Southern Joy

By Mary L Ball

Robin Young works for one of the largest audit firms in Ohio.

Her career has left little time for relationships.

After receiving an urgent call from her sister's neighbor,

she hurries to the small southern town of Fairhope, Alabama.

The ambiance of Alabama has Robin contemplating life.

Meeting Tucker Ray, the quintessential "good ole boy,"

adds to the charm.

Her stay in Fairhope uncovers a secret, and a chance for love.

Can Robin accept change and unravel matters of the heart?

 

'Southern Joy' an Autumn Years Novel, celebrating

characters in their later years.

 

This novel has an updated cover

• Language: English
• Publisher: Life Inspiring Books
• Release date: Feb 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201239091

Mary L Ball

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author and resides in North Carolina. Readers can connect with her on Face Book and her website.  https://marylball.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/MaryLBallChristianauthor

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Robin Young stood on the tenth-floor balcony of her condominium at Edge Crest Point. A dozen streetlamps overlooked downtown and gleamed below. The light cast shadows toward a section of the Ohio River. She gazed at a gray panoramic view of Cincinnati. If daylight, the streets would be a hustle of activity.

Robin hurried inside, closed the balcony sliders, massaged her temples and ambled to the medicine cabinet. This should do the trick She grabbed the Aspirins and swallowed down two pills. Her mind shuffled through the busy day. An important account remained unbalanced. However, the emergency meeting hadn’t hindered her from completing a multi-million dollar audit before tomorrow’s deadline. She placed the Aspirins back. After a few hours sleep she could focus better on the issues with her other client. The cell chimed, disrupting her musings.

Robin glanced at the number, frowned and touched her neck. Her sister’s neighbor never contacted her unless it was an emergency.

Hello. 

Robin, this is Edith, Grace’s neighbor. I know this isn’t a decent time to call, but I thought you’d want to know that your sister is in the hospital.

At the mention of Grace, Robin swallowed a lump of guilt. When was the last time I visited? Christmas. Is she all right, what’s wrong?

Grace has a bacterial infection.

A bacterial infection?

Yes. The doctor is treating it.Edith cleared her throat. I’ve been praying, but she seems to be getting worse.

Why hasn’t Grace called me?

Your sister was admitted to the hospital yesterday with a fever and rapid heartbeat. At the time, Grace felt everything would be fine. Earlier today, she was confused and lethargic. The woman’s voice lowered. I’m sorry, but the doctor mentioned you may want to come to Fairhope.

Robin gasped. Of course. I’ll reschedule some things and catch a flight tomorrow. Thanks for calling.

She held onto the cell and glanced at her clock. Ten o’clock. Robin pressed her co-worker’s number and waited several rings for Patricia to answer. 

Robin, hi. I hope you’re not still pondering over the Engle account? I know you’re a perfectionist, but not everything is as simple as the numbers show.

I realized that, and with another look at the figures I’m sure we’ll discover what’s missing. My sister says I’m a fusspot over anything that doesn’t fit into a perfect mold. That isn’t why I called. I need to ask a favor.

What’s up?

Grace, my sister, is in the hospital. I’m not sure of her condition, but I need to go see her. I understand you have a new account...

Robin’s colleague interrupted. I’ll cover for you.

Are you sure?

Over the past ten years how many times have you stepped in for me when I had to be at one of my daughter’s school functions or take my son to the orthodontist?

I don’t mind. It’s the Christian way.

You’re right. So now I can repay you by handling your accounts for a few days.

Thanks, Patricia. I’ll call Mister Burgess and let him know what’s going on.

Your sister lives in Alabama, right?

Yes, Fairhope. After Grace’s husband Ed died, she moved there, said she was tired of living in the chaos of a large city. Robin chuckled. She became friends with a woman on Face Book who lived there and in a matter of months decided a small town was what she needed.

I can’t imagine leaving Ohio.

I used to think the same. Now there are times when I toy with the idea of getting away from this area. Twenty years ago, when I purchase my condo this section of town was convenient to work and a lot less populated. Lately, traveling across the river is aggravating.

Robin, is the traffic all that has you bothered? These past months I’ve noticed you don’t act as happy as before. Maybe you need to slow down, think about retiring, or are you one of those people who want to work well into their seventies? Patricia laughed.

Goodness no, but I have toyed with the notion of something new. Still, I’m fifty-nine, and have a few more years to go.

You’re right and accounts that depend on you.

Some of my clients I’ve had for years. Thanks for helping. I should call the airport. Keep my sister in prayer.

You know I will. Don’t worry about things in the office.

Robin searched the contacts, and called her manager. The answering message greeted her.

Mister Burgess, this is Robin. I realize we’re busy with the quarterly reports, but I have a family emergency and must leave town in the morning. Patricia agreed to handle my clients until I get back. 

~

Bright sunlight splattered against the plane’s silver wing. Robin leaned her head back and stared out of the window. Watching the fluffy white clouds leisurely move was a stress relief. Her breathing slowed and she recalled the chat with her friend from the office. Maybe Patricia had a point. For years, life has wrapped around her profession. It was a good career, but maybe the twelve-hour days at B&Q Audit and Assurance had taken its toll. Even her doctor advised a change, or face certainty of high blood pressure. Corporate accounting is all I know even if it is fast-paced. She shook her head. Could I slow down?

A slight turbulence lifted the airplane. In the quiver of a wind gust, her thoughts turned to Grace, three years older and so different. As a child, she and Grace always seemed to quarrel. She tried to keep things organized in a way she thought was flawless for two sisters sharing a room. Grace laughed at her for wanting everything perfect and in place.

Robin closed her eyes. Ten years ago, when they lost both parents within a year was the turning point for their relationship. That winter they grew closer. A few years later, Grace’s husband died. Ever since, then they made it a point to talk once a week over the phone and she tried to spend a few days around the Christmas holiday with her sister. 

The plane landed. Robin made her way toward Mobile Regional Airport terminal and gathered her belongings. Walking the rental line, she picked out a black mid-size car, shoved her luggage in the trunk, took the sticker and key to the clerk and secured the rental.

Thirty-five minutes later, Robin pulled into the parking deck of Fairhope Hospital. A fast trek through the corridor and onto the elevator led her to the fifth floor. She stopped at the desk.

I’m Robin Young, Grace Norman’s sister.

Miss Young. We’re glad to see you. Your sister asked for you several times. The nurse picked up the phone receiver. Before you go to see her the doctor would like a word. Please, wait in the waiting area.

Okay, Robin stepped across the hall, inside a small room. She sat down in the nearest seat, and ran her hand over the peach-colored chair. An older model television hung from the ceiling. The local forecaster announced the coming weather. Robin scowled at the 95-degree temperature that flashed across the screen.

Within ten minutes, a stocky man walked through the doorway and paused in front of her chair.

Miss Young?

She stood. Yes, you must be my sister’s doctor.

I’m afraid I don’t have positive news. Grace has developed Sepsis and isn’t responding well to the antibiotics. It’s not looking hopeful.

Robin blinked back a tear and glanced at his nametag. Doctor McKnight, are you saying Grace might....? She pressed her lips together and couldn’t bring herself to say the word die. Robin clasped her shaky hands. How did she get Sepsis?

Grace came in with a 103 temperature and abnormal heart beat. The test indicated a stomach infection. With any infection, it’s possible to contact Sepsis, especially in someone over sixty. As we age, our immune system becomes less effective at fighting off infections. I’m sorry. We’re treating it rapidly, but she is confused and drifting in and out of conscience. I wanted to prepare you.

Thank you. Robin stood rigid and watched the physician leave. She wiped her wet eyelashes and forced her feet to move. Got to see Grace.

The door to room 512 was half-way open. Robin quietly entered. Grace’s usual rosy-pink cheeks were pale and hollow. She moved to the side of the bed and pulled a chair close. Grace, it’s Robin. She paused, hoping for a response. None came. She gently took hold of her sister’s hand and cradled cold, feeble fingers between hers. Sis, I love you.

Robin glanced at her hand on Grace’s. Her sister attempted to grasp and hold tighter. With a sluggish movement, Grace turned her head. Robin, you here?

Yes. Edith told me you were sick.

I’ve always loved you, Grace’s words barely distinct.

I know. Even when we argued, I knew you loved me.

Grace’s lips turned up slightly and she mumbled, We only fussed because you are a perfectionist.

I know. That’s something I’m working on. You rest. With the Lord’s help we’ll get through this.

Yes. Kenny won’t understand. Need to go to him and explain.

Robin frowned. Kenny. The doctor did mention confusion. She looked at her sister and moved a strand of hair away from her face. Don’t worry, everyone understands.

Several hours later, Robin stood, placed her sister’s hand under the sheet and leaned down to hug her. I’m going to freshen up. I’ll be back in the morning.

Grace moved her head, her lips parted but nothing come out.

It’s okay. You rest. Before she left Grace’s side Robin silently sent a petition to the Lord.

The muggy night air met Robin as she hurried to the parking deck. Inside the car, she turned the air-conditioner on high and adjusted the vent flow toward her face. Hours sitting in the hospital seemed worse than any unexpected budget meeting.

She leaned closer to the cool air and recalled her frail sister. Before heading to her sister’s house, she pressed her co-worker’s number.

On the first ring, Patricia answered.

Robin, I’m glad you called. I’ve wondered how things were going, but I didn’t want to bother you.

It’s not good. She filled Patricia in on the situation. My sister has always been strong, but today she looked much older than sixty-two. She’s always been such an independent woman. It’s difficult seeing her in poor health.

I know it’s hard.

And sitting in the hospital for long periods, is exhausting. I’m going to take a shower and make up the guest bed at Grace’s for a few hours’ sleep. Tell Mister Burgess I may be here a few days.

I will and keep me posted.

Thanks. I almost forgot to ask how things went today at work.

I have everything under control. You concentrate on your sister.

Good-night, Patricia.

Main Street wrapped around a ‘Welcome to Fairhope’ sign. Robin past by a white building on the corner, red letters announced Fairhope Pharmacy. A big clock stood across the street, on the edge of the brick sidewalk. She glimpsed her dash, to see if the old timepiece held the correct time.

A left turn came to view and soon she headed toward Maple Avenue, to her sister’s house.

Inside, she ambled around the living room. There were no expansive balcony doors to let in the light. Pictures were spaced evenly on the wall facing the door, instead of a brick feature. It was opposite from her condominium, but somehow peaceful.

Robin went to the front window and opened the blind. A streetlight shined a path from the sidewalk to porch. She walked to the wooden mantel and picked up the framed picture of her standing next to Grace, in front of Faith Way Church. Robin took a long look at the photo. Grace always wore a short hairstyle. The only thing that changed over the years was the color of her hair. Once light brown, now silvery gray.

She placed the picture back, strolled to her sister’s bedroom and opened the door. The room fit Grace’s personality. Several belongings lay in disarray. An outfit carelessly draped on a chair, many pairs of shoes made a path to the adjoining bath. Grace’s purse sat on the edge of the dresser. Robin picked up the dark blue bag, then set it back down. Gently, she closed the door and went to the end of the hall into the guest room.

Twenty minutes later Robin was out of the shower and under fresh lilac smelling sheets.

~

In the early hours of dawn, Robin suddenly woke. She wipe at her forehead, certain she’d heard Grace saying something about love and a man named Kenny. She sat on the side of the bed and tried to remember the odd dream. Grace’s pleasant face, leaning over her?

She put on her robe and glimpsed the clock. She needed coffee and if she knew Grace, there would be bagels and cream cheese in the kitchen. She hurried to the other room, with the notion of a fun breakfast and hot cup of java.

Later, Robin grabbed her purse and headed to the car. Outside, she eyed the sky. Lord, I know you have this in your hands. She looked around hoping no one noticed her talking aloud and started the car. Her cell phone chimed.

Hello.

Miss Young. This is nurse Parks, from the fifth floor. When are you coming to the hospital?