THE BLUE STALKER by JEAN AVERY BROWN

table. They each pulled their chairs up to the table.  Ella again reached for their hands. 
                  This time Juan said, “Ms. Ella, may I?”
                  “Of course.”  Ella replied.
                  Juan began, “Thank you for Ms. Ella and for all she has done for us.  Bless the food Maria has prepared.  Dear God bless little Jose and bring him home soon, Amen.
                  “Did you check on Jose today Maria?”  Ella asked as bowls were being passed around.
                  “Yes, Ms Ella, I called three or four times.  I think they are getting annoyed with me calling so much but I can’t help myself.”  Maria told them.
                  “It’s okay for you to call.  It’s not good for you to worry.  I think we can finish up here and get to the hospital by the time visiting hour starts.”
                  They finished with dinner and Maria cleaned the kitchen while Ella took a quick shower. Maria loved cooking and cleaning in her new kitchen.  She wanted everything to be perfect and was getting possessive with her new found home.  Juan offered to help with the clean up but Maria didn’t want any help. 
                  “I’ll do as much as possible while Ms. Ella is getting ready I can finish when we get back home.” she told Juan.
                  It didn’t take long for Ella to get ready.  Soon they were off in the station wagon heading for the hospital.  Again Ella noticed the blue sedan just outside her drive.  She felt a chill go up her spine.  She wondered why she was being watched.  She shrugged it off and away they went to the hospital Ella made sure she parked under a parking lot lamp.  She didn’t want to walk back to the car in the dark.  Again she told herself not to be paranoid.  Paranoid is one thing but safe smarts is another.
    Little Jose was gooing and laughing.  He looked as if he has gained more weight.  The nurse informed Maria and Juan that the doctor would be in tomorrow and wanted to see them.  She made the appointment and Juan stuffed the appointment card in his pocket.
                  “Ms. Ella we have an appointment to meet with Dr. Burnett tomorrow morning at eight. Will it be okay if I make it to work a little late and will you go with us?”  
                  “Of course, I will go with you.”  Ella said.
                  “You see Ms. Ella, Maria and I may not be able to understand all Doctor Burnett has to tell us.  We will feel better if you are with us.”
                  “It would be a privilege and an honor to be with you.”  Ella said with a smile.
                  Maria gave Jose his bottle and rocked him to sleep.  She dreamed of how nice it would be when he was home and their family was again whole.  As she sang a lullaby she thought of all changes in their lives.  She thought, if I’m dreaming, please don’t pinch me.
                  Maria laid Jose in the small bed on rollers surrounded with windows.  Everyone that walked by smiled at the happy baby boy.  They did not know the serious condition his fragile little body was in.  They only saw a smiling little boy.  Maria’s lullaby soothed Jose to sleep.  Juan told the nurse they would be back tomorrow morning.  Juan and Maria didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. 
                  Ella told Juan and Maria she would fetch the car so they could be with Jose a few more minutes before the switch board operator’s voice announced an end to their visiting hour.  Ella in her haste forgot to attend to her surroundings.  She hurriedly walked out of the hospitals front door.  She looked up just in time to see the same blue sedan she noticed earlier at the end of her drive as they were leaving the house.  Again she said to herself.  I can’t understand why I’m being