making his intentions clear.
After Mike walked out the door, Heather pulled back the curtain to make sure he was leaving. "Thank you, Shawn," Heather cried as she ran to Shawn.
Shawn could tell how much Heather was distraught. "Heather what happened exactly. Did you know that guy?" Shawn asked.
"Yes, he was one of my friends at school. Somehow he found out about the wedding and came here. He never acted that way before. He acts like he just snapped."
"Heather, I'm glad I was here. That guy was acting crazy. No telling what he would have done, if I hadn't shown up."
"I know, I'm glad you were here."
Heather began to cry while Shawn lent his shoulder for her to cry on. "Did you forget something? Oh, your clothes," Heather asked.
"You know that guy might come back. I'll be happier if I call Jake. I don't think you should be alone tonight," Shawn said.
"I'll call Jake. Can you wait until he comes over before you leave?" Heather asked.
"Sure. ...Are you alright? You seem a little unnerved and for a good reason."
"I'll be fine. Thank you again."
Heather called Jake and told him what had happened. It wasn't long before he arrived at the house. "Babe, are you okay?"
"I am now. Glad you came over."
"Thanks, Shawn for helping Heather. I don't know what I would have done if something happened to her," Jake said.
"No problem. I'm glad I could be here too. Heather, if you need me, call me."
"I will. Thanks again," Heather replied.
After Shawn left, Jake tried to talk to Heather about what had happened.
"Look, honey. I already told you on the phone. Mike was acting strange. I don't know why. I just want to go to sleep now. I'm really tired. Its been a long day."
"Yeah I know. Too long. Alright go to bed. I'm going to stay up a while and make sure he doesn't try to come back. Try to get some rest," Jake said.
Heather was exhausted, more than she thought. It didn't take long before she was fast asleep. Heather began to dream of being kidnapped. Someone
was chasing her. Nothing she could do to get away. She kept running and running.
"Babe are you okay?" Jake asked.
"Why, what happened?" Heather inquired.
"You must have been having a nightmare. You were breathing hard and whimpering."
"I was. It was awful."
"Heather maybe you need to see someone again. Talk to someone about the nightmares."
"You mean a therapist?"
"No, I mean someone that can understand what you are going through. Someone that can help you," Jake replied.
"Who?"
"Pastor Williams," Jake replied.
"Why would he know what I was going through?"
"His son had an emotional breakdown. He was experiencing nightmares and had gone through a lot of trouble there for a while. I think he can help you."
"How do you know about this?" Heather asked.
"I know because I had to talk to him before. After the tornado, I had a lot of stress and couldn't cope. That is when he shared his story with me."
"Why didn't you tell me about this earlier," Heather asked.
"I don't know. I was ashamed. I am a guy. Guys are supposed to be tough and have all the answers. I guess you can say, I was embarrassed."
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about. It shows you're human, just like me."
"So you will talk to him?"
"Yes, I'll call him tomorrow. Will you stay here with me tonight?"
"Heather, I'm here for you. Try to get some rest. I won't leave you."
Chapter 26
Heather had called Pastor Williams, and he agreed to meet with her the next day.
"Hello, Heather. How are you?" Pastor Williams asked as he motioned for her to sit down.
"I'm okay, thank you."
"I'm glad you are alright. You seemed upset and emotional when you called me yesterday."
"I was. I'm feeling so much better today, though."
"Can you tell me what happened exactly to make you feel that way?"
"Pastor Williams, I've had a lot going on lately. Too much to count," Heather replied.
"Feel free to talk to me and please call me Jerry."
"Okay, thanks."
"So tell me a little about what you have been dealing with," Jerry said.
"Well I had a friend, or at least I thought he was. He uh. He came to my uncle's farm and started to act funny. I mean he was being pushy and demanding, and he frightened me."
"You said you thought he was a friend. Did you meet him at school?"
"Yes, I met him at school. He went to Alabama with me, and we were close friends. I knew he liked me, but I thought I made it clear to him that we were just friends."
"So he came to your uncle's home and what happened?" Jerry asked.
"He was acting like I was his girlfriend and I asked him to leave but he wouldn't. Luckily my friend Shawn was there. He made him leave."
"So it frightened you. That he was acting strangely."
"Yes. I just didn't know where it was coming from. He had never acted that way before," Heather replied.
"Sometimes, people change. Their personalities change, and they become possessive. I know it's hard to understand, but it happens."
"Yes, it is. I guess I never expected him to act that way."
"Do you think he was doing drugs?" Jerry asked.
"No. He is not the type, and I'm pretty sure he wasn't doing them."
"People may surprise you," Jerry replied.
"Is that what happened to your son? Sorry but Jake told me about him."
"Yes, he was doing drugs. It took a while to reach him. He wasn't acting like himself, and I knew things were up. So we put him in rehab, and things got better."
"So, he got better. I'm glad."
"Eventually, but not without a lot of prayers."
"So you believe in prayer?" Heather asked.
"Yes, I do. I think prayer is one of the most powerful tools to help you overcome any trial in your life. God listens, and he can help you," Jerry replied.
"Pastor Williams, I mean Brother Jerry. The ordeal with Mike is not everything. I've been having nightmares too. Jake told me your son had them too."
"Yes, I believe it was the drugs that caused them."
"What do you think is the reason I have them. I never did drugs," Heather asked.
"Heather, I know about some of the things you been through. It's a small town. So I hope you don't mind me saying this. I think it is a combination of things that have happened to you in your past. Your parent's passing and the tornado certainly didn't help."
"Do you think there is help for me? Some days I feel like I might lose my mind. I have a great uncle and a great boyfriend, but I feel alone. Confused. Scared."
"Heather, I know of someone that can help you. God can. He can help you overcome any trouble or sorrow in your life. He can help you to have that peace in your life."
"How can I get that peace?" Heather asked.
"Prayer. Praying to God to help you in your life and to help you overcome the demons you are facing."
“Brother Jerry, why would God help me. I haven’t been to church. I haven’t prayed that much. I don’t deserve his help. I’m not perfect.”
“Heather, you don’t have to go to God as a perfect person. You just need to go to him in humility. Let him know that you want to trust in him.”
“I did ask him once for his protection. During the tornado, my uncle and I were in the storm pit, and I called upon him. He helped me and protected Mick and me.”
“He is more than willing to help anyone that calls upon him. He is just waiting for us to ask him.”
"Thank you, brother Jerry. You have helped me more than you know."
"Heather, do you mind if I pray with you before you go?" Jerry asked.
"I would appreciate it," Heather replied.
After Pastor Williams prayed with Heather, she felt a calm come over her. She thanked the Pastor and hugged him before heading home.
Chapter 27
Christmas was here before Heather knew it. Days had passed so quickly since her uncle's stroke. Jake and Heather spent a lot of time together. They became inseparable. He had pitched in to help her with the house while her uncle was away on his honeymoon.
Now the Christmas season had snuck up on them all. Jake helped Heather put up the decorations around the house and even cut down the Christmas tree.
"You are going to help me put on the ornaments," Heather asked.
"You know I will," Jake answered.
"Can I help?" Sally inquired.
"Of course, Sally. Do you have any of your ornaments to put on the tree?" Heather asked.
"Yep, sure do."
"What about an angel? We need a tree topper," Mike asked.
"I have a star that lights up," Sally replied.
One by one Sally then Heather then Jake placed an ornament on the tree. When it was almost finished, Heather asked.
"Where is uncle Mick?"
"He is outside feeding his animals. Making sure his horses have a blanket," Sally said.
"I think I'll go check on him. You two start decorating," Heather said.
Heather went outside to check on her uncle. He was singing, Standing on the Promises. It seemed to be one of his favorites lately. "Uncle Mick, need any help?" Heather asked.
"No. I'm about done. Come here and let's talk," Mick said.
"What do you want to talk about?" Heather inquired.
"I just want to check on you. Jake told me everything about what had happened when Sally and I were gone."
"You mean about Mike, right."
"Yeah, how you holding up," Mick asked.
"I'm doing good. I went to see Pastor Williams. He seems to be a wise man."
"He sure is," Mick said.
"He said I could come back and talk with him more if I wanted to."
"Jake told me that you’ve been dealing with some stuff. About everything you had gone through. And now this Mike fellar.
"
"Yeah, but I didn't want to worry you. You had the stroke. I just wanted you to get better," Heather replied.
"That's understandable. But I am better now. I want you to know I'm here for you too. You can talk to me if ye need to."
"Thanks, uncle Mick. I am so glad you are here. You are my family. I want us to be close and stay close. You mean a lot to me."
"Ye mean a lot to me too, little girl. No matter what happens."
Heather hugged Mick and headed toward the house. It was starting to get colder. Heather didn't have on a coat or sweater. She had adjusted to the Alabama warmer climate quickly. It hadn't really been that cold until now. Right before she opened the door, she felt something wet on her nose. She looked up and saw snow falling to the ground. She flung open the door and called for Jake and Sally.
"Jake, Sally, come look."
Jake couldn't believe his eyes. It hadn't snowed in Alabama for years.
"Uncle Mick, do you see?" Heather yelled.
"Sure, I do. I'm not blind."
"Can you believe it. It's snowing," Heather said as she began to laugh.
Mick smiled and began to sing, Silent Night. Jake and Sally quickly joined in. It was hard not to sing. The night sky had the brightest stars. The cool, crisp air felt invigorating as Heather took a deep breath.
For a short moment, all the past was erased. Heather didn't think about Mike, the tornado, or her nightmares. She was truly happy. Happy to be with her boyfriend and her family. A family that she thought she would never have again. Uncle Mick was like a dad to her. Sally was like a stepmom. Jake was the love of her life. Suddenly Heather felt a peace like no other. It was amazing. She knew that God had answered her prayer. All she could think about was that nothing could take this moment from her. Nothing could take her joy. Nothing could take away this feeling of peace from her. Nothing!
Southern Attraction: The College Years Page 9
