The Pact

by Brenna Darcy

  “And mine, so yes please.”

  Dave was a fabulous cook, and Flic was still full by the time they crawled into bed.

  “You’re bed is so comfortable, perhaps I will move in after all.” Soft and inviting she imagined it to be like lying on a cloud as it moulded to her body. A perfect fit.

  “If I’d known the bed would be the deciding factor, I would have waited until now to ask.”

  “Does it mean that much to you?”

  “As I said before, no pressure, but the offer is there.” Dave kissed the top of her head. “You’re the only person I’ve ever met and wanted to share everything I have with, and more than that, I want to build a life with you, and don’t see any reason to wait. It’ll happen eventually anyway, if that’s what you want too, so I figured why waste time.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay, what?”

  “Okay, I’ll move in with you, on one condition.”

  “Oh yeah and what’s that?”

  “You ask me to leave if you don’t want me here anymore, before you end up hating me.”

  “That’s easy, it’ll never happen. I’ll make space in the wardrobe for you tomorrow and show you how to use the alarm.” Dave hugged her tighter and kissed the top of her head again. “I really do love you, Flic.”

  “Mmmm, I love you too.” Snuggling closer to him she drifted off to sleep.

  FLIC WOKE EARLY FOR work, whispered goodbye and kissed Dave gently on the cheek before she left. He barely budged when the alarm clock went off, obviously a heavy sleeper.

  She enjoyed working in the shop, and now saw the reaction from children and parents as a blessing, and not the torture she first related it to. Getting the hang of wrapping everything in tissue paper and sprinkling it with fairy dust, Flic didn’t even mind that she sparkled in the sunlight when she left the store.

  The only part of taking over the business still daunting to her, besides not having the company of Lacey, was running the meditation class. Lacey had a soft melodic voice that enticed the meditative state. It was a gift, not a quality to be practiced.

  Having only ever been to a handful of classes the thought of employing someone to run them was tempting. Lacey had other plans, and wanted Flic to take the class, under her instructions, starting the following evening.

  The morning was quiet. After dusting the stock and tidying the shelves, rearranged by customers, Flic decided to make a few notes in regard to Ty’s pirate suggestion. She really liked the idea of catering for both boys and girls, but wanted to maintain the high standard of elegance, and steer clear of the gimmicks Lacey had managed to avoid.

  The biggest factor she had to consider was the cost to rent the shop next door to accommodate such a large addition. Matt, Mim’s nephew was handling the lease, so Flic gave him a call. She wanted to have accurate details before consulting Lacey. For now it was an exercise to see if it was viable and a worthwhile consideration.

  As it’d be the first organised party place for children in town, Flic had no doubt it’d be a hit. However, additional outgoings had to be justifiable. The Fairy Realm was thriving already, and Flic wanted to be certain the additional work she’d have to do to expand was worth the effort. It was definitely an idea she was willing to explore for a time when life wasn’t so complicated.

  Flic was surprised when Lacey called in for a chat.

  “Hey I wasn’t expecting you to come in today, where’s Ty?”

  “With Dave, he’s trying to talk him in to building a cubby house.”

  “I came across the best spot for one yesterday,” Flic said, remembering the tree she’d sat under before dinner, and explained it to Lacey.

  “I know where you mean, I suggested it to Dave a while ago, but I think he conveniently forgot.” Lacey laughed, they both knew that Ty would win him over in no time. “I thought it a nice place for my ashes too.” Lacey shrugged. “You know, so Ty can pick flowers from the garden to put on my grave whenever he wants to, and I can rest there where he plays.”

  The urge to cry overwhelmed her, but Flic managed to control her tears. Lacey was so strong, so brave. How could she be calm when the truth of what she spoke of was so close? “I think that sounds like a lovely idea.”

  “Dave tells me he asked you to move in, and you agreed.” Lacey was quick to change the subject.

  “Yeah, I thought it was too soon but he disagrees. He can be very persuasive you know.” Flic wasn’t sure how Lacey would feel about his decision, but she was guessing she was about to find out.

  “He can be, but why do you think it’s too soon?”

  “We haven’t known each other long, and we’ve already had our fair share of misunderstandings.” Flic sighed. “I don’t know, I guess I’m scared.”

  “Sometimes it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together, you just know it’s right.”

  “That’s what changed my mind in the end. I did say no at first, a few times.” Flic laughed. “I never thought I’d be able to say no to him, and when I had I wished I hadn’t, so that was the deciding factor really.”

  Lacey nodded. “Good, you’re meant to be together, I can feel it.”

  Lacey didn’t stay long. She was on her way home to rest a while, whilst Dave looked after Ty. It was still hard to believe she was so sick. She’d lost so much weight from her already frail frame, but still looked as beautiful as the day Flic met her. Even then she’d been sick, but Flic had been too distraught and unaware of anything other than her own life collapsing around her to notice.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  FEELING LIKE A TIMID child on the first day of school, Flic set about lighting candles, mixing aromatherapy oils in the burner, and selecting appropriate mood setting music. The nights now on the chilly side, she turned the heater on to warm the room to a cosy temperature. Setting out mugs for tea and coffee, and a container of gingerbread biscuits she’d made after work especially for the occasion.

  Dave was dropping Lacey off and it was too early for the rest of them to start arriving. Flic knew for next time, she’d wait a little longer before lighting the candles, or else they might burn out before the night was through. She was too nervous to just sit and sip tea, as Lacey would have done, instead she began to pace the room, a habit she picked up from Dave.

  The sound of the door chime made her jump, and even though they’d scared her when they first entered, the sight of Dave, Lacey and Ty instantly relaxed her.

  “Oh I’m so glad you’re here, come in. Can I get you a cup of tea? Or a biscuit—I baked gingerbread.”

  Lacey laughed. “Nervous much?” She hugged Flic as she walked past. Dave carried her blanket and followed behind.

  “Hey, I missed you this afternoon, I thought you were coming home before tonight.”

  “I did, I was in the cottage cooking.”

  Dave frowned. “I have a kitchen you know.”

  Flic leaned over to kiss him. “Oh I know and a beautiful one at that, but I was in a hurry and I know where everything is in the cottage, and how the oven cooks which was important to these little guys.” Flic followed Dave through to the back room and picked up the container of little men.

  Plucking one from the container, Dave bit its head off. “I’ll forgive you, but only because these are really good.” Taking another one he grinned at Flic, and then went to spread Lacey’s blanket out on the floor, closest to the chair she usually sat in.

  “Are you more comfortable in the chair, Lacey? I don’t mind sitting on the floor.”

  “No, honestly, the floor works for me.”

  Flic noticed Ty was extra clingy to Lacey tonight. “Hey Ty, would you like a gingerbread man?”

  “Yes please,” he said, but didn’t move from Lacey’s side.

  Flic carried the container to him to help himself. Lacey declined which didn’t surprise Flic in the slightest. “Cup of tea?”

  “I can make it.”

  “No, you stay with Ty, I was just about to make one for myself. Ty wou
ld you like a drink?”

  “No thank you.”

  “What about you, Dave?”

  “No thanks, but I’ll have another biscuits, they’re delicious, what about you Ty?”

  Ty nodded.

  Well the biscuits were a hit, at least that was one positive. Now all she had to do was get through the next hour and a half with the same enthusiasm.

  When everyone arrived Dave left with Ty who was reluctant to leave Lacey, but in the end car-racing games won out.

  “Typical, fast cars are always the preference, no matter the age.” Lacey said as soon as they left and everyone laughed.

  Once the group was settled on their blanket Lacey made the announcement that Flic would be running the class from now on, and how she hoped everyone would be as patient and encouraging as they’d been when she first started the session.

  “For those of you who aren’t aware, Flic is also going to stay and keep the shop and meditation classes running when I can no longer be here. I trust you will all continue to support her as you have me. It’s her support and generosity that has made it possible for me to continue until now, and I am truly blessed to have a friend like her.” Lacey smiled even though her eyes swam with tears.

  Flic smiled back, and for the first time in her life, she knew what it was to have found her soul mate. She’d always thought the reference was reserved for the man you fell in love with and wanted to spend the rest of your life with. Only now did she realise how wrong she’d been. Given that Lacey would soon be leaving this life, she may be lucky enough to have more than one soul mate enter hers. Someone she was able to connect with and understand on a completely different level than she did anyone else. Lacey was that person to her, and Flic understood she had been blessed from the moment she entered the store.

  Trying to keep the structure of the meditation as similar to Lacey’s technique as she could, Flic managed to guide the ladies into a relaxed state, which they seemed to enjoy. She knew with time she would improve, and hoped to run many more classes.

  Nobody disappointed Lacey, as they showed Flic the same respect they had her. Each was as encouraging and enthusiastic about their experience as ever.

  The gingerbread biscuits were a hit, and something Flic would continue. She would try a different recipe each week, possibly little pecan pies next, if she had time.

  Lacey didn’t stay when they arrived at Dave’s. Announcing she was exhausted and mentioned a headache coming on, Dave didn’t argue.

  Flic was already concerned by the yellowing of Lacey’s skin, but kept her observations to herself. She didn’t know a lot about the illness, but was certain it’d be related. She denied herself the temptation to research the symptoms, or anything else to do with the disease, for fear she would be analysing her constantly. Lacey had Dave and the professionals to do that, Flic just wanted to be her friend and help her as one does.

  “YOU’RE OFFICIALLY A business owner.” Lacey moved slowly across the store and collapsed in her usual seat in the tea corner.

  Flic flashed a huge grin, but seeing how the effort of coming in to tell her had drained Lacey completely, it faded to a frown. “Lacey you should be at home and in bed, I could have come over tonight for you to tell me.”

  “Now I know you’re perfect for my brother, not only do you sound like him, you frown like him too.”

  Flic laughed. “Where’s Ty?”

  “With him, hanging by the pool, as Ty would say.”

  “Do you want some tea?”

  “That’d be great, thanks. You know before I was sick I never drank tea, and now I don’t do much else.”

  Flic went out the back and switched the kettle on and then returned to her chair. “You’ve hooked us all on the stuff. Sometimes I find myself making one because I haven’t for a while and it seems the right thing to do.” Flic shook her head. It had become a habit, but it was probably the only nourishment Lacey had been getting for a long time.

  The door chime rang, and that was the end of their conversation for a while, as an influx of customers followed the first. Flic was patient and thorough with every one of them, even though she wished they’d leave so she could get Lacey her tea. She felt agitated by their questions and comments about the waterfall, the indecisiveness over whether to choose the pink or the purple fairy statue, and queries about whether or not the love spells really worked. It wasn’t fair to be impatient, but she was worried about Lacey after she shuffled in and collapsed earlier.

  Breathing a sigh of relief Flic walked back to the tea corner only to find Lacey wasn’t there. Obviously fed up with waiting, Flic suspected she’d be out the back preparing the tea herself.

  “Sorry about that.” She spoke as she rounded the corner of the back room, only to find Lacey crumpled on the floor like a discarded toy. “Oh no—Lacey. Lacey can you hear me?” Flic rushed to her side and, when she didn’t respond, reached out to check for a pulse. She found it, weak, but there. “Hold on Lacey, I’ll call the ambulance.” Not wanting to leave her, but knowing she had too, Flic rushed out to the telephone. Snatching the handset from the cradle she dialled the number as she rushed back to be with Lacey.

  With the ambulance on its way, she knew she had to phone Dave, this time she didn’t wait for him to get there. The panic took hold as soon as she heard his voice. She hadn’t said more than, “Dave, its Lacey,” before he cut her off, reassuring her he was on his way.

  He arrived before the ambulance.

  Not wanting to leave Lacey again, but knowing how disturbing it would be for Ty to see his mother on the floor, Flic rushed out to meet them. Passing her his keys he told her to take Ty to his car and to follow the ambulance to the hospital.

  “Leave me the keys to the shop, I’ll lock up for you, please just get Ty out of here.”

  Flic nodded, and fumbled through her handbag for the keys, which she held out to him.

  Grabbing her arm he pulled her close. “Thank you.” Then disappeared into the back room to be with Lacey.

  Flic took Ty’s hand and guided him toward the front door. “Hey Ty, let’s go outside shall we?”

  “I want to see my mum.”

  “I know, and you will. We have to go for a drive in Uncle Dave’s car, and meet them in a little while, will that be all right?”

  Ty nodded, but kept looking over his shoulder to where he knew Lacey was.

  The ambulance arrived as Flic finished strapping Ty into his seat. She approached and pointed them in the direction of the shop, and then returned to the car to wait with Ty.

  “Is Mummy going with the ambulance people?”

  “Yes honey, she’s not feeling well, so they’re going to try and make her feel a bit better and then you can see her, okay.” Flic turned to smile at Ty, trying to reassure him.

  “I don’t want my mummy to die,” he whispered, his eyes flooded and tears spilled down his cheeks.

  “I know you don’t sweetie, neither do I.” She patted him on the leg, not knowing what else to say. She couldn’t lie to him and tell him she wasn’t going to, that wasn’t fair, but the truth was too harsh for anyone, especially a four-year-old child.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “LOOK, DR CARTER, AS you know Lacey doesn’t want to spend her final days in hospital, so if you’d give me a list of what she needs, I’ll organise it so I can take her home.”

  “Dave, I want to help, but at this stage I doubt she has days. It’ll mean more to her if you spend time by her side instead of trying to pull off something she won’t be around to enjoy.”

  “Well is there a suite or something a little nicer we can set up. I’ll pay whatever it costs and a donation to the hospital as well.”

  Dr Carter clapped him on the back. “You’ve already been over generous, this one’s on us.”

  Within an hour Dr Carter had Lacey set up in a two-room suite.

  “Dave is there anything you need me to pick up for you or Ty?”

  “Please don’t go. Lacey will want yo
u here, and I don’t think I can do this on my own.” He raked his hands through his hair. “Mim is coming with food, but could you phone her and ask her to pick up some clothes for us?”

  “I can go and get them if you want me to, save Mim the hassle.”

  “It’s no hassle, she has the spare key to both our houses, besides it’ll give her something to do whilst she waits for Tim. She copes best when she’s busy.”

  “Okay. Is there anything specific you want her to bring for Ty?”

  “The pink bunny and teddy blanket off his bed, she knows the ones. He doesn’t sleep without them and I’m guessing he’ll need them tonight more than ever.”

  Flic nodded not wanting Dave to see her upset. She had to be strong. Lacey was counting on her to look after her boys.

  Dave took Flic in his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head before bending to kiss it. Taking a deep breath he stepped back, his eyes were blood shot from trying to contain his tears and his bottom lip trembled.

  “Even if you cry it doesn’t mean you’re not coping. Lacey understands what you’re going through, and it’s fine for Ty to see you cry, he needs to know it’s okay for him to as well.”

  Dave didn’t speak. He looked into Flic’s eyes a moment before pulling her back into his arms. This time he did cry—so hard, and all the while he clung to her, as though she was the only thing holding him together.

  When he stopped, he held her a little longer before pulling back, his gaze on the floor.

  Flic took the phone from her pocket to call Mim, and Dave went back to the room to see how Ty and Lacey were doing.

  Rattling off a list of things they would need, and apologising for asking her to run around after them, Flic tried to remain calm.

  “It’s fine, Dave needs you with him, I’ll be there soon.”

  “What about the restaurant?”

  “We’re having the night off, I’ve cancelled reservations and the locals will understand given the circumstances. It’s the only time small town gossip is good.”