Time and Tide
Chapter 2
What began as a chance meeting one Saturday afternoon soon turned into regular meetings for Monica and Lonnie. Often times, they laughed at how they had found themselves right back where they started; sitting on a front porch, sharing their day, and fighting the urge to share themselves with each other physically. Lonnie did indeed talk that first afternoon. And he found that opening up to Monica and once again having her undeserved friendship made it easier for him to deal with Lana. He was gentler with Lana and more understanding. He still wasn't in love with her, but he did try to re-establish a friendship with her in order to make her life more bearable and to provide stability for Will. However, the more yielding Lonnie became, the angrier Lana became. And the angrier Lana became, the more she drank. This was the topic of conversation on the afternoon of Will's third birthday party. Lonnie, Virgil, and Sweet were at Lonnie's home, waiting for Lana and Will to arrive with Bill.
"I don't care what's going on at home, Lonnie. There's nothing right about you getting marital advice from your ex-girlfriend. An ex-girlfriend you're still in love with, by the way." Sweet loved Lonnie like a brother, but he had his own opinion about the entire situation. In Sweet's mind, Lonnie had made his bed, so he should lie in it. End of story.
"I agree. You're just asking for trouble." Virgil added. He and Althea had been divorced for about a year now. About the time that Will was born, Virgil had shared with Lonnie that he fathered a child with another woman before he married Althea; a child that he had chosen not to acknowledge. After his talk with Lonnie, he decided to come clean with Althea. Althea worked hard to accept the affair, but try as she did, she couldn't accept that Virgil had abandoned his child. While she respected him for telling the truth, she just couldn't live with him any longer. She did, however, assist Virgil with mending his relationship with his now 14 year old daughter, who Virgil was now seeing twice a year.
Lonnie laughed at his two friends, who had mended their own broken friendship. "Ya'll think that's strange? Monica wanted Lana to be in our wedding."
"Okay, that's pretty deep. But being around her, talking to her, spending all this time with her…isn't it hard?" Sweet asked.
Lonnie smiled slyly. "Near about all the time!"
The guys lost it and laughed so hard that Sweet spilled his soda. "Seriously," Lonnie began. "It's not like we're having an affair."
"Hold on, Lonnie. As an attorney, I have to tell you that you are indeed having an affair. It's an affair of the heart, but it's an affair just the same. And many divorces have been won based on those grounds," Virgil said.
"You mean to tell me that sitting around talking with a good friend is wrong because she's a woman?" Lonnie couldn't believe that.
"No, it isn't. But, having an emotional relationship with a woman that everyone knows you're still in love with is. And when you add to the pot that she's still in love with you, you can kiss Cordelia Woodlin's inheritance 'good-bye' if Lana finds out."
Virgil knew that Lonnie's great aunt Cordelia passed away last year and left him a huge inheritance. He also knew that Lonnie had never touched a penny of it, yet another sore spot with Lana. Instead, he had created a trust fund for Will. Lonnie had told Virgil that he'd managed to live without her money for 33 years, so there was no need to start depending on it now. But, Virgil also knew that Lonnie could indeed lose control of the assets if Lana sued him for infidelity. And by law, Lonnie would be found guilty.
"She's still in love with me? How do you know that?" Lonnie asked.
Virgil laughed and shook his head. "Let's see…she's young, she's beautiful, she's rich, she's well connected, and the only man she's gone out with since her return is me; and I'm her corporate lawyer."
Sweet was completely exasperated. "Okay. Lonnie, you're married. Stop seeing Monica. Virgil, go back to criminal law and stop playing with contracts all day. There! You're both healed. Now, pass me another soda."
While the guys laughed some more, Lonnie's phone rang. Virgil and Sweet watched Lonnie intensely as his face went blank while he spoke. Finally, Lonnie hung up and said, "Lana's had a car accident. Will was with her."
XXX
Virgil drove Sweet and Lonnie to the hospital. When they arrived, they found Bill Gillespie talking with Parker and Bubba.
"Judging by the skid marks, it looks like she was going along just fine, then all of sudden she just swerved. Kinda like she was trying to miss something." Bubba said.
"Maybe you and Parker ought to have Hamp go out there and help Covey and Luke. Maybe see if there were any witnesses. You know… someone who saw a deer or a dog or something." Bill knew in his heart what really happened, but he still couldn't bring himself to believe it.
Parker knew what really happened as well. He had pulled Lana from the vehicle while Bubba was taking care of Will. And he got a good whiff of what caused the accident.
"Chief? I mean, Sheriff? I don't think a dog or a deer caused this." Parker felt very bad saying it, but Bill had to know the truth. Besides, it would all come out in the accident report anyway.
"And just what are you trying to say, Parker?" Bill's voice was slightly raised and was on the verge of anger.
"He's saying she was drunk, Bill." The three men turned around at the sound of Lonnie's voice. Sweet and Virgil were standing behind him.
Bubba was so shocked by Lonnie's statement that he didn't know what to say. Surprisingly, it was Parker who handled the situation. "Well, if it ain't Virgil and Sweet! Bubba, why don't me and you go catch up with the fellows while Bill and Lonnie, uh, talk?"
Bubba was just as shocked as everyone else that Parker was the voice of reason. However, in this situation, he was more than happy to let Parker handle things. "Sure thing, Parker. Sure thing."
After the four men left, Lonnie addressed Bill again. "How are they?"
Bill sat down and rubbed both sides of his head. "Lana's got a few broken ribs. One of them punctured her right lung. She also has severe head injuries from….where her head went through the windshield." Bill broke down and started to cry.
Lonnie sat down beside of him and tried to give him a few minutes to get himself together. But he couldn't wait any longer. He had to know about his son. "And Will?"
After a few more sobs, Bill looked up and responded. "Will doesn't have the same type of injuries, but he's had a lot of blood loss from fairly large cut across his neck. Dr. Robb says he's almost positive he'll be okay, but he will need a blood transfusion. They're both in surgery now. He…he wouldn't answer me when I asked if Lana's chances were as good as Will's."
As Bill began to cry again, Lonnie felt a dark cloud of despair settle upon him. Once again, he had betrayed a woman who trusted him. And once again, he was being punished for breaking that trust.
XXX
"Oh my God! How are they?" Monica was on the phone with Harriet, who was calling from her car on the way to the hospital. She and Bill had finally gotten married last year. Harriet knew the full story of how Lonnie and Lana ended up married; and she had a feeling that Lonnie and Monica were still spending time together, though to what degree she wasn't sure. But Lana was her step-daughter and she had to remain focused on her family no matter how much she cared about Monica.
"I honestly don't know, Monica. Bill was a wreck when he phoned. All I know is that they're both in surgery."
Monica almost didn't ask her next question, but her emotions wouldn't let her keep it to herself. "Does Lonnie know yet?"
Harriet's heart was breaking for the girl. And while she had always seen Lana for the manipulator that she was, her obligation was to her family. "Yes, Parker called him. If Lonnie's made it to the hospital, then he and Bill are together. And I'm on my way now, so Lonnie will have all the support he'll need."
Monica realized her error and regretted it. She and Harriet had become fast friends, but this was Harriet's family. When Monica suddenly became quiet, Harriet realized that she may have been a little too harsh. "I know that you're worried about him, honey. And I do understand. I'll call you and let you know how he is…when I can."
After Harriet hung up the phone, Monica buried her face in her hands and cried for the man that she still loved.
XXX
When Harriet arrived at the hospital, Parker and Bubba had already left to meet Hamp back at the accident scene. She met Virgil and Sweet at the hospital entrance. After kisses 'hello', Virgil filled Harriet in on what Parker felt had happened.
"Is it likely, Harriet? It's just hard for me to imagine that Lana is an alcoholic." Virgil said.
"Not only is it likely, but it's true, unfortunately. I've been waiting for Bill to finally see the truth about that child. But Lord knows this isn't how I wanted it to come about."
Neither of the men knew what to say to Harriet's comment. She decided to let them off the hook. "Thank you both for being here for my family. I guess I'd better get on in there and check on Bill and Lonnie."
When Harriet reached the waiting room, Bill was sitting in a chair in the corner. She didn't see her son-in-law anywhere. Bill stood up when he saw her and she gave him a long hug. Finally she asked, "Where's Lonnie?"
"He's in with Dr. Robb. Will's going to be all right, but he needs a blood transfusion. Lonnie went back about an hour ago to donate and for Dr. Robb to give him an over view of how the transfusion procedure is going to go. Lana's still in surgery."
At that moment, Lonnie returned to the waiting room. He spotted Harriet and kissed her hello.
"That was quick. You donated already?" Bill was surprised to see Lonnie in the lobby so quickly as Dr. Robb said he'd be gone for several hours and would probably have to be kept overnight.
Lonnie looked haggard, tired, and completely drained. "No, Bill. I didn't donate. I couldn't."
"What do you mean you couldn't?" Bill was an emotionally wreck
"My blood type is wrong. Will's an O+. I'm an AB, so I don't carry an O gene."
Bill started shaking his head. "Now, wait a minute. Something's wrong here. How could Will be an O if you don't carry an O gene at all?"
Lonnie took a deep breath and looked at the man with pity. He thought he would have the strength to answer him directly, but even with their fights about Lana, Lonnie loved Bill. He was the closest thing to a father he'd ever had. And for that reason, Lonnie couldn't answer him. But he didn't have to. Harriet answered for him.
"Good Lord! You're not Will's…."
Before Harriet could finish, Dr. Robb's resident surgeon entered the waiting room. "Mr. Jamison? Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie? I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but Lana didn't make it. Between her head injuries and the damage to her lung there was nothing we could do, although we did try. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Jamison, would you like to see your wife now or would you rather wait until…. later?"
XXX
The news of Lana's death traveled quickly, as well as the news that Will was still in need of a blood transfusion. Dr. Robb's team was going through the hospital records trying to locate someone with the correct blood type, as they didn't have it in their blood bank. Virgil had driven Bill home as the loss of his child had rendered him completely incapable of handling additional stress. Harriet stayed behind with Lonnie to wait with Will. Lonnie was about to leave his son's room to sign papers to release Lana's body to the funeral home when one of Dr. Robb's nurses entered.
"Good news! We found a match for little Will."
Harriet looked up immediately. "Really? Who is it?"
The nurse had lived in Sparta her whole life and was currently dating Parker. So she knew everything about everyone in the little town. When she came across the name in the hospital database, she couldn't believe it. She also couldn't wait to tell Parker. But in the meantime, she had a job to do and a little boy's life was in danger. "It's Monica Styles."
Lonnie and Harriet looked at each for a few seconds, and then Harriet spoke. "I'll go get her."
XXX
When Monica received the call from Harriet, she jumped up, showered, and was waiting on the steps of her front porch within 15 minutes. She thought about everything Harriet had said and was still in shock. Lonnie wasn't Will's father. Of course, Harriet hadn't come right out and said that, but Monica was a certified genius. All she needed to know was both Will and Lonnie's blood types. It takes two O genes to produce a child with an O blood type. And since Lonnie didn't have an O gene at all, it was scientifically impossible for him to be Will's father. She couldn't imagine how Lonnie was feeling right now. But before her thoughts could wander any further, Harriet pulled up and blew her horn.
"We don't have much time. The poor little thing is fighting with everything he's got, but we have to hurry." Harriet barely gave Monica time to shut the door good before she was pulling off again.
"Lonnie's not Will's father, Harriet." Monica said.
"We don't know that for sure, Monica."
"Yes, we do. It isn't possible." Harriet didn't respond to Monica because in her heart, she knew that Monica was right. Monica spoke again. "Do you think Lonnie knew…I mean, before today?"
Harriet didn't feel right about answering. Her step-daughter had just died a few hours ago. Her step-grandchild was slowly dying right now. And her husband was completely falling apart. Harriet took her time, but finally answered. "I honestly don't know Monica. But if he did know, it would explain a lot about his and Lana's marital problems."
Monica didn't say anymore. She did know that her blood type was O-; she found that out three years ago when she was hospitalized for severe fatigue. That meant that she could donate to every blood type. She only hoped that they weren't too late to save Will.
XXX
Everyone close to the Jamison family was taking their turn helping out. Sweet had come back to sit with Will, while Virgil had returned to take Lonnie to the funeral home to sign papers and arrange for Lana's body to be picked up. Bubba had switched places with Virgil and now had Bill with him back at the hospital. The two men were walking down the hall to Will's room when Harriet called to them.
"Bill, we're here. I've got Monica."
Bill looked at Monica but his face held no expression. "I suppose I should thank you for being here. But then, since you're the reason my child started drinking to begin with, saving my grandson is the least you can do."
"Bill!" Harriet knew that her husband was hurting, but she was still shocked that he would say such a thing. Bubba had never been more uncomfortable in his life. He had heard about 10 different versions of the Lonnie/Lana/Monica story, and none of them were all the same. All he did know was that Miss Styles was here to help and he wanted to remove her from this situation before it got real bad.
"Miss Styles, why don't me and you see about finding Dr. Robb, uh?"
After Bubba and Monica left, Harriet addressed Bill. "Honey, I know that you're hurting. But you can't blame Monica for this. Lana was sick, Bill. That's why this happened. And don't forget what we found out earlier, either."
"I should've known you'd believe that Lonnie isn't Will's father. There's been a mistake, that's all. A mistake."
Harriet put her arms around Bill and continued. She hated it, but he had to start facing the truth. "There's been no mistake, Bill. It's medically impossible for Lonnie to be Will's father. You know that. You have to accept it. And you have to stop blaming Lonnie and Monica for decisions that Lana made."
Before Bill could respond, Virgil and Lonnie returned. Bill immediately lit into Lonnie. "Your whore just arrived to save Will. And I want you to know that the thought of her blood running through my grandchild's veins makes me sick! But you don't care about that now that Lana's dead, do you? I bet you can't wait to tell everybody why you couldn't donate for Will's transfusion, can you?"
Virgil had never seen Bill like this and had no idea what was going on. He turned to Lonnie and asked, "What in the world is he talking about?"
Lonnie lowered his head, and then looked up to respond. "I've got a blood disorder, Virgil. Nothing serious, but I can't donate to Will. That's why the hospital had to do a search for another match. Right, Bill?"
Finally, after all of the time and harsh words that had passed, Bill had run out of hateful words for Lonnie. He had spent three years defending his daughter's behavior and being angry with Lonnie and Monica. Now Lana was gone, and the man he had always blamed for ruining her life was protecting her honor and his grandson's name. All Bill could do now was nod his head 'yes' and cry.
Harriet took Bill by the hand and addressed Virgil and Lonnie. "Bubba just took Monica to Dr. Robb to start the procedure as soon as possible. I think Bill and I will sit in the waiting room for a few minutes. Why don't you two go join Sweet and wait with Will? We'll be in as soon as Bill is ready."
XXX
The next day, things looked a little brighter for the Jamison/Gillespie family, even though Lana's funeral would be in two days. The transfusion went well and Will was indeed recovering. Due the amount of blood that she had donated, Monica had been kept overnight for observation. Since there were so many people with Will, Virgil decided to slip out and go visit Monica. When he walked into her room, he had a few surprises.
"Hello, Virgil." Althea smiled at him when she spoke.
"Althea, what are you doing here?"
"Well, when I couldn't get in touch with Monica, I called Harriet. After she told me everything that happened, I decided to fly down and be with her. I figured everyone else would be with Bill and Lonnie."
Just as Virgil was beginning to speak, he heard two loud voices. "Daddy!" Virgil turned around and saw Billy and Sarah barreling into the room.
"Hey guys!" Virgil bent down to give both of his children hugs.
"Guess what?" Sarah asked.
"Sissy's here!" Billy answered.
Sarah was miffed. "That's not fair! Daddy was supposed to guess."
"Hi Dad." Virgil turned around and saw his 14 year old daughter, Michelle, standing at the door. He ran to her, gave her a big hug, and then he turned around and looked at Althea.
Althea shrugged her shoulders and spoke. "Michelle's mother and I have been talking. We decided that the kids needed to know each other better. It isn't right that they only see each other when you have them all in Jackson. Since I'm in Philadelphia now and we all live within driving distance, Michelle's been spending a few days a week with me and the twins."
Virgil smiled tears of joy and hugged Althea. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear.
"Hey, I'm the one in the hospital. Are any of you people going to start talking to me?"
Everyone turned around and saw that Monica had woken up. Althea laughed. "Well, at least something is back to normal!"
"I don't know about normal, but I am awake. Thank you for coming, Althea." Monica said.
Althea sat on the bed and held Monica's hand. Monica then spoke to Virgil. "How is he?"
Virgil, who still his arm wrapped around Michelle, answered. "Not too good, honey. He's worn out, which is understandable. But you know Lonnie. He'll be okay in time."
Monica gave a weary smile. "Time and tide."
Virgil looked confused. "What?"
"Nothing," Monica said. "It's just an old saying about how as time passes the old, it brings new changes. I thought of it when you said he'd be okay in time."
Althea and Virgil accepted her answer and turned their attention to keeping the twins from annoying Michelle to death. Monica gazed out of the window and wondered if time would indeed change the tide enough to get Lonnie past this tragedy.