Escaping the Past

“Maybe not for you, but I have to get back to the hustle and bustle of the hospital, the bright lights and the commotion.”

“You can’t tell me that’s what you really prefer,” Lou replied skeptically.

“No. I can’t tell you that, but I can tell you I get to practice medicine in the city which does make it worthwhile.”

The other adults were silent for a few moments. Jeb groaned as he got up and walked into the house. When he returned, he was carrying an old guitar which he handed to Brody.

Brody sat up instantly and reached for it. “Oh, my God. I have not seen this old thing in years. I can’t believe she kept it all this time.”

“She could never part with it, Brody, because she knew it meant a lot to you.”

Brody caressed the dark wood like it was an old lover who had been absent too long.

“Think you can still carry a tune on that thing, Brody?” Jeb challenged.

“To be quite honest, Jeb, I’m not sure. But I’ll give it a shot.”

He spent a moment tuning the guitar and then started to play hesitantly. Lou quickly picked up the tune in her head. Sadie began to sing The Old Rugged Cross. Her deep, soulful sound flooded the porch and Lou smiled as she watched. When the song was over, everyone clapped and Sadie took a small bow.

“Let’s try another,” Brody said as he started the chorus of I’ll Fly Away. Jeb sang along with Sadie on this one.

Brody laid the guitar beside his chair and Lou asked, “Where did you learn to play the choir music?”

“At Sadie’s knee. Where else? She had me playing the guitar in church before I could even date girls. Or was even interested in girls.” He chuckled loudly.

Jeb looked startled. “I didn’t think there was a time when you didn’t show an interest in girls, Brody.”

“You might just be right, Jeb.” Brody laughed. “You might just be right.”

“I think that’s enough for me for tonight,” Jeb said as he jumped John’s last checker. He and Sadie stood up. “Tomorrow comes awfully early.”

“Sure beats the alternative, huh, Jeb?”.

“You got that right, boy. Y’all sleep tight, now.”

Jeb pointed to John. “You come on along, too, Hopalong. I would hate for you to break something else hopping around out here in the dark.”

John maneuvered himself on crutches through the door, leaving Brody and Lou alone.

She slid down from the porch rail. “I had better get to bed, too.”

“Oh, sit down and stay while. I promise I won’t bite.”

“It’s not you biting me that I worry about, Brody,” she mumbled in his direction.

He smiled innocently and picked up his guitar. He strummed a few notes. Lou quickly picked up the tune of Brown Eyed Girl and colored slightly. Brody looked through lowered lashes at her.

“You need to stop,” she mumbled.

“Stop what?” he asked playfully.

“Stop looking at me like you are going to eat me.” Her face turned red when realized what she’d said.

Brody laughed loudly. Lou couldn’t figure out what to do with her hands. She reached for Brody’s beer bottle and cupped it loosely, resting it on her knee. His left eyebrow rose and his smile issued a challenge.

“Living dangerously tonight, Lou?” Brody asked quietly.

She lifted the bottle to her lips. His heart sped up as she realized her lips were where his had just been. But then she grimaced slightly and frowned. “Oh, God. That’s awful.”