Reckless Beginnings Page 14

  With no hesitation, Tammy signed the papers and then slid them across the table to Steven. While waiting for him to add his signature, Tammy pulled out her checkbook, wrote a check in the amount of one thousand dollars and handed it to Bill. Bill scanned the check, making sure everything was filled out correctly.

  “Well, congratulations to the both of you,” he said, extending his hand for another round of handshakes. Checking his watch, Bill slid the papers and check inside the manila envelope. “I’m sorry, but I have to get going. I have another meeting in half an hour.”

  Tammy and Steven followed suit as Bill stood up and walked to the front door. “Thank you so much, Bill. I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made us.” She took Bill’s hand one last time. “We promise to take really good care of the place.”

  “Now, that’s what I like to hear!” Bill said with a chuckle. “How about we meet here Monday morning at ten so I can give you the keys?”

  “Sure, that sounds great!” Tammy answered.

  After Bill had left and the door was closed, Tammy let out a loud triumph “Yes!” while pulling Steven into a victory dance. “I can’t believe this place will be ours,” she said, prancing around with joy.

  Amused by her giddy antics, Steven twirled her in a spin and met her in a kiss. “Me neither, babe. I love you.”

  “I love you too, honey.”

  “Get a room, you two,” chirped Randy from the couch.

  Cheek to cheek, Tammy and Steven, snickered at Randy’s remark. “Thanks for everything, Randy,” Tammy said before turning back to Steven. “Are you ready to go? I can’t wait to tell my dad and Joanne that I finally have my own place!”

  Chapter 25

  John and Joanne shared in Tammy’s excitement over the apartment and, as promised, Joanne loaded her up with sheets, towels, dishes, and silverware.

  The night before their big move, John invited Steven over to the house for dinner. Pleased that Steven had taken the time to at least shave, brush his hair, and put on some clean clothes, Tammy thought the evening had got off to a good start. Joanne had prepared spaghetti with garlic bread—one of Tammy’s favorites—and John served everyone a glass of white wine with their meal.

  Talk of the apartment ruled the table, with Joanne frequently asking if there was anything else they needed. Each time Tammy repeated her gratitude but assured her they were fine. John’s primary concern were their finances, wondering if they could afford the rent every month. Not wanting her father to worry, Tammy tried her best to put his mind at ease by going over what the two of them made each month. But, even after explaining everything more than once, her father still seemed unsettled. Tammy sensed something else was on his mind. Whatever it was, he didn’t discuss it.

  At the end of the evening, Tammy excused herself to grab a jacket from her bedroom so she could take Steven home. To Tammy’s surprise, her father followed her a few seconds later and closed the door behind them.

  “Are you okay, Dad? What’s up?” she asked.

  Her father sat on the edge of the bed with his arms folded and a creased expression on his face. Knowing he rarely expressed his feelings, this was confirmation for Tammy that something was definitely troubling him.

  “I’m not sure how to say this,” he began. “I can’t tell you what to do anymore…you’re an adult. But I can still look out for you and, as your father, I’ll never stop doing that.”

  “Where’s this going, Dad?” Tammy asked, eager for him to get to the point.

  “If you must know, it’s Steven. I don’t know him that well, and he does seem like a nice young man…”

  “He is, Dad.”

  “Yes, I’m sure he is, but there’s something about him that makes me uncomfortable. I can’t quite put my finger on it. He hardly said a word all night and his behavioral pattern isn’t consistent.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Tammy questioned.

  “I have to ask…um, do you know if he’s on drugs?”

  Tammy was horrified. “What! Why would you ask such a thing? Of course he doesn’t do drugs. Don’t you think I would know, Dad?” Upset by her father’s accusations, Tammy punched her arms through the sleeves of her jacket. “Are you being the over-protected dad? Maybe you think no one is good enough for me. Is that it?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I am. But his behavior tonight struck me as odd. When he was sitting on the couch, he could barely keep his eyes open. Even when they were open, they weren’t focused. It’s like he was looking off into space or something.”

  Tammy thought her father’s suspicions were nothing short of preposterous. “I promise you, Dad, he’s not on drugs. Like I said, I would know. He’s probably tired. I mean, he walked all the way here straight from work. I couldn’t pick him up because I was helping Joanne with dinner.”

  John stood and gave his daughter’s shoulder an affectionate pat. “I’m sure you’re right, but I had my concerns so I had to ask. That’s what fathers do. Anyway, I’ll let you go so you can take him home.”

  Tammy smiled, relieved he didn’t want to pursue the subject, and gave him a hug. “He really is a nice guy, Dad.”

  Her father nodded, but he wasn’t convinced. He could only hope his suspicions were wrong.

  Chapter 26

  After picking up the keys from Bill, Tammy and Steven were settled in their new apartment within a few days. When it came time to buying a bed, a TV, and other miscellaneous items they needed, Steven confessed he had some unexpected expenses and was now broke. Refusing to wait another week until he got paid and wanting the apartment to be perfect, Tammy reluctantly spent more of her savings and bought the items herself.

  Prior to the move, Tammy had suggested to Steven, to make finances easier, that he pay the rent every month and she would pay for everything else, which included the telephone, TV, food, toiletries, gas, and anything else they may need. Steven thought it was fair and agreed.

  Over the next few months, their new life together got off to a great start. Tammy enjoyed having her independence back and making a home for them both, and she could finally invite some of her friends over for dinner. But, on several occasions, she found herself embarrassed by Steven’s behavior. Glancing over at him while engaging in conversations with friends, she was horrified to find him in a vegetated state, his eyes closed and his head crouched low over the table. Oblivious to those around him, she watched in bewilderment as he mumbled and whispered random words or phrases to himself.

  To save herself from any more embarrassment, Tammy would kick him hard on the shin from underneath the table to discreetly jolt him awake. She was often met with a cold, angry glare and creased brows as Steven snapped out of his dream world, to which she would often reply with a fierce stare of her own while fighting to keep her lips tightly closed for the sake of everyone present.

  Tammy found herself defending him more and more, just like she had with her father. She always explained to their guests that Steven was probably tired from a hard day’s work before quickly excusing him from the table. Tammy desperately wanted to believe this was the reason for his strange behavior. She’d put aside her father’s suspicions when she confronted Steven the next morning, only to be swooned with profuse apologies and feelings of embarrassment in return. He promised it would never happen again.

  Surprise by how much she enjoyed being a homemaker, Tammy loved spending her days off cleaning the apartment or trying out new recipes for future dinner parties.

  Thankful that Steven had to work all day, she had plans to clean the entire apartment with no interruptions. As soon as he left, Tammy began her day’s activities by tuning the radio to a country and western station and turning up the volume. After rolling up her sleeves and grabbing her caddy of supplies, she worked her way around each room, cleaning, sweeping, and polishing while singing and dancing to her heart’s content.

  Being the least favorite, she left the bathroom till last. Before attempting the dreaded task, she decided she neede
d to properly prepare for the occasion and searched for a pair of rubber gloves underneath the sink. Instead, in amongst the bottles of cleaning products and spare toiletries, she came across a folded brown paper bag. Tammy, given she had always been the curious type, immediately forgot about the gloves and sat on the edge of the tub to do some snooping. She carefully unfolded the bag, took a peek inside, and let out a loud gasp. Lying at the bottom of the bag, she found syringe needles, two teaspoons that were black on the bottom, and numerous small cotton balls. The only illness she associated with needles was diabetes. Having never known anyone with the condition, she had no idea what the blackened spoons or cotton balls might be needed for, but she found herself feeling pity for Steven.

  “Oh my god,” she whispered to herself. “Why didn’t he tell me? Poor Steven, he didn’t want me to know. I have to tell him it’s okay and that I understand. He needs to know he doesn’t have to hide it from me anymore.” Feeling sympathetic, she carefully closed the bag and returned it to where she had found it under the sink.

  Later that day, Steven arrived home in a seemingly flustered state. He threw his duffle bag on the couch and raced straight to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he hadn’t even acknowledged Tammy, who had already served their dinner of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and carrots. Offended, Tammy waited at the table with crossed arms and a furious stare as she watched the food she’d diligently cooked turn cold. Growing impatient, she yelled, “Steven, dinner’s ready! What are you doing in there?”

  From the bathroom, he shouted back, “I’ll be right there. God, Tammy, I just got home! Give me a break, will you?”

  Angered by his tone and tired of waiting, she proceeded to eat alone. Pausing with a mouthful of chicken, she soon came to the realization that he was probably taking his medicine. “How could I be so stupid?” she muttered under her breath. “He doesn’t know I know.” Now that she understood, she let her anger subside and prepared herself to tell him that she knew about his illness.

  Ten minutes later, Steven exited the bathroom and joined her at the table. In silence, Tammy uncovered his dinner and slid the plate in front of him.

  “Thank you,” he said in a much nicer tone.

  “Are you feeling okay?” Tammy asked, trying to break the ice.

  Without meeting her eyes, Steven replied, “Yeah, why?”

  “Well, this morning, while I was cleaning the bathroom, I found a brown bag with some needles inside underneath the sink.”

  Steven froze. His body became tense and a look of fear flooded his face.

  Tammy reached across the table and took his hand. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Tell you what?” he asked, puzzled.

  “That you’re a diabetic.”

  Steven said nothing, which led Tammy to believe he was embarrassed. Comforting him, she rubbed the top of his hand with her thumb. “It’s okay, Steven. It’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

  Avoiding eye contact, Steven shifted his gaze downward and played along. “I didn’t want you to feel sorry for me, and, um, I didn’t want to bother you. I’m fine. It’s no big deal.”

  Surprise by his modesty, Tammy let go of his hand. “Yes, it is a big deal, Steven. You’re supposed to be watching your diet and sugar intake. Do you take insulin?”

  “Can we just drop it? I’m okay and I know how to handle it.”

  Sensing his frustration, Tammy let it go, but she wondered why he’d never told her about his illness. It seemed she maybe didn’t know him as well as she thought she did.

  Chapter 27

  The next morning, Tammy woke up experiencing severe back pain. Steven offered to take the day off and stay with her, but she ushered him off to work and told him she would be fine. Hobbling around the apartment, unable to stand up straight or walk comfortably, she was thankful she had cleaned the day before. Tammy discovered if she lay on the couch with a few pillows, the pain was slightly easier to deal with. Grateful for another day off, she spent most of it lounging in front of the TV, hoping her back would heal itself before she had to return to work.

  By the time Steven returned home, Tammy was still lying on the sofa in excruciating pain.

  “Hey, honey, how are you feeling?” he asked.

  Groaning in agony, she slowly eased herself up to a sitting position. “Not much better, I’m afraid. I may have to call in sick tomorrow. I can’t even stand, let alone work.”

  Concerned, Steven sat next to her on the edge of the couch. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Yes, can you rub my lower back for a bit? It’s killing me,” Tammy said, inching herself forward.

  Hoping to ease her pain, Steven obliged.

  “Maybe you should go to the doctors tomorrow,” Steven suggested. “I have to work though. Will you be able to drive yourself there?”

  “Yeah, I should be okay. It’s only a few minutes down the road. I just want this bloody pain to go away. I’ve done nothing all day but lie on this stupid couch,” she said, sounding frustrated. “You’re going to have to fix yourself dinner. I can’t move.”

  “Don’t worry about dinner. I’ll make you some soup and bring it to you.”

  Tammy had no objections to being waited on. With TV remote in hand, she slowly sank her body back down and rested her head on the pillows while Steven scurried off to the kitchen.

  The following morning, feeling as stiff as a board and with her back showing no signs of improving, Tammy called in sick. Despite much resistance from Steven, she insisted he still go to work. As soon as he’d left for the day, she called her doctor and made an appointment for later that morning. Tammy then managed to take a shower, dress, and drive herself to the doctors, all the while struggling with her agonizing pain.

  Sue, who often ate at the restaurant where Tammy worked, was at the front desk. “Hi, Sue, I have an appointment with Dr. Davis.”

  “Hey, Tammy, what’s wrong with you?” Sue asked, noticing Tammy wincing as she stood by the desk.

  “It’s my back. I have this severe pain that won’t go away.”

  “Hang on a second. I’ll let the doctor know you’re here,” Sue replied before marching off through a door behind her.

  Tammy decided she was more comfortable standing while she waited to be called. Happy to see no one else in the waiting room ahead of her, she assumed she wouldn’t have to wait too long.

  A few minutes later, Sue returned to her desk and flashed a professional smile. “He can see you now, Tammy. It’s the first door on the right.”

  “Thanks, I know the way,” Tammy said, feeling relieved. She turned on her heel, albeit very gingerly, and slowly made her way to the double doors of the doctor’s office.

  She found Dr. Davis sitting on a low round stool with wheels, his back toward her, writing something in a file. She gently tapped on the opened door before entering. The doctor turned his head and looked over his glasses at her. “Hi, Tammy. Come on in and have a seat on the examination table while I finish these notes. I’ll be just a moment.”

  Not wanting to disturb him, Tammy gave a silent nod and perched as best she could on the edge of the table, letting her legs dangle over the side. She cupped her hands in her lap and waited. Scanning the room, she glanced at a poster on the wall displaying a detailed picture of the human skeleton. Squinting at the smaller poster next to it, she saw it was all about the three trimesters of pregnancy. Tammy gulped, haunted by the memories of the baby she had lost.

  After a few moments, Dr. Davis closed the file and set it down on the table in front of him as he stood up to face Tammy. The almost miniature-looking stool, now free from the doctor’s weight, rattled halfway across the room on its rickety plastic wheels. The doctor smiled at Tammy as he removed his glasses, folded them, and put them in the top pocket of his white coat.

  “So, Tammy, what seems to be the trouble?”

  She held her side to ease the discomfort. “I’m not sure. I’ve had a severe pain in my lower back and sides for the
last couple of days.”

  “Hmmm, okay. Let’s take a look, shall we?”

  Tammy sat up as straight as she could and lifted the back of her shirt. With cool hands, Dr. Davis pressed firmly on various muscles around her back and sides, periodically asking if she felt any pain. Tammy nodded with a yes when she did. After a few moments of poking and prodding, he pulled down her shirt back down and faced her. “Okay, I think you may have a kidney infection. A urine sample will tell me if I’m correct, so I’ll send in Sue to take care of that.”

  “Okay,” Tammy replied.

  Dr. Davis then left the room, picking up Tammy’s chart on his way out. Sue entered shortly after and handed her a plastic cup with a lid. “Here you go, Tammy. I just need a little bit. There’s a small metal door in the wall of the bathroom where you can place the cup after you’re done. And then just come back in here, okay?”

  “Thanks, Sue,” Tammy replied before heading to the bathroom. After following Sue’s instructions and leaving her sample on the metal ledge, she headed back to the examination room to wait for Dr. Davis.

  Tammy sat in silence for a further twenty minutes, which left her wishing she’d brought a book to read to help pass the time and keep her mind off the pain. Dr. Davis finally returned, carrying her file under his arm, and wheeled his wayward stool back to his desk before taking a seat. He retrieved his glasses from his top pocket, slid them on, and began to read her file. Tammy felt like another twenty minutes passed before he closed the file in his lap and glanced up at her over the top of his glasses.

  “Well, Tammy, it seems you do have a kidney infection, which is quite common in an early pregnancy.”

  “Early pregnancy?” Tammy asked, taking a few seconds to process what he’d said. “What are you talking about? I’m not pregnant.”

  “Indeed, you are, Tammy. I’m quite sure of it.”

  “But how can that be? I just had my period less than two weeks ago,” she explained in an exasperated voice.

  “Bleeding is not uncommon in the first trimester. But it’s not your period. It’s known as decidual bleeding and will probably stop before you enter the second trimester.”