Heartsong Read Free Page A

he wanted. His words were more of a promise than a threat. Disguising the effect of his statement, she put on a smiling façade and made busywork of fastening the button of her uniform while gaining control of her racing heartbeat. “We’ll see about that,” she said with far more confidence than she felt.
    Gradually the tension began to fade, and she relaxed. Combing her fingers through her long hair, she said, “Good-bye, Simon Legree.”
    The sound of his low laugh followed her into the corridor.
    She had escaped Jordan Kiley this time, but she realized she wouldn’t be so fortunate a second time.
    Billy and his mother, along with the other children and their visitors, were waiting for Skye when she entered the recreation room. An upright mahogany piano rested against the outside wall, and when she sat on the padded bench, the happy chatter grew silent.
    Skye’s slim fingers flew across the ivory keys in a light, catchy tune, and soon the small audience was clapping in time to the happy melody. The uplifting beat of the music eased some of the worry etched so clearly on the faces of the children and their families. It was for this reason Skye came week after week, year after year. If she could help others forget their own unhappiness, even for a short while, then her time was well spent.
    Although everyone enjoyed the piano playing, it was the songs Skye composed that the children loved the best. The clever descriptions of make-believe dragons, castles, and children’s dreams brought smiles and giggles to cherubic faces.
    Skye’s closing number was a soft lullaby she had composed using Psalm 62:
                My soul finds rest in God alone;
                my salvation comes from Him.
                He alone is my rock and salvation;
                He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
                Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
                my hope comes from Him.
    Rich and melodious, her voice rang clear and true through the passageway, and as she hummed the final notes several children yawned, ready for sleep. Hoping to place homesick patients in a familiar family routine, the hospital encouraged parents to put their children to bed before leaving.
    As Betty wheeled Billy toward his room she asked Skye hopefully, “Do you have time for a cup of coffee tonight?” Alone and young, Betty Fisher needed someone as a sounding board for her worries over Billy’s uncertain future.
    “I always have time for you, Betty,” Skye assured the young mother.
    “Are you coming tomorrow, Skye?” Billy asked the same question after every visit, as if he were afraid she would disappear someday, just as his father had.
    “No, Sprout, but I’ll be here Thursday,” she whispered, hoping not to wake Jordan. The white curtain had been replaced, and the nurse had put a finger to her lips when they had entered the room, indicating that the man was asleep. Skye had given an unconscious sigh of relief.
    Just as Betty and Skye were ready to kiss Billy good night, Sally stuck her head in the door. “Do you need a ride home tonight, Skye?”
    “Not tonight, thanks, Sally.”
    “Okay, I’ll see you Thursday.”
    “Good night, Sally.” She smiled a friendly farewell. “Sleep tight, Sprout,” she whispered tenderly, and lovingly kissed his brow.
    Halfway across the darkened room a clear male voice taunted, “Good night, Pollyanna.”

Chapter Two
    School didn’t go well the next day. Skye had difficulty concentrating on her teaching and several times found her troubled thoughts drifting to Jordan Kiley. In the light of the new day she felt no sense of triumph over her deception or in having bested him, only a guilty uneasiness. Not that she was worried he would collect his “dessert,” as he had threatened. Sally had mentioned that Jordan was being transferred to another ward as soon as possible and would probably be discharged by Friday. There was