THE BLUE STALKER

by BROWN, JEAN AVERY

  “He was so tiny when you left Mexico. I worried about him. He was so frail. Thank you Ella for rescuing my children.” Juanita said bouncing Jose on her lap.

  Ella was anxious to hear all the details of the trip and to know more about Juanita. They sat around the table and talked for hours watching the snow drift to the ground

  “Maria, why don’t you show your mother to her room.” Ella suggested. “I’ll clean up this mess. Be sure to show her ’her bathroom’ and where to find all the toiletries, towels and washcloths.” Ella told Maria.

  Maria took her mama to her new room. “This is beautiful, so beautiful. I don’t need anything this nice. I can sleep anywhere.” Juanita said her eyes dancing all around the room, her small hands, calloused from hard labor touching the rose pattern comforter.

  “Mama, we have been getting this room ready for guests. Ella didn’t tell us we were getting it ready for you.” Maria said.

  “Juan,” Maria called downstairs. “Can you carry the boxes upstairs?”

  “I’ll bring them right up.” Juan said.

  Ella made her way to her bedroom. It had been a long Christmas Eve. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day.

  Juan watched for Ella’s light to go off before he brought down the portrait of her Maria had painted with oils.

  Thankfully there was already a nail in the perfect spot in the rock fireplace for Juan to hang the portrait. The nail was probably used to hang Amy Brandon’s portrait when she lived here. There was a light casting down on the portrait. The look from her eyes was that of a woman with compassion and generosity.

  Christmas morning Juan, Maria and Juanita were up early. Juanita was bouncing Jose on her knee when Ella walked from her room. She didn’t look up to see the portrait as she made her way to the table to join everyone. She fixed herself a cup of coffee sat at the table swirling her milk in her coffee in a figure eight motion.

  Maria, Juan and Juanita were anxious for Ella to look up. Juan in conspicuously turned on the portrait light.

  Ella looked up from her coffee her eyes caught a glimpse of the portrait. She immediately turned her head back to the portrait.

  “Oh my word.” She jumped up from the table and ran to the living room.

  “Maria did you paint me? Of course you did. How silly of me to ask.” She said with tears of joy streaming down her face.

  She ran to Maria hugging her. “It’s beautiful, Maria you are so talented.” She said running to Juan hugging him too. Thank you both so much. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received.” Ella said as she dropped her head in her hands and began to sob. Memories of the days she didn’t feel pretty filled her mind. This day she felt beautiful.

  Ella wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

  “I have something for you.” She ran to the bedroom and came out with three beautiful silver foil wrapped small boxes and a red rocking horse with a big bow. “I saw it in the toy shop window and couldn’t resist it. I know it will be a while before Jose can enjoy the pony but he will be big enough soon.”

  “Ms. Ella, when he gets bigger he will love it. Thank you.” Juan and Maria said as they rocked the horse.

  Ella handed each a small box. “Go ahead open them.

  Each tried to open the package saving the paper. “Oh just rip the paper it’s too small to save anyway.” Ella laughed.

  They each opened their little boxes.

  “Ms. Ella, this is beautiful.” Maria said as she held up her cross on a chain. Maria was again overwhelmed with the love Ella showed her.

  Juanita said, “It’s so beautiful you didn’t have to give me a gift. I don’t have one for you.”

  “You are a gift to all of us.” Ella told her.

  Juan was having Maria latch his cross letting it drop on his chest. “I will wear this everyday and know my guardian angel is with me always. Juan said.

  “Anything I do or give is out of love for my friends.” Ella said.

  The home was filled with Christmas cheer. Even little Jose was smiling and standing on the side of his rocking horse letting it rock.

  THIRTY

  The morning after Christmas is always hard to face. Christmas seems so far away. Ella thought about the year behind her. Things happened in her life she could never imagine in a million years. She wondered what the following year might bring. Happiness, heartache or would she go back to a life of boredom before moving to Coopersville.

  Ella’s life was empty. She needed something to fill the void she felt deep inside. Ella had tried the corporate world, married and she failed at both. She and Frank could have stayed together but her heart kept telling her something was missing in her life. Frank understood and released her from the marriage.

  As in years past Ella would keep her mind busy. She had lots of plans for the new year. She was in hopes the flower shop would blossom into a lucrative business. Not because she needed the funds but because she wanted to complete something in her life. She wanted to make her parents proud of her from the grave.

  Ella loved to give parties. At the upcoming New Year’s Eve party she will know very few of the guests mingling around her house. This will give her a chance to meet the towns people. They will remember her even if she doesn’t recall meeting them. The towns people will also meet Juan and Maria. Ella is hoping people will see the beautiful mural and the portrait Maria painted and call her to do some artistic work for them. She also hopes they remember Juan when they need a handyman. She knew she couldn’t always keep Juan busy with work. Her home was to be a stepping stone for both Juan and Maria. A step to their new life in this country.

  Ella scurried out her bedroom to the smell of ham frying. Juanita was preparing breakfast..

  She took the hot pan of biscuits from the oven and immediately dropped it on the stove. Shaking her hand she ran to the sink and turned on the cold water to cool the burn.

  “Juanita, are you okay?” Ella ran to her assistance.

  “Let me see.” Ella took a look at Juanita’s hand. The burn wasn’t bad.

  “I’m glad you didn’t get a bad burn. It happens so fast. You made homemade biscuits. How wonderful to have homemade biscuits. It reminds of my mother cooking.”

  Maria came in the kitchen holding Jose on her hip. Jose was rubbing his eyes and squirming.

  “Jose just woke up.” Maria said lifting the tray from Jose’s high chair plopping him in the chair she attached the tray.

  “Where’s Juan?” Ella asked.

  “He headed out for work early this morning. He has lots of handyman jobs in town.”

  “Ms. Ella do you think Juan will do good as a handyman?”

  “I believe Juan will make a very good handyman and with his personality he will go far. Always have faith in him. He will always do the right thing when it comes to you and Jose. He will always do what he feels is right whatever he encounters.” Ella told Maria as she sipped the last drip of coffee from her cup.

  “Maria, I’ve been planning on telling you. You can use the station wagon. You, Juanita and Jose need transportation. With Juan’s work he will be too busy to take you shopping and the other errands you will be running.”

  “Ms. Ella you are so generous. I love the station wagon. It’s a mommy car. Thank you so much. We will take good care of it.” Maria ran around the table to give Ella a big ‘thank you’ hug.

  “A mommy car, what do you mean a mommy car?” Ella asked.

  “Mom’s with kids drive station wagons. You didn’t know that?” Maria asked?

  Ella thought to herself. Did I buy that wagon trying to play the mommy part. Oh, that’s weird.

  Just as Ella was about to head for the shop the phone rang. Maria answered the phone. “Hello, just a moment please. Ms. Ella, it’s for you.”

  “Hello, this is Ella.” She said.

  “This is Carlos I promised I would call. I’m calling to let you know we are fine. We have a job and making good money. Luis is with me and said to tell you, Hi.”

  “It’s go
od to hear your voice. Please be safe.” Ella said.

  “I’m happy for you. You both have a Happy New Year.” Ella said hanging up the phone.

  Ella headed out for the shop. The snow was melting leaving the road nasty. Her pretty sports car would need to be washed after the snow cleared away.

  Her first stop was at the local printer’s. Ella ordered one hundred business cards. The cards will have Maria’s name and phone number. Ella was giving the new Year’s party to introduce everyone to Maria artistic talent. She knew the town people would be asking for her phone number after seeing the mural and portrait.

  Ella made it to the flower shop. The crew was rushing around.

  “What’s the rush people?” Ella asked.

  “We have a funeral to get ready for tomorrow. We don’t have a lot of flowers but Alicia seems to know how to make them stretch.” Susan twisted a wire around a bow.

  Ella looked at the name and didn’t recognize the name.

  “Did they mention why they chose us to do the flowers?”

  “Yep, they saw the beautiful arrangements we made for Amy Brandon and wanted to use us. People seeing our work is how we will build your business.” Alicia pulled an easel from the rack. Stood it up and attaching an oasis spray holder to it’s hook.

  Ella called the local newspaper and placed a half page ad. Inviting the towns people to the New Year’s Eve party. It will run the 30th of December giving people without a party to attend some where to celebrate with friends.

  Ella called Frank to invite him to the party but he and Linda had plans with friends for New Year’s Eve.

  “Thanks for inviting me. I just can’t make it. You take care of yourself.”

  Ella’s next call was to Mark Brandon.

  Mark answered in a hurried voice. “Hello.”

  “Hello Mark, this is Ella. I need your help.”

  “Well, of course how can I help you?”

  “I’m giving a New Year’s Eve party and I need a small band. Something like a guitar, piano and maybe a violin. I just want soothing music playing in the back ground during

  the party.”

  “You are quite the woman. I know a small group that probably isn’t booked.”

  “Can you give me their number?”

  “How about I give them a call. They won’t charge too much and if I call they will come on short notice.”

  “Okay, tell them to be at my house at seven thirty to set up. Thanks so much this takes a lot off my mind.”

  New Year’s Eve arrived with the sun shining through Ella’s gapping drapes. She jumped from her bed and headed for the bathroom. Tossing her gown in the hamper she turned on the shower. A good hot shower would loosen up her tight muscles and she would be ready for the day.

  Juanita and Maria had breakfast cooking on the stove when Ella walked in the kitchen.

  “Where’s Juan? Don’t tell me he’s working on New year’s Eve?”

  “Yes he is. Juan’s a hard worker. He tries to make everyone happy. He took care of the yard after work yesterday. Everything outside looks good.”

  “Ladies we have a lot to do today. The house must be clean from top to bottom. The caterer will be here about six o’clock this evening. At that time the kitchen will be off limits. The caterer will take over. The band will be here about seven o’clock. I want to move the chair and end table in the living room from the corner giving the band room to set up.” Ella told the ladies.

  “What’s the name of the band?” Maria asked.

  “I don’t know, Mark Brandon said he had someone that could play for us.” Ella answered wondering who it might be.

  The caterer was on time. Carrying in box after box of food. Maria and Juanita gave them the kitchen and finished up with their chores.

  Ella set the box of party hats and whistles on the first step of the stairs. She tied a ribbon across the stairs from one rail to the other. Ella didn’t want the guests going upstairs where Jose would be sleeping.

  Ella told Maria there were some cards with her name and phone number in the drawer at the phone table. Just in case someone needs your number.

  The day went as planned. The caterer had everything in order by seven thirty. The band, a couple guys dropped in, carried in a keyboard and speakers. Left a weird looking

  violin and guitar. Then headed off saying they would be back around eight o’clock.

  Cars started up the drive about eight but the band wasn’t back.

  “They will surely show since they left their equipment.” Ella said to Maria.

  Ella greeted her guests at the door. Presented each with a party hat and a blow out whistle. Directed them to the open bar and the food. The line of people continued to fill the house.

  “My, my, the towns people really came out for the party.

  Ella heard comments from many about the portrait and everyone noticed the mural and wanted to know who painted it. That’s when Maria handed them a card.

  Around nine the band showed up. It consisted of a tall skinny guy with a weird brim turned up cowboy hat on the back of his head, tight jeans anticipating a flood. He picked up the violin and gave it a snap. The other guy short and bald wearing a red plaid shirt, cowboy boots with extra high heels, his jeans stacked at the top of his boots. He stood behind the keyboard and it started screeching.

  “Where’s the guitar player?” Ella asked.

  Oh my God what have I got myself into?

  In walked Mark Brandon, “Howdy folks.” he hollered, “let’s get this party to shakin.”

  He made his way past Ella. Winking at her he said. “You’re in for a good time, Sweetie.”

  Mark threw the guitar strap over his shoulder and music began. People were clapping to the beat of the music. Soon dancers were in every corner. Ron and Susan were kicking their heels up. As was Juan and Maria. Alicia showed up with her son and his wife. Ella was dancing and having the time of her life. Mark Brandon sang his heart out and kept his throat wet with Jack Daniel’s. The pace slowed on an oldie by Elvis, ‘Love Me Tender‘.

  Boy, that smooth voice of Marks can get a girls emotions in a tizzy, Ella said to herself.

  Mark told the group they were taking a break and made his way over to Ella.

  “You fooled me. I didn’t know you had a band and you sing and dang good at it.” Ella punched him on the shoulder.

  “I sing for food, got any?” He asked as he looked over the array of food the caterer’s were serving.

  “Help yourself, Mr. Brandon.” Ella handed him a clean plate.

  “You knew the people would enjoy your music didn’t you?” Ella smiled and pulled a chair back for Mark to set down at a table. She pulled herself a chair up and joined him.

  “They sure as hell wouldn’t enjoy some smooth classy music you were planning.” Mark said with his mouth full.

  The band struck up again and the dancing was going full swing. Everyone quenched their thirst and filled their tummies. Last alcohol drinks was called and the bartender closed the bar at ten o’clock. Ella didn’t want anyone leaving her home intoxicated and was sure everyone would stay around until they rang in the new year.

  Sheriff Brady knew about the party and a couple of his deputies parked across the drive if anyone wanted to leave before midnight the deputies would check their sobriety before they let them on the highway. If they couldn’t pass the test they would be directed back to the party to sober up. Ella thought this was good of the sheriff. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.

  The band started to play, ‘Save the Last Dance for Me’. Ella looked around and couples were dancing, some ladies with their head on their honey’s shoulder other’s with the guys hands around their ladies waist and her arms around his neck. All were feeling romantic. All in anticipation of a new year.

  Mark pulled his guitar strap over his head and lay the guitar to the side walking over to Ella.

  “May I have this last dance?” Mark asked with his hand out.

  “Well, of cours
e, I would be honored to dance with you.” Mark’s arm went around her waist. Ella felt good in Marks arms. Was it because she had special feelings for him or a feeling ‘in the moment’ she wondered.

  The song was over and everyone was watching the big grandfather clock in the living room. The count down began, 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.….HAPPY NEW YEAR! Rang out. Clapping and kissing was in order. Horns and whistles were going off. You could hear the firecracker in the distance.

  Mark and Band started to play ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the guests sang along swaying to the music.

  Slowly the guests dwindled away. Each thanking Ella for a nice evening. Extending a welcome to their town.

  The band loaded up their instruments and headed out. But not before Ella could extend her thank you.

  “You’re welcome ma’am. We play for all the parties around here.” The tall skinny guy said as he picked the strings on his fiddle. The short guy chimed in. “Yeah we let old Mark join us. It makes him feel important.” He laughed.

  The caterer’s started cleaning up. Mark and Juan helped carry the equipment and food to their vehicle.

  “This was a great party Ella.” Mark spoke up.

  “Mark you made it a great party. Thanks so much.” Ella told him.

  The new year started off with a bang. The shop was busy with the usual arrangements, birthday’s, anniversaries, get well and a few funerals. The crew kept busy giving time for Ella to make some visits to the town people.

  Ella visited from store to store meeting shop owners in the town. Most were very friendly. A few were a little stand offish. That didn’t bother Ella she extended a hand of friendship and went on her way.

  “I really need to make a trip to Pottsville to see Margo’s shop.” She told Alicia.

  Alicia made a nice gift basket and Ella left in her Corvette to visit her competition. Ella didn’t want it to be her competition but from the talk around town she knew Margo was a little upset with the business Ella had taken. It’s always difficult for a small business to compete with another.

  Ella noticed the blue sedan in her rear view mirror. Dang, why is this jerk following me? Ella thought about the country road and how he could push her off the road with his big sedan. Pull her defenseless body from the car, have his way with her. His problem was going to be catching her. Ella soon out ran him. In Ella’s view mirror she watched the stalker make a U-turn heading back to Coopersville.