Jennifer sat by the window that evening as the rain fell against the glass, her thoughts drifted in many directions. These past five years as a single mother had been challenging to say the least. Three children- two boys and a girl – were harder to handle alone than she had first thought. That rainy night Hank left to get milk for the kids was permanently engraved in her memory. It haunted her dreams. If she had just remembered to get the milk earlier, then maybe . . . No! She couldn’t continue to do that to herself. It’s not her fault that some crazy man decided to get behind the wheel after drinking. After five years, whenever it rained, she couldn’t help but relive that night again. “Mommy, I can’t sleep.” Cindy said as she ran into the room and interrupted her thoughts. Cindy was only three when her Daddy died, so she doesn’t remember him as well as her brothers. Jimmy was eight and Jake was eleven.
“What’s the matter honey? Did you have a bad dream?”
“No, Mommy. I’m not tired. I think another story would make me sleepy.”
Jennifer didn’t have the strength to get up from her seat and read another story.
“I’ll read her a story, Ma.” Jennifer heard Jake say as he entered the room. “Come on Cindy, I’ll race you up to your room.” Giggles were heard as they ran up the stairs.
What wonderful timing that boy has. Jake had been such a comfort and help with his siblings since his father’s death. Jennifer was so grateful for the strength her eldest son possessed. She heard Jake’s voice as he read Cindy’s favorite princess story, complete with different voices for all the characters. What had she done in life to deserve such fine children?
It’s time to start living again. It’s not good for her children or herself to just survive the every day, especially Jake. He needed to be a teenager and she needed to be the adult.
She heard Jake’s footsteps on the stairs. “You’re a good kid, Jake.”
“No problem, Ma. I like reading to Cindy.” He said as he shrugged his shoulders. He bent over and kissed her on her cheek. Jennifer continued to stare out the window and made a promise to herself that tomorrow would be different.
Stay tuned for Part II
© Nadine Zawacki 2008
11 comments:
Beautiful. Family love is just beautiful, and the way you've described Jake...my son is that way at age 7. He's wise beyond his years and when he sees a need, he takes care of it.
I can't wait for Part Two!!
Goosebumps ... looking forward to part 2!
I am so far behind! I'm glad you arrived safely, are getting used to traffic again, had a wonderful looking Texas-sized-shaped waffle, and are getting back into a routine.
Love Part I and looking forward to the sequel!
Love it! Book number two???
Hope you're getting settled into your new home. Glad to see you joined us Texas bloggers, too!
Blessings!
Thanks so much for your kind comments...Enjoying your book as well. I can't wait to buy a copy and read it through. My sister has a book coming out later this fall as well... It is wonderful.
Once again thanks. I still get weepy eyed now and then but God is good and my Dad and uncle are surely in a Heavenly place. Hugs!
Nice!
Have fun with it!
I am moved by this Nadine and looking forward to the continuation...
N,
The tiled chair rail is in a hospital/clinic in Childress...Smiles!
Looking forward to reading part two.
So glad you made it to Texas safely.
ooooooooooh....can't wait for part II!!
Wow Nadine except for missing one word (“Mommy, I can’t sleep.” Cindy said as she ran into [the] room and interrupted her thoughts. )it was an excellent introduction to something great about to come! I am excited to hear what happens next~
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