Page 24 of Born a Hero

Hmm?Was she the crazy one? The woman Sonja had described had nothing in common with the real-life person in front of them. The two images she now had didn’t compute at all.

Chapter Twenty-three

Once Jamie and Dena took over ordering their meal, things happened so fast that Sonja just sat back, stayed out of their way, and spoke less and less except when a question was directed at her.

She noticed Dena staring from time to time, obviously wondering why she had changed from the outgoing, playful woman to this mousy person who shied away from saying anything.

Filled with relief that Dena and Justin made things less awkward, her comfort zone still lay with her being in the background. When Jamie got the call that the crews had arrived and they needed help getting everything set up, she again stayed silent.

After he slid his phone back into his shirt pocket, her handsome son turned to his wife, his expression surprisingly gentle. “Honey, I promised the guys I’d give them a hand with the motor homes at the park and to find a place to store the truck with the equipment. I’ll come back later to pick you ladies up and take you to the campground, okay?”

Nodding very slowly as if the comment alarmed her, Charlene spoke up tentatively. “Can’t I help?”

“Not really. There’s five of us to deal with this. Maybe you could just stay here for now, keep Mom company and finally relax. It’s been a harrowing day for you.”

Sonja had no idea why Jamie should think it had been so harrowing for Charlene, but before she suggested he should let Charlene do what she wants, Dena spoke up.

“Of course, she should stay with us. After getting everything organized at home, then the flights, I’m sure a bit of girl-time is just what she needs. In fact, we could all use it.” Dena glanced at Charlene and smiled encouragingly. “I noticed a big bottle of margarita mix in the fridge and tequila in the pantry. I’ve no doubt that Bryce would be more than happy to share.” She nudged a sleepy Justin who’d curled up in her arms and pointed at the puppy. “I say we get these two adorable young mutts settled in their bed and have a little relaxation party of our own.”

Jamie laughed. “Perfect. That’s the one drink Charlene actually likes. Crunched ice and salted rim. Right honey?”

Charlene smiled, this time without any hesitation. “Yep. It’s my secret weakness. And I’d love to help get them ready.”

With a kiss goodbye for his mom and wife, Jamie gave Dena a warm smile that Sonja knew so well. It was gratitude for stepping into an awkward moment.

As the sun went down, the ladies were finally able to relax back out on the patio with their margarita glasses filled and even a big bowl of salted chips to go with.

Sonja took a few gulps, hoping to relax. She didn’t often drink anymore, especially after losing Hank. She missed those sundowners they’d both enjoyed so much. This moment felt a little like what she’d known in the past.

Waiting for Dena to finish readying Justin and getting him settled, Sonja looked over at Charlene who appeared bored. She racked her brain for something to say.

“How was the flight, Charlene?”

“Good… good. We were lucky to get the tickets because a lot of people were heading this way to check on their families or find out if their properties were affected. One could feel the tension as we flew in and saw the devastation. I thought Jamie was going to hyperventilate. He was terrified for you.”

Sonja felt shocked at Charlene for elaborating on the subject. Usually their conversations were short sentences until they ran out of subjects and then awkward silence would ensue.

Rather than put her off by pretending things hadn’t been so bad, she decided to tell a bit of what had actually happened. So she started from the beginning when she first ran into Bryce.

Charlene seemed transfixed and kept nodding or making comments of awe yet with a clear indication for Sonja to carry on. Before she realized it, Dena had returned. She’d brought along the replenished pitcher of liquor, refilled the glasses, and sat to listen.

When Sonja got to the part about Bryce saving Justin, she felt the tears fill her eyes and it seemed fitting to see a similar reaction in Charlene’s expression. What did shock her was when Charlene seemed unconscious of her hand reaching to offer comfort.

Gladly accepting the support with a squeeze, she felt better for the moment of sympathy and thrilled from who shared it.

“That must have been terrifying, Sonja. Having to wait inside and just watch this happening. Seeing Bryce in that rushing water trying to save a child and knowing he relied on you to haul them in would be so stressful.”

Sonja sat back in her chair, relaxing against the cushion, and smiled. “You know… between us girls, it wasn’t bad until they were climbing inside, and I could see how painful it was for Bryce.” She turned to Charlene and added, “he was still recuperating from an earlier injury where he’d sustained cracked ribs. I heard him groan in pain and prayed he’d be able to hold onto the boy and haul him up so I could reach him. Thank God, it worked out. Once we were all back inside, it seemed like the good Lord had smiled down on us.”

Dena chuckled. “No doubt.” Then she remembered. “Until the water began to creep higher.”

Charlene gasped. “How frightening.” As if she couldn’t stop herself, she added, “I almost drowned as a child. To this day, I’m absolutely terrified of water.” Once she’d finished her sentence, she seemed shocked for sharing her story.

This time, Dena patted her hand, reaching easily because they were seated side by side on the swing. “That must have been horrible for you, Charlene. I can’t imagine living with that fear. How has it affected you with the boys?”

Charlene seemed to hesitate, took a huge breath, and lowered her head in shame. “Jamie had to be the one to teach them to swim while I sat on the sidelines. At one point, I actually found the nerve to sign up for lessons, hoping to overcome the fear enough to at least play in the water, but it’s so stressful, I can’t relax and make it fun. It’s better to just stay out of everyone’s way altogether.”

Sonja’s mind sped back to the number of times that she and Jamie would be in the pool with the boys, and Charlene had refused to join them. She’d always thought it was because Charlene didn’t want to be with her or was just a party-pooper. Hearing this, it finally made sense.

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