Ellie Reinvented

By Maelyn Bjork

Ellie Fraser and her two children are trapped in an abusive, loveless marriage. She met her charming, handsome husband when she was barely out of high school. But as the years went by Nickolas became less interested in her of the children, and their responsibility is thrown on her slender shoulders. On a snowy New Year’s, Nickolas flies in

• Language: English
• Publisher: TOPLINK PUBLISHING, LLC
• Release date: Sep 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949804102

Maelyn Bjork

Maelyn Bjork grew up in Utah, married and taught school in that state. She also lived and worked, in Arizona, California, and Colorado. She has always loved to read and soon the reading gave her ideas and inspired her to write. Once she retired from her teaching position she began to write and it became her passion. She holds a master's degree in foods and nutrition. She and her husband also love to travel especially to cruise. She lives in a suburb of Salt Lake City with her husband and demanding cat named BeBe.

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Ellie Reinvented

Maelyn Bjork

Copyright © 2018 by Maelyn Bjork.

Paperback: 978-1-949804-09-6

eBook: 978-1-949804-10-2

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Ellie Reinvented (Synopsis)

Chapter One

Ellies Fraser looked up at the big clock on the wall at the entrance to Simms Supermarket. The clock read five fifty-five, and she was supposed to be finished with her shift at six. She turned to her next customer in the long line of people waiting to have their purchases checked out. It was New Year’s Eve, and the store was full of last-minute shoppers with carts loaded with food and all kinds of party items necessary for tonight and New Year’s Day.

Her replacement cashier had as yet not arrived, and she was growing more and more anxious. Yet as her next customer’s food slid down the conveyor belt toward her, she looked up and gave the woman a bright smile. How are you doing this evening?

As she bagged the woman’s groceries, her replacement, Noreen, came in with her cash drawer and moved over to place it in the register. Oh, I’m so glad to see you. I better to get home real quick, ’cause Nick is waiting for me, and I need to pick up some things for breakfast tomorrow.

How come Nick is waiting for you? Aren’t you the one usually waiting for him to come home? Noreen said with a critical tone.

Well, yes, but tonight his boss is throwing a party at the Golden Gecko, and I need to get home in a hurry. Nick gets so upset when I’m not home when he wants me to be. Ellie bit her bottom lip.

* * *

Noreen shook her head. Go get your food. I’ll check you out. She was forced to raise her voice because Ellie was already hurrying up one of the food aisles. Poor Ellie. Being married to that jerk must be a nightmare. She’s scared to even sneeze around him.

* * *

Ellie steered her dilapidated Toyota compact into the older apartment complex and parked in the stall marked 3-C. After climbing out of the vehicle, she reached into the back and grabbed two sacks of groceries and her handbag. Juggling her purse and groceries, she fumbled for the front door key, unlocked the door, and walked into the shabby apartment.

As she pushed open the door, the young man lounging on the sofa in front of a new fifty-inch flat-screen TV yelled in her direction. It’s about damn time you got home. Where have you been anyway?

Eleanor eased the sacks of groceries on the kitchen table. Dropping her purse and coat on a chair, she quickly began to empty the bags, placing items in the refrigerator and cupboards. The five-to-midnight checker didn’t come in until close to six. When I checked out, I stayed for a few minutes to pick up some items. We were low on—

Fine, just get your butt into that bathroom, and clean up. We’re meeting the gang at the Golden Gecko about eight. Get to celebrate the New Year in style. Nick laughed. Hey, get me a beer while you got your head in the fridge, and hurry up about it.

Here, Nick. Ellie walked quickly out of the small kitchen and handed him the icy can. He grabbed her wrist in an iron grip, too hard. Pain radiated down her hand, but she bit back a cry. Finally, she managed to wrench her hand away from his.

You have mighty skinny wrist. Wouldn’t take much to snap it. He grabbed his big rough hand around the frosty can and popped it open.

Nick turned and glanced at her as she turned away. Find something sexy to wear. You always look so dumpy.

I’ll hurry. She tried massaging the pain away as she walked to the bathroom. All right, Nick, I’ll be quick.

Less than half hour later, Ellie walked out of the bathroom wearing a black sparkly top with a V-shaped neckline, snug black jeans, and fashion boots. She had received shiny silver bangle earrings from her children for Christmas, and she was inserting them into her pierced ears. Where are the kids? Did your mother come and get them?

No, I took them next door to Ole Lady Fullmer’s. She said she would keep them all night if we want, and I want. He leered at her as he stood up and came around the sofa. He came behind her and gripped her shoulders. Now this is more like it. He pulled her long brown hair away from her neck and kissed it, turned her around, and kissed her hard on the mouth while his hands slid down to her breasts. You’re getting too skinny. Maybe you need some padded bras.

Ellie backed away, tried to smile, and managed to keep the fear out of her voice. If you mess me up, it will take more time for me to fix up again. She tried a casual laugh, but it came out shaky.

Okay, but I plan to collect from you later.

Soon Nick and Ellie walked out to his truck, his pride and joy. A half-ton Dodge double cab with an eight-cylinder engine, KC lights, leather seats, all the bells and whistles. It was shiny white even in the now heavily falling snow. Did you wash your truck today?

Sure, I wash it nearly every day, especially in the winter. ’Can’t let the road salt and sand stay on it. ’Would dull the paint.

Someday when you have time, could you take my car and give it a wash? I’d really appreciate it. Ellie is talking about her old car.

That piece of junk doesn’t deserve a wash job.

But it’s my car and it’s paid for. Ellie mumbled softly but said no more on their way to the restaurant.

When they reached the Golden Gecko, the parking lot was crowded, and they were forced to park around the back in the extra parking area. Even in the heavily falling snow, Nick was very careful to park away from the other cars. He quickly jumped out of truck and began the walk around the building to the front door. Hurry up, woman. We got to get in there, and I can’t lock my truck until you get out.

Ellie exited the truck but slipped and nearly fell catching herself by leaning on the hood of the truck. The blacktop driveway was covered with several inches of newly fallen snow. Nick walked ahead of his wife and moved easily toward the building in his heavy boots. Ellie was forced to pick her way carefully so as not to fall, but moved as quickly as she could to reach the front entrance.

Nick grabbed the heavy door and held it open. Pick it up, lady. You’re getting old and slow. Nick grabbed her arm and pulled her into the smoky, darkened interior. They rounded several tables until they reached his boss, coworkers, and their girlfriends. A table was set for eight people. At the large round table sat Nick’s boss, Doty Sanders; his wife, Sheila; Joe Freeman; and his date Trixie Robbins. Hi, everybody. This is Ellie, my old lady. Where’s Nate?

Not here yet. Doty answered.

What are you drinking? yelled Joe over the booming music coming from the old but colorful jukebox.

Beer. A couple a brews. Nick yelled back.

I’d rather have a Coke. Ellie spoke softly, almost to herself.

Soon the table was filled with all kinds of Mexican dishes, margaritas, tequila, and beer. The thicker the smoke, the more Ellie’s head began to hurt, and her eyes began to water. Suddenly she sneezed, coughed, and grabbed her purse and ran for the ladies’ room. Everyone else seemed to be having a good time, but Ellie was having an allergy attack.

No one seemed to take notice, except Sheila Sanders. The older woman found Ellie dabbing her eyes with a wet paper towel. You’re not having much fun are you?

Ellie shook her head. I had asthma as a child, and I’m sensitive to cigarette smoke. Now my daughter Dory has asthma, but she has better meds than I did. Most of the time, I’m okay, but—

Say no more. Let’s go outside for a breath of fresh air.

Sheila patted her heavily sprayed, bleached blond hair. If I don’t comb it, a little snow won’t hurt. The hair spray makes it nice and stiff. You have pretty, shiny, and silky hair. You must take good care of it. I’ll bet Nick likes to get his hands into it, especially when making love to you.

Ellie blushed but did not answer Sheila. They walked out into the falling snow and stood at the edge of the building. After a few minutes of standing outside, Ellie’s cheeks were a pretty pink from the chill of the biting cold.

Nick pulls my hair sometimes but doesn’t stroke it. Ellie dropped her head feeling sad.

Why do you think your lovemaking is bad now? Sheila asked.

Sex, well, making love with Nick is pretty quick. He gets impatient. Sometimes he’s too rough. Oh dear, I shouldn’t be talking to you like this. She lowered her head, embarrassed, and turned away from Sheila. Maybe it’s because I work so much, two jobs, try to take care of the kids, and keep them out of trouble. It’s good they’re their both in school now. She swirled her boot in the falling snow. Our troubles really began when he bought the truck. Every extra dime goes for that truck. Now it’s up to me to pay the rent and buy a few clothes for the kids. So I had to find a second job.

Interesting. Maybe I’ll talk to Doty. Those big ones don’t come cheap. It could be that Nick has overextended himself financially. Doty pays Nick quite well. I should know. I do the books. I’ll check out his financial situation. She looked pointedly at Ellie. I’ve enough ‘meat’ on my bones to keep me warm, but a slender girl like you must feel the cold, and you’re rubbing your arms. Let’s go back in.

* * *

Ten miles to the north of town at the Iron County Regional Hospital, business at the emergency room of the hospital was beginning to pick up. Through the double doors of the emergency entrance came EMTs pushing a gurney, bringing in an unconscious female patient. The emergency room resident came on to meet them. Is this the injured skier?

Yeah, accident victim from Brian Head. Female, crashed into tree, last run of the day. Can you believe it? Erratic heartbeat, weak pulse, could possibly have a punctured lung.

Put her in room two. Close behind the gurney came a small blond woman wearing ski clothing.

Please, can you help Marcia? She’s my sister, and it’s been four hours since her accident. The blond woman’s face showed tear tracks and smudges of mascara, and her hair flattened from a ski cap. Fear and fatigue lined in her face.

Dr. Morgan looked up from the chart the paramedics had brought in. Four hours! What took you guys so long? This woman should have been in here much sooner.

Well, we were out in Ivins on a call because of a woman in distressed pregnancy. The chopper was called out, but by that time, the winds were gusting forty or more miles per hour, and the ‘bird’ couldn’t fly up to the altitude of Brian Head safely. So we took in our patient and had to drive up there. Let me tell you. That storm out there is a bitch.

Okay, I get the picture. Faulkner, while I take this woman’s vitals, go get some information from the blonde. I believe she said the patient is her sister.

Nurse Faulkner walked over to the woman in ski clothes pacing in the small waiting area. She extended her hand. I’m Ms. Faulkner. Could you fill out these information forms so we can admit your sister?

Yes, of course. I’m Penny Graham. She sat down on the beige plastic sofa and began to fill out the forms. This is the information she gave to the hospital.

Patient’s name: Marcia Davenport

Age: Sixty-five

Marital status: Widow.

One daughter, Lauren D. Michelson.

Stepson, Jerald Davenport

General health: High blood pressure, on medication

Work: Professor of housing and interior design at SUU

Exercise: Walking, skiing, tennis

Blood type: B positive

Nurse Faulkner took this information to Dr. Morgan. The doctor and his assistant were working on Marcia. Her blood pressure is low, with an erratic heartbeat. I need X-rays stat. The assistant took Marcia to radiology. Dr. Morgan studied the admitting form. Hmm. She’s sixty-five years old and a professor. He looked up. Faulkner, call this daughter, Lauren Michelson.

The nurse went back to Penny. Do you have the address and phone number of Lauren Michelson? I think we’d better call her.

Of course. Oh dear, I knew Marcia was badly hurt. What can you do to help her? Penny Graham took out her cell phone and with shaking hands dialed Lauren’s number.

We won’t know until we do some X-rays. Can I get you something? Coffee? A cold drink?

Perhaps some coffee. Penny gave a little shiver. Marcia and I waited in the snow removal shed. It was cold in there. She listened to her phone. Lauren, it’s Aunt Penny. Your mom has had a ski accident. We’re at Iron County Regional. I think you should come in here. If she needs surgery, or other treatment, you’re the closest family member. Okay, bring Dani. If you decide to stay, I’ll take her home and stay with her.

Chapter Two

Sheila and Ellie returned to the main area of the bar and grill, and Ellie glanced at her watch; it’s 9:40 p.m. She noticed that the music had changed to a danceable, slower tune. Walking over to Nick, she whispered in his ear. Be a good boy, and go dance with your wife. Help her to have a good time. I’ll catch up with you later. She allowed her ample breasts to brush against Nick’s arm.

Nick turned and smiled. Okay, deal. He eased out of his chair, took a last swallow of the margarita he was drinking, and walked over to Ellie. Come on, woman. Dance with me.

Sheila watched as a smile blossomed on Ellie’s face. As she settled against her husband’s tall lean body, Ellie seemed to be enjoying herself, snuggling against Nick. Other couples joined them, and the dance floor became crowded.

In the middle of the second dance, Joe came charging across the floor and grabbed Nick by the shoulder. I’ve snagged an empty table. Bro, let’s go shoot some pool. He called over his shoulder and moved toward the door.

Nick abruptly stopped dancing and walked away from Ellie, leaving her standing in the middle of the dance floor. I’m going in there. He motioned with his thumb to the poolroom.

Ellie looked down at the floor, twisting one booted foot, until a couple bumped into her. Her face darkened, and she ran for her chair and slumped down. She dropped her face into her hands.

Joe’s girlfriend, Trixie, and Nate’s date, Crystal, glanced at Ellie and giggled. Well. Crystal stood and straightened as she pulled her purple top over her C cup breasts. I’m going to go in there and watch the pool game. You coming, Trixie?

Ellie stood and bolted back to the ladies’ room. Sheila followed. Why doesn’t he love me anymore or even care about his family? I work so hard just to please him. What can I do? She dissolved into tears.

Sheila came over and put her hand on Ellie’s shoulder. Come on, girl, let’s lose this joint. Should we get lost?

You’d drive me home? Ellie swung around and glanced at Sheila. She handed Ellie her coat and purse and slid on her own leather jacket.

Sure, why not?

What should we do about Doty and Nick?

What about them? They’re both big boys and can take care of themselves. I’ll call Doty from the truck. Sheila led Ellie out into the snowy parking lot to a light blue Ford double cab, with four-wheel drive.

* * *

Ellie climbed in and noticed the smooth dark gray leather seats. Sheila easily steered the truck out of the parking lot to the road. This is real nice. I noticed it has four-wheel drive. She smiled as the windshield wipers beat a solid rhythm, pushing off the heavily falling snow. Turn right at the next light, please.

Living in the mountains of Southern Utah, Doty and I soon learned to be prepared for snow and lots of it.

The streets leading to Ellie and Nick’s apartment became older and shabbier. Sheila frowned at the apartment complex that Ellie pointed out. Why would Nick, on his salary, force his family to live in such a poor, rundown neighborhood? Sheila touched Ellie’s arm. Before you go, I think we should get to know each other a little more. As an example, Doty and I moved here from Nevada about six years ago. How long have you and Nick been together?

Gee, I met Nick when I was a senior in high school. He had graduated about three years before. There was this coffee shop where I worked. Sometimes he would come in there and sit around for a while. He would smile and talk to me. Flirt, sort of. I got a crush on those beautiful blue eyes really fast. Ellie glanced down at her hands.

"He is a good-looking guy, blue eyes and all".

Sheila murmured.

I hadn’t dated much before Nick came along. I usually spent my weekends at the ranch, helping with the horses. I loved to ride. My mom had died, and I did the housekeeping. She had been dead only four months when I met Nick.

When did you marry Nick?

In September, after I graduated from high school.

She sighed and crushed the tissue in her hands. But lately, since he bought the truck, he’s changed. It’s not good for us anymore.

Well, it seems I must have a good heart to heart with ‘good ole’ Nick. Check to find where he picked up that ‘burr in his undershorts.’

You don’t need to. We’ll manage, the kids and me. I’ll try to work harder.

Yes, I do. Things between you and Nick definitely need to change.

Ellie sighed and couldn’t stifle a yawn. I’d better get inside and pick up the kids from Mrs. Fullmer, our neighbor. She’s so good to watch them and won’t take a dime. She turned to Sheila and patted her arm. Thank you for the ride, and I appreciated the talk. Ellie slid out of the truck and carefully walked to her front door, stamped snow off her boots, and walked in.

Sheila dialed her husband. I took Ellie home, and I’m coming back as soon as I can. You will not believe neighborhood Ellie and Nick live.

You better hurry. Nick is screaming his head off about his wife deserting him. I’m having second thoughts about that boy, Doty said.

* * *

In through the double doors of the emergency entrance at Iron County Regional Hospital came a well-built tall man carrying a blonde woman in his arms. Two other people trailed in behind him, a well-dressed man and a pretty red-headed woman. The man ran over to the front desk. My wife collapsed at dinner.

The orderly ran for a gurney and gestured to the man to put his wife on it. The husband did as he was asked.

Nurse Faulkner called out. Dr. Morgan, we need you out here.

The young physician came jogging down the hall. He immediately went to the gurney and studied the new patient. He picked up her hand and then looked up at the husband. I’m Dr. Morgan, and you are?

Michael Novak, and my wife is Patricia. We were at Gino’s for dinner, the four of us. He gestured to the other couple. She just collapsed while we were dining.

While I take a look at your wife, Mr. Novak, could you fill out these forms? He glanced up at the nurse at the desk, and she pushed forward a clipboard holding paperwork. Faulkner, put her in room 1.

Please take a seat over there. He pointed to a green sofa and some chairs in an alcove down the hall from the admitting desk.

The young medic disappeared in the curtained area with another attending nurse. Ms. Faulkner followed Michael Novak and the other couple to give aid with the obligatory forms.

A few minutes later, Ms. Faulkner took the forms to Dr. Morgan. The information he wrote was as follows:

Name: Patricia Novak

Age: forty

Occupation: housewife, mother

Offspring: daughter, Jeanine, age fifteen

Address: Brian Head Mountainside Condos

Married sixteen years to Michael Novak

General health: careful with what she eats but smokes two

packs of cigarettes per day, enjoys alcoholic beverages

Dr. Morgan spoke to his attending nurse. We’re going to pump her stomach. If she’s still unresponsive, I want a blood sample sent to the lab. This woman also has a strange odor about her breath too.

Just then, the curtains parted, and the red-headed woman stood and handed a sack to the assistant.

This is the bottle of wine Patricia was served. My husband took it from the restaurant. I’m a nurse in my other life. We figured you’d need it.

The scowl on Dr. Morgan’s face turned to a smile. Thank you, Ms. . . . uh . . .

No problem. I’ll make introductions when you’re finished here. As she disappeared, Faulkner could hear the click, click of her high-heeled boots on the tile floor.

Several long minutes later, Dr. Morgan came out of the room to Michael and his friends. I’m admitting your wife. Now tell me what transpired at the restaurant.

We were all at dinner. The three of us ordered steak and a bottle of merlot. Patricia ordered halibut and wanted a white wine. I allowed her to order a split of Pinot Grigio.

Before the main course came, she did drink a glass with a salad and a roll. She does like her wine, the redhead commented, which elicited a scowl from Michael. Oh, I’m Elaine Richards. This is my husband, Jason.

We were all served the main course, and she began to eat some of the fish, but then she grabbed her stomach. She said, ‘My head hurts,’ and then ‘Michael, help me,’ and she slid to the floor. Michael shook his head and wiped his face with his hand. Have you any idea what could be wrong with her?

Possibly food poisoning or something stronger. We must wait for the lab results. I have called a man who is quite familiar with toxic substances. He’ll be here as soon as possible.

* * *

When Sheila arrived at the Golden Gecko, she walked into the middle of a nasty scene. Nick was screaming. Damn her. I told her we were going to celebrate New Year’s all together. What does she do? She leaves me.

Sheila walked up to Nick. Blame me. Get mad at me. I took her home.

I oughta smack you for that. He raised his hand at Sheila.

Doty was quick to push Nick away. You behave yourself, Fraser, or you’ll be damned sorry. When Doty stepped between them, and Nick backed away.

Her allergies were giving her trouble. I just got her out of that smoky room. Sheila glared at Nick, hands on her hips.

Yeah, those allergies, big excuse. All she thinks about is her runny nose and of course the kids! Nick shouted. Suddenly the noisy room quieted down, and people began to stare.

You’re shouting, Nick, and you’re drunk. Let’s go outside. Doty took Nick by the arm.

Nick violently shook off his boss’s hold. All she cares about are those damn kids. What about me? Well, I’m going home and let them all know who’s boss. Sheila and Doty followed him out.

Don’t leave, Nick. You’re drunk. In this weather, you’ll have a crash. Doty yelled at his employee.

Sheila went out into the parking lot and stood close to Nick’s truck. You’re acting crazy. Don’t go! He started the truck and managed to pull out of the parking spot. Sheila had to jump back to the sidewalk. Nick’s truck barely missed her.

The truck slid back and forth at the entrance to the road and swung halfway around, but finally, he managed to straighten the vehicle and drove wildly away.

Sheila turned to her husband. We’ve got to go after him. He might kill somebody, and unfortunately, it may not be himself.

Chapter Three

Ellie picked up her sleepy children from Mrs. Fullmer’s place and had quickly tucked them into the bunk beds of their small second bedroom. Worn out from the long hours of work the day before, Ellie was nearly asleep when she heard the front door crash against the wall and the familiar sound of Nick stomping into the apart ment.

Ellie, you here? Where are you, bitch?

Up on her feet, she ran into the living room. Oh no, he’s so drunk. What can I do? He went to grab her, and she automatically shank back away from him. He’d left the front door open, and the swirling snow began to drift unto the floor, coating the entrance with white flakes. She could feel the cold, damp air, and she ducked around Nick to close the door.

Nick came behind her and grabbed her by