Page 2 of Ripple Effect

“How does it feel to be back in Charleston?”

My eyes drift out the window overlooking the harbor. Sunlight glistens off the water. I shudder.

“Is strange an acceptable answer?”

“It is.”

“Then let’s go with that.” The laugh I receive is appreciated, so I begin to relax.

Maybe it’s too soon to do that.

“Libby, I can’t help but notice you’re expecting. “

“It’s getting harder and harder for me to miss too,” I joke, earning another chuckle.

“Is your family excited?”

“Beyond belief.” I smooth a hand over my stomach, pulling my dress tighter.

“After everything you’ve been through, it must feel like a miracle,” Dr. Powell says gently.

“Yes.” I don’t elaborate more because I suspect he will.

And I’m right.

“We’re here for a reason, today, Libby. And this miracle is a perfect conclusion to it. I hate to take you back…”

“You don’t have to,” I tease. “We can just talk about how I plan on decorating the nursery.”

He smiles. There’s an edge of determination covered by a layer of sympathy to it that I abhor—not that I’d let him see. I don’t need the sympathy; the families of the people who didn’t survive do.

What I need is peace.

“I’d like to go back, Libby.”

I shake my head, still wearing a smile. “What’s the good in that?” For me, for Cal, for any of us?

“Context.” Dr. Powell’s words come back at me so succinctly, I want to roll my eyes, but I can hear Cal’s voice in my head telling me to calm my sass.

Reaching for the unopened bottle of juice on the table next to me, I twist the cap off and take a small sip. Just a small one. I still can’t consume liquids any faster than a tiny drink at a time. “How far back would you like to go?”

Flipping through the notes on his lap, he lifts off his glasses before asking, “What made you decide to take a trip on your own on the luxury cruise liner,Sea Force?”

Even knowing the question was coming, my heart sinks because I know of all the subsequent questions that are going to follow.

Cal was wrong. I was wrong. To keep raking this over the coals punishes more than just us.

Taking a deep breath, I admit, “Because I was certain my marriage was over.”

After all, when a communication breakdown occurs in most marriages, there’s always a ripple effect. But when it occurs on the international stage, and it involves a coordinated military rescue, well, the ripples are the size of a tsunami.

Plucking at my dress, a dress I chose to wear because it has sunflowers scattered on it, I remember the days leading up to when Cal gave them to me for the first time. It was right at the end of college, and every day seemed as beautiful outside as this one.

Elizabeth

Fifteen Years Ago from Present Day

Calhoun Sullivan. Just thinking his name sends tingles through my body the likes of which I’ve never understood.