Deb

By Judy Lennington

Debbi stared at the newspaper article written about her accident which took place in Monte Alto, Pennsylvania. They were calling her the lady with angels riding in her back seat. Her recovery was truly amazing. It didnt mention her new abilities since waking from her coma. How is it she can move objects with her mind and heal people by touching them? Was all of this related to the strange lights in the sky the night of her accident, and who were the four strangers who showed up at the accident to pray for her after they pronounced her dead and placed her in a body bag? She felt a strong urge to keep all of this a secret for the doctors were already urging her to admit herself into a facility so they could study her progress.
This novel, although fiction, is based on true facts surrounding an automobile accident that took place in Monte Alto, Pennsylvania in September of 1995.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 4, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514452820

Judy Lennington

Deb’s Alienation is the 19th novel written by Judy Lennington, a retired factory worker of thirty-eight years. Growing up in a family of storytellers, she continues the family tradition. Only now, she hopes to tell her stories to the world.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Judy Lennington.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016901152

ISBN:   Hardcover              978-1-5144-5284-4

              Softcover               978-1-5144-5283-7

              eBook                    978-1-5144-5282-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 02/02/2016

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

726080

To Dave; thank you for your support and inspiration. You are so appreciated and so loved.

I dedicate this book to my lovely daughter Deborah Fowler-Baker. You were the lady with angels riding in your back seat. You are meant for great things. I love you dearly.

A special thank you to Matthew Lennington and Craig Andrews for your tech support.

A special thank you to the Monte Alto, Pennsylvania Fire and Rescue Department for your assistance when I needed you. You are greatly appreciated.

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 One

It was a cloudy afternoon in Mont Alto; a small suburb of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Deborah Lynn Farlow worked afternoon shift at a business that built frames for pre- fab houses. She was off work at eleven o’clock. Today she was meeting some of her friends for a couple of drinks after work. Debbi was running a laser saw this afternoon. She would sneak an occasional glance at her watch. She had twenty minutes left of her shift. Debbi had time to finish her project at hand before shutting down for the day.

As she worked she concentrated on what she was doing. Debbi was good at what she did. She was one of those workers who took their job seriously. At least that is what her employer had to say about her. To Debbi it was more a matter of survival. She had to work hard to climb the ladder. That was where the money was. Few women made it to the top, but Deb was determined to make it on her own. More than that; she was determined to be successful. It had always been that way with Debbi. She had a need to prove she was just as good, just as capable, and just as worthy as the best of the best.

Deb was originally from East Palestine, Ohio. It was there she grew up and went to school. Her best friend’s father had been transferred to Waynesboro, Pennsylvania when the company he worked for shut down. Deb would visit her best friend every summer for a couple of weeks. She grew quite fond of this area. After graduating from High School she moved here. She had no family in the area, but made friends quickly.

Debbi turned her saw off. She took a brush in hand and proceeded to clean her work station. She brushed the sawdust from her clothes. She removed her safety glasses and stomped her feet to remove the particles from her steel toed shoes. She grabbed a well-worn broom and began to sweep the floor. Again she looked at her watch. She scooped the swept saw dust into a dust pan and dumped it into a special container strictly for saw dust and small wood chips. It was time to go home.

Debbi removed her ear plugs as she walked toward the women’s wash room. Along the way, she smiled and conversed with co-workers. Everyone was in a pleasant mood this time of day. She pulled the band from her hair and shook the saw dust out. She had brought a change of clothes with her today. She changed into neatly pressed jeans and a sweat shirt. It was September. It was warm when she arrived at work, but it would be chilly tonight. She brushed her hair until the brush no longer tangled in the long blonde strands that would hang almost to her waist. She applied a small amount of mascara and left the washroom.

At the time clock she stood in line with her co-workers. They talked and laughed as they waited for the time clock to click onto eleven o’clock. Once they heard the click; the line moved quickly. Now they filed out of the parking lot in two different lanes according to which direction they were traveling. Deb worked in the mountain region of Maryland. The roads were winding. She drove forty minutes to and from work five and sometimes six days a week. Today was Friday and Deb had learned earlier today that she would be working tomorrow.

This particular Friday night; Debbi was picking her friend Angela up and they were going to a bar near Debbi’s house. They were meeting Natalie and Karin there. Angela was waiting for Debbi on the front porch. She jumped into the car and Deb began to back out onto State Route 997. The bar was called Chaps and it was down the road from Debbi’s house.

You don’t look like you been working all night. Angela said laughing.

Debbi frowned and made one of those funny faces she was well known for. Thanks’ Angie. Now we both know why you’re one of my best friends. They both laughed.

I’m so ready for tonight. I might even get drunk. Angela said.

Not me. I’m working tomorrow. Sorry Angela, but I’m having two drinks and then I’m going home. Debbi said.

That’s fine. I can catch a ride with Nat or Karin if I decide to stay. Angela said. I’m just glad you were able to go with us; even if it’s only for two drinks. She laughed. A lot can happen in the time it takes to drink two drinks.

Debbi smiled over at her friend. I’m drinking beer tonight. I don’t want to wake up with that crappy taste in my mouth tomorrow. Like I said, I have to work tomorrow. She replied.

I got you. Angela said.

Debbi steered her car into the parking lot. There’s Natalie’s car, but I don’t see Brianna’s. She said as she put the car into park.

They probably rode together. Angela said.

They walked to the bar in silence. Once they passed through the door, everyone began shouting their names. Wow; it looks like everyone is here tonight. Angela said.

Over here. A female voice called out to them. Debbi squinted to adjust to the dim light and heavy cigarette smoke. She spotted her friend Natalie waving to her. They made their way in that direction.

Debbi and Angela sat down at a table. There was a local band playing. Natalie shouted to be heard over the music. You look nice for working all afternoon.

Debbi laughed. She did not take compliments well. They embarrassed her. Angela shouted across the table at Natalie, That’s the same thing I told her.

Stop it you guys. Debbi said looking around them. Wow, there is a lot of men here tonight.

Karin shouted. Oh yeah!

The waitress approached their table. She knew the girls well. What did you do Billy; put a sign out there saying free beers? Angela asked the waitress.

Billy was usually behind the bar all night, but on occasion when they got really busy she helped wait on tables. I don’t know where they all came from. They all hit at once too. She smiled down at Debbi. What are we having tonight? She asked.

I’m drinking beer. Debbi said. I’ll just have a draft.

I’ll have the same with a shot of Jack on the side. Angela said.

Angela, you’re going to get hammered. Natalie said laughing.

I’m not driving and I plan on making one drink last. Deb is leaving early so it shouldn’t be a problem. Angela said. She pointed toward the dance floor. Look at Karin. She’s dancing with some Dude. Everyone looked in the direction she was pointing.

I didn’t see her car out there. Did she ride with you? Debbi asked Natalie.

Natalie shook her head. No she rode with Penny. She replied.

Is Penny here? Debbi asked looking around. Oh yeah, I see her now. She said waving to her friend on the dance floor. Hey, he ain’t half bad.

Down girl. Natalie said. You’re leaving early remember?

And she’s leaving with me. Angela said.

Billy arrived with the drinks. Thanks’ Billy. Debbi said smiling. The song ended and Penny came to the table out of breath. Who’s the dude you were dancing with, Penny? Debbi asked.

Heck, I don’t know. He asked me if I wanted to dance and I said yes. You girls know me; I love to dance. Penny said pulling out a chair to sit down next to Natalie. How come Brianna didn’t come? Penny asked.

The jukebox was playing another song now. Angela shouted, Bri’s mother is sick. She didn’t have anyone to watch the kids.

Debbi lifted her mug in the air and said, Here’s to us girls.

Here, hear. The girls said together as they toasted themselves.

The man that had been dancing with Penny was back asking for another dance. Penny smiled and pushed her chair back. Looks like I’m dancing again. She said.

Lucky Penny. Natalie said laughing.

Yep, you know what they say; always pick up a stray penny when you find one. Angela said. The girls giggled. Before long they were all on the dance floor.

Soon afterwards, Debbi had drained her second beer. She stood up and announced it was time for her to go. She turned to Angela and said, If you want to stay; someone will give you a ride home. It won’t bother me.

Angela shook her head. No way man! I’ve had enough to drink for one night. I need to get home. She began to pull her jean jacket on. She waved to her girlfriends and walked toward the door behind Debbi. Billy waved to them as they were exiting the bar.

As they stepped outside they noticed a group gathered in the parking lot. They were pointing toward the sky. The girls looked upward to find lights that seemed to float silently across the sky. What is that? Debbi asked as they approached the group.

I don’t know, but it’s all over the news too. Whatever it is, it is all one piece. A man said without looking away from the object. It isn’t making any sound at all.

Maybe it’s military. Angela said looking over at Debbi.

Maybe; but I’ve never seen anything like that before. She looked back at Angela and said. Maybe we are seeing things." Then she giggled.

If you are; we are all seeing the same thing. A girl they did not know said.

Well, I have to get home. I have to go to work tomorrow. Debbi said. They got into Debbi’s car and slowly pulled out onto Anthony Highway. Deb drove slowly as they continued to watch the lights in the sky that moved slowly, just above the tree tops. How can they stay up there moving so slowly? Debbi asked.

What keeps them from hitting the tree tops? Angela asked leaning forward to get a better view of the object in the sky. It’s huge! Debbi turned off Anthony Highway. She continued to drive slowly. They watched as the object seemed to be hovering right above them.

Dang; I passed your house. Debbi said looking over at Angela.

That’s alright. Angela said. I’m not ready to go in anyway.

Debbi drove slowly as they continued to watch the lights that hover above them as she drove along Slabtown Road. Soon she was at the stop sign where the road crossed State Route 997.

They sat at the stop sign looking at the sky. A small ice cream stand called the Twin Kiss, was on the opposite corner. The parking lot was full of cars as people had gathered there to watch the lights above them. Deb stopped at the stop sign and was watching upward.

A horn blasted from behind them which startled her. Alright, I’m going. Debbi said as she took her foot off the brake and began to make a left turn. Suddenly a blinding light filled the front seat and a horn blasted. It was too late. A car had been coming north on 997 and Debbi had just pulled out into the path of it. The car impacted just between the front tire and driver’s door. The driver’s door flew open and Debbi, not having a seat belt on, was ejected from the car which had suddenly been propelled upward. It crashed back to the ground with the sound of metal on concrete.

Angela was secured inside the car by her seat belt. She was unharmed. She looked to her left to find the driver’s seat empty. She unbuckled her seat belt and kicked her door open. People were rushing toward her from the parking lot of Twin Kiss. Debbi! Angela called looking around. Deb!

She’s under the car. Someone was saying from the crowd.

Angela dropped to the ground to peer underneath Debbi’s car. Deb was lying on the ground on her side in a fetal position with the car on top of her. Debbi! Angela called out. She jumped to her feet and shouted. Someone help me get this car off of her. Angela grabbed at the car and tried to lift it. She looked around her at the group of strangers who stood watching her. Help me! She shouted into the crowd.

No one moved. Angela began to sob. She dropped to the ground again and called out, Debbi, I need you to wake up. Again she was on her feet pleading with the onlookers. Please, someone help me get his car off of Debbi. Please help me. Please for God’s sake help us.

From the crowd she could hear someone say, Someone call 911.

Another person said, There is no 911 service out here.

Again, Angela tried to move the car. She strained but was not able to budge it. She was sobbing helplessly. Why won’t anyone help me? She begged.

I’ll go for help. A young male voice said. Angela did not see who said it.

In this particular area there was no 911 service. Instead there were designated telephone poles with emergency call buttons that would summon first responders.

The lights from above were gone, leaving darkness all around them. Somewhere beyond the Twin Kiss a soft light illuminated the tree line. Angela went from one, individual to another begging for help. She looked around at the blank faces staring back at her. Somewhere in the back of the crowd, four tall figures wearing identical black hooded trench coats approached. They were marching in step while holding each other’s hands. There seemed to be something off about their appearance, but Angela could not put her finger on it. They approached the vehicle and bowed their heads in prayer. It was a language Angela had never heard before. Please won’t you help me? She begged the four strangers. They did not look up, but continued to pray in a soft tone that sounded almost like a melody.

Sirens blared as the fire department and ambulance approached. Angela ran to greet them crying out for help. Hurry please, my friend Debbi is pinned under the car. I think she’s unconscious. She begged as the EMT’s approached the scene. Nobody will help me get the car off of her. Angela sobbed as she looked about. She noticed the four figures were leaving in the same direction they had come. Some help you were. She thought to herself as she watched them moving back in the crowd.

The EMT’s pushed Angela back as they began to survey the situation. The older of the two dropped onto his belly and called out to Debbi. He looked up at the other man and said, She is unresponsive.

The younger EMT turned to Angela and asked, How long has she been under there?

The sirens blasted as a fire truck approached. Angela threw her hands in the air and said, I don’t know; I didn’t look at my watch. She was still crying.

A man stepped forward and said, It’s been twenty five minutes at least.

The younger EMT walked toward the parking fire truck. Angela went to the older EMT and asked, Don’t you think we should get this car off of Debbi right away?

He seemed to look right through her. Please Lady, if you’ll just let us do our job. I need you to go over there out of the way. He said before turning to look back at the men approaching from the fire truck.

What do we have here? A fireman asked. Other firemen began pushing Angela and the crowd back.

What the hell does it look like to you? Angela called out. Are you all idiots or something?

Please Lady; that’s not going to help your friend any. The older EMT said. He turned to the others and said, Let’s get the car hooked up and see if we can get it over on its side so we can assess the situation.

She’s got to be dead by now. Someone in the crowd said.

Angela turned toward the crowd. You don’t know that! Nobody knows that! How would you? Because none of you would help me get the car off of her; you sorry ass Jerks! She shouted into the crowd. She turned back to watch as the firemen connected the car to a series of cables and winches. Large pads were placed around Debbi and inflated to protect her.

Everybody move further back. A fireman called out waving his hands in the air.

The engine of the fire truck groaned and the car began to move slightly. Soon it was off of Debbi. The EMT’s rushed in to where she laid on the road. Angela held her breath and covered her mouth as she watched them working on her friend. The back of Debbi’s hair, as well as the back of her shirt, was covered with blood. They carefully moved Debbi onto her back. Her face was bloody. Angela sobbed uncontrollably. The EMT’s were placing a mask over her face and doing chest compressions. After a few moments, two firemen brought a gurney. They placed a board on the ground next to Debbi and lifted her onto it. It was then Angela noticed they had placed her in a body bag. They were zipping it shut. Angela’s knees buckled and she dropped to the ground sobbing out loud. They lifted the gurney and took her to the ambulance.

Angela watched as they loaded Debbi into the ambulance. She noticed the four men in hooded trench coats were standing near the ambulance. Their heads were still bowed and they appeared to be praying again.

Things kind of got crazy after that. They lowered the car as the fire trucks engine whirred loudly. Someone began shouting. Hey, she’s alive! She’s breathing again. Angela broke away from the crowd and hurried toward the ambulance. She watched the EMTs as one jumped inside the ambulance and unzipped the body bag. A mask was placed over Debbi’s face once again. The older EMT shouted, She’s alive, but I can’t keep her breathing on her own. Let’s go!" He began doing chest compressions again as they closed the back doors. Angela could see inside the lighted ambulance as the EMT continue working on Debbi. The younger man jumped behind the wheel and with the sirens blasting, they drove off. Angela noticed the four dark figures walking toward the back of Twin Kiss. They were leaving in the same direction they had come once again.

Angela turned to a young man in the crowd. I need to get to the hospital. Could you take me? She asked.

I will give you a ride. A voice said from behind her. I’m parked over behind Twin Kiss. He said nodding his head in that direction."

Angela did not hesitate a moment to follow this stranger to his car. A young lady opened the back door and held it for Angela. Do you think they will take her to Waynesboro Hospital? She asked as Angela climbed into the back seat behind the driver.

It’s the nearest hospital. The young man driving said. He put the car in gear and then he pulled out onto the highway. He put his four way flashers on as the fireman waved him by the crash site. He said over his shoulder, By the way; I’m Russ and this is Jen.

Thank you for giving me a lift. I need to get there right away. Angela said. I lost my cell phone in the crash.

You may use mine. Jen said handing her phone to Angela.

Angela pushed the buttons and waited. Nat, this is Angela. There’s been a wreck and Debbi is on her way to Waynesboro Hospital. It’s bad Nat; real bad. She said into the phone.

Where are you now? Natalie asked.

It happened by Twin Kiss. I’m on my way to the hospital. The ambulance just left. There’s a couple giving me a lift to the hospital. I lost my phone in the wreck. Nat, they pronounced her dead and she began gasping…. You better get there as fast as you can. Angela said. As tears streamed down her cheeks.

I’ll meet you at the emergency room. Natalie said. Then she hung up. Angela handed Jen her phone back and squirmed in her seat. She was anxious to get to the hospital.

They were pulling off of Church Street onto State Route 16. The hospital was just over the hill. It seemed to take forever to get there. Soon they were parking outside the emergency door. Thanks for the lift. Angela said jumping from the car and running past the parked ambulance toward the glass doors.

The emergency waiting room was nearly empty. There was a group gathered in front of the television that hung on the wall. A local news channel was doing a broadcast on the lights in the sky earlier that evening. Angela rushed to the desk. A young lady sat staring up at the television. Excuse me. Angela said. They brought my friend in here by ambulance just a few minutes ago. I need to know how she is doing.

The young lady glanced over at Angela with a blank look in her eyes. I’m sorry. She said. She looked back up at the television screen and sighed. I don’t have any information at the moment. You’ll have to have a seat for now. She said before shifting her eyes away from Angela and back up to the television screen.

Angela asked, Can you at least tell me her present condition?

Are you family? The young lady behind the window asked.

Well, no I am not family. We are best friends. Angela explained.

I am sorry Miss; but I can only give that information to her immediate family. The receptionist declared.

Her family lives in Ohio. Angela protested. I was in the car with her when we wrecked. It didn’t seem to be getting her anywhere. Angela took a deep breath. She wanted to grab hold of the young receptionist and choke her. Instead she smiled and with a quivering voice she asked, Don’t you have a best friend? Someone you care about like she’s part of your family? Wouldn’t you be worried about that person?

If you’ll have a seat; I’ll see what I can do, but they just brought her in. They won’t have any information for some time. Please sit down over there. The receptionist said.

Angela took a deep breath. She wanted to say something sharp to the young lady behind the desk, but she hesitated. That would get her nowhere. She needed to remain calm. She went to the chair and sat down. She began to watch the news coverage of the strange lights on the television.

After some time, Natalie and Brianna came rushing into the emergency waiting room. Angela rose to her feet and hurried to meet them. How is she? Natalie asked.

I don’t know. The receptionist said it would be a while before they have any information. She said she needed to speak with Deb’s immediate family. Angela explained.

Did anyone call her mother? Brianna asked. They looked at each other. I think someone should do that. Brianna said.

I don’t have a number for her parents. Angela said. I suppose it would be in her phone, but who knows where that is?

Natalie took a deep breath. I’ll call around. Maybe someone will know how to get hold of her mother. Natalie pulled her phone from her pocket and went outside to make the call. Brianna and Angela went to sit down and wait. They remained quiet as they watched the television that hung on the wall overhead. After some time; Natalie returned. I had to call the operator. She’s going to call me back.

Call you back? Brianna asked. Didn’t she have the number?

Natalie shook her head. I couldn’t give her enough information. I only know the name of the town her mom lives in. All I know is it’s in East Palestine, Ohio. I didn’t have a street or house number.

Oh Lord! Angela groaned. I have a really bad feeling about this. Tears began to run from her eyes. I hope Debbi is alright.

You said they pronounced her dead at the scene. Brianna said.

Angela nodded her head. They put her in a body bag and everything. She said covering her eyes.

Oh God! Natalie said. Well, at least she started breathing before they got her to the morgue.

Angela nodded her head. They were giving her CPR in the ambulance when they left. I don’t think she was breathing then.

Natalie reached over and took her hand. It was quiet except for the television broadcast. One by one, the people in the waiting room were called to the desk and taken through the thick wooden doors that led to the back. The girls sat down along the wall and watched the television, while holding hands.

Natalie’s phone rang. She went outside to speak with the operator. At that time the receptionist called Angela to the desk. Are you immediate family? she asked.

Angela sighed. This woman hadn’t heard a word she had said earlier. No, we are trying to reach her mother. Angela said. Her family lives in Ohio.

Please have a seat. I’ll get back with you. The receptionist said.

Natalie hurried inside. What did she say? She asked.

She just wanted to know if we were family. Angela explained. Did you find her mother?

Natalie nodded her head. I think so. There was one listing for that name in East Palestine, Ohio, but it’s unlisted. The operator is going to call the number and if it’s Debbi’s mother she is going to call me back and connect us.

They stood clustered close together in the center of the emergency room. The television was playing, but they were not watching it. The receptionist returned and called them to the counter. They are transferring your friend to Hagerstown, Maryland. We are not equipped to handle that type of head trauma here. She explained. I will need some information.

Natalie’ phone rang and she once again stepped outside. Angela agreed to give as much information as she could to the receptionist. Natalie hurried back inside. She went directly to the desk.

I talked to Debbi’s mom. She’s on her way. I told her they were transferring her to Hagerstown, but I didn’t know which hospital. I said I’d call her back with that information. She explained.

The receptionist was asking questions. After a while, Angela said, I don’t know anymore. I need to get to Hagerstown. The girls hurried out of the emergency room and toward Natalie’s car. The lights in the sky were gone now. Natalie turned the radio off. She wasn’t interested in what people thought it was or what they had to say about it. It was a long drive to Hagerstown; at least it seemed that way tonight.

I’ll have to call Debbi’s mom and give her directions. Natalie said.

I hope she isn’t traveling alone. She’ll be upset. Angela said.

They arrived at the hospital at 4:22 AM. They went inside the emergency entrance. They were told that Debbi was undergoing a series of tests to determine how severe her injuries were. Once again they sat waiting in the emergency waiting area. After three hours the older lady behind the desk called them to her. She asked, Are any of you girls related to the patient?

All three of them shook their heads. Natalie began to explain. Her mother lives in Ohio. I talked with her earlier and she is on her way. She looked over at her friends and back to the older woman. We are her best friends. We are the closest thing to family she has here. Could we please see her? Then as an afterthought she pointed to Angela and said, Angie here was in the wreck with Debbi.

The older woman sighed