The Rennillia Series: Volumes 1-5

by M. Sembera

  The rest of the trip was quiet until we arrived at the doctor’s office. I asked Jackson to come in with me and he agreed. When my name was called I went to a room and waited for the doctor.

  A very thin dark haired man walked in announcing, “Hello Mrs. Herterand. I am Dr. Chepelli,” as I gave a polite smile, he continued, “You look much better since the last time I saw you. Go ahead and roll your pant leg up so I can take a look.”

  Realizing this was the man with the black bag that night, I said, “Thank you for coming to the house the other night.”

  He smiled back, stating, “Mr. Herterand isn’t someone people say no to.”

  Mulling Dr. Chepelli’s comment over in my head, I watched him inspect my shin.

  He seemed pleased as he informed, “It looks to be healing very well. You need to come back in one week to have the stitches removed. You can wear gauze over it if the stitches bother you but it is better not to cover them.”

  Smiling, I cheered, “Oh, okay! Thank you again.”

  Unrolling my pant leg I stood up and walked to the desk to schedule my appointment.

  The nurse greeted me, saying, “Hello Mrs. Herterand. Can I help you?”

  Smiling at her, I stated, “Hi. Yes I need to pay for my visit and schedule one next week to have my stitches taken out.”

  She looked confused, saying, “There’s no charge Mrs. Herterand. Your appointment is scheduled for Tuesday.”

  Thinking that was odd, I smiled again thanking her.

  Jackson stood up when he saw me and followed me out of the doctor’s office.

  Walking to the parking lot, I said, “That was so weird. They didn’t even charge me and the nurse gave me a crazy look when I said I needed to pay for my visit.”

  Jackson laughed, saying, “You really don’t get it do you?”

  Shaking my head at him, I agreed, “I guess I don’t.”

  Reaching the car, Jackson held the door open for me which was kind of unusual for him.

  I laughed a little, saying, “Why thank you sir.”

  I didn’t hear him respond so I turned around.

  Unable to catch my breath, I couldn’t even scream. Jackson was lying on the ground with blood covering his forehead and HE was very close to me. Trying to process what was happening all I could think about was how glad I was that Sophia wasn’t with me.

  HE took a step closer and with a vile whisper shared, “I was hoping Herterand would be with you but I guess your other little boyfriend will do.”

  Cringing back, I cried, “Why?”

  HIS hand reached up grabbing my face. HIS revolting smile moved closer until He was so close, I could feel HIS sickening breath on my face.

  Shaking and crying, I pleaded, “Please don’t.”

  HIS hand moved slowly from my face meeting the other on my neck, pressing together. It grew increasingly harder to breath. I grabbed HIS wrists pulling as hard as I could.

  HE just smiled wider.

  “Tell me you want me,” HE snarled.

  Suddenly, HE let go falling to the ground.

  Jackson was standing beside me pulling me to him. All I could do was grab hold of him burying my face in his shirt. Jackson shouted at HIM and I could hear HIM running away. Heaving and sobbing I couldn’t let go of Jackson.

  He kept repeating, “It’s okay Ren. It’s okay.”

  Shaking my head into his chest, I refused to believe him.

  Finally, Jackson said, “Okay

  you don’t have to let go but I need to sit down, okay Ren.”

  Nodding, I sat down with him unable to let go. We leaned against the still open door of the car and I cried until Dr. Chepelli came out.

  He was shouting to a nurse, “Call Mr. Herterand,” and urging us to come inside.

  We reentered the doctor’s office through a back door. I could hear a nurse telling the other patience they would have to reschedule.

  Back in a room, Dr. Chepelli said, “Mrs. Herterand, I need you to let go of him so I can examine you both.”

  I hesitantly let go, refusing to leave his side, choking back tears every time Jackson winced at the doctor’s touch.

  Dr. Chepelli calmly explained, “Now Mrs. Herterand I’m going to need you to step out of the room for just a minute. Your husband is on the phone and would like to speak to you.”

  My eyes shot straight to Jackson’s as he nodded in agreement with the doctor.

  Another nurse showed me to a room with the phone already off the hook.

  I leaned against the wall, picking up the receiver, “Hert.”

  Hert’s voice was stern, “Are you okay Renni?”

  I answered, “I am but Jackson’s head is bleeding and…”

  Calming me, Hert stated, “I know Renni, I sent a driver to pick ya’ll up. I’m already home with Sophia. I don’t want Jackson’s mom to see him beat up. Let the doctor check you out, okay. I love you. It’s going to be okay.”

  The lack of panic in his voice put me at ease as I said, “Okay, I love you too,” and hung up the phone.

  Before I left the room Dr. Chepelli stopped me, advising, “Jackson has a mild concussion he needs to stay awake for at least twelve hours just to be safe. Your driver is in the waiting room when you are ready to go. Let me take a look at your neck and then you can go back in the room with Jackson.”

  Nodding silently at him, I lifted my chin and let him move my head around.

  He stated, “You have some slight bruising.”

  I nodded again and rushed back to the room with Jacks.

  Walking back in, the first thing I noticed was a row of stitches right above his eyebrow.

  Feeling sick, I cried, “I’m sorry,” rushing back over to him.

  Jackson elbowed me and smirked saying, “Hey I’m fine Ren. It’s okay.”

  Suddenly feeling irritated and irrational because he was so calm, I started shouting, “Why do you keep saying ‘It’s okay’? This is not okay!”

  Jackson pulled me to him, staring directly into my eyes, he affirmed, “Yes it is. And whatever’s not okay will be taken care of.”

  Wanting to believe him, I couldn’t help apologizing again, “I’m sorry you got hurt because of me.”

  Shaking his head at me, Jackson revealed, “Ren, this wasn’t your fault. In fact it wasn’t you HE was after.”

  Leaning my head onto him, I said, “Why is HE after Hert?”

  Taking a deep breath, Jackson confessed, “It’s a long story Ren and it’s something Hert’s going to have to tell you. You are not responsible for this. Okay.”

  Stepping away from him, I nodded and took his hand. The driver greeted us and drove us home.

  Back at the house, Hert was waiting right inside the door. He had a hard look on his face as his eyes inspected us.

  When Hert reached out to touch me, I stepped back shaking my head at him.

  “Don’t. I wanna take a shower, please,” I stated.

  Hert stepped to the side with no comment. The thought of Hert touching me after HE had HIS hands on me made me ill. Walking through the kitchen and up the stairs seemed to take forever as flashes of what transpired filled my head.

  Upstairs, I walked through our room and into the bathroom. Startled at first I didn’t realize Jackson’s blood was in my hair and on my shirt. After brushing my teeth I undressed and stepped into the shower, immediately scrubbing my face and neck as hard as I could.

  Hert’s voice was on the other side of the shower curtain asking, “Renni, are you hurt?”

  Clearing my throat, I answered, “No.”

  He pulled the shower curtain back, asking again, “Are you sure?”

  The look on his face made tears well up in my eyes as I nodded and pulled the curtain closed. Finally getting all the blood out of my hair I turned the shower off and stepped out to find Hert still standing there with a towel. He wrapped it around me as I fell into his arms.

  Picking me up, Hert carried me to the bed saying, “Jackson is staying here for a
while and Roberts and his parents are on their way.”

  Narrowing my eyes at him, I questioned, “And what about you.”

  The hesitation in his voice let me know his answer before he said, “Renni, I... I’m going to have to leave for a little while,” as I frantically shook my head at him, he pulled me to his chest confirming, “I have to. Things are getting worse.”

  Grabbing his face, I kissed him over and over begging, “Send someone else. Don’t leave.”

  Doing his best to reassure me, “I’ll be back before you know it. I won’t leave until everyone gets here and I’m sure Mrs. Roberts will keep you busy. You won’t even miss me.”

  Rejecting his comfort, I implored, “Please. You’re not just leaving me. You’re leaving Sophia too.”

  Pushing himself closer to me, he defended, “I love you and Sophia more than anything else.”

  I realized there was nothing I could say or do, so I kissed him with as much fervor as I could until he pulled away.

  “This isn’t the best time,” he cautioned.

  Letting go without a word, I got out of bed and put clothes on before heading downstairs.

  Chapter 12

  It was hard to look at Jackson and not feel sick. I had bruises circling my neck but I only saw them if I looked in the mirror. Jackson’s forehead on the other hand was a constant reminder of how close I came to losing him. If it had been possible, I would have held on to both Hert and Jackson at the same time. Every second that passed was another step closer to Hert leaving, and the debt of gratitude I owed Jackson pulled at my heart.

  The Roberts family would arrive in morning and Hert would leave shortly after. Refusing to let him discuss packing or leaving with me, I told Hert it could wait until morning. I tried to block out thoughts of Hert getting injured or not coming back. My heart burned and ached just thinking about it.

  With Sophia down for a nap, Hert left to pick up dinner, leaving Jackson and I alone. I walked into the living room and sat next to him on the couch.

  Jackson smiled, asking, “Are you okay Ren?”

  Nodding as I stared at him, I felt like he was asking the wrong question.

  He continued, “You don’t have to look at me like that. I’m not going to die Ren.”

  Not able to help it I started to cry.

  Jackson put his arm around me saying, “There’s no need for all that. Besides aren’t you the one who always told me scars are sexy?”

  Shaking my head at him, I had to laugh.

  Feeling a little better, I offered, “Do you need anything?”

  Jackson’s smile beamed as he replied, “Well as a matter of fact I could use my own personal nurse.”

  Rolling my eyes I started to get up.

  Jacks stopped me, saying, “Seriously Ren. We can get you a little outfit and everything.”

  Popping him on the arm, I said, “Oh, shut up,” and walked back into the kitchen laughing.

  Hert walked in with bags asking, “What’s so funny?”

  Shaking my head at him, I explained, “Nothing, Jacks was being stupid.”

  Hert looked unhappy as he muttered, “Yea, okay.”

  Smiling at him, I said, “Awe, come here my husband,” pulling him to me.

  Walking backwards still holding onto him, I made my way to the stool. Smiling wider at him, Hert lifted me onto the stool.

  I pulled the front of his shirt down, wrapped my legs around him and asked, “Would you like to kiss me.”

  Smiling back he raised an eyebrow, stating, “Yes I would my wife.”

  As Hert kissed me I started to wonder how long he would be gone. The thought made me want him even more.

  Caught up, I didn’t realize Jackson walking in until I heard him say, “Hey, dinner and a show.”

  Hopping off the stool I gave him an unhappy glare, as I walked to the table. The three of us sat down and ate dinner.

  After dinner, I decided to keep Sophia entertained in her room as long as possible, hoping she would sleep as long as possible in order to give Hert and I extra time for a proper goodbye. After her bath Hert rocked her to sleep. I could see in Hert’s eyes how much he was going to miss Sophia as he watched her fall asleep in his arms.

  Quietly standing next to him, I whispered, “She’s going to miss you too.”

  Hert stood up gently placing Sophia in her crib. Turning to me he wrapped his arms around me, softly hugging my waist. He appeared angry, although I knew that wasn’t the emotion he was feeling.

  Reaching up, I placed my hand on the back of his neck assuring, “We’re going to be okay.”

  Strange how I was the one consoling at this point, I hated the thought of Hert leaving but I could see he hated it too. It was hard seeing him going against what he wanted in order to accomplish what was needed. Deciding to make the most of our night together, I unwrapped Hert’s arms from around my waist took his hand and led him to our room.

  Sitting down on our bed, I said, “In case you’re wondering, I’m going to be just as much yours while you’re gone as I am right now.”

  A light smile crossed his lips as he replied, “I have something for you.” Slightly raising my eyebrows I smiled.

  Hert opened the closet, reached up and grabbed a box off the top shelf, setting it on the bedside table.

  He informed, “In case something happens while I’m gone…Nothing’s going to happen but if it does you need….”

  Shaking my head, I cautioned, “Stop,” picking up the box and sliding it under the bed.

  Refusing to let my sadness interfere with our night, I stated, “I don’t want that. I just want you.”

  Hert was still for a moment before walking around to the other side of the bed.

  Lying down, he revealed, “If there was another way, Renni I promise you…”

  Stopping him from continuing, I laid down moving over to him and covered his mouth with the tips of my fingers.

  I whispered, “That’s enough.”

  I started to move my hand away but Hert held it pressing it to his lips. I placed my other hand on his cheek.

  “I love you Hert,” I whispered.

  Letting go of my hand he placed both of his on the sides of my face guiding me to his lips. There were no frenzied emotions. Only the desperate need to make the night last as long as possible. Extra care was taken with every movement. Tenderly appreciating everything the other had to offer. Gradually making our way to the culmination of our purpose, we succeeded in unison, attaining an accomplishment far greater than any other.

  Chapter 13

  Neither of us slept refusing to waste even a moment together. When morning came I got up and tended to Sophia before handing her to Hert so I could get ready for Mr. and Mrs. Roberts arrival. Hert stopped me and kissed me every chance he got until we heard Jackson holler up the stairs.

  “They’re here!” he shouted.

  Downstairs, I held Sophia as the caravan of people rushed the Robert’s belongings inside. When they left the house, Mr. Roberts, Erin, and Emerson walked in. Hert and Jackson greeted them at the door while I stood back with Sophia.

  Erin immediately walked to Sophia and me announcing, “There they are!”

  Giving me a quick hug and asking, “May I?” as she held her arms out towards Sophia.

  Politely smiling, I replied, “Of course.”

  Mr. Roberts joined us saying, “So this is the pumpkin.”

  Smiling, I nodded.

  Mr. Roberts continued saying, “She’s the prettiest pumpkin I have ever seen.”

  I noticed Emerson walking up to join us.

  I turned to him and stated, “Emerson,” giving a slight nod and no smile.

  Immediately put off by the sight of him, Emerson seemed much more like his father than before. Sharply dressed and very distinguished looking, the warmth and softness in his brown eyes were now solemn and almost grave. I excused myself and walked over to Hert asking him to bring Sophia’s swing down.

  As Hert headed up stairs I
assured, “Ya’ll have to see her in her swing. She loves it so much.”

  My comment drew them to the couch in order to sit and watch her swing.

  Hert returned with her swing and I placed her in it. It only took a second before they were ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ over her.

  Walking up beside me, Jackson commented, “That’s crazy how a bunch of grown folks are so impressed with a baby swing.”

  Shaking my head at him with a smile, I said, “Jacks,” and bumped him with my shoulder.

  Jackson laughed, nudging me back. Glancing over at Hert I noticed an anxious expression on his face.

  “Do you want me to go upstairs with you and help you get your stuff together?” I offered.

  Hert nodded at me and asked Erin, “Can you watch Sophia for a few minutes while Renni and I go upstairs?”

  Never taking her eyes off Sophia, she cheered, “Sure honey, we are fine here. Aren’t we Sophia?”

  Smiling at Erin, I said, “Thank you.”

  She brushed me off, chirping, “Sure, sure, go tend to your husband dear.”

  Half smiling at Hert I headed upstairs.

  Upstairs in our room, I watched Hert set his suitcase by the door then walk back over to me.

  Standing in front of him, I stared directly into his eyes and vowed, “If you don’t come back safe, I’m kickin’ your ass Mr. Herterand.”

  Hert placed his hands on the sides of my face and kissed me. Wrapping my arms around his waist I held onto him as tight as I could. He put his arms around me too and kissed me a few more times saying he loved me each time.

  Back downstairs, everyone was still watching Sophia in her swing.

  Jackson looked over at us coming down the stairs and said, “Hey Roberts, time to go.”

  I looked at Hert as he explained, “We are all going to The Office before I leave.”

  Quietly nodding, I hugged him one last time.

  Hert kissed my cheek and whispered, “I’ll come home as soon as I can.”

  Then they left, leaving Erin, Sophia, and I at home. I sat down next to Erin on the couch trying to keep my composer.

  She faced me and stated, “Rennillia dear, it will be okay. They know what they’re doing.”

  Nodding at her, I realized she knew far more than I ever gave her credit for.