Free Along Came Love by Rita Hestand

maybe I would…give into
it, but it's not. It's some kind of weird chemistry, that's all. I
go to mush when he's around, and my tongue isn't my own. I'm a
complete shrew around him. What can I do?"
    "Stop being a shrew." Her mother waved a hand
and laughed. "Quit fretting about it. It's very natural. And it
does me good to see you taking interest again."
    "Taking interest?" Samantha stared at her
mother. "Mom I just signed the divorce papers a few weeks ago. The
ink hasn't had time to dry on that relationship."
    "Oh now, Samantha, Pete was history long
before those papers arrived and you know it. It was a mistake, but
now you have a new chance. Just because Pete was a mistake, doesn't
mean Jake is. Just because you and Pete didn't make it doesn't mean
you can't make a wonderful marriage with someone else." Her mother
hung up another dress laying another on the bed and then sat on the
edge of the bed to watch her.
    "Oh now Mom, you aren't getting your hopes up
about Jake are you?" Samantha
    watched her mother closely, knowing the
answer as she studied her face. "You are…"
    "I'm hopeful, yes… " She shrugged. "So sue
me, I like Jake. I always have. I remember how it was falling in
love. A woman never gets too old to remember."
    "If Jake's avoided marriage this long, he's
not about to go for it now." she cried aloud. "If he ever found out
I'd cared for him all this time, I'd die, Mom." She cried looking
at her dress in the mirror.
    "Why dear? I think he'd be flattered."
    "Because, he might guess how I really feel,
and that would be…just so embarrassing."
    "Not if he felt the same way…" Her mother
patted her arm, to console her.
    "But he doesn't."
    "Are you so sure?" Her mom furrowed her
brow.
    "Yes Mom, of that I am sure. Oh, I'm so
selfish, sitting here worrying about something so silly, when you…"
Her words stopped almost soon enough.
    "Love is never foolish dear. And I have a
feeling there is more to this than meets the eye. Try to control
your mouth, and let nature takes its course." Her mother smiled
gently at her. "And quit fretting about me. I have cancer, but I’m
not dead yet. We've moved back home now, and I have a ton of
friends I can call on. I've gotten reacquainted at the church the
other day, and have a few plans of my own, you know."
    "Of course you aren't dying. I didn't mean to
infer. I just worry about you so," Samantha cried again. "The chemo
has made you so much weaker. But I have to admit, I am so proud of
your attitude, Mom. I am proud of you in every way. I wish I had
your courage. I wish I had your grit. If I did, it might be easier
to get along with Jake."
    "Thanks. I decided when I was told that I
could mope and feel sorry for myself, or I could buck up and get
real. But it's better than it was years ago. Now they have medicine
that helps with the nausea. And they can give me things when my
blood count goes down, to bring me back up. It's tolerable at
least. And I'm gaining strength every day. I have every reason to
live to a ripe old age."
    "You are such a brave woman. I only hope I
can be like you." Samantha cried and hugged her mother to her. "I
love you, mama."
    "I know kitten, and I'd love to see some
grandchildren."
    "Grandchildren?" Samantha's face went
white.
    "Well stop worrying. I'm fine for now, and
God will take care of me when the time comes." Her mother patted
her on the arm. "You know, I noticed Jake at church this past
Sunday. Did you see him?"
    "Yes, he seemed absorbed though, he didn't
see me." Samantha said glancing out the patio door.
    "I noticed that too. I like that young man."
Her mother smiled. "He's in law, he goes to church and he loves his
family, what's not to love about him?"
    "You are a hopeless romantic…." Samantha
managed to laugh, and leaned to hug her mother. "You know Mom, I
need you, I need your wisdom, your guidance, and…your sense of
humor."
    "I'm not going anywhere, yet, dear. Now don't
fret about that invitation. Just go, and enjoy yourself.