Awakened - Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Christmas neared once again, and for the first time, in over a year, Samara was able to touch, pick up, and put away some of her children’s things.  Some of the items she donated to the Salvation Army.  Tears were a continual thing with Samara.  Her eyes were always bloodshot, and red.  Working with the school children helped occupy her mind, and encouraged her in a way, that nothing else had; she was able to mask and hide her emotions amongst the business and constant chatter.  

This year, the school had taken a two and half week break for the Christmas Holiday.  She felt this was as good a time as any to face her demons, and get things done. 

While sitting on the floor of her son’s room picking up and boxing away Legos, Samara's mind began to wonder.  "Mama, mama," she heard her son say, "Look at this!  What do you think it is?"  Samara looked up from what she was doing, and was startled by the appearance sitting on the floor in front of her holding a Lego structure.  Sitting amidst the rainbow of legos her son looked back at her; blue eyes glowing, and a happy smile spread across his face. "Well?"

Samara heard rapping and turned to look in the direction of the door.  When she looked back, he was gone.  She slowly raised herself from the floor, and walked her aching body to the front door.  

After the accident, the doctor said she would heal, but probably experience some stiffening of the joints.  What an understatement.  She had been broken up pretty good.  Pins and metal brackets held her together during her recovery.  She had to have reconstructive surgery on her face.  Some of her joints were now synthetic and pig skin graphts replaced what had been torn away in the accident.  To someone who didn't know, they’d say she looked pretty much the same.  But to Samara, and her friends, the scars, were still visible.  Stiffness set in when sitting far too long, and in this case, hours on the floor picking up Legos, and remembering her son, Samuel.

Samuel had bright blue eyes and dark blonde hair.  His smile warmed her heart, and his hugs touched her soul.  Samara was overjoyed to find out her second child was a boy.  She remembered the doctor looking at the ultrasound, and saying, “I’m not certain, but I think it’s a boy.”  She and Dereck were elated.  

Their first child was a chunky, pink bundle with beautiful bright, curly red hair.  The red hair came as a surprise to both of them.  They named her Maddie after Samara's great-grandmother.  The name suited her.  From day one, Maddie was magnificent, and well mannered; later displaying traits of an exceptionally kind child.  She loved to read, write, and was significantly brighter than other children her age.  She excelled in everything she did, and her parents were very proud.

Bell, sweet little Bell.  What a surprise.  Four years after Samuel was born and Samara became pregnant with her third child.  She nor Dereck had been trying, or expecting another child for their future.  Bell was spoiled by all the family, her dark brown eyes and locks curled and tangled themselves into everyone's heart.  Tenderhearted as she was, Bell was a bold, and extremely happy, loving child.

Samara reached the door to find her beautiful redheaded friend April standing there.  April was speckled with golden freckles which somehow from a distance, resembled a golden tan.  Her eyes were spectacular, large and doe eyed brown and her hair a sunburned auburn, kinky curly, and naturally highlighted with strands of gold.  Her lips were full; some might say babydoll luscious, and she had a smile that would brighten the room.  As usual, April was dressed to the nine.  Even when running the track, April looked like a high fashion fitness model.  No matter what she did, she was always tastefully dressed, and well put together. 

“Hey, Sammy Poo!”  Samara loved the nickname April had affectionately given her sometime over the years.  As usual, she was vibrant and full of energy.  “Hey girl.  I thought I’d come by and help you get some stuff done.  Hope that’s OK?”

Samara smiled.  She was so happy to see her beautiful friend standing there, and welcomed her right in!  “I would love it!  Come on in!”