Love From the Ashes
Read Love From the Ashes Online
Authors: Cheryl Persons
Tags: #Christian Books & Bibles, #Literature & Fiction, #Romance, #Contemporary, #Religion & Spirituality, #Fiction, #Religious & Inspirational Fiction, #Christianity, #Christian Fiction
Love From The Ashes
BY Cheryl Persons
Copyright © 2013 by Cheryl Persons
All rights reserved
This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, locales, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to places, names, or incidents is completely coincidental.
This is dedicated to my good friend and co-worker Judy P.
She chose the name of this story and I think
it was a perfect fit.
Thank you Judy for your support and guidance
as I work to publish these books.
Table of Contents
Scarlett smiled to herself as she hung up the phone from her husband, Thomas. She never thought after 11 years of marriage, it would still be so strong. When their friends Cassie and Seth offered to watch the kids for a week during the summer she nearly leapt for joy. She loved spending time as a family, but after having five kids, and very little free time she needed a romantic break. This would definitely do the trick. She was so excited that Thomas would come home from work early. He worked more than usual, but they needed the money. Many times she had thought about finding a job, however, it was always passed by. If she would work, they would have to get daycare and it just was too much money to spend. It was much more practical for her to agree to be a stay-at-home mom.
She put a nice big fire in the fireplace and candles were placed in the center of the table in the dining room. She poked the fire one last time and then went back into the kitchen. As she removed the pan of Lasagna, his favorite, she took in a whiff of the scent. She then went on to making the salad. Her thoughts went back to 15 years earlier when she first met
Thomas. He was new to the area and she was a shy freshman. When he introduced himself, she thought he seemed cocky and too confident for his own good. Yet, it was only a few months before they became best of friends. He was always there for her and she wasn’t surprised when romantic feelings started to get involved. They were inseparable for the next 4 years and the day they graduated he proposed. They had their first daughter, less than a year later and then the rest was history. It didn’t take much for them to be able to keep their family growing. She laughed to herself; she felt like she was constantly pregnant. When he said he was going to become a police officer, she was worried. There wasn’t much crime in Avery, so it helped to settle her nerves. When she put the salad into the refrigerator she looked up. She could smell something like it was burning. She turned and noticed the smoke coming from the hallway. “Oh my gosh!” She screamed as she ran to the dining room and saw the flames billowing near the fireplace. She fought all instinct to get out of the house when she noticed the pictures starting to overcome with the flames. She ran to the kitchen and looked around for anything, baking soda, water, whatever, to cover the fire. She grabbed a large area rug and rushed back to the flames. When she covered it, she was instantly taken aback by the smoke. She coughed as she tried her hardest to save the pictures, the memories. As she was working at getting rid of the flames, her lungs were succumbed by the smoke and she felt herself getting dizzy. She didn’t remember anything else as she blacked out and she fell to the floor.
___________________
Thomas hurriedly punched the information into his computer and grabbed his car keys. He couldn’t wait to get home and celebrate his anniversary. “Hey; I’m heading out.” He replied to the officer in charge.
He he
ard the sound of the radio as he was about to leave the office. “Wait a minute; isn’t that your neighborhood?”
Thomas stared at the radio as the voice sounded. “I repeat; this is the Avery Fire Station we are headed to 2510 River Creek Drive. We need an officer to meet us there.”
He looked up at his officer in command and just nodded. “That’s…my…” his voice trailed as his mind raced.
“Come on; I’ll drive.” He left with him; his legs shaking as they rushed to the squad car. He said a silent prayer as they raced down the roads; the siren was blaring.
He could feel the tears stinging the back of his eyes, because in his mind he knew that Scarlett would have called him if she was able to. As they turned the corner to head down his street; he saw the smoke coming from his home. He started to cry, just thinking about Scarlett being home alone. “This can’t be happening.” He cried as they stopped in front of the house and he saw the ambulance in the driveway.
“You know its precaution.” His officer tried to assure him as they jumped out of the police car. It didn’t make Thomas feel any better.
When he saw her lying on the ground, he rushed to her side. “No!” He cried as he saw them pulling the sheet over her.
The medic looked at him and then he heard the officer speak. “It’s his wife.”
He laid over her as his crying worsened. “Scarlett; don’t leave me!”
“I’m so sorry.” The woman medic tried to console him. She then got up and walked away, leaving them to be alone.
He stared at his wife’s face; it was dirty and full of smoke stains, but besides that you couldn’t tell anything was wrong. “What happened?” He whispered; he wanted some answers and he feared he would never get them.
“She was clutching onto this when we found her.” He looked at the photo album that the woman handed him.
Scarlett was a person that believed in making memories. Through his tears he leafed through the pages. “I won’t disappoint you.” He sobbed as he leaned down and placed one last kiss on her lips. He knew that she felt she needed to save the past; the only problem now, he felt he just lost his future.
Two years Later
Thomas held the phone to his ear; he was sure that he heard incorrectly. His eyes met with his mother’s and he smiled. “So, they are paying me what I asked?”
“That’s right Mr. Campbell; they don’t want to offer you a lower price. His office is relocating him and they need to find a house as soon as possible. They looked yours over and they love it. So, they would like to move in by next week.”
He was at a loss for words; the house hadn’t been on the market for more than a week and he was sure he would have at least a couple of months to get the children accustomed to the idea.
“Okay; thank you. I will be by to sign the papers.” He disconnected the phone. “I can’t believe it.”
“Are you really uprooting the children and moving to Dallas?”
He stared at his mom and he nodded. “I have no choice.”
She took a seat across from him and reached for his hand. His eyes fell, because he knew she was disappointed. “You have a choice Thomas. When you found this house, it was perfect for you guys. It was near to us and we could take care of the kids anytime you wanted. What changed?”
“Mother, I am drowning here. I can’t be in such a small town without thinking about her. I need to try to get my mind off of it.” He knew that it had been two years since his wife had passed away, but in his mind it felt like yesterday. Immediately after her passing he knew he couldn’t live in the house. There was too much structural damage and they had to knock it down. Thomas and his kids moved in with his parents. It was cramped and a nigh
tmare, but they made it work. When a house came on the market that he could afford, they moved. It was still small for their large family, but it was better than the previous arrangement. That was over a year ago, but Thomas realized that everywhere he went he thought of Scarlett and he decided he needed to get out of there as soon as the opportunity would come up. That opportunity had arrived and he was taking it. “The girls need a woman figure in their life. Cassie has agreed to be that woman.”
“What about me?’ His mother’s face grew solemn and he felt bad for that. “Aren’t I good enough?”
“You know what I mean. You and dad aren’t getting any younger and I’m not about to burden you guys.
“Thomas, it wouldn’t be a burden; we’re a family.” He shook his head. No matter what she said to him, he wasn’t going to allow it to sway his mind. “Not to mention, what about Scarlett’s parents. They could help out.”
“I know, and they would; I just need to do this for myself and the kids. They need a more stable environment and I think that Dallas will provide that for us.”
“How can it be more stable? You don’t have a job, or a home. They won’t have a school; it’s ridiculous to think that Dallas is better than here.”
“I’m working on all of that. I have an interview with the police department in Dallas, and I will look for a house as soon as we get there. Seth is letting us have a few rooms at the bed and breakfast. There are schools in Dallas. Believe me I have considered everything and I know that this is what I need to do.”
“You’re being selfish.”
“How am I being selfish? I am trying to give them a better life.”
“You are taking them away from the only family they know.”
“What? Mom, I will be there. I’m not sending them away. They love Cassie and Seth; since they had Savannah, she now works from home. It will work out great; I won’t have to worry about them.”
“Fine; do you what you think you must, but rest assured in time you’ll want to move back here. You will see that Dallas doesn’t have everything that you need, but I am tired of having to preach that to you.” She left the table and Thomas rolled his eyes; she was always so overdramatic in every situation. He just knew that he needed to explain it to the kids; especially, Kari and
Bethany. They weren’t going to be thrilled, but he would make them see that they could build a happy life elsewhere. He went into the room that Bethany, Kari and Frankie shared. He smiled as he saw them each playing by themselves. Despite, everything being so cramped, they never once complained. If he was being honest, he felt like he was the biggest whiner of the bunch.
Bethany
looked up from her DS and smiled. “Hey dad!”
He nodded and then saw that Kari and Frankie were looking at him too. “I need to talk with you three for a moment.” He took a seat on
one of the beds, as each girl sat down and stared at him. He decided that maybe Frankie, at the age of 5, should also be a part of the conversation. “All of you have grown up so much; it scares me that you’re growing too fast.”
Bethany
rolled her eyes. “Seriously dad? We have a ways to go before we will be out of the house.”
He laughed at that and just smiled. “Point noted, but I want you guys to know that I can see how grownup you are. You definitely surpass each of your ages and I don’t take that lightly.”
Frankie groaned. “Are you going to get all mushy on us?”
Bethany
laughed as Thomas playfully poked her. “I won’t say anything else; except I just found that the house sold. So, we will be moving to Dallas sooner than I expected.”
Bethany
’s eyes got big. “Already? She looked around the small room. “I guess I had hoped that you didn’t really mean it.”
“
I know you did. I feel that it will benefit you all; especially the three of you. Cassie has agreed she would like to help watch you. I have to go back to work fulltime. We can’t live on such a small salary and if Cassie is willing to step up and take care of you guys after school, I will be able to do that.”
“What about grandma and grandpa?” Kari asked; her solemn expression drove a knife through his chest.
“I wish that I could leave you with them and that would be alright, but they’re not getting any younger. You need someone that can play with you and if you have tough questions answer them. Grandma and grandpa can give you the love and the toys, but you need more than that.”
“We’ll have to leave our friends and our toys?” This time it was Frankie talking and he saw that she did understand what he was saying.
“You won’t have to leave your things behind. We’ll take everything that we own with us. Your friends can visit. I promise you that. We’re not going out of the country; we’re not even leaving the state. We’ll only be a couple of hours away. Won’t it be fun to have them visit? Plus, you all will make new friends.”
“
Will they have nursery school there?”
He laughed at her question and sighed. “I promise you, Dallas will have a nurse
ry school.” She sighed with relief and he tried to hide his smile.
Bethany
turned to her sister’s, he instantly saw his wife in her expression. “You both are too young to get it. It won’t be the same…ever.” She jumped up and ran out of the room.
Thomas felt agony seeing her go and so he knew he had to talk to her. “We’ll talk later.” He winked at their jaw
-dropped expressions and left their room. He had to find Bethany.
____________________
Thomas looked around the house and couldn’t find his oldest daughter. “Mom, have you seen Bethany?”
“She isn’t in her room?”
“She was, but…it’s a long story. If you see her, let me know…” he paused for moment; “I know where she is.” He made his way through the house and noticed her sitting in the tree house that his dad had made for the kids when they moved into the house. He had said it would be a place for them to go when they needed to think. Bethany hadn’t really used it much, but he had an inkling that she would be there. He was grateful that she was. He climbed the stairs, being cautious of each step. When he reached the top, he felt crazy for even attempting the endeavor. She looked at him and rolled her eyes. “Do you think this will hold me?” He asked as he took a seat beside her.
“I suppose.” He wasn’t surprised she wasn’t cutting him some slack. He knew she was upset about moving; he just had to figure out why.”
“So, what are you thinking?”
“I’m just sad that I have to leave my friends.”
“I get that, but you are a very bubbly girl and you will make plenty of friends. I am sure about that.” She snickered and closed her eyes. That’s when he noticed a trail of tears. “Honey, I don’t want you to be upset. I’m doing this for all of you.” He wrapped his arm around her and she hugged him. The sobbing grew and he kissed her forehead. “I promise you; if you are that miserable after we move and you can’t make it work, we will figure something else out. I just want you to give it a chance.”
She nodded as she pulled away. “I miss mom.” When she said the words, he realized her concerns.”
“Sweetie, I know you do. So, do I.”
“Do you?”
He stared at her, confused as to why she would doubt that. “Of course!”
“Then why do you want to leave the place that has her memories?”
He wasn’t expecting his 12 year old daughter to be so close to the truth. “It’s hard to be around the places that your mom and I shared together. I will admit to that. However, the main reason I want to leave Avery is for you. I’m not lying about that. Aunt Cassie can be a good role model you can go to. She was very close to your mother and if you have any questions, she would be one to ask. I want the best for you and your siblings. I am trying my best.”
“I know you are.” She hugged him and he slowly let out a breath. “I love you dad.”
“I love you too honey. So, what do you say; are you willing to give this a go?”
“If it means we’re still together; I suppose I am.”
“I rely on you Bethany. I know you’re only 12; so it’s not really fair. Please help me make the transformation as smooth as possible for everyone.” He knew it was a tall order for such a young child, but that was one thing that Scarlett always said. Bethany was the one that helped raise the younger kids and Scarlett was so proud of her.
“I will, and I will give it my best shot to be happy there.”
He smiled. “I appreciate that. Now, let’s go tell everyone that we’re leaving on Saturday. She climbed down the stairs and he followed, using the same caution as before. He knew this only gave them 5 days to get everything taken care of, but the sooner they could try to move on, the better.
____________________
The day before the big move Thomas knew there was one thing he had to do before he could leave. He loaded up his van with the kids and they drove to the cemetery. He had thought about only taking the two older ones, but he knew he needed to give each one a chance to say their goodbyes. Bethany took Joey’s hand and he took Judy’s and they all walked into the small cemetery. With Avery being so small, it didn’t take too long to reach the plot. They stopped and he looked down at the stone; he felt a tear fall down his cheek as he looked at the inscription. “Scarlett; we may be leaving for awhile, but you will always be in our minds and in our hearts. I just have to keep my promise to you.”
Bethany
touched the tombstone and he saw her hand shaking. “I love you mom!”
Kari looked at her sister and then turned to her dad. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Just tell her what’s in your heart.”
She then looked back at the grave and sighed. “Mommy; you will always be missed. I love you and I will never forget you.”
He pulled Kari into his arms as she started to cry. He quickly realized this might not have been his wisest move. “It’s okay sweetie. She wouldn’t want you to be sad.”
“I know…but…I…miss her.”
“I know you do.” She hugged him again as he watched Frankie. Frankie was just 3 years old when Scarlett died and he figured she didn’t remember her much.
“Goodbye mommy; I love you.” She looked at him with a confused expression. “Was that okay?”
He smiled. “That was perfect.” She looked pleased as Joey just touched the tombstone and smiled. He knew that it would be hard for Joey and Judy to understand what they were doing there, but he needed to have them along. They were just as much a part of the family as the rest of the kids. They started a group hug and he knew that it was going to be an adjustment, but they would all get through it. “Are you guys ready to get out of here? We have a lot of people to say goodbye to before we leave tomorrow.
“Dad; can we stop by Lily’s house? It’s been a couple of months since I have really had a chance to talk to her.” He nodded at Bethany. Lily and Bethany were best of friends when they lived next door to each other, but once Scarlett had died it seemed like Lily didn’t know what to say to her. “Thanks.”
She helped put Judy and Joey in their car seats and Frankie climbed in her booster seat. They were headed to Lily’s house in no time. He really was thankful that Bethany was able to help; otherwise he would take an hour just getting children in the van. He was glad that they had gone to see Scarlett’s grave, it made him confident that his children were going to be alright.
____________________
The kids hung onto both sets of grandparents for dear life. Thomas was afraid that he was going to have to pry their hands off to get them to leave. He stood back and watched the sad exchange and he worried that he was going to find them miserable in the move. Bethany pulled away after hugging Scarlett’s parents for what seemed like 30 minutes. She wiped away a tear and waved. “I’m gonna miss you guys.”