Sue locked the top lock and sighed. The day had been long and hard and weird and wonderful. She wasn't sure if there was a word to describe the breadth of emotion that she had traveled. Roller coaster, maybe?
Levi had been walked before Jack left for the night so she finished straightening the kitchen, smiling as she remembered their talk about doing dishes. Overall, it was a good day. She felt at peace, like the sky had cleared at last. In the living area, pillows were scattered and she hummed while putting them in place. Levi trotted over and nudged her leg.
"What is it, boy?"
He walked to the door. Sue followed looking to see if Jack had forgotten anything. She shook her head as she unlocked the door and opened it.
"Jack? You're not Jack."
"I'm not Jack," Bobby deadpanned back at her.
Sue closed her mouth and tried not to giggle. Failing, she stepped back and allowed the tall man to enter.
"Lucy home?"
"No, she spent the day at her grandmother's and decided to go to church with her in the morning so she stayed the night."
A slow nod. The Aussie began to pace between the kitchen and living area.
The blonde woman watched for a moment then took a seat on the couch. He would talk when he was ready. Levi lost interest in the goings on and curled up on his pillow. Bobby turned to face her. He wore an unreadable expression, one that startled her, but not as much as when he suddenly reversed and left the apartment.
It took her a few seconds to gather her wits and her shoes. She told Levi to stay and hopped to the door as she pulled on her sneakers. Swinging it open, she ran into a broad chest and landed with a hard bump.
"We've got to stop running into each other like this," she laughed as he helped her to her feet.
Biting his lip, he gave her a sheepish look and apologized. "I'm sorry, sheila. I'm just a little…out of sorts right now."
Sue nodded and grinned at him. "I'll say. How about we try sitting down rather than mad dashing?" At the couch, she sat gingerly, her tail bone a wee bit sore.
Rather than join her, he grabbed a chair, parked directly in front of her and took her hands. "Did I go to far? Did I cross the line making you promise?"
Tilting her head, Sue thought about the question. "No."
"You sound so sure."
"I am. If it were something wrong, I would know here." She pointed to her heart and then her head. "And here, I know that sometimes, I want to do it myself or I think I don't want to bother others. I needed to be reminded that everyone needs help doing hard things and it's okay to ask for it."
"What if I fail?"
"All you can do is the best you can. God expects your best and He takes care of all of it. Last time I checked, we are both human and we make mistakes. Sometimes you can be there and sometimes all you can do is be."
"You sound like Yoda."
At her questioning look, he painstakingly spelled 'Y-O-D-A.'
Sue nodded. "I like him. Do or do not. There is no try." At Bobby's raised eyebrow, she shrugged. "Brothers who liked Star Wars. What can I say?"
He laughed as she wrinkled her nose like the diminutive green alien. "Well, you are definitely wiser than Master Yoda, Sue."
"What? I'm not cuter?" Her mock shock sent him on another round.
He pulled her into a hug, laid his cheek on her head and smiled. She walked with him to the door where they parted. "It's gonna be a ride, eh?"
Shaking her head 'Yes', she said, "Definitely."
Signing 'Thank you', he touched two fingers to his lips and then to her forehead before he left.
Roller coaster, indeed…
scsc
Tending to Levi for the night, she readied for bed and spent a few minutes reading her Bible. Several verses stood out tonight and she savored the chances she had been given to walk the walk. She tuned out the light and pulled up the covers. Counting herself blessed, Sue Thomas smiled as she fell asleep.
THE END
A/N: My thanks to all you who gave me your precious time and read my little tale. That's what every author wants is for someone to read.
My double thanks to those who read and pressed the button to leave a message. After being read, every author craves feedback and I appreciate yours. Pryrmtns, jesus-chick, Kate, ryn, tehroyalfoshizzleness, pikados, shiawase, (confused) Person and aubreys-mom. You guys rock!
At last we are at the final reveal. Hector (Wreck), James (SE) ,
Shana, Block, Jaye, Flint, Beach, Sgt. Hauser, Gen. Abernathy, Doc,
Polly and the gang are on loan from GI Joe. I set them in an
alternate universe with Sue and crew because the Joe characters are
just that, great characters to mix it up. Mara and Althea were
adapted to fit the story. I'Lee and Brinn are original (not many
nurses in the Joe world).
The next story in the series focuses mainly on Hector with several chapters concerning Sue and James relationship. I will post it if you are interested in reading it.
Again, thanks for reading my little tale. It's been fun.