Always time for one more post

The formerly nimble Nadia, now a broody Puffmeister! She's Puffy the hen until the broodiness passes, hopefully soon.

And one more excerpt, lol. I considered putting up an excerpt earlier this week, but didn't. This morning, reading over yesterday's writing, well, it's time.

Sometimes following the Spirit is like that, just gotta keep moving forward in love.

Anyway, if you feel like looking for backstory on what's going on, first read Far Away from Home, then Home and Far Away. While these novels are Parts Three and Four of The Enran Chronicles, I wrote them more as their own little duo with no need, unless you're truly curious, to read Parts One and Two. Not that I wish to dissuade you from my novels, merely that The Enran Chronicles is an interesting series, so far written that if someone only wants to dabble in it, they can read two books, then decide how far they wish to go. And I'll also say this; if you read Three and Four, well, definitely check out Five, On Being Brave, what I'm currently drafting and hope to release, well, when I finish it, haha.

All that aside, here's Chapter 16 in its entirety. The last scene is mainly why I'm posting this excerpt, but you'll have a better handle on it if you read the whole chapter. Either way, it's about love and why sometimes it's so hard to accept. Aliens are easier to believe in, ahem, than we're worthy of love.

Okay, okay, here's the chapter. Have a great day!

 

 

Chapter 16

 

Gilly and Ross arrived at SFO on Wednesday afternoon. Richard met them, but Gilly drove on the way back to Jumpville. Ross peppered Richard with questions about Hugh’s conversion to Catholicism while Gilly spoke inwardly to her mother and brothers. Richard gave Ross vague answers, but Greg and Hugh were more direct, asking Gilly if she wanted to be Catholic too.

Their silent tones were gentle, tinged with humor. Gilly replied that moving back to California was enough of a shock to her system, how she told most of her family the plan she and Ross had hammered out since deciding to give their relationship another try. Suze didn’t act surprised, but Greg and Hugh were astonished, and religious pressure disappeared as they asked when would this move happen and exactly where the Whitlows planned to live.

By the time Gilly turned onto Mason Road, Richard’s happy tears had dried, Ross informing him of the plan. Inwardly to her father Gilly had confirmed Ross’ statements, but now she had to blink away tears. Those weren’t related to being back in Mendocino County, but the reasons for it, and not only Hugh’s poor health. That phrase had hung on Gilly’s shoulders since she was a girl, yet becoming an aunt twice over hadn’t been expected, nor was Ross’ insistence on burying the hatchet with Dr. Kevin anticipated. She would believe that when it occurred, but Kevin was supposed to join them that night for dinner.

As Gilly pulled into the Lund driveway, people waited on the porch. Jorge’s truck was parked near Richard’s shop, Greg and Pams’ car in front of the garage. Trying to stem a flood of tears itching to fall down her face, Gilly scanned the rest of the yard. “Where’s Hugh’s car?” she said aloud while parking next to Jorge’s truck.

“In the shop,” Richard said, getting out of the front passenger seat.

Why, Gilly asked her father in silence as Ross got out of the back seat.

Needed some minor repairs, Richard replied inwardly. You gonna sit in the car all day?

Gilly grunted aloud, took off her seat belt, then faced those standing in a shady spot in the middle of the yard. Ross was embraced by Suze, then Chella, then Pams as Hugh and Greg stared at their sister. She exited the car, but didn’t pocket the keys, tossing them to her father. Richard caught them with his right hand, chuckling as he did so.

Within half an hour the family was scattered throughout the house, conversations spoken aloud and silently as Gilly sat with her brothers and Pams in the front room, Ross, Richard, and Jorge in the living room, Suze and Chella in the kitchen. Chella was tending supper, beef stroganoff for most, leftover chicken enchiladas for Pams, who still didn’t eat red meat. Chella and Suze discussed where they thought Gilly would end up living, both agreeing that Santa Rosa was the most probable location. Ross hadn’t decided if he wanted to get a California realtor’s license, but if he didn’t, neither woman knew what he might do.

The day was cool, early morning storms ushering in a spate of pleasant weather that Suze hoped lasted the rest of the week. Partly for Pams’ mother, Ivy not used to hot temperatures, and that on Easter Sunday if people had to stand outside, no one would roast. Suze was looking forward to taking communion on Sunday, and Chella was also pleased. Greg will join us before the end of the year, Chella then said in silence while standing at the stove, stirring the beef.

Why do you think that, Suze said.

Chella sighed, then chuckled. He’s not going to want you taking Sean to church on Sundays without him.

But will Pams and Ivy stay home, Suze posed inwardly.

Not forever, Chella smiled in silence.

Suze smirked, but couldn’t dismiss the happiness welling in her heart. She and Richard had shared several inward chats about what being active Christians meant to them. Rare were the times Suze used the term Catholic, for she felt that distinction was limiting, though she hadn’t said that to Chella, Lupe, or Hugh. Richard had agreed, then admitted how deeply it meant to him to have partaken of the Eucharist the same day as Hugh. He’d used that phrase, partaken of the Eucharist, which at the time had made Suze snort. Now she wondered why, but didn’t wish to get into it with Chella, especially since Kevin was due to arrive imminently.

I hope they don’t fight, Suze said in silence, but aloud she snorted, and Ross, who had been speaking to Jorge, paused in the middle of his sentence.

Chella giggled, then cleared her throat. If they do, she said inwardly to Suze, I will say something to them.

Suze nodded, went to her feet, approaching the stove. “You’re a very talented cook,” she said tenderly.

“And you are a very good mother,” Chella smiled. “Why don’t you….” Chella paused briefly, then continued via telepathy: Go outside and wait for Kevin.

Suze nodded, kissed the top of Chella’s head, making the younger woman giggle again. Suze left the kitchen, but didn’t step into the front room, though words spoken aloud for Pams’ benefit were momentarily halted. Then Gilly continued talking as Suze exited the house, softly closing the screen door behind her.

 

Another half hour passed, Chella and Gilly now flanking Suze, all seated on the porch. Gilly had just called both the doctor’s house and his office. Consuelo had answered at the office, and said Kevin had left work right after his last appointment, which had been at noon.

Damn him, Suze said inwardly. He better not be chickening out.

Gilly snorted and Chella huffed. Then Chella spoke inwardly to both women: We saw him a few days ago at the gas station and he promised he’d be here tonight.

He doesn’t know we’re moving back, does he? Gilly silently posed that to both, but gazed at her mother with raised eyebrows.

I didn’t say squat to anyone about it, Suze smirked in silence at her daughter.

Chella chuckled, then stood, shielding her eyes with her hand. “I think that’s his Bug,” she said aloud.

Suze and Gilly also went to their feet, standing next to Chella, who had moved toward the steps. Chella peered at the yard, shadows drifting along the ground. I’m going in for my hat, she said in silence.

Gilly nodded and Suze snorted, then spoke inwardly: I’m sure he’ll take his sweet time getting here.

Chella chuckled, then went in the house. Gilly grasped her mother’s hand: I’m not sure what’s gonna happen between them.

Kevin knows Ross wants to apologize, correct?

Yeah, but….

“But what?” Suze said aloud, squeezing Gilly’s hand.

“I dunno, just a feeling.”

Can you explain it more than that? Suze snorted aloud, but had spoken in silence.

Just that…. Gilly sighed softly, then gestured to the aged Beetle approaching the Lunds’ driveway. “A snail’s pace if ever there was one,” she said aloud.

He probably thinks we’re all going to try to convert him, Suze smirked inwardly.

Gilly giggled, released her mom’s hand, then took the steps as the Beetle turned onto the driveway. Suze felt Kevin’s apprehensions, and to her surprise, a little of his tardiness was related to the family’s recent church activities. And he was…. She frowned, but wasn’t sure how she knew he’d been drinking.

She joined where Gilly stood a few feet past the porch steps. Kevin parked next to Suze’s sedan, no dust stirred from how slowly he’d driven and the rain from earlier. Suze was grateful Bruce wasn’t coming; at times he still took the driveway too fast, though that was usually after he’d had a few beers, or if Chella and Jorge were also present. Kevin turned off the car, but didn’t immediately get out. It was like he still had polio and was trying to decide if he should put on his brace now, or retrieve it later.

Suze trembled, for none of her children remembered the difficulty Kevin had endured, not even Gilly. Suze recalled it easily, as well as his incredulity when she’d reiterated the truth of her origins, and how worried he’d been when approaching the cowshed as The Other had waved in the breeze. That August day had been terribly hot, much like last week’s temperatures. The weather now was cool, tinged with sunshine, and as the screen door slammed closed, Suze wondered if Chella wore her ancient hat, the flowers long faded, and a few had been replaced. Kevin finally got out of his car, but he weaved slightly in shutting the door. Suze wanted to frown, or even smirk. Instead she smiled, hoping he accepted this event for what it was, as though Liza waited in the center of the yard, wishing to lead her beloved to rapprochement with….

“Hey Dr. Kevin,” Gilly called.

“Uh hey, Gilly,” Kevin responded.

Suze nodded, her heart having lurched, for Gilly had sounded five years old. Yet Dardram wasn’t waiting in the house, though Ross hadn’t stepped outside. Chella noted to only Suze that according to Jorge, Ross was in the upstairs bathroom, the sound of slight retching unmistakable.

Suze wanted to warn Gilly, but would leave that to Chella. Suze walked to where Kevin now stood at the back of the Bug. His eyes were red, the scent of wine obvious. “How are you,” she said to him as kindly as she could.

“I’m here,” he sighed, not meeting her gaze.

“Have you been drinking all afternoon?” she said flatly.

“Not all afternoon,” he grunted.

“But since leaving work?”

“Yeah, since I got home.”

Suze wanted to berate him for driving under the influence, yet God had gotten him here safely. “You hit anyone on the way?” she did say, unable to help herself.

He growled at her, then shrugged. “Is he here too?”

“He is. Whether or not he comes down from the bathroom’s another story.” Suze grasped Kevin’s hand, then inwardly warned Richard, Chella, and Gilly that the doctor was in no shape for emotional distress. Gilly sighed, Richard grunted, but Chella came to where Kevin and Suze still stood.

Chella grasped Kevin’s other hand, then patted his cheek. “You come in now, have something to eat. I’ve done the cooking,” she smiled.

“Any wine to go with it?” he asked.

“Not for you,” Chella clucked. “Or Pams either. Only juice.”

Kevin shook his head. “I can’t, I shouldn’t have come, I need to….”

“Get moving,” Chella ordered. “My stroganoff waits no more!”

Suze sniggered and Kevin sighed. Chella led both toward the house, speaking aloud it was time for everyone to eat.

 

Ross and Kevin weren’t seated facing each other, Gilly and Jorge between them. Richard, Hugh, and Suze did most of the talking aloud, Chella receiving plenteous appreciation for the meal, of which little remained as plates were refilled by several. Gilly sat across from Hugh, who kept her abreast of Ross and Kevin’s facial expressions. In addition to everything else, Ross was exhausted, not having slept on the flight. Gilly was tired too, wondering if all Ross had promised about his alleged change of heart wasn’t more than bullshit. But Dr. Kevin showing up drunk hadn’t helped either.

Despite those two men, Gilly was more certain about coming home. Hugh looked temporary, like she could see through him. He was already halfway to…. Heaven popped into her mind, leaking out to any who dared to sense her thoughts. Her mother agreed, Chella did too. Her father and brother were less inclined to believe, but Gilly wasn’t surprised. When Hugh died, Richard and Greg would take it the hardest, followed by…. Now Gilly sniffled, wishing this with Ross and Kevin had been put off another day. Yet tomorrow Pams’ mum was arriving, then it would be Good Friday, and…. If not now, Gilly thought, then when?

She stood from the table, clearing her throat, but neither Ross nor Kevin met her gaze. Her parents did, and Hugh, and she thanked them for supporting her, yet she knew not what to do next. If nothing else, she had alerted all the shit was either gonna hit the fan or…. “So, does anyone need more dinner?” she began.

“I’m so full I’d bust,” Hugh smiled.

“None for me,” Pams said cautiously.

“Not me either,” Jorge grinned.

Gilly nodded at them, but couldn’t look at Greg or their parents. Then she squeezed Ross’ shoulder. “Do you want any more honey?”

The way she said honey seemed to reverberate throughout the room as though Liza stood behind Kevin, asking the same. Gilly peered to her right, no one else on their feet, but Dr. Kevin leaned back in his seat, shaking his head. Are you with us Liza, Gilly inquired silently, feeling an emptiness as well as bodies stuffed with food and prayers offered. Gilly released Ross, then stepped to her right as though straddling an invisible line tethering these men to the only person who had loved both dearly. “She’s right here,” Gilly said aloud, suddenly feeling Liza Whitlow all around her. Would it be like this when Hugh dies, Gilly asked only her mom and Chella.

Perhaps, Chella said silently.

Who knows, Suze mumbled inwardly. Yet she showed no emotion, though she cleared her throat, then spoke aloud. “Kevin, Ross, would you join Gilly and myself outside?”

Liza’s coming too, Gilly inwardly said to her mother.

All the better, Suze smirked in silence. We need every able bodied soul.

Gilly nodded, wondering if on Easter would she join her mom for communion. Something within her heart was altered, and if this was only to prepare her for when Hugh died…. She stepped back as Ross scooted away from the table, then Kevin did the same. Suze was on her feet, and she grasped Kevin’s hand, escorting him from the kitchen. Gilly waited for Ross to stand, and he stared at her, such fear in his eyes. I love you, Gilly pressed into his head. I won’t leave you, she added.

But she left him, Ross seemed to say inwardly.

I know, Gilly answered, still within the kitchen. And Hugh doesn’t have long. People die honey, and sometimes it’s nobody’s fault.

Ross sighed aloud, then nodded, grasping Gilly’s hand. He led her out, but paused in the hallway, unsure where to go.

We’re in the workshop, Suze told her daughter in silence.

We’re on our way, Gilly inwardly replied, feeling as though Liza was waiting on the porch to join them.

 

Chella stood as soon as the screen door was carefully shut. “I’m going to start dishes,” she said aloud.

“You cooked,” Greg laughed nervously. “I’ll clean.”

“I’ll help,” Hugh chuckled.

“Like hell you will,” Richard grunted, going to his feet. “Jorge and I’ll….”

“Sit down Richard,” Jorge smiled. “You too honey,” he added, gazing at Chella.

As Richard shook his head, Chella rolled her eyes, but didn’t return to her seat. Instead she sat beside Pams, who wiped her eyes with her napkin. “It’ll be all right,” she said to Pams.

“How do you know that?” Pams wept.

Chella closed her eyes, feeling as though Gilly had been correct; Liza Whitlow had indeed returned to assist in however this between Kevin and Ross would proceed. Chella didn’t wonder if Hugh would do the same after he passed, nor did she ponder Careen. Opening her eyes, Chella grasped Pams’ hand, squeezing gently. “Sometimes the worst occurs, or what we can’t grasp with our minds. Or our hearts. Usually our hearts are the last parts of us to move on.”

“Why’s that?” Pams muttered.

Chella glanced at Hugh, who seemed to understand, probably due to his new relationship with God. With Jesus, she considered, but that was a subject Pams wasn’t ready to ponder. “Do you know how I forgave Noth?” Chella said softly.

Richard cleared his throat and Jorge grunted. She had told her husband all about falling in love with that human being, and maybe Suze had enlightened Richard as to the importance of Noth in Chella’s early life. “I was barely a person then,” Chella said, not bothered if anyone else knew. “He talked to me while I was, well….”

“You were getting to grips with reality,” Richard said.

Hugh and Greg chuckled, and Chella did too. “That is a very apt way to put it.” Chella then sighed. “Richard, you remember explaining what apt was to me?”

“I do. The morning after the menudo party.”

Chella nodded. That sense of family remained within her, even though she and Jorge hadn’t made any babies. She’d told him about the child she’d lost, a baby buried near the oak, but she didn’t think Hugh or Greg knew. Closing her eyes, Chella silently asked Gilly how it was going.

Poorly, Gilly huffed inwardly.

Chella nodded, then smiled at Pams. “I never dreamed when we left Enran I could be happy again. I was very young, I knew very little. I knew I hated Noth, but….” She sighed, then wiped Pams’ wet cheek. “You knew heartache too, recently even. And now you know joy.” Chella briefly placed her palm on Pams’ belly, then moved her hand to where Pams’ heart raced. “Mostly joy,” Chella smiled. “Much remains unknown, and for that we have to believe the very best will occur, out in the workshop, in this house, in your home too.”

“That’s apt,” Richard said, standing at the sink.

“Dad,” Greg sighed.

“It is apt,” Jorge said, putting leftover egg noodles in a plastic container.

“It is,” Hugh added, leaning over the table, stretching out his hand toward Pams and Chella.

Chella released Pams, then grasped Hugh’s hand. “Sometimes our hearts think nothing can ever change, the wounds left will never heal. I didn’t think I was worth anything, but like I said, I was very young. Now I’m not so young anymore,” she smirked, “though I might not look my age. I’m the age of Richard’s oldest children, and you have a child coming, and Gilly’s coming home.” Chella glanced at Hugh, now staring at the table. “Life never stays the same, not on Earth or far away in space.”

Richard chuckled, as did Jorge, but not in disbelief. Pams sighed, wiped her face, then she grasped Hugh’s hand. “Why’s it so easy for me to believe all that but, you know, not believe in other things.”

“I dunno,” Hugh smiled, also wiping his face.

“Maybe it’s one thing to think aliens exist, because most of the times aliens are presumed to be harmful. We’re the bad guys,” Chella snorted.

“Oh my God,” Greg said, drying pots and pans his father had just rinsed.

“But believing in goodness, in hope, in love is much harder because while we want those things, if they go away, we get hurt.” Chella then silently asked Suze how were things in the workshop.

We’re making small gains, Suze answered inwardly.

Chella smiled, passing that along to those in the kitchen. Then she placed her hands on Pams’. “It’s such a funny thing,” Chella said softly. “How we can steel ourselves for the bad, but have the most difficulty accepting the good.”

“Accepting there’s a God, you mean,” Pams said, sniffling back snot.

“Exactly.” Chella patted Pams’ hands, then moved hers, yet Pams and Hugh still gripped one another. “Like Greg with fatherhood, or Jorge with staying here in America.” Or you Richard, in accepting me, Chella thought, but didn’t say aloud, and she was grateful Richard couldn’t read her mind.

Richard snorted, then seemed to sniffle.

“Anyways,” Chella said, “that’s what being part of a family means to me. All this emotional upheaval clears the air for future happiness.” Chella chuckled, then shook her head.

“What’s so funny?” Hugh asked.

“How much like a soap opera life is sometimes,” Chella smirked. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll watch Home and Far Away, see if anything’s changed since I last saw it.”

“Nothing’s changed,” Richard grunted.

“You still watch it?” Chella asked, peering behind her.

“He does,” Hugh laughed.

Chella rolled her eyes, then inwardly asked Suze and Gilly how was it going.

Better than I thought it would when we stepped out, Suze said in silence.

They might actually hug soon, Gilly giggled inwardly.

“How’s it going out there?” Richard asked.

“Okay,” Chella said as Pams began to cry again. “Greg, come sit with your wife,” Chella added.

“On it,” Greg said, draping the dishtowel over the rack.

Chella nodded, moving from her chair. As Greg sat next to Pams, now crying hard, Chella went to her feet. She walked to where Richard washed a few last large plates, and softly she patted his cheek. Then she joined where her husband stood in the laundry room. Jorge wiped away tears, then embraced her. Chella closed her eyes, feeling Liza Whitlow drifting overhead, then floating northward as her brother and her husband also hugged one another, much anguish again buried alongside Richard’s stalwart oak tree.