Chapter Five

Chapter 5

The next few weeks were full of tension and attention.

Margret fussed over me non-stop. She kept me out of school for a week, which was longer than necessary, in my opinion. It was a sweet gesture, and she never asked questions, so I allowed her the time to worry.

Jessica and Kirk, however, were another matter. Jessica walked on eggs shells around me, which quickly became annoying. I began spending more time with Mena and Theresa. I helped them with their homework and finally got to know them. Mena was my favorite of the two, though I would never admit to it. She was so exuberant. Always wearing a smile she never failed to lift my mood. Theresa was quieter, more studious, and yet still kind and fun to be around. She and I spent many hours in discussion of books we’d both read.

Jessica was my faithful shadow when she wasn’t with Kirk. For someone who wanted to hide her relationship, she was doing a mighty poor job of it.

Kirk continued casting murderous glares in my direction. He watched me even closer than before, and I felt as if I were living in a pressure cooker. The tension was building and about to explode.

Compared to the craziness of my home life, school was a blessing. I was pulling straight A’s and currently maintaining a hefty crush on both my doctor and my English teacher. I knew it was silly, but I was fourteen and found I quite enjoyed my imaginings.

I looked up at the brisk knock on the door. Jessica was out with friends, so I knew it couldn’t be her. Mena and Theresa had ceased to knock since we’d gotten closer.

“Come in.” I invited, closing my book and setting it on the nightstand.

Margret poked her head into the room, her frizzy red hair forming an odd halo that somehow complemented her eyes.

“Are you ready to go, Dear?” She asked softly, stepping into the room.

I’d tried to hate her on principle. Now I wondered if there was a way to hate her. Kirk certainly did. It broke my heart to see the look on her face every time he snapped at her.

“Ready?” I asked, confusion coloring my face as I rose and crossed to her.

“Your final appointment with Doctor Johnson is today, Darling.”

How could I have forgotten? “I’m ready.” I quickly grabbed my purse and beamed at Margret.

The ride to the doctor’s office wasn’t long. I hummed along to the radio as Margret pulled into the parking lot. I reached for the door handle but stopped when she laid a hand on my arm.

“Ashley, I need to ask you something.” Margret hesitated a moment before turning her eyes on me. Their blue depths held an unsettling mixture of sorrow and hope.

“Margret?” I asked, unsure. It was a rare thing to see Margret like this, and I found I greatly missed her happy-go-lucky self. My fingers tightened on the door handle as unease filled me.

“Did Kirk tell me the truth, Ashley? Did you skip school to get high?” Her words were so soft I had to strain to hear.

I stared at her, speechless. Would she, could she, believe the truth? Would she believe me if I told her that her son and the girl she viewed as her own daughter had lied to her? Were lying to her?

My stomach churned at the thought of lying. This woman had opened her home to me when I had nowhere else to go. I prayed God would offer me some wisdom.

“Margret,” I lifted my chin, looking her in the eye. I felt as if a stone had lodged itself in my throat. “I have never skipped school for anything.”

It was as good as it would get. I couldn’t lie, not to Margret. Yet even in the wake of her betrayal, I just couldn’t out Jessica. She was still my friend.

Margret watched me for a moment before looking out the window. She sat there, her face a somber mask, eyes alight with emotion. She had heard the truth that lived behind my words. I shuttered out a soft breath, my hand relaxing on the door handle.

“Thank you.” She whispered, her eyes locked on the windshield, seeing only God knew what.

I ached to reach out, to offer her some comfort. But what could I do? Silently we climbed from the car and walked into the elegant complex.

Doctor Johnson’s office was furnished with deep cushioned chairs in burgundy and gold. The tables were cherry oak, the walls a pale gold brocade with cream baseboards. The turning of magazine pages, muffled coughs and sniffles filled the room. A secretary sat behind a desk typing away, surrounded by a protective bubble of glass.

Clack clack clackity clack

I resisted the urge to knot my fingers, and instead fiddled with the hem of my shirt. This was to be my last visit with Doctor Johnson. I would be lying to myself if I said I wasn’t sad. My young heart fluttered with every smile, every wink. When we were alone I felt so special, like I was the only person in the world to him. Like I was a woman. A blush crept up my cheeks as I recalled the last thing he’d said to me.

“Going to be a beautiful woman, I’m sure she’ll break a lot of hearts.” He’d said offhandedly as he’d gone over my chart. Margret had agreed before she’d had to step out to answer her phone.

“She’s already won mine.” He’d muttered to me as he patted my thigh. I thought I’d die right there. When Margret had come back in he’d stepped aside, shooting me a grin.

I sighed as they called my name. Margret, misinterpreting my sigh, patted my thigh. “Buck up now, it’ll be over shortly.”

A young nurse led us to a room. “The Doctor will be right with you.” Smiling as she closed the door. I climbed up onto the examination table, twiddling with my fingers. Margret sat in the chair provided and we waited. My stomach lurched when the door opened and he walked in.

“Well, hello again.” Doctor Johnson said with a grin, flashing his perfect white teeth. Tiny crinkles formed in the corners of his eyes, and my fingers itched to trace each one.

“Hello.” I responded, my face burning with embarrassment. I suddenly found my hands very interesting.

His soft chuckle caressed my ear drums, sending my heart into overdrive. I looked up into his twinkling blue eyes as he stepped closer.

“How are you feeling today?” His eyes stayed on mine, though he seemed to be looking over my chart. I suddenly wished Margret wasn’t in the room. I yearned for what might happen if I were alone with him. The thought caused me panic, and yet excited me.

“I’m fine. My rash is gone.” My voice sounded funny to my ears, high and nervous. If he noticed, he said nothing.

“Good, that’s good.” Doctor Johnson beamed at me once more, placing his stethoscope into his ears. His examination was quick and professional. If his hand lingered on my shoulder, I didn’t mind. If my heart slammed against my ribs, singing his name, he only smiled. Before I knew it, before I was ready, it was over.

“Alright, Ashley. Stay on your meds for another week, just to make sure the rash is gone. I won’t need to see you again.” It could have just been my imaginings, but the smile he offered seemed decidedly sad. Something in my heart echoed his smile.

The ride home was filled with tension. My stomach churned with nerves. What would happen when we got home? Would Kirk know I’d betrayed him to his mother? Would I betray myself to him? I’d never been a good liar.

Worry ate away at me as we pulled into the driveway. It would be what it will be. My mother had been fond of saying that. Closing my eyes, I prayed to God for guidance, and then walked into the house.