After the Storm

After the Storm

Diana Brink

Published by Diana Brink at Smashwords

Copyright September 19, 2013

Smashwords Edition, License Notice

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This ebook may not be resold or given to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you did not purchase this ebook then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 1

Oh, this can’t be happening again, I thought as I watched the weather report. We can’t possibly be expecting another one, hasn’t even been a year since the last one.

As usual, my thoughts went to Sparkle, she was the cutest little mutt and always devoted to me. It broke my heart to leave her, but no pets were allowed in the shelter. I thought she’d be fine, after all, the storm Charley was headed toward Tampa, not our way at all. I lived in a number two evacuation zone, so I was left with little choice. I had to leave her behind. Now she’s gone, and it’s all my fault.

They have a few shelters where pets are welcomed, but they filled up quickly. I waited until the last minute to get out. If only I had left earlier, then she’d still be around. I continually checked all the animal shelters, put up signs, and checked back where my home was, but she hadn’t turned up yet. I knew I should give up it’d been ten months since the storm, but it’s my fault she’s gone in the first place.

I looked around at the little trailer that I now called home. Home, what a funny word. Home is where the heart is, my mom always said. Well, this place certainly wasn’t that.

Oh, it had what I needed. A kitchen, if you want to call it that- a stove, a sink, a fridge, some donated pots and pans, and dishes. I could prepare a meal, but that’s about it.

Then there’s the living room with its couch that pulled out to make a bed. While sitting on the couch, if I wanted to put my feet up, they’d end up in the dinning room. The dinning room was a table with benches on each side, a booth. Above that, on a shelf sat a small portable, black and white TV and radio combo, another donated item. The bedroom was mainly a bed with some cabinet space where my clothes were stored, the few clothes I now owned. I also had a small bathroom. No, it wasn’t at all what I pictured as a home. So God and I weren’t exactly on good terms, ever since that terrible day when I made a horrible decision. I figured I had to live here now because God was punishing me for the choice I made my senior year of high school.

The worst part of living here though was coming home to the sea of white, the FEMA trailers, miles and miles of white trailers where families now called home. A new community of people who had all lost their homes due to Hurricane Season 2004. What a hard time we all had in August and September last year with one storm after another. There were so many that I couldn’t even remember what storm did what, except Charley that’s the one that took my home.

All I knew it was just the beginning of this year’s hurricane season and already there’s a storm forming. I didn’t know if I could take another brutal hurricane season. My home was destroyed last year. I lost everything, some of us were able to go back and collect whatever we could, but that wasn’t much.

I managed to fill a box with odds and ends. One crazy thing I managed to find was a silly wooden cross that I made one year at summer camp. I don’t even know why I’d kept it all these years. Just a couple of Popsicle sticks glued together and then shoe polished, so that it looked stained. Why of all my things, did that cross make it? My high school yearbooks, pictures, TV, stereo, DVD’s, clothes, all blown away in the storm and that silly little cross survives.

My parents said I could return home with them and start over, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it, so I stayed. I told them North Carolina had hurricanes too. Besides I liked Florida, it had beaches, warm weather, and the best thing of all, no snow. Also, my parents were religious nuts. If I moved home, I’d be required to attend church, and that’s the last thing I wanted. God and me, we were miles apart. He was definitely upset with me.

I received help from UMCOR or UMCON and countless others. They helped me file the claim with FEMA, gave me the donated items, and helped me find another job since where I had worked before the storm was destroyed.

I had been in my home a couple of years. I had just finished decorating all the rooms the way I liked. It wasn’t much, but it was mine. A little two bedroom starter home was all I needed for just me and Sparkle.

I honestly couldn’t believe that a new storm was headed our way. What was this hurricane season going to be like if we were already getting a storm the first week of June? I didn’t think I would be willing to endure another severe hurricane season. I might have to pack my bags and head home after all.

Good morning, Chelsea, my boss Ed Palmer greeted me the next morning. I guess you’ve seen the weather forecast.

Yeah, I can’t believe it. It’s only the seventh of June, and already a new storm’s a brewing.

Well God knows what He’s doing. Ed remarked.

If you say so, but it’d be nice if He’d stop doing.

Good one, Chelsea! he said while heading to his office. I sat down at my desk and turned on the computer; it was time to start my day. I was lucky to get this job at Palmers CPA’s. I had my Enrolled Agent license, so it was fortunate that Ed had an opening the same time I needed a job.

I worked for a small firm before the storm. After Charley wiped them out, the couple who owned it decided that that was a sign from God for them to retire early. Enjoy life while you can, they said. This job at Palmer’s opened up at just the right time. If it hadn’t, I wouldn’t of had a choice but to head home. That’s the last place I want to be, back home with Mom and Dad. North Carolina was the last place on earth I wanted to live again too many bad memories.

Little did I know that Edward Palmer was a religious nut. The only respectable thing is he believed in was closing on Saturdays and Sundays during tax season. That schedule worked out just fine with me. He said he spent his Sundays at church and spending time with his family. I figured he meant a wife and children, but no every Sunday he had dinner at his mom and dad’s: his parents, his four siblings, their spouses, and his nephews and nieces. It is quite a gathering, a tradition for several generations, said Ed. Sundays are always a day of rest, reflection and family, so we won’t work Sundays. So far he’s kept his word, even near the end of tax season.

He had invited me to join him at his parents a few times. He said since I was away from my family it would be great to have me. It just doesn't feel right for me to barge in, so I hadn’t gone.

What I can’t figure out was why his family’s home didn’t suffer much damage. They had lost some shingles, and a tree had fallen away from their house. Some people were just lucky, no sea of white trailers for them. Maybe the reason was because they weren’t being punished like I was. I was certain God had it our for me.

All in all, Palmer’s CPA was a terrific place to work, five of us in all. Sara, the receptionist, and me enjoyed going out to lunch. She’s married to Bob and had just returned from maternity leave. She had a hard time being back, she missed her baby boy, Charles. She named him after Charley, since she had found out she was expecting the same day the storm came through.

There’s also Jack and Tom; both are CPA’s. Jack’s been married fifteen years and has three children; he has worked with Ed since he opened his office. Tom is an older man who looked forward to retiring and traveling the country with his wife in one of those travel trailers.

Tom started about the same time I did because the hurricane set him back on his plans. He had just retired when the storm came through leaving a tree in the back room of his home. He’s able to live at home while it was repaired, after the repairs were finished and paid for they could sell their home and buy a RV and see the country.

Everyone was friendly, but with the exception of Sara, I kept to myself. I was just not that social. I liked to come to work, get my work done, and then head home. I really didn’t see the need in getting close to any of them.

Chelsea, ready for lunch? Sara asked.

Sure, in about five minutes.

I was wondering if we could stop by the day care afterwards, so I can peek in on Charley.

I guess. She surely did miss him; I believed she stopped by daily during her lunch hour. Either that or she’s calling. He’s in a home day care with a patient lady, who didn’t seem to mind Sara stopping by. So our usual spot?

That’d be great! We headed to Paula’s Pitas, a little deli that offered sandwiches, pitas, and salads.

Afternoon ladies, the usual? Paula asked as we entered.

I’m not sure, I answered, I might be ready to try something new. I looked over the menu and finally decided on my usual chicken salad in pita bread.

I’d figured that’s what you’d end up deciding, so here you go, Paula handed me my plate.

Am I that easy to read?

You say the same thing every time you come in, and yet you always decide on the chicken salad in a pita. Let’s just say I know my customers. Paula smiled.

That you do. I joined Sara at the table she had picked. She too had ordered her usual, a chef salad.

So, how’s it going, Chelsea?

Just fine, I guess.

How’s the progress going on the rebuilding of your house?

Well, slow they haven’t even started yet. It’s all tied up with the insurance company.

Chelsea, I don’t know how you do it?

What do you mean?

I mean handle all this stress alone. If it wasn’t for Bob, I don’t know how I’d cope. Oh no, here it comes poor Chelsea and no husband.

I guess I just deal.

Any luck finding Sparkle yet?

No, I’ve done all I can do. What’s she trying to do, remind me of all my problems, Can we talk about something else?

Sure, I think Charley’s about to roll over.

That’s great.

He’s such a good baby. He’s already sleeping through the night.

I bet that’s a big relief. I don’t know much about babies, so I just tell her that must be good. I hadn’t been near anyone under the age of twelve in years. My sister had a couple of kids, but I had only seen them when I went home. I had no idea what to do with anyone so little, besides all babies did was cry, whine, and complain. Being near a baby was definitely not something I enjoyed. I usually just let Sara chatter away about her son; it kept her from asking about me.

Chelsea! Chelsea! Sara shouted.

Huh, oh sorry.

I think you were lost there for a minute. Thinking about someone special?

No, just got lost in my thoughts.

Anyway, I was asking if you had any plans for the weekend.

Not really I was just going to check on my house, unless this new storm heads our way.

I hope not. We’ve all come so far since last year. I’m glad our home was repaired before Charley arrived.

You were lucky.

Not luck, God’s timing. Anyway, this Sunday we’re getting Charley baptized, and I was hoping you could come. We’re having everyone over after for dinner. We want our friends and family there. It would mean so much to me.

I’m not sure what the weekend will bring. I didn't actually want to go. I mean church and a baby, two things I tried to stay away from.

Well that’s better than a no. I believe Ed, Jack, and Tom are coming. She looked at her watch. We had better get going if we are going to see Charley.

All right, now what would I do? I couldn’t believe she wanted me to come to her son’s baptism. Everyone form work would be there. If I didn’t go, I’d look terrible. Oh, the pressure to go to the last place I want to be-church! Now I almost wished that the storm would come through, at least then I’d have an excuse not to go.

The rest of the day went by without any problems. It's hard to believe I'd rather have a storm come, just so I wouldn't have to go to church. Sara told me to pray about coming to her son’s baptism. Pray, that's a joke! Why would I ask God about that? I asked him to keep me and Sparkle safe and save my home. Lot of good that had done, instead He sends it my way to punish me. I couldn’t wait to get home and watch the news tonight.

Chapter 2

Looks like we’re going to dodge the bullet this time. Just a little rain which will help bring up the water table, the meteorologist reported. It's hard to believe that Florida’s was still in a drought. One would think that after all the rain we had last year, the water table would be suitable.

I guessed I couldn’t use the tropical depression as an excuse to avoid church; I’d have to grin and bear it. I couldn’t believe I'd been suckered into the church and all for some smelly little person.

If I went to church, I guessed I had better figure out what to wear. I had a business suit and a couple of dresses, but I didn’t think either of those was suitable for church. There's my excuse-Sorry, Sara, I can’t come to your baby’s baptism because I haven’t a thing to wear. Knowing her, I knew she’d find something for me. How did I get myself in these messes anyhow?

It’s not that I didn’t like church, my parents always took us kids every Sunday. In fact, my sister still went, but that’s because she’s a mom. It’s just not my thing anymore. God and I weren’t exactly on speaking terms.

We went almost every Sunday and Wednesday as a kid, but that was it. We would go home, and each of us did our own thing. We didn't talk about what we did at church or what we learned. We gave our few hours a week, got our names checked for roll call and that was that.

Besides, I figured God really didn’t want anything to do with me now, especially after what I’d done. I went off to college, got busy with other things, and decided there wasn't enough time to go to church. I was on my own and didn’t need to do my few hours a week anymore.

I knew my Bible stories. I knew that Christmas was the celebration of Jesus’ birth, Easter was about Jesus’ death and resurrection whatever that meant. At our house, though, it was more about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, each a special day for the family, I had incredible memories of holidays together. We continued to celebrate the same way until just a few years ago. My parents became religious or ‘found Jesus’ as they liked to say.

They got a new minister, Pastor Tim. He believed in the power of prayer. He held twenty-four hour prayer vigils. He preached about Jesus and how he’s waiting to be your friend. Pastor Tim was real, my parents kept saying.

They started to go to a Bible study, and they even took part in one of those prayer vigils. Pastor Tim convinced them to attend a Walk to Emmaus. They said they saw a glimpse of what heaven might be like. They were surrounded by God’s unconditional love. The Walk to Emmaus helped them see how much God loves them, and it changed their lives.

Christmas was different after that. The first time I went home for Christmas after their change, I was in for a shock, the Santa decorations changed to manger scenes. My mom told me she was getting back to the real meaning of Christmas.

They even had an advent wreath on the dinning room table, and before we ate we had to read the Bible story about Christmas. Christmas seemed crazy there now, so I hardly went home anymore.

Church was the same way; I’d rather stay home and catch up on my sleep or my cleaning. Not that I had much to clean in my box. Church and God I didn’t need them anymore. Usually, I went by my house and check on the progress, which was none.

The last time I went by, I almost cried. I heard a bark that sounded like Sparkle. I called for her, Sparkle, Sparkle! I ran toward where the sound came from and found a raccoon. It's so hard to drop by and see the empty lot where my house once stood.

I was pretty sure God was punishing me for the wrong choices I made in high school. This was His way of showing me I’d done wrong.

Still time spent at my lot was better than in some church on a Sunday with people who could be way to happy.

Enough of trying to get out of church, I needed to go shopping to find a new outfit. I could always use new clothes. I didn’t like trying on things in the store. It could be such a hassle, finding the right clothes, waiting my turn, and trying on clothes. I hoped Sara and this kid knew how much trouble I had to go through.

My shopping trip was a success. I found a cute little sleeveless, purple dress; it was simple and on sale.

Sunday morning arrived and I couldn’t believe I was actually going to church. The real reason I went was because everyone else from work will be there. I wouldn’t want to give the wrong impression, especially in front of Ed. I wouldn’t want to get fired.

At least, they went to a Methodist church and not a Catholic one. I grew up in a Methodist church; at least, I know the pastors finish on time, not like those Church of God churches where you could be there for hours just praising the Lord. They used to tease our pastor at church where I grew up in saying, We have the clock on the back wall, so he can tell when it’s noon and time to get out. There was something about beating those Baptist to the buffet.

It’d be gratifying to see everyone away from work, especially Ed. I knew he’s my boss, but there was just something about him. He had brown hair brown eyes, and was extremely attractive. If he weren’t my boss, and such a religious fanatic who knows where it could lead.

I made it to church, it