“Send her to college? We have two boys, our own flesh and blood, to send to college. Remember them? Jamie’s the young one and C.J. is the big guy.”
“Charlie, there’s no need to be so sarcastic.”
“Well, lately I wonder if you do remember your own children. You’re so focused on that girl. You do put her first, Lucy. You have to admit it.”
Lucy sighed and stirred the soup around. It was cool enough to eat, but her appetite had suddenly vanished. Had she been neglecting the boys and favoring Zoey?
“I have been giving her a lot of time,” Lucy admitted, “but she’s needed my help. I don’t think the boys have been deprived any.”
Charlie shook his head, looking as if he wanted to disagree with her on that point, but instead he stuck to his original argument. “The thing is, Lucy, you want me to start worrying about and taking care of a complete stranger. I know the state gives something toward the support of the child, but we both know we would exceed that. This isn’t just about feelings, Lucy. It’s about real-life, practical considerations.”
It was hard to argue with Charlie’s point. It was fine to say Zoey needed a chance and needed help to finish school and go to college. But all this support was not just emotional. It was financial, as well. Just taking her to the mall had made a dent in Lucy’s budget, though she had loved every minute of it.
“I’m sorry for her, too,” Charlie continued in a kinder tone. “I know I’ve given you grief, but I think we did the right thing, keeping her here a few weeks. Helping her get back on her feet. But I’m not in it for the long haul, Lucy. I can look down that road and see it’s not for me. We can’t fix all the problems in the world. It’s hard enough taking care of this family, without taking on some troubled girl. I told you she would bring trouble with her, didn’t I? And she did. I thought that would have opened your eyes.”
Lucy considered his words and even recognized that there was a lot of truth to what he was saying. His concerns were valid. She knew that. But there was more to life than worrying about expenses and budgets and who will pay for what. More even than worrying about what kind of trouble Zoey might bring. Lucy couldn’t quite explain it. She just knew in her heart that there was a deeper truth here than Charlie’s.
“It opened my eyes to the fact that she needs us even more,” Lucy said. “I can’t close my heart to this girl, Charlie, and I don’t believe that you can do it so easily, either. You act as though you don’t care about her, but you jumped right in and protected her without hesitation. That boy could have had a weapon—a knife or worse. You didn’t think twice about it.”
Charlie suddenly looked embarrassed. As though she had caught him caring about Zoey.
“I heard her screaming and I knew I had to stop it. Anybody would have done the same,” he muttered. “And I was worried about the diner,” he added. “Of course I didn’t want to see her hurt by that bum. But that doesn’t mean I want to adopt her and take on her problems. In fact, it just proves my point. That girl brings trouble. She doesn’t mean to. Doesn’t want to. But she does. A leopard can’t change its spots, Lucy. No matter how much you want it to—or how many shopping trips you take to the mall.”
His final cutting remark put Lucy over the edge. “You’re right. A leopard can’t change its spots. Just like you can’t change, Charlie. I’m tired of always trying to persuade you to be something you’re not. I understand about money issues. I’m not saying that isn’t a consideration. But it makes me sad to see that you can’t open your heart to this girl.” She shook her head. “I can’t say I’m surprised. I’ve known you too long.”
“Sorry to be such a disappointment to you,” he said grimly. “She can stay until Christmas. After that, I think she should go. I don’t care where either,” he added.
Lucy let out a long sigh. She carried the bowl of soup to the sink and left it there.
Then she turned to look at her husband. “Okay. If that’s your answer, I guess that’s all there is to say. But I promised her I’d help her and keep her safe. I can’t see sending her back to a sad, hopeless kind of life again. It doesn’t seem right. I promised her I’d help her, and I intend to keep my promise. With you or without you.”
Charlie sat back. “What do you mean by that? Is that some sort of threat?”
“It’s not a threat. I’m just telling you how I feel. I don’t know how or why Zoey came into our lives, but I believe God sent her to our family for a reason. I’m going to help her. Even if you don’t want to. I’ll do it on my own. I don’t know what my alternatives are right now. But I’m going to find out.”
He let out a long breath, then scratched his forehead. She could tell he didn’t know what to say to her.
She decided there was nothing left for her to say either. They had reached some sort of impasse and Lucy felt frightened. What would she do? She wasn’t even sure. But somehow, she would keep her word to Zoey. She was sure of that.
This wasn’t the end of the debate with Charlie either. But it wasn’t the time to argue anymore. She just wanted to get through Christmas and not ruin the holiday for her boys and for Zoey. Just three more days. A few days wouldn’t make a difference.
CHARLIE LEFT EARLY FOR THE DINER THE NEXT MORNING. LUCY WAS still sleeping—actually, pretending to be sleeping so that she didn’t have to speak to him. Soon after he left, she got the boys and Zoey up and started her day. She only had the morning off but wanted to make some headway with her to-do list. There were about a million chores she needed to take care of to prepare for the Christmas Day family party they were having at their house. It would be mostly her family but a few of Charlie’s relatives, too.
She drove into town with Zoey at eight thirty and dropped her off at the diner, then headed over to the post office, which had the long, slow line she’d expected. Lucy was prepared with her travel mug of coffee and a notepad to work on her list.
She had just left the post office and was heading down Main Street when she saw Reverend Ben walking toward her.
“Hello, Lucy. You’re out early today.”
“I have a little time before I start work today. I wanted to get a few things done on my list.”
“Our to-do lists. What would we do without them? Do you have time for some coffee? I hate to be a turncoat, but I was just about to stop at the Beanery.” He smiled at her, his kind blue eyes sparkling behind his glasses as he mentioned the Clam Box’s main competition.
“I’d love to stop into the Beanery with you, Reverend,” Lucy said with a mischievous grin. “Just don’t tell Charlie.” He’s mad enough at me already, she nearly added.
They walked together a short distance down the street and entered the café. They were soon seated at a table safely away from the window, Lucy noticed with relief. Walking into the Beanery was like landing on a different planet for Lucy. The place was an alternate universe to the Clam Box. It was shadowy inside—no fluorescents—a long narrow café with storefront windows covered with hanging plants. A tin ceiling and a bare wooden floor added to the vintage décor. Walls the color of pumpkin soup were covered with art, original pieces on display by local artists. The cappuccino machine filled the air with a hissing, steaming sound that blended with soft jazz.
“I wonder if Zoey’s ever come in here,” Lucy said to Ben after the waitress took their order. “She’s never mentioned it. But I bet she has. I bet she liked it.”
“How is she doing? She’s waited on me at the diner a few times. She seems to have gotten the knack of it very quickly.”
“She’s a good waitress and a hard worker. Even Charlie has to admit that,” Lucy replied.
“He’s always looking for a good waitress,” Reverend Ben said. “But how long will she stay?” he asked gently. “Has her caseworker found her a new foster home?”
“No, they haven’t found a placement yet. Actually, I asked Zoey’s social worker if she could slow down a little and let Zoey stay with us for the holidays.”
“I see,�
�� Ben said. “Well, it looks as if you got your wish.”
Their waitress brought the order and quickly served them—a cappuccino and a croissant for Reverend Ben, and an espresso and a bran muffin for Lucy.
Lucy stirred a packet of sugar into her tiny cup. “What I’ve really wished for,” she confessed, “is that we could keep her with us. But Charlie doesn’t want to. He seemed about to change his mind a few days ago,” she added. “But something happened. . . . This boy that Zoey used to see—a really bad kid—he came into the diner and made a scene. He grabbed Zoey, really hurt her, and tried to drag her out—”
“Really? How awful.” Reverend Ben looked shocked. “Did you call the police?”
“There wasn’t time. Charlie grabbed the kid and threw him out. I think the boy was scared off, but you can never tell. And now Charlie’s got cold feet about letting Zoey live with us.” Lucy shook her head sadly. “I’m really upset about it, Reverend. That little girl needs us. She needs to be with people who care about her, who’ll take a real interest. You can see how far she’s come just in the short time she’s been here. Even Charlie will admit that. But . . . he doesn’t want the responsibility of taking care of another child. He says we already have two of our own. He keeps calling her a . . . a stranger,” Lucy added, as if it was hard to say the word. “She’s not a stranger to me. Not anymore,” she finished quietly.
“Lucy . . . I’m sorry you’re so upset. I didn’t realize you and Charlie had come to such a gridlock about this.”
“Gridlock, that’s what it is,” Lucy agreed. “We talked again last night and we just . . . just hit a wall. But I can’t give up on her, Reverend. I cannot just go along with my husband to keep the peace this time. I feel as if I’ve promised that girl that I’d help her and protect her. And I mean to do that.” She stared at him, not knowing what else to say. “What should I do? How can I make Charlie change his mind?”
“I don’t know that you can,” Reverend Ben said honestly. “It sounds as if a change of heart is what’s really needed. And that has to come from within Charlie. You can’t force him to agree to be Zoey’s guardian. That scenario will never work out.”
“Yes, I know that. I thought he was getting there, too, but now we’re back to square one.”
“Don’t give up, Lucy. Charlie might still come around to your point of view. Difficult as he may be, Charlie loves you. I’ve got no doubts about that. And your commitment to this girl is strong. What you do, not what you say, might persuade him. You can only do your best. Then leave the rest to God.”
Lucy smiled. “That’s what I told Zoey. Well, something like that. I’ve said some prayers about this, Reverend,” she confided, “and I realized that I just want what’s best for Zoey. That’s the most important thing.”
“Absolutely,” he agreed. “Though I think you need to consider that the best thing for her in the long run may not be to stay with you, Lucy. As painful as that possibility seems right now, moving on to another home might be in her best interest.”
“Yes, I know that.” Lucy nodded, feeling suddenly like she might cry. She had considered that possibility of course. But it was hard to talk about it openly.
Reverend Ben reached over and patted her hand. “I don’t think you’ll need to wait too long for your answer.”
“Probably not,” Lucy agreed. “For the next few days, I’m just going to focus on giving Zoey—and the rest of the family—a good Christmas. We can share that with her at least.”
Ben nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good plan, Lucy. I’ll say a prayer for all of you,” he promised.
They were soon done with their coffee. Reverend Ben insisted on taking the bill, and Lucy left the tip. Out on the street again, Reverend Ben gave Lucy a gentle hug good-bye as they parted.
“Don’t give up hope,” he said.
“I won’t,” she promised.
Lucy felt a little shaken by their honest conversation, but it had been good to open her heart to someone. She was lucky to have run into him this morning, she decided. It had helped her get her thoughts and emotions in order so that she could carry on and do what she had to do. She had meant it when she told Reverend Ben that she was just going to put this all aside for a few days and focus on Christmas. She knew he was right. It would all sort itself out one way or the other. There was not much more she could do.
IT WAS THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND LUCY WAS THRILLED TO BE home. She had earned some seniority at the hospital over the past few years, and this was the first year she was able to make up time the week after Christmas in order to have days off on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
She was having a full house on Christmas Day and needed the entire day before to prepare for her company. At least she had done her shopping and wasn’t racing around at the last minute. But there was still food shopping, cleaning, and cooking to do—not to mention making the house look extra nice and festive.
It was hard to be in the holiday mood with everything so unsettled about Zoey. Lucy had resolved to put those problems out of her mind for a day or so, but that was easier said than done.
Zoey had gone to work at the diner early that morning, and Lucy worried every minute that the girl was out of her sight. She was sure that Zoey, too, was worrying about Kurt coming back. She had to be.
Lucy had tried to take Reverend Ben’s advice and pray about the situation. She wasn’t sure it had helped her much. She had asked God to protect Zoey and help her find her way. That seemed to be the main thing here. She had prayed He would open Charlie’s heart. And she prayed for the wisdom and peace of mind to accept the situation if Zoey had to leave them after all. But above all, she asked God to help Zoey. To make the right things happen for her. Whatever that turned out to be. Lucy didn’t presume to know best. She only knew what was in her heart.
Later that day, Lucy was making good progress working down her list. She stood wrapping a few more presents on the kitchen table before starting on some cooking for tomorrow’s big Christmas dinner. The diner had closed after lunch, and Charlie had dropped Zoey off at the house, then headed to the mall for his Christmas shopping. He was the King of the Last-Minute Shoppers, and Lucy knew that he might not be back until late that night.
The boys were home from school early today, too, and playing one of Jamie’s video games. Now she had a whole week of that to look forward to, Lucy reflected. Zoey had taken some gift wrap and tape up to her room earlier, to wrap the gifts she had bought for the family.
The phone rang. She expected it was either Charlie, calling to ask about a size, or her mother, checking in again about how many folding chairs Lucy needed to borrow. She picked up the phone quickly.
“Hello, Lucy? It’s Rita. I’m glad I caught you in. I have some news for you.”
Lucy braced herself. Was this about Zoey’s permanent placement? Had Rita found a family? Lucy couldn’t think of any worse news to hear just before Christmas.
“I wanted you to know that Kurt, Zoey’s former boyfriend, has been arrested. He was caught red-handed stealing a car. I just got a call from the police department in Gloucester. He’s been suspected of other burglaries, and stolen goods were found in the apartment where he was staying. Looks like there will be a lot of legal action against him, putting him away for a long time.”
Lucy felt so relieved, her body sagged against the table. “That is good news. This is much better than having Zoey bring charges against him that might not stick.”
“I think so, too,” Rita agreed. “He’s considered a flight risk, so I don’t think he’ll be out on bail,” she added. “I have some other news for you. I’ve been in touch with the family that’s been taking care of Zoey’s brother. They’re very open to the idea of the siblings having a visit. They said that you can contact them directly to make plans. Zoey’s brother has asked about her, too. They’re happy to bring the kids together.”
“That’s great. Who should I call?” Lucy asked eagerly. She pulled out a pen and pa
per and took down the necessary information. She could hardly wait to tell Zoey the news. “You’ve given us a great Christmas present, Rita. And all I got for you was a box of chocolates.”
“No problem, I’ll take it. You can never have too much chocolate. Send Zoey my love and best wishes for Christmas.”
“I will,” Lucy said. She wished Rita a merry Christmas and quickly hung up the phone. Then she headed up to Zoey’s room.
A visit with Zoey’s brother was an important gift, Lucy realized. Something more meaningful than a nice sweater or a pair of stylish boots. But maybe she needed to keep it a surprise until she was sure it would all work out. The girl had had enough disappointment.
In the meantime, she could definitely share the other good news.
She knocked on Zoey’s door. “It’s Lucy. Can I come in? I have to tell you something.”
“Sure, it’s open.”
Lucy stepped into the room. It looked pretty tidy, she thought, except for the bed, where Zoey sat cross-legged, wrapping gifts.
“Rita Schuman just called. She had some big news. The police arrested Kurt today. They charged him with car theft—and found all sorts of stolen goods where he was living. Rita says he’s going to jail for a long time. He can’t bother you anymore, Zoey.”
Zoey stared at her. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s not like they just think he did those things?”
“They caught him red-handed, stealing a car,” Lucy reported. “Rita said it looks like he might not even be let out on bail.”
“Oh, wow. That is something.” Zoey let out a long breath, then covered her face with her hands. “I hope he does stay in jail. I hope he rots there. He was so horrible to me. ...”
She was sobbing. Lucy sat down on the bed next to her and put an arm around Zoey’s shoulders, comforting her. “Shhh . . . it’s okay now. He’s never coming back to hurt you.”
Finally, the girl lifted her head, and Lucy saw a trembling smile. She brushed Zoey’s hair off her face and smiled back. “There now. Take a breath. You’re fine.”
On Christmas Eve Page 23
