by Sable Hunter
“No, she was gone when I came in the next day. I know she was on foot and I know she’s pregnant, T. I’m worried.”
“So, am I. I can’t talk right now, Lauren, but I can promise you that I’ll find her. Thanks for calling to let me know she came by. I have to go. Bye.”
Finally, T had a lead. It wasn’t much of one, but he now knew Glory had been to the shelter in recent days, so he decided to stay in New Iberia and check all the motels.
A call came in from Danny while T was eating a full dressed Po Boy at Duffy’s Diner.
“I’ve got news about Glory.”
T dropped a big glob of mayonnaise on the front of his shirt and wiped it off, using the fresh bandage on his cut finger as a napkin. “Tell me.” He was already up and out of his seat, headed to his truck.
“Deanna from the group saw Glory at the church where we hold our AA meetings the other day.”
“What was she doing there?”
“Deanna said she recognized her from that night at the meeting. Her and Glory got to talking and Glory said she was there to pray on some things.”
“When was that?”
“Two days ago. Glory mentioned heading in the direction of Jeanerette. She said she was out for a long walk to think some things over.”
“I’m on my way, thanks Danny.” T cranked his truck and headed south. Rubbing his eyes, he focused on the road. He was losing track of time. How long had she been gone? What did the future hold? He didn’t have all the answers. The most important thing was to find her and bring her home.
*
“Don’t be silly, Glory. Calling me was the absolute right thing to do.”
Lily herded Glory out to her car. “How do you feel? I know you told those folks you don’t need to go to the doctor, but I know your story. If you want, I can drive you to the ER now.” When Glory started to protest, Lily shushed her. “To hell with insurance. I have more money than I can spend before I die.”
Glory climbed into the comfortable BMW, fastening her seat belt, and turning the heating vents toward her. Once Lily joined her, she set her mind to rest. “I just need to rest. You know my problem, the only thing that could cure me would be a transplant.”
“Heart? Lungs?”
Glory giggled. “No. Brain and personality.”
“Be serious,” Lily chided.
“I don’t know,” Glory sighed, stroking her cat. “No one’s really said. Since my mother and stepfather moved away, I’ve only seen a doctor at the free clinic. With no insurance and no family, I don’t think I’m the type they put on a transplant list.”
“Nonsense. You just need to find the right doctor.” Lily tapped a well-manicured fingernail on the steering wheel. “My condition might be hopeless, Miss Hudson. Yours is not.”
Glory met Lily’s eyes, loving her friends adamant attitude. “It is now, I think. I’ve done the one thing they always warned me not to.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Good Lord.”
Glory laughed. “No, it’s a good thing, Lily.”
“Not from what I’ve heard,” she argued. “And not from what you told me at Harper’s. You said this was the last thing you should do.” A startled look came over her face. “Is that big Cajun the father? T-Rex?”
“Yes, T-Rex is the father.” Glory stroked Thomas, her eyes glazed over as she watched the swampland out the window. “Reluctantly, but yes, he’s the father.”
“Reluctantly? Is that why you’re out here, on your own, wandering around like some Gypsy? He didn’t want the baby?”
“It’s complicated,” Glory began and Lily groaned.
“We’ve got two hours on the road and then, hopefully, days together. I’m looking forward to the company, but I’m confused at what’s going on.”
“I’m sorry, I promise that I’ll pay you back for everything just as soon as I can find a job and get on my feet.”
Lily looked exasperated. “Money isn’t the issue. If I can’t take care of an old friend, what’s the point of anything? No, the only payment I ask is that you tell me everything – I want to know what’s going on and why you’re hoofin’ it across South Louisiana. If you tell me that big Cajun hurt you, I’ll drive back and cut his balls off.”
Glory wanted to laugh, but it just wasn’t funny. “He did hurt me, but not in the way you think.”
Lily cut a glance at Glory. “I’m not sure if it makes a difference, hurt is hurt. You said this is complicated, explain it to me.”
Glory chewed on her lower lip, trying to put her own thoughts together in a way that would make sense to her friend. “A lot has happened since you and I shared a hospital room. I’ve been on my own for six years, my folks moved off and didn’t take me with them. They didn’t leave a forwarding address either.”
Lily was shocked. “But your mom seemed so nice. How could they do that?”
“I don’t know. I think they just got tired of the stress of a sick child. I’m sure you think this is ancient history, but I feel like it really is tied into what’s going on with me now.”
“Of course, Glory. Our present is always shaped by our past.”
Glory sighed, running a finger over the window glass to trace her own sad reflection. During the next few minutes, Glory poured out her heart. “In the last few years, I’ve done it all - lived with three others in a one bedroom apartment, worked graveyards in a factory, even took online courses, working toward a teacher’s certificate. Yet, I’ve never put down roots anywhere, I’ve never felt at home anywhere.”
Lily let her talk without interrupting, sensing she was working up to some point.
“I guess I’m telling you all of this in order to explain my relationship with T.” Turning in her seat so she could see Lily a little better, Glory continued to speak. “The first time I saw T-Rex, he reminded me of a Bible story I learned when I was a kid. It told about a man seeking protection from a rock, a rock so solid and sturdy that nothing could touch him as long as he stayed in the cleft of the rock.”
“I can see the analogy, he’s as big as a mountain for sure.”
“More than that. I know he didn’t feel the same way, but the moment I met him, I felt like I’d come home.” Glory giggled, tickling the kitten on the belly. “I scared the man. I came onto him like gangbusters, didn’t really give the poor fella a choice. I saw what I wanted and I went after it.”
“No wonder I saw your claws that night at Revel and Harper’s.”
“Yea, I was pea green jealous.” She waved her finger over the kitten, giggling when it tried to catch it with his kitten claws. “Anyway, I finally wore him down, seduced him, or whatever. And the one thing he insisted upon was that he could never have a family, he could never trust himself enough to fall in love and bring a child into the world.”
“Why ever not?”
“His father was a monster and his mother convinced him that he was just like the man.” With tears in her eyes, Glory recounted the sad events. She finished with, “He even had a vasectomy to make sure he didn’t father a child.”
“A vasectomy that obviously didn’t work.”
“No.” Glory ran her hand over her middle. “Like I told T, I think this baby was meant to be.”
“But Glory…” Lily’s voice faltered. “How can you say that if you don’t survive?”
“Don’t you see?” Glory’s voice rose. “T-Rex needs this baby more than anything. He deserves a family. And if it can’t be with me, at least he’ll be able to take this baby and begin a new life, a new life with someone he can love, because me and this baby loved him first.”
Lily was quiet for a little while, then she spoke softly. “You sound like a woman in love, Glory. Why aren’t you with him?”
Her pause before answering was even longer than Lily’s had been. “The news of my pregnancy took him by surprise.”
“Did he ask you to leave?”
“Not in so many words, but this is m
y usual response when things don’t work out.”
Lily snorted. “I remember. You had the entire hospital staff standing on its head when you disappeared before that bone marrow transplant.”
“Ha! True. I slipped out and ran off, still dressed in my hospital gown. If they hadn’t caught me, I would have left the country. I was aiming to hop on a tug and stow away on a boat to South America.”
“So, are you sure he wanted you to just disappear?”
Glory shrugged. “He was really upset. And I never intended to stay forever…” Her voice trailed off. “I don’t have forever. And this is probably for the best.”
“What do you mean?” Lily kept her eyes on the silvery ribbon of highway that lay in front of her. A fog had risen and the driving required her full focus.
“The doctor at the free clinic and the one I used to see in Baton Rouge, they both urged me to…have an abortion. T-Rex even hinted that I shouldn’t have the baby, and he doesn’t know about my PAH.”
“He doesn’t know?”
Lily’s alarm surprised Glory. “No, of course not. And if I’d stayed, he would’ve found out. And even if I could convince him he wanted the baby, he would insist I get rid of it for my health.”
“And you don’t intend to do that?”
“Absolutely not!” Glory was emphatic.
“Okay.” Lily didn’t argue. “I can see your side of things.”
“This is my chance too, Lily. I might not survive, but I get to bring a new life into the world and do my part to heal a man who deserves everything.”
Lily’s BMW passed the New Orleans city limit sign. “Tell me what I can do to help.”
Glory thought a minute before answering. “I can cook and New Orleans is a Mecca for food. Maybe I can get a job quickly. And I don’t mind staying at a shelter. There just wasn’t one in Franklin and I didn’t know which way to turn.”
“You’ll stay with me.” Lily’s tone brooked no argument. “Since my latest diagnosis, my friends and family haven’t known how to deal with me. My sister treats me differently, I guess she thinks I’m going to lose my mind before I lose my life.”
“I’m sorry, Lily.”
“I need someone around to talk to.”
“I can certainly hold up my end of a conversation,” Glory teased as tears of thankfulness began to flow down her cheeks. “Thank you, Lily. My walkabout didn’t turn out like I’d hoped.”
“You’re just what the doctor ordered, Glory Bee Hudson.”
As Glory dashed the moisture from her cheeks, her attention was drawn to what lay outside the car window. “This is my first trip to New Orleans.” She looked around with curiosity as Lily drove into an area where the streets were much narrower than usual.
“Really?” Lily was astonished. “Well, welcome to the French Quarter. A place unlike any other on earth.”
And Glory found out she was right.
*
T got to Jeanerette as fast as possible and started asking around town. He went shop by shop and store by store until he hit pay-dirt. At the local LeJeune Bakery, the manager recognized a photo of Glory he had on his phone, the one she’d taken when they were sitting at the bar together – before everything had fallen apart.
“Oh yeah.” She smiled, T could read the name Sybil embroidered on her uniform. “I remember her.”
T felt relief wash over him in waves. “Really? When was she here?”
“She was here a couple of days ago, a really nice girl. She saved my bacon, I tell you. I was shorthanded and drowning in orders. Glory offered to help.” The middle-aged redhead pointed to the counter. “Look at the cute cookies she made. I had a request for sugar cookies and she made those darling green ones shaped like a t-rex. I traded her a meal for her help, even offered her a job, but she turned me down. Said she was just passing through.”
T was doubly disappointed. He hated the idea she was having to work for food and the sight of the cookies made his chest hurt. He didn’t know if they were a message to him or just evidence that he was on her mind. “Okay, well, I’ll push on. Thanks for the information.”
“Hey, are you sure she’ll want to see you?” Sybil looked suspicious.
T smiled sadly. “I hope so.” He pointed at the sugar cookies. “I’m hoping those are a sign, my name is T-Rex.”
“Really? Well, my goodness.” Sybil laughed. “I hope you find her.”
“I just don’t know where to look next.” He lingered, hoping for more information. “Are you sure that’s all you can tell me?”
“I bet she stays on the Teche Scenic Byway, it’s one of the prettiest roads in the state. Of course, there’s a lot of little towns along the way.”
“All right. Thanks.” T raised his hand in farewell. As he headed to his truck, T stopped in his tracks, then retraced his steps, returning to the bakery. “Excuse me, ma’am,” he spoke to the manager. “I’ll buy all those sugar cookies, please.”
Sybil gave him a knowing smile and rung them up, packing them neatly in a sack. Clutching the bag tightly, T went on his way. At least he had a clue to go on. It was as if Glory were leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for him to find. T wished Buford was part Beagle, he could’ve given him something of Glory’s to sniff and they would’ve found her by now. The idea of his big pup with his nose to the ground gave him a small chuckle. T dry-scrubbed his face. He hadn’t shaved in days and his beard had grown in thick. “I shouldn’t be laughing,” he told himself, but he couldn’t help it, he was exhausted.
Sitting in the truck, he opened the bag and took out a cookie, eating it slowly. Having something she’d touched made him feel better. As he enjoyed the sweet, his mind stayed on Glory. He needed to check out all those towns the lady referred to. Pulling up a map on his phone, he checked out his surroundings. So much territory to cover, T was afraid he’d drive by her, pass her up and never know it.
When he was finished, T got back on the road, stopping to question as many people as he could before night fell and the town went to bed collectively. Knowing he desperately needed to clean up and shower, T decided to hit the local Wal-mart for a change of clothes. Barely making it to the department store before they closed, he promised the store manager who almost locked him out as he arrived. “I just need to grab a few things really quick.”
Once he made the purchase, T drove around, bought a hamburger at a local Dairy Queen and tried to figure out a place to stay for the night. Jeanerette was too small to have a shelter and he would’ve felt bad taking advantage when he had plenty of money to spend. Cruising down the main drag, he kept his eye on the side of the road, ever watching for a lone female figure. Knowing Glory was broke and probably sleeping on the ground somewhere, cold and unprotected, there was no way T would stay in a motel. The only concession he made was finding a somewhat seedy establishment and renting a room just so he could shower. Once he was clean and had on his new threads, T got back in his truck and headed for the anonymity of the Wal-mart parking lot. He’d get comfortable in his truck, catch a few winks and imagine Glory was in his arms, safe and protected.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Glory’s favorite time of day was her first few moments after awaking, before she remembered, before reality came rushing back in. Being separated from T was like missing an arm or a leg, she had to relearn how to function.
Facing her destiny was equally vexing.
The only bright spot in her existence was Lily. And for her sake, Glory set aside her heartaches, determined to make the best of a hopeless situation.
Lily’s home was beautiful, endlessly fascinating for Glory. “A hidden paradise,” she’d murmured appreciatively when she first stepped inside. The art gallery occupied the street front, an elegant establishment full of treasures. But step out the back and another world awaited. A courtyard lay beyond the shop, full of tropical flowers and a magnificent fountain. Behind it, and connected to the shop by a cobblestone path below and terrace above was a two-story cottage, complete with a
Juliet balcony and a covered verandah. When she’d first arrived, Glory had praised Lily’s home. “I love your house, this is truly a haven.”
“I adore the whole town. There’s so much history here in the quarter. Why, this home was built in the late 1700’s. I’ll enjoy showing you everything,” Lily assured her.
And she did. Despite Glory’s weakness and chronic fatigue, Lily made her feel at home.
“Are you ready for breakfast?”
Glory wasn’t very hungry, but her hostess seemed to be so excited, she couldn’t disappoint her. “Come, let’s take a carriage ride to Jackson Square.”
Lily made a phone call and soon an open carriage pulled by a big white horse pulled up to the art gallery on Royal. With an exclamation of glee, Glory took a seat. Lily joined her and they proceeded to go on an adventure. The driver took the long way, showing the newcomer one of America’s most glorious cities. Just in the quarter itself, there were so many varying aspects – from the classic European style of Royal, to the revelry of Bourbon. Varying cultures were represented; French, Italian, and Caribbean, the architecture of all three prominent, yet unique. No one could claim to be left out in this glorious town – there were Catholic churches, voodoo shops, and even cities of the dead with their ornate whitewashed crypts.
“Where are we dining today?” Glory asked, her appetite making itself known.
“Café du Monde, if you’re up for it. How’s the morning sickness?” Lily asked, concerned.
“I’m fine,” Glory assured her. She was too caught up in her surroundings to let a little queasiness rule her day. The Mississippi River was a familiar sight, but it looked different in New Orleans: older, wider, and alive with activity. Glory was entranced by everything she saw – the paddleboats, the artists, and the street performers.
Once they were seated in one of the small wrought iron tables with their sugar dusted pastries, Glory took a deep breath. “I really don’t know how to thank you for everything, Lily. You’ve been so kind to me.”
Lily held her cup of coffee up for Glory to click her glass of milk against it in a toast. “Here’s to us. I want us to wring every bit of life we can from each day.”
