Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

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  Allison was cautious as she stretched. She hadn’t realized she had fallen asleep. The light was dim. It could mean the weather had turned or it could be evening had set in. Either way, her stomach was alerting her it was past time to eat.

  The warmth hit her. Allison had forgotten she was tending to the injured Geraldine. They’d yet to find either Thelma or Jessie to see if Geraldine’s room remained available. In a way, Allison hoped it wasn’t.

  In a way, Allison hoped desperately the room was available. Her emotions were beyond anything she had experienced. That wasn’t surprising seeing she had lived a sheltered life.

  Until Allison had ventured to The South, she hadn’t realized just how sheltered. It wasn’t just the slightly different cultures she encountered on her journey to the bed and breakfast.

  It was discovering something Allison had only heard of. Though she supported a few LGBTQI charities in Michigan, she had never volunteered. She had never read the material. And she had never met a person who was transitioning.

  Or had she? Allison carefully extricated herself from Geraldine. She was grateful when the young woman barely stirred. The young cowgirl needed sleep to overcome both the physical and mental trauma she had endured.

  Allison remained angry at the men who had attacked Geraldine. In a way, she wished she had called the police. Perhaps having others know what kind of bigots they were would make a difference.

  Then again, perhaps it would only elevate them to their colleagues. Allison wouldn’t be surprised. Being part of the ‘good ole boys club’ was probably a passage of rights. Not just in The South.

  It took splashing cool water upon her face before Allison was able to calm, even slightly. She retrieved her cellphone before making her way as quietly as she could to the door. One last glance was given before she made her way to the stairs.

  Allison slowly made her way to the kitchen. There was only one person when she entered. “Hello.” Lucy nodded her head at her fellow Michigander. “How are you holding up?”

  Lucy placed the waters in the picnic basket. Leaving the grounds wasn’t something she wanted, at the moment. While anyone could get to her anywhere, she thought it was best to remain in the relative safety of the bed and breakfast. She was still unsure whether leaving was right for her. She hated this indecisiveness she had discovered about herself.

  “I’ve been better.” Lucy took a seat at the table. She wasn’t expected in the gazebo for a few more moments. “It’s not just what is happening here with the protesters.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “It seems Dallas has a stalker. I don’t know if we’ll be more than a vacation fling, but…”

  “I think I understand.” Allison debated sitting with Lucy. If she wasn’t in such need for fuel and checking on Geraldine, she might. “I’ve dealt with some things as a cashier. The public can be…overbearing. I don’t know if I can handle what happened to my friend.”

  “I wondered if something had happened to Geraldine.” Lucy turned so she could look at Allison. “You don’t need to share details. We all deserve privacy. But just so you know, I’ll be there for you both.”

  “It’s appreciated.” Allison decided she had enough time to sit. “I’m not certain what I can do for you. I’m just a mere cashier that has to work all the time just to make ends meet. But I’m more than willing to help.”

  “Where exactly are you from in Michigan?” Lucy was always on the lookout for decent help. She couldn’t pay what the others paid. But, she offered better benefits and treated her employees like family.

  “Technically, I live in a place call Depot Town. It’s really just outside of Ypsilanti. I work for one of those corporations that is everywhere.” Allison felt her stomach growling. She would need to eat soon.

  “I love where I live. Though there’s not much as far as fun.” Allison could feel the usual symptoms of lightheadedness. She decided the fruit on the table would hopefully help.

  As Allison peeled the banana, she continued. “It’s a historical area. The buildings were mostly built between the eighteen fifties and eighteen eighties. It’s beautiful. It makes working where I do tolerable.”

  “You don’t live far from where I live and own my own grocery store.” Lucy leaned forward. “It’s located downtown Plymouth. I pay a fair wage. I offer better benefits than the big boys. And I treat my employees like family. I offer full-time, unless you want part-time.”

  “Wait. Are you offering me a job?” Allison placed the banana peel upon the table. This was the last thing she had expected when she had decided on a much needed vacation. Or was it the fact she had a new friend who was stirring something in her she had never felt before?

  “I always have need of good people.” Lucy glanced at her watch. Soon, she was to meet Dallas. “If you are ever ready for a change, or at the very least want to see how I run my business, give me a call.”

  Lucy slid a business card across the table. “We Michiganders have to stand together.” A serious expression suddenly graced Lucy’s face. “There is one condition.” Allison sat back, her heart sinking. “You can’t work for me if you are a Spartan fan.”

  Allison couldn’t help the laughter. It was the last thing she had expected Lucy to say. Then again, this entire conversation was unexpected. “I was raised just outside of Ann Arbor. How could I be anything but a Wolverine fan.”

  It was Lucy’s turn to laugh. “Just what I like to hear.” Slowly, Lucy rose. She was tired of sitting. It was time to enjoy the great outdoors. “I want to offer, once again, help to you and Geraldine. For now, I have a date of sorts.”

  “Thank you. For the offer of assistance and of the job. It gives me something to think about.” Allison also cautiously rose. It was definitely past time to eat something. She’d have to gather something to eat and soon. “Enjoy your time with Dallas.”

  “I plan to.” Lucy couldn’t help winking as she made her way out of the kitchen. She hoped Allison would think about her impromptu offer. Why? They didn’t even know one another. Yet, she wanted to look out for her.

  Was it the growth Lucy was seeking? Or was it something else? For some reason, she felt like taking care of Allison. After all, it used to always be her mother taking care of her.

  Before Lucy could make it to the front door, a surprising figure was sitting at the window. Lucy hesitated before slowly making her way to Geraldine. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Just wanted to say it’s nice to see you are still here.”

  Geraldine remained in a bit of pain. Even after Allison had soothed her burns with cool water, she was tentative in her movements. When she had awakened without Allison in the room, she had decided to seek her out.

  Sadly, Geraldine had only made it to the lobby before tiring. She had chosen the seat by the window so she could keep an eye out on all fronts for her friend. “I’m still unsure about how long I’ll stay. I don’t feel safe here.”

  “May I?” Geraldine nodded after Lucy motioned to the space beside her. Lucy was cautious as she sat next to the cowgirl. “I don’t know what it’s like for you back at home, but I know what it’s like for me in Michigan. It’s hit or miss. Sometimes I have all the support in the world. Sometimes, I get people who would spit on me, as soon as look at me.”

  The cowgirl had to look away. “I don’t know what your job entails or what you want out of life. But know this, there are those of us out there that will always be there for you.” Why she had so many business cards on her, Lucy wasn’t certain. But they were coming in handy.

  Geraldine glanced at the card tentatively offered to her. What could someone offer who only knew life on a ranch? Hard work, that was a given. But the cowgirl had no interaction with the outside world before this vacation.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t know what I could possibly offer you.” Geraldine slid the card in her front pocket. She flinched when the layers of cloth tightened on her tender skin. “I know everything there is to kno
w about horses and ranch life, but serving the public…”

  Lucy felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time. In fact, she hadn’t felt it since she had taken a chance and began her own business. “There’s more to a grocery store than you might think. Again, talk to me before you leave or hold onto my number and call. I have a date or I’d stay and talk some more.”

  Before making her way through the door, Lucy turned back to Geraldine. “I almost didn’t come here. Not because of the place or the people running it. Only because I was not comfortable leaving home. So I understand if you are hesitant. Enjoy your evening.”

  “Thanks. You too.” Geraldine watched as Lucy made her way towards the side of the bed and breakfast. She was still staring out the window when the woman who wore a cowboy hat made her way down the stairs. “You just missed Lucy.”

  Dallas halted. It was the first time Geraldine had been vocal, at least not having been spoken to first. Her voice remained reserved. “Thank you, Darlin. She can wait a minute if you have a second.”

  Geraldine instantly regretted saying anything. In fact, she was regretting leaving the sanctuary that was Allison’s room. Better yet would have been gaining her own room once again. “I’m waiting for Allison.” It sounded lame in Geraldine’s ears. Did her voice crack as well?

  “I just wanted to ask something.” Dallas retrieved her cowboy hat and placed it over her chest. “I notice the coloring around your neck. Did you run into trouble? Is that why you came back here?”

  Instantly, Geraldine was attempting to cover her neck. She had thought buttoning the top button would conceal the tainted skin. “You could say that. Miss Allison rescued me. I couldn’t travel like that so I returned here.”

  Dallas slowly knelt before the young woman. “I want you to know, from one cowgirl to another. You are an amazing person. Anyone says different has to answer to me.” There was a noise so Dallas instantly arose. “I’m very protective of my friends. If ever you need assistance, just let me know.”

  The petite figure of Allison was beside Dallas in a heartbeat. Dallas smiled at the younger woman. “That goes for you as well. Now if you two will excuse me, it’s not in my nature to keep a lady waiting.”

  Allison waited until Dallas had exited through the front door. “I’m sorry I left you alone.” The redhead was carrying a tray. “I figured since both of us skipped lunch that I’d bring lunch to the room.”

  It was Geraldine’s nature to carry the tray. “I would offer to assist you, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle the weight just yet.” The cowgirl swallowed and her head pointed downward in shame.

  “Geraldine, please look at me.” The young cowgirl just managed to meet brown eyes. “I know you were raised with manners such as mine. Offering to open doors and help carry. But you are hurting still. Just allow me. You can return the favor another time.”

  “All right. At least allow me to open the door.” At the request, Allison managed to balance the tray and retrieve the key. “Thank you.” They slowly made their way back to the shelter of the room.

  Allison placed the tray upon the small table next to the window. For a moment, she glanced out the window. Instead of the sun she was accustomed to seeing, dark clouds were beginning to form. White clouds were already hiding the bright orb in the sky.

  As Allison went to draw the shade, Geraldine touched her hand. “Leave it. I like looking out at the view. Though right now, it doesn’t look all that nice out.”

  “As you wish.” Allison began doling out the food. “Sit. We’ll tend to your burns again. Though all I have is the cool washcloths.”

  Instead of responding, Geraldine began eating. It was fruit salad and sandwiches. The cowgirl was shocked at how hungry she was. She shouldn’t have been surprised as she’d barely had anything for supper the night before and had skipped breakfast so she could be taken to the bus station.

  Allison sensed the discomfort. It hurt, but she also realized it wasn’t personal. At this point, anyone seeing Geraldine in the form she was born into was something her friend would hate beyond words.

  Geraldine could sense the change in her friend. She knew she should have answered. At this point, it was what she was accustomed to. She hated even her mother seeing her without clothes on. It had been years since she’d seen a doctor.

  “Did you see Thelma or Jessie?” When Allison placed her sandwich on the table, Geraldine realized how her question could be taken. Especially after such a lengthy uncomfortable silence.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t necessarily want my old room back.” Allison eyed her friend. “I just want to make certain, with everything happening, that they know I’m here. They are very caring and would be upset should something happen, if only because they weren’t aware of my being here.”

  “We can call them after we finish eating.” Allison took a drink of the pop she had procured. “And we still have to check on your burns.”

  Geraldine internally sighed. There would be no getting around it. Allison was too caring. Whether the cowgirl deserved it or not, she now had a friend, it seemed. “Definitely have to make certain you eat first. Don’t want any more fainting.”

  “I’m never going to live that down.” Allison managed to laugh. It was more embarrassing than anything. Not just because she had allowed herself to become vulnerable. It was because she prided herself in being prepared for anything.

  “Nope.” Geraldine made certain to take small bites of her sandwich. Before she knew it, they had consumed the meal Allison had been kind enough to retrieve for them. It was time.

  The cowgirl’s hands shook as she began to unbutton her blouse. She was seated on the bed. The curtains were drawn. The door was locked. It was only herself and Allison. The only one she would feel comfortable with, in any way, was Jackeline.

  Soft hands hovered over Geraldine’s. The cowgirl looked up into sympathetic eyes. No one had accepted her or looked at her like this. Even her mother struggled at times, not that she could blame her.

  “If you want some privacy to tend to yourself, I can see if I can find Thelma or Jessie.” Allison didn’t want to leave her friend. Sometimes, it was best if one allowed someone to do things for themselves.

  “I’m sorry. I thought after you tending to me before that I wouldn’t be this upset.” Geraldine took a deep breath. “I appreciate the privacy. It won’t take long. I promise.”

  “It’s all right.” Allison made certain she had her key to the room before leaving Geraldine to tend her own wounds. She only hoped that one day the cowgirl would allow her to help her. Even if it were from a distance.

  It didn’t take long to make it to the front desk. Still, no one was behind it. Allison could ring the bell. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to do so. Part of it was selfish. She didn’t want to give up the closeness to Geraldine.

  “Are you all right?” Allison jumped at the sound of the voice. She hadn’t expected to see Dallas. Wasn’t she already on her date with Lucy?

  “I’ve been better.” Allison made her way to the check-in desk. She turned so she was looking at Dallas and she was leaning against the desk. “I was looking for Thelma or Jessie on behalf of Geraldine.”

  “Last I knew, they were in a meeting of some sort. It was with the latest arrivals.” Dallas had forgotten a corkscrew. Yes, she had wine stocked in her cab. It wasn’t often she partook. But this was feeling like a special occasion.

  “That sounds…not so good.” Allison sighed. “I don’t know if Geraldine will be strong enough to stay the next few days. Already, she was attacked in town. And she was hesitant in allowing me to treat her.”

  “You have to give her time.” Dallas made it so she was standing before the younger woman. “From what I understand, Geraldine had never traveled far from her home. So this is all new. We’re all new for her.”

  “I know. I guess I just thought we had some kind of understanding.” Allison knew she wasn’t being fair. It was everything weighing on her s
o heavily. “Just need to keep being there for her.”

  “Exactly. If the person is truly worth the friendship, then you do whatever it is you can for them.” Dallas winked at her friend. “That sometimes means giving them space. I had to with Lucy.”

  “Thanks.” Allison wasn’t certain what more to say. “Before we leave, I’d love to get your email or phone number. Something so that we can keep in contact. Maybe if you are ever in my neck of the woods…”

  “Well, if you live near Lucy, I already plan on making a few stops in Michigan.” Dallas laughed heartily at the slight coloring of Allison’s cheeks. “It’s always good to have friends. I hope Geraldine allows you to see her through. Now if you’ll forgive me, I have a lady waiting for me.”

  “Never leave a lady waiting.” Dallas winked once again. Allison felt a little better about the situation. Still, she wondered what more she could do to see Geraldine through.

  Just as Allison was about to return to Geraldine, the office doors opened. Two petite blondes, along with tall raven-haired beauties, emerged. Allison overheard something about a team arriving in a few hours.

  “Allison, how are you?” Thelma made her way over to her boarder. Allison shrugged. “Probably like the rest of us. A little scared and unsure. I promise we are working on the situation.”

  “I understand and hope things work out.” Allison took a step forward. “I wanted to speak to you or Jessie.” Thelma stiffened. “It’s not about leaving early. In fact, it’s about whether or not there is a room for Geraldine still.”

  Thelma relaxed, at least as much as she could considering everything that was happening. “We were worried about Geraldine. When she wouldn’t even wait for breakfast, we thought something had happened to her.”

  Allison lowered her voice. “Something did happen to her. I found her at the bus station. While we were talking, some men decided she wasn’t the kind of person they wanted around them. They threw their coffee on her.”

  “What the hell?” Thelma’s slight headache was threatening to turn into an all out migraine. “I’ve been around a lot of judgmental people, my parents included, but this crossing over to violence is something I didn’t think I’d ever see.”