Page 5 of Shattered Dreams

“Yes, John.” I gave my head a yank to get away from him and cried out in pain when his grip got tighter.

“FUCK!” His scream blew the little loose hairs on the side of my head as it pierced my ear.

“I’m going as fast as I can.”

In through the nose. Out through the mouth.

The boys scrambled inside the car, and I stretched, buckling them in before I walked around to the driver’s door.

My feet barely touched the pedals and my belly rubbed against the steering wheel. I started the car and waited for him to get in.

He punched the passenger door and then tore it open, climbing in.

“Why do you do things that make me so mad, Lynn?”

“I don’t mean to.” I sniffled as I put the car in gear and drove to the store.

Beside me I could hear him rage breathing like a pent-up bull. I wish I knew what set him off this time.

He stayed quiet as we drove into town. I parked as close to the doors as possible and looked over at him.

“John? I need your debit card.”

He chuffed a sound of disgust as he pulled out his wallet and handed it to me. “Be quick. I wanna get back to my movie.”

I gave him a nod and looked back at my boys. “Be good. I’ll be right back.”

Opening the door, I slid out and waddled into the Wal-Mart. At least going inside afforded me time to myself to get my thoughts in order.

I pulled a cart free and used it for support. My feet were still killing me and this pain in my back was not going away.

I should probably call the doc when I get home.

The store wasn’t as crowded at this time of day, making it easy for me to pick up some chips and snacks for the boys, then grab a case of beer.

On my way to the front for the checkout, I white-knuckled the handle of my shopping cart as another massive spasm wrenched my back.

“Ma’am? Are you okay?” I heard a kind voice asking.

“Is she okay?” Another voice asked.

“Um, we have a code white by cereal.”

Hands touched my arms, gently. “Ma’am? What’s your name?”

“Jo … Jolynn.” I panted.

“Hi, Jolynn. I’m Tyler and I’ve got someone calling in an ambulance for you.”

“My … My family … is in … car.”

“Let’s take a deep breath in, and hold it, three, two, one.” His eyes were filled with sympathy. “My sister just had a baby. I might know a thing or two.” He gave me a playful wink.

“Thank you.” I let out my breath and took another in for a count and then out.

“What kind of car?”

“Suburban, blue, aisle 7.” I let go of the cart and held my belly.

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