Compass North Read online

  She watched him give her an unsmiling nod.

  “I’ve got your number; I’ll leave you a message.”

  “Let yourself out; I’ve got to check on Marjorie.”

  Howard came down after he showered. He planned to sit with his wife through the night, so he dressed in comfortable sweats, slippers, and his favorite Auburn sweatshirt.

  He pulled her special recliner next to the bed.

  “Tyann, I’ll keep the gas log on, keep the home fires burning, and the Christmas tree lit, in case she wakes up. You go to bed; I’ll call you if I need to, hear?”

  She saw the understanding smile and a tiny shine in his dark eyes. She nodded to him and went to her bed in the library with the door open, so she could hear sounds nearby. She wore her pink comfy sweats and let her hair down her back. They settled down at 11 and Tyann checked on them at 2. Howard leaned into her bed and held Marjorie’s hand. They both slept. She checked again at 5. Howard lay in bed with Marjorie. He turned to his side laying his arm across his wife.

  “She’s with our God in heaven,” Tyann whispered.

  She let him sleep until 6 and gently roused him.

  “Thank you Tyann, I was so glad to be with her when she went to her next home.”

  She called the proper authorities and then made coffee for them both. They sat, drinking the strong brew.

  “I’ll stay, until the authorities arrive and decide how you want to handle everything. Then I need to leave you, to go on. You’re gonna do fine; just give it time. Remember that it’ll hit you when you least expect it. You’re in shock,” she paused, “now.”

  Howard put on a jacket and proper shoes and left the house for a short walk to clear his head. He returned as Tyann finished packing up her belongings and making up the sleeping couch. He insisted he would take care of the sheets later. She went to the kitchen for a second cup of coffee and donuts she brought for them several days ago. They stood across the kitchen island from each other as they talked and ate.

  “They’ll be here any minute. And Tyann, I want you to have this. Marjorie, well she was all about giving. She hinted that you’re a minimalist, so down the road, that you had a fella you struggled with, an almost completed DVM student here. I hope and pray everything will turn out OK.”

  “God’s will, sir,” she opened the envelope, “oh my goodness, thank you.”

  She smiled to him, her first smile in some time.

  He looked at her, “She’s gonna light up some guy’s life, one day,” he thought.

  Then he said, “No, thank you, you made her last days as positively marvelous as they could be, going on, day by day, she knew the day she was in, how precious it was.”

  They heard the doorbell ring. Tyann stayed until the authorities indicated she had handled everything they needed. Howard came to her, kissed her on the cheek, and hugged her. As she turned at the front door, he waved to her and smiled.

  

  “I’m not sure I can take another step, but I need to stop by my church and talk to God.”

  Tyann did that.

  “I feel better now,” she said as she walked down the steps from the church.

  She headed home to her tiny apartment. She showered and slept for many hours. When she woke up, she showered again and made herself an egg, bacon, and toast breakfast.

  “How’d it go, Tyann?”

  “She died, early the morning after Christmas Day, Dad, as we expected. I’m glad I had the experience. She was brave, so understanding of what her family needed, so much the mom, to the end. It’s been a grand lesson for me.”

  “We have guests for dinner, Sarah and Conner Mulrenan; did you know he flew home?”

  “Yeah, he stopped by at my patient’s home, and told me Christmas night.”

  “I’m glad he talked to you; a while since you’ve seen him.”

  “Yup, he’s on a break for four days, before his next unit. He’s feeling more positive about the rest of his term.”

  “Your mom and I stopped by to see Brenden last evening at Porttown Memorial. He’s got to make some lifestyle changes.”

  “Right, hope you and mom are takin’ care of yourselves.” She giggled, “You got nurses surrounding you, mom, and me.”

  “Uh huh, I gotta behave; actually I’m doing good, lost some weight, and I’m goin’ to a gym twice a week, can you imagine that?”

  “Good for you, Dad, keep it up. Brenden’s poppa’ll need to do some cardio rehab, once they figure out what to do about his situation. Hey, say hi to Sarah and Conner for me, oh and also if you see Brenden. And I got a lot of decisions to make, on my own.”

  “I know you have; I’ll pass along your greetings, hugs, love you my Tyann.”

  “Hugs to mom, love you, Dad.”

  7

  1997 – Huntsville, Alabama

  “Decisions made, here I am, standing in the ER, back where I belong.”

  Tyann acknowledged her decisions. She got offered the position she wanted, in the hospital she wanted. As she ended her shift that Saturday afternoon in early May, she pondered one question.

  “Do I return to Auburn, or do I stay here in Huntsville?”

  Several male nurses and one doctor already expressed a personal interest in her. The one thing they all shared with her concerned the critical care experience she already possessed, as a fairly new nurse. The other item became her ability to make do with whatever materials she had, at hand. In Punta Cana she devised several apparatuses and one procedure that helped patients get through incision healing quicker. Those patient improvements impressed this hospital crew.

  One nurse asked her out after coffees together at the outside hospital patio. The date coincided with a graduation. She decided to tell the honest truth, that she felt torn about seeing the graduate again, as opposed to starting a new dating scenario.

  “He’s been a part of your life for a very long time; weren’t you dating uh, didn’t you say you dated his older brother, who died, right?”

  “That’s correct, Jeff; for eight years we’ve been friends, oh gosh, before that, back to grade school. I do love him.”

  She watched Jeff’s smile to her and she heard the tone of his voice, sincere.

  “Definitely you should go to his ceremony; the DVM is a really big deal. He’s gonna heal animals, just like we’re healing humans. And you guys, well you grew up together, like you said, it’ll maybe help you figure out what you want. Hey, you clearly don’t know exactly what you want in a love relationship, isn’t that right?”

  “Yeah, you’re right on about that. Thanks, Jeff, I need to see him, celebrate his achievement, and get to know him again.”

  “Sounds like there’re eight years of catchin’ up to do.”

  “There are.”

  

  Tyann rented a car at the Montgomery airport and drove to Auburn. She planned to stay at Ben D.’s home. He wanted to see her, and he asked if he could go to Conner’s DVM ceremony with her.

  His housekeeper greeted her and helped her to her room.

  “He’s at the gym; he’s anxious to see you. You were a miracle worker for him.”

  “I’m glad, Celestina; you’ve been a loyal helper and companion to him. I hope you’ll continue with him.”

  “Of course, Miss Tyann, this really is my home; I just have a place to sleep and spend weekends. I get to see my grandkids as much as I want. Ben compensates me handsomely. I’ve put money away for my retirement, but that won’t be for a long time.”

  Tyann and Ben D. went for a hike the next morning.

  “It’s good to be back on my hiking trail, and Ben D., you’re doing so good. We need to get back to get ready for the ceremony.”

  “Does he know you’re here?”

  They descended, with Ben leading, using the thick walking stick Tyann suggested he use.

  “I told him I wasn’t sure I’d be able to switch with several other nurses who’d work my shift for me. But I was able to swing it. When I graduated fro
m IU he surprised me by coming to my nursing graduation.”

  Ben D. laughed, “So you’re sorta returning the favor.”

  “Right.”

  

  She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she heard his name called. Conner strode across the stage, shook hands and touched his diploma to his heart. She turned to Ben D. He nodded and smiled to her. She smiled back through her tears.

  “I didn’t recognize him, with that cap and gown on. He seems bigger than I remember.”

  After ceremony Tyann tried to follow his movements. He definitely stood head and shoulders over most of the other graduates. And then she saw them, his poppa and momma, greeting him. Tyann held Ben D.’s hand, guiding him to where they stood among the crowd of happy graduates and families.

  Conner saw her, a small beautiful blonde in a pretty spring dress, holding the hand of an older gentleman.

  Ben D. let go of her hand so she could greet the new doctor. She stepped forward as Sarah and Brenden moved back from their son.

  Conner held out his arms to Tyann. They came together in a quiet hug.

  “Oh, Tyann, you came, man, what a surprise!”

  She stepped back from his hug and laughed, “Remember, doc, you did the same thing to me, came to my graduation unannounced.”

  Then she saw it, that light in his eyes, that had not been there for some time. She hugged Sarah and then Brenden. She gave him her nurse’s look, as she eyed him from head to toe.

  “Uh, do I pass inspection?”

  She heard the humor in his voice.

  “I dunno; have to get the true skinny from Sarah.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Sorry, Mulrenan’s, this is my friend, Ben D.”

  They all shook hands with him.

  “Yes, I was one of her patients, when she did her visiting nurse stint here in Auburn. She basically resurrected me from the dead. And she kept checking on me after I left her care. We’ve become friends. She talked about all of you, especially on our walks; she got me out walking, with a walker, then a cane, now, look at me.”

  “Sir, you’re doing well,” Conner commented as he smiled to Ben D. “Let’s find a place at the reception area, to sit down and chat. When the line thins down, we’ll get cake and punch.”

  Early that evening Conner met Tyann at Ben D.’s. It cooled down, so they went for a walk.

  “What now, Tyann?”

  “I’m so happy for you. And for us, I don’t know. Share your plan. I fly out in the morning, thank goodness, it’s just a short hop; will be working several double shifts to pay back the nurses who covered for me.”

  He took her hand and held it as they walked along.

  “I can’t practice until I get accredited; I passed exams, but the accrediting process takes time. So my plan, I’ll vet tech in a practice in Decatur, and start looking for a practice to join as soon as I’m the real thing.”

  “Gosh, Decatur’s on the outskirts of Huntsville.”

  “Yeah, I know, I want to get to know you again, Tyann. It’s been a long haul; we’ve changed so much in these last years.”

  “Do you eventually want your own practice?”

  “Maybe, but I gotta work through that DVM debt. And buying a practice, even a partnership is gonna be so pricey. The debt’s driving me crazy already. And vet tech’s don’t make much, so I’ll continue to struggle.”

  “But it’s not with school, taking classes.”

  “Uh huh, my mind’s a lot clearer, now that I think I know where I’m headed.”

  “And I want to get to know you, Conner. Time’s changed us a lot. Your poppa looks good, lost the weight he should.”

  “I’ve kept up with momma on his cardio rehab. He goes twice a week and is getting a lot stronger.”

  “You got a place?”

  “Yeah, a little one bedroom, in Decatur, not that far from the vet clinic.”

  “I’m lucky, working days, four 10 hours, Monday-Wednesday, and Saturdays. Nurses never seem to get a full weekend off.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yeah, ER, critical care, I’ve already done one helicopter airlift, our patient survived and thrived.”

  “Your experience in Punta Cana?”

  “Absolutely the best thing I could’ve ever done. Talk about improvising, the water and hospital bacteria situation there. At this hospital they call me the bleach lady. I brought all I learned back here. Our hospital had to do some cleanup too. There’re new bugs out there that defy antibiotics. All we can do is try to keep the place as bacteria free as possible.”

  “You know that’s impossible,” he paused, “yeah, I know, you gotta try.”

  He squeezed her hand and let go as they neared Ben D.’s home.

  “May I call you once I get settled in Decatur?”

  “I’d like that, send me an e-mail, if you get that. But please, settle in, feet on the ground first, lots ahead.”

  “I will.”

  They hugged as they stood by the front door.

  She looked up to him and saw the special light in his eyes, “Congratulations again, be safe, God bless and keep you, Conner.”

  “God keep you too, uh, He blesses you, Tyann.”

  

  Jeffrey and Tyann finally got a chance to chat two weeks after she returned to the Huntsville Med Center ER. On break they sat in a corner of the hospital’s basement cafeteria.

  “So?”

  “Yeah, Jeffrey, I’m gonna try again with him. He’s moved to Decatur, doing vet tech work until his accreditation comes through, takes time. I haven’t seen him yet since his move; his phone message just mentioned so far, so good.”

  “I’ll just be your friend, then, Tyann. You need space.”

  “Jeffrey, date others; lots of ladies out there, in this super smart biotech community.”

  “I haven’t met many, yet.”

  “U. of Alabama, Huntsville, checked that place out?”

  “That’s an idea; most ladies look at me kinda wonky when I tell them I’m a nurse.”

  “Well, they don’t comprehend medical; male nurses are gonna grow in numbers; we need you guys, just like we’ve got female docs. Do they know about the good money you make?”

  “Nope, never’ve gotten that far along in a relationship to get asked that. Most super materialistic ones first wanta know what kind of car I drive.”

  “Uh, let’s see, your little 1989 brownish pickup, right?”

  He nodded to her.

  “Dude,” she gazed at him for a minute, then shook her head, “if that turns them off, well, that’s not the kind of lady you want on your arm, anyway.”

  “Right, want somebody like you, comfortable on a trail, or appreciative of the music at a concert, yeah, like stuff we’ve done together.”

  “Hey, bub, I’m your trial run,” she laughed.

  He touched her shoulder and just shook his head.

  “Let’s get outa here.”

  

  Late September breezes cooled the humid Huntsville area. The drier days, without so much rain, agreed with everyone. Tyann followed Conner up the rocky trail in the Chapman mountains outside Huntsville. She enjoyed the wind caressing her face as they got to the top.

  “Going to church with you today, that was great. I was so lucky to not have to go in, no critter in surgery recovery that needed to stay overnight. And, now, being out here with you. This is what you do many Sundays?”

  “Uh huh, early church, then head up here. I used to come up earlier, right after church, because of the heat. But this is not quite like Punta Cana; it seemed more humid there than here, well, beachy. And my place, we just had fans, air conditioning, wow, I still consider it a luxury.”

  “Well, folks here wouldn’t survive if they didn’t have it. I can’t even imagine the old days, before electricity, and they wore more clothes.”

  “Folks just adjust; humans’re that way.”

  They took a few minutes to look around, a full 360 view of
the area.

  “Glorious sights,” he nodded to her, “sit?”

  “Yeah, I need to; yesterday, busy shift, in the afternoon. Glad the ER is compact, not too much walking, but it’s pretty old. They’re talking about a newly constructed place for us, maybe in a couple years.”

  They drank water and helped themselves to trail mix she packed for both of them.

  He turned to her, “I’ve heard back.”

  “Oh, Conner, tell me.”

  He heard the excitement in her voice as she smiled to him.

  I’m a doc, for reals.”

  They hugged, a long strong hug. She raised her lips to his. He caressed her lips, touched his tongue to her tongue. They kissed and kissed.

  He put his arm around her shoulder, “Wonderful, your kiss.”

  She squeezed his hand.

  Her mind danced ahead, as they worked their way down the rocky trail.

  “Back off, Tyann, one day at a time,” she whispered as she descended.

  He drove them back to her place and walked her to her door.

  He looked down to her, “I’ve big decisions; we’ve big decisions.”

  “Time,” she spoke as she smiled up to him.

  He nodded and took her in his arms, hugging her and swinging her around in a circle. He set her down. She felt his kiss on the top of her head.

  “Like in the old days,” she told herself.

  She watched him return to his car and wave to her. She waved back.

  

  “I’m so happy you’re here; this is my first place you two’ve seen.”

  Annie smiled to her, “It’s perfect for you; certain you’ve got everything you need?”

  “Yeah, Mom, thanks, remember minimalist me. When I helped dad bring in stuff, I noticed you guys drove a pickup here. It’s got Iowa plates.”

  “Conner didn’t tell you?” her dad asked.

  “Nope.”

  “He and his dad’re trading vehicles. Conner’s getting Brenden’s three-year-old pickup; it’s a good size for him, you know, vets go out and about the country, to farms, ranches, wherever there’re critters that need medical care. It’s already got a nice stainless steel storage area in the open back end, something he’ll need for his medical supplies. We’re driving Conner’s car back to Porttown.”