Papina (Bearville County)

by Katie Hamstead

  "Didn't Forrest have life insurance?"

  I raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you and Clint have life insurance?"

  "You have a point."

  We fell silent.

  Finally I said, "I guess we should make this a farewell as well. I'll call the bank."

  She clutched my hand, her eyes wide. "No. You're not leaving. We're going to work something out."

  "Megan, I can't—"

  "No, I'm not going to let you go. I've finally got someone interesting here and worthwhile to talk to, so I'm going to work something out."

  She jumped to her feet and rushed to the door. "Don't you do anything about moving, you hear me? I'll do something." She shut the door with a bang behind her.

  I looked down at Donny with Jackson. "Well, she'll definitely be back."

  I set the boys in the playpen and made my way upstairs.

  Nova's music played softly, so I tapped on her door. "Nova? Can I come in?"

  Nothing.

  I cracked the door open and saw her lying on the bed. "Nova?"

  She didn't flinch.

  I sat next to her and squeezed her shoulder. "Are you awake?"

  She still didn't move.

  I turned her, but she remained limp. My stomach tightened. "No."

  I felt around for a pulse. I felt it, but her breath was sharp and shallow. I shook her. "Nova, wake up!"

  She remained unconscious.

  I swore and dug into my pocket for my phone. "Sheriff?"

  "Bray, what's wrong?"

  "Something's not right with Nova." I glanced around and found an empty packet of drugs. "Oh no! Paul, get the doctor or someone. I think she overdosed."

  I couldn't help it. I burst into tears. "No, Nova. No, no, no."

  I dropped the phone and pulled her mouth open. I pressed on the back of her tongue until I hit her vomit reflex. She threw up, but remained unconscious.

  "Nova!" I screamed, clasping her face. "Why, Nova? Why?"

  I patted her cheek, trying to wake her, while checking her pulse again. Still there.

  "Wake up!" I screamed.

  She was plucked from my arms and rushed out of the room. I hurried after her. Paul had her in his arms as he ran down the stairs.

  "Paul!"

  He didn't slow as he reached for the door. "Stay here, Bray."

  The door slammed behind him.

  I stood frozen, halfway down the stairs. What do I do?

  I rushed into the pantry and grabbed the cleaning supplies. Soon, on hands and knees, I finished cleaning up her vomit. I found several undigested pills, but not many. I leaned back against the door frame and cried.

  Why would she do that? No, I knew exactly why: she was being blamed for a crime she didn't commit.

  The front door burst open. "Bray?"

  Megan's footsteps pounded up the stairs. She appeared beside me and wrapped her arms around me. "It's going to be all right."

  I burst into tears, clinging to her desperately. My world seemed to be spinning out of control and all I could do was clutch at straws. If Nova died… I buried my face into Megan's shoulder. "It's my fault. I should have paid more attention."

  "No!" She grabbed my face and lifted it to look into my eyes. "Never think that! You are the mother she never had. She came to you broken and you've stuck through where so many others would have given up. You're amazing, Bray. She's so lucky to have you, and she will come back from this."

  I let out a sob. "What if she doesn't?"

  Megan sighed. "She will. Clint told me the doctor got her to wake up, and they've rushed her to Bearville to get her stomach pumped. She'll probably be in the hospital for a few days, but she's not going to die."

  My head fell onto her shoulder as I cried from relief. The sick, tight feeling in my stomach faded.

  She helped me stand and we walked back downstairs. She sat me on the couch watching the boys while she made some tea. She handed me the mug and sat beside me.

  I inhaled the chamomile scent, and sipped at it, letting it sooth me.

  She ran her fingers through my hair. "So, you were a nerd in high school, huh?"

  I smiled, glad for the diversion from my thoughts. "Yeah. I had my nose stuck in a book all the time, and was in the top ten of my grade when we graduated. I wore these ugly pink rimmed glasses and had really bad acne on my chin and forehead. I thought my hair was ridiculous, so always wore it in a pony, and I wore jeans and a T-shirt every day."

  "What changed?" she asked.

  I smiled and shrugged. "I grew up. My acne went away, straight hair moved aside for wavy hair," I touched my waves. "And Mom made me buy some nice clothes. So when I went to college, suddenly I had guys hitting on me."

  I flushed, remembering how awkward my freshman year turned out. "I had no idea how to handle it. I'm fairly sure a few people took advantage of me. But, I learned and pulled my chin up."

  "When did Forrest come along?"

  I sighed, thinking of the first time I saw him. "My senior year. I was at a party, and I just kissed him, which shocked him. He always said he was so surprised that such a pretty girl would kiss him, he had no choice but to ask me out right there and then."

  I smiled. "Our first date he took me to McDonald's for dinner. I was like, ‘Uh, loser. One date only,’ but then he took me inside The Luxor and said we had to collect as many free tickets to shows as possible, and do everything possible to get the free tickets.

  “I thought he was completely mad, but went along with it. I had so much fun, and saw a guy who could talk anyone into anything. He told people we were newlyweds, or we'd eloped, all kinds of things just to get a ticket."

  I chuckled. "We ended up with free tickets to fifteen different shows. As he drove me home he asked me if I wanted to use the tickets with him. I didn't even hesitate to answer yes."

  "So you spent the next while going on dates to shows?" Megan asked.

  I laughed. "Oh yes, and doing hotel tours, listening to sales pitches, staring at investment properties, because free tickets means you need to do something to earn them first. But we got to know each other very well during those times. More than at any of the shows."

  She ran her fingers through my hair. "It sounds like you had a lot of fun."

  I smiled and looked at her. "I've never had more fun with anyone else."

  "Remember those times, Bray. Don't dwell on the pain of him being gone. Just be glad he spent those years with you, making you happy. And now, let yourself be happy like he'd want you to be."

  My nose tingled as tears threatened to escape my eyes. "Yes, he would."

  "I want you to be happy again, too." She squeezed my knee.

  I looked into her eyes. "Thank you, Megan."

  She patted my knee. "I took care of the bail debt you owed."

  I gasped. "What?"

  She shrugged. "Paul felt bad taking it from you anyway, so I took it over. Clint and I are doing well, so I can handle it."

  "Megan—"

  "Don't even bother protesting. It's done."

  I sighed and slumped. "Thank you."

  She shrugged again with a smile. "It's self-serving really. I want to keep you around."

  She kissed my head. "Now, chin up. We're going to pack up the boys and go down to the hospital."

  She took my hand and coaxed me to stand.

  We arrived at the hospital an hour later and rushed in to find Paul and Clint talking to the woman detective.

  She glanced over as we approached and nodded. "Mrs. Miller, I'm glad you made it."

  "How is she?" I asked.

  "She'll survive, but we're going to need to put some precautions into place at your home."

  I nodded. "Of course. Whatever you need."

  "We will need to check your house for anything hazardous."

  "Just as long as it isn't left trashed like last time."

  Her eyebrow twitched. "I think we can manage that." She stepped toward the door. "Would you like to see her?"

  I
nodded. She pushed the door open for me and I stepped through.

  Nova lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

  I sank into the chair beside her, reaching for her hand. "Nova?"

  When my fingers brushed against hers, she pulled away.

  I dropped my face into my hands. "Why did you do this? I was so scared I'd lost you. I've told you I couldn't bare it if I lost you as well. I'm sorry I haven't been able to protect you like I promised, but I'm trying."

  Her hand rested on my head and I looked up. Tears ran down her cheeks as she pointed at me, touched her heart, then pointed at herself.

  "Do I love you?"

  She nodded.

  "Of course I do!" I grabbed her hand. "Nova, why do you think I've been trying to adopt you?"

  She pointed at my handbag.

  I handed it to her.

  She pulled it open and dug through until she found my phone. She then typed something out and handed it to me.

  I took it and read; Not just because you want me to tell you about Forrest?

  I gasped. "Oh my…" I looked up at her. "No! Oh no, Nova. I want you to get better. I want you to let go of your pain and move on."

  She nodded and pointed at herself then me.

  "You… I don't…"

  She huffed and snatched my phone back. She typed out a new message and shoved it in my face. I want that for you, too. That's why I can't speak.

  I met her gaze.

  She pursed her lips and nodded. Then, she cleared the message, handed me the phone, and leaned back, staring up at the ceiling again.

  "Nova?" I whispered.

  She tilted her head.

  "Promise me you won't ever hurt yourself again."

  Her gaze fell to her lap, but slowly, she nodded.

  I kissed her head. "I'm going to find out what's going on and when I can take you home, okay?"

  She looked up at me with tears in her eyes, and nodded.

  The detective stood outside scowling at me. I wondered if she'd been watching.

  "So, what's going on?" I asked, trying to divert my thoughts.

  "She'll need to stay in here for a few days," the detective said. "She'll be on suicide watch until we feel it's safe for her to go back."

  My stomach knotted, but I nodded. "Whatever is best for her."

  Her eyebrow lifted. "I'll send a team to check your house tomorrow around nine."

  "I'll be ready. Thank you."

  She turned, walked down the corridor, and disappeared around the corner.

  I rested my forehead against the door. I felt so tired, so worn out from all the grief and sorrow. Maybe it was time to move on and let go. I couldn't take the strain much longer. I had to accept what was done was done, and live for my future and for the future of Jackson and Nova.

  I sighed and straightened. The time had come for me to get a grip on my reality. Forrest was gone. I still had to live. I had people who needed me. I needed to find ways to bring in extra money. No more hoping and waiting for Forrest to come back and do it for me.

  I made my way to the waiting area. Clint stood with his arm around Megan, while Paul held the boys on his lap.

  I paused, just out of sight, to watch. Donny seemed completely fascinated by his hand, but Jackson was focused on his face. Paul puffed out his cheeks and Jackson slapped them. Jackson burst out laughing and raised his hands again in anticipation. Paul puffed his cheeks out again and wham. Jackson burst out laughing.

  I smiled. I stepped out and Paul's gaze shot to me.

  He smiled, his whole face lighting up.

  I blushed, my smile growing.

  Megan swung around. "Bray!" She jumped up and rushed over to me. "How is she?"

  "She's fine. Thank goodness."

  She touched my cheek. "And you?"

  I nodded. "I'm doing much better."

  "Good. Let's go home." She wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

  We walked back to my car and Clint and Paul followed us. At the car, Clint caught Megan and kissed her.

  Paul glanced at me.

  Flustered, I grabbed Jackson to buckle him in. Paul buckled in Donny.

  "We should get back to the station," Clint said.

  Paul and I both straightened, and he answered. "Yep. Joseph is hopeless at the best of times."

  Clint grinned as he let go of Megan. "Phewie! Remember that time the bull escaped from the Fletcher's ranch?"

  Paul laughed. "That's one way to catch a bull."

  I didn't want to ask, so climbed into the car.

  "You boys." Megan laughed. "Poor little Joe doesn't mean to be ignorant. But it was a good laugh watching in run down Main Street covered in red paint."

  They all laughed.

  "I'll take credit for that one," Clint said.

  "No way. I'm the one who grabbed the bucket and made the suggestion in the first place," Paul replied.

  "Yeah but I'm the one crazy enough to actually do it, and shove him out onto the street."

  Megan sighed. "You boys are awful." She opened the passenger door and slid in. "Get back to work before something really happens to Joe."

  "Yes ma'am," Paul answered, tipping his hat.

  She kicked out at him. "Don't call me ma'am, Davis!"

  He laughed.

  She looked at me and rolled her eyes. "Let's go, Bray."

  Chapter Eighteen

  Nova stepped out of the sheriff's car and smiled up at me.

  I rushed down and threw my arms around her. "Welcome home."

  She wrapped her arms tightly around me.

  Mom hurried out and kissed her cheek. "Welcome back, sweetheart. We waited for you."

  She looked up at Mom with confusion in her eyes.

  "Jackson's birthday party," I said.

  Her eyes flashed between us as her jaw fell.

  Mom laughed. "We couldn't do it without you. We're having it this afternoon."

  Nova threw her arms around me again, squeezing me tightly before she rushed inside.

  Mom and I watched her go. Mom touched my shoulder. "That's a very different girl to the one I left behind."

  I smiled. "It's such a relief. I was so frightened when I found her."

  Mom wrapped her arm around my waist. "You're different, too."

  My cheeks warmed as I contemplated what she said. "I think I'm ready to move on with life. It's coming up on a year and I realized I don't need to feel lonely anymore. I have really good friends here."

  The trunk of the sheriff's car closed. Paul lifted out the last of the security gear.

  "Oh, I'd love a good friend that looks like that," Mom said under her breath.

  I elbowed her in the ribs.

  She chuckled. "I'm teasing."

  She squeezed my waist and we hurried inside.

  Nova held Jackson on her lap as she sat on the couch, kissing the back of his head over and over. He didn't seem remotely fazed by it as he turned his singing toy dog around and around.

  "Nova," I said gently. "Do you want to help us set up?"

  She nodded eagerly, and set down Jackson.

  She helped me bake cupcakes, hang decorations, and helped Mom set up the table outside.

  I hadn't seen her so upbeat since before she went in for questioning. It made everything seem brighter, and easier to handle.

  When the first guests arrived, Mom and Dad greeted them cheerfully, and a pleasant feeling filled the air. When Megan and Clint arrived, Donny crawled full speed to Jackson, which delighted him to no end.

  "I think we have best friends for life right there," Megan said with a laugh. "Kind of like his Dad, huh Clint?" She elbowed Clint in the ribs.

  He grinned. "Well Paul and I didn't meet until we were a little older."

  "Three years old isn't that much older."

  They walked away chatting excitedly together.

  "Bray?"

  I turned and smiled at Sarah as she slipped through the gate carrying a large box. I rushed over to help her. "You didn't need to ge
t something this big."

  "Every little boy needs his own truck to drive around."

  I laughed. "Oh Sarah."

  We set the box with the rest of the gifts and paused to watch the small crowd gathered.

  "It's a good turnout for a Tuesday," she said.

  I sighed. "All the important people are here. His Grandma and Grandpa, his best friend, Nova. What more could I ask for?" Apart from Forrest. But I refused to think like that.

  "So…" She shuffled and kicked at the paver. "A while ago I asked if you wanted to go dancing with us one Friday night. I know you've been busy so I haven't asked again, but I was wondering if you wanted to come next time?"

  I looked her in the eyes. "When are you going next?"

  She smiled. "Two Fridays from now."

  My face fell. "The court proceedings start that day. I don't know if—"

  "I understand."

  I sighed. "I want to go, I do, but—"

  "I know." She touched my shoulder. "There's always next time."

  I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Thank you."

  She smiled. "You're my best friend. I know you'll come with me eventually, and until you're ready, I'll be here for you."

  Guilt. So much guilt. I squeezed her hand again, smiling despite the sick feeling in my stomach at the thought of Paul.

  Mom rushed up the stairs and handed me the camera. "Come on, you need to document his first birthday!" And with a sharp tug, she pulled me down the stairs into the middle of the yard.

  Dad brought the first bunch of presents down for Jackson and helped him open them while I took photos. While he opened a box of dinosaurs, Megan stepped up beside me. "Donny's stealing them when he sets them aside."

  I laughed and shifted the camera to get Donny stealing the toys in the shot.

  "Have you seen Paul yet?"

  I shook my head, trying to remain indifferent. "I thought he was working."

  "He said he'd swing by to give Jackson his present."

  Mom glanced at me and raised an eyebrow.

  I frowned at her, but answered Megan. "He doesn't need to do that."

  She sighed, shaking her head. "Oh, Bray."

  Sarah appeared carrying her box and set it down for Jackson. She hurried back beside me with a huge grin. "I hope he likes it."

  "Of course he will. He's a little boy," I said.

  He ripped off the paper and Dad opened the box for him. Dad laughed and lifted the truck out. Jackson's face lit up as Dad placed him inside.