by J A Whiting
Arriving at the base lodge, Shelly met her two tour guides, Jack and Molly, and the four other people, a middle-aged couple and their two teenaged daughters, who would make up her group. The guides provided a ground school orientation about the equipment and safety procedures and then outfitted the five of them with harnesses and helmets before heading out to the four-wheeled drive vehicle that would transport them up the mountain over fire trails through the woods. As they bumped along the wide paths, the guides discussed the area’s flora and fauna, the geology of the region, and the history of the mountain range.
“So today our tour will take us on ten zip lines, three sky bridges, twenty tree platforms, and four rappels,” Molly told the group as she pulled on her work gloves. “The zip lines range from ten feet off the ground to start with, until at one point, you will zip along at about thirty miles per hour and be two hundred feet above the forest floor.”
Shelly felt her heart rate speed up.
Jack said, “The rappels will range from ten feet to ninety-five feet off the ground. Remember that some people have a fear of heights so we ask everyone to be supportive and encouraging to each other. No teasing or mocking, please. It’s normal to feel some nervousness. Molly and I are here to ensure you have a wonderful time.” He smiled broadly. “So let’s get going.”
One of the teenagers glanced at Shelly with a worried expression and Shelly gave her a cheery smile … even though she was sharing the girl’s concern about what they were about to do.
The sun’s rays filtered down through the branches and leaves and felt warm on Shelly’s face and she took some deep breaths to try and rid herself of the anxiety that picked at her.
“Are you as afraid as I am?” the dark-haired teenager whispered to Shelly.
“Probably more so.” Shelly gave the girl an understanding smile.
Molly lined them up at the first zip and gave instructions about how and when to slow their ride over the cables. Each zip line became slightly higher and by the fourth trip down the cables, Shelly had gained some confidence.
The next activity required the members of the group to rappel down from one of the platforms so that they could hike to the next line. Hooked safely into place, Shelly made the mistake of looking down and her heart jumped into her throat and her vision swam.
“Don’t look down,” Molly encouraged. “Just step off and begin the descent.”
Shelly stood frozen in place.
“Take some deep breaths,” Jack suggested from below. “Keep your eyes looking slightly up and now, slip your feet slowly off the platform.
Her heart beat pounded so loudly in her ears that Shelly could barely hear the guides’ helpful tips. Closing her eyes, she inched herself off the platform and moved her hands over the cable to lower herself, foot by foot, to the forest floor. When she reached the bottom, everyone applauded and praised her for meeting her fears.
Jack clapped her on the back and smiled. “It’s more fun if you keep your eyes open. Next time, just peek a little.”
Shelly looked up at the platform she’d descended from and felt a rush of pride that she’d been able to rappel from such a height. Although pleased with herself, she hoped the other activities would be less scary, but she wasn’t holding out much hope that would be the case. Hiking to the next zip line, Shelly chatted with the family in her group.
“I didn’t think I could do it,” the dark-haired girl named Caitlin announced. “But when I watched Shelly, that gave me confidence that I could manage it, too.”
“You’re a good role model.” Jack came up beside Shelly, his bright blue eyes shining and his chestnut-colored hair falling over his eyebrows.
Shelly rolled her eyes. “I’m a chicken.”
“Everyone is afraid of something. Being able to face fears is a sign of strength.”
Shelly turned her head to Jack. “I bet you tell that to all the scaredy-cats.”
Jack chuckled. “I do, but only some people actually listen to me. Occasionally, we have to call for help to get someone off a platform.”
“Well, that was almost me today.” Shelly removed her gloves to wipe her sweaty hands on her shorts. “And we’re only halfway done so there’s no telling what might happen next.”
“I’ll keep my eye on you.”
Jack’s smile gave Shelly a flutter. “I’ll probably need that.”
Molly led the group onto the next launching platform. “This one is the best zip line experience of them all.”
The words sent a shiver down Shelly’s back and when she stepped up onto the platform, her blood nearly froze. The cable line ran over a deep canyon and even though she knew it didn’t, it seemed to go on for a mile. Bringing her hand up to her forehead, Shelly turned away from the view and almost whimpered.
Jack noticed her reaction and said softly, “It isn’t as bad as it looks. It’s over in a few seconds. You can do it.”
“Can I go first?” The words came out in a hoarse whisper. “If I stand here another minute, I’ll pass out.”
As Molly crossed the canyon before the others so she could direct the members of the group when to begin to slow their approach to the other platform, Jack moved Shelly into position to hook her harness to the cables.
“Ready?” Jack asked. “You don’t have to look down, but keep your eyes open a little so you can see Molly. When it’s time, she’ll give you the sign to slow down.” Jack squeezed Shelly’s shoulder. “See you on the other side. Off you go.”
Shelly was certain that her heart had stopped and as she flew over the cable high above the canyon, she kept her eyes open in slits. Halfway across, she took the risk and looked down for a few moments at the spectacular sight of the mountain range, the forest, a lake in the distance, and the blue sky stretching beyond. She quickly shifted her gaze to Molly who gave her the sign to slow and in a few seconds, Shelly had made it to the opposite platform.
Molly high-fived the young woman and when Shelly set her feet on the wooden stage encircling the tree trunk, her wobbly legs nearly gave way. Once she was unhooked from the cable, she sat down to wait for the others and her thoughts alternated between wanting to kill Juliet for suggesting the outing and thankful that she’d had such a wonderful experience. “Is that the worst one?” she asked Molly, croaking the words out.
With a laugh, Molly answered. “Yup. You’ve conquered the mountain zip lines. The rest of them are high, but the view isn’t as dramatic so you don’t feel like you’re as far up.”
“I guess that’s comforting.” Shelly kneaded her rubbery leg muscles and cheered each group member as they landed on the platform.
A man’s voice called up to Molly from below. It was another zip line guide.
“What’s wrong?” Molly leaned over the edge.
“Madison is coming down with a migraine. We have three clients. Can you take them with you the rest of the way? I’m going to escort Madison back down to the base lodge.”
“Sure.” Molly nodded. “Send them here and they can finish with us.”
In a minute, three young men in their early thirties emerged from the trail and approached the tree that held the platform.
Molly greeted them. “We’ll all be rappelling down and then we can go on to the next zip.”
Shelly was the first to rappel down after Molly and she handled it like a pro. Molly unhooked her from the cables and Jack assisted the next person in attaching the safety hook so they could begin their descent.
Shelly said hello to the young men.
A tall, muscular guy with dark brown hair stepped over to shake Shelly’s hand. “I’m glad we joined your group.” He leered at her. “It was a fantastic view of your butt as you rappelled off the platform.”
Shelly’s face hardened as she yanked her hand from the man’s grasp. “Not funny.”
“It wasn’t meant to be funny.” The guy held her eyes and took a step closer. “It was the honest truth.”
His companions chuckled.
Molly bristled. “That isn’t appreciated,” she said firmly.
“Oohh, sorry.” The dark-haired man made a mock-sad face. “I didn’t think it was against the law to appreciate beauty.”
Molly moved in front of Shelly. “It’s against the rules of the zip company to be inconsiderate of other guests.”
“Inconsiderate? It was a compliment.” A pretend hurt expression formed over the annoyer’s face. “No harm intended.”
The rest of the group completed the activity and they moved along the trail to the next zip line. Shelly walked behind Molly not wanting to be near the three clowns at the back of the pack whose whispering and laughing made her feel uncomfortable. The happy mood of the group had dissipated due to the unwelcome fooling around and mocking comments of the young men.
Jack approached the guys. “I think the day of adventure has come to a close for you three. Molly will take the others to complete the course and I’ll walk you down to the base lodge.”
The dark-haired man pulled himself to full height and growled. “We paid for the whole course.”
“You’ll be reimbursed at management’s discretion. You can speak to the manager as soon as you get to the lodge,” Jack said calmly as he extended his arm to indicate which trail the men should follow.
“What if we don’t want to end the fun?” the man asked.
Jack pulled out his small walkie-talkie-like communicator. “Then I’ll have to call security.”
“I’ve had enough of this so-called fun adventure.” The man glanced over at Shelly. “Maybe you’d like to come with us? Have a drink with me down at the lodge? Get away from these adventure losers?”
Shelly’s hands went clammy. “No, thanks. I’m going to finish the course.”
The guy’s eyebrow went up as he stared Shelly up and down. “Then another time, for sure. I’ll look for you around town.” He turned to Jack. “Lead the way, boy scout.”
The man’s companion chortled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good one, Scott.”
Shelly watched gratefully as the four men disappeared down a trail and then a worrisome thought popped into her head. “Will Jack be okay with them?”
Molly smiled. “Jack can take care of himself and those guys. He’s a black belt in karate and ex-military. Those guys try anything, then they’ll end up in pieces.” She started off for the trail that would take them to one of the last zips. “Come on, everyone. Sorry for the minor disturbance.”
Glad to be rid of the awful fools, Shelly started to join the others, but took a quick glance at the path the men had taken realizing her relief was tinged with a smidge of disappointment.
She was sorry to see Jack go.
11
Shelly rode her bike through town and turned onto her road, still exhilarated and proud that she’d managed her fears enough to enjoy the zip line adventure. Although she didn’t know if she’d ever attempt such a thing again, she was pleased to have done it and, had to admit, was even more pleased that it was over. Passing by Juliet’s cottage, Shelly noticed something on her front porch that made her apply the brakes to slow down her bike.
A man was sitting on one of her porch rockers.
Stopping, but still straddling the bicycle, Shelly’s jaw dropped when the man stood up with a wide smile, a bottle of wine in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other. “I wondered how long I was going to have to sit here before you came home.”
Tightening her grip on her bike handles, Shelly could feel the blood drain out of her head. “What? What are you doing here?” she demanded, her voice filled with anger and concern.
The man was the obnoxious person who’d joined and disrupted her group on the zip excursion.
He came down the porch steps and held the bottle slightly aloft. “I thought we could enjoy some wine together. I’m Scott.” He held out his hand to shake, but Shelly ignored it.
“How did you know where I live?” Shelly pulled her pack from her back and unzipped the side pocket reaching in and wrapping her fingers around something.
“I’ve lived in Paxton Park my whole life. I know a lot of people.” Looking smug, Scott grinned at Shelly. “I asked around.”
Her eyes flashing, Shelly said, “You were rude on the mountain. You behaved immaturely. It’s not something I find attractive.”
“Aw, come on.” Scott took a step closer, eyeing the young woman. “Most women love bad boys.”
“I’m not one of them.” Shelly swung her leg over her bike so that she could roll it between her and the man. “I’d also appreciate if you don’t make yourself comfortable on my porch or anywhere else on my property unless invited.”
“Quite the spitfire.” Scott smiled broadly. “I like that.”
“I don’t care what you like.” Shelly’s blood was boiling. “I’m going inside alone and you’re going to leave.” As she rolled the bike forward and to the side, the man reached out and grabbed her arm to stop her.
“Back off,” Shelly roared and lifted her hand which held the item she’d removed from her backpack.
“Whoa, whoa.” Scott reacted to seeing the canister of pepper spray by stepping back so quickly that he practically tripped over his own feet. “No need for that.” He held his hand up in a halt gesture.
The door to Juliet’s house opened and a woman stepped out. “What’s going on out here?” Jay’s voice boomed as Juliet peeked over her sister’s shoulder. “Scott Bilow, what are you doing?” The police officer stormed down the walkway.
“Officer Smyth.” Scott looked almost sheepish. “I just stopped by to ask this young woman to share a drink with me.”
Jay stood with her hands on her hips. “Well, she does not look amenable to the idea. In fact, she looks downright opposed.” Glancing at Shelly, Jay asked, “Am I reading this encounter correctly?”
“You are.” Still gripping the pepper spray, Shelly lowered her hand and glowered at Scott.
Juliet hurried over to stand by her friend. “Are you okay?”
“Just annoyed.” Shelly’s eyes flashed at the man. “For the second time today.”
“It might be a good idea to make yourself scarce, Scott.” Jay gave the man a hard look. “And in the future, why don’t you focus on women who are actually interested in you.”
Scott hesitated for a moment as if he had something to say, but reconsidered, stood straight and headed down the street at a fast pace.
“That was Scott Bilow?” Shelly was livid. “The guy who hassled Jill Murray about the teaching job?”
“Yes, that’s him.” Juliet watched the man hurrying away. “He’s an idiot.”
Jay let out a sigh. “That guy just can’t stay out of trouble.”
Shelly reported how Scott and his friends had joined her group on the zip line and behaved badly until one of the guides removed them from the course and took them down to the lodge.
“Sounds like Scott,” Jay said with disgust. “Steer clear of him.” Heading to her car parked in Juliet’s driveway, she told her sister, “I’ll see you on the weekend.”
“You want to come in for tea or coffee?” Juliet asked her neighbor.
Shelly declined the invitation. “I want to shower and change and I have to plan the bakery items that need to be made tomorrow. Thanks for the help with Scott.”
“It seemed like you had things under control.” Juliet smiled. “I don’t think Scott will come around again anytime soon.”
Shelly rolled her eyes. “He’d better not.”
The two parted ways promising to meet for a bike ride the following evening.
As Shelly climbed the steps to her front door, she could see Justice sitting on the windowsill in the living room glaring out at the rocker Scott had been sitting in. When she opened the door, the cat rushed onto the porch and made a beeline to the rocking chair. Circling it slowly, she sniffed the wood with caution. Justice made eye contact with Shelly and let out a long, low hiss.
“You can say that again,” Shelly agreed and
she and the cat went inside.
After showering and having a bite to eat, Shelly sat in the easy chair intending to relax for a few minutes before planning the bakery sweets for the rest of the week. Every now and then, her annoyance and anger at Scott Bilow would flare up and she’d have to focus on slow breathing and releasing the tension in her muscles. I won’t let that man ruin the rest of my day.
Justice settled on the young woman’s lap and the combination of the cat’s gentle purring and the comforting sensation of the soft fur against Shelly’s hand caused her eyelids to droop until she drifted off to sleep.
A dream took shape that had Shelly flying over the forests of Paxton Park, the wind against her face, the sun warming her skin as she dipped and soared like a bird over the mountain trails. Spreading her arms like wings and taking in the natural beauty of the towering pines, the crystal blue lake, and the majestic mountain filled her heart with pure joy. When Shelly flew down over the treetops, a scream pierced her reverie and caused her to bobble in the air. She looked down to see the faces of Jill Murray and Meg Stores staring up at her, their arms outstretched reaching for her help.
In the next dream image, Shelly lay on her back gazing up at a sky almost too bright to look at. About to shield her eyes with her hand, her sister Lauren, with a gentle smile, stepped in front of her and blocked the sun’s glare.
Lauren reached out and took Shelly’s hand to help her stand, gestured for her to follow, and turned without speaking. They walked down the grassy hill and stopped at the edge of a wide blue lake. Lauren pointed at the glass-like surface of the water.
Tiny whirlpools began to show … the water sucked and swirled into small circles spinning faster and faster until a rectangular portion suddenly stilled. Shelly stared at it.
