In late-June during the last week of summer school, my administrator interrupts my class stating I have an important call. My mind races to Liberty with Alma and hundreds of horrible things that might have happened.
“I’ll cover your class. I was told you need to check your cell phone.”
I grab my phone from the outside pocket of my laptop case and dart from the room. My fingers scroll through several missed calls and texts from Alma, Adrian, and Salem. Once outside, I stop to read the texts in the order they were received. Bile rises in my throat, my legs give out, and I sit on the sidewalk.
“Adrian…”
“Madison, oh thank God, it’s Bethany. Someone side-swiped her mother’s car, her water broke, and she started having contractions.” Adrian struggles to catch her breath through her tears. “Troy called on his way from St. Joe to tell me they were transferring her to North Kansas City Hospital. I can’t remember what he said the reason was. I’m terrible at this, I’m sorry. I should have written everything down, but I was in shock. Madison, it’s too early.” Sniffles fill my ear. She can’t lose this baby, too.”
“Adrian,” I firmly interrupt her hysteria. “She’ll be okay. She’s made it thirty-six weeks. Yes, it’s early, but in Kansas City they see this more often.” Through the phone, I hear Adrian’s breathing slow. “It’s a good thing they didn’t keep her in Athens. The sooner she gets to the city, the better it will be for the baby. Now, is Winston with you?” Adrian states he is on his way home and Salem is on her way over, too. I ask about Bella and Adrian tells me she is napping.
“Okay, I’m going to stay on the line until Winston or Salem arrive. Honey can you go get a drink of water? Bella’s going to need you when she wakes up.” I try to distract Adrian from her frantic thoughts. I listen as she makes her way into the kitchen, opens the refrigerator, and guzzles from a water bottle.
“What now?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I can drive to KC today. Alma’s been with Liberty all day and I have to teach summer school for two more days. I’m sure Winston will drive Salem and you down, so the two of you will have to give me updates.”
“Madison…” Adrian’s faint voice pauses for a hiccup.
“She’ll be alright. She’s taken good care of herself. Both Bethany and the baby will be fine.”
“Promise?” Adrian whispers. I hear the sound of a door in the background. Adrian calls to Winston. There’s a muffled sound against the phone over which I can hear Adrian’s sobs again. The sound against the phone grows louder.
“Madison,” Winston’s deep voice greets. “What can you tell me?”
I share what I was able to get from Adrian, which isn’t much. I mention Salem is on her way to meet them. He tells me he’ll drive the girls down to the city and he’ll send me updates. I thank him, ask him to take good care of my girls, and to drive safely.
I take a moment to gather myself in the restroom. I lift a little prayer up for Bethany, Troy, and the baby. As I exit planning to return to class the final bell rings—classes are over for the day. I slowly make my way back to the classroom as students scurry out the door. With each day this week their excitement grows to begin summer like their friends.
On my drive home, my thoughts are on Bethany and Troy. I don’t allow myself to think of them losing their baby. I need to be at home, holding Liberty in my arms until I hear an update from KC. I desperately need the comfort Alma and my daughter will provide.