CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Misty was subdued as she headed to school the next day.
She’d been awake most of the night, plagued by unwelcomed images.
Not only those frightening memories with Vince, or the way Harley had snarled at her as if she wasn’t worth normal courtesy, or Nolan’s withering tone as he spoke to her.
Other older memories filled her mind, images of her mother sobbing because of something a man said or the injuries that showed his anger.
Now, she understood where her mother’s unhappiness had been coming from, and she was determined not to fall into the same trap of loving someone who could destroy her.
Being with her students fulfilled Misty.
She was able to focus on teaching them, welcoming their excitement at learning a new concept.
And when she praised a child and saw the positive reaction it evoked, she was reminded how her encouragement would do much to give the students a good start moving forward.
She remembered how Mrs. Walter had praised her.
She checked Brody and was pleased to see that he and Violet were maintaining their friendship, competing to see who could do the best on an assignment.
Other students were finding satisfaction in being respectful to one another.
Whenever possible, Misty pointed out acts of kindness and was satisfied to see that the children were responding positively to the star sticker rewards.
It was a satisfying way for the school year to begin.
###
On the way home from school, Hazel asked, “Are you all right? You seem down.”
“I need some time to myself to work things out. I’m feeling as if my life is totally out of my control. I need to decide how I want to move forward. I’m not even sure I can have the sort of relationship I want with David, and he’s the best man I’ve ever dated.”
“Wow, that’s really serious. Anything I can do to help?” said Hazel.
“No, thanks. I appreciate knowing you’re here if I need you,” she responded, thankful for her friendship.
###
The next few days were busy. Misty stayed away from Jake’s and waited for Crystal and Emmett to arrive home from their honeymoon, hoping her ability to talk with her sister about their mother might help her work through her feelings.
Friday night, when Hazel asked Misty to join her at Jake’s, Misty said yes. Truthfully, she was nervous about seeing David and some of the other guys in their group.
A short while later, they walked into Jake’s.
Misty’s eyes immediately searched for David. She was relieved he wasn’t there. As her gaze swung around the group, she froze. Harley was there with JoEllen.
Though she wanted to run out of the building, she forced herself to stay. She went over to the group and found an empty chair at the opposite end of the table from Harley. Until then, he hadn’t noticed her. But when he did, his glare was cold enough to freeze her to death.
Trying to ignore him, she turned to Poppy, who was sitting next to her, and asked her about her fall line of clothes for the store.
While they were busy talking, more and more people arrived, making her feel safer from the icy looks Harley kept throwing her way. When David arrived, he glanced at her before taking a seat at the second table in the group. It made Misty realize he deserved someone who didn’t have her baggage.
The conversation was brisk, going from Crystal and Emmett’s wedding to the upcoming community events.
“Save the date,” said Melissa. “The first Saturday in October will be our first gourmet dinner. Crystal and I will put it on with Nettie and Jason’s help. We’ll have a beautiful fall menu.”
“I’m going to be the maitre d,” announced Ross, giving them a mock bow.
“He’ll be the perfect host,” Melissa said, smiling at him.
While Misty enjoyed the conversation, she was aware of the two men who kept returning their gazes to her. When she could no longer stand it, Misty rose. “I’ll see you all later.”
Hazel gave her a questioning look.
“I’m fine,” Misty said softly to her. “I’m going to walk back home. I don’t want to disturb you.”
“No, I’m coming with you,” said Hazel, getting to her feet.
“I’m sorry,” said Misty, climbing into Hazel’s car. “I couldn’t just sit there with Harley staring and David wondering about me.”
“Is there anything I can do?” Hazel asked.
“Just continue to be my friend while I try to work things out in my mind.”
“I’m here,” soothed Hazel. “What about David? I know he’s fallen for you. And tonight, he looked sad when he glanced your way.”
“I don’t want to lose him,” said Misty. “But it won’t feel right going forward with him if I don’t take care of myself first.”
“I understand,” said Hazel. “I didn’t like the way Harley stared at you. What is it with him and JoEllen?”
“She’s making a fool of herself over him, fluttering her eyelashes, playing the coquette. It makes me sick,” grumped Misty. “That’s just what he wants. And what about Brody?”
“Don’t go there,” warned Hazel. “A single parent has the right to have some fun.”
Misty sighed. “You’re right. It’s as if after meeting Brody, so many bad memories are coming back to me. My mother, my childhood, Vince. I can’t bear the thought of Brody suffering because of circumstances he can’t control. He’s just a child. A bright little boy who deserves better.”
“Still no physical signs of that?” asked Hazel.
Misty shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else, shall we?”
Hazel grinned. “How about Gage? He’s a handsome man.”
“What about Mike? I think he really likes you,” said Misty.
Hazel shrugged. “He spent a lot of time talking with Poppy. Even he admits he’s a ladies’ man. Heaven knows, he’s not ready to get serious with anyone. I suspect he has a couple of girlfriends tucked away in Florida.”
###
At home, Sugar’s enthusiasm at seeing her gave Misty a lift in spirit. Rest, thinking pleasant thoughts, and maybe reading a romance novel were things she needed. Not a constant rehash of her past.
Sitting on the deck staring up at the stars, she thought of all the positive things in her life and decided that’s what she’d do going forward. She’d had a bad boyfriend experience, but she’d gotten away from him and had started a new life in her hometown.
Misty worked on gratitude for the kind people in her life as she went about her domestic duties, including walks with Sugar and even practicing karate moves alone at home.
###
Sunday morning, Misty took her daily walk to the park before going to the Café for her usual coffee. She wasn’t surprised when David’s mother showed up. It was as if she had been waiting for her.
Smiling, Susie waved and walked over to where Misty was sitting on her favorite bench.
“It’s nice to see you here. Enjoying the day so far?” Susie asked.
“Yes, I’ve grown to love this early morning hour,” said Misty. “It’s a quiet time to think about things.”
“David mentioned you stopped karate lessons,” Susie said, stroking Sugar’s ears.
“It’s more than that,” Misty said. “I’m trying to work on a few personal issues. I’m still practicing some of the moves David showed me. That’s important to me. I need to feel in control of my life.”
“We’d all like that,” Susie said, “but that isn’t necessarily how life works. What’s the real problem? Is it the issue at school?”
Misty sighed. “That’s part of it. I wonder why I was ever in a place to permit Vince to enter my life. He was strong and was someone who made me feel safe until he turned on me. I can’t let that ever happen to me again.”
Susie studied Misty and then took hold of her hand.
Grateful for her warmth, Misty smiled and listened as Susie continued.
“This is where a certain amount of awareness and faith come in. It’s smart to be prepared.
But you have to trust yourself to make wise decisions, better ones than in the past. Life is all about learning.
Some lessons are easier than others. But all require you to have faith in how you’ve grown by making mistakes. ”
“I should’ve known better. Vince was a monster in disguise. From now on, how will I know it won’t happen again?” Misty stared at the flowers and then froze. “Susie, I don’t mean to insinuate that David is that kind of man, that I don’t trust him.”
“Of course not. How and if David fits into your life in this small town is up to you, as it should be.” Susie squeezed her hand. “I know you’ve been hurt in the past. You can move forward from that, learn from that, trust yourself.”
Misty smiled, realizing she had indeed learned from the past. David was a man who was always worthy of her trust. He’d shown her in so many ways. He’d been patient while she’d been working through her issues. And she knew he truly cared about her.
“Thank you, Susie. You’ve helped me realize what I should’ve recognized all along.”
Susie stood and kissed Misty on the cheek. “Come talk to me anytime.”
Misty watched her go, grateful for Susie’s presence in her life.