Unending Love

Unending Love

A novel about love and commitment.

Melody Chatman

Smashwords Edition

Copyright, 2009 by Fleming Publishing.

Published by Fleming Publishing at Smashwords.com

Discover other titles by Melody Chatman at Smashwords.com

This book is available in print at www.flemingpublishing.com and other online retailers.

USBN 978-0-9778968-3-7

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Edited by: Leland R. Fleming

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Dedication:

To my wonderful husband: Without you, I would never have had the courage or confidence to believe this was possible. Your love and support has made me who I am. Thanks for encouraging me to pursue my dreams. I love you.

To my baby Jaedyn: You are my pure joy, and the reason I get up in the morning. You will never know how much Mommy loves you.

"Except the Lord build the house,

they labour in vain that build it…" ~ Psalm 127:1a

KJV

CHAPTER ONE

______________________

September, 1982

She sat down for what seemed like the first time all day. It had been so hectic while her parents were away. Melanie Pierson was glad her parents had been able to go to Colorado for the week. They deserved the rest, but taking care of this household was no easy task; and with them gone, the responsibilities fell on her. Not that she really minded: the kids were plenty old enough and not too much trouble. That is, except Jonathan. He was six years old and always getting into something. He had come to her a half-hour earlier with syrup all over his hands and face. He claimed he had tried to make pancakes. When she went to the kitchen, she had found flour and milk all over the cabinet tops. She had finally finished cleaning it up. As she crossed her legs trying to get comfortable, she heard him again. He was in the pantry trying to find a snack. Mary was with him though, a fifteen-year-old very independent teenager. Melanie had no doubt Mary would help him. She just wanted to rest for five minutes. That’s all she needed.

I’m hungry, Mel, ten-year-old Samuel said, as he came down the stairs and started toward the kitchen. Go make you a sandwich, Melanie replied. But don’t make a mess, please.

He disappeared around the corner. She could hear Mary and the boys piddling around. She didn’t know why she was so tired. She was thankful for Mary. She was a lot of help, not to mention that Erin, their older sister, had come over to help clean the house. Erin was twenty-three and married now. The couple always appeared to be so happy; and Melanie couldn’t help feeling left out when she thought about her sister and her marriage. Melanie had recently had her twenty-first birthday, and was the only one of her friends that wasn’t either married, or at least taken. It wasn’t that she hadn’t dated, but up until now she had had no luck finding Mr. Right. She’d always thought that when she met the right one, she would know right away; but so far, every guy she’d tried to give a chance, just ended up moving on to someone else. It was just as well, because she hadn’t felt it was the right thing either. But, she thought, I have nothing to complain about. I’m happy right where I am in life. She had a good job, a family that loved her, and a wonderful church home. She worked at an office building as a secretary three days a week and although it was not something she saw herself doing for the rest of her life, she enjoyed it. No, she certainly had nothing to complain about.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by a horrible cry from Jonathan and a scream from Mary, Melanie, get in here quick. Jumping up as fast as she could, she rounded the corner and met up with them. He was holding his right hand and bleeding profusely. Her mind went into a fog as she struggled to keep her composure. Mary was talking, trying to explain what happened but she couldn’t concentrate on anything she was saying. Jonathan continued to scream as Melanie tried to focus on Mary. Had she said something about the blender?

What happened? She yelled, but the only thing coming from Jonathan were the tears streaming down his face. Forcing him to let go of his hand, she immediately wished she hadn’t. All she could see was blood. She noticed for the first time the trail of red going back into the kitchen, as Mary’s words sunk in. The blender.

I told him not to mess with it, Mary said, crying almost as loud as Jonathan. I heard it go off and turned around, but he was already on the floor.

Melanie felt sick to her stomach and thought she might faint, until Mary pushed her keys into her hand. Shaking off the nausea, she grabbed her purse as Mary handed several towels to Jonathan and helped him quickly wrap his hand.

Come on, Melanie said, as she led the way to the car. Samuel helped seatbelt Jonathan as Melanie started the vehicle.

Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine, Mary assured her.

I don’t know when we’ll be back. Call Mom and Dad. Tell them what happened. I’ll keep in touch. She started pulling out of the driveway, and left no doubt she was in a hurry by the squeal of the tires. Jonathan had become quieter, breathing heavily as he continued to hold his wrapped hand. The towels were already getting soaked. He’s losing a lot of blood, She thought, as she stepped on the pedal harder. Every light was red, of course, and the traffic was terrible. It was rush hour in her small town of Shepherd Hill, Texas, when everyone was making their commute home from work, most from Walker, the biggest city around at about an hour away. Please let me get him there safely and in time, she prayed. Pulling into the parking lot, Melanie glanced at the clock on the dashboard. 6:30 p.m. Helping Jonathan inside, she quickly headed to the front desk. Jonathan followed slowly behind, and she sat him down. He looked pale and like he was going to faint. Everything seemed a blur after that. Someone came in and saw Jonathan and asked what had happened. Before she could explain, they had grabbed him and told her to follow. She ran as fast as she could but couldn’t keep up. As she ran, it became more difficult to breath. She tried to catch a deep breath, but she too was now feeling faint. Suddenly, everything went black.

_____________________

Miss, Melanie heard someone say. Opening her eyes, she recognized the nurse as the one that had grabbed Jonathan.

What happened? She asked, with her hand reaching up and touching her sore forehead.

You fainted. The doctor is with your son. He is going to require stitches, and he wants to talk to you about his head injury, the nurse said, holding out a glass of water.

Thank you, she said, taking the drink. He’s not my son, he’s my brother. What head injury?

The doctor will discuss it when he comes in to take a look at you. He’ll be here in just a moment. Sit tight for now, Miss…?

Melanie, Melanie Pierson, she answered. The nurse nodded before quietly leaving the room. She sat in silence for a long time, and then started searching the walls for a clock. She had no idea what time it was, but there was a window on one of the walls, and she could see it was way past sunset.

How long have we been here? She wondered out loud.

About two and a half hours, a male voice from behind her spoke. She spun around quickly watching her water so it didn’t spill.

You scared me, she admitted. The young doctor smiled as he approached her. Melanie took a good look at the doctor. He didn’t look like he’d been one for very long. She guessed him to be in his mid-twenties.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. The nurse told me you had awakened. Let me see your forehead. Melanie touched the sore spot again.

I’m sure it’s nothing.

The doctor gently lifted her chin to look.

Yeah, looks like you’ll have a nasty bruise. You don’t feel nauseous, do you? He asked.

No, she answered, feeling awkward with him making a fuss over her. What about Jonathan? She thought. He’s the one that needs attention.

Good. Looks like you will be fine, thank God. That was quite a fall you took.

Had he seen her fall? Now she was even more embarrassed. She felt her cheeks blush with redness.

I’ve never fainted before, she told him, not wanting to meet his eyes.

Well, you’ve been through quite an evening. Your brother is sleeping right now. I’ve admitted him for the night for precautionary measures. His injury required thirteen stitches and he suffered a mild concussion. That’s a lot for somebody so young. I would like to keep him overnight for observation. I just want to make sure there is no swelling on the brain. He must have taken quite a fall during the incident, he observed.

She nodded. Yes, he apparently fell off the cabinet when he got injured. I feel so badly. I should have been watching him more closely.

He’ll be all right, these things happen. Just be thankful it’s not as bad as it could have been, the Doctor replied.

I guess you’re right. What time is it, by the way? She asked.

It’s 9:15. If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to see your brother. He is in room 133. There’s also a cot in there for you, he said, turning toward the door.

Thank you. I didn’t catch your name, she curiously stated, following him.

Oh, I apologize. Michael Henson, Dr. Henson to everyone around here. But I prefer Mike. Always have. And what was your name? He asked, as he led the way to Jonathan’s room.

Melanie Pierson. And my brother is Jonathan. Are you the only doctor here tonight?

Oh, no; Dr. Johnson is here as well. I just finished medical school this past year and am completing my internship under him. So, normally he would have taken care of Jonathan but, he’s busy delivering a baby tonight over in maternity, so you’ve got me, he said with a smile. Here we are. He opened the door and led the way in. Jonathan was asleep on the hospital bed –his right hand was completely wrapped. Melanie went to his side.

Poor thing, she said out loud.

Yeah, that was a pretty bad job he did on his hand. There’s your cot when you’re ready, he said, pointing to the bed in the corner.

Thank you. I’m not really tired yet, Melanie said. I think I’ll go find something to drink before settling down for the night. Do you think I can leave him for a few moments?

Well, do you like coffee? I was just going to take a coffee break, myself. The cafeteria is right down the hall, Dr. Henson told her.

Well, I’d hate to leave him for very long, she said, gently stroking the boy’s hair.

He’ll be just fine. What do you say? She was still hesitant.

Well, if you’re sure, coffee does sound good. Thanks, Dr. Henson.

Call me Mike. Right this way. He smiled at her then started down the hall. She followed him around the corner and into the cafeteria. They walked in unison to the check out line. It was empty.

Would you like the usual, Dr. Henson? An older woman asked.

Yes, please, and one for her as well. What do you like in yours? He directed the question to Melanie.

Oh, cream and a packet of sugar, she answered, pulling her wallet out of her purse.

Don’t worry, I’ve got it. Just put it on my bill, he told the clerk.

Coming right up, she answered, and proceeded with pouring their coffee.

Thank you. You didn’t have to do that. Melanie smiled at the doctor.

I know, but I wanted too, it’s no big deal, he answered, smiling back. The woman gave them each their coffee, and they walked to a table and sat down. They sat there for a minute, each sipping their coffee in the empty cafeteria.

Is it always this busy? Melanie joked. Mike looked around.

Actually, it’s busier tonight than usual. My hours are from five to five, so you can imagine all the time I have to waste. The evenings are fair, I usually have plenty to do then, but not during the weeknight, he took another sip of coffee before continuing. Unless the emergency room is busy with accidents or heart attacks, my nights are generally pretty slow. Small town hospital, you know. Even then, Dr. Johnson is in charge. I assist him where he needs me and will take on the situations that are more routine and not as life-threatening. Tonight is one of those nights. He’s busy with the birth, and I’m taking care of you and Jonathan.

How long will you be under him? Melanie asked.

For about a year, of which, I’ve already been here for a couple months, He answered.

Do you like working the night shift?

It’s okay, I guess. I’ve gotten used to it now.

Melanie spotted a clock on one of the walls.

I can’t believe it’s already ten o’clock.

Mike followed her gaze.

So what about you? he asked, changing the subject. We’ve talked about me. What about you? Do you go to college?

No, I work part time, and live with my parents. I’m the second oldest of six kids so I stay pretty busy helping out with my younger siblings. My older sister is married now so I get put in charge any time my parents are away, which is why I brought Jonathan in tonight. They are in Colorado this week. Nothing like this has ever happened before. I’ve never been so scared in my life, she answered.

I see, I was wondering where your parents were, and why you were here and they were not. Jonathan will be fine, though. You don’t have to worry, He looked at her. She wondered what he was thinking. She looked back at him. Why is he being so nice to me? She wondered.

Dr. Henson, I’m finished, Dr. Johnson interrupted, and Mike stood up quickly at his presence. Melanie glanced up at him, noticing the wrinkles that aged him. He looked tired, like he’d seen many long hours in his life. Is there any thing I need to check up on?

Yes sir, he answered the older doctor. There is a little boy, Jonathan, in room 133 that received stitches on his right hand. It looks like he has a mild concussion, as well. He’s asleep right now. I went ahead and admitted him for observation. I felt it better to keep him over night and maybe tomorrow to keep an eye on him. I’ll leave that up to you, of course.

Dr. Johnson looked at his young associate and then at Melanie.

I’m sorry, this is Melanie Pierson, Jonathan’s older sister, Mike introduced, Melanie, this is Dr. Johnson.

It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, the Doctor replied. Melanie smiled.

Alright, I’ll check on him. Anything else? he asked.

No sir, that’s it. How’d the delivery go?

It went alright. The baby is two months premature and is in ICU. But everything seems to be under control, Dr. Johnson said, his tone very professional.

Good, Mike said. Dr. Johnson looked down at Mike’s empty coffee cup.

"Doctor, if you