by Lora Lindy
Chapter 4
October 10, 11:02 a.m.
Lana thought putting the funeral behind her would have helped her disposition, but instead her depression and weariness lingered. She did not answer the phone or door. She barely ate and slept, and her eyes were sunken and she developed dark circles under them. She missed James terribly, and she didn’t know how to get over this feeling of dread.
Her kids knew the difficult of a time their mom was having, and they were worried about her. They thought the best thing for her was to get away, they begged their mom to come visit them in Colorado. The kids were right, she needed to get away. She loved them very much but she needed to be alone in an alien place, not with her children. Being with family conjured too memories.
She made her decision, even though she didn’t really like the beach, that’s where she would go. She would go north and rent a beach house. The idea of walking along the beach and doing nothing was exactly what she needed. Fall being the off season, finding a rental should not be a problem. Getting away should help her to rejuvenate herself without every corner she turned being some kind of memory.
Looking on the map and decided on the Cape Cod area in Massachusetts. Plymouth sounded like a great place. The pilgrims landed there to make a fresh start, and she would too. Her family went there for a vacation when she was a child, and she remembered loving the beach and playing with her sisters.
She would fly into Boston and take a slow drive down Highway 3 to the rental. It followed close to the coast and goes through many old towns. She could shop in these towns and maybe catch some history. Happiness already filled her heart just thinking about getting away to new surroundings, and being alone.
Chapter 5
Day 1
October 15, 6:40 a.m.
Today was Lana’s flight to Boston, and she sat waiting for her plane, drinking her second cup of coffee. Normally she didn’t like the hustle and bustle of the busy airports. Today she liked it because it keeps her mind busy and off her own woes. She watched the people at the airport moving around without a care in the world except to catch their plane and get to their destination. Kids were playing, cell phones were buzzing, and couples were holding hands and everyone was full of life.
Two isles over a couple just married were discussing where they wanted to visit when they got to Boston. The young bride mentioned she wanted to go see a couple of lighthouses that were eerily haunted, and she emphasized the word eerily. She also wanted to tour all the famous old houses. One place she mentioned she wanted to visit, the Boston Common a place where hangings took place. The girl read. “Many events happened at the Boston Common, but the most notably was the hangings. In 1660 Mary Dyer, along with three other Quakers, was hung. Many people still see her today standing by her noose wearing her black hanging gown.”
The young groom, on the other hand, talked about just relaxing in the room. Lana smiled because she knew what that meant. They were adorable and full of love and she knew they would work it out between them. They held hands and smooched every five seconds. Life goes on, Lana thought.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a man. “Is this seat taken?”
“Oh no, please help yourself,” Lana answered trying to be nice and polite, but she really didn’t want to chitchat. She moved her belongings out of the chair and knew how inconsiderate of her to leave them there. Especially since the airport was packed with people.
“Are you on your way to Boston, or is it just a layover? Oh, and by the way my name is Peter.” He reached out his hand to shake hers and she obliged, trying to be polite.
“I’m going to Plymouth for a vacation, and my name is Lana. Are you on your way home?” She asked to be cordial, even though she could care less.
“My home is New Jersey, but I have some business in Boston. If you’re interested in getting out, there are lots of sights to see in Boston. There’s the Museum of Fine Arts, The Prudential Skywalk, and Paul Revere House for starters.”
“Thanks, I will consider that, but I’m staying at a beach house outside of Boston.” She kind of liked the idea of going to those places. It might do her heart some good, plus she loved U.S. history. She noticed when he said museum he said it odd. He said it almost like Mooseum, like calling a cow.
“There are plenty of lighthouses, and nowadays you can even stay the night in some of them,” said Peter.
“I’m sure Plymouth has many sights and many lighthouses.”
“I think they have some of the oldest lighthouses in the nation, and if you go on the peninsula near Plymouth, there were lots of them. There’s Wings Neck, Sandy Neck, Nobska Point, Race Point, Highland Light, Wood End, and Long Point Light.”
“Oh my, you do know your light houses.” Her eyes widened as he rattled them off his tongue without thinking about it.
“My wife and I go light houses watching a few times a year. We enjoy the history of all of them. Sometimes we even go ghost hunting in them.”
About that time, over the intercom the attendant called. “Ms. Andrews, please report to Gate 14.” Lana looked over to the young attendant and she motioned for her to come over to the gate.
“They’re calling me and thanks for the tips, and you have a safe trip,” she said while gathering her belongings.
“You have a safe trip too,” Peter said.
When Lana made the reservation she mentioned she wanted to sit alone. The attendant informed her about an empty seat at the back of the plane and no one would be near her.
Lana took it.
*****
The back of the plane must have been the working area. There were many men in their William Fioravanti, Milan’s Caraceni, and Polo Ralph Lauren suits. They held their laptops and their Android phones were buzzing. Obviously the men flew many times because their belongings were organized in their small, tight space. The last few minutes they were hurriedly talking with their wives and offices, planning supper and making deals. One of the men even talked about giving one hundred thousand dollars to the Heart Association, and considering what happened with James, that made Lana feel elated. She got out her small HP laptop, granted it’s not as fancy as theirs, but it suited the purpose. After all she is in the business section and she needed to look busy. She even put her glasses on to look important.
Once the plane climbed in the air her heart lightened. In just a few short hours she would be strolling along the beach and walking through her little quaint beach house. She might even sit for awhile and watch the Gurnet lighthouse that sits across the cove.
Tennessee’s weather was warm and she looked forward to the cool fall weather, and a blazing fire to keep her warm at night. She wished she could remember if the fireplace was wood burning or gas. Deep down she’d hoped it would be wood burning because she liked the crackling of the fire. Either way, it’s a fresh start for her to apportion her feelings. Yes, an absolute yes, getting away had been the best thing she could have ever done.
*****
She noticed Peter near the front of the plane. Even though he’s a nice guy, she truly hoped he didn’t come to the back. Since her flight would last three hours, she wanted to catch a couple of hours of sleep. She pulled out her Ipod and decided to listen to soft rock, the Carpenters. Actually it’s the cool down music she listened to when she finished with her workout. The softness of the music helped put her to sleep, and she needed that desperately.
Just as she started to doze, she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Peter. She pulled out an earplug.
“Hi Lana I’m on my way to the bathroom and I saw you sitting here, and I didn’t want to be rude, so hi.”
“Hi Peter.”
“Do you mind if I sit for awhile?” he asked almost sitting down without an invitation.
“Peter, if you don’t mind I really want to sit alone right now.” There were a lot of things on her mind, and she just needed to be alone right then. “But thanks for the chitchat earlier.”
She could tell her reaction didn’t
make him happy, and he reluctantly nodded, then he walked off angry. She guessed he already went to the bathroom.
*****
The line was long at Enterprise rental car. The attendant nearly pulled her hair out when she surveyed the long line. Lana happened to be the tenth person back, and that aggravated her. Children were anxious and running around and their parents were trying to corral them. She knew exactly why the kids were frustrated and tired. At the counter an upset couple yelled at the attendant because the car they made reservations for had been rented out to someone else. The attendant offered another car, an upgrade free of charge, but they wouldn’t hear of it.
Tired of waiting in line, Lana thought about relaxing on the back porch and listening to the waves and wind. Some people think going on vacation to a sunny place would be more cheerful, but not for her. Fall being her favorite season, she knew the north would be the best destination. Today happen to be a drab dreary day, just the way she liked it. She didn’t even mind some rain, as long as it didn’t rain the entire vacation.
Knowing she would be in line for awhile she guessed she should call Mike Ramsey, the beach house owner, and let him know she would be running late. This part she dreaded the most, because every time she called him he acted like she annoyed him. He picked up the phone on the third ring.
“Hello,” he answered in his husky deep voice.
“Hi Mike, this is Lana and I wanted to let you know the plane was late because of bad weather, and there is a long line at the car rental. How do you want to handle this? How do you want me to pick up the keys?” She scrunched her face dreading the answer. He never said anything to reassure her.
Of course his answer was quick and to the point, and that’s what she expected. “I’ll meet you at the house. What time do you think you will get there?”
Lana tried to balance everything in her hands while trying to look at time on her cell phone. “About two maybe three hours, do you want to hide the key for me?”
“No I’ll just meet you at the house.”
“Thanks for meeting me, I really do appreciate it,” she replied with all sincerity.
“You’re welcome, and I’ll see you then.” Then he hung up, abruptly. Well, at least he said you’re welcome, and that’s a good start.
*****
When she finally got her little gas saver, Ford Focus, she headed on her journey. She noticed the overcast sky had darkened, but at least she was on her way to Plymouth. She noticed, unlike the south, all the colorless leaves had fallen and the trees were baron.
The leaves reminded her as a kid and how they raked the leaves in a pile, and jump in them. She tried her hardiest to get James to do all the raking so she could do the jumping, but he wouldn’t hear of it. They spent hours raking and then jumping. It seemed no matter how many scratches they got from the roughness of the dry leaves and twigs, they jumped over and over in the pile. When they were about ten, they piled the leaves almost as tall as the house, and then go out on the roof and jump. It was a miracle they didn’t break their necks.
*****
Thank the stars for GPS or Lana wouldn’t have ever found the beach house. It was a beautiful drive. The sunset glowed leaving remnants of orange and purple lingering in the sky. The ocean roared to her left and she cracked the window so she could smell the salt in the air.
As she turned into the cul-de-sac she could see fire coming from the chimney. It was a wood burning fireplace, she smiled. As she drove closer to the house she couldn’t believe what an amazing view. Talk about a Thomas Kincaid setting. The house sat at the end of a cul-de-sac and behind the house was vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The anvil clouds allowed the deep setting sun to peek through just a little bit. And the flickers of orange bounced off the waves as they capped. The orange made the ocean look like a dream.
Lights illuminated through the windows at this quaint little beach house causing a faint glow. The hint of fog in the air made the glowing look like Heaven, or at least how she imagined Heaven. Just the sweet look of the house made her feel propitious.
Next to the house which fits perfect sat an old white 1982 Dodge pickup. She knew it was Mike’s truck and although she never met Mike. She knew he looked like a ship’s captain, a gruff looking man who was short, chubby and grumpy. She imaged he had a long white beard with a pipe. He had a short temperament with a get to the point personality. She also knew he’d be annoyed with her for being so late. And now that she sees his truck, she thinks her initial description of him would be right.
As she got out of the car she sensed the cool salt air hit her face and it felt good, it stung, but felt good. For the first time in weeks she felt peace in her heart. But that peace turned to nervousness when the front door opened and Mike walked out to the front porch. She knew he would fuss at her. But instead she heard his warm words say in his incredible deep voice.
“Welcome to Massachusetts. I hope you had a good trip, and I have started a warm fire for you.”
For some reason his voice seemed much deeper in person and she liked it. His kindness surprised her and she thought it was a nice change. Lana graciously responded, but not really paying attention to him. She preferred looking at her more beautiful surroundings. “Hi Mike and I’m sorry I’m late. The plane landed late and the rental car line was long, but what a beautiful home you have, especially at sunset. This is far more beautiful than I ever expected, and I did time all this perfectly, a few minutes later and I might have missed all this beauty.”
“Thanks, it is pretty at sunset,” he acknowledged her compliment.
As she heard his words she finally looked up, and this time she took a good look at him. She was taken aback by his height. He was every bit of six-foot-four with salt and pepper hair, more pepper. His eyes were a piercing blue, sky blue. And his smile would brighten any gloomy day. He was very much in shape and no chubby tummy on him. His five o’clock shadow showed he had a long day. He wore jeans and a blue oxford button up shirt with a black jacket. The shirt definitely brought out his blue eyes even at dusk. She noticed his crisp white t-shirt under his shirt and she thought it looked refreshing.
His rugged good looks caught her off guard and she was at a loss for words. She fumbled with her keys, and finally found the trunk key. She managed to walk to the trunk to get her two bags. In just a few quick steps Mike moved in close behind her reaching for her suitcases. His strong massive arm brushed hers, and for just a few seconds their eyes met. Lana turned away knowing her face turned bright red. She happily noticed his face turned a little red as well. He easily lifted the heavy bags, like lifting a feather. She noted how she struggled to put them in the trunk using her knee, the swing and lift motion. The same motion most women used.
She scampered in the house and noticed how it appeared warm and inviting. At the front door adorned a small entrance with the living room straight ahead and it had a glowing fireplace to the right. On the left was the elegant kitchen with a small island that had a bar. Next to the bar sat a small by quant dinette set. Off that room was the guest bedroom. She noticed the bed covers were removed for the winter. To the right of the den was the master bedroom.
She loved the kitchen. The cabinets were made of old stained wood that looked like driftwood and the countertops were granite. All the appliances were stainless, and the pantry door was definitely made of old driftwood. This gorgeous kitchen would be one only seen in magazines. Definitely a kitchen she could picture Mike building. Or at least the captain Mike she first visualized.
The fire blazed leaving an orange glow echo across the room showing the dark painted walls. The darkness of the room looked more like a mountain cabin, rather than a beach house.
Mike had set on the bar some Bella Casara cheese and crackers with a bottle of Pinot Noir wine. He certainly had good taste in wine and cheese.
He interrupted her thoughts. “I knew you probably didn’t have time to shop so I bought a few things to get you through tomorrow. The wine is for you to enjo
y your evening and relax.” She knew he tried to be thoughtful, but she didn’t want any alcohol tonight.
She looked up at him to thank him and his eyes looked squarely into her eyes, she embarrassingly looked down and said. “Thank you.”
Her face turned red and her stomach flipped flopped as he walked past her and he mumbled the words. “You’re welcome.” When he reached the door he quickly told her where he hung the keys and where he put his phone numbers. This time when she looked up he didn’t look at her. Then he left, neither said a proper goodbye, and she was too tired to think about it.
As she stepped onto the back porch the darkness didn’t allow her to catch a glimpse of the ocean, but she could hear it. The waves rolled in with a deafening roar. She closed her eyes and pictured the waves slamming the beach then rolling back out into oblivion. She remembered as a child laying in bed and listening to the ocean talk to her, and she could only hope tonight that same feeling relaxed her.
When she opened her eyes, her memory fast forward to today, the reason she was here, to mourn. Then an overwhelming sorrow plagued her heart, and her eyes filled with tears. Lana wiped them away and she told herself no more tears today. Instead she got busy checking out the fridge. She found some smoked turkey breast lunch meat and decided on a sandwich with a glass of milk. She looked at the bottle of wine and decided to save it for her last night there. Once she cleaned the kitchen, she sat in front of the fire and watched the flames. The fire relaxed her soul, and she needed that very much.
She decided to sleep on the couch in front of the fire. Exhaustion had overwritten her sadness, which was a nice alternative. Her last thoughts put a smile on her face when she thought about Mike not fussing at her. Then darkness fell.
