Broken Butterfly

by Cindy Patterson

  Mallory crossed her arms. “What’s that?”

  “You have to ride the kissing tower with me.”

  Mallory gasped as Paul and Rachel burst into laughter.

  The color in Mallory’s cheeks deepened. “Okay, I didn’t see that coming.”

  Eric’s first reaction was to punch him, but Andrew was joking. He hoped.

  Mallory turned to find Eric’s lips twisted into a smile.

  Rachel clasped her hands together. “Eric, you and Mallory ride with me and Paul. Andrew, do you and Kelli mind driving separate?”

  “Not at all.” Andrew bowed. “After you, Miss Bennett.”

  Eric opened the back door of Paul’s truck and helped Mallory in before sliding in after her.

  Leaning toward her, Eric whispered, his breath brushing against her ear. “Will you ride with me?”

  Her body stilled. “Ride what?”

  “Everything.” His eyes smoldered with intensity.

  “Yes.” Her uncertainties quieted and the many lies she’d believed flew from her mind.

  His eyes were intent on her lips, and a wild longing to kiss him swept through her. She exhaled.

  He weaved his fingers between hers. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you.”

  Could this really be happening? The feelings were real, the look in his eyes genuine. But would it last?

  Mallory stared through her window as Paul drove into Hershey Park. Roller coasters towered over the trees. Minutes later, she followed her friends through the main entrance of the amusement park, the smell of funnel cakes and popcorn drawing her forward.

  Eric caught up to her, his lips stretched into a huge grin. “We’re riding Fahrenheit first.”

  “What’s that? It sounds scary.”

  “One of the roller coasters.”

  They reached the orange and blue coaster, loaded with twists and turns. Screams funneled from the passengers. Mallory could hardly breathe.

  Andrew eyes narrowed. “This is a fast one.”

  Her teeth chattered as the crowd inched forward. Maybe she could sit this one out.

  “Don’t worry.” Eric slipped his arm through hers. “I’ll be right beside you.”

  They stepped onto the platform and got in line. Everyone had already paired up. Mallory stepped into one of the rows. Eric followed. Seconds later two empty seats stood in front of them.

  “It’s our turn.” He held her elbow as she climbed in.

  Hands trembling, she pulled the safety bar over her head. The attendant stopped and gave it a firm tug. The snap calmed her fears until the car jerked forward. She closed her eyes as the clicking sound echoed through her body. She dared a peek as the car inched toward the sky, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

  When it reached the top, she slid deeper into her seat. Seconds later it sped down the hill curving and looping, leaving her stomach behind. A rush of butterflies enveloped her, and a shrill cry left her mouth. Just as quickly the ride was over.

  Eric offered his hand as she stepped from the car. She wobbled at first, her thoughts blurred from the excitement—blurred from the close vicinity between them. His strong shoulders half a foot taller than hers, moved in a rhythmic motion, his muscles flexing with each step.

  “What did you think?”

  Her mouth flooded with moisture. “It was fun.”

  As they walked away from the ride, heavy drops of rain began to fall. Rachel and Kelli ran in the opposite direction. Mallory started to follow, but Eric grabbed her hand.

  “Come with me.” He led her underneath the Nathan’s Famous awning.

  They stood close in the small space, their bodies touching. Hairspray burned her eyes, and she squeezed them shut. When she opened them, the park, the noises, all disappeared as Eric pressed his lips gently against hers. His hands moved to her waist and pulled her closer.

  When he moved back, his gaze met hers. His subtle smile widened as he brushed strands of wet hair from her face. He grabbed a napkin from the counter and wiped the smeared makeup from her cheeks. She licked her lips, savoring the warm, minty taste of his mouth and released the breath she’d been holding.

  “Mallory, we’re over here.” Rachel’s voice resonated, breaking Mallory’s trance.

  The rain had stopped. When, she couldn’t be sure. Eric took her hand and they joined their friends.

  No matter what happened, no matter if he asked her out again, no matter how much it hurt —she’d never forget this moment.

  The girls laughed while wringing out their hair.

  Rachel wrapped an arm around Mallory’s shoulder and lowered her voice. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m fine.” His eyes were locked on her, and he winked.

  Rachel rubbed her hands against her blue jeans. “I’m soaked. How did you stay so dry?”

  “We stood under the shelter.”

  “Lucky you were with Eric. We were caught standing out in the rain.” She chuckled. “But at least we were together. Right, Paul?”

  “Yah.” Paul waved, shaking the water from his hat.

  Rachel looked at the clouds. “Maybe the worst has passed.”

  Eric led Mallory toward the next ride. He inched his way closer with each step and slipped his fingers between hers.

  Her lungs expanded. The feel of his rough hands against hers sent waves of electricity bolting through her. “Are you ready for the next one?”

  He squeezed her hand as a boom of thunder crashed through the sky. “I’m ready for anything, as long as you’re beside me.”

  Mallory woke Monday morning to sunshine filtering through her blinds. She lifted the blanket over her head. For half a minute she tried to remember every detail—Eric’s strong but gentle arms around her, the taste of his breath, his lips.

  Thirty minutes later, she stood in front of the mirror for one last check. She adjusted her long layers and sprayed them in place. With one last touch of powder, she strode down the hall.

  Two hours into her morning chores, Sebastian stepped out in front of her. “Miss Mallory, what’s going on with you? I’ve never seen your smile this big.”

  “Leave her be, Sebastian.” Nancy swept past them, winking. “She’s in another world this morning.”

  Sebastian grunted. “It’s more like another galaxy if you ask me.”

  Mallory laughed and gave Sebastian a kiss on the cheek before she exited through the dining room.

  Sebastian’s voice reverberated through the walls. “Don’t tell her I said so, but she’s my favorite girl.”

  “I hope you didn’t think you were hiding it, big man. That’s been obvious from the moment she stepped foot in this kitchen.” Marla paused, and the clatter of dishes reached Mallory’s ears. “I love her too. She’s a real treasure, that one.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. God had truly given her more than she could ever deserve. She headed upstairs toward the bedrooms.

  Mr. Chamberlain met her in the hallway. “Good afternoon, Mallory.”

  “Hello, sir, how are you today?” She dusted a picture, her smile growing. She wanted to savor this incredible feeling.

  The seconds ticked on the grandfather clock.

  “I’m wonderful. You certainly seem happy today.” He kept walking and the question, where had Victoria been all week, caught in her throat.

  “Yes, sir. Have a nice day.” Mallory stepped into Victoria’s room.

  Once in the bathroom, she thought of the muddy tub and floor last week? Where had it come from? The tile cooled her knees as she bent to pull the bag from the trashcan. She stopped. Her mind whirled and dizziness swept through her as an empty, pink, pregnancy test fell to the floor. Not moving, she stared at it. Her eyes zoomed in on the pink line. What did that mean? Her gaze shifted between the instructions on the box and the plastic strip lyi
ng on the tile. Her eyes burned as the truth settled across her heart.

  Pregnant.

  She grabbed the counter and squeezed her eyes shut, remembering every detail, every time she’d seen the two of them together.

  No. She snickered. This had to be just another attempt to punish her. She saw us together. Victoria had told her they were engaged. Eric denied it. Of course she was lying?

  She stumbled from the bathroom. It couldn’t be his.

  Wavering, she yanked the sheets from the unmade bed and threw the pillows with force in all directions. Two pictures slipped out from under the pillows and landed at her feet. Mallory scanned the first one, Victoria and Eric together at a baseball stadium. Her hands shook as the second picture came into view. In one motion, she spiraled downward. Victoria wore a revealing nightgown, leaning over Eric. The picture blurred, as every memory connected to Eric flashed through her mind.

  She crawled from the room, leaving it in disarray. Holding to the stair railing, she pulled herself up, ran down the back stairs, and out the door leading to her apartment.

  Tears clouded her vision as she rushed through the garden and collided with Andrew. He took her arms and stopped her.

  “Mallory, what’s wrong? What happened?”

  She couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe. Why? Why now?

  Andrew took her arm and guided her to the apartment.

  “Can I get you anything?”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry.” Sobs crushed against her chest, suffocating her. “Could you tell Nancy I’m not feeling well? I’ll check in with them later.”

  “Absolutely. Are you sure I can’t do anything?”

  She pressed her lips into a forced smile. “I’m sure. I just need to lie down.”

  “I hope you feel better.”

  “Thank you, Andrew.” Her voice was dead calm, completely different than the pain thrashing through her heart.

  He left and Mallory grabbed the blanket to cover her repugnant chill. The picture of Victoria with Eric flooding fresh tears through her eyes, her soul.

  Eric glanced at the clock again. Mallory didn’t know, he hadn’t asked permission, but he planned to stop by and ask her to dinner. Thoughts of yesterday burned in his memory.

  He hadn’t meant to kiss her so soon, but standing in the rain getting soaked with her eye makeup leaving a trail down her cheeks, he lost all restraint. He inched closer, the taste of her mouth filling his senses even now. Eric would see her today and couldn’t wait. His appointment with Mr. Chamberlain couldn’t have happened at a more perfect time. Reaching his truck, Eric found a note under the windshield wiper. He reached over the glass and snatched it. Could Mallory have left it?

  Eric, I’ve been thinking of you all day. Let’s get together soon. Yours forever, Victoria

  His anticipation plummeted. “Is that girl crazy?”

  He crumpled the note and threw it in the passenger seat. Mallory thought he’d proposed to Victoria. That was the most absurd thing he’d ever heard.

  He would be early for his appointment and hoped to catch a glimpse of Mallory while he waited.

  The winding roads of Lancaster made his effort to get to the mansion more difficult than he planned. Horse drawn buggies crowded the streets today. People had to wait for him to pass before they could get around the Amish drivers.

  He checked his rearview mirror often, squeezing his steering wheel harder with each passing moment. He slowed, determined to wait for the buggy to turn at the next street, but when it didn’t, the driver in the red truck behind him blared his horn and sped around them both.

  Loud pounding on the door startled Mallory awake. Opening her heavy eyelids, she sat up abruptly, disoriented. The banging echoed through her aching head. She stood but had to sit back down when dizziness threatened to prevail. She tried again and made her way toward the door. It had to be Andrew, but what if it was Eric? She couldn’t see him. Not now—not ever again. She glanced at the silver clock hanging on the wall. Two-thirty. Eric would still be working.

  “Who is it?” The banging stopped. She turned when the pounding started again.

  “Who is it?” She tried again, but still nothing. She cracked the door open and peeked outside. Intense shock blended with denial settled over her. The figure standing before her had to be a mistake.

  “Mallory.” Jake shoved the door open, throwing her back. He yanked her into his arms. She froze, her mind spinning.

  “I can’t believe it. I finally found you.” He squeezed her arms and yanked her forward. “You look terrible, baby. What are you doing here?”

  The world shifted on its axis as the reality of what was happening squeezed the air from her lungs. How did he find her? What was she going to do? He wouldn’t leave without her.

  Eric.

  “Don’t cry. I’m here now. Whoever took you will pay for this. Who was it? Who brought you here?” His grip tightened.

  She couldn’t speak. Instead, she stared at the uneven, blond layers hanging over his dark eyes. She could make no mistakes. Drained from crying, her hands hung limp by her sides. What else could she do? There was no other choice.

  With a fresh dose of hysteria, she searched the yard through the kitchen window. There had to be some way out. She didn’t want to leave, to lose her life, her friends, her job. Eric.

  Images of Jake beating her unconscious, leaving her for dead, filled her mind. He would kill her, eventually. No matter what he said, no matter how many times he promised, he would never change.

  A small spark of fight found its way to the surface, and she lifted her chin. “I can’t go with you.” The shock of her world being turned upside down hovered through her defense.

  “I didn’t come all this way to fight with you.” The stench of alcohol on his breath seeped through, robbing her last trace of air. His harsh voice cut through her resolve with a sharpened blade—the same voice he always used when at the end of patience. “I don’t have much time. I’ve already wasted the day and a whole tank of gas driving here to fetch you.”

  She snatched back. “I’m not a dog.” Her clouded gaze searched for an escape.

  “Come on, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m ready to go.” He released her and looked over her shoulder.

  Maybe someone will see us.

  “You want to leave right now? But I have to pack. I have to tell … my friends.”

  “Baby, I’m the only friend you have. No one cares about you, nobody ever has. They’re only using you. I’m the only one who ever cared about you.” The sneer on his lips straightened into a thin line.

  Mallory shuddered at all the times she’d heard those same words from Jake, and how she had believed him.

  “That’s not true.” But the thought of Eric and Victoria together, having a baby, threatened to swallow her new confidence.

  “I’m not leaving without you. And we’re going now. Get your stuff, or we’re leaving without it.” He peeked down the hall. “Are you here alone?”

  Nancy’s car was parked in the driveway. If only she could distract Jake, she could make a run for the car. But that wouldn’t work. He would only follow her, and she’d never learned to drive. She stared through the kitchen window again hoping to see Andrew. Where could he have gone?

  Jake grabbed her arm and walked past her deeper inside the apartment. “Wow, you’ve been living good! Better than that women’s shelter. I can’t believe you left me to move into that place. You didn’t think I’d ever find you did you? You should’ve never left me.” Jake’s cruel voice grew louder. “You should’ve known you would never get away with it.”

  Tremors set in, and her limbs stilled, her feet frozen in place.

  Twenty-One

  The familiar rhythm of horse’s hooves resonated through the open door. The urge to run, to escape and never look back writhed against every muscle
.

  Jake twisted Mallory’s arm. “You’ve made a huge mistake.” Pain ripped through her shoulder. “Hurry up. I’m ready to get out of here.”

  A swimming sensation filled her head. With wavering hands, she grabbed her duffle bag from the closet. In slow motion she folded each item, one by one. A top slipped from her fingers.

  Jake glanced over his shoulder. “What’s taking you so long?”

  “I don’t want to leave anything. I need to run to the main house. I left something there. As soon as I grab it we can leave.” She kept her eyes averted. The lie rushed heat up her neck.

  “You mean the mansion over there?” He moved to the window. “No, you’re not going anywhere without me.”

  “It won’t take but a minute. If anyone sees you, they’ll ask questions. And it will take longer.” She swallowed the lump growing in her throat. “I thought you were anxious to get out of here, so we can be together.”

  “I ain’t stupid. I’m not letting you get away again. You’ll have to leave it.”

  Her head throbbed and she ran her fingers through her hair. The scar where he had thrown her against a glass table only months ago, numbed her fear. Unexpected strength drove her to meet his gaze—to not give up. “Jake, please, it’s my ring. I left it in the workroom, because I didn’t want to ruin it.”

  A grimace merged with his narrowed eyes. “You shouldn’t have taken it off. I’ll get you another one.”

  “It won’t be the same.” Cringing, she stroked his arm. “I can’t leave it here. You can put my things in the trunk. I’ll be right back.”

  “No. You’re not going anywhere.” He stuck his head through the doorway and in that one split second, everything blurred into a frenzy of escape.

  Grabbing the heavy vase sitting on a corner table, she ran toward him and slammed it to the back of his head with a sickening thud. With a deep moan, he fell to the floor. She pushed past him, with a harsh wail.

  She stumbled out the front door. Rushing through the garden, she raced against time, her breathing ragged. A wail lingered just below the border of her throat. It broke free as the reality of her situation slammed against her chest. There was no time to think. What should she do? The field stretched behind the mansion was too open. Would Mr. Chamberlain, Sebastian, be able to stop him? Bursting her way through the courtyard, she ran straight into Andrew’s arms.