Emma's Deliverance

by Susan Vance

  Once in college, one of her boyfriends wanted to take it a step further and Emma dropped him like a hot potato. He had been stunned, telling her he thought they had been perfect for one another. Emma had wanted the relationship to just remain the same.

  “Why add sex into our friendship? We hardly know one another,” she had said. Something always stopped her and in the end she had remained a virgin.

  Emma stood there daydreaming for a few moments then turned her attention to the front door as a teenage girl came bouncing in asking if the job was still available. Emma smiled at this slinky young girl with wild black hair that had obviously been dyed.

  “Hi there,” Emma said. “Do you want to fill out an application?”

  The teenager looked at her and smiled. “Sure, but I’m still in high school. I can work after school, weekends, school days off, and all summer if you need me.”

  Emma liked her right away. She thought about Marie and how perfect this would be if she could hire them both part time. She would have someone there all day and this girl could run the errands.

  “What’s your name and how old are you?”

  “Becky Anderson and I’m sixteen. I’m a junior.”

  Wow, Emma thought, how ironic she would come to me like this. Just like the day I came in here and interviewed with Carol. There was something special about Becky and Emma knew she would hire her. She looked very different from the teenager Emma had been, the one that had approached Carol that day so long ago. This kid was tall, slender, and bubbling with energy. Emma liked her smile, it seemed genuine. The black hair was some kind of a fashion statement and the silly way she dressed was just like most all the kids today. Becky would have to wear a uniform shirt, but the pants would be up to her.

  Emma studied her while she filled out the application and noticed a few piercings, but again she knew it was just what a lot of teenagers were into and she wasn’t going to judge her based on that. There was something about this kid that Emma really liked. Becky finished the application and handed it to Emma who looked it over. She was glad to see Becky didn’t live too far from the shop so transportation shouldn’t be a problem.

  Emma set down Becky’s application to help a customer. A few minutes later several more customers came in.

  Emma turned to Becky. “You’re hired. Can you please help that man that just walked in?” Emma was smiling. She knew Becky would be surprised.

  “What? I got the job? You mean it? I got the job,” she squealed.

  “Yes,” Emma said smiling, “Now get to work.”

  After the customers left Emma sat down with Becky and set the hours. Then she picked up the phone and called Marie who was very happy with the part time arrangement. Becky called her mother to let her know that she got the job and was starting that day. Marie would work six hours starting in the morning at nine and staying until three o’clock. Becky would work from three to six. This is going to work out very well, Emma thought.

  Customers came and went all day and by six o’clock she and Becky were exhausted. “Whew,” Emma said as the last customer left, “I’m worn-out. You run on home now Becky, I’ll lock up. I have some bookwork to finish, but it shouldn’t take me too long. I think from now on I’ll let you handle the front after five o’clock and I’ll get my paperwork done. Tomorrow I’ll train you on the cash register and show you how to run the credit card machine. It’s easy, trust me. If I have you up front I can lock up and leave at the same time as you. How are you getting home, by the way?” Emma thought about how either Howard or Marilyn would have always come to pick her up. They worried about her taking the bus and never wanted her to walk home by herself.

  Becky took off her apron. “My sister is picking me up tonight, but in a few months I can get my driver’s license. Wow, huh?”

  “Wow indeed, Becky. I didn’t drive until I was almost eighteen. I just didn’t want too. I’m curious, but is the reason you applied here because you might like to have a flower shop someday?”

  Becky smiled. “No way, I’m going to be a doctor.”

  Emma began to laugh so hard she almost cried.

  “What’s so funny about that?” Becky asked looking puzzled.

  Emma wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t want Becky to think her wanting to be a doctor was the least bit funny. “I’m so sorry for laughing. I was thinking about when I first applied to work here. I was a junior like you, but I had this dream of having my own flower shop someday and you reminded me of myself, that’s all. I guess in a way I was hoping to hear that from you. There is nothing more wonderful than you wanting to be a doctor. How terrific. Your parents must be so proud of you.”

  Chapter Five

  Emma stopped by the house to see the family. She parked in the driveway and went around to the back door and went inside.

  She looked around the kitchen. It was spotless as usual. The sink was sparkling and the floor was shining. Above the sink was a window that looked out onto the backyard. The curtains were blue and white gingham and were tied back on each side. Through the window Emma could see the swing set that had been there for as long as she could remember. The playhouse was still standing over by the oak tree, but it had seen better days. The termites had taken over and Howard said he would have to tear it down. Teri, Emma, and Jody had protested, saying it had to stay up and couldn’t he just fix it? Howard stuck to his guns saying it was a hazard, but if they would be kind enough to give him a few granddaughters he would gladly build another. Jody had said the other day that it was time the yard had a tree house so Louie could have fun over at Grandpa’s.

  The clothesline was still up even though Marilyn rarely used it anymore. Emma used to tie the family cat to the line so she could run around in the yard without getting loose. She was always afraid the dog next door would hurt the cat, so by tying her to the clothesline she could still be free without escaping. The cat would go back and forth the length of the clothesline and it seemed to be a good trick. The only problem was, after awhile as soon as the cat saw Emma coming with the halter she would run under the bed and hide.

  Emma walked over to the kitchen table. There had been so many meals shared at that old table. The chairs were wobbly and the table was scratched, but Marilyn refused to get rid of it. She said that the table held many memories and when she thought about all the decisions that had been made at this very table there was no way she wished to replace it. Howard had glued and re-glued the legs and re-finished the tabletop several times. Marilyn kept a tablecloth on the table now and there were washable vinyl place mats on top of the tablecloth. There were always salt and pepper shakers on the table along with a vinegar cruet and, until lately, a dish of butter. Breakfast, lunch and weekday dinners were served in the kitchen. Saturday night and all day Sunday meals were served in the dining room. Marilyn insisted the family ate together.

  “A family that eats together stays together,” she would say and the girls would roll in laughter saying, “Mom, it’s pray together not eat together.”

  Marilyn would correct them every time saying, “Girls, what do we do before we eat? Say Grace, right? So we eat and we pray together at this table. This is what keeps us together. Eating and praying. We are a close and caring family.”

  A thump from somewhere in the house startled Emma. “Hello? Anybody home?” she called out nervously.

  Teri came bouncing into the kitchen arms held wide open. She hugged Emma tightly. “There’s no one home but me,” Teri said. “Are you hungry? I just ordered a large pizza.”

  Emma was thrilled. She was tired, but she was hungry and pizza sounded yummy even if they did have it after the grand opening just yesterday.

  “Sure, Pizza sounds great to me. Where are Mom and Dad?”

  “Can you believe it? Dad took Mom out for dinner and a movie. Do you know the last time he took her to see a movie?”

  Emma laughed. “Has he ever taken her to a movie?”

  “My point exactly. Mom was so surprised when he asked he
r she ran upstairs and changed her clothes before he could change his mind. They left a little after three-thirty so I would imagine their date is probably coming to an end shortly. Your necklace is beautiful. Dad picked it out all by himself, you know. He’s getting sentimental in his old age. Did you know they have been talking about taking a cruise?”

  Emma was surprised. “What? Are they really?”

  “Yes,” Teri said, “and you’ll never guess where. Can you believe it? They want to go to Alaska.”

  “Wow. That’s wonderful. I hope they really do it,” Emma said wondering if they would.

  “I think they really will. Mom said it was now or never. Dad said he would call a travel agency next week. So, how did your first day go? Did you have very many customers?”

  “I hired two people. Both part time, but I like them both. I think I made the right decision. Marie is in her mid sixties, Becky is only sixteen. She reminds me of myself in some ways when I was her age. I think they’ll both be a lot of help. Actually, I had a lot of customers. It was great. I had this one customer that—well never mind. Let’s just say it was a very good day.”

  “That is so cool. I’m proud of you. It took a lot of guts for you to buy the shop. So this Becky reminds you of yourself, huh? I guess she’s quiet and reserved?”

  “Are you kidding? She was bouncing off the walls. She’s really full of it. I just meant, well I guess now that you mention it—we aren’t alike.” The strange man from that morning flashed into Emma’s mind. “I had this guy come by this morning. I think he wanted a job, but he gave me the creeps. I swear I saw him yesterday just standing across the street and then he shows up at my door at six-thirty in the morning. I didn’t let him in and he never came back, thank God. Later, I think I saw him again just standing across the street. He was just standing there looking over at the shop. Marie was there and I was glad about that. I was hoping he would come in while she was there so I could tell him the position had been filled. He didn’t come in though and the next time I looked he was gone. I’m not sure it was the same man both times, but I think it was. Why would he be just standing across the street looking at the flower shop?” Emma questioned.

  “He was probably just looking to see if your help wanted sign was still in the window. If he didn’t see it then he most likely figured out the job had been filled. No big deal, Emma. What did he look like, anyway? Was he young or old?”

  Emma thought for a moment, but wasn’t able to really come up with a good description. “I can’t describe him. He was average I suppose. I mean, he didn’t look like a bum or anything. He was just creepy, somehow. He looked mean.”

  “How does someone look mean? I meant, was he tall, short, fat, skinny or bald? Did he have horns popping out of his head? What did he really look like,” Teri howled. “This might be important some day. Or not.”

  Teri was laughing so hard she held her stomach. Emma didn’t get it. Teri was making a joke, but Emma was trying to be serious.

  “Teri, honest he just looked average. Besides, it wasn’t how he looked exactly. It was just the feeling I had when I saw him.”

  “Come on, just for fun—describe him.”

  “I don’t want to play this game. What is up with you, anyway? You can be so silly, sometimes.”

  Teri looked at her with puppy dog eyes and was trying not to laugh anymore.

  “Okay, you win. This is what I saw. His hair was salt and pepper, but mostly gray, I think. He was tall and I think he was stocky. Well, he wasn’t heavy, but he was large framed. He reminded me of, well, I don’t know, but he was familiar in a crazy way. This is going to sound nuts but. . . he reminds me of the man from my nightmares. Oh this is silly. That was a long time ago and I know he wasn’t real. That was my imagination. This man is very real.”

  “I’m sorry I laughed, Emma. All kidding aside, this man could prove to be a nuisance. Forget about him looking like the man from your nightmares, seriously. You’re right, that was your imagination, but who knows about anybody these days. I’m sorry I was making fun. I just thought I could make you laugh, because you looked so solemn. I want you to be careful. He’s probably just from the neighborhood, but keep your eyes open just the same. If you see him again point him out to your new employees so they have a heads up. Honestly, you are so much trouble.” She smiled. “Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Why don’t you stay here tonight? I’ll give you a pair of my pajamas and when Mom and Dad get home you can tell them about this guy. I think Dad should go to the flower shop with you tomorrow, anyway.”

  Emma hugged her sister and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Look who is being serious now. I love you, Teri, I really do. You’re the best, but you worry way too much about me. This guy is probably just someone looking for work like he said. If he comes around tomorrow I’ll tell him the job is taken and he will go away, right? Besides, either Becky or Marie will be with me all day. Don’t worry, and don’t tell Dad.”

  The pizza arrived and the girls grabbed some trays and went into the family room.

  “I rented a movie.” Teri said, “Find the remote and I’ll put the movie in the DVD player.”

  They ate the pizza and watched some of the movie. Neither one was too interested, but Teri seemed to be doing her best to keep Emma there. Teri ran upstairs and brought down a pair of pajamas for Emma. At first Emma thought Teri just missed her, but she didn’t seem to be taking no for an answer.

  “I really have to go home. I need to feed Sam.”

  “Emma, for goodness sakes, Sam is a cat. He can take care of himself. Don’t you leave a bowl of dry food out all day for him?”

  “Sure I do, but I got him started on canned food and now he feels he’s entitled every evening. He’s probably pacing the floors as we speak.”

  Emma was laughing, but she really was concerned that Sam would get upset. He was a temperamental feline that wanted things his own way. He was moody even as a kitten. Emma loved the way he looked. He had long black silky hair with white socks and chest. He had a pink nose and a fat, flat face. She saw him one day in the window of the pet store. She had thought he was so cute. She looked up. The sign in the window read: “Save a Kitten.” What? She thought. What do they mean, save a kitten?

  She went right inside the pet store. “What does that sign in the front window about the kittens, mean?” Emma had asked pointing to the window.

  The clerk was quick to answer. “My boss goes to the shelter on Thursday evenings and takes the kittens that are to be put down. She brings them to the store and gives them a bath. They get their shots and the next morning she puts them in the window. She only charges for their shots, spay or neuter certificates and gives them a follow up visit with certain veterinarians in town. If she can’t sell them in a certain amount of time she has no choice but to take them back to the shelter. She does wait quite a while, though. It really is a good deal and you save a kitten from certain death.”

  “Oh, my God,” exclaimed Emma. “Give me that little black one. I’ll take him right now. I don’t want a follow up with just any Veterinarian. He can go to see our family Vet, Dr. Adams. I can’t believe they actually put kittens to sleep. Why would they do that?” she had cried.

  “Please Miss, I didn’t mean to get you all upset. I don’t know that they really put the kittens to sleep, but sometimes they get so many there aren’t enough homes for all of them. Do you really want the little black one?”

  “Yes, of course I do. I’ll take him right now.”

  Emma reached out her arms for her new kitten. He gladly went to her and nuzzled in her neck. It was love at first sight.

  Emma had often wished she had never started him on the canned cat food because it did make leaving him a problem. Dr. Adams had advised her to slowly wean him off it since he was gaining too much weight and he said the dry food was better, but Emma felt she would be depriving him so she continued buying the canned food and Sam was grateful. Fat, but grateful.

  As the girls continued to go back an
d forth about Emma spending the night the back door opened.

  “Hi, Mom, hi, Dad, Emma’s here,” Teri called out.

  “Hi girls, we know, we saw Emma’s car in the driveway,” Howard said as he looked in the fridge.

  “Howard, what are you looking for? We just had dinner,” Marilyn said on her way to the family room to see Emma.

  “We ate hours ago and besides I was looking for something sweet. We didn’t have dessert,” he whined.

  “Howard, you’re impossible, but cute. Isn’t he cute, girls?”

  Emma and Teri rolled their eyes and smiled.

  “So, what are you two up to? I smell pizza,” Howard hollered from the kitchen.

  “Emma and I baked a chocolate cake too, but we ate it all. Sorry Dad, just kidding.”

  “What’s this ‘we’ stuff, Teri?” Emma laughed. “Dad, I had nothing to do with it. I could use some chocolate cake myself. I have some at my apartment. Want to go home with me?” she teased.

  They all had a laugh then Emma said she really should be going home now.

  “Emma, tell Mom and Dad about the man.”

  “What man? What is she talking about, Emma?” Marilyn asked as she sat down to hear the story. Howard remained standing and was giving his wife a look only she understood.

  “Teri. You just can’t be trusted. I swear,” Emma said.

  “What’s going on?” Howard asked, wrinkling his brow.

  “Well,” Emma began, “I keep seeing the same man hanging around the flower shop. I mentioned it to Teri and now she thinks it’s worth mentioning to you guys. I really don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about, really. I’m not even sure he’s the same man from yesterday either.”

  “What? What do you mean, Honey? Start from the beginning,” Marilyn gently commanded.