After dinner, the dancing began so Faith and Isaac excused themselves to go dance. Cori excused herself to go to the ladies room and two friends came up to Nia and Seth and asked them to dance. Cori hid out in the ladies room as long as was reasonably possible then went to check on the catering staff. As she re-entered the main room of activities, someone grabbed her arm.
“Hi Cori, where’s Roger?” he joked. Cori tried to remove her arm from the guys grasp but he was drunk and mean and bigger than her. “Oh, that’s right…you killed him. I forgot.”
“You’re drunk, Stan. Let go of me.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.” He said angrily.
“Let her go, Stan. Now” Seth said as he walked up to the pair. Stan looked at Seth.
“Why?” he slurred his speech. “If I remember right, you don’t like her either. She was your favorite target in high school.”
“Well, she’s not now. I’ll apologize to her forever for every insult I ever said to her. She’s got more class than any of us have, now let go of her arm before I call the sheriff.”
“The sheriff’s my cousin, he won’t do anything to me.” Stan said as he continued to grip Cori’s arm. “I could beat her and no one would say a word.”
“Let’s just see about that…” Seth said as he started towards Stan. Cori reached her free arm out to block him.
“No, Seth. Call the police or walk away. Don’t fight with him.”
“See, she likes it.” Stan taunted. Cori rounded on the man and gave him a left hook upside the head. He was stunned and released her arm. Seth caught him and pushed him upside the wall. The room came to a complete stop and there was dead silence. Faith, Nia and Isaac were beside Cori in a second.
“I called the sheriff.” Faith said. Seth nodded and pulled Stan’s arms behind him and propelled him outside the room in hopes that the party would begin again. Isaac followed him as did Cori.
Faith and Nia tried to motion everyone back to what they were doing and had the DJ restart the music for dancing again. The master of ceremonies directed everyone’s attention back to the video that was running and the dancing. When the crowd was refocused, Faith and Nia grabbed Cori’s wrap and headed to find her.
Outside in the parking lot, the deputies had arrived and begun to ask questions. Seth was on one side of the entrance and Cori was alone on the other side. Faith started to go to Cori but Isaac caught her. “Wait. The deputy wants to ask his questions. Please give Seth a chance with her.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, please.”
“Oh my word…” Faith said quietly. “Seriously?”
“Yes, he’s in love with her.”
“She doesn’t know that, she think he hates her.”
“I know. Will you give him a chance?”
“She may not give him a chance.”
“I know that too and so does he. But let’s just see.”
“Okay.” Faith agreed. Isaac wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.
“Thanks” he whispered to her.
“Seriously?” Faith questioned again.
“Seth is in love with Cori if that’s what you are asking. And I want to see where you and I might go, are you objecting to that?”
“Not at all.” She said emphatically. Isaac chuckled and kissed her on the head.
The deputy questioning Seth finished before the deputy questioning Cori so Seth went to stand behind her. When Cori was finished answering her questions and the deputy walked off, Seth stepped around in front of her. “Are you hurt?”
“No, just mad and embarrassed again.”
“I want you to go to the doctor anyway. I can drive you.”
“I’m fine. I just want to go home.”
“Cori, he’s stronger than you, I know he hurt you.”
“Just bruising. Some ice will take care of the worst of it. Will you tell Faith that I need to leave and have her meet me at the car?”
“Wait here and I’ll have Faith take Isaac home and I’ll take you home.”
“Whatever is faster.” Cori agreed. Seth ran back to the front door of the community center while Cori stood near the curb. He encountered Isaac just inside the door and explained that he was taking Cori home. Faith gave him Cori’s wrap and he ran back to her.
“Cori” he said quietly as he approached “here is your wrap.”
“Thanks, I was getting cold.”
“Come on, I’ll have the car warmed up in a few minutes.” He said gently wrapping his arm around her and urging her forward to his car. After handing her in, he ran around to his side and sat down. “Please let me take you to a doctor.”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
Seth pulled out of the parking lot and started down the road. “Um, where do you live?”
“At Hannah’s House. I have an apartment behind the main facility.”
“I’m sorry about tonight. I’m sorry about what I did to you in high school. I’m sorry that Stan felt like he could do that to you because of what I did in high school and what Roger did to you while you were married.”
“How do you know what Roger did to me?”
“I was at the Houston Community Center the other night. I heard your talk.”
“What did I say?”
“You don’t remember?”
“On a good day, my memory span is about thirty minutes. If I’m tired or stressed, it is five to ten. Sometimes I can remember until the next day but not unless I really concentrate on it. If I can remember it the next day, I can keep the memory.”
“So in other words, tomorrow all you will remember about me is the jerk I was in high school instead of my caring about you tonight.”
“I’ll try to remember your caring tonight. But, actually, why do you care? You don’t think much of me.”
“You are so very wrong about that. I think very much of you.”
When Seth glanced sideways to Cori he saw a frown on her face. Cori questioned him further “did I know but then forget that?”
“I wish I could say yes to that. But no, it is a recent development.”
“Seth, don’t. I don’t know what you are trying to tell me but…”
“Don’t say no, please. Let’s just see what might happen.”
“We can’t and you shouldn’t want too. If I told my story the other night then you know what my marriage was like.”
“That is your past. What about a future?”
Cori remained quiet as the tears fell. “Please don’t.” she said eventually. Seth pulled up behind the housing unit and the security guard let him in. Cori directed him to a place to park. When she started to exit the car, he calmly called her name.
“Cori” he began “please can we talk?”
“Seth, you have a good life I would assume. Run as fast as you can in the opposite direction from me and don’t look back. Remember the me from high school that you enjoyed insulting. You need to let me still be that piece of worthless chewing gum on the bottom of your shoe. You’ll be so glad that you did.”
“No I won’t do that.”
“Seth” Cori interrupted “my mission is to save people from the worst possible thing in their life. I would be that for you. I’m saving you from me. Let me do this for you, I telling you what is best. Goodbye.”
“I won’t give up. And maybe you won’t remember this tomorrow and will give me another chance.”
“Goodbye, Seth.” Cori quietly as she left the car. He couldn’t exit his side fast enough to stop her escape so all he could do was watch her disappear into her apartment.
“Dammit” he shouted out loud. “Crap, crap, crap.” Seth backed out of the parking space and wave goodbye to the security guard before pulling back onto the highway. Instead of returning to his mother’s house, he drove to the football field near the park and got out to walk around the track. He felt like his heart had been broken
and he didn’t know how to mend it.
Cori sat in her apartment and cried after escaping from Seth’s car. It would be nice to think they he actually meant to say nice things to her but she wouldn’t believe it. He had to be wrong.
But what if he isn’t a voice said inside her head what if he could mean them about you? Try and see. Remember tonight. Remember his kindness. Go write it down and remember it. Cori figured she was setting herself up for heartache but she did go to her diary and write down the events of the evening. She tried to recapture every word before her memory forgot it. She read it and re-read it over and over throughout the long night when she couldn’t sleep. A few hours before dawn she finally slept, when her mother woke her up the next morning, Seth’s kindness was a memory she still had.
The first card addressed to Cori marked personal and confidential arrived on Tuesday after the reunion. Pearl handed it to her with the rest of her mail. She opened the card and read it. The front had a picture of a goofy bear and inside was handwritten a long note…
There is an all-night store open in Catesville that sold this silly card. This bear isn’t as cute as yours are but he had to do in a pinch. Please keep this card so that you will remember it. I want you to build new good memories of me and forget the horrible jerk from high school. I want to call you every day and talk to you. Please take my calls. I will try to write everyday but I may miss a few days. I want to come to Catesville and see you. I want to gently hold you in my arms and give you a kiss if you agree. I want you to dream of a future not let your past get in your way.
This is my business card with every possible way to get in contact with me. One side of the map is directions to my house and the other side is directions to my office. I’d be thrilled if you would use them one day. I’ll end this note now but please think about it and remember it. I’m thinking about you, Seth.
Cori re-read the note again and looked at the business card. She laughed softly when she saw that there were four phone numbers for him. Three for Isaac in case Seth didn’t answer one of his numbers. Also included was Seth’s address of his business and his email address.
Cori opened the email program and got her started on sending the email. Cori was typing slowly.
Thank you for the card. I’ll keep it and do my best to remember it. I remember from Saturday night too. Thank you for helping with Stan. I still don’t know about the other though. I’m so scared. Cori
Cori clicked with her mouse on the word send and the email disappeared just as Cori’s cell phone rang.
“Hi Millie”
“Hi Cori, can you help me with a favor?”
“I’ll certainly try.”
“Doctor Jane wants me to come into the office right now but wants someone with me. Can you go with me?”
“I’ll gladly do that. I’ll come pick you up.”
“Thank you.”
Cori grabbed her phone, PDA and recorder as she explained to Pearl where she was going. It was less than fifteen minutes until she pulled into Millie’s driveway. Millie came to the car before Cori could exit.
“Thank you so much.”
“Anytime. Did the doctor say anything?”
“No, she didn’t. Just come in as soon as I could.”
“Then let’s go see Doctor Jane.” Cori said brightly even though she was a bit concerned. After parking in the lot where the doctor’s office was, Cori walked beside Millie inside to the receptionist desk and waited while Millie signed some papers. The nurse called them back right away. They were seated for just a few minutes when Doctor Jane came in.
“Hi Mrs. Reynolds. Hi Cori” Cori and Millie returned her greeting.
“Cori, you can record this meeting, I don’t mind.”
“Thanks, I don’t want to forget it.”
“That will be important.” Doctor Jane said. “Mrs. Reynolds, your blood work came back from the lab and we need to have you go to see a specialist in Houston.”
Cori suddenly reached over for Millie’s hand and gave it a squeeze. Millie was trembling and asked in a weak voice “Why? What’s wrong?”
Doctor Jane continued “I don’t want to give you a false assessment but I’m concerned. The blood counts could indicate leukemia. I want you to see a specialist before that possibility is a fact. I’ve called someone I want you to see and there is an opening the day after tomorrow. Would you like to go then?”
“I’ll take you tomorrow and you can stay with Seth.” Cori offered.
“Thank you, Cori, I appreciate it.”
“I’ll confirm it and be right back.” Doctor Jane rose from her desk and went to another room to make the call. She was back in just a few minutes. “You are all set. I’ve already had your paperwork faxed to her. She is a good friend of mine and you’ll really like her.”
“Thank you very much. I’m a little scared.”
“Don’t be. We’ll all take good care of you.”
Cori and Millie thanked Doctor Jane again and left the office. Back in the car, Millie was quiet and Cori didn’t question her. When Cori parked back at Millie’s house and followed Millie inside, Millie sat on the chair in the kitchen and cried softly. Cori hugged her gently and cried with her. When both women had finished and dried their tears, Cori suggested that they call Seth.
“Will you do it?” Millie questioned her.
“I’ll be on the other phone but you should do it.”
Millie agreed and went to get the other phone for Cori. Millie dialed Seth’s phone number.
“Hi Mom” he greeted.
“Hi” she returned. “Cori’s on the phone too.”
“Hi Cori.”
“Hi Seth.” Cori returned. She looked at Millie to continue but could see that the tears were starting again so Cori spoke. Millie shook her head and pointed at Cori who then began to explain “Um, Seth, we just came from the doctor’s office and your mom needs to see a specialist in Houston the day after tomorrow. I’ll bring her tomorrow.”
Seth’s heart raced as he asked “What’s wrong?”
Again Millie was not able to answer “It is possible that it is leukemia but they need to confirm that with more tests. I have the conversation recorded and I’ll play it for you tomorrow. What time would you like us to arrive?”
“Come anytime. I could come get her if you would rather.”
“I’ll gladly bring her, I don’t mind. I just don’t want her by herself at your house.”
“She won’t be and you plan to spend the night too Cori.”
“No, I can come right back.”
“I’d rather you stayed. Please.”
“Okay. I guess. Umm, we can leave here in time to arrive at one in the afternoon, would that work?”
“That would be perfect. Mom, I love you and I’ll take care of anything you need.”
“I know, son. I know. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Call me later if you want too, either of you.” Seth reluctantly hung up the phone and so did Cori and Millie. Millie found herself wrapped up in Cori’s hug immediately.
“You have a wonderful son.”
“I do. And a wonderful friend.”
“Me too. Now, I’m going to go rush to my house and pack some clothes. I’ll be back with dinner in a little bit. I’m not leaving you alone tonight and tomorrow we will go see Seth. Is that okay?”
“You are an angel. I so appreciate you.”
“I love you, Millie. We’ll take good care of you.” Cori rushed to her car but noticed her brother’s car was in his driveway so she went there instead. She quickly told him the story and he promised to handle things at the office for as long as was needed. She hugged him and said she would call when she had some idea of when she would be home. On her way to the apartment she called Faith and relayed the same information. At her apartment, she found her mother and her mother said she would cover at Hannah’s House. She
also decided to check on Seth.
“This is Seth.”
“Hi, it is Cori.”
“Hi. Is my mom okay?”
“I think she is scared mostly. I wanted to see how you were.”
“I think I’m scared too. I appreciate your help.”
“She’s my friend, I’d do anything for her.”
“I know” Seth answered. After a pause, he changed subjects “I got your email.”
Suddenly shy she asked “Was that okay?”
“It made my day. Can we keep in touch that way?”
“Yeah” she said quietly “if you want too.”
“I do.” He said happily. “I already sent a couple of letters too though so watch for those when you get back.”
“I will. I’d better go. I told your mother that I would hurry so she wouldn’t be by herself for very long. We will see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you Cori.”
“You are welcome, Seth.” Cori said hanging up. She called the restaurant and placed her to go order then hurriedly packed some clothes and picked up their dinner on the way back to Millie’s house.
Millie helped Cori read and negotiate the streets of Houston to find Seth’s house. It gave them something to smile and joke about to relieve the tension they were both feeling. Cori was nervous for Millie’s doctor’s appointment but she was also nervous about seeing Seth again. She had pretty much run him off the other night but his card had been so sweet that she assumed she was forgiven for that. She wondered how he would treat her today.
“There’s Seth’s house and it looks like Isaac is here too. He’s going to make a big fuss too.”
“Probably” answered Cori parking the car on the street. “You deserve to be treated like a Queen for as long as possible. Let them spoil you, it will make them feel better.”
“Let Seth spoil you too and I’ll be so happy.”
Cori was stunned “You can’t know about that.”
“Yes, I can sweetie. He told me a lot of it.”
“Well, we will see. I don’t know, Millie.”
“One day at a time, sweetie. One day at a time.” Millie was smiling as Seth came out of the house followed by Isaac. Seth smiled at Cori but took his mother’s hand and walked with her to the house while Isaac and Cori retrieved the luggage.