Jenny: Her Past Exposed

By Iva M. Forshey

In the deep alluring south, adopted twenty-three year old, Jennifer Landon Kennedy, a nurse, is satisfying a profound yearning by returning to the town of her biological birth and of her dead parents. It turned out to be a lovely southern town, rich in history, with gracious beautiful homes. It is not her intention to become involved with the people who live there, but when Jenny innocently asks questions about the name of Landon, she opens a can of worms spilling well-kept secrets, as well as arousing a batch of uncertainties and jealousies.

First, Diane the court clerk, becomes skeptical and suspicious leading to her targeting Jenny in a sinister plot. Then the ministers, the police, and the fire Marshall and his wife, Walter and Martha Bloom who can finally unburden their soul. Lastly Seth, with whom a mutual attraction develops when she meets him accidently and ultimately frees him of his past.

As she weighs her discoveries, she realizes people are frightening her and creating an air of distrust surrounding her parents death. When Diane attempts to kill her, she is ready to flee back home to the sanctuary of her adopted parents.

The fire siren wailing in the night brings the final pieces of her developing puzzle together. As Jenny plunges ahead into the flames, what mysteries will she uncover about her dead parents, of Diane and Seth? Will reservations and doubts remain or will there be resolution?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512799651

Iva M. Forshey

Iva is a graduate of Columbia International University in S. C., but she has spent most of her life as a teacher, writer and artist. She lives in Pa. in a penthouse with her husband, Dean. She has two beautiful children and four great grandchildren.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

M ost of her life, Jenny had lived in quiet little Gary, South Carolina, in an adequate, two-story, lackluster red brick house, that decades of bright southern sun had faded to its present patina. However, it was still a very pretty house that was set back from the street and enhanced by brilliant white-trimmed windows, porches, and shutters. The sun hit the frosted cut glass at the top of all the major windows sending rivers of glorious color shining throughout the house. Its allure was further enriched by the growth of wisteria vines, southern magnolia, flowering dogwood, and towering live oak trees. She not only cherished the house and loved living there but also worked as hard as her parents did in the vegetable and flower gardens. Sometimes she thought that she was better acquainted than they were with the tools and garden supplies stored in the shed against the alley at the end of the yard. Jenny knew how to preserve fruits and vegetables also, cook great meals, sew, and she wasn’t above washing and waxing the family cars.

Around the corner and down the street from this paradise, stood a red brick hospital complex with sandstone quoins and epaulet designs over the windows and doors. It was not only conveniently located but was also a grand place to work as a nurse.

The walk from her home to the hospital always refreshed her. This particular afternoon, she walked lightly, almost skipping in happy anticipation of her upcoming vacation. Five more days, she spoke to her white uniform reflection in the hospital door as she reached to open it. Then I can begin finding out who Jennifer Landon Kennedy really is.

Holly Kennedy, Jenny’s mother, was the supervisor at the u-shaped, state-owned children’s hospital. It had only two hundred beds, but drew children with disabilities, from babies to eighteen years of age, from all over the state. Because many required long periods of healing or surgery, most children were confined for months, sometimes for years. It became a home away from home, for many of them. Here, holidays were probably more festive, elaborate, and gift-filled for them, than if they had been at their own home. They were schooled, amused, fed, bathed, and massaged; they received Kenny packs and therapy; and received operations when necessary. Eventually they were discharged, some with braces, that they would probably wear forever, but they were as physically healed as possible. Emotionally was another story, for many of them knew the hospital was a happier and more stable place for them than their homes.

Whether the days were sunny or gray, Jenny enjoyed the bright, cheerful environment of the hospital. A family atmosphere prevailed, and not just behind the door marked Superintendent of Nurses, on which she knocked.

Hi Mom, Jenny said as she went behind the large desk to give her mom a kiss on the cheek. She leaned purposely on the back of her mom’s chair, tilting it dangerously, laughing as she did so.

Her mom laughing, exclaimed, Jenny! You are never going to grow up! as she caught her breath and grabbed for the edge of the desk.

I know. Don’t you love it? she cried, giving her another smooch. Dad said he was going out to the Fountain Motel to give the new owner an estimate on some repairs but that he should be home before you. I put a roast in the oven and have potatoes buttered and wrapped ready for you to toss in the oven when you get home.

Holly Kennedy, a very professional and much loved supervisor, had been working on a stack of papers but now folded her slender hands on top of them and gave her daughter her full attention. Thanks, Jenny. I might as well warn you that Dr. Cassel dropped by to ask why you haven’t returned his phone calls or answered his notes.

Mother, really! Why don’t you help me here? She had sat down on one of two uncomfortable straight-back chairs. The office was rather austere, decorated only with an antique mirror, family pictures on the wall behind the desk, and a large fern sitting on a pedestal by a window.

He’s a nice young single doctor. Why don’t you like him?

We’ve discussed this before. I can’t stand his set ways. He acts old, practically older than Dad. She flailed her hands in emphasis. You never do this before you do that. You never go here before first checking out there. Then she shook her finger at her mother and declared, I can tell you where Jay Cassel is right now, what he is doing, how he is doing it, and I haven’t seen or talked to him for three days. There’s no whimsical tendency in him. Could you live like that? She dropped her expressive hands to her lap with a sigh. She didn’t tell her mother that the nice, young doctor wouldn’t keep his hands to himself.

No, I guess I couldn’t, but you don’t seem to care a twit that you are so pretty and that you look absolutely gorgeous in that uniform. She had leaned back in her chair and then came quickly forward with a jerk and a grin, pointing her pen at her daughter. See, even when you sit across from me, I think you’re going to tip me. She did relax then before saying, You are going to drive a lot of men crazy before and after marriage.

Spoken just like a mother. When love comes to me, I want it to be a glorious, crashing kind of love, like you and Dad have. I don’t want my looks or my body to have anything to do with it. So, please help me with him, she pleaded, holding her hands in a praying position. I can’t seem to get him to hear the word no. Taking a deep breath, she changed the subject. By the way, I did some laundry today and picked up the dry cleaning. There are still a couple rugs on the line. She turned to leave, Tomorrow I’ll finish packing.

Holly interrupted her. Honey, you act as if you’re going away for a year. Surely you don’t need so much preparation for a one-week vacation.

With her hand on the doorknob, Jenny remarked, You know me. I don’t like loose ends lying around.

Holly turned away quickly and Jenny knew she was hiding the grief that this vacation was bringing her, so she returned to her mom. Come here, Jenny prompted, drawing her statuesque mother up from her chair, and then wrapped her arms around her mother, mussing her peppered colored hair.

Mom, please help me with this too, Jenny said close to her ear. I love you and Dad. I could never love anyone else as I do you, and we know there is no one else, just a place. Then with her hands on her mom’s shoulders, Jenny looked her in the eyes. You know this is something I have wanted to do, like, forever. It’s high time I struck out on my impossible dream, as Dr. Cassel calls it. I must go there, see the town, look it over, talk to people who knew my biological parents, and see the house where I was born. I can’t quiet the desire within me. I don’t know why, but I must go.

With grace and dignity, Holly stepped from under Jenny’s arms and turned to the mirror to fuss with her short, feather cut hair before she spoke. I know. I know. The only reason I give in to your going alone is that by going, maybe, just maybe, your nightmares will go away. She rested the back of her hand on Jenny’s cheek. You had another last night, didn’t you?

Jenny sat on the edge of her mother’s organized desk, glancing at her watch. She still had a few minutes before she had to leave for her nurse’s station. Yes, I did. You’d think I’d outgrow them. I’m sorry if I disturbed you again. I’ll never get used to them and they never change.

Still about the fire?

Uh huh, and then waking to find myself rocking in my bed while humming that simple little tune.

Her mother stood to give Jenny a generous hug. Honey, you never really disturb me. I know you have to run and I must finish this work. She pointed to the pile of papers and then adjusted her white uniform over a body that was always subjected to a diet, as she watched Jenny pin on her little white cap. I’ll warn you ahead of time for you are right. Dr. Cassel is waiting for you at your station.

See what I mean? I knew he would be there. I don’t know if I can stand the excitement, she grinned at Holly again, before taking a hanky from her pocket to wipe off the lipstick mark she had placed on her mother’s cheek. She called over her shoulder while exiting the room. See you later if you’re still up when I get home.

CHAPTER 2

D r. Cassel wasn’t there when Jenny stepped off the elevator across from the nurse’s station. Breathing a big sigh of relief, she quickly took the opportunity to be filled in on the day report by the head nurse, who was anxious to be relieved of duty. She was informed that her favorite patient, Jody Long, had not responded well to surgery this time, and that Dr. Cassel was with her.

Jay Cassel was truly dedicated to his profession. He worked hard and put in extra hours without complaining. His tall, thin frame, topped with unkempt sandy-blond hair, could be seen going in and out of the OR ward at all hours of the day. Jenny supposed he was waiting impatiently for her to read the charts and appear at Jody’s door.

She glanced down the long hall and could see him still dressed in his operating garb, which she knew he hated to keep on after surgery. He was leaning against the doorjamb of Jody’s room. He seemed to love wearing his long white professional coat with a stethoscope draped around his neck, or he simply loved the impression he made when wearing it. It didn’t take too much insight to realize that she didn’t fit his picture of a doctor’s wife when she wasn’t on duty. He frequently mentioned how much he loved to see her in her starched, form-fitting uniform, with her brown curls resting on her slender shoulders, and her hazel eyes searching his. Out of uniform, she didn’t think he loved her. He was in love with an image.

At some point in their one-sided relationship, he mentioned that after they were married there would have to be some changes made. Being a nurse, she would understand him and his work, so he told her. Why did she have to be so stubborn? He often reminded her that there were other single nurses whose flirtations interested him.

What an egotist! So, Jay, please start dating them and leave me alone!

The ‘image’ walked down the hall, clipboard in hand. How is Jody, Doctor? Jenny tried to sail past him to enter Jody’s room but he whipped out his arm and placed it across the door opening.

She’s been lamenting for you. Try to convince her to stay awake and take liquids. Her temp hasn’t dropped. Whispering, Jenny, I have to see you.

Ignoring him by pretending to read Jody’s chart, she commented, Maybe I can get her to take some ginger ale. Children will drink soda or chew on ice when they won’t drink water.

If he heard her professionalism and her attempt to look into the room, he ignored it and simply moved closer, asking. Jenny, are you still going on that wild goose chase? You shouldn’t pursue this venture. What is past is past.

She stepped away from the open doorway, knowing he would follow. Dr. Cassel, your concern is purely selfish. You aren’t going to like this, but you aren’t happy unless you have me under your watchful eye. She spoke quietly, because aides were close by tending patients. To answer your question, yes, I am going and I hope it doesn’t turn into a wild goose chase, as you suggest.

Exasperated with her, he almost shouted in her ear as he took hold of her arm in a firm grip. Your real parents are dead!

That hurt her feelings, and with intense eyes she showed unusual strength, breaking free of his grasp. Jenny had to get away from him. He could be so brutal at times. She headed toward the little kitchen off the main hallway.

He followed her down the sparkling corridor, keeping close, whispering, not seeming to care how much he hurt her. You have a fantastic mother and father. Why can’t you let well enough alone?

Jenny couldn’t answer him until she was in the small kitchen where she could use the open refrigerator door for a barrier. She needed to calm down. Although she appeared rather delicate as she poured some ginger ale into a glass for Jody, she was actually quite tough and fiercely independent. Her answer to Jay told how spirited she could be.

Because I’m not like you, Jay. We’ve been through this before. I’m me and to understand myself a little better, I need to walk where my parents walked, eat where they ate, see the house in which they lived, attend the church they attended, and whatever else I may find to do there. I’m not even sorry if this sounds so terrible to you. She shook her head indicating her exasperation with him. I have got to get to work. I am being paid to be on duty as head nurse of this floor. She shut the refrigerator door and out maneuvered him when he tried to put an arm around her waist. She stepped back into the hall, where he stopped her again with his words.

Because it seems you don’t really love those who have done so much for you. You’re hurting your parents, and me.

Anger spit out, I know that, but at least they understand and are behind me one hundred present. Don’t ever touch me again here in the hospital. Now, no more. I’m on duty and the children need me.

She heard and ignored his question of, ‘When will I see you again?’ as she hurried to Jody’s room. I am not in love with you, could never be in love with someone like you. I really don’t even like you. There is no excitement in our relationship.

A gully-washing thunderstorm on Friday morning kept Jenny from some last minute shopping. Finally, shortly after lunch, the skies cleared, and she hurried to town to buy a pair of oxfords she had seen on sale. By then it was time to get ready for work. She so enjoyed the fresh scent from the earth as it dried following a rain; the sun had resumed its intensity.

Whew! It’s warm and humid, she spoke aloud, as she slipped into her uniform. Think I’ll pin up my hair today.

Her eight hours duty went by quickly. When she opened the front door of the hospital to head home, she paused under an arc light to drink in the night air. Then she saw Jay sitting on the wide stone banister that surrounded the front entrance. She breathed a sigh of despair, and automatically reached for the pendant she always wore around her neck.

Hopelessly she spoke, Hello, Jay.

He used to meet her every evening and walk her home until she had insisted he stop. The close of every date and the escort home ended in a wrestling match until she was just sick and tired at the thought of being alone with him.

When he saw her hands go to her hips along with that look in her eyes, he asserted himself. I know. You asked me not to wait for you anymore but I can’t see you any other way.

That’s all right. She was sincere, for when she came back from her time off, she would be on the third shift and would fill her evenings with her own planned excuses. Eventually, he would surely realize she meant what she said.

He jumped to his feet immediately. Could I interest you in a sandwich or dessert?

Sure, why not, she answered falling into step with him, but keeping one hand in her pocket and the other tightly gripping her shoulder purse. I know he’s going to say, ‘let’s go to Dairyland’.

Let’s walk to Dairyland. It’s the only decent place open this time of night.

She shrugged away his arm from her waist. Okay, so he said ‘walk’.

Whatever you say, Jay.

Why do you always answer me like that?

Do I? she challenged. Because that’s the way it has to be, Dear Doctor!

You know you do. I think you do it to rile me.

She stopped, letting Jay get a step ahead. Jay, if we are going to argue, then I’d rather you go your way and I’ll go mine.

He turned and reached to grab her arm, probably to draw her to him. I’m sorry, but you never cease to annoy me.

For pity’s sake, Jay, don’t you see? she challenged him, as she twisted away from him again. That’s why I keep saying no to you that we are not good for each other.

They resumed walking.

But if you married me it would be different.

From her peripheral vision, she saw that he was watching for her reaction; he got it with an abrupt stop and stamp of her foot. Jay, you can’t be serious. You don’t love me. You love the image of what you want me to be. I not only can’t fit the bill, I don’t want to. I don’t love you. Sometimes, I don’t even like you. I admire your abilities and dedication, but I have never spent one enjoyable date with you. If you were honest with yourself, you would say the same.

We could make it work, Jenny. I know we could. He was practically pleading, as he reached out his arms to lay hold on her shoulders seeking to pull her against him. However, it was awkward, she was able to move easily away, and turning from him began walking again.

Without love, Jay? You’ve got to be kidding. Without love there’s no beginning and you know it. What part of your brain is shut down? It can’t be your intelligent mind speaking such foolishness. Quit playing with me. You’re too smart to believe such a relationship could work.

Still he ignorantly persisted. I was hoping to pin you down to a promise tonight.

They stopped walking again. A last ditch effort before I leave. Is that it? She stepped farther away from him before turning. "Look, Jay, let’s forget this whole thing. It’s late and I’m tired. Your proposal is depressing. I’m going