My Beloved Chapter 2

I got up today not really wanting to move.  Life in my large countryside home was so boring and lonely now.  Selma's death had put a damper on my longing to finish my research.  The company that talked to me that fateful day has called several times in the last three weeks.  I just can't seem to get my head in order enough to want to go back.  I put my coffee mug down and stared out over the meadow.  Selma had loved this spot.   The only  reason we lived way out here was because she had fallen in love with the meadow instantly.  I was about to sit back down when I heard a familiar sound.  Someone was driving up our long driveway.  I wasn't expecting company so I poked my head around towards the front of the house.  To my surprise Nurse Taylor's car was coming slowly into the parking space in front of the garage.   I walked to her car like I was about to talk with an old friend but really my heart ached because of the memories she brought with her.1

"Mr. Long, I need to talk with you."  she stated boldly.  2

I couldn't for the life of me understand what she needed to talk about.  Insurance had covered all the bills that Selma's care required.  3

"Sure, why don't you come inside."  I walked to the door and she silently followed.  We entered the living room now vacant of the once distinctive hospital bed.  Before I sat down I offered her a drink but she refused.4

"What is it that you need?"  I wasn't about to play around.  Ms. Taylor was here for a reason.  Although she also suffered a loss when my Selma died, something was different.  She almost appeared worse off than myself.  5

"Mr. Long,  I did not get the position with your wife on an accident.   I have known your wife since I was a child."  This answer caught me off guard.  How could this young lady know my Selma.  Selma, who died just three weeks ago.  6

"Please explain this to me."  She seemed to pause but then regained her composure and started into an emotional tail.7

"My name is indeed Ms. Rachelle Taylor and I am like you saw on my resume 28 years old."  Inwardly I thought that she was born two years before Selma and I were married.  She continued.8

"My given name is actually Trelley.  I would like you to see my birth certificate."  9

Trelley... Trelley... How can that be.  My mind was thinking as fast as she was talking.  Birth Certificate.  Why would I need to see that.  How come this all mattered now.  Trelley...  10

Suddenly the realization of what she was saying hit me like a ton of bricks.  Trelley was Selma's maiden name.  This birth certificate must mean something then.  I reached out and grabbed the paper she was holding in her now trembling hand.  Gazing at it I almost couldn't focus enough to read the small print.11

"Rachelle Tanner Trelley born November 12, 197512

Mother:  Selma Tanner Trelley13

Father:  Unknown"14

"I don't understand!"  I finally blurted forth.  What was I supposed to say to this.  How can I believe this girl... woman who was in my home now.  Defiling my Selma's good name.  What did she want from me.15

"What is it you want?  Why have you come here now when you know full well what has happened?"  My frustration was rising and my blood pressure was following fast.16

"Mr. Long.  I didn't want to have to come to you at all.  I wanted to remember my mother how I knew her all those years.  I wanted to know her as a friend of the family.  But things have changed.  I NEED YOU NOW!"17

"What!!!  What are you talking about?  Why do you need me?"  I almost yelled.18

"In your research what have you found about this disorder?   If Selma truly is my mother what do you know will happen?"  Instantly my research all came back and my understanding of her situation as well.  If she was being serious and Selma really was her mother then this disorder would soon start affecting her life like it did my Selma's.  I sat stunned and not knowing what to say to this young life about to start a horrific tragedy only that would result in her death.  19

"I need you because you are so close to a cure.  You are so close in your research to help me.  TO HELP US!"  20

US???  Are there more?  What was she talking about?  She could see the questions in my eyes.  Then slowly handed me a picture.21

"This is my Son.  He is 6.  His father abandoned us because of bad choices.  From what I have read this disorder is not gender sensitive.  I am not afraid for me.  I am afraid for my son. Nate does not deserve this.  He is such a good boy.  He is very proud too that he is missing that front tooth."22

The first thing I had noticed in the picture was the missing tooth.  The second thing was how much this young man looked like my Selma.  Oh so young he was and so precious to see.  23

"Why should I believe you?  Why wouldn't Selma have told me something so important?  Have you known for long?"  My questions rolled out of my mouth like drool but I was still in a state of shock I guess.24

"Selma knew me all my life.  She never let me call her mother or even Aunt.  You were her one true love that is certain.  She once gave me a letter and told me that I should never open it.  She said one day that I would have to give it to you to help you understand.  I never opened the letter.  I was adopted at the age of 6 months by a family named Taylor.  Apparently they were friends with Selma and she trusted them enough for my care.  I brought the letter with me today.  I am guessing it will tell you all the details that you need to help you understand."25

She handed the letter over to me and stood up.  I could tell that she felt that she should leave.26

"I need to get back to Nate.  I will be back Mr. Long.  I have to know what can be done.  I know that you have an idea but Please read the letter and make a decision.  Please consider going back and researching the disorder more... if not for me, please do it for Nate."  With that she walked out the front door.  I sat in my chair forever it seemed.  The picture of the boy in my left hand and my Selma's mysterious letter in my right.27