The Day Steam Died (14 page)

Chapter 27

“And the workers continued to put their best efforts forward to keep the old engines running so Coastline would be the best railroad in the country.”

Aftershock

Out in the parking lot, the two brothers walked to Rick’s car without saying a word. Rick seethed anger and confusion. He started his Chevy Corvair, gunned the engine, and kicked up gravel as he peeled out of the parking lot. He pulled over after a few blocks next to a giant oak tree and turned the engine off.

“Did you hear about that at school?” Rick yelled. “That I’d gotten Ann pregnant?”

“Hey, calm down. They were just rumors, stuff Tank spread all the time. I knew better and didn’t think anybody really believed it. But when her family moved away, well, some people thought there might have been something to it.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t ask me if it was true or not,” Rick said, his voice still showing agitation.

“Look, you were so torn up over her moving that I didn’t want to add to your misery. I’m sorry. I thought you would get over her and get on with your life.”

They sat quiet in the car for a minute before Wil spoke again.

“By the way, you didn’t answer my question back there.”

“What question?” Rick snapped.

“I asked if you and your photographer were dating. She seems nice and you both have a common interest in your work.”

Rick recoiled. “Are you kidding? She’s a New Yorker and never lets you forget it. She really gets on my nerves sometimes. Other times she can be fun to be with. I just don’t think I could take a steady diet of her Yankee charm,” Rick said sarcastically. “And stop changing the subject.”

“If you’re going to be so busy, why not date someone from your office?”

“Not you too. Dan gave me the same spiel before I left. There’s an unwritten rule about staff members dating. When I mentioned it, Dan just shrugged and winked.

“Wil, it’s things like this that keep me from moving on. I would love to see Ann again and just see how she’s doing. I heard she might be living in Winston-Salem.

“I don’t know that I’ll ever get over the hurt of that last night. I could tell there was something she wasn’t telling me. I really believed she loved me and wanted us to get married and have kids. She must have said that a dozen times. The look in her eyes when she said it made me believe her.”

“I’m sorry about how things worked out with you and Ann, I really am, but you have to put that behind you and start working on a new life. If you don’t, you’ll develop ulcers and, God forbid, start smoking.”

“Okay, okay, I get the message.” Rick started the engine again and slowly drove back to the house. He wasn’t looking forward to seeing his dying father again.

“I’ll help out with Momma anyway I can,” Rick said. “We, or I should say I, need to stay in better contact with her. She’s strong-headed and won’t want to give up her independence after Daddy is gone. Maybe we can put her in that new assisted living place on Main Street. That way someone would be there to look after her, and she could still have her friends and go to church, too.”

“They’re pretty expensive. But you’re right. She may agree to that rather than move to Raleigh. We can check into it before mentioning it to her. Let’s come over and take her out there to look it over and see what she says.”

“We need to do it soon, though,” Rick said. “I don’t think Daddy’s going to last much longer.” Rick got quiet again then turned to Wil. “There was something else I wanted to talk to you about. I’m still going to be checking Tank’s every move. One of these days he’s going to step on his tongue. And when he does, I’ll be there to record it. Can you keep me posted on anything you hear over at SBI?”

“I know how you feel about Tank, but you need to let it go. It’s too personal. That’s old high school stuff. You’re a good reporter and can really make a difference. Don’t let hatred of Tank ruin your career and your life.”

Rick shot Wil a momentary look of disappointment before returning his attention to the road ahead.

Wil sighed. “I’ll keep my ears open, but he got swept into office in a fair election. You’re my brother and I love you, but you’ve got to get a grip, okay? And don’t forget, you owe me a cleaning bill for this shirt.”

The Corvair rolled to a stop in front of the house. The brothers got out and walked up the creaky front porch stairs and let the front door close slowly. They both knew they were seeing their father alive for the last time.

Inside, Mary Beth wiped Roy’s forehead with a cool wash cloth and then dried the drool from the corners of his mouth again as they watched. Without a word, they hugged their mother and leaned over to kiss their father gently on the forehead.

Chapter 28

“Thaddeus Banks’ railroad was the lifeblood not only of Bankstowne, but of North Carolina. His railroad provided thousands of jobs from Washington, DC to New Orleans.”

Summer 1965

Ann felt tired and sick at her stomach at work. Jerry came in for a big glass of iced tea and to cool down in the air conditioned office. He was finished for the day after cutting the freight car loose from the mainline train and parking it at the loading dock.

“Are you okay, Ann? You look pale. Why don’t you take the rest of today off?”

“No, I’ll be okay. I still have two weeks to go. I just need my iced tea and a kiss from my husband.”

Jerry leaned over to oblige Ann’s request. When his lips touched hers, she screamed and grabbed her stomach. Jerry tried to help her stand up, but the pain was too excruciating.

“What’s wrong?”

“My water just broke.”

Jerry rolled her chair away from her desk and picked her up. The back of her dress was covered with blood and water.

“Marie, call Forsyth emergency room and tell them we’re coming. Ann, put your arms around my neck.” Jerry hurried to his truck, opened the door, and then slid her onto the seat.

“I’m going to leave you in the truck for a second while I go back in and call your mother to let her know what’s going on and where we’ll be.”

“Hurry,” Ann said, grasping his arm. “I think I can make it, but hurry. I don’t want to deliver this baby in a pickup truck.”

An ER nurse was waiting with a wheelchair when Jerry pulled into the Emergency entrance. The nurse whisked Ann into an emergency cubicle to check her vital signs.

Jerry was still holding Ann’s hand and wiping the sweat off her brow. “Dr. Smith is just minutes away. You’re doing just fine, honey.

“Mr. Blackmon, I’m afraid you’re going to have to sit in the waiting room down at the end of the hall,” another nurse said as she escorted Jerry out of the cubicle and drew the curtain shut. “Your wife is in good hands. You’ll be notified as soon as the baby comes.”

Lunch time arrived, but not the baby. Jerry was concerned. What was taking so long? Every time the nurse came out to let Jerry know everything was okay, his heart came up to his throat. She was fully dilated and it would just be a matter of time, the nurse told him.

Jerry found a pay phone back at the ER admitting area and called Alice. “How’s Ricky?”

“He’s worried about his mother, but he’s okay. Don’t worry, everything is under control here. Just let me know as soon as the baby comes. Ricky is excited about having a little baby brother or sister.”

“Thanks, Alice, I will. Give Ricky a big hug for me.” Relieved, Jerry hung up the phone to get back to the waiting room.

On his tenth trip to the vending machines, Jerry looked at his watch; it was almost two o’clock. The machine’s coffee caused a rumble in his stomach, but going to the coffee machine was the only way break his worry cycle.

Dr. Smith came through the double doors from the delivery room just as Jerry returned to the waiting room.

“Mr. Blackmon, your wife has been in labor almost five hours now. The baby is breach and in distress. We’re going to take it by C-Section.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the baby is trying to enter the birth canal backward and I can’t turn it. We need to get the baby out of there as quickly as possible.”

“Sure, whatever is best for Ann and the baby. I just want them to be okay.”

“She’ll be fine. Come this way, she’s asking for you, but only for a minute. Time is crucial,” Dr. Smith said. “This is a procedure I’ve performed many times. Follow me, we don’t have much time.”

Ann’s faint smile greeted Jerry. “Hi, sweetheart.” Her words came slow and a slurred because of the anesthetics.

“Dr. Smith says you’re going to be okay.” He took her hand and stroked it gently. Fighting back tears, he leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead. “I’ll be right here when you come out. I love you.”

Dr. Smith nodded toward the door, Jerry’s cue to head back to his vigil in the waiting area with two other expectant fathers.

“This your first?” a heavyset man from across the room asked. He was holding his young daughter on his lap, who was entertaining herself by taking his pens from one pocket and putting them into another pocket of his bib overalls.

“Yeah, does it show that much? Actually, I have an eight-year-old stepson, but this is my first.”

“Your bloodshot eyes gave you away. How many cups of that nasty machine coffee have you had? If you want some real coffee, go down to the cafeteria. They keep fresh brewed down there all the time.”

“How many kids do you have besides that cute little blonde on your lap?”

“This one?” He held up the kid, who giggled in response. “She has two older brothers. They’re home with Mama. We’re expecting a new little brother or sister pretty soon now, the doc said. I couldn’t help overhearing what your doctor told you about the C-Section. You might as well go to the cafeteria and get something to eat and some decent coffee. It’ll be a while before the delivery’s finished. Your wife will be out of it for a couple of hours. If they come in before you get back, I’ll come get you.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Jerald Stout and this is my daughter, Tracy.”

“Glad to meet your, Jerald. I’m Jerry Blackmon. I think I’ll take your advice, I’m starving. We’ve been here since ten-thirty this morning.”

Jerry’s eyes turned to the double doors from the delivery room hall every time someone came through. This time it was Jerald’s doctor, who appeared and congratulated him on a new baby daughter. Tracy smiled and exclaimed to Jerry, “I have a new baby sister!”

“Congratulations, Jerald,” Jerry said. “You too, Tracy. It’ll be fun having a little sister to play with now.” Jerry watched as they disappear behind the double doors.

Jerry headed for the cafeteria. The shrink-wrapped tuna salad wasn’t too bad. He got some fresh coffee and returned to the waiting room. He was finally relaxed after Dr. Smith told him he performed C-Sections routinely and seldom had any problems.

The big doors burst open, bringing Jerry to his feet. Dr. Smith announced, “Mr. Blackmon, you have a beautiful baby daughter. All her vital signs appear normal and healthy. But, before you go in to see your wife, I want to caution you that her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck.”

“What are you saying? We’ve been trying for three years for this baby. Is she all right?”

“She appears fine. I just wanted to caution you to observe her closely the next few months. Of course, I will be monitoring her at her regular checkups to make sure she’s progressing at a normal pace.”

“Doctor, you’re scaring me. What kinds of things should we be looking for?”

“All babies progress differently and not at the same rate. So don’t start comparing her to every baby you see. Just watch how she responds to your voice and sounds around her. Does she make sounds with her voice, or how her motor skills are developing. Those kinds of things.”

“Did you talk to Ann about this?”

“Yes, but she probably won’t remember much, if anything, of what I said. I’ll explain everything to her when she comes in for her first visit. What you want to tell her is up to you. Come with me, I’ll show you your beautiful little girl. She’ll be in the nursery because Ann is still feeling the effects of the anesthetic. Nurse, will you take Mr. Blackmon to see our newest addition?”

“Follow me please, Mr. Blackmon.” A nurse led the way down the hall to a large window behind which were dozens of cribs.

“Wow, there are so many. Which one’s mine?” Jerry said, peering through the window.

“What’s your baby’s name?” the nurse said with a smile.

“Elizabeth Ann. We named her after my grandmother and my wife. We plan to call her Elizabeth.”

“Elizabeth Ann is a pretty name. I’ll have the nursery attendant bring her up to the window.”

The nursery attendant picked up a tiny bundle wrapped in a pink blanket and brought her to the viewing window.

“She’s so tiny. Hi, Elizabeth, it’s me, your daddy.” Jerry talked as though the nurse was still there and Elizabeth could hear him through the glass “Doesn’t she look beautiful sleeping so peacefully?”

Dr. Smith had shed his scrubs and walked up behind Jerry unnoticed while he talked to his new daughter. “Well, I’m off. That little lady made me miss my favorite dinner. Have a good evening, Mr. Blackmon.”

Elizabeth’s room had been ready for months. Little Ricky helped pick out toys and a blanket for her bed. The walls were a soft yellow to accent her bright yellow bassinet, above which hung a windup mobile with butterflies whose wings flapped to the tune of
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
.

“Let me take Elizabeth upstairs and put her down. You stay down here and catch up some lost time with Ricky.”

“I said I was sore, not helpless,” Ann chided.

Alice and Ricky came into the foyer.

“Enjoy it while you can, dear. It won’t last long,” Alice said and gave her daughter a welcome-home hug.

“Mommy, I have surprise for you. Close your eyes and hold out your hands,” Ricky instructed.

Ann closed her eyes and extended her hands to receive Ricky’s surprise.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now.”

Ann’s eyes widened when she saw a golden necklace with a locket on it. “Ricky . . . It’s beautiful.”

“Open it,” Ricky said, jumping up and down clapping his hands.

Carefully, Ann opened the locket. Her eyes glistened as she looked at the tiny photograph of her and Ricky when she brought him home from the hospital.

“Thank you. That’s the nicest surprise I’ve ever had. Come here, my little man.” Ann leaned over and wrapped Ricky tight in her arms.

“Mommy! I can’t breathe!”

“Okay.” She released her grip. “You run along and play while Nanna and Mommy visit.”

Ricky nodded and went into the living room.

Ann and Alice laughed and hugged again then headed into the kitchen and took seats at the kitchen table. So much had happened since that picture was taken. It was the first time she’d thought about Rick in years. He was out of her life, but not totally out of her conscience.

“I saw those tears. What were you thinking?” Alice asked.

“Just for a second there I thought about Rick and wondered where he is and what he’s doing. I would like to see him some time and explain what happened. He didn’t deserve the treatment I gave him.”

“Listen honey, you have a fine man and a good life. Don’t go dragging up those bad times. Do you hear me?” Alice raised her voice and glared across the table. “You get those thoughts out of your head before Jerry comes back downstairs.”

“I know, I know, but it just wasn’t right. It was my first true love and you never forget that no matter how it turns out. It took a long time to get over him. I just wonder if he has married and found happiness after the way I lied to him and left with no explanation. If you could have seen the look in his eyes that last night . . . I’ll never forget the hurt expression on his face. If I hadn’t come in at that very second, I would have run away with him. I was that close to giving in.”

The sound of Jerry descending the stairs caused Alice to put a finger to her lips. “Shhhh,” she said and grabbed Ann’s hand tightly. “I don’t want to hear any more of that kind of talk. I mean it.”

“Elizabeth’s dry and sound asleep,” Jerry announced as he entered the kitchen.

“What’s for lunch?” Ann asked and jerked her hand from Alice’s grip. “After that hospital food, I’m starved for some home cooking.”

“How does Pizza sound?” Jerry laughed.