The Shoebox: A Novel

By Robert H. Austin

Tim and Mary are complete strangers until they meet by very unusual circumstances. On the second day of their unusual meeting, they experience a miracle birth that will bond them for life. Tim Adams is younger than his new friend, Mary Simpson, by six years. This will be only one of the many challenges they will face in the coming days. Tim has just graduated from high school and is driving across the country as a graduation present from his parents. It appears his trip will be cut short and his life changed forever.

It seems too sudden for both Tim and Mary, but their faith in God and finally their love and respect for each other convinces them they were meant to be the adopted parents of this little girl.

Middy Adams is this little girl and will grow up to be a very famous person. The items in an old Shoebox will help Middy learn about her biological mother and give her the desire to follow her dream. She will meet many people as she becomes famous. She loves people and loves to share her God given talent with everyone. There is only one person that she has mixed emotions about meeting. She knows she needs to meet him, but when? What will he be be like? Should she forgive him? ...Can she?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 3, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450217484

Robert H. Austin

Robert H. Austin lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky with his wife, Wanda. They have two children, four grandsons and two great grandchildren.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It had been a long day for Tim Adams. He had driven over five hundred miles and was sitting in a small motel room just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. It was a Motel 6 and had just a minimum of conveniences. Should you want a TV, you must pay extra. Tim chose not to pay for any extras.

He found more comfort in resting and thinking about his first day of travel. Tim had just graduated from high school back in Jackson, Tennessee. This trip was a graduation present from his parents. Most of his graduating class had chosen a Florida trip, but this had been Tim’s dream for the past two years. He would drive to the west coast, see the golden state of California for the first time and return home with a lot of memories of this great journey.

Just as he was about to call his parents and report his day’s journey to them, he was startled by a sudden knocking on the motel room door. He turned his head sharply, almost causing a crick in his neck. Before he could stand up and walk toward the door, the knocking came again, this time much louder. Reaching the door, Tim looked through the peek hole. She was a small lady and very pretty. She looked to be in her early to mid twenties. Tim turned the dead bolt in the door and opened it against the safety chain. He could feel the hair standing up on the back of his neck.

She stared at him through the opening. Her eyes were as blue as the early morning sky and looked to be dilated from the size of her pupils.

Are you alone? Tim asked.

Yes, I’m alone. Her voice was soft and weak. Let me in, please.

Tim wasn’t sure about the situation. She could have someone with her, maybe to rob him. She looked scared and upset, but he had always helped people when he could. His parents had taught him to help others, however, they had told him to be careful of strangers on this trip. He wasn’t sure what to do, but his natural instinct told him to help this lady. So, he made a decision, hoping it was the right one. He closed the door, removed the safety chain from the track and re-opened the door.

She entered without hesitation. Tim immediately closed the door, turned the dead bolt and replaced the safety chain. As he turned to face his visitor, he saw her face in the light of the room. It looked as white as snow. Her knees buckled and she went down. Before he could reach her, she was lying on the floor, still clutching a small overnight bag.

Tim knelt next to her, his heart racing. Lady, are you all right? No response. She was out cold. Tim quickly went to the bathroom and returned with a cool wet washcloth. He placed it on her pallid forehead and waited. He could tell she was breathing, but was afraid something could be wrong with her. Suddenly, her blue eyes opened and she looked wildly from side to side, and then focused on Tim.

You’re okay, he said, as he placed his hand on her soft cheek, hoping to comfort her. He knew she must be afraid.

You must have fainted. You’ll be okay. Just take it easy for a few seconds.

She closed her eyes and said, Sorry, I uh, I’m just a little weak. I’ll be all right. Her voice was still raspy and weak.

Sure you will. It’s okay. He smiled as he looked into her blue eyes.

I can sit up now, she said as she raised her head.

Please wait just a few more seconds, okay?

She seemed to relax a little and said, Okay, I will.

Tim was sitting on the floor, holding the washcloth on her forehead.

She was so pretty. She had soft brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her lips were full and her skin was very soft and smooth, yet still very pale. She was wearing a red tank top and blue jeans. Her feet were covered with a pair of Nike running shoes. She was a very small lady, maybe five foot two. Tim thought she couldn’t weigh over one hundred and ten pounds.

She was ready to sit up. He assisted her, placing his hand under her back as she slowly rose up on one elbow.

Are you still dizzy? He asked.

Yeah, just a little.

Let me help you to the chair.

They moved slowly to the only chair in the room. It was an old recliner with vinyl covering. She sat down, with Tim’s assistance. He raised the footrest for her, and then got her a glass of water and stood looking at her, hoping she would be okay.

Better now?

She took a small sip of water. Yes, a lot better. I don’t know what happened. I just got light headed and I was out. I’m so sorry.

Don’t be. I’m glad you are feeling better. Did the fall hurt you?

No, I’m really okay, thanks.

Their eyes met before Tim said, My name is Tim Adams.

Mary, my name is Mary. I’m sure you must think I’m some kind of nut or weirdo coming into your room like this.

Her face was beginning to regain its color. Her smooth skin looked better and more natural now. Tim wasn’t sure if she was wearing makeup. He did notice the lack of a last name, but let it pass.

Well, I have never had this kind of thing to happen to me before, but I sure don’t think you are a nut…or weird.

They both smiled and she looked around the room before asking, You traveling through?

Yeah, I’m on a journey. I have had it planned for a long time. Tim was smiling, showing a lot of teeth. She noticed his pleasant smile and couldn’t help but liked it. He was very nice looking and seemed so kind and thoughtful.

Oh, really? She asked. Her eyes still seemed a little out of focus.

Yeah, I’ve planned this for over two years, but you don’t want to hear my story. I think you could use some food or at least a glass of milk or something.

Mary frowned. Do I look that bad?

Tim blushed and said, No, not bad. You just look tired, and you seem weak. Have you had anything to eat lately?

She sighed and looked down at the floor. Well, I am pretty tired and weak. And no, I haven’t eaten today.

Tim stood up and noticed her overnight bag still lying on the floor where she fell.

He picked it up and said, Why not take this and freshen up and we can go across the street and have some dinner.

Dinner?

Tim could see the look of fear in her eyes. He smiled, placed his hand on her shoulder.

Yeah, there’s a Waffle House. I saw it when I checked in this evening.

Well, I don’t know, she said.

He could tell she was uncertain and wanted to assure her that he was harmless. He only wanted to help her. Tim was so afraid he would say or do something wrong.

Okay, now…Uh, Mary. I haven’t eaten and I am sure you could use some food. Okay?

She got up and weaved around just a little, looking up into his eyes before saying,

I’m okay, and yes, I will go with you to the Waffle House.

The smell of bacon and fried food was very comforting as they entered the Waffle House. Mary hoped Tim couldn’t hear her stomach growling as they took a seat near the front window. She was feeling more at ease with this young man now.

Tim ordered steak and scrambled eggs for them. He was concerned about Mary not eating all day. She ate without talking and seemed to enjoy every bite of the food. Tim was sure it had been a very stressful day for her. She still looked very tired and exhausted.

So, she said as she finished her last bite of steak. Tell me about this journey. You’re traveling by car?

Tim was smiling again now.

Yeah, I have a Volkswagen Bug.

Oh, is that the red one in the parking lot at Motel 6?

You saw it. Yeah, that’s my car...Had it for two years.

So where is this journey taking you, Tim?

Tim looked down at his empty plate then back at Mary.

All the way to the west coast.

His expression was contagious. She could not keep from smiling also.

Wow! That sounds like a great journey. And you are all alone on this trip?

Yep, just me and my little bug.

So, where’s home?

She pushed her hair back with one hand and smiled again. Tim thought how lovely she looked, and she seemed to be more relaxed now.

I’m from Tennessee. Jackson, Tennessee. It’s like between Nashville and Memphis. You heard of those places?

Mary could not help noticing his blue eyes. They were about the same color as hers. He was also tall, over six feet, she thought. He was very handsome and his light brown hair blended so well with his nice tan. His smile seemed to always be ready to appear with every comment made by him or her. He was very pleasant and seemed so kind.

Yeah….sure. Elvis and the Grand Ole Opry, she said.

Have you been there, Mary?

Mary was now looking out the window. She turned back to look at Tim.

"Oh no, I have never been any farther east than I am right now. How about you, is this your first trip out west?

Yeah, in fact, I just graduated from high school and this is kind of a graduation present. You know a great journey across the country. My mom worries a lot and I need to call her tonight and let her know where I am and that I’m okay. What about you, Mary? Is someone worrying about you tonight?

She looked out the window again and said, Probably not. But, I do have a mom at home, and she isn’t sure where I am tonight.

Tim was wondering where she was from and why she had come to his room, so scared and desperate.

How about some more coffee? Tim asked.

Oh, yeah, that’s fine. Are you going to have some more?

Yeah, sure.

After the waitress refilled their cups, Tim was ready to learn more about his new friend.

Well, Mary, Uh, I don’t mean to pry, or be nosey…

She smiled and tilted her head as she spoke. Her blue eyes were like a magnet to Tim.

I know, you must be wondering where I came from, she said. And you deserve to know.

Tim only smiled.

Well, Mr. Tim Adams, my brother brought me here today, all the way from a little town in Kansas. Glendale, Kansas, that’s my home. We started out early this morning, drove about five hundred miles, and ended up here in St. Louis. So, your next question must be where he is now?

Well, yeah, I guess I really do wonder about that.

Mary turned away from Tim to hide her tears. As she spoke, she continued to look out the window.

It’s a long sad story. But, I’ll make it as short as I can for you.

She wiped a tear from her cheek with the back of her hand.

My brother and I have had a very strained relationship for many years. He has tried to control my life and is a very forceful person. Anyway, when we got here this evening, we stopped for gasoline. When he went to the restroom, I ran. I ran for at least three blocks before I saw Motel 6. I don’t know why I picked your door to knock on, but I did.

She turned to look back into his eyes and then said, So, that’s how you ended up with me tonight.

Tim was totally taken with her. She was so pretty and very interesting to talk with. She had a gentle manner and her voice was soft with a low pitch that was so soothing to hear. He wanted their relationship to continue, but wasn’t sure how to make it happen.

Tim looked at her for a long moment before speaking. Then he said, Well, I guess you are here without transportation?

Her expression revealed her answer. He felt sorry for her. He knew he must help her and finally said, Can we go back to the motel room and talk?

Her eyes were now filled with tears. She looked down then out the window again. He waited for her answer. She slowly turned back to face him.

Yes, if that’s okay with you, Tim.

They walked back across the street to the motel. Mary held Tim’s arm as they walked.

Tim made his promised phone call to his parents as soon as they entered the room. Mary tried not to listen, but it was impossible in the small room. He was very polite to his parents when he told them about his day and how far he had traveled. Before he hung up the phone, he told them he loved them and promised to call again the next night. After hanging up the phone, he turned to Mary. He looked embarrassed as he said, My mom worries too much.

Mary smiled at him and said, Tim, all moms worry about their children.

Mary thought about her own mom and wanted to let her know she was okay also. Maybe she should call.

Tim stood up and looked at Mary and smiled before saying, So, Mary what about you tomorrow. You know, what are your plans?

She was sitting on the edge of the double bed looking up at Tim.

Well, I guess I’m not really prepared to answer that question.

Well, if I may, let me make a suggestion, Tim said.

Oh, and what would that be?

Well, I’m headed west, like I told you. I am going to the west coast. And will be going through Kansas and I could, you know, take you home.

She smiled and looked down at her hands, lacing her fingers before looking back at Tim.

I really have no way to get home. My brother took my wallet. All I have in my purse is my driver’s licenses and a few articles of makeup. I’m really embarrassed.

Don’t be. I would consider it a great pleasure to help you get home. It’s really no problem, and I would enjoy the company. So, what do you say?

Mary bit her lower lip, hoping to control her emotions.

I guess I should say thank you, first of all. I’m so lucky to have found you. It almost seems like it was meant to be. Do you believe in destiny?

Yes, I do. I always have.

But, yes Tim, I would really appreciate you taking me home. I really have no other place to go.

Her eyes were filled with tears as she smiled at him. She hesitated and then looked at the phone.

I really should call my mom and let her know that I am okay and will be home tomorrow.

After Mary made her call, they sat and looked at each other, both having many questions about the other. It wasn’t really the time to talk as they were both tired from a long day of traveling.

Tim stood up and stretched.

Well, Mary, now we need to discuss our sleeping arrangements.

Mary blushed and looked down at the floor.

Well, this is your room. I’ll be fine sleeping in the recliner. I sometimes go to sleep in our recliner at home watching TV and don’t wake up for hours.

Tomorrow will be a long day, Mary. Now, I hope you trust me.

I do, she said. You could have taken advantage of me when I first came in here, but you didn’t. Yes, I do trust you, Tim Adams.

Okay, we have just met, but we are both adults and I think we should share the bed. We can sleep with our clothes on, and that will make both of us feel more comfortable.

Mary thought again how considerate this young man was, and how thankful she was to have found him in her time of need. She stood up and extended her hand to him. She held his hand and said, That would be fine with me, thank you.

It was settled. They would sleep in the same bed. They had both had a full day and sleep came very quickly for them.

CHAPTER 2

Tim’s alarm went off at six a.m. As he awoke, he felt Mary’s body against his back. She had one arm draped over his waist. He reached over instantly and turned the alarm off. She had been sleeping very close to him He wondered if she realized she had. It felt so strange, but at the same time, very good. He gently moved her arm and turned to face her. She was still sleeping. He got up very quietly and went to the bathroom. When he came out, she was awake.

Good morning, she said. I must have died last night. What time is it?

My alarm went off at six. It’s now six thirty. The bathroom is all yours. I hope you are feeling much better today, Mary.

Oh, I really am. Thanks.

After her shower, it was back to the Waffle House for breakfast. They both ate light with only cereal, orange juice and coffee. As they crossed the street going back to the motel, Mary again held Tim’s arm.

When we get to my home, she said. I’m going to repay you for the meals and half of the motel room.

Listen young lady, my mom always told me to be nice to the ladies. So don’t even think about repaying me. It is truly my pleasure.

She looked up at this tall young man and smiled, thinking how lucky she was to have found him. He made her feel so safe and secure.

Tim’s little bright-red beetle was in very good condition. He had bought it used when he was a junior in high school and drove it to school for the last two years. It was a 1975 year model, but sure did not look six years old. They were on the interstate headed west and enjoying the scenery. Tim looked over at his new friend with her hair blowing in the wind. He was so pleased she had decided to go with him. He just hoped they could maintain their relationship. He wasn’t sure what he wanted, but at this moment he wanted her with him.

By noon they had made just over 300 miles according to Tim’s odometer. He looked at Mary and put his hand on her shoulder and said, Time for a little lunch and a pit stop?

She nodded and smiled. They pulled off at the next exit. The choices were, McDonalds, Wendy’s and a Cracker Barrel. They chose the Cracker Barrel. After two meals at the Waffle House, some home cooking sounded good. They had fried chicken, mashed potatoes with green beans and cornbread. They both enjoyed the change in menu. After a helping of apple pie, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they were ready for the road again.

My home is only about four hours from here, Mary said.

Tim said nothing, but privately wished she could continue on with him. They rode in silence for the next several miles, each one having their own private thoughts.

Mary finally broke their silence.

Tim, I really need to tell you something about last night.

Tim looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

Oh, really, about last night?

Yes, I haven’t really been honest about how I selected your room.

She paused and looked out the window. She turned back to face him and said, I waited outside the Motel, looking for someone to help me. I was afraid of my brother and I needed a place to hide. I saw you walking from the motel office to you room. You looked like a nice young man, clean cut and handsome.

You thought I looked handsome?

Mary smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder.

Yeah, handsome, but I just had a good feeling about you also. So I waited a few minutes after you went into your room.

Then you knocked on my door, Tim said as he smiled at her.

Right, I knocked on your door still not knowing for sure if you would be a nice person.

So, after you met me, you thought I was nice?

You were and I am so thankful, Tim. Now that we have been together for a night and most of the day, I know you are very nice and sweet.

They rode a few more minutes without talking. Tim was feeling so very attracted to Mary. He hoped she liked him and wasn’t just being kind