Free Creighton's Hideaway by LoRee Peery Page A

hand, Shana gazed out the window over the sink in Creighton’s home. She pictured Rita seated behind her desk at the youth center since the call was answered mid-ring.
    “Hi, little mommy, how’re you doing?”
    “Feeling bigger every day.” Rita laughed. “Are you doing OK? Is my brother treating you to his moods yet?”
    “Oh, he’s treating me all right. I barely beat him in a hot game of Scrabble last night.”
    “If I know Creigh, there will have to be a rematch,” Rita paused.
    Shana let it go and asked, “So, how’s work?”
    “Well, that’s why I wanted you to call. I don’t really know what’s going on. We’re down to seven kids in our program. One staff person on nights has found another job and one of our day staff has just given notice.”
    “Is there talk about my absence? Do you think I need to come back now?” Shana folded her arm across her stomach and supported the elbow holding the weight of the phone.
    “We assistant managers are doing all right with your tasks divided among us. We miss you, though. I know this sounds crazy, but one of the kids thought he saw you in the parking lot earlier.”
    “Somebody conjured me up, huh?”
    “Like I said, they miss you. Libby especially.” Rita’s voice turned serious, “I just wanted you to know things don’t feel the same around here without you.”
    “Rita, I’ll rely on your judgment. I’m really just starting to relax enough to concentrate on my paper. But if you think I should return, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
    “Sounds like a plan. I’ll put out some feelers and let you know of anything weird going on. Guess we can manage without you for a few more days.”
    “OK, back to you, momma. What’s new with baby plans?”
    “I have an ultrasound scheduled for next week, so hope to share a picture.”
    The weight of the old cordless telephone surprised Shana when she lowered her free hand to rest over the flat space between her own hipbones.
    “You plan to find out if it’s a he or a she?”
    “Nope, just Baby Love for now.”
    The friends shared a laugh. It was Shana’s turn to be serious. “I like your brother. I keep thinking I should give him something for letting me stay here.”
    “You’re giving yourself, kiddo. I can tell he enjoys your company.”
    “The feeling is mutual.”
    “Just one more thing. If you need a change of clothes I have some things in my old room. I’m sure we’re the same size.”
    “For a little while, anyway.” They shared another laugh.
    Rita ended the call by asking her to extend sisterly love to Creighton.
    Shana glanced around the large room and took a few steps closer to the sofa. She returned her hand to her hollow abdomen and looked down the hall towards the bedrooms.
    Would a future baby someday be conceived in this home?
    Would she ever know the joys of motherhood?
    She found Rita’s room and took note of the offered clothing before heading outside, but decided to investigate the fit later. “Back to the world of finishing life as a student.”
    She opened the door.
    The fog had cleared.
    Damp air surrounded her as well as birdsong. “I wish I felt like singing. What could be going on at work that we’ve lost half our clients?” And good staff , she thought as she walked.
    In her cabin, Shana looked over her notes and clarified a few sentences. But her mind wasn’t on the task, so she grabbed a bottle of water and went down the back deck steps. The day had turned humid and warmer. At the base of an ash tree, she grabbed a thick tapered walking stick for balance for when the contours of the land changed.
    Shana strode onward, lost in the calm beauty of her surroundings. How much of the scenery belonged to Creighton?
    A dove cooed. The breeze caressed her cheek. A hawk soared low, its wing tips curled. Once she had left the cabin, man intruded. The sky wasn’t blue enough to trace the contrail, but she heard the thunder of the distant jet engines. She had heard people