Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: BUSY (02/02/17)
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TITLE: The Story Can't Wait | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Dick
02/09/17 -
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With a clenched jaw, I pushed back in my chair and stood. As I took a step, my foot got caught in the computer cord. Down I went, but turned in time to catch my laptop in my arms; then watch as my story outline floated down around me. With a grunt, I got up off the floor, placed the laptop onto the kitchen table, and hurried toward the stove.
As I slid the kettle off of the burner, I heard my baby’s cry. Oh no, not yet! I let out a deep breath, and then sprinted to my son’s bedroom.
Brian stood in his crib with tears flowing down his splotchy red face. He lifted his pudgy arms toward me when I walked in his door.
“Mama!” He hiccupped.
I pulled him up and held him against my chest. Sweat covered his small head, and a mix of sweet and sour baby smells drifted into my nose.
“You were supposed to sleep longer little guy.”
The ringing telephone broke up our tender moment, and I held Brian close as I returned to the living room.
“Hello,” I said into the receiver.
“Hi Christy, it’s me.”
A sigh escaped me. “Hi, Grandma.”
“How are you and the baby?” Her soft voice quivered.
“We’re fine Grandma. Just super busy.”
“I would like to have you over for lunch today.”
“Oh Grandma, I just can’t. I have a paper due tomorrow. You know I’m taking that writing class.”
“Yes. I understand dear.” She cleared her throat. “Well, give the baby a kiss for me. I love you.”
“Maybe tomorrow?” My question was too late. The dial tone buzzed.
With a shake of my head I returned the phone to the cradle. I carried Brian into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and grabbed a baby bottle. I opened the microwave and popped it in.
Brian whimpered as I gently placed him in his highchair.
“It’s okay, baby.” I cooed as we waited for the “ding” of the microwave.
At that moment, the telephone rang again.
“I can’t believe it.” I stood and dashed into the living room.
“Yes?” I panted into the receiver.
“Hello Christy, are you coming for lunch today?” Grandma’s voice was strained and trembled.
Brian screamed, and I took a deep breath.
“Grandma, you already called me.” I bit my bottom lip and stared at the milk stains on my t-shirt.
“Oh. Okay.” The dial tone buzzed.
As I returned the receiver, I shook my head, and then went back to the kitchen. I lifted my baby out of the highchair, and wrapped my arms around him.
“So sorry, Buddy.” I pulled open the microwave door and grabbed the overheated baby bottle. The sting of the hot glass caused me to drop it. Glass shattered all over the floor. Brian screamed. I cried.
My tears trickled onto the top of Brian’s fuzzy head as I rested my chin on him. My voice cracked as I whispered, “I’ll feed you soon.”
With another bottle of milk in my hand, and Brian on my hip, I stepped over the broken glass and spilled milk. I sunk into my rocking chair, and gently pushed the bottle into my hungry baby’s mouth. As I rocked, I glanced at my class papers strewn out across the floor. I lowered my head and sighed.
* * *
Evening stretched into night as I typed my story. Where should I go with this?
With a large yawn and a glance at the clock, I switched off the computer. My head rested on my arms, and my eyelids closed.
A loud ringing awakened me. I sat up, wiped my eyes, and then noticed that it was four-thirty.
I hurried to the phone. Don’t wake the baby!
“Hello?” Breathless, I waited.
The only sound was soft panting.
“Who is this?” My hand trembled as I covered my pounding heart.
“It’s Mother.” Her voice was barely audible.
“Mom, it’s so early. What’s wrong?” My knees shook as I lowered myself onto the sofa.
“Grandma’s gone.” Mother sobbed.
“What do you mean, she’s gone?” I whispered.
“She died Christy. She went Home.”
The phone fell from my hand, and I stared at the computer as it suddenly flashed on.
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