Chapter 15
Valerie Masterson
As I was being driven to urgent care, I gazed out at the countryside, homes, and buildings.
My heart breaks as I look at the devastation around me from the tornado.
Even when the siren wailed, it didn’t seem real.
The once tranquil city was damaged. Rooftops are missing, cars have been upturned, and trees are uprooted from where they once stood tall and strong.
This is nothing like anything I’ve ever experienced before.
But I watched the community come together, pulling each other out of the rubble, looking for missing pets, and just hugging each other.
Despite the overwhelming destruction, a sense of determination and unity prevails among the residents.
Neighbors helping neighbors, collaborating, sharing resources, and supporting one another.
Their resilience and spirit demonstrate the strength of human kindness. Together, they will rebuild their lives, proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, hope and unity can prevail.
As we stepped out of Wyatt’s truck, I noticed there was a long line of people waiting to be treated for minor injuries.
His staff were already on hand, despite their own lives being uprooted.
They set up a triage center and worked tirelessly, providing medical assistance and comfort to those in need.
Their dedication and selflessness were a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment.
Wyatt asked me to follow him, but my feet wouldn’t move. When he looked back, I was still in the same spot.
“Valerie. Why aren’t you moving? ”
“I’m going to the back of the line and wait my turn. Please help treat the others first. I’ll be okay.” He knew I would flat-out refuse if he argued with me. He nodded and joined his staff. I got in line and held my wrist in place.
My cellphone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket and saw it was my mom calling. I also noticed the remaining battery life was down to twenty-seven percent. When I answered, I was only expecting to hear my mother’s voice, but people spoke at once. My mother hushed them.
“Val, honey, are you alright?”
“I’m fine. I just got a little banged up, it’s no big deal.”
“Are you still in Skybrook?” Rae asked.
“Yes. I’m currently at urgent care waiting to be seen.”
“What’s wrong? I thought you said you were fine?” My other friend spoke above all the rest.
“Ronda, I said I got a little banged up. Mostly because I tripped and fell. It’s no big deal. ”
“Well, whether you like it or not, we’re on our way,” Layla said.
“Layla, should you even be traveling in your condition?”
“I’m only a few months along, I’m okay to travel. We’ll be there before you know it.” I knew none of them would take no for an answer
“Okay. Mom, are you still there?”
“Yes, hun. What is it?”
“My phone battery is low, so I need to reserve what's left remaining. One more thing before I say goodbye…I love you, mom.”
“I love you too, Val.” The phone disconnected. Although Abby told me Devin was fine, I still wanted to hear his voice. I had deep guilt about leaving him alone at the hotel. His phone rang a few times. I was afraid that he would be stranded without food and water.
“Hello?”
“Thank God you’re alright!”
“I should say the same about you, Missy. I was worried sick, thinking of the worst-case scenario.”
“Come on. You were the first person I texted. Come to think of it, you’re the only person I texted.”
“Seriously, are you alright?”
“I’m fine, just a couple of bumps and bruises. Nothing that won’t go away in time. How about you? Are you alright?”
“I may be a little traumatized, but nothing a strong drink with you wouldn’t fix.”
“You got it.”
“Where are you?”
“I’m at urgent care on Wilshire Boulevard.”
“Do you want some company?”
“I’d like that. Can you bring my phone charger?”
“Anything else?”
“Nope. Just you.” I hung up and checked my phone for any other missed calls and texts. But there were none from work or anyone else.
Within an hour, the line had moved a bit, and Devin showed up with a bag of food and bottles of water. “There you are. Here, have a drink of water.” I took it and removed the cap. It was a struggle at first, but I was determined not to rely on anyone.
Devin moved up and down the row of people and offered them the items he had brought. He was met with open arms by the residents for his kindness. When he came back, his eyebrows furrowed.
“Are you going to tell me what happened to you?”
“You mean the part where my life flashed before my eyes? Or the part where I think I fell in love with a grumpy doctor?” I whispered that last part to Devin.
“Hmm. Both are very intriguing. Of course, since I know you survived a twister. Tell me about this doctor, and don’t leave out a single sexy minute. ”
I ran my hand over my face. “Maybe later; this is not a good place to discuss that.”
“Oh, girl, so it’s not safe for work?” His eyes ran over the medical staff, and I realized the man I was referring to was among the physician staff.
His voice got low, “Is he here?” Slowly, I nodded my head.
“Please let it be the hottie with the coffee-colored eyes and the smokin’ hot body that treated me. ”
“Calm down, Devin, you’re taken. Plus, he’s very straight.”
“I’m just cheering you on. So, did you hit it and quit it, or were you a repeat customer?”
“Repeat customer? It sounds like you’re implying money was exchanged.”
“I have a feeling something was exchanged.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
I grimaced. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Nope. I miss Samuel, and I have to live vicariously through you,” he smirked.
“Were you just distracting me until it was my turn to be seen?” He nodded. He didn’t ask me how much pain I was in. I’m sure he could tell by the way I winced when I moved. By the time it was my turn, the cold pack I had on my wrist had turned to room temperature.
They took my information, and I was looked after by Felix Patterson, M.D.
The first thing he confirmed was that my wrist wasn’t broken, just sprained.
He advised me to ice it for twenty minutes every couple of hours.
I was given a wrist splint to immobilize it and instructed to take it easy for four to six weeks.
He also recommended taking over the counter pain relief medications, if needed, and as directed on the label.
A few hours later, we were standing in the lobby of the inn, talking to Abby.
I was thankful the hotel was out of the path of the tornado.
Abby had her own reasons for being thankful, as most of the guests had gone home the day before the twister, eliminating more out-of-towners from being in harm’s way.
Abby was working with her staff when the storm notification came in. I suppose living in this area, it becomes second nature to get others to safety. I know I ran out in that storm like a fool, but all I could think about was sweet little Emily out there, alone and afraid.
The front door to the inn opened, and in walked my best friend, whom I’ve known all my life, Rae McCarthy, actress, singer, and movie star.
Her strawberry blonde hair hangs below her shoulders.
Her green eyes are hidden beneath her sunglasses.
This is a surprise, since she is usually in disguise when she’s out in public.
Behind her is Toni Knight; her dark hair was up in a loose bun.
As I see her, I wonder who’s watching our animals and how she escaped from her job.
Rae and Toni greeted me with warm hugs. I was looking forward to catching up on old times.
Rae’s presence without a disguise was unusual, but I was grateful for the chance to see her true self.
Toni, always the caretaker, reassured me that our animals were safe and well looked after by her brothers, of all people.
She apologized on behalf of them for not coming, but they could not escape work since they were in the middle of baseball season.
Next up is Ronda Scott. She was on the phone with her tech agency and didn’t look happy. “Just get it done!” The determined look was erased from her face, and she smiled sweetly when she saw me. She quickly wrapped up her call and joined us, her frustration forgotten.
Following close behind was Layla Matthews, a woman from a wealthy and influential family but is so down-to-earth.
Her stomach now shows a small baby bump.
She looks radiant as her skin is glowing.
The group continued to chat animatedly, sharing stories and laughter.
As they reminisced, a sense of camaraderie filled the air.
The unexpected gathering felt like a brief escape from their busy lives, a moment to cherish the bonds they had formed over the years.
Last but not least was my mother. Seeing each of them made me emotional.
However, when I saw my mom, I broke down in tears.
That’s when it struck me, I might had never seen them again.
I realized how much they all meant to me and how deeply I cherished these moments together.
The weight of the uncertainty overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of loss.
My mother threw down her bag and enveloped me in her arms. Then, I was surrounded by all of my dear friends in a group hug. They all came to me when I needed them most. When we separated, I introduced them to Abby.
“Welcome to the Skybrook Inn,” she said. It hadn’t occurred to me that Rae had booked the entire inn. According to her, the extra rooms she booked would be available to any residents displaced by the tornado.
They all wanted to help in any way they could. During our conversation, Ronda informed me that aid from the state could take ten days to arrive. The bureaucratic obstacles surprised me; the people of Skybrook would need immediate assistance and couldn’t wait until then.
Although I’m not from this town, I feel a sense of obligation to the people of Skybrook.
When they first met me, they thought I was there to destroy their town, but once they saw that wasn’t the case, they accepted me without prejudice despite my differences.
Their kindness and generosity inspire me to contribute to their recovery efforts.
Now, together with my best friends and family, we can restore Skybrook to its former glory and create an even stronger community.
After they were settled in their rooms, the six of us briefly reminisced about old times, laughing and sharing stories while we ate dinner. Due to our busy work schedules, it was a rare occurrence for us to cherish a moment of togetherness, far from the demands of our everyday lives.
The next morning, we spoke with the mayor and helped with the command center located at the local church.
We went into action, finding out who needed supplies and who had extra clothes and food to donate.
No one made a big deal that a celebrity was serving food.
They just thanked her, and they went on their way.
There was no news crew or press of any kind. Perhaps if there was some, the people here would get the help they needed sooner. When I mentioned this information to Rae, she got on the phone. Next thing I knew, within an hour, there were national news agencies covering the disaster.
Rae was back in her disguise and stayed out of the way by keeping her head down and continued to help pack supplies for residents. When a reporter asked about her, a resident stepped in and said they were thankful their daughter was here to help and gave them a fake name.
The residents were protecting not just Rae, but all of us as they showed how thankful they were. Others came in and out of the church hall. It was so busy throughout the day, we all forgot to eat. Then the baker came and brought bread and other baked goods.
I know I was tired, but I was worried about Layla, and I tried to force her to get some rest. When she refused, I asked Wyatt to check on her. It was nice to finally see him again. He looked exhausted from working nonstop. He ordered Layla to get rest and not overdo it.
By the time the evening rolled around, most people had been given temporary shelter and food to eat. I rubbed my eyes and was ready to sleep. Tomorrow we’ll help again, but for now, I longed to be in Wyatt’s arms. However, we weren’t given the chance to see each other again as he got called away.
Before he left, I asked Wyatt if Emily could stay with me so we could keep each other company.
She crawled into bed, and I told her a bedtime story.
It probably wasn’t the best one she’s ever heard, but I was pretty new at this.
She giggled a few times, and that made me laugh too.
I turned off the light and soon we drifted off to sleep.