Daniel rolls his eyes. “You don’t believe that, do you?”
Sandy looks around the restaurant. “Do you see me with anyone?”
He shakes his head.
Sandy allows a small smile to escape. “That’s what I’m saying, Carla. You should text him. He might not be ready to chat, but at least he’ll know you care. Trust me.”
I lift my hot dog and take a bite. “You might have a point.”
She narrows her eyebrows. “I know I do.”
⌛⌛⌛
When school dismisses for the day I watch Ella, Claire and Daniel move from the classroom to the salon area.
Mitzi waves as she walks to the exit. “Can’t wait to see the results.”
Sandy holds up her phone. “Text us updates.” She turns to me. “Contact the guy.”
I blow enough hot air out to move my bangs. “I will when I get in my truck.” I turn to the trio. “I’ll be praying.”
“We won’t need it.” Daniel sounds confident, but Claire’s shaky wave goodbye doesn’t look as strong.
Once I’m in the truck, I slide my phone out of my purse and slide to my message screen. I start typing his contact info and his picture pops up. How I miss that kind smile.
Just checking in to once again ask your forgiveness. And to let you know I love you.
As I reach Betty’s, eat dinner, study and put my pajamas on, I reach for my phone every few minutes. There’s texts from Noah. Pictures from Claire revealing Ella’s gorgeous black color with mahogany and copper ombre highlights.
I type a quick encouragement. Claire! Amazing job. WTG!
Within thirty seconds, a reply. Thx. Daniel helped so much. Ella’s beaming.
She should! So what’s up with you and Daniel?
Before Claire responds, my text notification rings.
Will.
.
Chapter Twenty-Three
My insides still feel hollow the next morning as I stare at Will’s words on my phone screen.
Thx. Still not ready to talk.
Perhaps it’s time to consider life without Will. I don’t want to. I hate the thought for Noah. It’s not fair to force his hand and beg him back into our lives. Before I leave for class, I sit on my bed and re-read my notes from Pastor Craig’s sermon on waiting. No matter what happens, it’s important to believe God’s right on time.
My heart’s heavy as I enter the classroom. I push away thoughts of Will and notice Daniel and Claire sitting together. Smiling. Laughing.
I take a seat ahead of them and turn around. “It’s the dynamic hair coloring duo.”
Claire rests her hand on his arm. “Daniel was amazing. Not only did he help me with the color, but I never would have thought I could have done the highlights. Ella left looking like a model.”
Daniel nods. “She really does. I can’t wait for you to see her.”
Sandy folds her arms. “Where is she?”
He shrugs. “You know Ella, she’s usually the last one here.”
Claire brushes a piece of her hair away from her eye. “You guys are going to freak when you see her. The color is even bolder in person. The way the black slowly transforms to red by the ends, it’s amazing.”
Sandy nods, but there’s no smile from that tough critic. “It sounds epic. Let’s hope she gets here before Les does.”
When our teacher arrives and closes the door, we glance at each other. Ella’s not here.
By lunch dismissal, Daniel’s the first to meet me at my desk. “Carla, she wasn’t sick. Her kids were okay. I have a bad feeling that something happened to Ella.”
Claire, Mitzi and Sandy join him as I stand and reach for my purse.
“Did anyone try to contact her?”
Mitzi nods. “I texted her right before class started. No answer.”
I tap my nails on the desk as I think. “We can’t jump to conclusions. I have a lot of experience with everything being fine at home one minute, and then ten minutes later I was turning around because of Noah suddenly being sick. Maybe she had car trouble.”
Mitzi narrows her eyes. “Or her husband didn’t appreciate her transformation.”
The others nod. The sick feeling in my gut agrees, but this could get out of control. Fast.
“Try calling her. There’s not a lot we can do right now.”
Claire’s bottom lip quivers. “What if she’s in trouble?”
Daniel sighs. “We pray she’s protected.”
“He’s right. Who knows? Maybe before the next class Ella will come walking in, laughing at how something silly made her late. I’ve seen it a lot in my old sheriff days. Family members jumped to conclusions, called us in, and the person was fine.” But not always.
Sandy nudges me with her elbow. “I vote you pray for her.”
I look around and see wide eyes, solemn faces and nodding heads. I’m the oldest in the group, and the only other mom. “Okay. I’m learning that no matter how messy life gets, prayer is key.” Will’s text comes to mind, but I refuse to forget Mary, Martha and Lazarus and how Christ shows up every time. “Heavenly Father, we ask that You place Ella in Your hands and protect her. If she’s in trouble, connect her with the right people who can help. If she’s having an off day, give her the strength as a wife and mom to see her situation through. Thank You that we have Your Son to turn to, good days and bad. It is in His name we give thanks. Amen and Amen.”
A chorus of “Amens” erupt, and it hits me. These people are like a second family.
⌛⌛⌛
No one is in the mood for lunch so we stay in the room until Rose enters for our afternoon session on makeup. Even across the room I can see the sparkle in Claire’s eyes as we hear about foundation, blush, and eyeshadows.
Rose stops in front of Daniel. “Salons are more versatile these days. It’s no longer a place full of perms and haircuts. If you have a goal of opening your own place, consider offering manicures. Facials. Makeup application. Waxing. Weddings and proms alone should make these opportunities profitable in no time.”
I never thought of that. All I keep seeing is a little house in Speculator Falls with the sign Will and Noah made swinging in the breeze. Daniel? His expression looks like he found the blueprints to a treasure as Rose keeps talking.
Class has about another thirty minutes when my phone vibrates. Could this be Will? I flip it over to peek at the screen.
Wayne.
I slide the screen and look at the message as Rose discusses earthy tones.
911---NOT Noah.
Like a child hearing the ice cream truck, I jump up with my phone in hand. “Excuse me, I have an emergency call.” I sprint to the door.
Rose offers a quick nod. “Of course. I hope all is well.”
I push the phone icon before I’m halfway down the stairs and hear Wayne’s voice after the first ring.
“Wayne? What’s going on?”
“Carla. I didn’t mean to scare you but I thought you’d want to know.”
My heartbeat feels like it went off pace from acceleration and worry. “Who? If it isn’t Noah, is it Will? Jenna? Sara?”
His voice is steady. “Your classmate. The woman I passed that day when I came to school to help you during that storm.”
Ella.
My hand starts shaking. “Oh, no. Tell me everything.” I march outside so Brandi won’t hear until I have all the information.
“Zeke and I just finished a call and were leaving the hospital when another came in from outside of town. Woman, mid-thirties, fell down the basement stairs. Distal radius fracture, periorbital hematoma, lacerations was what we were told.”
He could have heard my sigh without the phone. “Okay. Broken wrist, black eye, some cuts. Could be worse.”
Wayne pauses. “There’s something else, though.”
“What?”
“We have reason to believe she didn’t fall down the stairs. Or if she did, it wasn’t an accident.”
⌛⌛⌛
Ten
minutes later everyone at the school is out the door and on their way to the hospital.
Daniel pulls out his phone. “I’m calling my dad to see if he’s on ER duty.”
“Good idea.” I call out as I unlock my truck. “I’ll check in with Jack Hunt. He’s the sheriff. Maybe he knows something.”
Sandy rides with me while Claire and Mitzi carpool with Daniel. Rose drives herself but follows me.
“Is Ella okay?” Sandy’s voice is quiet.
“As far as survival, yes.”
“Did her husband do this?”
I bite my lip as I make a hard right turn. “The paramedics suspect so.”
“You might want to say another prayer.” Sandy’s words seem measured.
“How come?”
“’Cuz if I see that guy, I’m probably going to put a beat down on him.”
Sandy’s confession doesn’t surprise me. Because the same feelings are bubbling up in me.
We barge into the ER lobby like a swarm of bees. Wayne steps out from the lounge area before I reach the registration desk. If he’s upset about how I rejected a relationship with him, he doesn’t show it.
I skid to a stop in front of him. “How is Ella?”
He rakes his hand through his wavy locks. “She came back from x-ray. I talked to Dr. Garrett about our suspicions. Jack’s on his way.”
“Good. How about her husband?”
Wayne rolls his eyes. “The guy’s having a fit. He wants to be in the exam room with her.”
Daniel joins us. “Of course he does.”
I fold my arms. “How is he being handled while we wait for Jack?”
Wayne grins and looks to Daniel. “I hear your dad is Dr. Garrett. He’s a great guy.”
Daniel furrows his brow. “Thanks. What’s he doing?”
“He discreetly called security. One of the best officers is suddenly in charge of registration and insurance. Mr. Traynor needs to fill out all the paperwork. If only our registration worker could do his job efficiently.” Wayne winks.
I playfully hit him in the arm as Daniel and I chuckle. “Brilliant. Do you think we can see her?”
Wayne shrugs. “It’s up to Doc Garrett.” He gestures down the hall. “Here he comes now.”
Daniel walks over to his dad while the rest of us hang back. After a couple minutes, Daniel waves me over.
“Dad, you remember Carla Rowling. Her son had the eye injury.”
The man in the white coat and salt and pepper hair nods. “Hello. Your friend Ella had her arm wrapped. She told me her husband did it. I looked up her file and this isn’t her first ER trip. I have her permission to call social services. But, she’s jumpy. Carla, she’s asking for you.”
I exhale. “Okay. Can I go in now?”
“Yes. The social worker is on her way. Ella’s mom is on her way to pick the kids up from school. I believe the plan is for Ella and the kids to go with her parents.”
Claire steps up. “Is everything okay?”
Daniel puts his hand on her back. “Ella admitted her husband did it. A social worker is going to talk to her.” He turns to his father. “Dad, this is Claire. The girl I told you about. Claire, my father, Dr. Garrett.”
Claire extends her hand as Rose, Sandy and Mitzi join our circle. “I’m sorry I’m not meeting you under happier circumstances. Your son has done a wonderful job helping me.”
The two Garrett men exchange looks. “I’m not surprised.” The doctor glances at me. “Ready to see Ella?”
“Yes. Let’s pray she doesn’t change her mind.”
With all my hospital visit experience I’m still in shock when I see Ella. Her arm bandaged tight past her elbow. Her right eye has a protective patch. Deep brown circles hang under her good eye. Green and purple marks dot her skin. The beautiful color job Claire created is a pile of black and red limp hair.
“Ella.” My greeting is more of a cry.
A deep wail fills the room. “He hated my hair.”
I rush over and pull up a chair as I reach for her good hand. “He won’t stop. You know that, right?”
More sobs. “My kids.”
“Your mom is getting them.”
She shakes her head. Strands of black hair stick to her forehead. “They saw him hit me once. I don’t want them to grow up this way.”
I pat her damp tresses. “They won’t. My friend Jack is on his way. So is the social worker. Tell them everything. For you. The kids.”
Before she can reply, there’s a knock on the door, and it opens.
“Ella? I’m Lisa Murray from social services, and Sheriff Hunt is with me. May we visit with you for a few minutes?”
She looks to me, her mouth still quivering.
“It’s going to be okay.”
Ella blinks back tears. “Come on in.”
Forty-five minutes later I walk out, confident Ella’s in good hands and that her husband won’t be bothering her---at least not for the time being. Claire, Daniel, Sandy, Mitzi and Wayne stand and walk over.
“Rose sent her apologies. She had to pick up her daughter. How’s Ella?” Claire asks.
I clear my throat. “Ella told Jack and the social worker everything. Once she’s discharged, she plans to go to stay with her parents’. And get counseling.”
Even Sandy smiles. Claire lets out a squeal.
Daniel pats my back. “We all make a great team.”
I look to the floor before I lock eyes with Wayne. “Thank you for letting me know about Ella.”
“No problem. Glad she’s going to be okay.” He pulls keys out of his front pocket. “Been a long day. I think I’ll head home.” He turns to the gang. “Take care.” Wayne’s focus returns to me. “See ya around, Carla.” He opens his arms and without thinking, I step into his hug.
A deep, pained voice causes me to turn around. “Carla?”
“Will?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Wayne nearly pushes me to the hospital floor and everyone backs away as if Will and I are contagious.
My voice sounds high-pitched. “What are you doing here?”
Will appears different. No hat. No plaid. No smile. “I’ve been trying to find you.”
Wayne steps forward. “If you’re here, where’s Noah?”
“With Ben.” Will doesn’t even look at him. “I thought maybe you were working on hair stuff at school. Your teacher was there picking up some notes and told me you were here.”
I bob my head like one of those desktop toys. “Right. We all were here because of Ella.”
Please believe me. For once, I’m telling the truth.
Will glances toward the exit. “Can we talk?”
No one seems to have the courage to say anything. The lounge area feels more like a morgue. Without replying I reach for my purse and follow him to the door.
“Did you want to get something to eat? Talk in my truck? Oh, wait. I brought Sandy here. I might need to take her…”
Will stops on the sidewalk and speaks with confidence I’ve never heard from him before. “Carla, this won’t take long. I promised Ben I’d pick up Noah so he wouldn’t have to spend the night. That’s why I’m here.”
“Noah?” I can barely get his name out.
He shakes his head. “No. Us.” He swallows and stuffs his hands into his pockets. “I know in Speculator Falls I’m good ‘ole flannel-wearing Will.’ Everyone thinks my life’s a breeze and I don’t have problems. Maybe I’m more easygoing than most.”
“Will, you are loved.” My voice breaks.
“I know. But for a romantic love that I want to last, there has to be trust.”
My heart drops. “You can trust me. I’ve learned so much from how I treated you.”
“Right. At my expense. Now I’ll second guess everything you say.” He glances back inside the ER. “And who you’re talking to. Or hugging.”
I wipe my eyes with my sleeve. “I was thanking him for calling about Ella. There’s nothing between us. He knows that.”
“I’m not sure I ever will. And I can’t be with someone I don’t trust.” Now his voice cracks.
“Please, Will. Don’t.”
A couple tears fall onto his casual shirt. “I don’t mean to put you in a tight spot but you should find someone else to watch Noah. I think it would be too hard. For him. For me.”
“No. Please.” If desperation has a pitch, I’ve hit it. I reach out but he steps back.
“I have to go. I won’t say anything to Noah. I’ll go home once I know you’re back in town. Bye.” His footsteps echo throughout the lot until I hear a thunderous shriek drown out his walk.
My sobs.
⌛⌛⌛
I drag myself out of bed and hit the pavement for a run before Betty even wakes. It’s early enough the streetlights turn off and the sun starts its daylight shift. I’ve never run without sleep but that’s where I’m at. Exhausted and in need of something that feels better than my broken heart.
The run helps me process. As I run down Main Street and circle back to Betty’s I realize it’s the middle of May. The danger of severe weather is over. I can commute to school and take care of Noah. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t feel worse than I already do.
A male voice greets me at sunrise. “Carla? You’re up early.”
I stop in front of the bakery where Les carries a drink and a small brown bag. “Good morning. Trying to get a good run in before class.”
He chuckles. “You make me feel bad. I’m up getting a coffee and a muffin.”
“You have a full day teaching us. Enjoy that breakfast.”
Les lifts the cup. “Plan to, thanks. And Carla? You’re doing a tremendous job. I know cosmetology is a huge transition for you, but you’re well on your way. I predict a bright future for you.”
Again, the wooden sign Will and Noah made for me for my business comes to mind.
“That’s kind of you to say. I have some challenges, but I’m determined.” I blink moisture off my eyelashes. Not sure if it’s perspiration or tears.
He pats me on the shoulder. “It shows. Keep rising up to those challenges. You’re going to do just fine. I’ll see you soon.”
With a wave goodbye, I resume my jog. I love Will. I ache knowing I blew it. But Les is right. Deep down I know with God’s help, I’m going to survive the mess I made.
Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2) Page 15
