Handprint on My Heart

by Dee Recore

Overview

After developing an unlikely friendship in a small town in Rhode Island; Annie and Caroline are now busy living separate lives. One day, Caroline receives the painful news that their friend, Charlotte, is fighting for her life. This tragedy reconnects Annie and Caroline as they begin to reminisce about high school, old friends, and how some friendships were formed and broken, as well as how their unique relationship all began.

As tales unfold and situations transpire, Annie and Caroline begin to truly understand how everything in life does happen for a reason, thanks to Charlotte’s experiences and philosophical attitudes about life.

People have come and gone into each of their lives, but some relationships have remained strong, especially for Annie and Charlotte. They quickly recognized their unique and special friendship because they share kindred-spirited bond, leaving a handprint on each other’s heart.

Discover the daring and open-minded personality of Charlotte, love the sweet innocence’s of Annie, and laugh at the hilarious sarcasm of Caroline. Enjoy the amusing, heart-felt dynamics shared between friends and experience the unforgettable stories that ultimately come to fruition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475967074
Publisher:	iUniverse, Incorporated
Publication date:	01/29/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	165 KB

Read an Excerpt

HANDPRINT ON MY HEART

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By DEE RECORE

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2013 Dee Recore
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-6705-0

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Chapter One

Present Day 2022

"Call x-ray to the E.R., stat! Has the lab been down here already? We're losing her!" shouted the emergency room doctor. He assessed the mangled body of the woman on the gurney. It never ceased to amaze him how tragic motorcycle accidents were and how one split second could alter a person's life. The woman lying on the gurney appeared to be in her fifties. She started to code. "I need the paddles, stat! Come on people. No one dies on my watch ... stand back, clear!" The paddles were brought to the woman's chest. "Clear!" shouted the doctor. He was doing his best to get her heart working again. The internal injuries were unclear, but broken bones and a major loss of blood made the fate of this woman hang in the balance between life and death.

Dr. Trotter, the young physician on call in the Emergency Room of Providence Hospital, was known for his compassionate bedside manner and warming smile. He studied medicine because he wanted to make a difference. He always remained calm when he was working on a patient. He was well respected by the staff for his professionalism and kind heart. He also took it personally if he lost a patient on his watch and he knew when he looked at the woman lying there, she was in bad shape.

"Do we know her name yet? We need to contact her next of kin," Doctor Trotter stated. The head nurse replied, "According to the license we found, her name is Charlotte Mack, age 53, and she lives in Wicklaw, Rhode Island."

Wicklaw is a very quaint New England town where people love to come visit because of its tranquil feeling. The town sits 12 miles south of Rhode Island's capital city, Providence. People who grew up there describe it as having a "homey" feeling. Most people from Wicklaw know one another and do not hesitate to help each other out. The downtown area that sits on the Narragansett Bay attracts artists, musicians, and travelers who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are many storefronts that have been passed down from generation to generation. The center of town is lined with cobblestone and the sidewalks have old rustic lampposts that are decorated each season. On summer nights, many locals will walk along the sidewalks, window shop, grab an ice cream, and sit on the rocks; enjoying the sounds of waves crashing against the sea wall, taking in the smells of the ocean and feeling the breeze. "Besides her license, we haven't found any contacts for Charlotte," Dr. Trotter stated and looked towards the nurse. "Check her medical records. I need contacts as soon as possible."

In a matter of minutes, the nurse returned with two contacts: Annie Ashcroft and Caroline Carmichael. "I wonder if Miss Ashcroft is the Annie Ashcroft I've been hearing about," Dr. Trotter stated inquisitively. He knew that she had grown up in the area and was living in New York City. "No ... it can't be," he murmured.

Dr. Trotter called Annie's number first but the call went directly to voicemail. Under the circumstances he knew this type of message was not to be left so he called the next number on the contact sheet.

Chapter Two

Caroline Carmichael had just climbed into bed after a very long day of researching and writing her weekly article. She worked as a journalist for the local newspaper, The Wicklaw Wave, and also freelanced on the side. She was 29 years old and had lived in Rhode Island all her life. She only left the city once when she attended Ocean State University in Providence.

There was a natural beauty about Caroline. She did not need much makeup because of her glowing skin. Her hair was dirty blonde, and it curled in the humid air. She had a friendly smile, sparking hazel eyes, and an athletic build from years of swimming and living a very active lifestyle.

Caroline snuggled next to her husband, Nick, and thought about her latest article. She felt the same feeling of contentment with her life as she did when she married him five short years ago. Her two young children were fast asleep, while her husband snored lightly. She began to close her tired eyes when the vibration of her cell phone on her nightstand interrupted her thoughts. She reached for her phone and looked at the unfamiliar number, "Hello?"

A man's voice on the other end said, "Hi, I'm looking for Caroline Carmichael."

"This is she," Caroline said quietly, alarmed by his serious tone.

"I am so sorry to bother you at this time of night. My name is Dr. Trotter from the emergency room at Providence Hospital," Caroline's heart skipped a beat. Her hands were shaking as she told him to go on, "Do you know a Charlotte Mack?"

"Yes ... Why? What happened?" She asked, as tears began to roll down her face.

Her husband woke up, startled by her sudden shaken tone, "Honey, what is it? What's wrong?" Nick whispered anxiously, "Who's on the phone?" Caroline gave him a swift gesture, motioning for him to be quiet.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but Ms. Mack has been in a motorcycle accident. She's in critical condition, and you were one of the names on her contact information. The next twenty-four hours are critical. So, if you can, I really think you should come to the hospital. I'm very sorry." Dr. Trotter could only feel the empathy for those who received this type of news.

"Oh my God! Not C-Mack ... how?" Caroline replied, helplessly.

"... Again, I know this is difficult to hear. Please come when you can. I have to go check on her now, but I'll be around the hospital all night. Just have someone page me when you get here," and he said goodbye.

"Honey, what happened? Did something happen to C-Mack?" Nick softly asked as he stroked Caroline's back, offering her comfort.

"Yes ..." she cried as tears streamed down her face, explaining the situation to her husband. "This isn't fair, not to C-Mack ... not to C-Mack. Oh, God ... Listen Nick, I need to go to the hospital ... you have to stay here to be with the kids," Caroline sternly stated, barely breathing.

"I'm worried about you driving there all by yourself. I'll come with you. I'll call your mother to come watch the kids," Nick stated compassionately.

"No, there's no time. Really, I need to be alone right now. I hope you understand. Oh god Nick, Annie. Do you think Annie knows?" Caroline whispered with tears.

Caroline quickly got dressed while promising her husband that she would drive safely and would call when she arrived at the hospital. The fifteen-minute drive to the hospital seemed like a lifetime as she drove north on Route 95. Her mind was racing; she knew she needed to contact Annie, knowing that it was going to be a difficult conversation. She finally arrived at the hospital, ran into the ER and asked about Charlotte Mack.

"What's your name, dear?"

"Caroline Carmichael."

The white haired lady behind the desk informed her, "Ms. Mack is in the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Trotter left a note asking us to contact him when you arrived. Hold on, I'll page him."

A few minutes later the phone at the reception desk rang, "Hello, E.R."

Caroline waited, nervously.

"He's on his way down, Ms. Carmichael."

"Thank you."

She began to pace, helplessly waiting for the doctor to arrive. Caroline finally saw a tall, handsome man stepping off the elevator looking down at a clipboard, wearing a physician's white coat and a stethoscope hanging from his neck. The doctor looked up from his notes and gazed around the room and spotted a nervous looking woman pacing anxiously in circles. He walked up to her and asked, "Excuse me, are you Caroline Carmichael?"

"Yes, yes I am," she replied looking up at the doctor, noticing his gentle face.

He reached out to shake her hand, "Hi, I am Dr. Trotter. I'm so sorry. Please let me bring you up to the I.C.U. so I can fill you in on Ms. Mack's condition." Caroline looked at the man who did not really seem old enough to be a competent doctor and nodded. Could he help keep my friend alive? She wondered.

Dr. Trotter was in his mid 30's, but he looked younger. His sandy blonde, wavy hair was messy from lack of sleep. He had light blue eyes. He was almost six feet tall with a slender build. When he smiled his dimples in his cheeks became noticeable. He appeared calm, but he nervously moved back and forth when he spoke. He wore baggy hospital scrubs, with comfortable brown Birkenstocks shoes. He compassionately touched Caroline's shoulder and asked, "Are you ready?"

"O-o-okay," Caroline stammered.

Dr. Trotter explained, "From what we can gather, Ms. Mack was struck by a drunk driver; the driver was going way over the speed limit and lost control of his car and went into Ms. Mack's lane of traffic. According to some eye witnesses, she did her best to slow down and swerve out of the way ... but, well, you know that she was hit, fell off her motorcycle, and landed over forty feet away ... thankfully she had a helmet on or she would've died on impact."

"Oh my God ... How bad is it?" Caroline asked, but knew she couldn't bear to hear the answer.

The doctor sighed, "I am afraid it's bleak. We're doing everything we can for her. I'm sorry to say she's on a ventilator, her blood pressure is low, she has internal injuries, her heart isn't strong, and there may be signs of brain damage. The next twenty-four hours are critical. But for now every second that she is alive is a good sign."

"What can I do?" Caroline asked in a shaky voice, with tears in her eyes.

"Be here for her," answered Dr. Trotter.

"Thank you so much, can I go see her now?"

"Yes, but I must warn you, you may not recognize her," Dr.

Trotter gently spoke. "I'll go in with you if you want me to ..."

"Okay, yeah ... I'd like that."

Together they entered the dark hospital room of Charlotte. Caroline tried to be strong as she made her way over to the bed to look at her older friend and neighbor she grew up with when she was a kid. The two of them had known each other for over 21 years. What she saw was not the vibrant spirit, or the cute, funny, and wise person that she loved so much. Instead, a lifeless person hooked up to beeping machines keeping her alive. She reached for C-Mack's hand and stroked it, her tears pooling on the floor. Dr. Trotter looked at the sight of his patient and Caroline and silently prayed that he had done enough to save her.

"Hey C-Mack. It's me Caroline. Come on girl, you're a fighter. You can't give up on me now. I love you too much! You're strong and a survivor so don't you fucking give up on me, do you hear me?" Caroline sobbed holding her dear friend's hand. She then realized she still needed to contact Annie. How could she tell Annie, but how can she not?

"If you need anything let me know. I'll be back later to check in and I've got your cell phone number if anything changes for Ms. Mack, okay?" Dr. Trotter said from behind her.

"Thanks for your help and for being so compassionate, I appreciate it," Caroline replied not taking her eyes off her beloved friend. "One thing, when you called, you said that I was one of the contact names?"

"Yes, the first name listed was Annie Ashcroft."

"Did you try and call her?"

"Yes, but the call went to voicemail. I didn't find it appropriate to leave that type of message. That's why I called you."

"Oh, okay. So Annie doesn't know?"

"Not unless someone else has contacted her. May I ask? Is Ms. Ashcroft, the Annie Ashcroft, the actor?"

"Yes, yes she is. Again, thanks for your help Dr. Trotter."

"You're welcome. And yes, I'll be back around to check on her in about an hour. In the meantime, talk to her. I'm waiting for test results to come back before I can tell you any more about her condition." Dr. Trotter said.

As he stepped into the hallway, he was suddenly drawn back and looked into the room. It touched him to see just how much Caroline cared about the woman fighting for her life.

Caroline leaned down and whispered, "C-Mack, can you hear me? You need to fight girl. You better fight. I love you."

Chapter Three

"Come on Annie, pick up your damn phone," Caroline spoke loudly, not caring who heard her, as she anxiously paced around the small waiting room outside the I.C.U.

Annie Ashcroft was a 29-year-old actor. While growing up, most people who met her thought she was older than she was; because of her mature attitude and insightful perception. Her striking blue eyes were very warming, inviting, and almost mesmerizing. When looking into her eyes one could see into her soul. Annie had always been vulnerable, with a refreshing innocence. She had long flowing, silky, dark hair with a natural wave. She was strikingly beautiful, but she did not see it or believe it. Her capturing smile could light up a dark room, and when she laughed her dimples appeared. Annie's lip sometimes curled up ever so lightly that it mimicked Elvis Presley.

Annie had a very bubbly, outgoing personality. She was also funny and quirky, but did not try to be, which made her all the more humorous. Once in a while she would joke and refer to herself as, "Not too shabby." Annie loved life and was carefree. She appreciated the simple things.

While growing up in Wicklaw, at the age of eleven, Annie became involved in theater. She had a natural talent and soon became well-known in the community for being a gifted actor. She performed lead roles in many school and community plays. Her dream and passion was to one day leave Wicklaw, RI and become a distinguished, working actress. After she graduated from high school she headed to New York City to pursue her acting career.

What was extremely important to Annie was her desire to make a difference in the lives of those she encountered. She knew that was part of her destiny and purpose. Aside from acting, she wanted to find other ways to impact the world.

Caroline, having no luck in reaching Annie, took out her cell phone again and looked at the text she had sent Annie over an hour ago.

CALL ME. It's important.

She had no choice now; she had to reach her so she called information and asked for the number of Saint James Theatre, in New York City. She was pacing back and forth when someone finally answered the phone. She asked to speak to Annie Ashcroft, and explained that it was important to talk to her right away.

The time passed slowly before she heard, "Hi, I understand you are looking for Annie Ashcroft. This is Harvey, Annie's director. She's in costume right now and can't be disturbed. I understand that you need to speak to her, but is there something I can help you with?" he said offhandedly.

"No! I need to speak to Annie, this is a matter of life and death," Caroline said firmly.

"Come on now, Miss, no need to be so dramatic."

"I am not trying to be dramatic. Please put my friend on the phone now." Tears were flowing, while frustration was building.

"I can't do that; she can't be disturbed right now. Is there anything else I can do for you?" Harvey asked.

"Yeah," Caroline sighed, lacking the energy to fight with this stranger. "Tell Annie to call me. Charlie has been in an accident, its serious." and Caroline hung up, physically and emotionally drained.

Caroline dialed her husband's cell phone number. When she heard his voice, she broke down, "Nick, sorry I haven't called. Listen it's bad, really bad. She may not make the night ... I can't leave ... I need to be here ... I'm waiting for Annie to get in touch with me ... yes, I called the theater but the god damn director, who has no freaking heart, wouldn't give her the phone ... yup, I know, I love you too ... okay, kiss the kids for me ... bye"

Chapter Four

In the dressing room Annie was getting ready to do what she does best, go on stage and entertain. Annie looked up when she heard a loud knock on the door and saw Harvey. She instantly knew something wasn't right and nervously asked, "Harvey, what's wrong?"

Harvey looked down at Annie and sighed. He decided to sit down next to her, "I just got off the phone with a Caroline. She's been trying to get in touch with you. She mentioned something serious happened to Charlie."

Annie confusingly looked at Harvey while trying to digest his words. She was shaking her head, and grabbed her backpack, frantically searching for her phone. She discovered that she had numerous missed calls and a text messages from Caroline. Tears filled up Annie's eyes as she said, "Oh no, oh no, this can't be real."

"Is there anything I can do? Who's Charlie? Is he a relative?"

"Charlie's a woman, and one of my best friends. She's been my friend for what seems like a lifetime, she's like one of the most amazing people I know. Harvey listen, I need to leave. I need to go home. I can't stay here. I'm sorry. I know I'm supposed to go on stage in less than two hours, but Charlie needs me. And Caroline needs me, and I need them. You can call my understudy. She's ready, she'll be great ..." Annie choked back her tears trying to breathe as she began to rip off her costume. She looked numb as her heart began to break. Once she could catch her breath on the train, she sent Caroline a text message.

Harvey just told me about Charlie. I'm on my way home. Taking the train now. Be home in 3 hours. Love you.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from HANDPRINT ON MY HEART by DEE RECORE Copyright © 2013 by Dee Recore. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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