"Ruin and Redemption"

A Renewed Acquaintance

“I was at the bar, and I thought…”

“Now? Isnt Mindy waiting for you?”

“No, Mindy is dead. She died tonight. Can I come in?”

“Of course, Josiah. How?”

“The baby. It died to.”

Josiah came in and sat on the couch, sweating bullets. From her reception of him, Josiah hated to ask anything, but Rebeccca came to him and sat close, laying a hand on his knee, which warmed him.

“I’m so sorry about Mindy.”

“Yeah, me too. She was a good wife, and I loved her.”

“Can I do anything for you? Maybe I can rustle up some tea somewhere. I think I was hiding some from myself somewhere, so I wouldn’t drink it all up at once.”

“Um, if you want you can. I just wish you would stay here a little longer though. I wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?” Rebecca asked concerned.

“I probably shouldn’t Rebecca. You’re a good friend, and I respect you.”

“I could use the money, Josiah. Quite honestly I’d much rather have you than most. I can’t make a living just as a seamstress here. Not with both of us.”

“Umm, that’s not exactly what I meant. I mean, I can pay. There’s money saved up for the baby that died. But you don’t have to…um…you know. I wasn’t asking for that. Not now. I’m fine as far as that’s concerned.”

“Well, Joe, as your friend I’m more than happy to sit up with you and hold your hand, and maybe rub your back for a few minutes and sit up with you all night on the couch. But Josiah, if you need to sleep in my bed and hold me, maybe have a kiss, or more, if you like, you’ll need to pay me. Truly, it isn’t a problem if you want to pay.” Rebecca answered.

“I’ll pay,” Joe replied, “but I’ll have to run home tomorrow to get the money. I didn’t think to bring it with me.”

“That’s fine.” Rebecca nodded and took his hand.

Rebecca led him to her bed and Josiah wearily fell asleep behind her, removing just his coat and laying it over the chair by her bed.

In the morning, when Rebecca stirred, Joe woke, surprised.

“Mindy?” For a moment he had forgotten the awful reality of what had happened and thought he had woken from his nightmare. “Oh, Rebecca.” Joe said, awed. “I did come here. Did we?”

“No, you fell asleep, Joe. I’ll make some breakfast for you. I’m sorry about your wife. I’ll miss spending time with you and Mindy.” Rebecca replied sincerely.

Joe nodded dumbly, and took the hot water when she brought it.

“I couldn’t find any more tea. But we can pretend.”

Joe held his cup close to himself and took sips now and then. He wanted to go home and tell Mindy what a strange day yesterday had been. But it was a void. No more Mindy. No more baby. Who was he going to talk to?

“Rebecca? Can I come back again tonight? Are you available?”

“Yes, tonight will be fine, Josiah, around eight, though.” She hesitated, “I have to see someone and send them on their way if I can.”

“I wouldn’t want you to lose a client over me, Rebecca. I want us to still be friends, and I don’t want to interfere with that.”

“It’s fine; I won’t lose a client over one cancellation. I’ll say I’m ill. It happens rarely. You’re more important at the moment.”