On Her Own

By Sheila Frost Makus

Striking out on her own from a sheltered, Christian family, Sammi follows her dream in the big city. Her faith is tested when she comes face to face with a brutal attacker and betrayal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512782660

Sheila Frost Makus

Sheila Frost Makus, a music education graduate of Seattle Pacific taught public School music for a number of years in Washington. Having completed several courses in creative writing and journalism, she continues her life long love of writing. Sheila now ministers with her pastor husband, Bud at Alliance Bible Church in Hillsboro, OR. They have three grown children and two grandsons. On Her Own is based on daughter Sarah’s pursuit of her Broadway dream.

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Copyright © 2017 Sheila Frost Makus.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture quotations are from the holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Used by Permission of Zondervan through Bible Gateway© Copyright 2010. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-8267-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8268-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-8266-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017905528

WestBow Press rev. date: 4/21/2017

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

DEDICATED

…. To my incredible family who patiently gave me their unending support and valuable critique throughout my writing journey. I love you immensely!

……to my dear friend and computer whiz, Debbie Stephens, who endured multiple changes, to my manuscript, with a ‘can do’ spirit and ever present smile. Bless you!

Chapter 1

SHADOWS ENVELOPED SAMMI as she searched the deserted hallway. A musty smell caught in her throat causing her to cough. Pushing aside the rising doubts about this place, she pressed on.

Room number 403…404…405…Ah! This is it! She jiggled the old key in the lock.

Although her first efforts met with resistance, the stubborn latch finally yielded. Sammi nudged the door open.

Ewwww! she shuddered, walking face-first into a giant cobweb. Dropping her luggage to the floor, she vigorously rubbed her nose with the back of her hand. Augh! Another wave of musty air assaulted her. Persevering, she surveyed the surroundings.

Nothing had prepared her for what she was seeing. Not the dimly lit lobby with its antiquated front desk and clerk, nor the tentative old elevator that deposited her with a jolt onto the fourth floor. Not even the foreboding hallway had disillusioned her entirely. Initially she sensed a charming ambiance. Now she felt nothing charming about the place!

Her last hint of warmth gave way to an icy chill as she sneezed violently. She blew her nose then blinked, as if to wish the room away. Thick dust covered everything. Spiders had spun their magic from ceiling to window casings and shrouded the sparse furnishings in gray gauze. Streaked window panes in the single window offered only a cloudy view of the alley below. A torn pull-shade lay crumpled on the floor.

Sammi flipped on the light switch. Nothing. Off and on again. Still nothing. She concluded that a single light-bulb nine feet up in the center of the room wouldn’t help much anyway. I can’t possibly study here!

The excitement of being on her own in a big city morphed into deep disappointment, that caught in her throat. She fought back tears welling up in her eyes. It’s not that she envisioned a lavish suite; just something warm and livable. It seemed that the Markum website had been terribly deceptive. It pictured an inviting room with wall art, a twin-bed covered in a soft spread, a desk and chair, bookcase and private washroom with linens and towels included. This room didn’t even come close to the description!

Friends often suggested that Sammi lived in a dream world, always glamorizing reality. She laughed it off just as often. Now she wondered if it could be true. Tipping her head back, Sammi stared up at the high ceiling. The single dusty bulb stared back. There was nothing to glamorize here! She plopped down on top of the suitcase and buried her face in her hands.

Barely eight hours earlier, the scene at home was one right out of a family magazine. Mom bustled around the kitchen in a cherry-print apron preparing eggs, toast and orange juice. Daddy poured a cup of fresh-brewed coffee and carried it into the family room. After a cautious sip, he set it near the scale he’d borrowed from the bathroom. For the third time, he weighed Sammi’s suitcase. You don’t want to miss your flight due to overweight luggage.

‘Not a chance,’ Sammi thought. Daddy always looked out for his little girl.

Leaving Mom and Daddy was difficult. Saying goodbye to five-year-old Evie was dreadful! Sissy, her wide eyes pleaded, You have to take Woofer with you to the big city so you won’t be lonely. A dimpled smile lit up her face. He’s full of padding, so it’s okay to hug him real tight.

Recalling Evie’s selfless offer prompted tears once again. Separation from her beloved stuffed pet would have been too great a sacrifice for her little sister. The relief on Evie’s face confirmed that Sammi was right to give Woofer back.

She missed her family terribly at this moment. If ever she needed Woofer, it was now! Life seemed effortless back home. Here, it was uphill from the start. She feared that one-by-one her dreams might fall away.

Get a grip! Sammi heard herself say out loud. This must be a mistake. Surely it could be straightened out with the desk clerk. Although she had doubts about the little white-haired lady, certainly someone would help. She locked her suitcase and oversized bag inside the room temporarily and dropped the key into her pants pocket.

Approaching the rickety elevator Sammi remembered her unfavorable ride up to the fourth floor. Maybe the stairs would be a better option. Suddenly the strain of the flight from home and the chaotic bus trip from the airport to the Markum caught up with her. Do I really feel like walking all the way down? Reluctantly, she chose the elevator.

When Sammi reached the lobby she found the front desk unattended. In fact the lobby was deserted. She retrieved a cell-phone from her pants pocket. No service. The sunshine made her squint as she stepped out the front door. At least the weather here is welcoming, she quipped. A wooden bench near the flower garden beckoned her across the lawn. It was the perfect place to make her phone call.

Touching the screen a couple of times, she listened for the tones and pick-up.

Mommy! she cried, bursting into tears. Her emotional eruption surprised her.

It did not surprise her mother, who waited patiently for her daughter to gain composure. I love you, Honey, Mom spoke tenderly. Daddy and I are so proud of you for stepping out on your own. She paused for a moment. No response. Life will smooth out for you there. You can do this. We’re praying. Sammi always relied on the prayers and encouragement of her parents.

Raised in a small close-knit Arizona town, Sammi enjoyed a sheltered, carefree life with the love of her family and their church family. Everyone knew each other, looked out for and celebrated one other. Though most folks attended regular Sunday services, Christmas and Easter Sundays shut down the town. Mom always played the piano for church services. Dad had been a church Board member since Sammi could remember. Both were highly respected in the community. Prayer was frequent at home—more than just over meals—and Bible reading together. Most importantly, Mom and Daddy lived what they taught. Sammi was blessed. Today she realized it more than ever!

The longer she and Mom talked, the brighter the sun appeared and the more fragrant the flowers. Although miles separated them, Sammi felt connected again.

Several smartly dressed women engaged in serious conversation walked up the path and into the Markum. Sammi guessed them to be semi-professionals arriving home after a busy day. She hoped the Markum would become a home she’d look forward to after daily classes at the Seattle School for the Performing Arts.

Unconsciously she checked her watch. The dining hall was now open for dinner. Had she really talked with Mom for that long? Unbelievable! They said their tender goodbyes as Sammi sauntered across the lawn and onto the porch. Hopefully someone would help correct her room dilemma before she went to eat. Opening the door to the lobby, she was disappointed