Over the Edge

Copyright © 2013 Mae Kidman Aldous.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-0048-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-0049-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-0050-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013952771

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 11/05/13

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

To

My niece, Jeri, who shared her time and expertise;

Bob, who faithfully believed in me;

Scott, who led me to a smoother ending;

Mark and Cari, who helped with finishing touches;

Family and friends who encouraged me.

Thank you

Chapter 1

S ensing the eminent danger, Cari felt her heart pounding in her chest while rocking back and forth, watching the nightmare unfold in the side view mirror. Only one other time in her life had she been this scared but never so close to feeling completely terrorized. She was so petrified, she could barely move. In a soft, soulful, pleading tone, Cari whispered, Please, please, let us be okay.

Michael’s eyes darted back and forth between the winding road ahead and the rear view mirror as he dealt with his own increasing apprehension. With hands firmly planted on the steering wheel and knuckles white with strain, he tried to keep on his side of the road to avoid the precarious downhill descent on the mountain. What is this guy doing? Here he comes again! Michael yelled, Cari, hold on!" However, the momentum of increased speed defied gravity and brought them closer and closer to the edge with each vicious, sharp curve. The feeling of desperation mounted as he watched the car behind them continue to accelerate. The seriousness of the situation was becoming more apparent with each passing minute, and he feared there was nothing he could do to stop the inevitable. Michael rolled down his window when the gap between the two cars was almost non existent and motioned for the mysterious driver to pass. Within seconds, the loud, grinding sound of bumper on bumper echoed through the air. The force of the impact threw Cari forward. Michael clamped his hands on the unwieldy steering wheel and fought to keep his car in control. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and trickled down his face, but he could not lift a hand to wipe them away. Michael continually blinked trying to keep the tiny droplets from entering his eyes blurring his vision.

The aggressive monster was unrelenting, never giving up. The pursuer backed off a few seconds before relentlessly hitting them again and again, forcing their car even closer to the ominous edge. Michael braced his body against the back of the seat and kept his foot pressed against the brake pedal, pushing with all the possible strength he could muster. When the determined adversary appeared to pull back a short distance, Michael felt a hint of relief until he glanced in the rear view mirror one last time. What is this guy doing?

The unknown assailant put his well-planned tactic into play and deliberately sideswiped their car with one final tremendous clash of grating and grinding. The clobbered car turned into an exceedingly dangerous angle and all possible control was lost. Michael shouted out, I love you! The car teetered momentarily before the wild ride began its terrifying descent over the edge. The stalker grinned as he watched the scene unroll, and after feeling the thrill of success by witnessing the final crash, he drove away.

Cari’s lone, piercing scream filled the air and seemed to be endless, but only lasted a matter of seconds. She tried to push herself back into the seat, but the forward momentum was too great. A brief glance out the window caused a wave of nausea and dizziness. It felt like an uncontrollable roller coaster rapidly zooming out of control. Cari closed her eyes refusing to watch as the ravaged car accelerated toward the bottom of the steep ravine.

Michael yelled, Brace yourself! The speeding car flipped over and over destroying the few stunted pines that were in the way. Their bodies slammed back and forth in their seat belts, shaking them like a couple of rag dolls. It was a true miracle when the car landed on all four wheels prior to a long sideways skid into a stand of scrub oak and scrub pine trees. Cari’s body smacked back against the seat upon impact instigating an excruciating jolt and then nothing—blessed unconsciousness where there is no fear, no pain, and no worries.

Cari gradually opened her eyes and when full awareness returned, was shocked to discover a pine had fallen on the hood of the car. A small branch had penetrated the windshield, and the small cracks creeping outward made it look like a spider had spun a web of glass. Gravity carried the branch on a course where it sliced across her shoulder leaving some open wounds before imbedding itself into the headrest. There was no time to pay heed to the drops of blood gently edging on a downward trail.

Any type of movement brought about instant, indescribable pain coursing through her body resulting in hyperventilation. Taking deep gulps of air helped the breathing to finally return to a more normal state. When Cari reached up to push her hair back from her face, she felt a sticky substance on her forehead and winced when she wiped blood off with her sleeve.

Worry for Michael took precedence over her own unwelcome discomfort. She turned her head, and when she noticed there was no sign of movement, called out, Michael! Michael, please answer me. Cari choked back a sob, reached over, and gently touched him. Wake up. Michael, please wake up. There still was no movement of any visual kind or even a slight response to his name. Cari exclaimed, Oh, Michael! She stared at her fiancée and uttered a mournful plea, What do I do? She hesitated long enough to control her crying and to collect her senses. A cell phone! Where is my cell phone, and where is Michael’s. Neither were anywhere to be found. Time was of the utmost importance, and Cari knew that Michael’s rescue was up to her.

The seat belts had kept them from being thrown out of the car, but the challenge remained to unlock them. The intense pain caused by the first attempt to unlock the seatbelt made Cari stiffen spontaneously and clench her already shaky hands. Moving her battered leg caused another round of unforgiving pain throughout her body. Broken bones, she thought, but it could be worse, so I’d better be thankful. Cari gritted her teeth and tackled the job. She pushed and groaned and pushed some more until the battle of the obstinate locked seat belt had been conquered.

She looked at Michael and decided to try one more time to wake him. Overlooking her own injuries, she cautiously maneuvered closer to him and lightly shook him several times. When he remained motionless, she shook him harder and frantically called his name. Michael! Michael, come on. Please, please, say something! Cari grabbed his limp, unresponsive hand and felt instant relief to discover that he had a weak pulse. He needed medical help, and she would do her best to make sure it happened. The likelihood of anyone driving over the somewhat less traveled pass or venturing a look down the steep ravine was slim to none. She would not give up. Cari heaved a deep sigh and accepted the mammoth challenge ahead.

Cari couldn’t make herself leave just yet. She continued to focus her thoughts on Michael while trying to disregard the constant, nagging pain. Again, she searched his face for signs of consciousness and tried talking to him. Michael Rivers, wake up! Do you hear me? You have to fight! She continued with mounting frustration, We aren’t going to let this little set back hurt our wedding plans. In six months, I am going to walk down an aisle of pink rose petals in my beautiful, elegant, white wedding gown. Cari added with great emphasis, We are going to be married! While affectionately stroking his arm, she declared with a sincere passion, You hang in there. Don’t you dare give up. I’m going for help; we’ll make it but you’ve got to fight. Did you hear me? I said fight! You have to fight for US!"

Cari’s thoughts returned to their desperate situation. In a flash of anger, she declared, We shouldn’t have gone over Echo Pass. Now we’re in this mess. I wish we had gone back down the canyon. Cari sighed and looked out the window. I’m sorry, Michael. I hope you didn’t hear that.

Turning thoughts to what lie ahead; again, she knew this particular pass was not conducive to a lot of traffic. Cari leaned back in the seat and exclaimed, I can’t panic! I can cope! She stared at Michael longing to hear his voice and caressed his face with loving affection. She begged in a soft tone. Michael, please open your eyes and talk to me. When he still offered no sign of consciousness, Cari sucked in a deep breath and then let it out slowly between slightly parted lips. I’ll get help, Michael. I promise. It was time for her to go.

Cari loved challenges but didn’t look forward to this particular one that had crossed her path. Anger was seldom exhibited, but if pushed too far, she could get very irritated on occasion. A product of an extremely abusive home, self-preservation became an absolute necessity in order to survive. This strong, independent trait was an anchor on which Cari could rely considering the difficult predicament she found herself in.

Cari’s head hurt, her shoulder hurt, her ribs hurt, her leg really hurt, and she wanted to scream with every painful move of her bruised and bloody body. Pausing for a moment, the comforting sound of a single bird that hadn’t left for a warmer climate caught her attention. She wondered if its sporadic melody was especially loud and long just for her. It was time for Cari to contemplate what had to be done. She would get the needed medical help for Michael and do whatever it took to climb that mountain.

With grim faced determination, she began the slow process of getting her banged-up body to go. First things first, she thought. Cari cringed with every torturing move when she inched closer to the door. Blood started to ooze from the several lacerations on the right shoulder, and the developing soreness made it difficult to put it to any use. She tried opening the door but groaned out loud with heartbreaking disappointment when the door refused to budge. She tried again at a different angle using her left hand but the results were no different. Cari yelled out in frustration, Now what! She leaned back in her seat and tried to visualize what the next step should be. A quick look reminded her that the door hadn’t been locked; a good old-fashioned hard push was the answer. Cari gritted her teeth and took a deep breath. She turned the door handle and pushed, followed by a shove, and finally a forceful hit. With the collision of body and door, Cari cried out in anguish. Nooooo! The door remained shut.

Then, Cari did something, which hadn’t been a part of her life for a considerable length of time. She prayed, Dear God. I know I haven’t talked to you for a long time, and I’m sorry. I’m in a real mess. I need to get up the mountain, and every single move hurts. The door won’t open, and I don’t seem to have a lot of strength, so please help me. Allowing her will to take control, she closed her eyes and tackled the problematic door again. Cari turned the reluctant handle, clenched her mouth shut and with strength beyond measure, shoved her aching shoulder into the door, and it opened! Thank you. Thank you. After expressing her thanks, she immediately leaned back and took shallow breaths while waiting for the heightened pain to lessen.

Climbing out proved a huge challenge, but she rallied her determination and soon found herself out of the car and uttering whimpering sounds. The all-out effort required a short rest for Cari; hence, the climb was delayed. She looked up at towards the road and calculated the car had rolled down approximately the length of a two or three football fields, but judging distance was not one of her strong points. Feeling sad and discouraged, she thought it seemed more like ten miles. Tree stubs and rocks and all kinds of debris were strewn along the path the car had made. Getting to the top seemed almost unreachable but giving up was not an option.

Cari leaned over to raise her pant leg, but got too dizzy and quickly straightened back up. The one leg was already swelling from the knee down through the foot, and at that point, she was certain that it was broken. Cari shifted her body in order to lean against the side of the car and tried to stand on her injured leg but found it an impossible task. She carefully lowered her wounded body to the ground.

She bowed her head and once more sought help from a higher sphere through a simple prayer. Now, I need another favor. My shoulder hurts, my ribs hurt, and I know my leg is broken. I can’t walk. Please help me endure whatever lies ahead and give me the strength to make it up this mountain, and I promise I’ll do my part.

The cool, soft breeze felt good, and the sun’s rays on the surrounding mountains covered with all the hues of Fall created a magnificent picture to behold. The vertical rock on the mountainside above appeared as though a giant fork had scraped down the side leaving tracks along the way. The drastic difference between the two sights made one take notice of the beauties of nature. Even the stunted pines and scrub oaks had their own unique beauty about them in the high elevation. No matter how captivating it was, she had to move.

Cari cringed with the thought of the long, arduous trek ahead, but there was no other choice. She pushed – and pulled – and moaned – and cried – and rested, at times. Grabbing the tree stumps helped, but going around the rocks slowed the slow climb to the top. The ever present pain irritated like an annoying toothache, and she couldn’t help but let agonizing moans escape her lips every so often. Focusing on Michael helped to some degree, and she thought of him in the car, still and unmoving and remembered the energetic and vibrant Dr. Waters with his stethoscope sticking out of the pocket of his ever present white jacket. Inching her way by pulling with her good left arm and pushing with her uninjured left leg was a difficult and time consuming process. At least, she thought, that half of me works. Constant pounding pain accompanied each move, and even though the afternoon temperature was cool, she started to sweat. Time seemed to almost stand still, and it was hard for her not to become more disheartened.

She murmured over and over, I can make it. I can make it, until she reached a place when she wasn’t so sure she would make it. Then an all-encompassing fatigue slowly washed over her, and she dragged her tired body to a complete stop. I’ve got to keep going. Cari’s labored breathing added a sense of urgency, but again, another short break was a requirement she could not ignore. She thought about the car that had stalked them, and silently said to herself, You’ll pay for this!

Cari rested her head on her arm and wanted to give up and not deal with that tiresome pain that continued to plague her. I’m so tired! Once again, she forced her thoughts toward Michael to bring a small respite from her formidable predicament. Michael was always so kind and exceptionally considerate, especially for a man. She wished he was there to help her now!

Then something exceptional yet strange and hard to explain occurred. She heard the quiet, deep sound of Michael’s voice, and she swiftly glanced around; but he wasn’t there.

Come on, CJ, you can do it. You’re almost there. I’m here now to be with you every step of the way.

Cari glimpsed from side to side and behind her, but Michael wasn’t anywhere. He was in the car! Michael, I don’t understand. Is it really you or am I losing my mind? Am I hallucinating?

No, CJ, you aren’t hallucinating. It’s really me. Don’t worry about understanding now because it will come in due time. Just know that I am here for you now. You need to get to the top so you can get help.

Cari shook her head in disbelief. It’s a dream! Surely it’s a dream! Am I really hearing you? If I am, your speaking to me like this scares me. What does it mean?

Michael answered, It means and stopping for emphasis, continued, I’m here for you now, so get going, CJ.

Cari was speechless for a few seconds. "It really is you, isn’t it?

Yes, it is.

With renewed hope and Michael’s encouragement, Cari started to continue in a slow crawl towards the distant road. Michael, it’s so hard, and I am so tired. The weariness and the intense pain never lets up.

Michael in a soft, empathetic tone, replied with emphasis, I know, but you can do it a small crawl at a time.

Cari forgot for just a moment, and on the verge of laughter replied, I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor. When she recalled the small crawl at a time comment, the corners of her mouth turn up in a smile. Starting the slow snail-like progress was depressing, but it was onward and upward, not to be defeated. Cari continued in a one-way conversation with Michael to survive her ordeal. Michael, it feels like I’ve been crawling for hours, but I know that’s not true. I hope you’re tuned in and listening because then it would make a little more sense why I’m talking out loud to you when you’re nowhere in sight.

Cari couldn’t understand exactly what was happening and felt a vague uncertainty pop into her mind. Well, I’m talking whether you are there or not. You know, Michael, things might get far worse if there isn’t any traffic on this road. There was no vocal response from Michael much to her dismay. Cari sighed and relentlessly, pressed ahead with dogged persistence toward the road. A few of the scrub oak and scrub pine trees were snapped off by the runaway car forming a wide path on its descent down the mountain, making some unavoidable challenges for her.

Cari was miserable and sometimes shouted out with frustration when the sharp points from the stubble left on the crushed debris continually poked and jabbed and scraped adding more discomfort to her bruised body. She managed to get a good hold on some of the tree stumps giving her leverage to make the climb a little faster. Her arms felt like dead weights when she pulled herself around the few rocks that were too big to climb over in the dirty, scruffy path. Small stones caused her to lose her grip, but nothing could stop her grueling journey to the top. Slowly and surely, the mountain was conquered. Despite her weak and exhausted body, she raised her good arm in triumph and cried out, Michael, we did it!

Good job, CJ. I knew you could.

I still think I’m delirious. Cari cocked her head to one side. Michael, you know how difficult it is to believe I’m actually hearing you.

Believe! It’s me. Michael’s voice softened when he said, I told you I’m here for you, and in a way, I’m here for me, too.

Cari paused and took a good long look around. I know it’s your voice, but then I can’t help but think maybe it’s my mind playing tricks. Suddenly, she noticed an eerie silence and wondered if there was a connection. I think I believe even though I can’t see you. Cari paused giving a few of seconds to mull over in her mind what was happening while taking in a couple of breaths of the fresh mountain air. I don’t understand, Michael. One thing I know for sure is that you’ve always been there for me.

Cari, even in all that she had endured, felt a deep, abiding peace. Thank you, Michael. She was wide-awake. You are here. In the same sense, she knew in that instant he was gone.

The next major step was well beyond her control, and she offered a humble prayer. Thank you, God, for answering my prayers. I’m so grateful for Michael. I know he was here encouraging me, and I sincerely thank you for both your help and his. I’ve worked hard to come this far, but the final outcome is up to you, so please send someone to help us. I could have quit trying, but I didn’t. I won’t give up now. I’ll try to be patient, but if possible, could you send someone right away. My gut instinct tells me that Michael is seriously hurt, and I don’t want to lose him. Cari wangled herself into a half way comfortable position on the cool, hard ground, and the wait began. She focused every thought on her beloved Michael, hoping to ignore the ever present, throbbing pain throughout her body.

Michael, do you remember our first date? I was so embarrassed when I spilled spaghetti all over my new white linen dress at Maxie’s Restaurant. You just laughed and purposely spilled spaghetti sauce on your shirt and then said, Now, we match. Not just anyone would do such a silly thing. I fell in love with you at that moment."

Her reverie was interrupted when the slightest of movement caused that unbearable intense pain to shoot up through her broken leg bringing her back to reality. A sobering thought flitted through her mind. Could we survive the night if no one comes over the pass? Oh, Michael, now I’m really worried and really scared. Cari became somewhat numb to the pain with the passing of time, but the inner turmoil tugged at her heart like the notes of a sad song. Cari felt the effect of the lowering temperature and carefully folded her arms making sure not to aggravate the injured shoulder and ribs. The mountain pass was not her friend at the moment, and loneliness became an unwelcome fear. Shivering and shaking, she softly called out, hoping for a listening ear, Please send help. I’m so c-c-c-cold!

Chapter 2

L ance stuffed the last of the chocolate chip cookie in his mouth and grabbed the car keys off the hook in the kitchen. Hey, Mom, I’m heading to Brendan’s place. We’re going to spend a little time together before going out to eat and then going to the ball game. With our team, I doubt it will go into overtime, so I shouldn’t be too late.

Okay, but be careful. The telephone rang and before answering, she called for Lance to wait in case the call was for him. Hello…. Well, hello, David Dawson. How are things with you? When did you get in town?

When Lance heard the name, he stopped in his tracks. David was an extra special friend and a great mentor. Grinning from ear to ear, Lance spontaneously turned and headed towards his mother.

Yes, he’s here. In fact, he quickly made a turn about and is waiting for me to give him the phone. You caught him just before he was heading out the door. Good to hear your voice again, David. Here’s Lance.

David Dawson had been a teacher and a coach at the high school where Lance attended until he was offered a coaching position in another school system. The plus side included a substantial increase in salary, but the job required a move to another city and meant renting an apartment. David had always enjoyed the comfort of living at home, but then ready to experience change, accepted the job offer. After some family health problems surfaced, he decided to return to his hometown where he had taught math and successfully coached both basketball and tennis.

Everybody loved David. He had an outgoing personality in addition to being a sincere and caring individual. The respect of his students and the school community was mutual. David’s final decision to once again leave family and friends hadn’t been an easy one. The biggest negative for moving away meant he would especially miss the close association with his parents and the delicious down home cooking by his mom. His dad was having some health problems, which concerned him, but the unique opportunity afforded him could not be passed up at the time of the offer. David also had to admit to himself that the breakup with his girlfriend, even though friendly, had a decided impact on his decision. He had fallen in love the moment he met the most beautiful girl in the world. David was thrilled when she accepted that first date and his love for her steadily increased. This incredible person was not only a stunning beauty, but she was smart, witty, caring, and everything he had hoped for in his soul mate. He was surprised and totally devastated when told that she had developed feelings for another individual. She wanted to remain friends, but David knew it was definitely the time for him to let go and move on.

The particular combination of compassion and charm gave David the astounding ability to touch the lives of those around him, especially the students he taught. His sincere knack to reach out and help the underdog was his gift to them. When David first met Lance, he recognized a need and became a dedicated and true friend. He always got in touch with him whenever he came back in town to visit