by Katt Rose
Sam and I watched as Audrey took another step closer to him and twirled the end of her hair. Her voice softened into a purr as she reached out for his forearm; I gasped in horror as I realized she was flirting.
Chase sent me a look of help. “Oh god!” I moaned. Gross, gross, gross. I scurried between them and gave Chase a gentle push backward. I sent him an apologetic look and faced my mom. “Mom? Chase is my, uh, friend.”
He rolled his eyes and stood next to me, his hand around my waist. My mom looked between us and disappointment filled her features. “Oh, I see.” Her eyes landed on Sam. “Can you read me more of that book?” She plopped down on the couch looking bored.
Chase cleared his throat. “I’m going to start unloading the truck.”
I sat next to my mom and grabbed her hand. “Do you remember me?”
My mother studied me intently. “I’m not sure. You look somewhat familiar but I don’t remember your name. I’m sorry.”
“It’s Emmy.”
“That’s a pretty name. Not ringing any bells though.”
Those simple words were like a knife to the heart. “I’m your daughter.”
Audrey’s eyebrows rose and she let out a loud laugh. “Oh, honey. I think I’d remember if I had a child. “
I sighed and stood. Aunt Sam watched me carefully. I walked over to a closet and dug through until I found an old photo. Aunt Sam stood and held up her hand. “I don’t think this is the time.”
I stepped past her and sat down beside my mom. I gently offered her the photo. She stared down in wonder as she studied herself, Aaron and myself within the frame. “Who’s the boy?”
“Your son, Aaron.”
“Good looking fella, isn’t he?” She looked at me quickly. “You’re a pretty girl, I did good.” Confusion took over. “If I have kids, how come I don’t remember you? Where’s my husband?”
I stole a glance at Aunt Sam. She sent me a look of disapproval and left to help Chase. I looked back at my mom. “Dad left when we were very young; I have no memories of him.”
“Oh, that’s disappointing. Why don’t I remember any of this?”
I squeezed her hand gently. “You’re sick. Sometimes your mind disappears. It’s almost like a computer that goes in for re-programming; the slate gets wiped clean. You temporarily forget us.”
My mother started shaking her head. She looked at the photo again. “No, no, no.”
“Do you know where you are? Do you recognize it?”
My mother looked around urgently. “No.” She stood up suddenly and her arms began to twitch slightly. She looked at me wide eyed. “What kind of cruel trickery is this?”
I stood up and tried to comfort her. “Mom, I’m not trying to trick you. I’m trying to help you remember.” I pointed to a corner of the living room. “That’s where Aaron took his first steps. And over in the corner by the window is where the Christmas tree always goes.”
Audrey covered her ears. “Get out! Stranger! Stranger! Get OUT!”
Her words shell shocked me. In the past, even when her mind went away, she took comfort in my presence. This was the polar opposite.
Audrey’s voice went shrill. “Sam! Sam! Help me!”
“Sam? Mom, it’s okay, I won’t hurt you.” I took a step closer.
My mother lunged for the phone and whipped it in my direction. I ducked in time as it crashed against the wall. Chase and Sam rushed in at the commotion.
“Stranger!” Audrey began chanting.
Aunt Sam swooped in. “It’s okay. Focus on your breathing. Listen to my words ‘For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future’ Jeremiah 29:11”
“Stop with the Bible bullshit!” I hollered.
Chase scooped me up by the waist and placed me outside. My eyes were wide in disbelief. “What just happened? It’s gotten so much worse so quickly, how did this happen?”
“I think we should go until things calm down.”
“Did you unload the truck?” I asked blankly, staring at nothing in particular.
“Yeah, your aunt is going to set everything up.”
“She brain washed her.” I glared at the house.
“Em-let’s go.”
“Not yet.” I darted around him and ran inside. The suddenness of my entry startled the women inside.
Sam’s hand flew to her chest. “Emmy, you surprised me.” She sent a look of reassurance to my mom and rose to meet me. She nodded for me to follow. “I think it’s best if you leave. I’m sorry; I thought having you here would be best for her. I didn’t think she would react the way she did.”
“What have you done to her?” I cried.
“Excuse me? What have I done to her? Besides dropping my life and coming at a moments notice?”
Guilt gnawed at my bones. I’m an asshole. A royal asshole. “God damnit!” I picked up a glass and tossed it at the sink. Glass shards shattered everywhere. Aunt Sam flinched and closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Do you feel better?”
Chase scrambled inside and took a quick evaluation of the mess I had created. “Right. We’re done here for today.” He clasped my hand and led me outside without protest. Chase practically carried me to the truck and plopped me inside. He hopped in and slammed the door, staring at the house.
“What the fuck happened in there? Was that really necessary?”
I pressed my lips together and crossed my arms. “God’s presence was not felt by all apparently.”
“Amen,” Chase muttered and started the truck.
“I have to go to work for a bit. Can I trust you to behave here?”
I smiled. “You bet. This is my escape, remember?”
“Let Ace give you wings.”
“That’s the plan.” I hopped out. “When will you be back?”
“I’ll pick you up in about two hours.”
“See you then.” I marched to the barn with purpose. Calmness flooded over me as soon as the familiar scent wafted in my lungs. My steps suddenly faltered as a laugh floated through the barn. My shoulders slumped in weariness. Today is not my day.
Miranda Brooks tossed her shiny hair over her shoulder. Her smile faded once she saw me. “What are you doing here?” she nearly growled.
“Seeing my horse.”
“You board your horse here?”
“Unfortunately,” I muttered.
A stable hand interrupted. “Sorry, the horses are in the field today. We were doing some maintenance on the barn and the noises were upsetting them. We figured they would be happier outside. I can help you bring your horse in if you’d like.”
I smiled. “No thanks, I can get Ace myself. Thanks though.”
The stable hand looked toward Miranda. She glared at me. “No,” she said tightly. “I can do it too.”
I grabbed the bridle and reins from my hook and grudgingly followed Miranda. We entered the field together and her eyes landed on her horse. “Trigger,” she clucked. “Come here.” Miranda took a few steps closer to Trigger and he snorted. He kicked up his heels and cheekily took off, feeling frisky in the winter air.
I cupped my hands around my mouth and hollered. “Ace! Come here buddy!”
Miranda snorted in disgust. “He’s not a dog.” Her eyes widened as my boy came loping over.
I held my hands out to slow him. “Good boy. Wanna go for a ride?” I tossed the reins over his neck and slid the bridle on. I mounted in a single leap and settled onto his bareback. I patted his neck. “Good boy.” I glanced at Miranda. “I had a lot of years with this horse. We’ve put in our time figuring each other out.” I bit my lip and continued. “Give it time with yours. It will get easier.”
Miranda glowered. “I don’t need advice from you.”
I chose not to respond. I clucked to Ace and led him to the gate. I leaned forward, opened the gate and Ace side stepped through. I clicked the latch on the gate and set him at an easy walk to the trails. The silence of the woo
ds eased my tension. As Ace increased his pace, I let my worries and fears temporarily fall away. I settled into his smooth transitions and my mind went quiet. The thickness of the treed trails melted away and we found ourselves in an open field. Ace began to dance beneath me, begging me to let him have his head.
I smiled and leaned forward. “Let ‘er fly.”
And just like that, we were flying. The scenery blurred into one and without the saddle separating us I could feel Ace’s heart race against my leg. The heat from his body took away the coolness of my own. We became the perfect team. We slowed to a walk and made our way back to the barn where I took my time brushing him out and tucking him in for the night.
“I’m so glad to see you two reunited. Chase did really good.”
I turned in surprise toward Elayna. “Hey! What are you doing here?”
Ace swung his head over the stall door, chomping on a mouthful of hay. He stared big eyed at Elayna and extended his nose to her. She laughed and gave him a pat. “He’s still a big child I see.”
I smiled affectionately. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Chase called, he’s going to be later than he thought. So, I’m here to pick you up.”
“Sorry you have to taxi me around.”
“I don’t mind.” Elayna’s eyes danced. “Chase says for you to be ready by 7:30 tonight.”
“Oh?”
“He’s performing tonight. He’s going to pick you up.”
“Oh.”
Elayna nudged my side. “We’ll meet you at the pub. I think he’s going to take you out for dinner first.”
“So, this is a date.”
“Yup!”
I found myself smiling as Elayna clapped her hands together. “Everything seems to be coming together nicely. Well, almost.” She gave me a sympathy squeeze.
Almost.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I have nothing to wear. My god, I feel like I’m sixteen years old again. I sighed in frustration at the reflection that stood before me. My hair was twisted into a tousled low bun, and I wore black slacks with a dark blue sweater with buttons down the back. “Whatever, good enough.”
I headed downstairs, grabbed my jacket and pulled on my bootie heels. The ticking of the clock seemed loud and incessant. The nerves began to twitch in my stomach and my heart picked up speed. A loud knock at the door caused me to jump a mile high.
“Pull it together, woman.” I chided myself. I straightened my posture and swung the door open.
Chase gave his lazy smile and let out a low whistle. “You look nice.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
Chase held out his hand. “C’mon, let’s go. I hope you’re hungry.”
I wasn’t. “Famished.” I lied.
“Excellent. Kappa’s it is.”
The restaurant was packed. Chase had called ahead to make reservations so we got a seat immediately. Pre-meditated, so unlike Chase. We slid into the candlelit booth and I glanced at the gently falling snow outside. I turned away and faced Chase.
“Are you nervous for tonight?”
“Which part? The date or my performance.”
I smiled wrly. “You choose.”
Chase smirked. “The butterflies are present for both if you must know.”
I perked up and laughed in triumph. “Good to know.”
“How are you doing, Em?”
I sighed and put down my wineglass. “I wish people would stop asking me. I feel like everyone is expecting me to have a mental breakdown.” I sighed in frustration. “I’m okay. Not good, not great. Just simply okay.”
“Good to know.”
Our meals arrived and we ate in comfortable silence. Chase paid the bill and we stood from our booths stiffly. “I’m so full,” I moaned.
Chase gave his stomach a slap. “You and me both. C’mon, we have to head to the pub. I need to set up the stage.”
The drive was quick. Chase grabbed his guitar from the back of the truck and metal suitcase that looked heavy. “Sound equipment,” he stated. “Here.” He held out the guitar for me to take. I followed Chase into the back entrance reserved for employees and entertainment. Chase introduced me to the band and I smiled shyly. Their curious glances were short lived as their attention refocused to the task at hand.
Chase hopped down from the stage and led me into a quiet corner. “Elayna and Jay will be here soon. Are you going to wish me luck?”
I scoffed. “You don’t need it. The ladies will be falling left, right and center.” I took a step closer and pressed my body next to his. “Good luck.”
Chase wore a broad grin and shuffled even closer. “Thank you.”
“Jay, I found her! We’ve been looking for you all over the place.”
Chase sighed and pulled away. Disappointment temporarily fell over me. So close! I turned to face Elayna and Jay.
“Hey guys.” I nodded to the bar. “Shall we?”
Elayna sidled up to me. “Sorry, our timing is impeccable, huh?”
I waved my hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Are you excited for tonight?”
The band began to warm up, lifting the already elevated mood in the room. “I am. I’m really looking forward to this. It’s been so long.”
We grabbed our cold drinks and found a seat with a good view. As the band began to play, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Chase. His voice was whisky smooth with just the right amount of grit. He played the guitar like it was a part of him.
“I forgot how good he was.”
Elayna leaned close and wriggled her eyebrows. “Look around you, Em. All the women here want a piece of him. You better put a claim on him soon.”
“Elayna! What, you think I should smack a sign on him? ‘Back off ladies. Taken.’”
She shrugged. “Or you could plant a big kiss on him. Either or works.”
My cheeks burned red. Elayna chuckled. “Just like old times, best to remind everyone, you know?”
After a solid hour of playing, the band bid their adieu. Chase hopped down from the stage and his eyes locked on me. A group of woman grabbed his arm, stopping him in his tracks. His eyes pulled away from mine and turned to the women begging for attention. I watched as the ladies put on their best performance and spared no expense to stroke his arm. They tossed back their heads and let out twinkling laughter that did not sound natural. My eyes grew wide at the obvious feeding frenzy.
Chase’s eyes began to dart toward us in a silent plea of help. I could tell he was doing his best to politely end the conversation but it was a lost cause. The women were high on the buzz of alcohol, their confidence elevated. The desire clear. Target acquired.
“Good grief,” I muttered and stood up.
“Atta girl. Go get ‘em,” Elayna cheered.
I turned to shoot her a glare. You can do this. No biggie. Just breathe. I forced myself to march with a confidence I did not possess. I squirmed my way into the group of women and ignored the dirty looks. I stood in front of Chase and his face fell in relief. The look he gave me would have been enough. I would have been content to simply take his hand and lead him away, but I made the mistake of glancing at the glowering group behind me. They stared at me with their disapproving eyes and snorted. Their heavily made up eyes said “Really? Yeah right.”
That was all I needed. I smiled and stood on my tiptoes and tossed my arms around Chase’s neck. His eyes widened in surprise but he leaned toward me. Our eyes locked and for a split second we held the gaze. Chase broke the spell as his gaze fell to my lips. “Bout time,” he whispered before our lips met. It was cautious at first, until the hunger of the passed years wanted more. I pulled back first, breathless. Chase smiled softly and wrapped his arm around my waist. I allowed myself to be led away and took one last glance at the disbelieved faces before me. I gave a quick wink and felt a rush of adrenaline course through me. Long time coming.
Once we got back to the table, Jay smiled coyly and for once, Elayna said nothin
g. Her facial expression said more than enough.
My phone rang before the sun was up. I awoke with a start and clumsily kicked off the heavy quilt. I grasped the bedside table until my hands clasped around my cold phone. I answered it quietly. “Hello?”
I tip toed out of the bedroom as to not wake Chase. “Emmy!” the voice was in near hysterics. “Your mom is gone. I don’t know how this could have happened, I-“
“What do you mean she’s gone? How long has she been missing for?”
“I don’t know. She went to bed around midnight last night. I got up to use the washroom and noticed her room was empty. I’ve scoured every inch of this place. The car’s still here which means she left on foot.”
I glanced at the time, 4:45 am. Jesus, it was well below freezing outside. I forced the panic down and willed myself to keep it together. “Stay at home. I’ll go look for her.”
“I can’t stay at home and do nothing!”
“Someone needs to be there in case she shows up. What state was she in?”
As Sam went on, I pulled on my boots, toque and attempted to shove my shaking limbs into my winter coat. Something Sam had said caught my attention. “Say the last part again.”
“She said she’s been away for too long. She needed to get her ducks in a row.”
I’ll be fine, Mom. All my ducks are in a row. “I know where she is,” I gasped.
“That line means something to you?”
“It does. I’ll call you as soon as I can.” I hung up the phone and grabbed Chase’s keys. Before heading out the door, I grabbed one of his winter jackets and took off running. “Crap,” I skidded to a stop and turned back to the house. I scribbled on a piece of paper to Chase and secured it with a magnet on the fridge. Once I was in the truck I slammed the key in and turned the ignition with more force than required. The engine destroyed the silence. I stuck it in gear and began the lonely drive. Please be okay, please be okay. I was not a religious person, but I hoped someone, anyone could hear my prayer and let my mother be safe.
