Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  They had ridden to the boundary of the property. While not as extensive as the ranch, it was impressive property. Geraldine couldn’t help but wonder how many had been forced to work the land. How many had given their lives for their masters.

  They were now riding along the southern edge. Geraldine was cautious in how far she distanced herself from Allison, in case the new rider had any problems. The horse had seemed gentle, but Geraldine hadn’t any real experience with the mare.

  “Are you hungry?” Geraldine was startled from her thoughts. “We missed suppertime. I’m getting a little tired again.” Allison hated to ask, but she was known to have low blood sugar from time to time. Stupidly, she had left her normal supplies back in her room.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Allison. I should have been more considerate.” Geraldine pulled up gently on the reins. She had to inch her horse closer to Allison’s. “Let me direct us back to the stables.”

  Allison gladly handed the reins to her friend. Riding already had her legs and back aching. She realized Geraldine had been doing this all her life, but she had to wonder how one could become accustomed to the sensations.

  Though she wanted to ask, Allison remained silent. She knew there was more to the story than Geraldine had shared. Perhaps this simple friendship wasn’t to be. Perhaps the connection she had felt when she’d first looked into azure eyes was merely her imagination.

  The slower rhythm of the horse was actually lulling Allison to sleep. She had to force herself to remain awake. The humidity wasn’t helping. It was one thing she hated about Michigan summers. They could be warm and humid on occasion.

  “Allison!” Geraldine managed to move with speed and grace. Still, she wasn’t able to dismount before Allison’s body made a horrible thudding sound. The cowgirl launched herself in between where the horses were and Allison lay unconscious.

  Geraldine had been around enough injuries to know not to move Allison, unless necessary. She cautiously checked for any blood. There was a trickle from where Allison’s head had apparently struck something.

  The bleeding didn’t seem serious. Still, Geraldine was reluctant to move Allison. As cautiously as she could, Geraldine inspected Allison’s body for broken bones. Though it was a serious time, she couldn’t help appreciating the young woman’s body.

  Cursing herself for becoming distracted, Geraldine began stroking Allison’s cheek. “Wake up, Allison. Please!” The pleading in her voice was something she wasn’t accustomed to. Even when her father would attempt to make her beg, she refused. And still he referred to her as weak.

  The moaning was a good sign. At least her friend was coming to. “Allison, don’t move. Can you hear me? Does anything hurt?” Geraldine mentally cursed herself again. She needed to slow down and allow Allison to recover.

  “My head…” Allison attempted to touched the right side of her head. She was halted gently by Geraldine. Allison cautiously attempted to move various parts of her body. “I ache all over, but don’t feel like there’s severe pain.”

  “That’s good news. Do you think you’ll be all right if I go and get help?” It was the last thing Geraldine wanted to do. But she knew she couldn’t handle the horses and Allison. Besides, should Allison be moved?

  “I’m not feeling so good, but I should be all right.” Allison began to close her eyes. She had been tired before. Now, she was more than exhausted.

  “Allison.” Geraldine attempted to keep a steady voice. “You need to attempt to stay awake. You need to remain alert, if you can, even if I’m not here.” She’d seen one too many concussions in her time. Even without medical training, she knew a thing or two.

  “I’ll try.” Allison was so tired. She wanted to curl up and sleep. But she knew she had to remain awake. She’d been forced to watch enough safety videos at work. In fact, she had them memorized she’d seen the same ones over and over again.

  “Please do. I’ll be right back. I promise.” Geraldine hated to leave Allison’s side, especially now that she could see how weak she was. With strength, she launched herself upon her horse. It seemed easy as she grasped Allison’s horse’s reins.

  Geraldine had to be careful that the mare could keep up with her. She managed to navigate her surroundings, grateful the moon was nearly full and it was a cloudless night. The wind nearly stole her cowboy hat she was moving at such speed.

  The cowgirl made it to the stables. Forgoing caring for the horses herself, she left it to the man Jessie had introduced her to. “Do you know where the owners are? I’m afraid there was an accident. Allison needs help.”

  “I can ring up to the bed and breakfast. If you need anything else, let me know. The horses can wait.” Geraldine shook her head as the gentleman made the phone call. “They are in the study. They’ll meet you out front.”

  “Thank you.” Geraldine nearly tripped over her own feet. She ran as fast as she could manage. Not only were Jessie and Thelma on the front porch, so were two lookalikes. “I know where Allison is. I just didn’t want to move her.”

  Jessie took the lead. “I’ve gone through training as a firefighter. Kathy here was a firefighter for a long time. We can assess Allison. See if she needs a transport. Who’s coming with?”

  “Candy and I will remain here.” Thelma held up her cellphone. “That way if you decide it’s better not to move her, you can give us a call. We can call nine-one-one.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Do we need a vehicle or horses?” Geraldine shook her head. “All right, young lady. You take point. My silent friend and I will follow your lead.” Even though it was an extremely serious situation, Jessie couldn’t help making a jab at the tall, dark and silent Kathy.

  The trio were jogging their way through the thick grass. Jessie made a mental note to have someone clear out paths. Not just in case of emergency, but also for those that enjoyed hiking and exploring. It was something she hadn’t even thought of.

  “She’s over here.” Geraldine skidded to a halt. Immediately she knelt next to Allison. “Allison?” Those amazing brown eyes were closed. “She hit her head on something. I think she passed out from low blood sugar and fell from the mare.”

  Kathy took the lead. It was still in her blood to be a firefighter. To make certain people were all right. Jessie remained with her cellphone in her hand. When Kathy gently touched Allison’s forehead, brown eyes opened.

  Instead of looking at Kathy, Allison sought out Geraldine. “You came back.” It was with barely a whisper. “I tried keeping my eyes open. I’m just so tired.”

  “Allison.” The young woman forced herself to look at Kathy. “I need to ask you a few questions. It’s one of the standard ones. How many fingers?”

  Allison couldn’t help the smile. “Three.” Kathy exhaled. At least the young woman’s vision wasn’t severely impaired. “Did I get it right? Can I get warm now?”

  Kathy cursed that she missed how badly Allison was shivering. Without thought, Geraldine removed her shirt. Normally, she would not be caught without a shirt on. But this was for Allison.

  Brown eyes blinked as she was covered by the material. Was she seeing things? Allison was certain there was a bit of chest hair. Not that women couldn’t have chest hair. It was her vision though. That’s why she saw chest hair.

  After making certain there was no visible swelling, Kathy decided it would be all right for Allison to be moved. “I think she just needs to rest. I can carry her. Or Jessie can.”

  Geraldine didn’t hesitate. She easily picked up the young woman and held her tightly to her body. The fact she was stubbly caused the cowgirl to curse. Normally by this time, she would have shaven once again. If only she could afford the hormones or something simple like electrolysis…

  “Take it easy.” Geraldine wavered a bit. She heeded Kathy’s words. She hadn’t realized how tired she was. Having lost track of time and not eating was something she was cursing. More so for Miss Allison than herself.

  Azure eyes closed. Geraldine reached deep within. To th
e place she would reach when one of her brothers or her father would begin calling her ‘little man’ or something else just as painful.

  “I’m ok.” Geraldine made certain to make steady progress, but to not over exert herself. She could hear Jessie speaking, most likely telling those waiting for them they didn’t need a doctor or ambulance.

  Geraldine was out of breath when she made it to the porch. “Do you have her key?” She was exhausted. She couldn’t even speak properly. Thankfully, Thelma understood. The key was held up momentarily.

  Not stopping, Geraldine made her way up the stairs. She was grateful when she made it to Allison’s door. Thelma stepped in front of her and opened the door. Geraldine didn’t hesitate in settling Allison on the bed.

  “Why don’t you take care of yourself. We can clean her up and make her comfortable.” Thelma expected an argument. She knew how she’d feel if someone asked her to leave the care of Jessie to someone else. Not that Geraldine and Allison were soulmates. Or were they?

  Before Geraldine could argue, she felt the breeze on her chest. “Thank you.” Without another word, she bolted for her own room. Not only would she have to put on clothing, she would have to shave as hastily as possible.

  “Candy, can you get something light to eat?” Thelma was already removing Geraldine’s shirt that had been warming Allison. “Jessie, can you get me something to change her into?”

  Kathy wanted to help as well. When there was a noise from across the hall, the former firefighter opened the door. Already, Geraldine had shaven. But she had done it with such speed, she had nicked herself several times.

  “I heard the commotion.” Kathy turned at the sound of the familiar voice. “I couldn’t sleep and had been in the kitchen nursing a tea.” Jackeline entered cautiously. She had been in a situation similar to Geraldine, too many times to count.

  Jackeline cautiously knelt next to the young woman. “Geraldine, my name is Jackeline.” When the young woman wouldn’t look her in the eyes, she turned to Kathy. “Please close the door.” Kathy nodded before leaving the two alone.

  “I wish when I was transitioning, that I’d had friends to rely on.” Geraldine immediately glared at Jackeline. “Relax. I’m a friend of Jessie’s. I’ve known the little spitfire since she was a preteen.”

  “We met at church.” Jackeline kept her voice steady and soft as she searched her purse. “Jessie was the only one who didn’t turn her back on me when I made it known I was born into the wrong body. She kept me sane, until I could establish my own support staff. My own place that isn’t unlike this bed and breakfast.”

  Geraldine remained silent as she allowed the stranger to place makeup on her cuts. They had already stopped bleeding but needed concealing. “I don’t know your story, other than you are from Oklahoma, but I want you to know something.”

  Tears were threatening the fresh makeup Jackeline had provided. “You aren’t alone. I thought I was for nearly a decade. There aren’t many organizations in The South for supporting those in the LGBTQI community. Sadly, nearly none that support aiding those transitioning.”

  It was as if Geraldine was being mentally slapped. “That being said, you are not alone, my dear. You have me and Jessie and Thelma. Can’t forget about Candy and Kathy, even if they will probably return to Albany soon.”

  Geraldine couldn’t maintain eye contact. “I know what you are truly upset about.” Jackeline wasn’t about to hold any punches. “You’ve got quite the crush on that young woman in the other room. You’re terrified she won’t accept you, once she discovers what lays beneath the clothing.”

  Chapter 6

  Dallas was angry. She rarely felt this level of anger. The fact she and Lucy were probably done before they started had no bearing on why she was so angry. It was because Dina was a spoiled bitch who thought anything and anyone was hers for the taking.

  The fact Lucy took one look at her at the breakfast table, gathered a plate and coffee and left had nothing to do with how angry Dallas was. She had barely eaten anything herself, instead took something sweet and fattening and made her way with a large coffee to the front porch.

  There was a storm on the horizon. Dallas had traveled enough to know about the weather just by feel. But it wasn’t the weather to which she was referring. If Dina hadn’t taken her advice and returned to Atlanta, there would be hell to pay.

  “Are you all right?” Dallas barely glanced up at the familiar voice. Melissa was a fixture. Some would classify her as nosey or a busybody. But Dallas recognized something in the older woman. Her momma was the same way. Nearly too caring.

  “I’ve been better.” Dallas’ gaze returned to the tiny car she’d driven the previous day. They’d had such a good time as they’d explored Albany together. If only Lucy was willing to give her a chance…

  “If you want, I’ll leave you alone. I’m certain my husband is wondering what kind of honeymoon he signed on for.” Melissa’s laughter caused Dallas to sadly smile. “Though I think he knew what he was signing on for when he married me.”

  “Yes, I did.” Neither had heard the soft footfalls. Jarod was an expert. Though he’d only been a beat cop for his entire career, it didn’t mean he hadn’t gone undercover a fair number of times. And he was fortunate to have one of the greatest police officers ever in his daughter-in-law.

  Melissa was grateful for the juice her husband handed to her. Though she had to watch her sugar intake, she needed the sparkling taste of apple juice. “Thank you.” Melissa turned to see a grinning Dallas. “Being married has its perks.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” Dallas sighed as she took a sip of her cooling coffee. She was grateful it was cooling. The humidity was on the rise. She should have had something cool but needed the caffeine. “I’ve never come close to marrying. No one caught my attention.”

  “Until now?” Dallas’s head whipped towards the older woman. Melissa was definitely like her momma. No hold bars, she spoke what was on her mind. Sometimes that was a good thing. When one was as angry as Dallas was, not so much.

  “I appreciate what you are trying to do. You even remind me of my momma. But right now, there’s no chance, even if I did meet my Mrs. Right.” Dallas turned away. Her focus couldn’t rest on anywhere but the small car it seemed, no matter how hard she tried.

  “I see.” Melissa slowly made her way to the railing. There was a vehicle that hadn’t been there the day before. Another boarder perhaps? One that had Dallas on edge? “You sound a lot like my daughter.”

  Not waiting for a response, Melissa turned so she was studying Dallas. The cowboy hat was the same. The outfit was different than normal. It was almost as if the woman was ready for a day at church. The jeans were black and crisp. The dark red shirt was pressed. The cowboy boots were polished.

  “My daughter had thought she met her soulmate when in high school.” Dallas flinched but never said a word. “Oh, this isn’t like most tales. Yes, they had their time. But Sam’s girlfriend was forced back home to China. It was a few years later when Leslie returned. Things became messy. Because of this, Sam decided a relationship was not for her. I can’t even tell you the list of girlfriends she’s had over the years. Thankfully, she met Abby, her soulmate, and has settled down. But it wasn’t easy. Life isn’t easy. Love isn’t easy. But it’s worth it, if only you’ll allow for it to come to you.”

  “And now that I’ve made a grand speech, I’ll leave you to think things through. And perhaps not give up on something, before it even begins.” Melissa winked at Dallas before turning to Jarod. “I think we had an early matinee to watch.”

  Jarod merely nodded his head. It was always interesting watching his wife doing what she did best. It wasn’t being an innkeeper. It was being a teacher of life. In fact, he still had so much to learn from her.

  Dallas watched as the older couple made their way to the parking lot. She had always thought she was fiery, but after meeting Melissa, she wasn’t so certain anymore. In fact, it had her actually wanting a
confrontation with Dina even more.

  Even if Dina had nothing to do with Lucy ignoring her, Dina being here didn’t help matters. It was time to teach the young woman a lesson. One she hopefully wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Lucy was sitting alone, in her room. This was how she spent a majority of her time, outside her time spent with her mother. Even time with her best friend was waning. This wasn’t how her vacation was supposed to have played out.

  There were others here at the bed and breakfast Lucy could be spending her time with. The problem was…She’d felt a connection of sorts with Dallas. Though cautious the entire time, she’d had an amazing time with the truckdriver.

  Her cellphone didn’t remain silent for long. Ever since her conversation with her mother the night before, her mother had been texting or calling. All calls had gone straight to voicemail. Most texts went ignored.

  The dirty plate and empty coffee cup sat on the small table by the window. The window that had been the reason Lucy was in the state she was now in. In less than twenty-four-hours, she had come to trust Dallas. She had definitely been attracted to her.

  It wasn’t the pushing. If their night had ended with the conversation, Lucy hoped she would have had the courage to seek out Dallas. To try and repair what damage she had caused by not being able to take a chance, even on friendship.

  But seeing Dallas in an embrace with another woman…It had done something to Lucy. There was a part of her that was crying for an explanation. But there was the coward part of her that was causing her to remain alone.

  Finally, Lucy decided she wouldn’t seclude herself. It took a moment, but the young woman gathered her dirty dishes and cautiously left her room. There was a fear of running into Dallas before she was truly ready.

  Lucy shook her head. She knew she would never be fully ready. It was her way. Sometimes she wondered how she ran a retail store. Customers could be quite aggressive, at times. Yet, she was able to maintain her cool.