Samantha

“Really? That’s not possible.” The blue eyed blonde protested. “Sam, you’ve gotta get on with the times. It’s not 1999 anymore.” “I KNOW, For pity’s sake, Timmy, I’m not daft.” Was her empathic reply. 1

Turning away with a shake of his head, Timmy silently thought about the things he could do if she hadn’t been entrusted in his care. He recalled the last words Sam’s father had said as he had slipped away into darkness. To such a man of the world, this was hard for him to grasp. “Timmy, you have to understand. She means everything to me.” He had pleaded with Timmy. 2

With a definite sigh, he stole a glance at Sam. He saw her precious reflection on the window. She seemed so young. So naive. He didn’t seem to comprehend how stubbornness could exist in someone like her. Abruptly turning to him, she raised a eyebrow. “Needing to apologize any time soon?” 3

She said with a half smile. “I would rather not, thanks.” Seeing her shock at his gruff reply, he silently reproved himself as he went back to the rapidly passing scenery. The last person he wanted  to be stuck in this stuffy train car was her. It kept slipping his mind that she wasn’t used to men like himself. 4

Spying the train station a while way up the road, he picked up a leather bag laid at his feet. Sam shot him a questioning look. “We’re almost there.” Timmy said, gesturing out of the window. 5

“Eager to get rid of me, are you?” She jested. Taken back by the pin point accuracy of her words, he said nothing as the train came to a stop. The cheerful train aide came to their stop, inquiring about their comfort during the journey. All the aide got was a brief nod from the two, as they stepped out, eager to get some fresh air. 6

Loud signs screaming delicious food at unbelievable bargains didn’t grasp Timmy’s attention as he got his first glimpse of New Mexico in half of a decade. “Hasn’t changed much, has it?” Timmy commented. Sam agreed with a nod. “What do you say to getting something to eat? I’m starving.” “Let’s wait till we get to Ma’s. She’s a good cook.” 7

Sam sighed. I wish he was a little more spontaneous, she thought. He’d actually be able to get a girl’s attention, then. Oblivious to Sam’s thoughts, Timmy signaled a taxi. Their taxi ride was silent and sullen. The only words spoken were concerning the location and fee. 8

On the verge of whining, “Do I really have to stay here?” Sam asked. “It’s only going to be for a few days.” He assured the young lady. “Why do I not believe you?”Sam said quizzically.  He sighed, biting away a curt remark. “You should. Your father seemed to trust me enough.” “Don’t dis Dad. He meant well.” “I wasn’t trying to. Well, let’s go on inside.”9

They gazed onto the well kept home. Reluctantly, Sam lifted her bags. “Watch that particular box. Rudy’s not bound to be nice when he gets out of that cage.” She warned Timmy. “Did you really have to bring along your hamster?” Timmy complained, lifting up the badly battered cardboard box. 10

A mere few moments later, they were greeted by a plump-looking woman that seemed to radiate happiness.  She caught Timmy in her humongous embrace. “Son, yo’ better be fixing to come home for good, it’s bin far to’ long!” “Mama, remember the gal I mentioned on the phone?” He said nervously.11

“Why, my boy fixing to get married?” Becoming quite interested in the faded  porch floor, it was all Sam could do not to burst out laughing. Marry HIM?  “Ma, no. Samantha here, or rather Sam is Fred’s kin.” Wide eyed, she exclaimed; “Why didn’t I notice her hair? Fred McRowell? Oh, that poor lad. Much too young..” Mama promptly began muttering and staring into distant space. Feeling a breeze, Sam looked up to see Timmy’s cheeks the color of her strawberry lotion. 12

“Timmy said I was going to stay here.” Sam put in. The woman immediately started hyperventilating and muttering loudly. Timmy stared at his mother. He had thought those spells had gone away for good a long time ago. “Uh, no. She’s going away with me.” He said quickly. “Really?” Sam said, wide-eyed. “Yes.” He said stoutly. Becoming aware of her visitors, Mama 13

gasped. “Oh, how rude of me. Daydreaming when my boy and his girl is here—“ ”Sam’s not my girl.” Timmy added.14

“Yes, yes. Sam will stay with me while you go take care of matters.” Mama said proudly, as if she had just figured it out. “No, she’s coming with me. I, uh, need her.” Timmy said uncomfortably. “Why do you need me?” Sam burst in. “Well, see..” He began. “No, no. The girl is staying with me. I’m sure I don’t want anything going on that I don’t know about.” Mama said authoritatively.15

“Okay then..” Timmy said, shrugging. Mama went on to open  the  porch door for her visitors. As Sam stepped into the homely living room, she was overwhelmed with the cinnamon-ish smells wafting from the kitchen. “I take it you like cooking.” Sam commented, glancing around at the surroundings.16

“Like it? I love it.” A toothy grin appeared on the woman’s face. Glancing at the mossy brown grandfather clock in the hallway, she gasped. “Oh! My casserole!” She wailed, running into the kitchen. Standing behind Sam, Timmy whispered; “As soon as Ma goes to bed, we’re leaving. No way I’m leaving you with her. She’s changed far too much back into her old self.” 17

“I thought you were jesting earlier outside.” She returned. “No. I don’t want you going through what I did when I was your age. I’m starting to suspect she’s back into fortune-telling.” He said sadly.18

“She reminds me of my own mother.” Sam murmured.. “No, don’t ever say that. Your ma was one of the best people I knew before she went, you know,” He tapped his head. She nodded. Sam hadn’t seen her mother in over a year, who was suffering from a severe case of dementia back in New York. There was a brief pause as a abrupt crash came from the kitchen.19

The room went dark for a few minutes then the light returned. “What’s going on?” Sam whispered as she hung onto Timmy’s arm. There was no response as they headed for the kitchen. Mama lay sprawled on the floor covered in what appeared to be a sticky brown mixture and the oven door was ajar. Timmy peered at Ma from the doorway. “Ma, are you all right?” 20

Struggling to sit up, she waved a plump hand. “Oh it’s all right, the vision I asked for about Ms. Murray just happened to arrive when I was taking out the casserole.” Sam raised a brow. “Why did the power in the living room go out?” “Oh, that. Happens every time I get a vision. Don’t worry about it. Can I have some towels here?” Sam shot Timmy a look. “Yeah, sure thing.” “Thank you, I love having you home again.”21

After the mess had been cleaned up and Ma had changed into something dry, they sat at the kitchen table playing quiet games of solitaire. Finally, when the hallway clock had chimed 11 o’clock, Ma yawned delicately. “I hate to admit it, but I’m not as young as you two are. I’m heading off to bed, and I would suggest you both would do the same thing. We all have a full day tomorrow.” 22

Timmy and Sam exchanged quick looks. “I can do with a few more games of solitaire, besides I’m sure I’ll beat Timmy pretty soon.” “Okay then, I’ll see you 6 A.M. sharp tomorrow.” Ma’s footsteps faded into the distance as Timmy started to get up. “Don’t you want to play solitaire?” Sam teased. “Don’t be so childish. You know the plan. Where did you put your luggage?” “Oh, Rudy! He’s been shut up in that box for hours!” Sam said, hurrying to the front porch. 23

“I knew this was a bad idea, bringing animals along.” Timmy said, catching the creaky porch door before it shut. “Oh don’t say that. I’m sure Rudy will grow on you.” She replied, holding up the hamster near his face. “Keep that rodent away from me, please.” “He’s not a rod–“ ”Shush. Let’s not argue right now. We’re escaping, remember?” “So is Rudy.” Sam handed Timmy the heaviest of the bags as he dialed the nearest taxi business on his phone.24