The Improbable (31 page)

October 1950

T
he
day had finally come.

           
It was the day I would finally be able to get out of the state of Illinois and
go live on my own! In the days leading up to my move, Mama and I had been
unbelievably busy to the point where we were barely home! If we weren’t packing
up all of our belongings then we were moving a great deal of them into storage.
If we weren’t dealing with my belongings then I was helping her reorient the
layout of the offices and cleaning at Ace Cigars, preparing the building for a
reopening. I had no time for anything and next thing I knew, it was time for me
to leave. Throughout the whole morning my nerves had been making me jittery; I
had to calm myself down and make sure I had everything I needed and did
everything that I needed to do before I left for the airport.

           
“Eva, honey, the mailman is here! Are you ready?” Mama called from the bottom
of the staircase.

           
“Uh yeah, I’ll be right down Mama!” I shouted down. I asked my mother to notify
me when the mailman arrived so I could have him drop my letter off in David’s
mailbox. Writing the letter hadn’t been easy, in fact it was quite an emotional
thing for me to do. Yet, I felt I’d done the right thing in letting him know I
was going out to try and start a new stage in my life. I hadn’t talked to David
in a long while so I didn’t know how he would react to me leaving…I didn’t even
know if he cared. I would say I was a bit upset that he hadn’t made any effort
to contact me in the weeks following Chris and his father’s deaths, but I also
knew he was beyond my helping so maybe I couldn’t blame him. Or could I? I
didn’t want to argue with myself about it, I decided it was best to just let
his grief run its course.

           
The reality of my situation began to hit me as I looked over my shoulder at my
empty room. I smiled to myself as I remembered all the nights my friends and I
spent in my room gossiping and making each other laugh until we cried. I also
remembered the times I would stay up late reading
Giada
and the even
later nights when I would keep myself up by thinking about the days I’d spent
with David. Though the times were over, they made for the most cherished
memories I had by far. Knowing I was only going to torture myself, I crossed
the room and kneeled on my bay window to peer out at David’s house through the
trees, just one last time. Since autumn was approaching there was a scarcity of
leaves on the trees, making it easier for me to see through to his house.
Immediately upon catching sight of no car in his driveway, my mind began to
race! Where was he? Was he still alive? Was he doing better? I needed answers!
Oh I knew I shouldn’t have looked out the window!

           
“Eva, you’re friends are here let’s go! And I can’t hold the mail man up
forever!” Mama shouted.

           
I bit my lip and shook my head, realizing it was too late to get answers. I forced
myself to back away from the window and headed down the stairs in a rush,
busting out the front door to catch the mailman. “Wait!” I yelled before he got
situated back in his truck. “Wait,” I breathed when I reached him. I held the
letter out to him, “It’s not far. I need this to be delivered to the house on
the next street as soon as possible.”

           
The mailman smiled at me and nodded. “Will do, Mrs. Hutchinson.”

           
I breathed a sigh of relief and backed away. “Thank you, have a nice day sir.”

           
“Eva you have us
waitin
’ out here and then you have
the audacity to run right past us?” Kate asked.

           
I whirled around to see Rita, Sarah, and Yvonne sitting in Kate’s convertible
with Kate out of the car with her hands on her hips and eyes squinted at me. A
giant grin danced its way across my face as I made my way over to them. “I’m so
glad you guys are here!” I bent down and gave them hugs.

           
“Wouldn’t miss seeing you off for the world,” Sarah told me.

           
“Oh I know you guys wouldn’t!” I gushed, loving how they never let me down.

           
“So
whaddya
say we get this show on the road?” Yvonne
honked the horn.

           
“Your mom wouldn’t mind if you rode with us, would she?” Rita asked.

           
I shook my head. “Of course she wouldn’t mind me taking a joy ride with y’all
just one last time.”

           
“Eva, dear, you have everything? I’ve checked your room, the bathroom, the
living –” Mama came out on the porch, clearly stressed.

           
I half-smiled at her warmly. “Mama, I’ve got everything. I’m good to go. I’m
gonna
ride with the girls if that’s okay with you.”

           
She looked as if she wanted to protest but she nodded in agreement anyways.
“Alright darlin’, you all drive safe and I’ll meet you there.”

           
“Thanks Mama,” I kissed her on the cheek before I excitedly took my seat in
Kate’s car with the rest of my friends. “Ladies, we are outta here!”

I
pulled up to the police station, ready to finally return to work after a month
of being gone.

           
I felt
confident
. I was the new Chief of Police dammit! Looking up at
the building with my hands on my hips, I smiled to myself knowing that I was
ready to make my father proud. I reached in my back seat and pulled out the box
of belongings I had gathered from my father’s house; I wanted to put most of
the pictures in my office since that was where I’d be most of the time. People
smiled at me as I made my way through the lobby and that only boosted my mood
even more, I was actually…
happy
to be back! Initially, I thought all the
feelings of rage toward Clayton and sadness over my father would come running
back to me, but I was at peace. It was a great feeling.

           
“It’s nice to have you back,” the secretary on my floor told me with a grin.

           
I nodded at her and smiled. “It’s great to be back.”

           
“Your new office is right this way, sir.” She stood and directed me.

           
As I followed my new secretary, I felt more assertive with each step. This was
my new life.
I
was in charge. With that thought, my chest puffed out a
bit more and I stood up taller. It was going to be a nice thing to get used to.
I arrived at my office and thanked her for directing me.

           
“Any time you need anything, don’t be afraid to call.” She looked up at me with
big, round, light brown eyes. I could see she was trying to be suggestive and
sexy when she half-smiled. I figured since I had shaved and cut my hair I was
looking like a new man! Though the secretary enhanced my ego, she was no
Eva-Marie. I made a mental note to be sure that I move her off of my floor.

           
“Will do,” I said curtly before shutting my office door on her. I looked around
and breathed a sigh of relief.

It
finally felt as if I was where I was meant to be. There were still a few things
that felt off, but it was nice being in a place that my father put so much
energy into. It was almost if he was standing right there next to me. I set the
box down and began unloading the pictures of my parents and my friends. I
pulled the Bible out and saw the small white box at the bottom. I opened it to
take a look at the ring once again before shoving the box into my pocket.
Sighing, I took my seat and pulled out the mail I picked up before leaving for
work. I nearly skipped through all of my mail until I saw an envelope from
Eva-Marie. My hands began sweating immediately and my heartbeat picked up
speed. Not being able to handle the anticipation of what was inside, I ripped
through the envelope! My eyes scanned the paper, reading in record time:

To my love,

I haven’t had the chance to speak to you in the
past few

Weeks but I surely hope you’re doing better than
the

Last time I saw you. So you know, this past month
has

Been tremendously difficult for me. I feel as if I
need to get

Away to start a new chapter in my life so that I
can be happy

Again. This is nothing against you, if things were
to go my way

I would still be with you but I know that you’re
dealing with issues

Of your own. Today, I am scheduled to leave on a
plane to a new

Destination where I will start with a clean slate.
I will miss you dearly

As you know you’re the absolute love of my life. I
never wanted things

Between us to end this way as I wish I could have
your input on

My new journey and hear all that you’d have to say
about it. However

Even though I didn’t discuss it with you, I know
you’d be proud of me and

Wish me well. I wish you nothing but the best and
I want you to know

The love between us will never die no matter how
long we’re apart.

I will never forget you my love. I hope you do the
same.

Forever yours,

Eva-Marie

           
It felt as if someone had cut off my oxygen supply. My eyes had doubled in
size, my heart rate doubled in pace, and I was now standing up staring at the
letter on my desk in complete and utter shock. I shook my head slowly and
scanned over the letter once more. No! It couldn’t be true! I looked around
frantically, desperate to know what I could do in such a situation.

           
“Sir, I told you I’m going to have to check and see if you have –” My
secretary’s voice sounded worried as she argued with someone outside my door.

           
“I said I’m his best friend I don’t need your permission, lady!” Timmy yelled
at her and barged into my office.

           
She looked to me with a helpless expression. “I tried to –”

           
I held my hand up. “It’s fine.” I nearly blew up on her because I didn’t know
how else to express my anger.

           
“I told you,” Timmy smiled tightly at her before slamming the door in her face.
We caught sight of each other and stared with confused looks on our faces. He
looked as if he’d just got done running across the country and I’m sure he was
wondering why I was damn near hyperventilating.

           
I began to grow angry. His girlfriend was best friends with Eva and he was
going to act like he didn’t know Eva was leaving? “Did you know? Did you!” I
shouted, picking up the letter and throwing it back down on the table.

           
“Know what?” Timmy’s eyebrows furrowed and he held his hands up defensively.

           
“That Eva’s leaving town! I just read the letter!” I exclaimed.         

           
His eyes widened. “That’s what I just raced across town to tell you! Kate only
told me this morning!”

           
I shook my head, “No! I have to get to her, I’m not letting her go! When does
her plane leave?”

           
Timmy looked down to check his watch quickly. “About forty-five minutes. We
still have time brother, I’m here to help you.”

           
“Get me to the airport. Now.” I growled.

After
making sure I had absolutely everything I needed from my office, Timmy and I bounded
to the elevator and bolted through the lobby. I threw Timmy the keys to my car,
trusting him to weave through traffic at record speed better than myself. With
every passing minute it felt as if I was dying because I feared I wouldn’t make
it in time. I couldn’t let her go. I wanted her in my life forever! I wasn’t
quite sure if my plan was going to work but she was worth the try. She was
worth
everything
. Timmy was quiet and focused with his mouth pressed
into a straight line as he artistically maneuvered his way through the other
cars on the road. I nearly fainted when we ran into traffic on the interstate.
You’re
not going to make it
, a negative voice in my head told me over and over. I
refused to believe it. I had made it too far to give up and let go! I would do
every single thing in my power to intercept Eva-Marie from the plane that was
going to only-God-knows-where.

           
“It’s right off of this next exit, brother. You’re going to make it. Trust me.”
Timmy assured me.

           
His words only calmed me down slightly. It had been at least twenty minutes,
she had to be on the plane at that point! I nervously pushed my hair back and
looked around at the stationary traffic. Timmy noticed me about to die in the
passenger seat.

           
“You’d better be glad you’re a cop,” Timmy shook his head and looked around
nervously. He turned out of traffic and began driving along the shoulder of the
highway! I checked my watch and saw that we still had about ten minutes but it
only felt like two! I patted my pocket to make sure I still had what I needed.
Finally, we took the exit and were immediately introduced to the bustling lanes
of the airport. Numerous cars honked and yelled at Timmy as he cut across the
lanes to get close to the curb.

           
“Look out for any signs of her,” He told me.

           
And so I did, I kept my eyes peeled, looking through the faces on the inside
and outside of the building. Face after face, I saw no one that indicated she
was there. Not her mother. No Kate. No Yvonne. No Sarah. No Rita. No one. A
part of me dreaded the thought of being too late. I was getting fed up easily,
time was
not
on my side!

           
“Just pull over, I’ll get out and go inside.” I snapped at Timmy.

           
Timmy parked the car on the curb. “I’m coming with you.”

           
It felt good to be on my feet; sitting in the car made it feel as if I wasn’t
doing all I could do to get to her! Now, it was time to make sure she didn’t make
that flight! Timmy and I burst through the doors of the airport and looked
around.

           
“You see anybody?” I asked.

           
“Uh,” Timmy whirled around. “Down there! There’s Kate!”

           
We dashed down to Eva’s group of friends who were all gathered around Mary.
“Where is she?” I asked immediately, ignoring their gasps.

           
“Oh my God,” Mary covered her mouth in awe.

           
“You’re only seconds late.” Kate sighed and shook her head. “We just finished
arguin
’ with the check-in clerk who wanted to pull the
negro
card on Eva-Marie. All was well after I told her my
daddy had a part in this airline. Any who, you just missed her. She’s on her
way down to the gate...I’m sorry, David.” She looked at me with an expression
full of pity.

           
“How long ago?” I demanded.

           
“Only about two minutes.” Kate told me.

           
“You still have time,” Mary put her hand on my shoulder and looked me in the
eye. She nodded, “Go.”

           
Feeling as if I had her blessing, I took off toward the stairs. I didn’t know
if I they were all following. I didn’t know if I would make it in time. I
didn’t know if Eva would want to speak to me.

           
All I knew was that I was doing everything I could to get my Eva-Marie back.