Rising Above

by Genevieve Fortin

  On Monday, Kevin came back early with Thomas so they could get to work. The first thing on their list of priorities was to replace the two broken windows in the basement. Kevin had taped some tarp to cover the openings when he’d come to evaluate the situation, but that didn’t suffice to keep the cold out and the heat in. They were losing precious energy, and to make things worse, temperatures had dropped dramatically since the night of the storm. So Yvonne went out with Kevin to purchase two new windows from someone who would give them a good deal while Ana helped Jerome remove what was left of the broken glass and the wooden frames. Melodie was upstairs with Thomas, cooking lunch for everyone.

  Melodie was right. Jerome was a completely different man when he was sober. He was calm, attentive, and meticulous. He showed Ana what to do, taking the time to explain every move he made on one window so she could repeat them on the second one. If she did something wrong, he showed her again. He never lost his patience and Ana felt at ease with him. His hair was tied back in a ponytail and he wore a clean plaid shirt and jeans. His leather tool belt hung low on his hips. He seemed to take pride in wearing it.

  Ana and Melodie had gone back to town the night before to gather his belongings from the room he’d been renting. They hadn’t even filled a suitcase with his clothes and he didn’t own anything else besides his tool box. When Ana had examined the red steel tool chest she’d finally been able to imagine the man Melodie swore was behind the drunk they’d picked up in that disgusting dive. Every tool was in a pristine state and in its place. Every screw and bolt was methodically organized.

  “Now take out that last stop with the small crowbar like I showed you.”

  “Like this?” she asked as she delicately separated the last inside stop from the window with the crowbar.

  “Exactly.” He jerked the window out and pushed it on the ground outside. “All right then. We’re ready to build the new window frames as soon as Kevin gets back. You know, if you’re going to keep helping us like this, we’ll have to get you better gloves.”

  She looked down at the gloves he’d given her. They were brand new, but much too large for her even though she’d always thought she had large hands for a woman. “You think?” she asked as she bent the empty last inch of one glove finger over her actual finger. He laughed and Ana recognized the loud, explosive laughter she’d heard a few times in Melodie. It was contagious, and she couldn’t help but laugh in return.

  “So how long have you known my daughter? She doesn’t make new friends easily and I’d never heard of you before.”

  “Just a little over a week. I came to the inn for work, actually. Yvonne and Melodie have treated me well and we became friends.” She didn’t see the point in explaining the ups and downs of her relationship with Melodie.

  “So you’re a guest here?”

  “That’s right.”

  “So you don’t have to be here right now, do you? You don’t have to do this with us,” he continued as he pointed to the tool box on the concrete floor. “What is it? You were dying to learn how to replace a window?” He laughed again, but this time nervously, as if he wasn’t sure he had any right to question her intentions, which she found both sad and endearing.

  “I know I haven’t been here long, but I’ve quickly grown very fond of your mother, your daughter, and your grandson. Hell, I even have a thing for Miller,” she admitted with a chuckle. He smiled and she continued more solemnly. “I want to help them in any way I can. That’s all.”

  He nodded, apparently satisfied with her answer. “That’s good. I want that too. I haven’t been there much for them lately.” He looked down and scratched his beard, embarrassed. “I guess I haven’t made a good first impression on you, huh?”

  “What are you talking about? You taught me how to replace a window. That’s as good as it gets in terms of first impressions.”

  He laughed again, louder than before, and affectionately patted her back. She’d said the words to reassure him, but the truth was she’d practically forgotten the Jerome she’d met at the bar. She much preferred the man who stood by her now, and she wouldn’t forget his kindness and generosity.

  “I’m glad you’re back,” Melodie said to Kevin when he returned with one of the windows. “I don’t know what’s going on down there, but I hear more laughing than working, that’s for sure,” she said teasingly and loud enough for Ana and her father to hear from the basement. She couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but her father’s laughter was loud enough to travel through the floor. She smiled every time she heard it. It had been a while. Too long. “Where’s Mammie?”

  “She didn’t feel good so I dropped her off at her house. She said she’d come back after she takes a nap.”

  “Okay,” Melodie simply said, trying not to worry.

  “She’ll be fine,” Ana said behind her. Her voice startled her because she hadn’t heard her come up from the basement, but her hand on her back immediately soothed her. “She’s probably a little tired, that’s all.”

  “You’re right.”

  “I hope you came back with more than that one window,” her father joked to Kevin as he joined them.

  “I did, and I could use some help getting it all out of the SUV.”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  Both men went outside and Melodie turned to Ana. “Sounds like the two of you are getting along.”

  “We are. Your father’s a good man.”

  “Told you so,” she replied as she took in Ana’s appearance. The sleeves of her light blue shirt were rolled up to her elbows and the top buttons were undone, showing a white cotton tank top. Her shirt and jeans were dusty, and she even had a little sawdust on her face. Her hair was messier than ever, and for the first time Melodie didn’t even try to resist running her hand through it. It felt softer than she’d imagined but was just as thick. She gently pushed the unruly hair away out of her face and smiled at the blush that instantly covered Ana’s cheeks. She lightly rubbed the dust off her forehead. “Look at you, you’re a mess.” She meant to be playful but the words came out as a trembling, raspy whisper, surprising her as much as Ana. She cleared her throat and stepped backward to put some distance between them. “Don’t you have a meeting this afternoon? You should go clean up before lunch. It’s almost ready.”

  Ana moved the sleeve of her ridiculously large working glove out of the way so she could look at her watch. “I still have two hours. I really want to help put the new windows in. Unless you need help with lunch?”

  “I’m good. Go make sure those windows get installed properly. I’m not sure we can trust those two.” She winked at her and Ana grinned before she ran outside to help Kevin and Jerome carry materials inside.

  Melodie stopped to take a look at Thomas on her way back to the kitchen. He was miraculously still sleeping in his bassinet. She’d moved the bassinet and the rocking chair to the dining room, closer to the kitchen and farther from the front door to keep him away from the cold. She’d be spending more time in the kitchen than at the front desk in the next few weeks so it made sense.

  She stirred the beef and barley soup that simmered on the stove. It was a good thing she and Ana wouldn’t have much time alone as long as the repairs went on and her father stayed at the inn. She didn’t know how long she’d be able to keep her distance otherwise. The more Ana got involved in their lives and the more she interacted with everyone Melodie loved and helped them as if it was the most natural thing in the world, the harder it became to remember she was not here to stay.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Ana had volunteered to shop for a new washer and dryer with Yvonne. One week after the storm, they’d replaced the windows and cleaned the entire basement. They’d even repainted the concrete floor and walls. Everything looked like new but they desperately needed to do laundry, and the guy Jerome had asked to come and take a look at the old appliances as a favor had confirmed what they’d all suspected. Seawater had damaged them beyond repair. So whi
le Kevin and Jerome replaced parts of the porch and Melodie stayed at the inn with Thomas, Ana took Yvonne to the appliance store. Yvonne immediately went to the least expensive washer models.

  “You’re running an inn, Yvonne. That thing’s fine if you’re doing laundry for two people, but don’t you think you should get something a little more…robust? Why don’t we go take a look at the industrial models over there?”

  “We can go look at them if you want, but I can’t afford them,” she objected as she waved her hand dismissively.

  “Humor me.”

  “All right, if you insist on torturing me.”

  They’d been looking at the larger capacity models for no more than thirty seconds when a young man came to explain all of their advantages. As if his age didn’t already give away his lack of experience, he also seemed nervous, fidgeting with the hem of his cheap suit jacket and speaking so fast it was difficult to follow. Ana smiled as she watched Yvonne’s eyes sparkle at his description of one particular washer’s durability and convenience, her face lighting up at the mention of its steam feature, which could de-wrinkle clothes among other things.

  “We’ll take it,” Ana declared. “And we’ll take the matching dryer too, as long as you can deliver both of them this afternoon. Can that be arranged?”

  The young man smiled and stuttered with such enthusiasm that Ana figured it had to be his first sale. “R-r-r-really? That can p-p-p-probably be arranged, Miss. I’ll go check with my m-m-m-manager.”

  Yvonne swatted her shoulder as soon as the salesman walked away. “Ouch! What was that for?”

  “Come on, Ana! Those machines cost twice as much as I budgeted and you know it.”

  “But you need them.”

  “No, I don’t need them. I want them, but you know as well as I do that what you want and what you can afford are often two very different things. What I need is a washer and dryer and the ones I first looked at will do fine.”

  “No they won’t. You’ll have to do four times as many loads and make four times as many trips up and down the stairs to the basement. Please let these machines do the work for you.”

  “Are you deaf? I can’t afford them.”

  “I’ll pay for the difference.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  Ana sighed. She’d known the minute she’d volunteered to go to the appliance store that she’d contribute to the purchase. She still had plenty of money from the sale of her mother’s condo and she wanted to do this for Yvonne and Melodie. She also knew, however, that convincing Yvonne would be a tough battle. “Yes, I want to do this for you. Please let me. You haven’t let me pay for my room since the storm and this is my way of thanking you.”

  “We’re not taking money for your room because we’re officially closed for repairs and you’re working your ass off to help us with those repairs.” She objected again with vehemence.

  “You still lodge me and feed me for free. Please, let me help you.”

  The salesman came back before Yvonne could argue further. He looked calmer now. “We don’t usually do same-day delivery but I spoke with my manager and we’ll make an exception if you take the washer and dryer now.”

  Yvonne opened her mouth to protest but Ana walked in front of her and shook the young man’s hand. “Deal.”

  “Great. I’ll go get the paperwork ready.”

  “Perfect.”

  Yvonne didn’t even wait for the salesman to walk away before she swatted her shoulder this time. He furrowed his brows in puzzlement but then left them alone. Ana turned to her. “Do you always beat up people who try to do nice things for you?”

  “Only the stubborn ones. Don’t you think you’re doing enough for us already?”

  “I promise I won’t buy any more expensive appliances for the inn. But please let me do this for you. I can afford it and I want to do it. Besides, if we can get out of here soon, we could take a little time to go for a walk with Miller. It’s been over a week since our last walk and I miss them. Kevin and Jerome can manage alone for another hour or so.”

  “That would be lovely. And Miller would be thrilled.”

  “So it’s settled, then?”

  “I guess so,” she replied hesitantly as she slowly shook her head, her squinted eyes expressing rebuke at the same time as her grin communicated gratitude.

  “Good. Do you want to look for a new fridge while we’re here?” That earned her another slap on the shoulder, but this time she’d anticipated it.

  They stopped at the inn to get Miller, his ball and his water bottle, and they walked on the beach in their usual direction away from the church. Miller ran as fast as he could in the fresh snow that covered the beach. A twenty-foot stretch of water along the shoreline was frozen, making it difficult to imagine the storm surge they’d experienced merely a week earlier. She could only hope people wouldn’t forget. The sea appeared harmless now that it slept under a layer of ice, but the reprieve was temporary.

  “We didn’t get to talk about your meetings this week. Are things progressing the way you hoped?” Yvonne had caught her staring at the sea and probably guessed her train of thoughts.

  “Yes and no. I met with the mayor and members of the council. Everyone agrees we need a plan, but their first priority is to help people who lost their home last weekend, which is understandable. My fear is that by the time they deal with those more urgent needs, plans to relocate others who just happened to get lucky this time will be put on the back burner.”

  “Isn’t that what always happens? People respond to a crisis and then wait for the next crisis.”

  “Unfortunately, yes. And that’s how we get in trouble.” She sighed and smiled at Yvonne. “But I won’t give up.”

  Yvonne grabbed her arm. “And you shouldn’t. People might not act on all of your recommendations right away, but you plant seeds in their minds. Melodie is proof of that.”

  “Melodie? What do you mean?”

  Yvonne glanced at her and grinned. “I suppose she’s too proud to tell you, but I think you’re getting through to her. She’s been asking me all kinds of questions about my vision for the relocation of the inn to that piece of land up the hill.”

  “Really?”

  “Really,” she confirmed as she bumped her hip playfully.

  “That’s good news, but to be honest I think her change of mind has more to do with the storm than with me.”

  “I don’t agree. Sure, the storm scared the hell out of her. But I think if you hadn’t been here, she’d be fighting for a protective wall right now. She would never consider moving away as a solution without your input. You planted the seeds in her mind. Keep doing that, Ana. It may not work as fast as you want it to, but it works.”

  “I’ll keep at it, don’t worry.” She threw the ball for Miller, who took off like a rocket. “He’s getting in shape.”

  “Yes, thanks to you.”

  Ana hesitated before she asked her next question. “And what about you? How are you feeling, Yvonne?”

  “Tired, mostly. I don’t know if it’s the stress of the repairs or my Parkinson’s acting up, but I have no energy. I feel nauseous and dizzy at times and I have to lie down until it passes. I feel so old, Ana. I would never tell Melodie or Jerome because they need me to be strong for them, but that’s how I really feel. Old and weak.”

  Ana heard the frustration in Yvonne’s voice and understood the implication of her confession. She was probably the only person she could share her vulnerability with. She put her arm around Yvonne’s shoulders and lightly squeezed. “Why don’t you make an appointment with your doctor? I’ll go with you. Jerome and Melodie don’t have to know.”

  Yvonne let her head fall onto her shoulder. “Thank you. You’re so good to me. I don’t know if I’ve told you before, but I’m so grateful you came to the White Sheep Inn and we’ve become friends. You’re special, Ana. Do you realize that?”

  Ana laughed nervously. “I don’t know about that, but I’m glad we’ve become f
riends too.”

  Miller came back with the ball and Yvonne picked it up as she wiped tears from her eyes. “All right then. Enough of this sappy stuff. We better turn around and get back to the inn. Jerome and Kevin need your help and I want to make sure I’m there when they come to deliver our new fancy machines.”

  “You’re probably right. I better go help them before the porch completely falls apart.”

  They laughed and Yvonne handed her the ball, which Ana threw in the direction of the inn. They both watched Miller take off as they walked slowly behind him, at Yvonne’s pace. The cold wind hit them directly in the face and instantly dried Ana’s own tears.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  “Thank you, I got it from here,” Melodie said to Ana after she helped her get her father to his room and onto his bed. It was becoming their routine. Kevin and her grandmother would leave around four, and that’s when her father would take a shower before he opened his first beer. By the time they were done with dinner around seven he was drunk and falling asleep in his chair so they helped him to bed.

  Ana nodded and left the room. Melodie took his boots off and placed them next to the bed. She couldn’t remember ever seeing his feet in anything other than working boots. Then she kissed his forehead and left him alone, closing the door behind her. It was a strange routine, but one that made her happy nonetheless. Her father didn’t drink all day while he worked on the inn. He was still sober enough to play with Thomas for an hour or so before dinner, and then they talked until he got too drunk and sleepy to maintain a conversation. She felt like she had her dad back. He wasn’t perfect and would never be, but she enjoyed the time she had with him. She was grateful Thomas was getting to know him too. They were making memories she didn’t think they’d have and that was worth the trouble of putting her father to bed every night.

  She went back to the dining room where she saw Ana sitting with Thomas in the rocking chair. He was sleeping peacefully in her arms and Ana was staring at him with a smile on her face. “That would make a beautiful picture,” she said as she approached and pulled a dining chair to sit close to them.