Love From the Ashes (4 page)

“That will be fine.”

He paused for a moment and then glanced back at her.  “We haven’t really discussed a payment for doing the job.  You talk it over with Seth and decide what you think is fair.  I am just thankful you are here.”

Cassie gawked at him and he almost thought she was looking at someone else.  “You can’t be serious.”

“I don’t know what a fair price would be.  Scarlett stayed home with the kids, so we didn’t have to pay anyone to watch them.”

“Thomas, I am not taking money from you.  You guys are like family.  I’m doing this because I want to help you out, not because I expect something in return.”

“What?  I have to pay you something.”

Cassie shook her head and turned to look at the kids, whom never really seemed to notice he had arrived at the house.  “There’s something you don’t know.”  Her eyes never looked back at him, but he could see that she was trying to think of the right words to say.  “Years ago, right after Bethany was born, Scarlett and I talked.  She told me that her biggest fear, about having children, was that she would not always be able to protect them.”

“I’m not following.”

“She was worried that if she had a child, and then something happened to her, it would leave you to pick up the pieces.  She didn’t want to have to put that burden on you.  I told her that she couldn’t be afraid to live; for fear that she would die.  She loved Bethany so much that she wanted to have another child, but again the fear crept in her mind that if something was to happen to her…you would be the single father.”

“That’s crazy; why would she worry about that?”

Cassie laughed and he saw a glistening tear drop in her eye.  “Why did Scarlett do half the things she did?  She was always thinking of the other person.”

He smirked; that was the truth.  “It didn’t stop her from having 3 more children.”

Cassie raised her eyebrows and then giggled.  “No, it didn’t.  Anyway; she asked me if anything was to happen to her that I made sure you were taken care of.  I’m just trying to do that.”

“I don’t need your pity, or someone to take care of me.”  He thought for a moment; then he realized that wasn’t exactly true.  “Okay; I don’t want your pity.  I need someone to take care of me, because I need you to watch my children.”

“I don’t pity you Thomas; I’m trying to keep an agreement made between friends.  Scarlett was my best friend and by association, so are you.  So, just say thank you and let’s move on.”

Thomas broke into laughter.  “Thank you; I couldn’t do it without you.”

“I know, but that’s what friends are for.”  He saw the teasing gleam in her eye.  “So, what’s in store for you now?”

“We have to find a place to live and I know that we’re welcome as long as we need to stay, but I would feel better knowing that we had a home of our own.”

“That’s understandable!”

“Whoa; we actually agree?’

“There’s a first time for everything.”  She playfully punched him in the arm.  “I will be sure to keep my eyes open for you.”

“Thank you;” he yawned loudly.  “We better get going.”  Cassie stood up to walk him out.  “Kids, it’s time to leave.”  They moaned; sending a grin to his lips.  “They must be having fun here.”

“I think so.”  They headed to the front door and he turned to her.  She gave him a hug.  “Everything will be fine Thomas.”

When he pulled away he nodded.  “I know it will be.  See you tomorrow about 7:30.”

“Bye!  Hey children; let your father have a good night’s rest tonight.”  They nodded; at least acknowledging that they heard her.  However, he had to admit last night when they had knocked on his door and wanted to spend the night, he didn’t really mind it.  It was the little things you had to think about, and he loved those little moments.

The days were flying by once Thomas had gotten the job; he would go to work and make sure he was home in time for supper.  Cassie seemed to still handle the kids in stride and he was finding the adjustment was going well.  The school had called and told him that the records had arrived, and he even placed a call in to a realtor; he hoped to soon get some houses that he could look at.  When Tuesday rolled around, he could tell that the tension started to set in.  The once calm kids that Thomas saw; were now bundles of nerves as he drove them to the school.  “Everything is going to be fine;” he tried to reassure them, for what seemed like the millionth time.

“Daddy?”  He looked in his rearview mirror and caught Frankie’s stare.  “If I don’t like it, can I come home?”

He tried not to show her that he was laughing.  “Frankie, there’s lots of times I don’t want to go to work.  However, I still have to do it.  You will learn when you get older, that you may have to do things you don’t like.”  She looked down and he smile
d.  “If it’s that bad of an experience…I’ll go get you ice cream after school.”  Her eyes got big and he knew that he had her attention.

“Ice cream for all us?”  He saw Kari watching him.

“Of course; ice cream for all of us.  Is that a deal?”

“I say it is.”  Kari eagerly replied.

He was relieved that he could finally get their attention off of the matter at hand.  He pulled into the parking lot of the school and got out of the car.  When they got into the main hallway, Bethany turned to him.  “I can take it from here; you are not walking me to my class.”

“What?”  He acted like he was pouting, but then smiled.  “I wouldn’t dream of it.  Will you give me a kiss on the cheek?”

“Well…” she looked around the hallways and then turned back to him.  Quickly, and without hesitation she leaned up and kissed his cheek.  “Bye dad!”  She hurried off, schedule in hand, and left him standing there in shock.  She was getting way too old for her own good.

“Dad…” he glared at Kari.  “What?”  She asked, looking so innocent.

“Don’t even think of it; I am walking both of you to your class.”  She groaned, but they headed towards Frankie’s classroom.  When they arrived at the room; he saw that she was holding back.  She seemed more nervous than he could remember ever seeing her.  “Wait for me here Kari; I’ll be right back.”  She nodded as he went into the classroom.  Mrs. Jones looked up and smiled.  “Hello; my name’s Thomas Campbell, and this is my daughter Frankie.”

“Hello;” she shook his hand and then shook
Frankie’s.  “It is a pleasure to meet you Frankie.”  You can put your backpack on any of those hooks and take a seat wherever you would like.”

“Bye daddy;” he leaned down so he could hug her and she kissed him on the cheek.  “I love you.”

“I love you too Frankie; I’ll see you before you realize I left.”

She smiled to that and then waved her hand.  “She’ll be fine Mr. Campbell.  I’m assuming you are new to the area?”

“Yes; we’ve been here a little over a week.  We came from Avery.”

“We may be a bigger school, but we’re practically the same.  I’ll make sure she gets lots of friends.”

“Thank you;” he grinned as he headed out of the classroom; just one more kid to go.  Kari was quiet as they headed down the hallway and towards the correct wing of the school.  “What are you thinking about?”

“Ice cream;” she laughed.  “No; just kidding.  I’m just thinking about my class.  I hope that Ms. Parker doesn’t give a lot of homework.”

He rolled his eyes; the worry that went through their heads.  “Don’t think about that; I’m sure if she does you can get through it.”

“You’re right; you can help me if she does.”  He just hoped that it would be homework he would understand.  They stopped outside of the classroom and she peeked in.  “There are already so many kids in there.  What if no one wants to sit next to me?”

“Don’t be crazy; they’ll be fighting over you.”  She stuck her nose up as if she smelled something funny.  “Are you ready?”

“I suppose.”  She grabbed his hand and he gladly took it.  It wouldn’t be long before she would push him away.

Rebecca Parker walked over to them when they got in the room.  “Good morning.”  Her wide smile was infectious and he scolded himself when he noticed the sparkle in her eyes.  “How are you both doing today?”

“Daddy’s fine, but I’m a little scared.”  He wanted to laugh at her honesty.

Rebecca stooped down to her eye level.  “I know it’s a little scary to start a new school.  You don’t have to worry, because I’ll be here and if you need anything you just have to ask.”

He watched the interaction and he smiled.  The look on Kari’s face went from a look of sheer fear, to one that looked like she at least wasn’t going to get sick.  “Okay;” her little voice was shaky.

“Great!  Why don’t you go sit down next to Allison; you guys will be great friends.”  She pointed to the empty seat and then turned back to Thomas.  “You have a brave daughter.”

He smirked.  “She definitely seems to be looking better than before.  She’s not usually so worried.”

“It’s understandable; this is a new school, new teacher, and new kids.  Anyone would be a little worried.”

“I guess you’re right.”  He turned back to Kari and she was talking to Allison.  “She seems to be happier now.”

Rebecca grinned.  “See, what did I tell you?”

She definitely was right.  “Have a good day Ms. Parker.” 

“You can call me Rebecca.”

“Rebecca, I’ll see you later.”  He left the classroom and hurried through the school.  He stayed longer than he had intended.  It was time to turn it over to GOD.  They would be okay; he was convinced of it.

___________________

Thomas glanced at the clock on his computer.  He had some paperwork that needed to be completed and then he would be able to leave and pick up the kids from school on time.  As he was typing out his notes, his cell phone began to ring.  “This is Thomas;” he continued to punch out the keys as he waited for the person to talk.

“Mr. Campbell?”

He stopped briefly; “Yes?”

“Hello; this is Mabel Shoemaker.  I got your name from a realtor; she said you’re in the market for a house?”  He sighed with relief that it wasn’t in regards to his children and then went back to typing.  “Are you there?”

“Oh yeah; that’s correct.”

“Well, I have a house you might be interested in.  It’s in the Castleton neighborhood.”

That didn’t mean anything to him; he wasn’t familiar with much of Dallas.  “Which school district is that in?”

“It’s in the Westfield district.”  So far; so good.  In the past week he had looked at 5 different houses, but he always found something wrong with them.  Mainly, he was having a difficult time keeping the price down for a house big enough for them.  “I read that you have 5 children; is that right?”

He wondered if there was anything she didn’t know.  “Yeah; that’s correct.”

“I would like to set up a meeting to show you the home today.  The owners will be out this afternoon, and it might be the perfect time.”

“I don’t know; I think it’s odd that I don’t even know you and you’re calling me up.  I…”

“Please Mr. Campbell; I think you’ll like this place.  It has 5 bedrooms and a loft upstairs that could easily be converted into a 6
th
bedroom.  It has 2 ½ baths, a basement, a two-car garage, fireplace in the master bedroom, and much more.  Just look at it.”

He wanted to laugh; with all of those features, there was no way he could afford it.  “Listen; even if I wanted to check this place out, there’s no way I could afford it.”

“I highly doubt that’s the case.  They aren’t asking much.  They have it listed at 74,000.”

His jaw dropped and he stared at the phone like he could see right through it.  “Well then, I’m taking it’s a dump?”

Mabel laughed.  “You would think that, but it’s actually quite appealing.  Just give me 5 minutes of your time and I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.”

He had to admit, it sounded too good to be true; he was afraid it probably was.  “Okay; what’s the address.  I’ll leave now and meet you there.”  He copied down the information she gave him and then finished up his report.  He didn’t have anything to lose, but he didn’t figure it was going to pan out.  He had a half an hour till the kids would be out of school and luckily the house was
right on the way.  It was halfway between his work and the school and he couldn’t help but wish that it was the ideal place to live.  When he weaved through the addition; he saw that the houses seemed rather well-kept, but he didn’t want to get his hopes up too high.  Slowly easing down the street that she told him it was on, he saw a for sale sign come into view.  His eyes looked over the house and he shrugged.  It looked nice, but he still was pessimistic about it.  He got up to the front door and it opened.  “You must be Mabel.”  He shook her hand and she backed up so that he could enter.

“Thank you for coming Mr. Campbell.”

“Please; call me Thomas.”  He looked around the spacious foyer and then back to Mabel.  “I don’t have much time; will you please quickly show me around?”

She smiled and walked him through the rooms, being sure to point out every little detail.  He was still skeptical, because it didn’t make sense why they weren’t asking for more.  Upstairs seeing where the kids could set
up their rooms, he started to dream of them living there.  They would be so ecstatic having their own room and his room would be downstairs, they would have their privacy.  He could picture Bethany staking claim to the loft that actually was on top of another set up stairs.  When they wrapped around and ended back at the foyer, he just stared at her.  “So, what do you think?”

“Well, I suppose that I’m at a loss.  I don’t understand why they aren’t asking for more, or better yet…why, this house is still up for sale?”

“They just put the house on the market last week.  He is in the Army and they found out he’s going to be stationed in Iraq.  They had to sell immediately.  When I saw that you needed something big enough for your family, I instantly knew this would be a good fit.  Was I right?”

Thomas laughed as he faced the living room and thoughts of family holidays flashed through his mind.  “This is absolutely amazing.  I never would have ever imagined, but now that I see it...” he paused for just a second.  “It would be the perfect home for me to raise my family.”

Mabel smiled; “I am happy to hear you say that.  Do you want to get the ball rolling?”

“You better believe it; I would like to make the offer of $74,000.  That’s a phenomenal deal and I don’t want to risk someone else snatching it out from under me.”

“Okay; I can fill the paperwork out now.”  They shook hands.  He couldn’t believe his luck, but it was more than that.  He was certain that he had help from a higher power and couldn’t wait to tell his children; they were about to have another home.

____________________

“Have a good night Samantha.”  Rebecca waved to a co-worker and headed out the door.  It was a long first day of school, and she couldn’t help but be thankful it was over.  As she was getting ready to cross the parking lot, she saw Kari and her sisters sitting on a bench near a tree.  She looked at her watch; it was 3:45, and that was 25 minutes past the end of the school day.  “Hey; what’s going on?”  She approached the bench and Kari looked up at her.

“I think my dad forgot us.”

Bethany rolled her eyes at Kari’s response.  “He didn’t forget us.  He is very busy and I am sure he’ll be here any minute.”

Rebecca turned and looked at the parking lot.  It wasn’t unusual for parents to be late to pick up their kids, but she didn’t peg Thomas as the type.  It was also, a little late to believe he was just not on time.  “Hey; I could take you home.”

“We don’t have a home.”  Kari’s voice was so sad, that it tore her up inside.

“Are you still staying at Aunt Sally’s Bed and Breakfast?”

“We are.”  Bethany replied quietly.  “However, Aunt Cassie is watching our sister and brother at their home.”

“Okay; then I’ll take you to her.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea.  He could be coming anytime now.”

She smiled at Bethany.  “You’re right, but we can call him when we get to Aunt Cassie’s house.”  They all seemed hesitant, except for Frankie that was eagerly standing by her side.

“Okay.”  Bethany finally mumbled.

They headed to her car and when she opened the door Frankie just looked inside.  “Um…” she paused for a moment.

Rebecca knew her concern.  “Here, we won’t be going far.  We’ll buckle you in.”

“Daddy said I can never go anywhere without my seat.”

Rebecca didn’t think about it, when she offered them the ride.  However, she didn’t feel like she had any other choice.  “I promise you…” she knelt down next to her.  “It will be alright.  Can you trust me?”

Frankie looked at Bethany and Bethany nodded.  “Okay.” She jumped in the car and Rebecca tightened the seatbelt around her.

“There, does that feel alright?”

She nodded and then smiled.  “Thank you!”