No Fear!

“You know? I feel the same way. Sometimes there’s a type of chemistry between people that allows them to be close from the beginning. I’m almost thinking that I’d like my husband to stay away longer.” They laughed together, and Abigail cooed to join in on their fun. Susi was so content that she almost overlooked the woman staring at her from across the street. But there it was, that intent eye contact she’d had with the woman before. But when? And who was she? “Eva, who is that woman staring at me over there?” She pointed secretly and Eva slowly peered in that direction.

“Her? I thought you knew. I don’t think she’s very happy with you here. She’s Abigail’s nanny, but I told her to take a few days off because you were coming to see me. I think that’s why she’s glaring at you, but don’t let her scare you. I think she’s harmless, but definitely, an odd woman.”

Bothered that she should remember something about the nanny, the thought was fading from Susi’s memory, and because of that, she decided it couldn’t be important. Anyway, it was beginning to give her a headache to think so hard. But there was Bobby, she did remember him. She didn’t know why he’d left her, or if he would come back. He knew they were having a baby, so why wasn’t he with her? “Eva, how well do you know my husband?”

“Bobby? You always did have a flare for being the funny one, didn’t you?” She stopped and stared at her good friend for a moment. “I swear, Susi. Since we were little, you always had us laughing. My mom wanted to adopt you so we’d have more laughter in the house.” She snickered, “But of course, she didn’t know about you and Bobby at that time. If she had, there’s no way she’d even like you anymore. Her son was the most important thing in her life. I wish she would have loved me as much as Bobby.” She sighed, and pulled herself together. “But, things always work out for you, don’t they?”

“Eva, get rid of your nanny, would you? I don’t like the way she looks at us, she seems a little scary. Find a nice lady for my little princess.” She stooped to kiss the baby, and looked up at her sister in law, “Please? And as for the tea, could we just walk some more, but just the three of us? I don’t feel like being around people today.”

“I’m proud of you for just being out walking, Susi. I’m proud of both of us, actually. Losing Bobby was a terrible loss, but at least we have each other.” She looked at Susi’s tummy, and touched it tenderly. “And you not only have me and Abigail, but this little one.” She put her arms around Susi, and they hugged as if they were close friends.

“I have to get home, but I can’t remember where that is. Please take me home.” Susi couldn’t contain the tears anymore, as she broke down right there in the little town of Lucas, right in the middle of the square. She’d lost her Bobby, how would she be able to continue on? She heard that voice again, and threw the palms of her hands over her ears. “Make the voice stop, please help me. Go away, leave me alone. Eva, stop the man from taking me away from you!”