SOME ONE WHO I CAN CARE FOR
Riding home I was wondering why people don’t care for people anymore? “If I had a chance to have someone to share my days with, I wouldn’t hesitate to get involved. I see so many young women out on the street. I cannot say that they all need help, but sometimes the situation looks like the would appreciate a helping hand. Sweet young girls who seem to only need someone to care for them. I see them walking down the street with their children in tow. They are just so young. Sometimes I get to thinking about how life should be. I know that being in love with someone would be nice, but how can you tell if that person is in love with you? I had a girl friend, but we could not get along for more than 2 weeks at a time. We fought over the silliest of things. That time I had saw her sitting outside of the Kentucky Fried at one of the tables. She seemed to be very much into talking with two guys who sell dope in the neighborhood. I pulled up and offered to take her home. She said, No Thanks, I am good. See you! Did she have to be hanging around with those types of people? We argued about that for two days. Well the final outcome, our breaking up. She told me I was Not her type of guy.
My headlights flashed across something laying in an alley. What I thought I saw made me stop suddenly and pull over to the side of the street. After traffic moved on past me, I put the car in reverse and backed up about a half a block. Making a turn across traffic on Wood Street, I pulled up to the alley entrance.
My headlights went across what looked like someone lying on the ground. So, I stopped and pulled over. I get out of my car I walked up the street to the group of garbage cans. There I saw the body of a female lying in the muddy area near the garbage cans. She was lying with her head against one of the garbage cans in the alley. I looked around to make sure this wasn’t some robbery attempt. It looked like a setup to me. Someone could make a quick rush out of the cans to rob me. No one seemed to be around, so I moved closer to see what had happened. She was just lying there, like she had laid down and went to sleep. I called out to her. She didn’t respond to my voice. I moved closer looking for some sign of blood on the ground. Thinking maybe she was shot or knifed, I looked for a wound. I did not see any blood on the ground or her clothes. There were no outward signs of violence. What should I do now?
I can’t just leave her lying here. My first thought was to run back to my car and get the hell out of there. This was my chance to help someone in need. So I took it .
Touching her I found she was still breathing, but with difficulty. What is a pretty little girl like this doing sleeping in an alley? I pulled the coat she was wearing tightly around her shoulders; picked her up and carried her to my car. I placed her in the back seat of my car. I called a local hospital, asking if they would accept a derelict I had found sleeping in the alley.
“Hello, John Stroger Hospital, may we help you?”
“I found a girl in the alley can I bring her to you for treatment?
“Has she got any insurance?”
“I don’t know if she has any insurance, she is unconscious. “
“Are you willing to pay for her stay and any medication needed?”
“Hell no!! Not at your prices.” I quickly hung up the phone and started my car. Driving away from the alley in sort of a daze, my mind was not on driving anywhere. I just looped around the neighbor. First down Adams Street to Oakley then I turned back toward Madison. I was in front of St. Malachy Church, before I began to think about what I had done.
What am I doing? I can’t just take someone off the street without getting into some kind of trouble. In the warmth of the car, she seemed to breathe better. I took it as a sign that what I was doing was the right thing. Is she a junkie, a prostitute, or a young runaway? As I am sitting there in the car, I keep staring at her in my rear-view mirror. I wonder what will happen to her if I leave her at a local hospital. Here is my chance to help someone; show a form of caring. The decision is made. I will take her home with me.
I am in luck; there is a parking space just a few feet down from my front door. I get out of the car, open the door so I can just walk into the house without having to dig for my keys with her in my arms. Then looking around I go back to the car, lifting her over my shoulder, I carried her into the house. The couch is the first place I see to put her. I lay her gently on her back on the couch. I take a real good look at her and her condition.
She’s in my house. Nobody has seen me bring her home. The temptation that rose in my mind was almost overwhelming. I had to remember this is not a drunken date. I must try to help her without going beyond common decency. “I will treat her as a parent would a sick child.” Her clothes were wet and dirty from the alley. Removing her damp dirty outer clothing is a necessity. With as little gawking as possible, I put a pair of my old pajamas on her. I washed her face and hands before putting her in the second bedroom. As I head to the front room, I say a little prayer that she doesn’t wake up in the night screaming and shouting in fear. Lord, please let my actions tonight be of a good nature. So easily we are led down the path to sin by the devil. Please do not let this situation turn into something like that.
I got some thinking to do. What am I going to say to her when she wakes up in the morning? Walking from the back to the front, I look outside to be sure I had locked all the doors on my car. The dome light had not gone out, so I went out to the car to make sure the doors are locked. I see the purse that lay on the back seat. I picked it up, sling it over my shoulder and lock the doors. As I turn toward my door, I notice Mrs. Gunderson’s light go out and her curtain closing. Now I ain’t so sure no one saw me bring her in the house.
Chapter 2
Phyllis awakens. She finds herself in a room alone. She is not bound, but she doesn’t feel well.
My head hurts, I feel groggy. I start to sit up in the bed, the room starts to spin, and I have got to lie down again. Where am I? I know this can’t be one of the frat houses near the college. I don’t remember walking back to the sorority with Kim. How did I get here? I see pictures of strange characters on the walls. The walls are grey wallpaper with natural wood trim. There is a table and chair against the wall. It looks like a hotel room. Was I kidnapped by one of the guys at the party? Have I been abducted into some strange cult facility?
Then I start to remember last night. A couple of the girls and I were invited to visit the guys from 5th Avenue kappa house. I hoped it wouldn’t lead to having sex.
Joan said, “You could leave, if you didn’t want to join in the fun.”
So I went along with them to the frat house. The guys seemed really nice at first. They seemed harmless. We sat and played cards, then listened to some Rap music. The language was strictly adult and the guys started repeating the phrases. I guess because the girls were laughing and not becoming offended, the boys guessed it would be safe to continue. Their talk got around to the point of describing specific acts they would like to perform and have preformed.
Then they started calling me names, because I wouldn’t agree to some of the games they wanted to play.
Joan said, “Stop being such assholes or she and I are going to leave.”
The guys seemed to calm down. They ordered some pizzas and sandwiches from the deli around the corner.
Tony asked me “Want something to drink?”
I said “Sure, how about a beer.”
After the first swallow, I thought it tasted a little different. That’s when things started getting hazy. I did not finish it because it was too warm. I said, “Joan I feel a little funny. I need to go to the bathroom.”
One of guys showed me where it was. The bathroom was a little room that looked out on the back street where the alley ran at an angle between two streets. It was only a few feet down to the cans that were lined up under the window.
As he walked away I heard him say, “It shouldn’t take long now she is starting to walk funny.”
I stayed in the bathroom trying to clear my head. Again, I thought about what he had said. Had something been put in my beer? Did they have something I wouldn’t like in mind for me?
Joan came into the bathroom, “How do you feel now?” She asked.
“I still feel funny”, I said.
Joan said, “I don’t think you should stay.” When she told the guys.
They said,” no way!! She can’t leave now.”
I made up my mind to get out of there as soon as possible. I went back to the bathroom, saying I had to pee. Why is Joan still waiting around? We agreed to leave if things did not go well at this party. I knew I had to take steps to get myself out of this situation. Standing on the toilet, I opened the window and looked down at the ground below. It seems like only a short distance from the window to the ground. I can make I told myself.
I climbed out the window. I had to hold onto the ledge and ease myself down. I hung about five feet from the ground. When I let go, I hit the ground with a thud and starting running down toward Halsted and Roosevelt streets. I think I slipped on something and fell near the garbage cans at the corner.
When I tried, I couldn’t get up. My body seemed to be paralyzed.
Oh, Lord, help me!!, I prayed.
I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I remember is the feel of someone picking me up. They put me in a car and drove around for a few minutes before I passed out again.
Lord, I know I am in serious trouble. Nobody is going to be looking for me. Not even Joan!! I am scared, but what can I do? My body is still not fully mine to command. Phyllis thought.
I lay there listening to the person who seems to be restless. Maybe he is in a hurry to hurt me and get rid of my body. I don’t know what I can do about this situation. I will wait until morning to see what happens.
Another morning has come. I slept well and now I am waiting for the other shoe to fall. What does he want with me? I hear the footsteps coming closer to the door and then retreating again.
Looking around I see the room is clean and warm. The room is very nice. Not since I ran away in the ninth grade have I been so scared. I can’t even remember the last time I was able to sleep in a warm bed by myself. In the foster home I was never alone in a room. We all had to share the beds. I am in clean pajamas, too. Whoever removed my clothing did not strip me naked. I guess that is a good sign. Lord, I know I have been a naughty girl. So many times, I have promised you I would try to hear your voice and follow your commands. Now I am about to pay the price for not heeding your guidance about going out with my friend, Joan. Please help to make this situation turn out alright. AMEN.
Feeling weak from lack of food and whatever had been in the beer, I fell back to sleep.
CHAPTER 3
She did not wake up the next day, so I called Jeff at the hospital. I asked him to stop by on his way home. I got to thinking if she died, how would that look, especially, if I had not called a doctor to check her out? “I don’t think anyone saw me bring her in, but how can I be sure?
“Hey, Jeff, I have got a little problem. Maybe you can help me. I stopped to help someone on Monday. She looked to be okay, when I picked her up. She hasn’t moved in two days. Could you stop by? I want you to check her out to see if she needs serious medical attention.” I would bring her to the hospital, if I didn’t think it was strange for a man to be dragging a young woman into a hospital. I don’t want to be arrested for molesting her if she decides to press charges.” I can be over by five thirty, if you can wait that long, Jeff said. Thanks, I said.
Jeff showed up about 4:00 pm. We talked in the kitchen. “I found Phyllis on the street Monday night. I am driving home, thinking about doing a good deed. You know how nobody is willing help anyone these days? So I decided to bring her home with me. Now I am beginning to see the problems that could develop if she is found dead in my house.”
Jeff yelled “Yeah, why didn’t you think about that before? I guess you really didn’t think about what you were doing!!,
“I was only thinking about helping someone. With that in mind I stopped to help. I felt I had to do something.” James muttered.
She showed no signs of bruises or blood on her clothes. When I took her clothes off she had no bruises there either. James was quick to add.
“Oh, you couldn’t resist undressing her could you, James?” Jeff laughed.
James exclaimed,” Her clothes were wet and very dirty!” I changed her into some pajamas. I looked for drugs or things like that in her bag. Didn’t find any so I figured she just needed to sleep off a drunk. Now I am getting scared, because she hasn’t spoken in two days. Will you take a look at her as a home visit? Send me a bill for it. I need to show proof I called for a doctor, if anything happens.”
“Why not just call for an ambulance? Jeff said. Then you could have sent her to the hospital. How would I explain the relationship to the police? I just happened to pickup her up and dragged her into my house. If I was going to call for an ambulance, why did I wait until she was in my house? Why not while she was still on the street?”
“Okay, I see your point, he said. Where is she?”
“In the bedroom down the hall to the left, I said. Thanks, Jeff, I really appreciate your help.”
Jeff, shaking his head picked up his bag as he started down the hall.
“Now, I know why no one seems to try to help anyone these days. Everyone is afraid to be caught up in a mess with the police and other authorities, James thought.
Chapter 4
There is a knock on the bedroom door. A voice said, “May I come in?”
I answered “Yes come on in.”
A tall slightly chubby man came in carrying a black bag. It was a different one from the person who had been coming in peering at me for the last day or so.
Phyliss said,” Who are you?”
He replied “I am Doctor Jeff Pruitt. I’ve been called by James to see if you are all right. He said you had been sleeping for two days straight. He was beginning to worry about your health. He told me your name is Phyllis. Is that correct?”
“Are you really a doctor or is this some kind of sick game? Can you tell me what I am doing here? Phyllis asked.
Jeff started to explain. “James found you lying near the corner of Halsted and Roosevelt, Monday night at about 7:30 p.m. He was driving home and saw you lying at the edge of the alley. You looked like you needed assistance, so he stopped to check. When he got out of his car, the thought came to him that you might be a robbery attempt. He very cautiously approached your body. When you didn’t move as he approached. He decided you needed help. He carried you to his car and placed your bag beside you. After contacting Stroger and their refusal to accept you. He decided to bring you to his house.
Now he realizes that he could be in big trouble, if you died or accused him of kidnapping. James called me to check on your condition because you hadn’t awakened in two days. Unlike most people James did the right thing, then he thought about how much trouble it could lead him into. Now with your permission, I would like to give you a brief examination, so that my friend can stop worrying about you dying.” Phyllis and the doctor talked about James while he examined her. That is when James started calling Jeff.
Chapter5
While Jeff was examining the girl, James heard the doorbell.
I looked out to see who would be coming to my house now. I saw a squad car in front of my house through the front window. Two police officers stood at the door. Opening the door,
I said, “Can I help you officers?
“Are you James Mason?”, the female Officer seemed to be in charge.
“Yes, I am James Mason.” I answered.
“Mr. Mason, we received a call from your neighbor, saying she saw you bring in the limp body of a woman. We are here to investigate that call.”
I said, “Please step inside officers. I directed them to the couch in the front room.
“Would you like to explain, Mr. Mason?”
“Yes! Yes! Monday night, I received a call from my cousin Phyllis. She was out shopping and felt weak and nauseas. So I offered to come pick her up. When I got to the store, she was just barely able to walk. I decided not to take her home. When we got to my house, she was totally out of it. I had to carry her into the house.
The female officer spoke, “Where is she now, sir?”
“The doctor is in with her now, I said I called him because she wasn’t feeling better.” “Not that we don’t believe you, Mr. Mason, but to resolve this as a family matter, we will have to speak with your cousin Phyllis,” she said. Can we see the doctor and your cousin?
“Sure!” I said.
“ Doctor, Pruitt!” “Doctor Pruitt!!” “What do you want now, James?” Jeff shouted.
“How is cousin Phyllis?” I said. “These officers would like to talk to you about her condition. Will she be able to speak with them?” Jeff Pruitt came out of the room first.
He started to explain to the officers what had happened to Phyllis. “Phyllis is suffering from a mild case of pneumonia. The medication she was taking caused her to pass out after an overdose while shopping. She will be fine after a few days rest. I advised her to change the medication dosage.”
The two officers followed Jeff into the bedroom as he was speaking. Phyllis is sitting up in bed with the covers, across her knees, leaning back against the pillows the expression on her face is calm but she seems to question why the police have been called.
“May I speak with Phyllis alone?” the female officer said. Will you gentlemen wait with officer,Wilson! Matt you keep a sharp look out over these guys while I discuss her situation!”
“My name is officer Mercury. I want to give you a chance to tell what really happened without them standing and staring at you. Now Miss, tell me in your own words how you came to be here for the record, may I have your full name?”
“My name is Phyllis Gaines. James is my cousin. I became ill just before I called him. He was the first person I could reach. When he came I was so relieved, because I was afraid I would pass out. He said let me take you home. I don’t remember much after we left the mall.”
“Who is the other guy?” Officer Mercury asked.
He’s my cousin’s doctor. By the way Officer Mercury, when did you get the call from the neighbor? Monday night at 8:00 p.m., the officer replied.
“What day is it now?” Phyllis asked her. “Wednesday!” the officer replied.
“I guess it is a good thing James came to pick me up, Phyllis said. If I had been in trouble, kidnapped, I could have been dead and buried by now.”
“My partner and I can hold them at bay if you want to get out of here. ,Mercury said.
“Thank you for your concern, officer Mercury. “I am not being held against my will by my cousin, James and his friend, Doctor Pruitt. They have taken very good care of me since my incident. Now if there are no more questions, I would like to get the rest the good doctor suggested.”
“James!! Could I get some soup before I take my nap?” Phyllis yelled.
Turning to James and Doc Pruitt, Officer Wilson said,“Well, Mr. Mason, we can report this as a family matter. Sorry for the inconvenience. Have a good day!! The two officers left and Jeff and I looked at each other
“What did you say to her while you were in the room? James asked.
“I told her how you had picked her up on Halsted and Roosevelt. She seemed to relax after I told her why she was here. I think she went along with the story because I told her you were concerned about her health. I guess the rest of the story is in your hands. She may just want to get up and leave no harm done.”
James and Jeff were sitting in the kitchen talking about how James had made a good move to help Phyllis. James was so happy he’d been able to help someone. Suddenly Phyllis walked into the room. She was fully dressed with her purse on her shoulder.
“Guys, I know you don’t know what happen Monday night, but you were there for me. I really appreciate all effort you made to help me, James Can you tell me where I am? Look’n out the window I don’t recognize the neighborhood.”
“Are you leaving so soon?” Jeff asked.
“Yeah, I got to go before I get to be a burden to you. I have a tendency to freeload off of friends.” she said.
“We’re two blocks west of Damen on Jackson Blvd. Where do you need to go?”James asked.
Thanks, I’ve got my bearings now. Goodbye. Phyllis said smiling. Lord, I know now that I should trust in you to take care of me. I was always trying to outdo you in what should be done department. No more… you got my back, and I will be obedient.