Into Each Life

by Shelia E. Bell

  “Goodnight, Ruth.”

  When William turned and walked away, she let out a sigh, turned the key and went inside.

  Chapter 27

  A Love That’s Real

  Twins, Kevin and Kaleb, were a hand full indeed. They were smart, bright and full of energy. Prodigal and Faith often told their friends that they couldn’t ask for two lovelier and more highly favored children than Kevin and Kaleb, but Faith still wanted a little girl to add to their already happy family. She often chided Prodigal about having a little girl so that she could have someone on her side for a change. And of course, Prodigal wanted to do whatever it took to keep his wife happy. He loved the thought of having a daughter as lovely as Faith.

  Through the years, he’d tried to keep her assured of his love for her and the boys. His family meant the world to him and he would never do anything to jeopardize that. But Teary meant the world to him too, and he could never break the vow he’d made to her all those many years ago. Someway, he had to make peace in his family. He couldn’t lose Faith and he couldn’t lose Teary. But he couldn’t take a chance on upsetting Faith again, not after their marriage had suffered the way it had.

  Prodigal performed his nightly ritual of checking on the boys before retiring for the evening. As usual, his thoughts turned toward Teary. She was still having a difficult time in her life and he wished there was something he could do to take her pain away. When he first told Faith about Teary’s health issue, Faith was understanding and tried more than once to talk to Teary, to console her and reassure her that God was still in control, but Teary didn’t want to hear it. Teary couldn’t understand how Faith, or Prodigal for that matter, could ever comprehend the emotional pain she was going through when they had been blessed with Kevin and Kaleb. She would never be able to have that same sense of joy, or that same feeling of being a mother.

  Prodigal made a mental note to give Teary a call when he went out the next day just to see how things were going. He would stop at the fire station and call from there. It had been a while since their last phone conversation. He had to admit that he was glad when Teary first told him she had been offered a job in Memphis. He had hoped that moving away from Broknfield would be the beginning of a new life for her. So far things were working out for her, and for that he was grateful.

  After the divorce, and with Prodigal’s encouragement, Teary had returned to school and got her Masters in Journalism. Happier than she had been in a very long time, she was thankful to God for healing her heart. The job at the newspaper paid her a hefty five figure salary. A good money manager, she invested in a beautiful, modest two-bedroom zero lot

  Prodigal gave the boys a final peck on the cheek, double checked to make sure all the doors were locked and then went into the bedroom.

  Lying next to Faith, he felt warm and secure. He turned on his side, resting his body on one elbow. He traced her ear with his soft, warm breath. She moaned softly. He gently stroked her still slender, brown skinned body and caressed her round firm butt through her satin nightie. She wallowed in satisfaction as his hands moved the gown slowly along her body and up over her head. His hands touched her warm bare skin and she felt her desire reach a feverous pitch. He heard himself groan when he felt the moistness of her secret place.

  She moaned out loud while he continued to caress her. The earlier tension Faith felt between them was forgotten and desire stepped in its place. His hard, rough hands moved with ease over her delicate body, touching her large round mounds. He tenderly teased and manipulated every inch of her body between his fingers as his hands moved slowly, squeezing her in just the right places. Suddenly he felt something unfamiliar. He knew every curve of her body and something wasn’t right. He manipulated her flesh again over the large hard lump. He continued to move his hand over the familiar area of his wife’s breast.

  “Prod, ooh baby, that’s tender,” she screamed.

  “I’m sorry sweetheart,” he raised himself up from over her and pulled her up toward him until she was lying back in his arms.

  “Let me turn on the light. I want to see what’s going on.”

  He spotted the redness off her breast. He reached out and touched the hard area once more she screamed again until tears formed in the corners of her eyes. She moved to the side of the bed, slipped her feet into her slippers then went and stood in front of the mirror. Performing a self-breast examination, another lump was discovered underneath her left breast. She swallowed hard and sweat broke out on her forehead.

  “Hey,” Prodigal said, moving his naked body up off the bed. “It’s probably just a couple of benign cysts. Remember if it were something more serious, I don’t think it would be sore like that. Why don’t you call the doctor’s office tomorrow and make an appointment to see him. Let me know when you get the appointment set so I can be sure to go with you, alright?”

  “Alright,” she responded cautiously.

  “Now, where were we?” he whispered in her ear. His hands encircled her waist again and she relaxed back in his arms, against the hardness of his body. When he kissed her this time, her screams were not from pain, but from pleasure. He hoisted her body up on the dresser and they showered each other with their love.

  ♦

  Two days later Faith and Prodigal sat in the doctor’s office listening as the doctor told Faith, “We’re going to schedule a mammogram. “

  “When will that be?” Prodigal asked.

  “I’d like to have it done as quickly as possible. Let me check with my nurse so she can check to see if we can get you in this afternoon. I’ll be right back,” he told them.

  “Baby, don’t start worrying,” Prodigal told Faith, stroking the back of her hair. He saw her furrowed brows and knew that she was trying to hold back her fear. She responded by slightly nodding her head. The doctor returned to the room minutes later.

  “Is three o’clock a good time?” the doctor asked.

  Prodigal responded for his wife. “Yes, we can do that.”

  “Fine, be at the Women’s Center this afternoon,” the doctor instructed them.

  “Doctor, how can this be possible? I do a self-breast exam every month. I didn’t notice anything last month that was different nor when I took a shower, just a few days ago. I don’t understand.”

  “It doesn’t take long for a lump to surface, Mrs. Runsome,” the doctor responded. “Don’t worry yourself. Let’s get the mammogram done first. After that we’ll more than likely do a diagnostic ultrasound as well. Then we’ll arrange for you to talk to a specialist.”

  “A specialist? God, no.” Faith said, squirming on the exam table.

  “Wait a minute. Don’t let that scare you. A specialist can read the mammogram and ultrasound in a far more extensive aspect than me,” the doctor explained.

  “Thanks doctor. We appreciate that,” Prodigal responded, placing his arm around his wife’s shoulders.

  “Honey,” Faith said as they walked toward their car. “I’m scared.”

  “There’s nothing to worry about,” Prodigal replied tenderly, trying not to show how worried he was. “Anyway, you heard what the doctor said, sweetheart. It’s probably nothing. Come on. Let’s go have some lunch and do a little window shopping until it’s time to go over to the hospital. If you’re a good girl, I might even buy you a little something.” He laughed, and patted her on the butt.

  Faith tried to let out a light laugh, but fear quickly welled up inside of her. They went to have lunch at Houston’s, a popular restaurant located on the strip that served everything from steak to cod.

  “I don’t know what I want to eat. I can’t even think about food right now. I have too much on my mind,” Faith said anxiously.

  “Look, this is one of those times where we have to put our total trust in God,” Prodigal said, looking deep into her worried face. “He’s always brought us through, honey. I mean, look at us. We’ve been through your pregnancy with the twins, and you know how rough that was. Remember, the doctor didn’t thin
k you were going to be able to carry the boys to term? He put you on bed rest three months into your pregnancy, remember?”

  “Yes, I remember and you’re right. Look at Kevin and Kaleb now. They came out healthy, handsome and perfect didn’t they? And look at all we have. You’re right. God has been good to us.”

  “He sure has, and now is not the time to lose our trust in Him. No matter what, you know I’ll always be by your side. You have to know that, Faith. You have to believe that I love you with everything inside of me.”

  “I love you too, and we’re going to make it through this. Anyway, it’s probably like you said, just a cyst. I’m not claiming a malignancy or anything. Right?”

  “Right, baby.” He shook his head, relieved that she wasn’t going to give up. “Now let’s get something to eat!”

  The waitress approached the table and asked if they were ready to order.

  “Yes, I’m ready. I’ll have the grilled chicken platter with a baked potato and a large iced tea with lemon,” Faith told the waitress.

  “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Prodigal smiled. “I’ll have the same but with a Dr. Pepper instead,” he informed the waitress.

  They sat in silence eating their lunch. Prodigal didn’t know what he would do if anything ever happened to Faith. He couldn’t imagine life without her. The boys needed their mother and he needed his wife. He wanted to call Teary to tell her what was happening but changed his mind. It was time he started being more considerate of his wife’s feelings. He rubbed his hand over the top of his head and his eyebrows furrowed. This was going to be tougher than he thought.

  ♦

  Teary paced back and forth outside of the restaurant, juggling in her mind whether to go inside and meet the guy from the gym. They’d talked several times whenever they ran into each other after their exercise routines. He certainly seemed nice enough, had more than a little pocket change, wasn’t hard on the eyes and was quite articulate. So what was holding her back? Her life had been tumultuous, riddled with one too many bad relationship experiences. She couldn’t seem to ever shake the remnants of her past. Smoothing down her white linen skirt with the palms of her hands, she made a step closer to the restaurant entrance, took a deep breath and walked inside. He was standing on the other side waiting on her. With a single flower in his hands, he kissed her on the cheek, pushed the flower toward her and led her to their table.

  Teary enjoyed the dinner, but hearing him talk non-stop about his ex-wife and his baby mama getting was a tad too much for her. She savored the taste of the salmon with mixed vegetables. While he continued to talk, Teary ordered a molten chocolate brownie for dessert. His words had become jumbled in her mind to the point that she had to eat to keep from bursting into laughter. This could happen to nobody but me, she said to herself. How hilarious. Yet being in Memphis had helped give her somewhat of a better outlook on her life. The southern hospitality, affordable housing, and a great job had lured her in and she had learned to love the city as her own. There were still moments of loneliness and she missed being close to Prodigal, but if she was ever going to make it in the big bad world, she accepted a girl has to do what a girl has to do theory.

  Maybe one day she would enjoy the kind of life Prodigal and Faith had together, including their rifts. Prodigal had never admitted it to Teary, but Teary sensed that even his perfect marriage was less than perfect and she felt she was somewhat the blame. Every now and then Teary detected annoyance in Faith’s voice when she would call and ask for Prodigal. She’d tried to make her calls less frequent over the years so as not to alienate Faith, but it had been hard. As for Teary, to exclude Prodigal out of her life was virtually impossible for her to do.

  Teary curled up on the sofa, thinking about her horrific date. She reached over for the phone to call Prodigal. He would get a kick out of what she was about to tell him about her latest dating adventure. Pausing for a moment, she dialed Sara’s number instead of Prodigal’s. This was one of those times when she longed to talk to him but she reminded herself that she had to back off a little.

  Sara was glad to hear from Teary and told her so. It wasn’t often that they talked, but when they did, they tried to make up for lost time. Teary told her about her date. Sara laughed when Teary told her that at one point during dinner the guy actually started crying when he talked about his baby mama. Talking to Sara proved to be like a dose of good medicine for Teary. It made her feel better, especially when she couldn’t talk to Prodigal.

  “Sara, it’s been good talking to you,” Teary told her sister. I guess I’ll call it a night.”

  “You know you have tripped me out tonight,” Sara chuckled. “You sure know how to pick ‘em, sis.”

  “Tell me about it. I stand a better chance of winning the lottery than getting a good man,” Teary laughed at herself.

  “But you don’t even gamble,” Sara reminded her sister.

  “Exactly. And that’s what I’m talking about,” Teary interjected.

  “Now I wouldn’t go to that extent. Your day will come. And when it does, you’ll know it. Until then, have fun. Enjoy the single life!” Sara cheered over the phone.

  The two sisters talked for several more minutes before saying goodbye. Teary smiled again at herself as she got ready for bed. After she showered, she knelt down beside her bed and prayed. She asked God to bring someone into her life who would love her for her. She asked him to bless Prodigal and his family. “And, Lord, don’t let me bring confusion or tension into Prodigal’s life. You know I love him too much to do anything like that. Amen.” She climbed up off her knees, slid between the covers and drifted into dreamland.

  ♦

  Ruth was in awe at the turnout for the Charity Gala. It had turned out to be better than she could have hoped for and then some. News teams complete with their camera equipment and all the trappings followed every minute of the event. The classic Diamante Ballroom and Convention Center was the perfect setting. Trinity Three Art Gallery and Museum brought in a select group of some of its most expensive pieces for a silent auction, while several other corporations donated items, everything from jewelry to round trip tickets to Aruba and Venice.

  “Isn’t everything absolutely fabulous, William?” Ruth said as she surveyed the crowded ballroom with a bit of pride.

  “Absolutely,” William concurred. “This wouldn’t have been possible without your hard work.”

  “No, no, no. I’m not going to let you give me all of the credit. It was the two of us. You’re the one with all of the big connections, remember?” She sipped on her champagne while looking into his eyes. Her head tilted slightly backward, allowing her hair to caress her neck.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was breathtaking. Her velvet dress trimmed in black beaded fringe was accented with sparkling glass beads. Her revealing plunging neckline hinted at her intriguing sexiness and he was captivated.

  Over 500 guests paid $750 per plate to dine on crunchy vegetable vermicelli with seared ahi appetizers. The entree included, salmon, grilled with fresh vegetables, avocados and tomatoes.

  “Mother, this is the best charity gala ever to be held in Belleaf, and it’s all because of you two,” Fantasia said. She then turned and looked at William with total satisfaction and admiration. “I don’t know how to thank you. Not only have you managed to raise more money than any of the other charity galas over the last few years, but you’ve pushed Trinity Three a couple of notches up on the scales of the elite. People are going to leave here tonight with nothing but good things to say.” Fantasia couldn’t contain her pleasure and excitement.

  Ruth kissed her daughter on the forehead. “Sweetie, I’m glad everything turned out so well. William and I enjoyed pulling everything together. Now enough has been said. You’ve sung our praises long enough. Go have some fun, make some contacts. Strut your stuff.”

  “And you, Miss Runsome, won’t you strut your stuff with me on the dance floor?” William said, extending his arm out to R
uth and then leading her to the palatial dance area.

  William was an excellent dancer and Ruth found it easy to follow his lead. He held her in his arms as they slow danced gracefully across the floor. She rested her head against his chest and listened to the band playing a sensuous jazz tune. She felt like Cinderella and he was her Prince Charming. He brought out a side of her that had lain dormant for all these years. He restored a smile to her entire spirit and she was living again.

  Lying on the soft pillows of her king sized bed at night she would often look at her picture of Solumun and talk to him as if he were right beside her.

  “Solumun, I never thought there would ever be anyone in my life again, sweetheart, not ever. I don’t know how things are going to turn out between William and I. All I know is that I feel safe with this man. He’ll never be able to replace you, no one will. But he does make me laugh. He makes me feel good inside. He makes me happy. I just want you to know that I’ll always love you – always.” She kissed his picture while clutching it tightly to her bosom and closed her eyes in a peaceful sleep.

  Fantasia loved the change that she witnessed in her mother. She adored William because not only was he a good man, he was a good man for her mom.

  Ruth was responsible for her share of glad tidings to William as well. In Ruth, William found someone he could trust, confide in and open up to. He found in her what he once believed no one but Lois could ever possess. The two of them were like lovesick puppy dogs. They often behaved like star struck teenage lovers, walking hand in hand, stealing butterfly kisses from each other. Life and love was grand.

  chapter 28

  Fear Not

  Faith was referred to an oncologist for additional tests. Today she would get the results of those tests. During the past couple of days, she had prayed constantly. Like Prodigal told her, this was the time to rely on her faith in God. Besides God, her two healthy rambunctious boys, and of course Prodigal, were the cores of her life. If that time somehow was cut short for any reason, she wouldn’t know what to do. So Faith came to a self resolution. Thinking about the years she spent jealous and angry about Prodigal and Teary, she was determined to push her insecure feelings about their relationship aside. Life was far too short and she wanted to live it to the fullest with the three men she loved most in the world. She made a pledge to herself to stop sweating the small stuff, and like she’d read somewhere, all of it was small stuff. Beginning with now, today, she would embrace her life and her family. No more jealousy and envy over Teary. If anything, she needed to pray harder for Teary to find the same happiness she’d found with Prodigal.