They'd helped in the auditorium before leaving, covering the windows to limit the afternoon's light. Henry and Eliseo had hung disco balls from the ceiling and installed black lights around the room. Neon tablecloths and party ware, balloons, and streamers filled the room. There were glow sticks on the tables and even Sylvie's punch glowed.
It took a few moments for people to find a seat in the room and the noise settled down when Rebecca took the stage with a microphone. Jeff turned down the music, which at this point was playing "Boogie Wonderland."
"Thank you for coming to celebrate my mother's life," Rebecca said. "We talked for a long time about what we would do today and one day she said that she missed out on the disco era. She loved to dance. This might be different than you'd expect..." Rebecca paused for effect and gestured around the room. "But it's what she wanted. Mom always said that even if I missed her, I should remember how much fun we had and that today would be one last hurrah and nobody could stop us."
Rebecca took a deep breath and bent down to pick a glow stick up from the floor. She snapped it and said, "So let's party like it's the seventies. Lunch is ready, just head out the door to the kitchen line and please laugh and have a good time." She raised her glow stick. "Thanks Mom."
Jeff took the microphone from her and lifted her down from the stage. Rebecca's face was beaming when Polly and Henry got to her side.
"Was I okay?" she asked.
"You were great," Polly said. "I'm proud of you and I know your mom would be, too."
"Did you see Mrs. Hastings is here?"
Polly looked around. "I think some of your classmates and their families are here with her, too. That's pretty cool."
"Have you seen Andrew?"
"He's over there with a couple of boys from your class," Polly said, pointing to the cake table. Sylvie had used tonic water to add a glow to the frosting on cupcakes and it was wild seeing them reflect the black light.
"Can I go?"
"You can do whatever you want today," Henry said to her. "We'll take care of the weird adults."
"Thanks." Rebecca handed him her glow stick and started to walk away, then thought better of it and took it back. "I might get lost in the dark," she said with a laugh.
He took Polly's hand and drew her close. "Do you think she'll ever get back to being a kid?"
Polly watched her rush up to Andrew and his friends, bobbing in time to the music. "She's working on it. We just need to keep crises away from her for a while. Can we do that?"
He stepped back and gave her a look of incredulity. "We? What's this 'we' stuff? You're the one who brings excitement to this relationship. I'm just trying to hold on."
"Help me, then?" She leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Polly, can I talk to you for a minute?"
She turned at the sound of Sal's voice. "Sure, what's up?"
"Away from all of this. I need to talk to you."
Henry squeezed her hand and she left him to follow Sal out the back door into the hallway behind the stage.
"I need to apologize to you," Sal said. "I can't believe I was so out of control the other night. You and Sylvie tried to tell me to stop it, but I couldn't get over myself. I don't know when to stop. You know I love you, don't you?"
"Of course I do," Polly said. "You don't have to apologize. You were stressed and things were falling apart. I understand."
"But I never heard from you again. I figured you would at least call to yell at me."
Polly took Sal's hand. "Honey, I'm sorry. My life has been so nuts the last couple of days, I haven't had time to do anything but move from one thing to the next. Thursday was crazy busy with trying to sleep and talking to the FBI and then yesterday we spent the whole day decorating and getting ready for today. I'm so sorry."
"No. I don't want you to apologize. That's my job," Sal said. "I should have called you." She gestured back to the auditorium. "I should have been here to help. I was being all self-centered and whiny and you needed me."
"It's okay. Henry said you've been at the coffee shop. Are you handling that any better now?"
"I think so," Sal said. "He tells me that it's going to be okay. We can't save the apartments, but that's probably better anyway. I don't want to be a landlord."
"Maybe they did you a favor," Polly said with a laugh.
"The next time I act like silly self-centered Bunny Farnam will you promise to beat me upside the head?" Sal asked. "It just hit me that I've been doing that for the last couple of days and now, here I am dragging you away from Rebecca just so you'll tell me that you don't hate me."
"Stop it. I love you to pieces. Come on. Let's go back in and dance."
"That little girl is certainly lucky to have you."
"She's pretty amazing."
"Yes she is. You're going to have your hands full as she grows up."
"Yes, I am," Polly said, opening the door. Earth, Wind and Fire was playing over the speakers and she couldn't help herself. She grabbed Sal's arms and spun her into the room, then twirled up against her. "This is the best music ever," Polly said. She pointed to Lydia. "Look at her."
Lydia was dancing around Aaron as he held two plates of food. When she slid up and down his side, Polly laughed out loud. "You'll never see that happen again," she said.
Sal's eyes were huge. "I can't believe I'm seeing it now! There's Mark, looking lost. He's been worried about us. I should tell him that things are fine."
"Go take care of your man," Polly said. She danced her way to Henry, who was talking to Nate and Joss. "Wanna dance, big boy?" she asked.
"This was a great idea," Joss said. "I think you and Rebecca both needed a party to toss off the stress of the last few weeks."
Henry looked around the room. "You know, I think that everyone here needed this to toss off the stress of the last couple of weeks. We've all been on edge, worrying about that serial killer... not knowing where he was or if he would grab Polly out from under us. This is good. It's just different enough to break apart any leftover tension."
Evelyn Morrow approached Polly, holding two glasses of punch. She handed one to Polly and the other to Henry. "I heard Sarah and Rebecca planning this," she said with a smile. "It's grand that you sent Sarah off with such a big party. It would have made her happy. That woman wanted the world for her daughter. I'm glad you two can offer her a wonderful life."
Polly shook her head and looked across the room at Rebecca, who had found a seat at a table with Kayla and Mrs. Hastings. They were talking animatedly and Rebecca was drawing on the tablecloth. She laughed and glanced around the room, taking it all in, then returned to the conversation. "I think Rebecca is going to find a way to make her own way in the world. Henry and I will just make sure she's safe and loved."
"Are you two planning to have children of your own?" Evelyn asked. "You have a great deal to offer a big family."
Henry took Polly's hand and they looked at each other. He spoke up. "We're not planning on having children in the normal way. At least not right now. But I'd have to guess that Rebecca is just the first child who will end up in our family. How does that sound?"
Evelyn smiled and reached down to put her hand on their clasped hands. She lifted their hands so she could hold them in hers. "That sounds exactly right for you. Rebecca has no idea what she's started, does she?"
"I don't know what tomorrow has in store," Polly said. "But I do know that I'm going to miss having you here. It's been a joy."
"Thank you for caring for Sarah," Evelyn said. "You all made it easy to give meaning to her final months. I'll miss the everyday excitement that happens here." She gave Polly a wicked grin. "But I don't think I'll miss treating your friends when they're nearly run over or worrying about whether some madman is coming after you. Those gave me a few nights of unsettled sleep."
"You're welcome to come by any day," Polly said. "In fact, I'm sure Rebecca would be glad to see you as often as possible."
Evelyn nodded. "It will b
e important for her to see me for a few months. Then, as her life gets going again, she'll need me less and less. I'll call next week and see if there's an opportunity for lunch."
"Please do," Polly said. "And thank you again."
Evelyn moved off and Polly caught Jessie waving at her. She was sitting at a table with Bill and Marie Sturtz. Bill's sister and her husband were there as well. Marie was holding the baby and looked up with a smile when Polly and Henry joined them.
"That looks good on you, Mom," Henry said.
"I like having this little one around," Marie replied. "If being a grandma means that I can love on a baby and not worry about the hassle of raising the child, I think that's the best job ever." She rubbed Molly's nose and then looked up in shock. "I'm not pressuring you. Please don't think I meant anything by that."
Polly felt Henry breathe deeply beside her.
"Good," he said under his breath.
She sat down beside Jessie. "I haven't had any time in the last couple of weeks. How are things with Molly?"
"It's good," Jessie said. "I'll be glad when Rebecca and Kayla can babysit. I'm ready to get out of the house by myself one of these days, but Marie tells me not to be in a hurry. She's right. Molly won't be a baby very long."
Polly felt a horrible desire to tell Jessie that she'd watch the baby while Jessie went out, but the truth was that scared her to death. She knew there was no way she'd feel comfortable taking care of a baby for several hours. Marie was so natural with Molly and as Polly watched, she had no urgent desire to hold the little girl.
The first night in the hospital after the birth, a nurse had put the baby in Polly's arms. She kept waiting for some overwhelming nurturing sensation to flow over her and ... nothing. But she watched Jessie's face every time she held her daughter and saw the power of a mother's love settle in.
Lydia whispered into Polly's ear, "You don't have to feel guilty, dear."
Polly stood up and grabbed Lydia's hand, pulling her away. "How do you do this?" she asked. "How do you know what's going on in my head?"
"It's all over your face." Lydia took Polly's hands in hers. "You are an incredible woman. You've handled so many things these last two weeks that would send nearly everyone here over the edge of sanity and yet you're worrying because you don't want to be a mommy to babies. Give yourself a break. Jessie has a healthy and happy baby because you helped her pull her life together. Marie has a baby at her house for that same reason. Rebecca is having the best time today celebrating her mother's life because you helped make their dream come true for today. Look at the lives you have touched. You've given people jobs when they needed to work, you've encouraged your friends to be more than they ever could have imagined, and you've given people freedom to be themselves. And you do it without reservation, without judgment."
"It's no big deal," Polly said.
"Oh my friend, it's a huge deal, but you will never ask for anything back for all that you've given. But I'm going to be right here beside you to remind you that you are special just the way you are." Lydia pulled Polly into a hug and she could feel the woman's chest rise as she began to sob. "I am so thankful that you are safe. I've been absolutely terrified that something horrible would happen to you with those awful men in town. I haven't been able to talk to Aaron about it because I've been so scared."
She and Polly held on to each other as Lydia cried into Polly's shoulder. Then Lydia said, "So don't you ever feel guilty for living your life the way you want to live it. You hear me?"
"Yes mom," Polly said. "I hear you."
Lydia pulled away and then swatted Polly's shoulder. "And don't call me mom. You make me feel old. Even though you could be my daughter. Don't do it."
Polly gave her a quick hug. "I'll be good. Thanks."
She turned back to find Henry and saw Doug Randall stride across the room to her.
"Hey Doug," she said.
"Did they tell you?" he asked.
Polly grinned. "Tell me what?"
"I'm getting a dog. I get to pick him up after work on Monday."
"A puppy?"
"Yeah. He's a cute little thing. He's a mix. I think he's got bits of everything in him, but he has this big ole nose and you should see his feet. I think he'll be a big dog..."
Polly half-listened as Doug continued to tell her about his new dog. Life did just keep moving on, no matter how much it felt as if things had stopped for her. Babies were growing, lives were changing, and kids were getting older. She was entwined in the lives of everyone in this room in one way or another. It seemed that every time she turned around, the list of her friends grew exponentially.
Music played in the background, she wasn't even sure what she was hearing now. Doug was talking about his trip to the pet store yesterday, Marie and Jessie were laughing over the baby, Rebecca was chasing Kayla on the dance floor, Sylvie and Rachel were sitting down together to eat, Beryl had thrown her head back in laughter, Joss leaned over to say something to Cooper, and Sal was whispering to Mark. All around the room, people were alive and happy to be here.
This was life. This was her life.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
I’m so glad you enjoy these stories about Polly Giller and her friends. There are many ways to stay in touch with Diane and the Bellingwood community.
You can find more details about Sycamore House and Bellingwood at the website: http://nammynools.com/
Join the Bellingwood Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pollygiller
for news about upcoming books, conversations while I’m writing and you’re reading, and a continued look at life in a small town.
Diane Greenwood Muir’s Amazon Author Page is a great place to watch for new releases.
Follow Diane on Twitter at twitter.com/nammynools for regular updates and notifications.
Recipes and decorating ideas found in the books can often be found on Pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/nammynools/
And, if you are looking for Sycamore House swag, check out Polly’s CafePress store: http://www.cafepress.com/sycamorehouse
Don’t miss all of the books in
Diane Greenwood Muir’s
Bellingwood Series
All Roads Lead Home – Bellingwood #1
A Big Life in a Small Town – Bellingwood #2
Treasure Uncovered – Bellingwood #3
Secrets and Revelations – Bellingwood #4
Life Between the Lines – Bellingwood #5
Room at the Inn – Bellingwood #5.5
A Season of Change – Bellingwood #6
Tomorrow's Promises – Bellingwood #7
Through the Storm – Bellingwood #8
A Perfect Honeymoon – Bellingwood #8.5
Pages of the Past – Bellingwood #9
A short story based
on the Biblical Book of Ruth (Kindle only)
Abiding Love
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The world has exploded with life and color. Spring threw off the browns and greys of winter and summer arrived with lush tree canopies and thick grasses. Farmers planted their crops and perfect rows of corn and beans popped up from dark, black earth. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to pour out my stories while living in the midst of Iowa's beauty. If I can give you just a small look at why I love the Midwest, that's momentous for me.
A quick note. You will read a scene in Chapter Twenty-Two that happens under a bridge. The photograph on the cover was taken one day this spring by my photographer husband, Maxim Muir, from that bridge. How fun is that?
Thank you to Rebecca Bauman, Tracy Kesterson Simpson, Linda Watson, Carol Greenwood, Alice Stewart, Fran Neff, Max Muir, Edna Fleming, Dave Muir and Nancy Quist for all they do to make these books happen.
These people will never know how much they mean to me. I trust them with my words and they make me better. They encourage me, while also correcting my work and asking me to rethink what I’ve written. With each edit, unique issues are discovered and my
books get better and better. I appreciate their gift of time and attention.
The River Rolls On (Bellingwood Book 10) Page 27
