Going Home

Chapter One

By Katy
copyright©2007 

Note: This is not a complete story. For the entire story, please join our website here.

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy
With the baby in the backseat
She had a lot on her mind and she didn’t pay attention
She was going way too fast![1]

Ohio winters were notorious for bringing on blizzards and bad driving conditions in a matter of hours.  This Christmas Eve in Southern Ohio was no different.  The day had started out sunny, but by noon, clouds were thick, and snow was starting to fall.

Grant Ferguson, an Ohio State Police officer, was driving on Route 75 near the intersection of Route 74.  The weather was steadily worsening, and the roads were getting slick.  The plows and ice trucks were out, but conditions were still slippery.

Jack Robinson, his partner, was glad that Grant was driving; he hated driving in weather like this.  His thoughts were purely on getting through this shift and home to his new wife.  This was their first Christmas, and he planned on thoroughly enjoying his three days off.

“What plans do you have for the holiday, Grant?” he asked his partner.  He knew that he really wasn’t seeing anyone and hadn’t been since Carrie had broken up with him and moved away almost two years ago.  No one ever understood what happened, but didn’t have the nerve to ask, either.

“I guess spend a quiet day with my mom in the home.  Might do some cross country skiing, if the snow stays around,” he answered blandly.

Before they could continue the conversation, a red compact car sailed past them, going a bit too fast.  Grant got a glimpse of a blond driving, but nothing more.  He noted the license number and pulled up a bit closer.  The plates were from New York, and he called them in.  She really wasn’t going fast enough to pull her over, but he checked from force of habit.

The report hadn’t yet come back when she suddenly went into a spin right in front of them.

“Damn, black ice!  I hope she gets it back under control,” Grant said and put on his lights.

The car spun a few times, and he clearly saw her take her hands off the wheel and cover her eyes.  It appeared from what he could see that she was screaming.  Almost miraculously, the car came to a skidding halt on the side of the road, narrowly missing the guardrail.

Before she knew it she was on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn’t even have time to cry
She was sooo scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can’t do this all on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I’m on
Jesus take the wheel1

“Wait for the report,” Jack said and got out of the cruiser.  Jack approached her car slowly and saw the woman, her head bent over the wheel, sobbing.  She was totally unaware that he was standing there.  He tapped on the window, and she jerked up and immediately checked the back seat.  His eyes followed hers, and he noticed a tiny baby sound asleep in its protective seat.  He tapped again, and she finally managed to roll down the window.

“Are you okay, Ma’am?” he asked her.

She couldn’t even answer him and just started crying hysterically again.  Before he could open the door, Grant was there.

“Damn, it’s Carrie, Jack, let me take over,” he told his partner.

Jack watched as Grant opened the door of the car and bent down to talk to her.

“Carrie, it’s okay. This is Grant, and I’ll take care of you,” he said soothingly. 

“I can’t do it anymore, oh the baby, I have to,” she kept saying.  “God help me, I can’t go on alone,” she bawled.

Grant stood up and then saw the tiny baby in the back seat.  His face hardened, but he opened the back door and gently removed the baby. 

“Carrie, the baby’s fine.  Here, hold her.”

Still in her hysterical state, she held the baby gently against her and rocked back and forth.

“Jack, you take the car and follow me.  She’s in no shape to drive.  Her parents don’t live far from here, and I bet she was on her way there.  As soon as we get her safely there, we’ll report in and call it a day.”

“Great, let’s go before it gets much worse,” Jack said, walking back to the cruiser and climbing in.

Grant approached Carrie and softly told her to get out and let him drive.  For the first time, Carrie looked up at him and gasped, “Grant, oh Grant, I’m so sorry… you don’t have to, I’ll…”  She didn’t get to finish.

“Don’t fight me, Carrie, just do it,” he ordered.

Carrie got out and handed the baby to him.  The baby was still sleeping, and he put her back in the carrier, making sure she was in securely.  It was a miracle they weren’t both hurt or killed.

The ride back to her parents’ house was fairly quiet.  Carrie was still shook up and in shock and sniffled a bit.  As they got closer, she looked over at Grant.

“Thank you, but I don’t deserve it,” she whispered softly.

Grant heard every word she said, but really didn’t know how to reply; he didn’t know what he was feeling at the moment.  He merely reached over and patted her hand, noticing at the same time that she wore no rings.

They arrived at her parents’ house and were met at the door by both of them, worried looks on their faces.   Jack had called and told them what happened, and that they’d be there shortly.

Grant had the baby, and her dad hugged Carrie tightly to him.  “Baby, it’s so good to see you.  I’m so glad you’re home,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.

Her mom hugged her and then looked at Grant.  “Oh my, this must be baby Allie,” she said and took the small bundle from Grant.  Just as she reached for her, the baby woke and stretched and opened her eyes.  She had the same soft blonde hair as her mother and the prettiest gray eyes he’d ever seen.  Something clutched at his heart, as he handed her over.

Her dad walked back to the car with him and asked, “What happened?”

“She was speeding, and the road was icy.  Carrie hit some black ice and lost control.  Jack and I happened to be right behind her.  She’s in no shape to drive, so I brought her home,” he explained.  “I should ticket her, but I’ll let it pass this time.  Have a Merry Christmas!” Grant said and turned to get back in the squad car.

“Grant!” Larry Wood called after him.

“Yes?” Grant stopped and turned to him.

“I’m really thankful you were there. Would you please join us for at least a cocktail tomorrow?”

Grant knew he should say no, but he really wanted to find out what happened to Carrie, and see that little baby again.

“I shouldn’t, but okay, I’ll drop by about three, if that’s okay.  I need to spend time with my mom in the morning.  She’ll be tired by then.”

“Great, and thanks again, Grant.  See you tomorrow,” Larry said and walked back into the house.

Grant let Jack drive back to the station.  “What’s with that?” Jack couldn’t help but ask.

“I really don’t know, but I was invited over tomorrow, so maybe I’ll find out,” Grant said and shrugged his shoulders.  His heart was racing, and he was full of conflicting emotions.

Carrie sat on the bed in her old bedroom.  It was hard to believe it was almost two years ago that she’d left.  Allie was being fussed over by her grandparents, so for once she didn’t need to worry about her.  Her father hadn’t questioned her once, but she knew both parents had a lot of questions.  Right now, they wanted her to rest. Neither one liked the deep shadows under her eyes and the look of hopelessness in them.

Carrie took off her clothes and climbed under the covers.  She was far more tired than she wanted to admit.  That, and the close call that afternoon had taken a lot out of her.  As she drifted off to sleep, her last thoughts were of Grant. It was so ironic that it was him who was there to help her, after the way she’d treated him.

It was late in the afternoon when Carrie woke.  It was dark, and she looked at the clock.

She jumped up and quickly washed her face and dressed again.  It was almost six! She’d never intended to sleep that long.

When she got downstairs, her mom was in the kitchen finishing dinner, and her dad was holding Allie on the couch.  Carrie kissed Allie on the cheek and started to take her.

“Leave her with me. We’re bonding,” her dad said and smiled.

Carrie smiled back and went to the kitchen.  “What can I do to help?  I never intended to sleep that long,” Carrie said.

“Why don’t you just sit and talk to me, I’m almost done,” her mom replied.

Carrie sat down and was silent for a few minutes; she really didn’t know where to start. 

“I’m really sorry about how I’ve been for the last two years,” she said, and tears formed in her eyes.  “I never should have left. I know that now.”

“Honey, you can tell us later. Right now, we’re so glad you and Allie are here and safe.  I just hope you plan on staying,” her mom said, and turned to look at her.

“Would you let me?” Carrie asked in a soft voice.

Alicia Wood stopped what she was doing, sat down at the table and took her hands.

“Carrie, you’re our child, and we’ve missed you terribly.  You’ve made some choices I wish you hadn’t, but we love you, and you and your child are welcome here.  Your Dad and I both want you to stay,” she told her and squeezed her hands.

Carrie had tears in her eyes, but told her, “I hoped you’d say that.  I don’t want Allie and me going back.  I really want to try and start over and do something more productive.  I’ve learned a lot in the last two years.  Thank you!”

Alicia hugged her and said, “Let’s tell your dad.”

When Larry heard the news, he beamed with happiness.  “I’m so glad, Carrie.  I’ve missed you, and I don’t think I could ever let this granddaughter of mine go.”

It was a very happy family that sat down to dinner that night.

Grant picked up a pizza on the way home and watched TV, as he ate his solitary meal.  He used to love to celebrate Christmas, but now he really didn’t see much point.  The only part of his family remaining was his mom, and she’d been in a nursing home since her stroke a year ago.  He called her and talked briefly, but he knew that talking on the phone was hard on her and tired her out. 

“Merry Christmas, Mom. I’ll be over to see you in the morning,” he said and hung up.  All the TV programs depressed him, so he switched it off and put on some CD’s and read.

It was almost midnight when he went to bed, feeling decidedly lonely.  At twenty-eight he shouldn’t be this alone.

His sleep was fitful and interrupted by dreams of Carrie.  Finally, at six a.m. he gave up, and hit the shower.  After a cup of coffee and some breakfast, he thought he’d feel better.  He didn’t.  Seeing Carrie again yesterday just brought back all the old hurt.  It seemed like yesterday when they’d broken up, and she’d left town.

Grant gave up and let the memories flood in.  It was a summer day, and Carrie had just graduated from high school.  At eighteen, she was a beauty, and all the men would turn and look at her wherever she went.

Carrie and Grant had been dating seriously for a year.  Even though he was eight years older, they’d grown up in the same town.  Their families were friends, so they’d known each other most of their lives.  He’d graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Ohio State University and was new with the State Police, which meant that he had to be out of town from time to time for further training.  Carrie had talked about going to college, but her heart wasn’t in it.  She wanted to act, and her attention was purely on that.  He didn’t want her to do it, but he knew he couldn’t stop her.  They’d had a few minor spats about it, and she’d always gotten defensive. 

“There’s no reason I can’t take acting lessons.  Maybe even go to school for that, if I want, Grant,” she always responded.

He’d been away for three weeks in Columbus, and in that time his world crashed.  When he went to see Carrie, she told him that she’d met a man at the restaurant where she was working that summer, and he wanted her to move to New York.  He’d told her she had great potential, and he’d get her modeling jobs and make sure she got enrolled in an acting class.  He was an agent and would get her try-outs for all the plays.

“Carrie, you don’t know anything about him,” Grant explained, horrified that she was even contemplating this.

“I know he’s honest; I can tell,” she countered.

“Do your parents approve of this?” Grant questioned.

“No, but it doesn’t matter. I’m eighteen and can do what I want.  I am going,” she stubbornly replied.

Grant paced and then sat down next to her again.  “What about us?  I don’t want you to do this; it just isn’t safe. I’m not going to let you go.”

Carrie was furious.  “You can’t stop me!  You’ve been trying to hold me back all year.  You can take your ring and shove it.” She tossed his ring back at him.

“You need spanked, young lady,” Grant told her in a cold, hard voice.

“We’re through, Grant!  I’m going to New York whether anyone likes it or not.  When you see me in movies, remember today,” she shouted and ran from him.

That was the last time he’d seen her until yesterday.  She’d packed up and left with the mysterious man the next day, against his objections, and those of her parents and all her friends.

He had no idea what had happened to her, since no one had heard from her.  Obviously, something had, since there was Allie.  It was getting late, so he cleaned up and left for the home.  Maybe this afternoon he’d get a few answers.

It was a beautiful Christmas morning.  The snow had stopped, and the sun was out, making the everything sparkle.  Carrie bathed and dressed Allie, humming “Little Drummer Boy” to her.  That had always been one of her favorite songs growing up.

“Oh, baby, I promise this is just the start of a far better life.  You aren’t going to grow up in squalor with a mom who can barely support herself or feed you.  I’m going to make it all better now,” Carrie told her, as Allie cooed and kicked her arms and legs.  Bath time was one of Allie’s favorite things.  Carrie was totally unaware that her dad had been passing and had heard what she said.  His face was lined with concern, as he entered the kitchen.

“I just overheard Carrie talking to Allie.  It sounds like she’s been barely able to buy food for the baby, let alone herself.  We have to find out what happened,” he told his wife.

“I know.  She never said much in that phone call.  Just said she wanted to visit, could we send her a hundred dollars for gas, that she’d pay us back.  I’m really worried about her,” Alicia said.

Carrie joined them a few minutes later and put Allie in her baby seat, while she fixed her breakfast.  Larry watched her as she made the cereal and fruit.  You could see her ribs sticking out of her shirt, and her clothes were almost falling off. 

“Carrie, you’re awfully thin.  You aren’t sick, are you?” he asked her.

“No, I guess I overdid losing the baby fat,” she said, shrugging.

Alicia took over from Larry.  “You feed the baby, and I’ll fix your breakfast,” she told her, not waiting for an answer.

When the plate of food was placed in front of her, Carrie looked up, amazed.  “Oh my, that’s so much!”

“It’s only bacon, eggs, toast and fruit.  It’s not that much,” her father said.  “I guess it’s more than you’re used to eating, though.”

Carrie didn’t reply and just nodded.

“When you’re done, we’ll open the gifts and then talk a bit, okay?”

“Yes, I need to tell you what happened,” Carrie agreed.

Carrie didn’t expect to receive any presents at all, and she knew she didn’t deserve one, so she was totally surprised that there were presents under the tree for both her and Allie.  Once again, her eyes filled up, and tears spilled down.

“You shouldn’t have, really,” she told her parents. “I don’t deserve this.”

Her dad pulled her into a hug.  “We love you and always will, Carrie.  You deserve this and more.”

Allie was cooing with delight at the new little doll she got.  It was perfect for a three month old, all cloth and nothing that could come off and be swallowed.

Alicia noticed the day before that the baby had only the barest of essentials and one rattle.  It was time that all changed.

“I feel bad that I don’t have anything for you,” Carrie told them, “but money was really tight.”

“I think it’s time you put Allie down for a nap and for us to talk,” her dad told her.

It took an hour, but finally she’d told her parents everything.

“I’m so sorry.  I really should have listened to all of you.  I wanted to come home, but I was too ashamed once I was pregnant.  I missed all of you and especially Grant.  Now I know I’ve ruined any chance with him, but I will apologize,” Carrie concluded.

Larry and Alicia both had tears in their eyes. hearing what had happened.

“Oh, baby, if you’d only called, I’d have been there in a heartbeat to bring you home,” Larry said.  “Did you report the incident?”

“No, I couldn’t.  He was too high up on Broadway; nobody would ever believe I wasn’t just a groupie trying to get his attention.  He said he’d make sure everyone knew that was the case, and I’d never live it down.  So I just did the best I could on my own.  He refused to believe the baby was his and wouldn’t give me a dime,” Carrie said and started crying again.

“It’s okay, you’re safe now.  We’ll help you get back on your feet,” Alicia told her.

Grant had visited with his Mom and helped her open her presents.  Somehow, she’d managed to get him one.  He figured one of the Nurse Aides had done it for her.  It was a book he’d been wanting.  After lunch, she was sleepy, so he rang for the aide and then left.

“Thanks for the present, Mom, I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said kissing her cheek.

 To Be Continued...