Southern Attraction (10 page)

             
One day, when Heather was alone with Jake, he awakened.   She didn’t know what to do.  She started to panic when she saw the nurse run through the door.  Quickly, the nurse came in and checked his vital signs and performed her initial assessment.

             
“Where is his mother?” the nurse asked.

             
“She is outside.  I will go tell her that he is awake,” Heather replied.

             
She left the nurse with Jake and went to find his mother.

             
As Heather quickly walked to find Jake’s mother, she was overcome with happiness.  She was delighted that he opened his eyes and looked at her.

             
When she saw Sue, she told her the good news, and they returned to the room.  As they entered the room, Jake was looking at all the wires coming off his body.  He was a little frightened and annoyed.  He started pulling out all the tubes, especially the NG tube.  A tube that fed him through his nose.

             
“Jake, stop.  Calm down! You are o.k.  Don’t worry about anything,” Sue said trying to comfort him. 

“
How are you feeling,” Heather asked. 

             
  It took a little while for him to respond.  He blinked his eyes several times and then said, “I’m a little sore.  What happened?”

             
“Jake, you were injured in a tornado.  Do you remember the tornado?” Sue asked.  Jake looked around the room and then said, “No, not really.  Jake looked at Heather and asked, “What are you doing here?”

             
“I came to see you,” Heather replied.

             
“Son, she has been coming every day or so to see you,” Sue said.

             
“I wanted to make sure you were going to pull through this and wake up,” Heather responded.

             
He looked at her with his eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face. “Why would you come to see me?  I thought you hated me,” he said teasingly.

             
“Jake, your not funny.  You know that I care about you.  I  have been so worried about you.  I can’t stop thinking about you,” she replied.

             
After Heather finished what she was saying a nurse and physician walked into the room. 

             
“Hello Mr. Parker.  How are you feeling?” the doctor asked as he approached the bed. 

             
“I’m sore, but I’ll be alright,” Jake responded.

             
“That’s good to hear.  You’ve been through a lot over the last few weeks, but we hope you will be as good as new in a few days.  Do you mind if I do a small exam?” the doctor asked.

             
“No, can she stay?” Jake asked referring to Heather.

             
“Yes, if you say it is fine.  The test is not anything strenuous.  I just want to check your reflexes,” the doctor said.

             
Jake smiled as the doctor did a quick neurological exam.  Then, the doctor told Jake that he would run a few test in the next few days, and if everything was satisfactory he could go home.  Jake didn’t like the idea of staying in a hospital, but he accepted what the doctor had told him.

             
When the doctor left the room, Jake asked,  “What do you mean, you can’t stop thinking about me?  I thought you were with Shawn,” he said.

             
“Jake, I don’t think this is the time or place to have this discussion.  You are not well,” Heather replied.

             
Sue was a little uncomfortable listening to their conversation.  She told them that she was going to go downstairs for a little while.   Jake didn’t mind his mother hearing his conversation, so he continued.

             
“Heather, you heard the doctor.  I might get to go home soon.  I think right now is the perfect time to talk.”

             
“I am not with anyone.  Shawn and I are friends.  I’m sure that he wants more from me than that, but I can’t give him more than that right now,” Heather said.

             
“That is good to hear.  You know that I have always had feelings for you, but Shawn tried to tell me that you two were together.  I am glad to hear you are not with him,” Jake replied.

             
“What kind of feelings do you have for me?  Do you mean friendship or do you think of me more than just a friend?” she inquired.

             
“You know what I mean.  I think you want what I want, but you are afraid to say it.  You don’t want to hurt Shawn, do you?” he asked.

             
“I don’t want to hurt anyone.  Your wrong, I don’t know what I want.  I have been so upset by this whole ordeal that I’m confused.”

             
“Heather, I can’t imagine what you have been going through.  I’ve been asleep and have missed what has been going on, but I do know that you will figure out everything in time.  I care about you, and I want you to know that.”

             
Heather smiled and went to the bed and sat down.  “I care about you too, but that is all I can give you right now,” she said as she took a deep breath.

             
“I know, but remember that I am here for you.  You can come and talk to me about anything.  Now give me a hug,” he said playfully.

             
Heather reached down and hugged Jake and turned to give him a kiss on his cheek.  He turned his face quickly.  Her mouth touched hers for just a second.  She looked at him and said, “You not funny.”

             
“I know, but I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now.” 

             
Heather smiled at Jake.  “I’ll go get your mother now.  Be good while I’m gone or I will tell your doctor you’ve been a bad boy,” she said.

             
Heather left the room just as the nurse came in.  She went downstairs to search for his mother.  She saw his mother through the window in a small courtyard.  She opened the glass door leading outside.  “Sue, I have to go!” she exclaimed. 

             
After saying her goodbyes to Jake and his mother, Heather left the hospital and drove to her uncle’s farm.

Chapter Fifteen

              Heather arrived at Mick’s farm and saw construction workers busy at work.  They were trying to rebuild the house that once stood on the now empty slab.  Mick’s neighbors came to join the effort and give support to their friend.  Mick saw Heather drive up the driveway, and he approached her car.  “Hey, are you hungry?  I could go for a bite,” Mick asked. 

             
“Of course, jump in,” Heather replied. “So, how is the progress going on the house?  Looks like you have several supporters, helping you with the house,” Heather said.

             
“Yea, looks that way.  I’m just glad we are able to rebuild this soon.  Maybe we can move in soon, and hopefully everything can return to usual,” Mick replied.

             
“I hope so.”  After a short pause Heather continued.  “Uncle Mick, I was at the hospital and Jake came out of the coma.”

             
“That’s good news, I’m glad to hear it.  How does he seem?  I mean does he know who he is and what happened to him?”  Mick inquired.

             
“Yes and he seems fine.  I was starting to worry about his mother.  She seemed so depressed these last few days,” Heather replied.

             
“She did?  Seems like you have spent a lot of time at the hospital with Jake and his momma.  Are you taking a liking to this boy?”  Mick asked.

             
Heather was surprised by the question.  “Yes, as a friend.  Uncle Mick, you are not suppose to ask me about my love life.  That’s personal,” Heather replied.

             
“I know.   I just worry about ya, that’s all.  You are a young woman now, and I know young women usually want a boyfriend and all.  I was just wondering if anyone caught your fancy?” Mick asked.

             
“Mick you are definitely a character.  You always seem to amaze me.  I’m going to have to help you with your accent though,” Heather replied with a chuckle.

             
“What’s wrong with my accent?  I don’t have an accent.  You do.  You sound a little snooty for this town,” Mick replied jokingly.

             
“Uncle Mick you certainly do have an accent.  You sound like a redneck.  Your speech and your accent are pretty strong,” Heather replied.

             
“Okay ease up.  Besides you are living in my town now.  Your gonna have to learn to go with the flow.  People might get offended at your sarcasm, calling people rednecks and all,” Mick replied.

             
“Oh Mick.  I didn’t mean to offend you.  I love you and I wouldn’t hurt you for anything in the world.  You have become like a father to me. I enjoy living with you, but just remember I like my business to be my business.  If I want to share information about my love life with you, I will.  If I don’t then the topic is off limits.  Understand?”  Heather asked.

             
“Yea, I got
cha
.  I’ll try not to be so nosy.  Will you promise me something?  Promise me that if you need me, you’ll let me know.  Deal?” he questioned.

             
“Deal” Heather replied.  Heather went over to her uncle and gave him a big hug.

             
Heather and Mick drove over to Sally’s Diner.  They had hamburgers and fries.  Heather was starting to get use to Sally’s food.  She didn’t mind the grease as much as she once did.  As they were eating, Heather saw Shawn come through the front door.

             
“Hey Shawn.  What are you doing here?” Heather asked.

             
“I was just looking for ya.  I’ve been at Mick’s farm, and the workers said yall went to get a bite to eat,” Shawn replied.

             
“Yeah, I was starving.  Do you want to sit down with us?” Mick asked.

             
“No thank you.  Heather I was wondering if I could talk with you a minute outside,” Shawn said.

             
“Of course, is there anything wrong?” she inquired as she stood up from the table.              “No, everything is fine,” he replied.

             
As Heather and Shawn walked out the front door, Heather caught a glimpse of some of Shawn’s friends standing by his truck.  “Shawn, what is going on?” she asked.

             
“We wanted to show you something.  Do you think Mick would mind if you took a ride with us?” Shawn asked. 

             
“No, let me give him the car keys so he can have a way back to the farm,” Heather replied.  She walked inside for a few minutes and then returned.

             
“Are you ready?” Shawn asked.  “Yes.  Where are we going?” Heather inquired.

             
“It’s a surprise.  Just hold your horses and come on,” Shawn replied.

Chapter Sixteen

              Shawn, Heather and their friends arrived in front of the school.  Heather looked baffled, but didn’t say a word.  She followed them around to the back of the school.  Several classmates waited as she came closer.  Shawn led her through the crowd of her peers.  After a short while, she realized that they were heading for the football field.  As she came closer to the stadium, she saw a huge statue of a black panther. 

             
Heather was taken aback by the beautiful bronze sculpture that stood at the entrance to the arena.  When she came closer to the statue, she read the inscription: Dedicated to all the caring and supportive volunteers and contributors that helped with the rebuilding of our school and town.  We want to thank you for the donations and gifts of charity given by caring and compassionate friends.  We call you friends because of the benevolence you have shown to us and our school; therefore we dedicate this statue in remembrance of you.

             
For the first time in her life, Heather shed tears of joy and achievement.  She knew in her heart that she was one of the contributors to the school, and the statue would always remind her of that.  She had helped the school triumph in times of sorrow.  One by one, her team mates came and gave her a hug and thanked her for her help.

             
She didn’t contribute money because she had none to give, but she contributed her time and effort to the cause.  She realized that nothing was impossible for her to do.  She could accomplish anything that she set her mind to.  Suddenly she felt her parents presence with her.  She knew her mother and father would have been proud of all she had accomplished with this town and school.  She knew now that she was here for a reason.  Things didn’t just happen by chance, but for a greater purpose.  She knew that her purpose was to help this small country town and she did. 

             
She spoke to her friends and classmates, then Shawn invited her and several of their friends to a bonfire.  He told her there was a place in the woods that they usually went to celebrate and party.  The place was away from town and they could  enjoy themselves without the worry of getting in trouble with their parents.

             
Shawn drove down a long narrow dirt road, in the middle of no where, in the
back sticks
to a clearing.  Beyond the clearing was a large pond.  It looked like it had been deserted years ago.  Heather looked around as she got out of the truck.  She felt a bug fly on her arm and bite her.  She swatted at the bug and began to scratch  the small red area on her arm that began to form. 

             
“The mosquitoes are bad out here.  Don’t worry though, I brought some repellant,” Shawn said.

             
Shawn reached into the back of the truck and pulled out a can of bug repellant.  “Spray this on your arms, and they’ll leave you alone,” he instructed.

             
Heather sprayed her arms with the spray and handed it back to Shawn.  He did the same and put the can back in the truck.  Then, he reached in and grabbed an ice chest full of drinks and motioned for her to follow him.  They walked closer to the pond where their friends were all gathered.

             
Several lawn and camping type chairs were set up in a circle facing the pond.  Shawn placed the cooler in front and offered his friends something to drink.  Mason McKelson arranged some wood planks in a pile to form a large mound.  Henry Donner helped him and brought in some paper to help light the fire.

             
As Heather sat watching her friends, she couldn’t stop thinking about Jake.  She wished he was there with her.  Heather heard another car drive up, and she turned to see who it was.  Her friend Stephanie got out of the car and came toward her.  She didn’t know why, but she was annoyed at the sight of Stephanie.  Stephanie walked toward Heather to give her a hug.  When Heather realized what she was going to do, she turned to act as if she was talking to Shawn. 

             
“How did you like the statue?  I’m sorry I wasn’t able to see you at the school.  I had a doctor’s appointment,” Stephanie interrupted. 

             
“It was nice.  I really liked it and liked the dedication.  I don’t think anyone will ever be able to forget what Huckleburg went through, and the statue will make sure of that,” Heather replied.