Second Chance

LHOP inspired fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Part 8

Mary had spent the past two weeks trying to master sewing. Every time she struggled with a stitch she thought of Laura. Her sister had always been so jealous of how straight and even Mary's stitches used to be. What would her sister say if she could see her now?

A hand touched Mary's shoulder. "Yes Adam?" Mary whispered trying not to disturb the rest of the class.

"Can you come help me a minute?" Adam asked in a low voice.

Mary got up and followed him. They entered another small classroom where the students were learning to read. Adam explained that one girl was having trouble remembering her Braille letters. He asked Mary to help her.

"Jenny, this is Mary Ingalls."

"Hello Mary."

"Hello Jenny," Mary said with a smile.

"I thought Mary could sit with you and review the alphabet."

"Would you like that Jenny?" Mary asked.

"I sure would."

Adam went back to the rest of the class. Every once in a while Mary heard Adam's voice and footsteps coming towards them, but he never interrupted. Mary wondered what he was up to.

After class ended, Jenny and Mary talked for a few minutes. Mary found out that Jenny played the piano and to return the favor Jenny agreed to play something for her. They made their way to the music room. Mary had taken her first steps after going blind in that room. Adam told her to walk with confidence to where he stood. When she got there, Adam grabbed her hand.

"See, it's not that bad," he had said.

She was too busy arguing with him about how pointless it all was to notice her hand in his. But lately, every time they touched, even if by accident, Mary made a point to remember it.

"Well there you are ladies," Adam said as he walked in. "I could recognize your playing a mile away Jenny."

"Thank you Mr. Kendall."

"I have to go help with the baking now Mary."

"Thanks Jenny."

"I'll see you later Mary. Bye, Mr. Kendall."

Adam took a seat on the piano bench next to Mary. "Do you play any instruments?"

"No. I tried to learn once…but it ended badly."

"What were you all thumbs?" laughed Adam.

"No, the man I was taking lessons from was addicted to morphine." Adam's face turned serious at the revelation. "He had been injured in the war. He always acted strangely; happy one minute then angry the next. He even yelled at me once for not playing something right."

"What happened?"

"He died."

"I'm sorry Mary, I had no idea. I wouldn't have made light of it otherwise."

"It's alright." Mary hesitated. She was uncomfortable with Adam so close. She thought he might hear her heart racing. "That's why I've put off music class. I know we're expected to learn an instrument, but I haven't tried since then."

"I can talk to Mr. Nash about it if you like."

"No…no I don't want any special treatment. I'll get by it."

"I know you will."

"Adam…do you think blind people forget what their family looks like? I mean…over time, does your mind erase the pictures of people that you carry around with you to stay connected to the outside world?"

"What makes you ask?"

"All this talk of music reminds me of how much I miss my Pa playing the fiddle. I could listen to it for hours. And when Pa plays happy songs, his blue eyes sparkle." Mary paused. "I know I'll hear his fiddle again once I'm home, but I'll never see that look in his eyes again. I can imagine it now…but what if I forget it? What if…what if my family becomes just a bunch of faceless people?" Mary held back her tears.

"That's not going to happen Mary."

"How do you know? How can you be sure?"

"Because you carry those memories inside you. They won't fade away as long as you hold onto them."

"It's strange; I'm worried about forgetting what my family looks like, but I've never seen anyone here. What memories of the people here am I going to have when I leave? Even you, what memories of you will I have to hold on to Adam? I've never even seen you."

"So look at me." Adam took Mary's hands and placed them on his face. She ran them over his forehead, his nose and his mouth and chin. The tears that Mary had been fighting began to flow.

"What color is your hair?"

"Brown."

"And your eyes?"

"Blue."

"Thank you Adam," Mary whispered.

There was silence and Mary used the moment to wipe away her tears.

"What do you look like Mary?"

It had never occurred to her that Adam was blind. She always assumed he was sighted. As she lifted his hands to her face, Mary knew why Adam always seemed to understand her fears. He had experienced them too.

Mary was sure he noticed how quick she was breathing as he touched her and Mary found that the pace of Adam's breathing had increased too. Adam cupped Mary's chin in his hand and leaned towards her. A few inches from her face, he stopped. She felt the warmth of Adam's breath. He kissed her and whispered, "Thank you, Mary."