Facing Redemption Read online

  Lauri briskly stepped onto the front porch to sit with Jackson, her father-in-law for over 20 years. She eased into the rocking chair next to him and laid her hands on top his. Lauri had been around long enough to see Jackson in his prime during his glory years, through recent times as she’d watched him mentally decline once Alzheimer’s started claiming his mind.

  Although she knew her husband acted as if it didn’t bother him to see his stagnant condition – she knew it did. Jackson was, after all, Jesse’s father, and at one point they had some sort of healthy relationship, even if it was when Jesse was too young to remember. Lauri felt that somewhere in Jesse’s memory, he was still bonded to his father.

  So here she was again, like clockwork, twice a week – visiting Jackson on Jesse’s behalf. She knew it was good for Jesse and for Jackson, even if neither one of them could recognize it.

  Lately however, her heart held a small glimmer of hope for Jackson’s prognosis. Once the family found Chastity and made her a part of their lives, Jackson turned a corner.

  Jackson no longer had to ask Lauri ‘where his grand-daughter was.’ Without knowledge of Chastity or her identity, Lauri never understood Jackson’s urgent need to find his imaginary grandchild. Especially since Lauri and Jesse only had one son, Alex. Lauri felt Jackson was truly coming undone.

  Now Jackson could put his mind to rest, as his ‘real’ granddaughter was part of the family circle. Although he still asked Lauri about her for the first few months of Chastity’s existence, Jackson’s mind finally settled with the knowledge that Chastity was home. Lauri brought pictures of Alex and Chastity now when she came to visit.

  “Hi Mrs. Mikale.” Jackson’s therapy nurse smiled

  in her direction.

  “Hey Tomo. How are you?”

  “Good. Just bringing Roxy out for her love session.” Tomo giggled as she placed the small dog in Jackson’s lap. Jackson’s eyes lit up.

  Tomo, a recent graduate, came to Oklahoma from Hawaii to take part in a new pet therapy program. Jesse funded the program the minute after he’d seen a story on 60 Minutes on how pets were making miracle strides in cases such as his father’s. In most cases Lauri had researched, she found the results to be worth the cost of instituting the program. After instituting the proper funds and procedures, they interviewed many applicants to initiate the program not just for Jackson but for the other patients as well.

  They found Tomo to be the best candidate to take care of Jackson. She graduated from Chaminade University, on Oahu, at the top of her class. She was raised on the island on her tutu’s, or grandmother’s, farm, surrounded by animals. She had a natural gift for the elderly and animals. She was the only one who stood out from the beginning.

  Within weeks, Jackson’s blood pressure lowered and he ate on a more regular basis. His mental state evened out which gave him more good days than bad. So far it seemed to be keeping the disease at bay. It wasn’t reversing the effects, but having a pet to love was something Jackson needed to have some sort of normalcy or center.

  “There you go little girl. Get comfortable.” Jackson murmured as he stroked Roxy’s thick fur.

  “Jackson, she’s pretty isn’t she? Roxy sure does love you.” Lauri smiled and tried to gain eye contact.

  Jackson only had eyes for his dog though.

  “He’s had a good day Ms. Mikale, but he’s pretty far off. He didn’t recognize me either if it makes you feel better.” Tomo gave Lauri a look of sympathy.

  Lauri looked up to Tomo and smiled. She enjoyed hearing her Hawaiian dialect. It was almost melodic, which was therapeutic to her on the days she came.

  “No, it’s okay. As long as he’s comfortable and happy – that’s all that matters.”

  “He is. Roxy gives him that.” Tomo reached out to pat Lauri’s hand.

  “And sadly, that’s not something he’s had since he was very young.”

  Tomo gave her a questioning look.

  “His wife died when my husband was just a boy. And … Jackson hasn’t been the same since.”

  “Would her name be Marilyn by any chance?” Tomo asked and sat across from Lauri. She leaned against the banister and sat on the ledge.

  Lauri nodded her head. “Has he been asking about her?”

  “No, he’s been talking to her in his room. Most of the other nurses think he’s too da’kine ...” Tomo saw Lauri’s confused look, and corrected her language so Lauri would understand. “Too far off into his own mind. But I understand him and where he’s at.”

  Lauri’s eyes widened, in shock. “Really?”

  “It’s okay,” Tomo said as she stood. “It’s normal.”

  Tomo patted Jackson on the shoulders. “Mr. Mikale, I’ll be back to get Roxy in a little bit. And then it will be time to eat, okay?”

  Jackson looked up to Tomo with a peaceful stare. “Alright. Just leave her here a little bit longer?”

  “Of course.” Tomo smiled down to Jackson and Lauri before leaving.

  Lauri quickly reached for Jackson’s hand.

  “Jackson? Can I pet Roxy?”

  “Lauri? What are you doing here?”

  Lauri sighed, her heart heavy. “I just got here. I came to see you.”

  Jackson smiled in return and turned his eyes back to Roxy. He mumbled something inaudible and continued to pet his dog. Lauri leaned over and kissed his cheek before doing the same.

  Chapter 20

  Chastity hadn’t seen Timothy in a couple weeks. They tried to keep a routine the best they could, considering the commute they had. Even though they both lived in California, they were still too many miles apart to see each other within a reasonable time frame. It took a plane trip or a long drive to make their date weekends work. And although she was thrilled to see him every second she could, the travel was beginning to wear on her nerves.

  I miss him too much for him to be this far away. Chastity bolted from her thoughts as the phone rang. Timothy’s ring tone blared from her cell. She smiled and quickly gave up her negative thoughts to sit and listen to his strong voice.

  “Good morning sunshine. Thinking of me?” His voice lowered an octave.

  Chastity laughed. “The question is when do I not think of you?” Chastity quickly returned.

  Timothy let out a breath that sent shivers up Chastity’s spine.

  “Do you have to do that?” She asked as she melted into her chair.

  “Do what?”

  “Make me want to be with you with just sound, when I can’t just hop in the car and drive over? That’s not fair.”

  “I know. Me too, but it won’t be long.” Timothy paused. “Listen, I’ve been thinking.” He took a breath before diving in. “I think it’s time.”

  Chastity’s heart jumped. Her stomach plunged simultaneously. “Time?”

  “Yes. I’d like you to meet the Colonel and the Mrs.”

  Chastity laughed out loud. “I thought you were going to say something completely different.”

  “Like what?”

  Chastity blushed not wanting to reveal her true thoughts. “Um, I thought you were going to tell me it’s time to start reading John’s letters.” She quickly lied. The letters had been on her mind for weeks as well. It wasn’t too far of a stretch.

  “Well I do think it’s time for that too, but you have to be the one to make that call. That is in your own timing. Meeting my parents, however, is in mine … and I’d like to take you to meet them. Is that okay?”

  “Of course!” She was beaming and she hoped he couldn’t tell. “I’d love to meet them. Do they know about me?

  “I may have told them a thing or two.” He teased.

  She laughed in response.

  “All good things, I promise.”

  “Okay. Name the time, and I’m there.”

  “Is this weekend too quick for you?”

  Chastity shot up and felt like she left her stomach in the chair. “This weekend? I mean I’d plan on going to Oklahoma soon to see Jesse, but this weekend
?” She had a million things to do in order to prepare. She needed a haircut, a manicure, and a nice outfit. She needed to breathe. She realized she’d been holding her breath since she stood up.

  “If that’s too quick, we can wait.”

  “No, no. It’s okay. It’s more than okay. It’s great.” Chastity calmed. “I’d be honored to meet them and look forward to doing it this weekend.”

  Timothy quietly breathed a sigh of relief. “Great. I’ll buy the tickets and get back to you with flight times. Can you leave Friday morning?”

  Chastity looked at her planner. It was Tuesday, which left her four days to decompress. Holy Crap. Her insides were completely jumbled. The excitement and the terror were fighting it out. And at this point she didn’t know which one would take over.

  I’m going to meet his mom!

  “Yeah, Friday is fine … just not too early okay? I need my beauty sleep. And I’ll need breakfast before I fly.”

  Timothy softly chuckled. “Okay. I’ll make sure it’s for after 10:00 a.m. Will that work?”

  “Yes.” She started biting her thumbnail.

  Timothy heard a clicking sound in the background and could almost see Chastity flicking her fingernails back and forth. It was a habit she had whenever her nerves were on edge. “Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you … as much as I do.”

  Chastity exhaled. “Thanks. Love you too. Bye.”

  She hung up feeling drained and energized at the same time. She reached for the phone and mentally went through her checklist. Manicure, Hair, Facial … shopping. She smiled and dialed Anne’s number. Shopping must come first.

  After four days of prep and a long flight, Chastity was about ready to jump out of her skin upon landing in Oklahoma City. Chastity grabbed her bags at the terminal and headed to the rental car area, where she was supposed to meet Timothy.

  Although her head was spinning with thoughts about the impending mother meet up, she couldn’t help but catch her breath when she saw Timothy standing at the rental counter. His back was turned and he was pulling out his credit card. Chastity paused before strolling up the rental counter to take in the moment.

  She loved just to watch him. He was almost graceful in his movements as he signed the contract. She smiled to herself, knowing how lucky she was. Softly, she rolled her bag behind her and snuck up to Timothy’s back close enough to wrap her free arm around him.

  She saw the girl at the counter smile and look down to finish her typing, trying not to pry on what was about to become an intimate moment displayed for the entire rental department’s view.

  “I’m sorry ma’am, but I’m taken,” Timothy said with a laugh before turning to look down into Chastity’s eyes.

  “Really? That’s too bad, because we could have had something.”

  Timothy lightly chuckled. “Come here, you,” he said affectionately before leaning in for a slow kiss.

  “Will your girlfriend mind?” Chastity teased after pulling back.

  “Nope, not a bit.” His eyes twinkled. Timothy dropped a kiss on Chastity’s forehead. “Let me get your bag.” He hefted her heavy carry-on from her shoulder. “Man what do you have in here? Did you bring your whole closet?”

  Chastity donned a hurtful look like she’d been offended, but couldn’t hold it long enough to be taken seriously. She laughed. “Only half. I mean I have no idea what to bring.” The stress in her voice was real this time.

  “Why? It’s just a weekend home.”

  The rental attendant slid keys on the counter for Timothy. “Sir, here you go. Your car is outside and we have someone loading your luggage. It’s a blue Sorrento.”

  “Thank you,” he said, slipping the keys off the counter and turning back to Chastity. “You know you could wear a burlap sack and look good. It doesn’t matter.”

  “It doesn’t matter? Really?” She said dumbfounded. “Did it matter the first time you went on an interview? Did you pick out a million things to wear or just put on a burlap sack?”

  Timothy shook his head not understanding. “No, I just put on a suit and a tie. It was an interview not a visit to the President.”

  “Of course you did. Just a suit and tie,” she muttered before sliding into the front seat. “You do realize that meeting your mom is equal to meeting the President in this instance, right?” Chastity breathed a sigh of exasperation.

  Timothy busted out laughing. “Are you kidding me? I mean … my mom is intense but – really? The President?”

  Chastity gave him a look that left no interpretation. “You yourself have said many times how over the top your mom can be. And I’m meeting her for the first time. And what if what I’m wearing sends the wrong message like … hello nice to meet you I’m the girl who can’t wait to shag your son. Or hello nice to meet you, I’m the artsy type who has no ambitions. Or, hello nice to meet you, I’m the girl who…”

  Timothy cut her off while he could still get a word in edgewise. “Hey Chaz, stop. Really. It’s going to be okay.” He turned the engine off and took her hands in his. “You’re not going to make the wrong impression. I promise. You’re amazing and she’s going to love you … as much as I do!” He laughed to himself and looked up with a sensual stare. “And I’m not sure what outfit you have that says ‘hello I’m the girl that wants to shag your son’ but that’s an outfit I can’t wait to see.”

  Chastity rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm. “C’mon you know what I mean. I just want the right outfit when I meet her for the first time. I want her to see me and know that I fit with you. I want to look respectable and … well I just need to be all right.”

  “You will. You worry too much.” He turned the engine on and started out of the airport parking lot.

  “I know,” she sighed deeply. “Tell me she’s going to like me.”

  “She’s going to love you.”

  Chastity stared out the window not sure. “At least I have my family here to run to for cover if I need to.”

  Timothy busted out laughing. “Do you really have something in that suitcase that says you want to shag me?” Timothy was trying to make her laugh, and it worked. As hard as she tried not to laugh, Chastity couldn’t hold back. She burst into giggles and they drove into the city.

  Chapter 21

  After two calls from Brent, Anne finally turned off her cell. It was hard enough knowing Brent cheated on her, but having to avoid his pathetic voice on her voicemail was worse. He sounded more hurt than he should.

  HE cheated on me! He doesn’t get to be the wounded party here! Anne tossed her phone down on to the bed. How many times do I have to tell him to go away??

  Brent had been calling non-stop for 2 days. And by the looks of her house, filled with flowers, he’s probably spent a month’s salary on gifts and flowers. Anne knew she should throw the flowers away. After all they were from a cheater, but they were her favorite flower. It wasn’t the flowers fault that Brent was a jerk.

  Her gorgeous lilies not only added aesthetic pleasure to her decor but also added a beautiful aroma to whichever room she walked into. Seeing them, she should have felt betrayal at each vase – but she felt an odd sense of pleasure. Look how hard he’s working to get me back. It made her smile. She wanted him to work hard, so she could hurt him as much as he hurt her.

  The ringing of her home phone snapped her out of her perverse thoughts of hurting Brent. Thank God for caller ID! Seeing that it wasn’t Brent, she picked up a phone for the first time that morning.

  “Hey there stranger. I’ve been trying to reach you on your cell but it goes straight to voicemail.” Jim, her café manager, all but ran her restaurant but looking at the calendar she realized her slip up.

  “Oh crap! It’s Wednesday! I’m so sorry Jim, I’ll be right there.” She shrieked.

  “It’s okay. The Bible study ladies are all arriving after their church group. I know you need a break for a few days, but it’s getting busy enough that I need you. One of our staff called in sick.”

>   “I’m so sorry. I’m on my way right now!” Her hair was a mess and she had no make up on, but she slammed the phone down, reached for her purse. On her way out she yanked on a cute ball cap to mask her bad hair day, and applied some lip-gloss.

  Thankfully she’d established parking for staff only so she had her own spot, otherwise she’d be parking blocks down and walking. Her own parking lot was packed. She opened her back door and started apologizing again.

  “I’m here…I’m sorry.”

  Jim was at the counter throwing sandwiches together and tossing salads, like a maniac. “It’s okay. I’ve got the orders going, but we’ve got more ladies coming in. Can you…”

  “I’m on it!” She tossed her things in her locker and wrapped her apron around her waist.

  “By the way, you’ve got a few messages from you know who. I left them in your office.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “Ugh! He needs to go away.” Anne tied her apron strings and ran out to the front of the house to do damage control.

  After two hours of being slammed and short staffed, Anne finally sat down to relieve her aching feet. She was starved and exhausted. She propped her elbows on the counter and rested her head. Within seconds, she saw a wrapped box slide into view. It had silver wrapping paper with teal hearts strewn throughout the patterned paper.

  Anne did not want to lift her head. She knew if she did she’d have to face him. And she’d not done that yet. It was one thing to have to deal with the issue that her heart was broken on the phone, but it was another to have to deal with it face to face.

  Anne was never more thankful than now to have a ball cap, so Brent couldn’t see her at her worst. She didn’t want him to think she’d been doing any less than great.

  Without looking up, she quietly spoke. “What are you doing here?”

  “You wouldn’t take any of my calls. I didn’t know how to approach you, and I thought a public place would be best.”

  Anne silently simmered and didn’t care how she looked anymore. She slowly lifted her head. Brent could see the dark circles under her eyes and was plagued with more guilt. Those are because of me, he thought. And for a second he had hope. She still cares.