Always Tried and Proven

by Nancy Hopper

“Now, you come back tomorrow to see me, Sam.” She teased softly. “I won’t last the day without it. It’s high time you made hospital rounds, anyway.” She chided.

  He chuckled. “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” He promised in a husky voice. “Now, I really have to go. That man is dying. I’ll stop by and see if you’re still awake before we leave, if I can. All right?”

  “I’d like that very much.” She agreed.

  He pulled out of her arms, unable to tear his eyes away from hers. There was such hope, and longing in the depths of her soft eyes. Her long lashes were wet with tears. Sam couldn’t bear it. He smiled at her, and leaned down to give her one more, little kiss.

  “Bye.” he whispered.

  “Bye.” She answered, and watched him walk out.

  The man in 306 was almost gone. He managed to rally one more time while Sam was there, and Sam talked with him briefly. He told the son that he believed his father was saved, and at peace during that time. Then he led the son to the Lord. The father died a short time later.

  The son, named Lloyd Atkinson, asked Sam if he would do the graveside words. The boy had no family, no money. He had come from Georgia to see his father because he’d been told he was ill.

  The boy had no job, and was destitute. He’d been living in a charitable home for the past few weeks. Sam agreed to go to the burial and help him, and got the son in touch with some local churches for immediate aid, for himself. He told him how to get to the tent, if he needed Sam.

  When they were done, Sadie asked after Callie. “She’s all right.” He assured her. “I told her we’d check on her before we left.”

  They did, and found that she was asleep. They slipped out again, and headed for home.

  “So, how was your visit with Callie? As rough as you feared?” she asked lightly.

  “No. It went very well, actually.”

  “Sam; talk to me. You know that she remembers everything, right? Doesn’t that make you simply ecstatic?”

  “I need to call Rose again before it gets too late.” He evaded worriedly.

  “You men are no fun at all. You aren’t going to tell me nothin’, are you?”

  “That’s exactly right.” He agreed evenly. He wouldn’t even look at her.

  Sadie rolled her eyes and watched him dial his cell phone. He was being extremely aggravating, but she bit her tongue. She figured that when she told him a little bit more about Callie’s past, he’d split wide open.

  Sam was a bit nervous that Sadie was so quiet, actually. She stopped badgering him, and was quiet until they got on the turnpike.

  “So, Sam. Are you ready to listen?”

  “To what?” he drawled apprehensively.

  “To the reason Callie was so hard to get hold of, why she was afraid of you and didn’t want anything to do with Jesus?”

  “You know?” he couldn’t help asking.

  “Of course, I know.” She boasted. “I do have my ways of finding out what I need to know.”

  “All right, let’s hear it.” He agreed tiredly.

  “Do you recall a word of knowledge that you received about a young woman one night at the tent? A young woman who was twenty-three years old, had long dark hair, had a father named Willy, and a lover named Dexter who had hurt her very badly?”

  “I do.” He agreed shortly. No one needed to remind him that Callie was the girl, either. “Except I missed it with her mother. Her name is not Suzette, it’s Rose.”

  “Actually, Suzette is Rose’s first name. She’s never used it, though.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me then, that it was Callie?” Sam demanded.

  “I didn’t know. She never talked about her father, I had no idea of his name; I didn’t recognize the name Suzette, and I never knew anyone named Dexter. Anyway, I found out tonight what that was all about, from Dalton.”

  It didn’t take long before Sadie could feel Sam reacting to the information she was giving him. He was incredulous. He pulled off the road, and slid down in the seat so that his neck was against the headrest, and closed his eyes. He was so heartsick. Waves of pain kept slamming into his heart as he listened, and realized just what Callie had gone through.

  “You felt such a burden for her that last night, when you discovered her identity, Sam. It was because of the depth of her wounding. It really shook Callie up, too, if you remember. I thought she was upset the night before when she left, but she wouldn’t admit a thing. Poor doll.”

  “Sadie.” He interrupted. “I’d like to know more. Will you see if you can find out from Dalton who her doctors were, which police were involved? I don’t want to bother Rose about it, for obvious reasons. I’d like to understand a lot more without Callie having to tell me. Will you help?”

  “Sure. But Sam, Dalton may be suspicious. He’s still a bit protective of Callie, you know.”

  “Yeah. Well, send him to me, if he is. I’ll talk to him, myself. In fact, I’d welcome talking to him about it, if he’s willing. I don’t plan to do anything with the information except understand, and pray.”

  “I’ll ask him, Sam.” She promised.

  “Thanks.” He said quietly.

  “Sam, she’s going to be all right now. It’s all coming out in the wash. She’s facing it. She’ll get over it.”

  “I know.” He agreed tiredly. “I’m just concerned for her. Sadie, she is a very young, pretty unstable Christian. I worry that she is going to suffer, being thrust into the level of pressure and battle that we take in stride. Dear God, I don’t want her to be destroyed because of me! She’s got a great deal to manage, just getting her life straightened around, and dealing with this awful thing with her father, and this man she was involved with. She’s clearly pushed it all deep inside, and I am yanking it right back to the surface.”

  “Well, Sam. She’s tougher than she looks, and she’s a fighter. Don’t worry too much. Just concentrate on loving her, and she’ll be fine.”

  Sam sighed. “Sadie, one thing at a time.” He objected.

  “No, Sam. You both need a lot more love in your life. Don’t hide anymore. You went after Callie with a vengeance. You wanted her, and it was clear that you intended to have her. Well, doggone it! She had a good reason to run, and she is facing that squarely now. You love her, Sam, and you’d better let her know it. She needs you desperately now. By God, if you don’t come through for that girl, her soul will be on your conscience! She’s come through hell to lay herself at your feet and beg you to forgive her, and give her another chance.”

  Sam stared at Sadie with mild irritation. “Bold, aren’t you?” he snapped.

  “Yep.” She agreed forcefully. “I have to be. And so do you.” She added sweetly.

  Sam made a sound of pure exasperation, and pulled the car back onto the road.

  Clyde was waiting outside the car door when they parked at the tent. “Samuel! How is she?”

  “Well, Clyde. She’s darn near perfect now.” Sam grinned. “Got a rock hard head, and a constitution to match.”

  “When is she coming home?”

  Sam shrugged. “Tomorrow, perhaps. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  “Bologna. What’re they keeping her for?”

  “To be sure she doesn’t have any seizures, or anything like that.”

  Clyde paled. “Oh.” He said, worriedly.

  “I’m about done in.” Sam sighed. “Thank God, there was no meeting scheduled tonight.”

  “That certainly was providential.” Clyde agreed. “Hey, Sam, we got a call from some churches down in the Mobile area. They got hit by twisters this morning, and wondered if we could help with some chore service; for first aid and clean up. I sent six down today, and thought maybe more could go tomorrow.”

  “By all means.” Sam agreed. “I’ve got a funeral in a couple days and Callie to take care of, too. Let the local churches know, and see what they want to do about volunteering to keep the tent going. They may want to shut down and go help in Mobile. Whatever they want to do, is
all right with me.”

  “All right. Thanks, Sam. G’night.”

  Sam took a hot shower and hit his bunk, almost asleep.

  Things looked much better the following morning. Sam didn’t even think about getting up until ten, and no one bothered him. He took his time showering. As he was thinking about something to eat, Sadie appeared at the door.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey.” He answered tiredly.

  “Getting ready to go to town?”

  “Yep. You want to come with?”

  “If you’ll let me.” She agreed sheepishly.

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” he grumbled.

  “Well, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want me.” She explained meekly. “I did get pretty bossy last night.”

  “Cut it out.” He ordered, laughing at her.

  They found Callie propped up in bed, looking pretty as a picture. She broke into a dazzling smile, her face glowing, when she looked up and saw them. “Oh, at last!” she exclaimed joyfully.

  Sam was holding a vase full of fragrant, pink roses.

  Tears sprang to Callie’s eyes. “Oh, Sam.” She objected.

  “Ah, you don’t like them. I thought as much! Don’t worry, I’ll give them to the lady down the hall, it’s all right.” He teased.

  Callie made a noise of disgusted protest, and tipped her head at him in warning. “I don’t think so!” she advised sharply. “Bring them here, Sam.”

  He put them on the table beside her bed, and she stuck her nose in them immediately. “Ah.” She sighed. “Wonderful. How did you know?”

  “Know what?” He asked with a grin.

  “How much I love roses.”

  He shrugged. “They reminded me of you. They just called out to me.”

  Callie looked at him with adoration. Sam was discomfited to discover that Sadie had made herself scarce, and he was alone with Callie.

  She looked at him with bedroom eyes. “Come here, Sam.” She urged softly.

  He shook his head. “This is a conspiracy. Where did Sadie go?” he asked, feigning irritation.

  “I don’t know and I don’t care.” Callie answered sweetly. “Come here.”

  Sam sighed and scratched his head, as though considering. Callie got out of bed and towered above him, where he sat in the chair.

  “You are the most stubborn, difficult, headstrong and merciless man.” She accused. She leaned over and lifted his chin with her finger. She looked into his eyes with a look that chastised. Sam looked up at her, and smiled despite himself.

  “So, what are you going to do about it?” he taunted slowly.

  “I’m going to go right past that hard head of yours, and see if I can’t find your heart.” She threatened softly.

  He chuckled. “What if it’s made of stone, too?” he challenged.

  “Not.” She denied. “It’s soft as butter. And big as the ocean, and sweet as new wine.”

  He watched her pensively as she lowered her face, and pressed her lips to his. Sam felt his defenses melting as she assaulted his heart. She went straight in. Sam could have sworn that she searched until she found his heart; and wrapped her hands around it, squeezed it until she was sure it was in her grasp, and then she just stroked it, lovingly. He groaned inside as she simply took possession. There was no doubt. She’d won. Again.

  After she’d finished kissing him, she stood up straight, and just wrapped her arms around his neck and held him to her. With her knees between his, there was nowhere for Sam to go. He had to just allow her to draw his head against her tummy, and hold him.

  Something deep inside Sam was touched. Callie became aware of it. The Lord began to show her that there had been very little love in Sam’s life. Surely no woman had held his head against her tummy and just hugged his neck, since long before his mother died. The natural, human kind of love had been sorely absent for many long years. She began to wonder if anyone had ever just told Sam that he was loved. This man who had given out so much to any and every human being in his path, had received so little of the kind of affection that most people took for granted. For him, just the simple gesture of drawing his head against the softness of her belly, was unheard of.

  First, there was no one whom he would ever have allowed that kind of intimacy with, to protect his ministry; and second, there was no one he’d ever trusted, or wanted it with.

  But in that moment, a yearning began to grow in his heart. A deep ache made itself felt. Sam felt alone. He saw his lack, as he never had before. The softness of her tummy against his cheek, the gentle fingers stroking his hair and neck, were extremely comforting. There was nothing sexual about it. It was just pure, human intimacy. He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. He couldn’t have pulled away if he’d wanted to.

  At last, she leaned down and kissed his forehead. He sat her on his lap, and wrapped his arms around her. They sat that way for a long time. There was a healing taking place without a word being spoken, in both of their hearts.

  Each of them made a decision, to trust the other completely. A new strength was forged. Sam felt his heart truly break open in intimacy to another person, for the first time since his mother had died.

  Compassion, he’d had. Mercy, grace and love, he had ministered without measure. But he’d never allowed himself to be vulnerable to another human being, in his heart. But it had suddenly, just happened. He knew a moment’s terror as he realized the power he’d given Callie over him.

  He forced himself into a state of contentment. He’d done it, and there was no going back. He knew that Callie was taking the same risk. It was just known without being spoken. She was as open and vulnerable as he was. And she’d certainly been hurt, too.

  She looked down at him, and smiled. “Sam, look at us. What will Sadie think when she comes through that door?” She teased.

  He shook his head. “Whatever she wants.” He said with a chuckle.

  Callie looked at him with naughty eyes. “Aren’t you afraid she’ll talk about finding you in a single woman’s hospital room, with the lady in your lap, and her lipstick on your face?"

  Sam laughed. “Yeah. Whatever. You’ve always been worth it, lady. Don’t you kid yourself.”

  But, Sadie found Callie in bed, and Sam sitting in the chair beside her, chatting quietly.

  “Cal, honey. I brought you some clothes, and brushes and things. I’ll put the bag in your closet.”

  “Thanks, Sadie.” Callie said gratefully. “Is there anything to read?”

  “Yep.”

  “You’re a lifesaver. I hope I can leave tomorrow.” Callie sighed. Suddenly, she didn’t look right. Sam and Sadie noticed it together.

  “Callie?” Sam asked worriedly. She didn’t respond, although she opened quivering lips, and seemed to be trying. Then, her eyes rolled back in her head and her whole body stiffened – and began to shake violently.

  “Oh, Jesus.” Sam said worriedly. “Sadie, get a nurse in here!”

  He held her hand, and watched her carefully. She didn’t seem to be in any imminent danger, but he wasn’t happy about what was happening to her, either.

  A nurse came in, and sighed as she witnessed the seizure. “Oh, boy. I’ll call Dr. Adams.” She said worriedly. “I don’t think the results of the EEG are back yet, but I’ll check.”

  She picked up Callie’s phone and called the doctor from there. Within a few more seconds, it was over.

  “How long did it last?” the nurse asked.

  “Maybe a minute.” Sam replied.

  “Okay. Well, I’m going to arrange for a monitor for her, so we can get some more information. She may be scared. Just comfort her, and reassure her that she’s all right.”

  Sam nodded. He watched Callie come out of it, and saw that she was, indeed, very frightened. He sat on the bed, and stroked her hair. “It’s okay, honey. It’s over.” He soothed her.

  Callie closed her eyes, and began to cry. Sam couldn’t help it. He simply picked her up, and carried her to the chair.
He sat there with her, and held her. Sadie watched with great concern.

  It turned out to be another very long day. Callie had to go through testing, and Sam didn’t want to leave her. Dr. Adams got a rush on the results of her EEG, and came to her room to share it, around three o’clock.

  “Well, Callie. Your EEG shows some pretty abnormal activity. It may improve over time, or it may not. For now, it’s important that we begin you on some medication. It will hopefully diminish, or entirely eliminate the seizures. It’s pretty widely used and it’s a miracle drug in many cases.”

  Callie looked at Sam fearfully. Then she looked at the doctor again. “Well; are these seizures dangerous?” she asked uneasily.

  “They can be. I don’t want you driving, or anything like that.” He chuckled. “Let’s see how it goes, before we get too concerned. You may never have another one. But I want to monitor you for a bit, starting with a sleep EEG tonight, to get some more definitive data.”

  Callie nodded, and tried to look brave.

  “Is it possible for me to stay with her?” Sam asked worriedly.

  “We’ve got a wing for family. You’re all she’s got, so I guess you qualify. You won’t be able to visit with her through the night, but you could certainly check on her through the window. I’m sure she’ll feel better just knowing that you’re nearby.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.” Sam said quietly.

  The doctor nodded, smiled at Callie, and left.

  The three of them just sat numbly, and stared at one another in shock.

  “This is like a bad dream. Tell me it’s not happening.” Callie whispered.

  Sam sighed, and shook his head. “I wish that were true.”

  Sadie pressed her lips together. “Sam, should I go back and get you some clothes and stuff?”

  He nodded. “That would be great, Sadie. Thanks.”

  “All right. Well, I’ll come back as soon as I can. I’ll make sure the boys have the service covered, Sam. Don’t worry about a thing.”

  He nodded, but he seemed minimally concerned about the service. He never took his eyes off Callie. When Sadie was gone, she looked up at him.

  “Sam, I can’t help it. I’m so scared.”