Love Ablaze

ak voice crackled through the phon

I'm on my way, baby. Just take deep breaths," she replied, tryi

felt like an eternity, and just when she thought she was making good time, she came acr

med her fingers on the steering wheel anxiously, her eyes darting between the traffic lig

into the house. "Paige, I'm hom..." Her voice caught in

step. The panties were pink, a color Joana never

ned to see a naked woman bolting down the steps. Joana's eyes w

after Martha. The color drained from his face when

ered, but Joana barely heard him. The cliche excuse on

of them as she raced upstairs. Her daughter

ind it empty. Panic was all she felt a

ttention. She rushed over and found Paige wedged betwee

akly before her eyes fluttere

nd why he couldn't help their daughter. She had assumed he had gone out to

But now, as Joana watched her daughter being wheeled into the hospital, she wished she had driven faster

a from entering the ICU. Helpless, she sank into

was Regina, her friend and a doctor at

ent of tears. "Is it Paige?" Regina asked softly. Joan

egina assured her. "The doc

sn't enough?" Joana whisp

r, so she just held

nowing Joana needed their support. When Mrs. Cameron arrived, she immediately sensed something wa

asked. Mr. Cameron, too, not

he be here?

asked instead, her voi

been home since," Mrs. Cameron rep

sn't," Joana mutte

he hospital doors swung open, and in walked Jame

" Mr. Cameron said, directing his que

a daughter," Joana snapped,

velation sank in. Mrs. Cameron's face p

en sleeping with my husband," Joana

his hands trembling. "Tell me she's

in tears. "I'm sorry, but we love each other,

isgusted. "In love? With your

leading. "I'm really sorry, Joana.

efore she could act, the head doctor em

to be okay?" Joana asked, h

at her with pity. "I'm very sorry.

roat. "What do you mean?" she a

y, his voice filled wit