Lady Preacher, page 14
A nurse came into the room and told her she could see Joshua. Shante asked Camille and Miss Mabel to continue trying to contact Max, but to not tell him about the surgery. She then left with the nurse. They went down the hallway and into a small exam room separated from the others by a circular curtain.
* * *
The siren on the police car was blasting as Max and Officer Henley sped down the highway. Cars were pulling over to let them go by. Traffic slowed down as they neared Charlotte. Officer Henley maneuvered the police car down the emergency lane. Max sat in the passenger seat without saying a word. His thoughts went back to the night Meko died.
He remembered it so clearly. They had been at the church for Bible study. They had driven separate cars that night because Max had come straight to the church from the office. Two ladies needed a ride home, and Meko volunteered to take them. Max left the church with the boys. He had gotten them into bed when he received the phone call to go to the hospital. When he got there, the doctors and police told him what had happened. Meko and the two ladies were driving down Beatties Ford Road. A man in a tractor-trailer truck had run a red light and had plowed into the side of the car. All three were killed instantly.
A tear ran down his cheek. Max tried to wipe it away before Officer Henley noticed, but it was too late. He noticed. He tried to reassure Max that everything was all right. Max called his home but no one answered the phone. He called the hospital, but no one would give him any information. Then his cell rang.
“Max, I’m so glad I got you. We’ve been trying to get in touch with you. We’re at Children’s Hospital. A car hit Josh. Mom’s in the room with him. She said his arm was broken, but, he’ll be okay. We haven’t seen him yet. Where are you?”
“We’re about thirty minutes from Charlotte. We’ll be there soon. Are you sure that’s all your mother said? Is there anything else?”
“She said he was screaming. He’s going to be fine. That’s what she said. I’ll be here after Miss Mabel goes home.”
Max could hear Jonathan and Jacob yelling for the phone. “Give the phone to them, Camille,” he said. He tried to remain calm as he listened to his son. “Jonathan, you guys are going to have to be good and hold down the fort for me. Do what Camille says. Tell Jacob to listen to Camille. I will be there in a few minutes.”
“Dad, we were so scared. We thought he was dead.”
“Don’t say that. Mama Tay said that he’d be fine. Y’all be good. I’ll be there soon. Let me speak to Miss Mabel.”
“Reverend Patrick, Miss Shante said Josh broke his arm. It all happened so fast. Josh and Brandon were riding their bikes, and a drunk driver came out of nowhere and came up on the sidewalk and hit him. I was right there with him. Brandon and I were knocked to the ground, but we didn’t get hurt. It was so bad. It happened so fast.” Max could hear her crying.
“Don’t blame yourself. It wasn’t your fault. Are you sure you didn’t get hurt?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Camille is there with the boys. You can go home. I’ll let you know how Josh is doing.”
“Okay, Reverend Patrick. Call me when he gets out of surgery.”
“Surgery! What’s going on?”
“Oh, no. I shouldn’t have said that. Miss Shante asked me not to. Joshua’s arm is broken so badly he’s going to have surgery to fix it. That’s all I know. That’s all she told me. She wanted to tell you herself because she didn’t want you to worry. I’m sorry, Reverend Patrick.”
“Thanks for telling me. I’m glad you did. You can go home now. I’ll call you when he gets out of surgery.” Max hung up the phone. What was really going on with Joshua?
“Your son’s in surgery?” Officer Henley asked.
“He’s having surgery for a broken arm. His god mother is with him. How far do we have to go?”
“Not far. This traffic is heavy today, but I’ll get you there shortly.”
Officer Henley sped through the traffic. Max sat back and prayed.
* * *
“Mama Tay,” Joshua said groggily.
“Hey, baby, how are you feeling?” Shante asked, rubbing Joshua’s forehead. He had a cervical collar around his neck. He had scratches and a big bruise on one side of his face where he had hit the pavement. She looked at his arm and was shocked to see his bone sticking through his skin. She tried not to act surprised. She didn’t want to scare him. She wanted so much to hold him and let him know everything would be all right. A nurse was busy adjusting the IV attached to his arm.
“Mama Tay, I hurt.”
“I know, baby, but you’re going to be fine. The doctor gave you some medicine.” Joshua lay silently on the stretcher. “Excuse me, nurse. Can I hold him?”
“You’ll have to wait for the doctor before you move him.”
Shante sat next to Joshua’s bed, feeling terrible that she couldn’t hold him. She tried to comfort him as best she could by calmly talking to him and stroking his head. It didn’t seem to relieve her anxiety or his pain.
The doctor came into the room. “Ms. Dogan, his X-rays look good. We don’t see any broken bones other than the ones in his arm. His neck looks good. We’re going to send him around to do a CAT scan now,” the doctor said.
Two orderlies came in and took Joshua for the scan. Shante kissed him on the forehead before he left.
“You can wait here. He won’t be in there long,” the nurse advised Shante.
She sat down in the rocking chair in the corner of the brightly decorated room. She prayed for Max to get there soon.
* * *
Max and Officer Henley pulled into the parking lot of Children’s Hospital. Officer Henley drove up to the front door, and Max jumped out before the car had come to a complete stop and thanked Officer Henley for getting him there so quickly. He ran to the front desk and asked for Joshua. He was immediately taken to the back.
“He’s in this room here, sir,” the lady said, pointing in the direction of the curtain around Josh’s bed.
Max entered and saw Shante sitting in a rocking chair holding Joshua. They looked so peaceful. Joshua was asleep; Shante was humming. Max thought this was probably one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen.
Shante sang “Jesus Loves Me” with her eyes closed. She hadn’t noticed Max coming into the room. He walked quietly over to them and touched Joshua on his forehead. Shante opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Max, I’m glad you’re here.”
“How is he?”
“He’s doing fine, but he’s going to need surgery on his arm.”
Max looked down at Josh’s arm and saw the bone sticking out. “It looks pretty bad,” he said.
“The surgeon is coming in to talk to you. Josh just got back from having a CAT scan. They’re waiting for the results. The anesthesiologist spoke with Miss Mabel to find out what he had eaten today. Someone will be in here soon to take him to surgery,” she said. They turned as the curtain to the room opened.
“Excuse me. I’m Dr. Phillips. I’ll be performing the surgery on your son.”
“I’m his father, Maxwell Patrick,” Max said, shaking the doctor’s hand.
“Well, as you can see, he has a pretty nasty break. Here are his X-rays.” He and Max walked to the wall to view them. The doctor explained how the bone was broken and what he was going to do in surgery to repair it. “His CAT scan looked fine. He didn’t have any bleeding in his head. He might have a mild concussion. After surgery, we’re going to keep him a couple of days to watch him. Right now, everything looks good. When he wakes up after surgery, he’ll be sore. We’ll give him something for that. We’re going to try to make him as comfortable as possible. Do you have any questions?”
“What happens after surgery?”
“Well, if everything goes well, he should be in a cast for six to eight weeks. It shouldn’t affect his ability to use his arm. He should have normal growth in it. He’s going to be fine. The bruising on the side he landed on should clear up soon. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Good. Thank you, doctor,” Max said, shaking his hand. After the doctor left, Max laid hands on Joshua’s forehead and began to pray. Shante closed her eyes and listened while Max prayed for healing and for God to guide the surgeon’s hand. After he finished, he left the room and went to find Camille, Jonathan, and Joshua. He located them and Miss Mabel, who did not leave, in the family room. He told them about Josh’s injuries and his surgery. The hospital staff allowed them to visit him briefly before he left for the operating room. Jonathan and Jacob began to cry when they left the room. Max assured them he would be fine after the surgery. Camille offered to take them home and babysit as long as Max needed her. Before Miss Mabel left the hospital, Max made sure she had not been hurt in the accident and said he would contact her as soon as the operation was over.
Two patient transport assistants came into the room to take Joshua to surgery. Max and Shante walked alongside the stretcher as it rolled down the hallway. At the operating room entrance, they were told they could wait in the surgical waiting area. They kissed Joshua on the forehead and went to the waiting area.
“Do you want something to drink? There’s a coffee maker and soda machine in here,” Shante said. She noticed he was trying to hold back tears. She walked over and hugged him. Max squeezed her tightly.
“I was so scared. All I could think about was Meko.”
“It’s not like that. He’s going to be fine, Max. Let’s pray.” She began to pray, and Max allowed himself to cry. “I don’t know if I could have gone through this alone. Thanks for being here.”
“There’s nowhere else I would want to be right now.”
Max continued holding her tightly. She looked so beautiful to him. He knew he wanted to be with her forever. She was his wife, the mother with which God had blessed his sons. He saw everything in her a wife was supposed to be. He touched her face and bent down and kissed her.
She didn’t pull away; she relaxed in his arms. He felt the softness of her lips, and felt at peace in the arms of the woman he loved. They held each other tightly. For a brief moment, it felt as if it were only the two of them. They held each other closely as they sat on the sofa. She put her head on his chest, and he rested his chin on her head. They closed their eyes and prayed as they waited for the surgery to be over.
“Mr. and Mrs. Patrick? I’m Officer Jones. I wanted you to know that we caught the guy who hit your son.”
“You did? Praise God,” Max said, standing. “Who was it? Someone from the neighborhood?”
Shante stood and took Max’s hand when he held it out to her.
“The guy’s name is Lance Seawright. He lives in your neighborhood. It’s a shame. He’s only nineteen, and this is his third and most serious DUI. How’s your son doing?”
“He’s still in surgery. The doctor thinks he’ll make it through without many problems. Thank you, Officer Jones, for coming by and telling us,” Max said, shaking the officer’s hand.
They returned to the sofa after the officer left. “Come here, ‘Mrs. Patrick’,” Max said, pulling Shante closer to him. Too tired and relieved to protest, she moved closer and rested her head on his chest.
Chapter 17
Three days later, Josh was discharged from the hospital. The trial in Greensboro had continued. Shante persuaded Max to return to work. She stayed at the hospital with Josh during the day, and Max took over each evening. Miss Mabel took care of Jonathan and Jacob during the day and they spent their nights at Shante’s house.
“He’s baaack,” Camille said as Joshua rushed into the house past her. He couldn’t wait to show Jonathan and Jacob his cast and the pictures a hospital volunteer had drawn on it.
“Hey, Mom. Max, I see he’s back to normal,” Camille said as they too came into the house.
“He is better than a few days ago,” Shante said, “but he still has a long way to go. He’ll need physical therapy after his cast is taken off.”
“Tay, I’m leaving for Greensboro now. Are you sure it’s okay for me to go? Josh just got out the hospital; maybe I should be here,” Max said.
“Don’t be silly. His arm is broken; he’ll be fine. Look at him—he’s all over the place. I’m sure I can handle it,” Shante replied. “You go ahead. I got this.”
“Well, if you say so. Do you need anything?”
“No, I don’t need anything. You better get going if you are going to make it to the courthouse for the start of afternoon session. Come on, I’ll walk you to the car.”
Max put his arm around Shante’s waist as though it was the most natural thing to do. “I’ll see you this evening,” he said, hugging her. I appreciate your doing this for me. The boys like having you around.”
“And what about you?”
“I like having you around, too.” He smiled and kissed her lips.
Watching Max drive away, Shante knew she had started something she shouldn’t have. She didn’t know how to stop it, or even if she wanted to.
* * *
Shante had finally gotten the boys settled. She helped Joshua put on his pajamas and read him a story before tucking him in.
“Mama Tay, are you staying at our house tonight?” Josh asked her as he lay in his bed.
“Not tonight. Your dad will be here in a few minutes. But I’ll be here until you fall asleep,” she replied.
“Are you going to live with us?”
“No. Where did you get such an idea?
“Cammy said you and Dad were in love, and when people love each other, they live together.”
Note to self: Kill Camille when I get home. “That’s true. I do love you and your brothers, but I can’t move in here. I have my own house. What would Cammy do if I moved out?”
“She can live with us, too. She can have Jonathan’s room—”
“And you need to say your prayers and get to sleep.” “Mama Tay?”
“Yes, Josh?”
“Do you love my daddy, too?”
Looking into his expectant eyes, she was silent. She knew what he wanted to hear. She wasn’t sure she should tell him the truth. “Yes, Josh, I love your daddy, too. It’s time for you to go to sleep now. Say your prayers.”
“God, thank you for letting me come back home to my daddy and brothers and all my toys. Thank you for all the presents, and God, let Mama Tay and Cammy move in with us because we love each other. Amen.”
“Get some rest, Josh.”
She sat on the edge of the bed caressing the healing scars on his face until he fell asleep. She checked on the other boys and started down the stairs. Max was waiting at the bottom. He still had his suit on, but had loosened his tie and the top two buttons of his shirt. He was leaning on the railing looking up at her. She heard soft music playing.
“Max, how long have you been here?” she asked. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“A few minutes.”
She stopped one stair from the bottom, bringing her eye-to-eye with Max. “You look tired,” she said gently rubbing the back of his head.
He put his head on her shoulder. She hugged him, and he squeezed her around the waist. He began rubbing his face against hers. She could feel his new beard as he slowly made his way to her lips. They kissed with a passion she hadn’t felt in a long time. She felt every part of him touching her body. Their kiss grew deeper, and she didn’t want to stop. His hands explored her back, touching every inch of it before moving to the small of her back.
Shante, wake up. You can’t do this. You’re a Christian. Do something quick. She didn’t want to let go. She felt herself begin exploring him. She could feel his firm body as she pressed into him. Shante, stop. She reached behind her and grabbed his hands and moved them to her sides. She pulled away.
“Come on, Max. You’re tired. Want something to eat?” She started walking toward the kitchen.
“No. Gary and I stopped and got something. How’s Josh?”
“He’s the neighborhood celebrity. That child is so outgoing—seems like nothing gets him down.”
“Jon and Jake, have they been a problem?”
“No. They’re upstairs watching TV.”
They went into the family room and she sat on the sofa. He threw his jacket on the love seat and sat next to her. He leaned back and let out a sigh.
“A difficult day in court?”
“Not really, just long. Looks like this thing is going to last into next week. I was hoping it wouldn’t take this long. Everything looks good for us now. But, you never know how the jury is going to react.”
“Have you thought about staying in Greensboro until the hearing is over? The boys can stay with me.”
“I can’t do that. I still have to do things at the church. We still have a lot to do before the grand opening of the family life center.”
“That’s right. Do you need me to do anything?” “Hold me.”
“Come here.” She knew she shouldn’t go any further with him, but she convinced herself she was helping. Max curled up on the sofa with his head in her lap, and she massaged his temples. She caressed his head and body until she heard him snoring. God, what am I doing? I have not only crossed the line, I have gone down the street. I have got to get out of here. “Max, Max.”
“Uh hum. ”
“I’ve got to go. You’re tired and sleeping.”
“I wasn’t sleeping; I was meditating.”
“It’s late. I need to go.”
“I don’t want you to go,” Max said, sitting up on the sofa and stretching.
“I have to go. Come on, walk me to my car.” She went up and said good night to the boys, and she and Max then walked to her car.
“Call me when you get home.”
“Okay.”
They kissed goodnight and she made her way home.
“How could I have let it go this far? I kissed Max at the hospital because I knew he needed comfort. Now it has gotten out of hand. God, what should I do? I’m getting into dangerous territory,” she said out loud.
She thought about the kiss and how she longed to be held like that again. It had been so long since she had felt such passion and energy. She had thought filling her day with work would keep her from thinking about sex and keep her lust under control. And it had worked for sev eral years. But now, she had crossed the line. She had opened a door that shouldn’t have been opened. She didn’t know how to close it; she didn’t want to close it.
