A PROMISE IS A DEBT
Proverbs Challenge
By Ivory

Part One
In a Georgetown apartment in Washington, D.C., a partially awake Jack Hudson yawned and stretched as he entered his kitchen. His hair was tousled from sleep and he hadn’t yet shaved. It was Saturday morning and he was off work, so he was giving himself the privilege of greeting the day slowly. He prepared coffee in the coffee maker then clicked it to the on position. While the coffee brewed, he put away the clean dishes that were in the dishwasher. Bringing out a carton of milk from the fridge and a box of cereal from the cupboard, he sat down to his cereal and a cup of black, but not too strong, coffee.

He had arrived home late the evening before and as a result his mail from yesterday was still lying on the table. He picked up the mail and frowned appropriately at the first envelope that he encountered – the electric bill. He used to pay that bill using online banking, but ever since he had the encounter with having his identity stolen, he had reverted back to the traditional check and snail mail method. He set it aside to pay it later. The next envelope brought a quick smile. It was a letter from his mom. She used email generally, but every so often she liked to surprise him with an actual letter written with pen and paper. He found that the letter he held was accompanied by an invitation. Jack picked it up and studied it with building interest.

At the same time, in two-story traditional-style house located on the outskirts of a small town in Wisconsin, his mother, a petite, trim woman, stepped into her kitchen and flicked on the overhead light. An early riser, she always enjoyed this time of the day. Brushing away a lock of her brown hair, Mary Hudson pulled out a coffee filter from the cupboard to make a pot of coffee. Soon the kitchen was filled with the smell of her favorite French roast blend. She hummed to herself as she pulled out a box of Quaker oatmeal from the pantry, measuring out enough oatmeal for two servings. She placed a pan of water on the stove and turned on the front right burner. She reached in the dish cupboard for two bowls and two coffee cups, placing them on the kitchen table that was covered with a blue gingham table cloth.

While she waited for the water to boil, she looked out her kitchen window to survey their back yard. She smiled to see that a doe and her young, speckled fawn were making their way across the yard to the brook that ran along the west side of their property. A raccoon was over by the wood pile foraging for his meal before he turned in for the day. It wasn't hard for her to imagine a time gone by when a young boy and his friends used to fill that back yard with their laughter and antics.

She heard a sound behind her and turned to see her husband, Sam, enter the kitchen. His dark, expressive eyes sparked as he greeted his wife with a kiss. “Hi Sweetie.”

She patted her husband’s chest. “Hi hon. There’s oatmeal ready.” She knew when he told her thanks that he would rather have bacon and eggs, but he had been trying to listen to the doctor’s suggestion that he stay away from cholesterol. They sat down to oatmeal and some fruit on the side. Sam gave thanks. As they ate they talked about their plans for the day. Their conversation then turned to an upcoming event.

“Sam, I sent Jack his invitation to the family reunion. I hope he will be able to make it.”

“Me, too. You know he’ll do his best to be here.”

She nodded. Just then the phone rang.

The call was from her employee, Sandy Collins. Mary owned a small bakery and everyone in the area enjoyed the wonderful smells that would come from her store, especially when her famous cinnamon rolls had just come out of the oven. People even came from nearby towns to buy some them. Her other specialty was wedding cakes, so she was a often asked to bake and decorate them for local weddings. Sandy was opening the bakery and had found that there was a problem with the main oven. It wouldn’t heat. She told Mary that she had called the electrician and he was on his way over. Mary responded that she would be right there, hung up the phone and proceeded to fill Sam in on the details. She was about to grab her purse from the nearby counter when the phone rang again.

I'm so excited to be reading this! I find it very comforting that Mary Hudson starts her day the way I do...oatmeal cooked on the stove. Yum!!!!! Sticks to your ribs until lunch! I'm at the vision of a rumpled Jack just out of bed...and the reunion sounds very promising.

kav

I know the feeling. Recently had $1099 taken from our account by a cell phone provider we don't even have! They said it was a clerical error.

Interesting start. I already like Mary Hudson. Can't wait for more.

wonderful start

looking forward to reading more very soon after i've picked myself up off the floor thinking about jack first thing in the morning

cath

Wonderful start, Ivory, I loved it that Mary own a bakery and I have a sudden craving for something sweet and filled with calories...

Great start! I am hooked already.
thanks,
Terie

can't wait for more, jack is going right, maybe he can take a certain cute co worker with him

I'm in! Great start.

Kim

Ivory, I'm so excited you've started a story in the Challenge!
A wonderful start! I look forward to reading more soon!

Wonderful beginning. And even though it's nearly bedtime, I'm finding myself suddenly craving oatmeal!

Jill

Ok I am in. Can't wait for more.

Dianna

How absolutely wonderful to have you writing again, Ivory! And I love the warmth in the Hudson family you've portrayed even though they weren't all in the same 'scene'.

Ivory, it's really a nice surprise to see your story. It's been a really long time since I read anything from you. I'm all settled in and eager for the next post!


~Siti~

Ditto. Great to see a new story!!!!

FAB start!!!!

jen

i see you down there are you going to post again

A/N Thank you all for the encouraging comments. They mean a lot.

PART TWO

Mary checked the caller ID and smiled as she picked up the receiver and answered.

“Hi Mom,” came the voice over the phone.

“Jack! Hello son. I didn’t expect a call until tomorrow, this being Saturday. Work permitting, you typically call on Sundays.” She heard her son gently chuckle.

“I called because I wanted to check on something with you. I just got your letter with the invitation for the family reunion. Aunt Helen sure out did herself with the fancy invitation this year. Anyway, Mom...I’d like to bring Sue home with me for the reunion. Would that work out for you and Dad? I thought maybe we would come for the week. We both have time off coming. If it does, I’ll invite her today. I know you have been hinting that you would like me to try to get there this year since I had to miss it last time." He took a breath. "What do you think?"

“By all means, yes, bring her. Your dad and I would love to see her again. The time is just fine. Sandy Collins can run the bakery for me when I am away from the store.”

“That’s great, thanks. I’ll check with Sue and get back to you. Is Dad right there?”

“He sure is. I’ll pass him the phone. Love you, son.”

“Love you too, Mom. We’ll firm up the details later. Bye.”

Father and son then took a few moments to catch up with each other. Sam ended the conversation with Jack and replaced the phone on the base.

By the time Sam finished the call, Mary was grinning from ear to ear. “I’ve got so much to do. Jack is coming and he is bringing Sue. We’ll have to plan something special…maybe a barbeque. This is the first time that Jack has brought anyone home like this. They seem like they are getting very serious…do you think that he may…?

Sam chuckled as he leaned in and kissed her. “We’ll just have to wait and see.” He gave her an affectionate pat on her backside and sent her on her way to the bakery. He, in turn, made his way out to the garage for his appointment with the lawn mower.

As soon as Jack Hudson finished his call to his parents he showered, shaved, and dressed in jeans and a blue pullover shirt. He had made plans the day before to pick up Sue at her apartment to take her to a new exhibit at one of the Smithsonian museums. Hopping into his car, he resisted the sudden impulse to turn on the light and siren. As excited as he was to ask her about joining him in Wisconsin, that didn’t justify using the emergency alerts.

ahhhhhhh he's taking sue home to meet his parents....... she is going to say yea isn't she......

actually, he is going to ask her in the first place isn't he?

cath

so sue and jack are already dating, and he is going to bring her home with him...ahhh this is going to be great. can't wait for great fuzzies

Taking Sue home is a major step forward!

I can't wait to see how the rest of this story will unfold.

First time he's bringing anyone home... and it's going to be Sue.

I think I'm gonna love what's coming up.

And Jack's parents sound real nice.


~Siti~

Great so far Ivory

Sam

Ditto. Great post Ivory!!!

Jen

Oh come on Jack - turn on the lights and sirens!

Em

Can't wait for the reunion.

Dianna

I can imagine how tempting using those sirens would be for a man on a mission. This is so exciting!

PART THREE

Sue and Lucy Dotson, her roommate, were sitting in their living room when Jack arrived at the door. Levi, Sue’s dog, heard him coming before Lucy did and let them know it.

“It looks like Jack is here,” Lucy signed. “I’ll make myself scarce.”

“Thanks, Luce, but you don’t have to do that. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do a vanishing act whenever Jack comes by. This is your place, too.”

“I appreciate that, Sue, but I don’t mind giving you the chance for a proper hello.” She grinned, winked, and walked on back to her bedroom.

Sue turned to the door and opened it to greet Jack. Upon entering the apartment, Jack opened his arms and she went into them. “Good morning, girlfriend.”

“Good morning.”

They held each other for a moment, and then he captured her eyes with his. Their delight in seeing each other drew them into a kiss.

Eventually, Jack bent down and gave attention to the golden retriever that was eagerly waiting beside Sue by rumpling his fur. “Hey there, buddy.”

Jack straightened back up and looked at Sue. “Before we go to the museum, I have a question I’d like to ask you about going to visit my family.” .

“Okay.”

They sat down close together on the couch as Jack proceeded to tell her the details about his family’s upcoming reunion and invited her to join him.

Her bright face suddenly fell when he told her the date. “Oh Jack, I am so sorry. Do you remember when we were at the Little Bookworm Club on Tuesday that I promised Nancy and Paul Davis that I would keep little Melissa for them over a weekend so that they could go out of town and celebrate their tenth anniversary? Well I am afraid that your family’s reunion happens to be the same weekend.” She placed a hand along the side of his cheek. “A promise is a debt, Jack. As much as I would love to go with you, I am afraid that I just can’t.”

He sighed and answered flatly. “I hadn’t made that connection. I guess I was excited about asking you and didn’t catch the conflict of dates.” He shrugged and nodded slowly. “I’m disappointed, but I understand. We’ll just have to wait until later to go to Wisconsin.”

Sue put her arms around his shoulders pulling him closer. She sighed and shook her head. “I am really sorry, Jack. I’m disappointed, too. I really do wish I could go just so I could be with you.” She then chuckled softly. “I guess I am going to have to find a way to make it up to you somehow.”

“Is that a promise?” Jack wanted to know.

“Oh, no you don’t. I’ve already made enough promises for one week, mister,” she responded.

“Cute you,” Jack signed.

“I do have to admit, however, that meeting those aunts and uncles and cousins of yours, well, that sounds just a bit intimidating, but if they are as wonderful as your parents…”

“They’re going to love you. Who wouldn’t?”

His lips found hers once more.

"Jack."

"Yeah."

"Just out of curiousity, what would you have wanted me to promise," she quipped.

"Come here, you," he answered huskily.

Too bad about the reunion but I admire Sue for standing by her promise.
thanks,
Terie

Ditto

Two wonderful posts Ivory! I look forward to more!
Thanks!

Well I actually feel better because I was worried the oven in the bakery was going to explode or something equally horrible. Now I can sit back and enjoy all the promises that will be made!

You think maybe Lucy could babysit? Just a thought

Great story!

Kim

Hmmm ... repaying that debt could be a whole lot of fun ... And I love how you write my favourite couple, Ivory!

Maybe they could bring Melissa with them.

~Siti~

shame she can't make it

hoping you find away of getting her there although i think if jack & sue turn up with a child the grannies will all be having an attack of the vapours

cath

maybe they can bring the kid witht hem like a trail period for when they get kids them self

PART FOUR

Mary Hudson walked into Jack’s old room later that day to collect the sheets for the laundry and to dust and vaccum. Jack would still bunk in his old room when he came home on visits, but the room had evolved into more of a guest room in recent years. The last time that Jack was home, however, he added to the décor of the room by placing a small picture of Sue on the dresser that he had brought with him from D.C. It was then that Mary knew for sure. It was his way of telling her. She picked up the picture and smiled at the woman in the photo while thinking of how much she liked this woman who seems to have captured her son’s heart.

Suddenly the bedside phone rang. She answered the call and heard her son’s voice.

“Mom, I have talked to Sue and she can’t come. She has made a promise to a friend that she would keep their little girl that weekend so they could go out of town for their anniversary. The little girl uses ASL and knows Sue well. She didn't feel right asking someone else to cover when the parents specifically asked her and are counting on her."

“It’s good that she is keeping her promise, Jack. A promise is a debt, you know.”

Jack pulled the phone away from his ear for a second and looked at it in amazement. That was the second time he had heard that saying today.

“Yes, Sue is definitely a person who keeps her promise. It looks like I’ll be coming without her. I … it’s just that I had some special plans… for us…while she was here. Something I was… hoping to do...to ask her.” He sighed. “I am just disappointed, that’s all.”

“Listen, Honey. I believe that Sue has become very special to you. You’re Dad and I think she is pretty special too. If your heart tells you that you should stay there instead of coming, we will understand. We will miss you like crazy, but we will understand.”

“Mom, what did I ever do to deserve you and Dad? You guys are the greatest.”

And so it was that Jack made the decision that he was going to remain in D.C. rather than go to the reunion. When he talked to Sue about it she did her best to encourage him to go, but he would have none of it. He didn't want to leave her behind. His heart wouldn't let him.

ahhhh that is so sweet
but i still have my hopes up for them to go to wisconsin, only maybe a little later with something on her finger

Awww! How sweet!
Love your story, Ivory! Look forward to more!

he is so wonderful

cath

~Siti~

Ditto. FAB posts Ivory!!!

Jen

I love Jack!

Em

AAWWWW that is so sweet.



I wonder if this will come to be important to Jack as we've seen it twice.

great work....looking forward to reading more.

~laura michelle~

Jack is so sweet.
thanks,
Terie

The fact that Sue and his mom both said the same thing should really be a sign that he is on the right track.

A/N Thanks to each of you for your encouragement.

PART FIVE

A few days later, Sue and Jack ambled down the sidewalk on the way back to her apartment from the local branch of the public library. The fallen leaves rustled beneath their feet as they walked along together and there was a bit of a chill in the air, but neither one noticed since they were absorbed with each other. Seeing that it was a beautiful early fall night, they were glad that they had decided to walk to the Little Bookworm Club. Jack released Sue’s hand that he had been holding and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her closer. She in turn snuggled into his side. He was definitely appreciating the benefits that had come from making the decision to stay in DC, family notwithstanding.

“Jack, I want to tell you again how much it means to me that you go with me to read to the children each week.”

“I enjoy it Sue. Those kids are really something.”

“Yeah, you really headed trouble off at-the-pass tonight when you got the older boys involved with that book about Wayne Gretzky that the librarian placed out on the display table.”

“Thank you,” Jack signed. “Hey, it looks like my enthusiasm for hockey may be rubbing off on you.”

“I will say that having you explain it to me helps.”

They walked on a few moments in silence.

“Melissa Matthews was so cute tonight when she took her book to you for you to read to her, but actually she has been doing that a lot lately. She used to ask me, but I guess she has succumbed to that Hudson charm.”

“Don't forget Billy Nichols who brings you a candy bar each week. Sometimes it’s melted, but hey, he tries.” They both laughed heartily.

I’ve noticed that since you have been reading to the children, your signing has improved by leaps and bounds," Sue informed him.

“I checked out a couple of books to practice with for next week. Maybe when we get to your place I can try this one out on you.” He held up one of the books. Sue read the title, Sleeping Beauty.

Later on they were snuggled up on her couch while Jack delighted her with his antics as he signed the story. He got to the part where the prince wakes the princess with a kiss and suddenly stopped.

“This prince is having way too much fun,” he said while pretending to pout.

There was a long, quiet moment as Jack and Sue studied each other.

“Think so.”

“You bet. We shouldn’t let them have all of the fun.”

“Of course not.”

Jack’s expressive eyes grew even darker. “Let’s see. In the story the princess is lying on a couch.” Jack took Sue’s shoulders and gently eased her into a lying position. “The prince sees her lying there.” Sue shuddered as Jack moved still nearer. “Then he lowers himself over her and ever so slowly places his lips on hers.”

“Jack,” she told him later as he held her in his arms, “I have most definitely found my Prince Charming.”

Wow I have tiny goose bumps of sweetness.

The talk about the kids was very cute.....

great post

~laura michelle~

Now that's just what the doctor ordered. Jack at his most charming and me all over the place.

kav

I don't suppose that the other couple would have to postpone thier weekend
for some reason could they.

Dianna

I knew there was a reason Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite!

Em