Wings of Love

by Jeanette Skutinik

  “Good morning,” She kissed the back of his neck then rested her head upon his back. “It’s so nice to have you back where you belong.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing,” Adam admitted as he rolled over and took her into his arms. “What do you want to do today? You name it and we’ll do it.”

  “Outside of the obvious?” She teased as she caressed his chest. “Let’s go get a pumpkin and make a jack-o-lantern!”

  “Are you serious?” Adam searched her eyes then smiled. “Well if that’s what you really want to do. But first we’ll take care of the obvious.” He lifted her on top of him massaging her hips with his hands as he pulled her closer to him. He made love to her with urgency, knowing that tomorrow he would be hundreds of miles away.

  Adam took a drive with Amy to his folks to pick out their first official pumpkin. He watched as she searched through hundreds of them to find just the right one to carve. When she found a large perfectly round one he carried it back to his truck.

  Amy went inside and visited with his mother as he helped his father who had been out in the field with the combine harvesting the soybeans. It was either feast or famine for a farmer luckily this year was a feast.

  Adam shared his goodbyes with his family and thanked them for everything. Not only did he and Amy leave with a pumpkin but his mother sent with them freshly made cinnamon donuts and a gallon of apple cider.

  When they arrived back at Amy’s house she quickly spread newspapers on the floor for Adam to set the pumpkin on. He took the top off and helped her clean the pumpkin out as they munched on donuts and cider.

  “I love the scary mouth you carved!” Amy laughed at the crooked smile he had insisted on giving their pumpkin. “Let’s give him a carrot for a nose.”

  “A carrot? That’s for a snowman! Next thing you know you’ll want to give him a top hat and scarf.” Adam picked the seeds out of the inside, placing them on some newspaper to dry. “Can I take some pumpkin seeds with me?”

  “First you laugh at my idea,” Amy teased him as she carved a triangular nose. “Then you want to take all my pumpkin seeds.”

  “You know why I love you so much?” Adam hugged her as he sat down behind her, the remnants of pumpkin still on his hands and arms. “Because no matter what we do together it is always fun.”

  “I love you too,” Amy looked up at him reaching to remove a piece of pumpkin from his face. “What time is Bob sending the limo to pick us up?”

  “Bob and Janet are supposed to be her at five,” Adam looked at his watched. “We better hurry up.”

  Adam and Amy waited on the porch, their pumpkin proudly displayed in the front window. The limousine promptly arrived at five. As they entered the limo the smell of White Castles permeated the inside of the vehicle. Bob and Janet were already enjoying the classic hamburgers.

  “Help yourselves,” Bob handed Adam a greasy white bag. “They’re exceptional good today.”

  “You are the man,” Adam said as he popped an onion chip in his mouth. “Here you go babe.”

  “Thanks.” Amy took the cardboard boxed hamburger he handed her. “Hi Janet.”

  “Hi. I meant to call you earlier but by the time I rehearsed my script and called Luke and Peter, it was time for the limo to show up.” Janet said then took a swig of her pop.

  “How are Luke and Peter?” Amy asked awkwardly.

  “They are both doing fine.” Janet said then looking towards Bob. “They both sent their condolences.”

  “Thank you,” Bob said looking out the window.

  “Bob, if you need anything just give me a call.” Adam took a pen out of his bag and ripped a piece of paper out of his notebook. “Here’s my number and if you can’t get a hold of me then call Amy and let her know.”

  “Thanks Adam,” he took the paper folded it up and put it in his pocket and deliberately changed the subject. “When does that soap opera air that you star in?”

  “It airs on November 10th, on Channel 7 at one in the afternoon.” Janet said. “I hope you all remember to watch it.”

  “We wouldn’t miss it,” Amy promised. “I will have an official premiere at my house.”

  The rest of the ride to the airport was filled with many conversations as they all tried to get caught up on all of their now separate lives. Even though they didn’t see each other all the time, it seemed like they always continued their friendships exactly where they had left off.

  “American Airline Flight 146 boarding at Gate 17,” announced the intercom stating it was time to part again.

  “By Janet,” Amy hugged her. “I’ll call you after we watch the show.”

  Bob hugged Janet and shook Adam’s hand as he slapped him on the back. “Have a safe trip.”

  “Thanks.” Adam turned his attention to Amy pulling her close. “Bye Amy. I’ll call you tonight.” He breathed in the smell of her hair as he gave her a kiss. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Amy smiled up at him and whispered. “I had a great time. See you soon.”

  Amy waved good bye at him and Janet as they walked out of sight. When she pulled herself together she noticed Bob sitting in a chair with his head in his hands. Amy sat down in the chair next to him placing her arm around his shoulder.

  “You okay, Bobby?” She rubbed his back softly trying to comfort him.

  “I’m good.” Bob looked up at her. “As long as I have a friend like you I’ll be alright.”

  “I wanted to wait until the right time to give this to you.” Amy unzipped her purse and handed Bob a picture. “I thought you’d like to have it.”

  He held the picture in his hand as he noted every detail. Bob and his mom smiled for the camera while they were dancing that night at Adam’s party. It captured the last moment he had spent with her and it was the perfect memory to cherish forever.

  “Thank you Amy.” Bob hugged her and held her in his arms for a moment. “You have always been the best friend to me.”

  “Friends forever,” Amy smiled at him. “Pinkie swear.”

  “Pinkie swear,” Bob smiled up at her offering his pinkie. “You also always know the right thing to say.”

  ***

  Adam heard his alarm clock go off. It was four in the morning. He dragged himself out of bed throwing on his sweats as he yawned. He zipped up his sweatshirt leaving for his morning run. The last month’s schedule had been quite a heavy load for him. He had two practices everyday and been studying during all his free time for his exams that were scheduled for this week. In addition he had hockey games every Friday and Saturday. Although he still missed Amy just as much as ever the weeks seemed to be zooming by quickly. Tonight he was going to call her and he couldn’t wait to hear her voice.

  Adam waited as the phone rang about a dozen times. He almost hung up when he heard someone pick up the phone.

  “Hello?” Amy answered.

  “Hi babe.” Adam could hear she was out of breath. “Did you just rush in or are you happy to hear from me?”

  “Both.” She teased him back. “I had to work a little later. Sandy’s kid came home sick from school.”

  “Guess what?” Adam said anxious to share his news with her.

  “What?”

  “I made first line!” Adam finally blurted it out. “I’ve been waiting all day to tell you.”

  “That’s great Adam.” Amy said. “Everything is working out just like you wanted.”

  “Well, almost everything.” Adam thought it would be perfect if she was here with him.

  “How’s school going?” Amy asked.

  “It’s hard. Exams are this week.” Adam leaned against the wall with his leg up behind him. “Well, I got to go babe. I love you.”

  “Love you too.” Amy said, “Sweet dreams.”

  ***

  “I’m coming,” Amy yelled as she ran down the stairs from her room. She peeked out the door to see who could possibly be here this late at night. She turned on the porch light to see Bob standing outside.
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  “Bob, what is the matter?” When Amy opened the door she could smell that he had been out drinking tonight. “Come on in. It’s cold out.”

  “Sorry to bother you Amy.” Bob stood there his shoulders slouched over. “I just needed someone to talk to.”

  “Come on in.” Amy took his coat and hung it on the doorknob. “Would you like some coffee?”

  “Sure.” Bob waited for her on the couch while Amy went to make a pot of coffee.

  “It should be done in a minute.” Amy plopped herself down on the couch next to Bob.

  “I just wanted to thank you Amy for all you ever done for me.” Bob’s speech was slurred. “You have always been my friend even when everyone else thought I was a total ass.”

  “Well, you have always done the same for me.” Amy stood up for him. “You know that.”

  “If it wasn’t for you I don’t know how I would have gotten through all of it.” Bob said sincerely.

  “I’m glad I could be there for you.” Amy placed her hand on his arm. “You know I always will.”

  “Good. I’m glad. Now that my mom is gone I have nobody left to love me.” Bob confided in her. “You know I love you Amy. And I always will. Nobody understands why except you.”

  “I know Bob.” Amy understood what he meant.

  “I just wished you loved me back.” Bob looked at her sadly, “The way I adore you.”

  “I love you as a friend Bob.” Amy was honest with him. “Someday you will find someone who will love you the way you deserve to be loved. I know there is a good man in there. One day you’ll find that special someone who will see it to.”

  “I hope you are right.” Bob looked at Amy as she rose from the couch.

  “I’m always right,” she teased. “And when you do find her you won’t even remember my name.”

  Amy sat with Bob talking for several hours and two pots of coffee. She wanted to make sure he sobered up before she even thought of letting him drive home.

  “Good night Amy.” Bob gave her a hug, removing his jacket from the doorknob and put it on. “Thanks for being here for me and listening. I feel better.”

  “Anytime,” Amy said as she closed the door. “Good night Bob.”

  ***

  It was a Friday night and Amy had no plans for the evening, so she decided to pamper herself. She already given herself a manicure and pedicure and just finished putting on a facial mask when she heard the doorbell ring.

  “You got to be kidding me,” Amy said as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Of all the times for someone to come to the door it had to be now.”

  Amy ran down the stairs and shyly peeked out the window. A delivery man hid behind a large box from a florist shop. How embarrassing.

  She barely opened the door trying to hide her face when the delivery man said in a deep voice. “I have a delivery for Amy Makowski.”

  Amy peeked behind the florist box, “Oh. My. God. Adam!”

  He walked in and sat the flowers down on the coffee table. “Special Delivery,” Adam laughed as he held out his arms to her.

  “Oh baby, let me hold you,” she rushed into his arms as he picked her up and hugged her. “It really is you!” She felt her body melt in his arms.

  “Yes, it’s me beautiful,” he laughed at her tear stained facial mask. “I wanted to surprise you!”

  “Oh you did!” Amy laughed still in his arms. “I don’t want to let you go but I better wash my face!”

  “I have a game tomorrow night at Ferris State.” Adam followed Amy to the bathroom and stood in the doorway watching her.

  “There,” said Amy as she dried her face with a towel. “Come here baby.” She held him close, smelling him, touching him, and tasting him as she kissed him. She was so happy to be in his arms. “You really are here!”

  “Well, I’m glad to see you’re so happy,” he smiled still holding her close as he ran his hand through her hair.

  “Can you stay until tomorrow?” She asked hopeful that he didn’t have to leave tonight.

  “I’m all yours babe,” Adam eyes playfully shined down on her.

  “Yes!” Amy tugged at the waistband of his jeans finding a belt loop to hold onto as she dragged him into her bedroom shutting the door with her foot behind them.

  Adam came downstairs after taking a shower to the smell of bacon and eggs coming from the kitchen. He entered the kitchen as his eyes fell upon this woman who never ceased to amaze him. She stood in front of the stove with his flannel shirt on and pink fluffy slippers. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

  “Morning,” he nuzzled her hair. “I wondered where my shirt went.”

  “Do you want it?” Amy turned around giving him a daring look.

  “Amy Marie,” Adam gazed into her eyes which were dancing with love. “If I wasn’t starving I’d call your bluff.”

  The kitchen table displayed the lovely vase of flowers Adam brought her the night before. The smell of them mixed with the aroma of breakfast made her senses alive. Amy set a platter of bacon and eggs with toast down on the table in front of them. She walked over to the refrigerator and brought the orange juice out. She poured them each a cup of coffee then sat down to join Adam who was already eating his breakfast.

  “So do I get to go watch your game tonight?” Amy dipped her toast into the creamy yolk of her egg.

  “I was hoping you would,” said Adam. “Besides I need a ride.” He glanced up from his plate with a smirk on his face.

  “Oh, I see how you are,” she teased him back. “You’re just after me for my car.”

  “Damn, you found me out.” He loved when they baited each other. “I’ve been eyeing that car since you brought it to the station.”

  Amy sat in the bleachers with the other girlfriends and family of the New York Men’s Hockey Team at the Ferris State Arena. She sipped a cup of hot chocolate as she waited for the game to start.

  “Is this the first time you watched him play,” asked a young girl sitting in front of Amy.

  “No, I’ve been to more games than I can count.” She smiled at the girl glad to have someone to talk to. “My name is Amy. I’m Adam’s girlfriend.”

  “Hi, I’m Brenda. My boyfriend is a friend of Adam.” She pointed over to him. “He’s number twenty two. His name is Brett.”

  “Oh, you’re Brett’s girlfriend.” Amy remembered Adam mentioning Brett to her before. “Do you go to all his games?”

  “Yeah, I’m attending New York State also.” Brenda explained. “That’s how we met. We have the same calculus class.”

  Before Amy could say another word the hockey game started with the first face off of the evening. Amy saw Adam as he entered play, jumping over the boards onto the ice. The Bulldogs ended the period leading 2-1. She noticed Brett was the right winger in the first line playing with Adam. They worked well together. Adam scored the first goal of the second period with Brett on the assist to tie the game up.

  “Yeah!!” Amy jumped to her feet giving Brenda a high five. “Go New York!”

  Adam passed the puck to his left winger who dumped the puck to Brett. Brett skated backward as he shot the puck to Adam who picked it up. Adam lost possession but skated forward and regained it. He passed the puck to his left winger who scored the winning goal of the game. The final score NY 3 Bull Dogs 2.

  “I’ll see you babe.” Adam said as he hugged her close. “I had a great time.”

  “Me too.” Amy gave him a long kiss good bye. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” He noticed the bus was getting ready to leave. “Drive safe. I’ll call you tonight.”

  Amy waved as she watched him climb up the steps of the bus and head to his seat. He sat down by the window blowing her a kiss as the bus pulled away. She smiled as the bus left then walked over to her car. She drove home singing to Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain and Tennille on the radio. Her love for Adam was stronger now more than ever.

  Chapter 14

  �
��Hurry up Amy,” hollered Joey from the living room. “It’s coming on.”

  “I’m so excited!” Amy rushed into the living room with a bowl of popcorn. She sat down on the floor in front of the coffee table.

  “You rock,” Bob said as he scooped a handful of buttery popcorn from the bowl.

  “There she is,” said Angie as the beginning of the show’s intro started. “Janet Oakes as Kendall Wallenfurt.”

  “How cool is that?” Amy beamed at the TV as she watched her friend lay in a hospital bed.

  Amy watched in awe as Janet performed all her lines with the talent of a true professional.

  “I think she’s going to hook up with the doctor,” Bob whispered to Amy as he reached for more popcorn.

  “Sssh,” said Angie her eyes glued to the TV. The doctor just told Kendall she has a rare blood disease.

  A commercial came on as Joey ran into the kitchen. “Anyone want another pop?”

  “Yeah,” they all yelled in unison. “Hurry up its back on.”

  Amy watched as Kendall reacted tearfully to her diagnosis by Dr. Clifford Braxton. He wrote her a prescription with his home phone number on it and requested that she call him anytime. The show ended as a nurse came in introducing herself as Joanne Braxton.

  “You were right,” Amy said to Bob as she handed him the rest of the popcorn. “I bet he’s married too!”

  “I can’t believe that I actually watched a soap opera.” Joey laughed at himself. “If the guys on the team hear about this they’ll tie me up to the zamboni.”

  “I’ll never breathe a word about it.” Bob promised. “It’s the least we can do after all the hockey games she sat through for us.”

  “Totally,” said Joey as he patted Angie on the leg. “Wanna grab something to eat sweetie?”

  “Sure, I don’t have to go into work tonight.” Angie was pulled up onto her feet by Joey.

  “You two want to go?” Joey asked as he stood behind Angie and wrapped his arms around her.

  “You two lovebirds go enjoy yourselves.” Amy figured they might want to spend some time alone since Joey was leaving in the morning.