This stopped her for a second as she responded, “Yes, yes they are. Why do you need to speak with me freak?”
I giggled at her antics. “I'm worried about Penny. She tried... she left without warning this morning and I am worried about her. I was wondering if you have heard from her.”
She paused again. “She left here about an hour ago.”
I started talking again, “She's... there are reasons I think she may...”
She interrupted. “We're not going to get anywhere if you can't complete a sentence Sandra. Where are you right now and what are you doing?”
I shrugged. “At home, looking for Penny.”
She snorted. “Well you're not going to find her there and where the hell is 'home'?”
I told her and she said, “Jesus, that's about the slummiest part of town. OK, tell you what, we're not going to get anywhere on the phone. Face to face is better. Be at Wolf Diner on Hartford in twenty minutes so I can see what kind of degenerate Penny is pining over.”
She hung up on me after that. Penny was... pining over me? I wish! I shook the thought out of my head and I looked to the furballs strewn out around the couch as I stood. “Well kids, sorry but it looks like I'm going out yet again. And hey, why are you all on the couch, you know you're not supposed to be on the furniture.” They seemed to snuggle into the cushions even more and I giggled. “That's what I thought.” I grabbed my purse and headed out the door once again. I seem to be always on the go since meeting Penny, maybe I should like, live in a motor home. I giggled at myself.
I looked up the address for Wolf Diner and punched it into the GPS. Hmm, university district, not too far away.
I found a parking spot and walked into the charming cafe and realized I had no clue what she looked like. I saw an attractive woman in her mid thirties standing by the door looking out. She looked like she would have been like, a cheerleader or something, back in high school. She had the first tinges of grey hair sparkling in her blonde hair.
I kind of admired that she wasn't vain enough to dye it to hide the grey. I almost snorted, her professional looking blouse and skirt were offset by the white ankle socks and pink sneakers she wore. This HAD to be Missy. She didn't give a darn about what other people thought of her, she was her own person.
I stepped to her and looked up. She certainly was a tall one. “Missy?”
She looked down at me and squinted. She eyeballed me up and down with a calculating look. “Sandra?”
I nodded with a grin. She sort of smirked. “When you said where you lived, I was expecting someone a little more... trailer trash I guess. Nice outfit there freak.”
This is what the twins told me to expect so I wasn't offended. I could already see it is like the coping mechanism some of my people use on the streets, but what is she coping with? She seems so put together from my cursory look. Unless she's like the rest of us in the world... insecure. I gave her my most genuine grin. “Thanks! It means a lot coming from someone wearing white ankle socks and sneakers with a business suit.”
She actually snorted then chuckled with a smile. “My, you're a scrappy little pasty one aren't you? I see why Penny likes you.” Then she turned and looked over the cafe. “There's a booth in the back free it looks like.” And she just left me standing there as she made her way back and I couldn't stop a silly giggle as I followed her. She's random. I like her.
We sat and I looked at a menu as she just sat sizing me up. I ignored it to let her get it out of her system. I'm sure she's doing it mostly for my reaction, but there is some calculating curiosity burning in her intelligent eyes.
The server came over and Missy just grabbed the menu from me and handed it to the lady. “Just two number threes and coffee please Bree.” The woman smiled and ran off.
I tilted my head in humor. “So what's a number three?”
She looked at me I could tell she was ready to gauge my reaction. “Breakfast scramble platter. It's the best thing they make in here.”
Breakfast for dinner sounds fun! I dropped my jaw playfully. “I'm allergic to eggs.”
She looked shocked then started to turn toward the retreating Bree to call her back. “You are?”
I giggled. “No, I'm not.”
She snorted as she turned back toward me. “OK, now I really like you ya little runt.”
I was trying really hard not to giggle again, but it was funny. Then she turned her calculating eyes back on me. “So Sandra, tell me what's going on. Why did you need to contact me? It better be good, I ditched my hot fiance at a sports bar so I could meet you here.”
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. One, two, three. “I'm worried about Penny. She disappeared this morning and I think she might...”
She finished for me. “Hurt herself? Yeah I thought that too when she showed up today and we went for a long walk for a couple hours, but she's adamant about putting something right for you for some reason. Once she puts her mind to something when it comes to people she... ummm... cares about, it is going to happen.”
I tilted my head. “Putting what right?”
She shrugged. “That's just it, she didn't say and I didn't push. She's been way too fragile since she lost the twins.”
I gave a sad smile. “I can see that, I spoke with them for hours today and I can tell they love her as much as she loves them. Did you know...” I trailed off.
She tilted her head and squinted an eye. “Oh come on platinum puss, don't get all shy and evasive now. Speak.”
I didn't want to get her mad at me. I slumped my shoulders and spoke, “Victor has been manipulating things, telling Penny the girls didn't want to speak with her on the phone and intercepting all the letters she sent them. And he's been telling the girls that she didn't want anything to do with them. The... the... the meany!”
She chuckled again. “Come on, you can do better than 'meany'. I was sure the douche bag was manipulating things, he had to have been. I don't know how that ass clown is related to me. I hate the guy but he is... my brother. And I love my nieces to death. I get to be the 'bad aunt' with them.”
I grinned. “And they love you so much. They raved about you, but they don't know where Penny may be either. She's... ummm... sick.”
She shook her head at me. “You like, trying out for 'princess of tact' or something? Don't pussy foot around. I know you don't want to reveal her secrets, but you can say it. Cancer. See? It's not that hard to say. She told me. I told her she was a dumbass for not getting that shit cut out of her body. But dumbass or not, I love her like a sister.” She paused and looked at me. I was trying hard not to cry, but I could feel my eyes watering. She didn't know where she was either. “I wish I could tell you where she went. All I know is it has something to do with you. She seems to love your pasty little ass.”
She paused as the plates of food were placed in front of us. Then once Bree left, Missy tilted her head and her brow creased. “You feel the same about her don't you? I can see it in the hurt in your eyes.”
I nodded, not looking at her so I wouldn't break down bawling. “OMG, she is so pretty, and smart, and caring.” I started eating. Theses certainly weren't Mrs. Z's eggs but they were edible. I finally looked up and she was still studying me with those calculating eyes. She shoveled some egg into her mouth then chewed thoughtfully and swallowed. “So, tell me about Sandra. I want to know about you before I decide whether or not to help you any further.”
We spent the meal talking about me and my childhood and my... umm... learning problems. She was extremely abrasive but was a good listener and was able to segue easily to get more information from me on certain topics. I found myself liking this woman and seeing through her defensive armor. I made my decision once I determined this, I think my plan will really work.
I studied her for a minute, I can tell she was about to speak. So I started slowly so I could gauge her reaction. “Victor is going to send the girls away to boarding school.”
She squinted her eyes and I could
see anger burning deep inside them. I said, “You like, love the twins and junk right?”
She was silent, watching me and just nodded. I nodded back. “Victor won't let them have any contact with Penny.” She nodded again I could see she was putting everything I was saying together.
She stopped me as she picked up her cell phone. “If this is going where I think it is. Wait for Steven to hear this too.” Then she dialed someone then said, “Get that fine ebony ass over here.” Then she simply hung up.
It wasn't five minutes later when she looked up from our conversation and looked over to where a hunky specimen of a man came walking through the door. He was like a black Adonis. I bet he was a football-y type guy or sumpin sports-y like that. If I were straight I'd probably be drooling as he approached our table.
Missy slid over and he slid in beside her, then he gave her a kiss. Gawd they were cute together! Then she grinned and looked at me. “Sandra, this gorgeous loser slacker here is my fiance Steven Slader. Steven that little mini-freak over there is Sandra. Penny's new love interest.” OMG! I could feel the burn of an intense blush on my cheeks that was making its way down my neck when she called me Penny's love interest. I still wish that could be true.
Steven grinned and reached over and his huge hand engulfed mine as we shook. His deep rumbling voice said, “Pleased to meet you Sandra, don't let this old hag push your buttons.”
Missy playfully bumped shoulders with Steven and she said, “I think the blushing squirt is about to drop a bomb on me here that may affect both of us.”
Then she looked directly at me with an impish grin. “Proceed oh silver eyed dweeb.”
I closed my eyes and took a cleansing breath. One, two, three. Then I opened my eyes and started laying things out.
Chapter 11 – Business as Usual
The thirteen days were nerve wracking. I checked the hospitals and morgues daily with Jane. I felt so useless and my heart was aching, how can I have this big hole in my heart where Penny should be? I only knew her for such a short time.
Crystal actually yelled at me when I said I was useless in trying to find Penny, Jane agreed with her. Crystal pointed out that I obviously knew Penny better than anyone else, that I had managed to track her stops through the day that she disappeared because of it, when nobody else could. She made me acknowledge it. Then she softened and told me how proud she was of me and how smart I was to be able to figure things out like that. Gawd her hugs are warm!
Between working at the Duck Boats, helping out at the shelters, and visiting the children in the hospitals, Crystal and Jane helped me with all the super-confusing IRS and other required paperwork to set up my non-profit foundation. I mean, what is a fiscal year and calendar year? Isn't there like only one kind of year? I wanted to do this more than ever since it is what Penny wanted me to do in her letter.
They would never just give me the answers. They helped me look it all up and find the right answers. And the math... the girls made me do it myself but checked all my work. At times they would ask, how did Penny teach you? Then they would have me apply the numbers to my people on the street and was able to work things through faster. I basked in the looks of pride they had for me.
I filed the papers a few days back. Now it was just waiting to see if it got approved. I wish I could ask daddy to release some of the funds so I could do stuff right away if I get approved, but I want to do it all myself. Prove to him I can do it, make him proud of me.
Reese Qualls called. She said Crystal had shared with her what I was doing and she pledged to do the website and the online donation payment system pro-bono if I got the foundation. Reese is so super-smart with programming and junk and she can do so many cool things with her wheelchair.
I kept in touch with Missy and Steven and filled the twins in on the plan that they had eagerly agreed to. The girls told me I was a genius and I almost cried. I talk to them every day. They call just to chat about anything and everything. I can't believe how spectacularly wonderful they are, I hope one day I can have children as perfect as them. Penny did good!
To my surprise, Missy called frequently as well, and we hung out from time to time. I was getting the impression that she didn't have many true friends except Mia Jacobs. I met Mia before, back when Bobbie Valentine went missing on the mountain years back, and she was a super sweet woman, but I think it comes down to Missy not being willing to put herself out there and possibly getting hurt coupled with people not being willing to break through her abusive facade. Yesterday she excitedly told me that she had talked Victor into the plan and it was happening tomorrow, that was the happiest news ever!
We set up a big party for tomorrow night to celebrate, Missy says she might be able to get Mia to come. Bobbie and Blake said they could come and that Kimi and Skylar were already in town for Thanksgiving next week, and they would be at the party too. I only wish Penny could be here for it, this was all for her. I spent most of those days dwelling over how her lips on mine made my body warm and tingly.
I had been on autopilot since Penny left, even Yvette and Leo were asking me if I was OK. I had been all business, doubling my efforts to make sure all my people on the streets were OK and my children in the hospitals were too. The holiday season was hard on everyone and it was about to begin.
Ralph told me to relax and let him take care of things that he was getting worried about how intense I was getting. I told him I was fine. I'm a liar, how can I be fine if I'm walking around without a heart?
I shook myself out of my thoughts as I pulled up to St. Vincent's, it was their turn again today, I hit King County General yesterday. I looked at my fuzzy companions, looking all businesslike in their working dog bibs. You will never see a prettier group of boys and girls than my dogs, or more dedicated. They have the magic ability to bring a smile to your face even in the saddest of times. I love them so much.
I went past the unmanned nurses station and into the cancer ward and unclipped the puppies and whispered, “Fang, announce!” And he warbled out his mini howl to the giggling of the kids.
I almost giggled hearing Ranee squealing, “Monster is here!”
She came bolting out from her curtain with a look of excitement, followed by her her parents. A new boy looked out from his curtain with a look of curiosity on his face. I winked at him then smiled at Ranee as I said, “Shell game.” It was always fun watching my dogs try to mix themselves up.
I looked at Renee with an eyebrow raised. She cutely hugged herself then pointed and said, “That's Monster!”
I giggled. “Of course that is. Go get her Monster!” My handsome boy obediently ran up to her and I smiled as she scooped him up giggling and shuffled back into her area with her smiling parents.
I looked at the new boy. “Hello, I'm Sandra. What's your name?”
He looked at me as an older gentleman popped his head out from behind the newcomers curtain. The boy said, “Francis.”
I smiled again. “Hello Francis. Would you like to play with one of my dogs for a while?” He nodded shyly and I said, “Petunia, go get him!” And my shy little one ran to him and he scooped her up and nuzzled her then smiled shyly again at me. The man smiled sadly and nodded at me and ushered his son back into his area.
I heard a weak voice. “Is... is Fang here?” I moved over to Emily's area and walked in. Her mother was sitting beside her holding her hand. We nodded at each other. Emily looked so weak and frail, her eyes were heavily lidded. Probably the pain meds.
I walked up to her and stroked her cheek gently. “He's been excited about seeing you for three days. I couldn't keep him away from his secret crush for anything.” I looked down at my dogs, “Isn't that right? Fang, announce.” My other handsome boy sat and howled to more giggles from the other curtains. I gently set him on Emily's chest. “Fang, cuddle.” He cuddled right in and she smiled sleepily and started slowly stroking his soft fur.
She got a sleepy smile on her face and looked over at her mother. “I think we're dating
mom.”
To her credit, Mrs. Swanson just smiled and said, “You could have done worse baby doll.” We all giggled.
I kissed Emily on her cheek and grabbed and squeezed her mother's hand and moved on to the next. Tracy was in the room now and looking concerned as I reached for Ted's curtain saying, “Knock, knock.” But nurse Tracy put her hand on mine and stopped me from opening it. I looked over at her and she had pain in her eyes. I covered my mouth. No! Not again. I'm losing everyone. I know to expect it here but it hurts too much sometimes. They are only children, this is not supposed to happen to kids. I sobbed silently for a second. She handed me a tissue and I dried my eyes.
I took a deep cleansing breath, I couldn't let the children see me like this. I have to be strong for them. I straightened my shoulders and put on a practiced smile and nodded at her and moved on as she put a hand on my shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.
I went into Yvette's curtain and said, “Knock knock.” She looked tired and strained and her breathing was labored. Colette was asleep in the chair beside her. Yvette looked over at her and smiled then waved me in like we were doing spy stuff. She grinned down at my last soldier. “Is that Tulip I spy down there?”
I giggled and lifted Tulip to her. “Tulip, snuggle.” And I giggled as the frail girl giggled too as she snuggled in beside her. Then she stopped and tilted her head. She must be all guru-y again or sumpin because she held an arm out to me, beckoning me. “Oh Sandra.” I hugged her tight and tried not to cry. She just said, “He's at peace now, the pain is gone. Don't be sad.” She held me at arm's length. “He loved you and your visits with the furry tail waggers, you brought a smile to his face when he was feeling the weight of the world on him. That is a miraculous thing.” Then she hugged me again.
Colette stirred and saw me and smiled and held a hand out to me, I just hugged her instead of taking her hand. Everyone needs a hug sometimes. Then I looked between them. “I'm going to go visit with the ones who didn't get a fuzzy heat monger today.” They nodded and I made my rounds with Tracy in tow for moral support. The sorrow of losing Ted occupied my mind.
Broken Song Page 11
