The Pact

by Brenna Darcy

  Available accommodation was a topic she’d be happy to ask Mim about. An affordable little cottage somewhere close, but private, didn’t sound like too much to ask for. Long walk trails would be a bonus, or easy access to the beach, but these features would up the price and Flic didn’t have the luxury of being too fussy. Close to town would be best for work, but she had a car if necessary.

  Her shift started at five as usual so, after sitting for a long time watching the surf roll in, Flic still had plenty of time to explore the little shops tucked into the centre of town. Deciding to drive back to the hotel and walk, Flic approached a small alternative shop set at the far end of an arcade of small mostly empty stores. Bright coloured dream catches and crystals hung outside in an assortment of feathers, bells and sparkles. Ellie’s eyes would’ve bulged with delight. She loved all things pretty.

  The music from inside was loud enough for Flic to get caught up in the sounds of nature, and the most relaxing combination of instruments she’d ever heard. Stepping into the shop was like stepping into another world. Statues of fairies and cloaked elf like figurines emerging from the most beautiful and enchanted looking wonderland Flic had witnessed this side of sleep. Like entering the secret world of every child’s fantasy.

  To her right was a flowing waterfall that splashed into a pond, home to exotic coloured fish and water lilies, surrounded by real plants to create a mini rainforest. From above mist sprinklers and fairy lights bedazzled the scene.

  Flic had never seen anything more beautiful. How Ellie would have stood in awe, too scared to speak for fear it may disappear like the magic it created. She could almost feel her little girl beside her, sharing a moment that should have been theirs. Tears pricked Flic’s eyes as the moment overwhelmed her, knowing she should leave before making a spectacle of herself in a public place, but couldn’t bring herself to move.

  “Beautiful isn’t it?” A musical voice trilled from behind her.

  Flic half turned to acknowledge its owner and nodded, still too vulnerable to speak, she swatted away a tear that had fallen to her cheek hoping no one had witnessed her moment of weakness.

  “Welcome to my personal fairyland, if I can help you with anything sing out, but feel free to take your time and enjoy.”

  “Thank you.” It would be rude to ignore her, besides she seemed so sweet and fairy like, as though the world had been created around her.

  Managing to look past the spectacular water display, Flic found many treasures hidden in an orderly jumble around the store. Crystals and gemstones shone in the light, as did the glass cabinets of jewellery and silver stoned trinket boxes. Books and CD’s crammed into an ancient looking cabinet at the back of the store, the rest woven from ceiling to floor. The clutter and disorder would normally have bothered Flic, but here in this fairy-like-woman’s store, it couldn’t be more perfect.

  Picking up a delicate fairy draped in a flowing pale yellow gown with silver wings, Flic glanced at the doorway as a little girl entered with her mother. The look in her eyes as she’d imagined would be her own daughters. Tears threaten, the enchantment vanished as reality overwhelmed her.

  With head down to hide her tears, Flic rushed from the store, foolish to have stayed after her initial near meltdown. Who did she think she was kidding? No matter her location, or how much she tried to pretend like she was in control, she wasn’t. Trauma as she experienced couldn’t be left behind, or forgotten. She’d said it herself, why was it so impossible for her to believe? By accepting what she’d been through as a tragic ordeal, one no woman should have to experience, her chances to move forward may be more promising. She had to reach that point on her own. In the meantime she needed to do a better job of acting, or else risked becoming the town basket case.

  By the time Flic reached the trail leading to her apartment she’d calmed down and was able to think more rationally. Some situations were going to take more time to deal with than others. She had to be honest with herself—know her limits. Escape if need be, because there was nothing wrong with her choosing to have a precious moment in private. Self-preservation, acceptance, and discovering what worked for her was not necessarily right nor wrong, but her own choice to make.

  Pleased her melt down hadn’t taken long to overcome, Flic turned the corner and almost collided with a jogger coming from the opposite direction. His instant scowl allowed her to recognise him as the lone diner who’d tormented her thoughts for over a week.

  “Umm, sorry,” Flic muttered to his back as he continued on without a word. His rudeness angered her. Why did she offend him so much? Was he from one of those families that lived in an area for generation after generation and didn’t like new blood joining the community? Well too bad, I’m here to stay whether you approve or not, Mr Grumpy. Satisfied with her confirmed decision Flic picked up speed, eager to get home and have a nice long soak in the tub before work.

  Realisation kicked in moments later. Glancing at the beautiful fairy in her hand, she released a groan. Forget being the town basket case, now the town fairy napper. She didn’t know what was worse. Turning back toward the shop, she retraced her steps to where she’d fled.

  She spotted the human-fairy-lady fussing over her displays. When Flic entered she turned and smiled, “please don’t look so worried, I knew you’d be back.”

  “I’m really sorry, my mind was so set on leaving I forgot I’d picked it up.” Flic walked over and placed the fairy on the counter next to the register and took her purse from her bag.

  “You don’t have to buy her. I’m sure she enjoyed the walk as much as you needed it.”

  “Thank you, but I’d really like to,” she said, sliding her credit card from its pouch in her wallet. “My little girl would have loved this place.”

  The owner smiled, something she seemed to do a lot. “The big girls seem to love it too. I’m Lacey by the way.”

  “Oh, nice to meet you, I’m Flic.”

  “Are you passing through, or here for a while?”

  “A while I hope. That is if I’m not carted off to jail for stealing any time soon.”

  Lacey rung up the purchase then took out tissue paper and glitter, and began to wrap the fairy, adding a sprinkle between layers of pink and white.

  “So many people come and go, it’s nice when someone new moves to town and settles in. If you’re interested, I run a meditation class, next session is tomorrow night. Some of the local ladies come along, an opportunity to meet them.”

  “Sounds wonderful, I’ll check my shifts with Mim and let you know.”

  “No need, if you can make it I’ll see you then. We start at seven and if you can, bring a blanket to lay on.”

  “Here?”

  “There’s more space in the other room.” Finished with the wrapping Lacey carefully slid the parcel into a white paper bag and handed it to her.

  “Lovely meeting you, Flic, I hope to see you soon.”

  Flic returned her smile. “Of course, your store is like paradise.”

  Lacey beamed, waved, and all but danced back to her tinkering.

  UNWRAPPING THE FAIRY, Flic set her on the bedside table before having a quick shower. Her long bath time was taken up by returning to the store. It’d been worth it. Lacey was someone Flic could see herself becoming friends with. Her presence was so peaceful, so soothing.

  The meditation session didn’t sound anywhere near as drab and depressing as the ones her mother tried to drag her to. There’d be nothing depressing about Lacey’s class. Her energy was as angelic and bright like a sunshine fairy.

  Chapter Five

  A FEW MINUTES BEFORE her shift started, Mim announced Rachel had been given the all clear to return to work the following day.

  “Fabulous.” Flic regretted her enthusiasm, but the grin on her face gave her away.

  “Have you found yourself a date already? I knew it wouldn’t take long, but watch out for the tourists, they’ll break your heart.”

  “Then you’ll be happy to hear i
t’s a local, many of them actually, and all women I believe.”

  “You met Lacey, gorgeous isn’t she?” Mim’s smile softened when she mentioned her name.

  Flic nodded, Mim obviously fond of her also.

  “I’ll be at the meditation class too.” She shrugged. “It’s the place to be, and the only time I insist on having off each week.”

  Mim worked hard and her taking time out to attend the class pleased Flic.

  “You need a break. I’ve never meditated before, but my mum’s insists it’s therapeutic.”

  “Wise woman your mum, obviously.”

  Mim started to walk away, then stopped. “Now that’s a thought. If you want a few more hours, Lacey mentioned wanting to hire a part timer, and she must like you to have invited you to join her class.”

  “Oh, her shop is beautiful, my little—” Flic stopped herself in time. “Ahh, experience in retail probably wouldn’t be of much help to her.” Flic managed to cover her almost slip up. She trusted Mim, but wasn’t ready to talk about Ellie with anyone.

  Mim shrugged. “Something to keep in mind. I don’t think you need much experience and you’re a fast learner.”

  “Thanks, I’ll have a chat to Lacey. It’d be a lovely place to work I’m sure.” Flic smiled, Mim was so thoughtful and supportive of her need for more work. Most employers wouldn’t encourage their staff to seek hours elsewhere in case of interfering with their own needs, especially if other staff members called in sick.

  Pleased for a quiet night after doing nothing for months, the fast pace was beginning to catch up with her. Especially now that she’d rediscovered the advantages of crawling out of bed before ten in the morning. She managed to finish most of her chores before then, leaving the rest of the day until work free. She appreciated having the extra hours first thing in the morning. For months she’d dreaded having too much time to dwell on Ellie and how much she missed her.

  Flic didn’t allow her mind to travel that path, instead concentrated on her writing, taking long walks and exploring the windows of the little shops in town. The fresh air stimulated her energy levels and desire to be outside, so she took advantage of the fine weather whilst it lasted.

  Just as Flic thought they wouldn’t be getting any more customers for the evening, the door opened and in walked Mr Grumpy. He glance toward his usual table and with no acknowledgement offered, he seated himself.

  Obviously he needed to prove a point, but the only thing he managed to confirm, as strong as concrete, was his arrogance.

  “Does he come in here often?” She was still fascinated by him, even if he irritated her. She really didn’t have a valid reason for not liking him. That is unless she including the way he dismissed her, consumed by his own importance. Valid points when trying to decide if a man was worthy of the time she’d spent thinking about him.

  He didn’t look any more impressed about being amongst people than he had the last time. Flic wished he would trust his instincts, as they were written in bold all over his face, and stay home.

  “Some weeks more than others. Not a bad sight, I must say.”

  Flic didn’t know her well enough to be sure, but Mim’s remarked sounded as though she expected a response. Never shy to admit someone attractive, male or female, but in this case she wasn’t sure how to answer. Mim must’ve been immune to the scowl permanently etched into his face, an indication he didn’t want anyone to check him out. It rang as loud and clear as an alarm bell, and for the first time Flic thought it wise to obey. Still she couldn’t be rude, for Mim’s sake.

  “If you’re into the dark broody type, I guess.”

  Mim laughed, but didn’t argue.

  “He’d be like dating a vampire,” she continued. “You’d never know when he was about to tear your throat out.” Picking up her orders Flic escaped before hearing her response.

  When she returned to the kitchen Mim was nowhere in sight.

  “Count Dracula’s order is up.” Tim winked and bowed before the plate.

  Flic laughed. She’d heard people say the chef of an organisation could make life a living hell, but not here. Tim was as relaxed and easy to get along with in the kitchen, as Mim was on the restaurant floor.

  “Best I leave it for Mim to deliver.”

  “I never picked you for the scared, live on the side of caution type.”

  “You obviously haven’t seen the size of the frown on his face, I’m scared we’ll lose the restaurant in those crevices.”

  Tim shook his head. “Actually, he’s a great bloke when you get to know him. Don’t judge a book by its cover, mind the pun.” He laughed at a joke only he understood and Flic didn’t have time to query.

  “I’ll take your word for it.” Picking up the plate, Tim leaving her no choice but to take his meal to him. “If I fail to return you better come in looking for me.”

  The expression on Mr Grumpy’s face warned people to keep their distance and Flic intended to. Clearly he was an order to go type.

  Perhaps she should feel sorry for him. It was possible he had a nightmare wife waiting for him at home who couldn’t cook, and his frequent pit stop on the way from the office the way to spare himself the inevitable scene awaiting his return.

  “If you’re planning to eat that, you’re welcome to take a seat.”

  Flic looked down to witness an almost smile replace his frown.

  “Ahh—sorry, enjoy your meal.” Placing the plate on the table in front of him as quickly as possible she turned and hurried away.

  Trust her wild imagination to kick in right at that moment.

  He really was quite lovely when he smiled, and not as old as Flic had him pegged. Maybe he wasn’t as arrogant and dismissive as she thought, after all, he did smile at her.

  The night was reasonably quiet in comparison to other occasions, a few tourists, but mostly couples. Flic enjoyed the slower pace for a change, although the hours dragged a little, but she longed for an early night and would get one unless a group booking came in the next half hour. The couples would eat, chat for a while and drag out the time spent over coffee and dessert for as long as possible before saying goodnight. The large groups were the ones responsible for keeping them busy until after close, as they drank and grew rowdy before heading to the pub.

  Flic busied herself behind the bar, loading the dishwasher and wiping down the bench top. Stocking the drinks fridge and cleaning the coffee machine, hoping no one ordered a hot drink, would leave her with less to do after they saw the last customer out.

  Mim joined her. “So you managed to survive Count Dracula, did you?”

  “Hmmm, what’s his story anyway?” Flic didn’t like to pry, but she couldn’t work him out and he annoyed her.

  “His to tell I’m afraid.”

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked, he just looks so grumpy all the time.”

  “Not all of the time, he smiled when you took him his food, which he’s finished now I might add.”

  “I think I annoy him, so maybe it’d be best if I leave him to you.”

  “And if I’m not here to take his plate?” Mim ducked out of the restaurant and headed toward the kitchen.

  What was she trying to do, convince this guy never to come back? Flic couldn’t say she’d be disappointed if he took a hint and dine elsewhere, but strangely enough Mim seemed to like him, and Flic wanted to keep her job. Although if she didn’t see him her thoughts would be her own again. Too much of her time was spent trying to work out what terrible experience in his life was responsible for making him constantly frown. She didn’t walk around with misery carved into her face. Admittedly she’d been in a bad way for a long time, but was making progress each day.

  Perhaps he knew what it was like to have your reason for existing stolen from you. It was quite possible he too had lost a child, or even a partner.

  She was being judgemental before she knew anything about him. Not that she expected to learn more, but she preferred to think there was a valid reason
for his constant bad mood, making him more likable than his current self.

  He didn’t look as though he was going to change dining spots anytime soon, even if he didn’t like her much. He ordered the same meal every time he came in, with no coffee or dessert afterwards. He didn’t talk to anyone even though he appeared to know some of the locals, who were nice enough to acknowledge him. However, they seemed wary to approach. He was clearly a troubled soul who came to live here for the same reason as her—to escape.

  Coming to the realisation that’s what she was doing, leaving the city for more than a change of scenery, came as a bit of a shock. Her mother tried every tactic to make her face facts, and all she needed was the haunting of his grouchy looking face to have her admit she was running away from her past.

  Thinking of her mother made Flic feel more than a little guilty. She’d been so patient, so good to her and Flic hadn’t allowed her close enough to help. Since leaving she’d phoned her once and only for a few minutes to tell her she’d arrived safely and to thank her for the apartment. Flic was grateful for all she had done, but was unsure how to tell her so. Her mother had given Flic life, twice, and she owed it to them both to make a go of it.

  Joining in with the community was a start, and so far she was enjoying the friendly vibe. Mr Grumpy was the exception of warm welcomes. At the rate rentals became available in the area, she may not be in the area long enough for him to make much of an impact on her life.

  Sighing, Flic forced her attention back to the restaurant. Even with the possibility of leaving early, she much preferred the busy nights as she had less time to think. Having her mind full of orders, noise, and polite exchange with customers made the night pass by quickly.

  Mim didn’t seem to be returning, leaving her no choice but to clear his plate, or else it’d be rude. Walking over to his table she was determined to ignore his hostility and speak to him as she would a friendly customer. He’d seemed reasonably normal and amused by her earlier humiliating moment. If she managed to crack the hard exterior perhaps she’d discover something a little softer underneath.