None of us can see our errors; deliver me, Lord, from hidden faults! Keeps me safe, also, from hidden defects! Keeps me safe from willful sins; don't let them rule over me. Then I shall be perfect and free from the evil of sin.
Psalms 19: 12-13
After another prosperous night, it is finally closing time. The doors of Newkirk's are locked for the night, and the staff tends to their duties.
"Aw, man! What a night," Christopher exclaims, trying to massage his neck.
"Tell me about it. I never worked so hard in my life," "Lacey-Crystal," says placing the empty bottles in a box.
"That is the nature of the bar business. Anyway, you were great tonight," Christopher complements.
"Thank you, Mr. Newkirk."
"Alright, let's make a deal. I will call you "L.C.," and you call me "Chris," he suggests, watching his new team member work hard.
"Ok…Chris."
"Lacey-Crystal" continues to arrange the bottles until something dawns on her.
"Chris…"
"Yeah?"
"Lacey-Crystal" is quite hesitant to ask because she does not want to overstep her boundaries, …but she asks anyway.
"…Does this mean I have the job?"
"Well…I don't know."
"Lacey-Crystal" gives Christopher a look of disbelief.
"I'm kidding! Yes! You're my new manager. You were incredible! You were as good as my bartender."
"Thank you, Chris."
"It's the truth."
He cries out to Jo-Jo, "Am I right, Jo-Jo?"
"What was that boss" Johan ask mopping the floors in the distance?
"Put that mop and bucket down for a second," Christopher requests.
Johan leans the mop and bucket on the wall and walks towards the counter.
"What did you say" Johan ask?
"I asked if "L.C." did an excellent job today."
"Who is "L.C."?"
" "Lacey-Crystal," duh."
"Oh! Yeah! Awesome job! By the way, no offense, but I never saw a woman bartend in my life."
"L.C." laughs bashfully.
"First time for everything, I guess," she replies.
"Tell me about it," she thinks.
"For real! I was very impressed. You are going to put her on board, right, Chris?"
"She's already on board."
"Alight," Johan exclaims, giving "L.C." a high-five.
They all laugh.
"Welcome to the family, "L.C.," Johan exclaims, "Hey Chris. Could I talk to you for a second, in private?"
"No, prob. Excuse us, "L.C." "
"Ok," "L.C." agreed, "I'll finish tackling these bottles."
While "Lacey-Crystal" continues cleaning the bar, Johan and Chris walk away to talk in private.
"Ok, Jo-Jo," Christopher starts, "What's on your mind?"
"Isham."
"What about Isham?"
"We all know he has been slacking for a while. It's kind of changing the atmosphere of the bar". "Yeah, I know. So what's your point?"
"Will he still be on board, or are you giving him the pink slip?"
"Damn!"
"What?"
"I think I am having second thoughts."
"Seriously, Chris? No disrespect, but…Isham has not been living up to his potential."
"Yeah…I don't know Isham's issue, but it is affecting his work performance. He is beginning to be a lousy team member and a lousy friend. I don't like it…but Isham is like family too. The man is like my brother."
"Perhaps. It is times like this, I am glad I am only bust-boy."
Christopher is beside himself; he is between a rock and a hard place. Should he be a loyal friend? Should he be a fair boss?"
"…I have to ponder on this. In the meantime, keep doing your job, and let me handle Isham my way."
"…yeah. Well, I will go finish mopping the floor."
"Ok. Cool."
The two men part ways. Johan goes to go mop the floors, and Christopher goes to help the new hire with the bar.
"Is everything ok, "L.C." ?"
"Oh. Yeah. Everything is fine. I hope you did not change your mind about hiring me."
"Oh, no. You are still hired. We were…having a man-to-man talk."
"Great."
Nataline is in the family room, watching television. Thoughts of Anton enter her mind; the dates and the talks on the phone, which flow through her mind somehow make her feel unhappy. Suddenly, Aunt Tina enters the family room from the kitchen.
"Nata, lunch is ready," announces Aunt Tina.
There is no response from Nataline. She appears to be in her little world; she is lost in her thoughts. Her aunt walks towards her and taps her on her shoulder. Nataline leaps out of the chair.
"I'm sorry I scared you," Aunt Tina apologizes, "I was trying to tell you that lunch is ready. Nata is something troubling you. You looked like you were a million miles away."
"No, auntie. I'm fine."
"Come now, Nata. I know my niece. You can tell me, and I promise you, I will not tell another living soul."
"…Ok…auntie," starts Nataline, "I…I am so confused about Anton."
"Why are you so confused, my dear? Our family has known the Braganza family for years," Aunt Tina explains, "He is a nice boy, and he comes from a nice family."
"I know. Anton's been great. Whenever we spend time together, I always enjoy myself. We talk on the telly for hours on end. I think…I think I am falling in love with him. I think I love him, but…"
"…but what?"
Nataline takes a deep breath.
Then Nataline says, "…being his wife…and the mother of his children…it's a huge step. I don't know if I am prepared for that."
"It is normal to feel that way. However, it took a lot of work to pair you with someone who will be compatible."
"I am well aware that which adds more pressure."
"You and Anton are still dating. Give it more time, and you will have no problem accepting his proposal of marriage."
"I suppose."
"My dear, you are worrying yourself over nothing. You will be fine."
Nataline sighs with apprehension.
"…I know it is has been years since we have been a couple, but, in a way, I feel as if I am unfaithful to Mingel," Nataline admits.
"Who is Mingel? Why would you feel unfaithful to him? Are you still with this boy???"
"No, Auntie. Mingel was a bloke I dated back home. Even though we broke up years ago, my heart was always with him. He was my first love. I never saw myself loving another until Anton."
"So…you and this Mingel love each other, but the two of you do not plan on getting back together, correct?"
"Yes."
"Oh good," Aunt Tina says with relief, "That is a relief."
"I'm trying to say is that the love I had for Raj is transcending to Anton."
"That great, but I still do not understand the problem."
"I'm scared and feel guilty of loving another. Mignel was a childhood sweetheart. It felt safe to love him because he was the only love I had ever known. Now…it seems that Anton is taking Miguel's place in my heart, and he will eventually be my husband. I will probably spend the rest of my life with this bloke. There is a big difference!"
"Did you ever think that maybe he may be as scared as you about marriage?"
"I know he sure of getting married to me. If not, he has not shown it."
"Perhaps you and Anton need to have a heart-to-heart talk about your future together."
"…ok…"
"Now, let's have lunch before it gets cold."
"Jolly good."
Zora is very excited about her baby shower. Her hair is in cornrows and beads, which matches her pink maternity drop-waist dress. Jabari comes with Isaac and his mother, Loisaida Gonzalez. Fabiola's mother, Mrs. Fiorella Castillo comes to the occasion. Also, Zora's grandmothers (January's mother and Jason's mother) bring along aunts, uncles, and cousins. It is truly a family affair, everyone attends the baby shower. However, one person is missing…Fabiola.
As time passes, Zora is getting anxious; Fabiola promises to be there to help put the finishing touches on her baby shower.
"Hey, Isaac. Where's Fab," Zora asks?
"I don't know. I thought that Fabiola would have been here by now."
"Me too."
"Don't worry. I'll give you a call."
"Ok."
All of a sudden, Zora feels someone taking her by her hand. She turned around abruptly.
"Boy…you almost scared me," says Zora, with a smile on your face.
"Who else would hold your hand," replies Jabari, "Besides, you look stressed. Why?"
"Fabiola is still not here."
"She will get here soon. By the way…I told Tony."
"What??? Why would you do that to me?"
"It's not what you think?"
"What did you tell him?"
"Um…I told Anton that you were pregnant, and we are married."
"…ok…"
"I think I lost a friend."
Zora takes a deep breath.
"I…I'm so sorry it had to come to this," Zora says.
"Me too…it hard to tell him. Anton feels betrayed by both of us. Why didn't you tell him sooner?"
"I…I was going to tell him eventually."
"When Zora?"
"…I don't know, but Anton was going to know. I swear."
"Well, it's too late. Anton hates us both."
"Us? Why me?"
"I told him that the baby is mine."
"You did what?"
"It came out like that! When I explained the situation to him, I told him we were married, and you were having my baby. Anton probably thinks after you, and he broke up, I take advantage of you and impregnate you. Plus, I had to pretend that I didn't care about his feelings as if he brought this on himself. On the inside, I was also hurting. It felt like…I killed my best friend and stayed to watch him die before my eyes. I hope he forgives me, but I think you should forgive him once and for all."
"Should I," Zora asks sarcastically.
"Yes. You know, Tony was forced to break up with you. It's not his fault."
"I know…I know. Hey, we'll talk about this later. I need to talk to my mother about Fab."
Meanwhile, Isaac goes to call his girlfriend. Zora then goes to ask her mother about her best friend's whereabouts.
"Mommy, did you hear from Fab? She said that she would help set up."
"No, Sweetheart. I'm sure that she is on her way," January assured her daughter.
"…but she said that she would come early to help set up and she is still not here. Maybe she is running late. If that was the case, she could have at least called me."
Fabiola is running late for her best friend's baby shower.
'Where are those earrings,' Fabiola thinks to herself.
She cannot find her white clip-on earrings to go with her navy blue and white romper. Instead, she grabs her pearl earrings and hurriedly pins them in her ears. Then, the phone rings.
"Hello," Fabiola answers with haste.
"Baby, where are you? People are asking for you," Isaac says anxiously.
"I'm on my way out the door. I should be there soon."
"Ok. I miss you."
"You won't for long."
"See you soon, mi amor."
"Bye, cariño."
She hangs up the phone and locks her bedroom door. As she struggles to put on her white heels on her feet, Fabiola grabs Zora's gift and runs out of the dorm room. When the elevator reaches the first floor, she runs out of the building. Fabiola darts out of the building, run across the street and makes every light. When she comes to the sidewalk, she sees the subway station across the street. Although the light is red, there are no vehicles. So Fabiola thought, it is safe for her to cross the street. All of a sudden, while crossing the road, a car tears down the street. When the driver sees Fabiola walking across the street, the driver steps on the car's brake, but it is too late. The driver collides with Fabiola. Her body rolls on the hood of the car and onto the window. When the car stops, she rolls off the hood and falls to the ground. Fabiola is completely unconscious; people, including the driver, swarm around the young lady with concern and worry.
Meanwhile, Zora and Isaac are getting impatient about Fabiola's absence. However, they try to focus on the baby shower. Everyone brings lovely gifts for the baby. Bottles, receiving blankets, a crib, and clothes, just to name a few. Zora loves her tips, but her thoughts always come back to Fabiola.
Zora asks Fabiola's mother, Fiorella Castillo, "Doña Fiorella, do you know where Fabiola can be?"
"Don't worry about Fabiola," Doña Fiorella assures, "Knowing her, she is probably still deciding which outfit she should wear for the baby shower. She should be here any minute. Besides, stress is no good for the baby."
She turns to Isaac and Jabari.
"Guys, Fabiola is still not here. Something's not right here."
Then, the phone rings; January goes to answer the phone.
"Hello," answers January.
Fabiola's father, Mr. Carmelo Castillo; asks to speak to Fabiola's mother, Mrs. Fiorella Castillo. He sounds distraught on the phone.
"Please, I need to speak to my wife," Carmelo requests anxiously.
"Oh…oh sure. Absolutely. Hold, please."
January goes into the living room to get Fiorella.
"Fiorella, Carmelo is on the phone."
"Oh, ok."
Fiorella goes into the kitchen to answer the phone call.
"Hello."
"Mi amor, it's Fabiola."
"Fabiola. Do you know where she is? She was supposed to be here by now."
"She is not coming," Carmelo says through his tears.
"Why not? Why are you crying?"
"She is at Saint Maria Mazzarello Hospital. Our baby was hit by a car."
Carmelo breaks down over the phone.
Fiorella lets out a gasp.
"The school called me and told me the news," he continues to explain.
"Voy para ya! I'll meet you at the hospital."
When she hangs up the phone, Fiorella is horrified to tears. She goes into the living room and hurriedly pulls January to the side.
"January, I need to talk to you."
"Girl, you look like you've seen a ghost! What is wrong?"
"January, thank you so much for having me, but there has been an emergency."
Fiorella begins to cry.
January ask, "Fiorella, what's wrong?"
"My baby was hit by a car, and now she's in the hospital."
"Oh my goodness," January exclaims, making the sign on the cross, "Lois and I will go with you."
"No! No! Please! I know you are both nurses, but…I do not want this situation to ruin the baby shower. Please, do not tell Zora. I do not want to upset her."
"Well, she has been asking about Fabiola all day. She will want to know of her whereabouts."
"Please, January."
"…I will tell Zora when it is the right time."
"Ok…"
"Are you sure you can handle this by yourself?"
"Carmelo will meet me at Saint Maris Mazzarello Hospital. That is where the ambulance took my baby."
"What about the bodega?"
"He will have one of the children to take care of the bodega."
"Ok. Please keep me posted. I'm so sorry."
Fiorella rushes out of the community room and hails a taxi.
January goes back to the celebration, but she is still shaken by the news about Fabiola.
"January, you seem distracted. Are you ok, nena," Loisaida ask?
"No. Fabiola was in a car accident."
"Oh, my goodness. That poor girl. Is that why Fiorella left in such a hurry?"
"Yeah. Fiorella went to meet up with her husband."
"What hospital did they take her to?"
"Saint Maria Mazzarello Hospital."
"I know that hospital. I'll take Isaac with me."
"She said that she did not want either you or me going to the hospital."
"That's ridiculous, and I refuse to keep this from Isaac; he has a right to know."
Loisaida pulls Isaac aside and explains to him about Fabiola's absence. He is horrified, but he tries to keep his composure when he has to tell Zora about a sudden emergency.
"Well, …ok…thanks for coming," Zora says, feeling confused and concerned, "When you see Fabiola, I have a bone to pick with her."
"Um…ok."
With a heavy heart, Isaac then leaves with his mother for the hospital.
Meanwhile, Fiorella asks the cab driver to take her to Saint Maris Mazzarello Hospital. Thinking the worse, the tears roll down her face. She weeps to the hospital. Twenty minutes later, they finally reach their destination. She pays the taxi driver and hurriedly to the main door. When she walks into the Hospital, Fiorella sees the receptionist and makes a bee-line to her. When she finally catches her breath, she can tell her the situation.
"May I help you, ma'am," the receptionist ask?
"Yes…please, help me," Fiorella starts, "my daughter was in a car accident and-----"
"---- E.R. is down the hall, then make a right."
"…Ok. Thank you."
Fiorella finally reaches the E.R. She looks all over the E.R. to see if she can spot her daughter, but then she hears a voice call out to her.
"¡Fiorella! ¡Estoy aquí!"
"¡Carmelo!"
Fiorella runs into her husband's arms.
"What did the doctors say? Did you see her? Where is she? Where did they take my baby?"
"Cálmate, mi amor. No one has spoken to me yet."
Fiorella is shocked, "Our child is hanging on a string of her life, and no one has spoken to you? What kind of place is this?"
She runs to a nurse to ask about her daughter's current condition, but she does not know anything about Fabiola. Fiorella is so frustrated; she goes back to sit with her husband.
"What are we going to do? I cannot take this anymore. This is torture."
All of a sudden, a doctor approaches the couple.
"Are you Mr. and Mrs. Castillo," the doctor asks.
"Yes," Carmelo says, as he and his wife get up from their chairs.
"I'm Dr. Astor. Pardon the delay."
"…Is there any news about our daughter, Fabiola?"
"Yes, sir, it is."
"Well…is she going to be ok," Fiorella asks anxiously.
"I'm sorry," Dr. Astor starts.
The couple cries in each other's arms.
Dr. Astor continues, "Your daughter lost the baby."
When they hear the news, they abruptly stop crying.
"Baby," Fiorella says, "What baby?"
"You…did not know that your daughter was pregnant?"
"No! We had no clue! What about Fabiola?"
"She is still unconscious. That car accident did a number on her. She suffered a concussion, broken neck, and we don't know for sure if she will walk again."
Fiorella almost clasps to the floor, but Carmelo can catch her and places her back in the chair.
"Mi amor, you have to pull yourself together."
"But…our baby…"
"However, there is physical therapy," Dr. Astor suggests.
"But…we cannot afford that."
That's when it hits her.
"Wait," Fiorella says, "Our insurance can cover the expenses."
"Really," Carmelo says surprisingly.
"Yes. I use that to pay for our insurance with 1/3 of the profit from the bodega every week. Our baby can be saved."
"Fiorella, I love you," Carmelo says and kisses his wife.
"Um…Dr. Astor," Carmelo says, "you…mentioned before that she lost the child."
"That is correct."
"With the physical therapy and all…is it possible for her to have more children."
The doctor hesitates.
"It's highly unlikely. The collision was so powerful, Fabiola may either have a difficult pregnancy or may not be able to carry the baby to full term."
"Oh no," Fiorella cries, "Nuestro nietos. We will never get to be grandparents. ¿Por que, Senor? ¿Por que? "
"Can we see her," the father asks?
"Not tonight. We have to do more tests and observations. I suggested that the two of you go home and get some rest."
"¡Jamás! I will never rest until my Fabiola is entirely well."
"My love, this is a rough time for all of us, but we should take the doctor's advice."
"Pero---"
"---We must remain calm. If we remain upset, it will not help Fabiola. Thank you, Dr. Astor," You have been a big help."
"Of course."
With that, Dr. Astor continues with her rounds.
Mr. and Mrs. Castillo have mixed feelings from the news; they are saddened that Fabiola is in a car accident and hopeful that their insurance will cover physical therapy, but they are confused about the pregnancy.
When Isaac and Loisaida find Fabiola's parents, they are genuinely concerned.
"Don Carmelo, Doña Fiorella, how is Fabiola," Isaac asks with tears in his eyes.
Carmelo looks at the young man, and his anger begins to grow. He charges at Isaac, but his wife and Loisaida defuse the confrontation by putting a wedge between them.
"YOU GOT MY DAUGHTER PREGNANT YOU LITTLE PUNK," Carmelo exclaims!
"Pregnant? She was pregnant," asks Isaac?
"Carmelo, por favor. You're making a scene," Fiorella says.
"Is that true, Isaac," Loisaida asks, "Did you get Fabiola pregnant?"
"I…I guess so…but I didn't know for sure."
"For sure. What do you mean?"
"…Fabiola took a home pregnancy test, and it was positive…but I suggested that we go to a clinic to know for sure."
"Chulo, why did you come to me about this? We spoke about this. Plus, you know that this AIDS disease is spreading like wildfire."
"You gave my daughter AIDS, too," Carmelo ask angrily, charging at Isaac again.
"Carmelo, basta ya! Remember, we must remain calm."
"I was calm until he came."
Loisaida turns to Carmelo, "¡Oye! I will not have you talk to my son the way. He is worried about Fabiola, too. Plus, I can assure you that my son is in perfect health, and I don't appreciate you making these accu---."
"---Espera, mami. Don Carmelo, I'm sorry for having pre-marital sex with your daughter and getting her pregnant…Fabiola and I are in love, and I do want to make her my wife and the mother of our children someday. I love Fabiola. I'm feeling the same pain as you. So, please…please don't make me the enemy."
"Isaac," Fiorella starts, "I know, you love Fabiola, and you want to spend the rest of your life with her, but the doctor said that she may not be able to have children."
Tears begin to form in Isaac's eyes.
"…no…no….no puede ser," Isaac says with tears in his eyes, "There has to be a mistake."
Loisaida holds her son.
Fiorella continues, "The doctor also said…that she has to undergo physical therapy. Fabiola probably will never be the same."
Isaac drops his head on his mother's shoulder.
"No, llores, mi amor," Loisaida says, consoling her son, "It's going to be ok."
"Mami, I'm scared."
"We are all scared. Vamos a la casa, ok?"
"Si, mami."
The next day, January Grant calls the Castillo household about their daughter, Fabiola.
"Alo," Fiorella answers.
"Fiorella. It's January."
"January!"
"How did everything go last night?"
Fiorella takes a deep breath and sat on the couch.
"Last night was…unbelievable."
"Is she ok?"
"We were told that Fabiola is…barely alive, first of all. Then, the doctor told us that…my baby was pregnant."
"Fabiola is pregnant!"
"Not anymore, nena…the baby died."
"Oh, no. Poor Fabiola. Does she know?"
"I don't know. We do not know when we will get to see our daughter. As for the baby, Lorenzo and I had no clue; surprisingly, Isaac did not know."
"Wait. Isaac did not know that his girlfriend was carrying his baby?"
"Well, he told me, Carmelo, and his mother, that he was told by Fabiola that she might be pregnant. She must have taken a home pregnancy test. So, they went to a clinic to get a second opinion from a doctor, I guess. Anyway, it's possible that she… may never have any children in the future," Fiorella says and begin to cry.
"Fiorella, I'm so sorry."
Trying to compose herself, she continues, "My baby suffered a concussion, broken neck, and she has to undergo physical therapy. I don't know what to do. I am beside myself and I feel so helpless."
"I…well…the only thing I can tell you is that I'm here for you and the rest of the family. How did the rest of the children take it?"
"Everyone was very emotional last night; we all gathered together and prayed. I do not know the time we went to bed, but it was late."
"Again, I'm sorry that this happened to Fabiola."
"Does Zora know what happened?"
"No. Zora had a good time but…well…Fabiola was not there, so she felt a little upset."
"Las pobrecitas. I feel terrible."
"Don't worry about Zora; she'll be fine. You are going through a lot right now."
"…yes, the two of you have a lot on your plate. I need to get the insurance money together for Fabi's physical therapy. Fabi…I haven't called her that since she was a little girl. Anyways, we will talk later, my love."
"Ok. Sweetheart. Be strong."
"Bye-Bye."
"Bye."
Suddenly, January hears a noise coming from Zora's room. She runs to her daughter's room, fearing that Zora might have herself. Fortunately, it is Zora shoving mementos of her and Fabiola in a huge trash bag.
"Zora, what are you doing," January ask?
"Cleaning house. After the shower, I have no best friend."
"Zora…"
"How could she ditch me like that?"
"Zora…"
"Her boyfriend was more supportive than her. What kinda person doesn't show up for their best friend's baby shower?"
January knows she made a promise to Fiorella about Fabiola, but this is an excellent time to tell Zora. January cannot allow her daughter to have negative feelings towards her best friend, Fabiola.
"…a person who was in a car accident."
Zora pauses and looks at her mother.
"What did you say," Zora ask in shock?
"On her way to the baby shower, Fabiola was in a car accident."
"Mommy…is she…?"
"No. Fabiola is still alive…"
Zora takes a deep sigh of relief.
"…but her condition is very critical. She suffered major injuries and has to undergo surgery and physical therapy."
Zora has a blank look on her face. She goes to sit on the couch to absorb the news of her best friend.
"…On no," Zora says, still in shock, "Poor Fab."
She begins to cry. Through her tears, she continues, "I should have known, something was wrong. She would have never hurt me like that. EVER!"
January sits with Zora on the couch.
"You're right," January replies, comforting her daughter, "She would have never hurt you like that…but Sweetheart, Fiorella does not want you to get upset or stress over Fabiola. She will be fine. Meanwhile, take this stuff out of this trash bag and get some rest."
"I'm craving for some Chinese. Could we have that for lunch?"
January shakes her head smiles.
"Two more months, to go," January says.
Isham Mejia walks through the wing of the Inpatient Program of the Saint Dymphna Counseling Center. He is anxious to see Orchid. He walks rapidly down the hall to the receptionist's desk holding a bouquet of Orchids in a vase.
"Excuse miss. I am looking for a girl named "Orchid," Isham says to the receptionist.
"Are you looking for "Orchid Willoughby," she asks?
"I…I guess. I never knew her last name."
"Can you describe her?"
"She has green eyes…curly blonde hair…soft-spoken…"
"That sounds like "Orchid Willoughby."
"Oh. Ok. Then…I am looking for Orchid Willoughby."
They both laugh.
"You can go see her, but I need you to sign the "log-in" sheet."
"Sure. No problem."
After signing in the log, Isham is permitted to see her. Isham takes a deep breath and walks down the hall to Orchid's room.
Meanwhile, Orchid lays in her bed. She is reading the Bible until she hears, knocking on her door. She looks up and grants permission for the person to come inside her room. The door opens, and Isham emerges.
"Hey, girl," Isham greets.
"Isham, it is so nice to see you," Orchid replies placing the bookmark between the pages of the Bible.
"How are you doing?"
"Ok…I guess."
"I…I brought you a little present," Isham says, placing the Orchids on her nightstand.
"Thank you. The flowers are wonderful."
Her smile slowly fades because she knows Isham's reason for this visit.
"I…I guess you know everything," Orchid starts.
"Yeah…yeah, I do."
"I hope you are not angry with me."
"Well…I feel betrayed that you didn't come to me. Why Orchid? Did you think I was going to drop the dime on you?"
"Drop dime?"
"…sorry. I mean, if you told me you were fifteen years old, I would have never told anyone. Now, you tell me, "why"?"
Orchid hangs her head and begins to cry.
"No. No tears," Isham interrupts, "You need to tell me your reason for lying to me. I thought we were friends."
"We are friends. I was scared. If I told one person at Newkirk's real age, I probably would have lost my job and maybe placed back to my parents."
"Living in a sleazy motel is NOT taking care of oneself. You are fifteen years old…Fifteen years old…you are a baby!"
"I am not a baby!"
"If you are under the age of eighteen, you are a baby."
"Why eighteen years old?"
"It means you are an adult…and if you were eighteen …"
Isham wants to tell Orchid his true feelings for her. However, knowing the fact that she is underage, he feels uneasy and unsure. The thought of a grown man professing his love for a teenage girl seems...creepy.
"What? If I were eighteen years old, what would happen?"
"…if you were eighteen…you would still be a waitress at Newkirk's."
"Yes, I know," she replies, hanging her head down again.
He gently takes Orchid's hand and tells her, "…we love you, Orchid. Everyone at the bar thinks you are exceptional."
When she hears those kind words, Orchid lifts her head and smiles at Isham.
"Thank you," she says, "I love you all too."
It is not the answer he wants or expects, but knowing that Orchid cares for him, somewhat eases his soul and warms his heart.
'Wow, her hand is so supple and soft,' he thinks to himself.
Before his feelings grow deeper, Isham feels he has to let go of the hand and change the subject.
"So, what are you reading," he asked, pulling the chairs closer to the bed to sit?
"I was reading the BibleBible. The center gave me this to read. When I attend my group sessions, I am assigned to read certain verses."
"If you don't mind, could you read a verse to me? Please?"
Orchid gives him a warm smile.
"Of course, Isham," she answers.
Orchid opens her BibleBible and finds the bookmarked page she is previously reading.
"Are you ready," she asks.
"Take it away."
"Take what away?"
"…never mind. Please…read."
She proceeds to read the passage. Isham sits quietly as he listens to the young lady read; he enjoys every minute of her reading. Her sweet voice and the words of the Good Book play like a song to his ears.