A Garden Dream

by Jea Hawkins

  Emma straightened, pushed her hair out of her eyes, and said, “Everyone will be here soon, but the more we can get done now, the better.” She tried not to sound impatient, but she couldn’t help it. Giddiness filled her. She tingled with it, excited for the changes they were making.

  “And why can’t you wait to get the bed done when they get here? We could use the extra help.” Despite voicing her reluctance, Crystal bent and gripped the corner of the mattress again.

  “I want the bed in place at least, because then we have somewhere to collapse when we’re done with all of this.” It had sounded sensible at the time, anyway. There was far heavier furniture, like the sofa, to move up those stairs. Something like this should have been easy, but Crystal seemed like she wasn’t having any of it.

  In fact, the normally perky, athletic blonde looked downright exhausted. Emma sighed inwardly. If she could have afforded to hire movers, she would have. But, instead, she had tapped into their best free resource – their friends. In a way, Fiona and Gabe owed her, because she had rallied everyone to help Fiona move in the spring. And then there was Waverly, who wouldn’t miss any opportunity to be with her friends. Avery would be there because it only made sense to lend a hand to someone she considered a friend.

  Crystal gave the mattress a tug and it finally dislodged from where it had stuck in the stairwell. With a forceful shove, Emma got it up to the top. “Oof!” she heard, followed by a muffled, “Too hard.”

  “Sorry.” Emma ran up the stairs to help Crystal balance the mattress and tilt it down onto the floor. Together they dragged it into the bedroom and set it on the box spring that was already sitting atop the bedframe. It wasn’t the first thing they had brought over to the apartment attached to the shop, but it was the largest and most significant item.

  “I’m so done.” Crystal sank down on it and then flopped onto her back. “It was worse than the box spring, but at least you were right about being able to fall down onto it when we’re done. Consider me all kinds of done.”

  “What’s going on?” Emma leaned over her and rubbed her nose against Crystal’s. Her girlfriend managed a weak smile. “Is it the late nights or something else?”

  “Definitely the late nights. Recording with Lark is fun. Her studio is really the best place for us to do it. But I have to say, those drives to Omaha and trying to get each song perfect is tiring.”

  Emma hugged Crystal and sighed against her. The past month had been chaotic for them both. From Emma signing a new lease on the shop to include the space above it and the lot behind it, to Crystal writing and recording an album with her violinist friend, they had both been going nonstop. Even if Crystal’s efforts yielded very little by way of revenue, at least they were saving some money by consolidating their monthly expenses to one property.

  The contract on their house was for a little under the asking price and it didn’t really leave them with much in their pockets. But it meant halving their cost of living, so Emma couldn’t complain. What little money they would have left over from the sale of the house could go into savings and maybe someday they could offer to buy the building they rented for the shop.

  Rather than mull over their uncertain future, Emma flopped next to Crystal and folded her hands over her chest. “You know what, though? I think all your hard work will be worth it.”

  “You don’t know for sure, great oracle?”

  Emma knew what she was asking and shook her head. “So far I haven’t seen anything about it.”

  Not that she had seen nothing, though. Far from it. Her clairvoyance seemed to actually be in overdrive these days. She saw her mother getting a clean bill of health from the doctor at the next check-up and being able to drop some of her prescriptions, her father getting a promotion at work, Waverly meeting someone special, and Fiona and Gabe welcoming Gabe’s son’s fiancé… All good things, except maybe Waverly’s potential romantic attachment. Emma had a feeling that would be a problem.

  “What I do know is this,” Emma said, patting Crystal’s leg as she sat up, “we’re not letting our dreams go that easily. We’re still young and as long as we’re always walking the path that’s right for us, then we can’t let each other or ourselves down.”

  She waited in silence and then Crystal pushed herself up and smiled at her. “You sound like a fortune cookie, but you’re right. We only let people down when we give up.” She leaned against Emma and then lifted her face to hers for a kiss. Emma couldn’t help but smile as she moved her lips over Crystal’s. Everything still felt uncertain. There was no guarantee their gambles would pay off, but it didn’t matter at the moment because they were doing what they thought was best.

  “Knock-knock,” trilled a voice from just beyond the bedroom door. “Don’t let us interrupt, but we just wanted to let you know we’re here.”

  Crystal giggled as Emma pulled away from her. “It’s fine, Wave. We were just taking a break.”

  “I’m sure you were.” Waverly snickered and reached back to tighten her ponytail. “Well, we’re ready for whatever you want us to help you with.”

  As they descended the stairs, Emma draped her arm over Crystal’s shoulders and pressed another kiss to her hair. “See? The cavalry has arrived.”

  “Oh, but if I have to move one more of you, I’ll go crazy,” Waverly added. “Seriously, first Fiona and Gabe, then the two of you. Get settled, already.”

  “What about you?” Emma asked. They stepped out into the sunlight, where the moving truck they had rented for the day was parked in the alleyway behind the building. It was easier to access the apartment and the only way to keep from blocking traffic on the narrow main street of town.

  “Please.” Waverly scoffed. “I’ll die a spinster, living with my sister for the rest of my life. It won’t be romantic or exciting. No one will remember me, but that’s probably for the best.”

  Emma doubted that and debated whether or not to tell Waverly what she had seen over the past few weeks. She decided to keep it quiet for now. After all, Waverly’s emotional state could be fragile even on the best of days.

  With everyone pitching in, it didn’t take long to move their things into the apartment. As they brought in the last of the boxes, an attractive brunette approached them. It took a moment for Emma to recognize her as Lark, the violinist from Crystal’s music video. She was wearing an asymmetrical black skirt and t-shirt for a heavy metal band, and had a large basket clutched between her hands.

  “Hey there,” she said to Crystal. “I thought you two could use some home warming goodies.”

  “Wow, that’s so thoughtful of you.” Crystal took the basket Lark held in both hands and then motioned to Emma. “Em, this is Lark, the brilliant violinist. Lark, this is the incomparable Emma.”

  As they shook hands, Emma felt the earthy energy emanating from Lark. Oh yes, she was just what Waverly needed. What would Waverly think about her, though? Emma already knew they shared an interest in music and their energies would certainly complement one another’s. But would that be enough?

  “It’s so nice to meet you,” Emma said, releasing Lark’s hand. “You’re incredibly talented.”

  Lark gave a dismissive little wave. “Please. I’m just someone who loves to play the violin. I’m no Lindsey Stirling, but maybe one day I’ll gain at least a fraction of her fans if I’m lucky. I have to admit, I have two left feet. So, no playing and dancing at the same time for me. It’s a good thing Crystal’s willing to put up with that.”

  “Please, you make a great duo.”

  “Thanks.” Lark slouched a little as she clasped her hands behind her back. “We always talked about starting a band when we were in school, but we had no idea how that would work with a violin. I guess we’re finally figuring it out. I can just stand there and play music and be all kinds of awesome that way, while Crystal sings. No dancing needed.”

  Emma refrained from pointing out that once she met Waverly, there would be somebody else to do the dancing. Instead, she turned
and gestured to the rest of the coven. “Well, I’m glad you’re working on figuring out your dream. You’re welcome to stay and meet everyone. Those two are Fiona and Gabe. Um, I think Avery is the pair of legs hanging out of the front of the truck, there. And then there’s…”

  She didn’t need to turn to see Waverly trotting toward them.

  “Hey, I got the last of the dishes up in the…” Waverly stepped into view and then stopped, her lips parting slightly as she looked at Lark.

  During the lengthy hush that descended over them, no one spoke or moved. Emma knew everyone was staring at Waverly, who was staring at Lark, who was staring right back at her. It was Crystal who broke the silence.

  “Lark, this is Waverly.”

  “Hi,” Lark said and Emma turned away to hide her smile. She had expected Waverly to be at a loss for words, but not Lark, who spoke so confidently only a moment prior.

  “Hi.” Waverly spun toward the moving truck and lifted herself up into it. Emma could hear her wandering from the back to the front of it. “Yup, that’s everything.” Her voice echoed in the empty interior, but she didn’t reappear.

  Crystal caught Emma’s eye, her own gaze narrowed in accusation. Then she turned back to Lark. “We’re going to Cheri O’s for a celebratory dinner. Would you like to join us?”

  “Oh, no. I have…” Lark backed away a few steps. “Things. Things to do in Omaha. But please enjoy the basket and congratulations and good luck, and all that jazz.”

  After Lark rounded the corner, Crystal glared at Emma. “You knew,” she hissed in an undertone. “You knew and you didn’t tell me.”

  “Well, what do you think?” Emma answered.

  “I think they’ll be good for each other.” Crystal looked down at the basket in her hands and said, “Check this out. Lark is such an earth mother, a lot like you.”

  The basket was full of all kinds of things that made Emma’s mouth water – crackers, cheese, bread, wine, and chocolates. She almost wanted to skip dinner at the restaurant and just have an informal snack in the apartment. But she also wanted to keep all the good stuff to herself.

  “What about you, me, a movie, and all this food for just the two of us?” Crystal said as if she had seen Emma’s covetous look at the basket. “We’ll eat something really light at Cheri O’s and this can be our dessert. Does that sound good?”

  Emma curled her arm around Crystal’s shoulders and drew her in for a kiss. “That sounds better than good.”

  Chapter 21

  “I have an idea.” Crystal bounced on the bed like a giddy teenager and Emma couldn’t help but smile at her. After their successful move into the apartment above the shop and their spontaneous floor picnic last night, everything felt perfect.

  “Do tell.” Emma reached back to pull her hair into a hasty ponytail. It wasn’t the prettiest style, but that didn’t matter when she still had some heavy lifting to do. All that mattered was keeping her untamable hair out of the way while she worked.

  Crystal looked more pleased than the cat who ate the canary. “Well, since our little in-home date last night was so successful –”

  “By successful, you mean you got laid?” Emma interjected. Yes, there was that, too. Apparently, there were some things they weren’t too tired to do after moving.

  “Yup, that. Well, I was thinking we should take it on the town tonight, just like we discussed.”

  “Hm, sex on the town. Let me think about it.” Emma tapped her chin with her forefinger. “Public sex? I’m not sure it’s my thing, even though we’ve done it twice now. Could we do something more low-key for a change?”

  When Crystal flung a pillow at her, Emma laughed and dodged it. Before she knew it, they were hugging and giggling together. “You know what I mean,” Crystal finally said, resting her hands on Emma’s hips. “A date. We talked about going out once a month together for something special, like clubbing or just out to eat.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. I mean, we’re a little old to go clubbing, but it could be fun. All work and no play will turn us both into very dull girls.” Emma kissed the tip of Crystal’s nose and let her eyes close as she enjoyed the sensation of holding her girlfriend in her arms. This was the way she remembered the two of them being together. Not torn apart by ailing parents or work woes.

  “Great. So after we close today, we are getting out of here.” Crystal shimmied, her body moving back and forth sensuously between Emma’s hands. If they didn’t have other things to do, Emma would have given her a repeat performance of the previous night. But there was something to be said for delaying gratification, for the anticipation of going out later.

  The day dragged as Emma and Crystal took turns organizing the apartment and running the shop. Emma couldn’t wait to get started on the lot behind the store but, for now, there were too many other practical matters to attend to, like getting their belongings sorted in the new place.

  It felt like an eternity until they were finally upstairs, dressed to go out. “So where are we going?” Emma asked as she fluffed her hair out of her ponytail. “Do I look appropriate for the place?”

  Even in college, she hadn’t been much for going to clubs. The thumping bass didn’t appeal to her and neither did the crowd of people, all trying their hardest to get noticed. But sometimes there was something to be said for getting lost in that too-loud beat, for being anonymous in a sea of people and letting go of her worries for a while.

  “It doesn’t matter. You look perfect. Stop worrying so much about practical stuff and let me surprise you.” Crystal reached out to hook her fingers around Emma’s belt loop and tugged her a little closer. “I love these black jeans on you. They’re sexy. It’s been too long since you last wore them.”

  Emma tried to think about the last time she had worn anything other than comfortable blue jeans and a loose shirt. She didn’t tend to dress up and they hadn’t gone out in over a year, if not longer. The asymmetrical red top bared one of her shoulders and Crystal leaned in to kiss her bare skin there.

  They had touched each other more often lately, too, and Emma liked it. Even though Avery said they weren’t the hugging types, maybe Emma was and had never realized it. Maybe she had been starved for affection all this time because now she couldn’t imagine living without it.

  “They aren’t practical,” she finally said, “because they’re kind of tight on me and I can’t really bend over in them. But you’re right. It’s been too long for a lot of things.”

  After an intimate dinner at one of their favorite restaurants – an adorable Italian place they hadn’t visited since at least two years ago – they went to one of the clubs downtown. It wasn’t often that they went to Omaha these days and Emma wondered if part of their problem was that they just didn’t go out anymore. They didn’t act like a couple in love, happy to do things together. They acted like a couple bogged down by work, family, and all the other responsibilities in life. If that was true, then her dating idea might be just what she and Crystal needed to keep their relationship fun and interesting.

  Emma knew everyone thought of her as the coven mother, the adult. She was the eldest of their high school circle. When Gabe came along and joined them, Emma remained the de facto leader, even though Gabe was older than her by at least twelve years.

  It was the burden of being an earth witch, Emma supposed. She was expected to be solid, steady as a rock and always there when people needed someone to lean on.

  Maybe I’m getting tired of being that person.

  “What do you mean?”

  Emma squinted at Crystal. “What do you mean, what do I mean?”

  Crystal took the bright pink drinks the bartender slid to them and then handed one to Emma. “I mean, getting tired of being what kind of person?”

  “Oh.” So, she had actually spoken her thoughts out loud. “Well…” Emma sipped at her drink and then set it on the bar.

  The way Crystal watched her over the rim of her glass, Emma knew she was expecting an
answer. At least she wasn’t peppering her with questions – just waiting. Still, the waiting seemed worse. When Crystal was quiet like that, Emma knew there wouldn’t be any other conversation until Crystal had what she wanted.

  As much as she wanted to redirect her to a more pleasant topic, Emma knew she owed Crystal an explanation. “I think I’m tired of being everyone’s mom, the one who adults and never stops, you know?”

  “Oh, I know. I’m just glad you’re finally saying so yourself.” Crystal also set her glass down and ran her finger around the rim of it. “Caregiver fatigue is a very real thing. You gave all of your time and energy to your mother when she was sick, and you didn’t take time out for you. Of course, I know you did it so your father could practice self-care, but what about you? When have you ever slowed down and put yourself first?”

  Emma’s head bobbed up and down in acknowledgment. “Never.”

  “Exactly. When we dated, we had fun, but you weren’t exactly putting yourself first then, either. You were trying to win me over. Whatever we had seven years ago was wonderful and we both wanted to be a part of it. But after that when we focused on work, that was it. In a way, I’m lucky that I don’t have family other than you. The only people I have to take care of are you and me.”

  Scrunching her brow, Emma turned to look out at the dance floor. It was a typical club, of course, with flashing lights and thumping techno music. Generally, a place like this wasn’t her favorite destination, but she felt her body loosening, swaying to the beat.

  “You’re right. I think I figured it out in Arizona.” Emma turned back to her and picked up her glass to take a sip. The pink liquid was sweet but somehow refreshing. She set it down and smiled at Crystal. “I need to do more for me. Otherwise, I’m going to wear myself out both physically and emotionally.”

  Crystal’s half-smile was sad, perhaps even concerned. She reached out and brushed Emma’s hair off her face with her fingers. “Yeah. I mean, you have so much to give, but even though you have the earth to give back the energy you need, sometimes you need to be kinder to yourself.” The touch sent shivers through Emma and she closed her eyes, trying to focus on the lingering taste in her mouth.