by Sarah Hualde
Emily’s face flushed a raspberry color, “Well, he better think: I need to snatch up Emily Prior, now, before someone else gets to her first.” Emily looked to Ivy for approval. Ivy only smiled.
"The line is moving," the call echoed from a cluster of patrons ahead of the blanket. It repeated to the picnic party, and they repeated it to those behind them.
“Help me, quick.” Ivy and Emily shouted in unison as they packed up their seats and trash.
*****
Ethan and Lydia sat around a table eating bland lunches out of plastic trays. Kat left for home after Maven's meltdown. She hoped to make it to the festival before the ice cream ran out.
Ethan chased an overcooked green pea around the vegetable square of his tray. He still wore his running clothes though he removed his numbers. Lydia detested how he could eat with so much happening around them.
It pleased Ethan to sit beside her in the ugly hospital lounge and talk about nothing. He hunted his disgusting peas, harpooning one with his fork and eating it. Ethan grinned and glowed at his wife. She offered a cheery smile back at him, but it was all for show. Inwardly, she was scratching at the walls as she waited for a detailed update.
Her bland coffee ringed the table with condensation. She flicked at an uneaten corner of her sandwich. Her stomach couldn't digest with upheaval flooding the air. Instead, she watched Ethan dine on pot pie as she stewed.
Gus broke the tension. He entered the dining hall waving. Ethan, mouth filled with food, nodded to a chair next to Lydia. Gus sat. "So, she's awake again and screaming. We don't know why. The doctor hasn't been able to see her. Only the nurse. They have instructed her to medicate the crazy out of her. It doesn’t seem to help.”
Lydia listened, eager to hear more news on Averie. "Thanks, Gus. Any news from her labs?"
Lydia knew the answer to that. The more experienced half of the hospital staff was living it up at the Honey Pot Lavender Festival. Lydia, herself, sold them tickets not two weeks ago.
Gus' reply mirrored her thoughts. "I guess, we won't know much until then," Ethan said.
Aggravated, Lydia chugged her coffee and slammed the paper cup down, harder than she'd meant. Its effect was spot on. Ethan made eye contact with her for the first time since the race track.
“Listen, I’m sorry to be pushy, but I found her. I’ve explained what I saw, a million times over. I’ve detailed her condition when I stumbled upon her. Can someone please, fill me in, just a little?”
Gus excused himself, blaming his cellphone. Lydia knew the dining area didn’t offer cell reception. Ethan’s eyes didn’t leave her face as he said goodbye to Gus.
“A little dramatic, don’t you think?”
“I’m sorry about that. I meant to make a statement but not a scene.” Ethan’s lips frowned in thought. “I’ll apologize to Gus when we’re done eating.”
“Sounds good.”
"I'm worried and anxious and hate being left in the dark. I've sat here all morning and dealt with a wailing Maven and no word from you. I've got to know something, or I'll pop."
Ethan chortled. "Don't do that." He looked at her plate. "Eat, and I'll tell you what I can. It's not much." Obedient and eager, Lydia nibbled on the crust of her BLT. "First, she was cold because she'd been there all morning. Rough guess, she was lying out in the lavender since dawn or right before."
"I wondered about that. Ethan, she couldn't have been laying in the same spot. That patch wasn't trampled until the middle of the race."
"So you said. The other side of the lavender isn't smashed up. Averie didn't crawl to the other side while everyone was running. She was outside for hours."
“Her head, what about her head?”
“Not a clue. There wasn’t a rock she could strike upon landing, if she’d fainted. They’re watching her for a concussion, but she needed only three staples. Her delirium worries me. What was she like, last night? Before the stalker showed up?”
“Calm, happy. Just like she is in Scout’s videos.”
“Did she do all that tapping and whispering stuff? Drives me crazy.”
“Yes. It was relaxing. More than relaxing. Averie was engaging and enchanting. She welcomed Ivy and put her at ease. She accommodated Flora’s needs and even helped her cousin.”
“Helped her cousin, Maven? With what?”
"Maven has horrible allergies, and her meds made her snappy and rude. Averie centered her and helped her make amends. I can tell you about that later. Tell me more about now."
“Last night impacted now. That’s why I’m asking.”
“I understand that, but do you think an episode of hay fever and a dose of Benadryl led to Averie bleeding in the middle of a field?”
Ethan shrugged and turned his cop face back on. “You haven’t been talking to Kat or anyone, have you?”
"No, but I can't keep still forever." Lydia passed a sad and honest look to her husband. He knew she would try, but Lydia would need to process the scene for herself. Lydia's favorite way to handle anything involved talking out loud with whichever trusted friend was handy.
“I know, but babe… you’ve got to give me some time. I’m heading back to the festival and looking over the field. Let me talk with Berna and Maven, again. Keep things to yourself. As long as you can.”
“I’m right, aren’t I?”
“Yes. Averie wasn’t in the field alone.”
*****
Ethan pulled Gus aside, out in the waiting room. Shop talk wasn't for a wife's ears, so Lydia busied herself searching for Maven. She found her stretched out on the bed next to Averie's. Her jaw drooped, and drool ran from her mouth down her cheek, and onto a hospital pillow. With Averie’s extra blanket wrapped around her shoulders, the cousin snored on.
Lydia stood by Averie's side. She wasn't asleep, but she wasn't alert, either. Carefully, Lydia rested her hand over Averie's. She prayed out loud over the two women. One which was delirious and sick. The other was overwhelmed and erratic. The cousins needed divine intervention and human help. Lydia's mind wandered, mid-amen, to the Shadow Man. She knew, somehow, this whole mess involved him.
CHAPTER FIVE
Kat relieved Flora of childcare duties after securing a lavender ice cream cone. She tramped through the vendors and stalls with her children and Flora’s. Each child explained all their previous finds to fresh ears.
Thad met her halfway through round two, right before the petting zoo. “Jess likes the geckos.” She informed her mate.
“Since when does the petting zoo have reptiles?”
"Since there are two zoos. They sectioned one off for farm animals, and the other is for ‘exotic' animals. Are geckos ‘exotic’?”
“At least for Honey Pot.”
They watched as their youngest draped lizards and mice on her shoulders. She giggled when a tiny tan mouse ran up and down her braid.
The gecko, named Spartacus, nestled into the heat of Jess' neck. Thad took pictures on his cellphone and praised his daughter's bravery. Kat plastered a grin on her face and hoped her girl wouldn't notice the disgust ripping through her nerves.
Thad took pictures of Kat’s squirming encouragement and chuckled. He watched the boys try to catch Peabody the goat. Healed in time for the festival, Peabody only pretended to be obstinate. The goat loved every speck of the attention. The boys petted the tuft of hair between his horns and fed him smuggled breakfast cereal.
Berna canceled the apiary demonstration. The 5k path wasn't open for lazy promenades for couples or sugar rush jaunts by overstimulated children. Most new families didn’t even notice the missing attractions. The Millers did. Though the children found many other thrills to consume them, Thad missed watching Berna work with her bees. The new worry of the day overshadowed their family traditions.
Berna buzzed about the Hive. She couldn't stand still. Being a very hospitable soul, Berna delighted in roaming in the crowds and around her visitors. She loved conversing with her guests in her lounge or on her patio.
The graying lady charged from the B&B end of her property, bursting through the crowds, with her eyes locked on Thad. “Uh oh,” Kat said.
Berna was in a state. Thad left Kat’s side and met Berna halfway. Kat watched as her husband put an arm around Berna’s shoulder and guided her back up the path. He bent his tall, slender body down to meet Berna’s height, so he could listen to her as they walked.
Jess exited the pen, shutting the door behind her. She brushed Kat’s arm with the tip of her braid, saying hello. Kat shrieked. Thad spun to see his wife shaking with laughter and holding Jess close. “Sweet Jessie, I thought your hair was one of those mice.”
The little girl beamed up at her mother. “They said I could buy one if you’d let me.” Kat shrieked and laughed, kissing the face of her animal loving girl.
*****
The shower was delicious. Lydia’s muscles danced with delight in the steamy spray. She couldn’t take long. Ivy needed a ride home from the festival. Scout would be sleepy and need her own room.
Forty minutes later, with damp hair twisted in a clip and lip gloss applied, Lydia, pulled into the Hive’s parking lot. She slid into the same spot as the previous night. It left her quite a hike toward the main activities, and back, but it was better than stalking pedestrians in the main lot.
The sky shimmered pink over the purple fields. The sun would blaze for another hour and then start its slow descent behind the lavender.
Ivy wanted Scout home before sunset. Lydia agreed and hurried into the crowds. Before Lydia separated the faces in the moving herds, Flora spotted her. "What's with the limp?" Flora's mothering extended far beyond her brood.
“Was I limping?” A mental muscle check brought no new injuries to light. Hip bruised? Check. Eye swollen? Check. Wrist battered? Check. Nope, all the same, wounds resounded.
“We were just leaving. Kevin thinks I need to lie down a while and I agree with him. Any news?”
"Nothing that Ethan can share. Averie's injuries are non-fatal, but she's acting strangely. They should know more in the morning.”
“When everyone’s back to work?”
“You got it. All the department heads are here.” Flora followed Lydia’s watchful eye from face to face. Dr. Lawrence’s thoughtful expression met hers. “Well, look at that.” The doctor walked over to the ladies.
He scowled at Flora, “Have you been out here all day?” Mrs. Brandes blushed and avoided answering her friend and general practitioner. “You have, haven’t you?”
“Yes, but I feel great. Even stronger than a week ago. The air and the sun feel so wonderful. I’m tired of the couch and my bed and my yard. Besides, Kevin has me sitting down more than walking.” The doctor looked unimpressed with Flora’s answer. His frown lines deepened. “He’s carrying a chair around.” Kevin arrived at the huddle, empty-handed. “He, just, put it in the car.” Flora huffed.
“Is Doctor Lawrence telling you to rest, again?” The men locked eyes. “Gee, that’s what I've said all day.”
“Okay, okay. We’re leaving, right now.”
“Please do.” Dr. Lawrence didn’t beat around the bush. Flora’s late in life pregnancy, compounded with her multiple miscarriages, made her a high-risk case.
He never wanted a patient to lose their baby. It was painful for every person touched by the tiny life. Every lost baby left their footprints behind them. Their family's hearts and lives didn't heal. They only recalibrated their regular and created a new normal.
His friend needed to be resting not running around crowded stalls filled with sick people and obstacles to trip a body. If Kevin hadn’t returned and escorted his wife to their car, the good doctor would have done so.
Lydia let the couple go before interrogating the doctor. “So?” she started.
The doctor interrupted, “Have you heard anything about the girl?”
“I was just going to ask you.”
He shook his head and led Lydia to a clearing apart from the masses. “What did the ER come up with?”
“They told Ethan her head injury isn’t life-threatening. It was the source of the blood, but it didn't bleed all that much."
“Heads can do that. Bleed like crazy with barely any damage. How long was she outside?”
“Since before sunup.”
"That's four am at the latest. Four hours out in the field? What about her temperature?"
“I heard nothing about that.”
Dr. Lawrence silenced himself and veered the topic. “Well, maybe I’ll call them. I know Dr. Shirley was around here somewhere. Maybe I can convince her to get back to work. Hm…?” His thought trailed off before he could reveal any information absent-mindedly. “Oops, there’s Mary.” He waved to his wife, gave a cordial excuse and was off.
Lydia watched as the doctor bumped into Ivy and the two spoke a moment before he pointed toward the sheriff’s wife. Ivy smiled and hugged the older man. He bent down to see Scout who wailed at the sight of him. Ivy shrugged, and the doctor walked away with his wife.
"You're back!" Ivy's tired smile lagged. Her eyes drooped with exhaustion. The look was out of place on her youthful face. However, motherhood left its mark on every newbie. It showed no ageism. "I'm beat."
"Yeah? Me too." Lydia took control of the stroller. The women rambled toward the car.
After grabbing Orange Chicken from the only Chinese food restaurant in town, Ivy Hooper and Lydia Everett landed at the Everett dining table. Scout still asleep from the drive, cuddled on the couch. The conversation was easy. Ivy explained the strange man and Emily’s behavior. She went on about the ice cream and how much fun Scout had watching the picnic relay races.
“I’m upset about Averie.” Ivy spat, mouth filled with sticky chicken chunks.
"I know. So am I. Keep praying for her."
“What was it like, finding her? I imagined the worst.”
“Oh, Ivy, don’t do that.” Lydia’s hug came in time for the tears to flow. “Imagine nothing.”
"Then tell me, please. It's been heavy in my mind, all day. Everything I did or laughed at or thought about seemed to lead me back to her. Is she dead? No one told me. Is she going to die?"
“I know very little. Instinct took over, and it's already blocking some of my memories. She’s alive. The last I saw Averie she was resting. Her cousin is with her. Somehow, she got hurt and was left lying in the field. But we don't know how she got there or how she got hurt.”
Scout groaned. Ivy wiped her eyes and popped another piece of chicken in her mouth. “That’s her warning whine.” She stated and hurried to the bathroom. “I have ten minutes to shower and be ready to feed her.” She called behind her.
Lydia finished supper and cleared the table. Out of habit, she poured herself a large glass of water with a drop of lemon oil. She drank it down without hesitation, then remembered she could return to her after dinner coffee habit. Lydia filled the water tank and scooped her favorite grounds into the basket. She sighed, happy dancing across the kitchen tile.
“If coffee can do that to you, you may have a problem.”
Ivy stood behind her decked in PJs and a hair turban holding back her shampooed blonde hair. Her blue hair faded after Scout’s birth. Her current shoulder length and natural look was easy to take care of and suited her youthful glow.
Lydia jumped at Ivy’s voice but ignored her boarder-friend and continued her dance of joy.
Ivy unwrapped the waking Scout and curled her close on her shoulder. Lydia thrilled at how comfortable Ivy was in her home. The jigsaw puzzle family fit into each other’s lifestyle. There were moments of tension and fighting happened. It would be freakish to have a perfectly placid home with a teenager and a baby on board. The house flexed and swayed with such happeni
ngs but didn't come close to breaking.
God held the wounded until they could handle the hurt. He knitted them together while they unraveled unseemly knots and strands. Everyone was growing. Even Joan, oceans away, learned to welcome this new piece to their puzzle. Sometimes Joan, the missionary blood born, wrestled with jealousy and worry. God worked on her, too. Though worlds away, Ivy and Joan were meshing into sisterhood without noticing. Lydia praised the Lord over each new bonding.
“I’m taking Scout to bed.”
“Great idea,” Lydia answered. “Ethan will be out late tonight. Wake me if you need anything.”
“I know, I know.” Ivy brushed off the petition. “Night.”
“Night,” Lydia called to Ivy then added, “Sleep, sweet little Scout.” She grabbed her favorite mug, overfilled it and carried it to the counter without spilling a drop. Lydia sat, quiet and still, and enjoyed her favorite vice as the daylight turned to shadow.
*****
The kids buzzed and bounced with late night energy. Their second wind carried their voices from house to house. Their songs and clamorous laughter echoed down the street. So loud was it, that Kevin held the front door open for the Millers with Eden, Ever, and Eloise in tow, before they exited the van.
“Sh. Hush. Sh.” He called unheeded. “Get inside knuckleheads!” He ushered the mass of loudness into the living room. Flora sat on the couch, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
Kat, frazzled and fizzled, plopped down beside her friend. “I’m too old for this…” She cast open palms toward the rambunctious rabble. “But you’re starting all over again, aren’t you?” She glanced toward Flora’s bump. “How are you staying so chipper?”
Flora cackled without restraint. “I went mad just to see if anyone notices.” She joked.
“Look at your feet.”
Flora tried to shove them under a pillow nearby. She didn’t want Kevin to panic and Kat’s attentive openness would draw his notice. “Shh.” She pleaded.
