by A. R. Ford
“We separated after Christmas,” dad admitted. His eyes glistened with unshed tears. His reaction made sense. My mother’s reaction did not. Confusion filled my brain. “We wanted to wait until then to make things easier for you. Your mother and I do not want to drag this out. We have agreed to an uncontested divorce.”
“What does that mean?” My words came out in a whisper. My visit ended here the day after Christmas. Today was the first Saturday of January. They separated a few days ago?
“Our divorce should be final at the end of February. You’re an adult now which decreases the wait time. We’re resolving things amicably.” Mom continued staring at her acrylic nails. When did mom start getting acrylic nails? I wondered what made them so utterly fascinating when inside, my heart felt like it would shatter.
“And what about my room? I suppose I take the rest of my things with me.” The words came out with a bit more force than I intended. Something was so very wrong here. I couldn’t put my finger on it. My dad could barely hold it together. Tears glistened in his eyes. His hands clenched in fists that he pressed hard against his thighs. Mom appeared to be unaffected.
“That would be best, honey,” mom murmured. “Your father said he would help you pack everything up. He has agreed to put into storage anything you can’t take with you today.”
I couldn’t sit here a second longer hearing my mother’s calm voice outlining the dissolution of our family without any emotion. A glance in my father’s direction revealed a single tear had slipped free. It trailed down his cheek. We stood up at the same time. Like father, like daughter.
“I will help you, Skye. We should give your mother her space,” Dad motioned for me to follow him. We went to my room where a dozen or so empty boxes sat.
I laughed when I saw the boxes. “She wants us both out that bad, huh?”
“We can talk later, pumpkin. I can’t explain...not here.” Dad’s pained expression forced my silent assent.
“I guess we should get to it then.” In a couple hours, everything that remained in my childhood room was packed into boxes that now filled my car. Dad agreed to store the bed and dresser since neither would fit in the car. I helped him carry the heavier items to his truck.
Not once did my mother make an appearance.
“You should leave the key,” dad offered when the last item was packed into my car.
The key slid easily off the keychain. It was distinctive--emblazoned with an ‘M’ for our surname. The key fell to the bottom of the mailbox on the front porch with a clunk. My pace slowed on the trip from the porch to the car where dad stood waiting on me. This could be the last time I saw my childhood home.
Brushing the thought away, my attention focused on dad. I noticed now how tired he looked, the new lines that had formed on his face in the days since I visited at Christmas. He looked thinner--like he hadn’t been eating well. How had I not noticed something was wrong then?
Dad hugged me, his face resting against my hair. We stood silently embracing each other. “I will call when I get home,” I offered before kissing dad’s cheek.
“We can talk more openly then.” Dad’s strained expression helped me understand why the smile barely lifted the corners of his mouth. He was physically and mentally drained. “Be careful, pumpkin.”
Dad stood by his truck with one hand uplifted by his head. It was his way of saying goodbye. I kept my glancing in the rear-view mirror until he disappeared. My foot stomped on the accelerator when the car merged onto the interstate. Kingston suddenly felt a lot less like home now.
*****
The apartment held a tomb-like quiet unlike anything I had experienced since living here. Jade and Russ were at work. I tossed the unopened overnight bag on my bed before curling up with a pillow held against my body. Why did this have to happen?
Although I was old enough to take care of myself, learning that my parents were splitting up hit me hard. I needed to call dad and find out what was going on.
Dad answered the phone on the first ring, almost as if he expected my call. “Hey, pumpkin. Did you make it back to Brighton without any problems?” His greeting held a familiar warmth.
“The return trip was uneventful,” I murmured. “What happened, dad?”
“I wish I knew. Everything was just fine at Christmas. Then the day you went back to Brighton it all fell apart. She had an appointment scheduled with an attorney. I never saw it coming.” Dad’s voice assumed the exhausted tone I noticed earlier in the day. I could almost imagine his shoulders slumped in defeat.
“It is like she changed into someone I don’t know, dad. I never thought she would tell me to take all my things home. I am so sorry, dad.” My voice broke in a sob. “I am here for you. You can call me any time. And I mean that.”
A soft laugh came through the phone. “I never thought my daughter would be the one coaching me on, but here we are. Things are going to be tight financially, pumpkin. I might not be able to help you like I have before. I am not sure about your mother. She will not communicate with me where you’re concerned.” Dad sighed and paused for a moment. “I hate that I can’t help you like I always have. It was my dream to help you get through college.”
“And you have, dad. Your support means more than any amount of money. I can find a job. I will ask Russ and Jade if they know of any places that are hiring. It is going to be okay. We’ll get through this like we have everything. Together.” How many times had I heard my dad’s pep speech? It was nearly identical to the one I gave him.
“I know we will. I love you, Skye Blue. You’re my pumpkin forever and always. I should let you go. Do not study too hard.”
“I won’t dad. Love you. Bye.”
My heart ached with the depth of sadness filtering through the cell phone. If dad had no idea what was going on with mom, chances were that I would never know. I resolved to find a job as soon as I could. But first, Jade, Russ, and I were going out on the town for a change.
Most Saturday nights saw us eating pizza while studying at the kitchen table. Our plans to go out were made days before I learned of my parents’ divorce. I had no intentions of breaking those plans with my besties. Reality would come roaring at me full tilt first thing Sunday morning. Right now, I just wanted to live a little and forget.
Just after six that evening, I sat with my best friends in the car outside Patriots. The naturally weathered wood siding reminded me of an old barn turned silver by the test of time. Red metal roofing gave the building an old-time feel. A few wooden rocking chairs sat on the covered porch. Rustic and popular, given the steady stream of people finding their way inside.
“We should get going. By the look of things this place will be packed tonight.” Sitting beside Russ gave me an opportunity to elbow him in the ribs. He groaned dramatically, a hand clutching the area. “Drama queen,” I chortled. “Come on, guys. Who harassed me until I got ready earlier? You both did.”
Jade and Russ wasted no time in joining me once I got out of the car. A “Server Wanted--apply inside” sign hanging inside the window by the door drew my attention. Yes! I had to apply before the night was over. This could be the boost I needed after the overall crappiness of today.
A popular song played softly in the background. Golden oak paneling and flooring combined with red and white checkered tablecloths on wooden tables carried the rustic theme throughout the bar. We settled at an empty table not far from the karaoke stage set up at one end of the seating area. A bucket of salted peanuts sat on the table along with an empty one for shells. A server dropped by to get our drink order.
“Diet soda if you have it.” Russ ran his hands across his abdomen. “I’m watching my girlish figure plus I am the designated driver.”
“Designated drivers get free non-alcoholic beverages,” the server grinned. “Good on you.”
Jade and I ordered draft beer. Jade snagged an appetizer menu tucked between a Mason jar candle and a napkin dispenser. “I am having the grand sampler,” she quippe
d. “Fried pickles and stuffed potato skins? Hell yeah, I am in!”
We sat at the table carrying on small talk. A man I estimated to be in his fifties got up on the stage. He had shaggy red hair and a beard. The “Patriots” t-shirt and jeans made me think he was a casual kind of guy. Music began playing over the speakers.
He held a microphone in one hand, a broad grin lighting his face. I could tell he was enjoying putting on a show. “Hello. My name is Harley, and I approved this song!”
The crowd roared at Harley’s opening line. He began dancing and singing a tune once popular before the war. He introduced it as the Milkshake song. I found myself laughing harder than I have in quite some time. Jade, Russ, and everyone in the establishment clapped their hands and roared at Harley’s antics. He received a standing ovation when the song came to an end.
I thought it was time to speak to someone about the job. “I am going to go talk to someone about the server job.” Jade and Russ waved before turning their attention to a drunk guy on stage who started singing a country song.
Harley stood behind the bar serving beers and pouring shots. I made my way over while repeating a pep talk in my head. He greeted me the instant I sat down on a barstool. “Hey there. What can I get you, little lady?”
“I wanted to talk to someone about the help wanted sign in the window.” A timid smile brightened my face. It did not keep my hands from trembling.
“You came to the right person. I am one of the owners and I do all the hiring and firing. Tell me a little about yourself,” Harley asked without missing a beat. He held up one finger. I watched in amazement as he slid two mugs of beer and a shot of liquor down the bar to a trio waiting for the drinks.
“Thanks, Harley!” the trio cried in unison. His response was a thumb’s up.
Harley returned to stand in front of me, hands braced on the bar. “Now, about that introduction.”
“I am Skye Matthews. Umm, Kingston native, only child. I am in my second semester of a graduate degree in accounting at Brighton University. I found out earlier today that my parents are splitting up. And I really need a job to pay the bills. Student loans do not cut it.” I winced after the spiel ended. Why did everything come out in a rush in a voice that sounded so timid? There was no way Harley would hire me after all the personal revelations. “I am sorry. I will just go now. Thanks for your time.”
I turned to walk away and froze when Harley called out, “When can you start?”
A solitary finger pointed at my chest when I faced Harley. I knew the expression on my face told how surprised I was. “You mean me?”
Harley’s big grin made me feel more at ease. He held out a hand. “Yes, you. When can you start?”
I shook his hand firmly. Nervous laughter preceded my words. “When do you want me to start?”
“Meet me here Tuesday around three in the evening. We’re closed Sundays and Mondays. You can fill out the required paperwork. You know, gotta keep the government happy. I will give you a brief training. It is not difficult really. You just smile, take orders, keep your customers happy, and you will do fine. Make a list of questions if you have any and I will answer those.” He handed me a business card after pulling his hand free of my grasp. “My cell is on the card. Do not be afraid to call me if you have questions before then. Just wear jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes. You’ll fit right in, Skye.”
“Wow! Thanks, Harley. You will not regret this!” I practically skipped across the floor to the table. “I got the job!” I squealed. Jade and Russ stood up and hugged me.
The rest of the evening passed in that enjoyable way time does when you spend it with people that care about you. Harley came by to check on us. I introduced him to Jade and Russ. Before I left that night, he made sure to bring a couple of black aprons by the table.
“Your first official aprons.” Harley’s grin reassured me that taking this job was the best decision I could make. He was one of those odd people who felt like family the first time you met them. I knew working for him would ease some of the burden from my shoulders.
Saturday ended on a positive note regardless of its crappy start.
*****
Mom called me on Monday. I grimaced when I saw her name flashing on the screen. “Hi mom.”
“Skye, it is so good to hear your voice.” My mom’s voice held the fake lilt that I noticed snuck in every now and again. Why had she changed?
“It is good to hear from you, mom. What can I do for you?” My fingers drummed on the kitchen table. I had no desire to talk to my mother after the frosty interaction on Saturday. Plus, my books and computer decorated the table. More important things called my name.
“I wanted to break the news to you before you heard it from someone else. I am engaged and will be getting married on the first day of March. His name is John Miller.” The revelation explained it all. Mom was seeing someone else. She, and this John character, were the reason for the divorce.
“Thanks for letting me know.” My words came out in that impersonal tone I found it necessary to use when speaking with strangers. Mom definitely fit the description of a stranger.
“Do not be upset, Skye. I just want to be happy.” The faint tapping of acrylic nails drumming on something filtered through the phone.
I could almost see my mother pouting. Why did I suddenly feel like the only mature adult participating in the conversation? “You were happy once with dad. He claimed you. You agreed to it. What makes this any different?”
“I can tell you’re not pleased. I will let you go, Skye. Perhaps next time we speak you will have a better attitude.”
A huff of indignation preceded my reply. “Help me understand why I am supposed to be happy to learn my parents are getting a divorce then learning two days later that my mom has been seeing someone on the sly. And on top of that, she plans to get married before the ink is dry on the divorce papers. Give me a break, mom!”
“Skye…”
“Just don’t, mom. I do not even know who you are.” The tip of my index finger stabbed the end call button with vehemence. Tears stung the backs of my eyelids. I refused to cry. Dad would need my support more now than he ever had before. We would make it through this together.
Work made time pass by much easier. Time I could have spent worrying over the divorce. Within a couple of days, I knew the job was just as perfect as I hoped it would be when Harley hired me. Everyone who worked at Patriots made me feel like part of the family. Relaxed and friendly described the customers I met each day. It did not hurt that I made decent tips. Squirreling the money away in my checking account was the start of a nest egg that I could fall back on in tough times.
Two weeks after starting work at Patriots, a freak snowstorm hit the Brighton area. Heavy snow began to fall after I made it to work. By the time my shift ended, nearly a foot of snow blanketed everything. News reports recommended people to only travel in the event of an emergency. Harley noticed my worried expression when I glanced outside to see my car covered. All-weather-radial tires wouldn’t give me the grip I needed to make it home in this weather. Five blocks might as well be five miles.
“You can sleep on the sofa in the office,” Harley offered. “I can bring you a blanket from my apartment. I will even turn the nightlight on for you.”
How could I say no? “Thank you, Harley. I think I will take you up on that offer.”
“Just call my cell if you need anything. I am a light sleeper. I will be down in a jiffy,” Harley assured me as he left the bar heading upstairs to his apartment. The click of the key in the front door gave me a sense of security.
I knew to send a text to Russ and Jade letting them know that I was staying put. My roommates would have every law enforcement agent within miles searching for me If I failed to arrive as expected.
Staying at the bar. Roads are a nightmare. I will be home when the roads clear.
Jade and Russ replied thanking me for letting them know. The faint odor of pipe tobacco combined with t
he scent of leather provided a homey vibe that reminded me of my paternal grandfather. Everything from the pillow cradling my head to the blanket adding an extra layer of warmth comforted me in much the same way as my dad’s hugs. It did not take long before I fell asleep. And for once, dreams about the past few weeks did not disturb my sleep.
About the Author
A.R. Ford is a proud life-long resident of the Appalachian Mountains where she lives with her husband and daughter. Two adorable fur babies round out their family.
Ms. Ford is an avid reader, book reviewer, and author with a flair for dark, twisted stories that do not always end in a happy ever after. She publishes clean romance, horror, and suspense short stories on her blog which are freely available for anyone to read and enjoy.
Visit A.R’s website at https://www.authorarford.com for the latest on upcoming books and events.
If you want to see what A.R. listens to when penning the latest dark, twisted story, visit her playlists on YouTube.
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Books by A. R. Ford
The Hunter (Prequel to the Hidden Gems series)
An Assassin’s Love (omegaverse, expected summer 2020)
Zayn: Alien Kings 1 (expected May 2020)
The Warner Series
Forever My Knight (Warner #1)
Concrete Justice (Warner #2)
Darkness Overcomes (Warner #3)
The Warner Series Trilogy (Warner #1-#3)
