Free Plan by Linda; Lyle Page B

one hand at her throat.
    â€œOh, Randy. It’s just you. You scared me half to death.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” he apologized. “I didn’t mean to scare you. What’s so engrossing that you can’t hear footsteps?”
    â€œRead it for yourself.” It was a notice of demolition to be completed in less than a week. “What are we going to do?” She looked at him, pleading with him to give her the answer she needed. More than anything, he wished he could help her, but he was fresh out of ideas.
    â€œI honestly don’t know, Rachel. Maybe there’s nothing we can do.”
    â€œBut what about my students?”
    â€œWhat about them? What are they doing now?”
    â€œI’m not sure. I’ve been so busy trying to save the building that I haven’t kept in touch.” As she stood thinking, the wind blew her hair around her face. His hand itched to push the wayward strand behind her ear, to run his fingers through the length of it, to kiss the frown from her lips. Just then, she looked up and they were connected for one moment by an unseen force. It lasted only a moment before she turned away. He cleared his throat.
    â€œMaybe you should talk to your students and see what they need. Maybe they don’t need this building at all.”
    She looked at him, and he could see the spark again in her eyes. “It’s a place to start anyway. I’m not doing any good standing out here.”
    â€œMe either. I guess I should get back to work.” She nodded and headed back toward her apartment. She had only gone a few yards before she turned back.
    â€œRandy!” She paused. “Thanks.” She gave a little wave and then took off at a run. He gave a halfhearted wave and whispered, “You’re welcome.” Then he headed back to the samples. He seemed to remember a paint sample the color of the sky on an autumn day. Just like Rachel’s eyes.

fourteen
    Rachel hung up the phone and stared at the receiver. That was call number ten and it was all the same. Every student she contacted was involved in other activities, either at church or at the library. None of them seemed upset or distressed by the closing of the Center. Of course, they all thanked her for her help, but they didn’t seem lost without her. Rachel continued to stare at the receiver for several more minutes. The ringing of the phone shook her out of her reverie.
    â€œHello.”
    â€œHi, dear.” Rachel almost groaned aloud when she recognized the voice. She just couldn’t handle this right now.
    â€œHi, Mom,” Rachel replied. “What’s up?”
    â€œDoes anything have to be up for me to call my only child?” Her mother’s voice took on that martyr’s tone Rachel knew so well.
    â€œNo, Mother,” Rachel said with a sigh. “I just figured you had a reason for calling, that’s all.”
    â€œI just wanted to check and see how you were getting along since the tornado. Is everything okay at work?” To give her a little credit she did sound concerned. Rachel twisted the phone cord around her finger.
    â€œI’m fine. They’re going to demolish the Center, but my students all seem okay with it. I don’t know what Susan’s going to do, but I’m sure she’ll find another job.”
    â€œOf course she will. She’s a smart girl.” Her mother sounded cheerful, but a little stiff, as if she was forcing the words out.
    â€œMother, is there something in particular you wanted to talk about?”
    â€œWell, yes, but I don’t want to start fighting again.” Rachel tightened the cord around her fingers, waiting for the punch line. “I gave Dale your address. Now, don’t start yelling. He wants to apologize, to make it up to you for last time. Why don’t you give him another chance?”
    Rachel could feel the cord cutting off her circulation. “I gave him another chance,