Once Lost

by Brenda Dugas

  Dustin’s familiar white truck cruised up the lane. “Well, I can see you won't be lonely," he commented dryly. He should talk. Leah recalled the scene that was painted from the bedroom window and the gown she had worn the previous night. For a reason she couldn't quite pinpoint, these images sent a shock wave through her, bringing with it a strange kind of awareness.

  Chapter 4

  “Dustin!" Leah's face lit up. She smiled at the confused expression coming from behind the wheel. He was obviously puzzled at finding Leah in the company of his boss.

  "Don’t you mean Mr. Brannon?" Slade stressed Leah’s use of the other man’s first name, as she had continued to address him more formally. After a half-hearted greeting to his “best” employee, he announced that he had an appointment, leaving them to spend a comfortable evening arranging for Leah's first night in her new home.

  Dustin laughed at the irony of Leah finding herself on Slade’s doorstep, but shared his concern that she take care not to get lost in this area again. He seemed glad that Slade had used his contacts to get Leah’s repairs underway. He then introduced Leah to her nearest neighbors.

  It was quite late when Dustin reluctantly got up to leave. Leah was now alone in her house at night for the first time, and felt a little frightened in the flickering lamp lit silence. She felt sure that she wouldn't sleep a wink in the old fold-out cot that she had cleaned up from one of the spare bedrooms, but tiredness overcame her quickly and she extinguished the lantern flame.

  Leah woke early enough to catch the sunrise, thinking again how lucky she was to have a chance at a new beginning in a place like this. She freshened up as best she could with water from jugs, thankful that she had found enough sheets to cover the windows. After eating a breakfast of cold pop tarts, the sound of the approaching tractor broke the silence, and the day began.

  Within the hour, the roofers’ truck had arrived, with the electrician close behind. Soon the air was buzzing with activity. The technician from the water company arrived shortly thereafter, and Leah was excited over the morning’s progress.

  She drove back into the city and spent the afternoon collecting employment applications. After picking up a few more supplies in the different shops, she wondered where the day had gone.

  Returning home, she was pleasantly surprised at the difference the repaired roof had made and the size of her newly cut yard. Dustin arrived on the scene for a brief visit, leaving Leah excited over dinner plans this coming Saturday to celebrate her arrival in Rockport. Later, she sat down and started filling out the stack of applications, determined to drop some of them off this week and tomorrow was Friday already.

  Her cell phone broke the silence. "Has everything been taken care of over there?" Slade asked. She assured him that all had been done in record time. He then asked about her plans for Saturday evening, and she told him about Dustin's dinner invitation. He sounded a bit impatient at this and rang off rather abruptly leaving her mind to wonder late into the night as a tinge of confusion crept in. Earlier, she had been excited about her first dinner date...

  The alarm clock seemed to ring all too soon and Leah blinked, trying to remember why she had to get up so early, Oh yes, it’s time to find a job!

  She stumbled sleepily to the bathtub, scrubbed it until it sparkled, then treated herself to the first real shower she had taken since leaving Slade’s house. She was ever so thankful for the marvelous invention of electricity as she flat-ironed her hair. After skillfully applying her make-up, Leah dressed in her best business outfit, with understated jewelry and a light jacket. Businesses would begin opening within the hour.

  She took a last critical look at herself in the full-length mirror she had brought from Mrs. Mullen’s home in Florida. Not having much room for large items, she had considered leaving the mirror behind, but it had been in Mrs. Mullen’s home as far back as Leah could remember. She had played in front of the mirror as a very young girl, pretending the child reflected was an imaginary friend, so it had to come along.

  Leah wasn’t quite sure she was ready for the job hunting process after the events of the past couple of months. She cringed at the thought of interviews and testing. The first stop would be the employment office; after she found it!

  She couldn’t complete the drive to the city in record time like Slade did, (why did the man keep invading her thoughts). She was pleased to reach the business district just as the large corner bank clock struck 9 AM. After getting directions from some of the bank’s employees waiting at a nearby crosswalk, Leah was directed a few blocks away to the local employment office.

  She met with a friendly representative who, although pleased with her qualifications, told Leah that she may have to wait quite some time for a suitable opening to arise. With the current downturn in the economy, many of the local businesses were scaling back. The list of laid-off employees who were desperately seeking jobs was much longer than it had been a year ago. “There just aren’t enough permanent jobs to go around.” It was evident there would be a considerable amount of competition for the few positions that were open. She suggested that Leah visit a nearby temporary agency to seek out a short term position in the meantime.

  “A temporary employment agency can provide the means to get a foot in the door, especially the Riley Agency,” boasted a rather loud speaking, middle aged lady who introduced herself as Anne Riley. “We pride ourselves on sending out only the most qualified temps. The business community knows they can depend on us to come through every time!” However, there were no temporary positions open at that time either, so Leah felt a little discouraged when she walked across the street and stepped into a small deli for a light lunch. She began halfheartedly eating her sandwich. For the first time since her arrival, she began to doubt her decision to leave Florida. Had this been the right thing to do after all?

  It seemed that Leah first felt, rather than saw, the eyes that studied her from a table in the window. As she glanced in that direction, she met the eyes of the now familiar Slade. He wasn’t alone this time; as their eyes met and held for the briefest of seconds it didn’t go unnoticed by the very attractive, polished blonde who sat across the table from him.

  Must be the famous, or infamous, depending on who you asked…Alaine! Leah wondered how long the two of them had been sitting there, and when Slade had first noticed her. He didn’t acknowledge that he had seen her nor introduce her to the mysterious blonde…although I’ve already slept in her room and worn her night gown…wonder if she knows?

  Leah suddenly felt unnerved by their presence, although she really didn’t understand why. Maybe it was this whole job hunting process, maybe she was becoming overwhelmed by all the things that still needed to be done at her house, maybe she was just tired. She left without finishing her lunch, suddenly feeling very much alone.

  After dropping off a few more resumes and finding only lukewarm reception, she decided to call it a day. The prospects of finding employment in the near future were beginning to worry Leah. She couldn’t sustain herself for long without some sort of income, and there were things such as furnishings and basic household necessities that would have to be purchased with the money she had. Who knows how long it will take for the house in Florida to sell!

  She was pleased to happen upon a Wal-Mart. She stopped in, more to savor the “safe” familiar environment than for any other reason. It helped her to shake off some of the feelings of isolation. Leah didn’t even know what she planned to buy when she walked inside. She wandered aimlessly through the store, picking up a few groceries and basic items before starting the return trip.

  Arriving back at her house, she was surprised to find Dustin’s truck in the driveway. “I was just about to give up on you. I need to save your number this time!” he called from his perch on the steps. “You look beat!” he observed as Leah plopped down beside him. That’s exactly how I feel...beat! Not just beat…downright defeated!

  “I hope you’re hungry!” Dustin grinned, because I stopped on
the way and bought enough fried chicken to feed an army!” Leah recalled her half-finished lunch, “Yes, I’m starving!” He grinned at her enthusiastic cry of delight and produced the meal from his truck. “For this, I’ll fix you a home cooked meal as soon as my appliances are delivered!”

  Friday evening passed pleasantly as they sat on the steps and watched the sunlight fade. Leah mentioned her plans to clean house over the weekend.

  “Oh, and I’m very sorry, but we’ll have to reschedule that dinner tomorrow night.”

  Leah hoped Dustin didn't detect how disappointed she was at his news, especially since she'd never given Slade the chance to share what he'd had in mind. The Company had announced they were sending their “best man” to the Great Lakes facility, where downsizing had left them seriously shorthanded. Dustin was being sent to provide temporary support while the General Foreman was on vacation. He had to leave first thing in the morning.

  Before leaving, he offered to come over and replace some of the weakened boards in the porch as soon as he returned home.

  Chapter 5

  Leah had crawled into bed anticipating the luxury of sleeping in, as it seemed there would be nothing to look forward to this weekend after all. With this thought in mind, she woke quite puzzled to the loud ringing of her cell phone early Saturday morning. “Good morning, Leah, this is Anne Riley, of the Riley Agency. I’m calling to tell you that you’re one lucky lady.” It seemed there was an unexpected opening for a temporary employee at a large ship building facility. “The CEO’s administrative assistant is going on early maternity leave. They will need a temp to come in first thing Monday morning.” Leah had interviewed at the Agency just in time for her resume to be included in the hefty stack that had been sent for review late that Friday afternoon. Ms. Riley was apologetic for calling on a weekend, but it was necessary due to such short notice.

  Moments later Leah heard the sound of a delivery truck backing up to her front porch, announcing the arrival of her new kitchen appliances, along with a washer and dryer, TV, and entertainment center. Things were starting to take shape now; the house wouldn’t feel as empty with the new appliances in place. It would be nice to have a TV, too, especially when the evenings became too quiet.

  Having been vacant for so long, the house was overdue for a thorough cleaning. Fueled by the crisp fresh air and sunshine, Leah spent her entire Saturday spring cleaning the old house from end to end. Next in line for purchase would be new furniture and window treatments, she decided, but that would have to wait. So much left to do...and starting a new job on Monday! How quickly things can turn around!

  Now that the cleaning was over, Leah began unpacking the boxes of personal items she had managed to fit into the back of her vehicle, arranging her candles, framed pictures, and photo albums on the shelves of the new cottage style entertainment center.

  She carefully unpacked the photo of Mrs. Mullen and placed it in the center of the top shelf, with a photo of her adoptive parents on one side, and Latisha and herself on the other. Dear Mrs. Mullen had for years been Leah’s shoulder to cry on when life with the Liles family became unbearable. It was as if God knew how desperately she’d need a neighbor like her.

  Leah flipped through the photo albums of events that began at about age two, when she was adopted by the Liles family. She noted a difference in the pictures that were taken in the two year period between her second and fourth birthday. It was almost undetectable at first, but became more noticeable, as the family’s focus shifted to their new arrival, Baby Tish.

  Helen Liles had undergone a medical procedure that allowed her to finally have the child she had given up hope of ever giving birth to. As Latisha, or “Baby Tish” grew up, Leah was made to feel less and less like a real member of the Liles family.

  Things had become worse than ever in the past few years since returning home after graduation. Latisha was now away at college in another state, leaving Leah alone at home with Helen Liles and her new live in boyfriend, Tim. Helen had become a widow at a young age and was eager to start a new life.

  Her mother's unmerited jealousy and worry over losing her new love to Leah, who was much closer in age to Tim, quickly became evident. Leah had decided it best to move in with Mrs. Mullen. This arrangement had worked out well until it had become necessary for Mrs. Mullen to enter a nursing facility. With Leah’s future living arrangements uncertain, Helen had been trying to rush her into marriage with Craig Warner.

  “Craig can provide you with a secure future, and believe me, that’s what you need to be thinking about! Just look at me,” Helen pleaded, “Now that I’m broke and alone, I have to just find whoever I can get to help me get by!” Leah knew that Helen was far from broke, and recalled how aggressively she had pursued Tim, but it was true that Craig was an up-and-coming attorney at a local law firm, and considered by most to be a “good catch”.

  “I guess you’re right,” Leah had agreed at the time.

  “I knew you wouldn’t let me down, Dear. It’s best for everyone.” Helen turned away with a triumphant smirk; after all, it had taken her quite some time to get this romance off the ground! Leah accepted Craig’s engagement ring that same evening.

  Things came to a climax a few months later when the urgent call came, requesting that Leah come quickly to see Mrs. Mullen in the hospital.

  “You need to get away, Sweetie…there’s something about you marrying that young man that isn’t right…He treats you like a possession. That’s not love.” She forced the words out, although her voice was weak and her breathing had become labored.

  “But Ma Mullen, I've just finished addressing all the announcements...” Leah stopped in the middle of the sentence. Why had it taken this visit to bring to light the misgivings she had been keeping suppressed? She finally admitted that Craig did have “control issues.” But then Helen had kept insisting he would provide a secure future, she’d be crazy to turn down a man like Craig Warner!

  “Don’t marry him, Child,” the tired old voice pleaded. “You know you don’t really love him. The right one’s still out there waiting for you.” The words were said with urgency, as though Mrs. Mullen knew she wouldn’t see Leah again to make this plea.

  “But how will I know?” Leah asked with the same urgency as she sought out the wisdom of age.

  “You’ll know… Promise me you won’t marry that boy! You know in your heart he’s not the answer.” The truth now lay bare in front of Leah. The weary old eyes searched and pleaded. “Promise me, Child.” her voice was now fading…

  “I promise, Ma Mullen. I won’t marry him.”

  “You’ll go away?”

  “Go away? Go where?”

  “You’ll see Child, the good Lord will light up your path. Just promise me.”

  “I promise. I’ll go away… if that’s what you think's best for me. Now, rest.”

  “Yes, Child, now I can rest.” And the old lady closed her eyes and smiled weakly.

  Helen was furious when Leah announced that she had broken off her engagement. Leah had always had a mind of her own…visiting Mrs. Mullen never seemed to help either…Helen Liles had wished many times the woman would just move back to New England! Always meddling in their business! Who did she think she was anyway?

  The summons had come from the lawyer a week after Mrs. Mullen was laid to rest. Since the Mullen’s were never able to have children of their own, she had left to Leah her family cottage in New England, the modest house next door to the Liles family, and all of her possessions. She’d also left a small sum of money.

  Leah was a little intimidated at the realization that she now owned two houses. She listened in total agreement as the lawyer suggested that she sell at least one of them since the upkeep would be too much for a young single woman. Thinking back on her promise to Mrs. Mullen, it wasn’t very difficult deciding which house would have to be sold.

  It had been a painful experience going through the old woman's treasures and parting with things that were dear to
her. Leah packed as much as she could in the back of her Blazer, especially items that held fond memories of times spent with Mrs. Mullen, even though it meant bringing along fewer of her own possessions. It was comforting knowing she was bringing the sweet lady’s personal belongings home.

  Leah unpacked a small wooden box that she had found tucked between Mrs. Mullen’s night stand and the bedroom wall, covered with dust, as though it had been misplaced there for quite some time. The box was securely padlocked, although it felt to be quite empty. It seemed to be of little value, but it appeared to be hand crafted, and apparently it had meant something to Mrs. Mullen, if she had moved it with her from Rockport…so Leah couldn’t bring herself to throw it out.

  Mrs. Mullen’s husband had died many years ago. Soon afterward, she packed all of her belongings and moved to the small town where Leah had been raised. She and her husband had spent some time in the Gulf Coast area early in their marriage when Webster Mullen was in the service, so it had seemed to Marjorie Mullen as good a place as any to escape the cold New England winters. Leah had once happened along to find her looking intently at a photo album with a far-away gaze, possibly seeing ghosts from her distant past. Leah hoped that the two had been reunited at last.

  Now moving on to the bedroom, she went through a similar exercise of unpacking knick-knacks, photos, and wall hangings; then became indecisive over which corner of the bedroom to place the oval full-length mirror. It was a fairly heavy antique piece, very awkward to move. Leah decided to leave it where it was, even though she had found that the morning light coming through the window on the opposite side of the room made it difficult to see her reflection.

  It was very dark outside, and now, a slight feeling of eeriness had crept in that she couldn’t seem to shake. The feeling seemed to grow as the hour grew later. Every noise set her on edge. She began to realize how much she had come to rely on Dustin. Knowing he was nowhere around didn’t help her peace of mind. She finally decided it was time to call it a night, however her heightened sense of awareness now seemed to carry over into her sleep. She tossed and turned, and when sleep finally came, ghosts haunted her dreams…