Copyright 2016
"Oh, my, my. Mr. McCoy, she's back again."
"Huh, what's that Louella? Who's back? What are you going on about?"
"It's poor Miss Johnson. She's walking back and forth in front of the bus station and she's carrying that suitcase again. Oh dear me, the poor thing."
Mr. McCoy put down the merchandise he was marking with the price gun then walked over to the large plate glass window and looked out. Sure enough there she was, pacing back and forth while looking around in all directions. Sighing to himself he headed back behind the glass and wood counter and picked up the telephone.
"I'm going to call her daddy and let him know that she's there. It's the least that I can do."
"You do that Mr. McCoy. I'm going to see if I can get her to come inside and wait. Today is too hot to be out like that and she's not wearing a hat or anything."
Without waiting for a reply Louella hurried out the door and crossed the sun baked street.
"Good afternoon Miss Johnson and how are you today?"
"Oh hello Louella, I'm fine and you?" she replied but it was clear that she was distracted. Though she stopped walking for the time being her blue eyes remained restless as she scanned up and down the nearly deserted street.
"I'm well but it's so hot this afternoon I declare that the devil himself might be uncomfortable. Now what are you doing out in the sun like this Miss Johnson without a hat? Your skin is far too fair to be exposed and if you're not careful you'll be getting heatstroke. Why don't you come back with me and get something cold to drink. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"Thank you Louella but I can't. It is mighty hot but I'm waiting for someone. If I was to leave and he wasn't able to find me I don't know what I'd do. No, I have to wait."
"Well I'll tell you what. Why don't you cross the street with me but you don't have to go inside. You can sit on the bench out front where it's shadier than this side of the street. That way you can still see if someone arrives but you'll be out of the sun, okay?"
Not waiting for a reply Louella took the woman by the arm and began to lead her. For a second she resisted but after a moment she allowed Louella to guide her across the street to the bench in front of the five and dime.
"Now you sit here Miss Johnson and rest while I go get you a nice cold glass of lemonade."
"All right thank you; it is much cooler over here."
As Louella headed inside she glanced back. She saw that though Miss Johnson had sat down she was perched on the edge of the bench and was still looking around anxiously. While sitting she reflexively smoothed out the skirt of her summer dress again and again as if she needed to do something with her nervous energy.
"Well did you get hold of Mr. Johnson?" she asked Mr. McCoy while heading to the luncheonette counter located in the back of the store.
"Yes I did, he says to keep her here and everything will be taken care of. It's a shame, I remember her before this all happened. Back when she was in high school everyone expected so much from her. She was homecoming queen and so beautiful that everyone said she should be in the movies. Then she went off to college and things went bad. Such a terrible waste."
"I know," replied Louella as she walked to the front of the store carrying a large glass of lemonade, "she was only four years behind me in school. My youngest brother was in her graduating class and I remember her winning homecoming and she was also the prom queen that year. She still looks great for her age, I wish I'd kept my looks and figure half as well as she has but to what end? It's a pity when someone's mind goes like that. There but for the grace of the Lord above."
Louella went back into the afternoon heat. She sat down next to Miss Johnson and handed her the glass of lemonade and watched as the woman daintily took a sip.
"Now isn't that refreshing Miss Johnson? Nothing better on a hot, summer day."
"Yes it does hit the spot I must say. Thank you Louella, you're very kind."
"Don't be silly, that's what neighbors are for -- to help each other out."
The two women sat there silently after that for Miss Johnson seemed lost in her thoughts and Louella was at a loss of what to say. When a Cadillac Coupe de Ville pulled up in front of the store and the driver climbed out Louella made her exit.
"Well it's been nice visiting with you Miss Johnson but I have to get back to work before Mr. McCoy has a fit. You take care, you hear."
Miss Johnson didn't reply but instead watched as the man from the car approached. He was an older, heavyset fellow wearing a dark, rumpled suit and tie and he mopped his brow with a handkerchief as he walked.
"Well, well Dawn. Now what are you doin' here? I figured you'd be home at this time of day. They'll be serving supper soon unless I'm mistaken," he said in a booming voice.
"Hello Doctor Howard," she replied in a voice barely above a whisper.
With a loud sigh he sat next to her causing the bench to creak from his weight.
"Now you haven't answered me child. What you be a doin' here and does your daddy know where you are?" he asked as he patted her knee.
She shrank away from his touch before answering him.
"I'm waiting for someone. I don't know if Daddy knows where I am. Why does it matter? I'm a grown woman, I can go where I want, can't I?"
"Of course you can Dawn. No one's telling you that you can't. But you have to remember I'm not only your physician but an old family friend as well. You know I only have your best interests at heart. I wouldn't steer you wrong. Now who are you waiting for? I see you have a suitcase. Are you going someplace?"
"Yes I'm leaving and I'm never coming back to this awful town again. Do you hear me? I'm never coming back!!"
After her outburst she burst into tears as her body shook with sobs and she buried her face in her hands. The doctor looked at her with an uncomfortable expression on his face for a few minutes and it wasn't until she had somewhat calmed down that he attempted to speak with her.
"Now there was no need getting so upset with me Dawn. You know I've known you since you were knee high to a boll weevil. I'm not trying to keep you from doing anything but just looking after your health. So I'll tell you what we're going to do. I'm going to drive you home so you can get out of this infernal heat. If anyone comes looking for you they can come to your house, okay? Now be a good girl and do as I say."
Dragging himself to his feet the doctor took her by her hand and tugged on it gently. Dawn shook her head no but when he persisted in his efforts she reluctantly stood and allowed him to lead her to his car. He opened the door and after she sat he leaned in to fasten the seatbelt around her. He held his breath and his hand shook a little as the thin fabric divided her full breasts while he adjusted the seatbelt. Finally he finished and as his hand pulled away it grazed her thigh causing her body to start.
A half hour later found Doctor Howard trudging down the grand, semi-circular staircase where a tall, gray haired man anxiously waited for him at the bottom.
"Well Doc, how is she?"
"She's resting comfortably now. I've given her a sedative."
