What Tomorrow May Bring
Page 70
“She does?” I asked. Reed nodded. “Where is he? In Mexico still?”
His lips clenched tight for a moment before he turned and continued to the back room again, shaking his head. “He’s in prison.”
I hurried after him, wanting suddenly to hold his arm, to reassure him that Maria’s husband was alright. That he was safe. I couldn’t get myself to actually lift my hand to comfort him. I couldn’t form the words. A few weeks ago I would have said them without pause. Now, I found myself newly wondering how true they would be once they passed my lips.
Reed rapped his knuckles on the open door’s frame.
“Hey Lou,” Reed said casually.
The man, Lou, nodded at Reed. “What can I do you for, Reed? Haven’t had to see you in here for some time now.”
“Yeah, I know.” Reed motioned to me. Taking his cue, I walked forward and stood in front of Lou. “This is Millie. She was released two weeks ago. Eddie and I were hoping to take her into town today. Can you sign her out?”
Lou spun in his chair and opened a cabinet behind him. I watched as he flipped through some folders before finally finding the one he wanted. As he flopped it open, I saw my black and white photo plastered onto the first page. Did everyone have a file on me?
Lou read through a few pages, glancing at me occasionally, then leaned back and nodded. “Good marks. Looks like you passed with flying colors.”
“Uh, yeah,” I answered.
“You just have to sign here.” Lou slid a clipboard to me, a paper stuck on it with columns carefully drawn out. I signed my name where he pointed. Lou turned to Reed. “You’re taking responsibility for her then?” Reed nodded. Lou slid the board to him and Reed signed next to my name. “Got your ID card on you, Millie?”
I reached into my pocket, grabbed the small plastic card and handed it over to Lou. He glanced at it a moment, his eyes quickly flicking up to take in my face once, then handed it back to me.
“One more thing.” Lou stood and reached into a cupboard above his head. I watched as he pulled down the small device that every guard in the prison carried. “New procedures. I guess they want to keep a better watch on their releases.”
Out of reflex, I held out my wrist, twisting my hand so the carved code on my bracelet was easy for him to scan. Reed watched me, his brows knotted together. Lou quickly scanned the bracelet, waited for the device to beep, then nodded again.
“Alright, that’s it. Have fun in town.”
Reed thanked him quickly then motioned for me to head out of the room. He walked close behind me, causing me to hurry as we headed out the door.
“I’m sorry,” he said under his breath.
“For what?” I had no idea what he would need to apologize for.
“I didn’t know they would have to scan you.”
“Reed, really, it’s fine. I have had my wrist scanned pretty much daily for my entire life.”
Reed shook his head, hands shoved into pockets as we made our way to the gate. “No, it’s not fine. You aren’t in there anymore. They shouldn’t make you feel like you are.”
“I don’t –”
“You didn’t see your face, Millie. You looked so… you looked like a prisoner waiting for your rations.”
I didn’t know what to say. Reed seemed genuinely angry. I couldn’t tell if it was more at himself, or at the Prison. Either way, he had clammed up, keeping his mouth shut as he stared into the distance. I leaned against the post of the gate, watching him.
The sound of Eddie’s heavy footsteps bounding towards us relieved the tension that hung in the air like thick smoke. I smiled at him, welcoming his playful wink. Eddie didn’t seem to notice the mood Reed had fallen into. He playfully slapped his friend on the back, then made his way through the gate.
“Well, come on then!” Eddie said happily. “Let’s get away from this apple picking prison already.”
15
The town was just as I remembered it. People ambled down the walk, couples held hands, children laughed as they skipped and jumped in dizzy circles. Two weeks ago, the drive from the small town to the Orchard had been long and bumpy as I sat next to silent Oscar. Walking with always talking Eddie made time fly. Even with Reed still in his oddly quiet mood, I barely noticed the walk until we arrived at the first building.
We slowed as we passed. I turned to look in the windows, gazing in awe at the clothing that draped across display racks behind the clear glass. It was so colorful. Vibrant.Alive. Though I had on the dark blue shirt that had been given to me in my release box, I still wore the white t-shirt much too often for my liking. Peeking through the shop’s shining window, I couldn’t see a white shirt anywhere.
I reluctantly kept walking, my eyes still trailing the shop window. In the reflection I caught Reed watching me, a soft smile spreading on his face. I warmed inside. It was good to see that smile again. As his smile grew, I could see the humor that tinged his lips, amusement as he watched me, and I felt my cheeks flush with heat.
Eddie took his place walking in front of us, hands tucked loosely in his pockets of his jacket, back straight as he coolly glanced around. I realized for the first time that he had grabbed a backpack, which now hung from one shoulder, swinging back and forth as he ambled down the sidewalk.
We passed other shops, some showing food, some posters for travel or houses for sale. I couldn’t get enough. The sun kissed my face, the stirred dirt of the road tickled my nose. I took in a deep breath, tasting life.
Eddie steered to the left and twisted the shiny handle of a clear glass door. The door swung open smoothly. Eddie flashed me a cheesy smile, his chin held strangely high as he ushered Reed and me through the waiting doorway. I glanced at Reed. He was smiling, his head shaking slightly in humor at his friend.
Walking into the open entry, I was hit with the warm, amazing aromas of cooking food. The mixed smells of meat, baked bread, and fresh vegetables mixed to completely intoxicate the air. I had eaten more in the last two weeks than I could remember, and yet I still felt hungry. Eddie pushed ahead of me, hurrying to merge into a line that waited in front of a low counter.
We had just joined the line when a couple entered and moved to cut in front of us. They were young, most likely our age. Judging from the crispness of their clothing and sparkle of their jewelry, they did not work at the Orchard. Or anywhere remotely similar.
“Hey,” Eddie said, his voice low and menacing. “Get in line like the rest of us have to.”
The man turned to look at Eddie. He took his time to scan Eddie, his lips pursed, jagged lines radiating out in an angry sun. Instantly an image of Dr. Eriks flooded my mind, her perfect spray of lines oddly detailed and focused. I didn’t like thinking of her. I hadn’t since my release. Instantly I knew I didn’t like this man who looked down at Eddie from his much too perfect nose, even though Eddie towered over him.
The man chuckled. “Calm down, Ginger. You will get your grub.”
The man reached out and roughly patted Eddie on the arm. I could see Eddie’s shoulders suddenly bunch up, his fists tightening at his sides. Taking a step forward, Eddie seemed to grow even taller as he glowered down at the man.
“What are you going to do, apple picker?” the man asked. His voice sounded like it had been greased with oil, smooth and reeking of money. Eddie took another step forward, his hands rising at his sides into tight fists.
“Get. In. Line.” Eddie growled. His face turned a deep red.
The man chuckled, his voice sounding slightly worried as he let his eyes flick down to Eddie’s fists. “Hit me, Ginger, and I will see to it that this is the last hot meal you get. I hear the Prison needs more workers.” He laughed again, his confidence regaining as his arrogance took over. “I bet you are just the type they would kill for.”
Eddie growled, unable to make words as he pushed his body up against the man. The man’s date took a step back, tightening her grasp on her small purse as her wide, heavily made-up eyes stared at Eddie.
I could hear Reed speaking in a low voice, leaning in close to Eddie’s ear. “Cool it man,” he said, his other hand moving to hold Eddie’s flexed arm. “You don’t wanna get killed, do you? Or worse?”
Eddie took in a few heavy breaths, his hands still clenched in tight balls. Then he nodded, letting his shoulders relax, slightly. He remained on edge, constantly staring into the back of the man’s head. I waited for a hole to appear at any moment in the man’s finely smoothed hair.
The line moved forward, the couple finally being ushered off to find a table. I was happy to see them leave. I hated the way the woman stroked the man’s back. The way the man kept leaning in to whisper dripping words into her ear made my skin crawl. As they walked away, the man glanced behind him at Eddie, winking with a sly grin before disappearing around the corner.
“Stupid pricks,” Eddie muttered. His arms were folded across his chest, his chin tucked down angrily.
I felt strange on my feet. My mind kept trying to fog over and I fought it madly. I didn’t want to disappear right now. It licked at the corners of my mind. It begged to embrace me and carry me away into my escape from reality. The man’s sly smile as he passed out of sight sent the fog into a frenzy. I felt my body sway.
Reed moved closer. Carefully, so lightly I barely noticed, he laid his hand on the small of my back. I gratefully leaned against it. I could hear him breathing next to me, his eyes watching me as I let him support my weight. The fog backed away, barely visible now in the corner of my vision.
We moved forward. Reed kept his hand on my back, guiding me to a table sitting next to a large window. I sat down. I hadn’t realized how tired my legs were. Reed waited until he saw me settle, then took the seat next to me. Eddie plopped down across from me, still glowering.
A car rolled by outside on the road, its wheels crunching on the paved road. We all paused and looked out the window. I could feel as we collectively held out breaths, watching the dusty police car creep past. The driver, a star pinned to his armored vest, looked through the glass back at us and nodded a short greeting before rolling on. Eddie watched the car a moment longer before letting a smile take over his darkened face.
“Well, like the prick said, time to get our grub on,” Eddie said lightly. He opened a menu and started scanning the lists of food.
I had no money on me. I hadn’t planned on coming into town, most likely ever, and when we had randomly decided to make the trip I had completely forgotten to grab any cash. In Spokane, we never used money, at all. I hadn’t even thought to grab any before we headed into town. Resting my hand on top of the menu, I stared at the down, wanting desperately to order one of the delicious smelling foods that wafted through the air. But with no money, I knew I couldn’t.
“What’s wrong?” Reed asked, glancing over to me. My hand still rested on the closed menu.
“I forgot my money,” I said, feeling stupid. My eyes tried to fog over, and I blinked it away angrily.
“Don’t worry. I got it.” Reed smiled at me. Reaching over, he picked up the menu, sliding it out from under my hand, and opened it. “You need to eat. I don’t like how you were swaying back there.”
“Reed…”
“It’s just a few bucks. No problem.” He smiled again and tapped the menu, encouraging me to choose something.
I scanned the menu, trying to find something cheap. I felt horrible for making Reed pay. He smiled easily at me, still trying to reassure me that it was alright. I finally settled on a bowl of pumpkin soup, its description hinted with spices and warm French bread causing my stomach to growl. I had never had pumpkin before.
It didn’t take long for the food to arrive. The soup smelled amazing, and before I knew it I was spooning it into my mouth, letting it envelope my tongue in its sweet silky flavor. Eddie pounded down a burger, topped with almost every option listed. I had no idea how he could eat so much, but somehow wasn’t surprised when he called the waitress back to order a second burger.
Reed carefully ate his sandwich. He joined in Eddie’s playful banter, but something obviously still nagged at his mind.
The meal went fast. The waitress came by once more, slipping a black folder onto the table.
“Here you go, handsome,” she said, winking shamelessly at Eddie.
Eddie beamed a toothy smile, running his fingers through his red hair. “Why thank you, ma’am. Might I say, those burgers were delicious.”
“Oh hon, they aren’t the only delicious things here,” the waitress replied, her voice dripping. The waitress glanced over at Reed and me. “Looks like the restaurant is full of delicious today.” She winked at Reed.
Reed politely smiled back to the waitress, then reached into his pocket for some money, averting his eyes from her overly made-up ones. “Don’t mind him,” Eddie said, chuckling. “He’s on a first date, and I’m just intruding.”
“First… Eddie, honestly.” Reed shook his head, forcing a nervous laugh. I could see him glance out of the corner of his eye in my direction, his cheeks looking more red than usual. I could feel my own cheeks reflecting his heat.
The waitress smiled at Eddie again, then turned and walked away. “See you later, Eddie,” she called over her shoulder.
“Bye Rhonda,” Eddie called back to her, pretending to blow a kiss to her back.
Reed raised an eyebrow at Eddie, his fingers counting out a few bills from his wallet.
“What?” Eddie asked innocently. “We went on a date. Once. I think.” A bashful smile crept across his face as he ran his fingers through his hair again. “She said she liked my red curls.”
The boys both chuckled, slipping their money into the black folder before standing. Eddie snatched a handful of fries from his almost empty plate, stuffing some into his mouth as he took a step away from the table. I glanced at the folder. Leaving it there on the table, full of money, did not seem like a good idea.
“It’s okay,” Reed said, leaning toward me. “They got it.” He pointed to the waitress, who waited politely a few tables away. She nodded at me, flashing a brilliant smile before wiggling her fingers at Eddie.
Reed placed his hand on my back. I melted against his hand’s gentle pressure. It felt strange to relish the touch of him. I no longer recoiled or pushed him away. Instead, against all my thoughts and will, I found myself looking forward to his next touch.
It confused me like nothing else.
We walked back out onto the sidewalk. Across the street there was an office that I hadn’t noticed before, its windows blocked with thick white paper. On a board hung above the closed door, painted in fading black, it read: Records.
“What’s that?” I asked, pointed at the office.
Reed’s eyes followed the direction of my finger. “Records? It’s a place where you can find out about the records of any newspaper, arrest, court sessions, sentencings… you know. All of that. Right in there.” Reed clenched his jaw, nodding toward the office.
“Why would you want to do that?” I asked, shocked.
“Some people like to know the truth. Looking up records seems to be the only way to dig some of it up.”
The truth. Everyone lately seemed to be more and more obsessed with that. Being a criminal, committing crimes, and being punished for them, that was the truth. I couldn’t see what else they could look for.
Reed was watching my face, his own deep in thought. As if reading my mind, he leaned in closer, his voice soft. “There is a gray zone in life, Millie. People say everything is b
lack and white. But sometimes… sometimes there is more to the story than what he said or she said. There is always some sort of gray zone.”
Eddie stepped up beside me. He was munching on the fries he had snatched up from his plate, casually wiping his greasy hand on his jeans. “So Millie, what got your folks locked up?” he asked through the mouthful of fries.
I felt the knot rise in my throat. “Murder,” I said, barely audible.
“Murder? Really?” Eddie laughed, choking on his fries as he tried to swallow the mouthful. “How awesome is that!” He moved to slap me on the back, but Reed suddenly intersected his hand, pushing it away sharply.
“Eddie. Really?”
Eddie stopped, lowering his hand to his side. He looked back and forth between us before a smile hinted at the corners of his mouth. “You know, I think I’m going to go mingle. Meet back up in an hour?”
Reed nodded. Eddie winked at me then wandered off down the sidewalk, his backpack swinging with his loose swagger.
“Sorry. About Eddie.” Reed put his hands in his pockets, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “What he said in the restaurant, about it being a date, I didn’t mean for it to seem like it was a –”
“It’s fine,” I interrupted, offering Reed a soft smile. “I didn’t mind. I really don’t.”
Reed returned my smile. Together, we turned and looked at the Records office in silence. The sign swung slightly in the growing breeze, its hinges creaking. I read the sign over and over, my eyes tracing each letter as if searching for what truth the sign might hold.
“Have you ever thought of looking them up?” Reed asked.
“My parents?” I stopped, thinking. I had honestly never thought about it. Up until that moment, I had never even known that it was possible. “No, I guess not.”
“You are mad at them, aren’t you?”
I turned to Reed. “Wouldn’t you be? If you were me, wouldn’t you be mad?” I asked, my voice slicing through the air. I hung in mid breath, almost begging for his answer.