9 - Nerves
Henry's pale green pickup raced down the 50. He couldn't remember the last time he had risen so early in the morning. The sun sat brilliantly on the horizon promising another beautiful day, but he tapped the steering wheel nervously. Nerves. When was the last time he'd shown nerves? He couldn't remember. Not even when he had tracked Walt to Denver over a year ago, and he knew that would end badly. But, this? Over a woman he barely knew? Ridiculous. But, here he was, bright and early, speeding down the road making a forty-five minute drive in less than half an hour.
Yesterday had gotten away from him. It seemed to be one minor crisis after another, and he never did make it to Medicine Lodge. He hoped with the depth of his soul that Julia hadn't left yet.
Spotting the State Park sign in the distance on the right, he gunned the engine and sprinted the last mile, taking the turn into the entrance at a skid, kicking up dirt and dust, slowing only enough not to flip the truck. In the distance, at the Welcome Center, he spotted Julia's blue Ford Escort pulling the camper away from the building, Ethan and Samantha waving as she drove off.
He slowed again and skidded the truck across the path in front of the oncoming car. Hopping out, he held his hands in front of him motioning that she stop. When she did, he strode to the driver's side. Julia turned the car off and got out.
"Are you all right?" she asked, worried at the serious look on the man's face. He was breathing hard, obviously trying to control himself.
"I thought I was going to miss you. I had intended to come yesterday, but there were problems that needed my immediate attention."
"You don't need to explain to me." A warm smile spread on her face. "But, I'm glad you came. It felt odd not saying good-bye."
He smiled, finally calming. "I know what you mean." He didn't want to say good-bye but not doing it felt empty, like something incomplete. It would have nagged at him. "Here," he said pressing a slip of paper into her hand. "My e-mail address and my phone number. If you need anything, anything," he repeated, "you call. Reverse the charges if you must. Do not be shy about it."
Julia unfolded the paper and looked at the numbers. Her chest tightened, then her throat. She could feel a well of tears starting behind her eyes. When was the last time someone cared enough to go this far for her? It was just a number. This is ridiculous, she thought. You just met the man.
"Thank you." Her voice was barely above a whisper. She cleared her throat. "Thank you," she said more clearly looking directly at him.
In a moment of shared universe, they both stepped forward to embrace. Henry's strong arms wrapped around Julia's body and she wrapped hers around his waist. They held on for a silent moment, feeling some kind of connection, but then let go and took a step back.
"Be safe," Henry quietly spoke with that smooth voice Julia had warmed to. He pointed at her and smiled. "Call. E-mail. I would feel better knowing that you are safe."
Julia reached up and cupped Henry's cheek, her thumb gently stroking the high bone. "I will," she said, hesitating at her next words. "Una roho ya upole. You have a gentle soul," she translated at his questioning eyes. "It's a Swahili . Kwaheri, Henry. Mpaka tukutane tena." She smiled. "Good-bye, until we meet again."
"How about just – until we meet again." Henry placed his hand over hers and held it to his cheek. "I do not like good-byes."
"Sounds good to me. Until we meet again, and yes, I'll at least e-mail."
Henry let go and put his hand through the back window of the Escort, ruffling Sugar's head then headed back to his car as Julia got in hers. Following each other out to the main road, they waved then turned in opposite directions. For Julia, this was normal; always leaving. She had once had her team but this new life was lonely. But hey, it was what it was. Life goes on. Maybe someday it will change.