The ‘Q’ Factor
Chapter 5
Lucy liked the idea the bank paid for the movers to come in and do all of all the packing. She was ready for a change now that everyone got used to the idea. The sooner they moved and settled the better. She studied all about Maine on the internet so she knew the children would have decent schools to attend. This helped her feel more relaxed about moving them from their environment. They had two days left before they had to travel. Lucy made sure she let all her friends in her patchwork club know where to contact her just in case they were ever in the neighborhood.
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Once the quilt was hanging everyone felt it was time to do what they loved most “patchwork” The group kept their night the same and started to meet. Agnes loved patchwork too much to stop the teaching she did so well.
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“Everyone, listen up, “I need to tell everyone something” Agnes stood up to get everyone’s attention. “I had a phone call last night from Lucy Bancroft. Her family is new to the area. She saw the ad I had in the paper about our quilting group. She would like to join us. She will be here next week. How does that sound?” Everyone liked having new members; the last time was Lidia several years ago. “Tell us a bit about her”
“She’s married with three children; she has been quilting for ten years. Her husband works for the bank. This is why they’re moving they needed him in a new branch” “Yes that’s right the bank is next door to MY restaurant” she yelled a bit too loud for everyone to hear. Everyone stared at her not knowing what she was talking about. “So much was going on at the time with Caleb and Lisa; then Nick got married so I just figured I would wait for the right moment to tell everyone” Mr. “Turner liked my offer on “Petite”!”
“I take over in three weeks! How exciting is that huh!” The next thing Amanda knew she was covered in hugs and kisses. “This is so exciting Amanda; we will have to celebrate next week when Lucy is here; make it a real party night.
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A new week has begun; Lidia was starting to feel excited again about the group meeting tomorrow night. A new member and a party to celebrate Amanda buy “Petite”. We have a lot to celebrate when I think about it thought Lidia. We have Sandy who comes with Nick because she says we make her feel at home when we are all together. Then there is Cindy and Jack (Jack works long hours at the hospital) but Cindy comes with young Kathryn, who plays with the material while we are sewing and talking (I’m sure she is a budding quilter in the making)! Amanda may not be at the group much now that she has her own restaurant; she has promised to pop in every so often to say hello. Then there is Agnes; she misses Lisa as all of us do but she does get up every day and smile while she thinks of all the fun times she had with her.
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Tuesday night and Lucy is feeling a bit nervous and excited about meeting the new quilting group she is hoping to be a part of. The children have settled in school; Heather complained for about a week. That was until she met this dreamy boy (she says) and now she can’t get to school fast enough! She reminded Lucy a lot of herself at that age. Justin found the boys at the new school a mystery. He had come home from school the other day telling Lucy how they like taking lots of toilet paper and placing it all over people’s yards. Lucy laughed saying this happened in her day as well and thought it had died a longtime ago! Little Samantha or Sam we sometimes call her. Likes having new girls to play with everyday; she likes her new room and talks about how she will place many of her art works up soon. Ed has settled at work as well; he says the staffs there seems pleasant and friendly to work with. It seems everyone had something but I thought Lucy. She cleared the breakfast dishes so she could get everything sorted for the group tonight. She hoped that everyone there would be friendly and easy to talk too. She knew that they would be shy of her at first; but Lucy hoped to change all that as quickly as possible.
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Agnes rushed all over the house trying to be sure she had enough seats and everything was set for tonight. She had no idea why she was nervous but made herself push through this and kept working. As far as she knew everyone would be there tonight so it should be a good night had by all. Agnes decided the group would only party for some of the night. She wanted Lucy to have some time to sit and share something about her and her family. Plus she wanted her to do some sewing so she would fit in quicker. Only time would tell how well Lucy fitted in with everyone. The group were easy people to talk too so Agnes didn't see any major problems ahead. The first person was at the door; Agnes rushed to see who this could be. “Hey Aggie”, Lidia said knowing she wanted her to be Lucy instead; Lidia hugged her and told her not to worry everything would be fine. “I thought I would arrive early to see if I could do something to help you out.” “Oh, thank you sweetie” Lidia still didn't know if she liked being called “sweetie” she must ask Agnes why she calls her this and no-one else in the group. The dining room looked all set and ready for everyone tonight, the doorbell rung as Agnes was about to place more food on the table. “Good evening Aggie how are you?” Cindy walked in without Kathryn. “Cindy where is Kathryn? I was looking forward to some cuddles with her” “Sorry Aggie she has a cold so Jack is taking care of her tonight; maybe she will be better for next week”. “Fair enough, now go get settled with a cup of coffee while I make sure Lidia isn’t lost in the other room”.
Agnes had asked Lidia to look through some photos that had been taken over the last few years of the group. She felt that by having these to look through it might be a way of bringing back some fond memories for everyone. She felt that this might help break the ice for Lucy as well. Lidia was busy going through them as Agnes walked in. “How’s it all going Sweetie?” “Agnes may I ask you something?” Lidia lifted her eyes from a photo of her and Cindy laughing while they were hand sewing a quilt. “Yes sweetie you may ask me anything you like” Agnes sat down beside Lidia on the bed as Lidia began. “I have always wondered why is it you call me sweetie; and why nobody else in the group?” Agnes Laughed from deep inside her. “Lidia, I've been waiting for you to ask this for so long now. I want you to listen to the story but I fear we will have to wait until tomorrow. We have guests coming remember” The sigh was deep and heavy; Lidia didn’t want to wait another day. But she knew she couldn't push it with Aggie not tonight. Soon after Nick and Sandy arrived ready for a party and some sewing gossip! It was 7:30 pm and no sign of Lucy. Everyone decided they would start and have her join in when she arrived; she might be shy and nervous about meeting them. Amanda arrived late and stayed for an hour; then she had to do more prep for tomorrow menu.
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Lucy stood outside feeling the excitement as she rang the doorbell. “Good –evening you must be Lucy; my name is Agnes; please come inside and meet the group”. “Thanks you Agnes I’m glad we have finally met” Lucy stepped in and was lead to the lounge were everyone was laughing and having drinks. “Have I come on a bad night?” Lucy looked concerned. “No, we’re having a celebration. Amanda over at the table has bought a restaurant in town. It’s called “Petite” “I’ve seen it my husband works in the bank next door” “That’s amazing it’s next door to the restaurant” Amanda said with excitement “now we have another reason to celebrate!”
Nick and Sandy stood up as Agnes told Lucy who they were. Then Lidia placed her hand out “Welcome to the group”. Standing up Cindy looked at Lucy and smiled “We’re all so happy you have joined us. “Lucy’ come and have something to drink and some nibbles while you tell us more about yourself” Cindy felt her ear twitch wanting to take it all in but she was no longer into making other people’s business her business. She stopped talking only because she wanted to get to know Lucy. Once she had something to drink and eat; Lucy sat down next to Agnes and started to share more about who she was.
“I’m thirty-four years old; I've been married to my husband Ed for fourteen years. We have three beautiful children; Heather is thirteen, Justin is eight and little Samantha is six years old. I have been quilting now for ten years; I have had some of my quilts put into show and have managed to place second a few times so far.” Sipping on her coffee, she hoped this was enough for now. She was ready to get into her patchwork she had started before the move into town.
After everyone had a few drinks they sat down ready to do what they had missed doing “patchwork” was a fun night for everyone. Lidia sat next to Lucy and watched her work; she seemed to work with such speed and smiled the whole time she worked, even when she had to un-pick her work! Who smiles when they have to un-pick she thought!
The next six months flew by quickly as everyone would arrive with work in hand ready to sew away. There was a show coming up and everyone wanted to have something in the show to represent who they were a group. Agnes started them on a block each to work on; something that meant a lot to them and would show anyone who looked at the quilt could see something from each person within the quilt. Lidia found she was excited doing this project; it meant a lot to her to make something special about the group. After thinking long and hard she knew what she would do. Sandy being new to making quilts found the block a challenge. She was grateful her husband knew so much about quilting or she would have to ask Agnes or Amanda what to do. At night when they were on their bed they would sit together working on their projects. If Sandy ever felt stuck she only had to ask the man she loved so much. Everything in life was going so well for them; she’s so thankful for Agnes and the rest of the group who helped Nick become the man she had always wanted him to be. Sandy found that men in general always thought about themselves but when she met him this first time five years ago he acted like the perfect gentleman. As the months progressed they seemed to have fallen in love. Soon after they married Nick changed; he would do things he wanted when he wanted no matter what she would be doing. Quite often she would come home to find he was out and would stay out. She found she was alone more than she had Nick at home. She took up painting as something that would help keep her calm and at peace with how her life seemed to turn out.
The day he turned to her and told her he was leaving didn't surprise her; he hurt her that he could walk away as he was doing but if this was best then so be it. Not long after she had heard through his parents that he had been dared to join a craft group by his co-workers. She was surprised to hear how quickly he had changed. Now she has him again; this time he is a different person. More caring and a lot more sensitive to her needs; He would bring her flowers while she slept in the morning; with breakfast as well. Sandy smiled as she thought of her husband and couldn't wait to see him after work. She had planned a special diner for the love of her life.
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Nick’s day had been very busy with a lot of building work needing to be completed within three months. The tension at work seemed to increase each day everyone turned up for work. He was hoping that things would settle down. He hated coming home with tension from work showing on his face. Tonight he decided he would go for a walk down by the beach before he went home. He knew this would help clear any sign of tension in his head. As soon as the clock showed five pm; He put everything away and started to head toward the beach. It was good it was only a five-minute walk from the site; he saw this as a chance to put in more walking time anyway.
The breeze was cool but refreshing; the sea was busy splashing the waves on the shoreline. There were birds flying overhead probably looking for food. The sun was starting to set; Nick walked along the shoreline with the sand going between his now exposed toes he could feel the tension draining from his body. Nick was absorbed in his on world he didn't hear someone come from behind him. The last thought he had was of his wife waiting for him at home.
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Sandy had everything ready for Nick waiting on the table; she fixed a special meal for him tonight hoping to have a talk about where their lives were going to head in the future. But he was late. “Where are you Nick” she thought with concern as well. Two hours had gone by and still Nick wasn't at home. Sandy picked up the phone and rung Agnes to see if maybe he had shown up there with his patchwork (he was having trouble with getting something right on his block). “No Sandy I haven’t seen Nick since out meeting last week; let me call everyone to see if they heard from him” Sandy hung up the phone more worried now than ever. This wasn't like him to not be home by now or at least call her if he was going to be late. She decided she couldn't wait alone; she grabbed the keys on the side table and rushed out the door. As she opened the door Agnes and the group were standing at the door. After many hugs and kisses she sat down and started to weep knowing in her heart that something terrible had happened to him. Thirty minutes later there was a knock at her door. Agnes offered to answer for her but she refused to let her. “Mrs. Camp, I’m Officer Williams from the police station” Sandy’s legs started to shake. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear anymore. “May I come inside Mrs. Camp”? She motioned for him to step in and take a seat on the couch. He saw she had a few people there and asked if they could go into the kitchen to talk. She looked at Agnes pleading in her eyes for her to come with her. Agnes nodded and went with the officer. “Mrs. Camp when was the last time you saw your husband Nick?”
“This morning before work, he left early because they have a job that needs to be completed. He wanted to have as much time as he could to get the work done, why officer do you know where he is? Tell me I want to know I need to know” Where is Nick”?
Sandy tensed her body for the words she knew in her heart he was about to speak. “Mrs. Camp, I’m truly sorry to have to tell you this. We believe your husband’s body was found down by the beach” As she heard the words “his body” she fell to the floor. Her body began to shake uncontrollably as she felt the tears flowing down her face. Agnes too was crying as she tried to hold Sandy while she wept for the man she loved so much. “Mrs. Camp I know this is hard for you; I wish I didn't have to say this but we need someone who knows Nick to come to the morgue to identify his body”. Hearing this word made her cry even more she thought she would lose control.
Out in the lounge Lidia was sitting on the couch talking to Amanda whispering so they wouldn't distract from what was going on the kitchen. But when she heard Sandy scream Lidia along with Cindy and Amanda ran into the kitchen (Lucy felt to stay in the lounge and wait). They could see Sandy was weeping beyond control; Agnes was trying to comfort her while the officers stood there not knowing what to say next. “Sandy, what’s going on Lidia asked as her voice started to shake. Sandy heard Lidia but had no voice to speak to her. All she could do was weep. Agnes looked at Lidia with the tears running down her face. Whispering so she wouldn't upset Sandy anymore than she already was. “They found Nick’s body down by the beach.” Lidia couldn't believe what she was hearing “NO, not Nick” She ran out of the kitchen and out of the house at this point she wanted nothing more to do with this group. She couldn't handle losing her friends like this. How could this be she screamed to anyone who might be nearby. She didn't care who heard her she was angry that another important life had been taken from her and more importantly from Sandy.
Back inside the kitchen Sandy was sitting at the table, Agnes was holding her while Amanda made a herbal tea for everyone. Lucy knew he was gone but didn't know him well. She stayed in the lounge and cleaned the room for her hoping that this would help in some strange way.
“Mrs. Camp, I’m sorry but I need I need you to come with me to the morgue; we need you to tell us if this is your husband or not”. She looked at Agnes who held her tight and reassured Sandy that the sooner she went the sooner she could get some rest. There would be some plans made over the next few days. At the hospital with Agnes holding her tight so she wouldn't collapse again; Officer Williams took her to the bottom floor where the morgue was. The doors looked heavy, Sandy wasn't sure if she could step inside to see her precious Nick under some sheet and no one told her if he was hurt. She couldn't handle seeing him if he was hurt really bad. “Mrs. Camp he’s ready for you now when you’re ready” she thought who is ever ready to do something like this? Her feet dragged on the floor as she struggled to walk. Agnes was her wall holding her so she wouldn't fall. The room was cold and lifeless; Sandy could feel why it was the “morgue”. As she approached the table a doctor who was standing on the other side lifted back the sheet that covered his lifeless body. Sandy looked at his lips the lips she loved being kissed by and that was all she could remember.
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Upstairs in another ward Agnes was talking to Officer Williams. “Thank you Officer, I know this part of your job isn't easy”. Sandy will need all the support she can get right now. We won’t let her go through this alone” “When Mrs. Camp feels better give me a call so I can talk to her” he passed a card that had his details to Agnes. She thanked him again and then went into Sandy’s hospital room to sit with her until she woke.
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Lidia sat at home with Amanda, Cindy and Lucy wondering what to do now. They were in shock; no one said anything as they sat crying. The group had once again changed; would the group ever meet again after this? Lidia couldn't help but wonder. To lose two special people and a precious baby as well and all within a year was a lot for anyone to handle. Could the group get through this? The hours went by with everyone sitting and crying letting out their anger at time with yelling and questions to God. “Again he took another life how could he do this again to us” Lidia spoke louder than she realized out loud.
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In Sandy’s hospital room Agnes sat watching over Sandy not knowing how long she would be unconscious for. The doctor said that it could take hours for someone who is in shock to wake up. She wanted to be there when she woke in case she needed someone beside her. Sandy was in awe of how her new home looked as she started at the big wide kitchen. She touched the oven and the wooden bench. She could see she would cook many meals for her Nick and her baby. She started to cook she wanted the diner cooked and waiting for Nick. Tommy was outside playing since he had come home from school he had taken his bag up to his room and then found his tanker in the sandpit. He had been there an hour already making those sounds a young boy does when the imagination runs wild.
Half an hour past dinnertime and Nick wasn't home. She dished Tommy’s meal out for him so he wouldn't go hungry. Then waited patiently at the table; She heard the door bell ring. Running to the door she opened it as she was saying “Nick, did you leave your keys somewhere” the door swung open with Nick pale standing there. Sandy screamed as she sat up sweat pouring from her forehead she had no idea where she was. Agnes shushed her and told her to lie down. “Nick Where is Nick he didn't come home for dinner? We were waiting for him, Where is he Agnes?” “Oh Sandy don’t you remember what happened?” No Agnes I was at the table with Tommy”, “who’s Tommy Sandy?” “Our son, Nick and I have a son. He is about seven; we were at the table waiting for nick to come home when I heard the door bell. I ran to the door teasing Nick he shouldn't have left his keys at work but Agnes when I opened the door Nick stood there pale and lifeless what does this mean?” “Sandy You don’t have a son and Nick wasn't at the door sweetheart; Nick was found at the beach don’t you remember going to the morgue? You fainted and now you’re resting in the hospital” “Agnes please tell me this isn't true I can’t lose Nick a second time and this time I will never see him again! I need him Agnes I need him to help me with our child he has to be alive” Agnes didn't know what to say; she was afraid Sandy was taking her dream to far and believed she had a child. “Sandy darling listen to me Nick isn't coming back, you saw him downstairs. You are imagining things you don’t have a son. Sandy that was only a dream”
“No Agnes, you don’t understand we do have a son, I’m pregnant with our baby; Nick and I are going to have a baby”
Then she started crying again “well we were going to have a baby. I don’t want to raise this child on my own not without Nick”
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The next few days the group took over the details for Sandy while she rested no one wanted her to have to deal with anything else in her condition. The doctor said that for now the baby was fine but she had to rest as much as possible. Nick’s parents arrived and made all the funeral arrangements. Flowers arrived form Nick’s work plus donations to help Sandy as she goes through her loss. Once again the group had to sit in the same church to see off another precious member. As the coffin sat up-front and Sandy weeping Agnes couldn't say for sure whether she would teach patchwork again. Nick should not have gone when he did; this was without a doubt not fair in life. Nick had gone to the beach to relax before he went home to be with his wife and the baby he had yet to find out about. While he was there a stranger came up to him from behind and stabbed him so they could rob him of everything he had. This included his life; why did the innocent have to pay with such a heavy price for those who are greedy in life?
As the months went by the police searched for Nick’s killer. Sandy struggled with the thought of raising a child on her own. She didn't sleep well; and didn't take care of herself or the baby that was growing inside her. Lidia was concerned for her mental health; she didn't feel Sandy was thinking clearly anymore. Whenever Lidia would visit her at home she would hear Sandy talking to Nick as if he was sitting next her.
“Agnes, I’m worried about Sandy, she’s always talking to Nick like he is still alive, what should we do?” Agnes’s heart ached for her special friends especially for sweetie. “I don’t know Sweetie; maybe we should take her to see someone and see what they say” “Do you think she will let us take her Aggie?”
“I sure hope so sweetie”
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Lidia, Sandy and Agnes sat in the doctor’s office waiting to see what would be the safest solution for Sandy she had clearly not handled Nick’s death well and to have the killer still out there made Sandy worse. After an hour in with the doctor he felt Sandy should go to a facility that could take care of her until she became more stable. She had a baby due in a month so everyone was concerned she wouldn't be able to take care of him when he was born. Sandy didn't even understand what happened. In her new world Nick and Tommy and Sandy were happy.
A happy ever after family
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The group had a meeting to decide what to do from now on. They felt that maybe the group should wait awhile before they started up again. But Lucy the newest member in the group felt the only way to hold onto Nick or Lisa’s memory they should continue making beautiful quilts. Everyone hesitated yet could see where Lucy was coming from and agreed to wait until after Sandy had her baby then they would meet again.
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Awriter
