The Crying Bridge

The Crying Bridge--Chapter 30

 When Del came back to herself, she was sobbing. Gail had broken the connection and was no longer holding Del's hand. Del felt Evan's strong arm encircle her waist, and she sagged against him, burying her face against his chest. She was so grateful for the comfort he provided her with just his touch. She breathed deeply of his scent and little by little began to calm down.

Evan helped her back to the porch as the others followed behind. He was concerned for her and murmured soft nonsensical words against her hair, doing his best to comfort her and make her feel safe. He gently helped her onto the swing as the others sat down.

"Del, are you okay?" Evan finally asked.

Del nodded. "Thirsty," she managed in a small voice she barely recognized as her own.

Evan handed her the glass of iced tea she had been sipping before. Del noticed that it was still cold and most of the ice remained. She realized that her time with Emma must not have been very long at all.

As if reading Del's mind, and Del thought maybe she was, Gail spoke up. "Del, we were only connected a short time. Just under ten minutes," she said then gently asked, "Did you speak with Emma?"

Del nodded again. "Yes," she said simply.

"Del," Benjamin said. "We had to sever the connection. I'll explain after you've told us what you experienced."

Regina spoke now. "We don't mean to rush you, Del. And you don't have to share if you don't want to. We're all curious, but it's up to you. And take as much time as you need."

"Evan, she needs to eat something," Benjamin suggested. "It will help immensely. This kind of activity is very draining."

Evan nodded and started to get up but was reluctant to leave Del's side. She was a little pale and seemed to be shaking slightly.

Benjamin stood up. "Just tell me what and where and I'll take care of it," he offered.

Evan looked at the man with gratitude. "There's some angel food cake on the kitchen table, straight through at the back of the house. Plates, forks and napkins are there, too. And there's fresh strawberries and whipped cream in the refrigerator. And thank you."

Benjamin smiled and nodded.

"I'll help, Ben," Gail offered, rising and joining him as he entered the house.

"We shouldn't have done this," Evan said, helplessly to Regina. "I mean look at her!"

"She's going to be fine, Evan," Regina assured him. "This was a very new and different experience for Del. Trust me, being a willing participant makes it easier. Her mind just needs time to process all of it."

"I'm right here," Del said, rather irritably. "Please stop talking about me as if I'm not."

Evan smiled and relaxed a bit. This was the Del he'd fallen in love with. "Sorry, honey," he said, kissing her forehead. "I'm just worried about you."

"I'm okay," Del said, her voice regaining its strength. "It was just very upsetting, what Emma told me."

Gail and Benjamin had returned with cake for everyone. Del thought to decline her slice, but then the aroma of fresh strawberries enticed her. She took a small bite and then devoured the rest. She felt better immediately.

Everyone was looking at her expectantly. Del took a sip of her tea then took a deep breath. "That was the weirdest fucking thing I've ever been through," she finally said. "Pardon my language."