Zoe was finally herself again. It had taken months to find a transfer within Family Practice. All this time she thought that following her Heart Surgeon of a father would make him see what a good daughter she was. She was happy. She had a steady flow of people to see each day and she was respected within the community. In fact this little town loved that she came from New York, most of the townies would ask her about New York and if she would ever live there again. Truth be told she loved New York, and would visit on the holidays, but her heart belonged to Bluebell. She missed Rose, Lavon, George, Addie, and in some ways she missed Lemon. But there was someone in the town of Bluebell who she was going to give her heart to and well Wade took it from her, threw it to the ground and stomped on it just so he could go and get some malt liquor to please Joelle.
I was tired. Bone tired, I was tired of defending myself against the whole town as to I know the whole reason Zoe left. Hell even Joelle is pissed at me for stringing her along just so I could get under Zoe's skin. This bimbo was not worth it. And the sad part is not one of the other bimbos wanted anything to do with me.
I had done nothing but think over everything that I said to Zoe, and what others had said to me since the Sweetie Pie dance. The 100 bucks was worth it, just for the fact that I could have had a chance with Zoe had I actually listened to what she had said that night not just through it back in her face. Rose was right I made Zoe look like an idiot. No wonder she had left.
There was one person in this town who still talked to me and still was talking to Zoe. The trick was to get Lavon to tell me where Zoe was so that I could apologize to her and get this town to start talking to me again. Again I now know why Crazy Earl drinks and why he feels that no one understands.
It has almost been a year since the last Sweetie Pie dance I was determined to get Zoe Hart to attend this one. Now all I had to do was get Lavon on board with this plan.
I sat in Lavon's kitchen waiting for him to come home. I had my speech already and I just needed him to hear me out. Deep down I think that he wants me and Zoe to get together. I really hope because this apology is long overdue to Zoe. "Hey Lavon! I was wondering if you had a few minutes to talk." I asked as Lavon entered his kitchen. "Sure, what can Lavon do for you?" answered Lavon.
"Well after a lot of thinking and debating and plain old laziness I feel like I need to apologize to Zoe. I know it has almost been a year, but I was in the wrong and I have come to realize that the bimbo that night was not worth stomping over Zoe's feelings and throwing them back in her face. But the 100 bucks as only for the fact that I finally had a chance with her and I blew it, I know I screwed up and don't deserve her, but I would like the town to talk to me again. You and Rose were right, the few people that Zoe had in her corner where powerful enough for me to lose all conversation with anyone in this town. Hell if it weren't for you or George I'd have no one in this town. Over the past year I have learnt many things, but one of the most valuable lessons I learnt was what it is like to be Crazy Earl. And I don't want to be Crazy Earl's son in that way. You know last month I thought of joining him on his monthly ritual. The only thing that stopped me was the fact Zoe once said I was heroic for climbing roofs and bringing him down. She was and is the only one who has some belief in me that I won't turn into him. So I am asking if you could tell me where she is so I can go and do what I should have done a year ago." I stated, not once looking Lavon in the eyes. I was afraid that if I saw his reaction I would never find out where she was and have the chance to say sorry.
"If I tell you... and you mess this up again. You better come back only to pack your bags and move elsewhere. Because once the town hears of this they are going to be all over you. Bluebell may not admit it, but they miss that fast talking New York doctor with her short shorts. But I don't know where she is. All I know that is she is in some small town that harbours in America. That is all she ever tells me. I really don't think Rose knows either, but not that she'd tell you anyways. Your best bet would be, and I can't believe that I am saying this but. Go and talk to Lemon. Before Zoe left here and Lemon had lunch and Lemon was the last person anyone talked to in Bluebell. Good luck Wade, you are going to need it." Lavon said as he left the kitchen to go and play a video game.
Before I knew what was happening I was standing in front of the Tucker's residence asking if Lemon was home. George gave me a knowing smile and invited me in and told me to wait in the living room as Lemon would be right in. "About time you showed up. I was beginning to lose all faith in you Wade Kinsella. What took you so long?" asked Lemon when she entered her living room.
"I messed up and it took me way too long to even consider the consequences. All I want is the chance to apologize to her in person. She is owed that much." It was the only answer I could give. I just hoped it was good enough for Lemon, the gatekeeper of all secrets. "Well, before you arrived; Lavon called and told me what you said and what he said as a reply. I know you can bring her back her and I hope to hell you are ready for the fight to get her to forgive you. Even Daddy was saying that he missed her around the office. But she has made a nice life for herself that us in Bluebell never gave her the chance. So IF you can get her back here, we will all say we're sorry. Here, go and get her back." Lemon said giving me a piece of paper that held an address to a Dr. Zoe Hart located in some small town in Mississippi.
"Thanks Lemon. George." I said as I left the house. I had a long drive ahead of me and I wasn't going to waste it making small talk with the Tucker's. "Oh, Lemon. I just have on question I need to ask. Why did you and Zoe have lunch together?" I asked. "You get her back and I'll tell you." Lemon answered. I looked at George and though he looked like he knew the answer he wasn't going to tell me either. Bluebell maybe a small town full of gossip but when it wanted to keep a secret, unlocking the code was next to impossible.
The drive to Mississippi was shorter than I wanted it to be. As the next thing I knew was I was in the very town that held Dr. Zoe Hart. I watched her from afar. Everyone was right. She looked happy, and she fit in. This little town opened her with wide arms and had no signs of letting her go either. But I followed her home and sat in my car for almost an hour when I walked up to her door. I held my breath as she answered the door. She looked more beautiful than I remembered.
"Wade? What are you doing here?" asked Zoe.