Red Ochre Falls

by Kristen Gibson

  We stopped in the hall and waited politely while they finished their call.

  “Mom, didn’t we do this last night?” I cringed at the thought of another introduction. It felt like I was being led to the principal’s office at a brand new school. The new kid everyone would stare and maybe even laugh at.

  My mom rolled her eyes, “Honey, it’ll be fine. I told them I’d bring you down and introduce you before they left for the weekend. Sweetie, don’t you want to meet the rest of the owners?”

  Hardly, I thought. I really didn’t want to be here at all. I couldn’t act happy even though this job was the reason there’s a roof over our heads. I still had a hard time with the fact that we lived above a funeral home. I was in hell. Or somewhere very close. Maybe I’d call it the ‘gateway’ until I found something better to call it.

  “You’re real funny, Bert. I’m looking at the calendar and you’re name is written in bold across the entire weekend. You know, if you can’t do it this weekend, then you’re going to be on the hook for the next holiday. That’s the deal. I’ll give you your choice since your kid’s in town.”

  It sounded curious. I thought my mom and I would be working this weekend. The office was supposed to be closed for the holiday.

  “Fine,” the voice said curtly, “then write this down. You’re working Labor Day weekend. I will be out of town and you’ll be working, got it?” He laughed off something the man said and hung up the phone. I think he mumbled something else, but I couldn’t quite hear it.

  My mom took my hand and edged me forward. She dropped it when she saw the look on my face. Her look pleaded with me to behave. I stiffened up and faked a smile hoping this would be over soon.

  “Hi, guys,” she said as we stepped into the office. There wasn’t a lot of room between the desks, but we squeezed in the best we could. “I wanted to officially introduce you to my daughter, Mattie,” mom signaled for me to come into the middle of the room. It was a bit like being paraded on stage, but I was thankful to see pleasant faces. My eye caught Garret and I had to try and stop staring as mom got back to the intros.

  Everyone stood up to greet us. “Hey, Nora,” a salt and pepper haired man spoke. He looked from mom to me, “Hello, Mattie,” he said and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Hank.” His smile was warm and he looked genuinely glad to see us. I could see where Garrett got his good looks. “Your grandma was a great lady, sorry for your loss.”

  Emotion welled up inside me as I fought back tears. Not long ago, we lost grandma. She was the kind of woman just about everybody knew and liked. Whenever I went out with her—didn’t matter when or where—it was like watching six degrees of separation. She’d see someone who looked familiar, and with her soft curls styled into waves, make a beeline to talk to them. Sure enough, they’d turn out to be an old school friend, or the brother or sister of someone she knew years ago. If it weren’t for grandma knowing Hank’s wife, Sharon, we wouldn’t be here now.

  Sharon lamented that the Mackenzie family needed more hands to help with their growing business. Grandma knew just the person, and introduced mom. My grandma knew enough about them to know they’d treat mom right. It helped that the lovely old Victorian they operated out of had a couple vacant rooms. Mom needed a less stressful, work-from-home option so she could recover from her heart attack. Each family had something to gain. Grandma helped make the pitch, and it worked.

  “I hear you’re real smart and that you enjoy history,” Hank’s voice brought me back to the room. “We’ve got some really old books and blueprints of the house if you’re interested in the history of this place. Old-timers, like me, can even tell you stories about the rivalry between us and the guys across the street.”

  “Rivalry? Sounds interesting.” I was genuinely curious. “Thank you. I’ll have to take you up on it once we finish moving in.”

  “And after you register for classes,” mom nudged me.

  Mom had checked things out before she made the decision to move us here. It helped there was a college nearby. Even though we had to watch our dollars, she encouraged me to get back in school right away, at least part-time.

  “It’s nice to have you ladies here with us. Is everything ok upstairs?”

  “Yes, Hank. Everything is just about up and running. We have to finish unloading and unpacking, but all is well. Thanks.”

  “Glad to help. You should be fine. Just watch out for Stanley. My dad’s a pretty good guy, but he’s older and crankier than the rest of us. He likes to be involved and run things the old-fashioned way. I’m laid back, which is why we argue sometimes. I don’t think you’ll have any trouble, but we’ll let you know if he’s ever in one of his moods so you can steer clear.” Hank laughed. Garrett shook his head and smiled.

  Just then two more people entered the office. I noticed a large, chestnut-skinned woman with long brown hair streaked blonde. She’d curled it to frame her face and it looked attractive with her brown eyes and coral lipstick. A shorter guy about Garrett’s age walked in behind her. He came up to me and tried to kiss my hand. I tensed and he dropped it for a less awkward introductory handshake. “I’m Ryder. Nice to meet you. I hear you almost ralphed when you saw Jimbo.”

  “Jimbo?”

  The woman spoke with a deep Caribbean accent. “Ryder Mackenzie, where are your manners? Ya oughtta be ashamed talking to a girl like that!” I didn’t know her name, but I liked her already.

  “He’s Garrett’s younger brother, and sometimes forgets his manners. I’m Mildred. You can call me Millie.” She shook my hand enthusiastically. “Or, you can call me Millie Dread, like those rascals in charge call me.” She eyed Garrett. “What’s da other one you guys use?”

  It looked like he gulped before he responded. Maybe he wasn’t sure if he should repeat it to her face.

  “Dread of the Dead,” he said quietly. Her response looked like it could go either way—rage or humor. Then she broke out laughing and hugged him. Everything on her body jiggled.

  “You know we love you Millie, no matter what we call you. It’s just more fun to call you Dread of the Dead sometimes. This business makes people crazy, it’s our way of dealing with it,” he told her.

  She laughed a hearty laugh. Her whole frame shook with the effort. “You know I like you best Garrett, just don’t tell the others.” She pretended to whisper and winked at him.

  “Not as much as me, though,” Hank laughed. Ryder looked hurt for a moment then his green eyes were back on me like he wanted something.

  “You boys are all my favorites,” Millie said. “Now let me get on poor Mrs. Wood, before she crumples up and I can’t fix her face no more.”

  “I worked on Mrs. Wood, you shouldn’t have any face crumpling issues,” Garrett said. The idea of face crumpling sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure I could handle the truth yet.

  After the introductions, I went back to help Zack and Tony. Garrett tagged along, not saying much. Maybe he was worried I’d run off again.

  My phone buzzed as I carried a chair upstairs, so I hustled the rest of the way up and sat the chair inside the kitchen to grab the call.

  “Mattie,” Chloe sounded anxious, but glad to hear my voice.

  “Hi, Chloe,” I said not knowing yet why she wanted to talk to me. “I got your text, but things have been so crazy. Sorry I haven’t responded.”

  “It’s okay. I’m just really glad we’re talking now.” She sounded relieved, and went on to explain she was working on a big case and needed help.

  Good for you, how can I possibly help? I thought sarcastically. What came out of my mouth sounded something more like, “Cool.” I heard her take a heavy breath. Okay, so maybe she sensed my tone.

  Chloe apologized for the way we left things. She stressed her need for help, said it was important enough the legal case was being heard at the State Supreme Court. Chloe said my expertise could help them win, and set an important precedent. She sounded like she needed a friend. I felt the same way. Only she
was smart enough to reach out, I just kept things bottled up. I softened and agreed to meet her when she hit town in a couple days. She thanked me a third time and hung up.

  I sat in the chair and wondered how I’d manage to unpack, register for classes, find a job, and help solve Chloe’s problem. I had my work cut out for me, so I stood back up and kept going.

  We unloaded a ton more furniture than we had space for, and worked to make everything fit. When we’d just about finished moving stuff into the apartment Garrett found my bat. An old Louisville Slugger. Black painted wood with frayed tape from years of practice and pickup games. He looked it over and ran his hand over the silver logo etched in it, part of it had smeared from repeated hits.

  “Looks like you got some use out of this.”

  “It’s been around a while.”

  “Have you swung at anything lately?”

  “Just her ex,” Zack laughed. He and Tony carried our mattress upstairs while Garrett and I stayed to talk.

  “Really?”

  “Yup. He deserved it.”

  “That’s harsh.”

  “I was angry, but I didn’t hit him. He just happened to be standing a little too close to the fence I did hit.”

  “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

  “Don’t get on my bad side.” I winked at him.

  “Ha ha. Maybe you just need a release.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “It might do you some good to swing at something you’re allowed to hit.”

  “I’m listening. What do you have in mind?”

  “Batting cages. Interested?”

  “Very.”

  “Good, let’s unload the rest of this stuff and take a drive. I know a place.”

  “I can’t tonight. I promised to make Zack and Tony a thank you dinner for helping us. Can I take a rain-check?” I wasn’t sure if it was a one-time offer, but I asked anyway.

  “Sure.” He sounded disappointed. I couldn’t see his reaction because bent over and lifted a box of books. He walked them over to the steps and turned back. “Only if I get a thank you dinner in return.” He smiled and walked away before I could answer.

  As we finished, I put a rope knot doorstop behind the door and turned to look back at our new place. The heavy ball was a relic grandma gave me. She willed it along with a bunch of other old stuff to me, and I haven’t been able to go anywhere without it. It’s just so easy to leave by the door and forget about it. But, it gave me a sense of security. As though some part of gram was still around watching over us.

  Mom came in from the other room and hugged me. It felt good to be finished, but it was going to take some time before anything felt like home again. I hugged her back and told her to settle in, I’d run to the store for groceries.

  When I left, Zack and Tony were moving the couch, again. Mom wasn’t sure if it should face the fireplace, or the TV. At least I had an excuse to take a drive.

  “Oh, Garrett.” I noticed him looking over some paperwork. “Thanks for your help. We couldn’t have done this without you.”

  “Anytime. Glad you’re here now.” He looked at me for a long moment then headed back to the office.

  Thankfully, the store was close. If the car crapped out, I could walk. By the sound of the engine when it started, that day was coming sooner, rather than later.

  I shopped, and brought back all the fixin’s for my famous spaghetti dinner. Dinner conversation was lively. We laughed as Zack and Tony recapped the most interesting parts of the move, like finessing the mattress around tight corners, and moving the world’s heaviest couch a million times. I looked at the kitchen/dining area. The cabinets, windows, and sink were new to us; but mom’s antique china buffet had been around for years. The smell of garlic lingered as we sat at the small table laughing together—it felt more comfortable now, like home.

  CHAPTER 5

  The next morning, mom and I ate and cleaned the kitchen. My phone screen showed a bright, happy-looking sun and a summer forecast of hot and muggy. I showered, and then put on a turquoise tee, white shorts, and sandals.

  The dryer came on, and I used the roller brush to style my hair. This time of year, after a good dose of sun, the platinum and auburn highlights showed in my sandy brown hair. Come winter it would darken again. The idea of winter at a funeral home sounded so dreary. Bursts of bright sun shined through the upper half of the bathroom window. Gauzy sheers dotted with pink and green flowers covered the bottom half. They reminded me of my butterfly sheers back home, and it was enough to forget about colder seasons. Today was warm, a perfect day to run errands and get the lay of the land.

  I clicked off the dryer and sat it beside the brush on the marbled laminate counter, which actually looked nice next to the dated pink sink and backsplash. My hair looked ready, so I added some waterproof mascara and a little sunscreen. I was good to go. Mom planned to spend the day unpacking, learning how to operate the phones, and promised she’d even rest a little. The Registrar’s office opened early enough I could make it there, then the campus bookstore, and be back by lunch. I kissed mom goodbye and locked the door on my way out.

  I flew down the stairs, but heard someone as I hit the first floor.

  “Hey there,” a balding man in a brown suit told me. “Slow down, we’re running a respectable business here.”

  This must be Grandpa Stanley. His eyes were dark and harsh, but his comb-over distracted me enough to give him a half-smile. He leaned over and scowled. I wondered if I had done something wrong.

  “C’mon Grandpa Stan,” Ryder said as he walked past us with some flowers. “She’s new here.” He gave me a smile and nudged his grandpa. I returned the smile as he passed by, but got uncomfortable again when his grandpa just stood there. Next came Garrett with a larger arrangement of yellow roses. He caught my eye as soon as he came to a stop in the hallway.

  “Grandpa.” Garrett stopped near us. “Don’t you remember? This is Evelyn’s granddaughter, Mattie.” He got Stanley’s attention long enough for me to think about how to apologize for going too fast down the stairs. Was that it? “You know, Matilda.”

  How did Garrett know my given name? I haven’t gone by Matilda since birth. Mom told me she and dad realized it was a big name when the nurses tried to use it. She used the nickname Mattie. I guess it fit, because the nickname stuck. How did he know my name? I struggled for a minute. Just stared at the pretty flowers Garrett had set down. My eyes lifted to his. He smiled at me and my anxiety eased. My grandma must have used my proper name when she told them about me.

  “Oh, right. Nice to meet you,” Stanley finally moved. He placed a hand on my shoulder and extended the other to shake. “Just remember, don’t run and don’t make too much noise.” I think he smiled, but it was hard to tell. I smiled as best as I could and for some reason felt the urge to bow my head, although I didn’t. Weird. I waited for Stanley to leave before I flinched.

  “Thank you,” I told Garrett.

  “I think you just got your first speeding ticket.” We laughed and I watched as his baby blue shirt practically split when he lifted the flowers back up. Sure, Ryder was kind of cute, but he wasn’t the one I had flutters over. It was Garrett. There was something about him—the way he looked and carried himself, how easily he joked with me, and those deep blue eyes of awesomeness—everything attracted me. I sighed as he turned to leave. He probably had the same effect on lots of women, and our situation didn’t make it easy to find out if he felt the same about me.

  Even though the car screeched at start-up, it ran. I turned red when Stanley peeked out the window at me. My exit went as quickly and quietly as possible.

  The car cooperated long enough to get me to campus. Sure, I wanted to finish college, but didn’t look forward to the late nights and homework, or the questions I might get asked about moving. I tried to think of our situation as a reason to hit refresh and make friends, but knew it wouldn’t be easy. Mostly because I live with my mom above a funeral home, a fact I had
n’t even shared with my best friend. Not yet, anyway.

  Jocelyn could be supportive, if I gave her a chance. Since we were back in the same town together, it was time to have a talk.

  I breezed through registration—there was one spot left in the English class I wanted to take, so I snagged it, along with a spot in a Chemistry class I needed for a Gen. Ed. requirement—then headed to get my books.

  A couple hundred dollars later, I piled the books on the passenger seat and headed home. The car sounded angry before it started, so I patted the dashboard to help it along. Between the cost of living, classes, books, and the car repairs we most likely needed done yesterday, my bank account wasn’t going to hold out for long. Getting a day job just became my top priority. Before we moved, the job search had been limited to online sources, and phone interviews. The net result was zip. It was time to meet Jocelyn, and see if she had any contacts that might help me get an interview. I’d text her to meet up tonight just as soon as I parked Old Bessie.

  The Mackenzie lot was empty, but Davis & Sons had a packed lot. I parked at the side by the stately Mackenzie house without incident. Just as I got in the side door to the funeral home, I heard laughing. Hopefully, it was from humans. Being so new to this place—not knowing much about funerals, or dead people—I felt like anything was possible.

  Thankfully, a large dark-haired guy pushed his way through the viewing room door. His moustache served as proof of life—hairy-faced ghosts don’t exist, right? He was a few inches taller than me and stout. He’d rolled his sleeves up enough for me to see “THUG” tattooed on his arm. Not a ghost, but I should still be careful here.

  “Hi.”

  Before I answered him, another guy pushed his way into the room and nearly ran the big guy over. “What the—?” The second guy was shorter and paler than the first man. The shorter guy stopped and looked me over. Something must have pleased him because he started grinning. “Who’s this?” he asked the big guy.