Chapter 8
Wyatt Woods
After assessing and treating the patient, we were lucky enough to lower his fever. I called the pharmacist, and Debra agreed to deliver everything to Devin’s room. At this point, all we can do is have him get plenty of rest and fluids. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
I picked up my bag and stepped towards the door. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Valerie wasn’t following me.
“Valerie.” She lifted her eyes and met mine. “Let him rest. There’s nothing you can do for him right now. We have to let nature take its course.” She released his hand and gently placed it down. She said he’s not her boy toy, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings for him.
As she passed me to exit the room, I got a whiff of sweet flowers blossoming. My senses, formally dormant for years, are now coming alive after meeting her. However, I refuse to let this temptress tear down my town. I closed the door behind me and made my way to the stairs.
Her footsteps were hot on my heels. I turned abruptly when I got to the landing, causing her to run into me. She quickly took a step back. “I’m so sorry, Dr. Woods. But I just want to know Devin’s prognosis.”
“He’ll be fine. It’s just a viral infection, or as some others call it ‘a bug’.”
“How did he get it, and I didn’t?”
“Viral infections are usually very contagious. Viruses can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or droplets from sneezing or coughing.”
“So, being in enclosed places, you have a higher probability? ”
“Yes. That’s correct. Just because you’re exposed doesn’t guarantee you’ll catch it. Everyone’s immune system is different. What Devin has is a virus, but still, be diligent about taking care of yourself.”
She nodded and didn’t argue with me, which was quite nice. But I preferred her fiery passion from earlier. I gripped the handle of my bag tightly, reminding myself to keep it professional, and walked downstairs to head to the parade.
This time, I couldn’t hear the click-clack of Valerie’s heels. She proceeded to follow me down the steps to the first floor, where my mother was waiting for us with Emily.
“So, how is he?” My mother has always been considerate of others, even if they are strangers.
“He’s doing fine now; he’s getting some sleep.”
“That’s good to hear. Is there anything I could do for him?”
“Could you please have one of the staff members bring up some soup and water later? ”
“Yes, of course.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Why don’t the three of you run off to watch the parade? I’m sure you can get a good spot. I’ll check on Mr. Appleton periodically.”
“There’s no need to do that, Mom.”
Before I could speak further, I was cut off by Valerie.
“Thank you, Abby. I appreciate you looking after him.”
“As I was saying, he’s sleeping right now. All he needs is rest and plenty of fluids so he can fight this virus. I called the pharmacy, and they will be bringing him some over-the-counter medication to help alleviate his symptoms along with some electrolyte drinks for the dehydration.”
A wide smile lit her face. “Thank you, son, for taking care of him.”
“Just doing my job, Mom.”
She padded my hand. “I know. Now, go on and have some fun. ”
“Emily, are you ready to go?”
“I was born ready!” She said with excitement. I reached down to take her hand, just as she reached out with the opposite hand to take Valerie’s. We walked out of the inn and started walking towards downtown.
Emily skipped down the sidewalk like she didn’t have a care in the world.
I, on the other hand, still felt torn that she didn’t have a mother.
A mother who could tuck her in at night and give her kisses and read bedtime stories.
Someone who could bake cookies with her or kiss the boo-boos when she injures her knee or elbow.
Being both mother and father is difficult at times, but I’d do anything for my child.
Sometimes, a little girl just wants her mom to do things with, and not her dad.
“Daddy, there’s lots of people.” My eyes scoured the streets, looking up and down trying to find an open spot where we could sit.
“Sorry, honey. I think everybody else in town had the same idea coming early to get a good spot.”
The downturned smile on Emily’s face caught my attention. She was heartbroken, and I was to blame.
“Hold on, I’ll be right back,” Valerie said and released Emily’s hand.
After a few minutes, Valerie waved her arms getting our attention. I watched as two teenage boys got up from the sidewalk from where they were sitting. There was just enough room for the two of us to sit, with Emily on my lap.
I picked her up and walked through the crowd so that we could reach Valerie.
“How’s this? Will it do?”
“Whoa! From here, I can see everything!”
“These are great, but how did you manage them?”
“Let’s just say I’m good at negotiating.” There was a spark in her eyes that was fascinating, but it was nothing compared to seeing the excitement written all over my daughter’s face.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” We sat down and waited patiently for the parade to start. Vendors with wheeled carts walked down the parade path selling cotton candy, popcorn, balloons, and bright neon pinwheels. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh snacks and the cheerful chatter of excited children.
Hopefully, our small-town parade, with its radiant and joyous colors that bring our town together, will demonstrate that we’re a close-knit community.
Perhaps Valerie can see what this town means, not just to me, but to everybody.
We watch as colorful floats go by, displaying key figures among the founders of Skybrook.
We listen to our local marching band from the high school, their uniforms filled with the school’s vibrant blue and gold colors.
The school band is followed by the cheerleaders who perform program- choreographed dances, acrobatics, and stunts.
They bring enthusiasm and dedication to every move they make.
Our town is all about Friday nights watching the hometown football team, whether they win or lose, and the cheerleaders getting the crowd involved with cheering them on.
The team mascot runs up and down the parade route handing out candy.
When the mascot stops in front of us, it hands Emily a handful of candy with an assortment of Smarties, Tootsie Rolls, and Laffy Taffy. Her face lights up. “Thank you, Wolfie!”
We continued to watch the parade, watching horses and their riders trot by. “Daddy that horse looks like Hubs. Do you think I can ride in the parade one day?”
“Maybe someday when you’re older.”
Shortly after the horses go by, there are people walking with their pet dogs in costumes.
A couple more floats go by with our local celebrities and honorees.
Even one of our hometown heroes who’s return from the military is on hand.
Periodically he waves at the crowd. The parade is near the end, and the last thing we should see is the mayor, Eleanor Hughes.
Eleanor is one of the people Valerie should meet. She’s skilled at balancing our community’s needs with the demands of progress. The wind blows her short gray hair as she waves at all the people. She rides in a convertible with the top down.
“Daddy, if the mayor goes by does that mean the parade is over?”
“That’s right, honey. It’s just like the Christmas parade when Santa goes by, it’s a sign that the parade is finished.”
“That’s too bad I was having fun.” Emily sighed.
“Me too, however, I’m getting a little hungry.” Valerie clutched her stomach.
“There’s only one problem with that.” I chimed in.
“What’s the problem?” Her eyes filled with curiosity.
“I think most of the vendors serve meat. I don’t think you’re gonna have much of a choice being a vegetarian.”
“That’s okay, I’ll figure something out.”
As the crowd dispersed, we could see the food and beverage area.
Emily grabbed both of our hands and led us towards the stalls a few feet from the grandstand, each offering delicious treats and refreshments.
The smells of popcorn, corn dogs, barbecued ribs, and chili made my stomach growl.
The food stands were lined up one after another, so we browsed the offerings before choosing what to eat.
We agreed to meet at the picnic table, once we each had our food.
On a paper plate, I got two hot dogs without buns for Emily and cut them up into small pieces.
For myself, I bought two chili dogs and an order of fries to share with Emily.
Valerie had no problem finding us; in her hands, she had a baked potato with what I’m assuming had vegetarian chili and cheese on it.
Emily and I quickly devoured our hot dogs and fries, while Valerie slowly savored her potato.
Even though we stayed within our comfort zones and didn’t try anything new or exciting, we all agreed it was a delicious meal.
The town square is the center of town, where a grandstand stood surrounded by grass and park benches.
It was bustling with people and children playing games.
We enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the cheerful atmosphere.
Valerie didn’t pressure me to be introduced to the community, but I felt obliged to do so at my mother’s request. I suppose you can call this killing two birds with one stone.
“Is everything okay?”
“Why do you ask?”
“You look like you have things on your mind. So, if I’m holding you back from doing something else you’d rather do, let me know. I’m plenty capable of walking around on my own.”
“No, not at all. I don’t get a chance very often to just think about other things outside of work and Emily.”
Her eyes studied me momentarily. “When was the last time you had fun?”
“Fun?”
“Yeah, you know, lighthearted pleasure, or enjoyment.”
“What, are you some walking dictionary? Yes, I know how to have fun.”
“Then prove it.” That spark was back in her eyes, and I found myself wanting to kiss her lips and show her how fun I could be.
However, I thought it would be better to show her in another way that wouldn’t embarrass my daughter or myself.
I picked up our finished plates and threw them in the trash receptacle nearby.
“Follow me,” I said to Valerie as I grabbed Emily’s hand. “Come on Emily, I promised you we’d play some games and go on the carnival rides.”
Our next stop was the game stalls. We tossed coins in a bowl to attempt to win a goldfish.
Let’s just say there will be no goldfish residing in our home anytime in the future.
We tried our hand at throwing darts to get a stuffed animal.
I can’t say my aim was very good as I could only win Emily the smallest prize, which was a miniature dolphin.
Valerie smiled as the man handed the stuffed animal to my little girl.
We were having fun, and the games kept us busy for at least an hour.
Next, we tried our luck at shooting hoops.
Valerie was a natural and managed to sink a few hoops.
Emily tried her best to shoot the basketball, but it was falling short each time; she was having fun, despite not winning.
Following our time at the games, we tried a few rides.
I purchased the tickets, and we walked over to where the rides were for smaller children.
Emily was brave enough to ride with another girl of the same height.
I could tell she was having fun. It was a thrilling kids’ ride, and I was relieved when she finally made it back to the exit.
“You did a great job! Are you ready for more rides?”
“Can I go on the merry-go-round?”
“Of course.”
“Can you ride with me this time?” She wasn’t looking at me, she was looking at Valerie and waiting for an answer.
“I would love to!” She said, smiling broadly.
I nodded in agreement. Looking at Valerie, my heart filled with gratitude.
We had just enough tickets to ride the merry-go-round.
Once the gate opened, Emily ran to the white unicorn.
I picked her up and placed the strap around her waist and buckled it.
I watched Valerie study the horse next to Emily.
“Daddy, go help her.” I nodded and walked over to Valerie.
“Let me give you a hand. It looks like you have to ride this side saddle.”
“What do you mean by side saddle? Remember, I’m from the city and I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
I chuckled. “Listen Ms. Dictionary… side saddle means a rider has both feet on the same side of the horse. It’s typically used by a woman rider wearing a skirt.”
I picked her up and lifted her until she sat firmly on the horse. “Oh my!” She said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
“No worries. Now you do. Hold on to the reins or the pole.”
“I’ve got in now. Thank you.” She bit her bottom lip, and I turned my head to see if the ride was going to start before I embarrassed myself and kissed that bottom lip of hers.
“Okay, I’m going to hold onto Emily.”
The ride slowly turned around in circles, and the carousel horses, tigers, and zebras moved up and down to waltz music playing above and around us.
We went round and round several times. As the merry-go-round came to a stop, I unbuckled Emily and removed her from the unicorn.
I walked over to Valerie as she was struggling to find a way down.
“Hold on, I’ve got you.” I placed my arms out to help her slide down, except in the process, her skirt got tangled in something and began to lift.
“Crap!” I said out loud as I draped my arm around her butt to keep the skirt from rising higher.
Her face was next to mine, and I could see her face change to beet red.
“It’s okay, I don’t think anyone saw anything. ”
“Do you think you can release me now?” I didn’t realize how tight I was holding her body next to mine.
The wind picked up and I smelled wildflowers again.
A very distinct smell that I found very alluring.
I tugged at her skirt a few times freeing the material that was snagged on the strap from the carousel horse.
“Daddy, can we get a snack?” I looked down at Emily pulling at my pant leg and released Valerie from the hold I had on her.
“I think we spent enough time at the fair. Let’s go to Grandma’s and have dinner.
” There was music playing by a local band.
Emily took our hands “We’ve got to dance Daddy!
” As we danced together, laughing and joking, I felt a spark of something I hadn’t experienced in a long time – true joy.
We eventually left, satisfied with our day at the fair.
As for me, I was thankful to have Valerie spend the day with us, however, we hadn’t accomplished a damn thing on her behalf, and I felt guilty about that.
I didn’t even introduce her to one member of our community.