Page 35 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 26
Delilah sat, never leaving his bedside. Hank had called to tell her he’d be by later, that something had come up that he needed to take care of. A steady stream of nurses came in and out checking Parker’s vitals.
“You should talk to him.”
“What?” Delilah looked up at the newest nurse in his room.
“Talk to him. They say talking to a patient who is unconscious can help. I’ve seen it work before. And, it helps you. Trust me.”
“Ok, sure. Thanks for the tip.” Delilah smiled as she left the room.
“So, she thinks I should talk to you? I wish you were awake, Parker. There is so much I need to say to you.” She scooted the chair next to him and sat down again. “You know those letters Momma Belle left me? Well, you won’t believe this – she found some stuff of my mom’s in the barn and it had information on my dad. She told me his name. David Brighton. He was a captain in the Marines. I wonder if you knew him… It’s strange. All this time my dad was in the barn – so to say. She found my mom’s diary and key in a box buried in the attic out there. Weird, right?” Delilah rubbed his hand, “Momma Belle talked about you in some of the letters. Did I tell you that? She loved you, Parker. You were like her son. I think she hoped we’d get together if we ever met. Anyway,” she looked at the two letters sitting on the table, “I have two letters left. Part of me is afraid to read them. I know something was wrong with her. I went to see Don, her attorney. He knows something, but he told me to keep reading.” She reached out and grabbed the envelope on top. “Let’s read it together.” Tearing through the seal she slipped the letter out. There was only one left after this one, something about that terrified Delilah. These were the only connection she had left to Momma Belle.
Dear Delilah,
My calls are not getting through to you, and since I don’t have an address, neither will these letters. One day when you find these, know I never wanted to tell you like this.
When you were born, I was terrified. Terrified for your mom, single and trying to do everything alone, she was so stubborn just like you. We were a happy family, the three of us. When she died, you kept my heart from shattering completely. I knew when you grew up, I’d lose you eventually. The world was too big and you were too curious. I just never expected to lose you completely. I blame that horrible man John. And if you’re married to him, I’m not sorry for calling him that. But if there is a God, you have realized this on your own.
“Well, she certainly didn’t hide her true feelings did she? Did she tell you what a mistake I’d made, Parker? Did you know about her feelings for John? I’m sure she told you.” Delilah continued reading.
When the time comes, and you are back home. I need you to promise me something. Take care of Parker. He’s filled the hole in my life since you went away. He has his own demons that he carries, so go easy on him. Parker is a good man and one day, when you realize it, he’ll be good for you.
My time is running out, baby girl. The doctors tell me I only have a few months. Parker doesn’t know, so don’t get mad at him. I didn’t want to burden him either. I’ve had a good life, filled with ups and downs, but mostly, filled with love.
Delilah’s voice cracked as she read out loud. “She was dying. Momma Belle was dying and I wasn’t here.” She sniffed, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
Delilah, I want that for you. A life filled with love. Don’t let time get away from you. Grab hold of something good and hold on to it. You deserve love. Now… don’t be mad. There is no reason to hate the world for me dying. That’s life. You’re born. You live, then you die. I have had a long life. Now it’s your turn. I have left everything to you. I want you to find what it is you’re missing and get it. Once you figure it out, don’t let go. Hold on to who and what you love, Delilah. Don’t be blinded by fear. Sometimes what or who you need is right in front of you.
I love you, baby girl.
Momma Belle
Delilah folded the paper up and laid it on the table.
She moved towards the window and stared out. In the last few months everything had changed. Her would be marriage fell apart, Momma Belle and Ed were gone, and now Parker, the one person she wanted more than air, laid unconscious in the hospital. “Wow. Everyone who matters dies or leaves me.”
“Not everyone.”
Delilah sucked in a breath as she spun to face the bed, “Parker.”
