Avalee's Gift

by Linda Apple

  “Thank you.” Okay, so she wasn’t so bad after all. At least she had great taste in books.

  The evening turned out to be delightful and informative. Cadence told us about the event that had galvanized her to become involved with clean water projects.

  “We came to a village which was like all the others. The people bathed in and drank from the same filthy, muddy stream as the livestock used. Disease had ravaged many of the children. After the drill hit water and the well was set, we pumped clean water into a container. There was this one little boy who watched, still with such wonder, as the crystal clear water splashed into the bucket. I don’t think his eyes could have gotten any bigger. He pointed at it and through our interpreter asked if he could touch it.”

  Tears spilled from Cadence’s eyes as she described stooping down, cupping her hands and bringing the water to his lips. “I said, ‘Drink little one.’ He looked at the interpreter who told him what I’d said. He took a sip and stared at me in awe. I asked our interpreter to tell him to drink all he wanted. The little fellow didn’t waste any time cupping his little brown hands and drinking great gulps of clean water. Then all the children who’d shied back while watching the brave little boy ran to the bucket. We just kept pumping container after container of cool, clear, sparkling clean water. Soon all the adults scrambled to find containers. It was a joyous sight.”

  We were all transfixed by her story. I had no doubt Ty fit this job perfectly. His time had come. He would be a part of a world-changing event.

  ****

  Ty and I arrived home to Moonlight early afternoon the next day. The minute we walked through the door, Momma smiled and gave each of us a big hug. “Now y’all get some rest because this evening we are going to Molly Kate’s for supper. All of us want to hear about Ty’s new job.

  “But Momma. We’re so tired.” I glanced at Ty, who didn’t look tired at all.

  “Land sakes, y’all will have plenty of time to rest. Oh, and we are picking Lexi up on the way.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Ty grinned. I supposed he was ready to brag, and the good Lord knows he had earned that right.

  Momma studied my face. “Where did you get those bruises around your eyes and your mouth?”

  Ty grinned. “Don’t ask.”

  I touched my face. “I told you I was just tired. I’ll be better after a little nap.” And makeup. Okay, so I begged my old dermatologist to see me and got a few units of Botox. Accepting myself takes time. Little by little.

  After a short nap, I reapplied my make-up to cover all signs of telltale Botox bruises and left with Momma and Ty to pick up Lexi and head to Molly Kate’s. When we turned off Leslie Lane onto Nightingale and passed in front of the mansion, I noticed several trucks on the mansion’s circular drive. Probably contractors. Molly mentioned how feverishly she and Stan were working to get the place ready for spring tourists. They had a parking lot built on the north side of the property on the corner of Nightingale and Moonflower Way, giving two entrances to the mansion; the circular drive off Nightingale or Molly Kate’s private drive off Moonflower. This entrance was also to their personal house. Since their home connected to the mansion by a sunroom, they had a small foyer and hall added which bypassed their personal space and gave access to the mansion, which was handicap accessible and could be used on rainy days.

  The Montgomery welcoming committee of one, Kricket, greeted us with joyful barks that converted into full body wags and attempts at wet kisses. Molly Kate looked down at the pup. “Hmmph, some watchdog you are. Gypsy does better than you do.”

  Stan walked up behind her. “Now don’t go besmirching my dog.” He grasped Molly Kate’s hand, twirled her around, and planted a big kiss on her lips. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck then glanced at us with a mischievous grin. “And you wonder why you haven’t seen much of us?”

  Lexi joined us just in time to hear MK. “Oh puleeze. Y’all come on into the living room. Molly and Stan have laid out a spread, and I’m dying to hear Ty’s news.”

  We followed her to the living room. Lexi was not exaggerating. With all the snacks laid out, why bother with supper? Stan manned the bar smiling and chatting all the while. His gentle expression had a touch of humor behind it. I could tell he would be a big part of their bed and breakfast success.

  While we visited, Gypsy padded into the room and made a beeline to the only non-cat person in the group, that being Lexi, and rubbed up against her leg. “What’s with this cat? Do I smell like tuna or something?” She bent over and scratched behind Gypsy’s ears. “There. Does that do it for you?”

  “Merrrow”

  “Good. Now leave me alone.”

  I was happy for this distraction. After watching Molly and Stan’s marital bliss, regret had gripped me. Putting off our wedding was the right thing to do, I knew that, but my resolve weakened by the minute. Judging by the expression in Ty’s face, he struggled with the same feelings.

  Lexi had Stan refresh her drink, then she returned to the sectional sofa and stretched out. This obviously appeared to be an invitation because Gypsy bounded onto her lap and started kneading Lex’s stomach. “Good heavens, cat. What are you trying to tell me?”

  Momma patted her lap and spoke in a child-soothing voice. “Come here, baby, I’ll love on you.”

  Gypsy pivoted her head toward my mother, blinked, and then went back to kneading and purring like a motorboat. Lexi looked to the ceiling then back to the black feline. “You are a pest. You know that, cat?” I noticed she didn’t push her off.

  Molly Kate settled across from us on the love seat. “Okay, Ty, tell us your exciting news.”

  He looked at me as if to say, which news do we tell them first?

  I spoke up. “Well, to begin with, you will never know who he will be working for and alongside.”

  Lexi held a mozzarella and prosciutto stuffed mushroom to her mouth. “Who?”

  Ty picked up on my direction for the conversation. “None other than the Cadence Terry.”

  Lexi’s eyebrows shot to her hairline. “Shut up. Really?.”

  “Yep. And she’s really a nice gal.” Ty did not mention the fact she was as gorgeous in person as in film.

  “You actually met her?” Molly Kate leaned forward. “In person?”

  “We had supper with her.” Which was the reason for me falling off the accept yourself wagon and into the arms of a doctor wielding a needle full of Botox. But of course I wasn’t about to admit that little bit of information. “And besides being stunning, I have to say she has a beautiful spirit.”

  “So what will you be doing?” Stan didn’t seem the least bit impressed. He only had eyes for Molly Kate. Lucky gal.

  Ty shared all of what we had been told at the supper meeting, and then came the question we both dreaded.

  Momma picked up Kricket and ran her hand along the pup’s back. “When do you leave, and how long will you be gone?”

  Ty shot a desperate plea my way. I nodded and breathed in. “He leaves May first and returns at the end of June.”

  Confusion registered on everyone’s faces. No one spoke. You would have thought I’d just announced I was pregnant with sextuplets.

  As usual, Lexi was the first to break the silence. “But you are getting married then.”

  “Change of plans.” I glanced at Ty. “We’ve moved the date to August. Just a couple of months. If he turned this down, we both would always wonder what might have been. This can only enhance our plans.”

  “This change is Avalee’s idea. I just want to make that clear.” Taking my hand, Ty kissed my fingers. “I was ready to refuse.”

  “You would have been a fool.” The no-nonsense side of Molly Kate materialized. “The time will pass like nobody’s business.”

  “Yeah,” Lexi pushed Gypsy to the floor. “Like you would know, Miss married in ten seconds.”

  Molly threw a wadded up napkin at her. “Oh, hush up.”

  Stan stood. “Well, I think congr
atulations are in order.” He held up his Scotch glass. “To Tyler Jackson, a man who has met his destiny. May his success exceed his wildest dreams.”

  We all raised our glasses and cheered, “To Ty.” This helped strengthen my resolve. Everything had fallen into place, as it should. The thought of sacrificing my desires for his good was the balm my heart needed. Tyler Jackson deserved this opportunity and more. Stan’s toast became my prayer: May Ty’s success exceed his wildest dreams.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Ignoring that still, small, voice may one day lead to silence.

  ~Avalee Preston

  Spring burst upon our little town making me even more excited about our first Moonlight Market. The sweet scent of lilacs and the herbal fragrance of fresh mown grass perfumed the balmy breeze, delighting my senses. The warm weather had brought a boom of tourists with it. Molly Kate and Stan’s B&B stayed filled.

  Momma’s acreage had undergone quite a renovation. The parking lot took up a large corner of the property and was an eyesore to my way of thinking. Right away I went to work to rectify this problem by lining it with landscape rocks and half-whisky barrels filled with red and white geraniums. Darned rocks cost enough. But the effect was worth it. A flagstone path led to the close-cropped lawn. White event tents dotted the landscape where vendors arranged their offerings of art, and crafts. The large food tent had chairs set up inside for the cooking demos. Another large tent had tables set up for the children to learn and create a variety of crafts. We also splurged and bought several different types of inflatable bounce houses and slides for the kids. My tent was not as large as the demo tents, but it was a good size. I had a split-rail fence built around the plot of land in front of it where I could have outdoor seating while demonstrating flower arranging and teaching landscaping tips. Inside my tent were unique and unusual plants for sale. This month I highlighted olive trees, coffee plants grown in decorative pots, and black pepper plants.

  Mayor Campbell, arrived early with Lexi to dedicate this new tourist venture. Those two were together a lot lately. When I asked her about their relationship, she just shrugged and said it was simply business. His push for publicity and her working at the paper just kept throwing them together. According to her, she and Nate were still a hot item. I didn’t doubt that for a minute.

  Promptly at eight o’clock the market opened. The citizens of Moonlight, tourists, local television and newspaper reporters, all crowded the reception area where a ribbon roped off the entrance. As the mayor spoke briefly and praised Moonlight’s newest attraction, Ty shot photos. When the mayor and Momma cut the ribbon, Ty took several so Momma could choose the one she wanted to go into the paper.

  The crowd surged onto the grounds and a bluegrass band began to play. The scenario in front of me gave an incredible sense of reward. People enjoyed the festive spirit enlivened by the music and delicious aromas of savory and sweet. Laughing children ran about in the lush grass. Vendors proudly showed their art. Fantastic. When I noticed people crowding in my tent, I tore myself from the festive scene and went to work. What a wonderful day.

  ****

  Around ten, Momma ambled toward me. She seemed to stagger a bit.

  “Baby, I’m feeling sorta cotton-headed. I think I’ll go lie down a bit.”

  Immediately concerned, I took her hand. “Are you sick? Do you need me to go with you?”

  “No, sugar. I’m fine. I’ll come back after a little nap.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “I vow, Avalee, your hovering will wear a body out.” She dismissively flipped her hand. “I said I’m fine.”

  Against my better judgment, I relented. “All right then. But I’m checking on you in a couple of hours.”

  She nodded and turned to walk home, but stopped and said, “Oh, I almost forgot. Molly Kate is going to do my cooking demonstration on how to properly fry green tomatoes. The Yankees in the group will really like that. I picked several bushels this morning in the green house, which is probably what is wrong with me. I’ve been up since four-thirty. Anyway, there are plenty for you to sell.”

  Three hours later, Momma still hadn’t returned. I tried to call, but she didn’t pick up. Was she still asleep? Worry worked its way back inside my head. The Preston Gardens tent was full of customers, and I hated to leave. I noticed Felix across the way showing a fellow the diagram of our hydroponic system. Waving, I caught his attention. He broke into his killer smile, his golden tooth gleaming in the spring sunshine.

  Felix patted the gentleman on the shoulder and pointed at me before strolling over. “Mighty fine event, Avalee. You did yourself proud.”

  “Thank you, Felix. Listen, would you watch the tent for me? I want to check on Momma.”

  “No need. I’ll go check. You stay here, and I’ll be back directly.”

  What an angel God had sent to us in Felix. “Thanks. And tell her not to worry. To stay there and rest. We are fine here.”

  “Will do.” He trotted to his truck and drove away. Ten minutes later a text came through.

  —Come quick! 911!!—

  “Oh God.” Panic seized me. I flagged down Lexi. “Take over here would you?”

  “Lord, girl, what’s wrong?”

  I sprinted to my car yelling over my shoulder. “It’s Momma.”

  When I got to the house, the ambulance was already there. She lay unconscious on the gurney. I squeaked out, “What happened?”

  An EMT answered, “We don’t know for sure, but it appears to be a stroke. We won’t know until we get her to the hospital.”

  “A stroke? Oh God.” Once again, I wasn’t there when she needed me. The ambulance sped off with the sirens and lights going full tilt.

  Felix walked over, his cheeks wet and eyes red. I fell into his arms crying. He held me and patted my back. “I’ll drive you to the hospital.” I nodded and let him lead me to the truck. The cab smelled of fuel and cigarette smoke with a hint of Juicy Fruit gum. Probably to hide the fact from my mother he’d been smoking. Of course we all knew he smoked by the lingering odor on his clothes. The gears groaned when he shifted into first. The truck lurched, throwing me forward, causing the seatbelt to press against my chest. I grabbed it and held it away from my body. We both stared out the windshield while Felix ground through all the gears.

  When we were finally speeding down the road I asked, “What happened?”

  Tears dripped off his chin. “Well, I knocked on the door, but Miss Cladie didn’t answer. I tried the knob, but it was locked. So I found me a wooden bucket and put it under the kitchen window to see if I could jimmy it open. And that’s when I saw her. Sprawled on the floor.”

  “On the floor?” I pushed my face in my hands. “Oh God help her”

  He sleeved his eyes with a shaky arm. “I thought she’d passed. I threw that wooden bucket through the glass on the kitchen door and let myself in. I checked her pulse and found she was still alive, thank the good Lord. Then I called 911 and texted you.” He sniffed. “I can’t tell you how relieved I was to find a pulse.”

  Ty. I needed to tell him. I punched in a message and sent it. The truck jerked to a stop in front of the ER. “You get out, Avalee. I’ll park the truck.”

  “Thanks, Felix.” I jumped out, ran through the doors to the triage, and breathlessly asked to see my mother. The sympathetic nurse shook her head. “You can’t go in, honey. The doctor is with her now. I’ll get you as soon as he is finished.”

  Before I could protest, she walked behind the doors separating me from my mother. An eerie chill worked its way through my body. Would today be the last time I would see her alive?

  ****

  The hum of florescent lighting vibrated in my ears while I paced back and forth on polished white tiles. Felix sat slumped in a chrome-and-black vinyl chair. Every phone ring or bell chime jolted us to attention, only to be disappointed. How long had we been there? I glanced at the wall clock. Only fifteen minutes? It seemed like hours.

  The automati
c doors to the ER waiting room slid open and Ty ran to me and took me in his arms. “Is she all right?”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

  Soon Molly Kate and Lexi were in the room. They huddled around me like we had Stan just four short months earlier in this very room when we thought Molly Kate had suffered a heart attack. Ty walked over to Felix and sat beside him, consoling our dear old friend. I appreciated Ty’s sensitivity. Felix loved my mother as deeply as he would a sister, and she loved him just as much.

  MK pulled a tissue from her purse and handed it to me. “Honey, what happened?”

  I blew my nose. “It looks like she had a stroke.”

  Lexi covered her mouth. “Oh Lord. No.”

  “Felix can tell you more than I can.” I looked over at him to see him rocking back and forth weeping while talking with Ty. “Oh, honey.” I strode over and knelt beside him.

  “Law, what will I do without my Miss Cladie?” He stared at me through red-rimmed eyes. “What will I do? She’s the best friend I’ve ever had. She and your daddy.”

  I took his hand. “Let’s pray we won’t have to cross that bridge. Let’s hope and pray.”

  Lexi and Molly Kate scooted chairs close to Felix and began fussing over him, cooing, and patting. When he regained his composure, he retold how he’d found Mom. I returned to pacing. Finally, the large doors to the ER opened and Dr. Derrick walked out. I froze and studied his face for clues.

  “Avalee.” He regarded me over his glasses. I didn’t like the tone of his voice. My insides quaked so hard it felt as if my ribs might break. The good doctor must have read my face. He put his hand out and rested it on my arm. “She’s resting comfortably. But we need to talk.”

  Ty came to stand beside me and circled his arm around my waist. “May I come, too?”

  “I’d like him to if that’s okay, Doctor.”

  “That’s fine. Follow me.”

  I glanced back at Felix and the girls. “I’ll be back as soon as I can with news.”