The Passenger by Jacqueline Druga (the giving tree read aloud TXT) 📗

Jonas was overwhelmed with a strange feeling as he sat on the bed. Maybe it was the woman Maw-Maw or even the pajamas, he didn’t know. But it was the first time since he arrived at that hospital that he didn’t feel angry.

TWELVE

Jessie was a blessing. She was also a badly needed diversion for Cate. Her daughter’s smile could light up a room, and she was funny. She made Cate laugh about little things. The outing to the gardening store fit the bill. Even though it was crowded, Cate really didn’t enjoy the store when it was packed. She supposed everyone that gardened was preparing for their annuals.

“What about these, Mom?” Jessie pointed to a pink and white flower. “They’re different.”

“Yes, they are but … do I want different?”

“Why browse a gardening store if you’re just going to walk out with what you always walk out with,” Jessie said. “We can skip the browsing, get your stuff and head to lunch.”

“You’re right. Maybe I do need a change.” Cate reached for the tag on the flowers to read about them.

Jessie placed her hand over Cate’s. “How are you?”

“Huh?” Cate smiled.

“Stop. How are you doing?”

Cate shook her head. “That’s not what today is about.”

“Really? Because I’m a mess, I can only imagine how you are.”

Heavily, Cate released the breath she held. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I’m sorry you’re a mess.”

“And you’re not?”

“The first couple days were really rough. Then when the police were asking all those questions and wanted pictures, it was surreal. But to be honest with you, he’s not arrested, not in the hospital anywhere. He’s either out there not wanting to be found or in a ditch. Either case, as hard as it is, I can’t change those circumstances.”

“I keep trying his phone.”

“The last ping they had from it was that bar he played,” Cate said. “At least they aren’t dragging the rivers yet.”

“Mom, that’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking.”

“Do we know whose car he was driving?” Jessie asked.

“He got it from Teeter.”

“Teeter?” Jessie recoiled. “He’s a dealer, Mom.”

“I know. Bret said they’re still friends.”

“If he got a car from Teeter, we may not know whose car it is. People get desperate to get stuff. Have you guys talked to him?”

“We tried, he’s in jail. Arrested a few days ago, but he won’t talk to us.”

Jessie shook her head in disgust. “He’s such a piece of work. How’s Dad?” Jessie asked, moving along with her mother to the next batch of flowers.

“Your father is not doing well. I know him. He’s not even hiding it anymore. All the arguments and fights. The tough love. If something has happened to Jonas, your father right now is in a place where he will never forgive himself.”

“That’s sad.”

“I know. He’s on the computer constantly. He does Google Image search and puts Jonas’ picture in to see if one pops up. He has joined this national database where police post pictures of individuals. Sadly, they said it could be weeks to update.”

“Is it obsessive?” Jessie asked. “Should I be worried?”

“No, don’t be worried and oh, yeah, it’s obsessive. After these six weeks left in the semester, he’s taking some time off.”

“Dad is taking time off?”

Cate nodded. “He said if they find Jonas, he is going to dedicate that time to working with him. If we don’t, then he is going out to look.”

“Will you go with him?”

“I can’t. I have my job at the home and that keeps my sanity. Plus,” Cate said. “This may be something your dad needs to do on his own. His way of possibly working on his issues with his son. Looking for him, you know.”

“We’re going to find him, Mom,” Jessie said. “One way or another.”

“I know. I believe it. I do.”

“Maybe we can convince Daddy.”

Cate smiled gently and shook her head. “Him and Jonas are more alike than either of them want to admit. Both stubborn, both hot heads, and both of them don’t listen. They have to see their own way, no one can show them.”

“Mom, this may be far off,” Jessie said. “Have you guys called rehabs?”

Cate paused in looking at the flowers. “Why do you say that?’

“It’s an option. Maybe Jonas had a bad night last week, said enough is enough and checked himself in somewhere. I know it’s hard to believe. Jonas is so narcissistic he wouldn’t do that without announcing it to the world. But what if?”

“Then it would be the longest stint in rehab yet. He’s never lasted more than a few days anywhere. I always said if he could go three weeks or a month, it could work. But in order for that to occur, your brother needs to find his purpose. Until that happens,” Cate said. “He’ll never find his way.”

THIRTEEN

Pastor Rick had a lot of things going for him, but a green thumb was not one of them. His daughter, Haley suffered from the same ‘lack of green thumb’ affliction. It was his wife, Haley’s mother, who had the talent.

Sadly, she had left them a few years earlier. Not by death, but by choice. She suddenly felt trapped, the church life wasn’t for her and took she off for California. Pastor Rick and Haley had since resolved all conflict or hurt over it, even talked to her. But not about planting flowers.

“That’s um …” Pastor Rick stood, hand on hips staring down. “Pretty sad.”

“We tried,” Haley replied.

“No, we didn’t. Or not hard enough.” He laughed, wrapping his arm around Haley. “I just don’t have a love for this.”

“Me either.”

“Pastor Rick. Haley,” Chief Russ’ voice carried to them.

“Hi, Chief,” Haley said.

“Chief.” Pastor Rick took off his gardening glove and shook Russ’ hand. “What brings you by?”

“Certainly not to look at the garden.”

Pastor Rick grumbled then chuckled. “Some of us are put on the earth to help people, some for flowers. Flowers are not us. I’ll bring it up at services tomorrow. Get a volunteer.”

“Good. You always do. The reason for me