Free Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans Page B

Men never want to just be friends. And if he does, then you should really worry.”
    â€œThat’s what I told him.”
    â€œGood, you’re not completely numb.” She touched my hair. “When was the last time you got a cut?”
    â€œFive weeks ago.”
    â€œIt’ll pass. So here’s what you do. After dinner, get a coffee to go, drive up Millcreek Canyon and just sit in the car and talk.”
    â€œWhy don’t we just get a coffee at the restaurant?”
    â€œThis isn’t about food, it’s about strategic placement.”
    I held up my hands. “Stop right there. This isn’t about strategic anything. I have no place in my life for complications. If he can carry a conversation, we’re fine. If not, then lucky me, I dodged a bullet.”
    Roxanne sighed. “Okay, fine. You’re right. Boring as all get out, but right. What time is he coming over?”
    â€œSeven.”
    â€œJan will be over at 6:45. And I expect a
full
report in the morning.”
    â€œThat I can do. Now let me work, boss.”
    â€œOkay, okay.” As she walked back out front, she shouted after me, “Remember, full report.”
    I smiled.
I love that woman.

    Jan arrived around six-thirty. I had just gotten out of the shower when Charlotte let her in. I came out wrapped in a towel.
    â€œHi, Mrs. C.” Jan was dressed in a maroon baby-doll dress with black tights and a denim jacket.
    â€œI’m sorry,” I said. “I thought I said seven.”
    â€œYou did,” Jan said brightly, “I’m off the clock until seven. You know, I just love hanging with my Char.”
    â€œThanks, honey. I made Charlotte some Ramen noodles for dinner. I’ll be in the bathroom getting ready.”
    I went back and got dressed then started on my makeup. It had been a while since I’d put that much time in at the mirror and it made me happy. It felt good to feel pretty again. I was putting on my mascara when I heard Jan scream, “Mrs. Cardall! Mrs. Cardall!”
    I dropped my mascara and ran out to the kitchen. Charlotte was lying on the kitchen floor shaking. Her eyelids were fluttering and her body stiffening. Jan was kneeling beside her, pale as milk. I dropped to Charlotte’s side. “She’s having a seizure. Call 911!”
    Jan popped up and ran to the phone while I held Charlotte’s shoulders. “Honey, it’s Mom.”
    â€œIt’s 911,” Jan said. “What’s your address?”
    â€œTwenty-four twelve Oakhurst,” I said, “tell them to hurry!”
    Jan repeated the address. “They want to know what’s happening.”
    â€œShe’s having a seizure.”
    â€œThey want to know if she’s had one before?”
    â€œNo. What do I do?” I said, trying to stay calm.
    â€œWhat do we do?” Jan turned back. “Roll her to her side.”
    Charlotte suddenly went limp. “Charlotte!” I screamed to Jan, “Tell them she passed out. Do I need to hold her tongue?”
    She repeated my words into the phone. “Is she still breathing?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œDon’t put anything in her mouth. They say she’ll be all right. Put something soft under her head.”
    I took off my sweater, rolled it up and put it under her head. A moment later Charlotte moaned, then began to move. I said to her softly, “Honey, can you hear me?”
    She looked up at me and began to cry.
    I cupped Charlotte’s face. “I’m here, sweetheart. I’m here.”
    I heard the wail of a siren coming down our street.

Fear thrives best in the shadow of the unknown.
    Beth Cardall’s Diary
    It was shortly after 10 P.M ., and I was sitting next to Charlotte in her hospital bed when Roxanne arrived. Charlotte had been calm and sleeping for nearly an hour. Roxanne put her hand on my shoulder as she looked at Charlotte. “Praise God,” she said softly. She