June led me over to one of the seats in the front row, facing Celeste. She had no other family but us, so we stood and received her friends, many of whom I recognized as regular customers. The room was full and a few men were standing at the back of the small parlor room. As the preacher began his message, I blanked out. I just remembered how she’d saved me, how she’d caught me eating out of her garbage and instead of throwing me out like trash, she’d taken me in. She’d treasured me. And I’d found so much love in her that my heart felt like it was torn in two.
As Jaxon drove to the cemetery, I couldn’t help but cry. I wouldn’t hear her bracelets jangle again. She wouldn’t crack any more dirty jokes or read my palm on the fly. She wouldn’t wink at me and wag her eyes at Jaxon’s butt anymore. God, I would miss her.
When her casket was lowered into the ground, the preacher threw a fist full of dirt onto it. “Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.”
I could almost hear her chastising me for crying. She’d say, “Get your ass up and live. You didn’t survive this shit to mope around about me.”
Maybe one day I would be able to do just that. But not today. It wouldn’t be today. I missed her too much. My heart hurt too damn much to do anything.
June stepped through the front door. “How is she?”
“Not good.”
She nodded.
“Let me talk to her.” June stepped into the bedroom where Mercy had holed herself up for the past two days.
I could hear Mercy crying and her and June talking. Awhile later, water rushed through the pipes. June came out. “She’s in the shower.”
I blew out a breath of relief.
“She’ll be okay, Jax. Just give her some time.” She looked at me and started to say something but stopped.
“What?”
“Has Mercy ever told you how she met Celeste?”
“She fainted in her driveway.”
June leaned against the counter across from me. “That’s not the entire story. You should ask her about it.”
I nodded.
“I’ve gotta take off. My shift starts in half an hour.”
“Thanks for coming over and for everything.”
June hugged me, gave me a half smile and then left.
I was waiting on the bed when Mercy came out of the shower. “Hey,” she said and sat down beside me. “Sorry I’ve been so out of it.” She was wrapped in a fluffy green towel.
“Don’t apologize. I understand.”
She nodded.
“Do I understand?”
“What do you mean?”
“June mentioned that you met Celeste before you passed out in her driveway. Did you know her before?”
She swallowed and looked at me from the corner of her eye. “Not long before.”
“How long?”
“A few minutes maybe. You know that I hitchhiked here, right?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“I was broke. No one would hire me so that I could make more money. I was stumbling along looking for a place to spend the night out of the cold weather, somewhere that wouldn’t cost me money. I’d slept under one of the piers when I first got to town. That froze me so bad, I got a twenty-two dollar room just to get warm.”
I cringed. “Yeah. It was disgusting, but the water in the shower was warm and so was the bed. Anyway, I saw this row of townhouses. Everything was dark and I thought no one was home. The trash was out at Celeste’s, so I took a peek to see if there was anything to eat.”
She wouldn’t look at me. “Don’t be ashamed for surviving, Mercy.” I nudged her chin up to look at her face. She swallowed and wrung her hands in her lap.
“I found a half-eaten banana and was chewing it up when Celeste flicked the carport light on and caught me. I was apologizing and leaving when I passed out. She asked you for help and Brody came and checked me out.”
“He knew you were hungry?”
She nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want anyone to know that I was dumpster diving. Rock bottom isn’t something people usually flaunt.”
She half-smiled.
“So, Celeste took me in, gave me a job and helped me get back on my feet. Hell, a while back, she even signed over her bank accounts and shop to me.”
She clapped a hand over her mouth. “I forgot all about that. Oh my God. She left me everything.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Do you know she even saw I’d get sick? She saw the cancer in me before I even knew Cha-Cha was there. She saw it in my palm.”
I rubbed her back and let her cry until she couldn’t cry anymore.
Dear Daddy,
I miss you so much and want to squeeze your neck! I’m doing great now. It’s spring and I think with the warm weather, my mood has gotten better. I’m not a mess anymore. I miss Celeste like crazy, but I know she’s looking out for me. The other day at the shop, a little old lady came in with bangles up and down her arms. It reminded me of her and for the first time since she died, I smiled at her memory.
No tears came, just a sort of warmth. She was that for me; a warm light in a cold world. She gave me something I needed--not just food and shelter--she gave me hope. Without her, Jaxon and June, I don’t know if I could have survived the cancer. Cha-Cha was quite the bitch.
Summer’s coming soon. I’m working hard to get everything ready for the tourists who will flock to the shop. Half of the shop is still dedicated to all things Celeste. But the other half is me. It’s filled with my crocheted creations. I bought racks and displays. Things are definitely looking up. I hope you’re okay. I’m so glad you’re happier there. Hopefully, Jaxon and I will be able to visit soon. I miss you like crazy.
Jaxon and I are staying married. I thought once my treatment was over, he’d want out of this little arrangement. I love him so much, Daddy. I can’t even put it into words. My heart is just too full when he’s around. Hell, it’s full when he’s not around. Like right now. He’s in West Virginia helping his brother out with something. I can’t wait till he gets back later this week.
I’ll call you soon!
Love,
Mercy
Two days later, Jaxon pulled into the driveway. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, sunny and seventy-five degrees. I ran outside to meet him and threw my arms around his neck. I didn’t even notice the woman get out of the passenger side of his car. I opened my eyes and tensed up. “Mama?”
She looked uneasy.
“Hi, Mercy.”
“What are you doing here?” Jaxon rubbed circles on the small of my back.
He spoke up. “She’s been doing better. She’s been in a treatment facility since your last visit and wanted to see you.”
“You got help?” I moved away from Jax.
“Yes. I struggle. Every day, but I’m trying really hard.” Mama squared her shoulders.
I ran to her. “Oh, God, Mama. I’m so glad. What pulled you out of it?”
“Two things.” She stroked my hair, hugging me. “You telling me you had cancer and I hadn’t even known about it.”
“That’s one. What’s the other?”
She flicked her eyes toward Jaxon.
“You helped her?”
I pulled away from mama and looked at my husband.
“Yeah. I helped her find a place that would help her. She had to stay there for six months.”
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” My voice broke. “Thank you, Jaxon.”
I turned to mama. “I’m so glad you’re better.”
Jaxon spoke up. “If it’s okay, I’d like to let her stay at your place. You never stay there anyway. She needs a chance to get on her feet. Someone once gave that chance to you and I’d like to pay it forward.”
I nodded. “I think that would be wonderful.”
Tears swam in my eyes, but these were overwhelmingly happy ones.
Summer was here. My hair was now cut in a short, inverted bob and I looked hot. Modesty was for losers. June and Mama h
elped me into a fierce dress I’d picked out for this shoot. It was a gown, layers of hot pink beneath flowing layers of a softer shade of the same color. Simon snapped pictures of me in every way imaginable before declaring the shoot a success. I had to agree. I felt amazing and hoped it showed in the photos. I hoped they somehow could inspire hope in someone else, someone who was battling something in their own lives.
My cell phone rang on the drive home. I was tucked into the back seat of Mama’s new car. Well, it was new to her. It was a tiny Honda Civic. “Hello?”
“Mercy-girl!”
“Hi, Daddy!”
“How’s my girl on the big day?”
“Fabulous.”
“You sound like it! How’s your Mama?”
“She’s doing great. I’m so proud of her.”
Mama looked at me from the passenger seat and smiled as June was driving her car.
“I’m proud of you, too, Mercy. I wish I could be there today.”
“It’s okay, Daddy. You’re always in my heart.”
“That’s a damn good place to be, Mercy. Thank you.” I could hear a gruff voice shout, “Time’s up,” in the background. He cleared his throat. “I’ve gotta go. I love you, baby girl.”
“Love you, too, Daddy.”
When we got home, June helped me get ready. I’d bought a flowing, white gown, with tiny spaghetti straps that stretched all the way down to the low square back. Mama helped strap on the white crocheted beach sandals, which were basically designs that flowed from the toe as they wrapped around to the ankle. They were pretty and very popular. I’d sold out of them twice already and the season had just started.
June touched up my makeup and made it softer, still pink, just a softer color. I spritzed my favorite Heavenly perfume from Victoria’s Secret and followed Mama and June onto the sand. Everyone we knew, with the exception of Daddy, was there waiting for us. A small sign and big wooden crate held people’s shoes. We’d been married for a little over a year, but Jaxon insisted on giving me a ‘real’ wedding. I was happy with what I already had, but he’d insisted. Then he and June had conspired together and planned the whole event. Invitations went out in the spring announcing the ceremony and reception to follow at Shady Bay. Our friends stood when I approached. Brody smiled and walked both June and Mama to their places. June was my maid of honor and Mama stood beside her, smiling brightly. He returned for me and offered his arm and then Brody escorted me down the sandy aisle to my already-husband.
Let me tell you what. Jaxon looked edible. My breath whooshed out of my lungs. Holy hell. Jaxon waited for me in a tan suit, sky blue shirt and tie that was striped with both colors. But that wasn’t what held my attention, his lush green eyes, sexy smile and the dimple I wanted to fill up with milk and dunk my chocolate chip cookie into forever that took my breath away.
The tattoo on the inside of my forearm itched a little. I couldn’t wait to show him. Following my gaze, Jaxon narrowed in on the black outline. He grinned and gave me a when did you do this look. I’d gotten the queen, from the chess board. My queen to his king. Leaning in, he whispered into my ear, “What’s this for, baby?”
“Tell me what yours means.”
“It means I’ll always be there for you, your king.”
I smiled. He kissed the outside corner of my lips. “Mine means that I’ll always be your queen. And the queen protects her king. I love you, Jax.”
“Love you, baby.”
We were joined in marriage, again and then walked down the beach as Simon took pictures of us, some traditional, some funny, and some downright R-rated. We partied the night away with our friends at Shady Bay. Pure bliss and perfection. That was how we re-pledged forever to one another.
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Winter Shadows
Devil Creek
Pariah
Reap
The few minutes before dawn were usually the most serene. Not today. Today, everything would change. Today, we would protect the future against the tyrants who ruled over us. The sky was lightening little by little, shedding the thick, dark blanket of night. Worn wooden planks creaked underfoot as I paced back and forth. Standing still wasn’t an option. The platform of the village’s train depot was empty. I’d made sure of it. So, my feet wore a path into the weathered wood as I silently prayed that everything would go smoothly, would go as planned.
My brother had gotten himself in trouble. Four years ago he’d been transferred from our village to work in the factories in Olympus, a Greater City. Two years ago, his lover had given birth to a baby girl. He was unable to marry her. He was a Lesser. She was a Greater. It was illegal for them to even speak. He wasn’t even permitted to make eye contact with her. So, how they had met, fallen in love, and been intimate was beyond me.
A few generations ago, a great plague swept through The United States of America, what had until then, been a great and powerful country. The world had been connected in ways that I could hardly wrap my head around. It was said that people could ride great ships through the air, cross oceans in a matter of hours.
The plague spread from America to the other continents and countries, leaving nothing but death and sorrow in its wake. Ninety percent of the Earth’s population was wiped out in a matter of only a few months. Certain technologies survived, along with a few of the experts who knew how to use them. Precautions against further spread of the disease were taken, and eventually, the plague was laid to rest along with its victims.
Those who had survived the disease, which affected everyone regardless of station, were tested. Those deemed to have superior genes, whose bodies could likely survive another onslaught of illness in the future, were separated from those whose genetics were less-than-ideal. And so began the separation of Greaters and Lessers.
The Lessers served the Greaters from small villages where their lives were consumed with producing raw materials that the Greaters needed. Over time, the divide between the two groups had formed into a deep, dangerous chasm. The Greaters had become power-hungry and oppressive, abusive of the power that they’d claimed.
So, I was shocked about my brother’s news. He could be beheaded for consorting with the woman. I shuddered to think about what they might do if the Greaters discovered their child. She was a hybrid, a mix of both worlds. I had to help. I would hide her. Keep her safe. She was our future, the best of both Greater and Lesser, belonging to neither side, yet an equal and important part of both.
When the Greater woman had been questioned about the pregnancy, she had lied. She’d protected him. No doubt she loved him. But the baby had grown into a toddler and was now much more difficult to conceal. I knew this day would probably come, but had no idea what the urgency was. I’d received a communication from him, which was risky enough for both of us. If someone found it, we’d both be hanged, so I deleted it almost as quickly as I read it. The three needed a way out of Olympus, and the baby needed to be hidden. She needed a new home—a loving home. I was their only option. But having no children of my own, I would have to figure out how to provide that for her. I had no idea how to care for a toddler. But, I supposed we’d learn together.
The sky lightened further, lofty clouds streaked happily across the sky, tinged with oranges and yellows. The train would be here any minute. The smell of spring was everywhere; fresh and earthy. The fields were being fertilized. New ones were being sown. We would nurture and care for them until they bore their fruit in the fall. Our village was Orchard, and we grew apples for the Greaters who required the bounty of the Earth.
The loud horn of the train sounded in the distance, between two hills, further than I could see. Soon, puffs of gray smoke rose slowly and hung thickly in the valley beyond. Old and rusty, the wheels of the train screeched and squealed as the engineer applied his brake. Sparks flew from the contact with the rail in various places. The metal cars themselves were also rusted. It was a cargo train, the only kind that would be expected here in Orchard.
Car after car rattled past me. Third car from the back, I thought. That’s where they were supposed to be. I knocked lightly on the steel door and then slid open the latch. It was hollow, with the exception of stacked wooden crates, buckets and bushels. I whispered for him. “Adam.”
“Lulu?” A voice whispered in return.
“You have to hurry. The train is only supposed to stop for twenty minutes.”
My brother stepped forward, carrying a child, whose head lolled limply on his shoulder. She was asleep and looked more peaceful than anything I’d ever seen before in my life. Drool pooled in the corner of her little mouth and her eyelashes fluttered lightly. Her curly brownish-red hair was stirred lightly by the breeze. My heart attached to her immediately. My niece.
A woman stepped out from behind Adam. He cleared his throat. “Lu, this is Kaia.” He looked wearily from her to me. I stepped forward and offered her my hand.
“Hello, Kaia. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you.”
She nodded and tears cascaded from her greenish eyes, their pupils rimmed in Greater gold. It was an attribute they all bore, though the rings of some Greaters were more pronounced than others. “Does she have the ring?”
Adam swallowed and shifted his feet. “Yes. But it’s very small. Almost unnoticeable. Will she be safe here?”
Shady Bay Page 18
