by Diane Strong
and…well, we kind of lost track of time. Right Mr. Saunders? William Saunders?”
Billy nodded as she talked then cocked his head when he heard his given name. Only his mother ever called him William. “That’s right. I’m sorry to keep your mom so long, especially on Christmas Eve.”
As he spoke his phone began to ring. Billy jumped slightly at the sound, startled, then studied the display and read the number.
“It’s my mother.” Excitement and joy filled Billy’s face and tears formed in his eyes.
“Go on, take the call. We’ll get out of here.” Megan reached for her daughter, thankful for the clear opportunity to leave the house and this incomprehensible situation.
Billy answered the phone. “Mom! Oh, mama it is so good to hear your voice…” Billy held up a finger to Megan, signaling for her to wait a minute before leaving. He walked with purpose through the kitchen and disappeared briefly then returned and reached out his hand toward her. Megan held her hand open and Billy dropped her car keys into her palm. Megan stared at them, momentarily confused, then clutched them tightly, afraid to be separated from them again.
Billy waved goodbye and gestured toward his phone with a smile. He turned away and talked excitedly to his mother. Megan searched the kitchen counter and found both pen and paper. She scribbled something onto the paper and folded it in half.
Megan held out the note. Billy peered up from his phone call, accepted it, and put it in his pocket without reading it. Megan grabbed Lyndsy’s elbow and pulled her toward the door and they exited without another glance back.
“Who was that, Mom?” Lyndsy asked as they walked down the driveway toward the cars.
“Someone we will most likely be seeing a lot of in the coming years.” Megan answered hesitantly.
“What on Earth are you talking about, Mom?” Lyndsy let her frustration with the whole incident color her tone, tired of not understanding what had happened.
“I’ll explain it all when we get home. I promise.”
Later that evening, while in the home of his mother, Billy reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of paper Megan had given him earlier. He had forgotten about it.
Billy, I believe you knew my mother, Bethany Coldran. You got her pregnant thirty-five years ago and she never told you. When you get a moment, please call: 502-555-3465
Megan
The End.
About the Author
Diane Strong lives in Kentucky with her husband and their two children. She received a liberal arts degree at Itasca Community College, a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Equine Studies from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana and a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Kentucky.
She writes a small column for the Georgetown News Graphic and homeschools her children. In her spare time she competes in road races, triathlons and adventure races. She is the founder of the Georgetown Run/Walk Club and Intellectual Society. She loves what she does.
If you liked this story, do me a big favor and tell somebody. Better yet, tell the world by writing a review.
I hope you enjoyed this short story enough to check out my other works:
Out and Back (a novel)
Newspaper Bundle (a collection of columns)
The Running Suspense Series:
The Run #1
Falcon Point #2
The Other Way #3
The Rescue #4
Reservoir Run #5
Merry Christmas Mr. Saunders #6
Running Shorts: The Running Suspense Collection
Reach me at:
Facebook Page
www.dianestrong.com
Twitter: @dianeistrong
email: [email protected]
