by Sarah Hualde
Turning the corner to Lydia’s block, Kat noted a familiar truck idling under a lamppost. She jogged straight to it. The window rolled down, Flora’s bright face greeted her.
“How did you drive here?”
“Determination.” Flora rumbled as she opened the door and peeled herself from the vinyl seat. “But, I think someone else will have to drive me home.”
Kat offered her an elbow and helped her ease to the asphalt. The pair stomped up the driveway to Lydia’s door. “I’m glad you were here.” Kat said, “Lydia won’t snip at me in front of you.”
Flora chuckled when an intense piercing pain shot through her spine. “Yaw ouch!” She hollered and clutched Kat’s wrist. Just as quickly, the pain left, and Flora took a cleansing inhalation.
“Should I worry?”
Flora waved a hand at Kat’s comment and then knocked on the door. “I shouldn’t have wedged myself into the truck. Kevin will not be pleased.”
*****
Ivy answered the door, eyes bruised from insomnia. Her hair poked out at unflattering angles. She didn't say a word just gestured toward the living room, and the ladies walked past her and past a snoring Lydia. Following the scent and bubble of brewing coffee, Kat led Flora to the kitchen.
"She'll be up once she smells that." Ivy pointed to the coffee pot and planted herself in a chair at the table. "I'm guessing you guys didn't sleep much either?"
"How did you know?" Kat stood at the counter after helping herself to a glass of water.
"You both look like I feel."
Lydia laughed, surprising the crew, and took a huge ceramic mug out of the cupboard. She filled it to the rim. "Thanks to whoever made this." She raised the mug and took a sip, scorching her tongue. Lydia staggered to the seat next to Ivy's and continued drinking her liquid lava. "Why are you all here?"
"Averie." Everyone talked at once.
"What do you two know?" Kat asked, pacing the kitchen tile.
"Not a whole heap. Just that it appears Averie was about to shoot a video, yesterday, when she was interrupted." Ivy curled one knee to her chest in the roomy wooden chair.
Flora tossed a cushion on a stool, and half sat half stretched across it. "Can't bend, at the moment," she explained.
"We think we know who interrupted her," Kat said.
"What do you mean?" Lydia rubbed her eyelids.
"Flora thinks she knows who the stalker is."
Kat and Flora expounded on their findings. They poured over every picture pointing and explaining. When Kat expanded the frontal face shot of Shane Mons, Ivy gasped and nodded. She hugged her knees tighter to her chest. Lydia slid a hand over and patted Ivy's forearm. She chewed on her glossless bottom lip and took the phone from Kat.
Lydia saw the stalker up close. She remembered the angles of his face in crazed flashes. She recognized him from the photo, but could not pick him out from a group. It was his voice. It was his desperate, pleading, frustrated tones that pierced deepest into her memory.
"Shane Mons?" Ivy drizzled the name from her mouth as if getting used to the taste on her lips. "I know I'm already creeped out, but I swear I've heard that name before." Again, and again she said the stranger's name. The morning fog settled on Ivy's mind. She couldn't shake the sleep off long enough to focus. To accommodate her lag, she gathered a hot pink post-it pad and a permanent marker from her purse and returned to the table.
"Shane Mons. Shane Mons." She repeated as she wrote his name, over and over. Sticky notes decorated the table top. "Something's missing." She said eager to tip over to break through. "Sorry, I know something's there, but I can't reach it."
"That's okay," Flora stood arching and stretching her back. Then she squatted and reached her arms out in front of her torso. She looked like an overgrown toddler pretending to be Superman. Kat averted her eyes, to hide her laughter. "I know, it's not pretty, but it's how I get this little E to move off my ribcage."
Lydia's phone jingled from the couch, and Scout returned the call with a yell of frustrated restlessness. Lydia launched toward the couch. Her foot hooked on her chair and she crashed to the floor. Ivy leaped over Lydia's flattened form to avoid racing across her backside.
"Now, that's funny," Kat said and roiled with hilarity.
"Don't do that," Flora begged, striving to remain sympathetic. Her voice cracked, and she snorted as laughter bellowed from her core. "No, stop, I'll pee!" She, too, hopped over Lydia, to make it to the restroom.
Lydia crawled for the rest of the journey to her phone and answered out of breath, "Hey babe," She greeted Ethan, so her guests knew to zip it. Kat restrained her hooting with a stern hand to her mouth.
"You are working out? After the day we had?" His voice was so encouraging Lydia didn't correct him.
"Something like that."
Her husband cleared his throat and spoke to someone nearby. His voice trailed off in a different conversation then returned to the receiver. "Sorry about that. I will be gone a few more hours, and then I'm turning it all over to the Ashton Police. I'll make it home, right in time for you to be at church. What are your plans for the day?"
Lydia had no real plans. Her original day included church, lunch, and a walk with her husband around the festival. The last day of the Lavender Festival vendors slashed their prices. Usually, she scored some homemade novelty Christmas presents for relatives. Ethan needed to catch up on his rest this afternoon. Lydia knew her husband. He’d spend his evening catching up on the case.
"I was thinking about visiting the festival, again. Maybe not. Would you like me to stay home?"
"Sweet of you to offer. Please don't be offended but I need to shower and drop. It would be easier if you weren't there. Understand?"
"100%. Ivy will be gone. She's spending the day with the Millers." Lydia winked at Kat, who needed no clueing in and winked in reciprocation. That settled things, Ivy and Scout, would hang out at the Miller's house. "Until dinnertime, that is."
Lydia could feel her husband's contemplative nod through the line. She heard his jaw pop as he yawned and could make out the sound of his uniform crinkling as he stretched.
"Gus is driving me home." He answered before she asked, "I should be home by 10. Love you."
"You too." With a click the conversation was over, Flora returned to the breakfast nook, and Ivy came back with Scout in a sling.
"Did he say anything about Averie?" Ivy asked. She winced as an unseen Scout chomped on her. "You stop that." She commissioned and snuggled down at the table.
"He wouldn't tell me if I'd asked. Especially, with Gus standing right beside him. No, anything we want to know we must figure out for ourselves."
Flora's mouth gaped, but her eyes twinkled with mischief. Ivy grinned and sighed. Kat clapped and poured Lydia a celebratory second cup of coffee.
"What's our next step?"
*****
Berna's Sunday routine drove her guests mad with hunger. She woke early and went straight to work in her kitchen. Usually, her cook did most of the kitchen work for the Hive. But Sundays were special. Sundays, she took off her owner and businesswoman hat, as much as possible, and pretended her guests were family friends.
She wrapped her favorite apron around her and tied the laces tight. As the first duty of the day, Berna boiled water for her massive stainless-steel French press. As the kettle bubbled and steamed, she ground her favorite organic coffee beans and hummed her favorite hymns. She reveled in the chorus of Rock of Ages while finishing a round of beans.
Maven slipped in the front door and tried to ascend unnoticed to her room. Berna's ever watching eye glimpsed her as she shadowed past.
"Now, Maven, don't you think you better eat breakfast? Yesterday can’t have been easy for you, dear. Come have a seat, and I’ll fix you a plate before my other visitors come down.”
Maven grunted. Small-town people were always too polite for their own good. But she was hungry. Starving. Yesterday had been a toil. She owed it to herself to eat. “Why not,�
� She expressed as she pulled a stool up to the kitchen’s island. “I am ravenous.”
“Wonderful,” Berna dumped butter into a cast-iron skillet and whisked eggs, cream, and cinnamon together in a bright ceramic bowl. The sounds were as delicious as the smells. Maven couldn’t help but think Averie was missing out on a new role play theme. The image made her giggle.
Berna flinched at the odd humor and reflected at the face before her. “Sweet thing, you must be so tired. I get daffy when I haven’t slept. In fact, if I had not enjoyed my usual tumbler of chamomile and valerian tea, I’d be daffy right with you.”
Maven smiled as Berna set the plate of fresh French toast before her. A fork, spoon, knife, and napkin followed the dish. “Coffee, love? Probably not. You probably want to sleep, don’t you dear? How about some milk?”
“Do you have almond milk? I can’t abide cow’s milk?”
“I do.” Berna filled a clear glass with the beige milk and then continued her cooking as Maven ate.
Color resurfaced on Maven’s cheeks, and her eyes brightened as she bit into the crunchy, creamy toast. She soaked each forkful in maple syrup and took her time chewing.
“So, how’s your cousin doing?”
“They moved her to the psychiatric department this morning.” She chomped emotionless sticky bites and avoided eye contact.
Berna spun around, batter dripping from her spatula onto her bright yellow apron. “Oh, I am sorry to hear that.”
“Why,” Maven asked. Berna thought she spoke rather coldly. Maven tracked the question on Berna’s face. She quickly added, “I mean, I want her to be where she can receive the best care. I trust her doctors. I’m sure they’re looking out for her well-being even better than I could.”
“I’m certain you’re a huge help to your cousin, and you will continue to be.” Berna turned back to her stovetop. The footsteps of guests on the stairs alerted both innkeeper and visitor “Oh my, I better hurry it up. She’s out of danger, though, isn’t she?”
Maven polished off her glass of milk and wiped her face with the cloth napkin before responding. “That’s what they tell me. Thanks for breakfast.” She folded her linen and set it on her dish. Berna clucked avoiding Maven’s gratitude.
“Now, get yourself some good sleep.”
“Thank you. I think I will.” With that Maven went to her room. Berna shook off their conversation and turned to greet her other guests.
*****
Lydia napped, with Scout snoring on her shoulder. When Flora and Kat left, Ivy retreated to her room and lounged on her bed. She dozed as she tried to charge through Averie’s ASMR videos. She looked for more information about the internet celebrity. However, as ASMR videos did, they relaxed Ivy. She often fell asleep in the middle of a video.
Another commercial interrupted Ivy’s rest, and she launched from her covers upon noticing the time. “Lydia? Lydia?” She whispered and scooped up Scout. Lydia propelled herself to sitting and swung a fist toward Ivy’s voice. “It’s me. I’ve got the baby. It’s fine.”
Heart pounding in her throat and eyes blurred from sleep, Lydia took bewildered breaths. “What’s going on?”
“You almost punched me, and we’re running late for church!”
The women flashed about the house dressing, primping, packing purses and diaper bags. They slid into the back pew of Bailey Family Fellowship Christian Church after the first prayer.
Kat turned from her row in front of them and winked. Her children bounced in the seat beside her. Flora’s family snuggled in their pew. Eloise braided Eden’s hair while Ever rested on his mother’s shoulder. Flora’s eyes were shut. Lydia hoped her friend didn’t snore during service.
Two songs later, Berna from the Hive, sneaked onto Lydia’s bench. She waved low and happy before bursting into song. The congregation celebrated together then the pastor spoke with convicting encouragement. Lydia couldn’t keep her mind focused. When the Lord’s Supper passed before her, she collected the elements but couldn’t keep up with the group. The church was in the midst of their last hymn and standing to sing it before she settled her heart.
Berna tugged at Lydia’s purse strap. Lydia opened her eyes and met Berna’s large hazel ones. “You are coming to the festival later?” Lydia nodded, and Berna returned the gesture then left.
“She’s still stressed over yesterday,” Kat explained coming alongside Lydia. Lydia hadn’t realized services had ended. “Ivy and Scout are coming home with us for lunch. Are you joining us?” Lydia’s expression troubled Kat. She knew what Lydia’s distant look, arched left eyebrow, and slanted smile meant. Lydia would not be eating lunch at Kat’s. But Kat would ensure the two friends met up for dessert.
*****
Averie woke again to the beeping on the monitors. Her eyes blinked and puckered, protecting her sleepy vision from the fluorescent lights. The voices of nurses and orderlies chatting outside her room carried comfort and despondency. Averie realized she was safe. But being locked in a hospital room terrified her.
Each thought, each strain on her mind, stabbed at the inside of her skull. Her head crashed with thunderous pain. She reached a hand to feel the source of the aching.
Leather cuffs held her wrists to the bed and stopped her from touching the knot on the back of her head. Averie's eyes tried to cry, but there was no moisture for them the draw on. She noticed her mouth was dry. Her tongue stuck to the side of her cheek. She was desperate for a drink of water but unable to ring for assistance.
Using her agonized mind, she sent wishes and energy toward the workers right outside her room. Their silhouettes and sentences clear, but their attentions were elsewhere. They turned in their Crocs and walked away. Averie sunk deeper into her bed and begged the universe for help. The universe did not answer.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Maven's sleep was lush and fruitful. She arose enthusiastic for the day. Her body delighted in her yoga routine. She meditated for a full thirty minutes and then curled up with her journal. Perhaps, she’d take a drive later. Maybe she’d meander through the crazy small town she was visiting and see what all the fuss was about.
Berna interrupted her morning primping. The inn owner knocked on Maven’s door. Maven chose not to allow the disruption to annoy her. She answered the door, cheery. “Hello, Mrs. Berna.”
Berna appeared discombobulated for a moment. Maven was not the same weary woman from the morning. The only thing dark on this woman was her hair. Berna held the tray out toward her guest. "Thought you'd appreciate lunch before you head off to see your cousin."
Maven’s smile flickered. “My cousin?” She whispered. “I’d almost forgotten about poor Averie.” She guided Berna into her room. “I slept so well. I thought, for a second, yesterday was only a nightmare. Your French toast borders on the miraculous. I slept better than a baby.”
“Good, good. I’m glad.” Berna set down her tray.
Maven stood in the bathroom, applying her makeup. "Thanks for lunch." Berna watched Maven grab her eyeliner and apply a thin, perfect line with ease. "Was there anything else? I believe Averie paid through the weekend."
Embarrassed and blushing Berna responded, “Oh no. My, nothing like that. Yes, you’re paid up through Tuesday. I was just wondering if you’ve heard anything else about your sweet cousin. Any news?”
“Only that they believe she’s gone loony. You know, yelling at the walls and talking to invisible people. That kind of thing.” Maven’s steady hand completed her second eye’s liner without a smudge. “They’ll probably tell me more about it later. Maybe they’ll lock her up for good this time.”
“This time?” Berna felt awkward and useless. So, she removed the room’s trash bags. She hopped between flat surfaces dumping only the visible trash items.
Maven chortled with cool numbness. “Oh, you didn’t know? Yes, cousin Averie goes off her rocker from time to time. I'm so sorry you had to witness it here at your beautiful inn." With a flick of the switch, the bathroom went dark, and
Maven led Berna toward the door.
"Oh, that's too bad." Berna consoled, "I'll come to pick up the tray when I come clean your room. I don't want to keep you from the hospital."
“Thank you. Aren't you sweet?” Maven offered a goodbye leaving Berna confused and wandering the hall with a half-empty trash bag.
Clattering, from outside, awakened Berna from her haze. There was a lot to do. No use wasting time coming back up to Maven’s room. It was the last day of the festival. The vendors were preparing to open shop. She’d spend her lunchtime cleaning the bedrooms on the third floor. Olive, her assistant, would have to tackle the bottom story suites.
*****
The stillness soothed Flora, but only for the first hour or two. After passing a quiet spell, just sitting with herself and her Lord, the silence grew creepy. Shadows seemed ominous, even in the middle of the day. Kevin made her lunch and left it in the fridge. Eloise purchased muffins from the 3 Alarm Coffee Shop with her own money. They sat, on the Lazy Susan, waiting for Flora to enjoy.
It should be a fantastic afternoon, but Flora was lonely without her family. If she called, they'd come home. She further knew they were having a great time at the festival. She didn't want to interrupt their fun, and she couldn't walk the fair another day. Her back, still harboring bitterness at its overuse, tightened and stiffened at random. The powerful twinges took her breath away every time.
Flora turned on the television, more for audible companionship than for viewing pleasure. Without thinking she found herself on Averie's channel. She scrolled from video to video looking for older posts. Maven videos weren't on a playlist since they were website exclusives. Flora watched a few before succumbing to an afternoon snooze.