After Shock- Ellie's Chance

by Vikki McCombie

  “You’re welcome,” he replied. “Let me walk you to your door.”

  “That’s not necessary,” she assured him. “You need to get Kelly home. She told me her ankle is aching.”

  “Hmm, she didn’t say anything to me. Thanks for telling me. Oh, and I’ll take Zach to the game on Saturday.” He released her hand that had begun tingling. The man’s slightest touch seemed to affect her, making her aware of his masculinity. “He told me you have to work.”

  Does he have to be so nice? She refused to give into temptation. It had been several years since she’d had any type of relationship, and one with Jason would be too complicated. “Are you sure?” she asked.

  He grinned. “I wouldn’t offer if it would be a problem. After all, you had him over when I had to work and then you fed us the day Kelly broke her ankle.”

  It would be a great help. “Well, if you’re sure. I really appreciate the offer. This will get easier when Zach gets his driver’s license at the end of this semester.”

  “Yeah,” he gave her a rueful grin, “but then we’ll have different issues. They’ll be wanting to get a car. It’s hard to realize, he’s almost grown.”

  “I know. Zach turns eighteen in April. I don’t know where the time has gone. It just seems like yesterday, that he was starting kindergarten and now he’s a senior. Oh, goodness, we don’t have time to reminisce, not when you need to get your daughter home.” She turned toward her house. “Thanks for offering to take Zach to the game. That helps me a lot.”

  As she walked away, Jason called out. “I’ll pick you up at ten on Sunday, okay?”

  She turned around and smiled. “Sure. We’ll be ready. See you then.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Jason watched as Ellie and Zach entered their house. The evening had gone so much better than he’d thought it would. She actually seemed to have a good time, and she had told him she had a lot to think about. If he could help her understand the rewards of living a Christ-filled life, he’d feel humbled God had chosen him.

  He climbed into his truck, and in ten minutes, he’d driven into his three-car garage, not that he had three cars—yet. Of course, when Brian finished driver’s ed in December and got his license, he’d need a car. He already planned to get him one for Christmas.

  Not that he’d buy him a new vehicle, but he was already looking online for a smaller SUV, maybe a late model Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox. Brian was a level-headed kid, also very mature, and he trusted him.

  After he carried a sleepy Kelly into the house, he grabbed the pill bottle and handed her one of them with a glass of water. “Okay, sweet pea. Time for bed.”

  She yawned and rubbed her eyes after she swallowed her medicine and handed him the empty glass. “Okay, Daddy. I’m tired anyway.”

  Jason swung her up into his arms and carried her to her room, then gently lowered her to the floor. “Call me when you’re in bed, and I’ll read you another chapter of your book.”

  Kelly pulled a pair of pajamas from her dresser. “Thanks, Daddy.”

  After he closed his daughter’s door, Jason made his way down the stairs. He found Brian in the media room watching TV. “What are you watching?”

  Brian shrugged. “Nothing important, that’s for sure.” He turned the TV off. “Hey Dad? Ms. Branson seemed to have a good time tonight, don’t you think?”

  “I do,” he replied. “She told me it gave her a lot to consider. I know she’s only going Sunday for Zach, but maybe when she hears Henry preach, it’ll encourage her to continue coming.”

  His son’s eyes grew somber. “I can’t imagine not having a relationship with God.” He brightened. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could help them find the Lord?”

  Man, he loved this kid so much. “That would be amazing. I’ve never had the opportunity to witness to a nonbeliever, but I’ve always wanted to.”

  “Yeah, I know. Me too. Zach really got into our discussion. He asked a ton of questions. Dad, he doesn’t know anything. He admitted he’s never read the Bible or even prayed before.” He hesitated. “Do you think it’d be all right if I gave him my New Testament? I think he’d really appreciate it.”

  Jason blinked away a tear. Good Lord, I’m blessed. “I think that’s a fine idea, son.”

  Brian yawned, then stretched. “I’m bushed so I’m going to bed. Love you, Dad.”

  “I love you too, son.” He grabbed Brian’s hand and pulled him up. “I’ll come with you. Kelly should be in her pajamas by now, and I promised to read to her.”

  Once they made it upstairs, he watched as Brian went down the hall to his room and went inside. Then he prayed. Please guide my son as he enters adulthood. Give me the strength to be the parent he needs. Help me teach him to live in Your light. I ask this in Your Son’s name. Amen.

  He went to Kelly’s room and lightly knocked, but she didn’t call out. Cracking the door a few inches, he saw his sweet baby girl curled on her side, sound asleep. There would be no book tonight.

  He silently made his way to her bed and kissed her on her forehead, then turned out her bedside lamp. Since they’d missed their nightly prayer, he asked God to watch over her and keep her safe. Then he turned and left her room.

  Although it wasn’t even ten o’clock yet, he headed downstairs to his bedroom. He undressed, then pulled on a pair of sleep pants and his favorite t-shirt. After he climbed into bed, he relaxed into his down-filled pillow and sighed. It’d been a good night. As he started to doze off, Ellie’s lovely face filled his mind.

  While she was a stunning woman, it was more than her looks he liked. She had a great sense of humor and seemed to be a woman of integrity. Anyone who could raise her child to be such a thoughtful and caring young man had to be that way as well.

  Maybe, if she became a believer, he could become more than a friend to her. He missed the closeness he’d shared with Marsha. While he’d always love his late wife, perhaps there was room in his heart for another woman.

  Could Ellie be that woman? Did he want her to be? It was too soon to be having those thoughts. He needed to turn the confusion he was feeling over to God. You take it, Lord, because You know what I need way before I do. That was his last thought before sleep carried him away.

  * * *

  Ellie spent the next two days torn between wanting to tell Zach she’d changed her mind and didn’t want to go to the church again and intrigued by the glimpse she’d had of a different way of life when she had gone there. She been mystified by so much that night. She still didn’t know how she really felt. What she did know, she’d liked Jason’s friends and had enjoyed the evening a great deal more than she’d expected.

  She’d liked all the women she’d met, especially the more mature woman, Lynda. She’d suspected the woman had tremendous strength of character, and now that she had learned she was a cancer survivor it explained why she’d felt such a sense of strength in her.

  The woman seemed more than willing to extend her hand in friendship. Did Ellie want that? Ever since she’d fled New York after 9/11 and moved to Virginia, she’d been too driven to form any meaningful friendships with anyone. Between raising Zach on her own, getting her degree, and establishing her career, it hadn’t bothered her that she didn’t have any close friends.

  Oh, she had plenty of acquaintances at work, but no one she trusted enough to tell her deepest secrets. Amy had been her last true friend. She missed her every day. Without her to turn to, she might have stayed with Lucas. If she had, she would have perished with Amy and the rest of the people who lost their lives on 9/11. So many things changed after that day. For her and so many others.

  She sighed. It would be so nice to have someone to confide in again. She could use a listening ear to help her decide what she should do regarding her sister. Should she try to donate one of her kidneys anonymously, or should she contact Connie directly and offer?

  She really needed to talk to someone, and Lynda was the first woman she’d met that she’d trusted immediately. M
aybe, if she went back to their church and got to know Lynda better, she’d feel comfortable enough with her to discuss her dilemma.

  The front door opened, so Zach had returned from soccer practice. He entered the kitchen and slumped into one of the chairs. His face resembled a thundercloud, which was unusual for her even-tempered son. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at practice?”

  “Not at practice, but at school.” He sighed. “Brian gave me a book on Thursday. It’s the New Testament, part of the Bible. I’ve been reading it in my free time ever since.” He cracked a knuckle. Biting her tongue, she ignored it. “One of the guys in my geometry class saw me with it and laughed, asking me if I was a Jesus freak. It pissed me off. He had no right to make fun of me.”

  “No, he didn’t. Are you finding the book interesting?” she asked.

  He looked directly at her. “At the youth group, they discussed Jesus and mentioned he’d performed miracles a long time ago. Of course, I’d heard his name, but I know very little about him. Mom, do you know about him?”

  Ellie hesitated. “I’ve heard he’s considered by many individuals, to be the son of God, but since I’ve never believed in a supreme being, I’ve never wanted to find out more.”

  He folded his arms across his chest and pushed the chair onto the back two legs. “Well, I do. I asked tons of questions, and you know what, Mom? None of the kids acted like I was stupid because I didn’t know stuff. They just answered my questions. That’s why Brian gave me the book.”

  How should I say this? “Zach.” She softened her tone. “I think it’s great you want to learn more, but it’s probably not a good idea to carry the book around at school. There are a lot of people who could be offended.” She was silent for a moment, caught in a memory. “That’s why my dad detested religion and didn’t want any part of it. He believed it divided people.”

  He dropped the chair on all four legs and looked at her. “Is that why you don’t believe in God?”

  “I guess it’s part of the reason.” While she didn’t want to talk about what happened, perhaps she should. It may help him understand why I’ve never wanted to attend church. “When I was young, my mother took me to a church. The preacher yelled and carried on. I even covered my ears. The minister opened a basket and pulled out a huge, coiling snake. I became terrified and cried. My mother left, and we never went back. That’s why I didn’t want to go to that meeting the other day.”

  “I guess I understand, but Mom,” he retorted. “I don’t think the minister at Brian’s church would mess around with snakes, do you?”

  “Of course not.” Ellie tried to picture Henry with a snake and had to stifle a giggle. There was no way she could ever see him handling a snake or yelling for that matter. How naïve of her to even think all churches did that. She really had allowed what happened so long ago to keep her from learning about religions of any kind.

  “Mom.” He met her gaze. “I hope you don’t get mad, but I want to know about Jesus. I want to decide whether I believe in him or not. If he really did the stuff that’s in that book Brian gave me, he certainly offered practical wisdom on life, if nothing else.”

  He’s become an adult when I wasn’t looking. “I won’t stand in your way. We all have to decide what we believe. Just go easy on me if I can’t believe the same way.”

  “I’m glad you’re okay with it.” Relief showed in his eyes. “I won’t push you either, but I hope you’ll go a few more times before you make a decision. You might want to read that book as well. In the same way, I’ve always accepted what you believe, you probably accepted your father’s beliefs. Maybe it’s time for both of us to discover what is best for us. What do you say to that?”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I think I’ve raised an incredible, and very wise, young man. So, yes, I’ll attend several more times before I make up my mind. Now, why don’t we eat? I made your favorite, spaghetti and meatballs.”

  “That sounds great, Mom. I’m starving.” He stood and grabbed silverware from a drawer, while she ladled meatballs and sauce onto the steaming pasta.

  While they concentrated on the meal, she considered Zach’s comments regarding her father. Her son was probably right. Her parents had influenced her beliefs. It was time she figured out what she wanted to believe. If going to church a few times would help, then so be it.

  On her way home a few days later, she received an alert that she had a text. Once she pulled into her driveway, she read it.

  Zach: We won. Celebrating at Gino’s.

  Hope you can join the team.

  Why not? It was a big victory.

  Ellie: Sure. Be there soon.

  She backed out of her driveway and headed to Gino’s. When she pulled into the parking lot ten minutes later, she noticed Jason’s pickup. She should have realized he’d be there. At least the rest of the team would be celebrating their victory, no chance of an intimate conversation with him.

  Her stomach grumbled as she opened the door to the restaurant and the aroma of baking crusts mingled with tantalizing spices assailed her senses. Pizza was one of her favorites, but she rarely indulged. One time won’t hurt.

  The team greeted her as she approached their table. Jason stood and pulled out the chair between him and her son. She hadn’t counted on that. She slipped into her seat and grinned at Zach. “How bad did you beat the other team?”

  Her son smirked as he told her, “Six to zero. Brian blocked every attempt.”

  She leaned forward to see Brian, who sat on his father’s opposite side. “Congratulations. A shutout doesn’t happen very often. Zach told me you’re a great goalie.”

  High color flushed the young man’s cheeks. “Thanks, Ms. Branson, but the team kept the ball away a good part of the game. Zach’s an amazing center, couldn’t have done it without him.”

  “They both had a fantastic day,” Jason assured her. “Too bad you had to miss it. Do you work on Saturdays often?”

  “It’s rare for me to take one off,” she replied. “Same with Fridays. Those are the hotel’s busiest days.” She reached forward and snagged a slice of pepperoni pizza from the pedestal in front of her. The gooey cheese made it difficult. Jason grabbed a fork and broke the string of mozzarella.

  “Thanks,” she murmured.

  “No problem,” he replied, before grabbing another slice and adding it to his plate. Men. They could get away with eating so much more than females.

  The talk around the table regaled the victory. Spirits were high as the boys devoured six pies. Her piece had tasted delicious as it always did at Gino’s. She looked longingly at the pizza. While she was tempted to take another slice, her stomach protested.

  Jason leaned in and whispered, “Go ahead, take another slice. You know you want it.”

  She laughed. “I wish I could, but I’m already too full. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

  “You’re a lightweight.” He teased. “Well, I’ll enjoy your second slice.” Then he grabbed a third piece of pie and took a big bite.

  She enjoyed his lighthearted banter and teasing manner. It had been years since she’d enjoyed a man’s attention. Most of the time, they came on too strong too fast, which didn’t interest her.

  While Zach was younger, she’d been too focused on her career and taking care of him to date often. Besides, most of the men were guests at the hotel. She’d never risk her career for a one-night stand. She’d never been remotely interested in any of them. Most of them were probably married anyway.

  Ever since she’d run away from Lucas and left everything behind, she’d never met a man she’d wanted to trust. She was skeptical of their motives if one did act interested. She’d also had to consider her son. What if she started dating someone and he turned out like Lucas? She could have placed Zach in harm’s way. No, she would never risk her son’s safety.

  Of course, now that he was almost an adult, could she find a man she could trust? Next year, he’d start college. He’d want his independence and
probably find a girlfriend. The last thing he’d be interested in, would be hanging out with his mom. She’d be left alone.

  Before she could get further into the weeds of her thoughts, Zach asked, “Can Brian hang with us tonight? He’s going to explain something I read in that book.” He was taking his decision to find out more, seriously. She sighed. She would not stand in his way.

  She glanced at Jason. “I suppose…as long as his father is okay with it.”

  “No worries. It will give me a chance to have a quiet evening. Kelly’s spending the night with a friend.” His gaze met hers. “Why don’t you come over? We can watch a movie together. I downloaded several yesterday evening, and one is a period drama set in England during World War II.”

  Oh, she was tempted. She loved movies like that. Would it be that big a deal? “Okay. That sounds great.”

  She wished she could take back her words as soon as she’d spoken them. Was she insane? She’d hoped they wouldn’t have a chance to have a private conversation. Now that couldn’t be avoided.

  She could kick her backside. It was too late to change her mind. At least she’d see the movie. Surely, she could keep the conversation away from anything too personal. She was a master at keeping her secrets close.

  Yes, she could do that, couldn’t she?

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Once the rest of the team left, Jason pinned Ellie down to a time for that evening. He’d drop Brian off at seven, then she’d come with him to his house. It would be the first time he’d had someone over, other than his childcare provider. He looked forward to showing her his new home.

  They climbed into their vehicles and left the restaurant. When he arrived at his house, he jumped into the shower, while Brian did the same. It had been an unseasonably hot day for September. It would probably be the last one. The weather was bound to turn cool in the next few days.