The Storm
How Does It End?
As the next weeks passed Gerard had thrown himself into working. He’d arrive at the studio before the others and often stayed long after they’d left. His new determination was fueled by thoughts of finishing the album so he’d have time to travel to Kansas. The only problem was while part of him believed this was a good idea, another part of his mind was still undecided and scared. For now he held on to the belief he had a chance to make things right with Lucy but if he went to see her and things went badly he would know it was truly over. That was the fear that kept him awake at nights.
It was now the Monday before Thanksgiving and he still hadn’t made a decision. Mikey had insisted he come over for dinner after leaving the studio. Gerard knew his brother was worried about him and while Mikey had tried to get him to open up about his feelings it was something he’d been able to do. He’d simply pretended to enjoy the dinner and chatted as if nothing was wrong.
It was nearly 9 pm when he finally arrived home. The first thing he realized when he entered the house was his part time assistant, had accepted his mail that was now on the kitchen island. As he sat down he began to flip through the letters first. When he’d first arrived home from Kansas he’s prayed every Monday there would be something from Lucy among the mail but that had never happened. He’d even hoped after he’s sent the flowers she’d send some kind of acknowledgment but she hadn’t. That was another factor he was taking into consideration concerning his idea to go see her. She had his personal address and phone number but hadn’t used them, she obviously had nothing to say to him.
Gerard set the letters aside then lifted the first box off the counter. He recognized the company’s return address and knew it was some books he’d ordered. Not wanting to open it now he placed the box down then lifted the other box. He frowned seeing no return address but when he glanced at the postage meter label his heart began to race. This box had been mailed from Iola Kansas. His hands began to shake and for several moments he simply stared at the box in his hands, trying to guess by the weight what could be inside. Finally he slipped off the stool then carried the box into the living room where he took a seat. This had to be from Lucy but what had she sent?
“Just open it.” He whispered to himself.
He ripped off the tape then opened the flaps. The first thing he saw was a sheet of white paper. She’s written a very brief message thanking him for sending the flowers for Lizzy’s birthday, but that was all. Setting it aside he saw she’d placed in the box all of the legal pads he’d used to hand write his story and under those she’d placed the pages she’d typed.
Gerard lifted the typed pages out then set them down on the coffee table. His mind was filled with images of Lucy typing his story, of how they’d worked together.Often since returning he’d wondered if she’d read the part of the story he’d written in the days before Mikey had arrived. He’d wanted her to read it so badly and yet he’d feared in anger she had thrown it away after learning of his deception.
He sat back staring at the contents of the box. Was this Lucy’s way of breaking it off completely? By sending his story and simply a thank you was she telling him it was over for good? God, he’d hoped she’d sent a letter, something. Disappointment overwhelmed him.
He closed his eyes then leaned back trying to get a grip on his emotions. And then he heard it, the rustling of papers. When Gerard’s eyes flew open he saw the pages of the typed manuscript looked as if an unseen hand was flipping through the work. He watched in fascination until they suddenly stopped. Slowly he sat up to look at the page.
“Oh” His voice shook as the realization hit him. He’d believed Lucy had simply sent what she’d typed before he’d left but he now saw she’d continued on, she’d typed everything he’d written. “Did she understand?” He whispered. His mind was racing, had she understood as she typed the deeper meaning to the story? Had she understood that he was Levi and she was Claire? As his mind continued to search for answers he noticed there was still one more page unturned.
His hand was shaking as he flipped the page. His eyes grew wide when he saw she’d handwritten one simple question... HOW DOES IT END?
Hope sang through is veins, it burned in his heart. She’d read it, she must have realized the underlining meaning.
Jumping up he made his way into the study to the computer. Making travel plans this close to the holiday was difficult and expensive but that didn’t stop him. He’d sell his soul to get to Lucy.
Hours later when he walked into his recently remolded bedroom his mind was still racing and he feared sleep would be impossible. He went over everything that had happened in the last few hours. He’d made travel plans and he’d packed. He crawled into bed laying on his back to stare at the ceiling. Would she be expecting him? Had be read too much into her simple question? It wasn’t exactly an invitation and yet that’s exactly how he’d taken it. He spent hours second guessing himself until sleep finally claimed him and yet it was an uneasy sleep full of strange dreams. The dreams all centered about Neosho Falls but in those dreams he was always alone as he walked down the dusty road.
___________________________________________
“Mikey, Gee’s here.” Alicia called out as she ushered her brother in law into the living room.
Mikey walked in looking surprised, “Hey, didn’t know you were coming by.”
Gerard smiled nervously as he sat down. He’d been awake since 5 am, had drunk countless cups of coffee but still had accepted Alicia’s offer of another cup. “Good morning.”
Staring at his brother Mikey was immediately concerned seeing how tired he looked, “What’s up?”
Before Gerard could answer Alicia was handing him a cup of coffee. “Thanks” He smiled.
Alicia too was concerned, “You look like you haven’t slept.”
Gerard took a sip then sighed, “At this point I think I’m being kept awake only by coffee. I’ll sleep on the plane I guess.”
Mikey who’s taken a seat across from him sat forward, “Plane?”
Gerard nodded, “Yeah, just stopped by to tell you I’m leaving.”
Alicia, unlike her husband, had been expecting this. “Heading to Kansas?”
“Why?” Mikey asked abruptly before Gerard could answer.
Alicia shot him a warning glance. She knew that in a way he still blamed Lucy for what had happened.
Gerard took another sip of brew then spoke, “I need to talk to Lucy.”
It was obvious the idea upset Mikey. “Why? Why after all this time?”
It was Alicia who answered, “Because he needs to.”
“Yeah” Gerard said looking over at his sister-in-law, “That’s right, because I need to.”
“How long are you going to be gone?” Mikey asked narrowing his eyes.
Gerard wasn’t about to tell him about the flight plans he’d made. “I’m not sure.”
“But Thanksgiving is Thursday. You said you’re coming to dinner.”
“I know Mikey.” Gerard answered looking down. “I hope to be back by then.”
“We have work to finish in the studio on Monday.” Mikey reminded him.
Again Gerard muttered that he understood.
Alicia took a sip of her coffee trying to defuse the tension in the conversation. “Uh, I saw on the news that part of the country might get some snow.”
“Really?” Gerard hadn’t even considered the weather. “I didn’t know that.”
She nodded, “Yeah, there’s a snowstorm coming out of the Rockies.”
Just another thing for Gerard to fret about.
“Hey, I might be back tomorrow.” He sighed. “But I need to get going. Travel this time of year is gonna be brutal.” He stood, “Anyway, I just wanted you to know so you don’t worry.”
“You are taking your phone this time, right?” Mikey asked trying to hide the fact he was upset.
Gerard nodded, “Yeah, I’m not running away this time, Bro.”
Mikey sighed, “I just thought you’d put all this behind you.”
Alicia stood, she intended to walk Gerard out to his car. “Mikey, your brother has to do what he thinks is right. Now wish him a safe trip.” Her voice was stern and demanding.
Mikey blinked in surprise at his wife. “Yeah, of course.” He relented, “Have a safe trip.”
Alicia followed Gerard to the door then continued with him outside. Gerard was confused by her actions.
When he got to this car he turned to her waiting.
“Okay, here’s the deal.” Alicia said, “I think I get why you’re going. I mean you haven’t talked about this at all but I think I understand. You still love her, right?”
Gerard stared at her but didn’t answer.
Alicia smiled, “Gerard, I’m the one who first saw the photo of you and Lucy together. I knew as soon as I saw it you two were in love.”
“We were.” He answered glancing way, “But…”
“Look, Mikey told me what happened. He’s also told me you haven’t talked about her since you got back. Maybe no one else has wondered why you’ve changed so much since you’ve been back but I have. Being with her changed you in a very good way. I can see that. At the same time I know it was brutal when you and she parted. It only makes since you go back and try to repair the damage.”
Gerard turned to her. “She did change me.” He whispered. “She made me realize so many things I’d been blinded to.”
“Like how lucky you are to have Bandit.”
Suddenly Gerard wondered just how much Alicia really knew.
Alicia could see the question in his eyes, “I know she lost her daughter.”
He barely nodded.
Impulsively Alicia hugged him tightly then stood back, “I hope things work out.”
“Thanks” He whispered.
“And” She continued, “If they do just know on Thanksgiving we’ll have a place for Lucy at our table.”
This was something he couldn’t even let himself hope for. “I don’t know...”
“Hey, just saying.” She laughed.
“Yeah well you might try to get that one by your husband.”
Alicia sighed, “Mikey is just worried. He still remembers all the fear he felt when you disappeared.”
“That’s why I came by to tell him.”
“And it’s good you did. Now get to the airport and get your ass to Kansas.”
This time it was Gerard who hugged her. “Really, thanks.”
Alicia stood back to wave as he drove away. Now she just had to go in and deal with her husband who she knew was still a very unhappy camper.
__________________________________________
Gerard’s stomach was churning as the plane finally touched down in Kansas City. The flight, only 3 and ½ hours, had been non-stop. However because of the time change he’d left LA at 9 am and now it was a bit pass 3 in the afternoon.While he’d been lucky to get the flight, on such short notice and during a holiday week, he still faced a drive that would take over two hours.
Since he only had a carry on bag he was able to avoid waiting for luggage. Quickly he made his way towards the car rental kiosk. There he nervously shifted from foot to foot in line while all around him the topic that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was the weather and the storm that was predicted to hit in a few hours.
While he had time he fired off a quick text to Mikey telling him he’d arrived safely. Then trying to stifle a groan as he looked at the line of people still ahead of him he decided to send Lindsey a quick text telling her he’d arrived in Kansas but was waiting to rent a car.
He was slightly surprised when she answered almost immediately.
GLAD YOU DECIDED TO GO SEE HER
Gerard stared at his phone. Even though he and Lindsey now had a good relationship it still made him slightly uncomfortable talking about Lucy with is ex. He was trying to come up with some sort of reply when he received another text.
BE HAPPY G
He was touched by the simple text so much it was easy to respond.
THANKS LINDS FOR MORE THAN I COULD EVER REALLY SAY
He placed the phone back in his pocket then seeing the line hadn’t moved at all he cursed under his breath. People were now saying light flurries were falling. He needed to get a car and get on the road.
______________________________________
“Who was that?” Alicia asked as Mikey sat down his phone after reading the text.
“Gee. He arrived in Kansas City.”
Alicia smiled, “That’s good. Hope he gets on the road soon. I just checked and snow is starting to fall there.”
Mikey sighed, “Yeah, great.”
“Mikey” Alicia tried to be patient. He hadn’t wanted to discuss this after Gerard left but she felt it was important. “You really need to chill out.”
Mikey shot her an angry glance, “Did you forget what happened last time he was there?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten he almost got sucked up by a tornado but Lucy saved his life.” She was deliberately trying to make him think, “Oh and I haven’t forgotten he was a total mess before he left and came back a changed man.”
Mikey was staring at her.
“But it seems you have forgotten those things. All you can seem to remember is the hours you spent worrying about him and believe me I understand, I was right there with you.” She paused then added softening her tone, “You need to realize that Gee came back and got his shit together. He fixed things with Warner, he made sure his divorce was as painless as possible and he now spends all his free time with his daughter.” She walked over and took a seat next to him on the sofa. “Honey, you need to also realize something else…while Gee is doing everything he’s supposed to do, if you look really close you can see a sadness in his eyes. He loves Lucy and he missed her.”
Mikey glanced away, “Yeah, I know you’re right but that only makes me worry even more. What if she won’t forgive him? You weren’t there, you didn’t see how devastated the woman was. I get Gee loves her but what if she doesn’t love him anymore? How’s he going to react?”
Alicia leaned over to hug him. “Your brother is a big boy. He’ll handle what he has to handle. You need to stop worrying about him so much.”
“What did you and he talk about when you walked him out?” The question had been on Mikey’s mind since this morning.
Alicia laughed, “Just told him I knew he loved Lucy and I wished him luck.” She giggled, “Oh and I told him if things work out she was welcome at our dinner table for Thanksgiving.”
Mikey couldn’t help but smile, “Why am I not surprised?”
“Because you know I’m a romantic at heart.” She answered again leaning forward to kiss him.
________________________________________
Gerard clutched the steering wheel with a death grip as he slowed the rental car down to turn. The trip that should have taken two hours had taken almost three because of the deteriorating weather conditions.
As he eased the car off the highway onto the road leading into Neosho Falls he tried to take a deep calming breath. He was almost there, almost to Lucy’s farm. Soon he’d see her again…that thought only made his nerves worse. While he was trying to remain positive over and over again in his mind he imagined her refusing to answer the door. Or worse yet telling him how much she hated him before slamming the door in his face.
The flurries had changed to large, fat snowflakes about an hour ago and snow was now sticking to the road. At times it was already becoming hard to actually see the road and since it wasn't used often so his were the only tire tracks.
Finally the town came into view. He slowed the car to a stop to glance out at the high school across the snowy landscape. Seeing it again was so bittersweet, being here felt the same way. He noticed Clyde’s bar was closed and wondered if it was for the holidays or because of the weather.
For several minutes he sat looking out at the falling snow. Finally he spoke out loud, “Come on. Get going. She wants to know how it ends. You can’t tell her until you know yourself.” His voice was low but determined.
When Lucy’s house finally came into view he was shocked. Even through the falling snow he could see it now sported a fresh coat of paint and green shutters had been added around each window. Nervously he glanced at the mailbox. Yes, her name was still there, this was still her house but it looked so different, so much better than he remembered. There was even a huge Fall themed wreath on the front door.
Gerard pulled up the driveway then cut the engine. For several minutes he sat looking out at the house unable to make himself get out of the car. He’d noticed her truck was in the barn but no lights were turned on inside the house. Since it would be dark soon and because of the snow there should be lights on. A shiver ran down his spine, something was wrong.
Quickly he got out of the car then raced to the front porch. Over and over again he knocked but there was no answer. She had to be here, her truck was here. He raced around to the back door. The knob turned and he pushed it open.
He’d just taken a few steps inside and was about to flip on the lights when he heard a noise coming from the living room. Before he could react something collided with his body.
______________________________________________
“Thanks again for picking me up and bringing me home.” Lucy said as they neared her house. She’d spent the day at her new friend Lisa’s home in Iola. This morning her truck had refused to start so Lisa’s husband Karl had offered to pick her up.
"No problem. Just wish you could have stayed for dinner like we’d planned.” Karl said as he slowly turned his new Ford truck to travel up the road to Lucy’s place.
“Yeah, me too.” Lucy said , “But this snow is getting wicked. I’d hate for you to get stuck in it.”
"Hey, I’ve got 4 wheel drive.” He said as only a proud truck owner would reply.
Lucy giggled, “Even so I’m sure Sam will be glad I’m coming home early.”
Karl was staring out the windshield. “Uh, looks like you’ve got company.” He said slowly noticing the car in Lucy’s driveway.
Lucy felt her heart begin to race. She didn’t recognize the car but as the truck turned into her driveway her eyes caught sight of someone sitting on her glider. “Oh”
Karl put the truck in park then looked over at her. “Need me to walk you to the door?”
Lucy took a deep breath then forced herself to smile. “No, it’s okay. I know who it is.” Before she could gather up her things Karl was out of the truck to help her down.
“You sure?” Karl asked softly.
“I’m sure.” Lucy answered, “Be careful driving home and thank Lisa again for the books.” She shifted the book bag in her arms.
“Will do.” Karl slid back behind the wheel of his truck then started to slowly back down the driveway.
____________________________________________
Gerard’s heart was beating wildly as he watched Lucy slowly walking through the snow towards the porch. As she got closer he was shocked to see how different she looked. Gone was her long curly hair, now replaced with a much shorter, still curly cut. Even with the heavy coat she wore he could tell she’s returned to a healthy weight. She looked so damn good.
Lucy was frowning as she neared the porch trying to figure out what was going on. Why on earth was Gerard sitting on the glider in the freezing cold and what was he holding?
Gerard was the first to speak; “Hey” was all he could utter.
Now that she was at the bottom stair she could see clearly what was in his arms. “Why in the hell are you sitting out here in the cold?” Before he could even begin to answer she added, “And why in the hell are you holding my dog wrapped up in a blanket?”
It was now the Monday before Thanksgiving and he still hadn’t made a decision. Mikey had insisted he come over for dinner after leaving the studio. Gerard knew his brother was worried about him and while Mikey had tried to get him to open up about his feelings it was something he’d been able to do. He’d simply pretended to enjoy the dinner and chatted as if nothing was wrong.
It was nearly 9 pm when he finally arrived home. The first thing he realized when he entered the house was his part time assistant, had accepted his mail that was now on the kitchen island. As he sat down he began to flip through the letters first. When he’d first arrived home from Kansas he’s prayed every Monday there would be something from Lucy among the mail but that had never happened. He’d even hoped after he’s sent the flowers she’d send some kind of acknowledgment but she hadn’t. That was another factor he was taking into consideration concerning his idea to go see her. She had his personal address and phone number but hadn’t used them, she obviously had nothing to say to him.
Gerard set the letters aside then lifted the first box off the counter. He recognized the company’s return address and knew it was some books he’d ordered. Not wanting to open it now he placed the box down then lifted the other box. He frowned seeing no return address but when he glanced at the postage meter label his heart began to race. This box had been mailed from Iola Kansas. His hands began to shake and for several moments he simply stared at the box in his hands, trying to guess by the weight what could be inside. Finally he slipped off the stool then carried the box into the living room where he took a seat. This had to be from Lucy but what had she sent?
“Just open it.” He whispered to himself.
He ripped off the tape then opened the flaps. The first thing he saw was a sheet of white paper. She’s written a very brief message thanking him for sending the flowers for Lizzy’s birthday, but that was all. Setting it aside he saw she’d placed in the box all of the legal pads he’d used to hand write his story and under those she’d placed the pages she’d typed.
Gerard lifted the typed pages out then set them down on the coffee table. His mind was filled with images of Lucy typing his story, of how they’d worked together.Often since returning he’d wondered if she’d read the part of the story he’d written in the days before Mikey had arrived. He’d wanted her to read it so badly and yet he’d feared in anger she had thrown it away after learning of his deception.
He sat back staring at the contents of the box. Was this Lucy’s way of breaking it off completely? By sending his story and simply a thank you was she telling him it was over for good? God, he’d hoped she’d sent a letter, something. Disappointment overwhelmed him.
He closed his eyes then leaned back trying to get a grip on his emotions. And then he heard it, the rustling of papers. When Gerard’s eyes flew open he saw the pages of the typed manuscript looked as if an unseen hand was flipping through the work. He watched in fascination until they suddenly stopped. Slowly he sat up to look at the page.
“Oh” His voice shook as the realization hit him. He’d believed Lucy had simply sent what she’d typed before he’d left but he now saw she’d continued on, she’d typed everything he’d written. “Did she understand?” He whispered. His mind was racing, had she understood as she typed the deeper meaning to the story? Had she understood that he was Levi and she was Claire? As his mind continued to search for answers he noticed there was still one more page unturned.
His hand was shaking as he flipped the page. His eyes grew wide when he saw she’d handwritten one simple question... HOW DOES IT END?
Hope sang through is veins, it burned in his heart. She’d read it, she must have realized the underlining meaning.
Jumping up he made his way into the study to the computer. Making travel plans this close to the holiday was difficult and expensive but that didn’t stop him. He’d sell his soul to get to Lucy.
Hours later when he walked into his recently remolded bedroom his mind was still racing and he feared sleep would be impossible. He went over everything that had happened in the last few hours. He’d made travel plans and he’d packed. He crawled into bed laying on his back to stare at the ceiling. Would she be expecting him? Had be read too much into her simple question? It wasn’t exactly an invitation and yet that’s exactly how he’d taken it. He spent hours second guessing himself until sleep finally claimed him and yet it was an uneasy sleep full of strange dreams. The dreams all centered about Neosho Falls but in those dreams he was always alone as he walked down the dusty road.
___________________________________________
“Mikey, Gee’s here.” Alicia called out as she ushered her brother in law into the living room.
Mikey walked in looking surprised, “Hey, didn’t know you were coming by.”
Gerard smiled nervously as he sat down. He’d been awake since 5 am, had drunk countless cups of coffee but still had accepted Alicia’s offer of another cup. “Good morning.”
Staring at his brother Mikey was immediately concerned seeing how tired he looked, “What’s up?”
Before Gerard could answer Alicia was handing him a cup of coffee. “Thanks” He smiled.
Alicia too was concerned, “You look like you haven’t slept.”
Gerard took a sip then sighed, “At this point I think I’m being kept awake only by coffee. I’ll sleep on the plane I guess.”
Mikey who’s taken a seat across from him sat forward, “Plane?”
Gerard nodded, “Yeah, just stopped by to tell you I’m leaving.”
Alicia, unlike her husband, had been expecting this. “Heading to Kansas?”
“Why?” Mikey asked abruptly before Gerard could answer.
Alicia shot him a warning glance. She knew that in a way he still blamed Lucy for what had happened.
Gerard took another sip of brew then spoke, “I need to talk to Lucy.”
It was obvious the idea upset Mikey. “Why? Why after all this time?”
It was Alicia who answered, “Because he needs to.”
“Yeah” Gerard said looking over at his sister-in-law, “That’s right, because I need to.”
“How long are you going to be gone?” Mikey asked narrowing his eyes.
Gerard wasn’t about to tell him about the flight plans he’d made. “I’m not sure.”
“But Thanksgiving is Thursday. You said you’re coming to dinner.”
“I know Mikey.” Gerard answered looking down. “I hope to be back by then.”
“We have work to finish in the studio on Monday.” Mikey reminded him.
Again Gerard muttered that he understood.
Alicia took a sip of her coffee trying to defuse the tension in the conversation. “Uh, I saw on the news that part of the country might get some snow.”
“Really?” Gerard hadn’t even considered the weather. “I didn’t know that.”
She nodded, “Yeah, there’s a snowstorm coming out of the Rockies.”
Just another thing for Gerard to fret about.
“Hey, I might be back tomorrow.” He sighed. “But I need to get going. Travel this time of year is gonna be brutal.” He stood, “Anyway, I just wanted you to know so you don’t worry.”
“You are taking your phone this time, right?” Mikey asked trying to hide the fact he was upset.
Gerard nodded, “Yeah, I’m not running away this time, Bro.”
Mikey sighed, “I just thought you’d put all this behind you.”
Alicia stood, she intended to walk Gerard out to his car. “Mikey, your brother has to do what he thinks is right. Now wish him a safe trip.” Her voice was stern and demanding.
Mikey blinked in surprise at his wife. “Yeah, of course.” He relented, “Have a safe trip.”
Alicia followed Gerard to the door then continued with him outside. Gerard was confused by her actions.
When he got to this car he turned to her waiting.
“Okay, here’s the deal.” Alicia said, “I think I get why you’re going. I mean you haven’t talked about this at all but I think I understand. You still love her, right?”
Gerard stared at her but didn’t answer.
Alicia smiled, “Gerard, I’m the one who first saw the photo of you and Lucy together. I knew as soon as I saw it you two were in love.”
“We were.” He answered glancing way, “But…”
“Look, Mikey told me what happened. He’s also told me you haven’t talked about her since you got back. Maybe no one else has wondered why you’ve changed so much since you’ve been back but I have. Being with her changed you in a very good way. I can see that. At the same time I know it was brutal when you and she parted. It only makes since you go back and try to repair the damage.”
Gerard turned to her. “She did change me.” He whispered. “She made me realize so many things I’d been blinded to.”
“Like how lucky you are to have Bandit.”
Suddenly Gerard wondered just how much Alicia really knew.
Alicia could see the question in his eyes, “I know she lost her daughter.”
He barely nodded.
Impulsively Alicia hugged him tightly then stood back, “I hope things work out.”
“Thanks” He whispered.
“And” She continued, “If they do just know on Thanksgiving we’ll have a place for Lucy at our table.”
This was something he couldn’t even let himself hope for. “I don’t know...”
“Hey, just saying.” She laughed.
“Yeah well you might try to get that one by your husband.”
Alicia sighed, “Mikey is just worried. He still remembers all the fear he felt when you disappeared.”
“That’s why I came by to tell him.”
“And it’s good you did. Now get to the airport and get your ass to Kansas.”
This time it was Gerard who hugged her. “Really, thanks.”
Alicia stood back to wave as he drove away. Now she just had to go in and deal with her husband who she knew was still a very unhappy camper.
__________________________________________
Gerard’s stomach was churning as the plane finally touched down in Kansas City. The flight, only 3 and ½ hours, had been non-stop. However because of the time change he’d left LA at 9 am and now it was a bit pass 3 in the afternoon.While he’d been lucky to get the flight, on such short notice and during a holiday week, he still faced a drive that would take over two hours.
Since he only had a carry on bag he was able to avoid waiting for luggage. Quickly he made his way towards the car rental kiosk. There he nervously shifted from foot to foot in line while all around him the topic that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was the weather and the storm that was predicted to hit in a few hours.
While he had time he fired off a quick text to Mikey telling him he’d arrived safely. Then trying to stifle a groan as he looked at the line of people still ahead of him he decided to send Lindsey a quick text telling her he’d arrived in Kansas but was waiting to rent a car.
He was slightly surprised when she answered almost immediately.
GLAD YOU DECIDED TO GO SEE HER
Gerard stared at his phone. Even though he and Lindsey now had a good relationship it still made him slightly uncomfortable talking about Lucy with is ex. He was trying to come up with some sort of reply when he received another text.
BE HAPPY G
He was touched by the simple text so much it was easy to respond.
THANKS LINDS FOR MORE THAN I COULD EVER REALLY SAY
He placed the phone back in his pocket then seeing the line hadn’t moved at all he cursed under his breath. People were now saying light flurries were falling. He needed to get a car and get on the road.
______________________________________
“Who was that?” Alicia asked as Mikey sat down his phone after reading the text.
“Gee. He arrived in Kansas City.”
Alicia smiled, “That’s good. Hope he gets on the road soon. I just checked and snow is starting to fall there.”
Mikey sighed, “Yeah, great.”
“Mikey” Alicia tried to be patient. He hadn’t wanted to discuss this after Gerard left but she felt it was important. “You really need to chill out.”
Mikey shot her an angry glance, “Did you forget what happened last time he was there?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten he almost got sucked up by a tornado but Lucy saved his life.” She was deliberately trying to make him think, “Oh and I haven’t forgotten he was a total mess before he left and came back a changed man.”
Mikey was staring at her.
“But it seems you have forgotten those things. All you can seem to remember is the hours you spent worrying about him and believe me I understand, I was right there with you.” She paused then added softening her tone, “You need to realize that Gee came back and got his shit together. He fixed things with Warner, he made sure his divorce was as painless as possible and he now spends all his free time with his daughter.” She walked over and took a seat next to him on the sofa. “Honey, you need to also realize something else…while Gee is doing everything he’s supposed to do, if you look really close you can see a sadness in his eyes. He loves Lucy and he missed her.”
Mikey glanced away, “Yeah, I know you’re right but that only makes me worry even more. What if she won’t forgive him? You weren’t there, you didn’t see how devastated the woman was. I get Gee loves her but what if she doesn’t love him anymore? How’s he going to react?”
Alicia leaned over to hug him. “Your brother is a big boy. He’ll handle what he has to handle. You need to stop worrying about him so much.”
“What did you and he talk about when you walked him out?” The question had been on Mikey’s mind since this morning.
Alicia laughed, “Just told him I knew he loved Lucy and I wished him luck.” She giggled, “Oh and I told him if things work out she was welcome at our dinner table for Thanksgiving.”
Mikey couldn’t help but smile, “Why am I not surprised?”
“Because you know I’m a romantic at heart.” She answered again leaning forward to kiss him.
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Gerard clutched the steering wheel with a death grip as he slowed the rental car down to turn. The trip that should have taken two hours had taken almost three because of the deteriorating weather conditions.
As he eased the car off the highway onto the road leading into Neosho Falls he tried to take a deep calming breath. He was almost there, almost to Lucy’s farm. Soon he’d see her again…that thought only made his nerves worse. While he was trying to remain positive over and over again in his mind he imagined her refusing to answer the door. Or worse yet telling him how much she hated him before slamming the door in his face.
The flurries had changed to large, fat snowflakes about an hour ago and snow was now sticking to the road. At times it was already becoming hard to actually see the road and since it wasn't used often so his were the only tire tracks.
Finally the town came into view. He slowed the car to a stop to glance out at the high school across the snowy landscape. Seeing it again was so bittersweet, being here felt the same way. He noticed Clyde’s bar was closed and wondered if it was for the holidays or because of the weather.
For several minutes he sat looking out at the falling snow. Finally he spoke out loud, “Come on. Get going. She wants to know how it ends. You can’t tell her until you know yourself.” His voice was low but determined.
When Lucy’s house finally came into view he was shocked. Even through the falling snow he could see it now sported a fresh coat of paint and green shutters had been added around each window. Nervously he glanced at the mailbox. Yes, her name was still there, this was still her house but it looked so different, so much better than he remembered. There was even a huge Fall themed wreath on the front door.
Gerard pulled up the driveway then cut the engine. For several minutes he sat looking out at the house unable to make himself get out of the car. He’d noticed her truck was in the barn but no lights were turned on inside the house. Since it would be dark soon and because of the snow there should be lights on. A shiver ran down his spine, something was wrong.
Quickly he got out of the car then raced to the front porch. Over and over again he knocked but there was no answer. She had to be here, her truck was here. He raced around to the back door. The knob turned and he pushed it open.
He’d just taken a few steps inside and was about to flip on the lights when he heard a noise coming from the living room. Before he could react something collided with his body.
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“Thanks again for picking me up and bringing me home.” Lucy said as they neared her house. She’d spent the day at her new friend Lisa’s home in Iola. This morning her truck had refused to start so Lisa’s husband Karl had offered to pick her up.
"No problem. Just wish you could have stayed for dinner like we’d planned.” Karl said as he slowly turned his new Ford truck to travel up the road to Lucy’s place.
“Yeah, me too.” Lucy said , “But this snow is getting wicked. I’d hate for you to get stuck in it.”
"Hey, I’ve got 4 wheel drive.” He said as only a proud truck owner would reply.
Lucy giggled, “Even so I’m sure Sam will be glad I’m coming home early.”
Karl was staring out the windshield. “Uh, looks like you’ve got company.” He said slowly noticing the car in Lucy’s driveway.
Lucy felt her heart begin to race. She didn’t recognize the car but as the truck turned into her driveway her eyes caught sight of someone sitting on her glider. “Oh”
Karl put the truck in park then looked over at her. “Need me to walk you to the door?”
Lucy took a deep breath then forced herself to smile. “No, it’s okay. I know who it is.” Before she could gather up her things Karl was out of the truck to help her down.
“You sure?” Karl asked softly.
“I’m sure.” Lucy answered, “Be careful driving home and thank Lisa again for the books.” She shifted the book bag in her arms.
“Will do.” Karl slid back behind the wheel of his truck then started to slowly back down the driveway.
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Gerard’s heart was beating wildly as he watched Lucy slowly walking through the snow towards the porch. As she got closer he was shocked to see how different she looked. Gone was her long curly hair, now replaced with a much shorter, still curly cut. Even with the heavy coat she wore he could tell she’s returned to a healthy weight. She looked so damn good.
Lucy was frowning as she neared the porch trying to figure out what was going on. Why on earth was Gerard sitting on the glider in the freezing cold and what was he holding?
Gerard was the first to speak; “Hey” was all he could utter.
Now that she was at the bottom stair she could see clearly what was in his arms. “Why in the hell are you sitting out here in the cold?” Before he could even begin to answer she added, “And why in the hell are you holding my dog wrapped up in a blanket?”
Notes
Want to thank all of you for reading and commenting on my story. Hope there aren't too many mistakes in this last chapter but I didn't have a lot of time to proof before posting. Got some things going on that demand my attention but I really wanted to get Gee to Kansas. LOLI won't be able to post again until next Fri or Sat. But one more big THANKS for reading. Take care.
I absolutely loved this story! You are a very gifted writer & I
hope to find & read your other stories. I also look forward to reading Gerard’s book. Thank you!
1/4/18