Continental Divide

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE

Dyanne Davis

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 by Dyanne Davis

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE

Chubby arms curled around Tanya Reed’s neck while wet, sloppy, baby kisses were plastered on her face. Tanya held baby Jo Jo, aka Joseph Jermaine Warren tightly, wishing that he were hers—that she didn’t have to turn him over to the waiting arms that were stretched out reaching for him. But she did. The baby didn’t belong to her. He was a ward of the state. And the woman standing in front of her waiting for the baby was a foster mother Tanya had begged to take the baby in temporarily. Still, it wasn’t right that he was less than a year old and she’d had so much contact with this baby that he knew her, cared for her, and gave her kisses and hugs each and every time he saw her. It wasn’t right at all.

It damn sure wasn’t right that each time she turned him over to someone that her heart broke again. One of the dangers of the job. She’d been taught empathy, not sympathy, not in her job. As a social worker she couldn’t afford to get emotionally involved. There were far too many children that she was responsible for.

Yet somehow Tanya’s head must have been absent on the day that particular lecture was given. How could she not get involved? How could she not be angry that at this ungodly hour one of her charges would without warning need a new place to live? It made her angry at the birth parents, at God, at the system and even at the foster parents who sometimes turned out to be worse than the biological parents. Sure the department did what they could in the screening, but if they were really good at their jobs then this precious baby would not now be slobbering over her.

Miss Reed, are you ready to hand me the baby?

Tanya looked into the face of the woman who would take Jo Jo. She looked pleasant enough. She had three of the state’s children in her care. She was nice to the kids. Actually she seemed to care for them.

Miss Reed?

Tanya found herself rubbing the baby’s back, not wanting to release him. That was the problem. Mrs. Glass was a good foster parent. She’d adopted two of the state’s wards. And who in their right mind wouldn’t adopt Jo Jo when the state terminated his biological parents’ custody? That would be years down the line, but as sure as she was standing there, one day it was going to happen. And as much as she wanted Jo Jo to have a good, loving home and stable parents, Tanya wanted him for her own. She sighed heavily, knowing that was one dream that more than likely would never come true.

Suddenly the baby’s head lifted from her neck where he was slobbering and he pulled back to stare into her eyes. He gave her a smile before gently patting her cheeks. If she didn’t know better, she’d think the baby was comforting her, trying to let her know that it was okay, that she could hand him over. Still, she didn’t want to. She brought him back close to her and hugged him, trying her best not to cry.

Okay, big guy, she said at last. I guess it’s time you go to meet Mrs. Glass. It’s way past your bedtime, Jo Jo. She kissed him one last time and handed him over. He’s such a sweet little guy. He’s a good baby and he loves to be held. I know you have other kids, but if you could make him feel safe, just give him extra hugs for me, I’d sure appreciate it.

Tanya ran her hand down the baby’s back and Mrs. Glass pulled him away from her. For a moment Tanya stared at the woman.

I give all of my babies’ hugs and love, Mrs. Glass replied with a distinct coolness in her voice. If I didn’t, you wouldn’t have brought him to me at, she looked behind her at the wall clock, at four in the morning.

Tanya had offended the woman. That had not been her intent, but the baby wasn’t even a year old and he’d seen way more in his young life than he ever should have. A chill hit her and she wondered if in worrying about Jo Jo, she’d made things worse for him. God, please, no, don’t let that be the case. She bit her lips trying to find the right words to soothe, to assure. She’d had parents take out things against her and the department before on their precious little charges. She didn’t want that to be the case for Jo Jo.

I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.

Tanya smiled at the woman and shrugged her shoulders to acknowledge that she’d been in the wrong in the words she’d used. I’ve grown so attached to this little guy. He’s had it harder than most, but he’s a fighter. And you’re right. I called you because you’re the best foster mother that I have. I know how much you do for the kids. Tanya smiled again. It’s just harder with this one. She moved closer and rubbed the baby’s back. This time the woman didn’t move away. I find myself wishing he were mine, Tanya admitted. She wasn’t surprised when the truth brought out the smile from Mrs. Glass that her words didn’t.

That I understand. Ralph and I fall in love with all the kids you bring to us. We never want to let go of them, even though we know it’s best if their parents get their lives together and raise their babies themselves. If we could afford to, we’d adopt every single child that the state would allow us to.

She smiled and Tanya smiled back at her. I know you would, Tanya admitted knowing that was the truth. Listen, it’s really late and I want to thank you again for always taking my calls. I know some of my foster parents ignore my late night calls, so thanks again for not looking at your caller ID and ignoring me. Tanya grinned. I’ll let you and Jo Jo get acquainted. She walked to the door, determined not to give the baby another glance, but he started laughing and when she turned back he waved at her and said, Bye-bye. Tanya laughed also; she didn’t know he was making words. Bye, Jo Jo, she said. I’ll see you in a couple of days.

Walking out into the still dark morning Tanya sucked up her tears. In one more week she would finish the classes for being a foster parent. The department played no favoritism that way. Social worker or not, she still had to take the classes if she wanted to take children into her home. But Tanya was going for the bigger picture. She was investing in the dream of a friend of a friend. A woman with clout, Sara Combs.

Tanya had met her at a charity event several years ago and had seen the woman many times since. She liked her and for a millionaire she didn’t have airs. In fact she was always trying to find a way to give back. She considered her money a blessing and was always trying to help those less fortunate. Knowing Tanya was a social worker she’d eagerly told her of her plans to build an entire community of brand new homes where foster children would live with parents.

It was a kind of utopia. Tanya knew that the idea hadn’t been all that original considering that SOS had been doing that for years. It was Sara’s enthusiasm for the project that had swept Tanya up into wanting to be a part of it. She’d already donated her time and money to the project. She’d been saving all of her money to give to the organization to buy more land as soon as all of the plans were approved for the village. In fact, one home had been built and furnished. With political clout and financial backing from a major university, Sara had pulled some strings and had become affiliated with several agencies that were willing to allow the children to live in the homes.

She hadn’t asked why the state had approved their plans but Tanya wanted in on this project. All of the participants had undergone background checks. And had all taken the foster care training classes. They were ready. The homework had been done. The plans laid out would give these children a stable neighborhood and a family. They would go to ballet lessons, learn to play the piano, ski, play tennis, go skating, all the things kids with two sane, loving parents would do. Tanya was all for that. And every spare dime was going into a fund to help finance the building of the next home. She’d already saved a little over twenty-five-thousand dollars. She thought of Heaven and Hamid. If she ran short, she knew she could count on Heaven.

A twinge of regret hit Tanya. She was taking advantage of her friend and they both were aware of it. Still, she’d never asked Heaven for money for herself, only for the kids. Putting her key in the ignition Tanya’s gaze landed on the dashboard. Almost five—much too damn early to be up, and definitely much too early for a baby to be roused from his sleep. Jo Jo couldn’t help it though. He was at the mercy of adults, poor little thing.

In a way Tanya couldn’t help it either. She just didn’t trust that anyone else would go in at whatever ungodly hour to answer the calls. She’s heard the complaints and she knew for a fact some of the workers waited a few hours to do their jobs when it was more convenient. It didn’t mean that there weren’t a lot of dedicated social workers out there. But it did mean that there weren’t enough. And there were far too many abandoned, abused kids without enough caring people to tend to their needs. The job was that much harder if one had a family. Thank God, Tanya didn’t have a family.

At that thought she felt an unexpected twinge to her heart. She wanted a family and she wanted one badly. Ever since Heaven had left Chicago for Pakistan, Tanya’s own biological clock had begun ticking. At the least she’d thought she’d be able to share in her best friend’s pregnancy. But noooo, Heaven had talked some mess about following Hamid halfway across the world to Pakistan to make her husband happy.

At her crazy thoughts, Tanya couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t blame Heaven one little bit. If she had a man who loved her as much as Hamid loved Heaven, she would follow him also. And one that was that fine. Damn. Then to add to the pot, Heaven got to Pakistan and found out her husband was loaded--, filthy rich, a damn millionaire. If it weren’t that Heaven was constantly sending her money when she asked for it to help out with the kids, Tanya would have been even more jealous than she was. Sure, she wanted her friend to be happy but she would be a liar if she said she didn’t want the same things for herself. She’d daydreamed more than once about having a millionaire husband. She knew exactly what she would do with the money. She’d build a community for her children without Sara or anyone’s help. She’d make sure they never wanted for anything.

‘It don’t matter if you’re young or you’re old,’ Tanya sang along to the words for, The Cupid Shuffle. This was exactly what she needed─a night out with her girlfriends. She needed to dance and maybe, please God, meet a decent guy. She was tired of sleeping alone.

Five dances later, Tanya was limping off the dance floor. I must be getting old. I’m tired.

So am I. Ongela turned and smiled, and they both watched Peaches who remained on the floor.

Sassa, we didn’t expect to see much of you and Isha once Hamid left the country. I’m glad to see that we can all still be friends. Tanya smiled at Hamid’s cousin then turned to include his wife, Isha in her smile.

Of course we can. Why wouldn’t we? Sassa questioned, his look one of curiosity.

You know? We hung out because of Heaven and Hamid.

That may have been true, but both Isha and I enjoy going out with you. You’re all so much fun.

Tanya sighed. We do have fun, but I miss Heaven. I’m still pissed that she didn’t tell any of us she was pregnant before she left. That was so wrong. We didn’t get to throw her a baby shower or anything. And we haven’t even seen the baby.

You could all go to Pakistan for a visit. Heaven has a very large home and would welcome a visit from friends, Sassa piped in. Hamid told me that she’s a bit homesick, that she misses all of you.

She missed us so much that she didn’t ask any of us to be godmother to her baby. That was the plan. We’d all talked about it. It was decided long ago that we’d choose from among us for godparents.

Yes, Tanya, while that might be true, Fatima is her sister-in-law. Peaches chimed in. It had to be Tanya's internal clock ticking. Why else would she be angry with her friend for being happy, for having a baby? Surely it couldn’t be jealousy. Tanya pushed the thought away and glared at Peaches. So what? We’re her friends, her family. She should have asked one of us.

Which one? Sassa asked. Which one could she have asked and not had the others feeling bad, or angry? I think she did what she did to prevent any feelings of jealousy amongst her best friends.

Tanya thought about that for a moment. Maybe that was what Heaven had done. She didn’t know. But she was still ticked at her that she hadn’t asked any of them to be godmother. She frowned at Sassa then looked first at Ongela, then Peaches as she made her way from the dance floor. Yeah, they would have been fighting over it.

I need a break, Tanya announced. I think maybe I will go to Pakistan and visit Heaven. I want to see the baby.

Just the baby? Sassa asked.

Just the baby, she pouted, knowing Sassa didn’t believe her for a moment. Forget Heaven and Hamid. They could have come back for a visit already. They’re the millionaires.

Sassa smiled. "Perhaps if you go to Pakistan one