“Five it is.” Some of the pleasantness had left his voice. He sounded as if he was confirming a dentist appointment now.
Without another word he hung up leaving me to stare at the phone in my hand in disbelief. With a sigh, I was fully aware that even if my friends didn’t see us, others would. As much as Daniel tried to fade into the background outside of class, I knew I would draw the wrathful stares of his coed admirers. We were sure to run into at least one of their number at the festival. Word would spread; NPU just wasn’t that big a place. Besides that, Daniel couldn’t hide in a crowd even if he wanted to. He was just that good looking. I, on the other hand could be invisible if I chose to. It wasn’t easy with my mess of red hair, but I knew how to go undetected if that was my goal.
I tried to sleep in the next morning, but woke up only about an hour later than I usually did. Groggily sitting up, I looked around the room. Why did something feel off, like something was just a little bit different than it had been when I went to sleep? I’d had that feeling a lot lately, but as I rolled out of bed, I ignored it like I had every other morning for the past few days.
I went through my morning routine, doing my best to pretend that I didn’t feel like someone had been in my room last night. But I did. I could feel a strange presence hanging in the air like a smell I couldn’t quite detect with my nose. It was unmistakable, but to elusive for me to really comprehend or try to explain rationally to another person. Somehow in the back of my mind, I didn’t feel alone. And being who I was, something about that both unnerved me and felt comforting at the same time. As always, nothing was easy with me.
After I showered and dressed, I curled back up in bed and watched mindless TV. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t muster up the enthusiasm to study. We didn’t have cable in our room so we only got the few channels that came in with the antenna. To get cable would mean I’d have to get a job to pay for it. And besides, was there really anything on television that would justify getting a job? It seemed unlikely.
I ate my fruit loops for breakfast, but decided to skip lunch. The thought of all those fresh baked apple pies, apple fritters and apple turnovers at the festival made the thought of dining hall food almost repulsive. No, I’d save room for later. Maybe it was a good thing I was going to the festival with Daniel. All things considered, I could care less if he thought I was a pig. Now, had I gone with my friends, I’d have at least tried to pretend to eat somewhat responsibly and not be my usual glutinous self when it came to apples.
At 4:50 I headed down stairs dressed in jeans and a nice sweater. How to dress had been on my mind all afternoon. I wanted to look nice but not like I was trying to, which of course required an enormous amount of effort on my part. This was new to me. I’d never dressed to impress someone and was finding that this facet of womanhood could be exhausting. Somehow, I doubted Daniel ever gave much thought to what he wore; he was probably born looking that good.
Wanting to be able to jump in as soon as he pulled up, I was early down to the curb. I knew too many people around here and still held out a hope we could get through the night without too many people giving us a second look.
As I sat on the back steps of Capen Hall, I found myself muttering “You shouldn’t be doing this,” over and over again. Yet somehow I felt compelled to go against my own better advice. I hoped my acceptance was out of a sense of gratitude that he’d taken care of me in my hour of need and not because I found him attractive in any way. If that was the reason, surely I was setting myself up for a world of hurt.
I think in the back of my mind, I already knew it was inevitable he’d cause me pain. I was pondering this thought a few minutes later when that fancy black car of his pulled onto Pond Road.
“I really shouldn’t be doing this,” I muttered one final time.
He pulled over, coming to a stop in front of me and instantly jumped out to run around the front of the car. Quickly waving my hand away from the door handle, he opened the door for me. I frowned up at him as I got in.
“You’re a lady, Sara. You should try to remember that. Any man who doesn’t open a door for you, isn’t worth your time.” With a smile, he closed the door behind me.
Gees, he sounded like my father.
As he walked back around, I rolled my eyes at him while he shook his head and suppressed what I assumed was a laugh at my expense. I hope he wasn’t thinking this was a date or anything.
I rolled my eyes again, this time at myself.
Duh, of course he doesn’t stupid. This is you we’re talking about.
What he was thinking was a complete mystery to me, but that this was a date seemed impossible in my mind. People like him did not date people like me. It was as simple as that.
The festival was something of a cross between a large travelling carnival, a farmers market and a church bazaar. Held on the athletic fields of the local high school, we parked off to the side of South Putt Corners Road and silently walked over to get in line to buy our tickets. We hadn’t actually spoken since his comment about my not being lady enough for him.
When we got to the head of the line, I reached into my pocket for a few bills, but when I looked up, Daniel was already paying for both our tickets. I frowned again, but he didn’t seem to notice. As we walked away he casually handed me a ticket.
“Thank you, but I could have paid for mine. It was my idea to come after all.”
Still under the impression this wasn’t a date, I felt a little awkward.
He immediately stopped and looked at me.
“I could never let a woman pay,” he said condescendingly as he continued towards the entry gate. He stopped a few feet later when he realized I was still standing there.
“That’s kind of an old fashioned attitude, isn’t it? I thought this wasn’t a date.”
“Well, I guess I’m an old fashioned guy,” he smiled. “And maybe this is a date.”
I stood there eying him. I couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not, or if I wanted him to be.
“Didn’t I tell you before that you’ve got to start getting used to being treated like a lady?”
With a smile I wasn’t sure I trusted, he reached over and offered me his arm. I looked at it appraisingly. I had a feeling that accepting it meant I’d be crossing that line into date territory.
I’m going to have to do it tonight, I thought to myself as I closed my eyes for a moment. I don’t think I can wait any longer.
I slowly walked over and gave his arm a long look before I finally took it. He tried not to smile as I did, but failed somewhat miserably.
“So where would you like to go first?” he asked as we walked through the gate.
When I pointed down an aisle of stalls from some of the local farmers, we began to move in that direction. I could smell the wonderful aroma of baked apple goods calling me as we approached one of the apple orchard stands. Unable to resist, I purchased a couple of apple turnovers and began to eat them as we continued to walk around. He, of course, insisted on paying for them and the discussion that ensued seemed to amuse the lady behind the register to no end.
After walking around for a while, it was about dinner time, so I also ate some corn on the cob and fried chicken and then back to the apple stand for apple fritters and a slice of apple pie. When we got back to the head of the line. I silently rolled my eyes as Daniel pulled out his wallet and paid. At this point, I knew there was no point in arguing with him. Besides, I think he liked it when I did.
As Daniel turned away, pocketing his change, the lady behind the register smiled as she gave me a wink.
Gees, Not her too!
Daniel ate – nothing. He said he’d already eaten, but that excuse just wasn’t flying with me anymore. I let it go. I’d find out sooner or later what his story was, and wasn’t in the mood to stir up that particular pot at the moment. I knew the time for answers was coming, knew it had too. There was no way to avoid it now, but that didn’t mean I was looking forward to it. Either I’d learn someth
ing I wasn’t prepared to hear, or I’d embarrass myself with humiliating questions. Neither seemed like a pleasant alternative in my eyes.
We’d been walking around for a while and besides seeing a few women take a long second look at Daniel, no one seemed to recognize us. I was thankful. I really had no idea what I was doing here with him. To be honest, if I’d thought this was a real date before, I don’t think I’d have agreed to come.
As we wandered through the craft stalls, I stopped to admire some quilt work. I wasn’t very handy with a needle and thread, but could appreciate all the artistry and intricate work that went into them. While Daniel strolled to the back of the stall to take a closer look at a display, I started talking to the woman selling her quilt work. When we finished, I walked over and joined him while he examined a simple but elegant quilt that hung on the back wall.
“My mother made one just like this,” he said almost dreamily as I came to a stop by his side. He continued to stare at it as if his mind was far away.
“Isn’t it lovely?” the woman said. “It’s an antique.” She gently turned over a corner to show us where the artist had delicately embroidered her name and the date, 1887.
We thanked her and walked through the rest of the stalls, examining the work of some local woodworking and glass artisans. Every so often, I’d peer over at him and catch him watching me or looking suspiciously at someone I would talk to. For some reason I felt like he was studying me, like I was a research project he was working on. I’d have been convinced of it if it wasn’t for the shy smile I’d see him wear sometimes. If this wasn’t a date, it sure was beginning to feel like one. At least it did when he looked at me like that.
“So how about going on some rides?” I asked.
“Alright. Which one first?”
We went on the Ferris Wheel, tilt-a-whirl and a few others, the last one being an especially twirly one. I walked off a little dizzy, and as I started to walk a little of course, he reached over and took my arm to steady me.
“Whoa, there. I’m thinking I should probably hold on to you for a while until you get your footing back.” He was laughing at me behind that innocent smile of his. I could tell. “Let’s take a break from the rides for a while.”
I didn’t argue.
“Alright. Let’s go back to the apple stand,” I suggested.
A few minutes later we sat down at a picnic table in the concession area. Taking a seat across from me, he patiently watched as I devoured a caramel apple and a basket of fried apple slices with a soda.
With raised eyebrows, he shook his head back and forth as he watched me savoring them one by one.
“What?” I asked when I finally glanced up to see the look on his face.
“I don’t understand how you can eat like that. I’ve never seen anyone eat that much and be so skinny.”
I looked at him incredulously.
“You think I’m skinny?”
He shot me a look, insinuating how stupid a question he thought that was.
“I may have limited experience with women, but even I know enough not to answer that question. Don’t you worry about diabetes, cholesterol or high blood pressure?”
“No, not really. We never had any of that kind of stuff in my family.”
“I would imagine so.”
I peered up at him as if that was a strange thing to say, but he didn’t seem to notice as he leaned over and glanced down at what was left in front of me. I pushed the last few apple slices his way.
“Are you sure you don’t want to try some? They’re really good.”
“No, thank you. You do seem to like apples don’t you,” he smiled.
“Yep. They grow out on Long Island too. I remember going apple picking with my family when I was really little. It was fun. I heard you can do that around here somewhere. I need to find out where and go while they’re still in season.”
I finished the last slice and took a big gulp of soda. He was watching me intently again with that way of his.
“How about checking out the arcade area?” he suggested
We got up and headed over to the other side of the festival where the carnival games were set up. We were silent again. I had no idea what he was thinking, but I was still pondering his I may have limited experience with women comment. What could he possibly have meant by that? As incredibly good looking as he was, I’m sure he had no trouble getting women to do anything for him … or to him, without anything more than asking nicely.
About half way to the arcade I stopped short in the crowd and stood motionless for a moment.
“What’s wrong?” Daniel asked.
“Nothing. I just thought I heard a familiar voice. Never mind,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Daniel gave me a look as if he could tell I was lying, but didn’t say anything.
I had heard a voice, his voice. I’d have known it anywhere, but I’d deal with him later.
“Come on, I’ll win you a prize,” he said as he smiled and looked down at my hand. I think he wanted to take it … but he didn’t. Instead after a moment’s hesitation, he looked up into my eyes and nodded his head to continue on.
While we walked along, I realized that throughout the entire evening he’d never touched me directly with his skin. Strangely it was as if he realized I knew there was something different about him and he didn’t want to emphasize it. I rolled my eyes at the thought. I had to hold back saying believe me, Buddy, that’s just one item on a very long list of strange things I don’t understand about you.
First we tried the ring toss. I didn’t get any hooked, but Daniel – got them all. The carnie gave him a dirty look as he handed me a large stuffed giraffe.
“Gee, thanks. Just what I always wanted.” I muttered as I gave Daniel a sarcastic smile
“What are you talking about? I think he’s cute.”
Next to us a little girl was trying her luck. She didn’t hook any rings and turned towards us with a heartbreakingly disappointed look on her little face. I handed her the giraffe and watched as she instantly brightened up. After she thanked me, she ran over to her mother to show her what she’d won.
“I hope you don’t mind,” I said to Daniel as I turned back to him.
He smiled as he shook his head no and indicated towards another game. Daniel won them all and I won – none. They were rigged, I was almost certain of it. How he won, I wasn’t quite sure, but I’d figure it out eventually.
Our last stop was a shooting game with air rifles. Finally, one I thought I might be better than him at. When our turn came, the carnie handed me the rifle and I handed it off to Daniel. I wanted him to go first. He did very well and won a small prize. When he handed the rifle back to me, I felt its weight in my hands and quickly examined it. Holding it up, I looked down the barrel at the sight. Yes, this one was rigged. The site was out of alignment just enough to throw you off. I held it up and aimed towards the target. Compensating for the rigging, I held my breath as I squeezed off my first shot. A bull’s eye. I had five shots to go and shot them off in quick succession, all bulls eyes.
With a bit of a smile on my face, I handed the rifle back to the carnie only to see Daniel staring at me.
“Well, you’re good at everything else,” I said rather defensively. “Can’t I have one thing I’m good at?”
“You never fail to surprise me,” he murmured with a cryptic smile.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Most of the time – no. I rather enjoy it.”
“And the rest of the time?”
“Well, it can also be a little exasperating at times.”
“Gees, now you sound like my father,” I replied with a teasing smile of my own.
“Obviously a very intelligent man.”
I rolled my eyes and turned to walk along.
“So, I hope you’re having a good time,” he said pleasantly.
“Sure. Any place with apple pastries is fine with me.”
I’d been with him for a while now a
nd still wasn’t sure what to make of our evening together. A date? I couldn’t tell at this point. How was I supposed to know? Other than the prom, I’d never really been out on one before.
Then through the sounds of the music and laughter I heard the voice again. This time from behind me to the right, about twenty feet back. He wasn’t talking to me, but I could distinguish the timber of his raspy smoker’s voice easily enough.
“I’ll be right back,” I said to Daniel. “I’m going to go visit the ladies room.”
I indicated in the direction of the portable facilities towards the back of the school.
“Alright” he said. Then he started to move as if to come with me.
“Why don’t you take a seat here?” I pointed towards a bench. “And I’ll be right back.”
Surprisingly, he did as I suggested without comment. Seizing the moment, I headed off in the direction of the voice which luckily coincided with the direction Daniel thought I should be going in. When I caught sight of him, he was heading into the shadows behind the portables. He wasn’t alone, he was following someone. I didn’t recognize her, but she was young and pretty and headed towards the cars by way of a dark path around the back of the school. Not a good idea, I thought to myself, and once out of Daniel’s line of sight, I broke into a run and easily caught up to him.
They were in the shadow of the school just around the building in the back alley. As I rounded the corner he was reaching towards the girl, her eyes wide with fear and panic. Without warning, I ran up and kicked him hard in the back causing him to fall on his knees with a thud in front of her as a guttural sound escaped his lips.
“Get out of here,” I said to her calmly. She ran off without saying a word, but a thank you was in her eyes.
When she was gone, I turned my attention back to the source of the voice, the man I’d knocked unconscious with my crutch. In obvious pain, he was squirming to get up from the grass.
“You again?” I mumbled. “Come on, man. This is getting old. Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time?”
The Purity of Blood: Volume I Page 15
