New Quarters

by Tey Holden

  “You are staying at the inn. We weren’t sure whether you wanted one or two rooms. My guess was one.

  “It’s alright, Mom. One bedroom will do.”

  “That’s what I thought. The women in our family may be shy, but not, dumb.”

  Laurie chuckled and saw how Karen rolled her eyes.

  “Lord have mercy!” Karen exclaimed quietly.

  Laurie continued to chuckle, still hooked to Karen’s arm. “I don’t know how you put up with her, Karen. You are so nice and polite and she is, well, look at her, what can we possibly say about her?”

  Karen smiled thinking that she had a lot to say about the woman who had turned her life upside down or, in fact, given her a life. But it was nothing she could say in the present company, so she remained quiet.

  “Anyway, we decided to put you up at the inn because the room in the cottage is too small, and here you can be in full luxury.” The couple was left in their room to settle and freshen up, but agreed to meet in an hour for dinner and the five-cent tour. All activities were planned to start the next day.

  ***

  “Why are you so nervous, baby? She knows about us?”

  “I don’t know. I just feel awkward. She is important in your life, and her opinion matters to me.”

  “Ker, she loves you.”

  “Yeah, but only because she has no alternative.”

  “Is that how you really feel?”

  Karen looked down. “Addy maybe she blames me for—.”

  “No she doesn’t. She knows that the marriage wasn’t working long before you came along. I told her. I’ve spoken to her about all this. She understands. Maybe you should clear up all of your concerns with her. Maybe that will make you feel better.”

  Karen was paralyzed. The idea of talking to Laurie about her relationship with her mother was not something she had planned and the mere thought of it terrified her.

  “Buck up, where’s my butch when I need her?” Karen grimaced, and again remained quiet.

  That night, they dined at the inn’s restaurant. The meal was fabulous, as usual, and at around nine o’clock they toured the cottage and had a nightcap.

  “Mom the cottage is absolutely adorable. It’s cozy and lively. It’s like out of a fairy tale, but with all the modern amenities. That hot tub is amazing. I also love the view from the patio. It’s spectacular.”

  “I know, baby, I love it too.”

  As the evening progressed, and while Addy was talking to Laurie’s boyfriend in the kitchen, she noticed that Karen had followed Laurie outside to the patio. Addy smiled. Has my butch bucked up? It was not unlike Karen to take the bull by the horns. The only reason why she probably hadn’t done it was because of the delicate subject.

  “So, how’s life with mom?”

  Karen smiled. She thought that Laurie, like her mom, had that sixth sense and knew that she needed to talk about their relationship.

  “It’s a wonderful adventure, Laurie.”

  “She looks happy. I don’t remember seeing her so happy in a very long time.” Laurie saw how sweetly Karen smiled. No wonder Mom adores her, she’s a darling. Laurie didn’t know what to say next. So she just said what was in her heart. “I know why, though. You are absolutely, beyond hope in love with her. I can see it. I can feel it in the way you look at her, and talk to her. I think it’s wonderful. I think she finally has the love she craved for all her life, and I am very glad that you feel the way you do about her. She appears to be tough, but inside she’s very fragile. She needs someone like you to treat her right, and to love her like she deserves.”

  “Wow! I, you, wow! I’m kind of speechless here. You are as insightful as her. You know that don’t you?”

  “Yes, I know, proudly I must say, but please, don’t tell her because I will not hear the end of it if she knew I said that.”

  Karen chuckled. “You think she doesn’t know what we are doing out here?”

  “Please, don’t make me laugh. I don’t want to have an accident. Karen, I think that you are the best thing that has ever happened to her, besides having me. I think you two complement each other in ways that I could only dream to achieve. She was meant to be with you. You know, I’m going to tell you this, and don’t feel like you have to comment on it. I’m sure in the end you will do whatever she wants.” Laurie chuckled.

  “What?”

  “I don’t see you and Mom coming back to the States.”

  Karen was surprised. “What makes you say that? You are there. She’ll want to go back. We will, you’ll see. I don’t care where I am as long as she’s happy and with me.”

  “She’s happy here. I can come to visit anytime. When I look at this place, I see something very special. I see a home and a future.”

  Karen looked at her in total awe. Laurie noticed the look on Karen’s face. “What?”

  “It’s funny. Those were her exact same words the very first day we arrived here.”

  “And you remember that? Wow! Karen, do you not see it? You are her home now, and I’m about to hitch this guy up to make my own.”

  “God, Laurie! You are really something else.” They laughed and then hugged.

  “What did you expect? I’m her daughter. So, she’s all yours. I’m officially handing her over to you, and thank you very much, by the way.” Karen shook her head laughing along with Laurie.

  “Look at all this, for God’s sake. You have her living like a queen.”

  “Laurie, all this is her doing. You should have seen this place when we got here. It was a dump. You know her, she started with her ‘to do’ lists and all of a sudden the dump turned into this, and then she took on the inn project. I don’t know how many ‘to do’ lists I’ve seen in the past year! She hangs them from the refrigerator door. There’s probably one there now. I’m almost afraid to think of what could come up next. If I remain thin it’s because I stay away from the refrigerator because I don’t want to see what’s on the list that is probably there now.”

  “Better not to get ahead of her and suffer twice!” Both women laughed. “Yes, Karen, she might be the driving force, but you facilitate and make things happen for her. I know, and so does she. Because you are always there for her she knows she can do whatever she wants. She is certain that if she fails, if something went wrong, you’d be right there to pick her up or better yet, to not allow her to hit the ground. She’s all she is because of you, and she knows it.”

  Karen looked down shyly. “Wow, Laurie, I had no idea you felt that way about us, and about me.”

  “Karen, you’ve been around for a while. I’ve seen you. I know you. I’m a very smart girl.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  Addy had been watching the whole scene from the kitchen window. She couldn’t resist joining them anymore, so she came out to the patio.

  “So, what are my two favorite girls doing out here?” Addy questioned as she approached the pair.

  “We’ve been plotting against you, mom.” Laurie stated.

  Addy stood next to Karen and placed her arm around Karen’s waist. “So, Laurie, what do you say? Do I keep her or not?”

  “I say she’s a keeper, mom.”

  “Listen, your boy there is falling asleep. I don’t think you are going to see much action tonight, dear. I think we better take the two of you to the inn, and have you tuck him in.”

  “Mother, you have no shame! Come on, take us.” Laurie turned to walk inside. As they started to walk towards the house, Addy felt the hand around her waist drop to her rear and at the same time she felt a warm kiss on her neck. She wrapped her arm around Karen and smiled. It felt good to see Karen finally relax.

  In bed that night, they talked. “So, is all okay? Is my Blondie happy tonight?”

  “Very.”

  “How happy?” Karen smiled. She knew too well where things were about to go. Come here, you devil, let me show you how happy.”

  ***

  After Laurie and Shawn left Scotland, life continued as us
ual. One evening, after they arrived to the cottage from working at the inn, they saw a pickup truck pull up their road.

  “Ker, isn’t that Mary’s truck?”

  “Yeap. Crap, what could this be now? I smell drama.”

  Mary got out of the truck and rang the doorbell. Addy opened the door. “Hi, Mary, what’s going on?”

  “Is Carol here?”

  “No, why?”

  “She left me.”

  “What do you mean she left you? What happened?”

  “She thinks I cheated on her, got mad, and left. That’s what I mean.” Mary kept looking at Karen.

  Karen was very quiet in the kitchen. She was just observing. I can’t believe this woman. Her partner just left her because she thinks she was cheating on her, and here she is checking me out as she is trying to get sympathy from my partner! What an ass!

  “How do you know she left? She might be out doing some shopping.” And what made you think she would be here, anyway?”

  “Dunno. She seemed to like you guys. I thought she would come here. Don’t know where else to look for her. She closed down the shop for good. That’s how I know she left.”

  Addy looked at Karen and noticed that Karen looked annoyed. Finally, Karen spoke. “I think you should go home and wait for her. Maybe she needed time alone. I’d also call her family and other friends later tonight if she doesn’t come back. Did she take her stuff or—.”

  “No, she didn’t take anything.”

  “Then she’ll be back, go home and wait for her. I’d also suggest that you stop cheating on her.”

  Mary was stunned when she heard Karen. She said nothing more, turned around and left. When Mary left, Addy turned to look for Karen. “Ker, how could you say that to her just like that?”

  “Addy, I’m sorry. I couldn’t hold back. I don’t like her, and personally, I think that Carol is better without her. And I said what I said because she pissed me off. Didn’t you see her checking me out? The woman is disgusting.”

  “I don’t like her either. She was checking you out?”

  “Never mind that. I just don’t want us getting involved in their relationship, or to take sides. I’ve seen this a million times. This is not unusual. They might, or might not make up. Let’s just not get involved.”

  “What are we going to do if Carol comes knocking on our door?”

  “We’ll tell her to go home and face Mary and to resolve their problems themselves. No recommendations to pack and leave, or anything like that, Ms. Addy. These two are not like you and I. They operate differently. I’m certain that this is not the first, nor the last time this has, or will happen. Let’s watch some TV. Come here.”

  Karen put out her arm to embrace Addy, and Addy snuggled into her. “What do you mean that I shouldn’t mind that she was checking you out? Of course I mind! That idiot! Who does she think she is? Coming into my house to—.”

  “Ssssh.” Karen kissed her.

  Addy was momentarily quiet. “Would you rub my leg? My calf is hurting.”

  “Yeah, come here.” Karen began to knead her calf muscle.

  “I think it’s so sad.”

  “What is?”

  “Mary cheating on Carol. I mean, why doesn’t Mary leave her, if she’s found someone else?”

  “I don’t know, Addy. I guess she thinks she can get away with it. Some people like to double dip.”

  “Ker, let’s never fall into that. If you ever don’t want to be with me, just tell me. I’ll do the same. I think honesty is important.”

  “Yeah, I do too.”

  “But, let’s never let it get to that.”

  “What do you mean?” Karen asked.

  “Well, if we ever feel that things are not going the way we want it, let’s tell each other, so that we can make corrections as we go, that way we would never let things totally deteriorate. Maybe around our anniversary every year we should pause to ask ourselves if all is going well, what do you think?”

  “Okay. I don’t think we’ll need to do that, but it makes sense.”

  “Ker, why do you think we don’t need to do it? What if we have concerns or complaints? Do you have any complaints or concerns about us?”

  “Nope, you?”

  “Nope. Me neither. I’m totally happy.”

  “See what I mean?” Karen had been massaging Addy’s calf while they were talking. “Is the muscle better now?”

  “Um huh, much better.” Addy turned around and placed her arm around Karen’s abdomen and her head on Karen’s chest. She closed her eyes and fully relaxed adoring the warmth of the arms surrounding her.

  Karen inhaled Addy’s scent, and hugged her tight. She could sit there, fully content for the rest of eternity. She didn’t need to wait until the next anniversary to know that all was well. And as far as she was concerned, Addy would never hear complaints, or concerns from her. She had all she ever wanted in her arms.

  Part 10

  It was fall already, and in October of every year, there was a harvest festival. One of the main attractions of the festival was a hot air balloon event in which all the towns in the shire entered a balloon in the competition. By now, everyone in town knew Addy and how friendly and go-getter she was with regards to taking initiatives and projects. Mrs. Laura McKenzie, who was still the president of the Chamber of Commerce, came to the cottage to ask Addy if she would consider riding in their shire’s balloon as the town ambassador.

  “Mrs. McKenzie that is a fabulous idea. Of course I’d love to represent Altee in such memorable activity.”

  Karen, who was standing next to Addy, looked at her in astonishment. “Addy, I think we should think about this matter. We really have no idea how safe those things are and—.”

  “These are professional people, Ms. Larsen. We wouldn’t hire just anyone.” Mrs. McKenzie reassured her.

  “Still, I think Addy should think about it before committing to anything.” Now it was a very astonished Addy who was looking at Karen.

  “Well, I’m going to need a reply by tomorrow, just in case I need to look for another candidate.” After bidding them farewell, Mrs. McKenzie left.

  Before she left, Karen interjected one final remark. “Mrs. McKenzie, please, look for someone else. Addy is not going to do it.”

  As soon as Mrs. McKenzie left, Karen turned around to talk to Addy, but she was gone. Addy was waiting for her in the kitchen. “I can’t believe what you just did. How could you?”

  “What? Save you from risking your life so stupidly?” Karen realized her many mistakes as she looked into Addy’s furious face. “Addy—.”

  “Two things, first, I like to make my own decisions. We could have talked about this, and you could have explained your point. But the fact that you imposed your decision on me, whether right or wrong, and in front of that woman is inexcusable, Karen Larsen. Don’t you ever do that to me again! Second, I am not stupid!” Addy was livid.

  “Addy that is not what I meant. It just came out wrong.” Karen tried to explain, but Addy was already on the way upstairs to the bedroom.

  Karen ran after her, but Addy had already entered the room and closed the door. When Karen tried to get in, she found the door locked. “Addy, please, let me in. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to tell you what to do, or to imply that it was stupid. I was mad, what can I say? I’m an idiot. Please forgive me. I don’t know what came over me. I just didn’t think it would be safe for you to go up in a balloon. I didn’t want you to risk your life. I don’t want anything bad happening to you. I have no other excuse. It’s all about my dumb stupid fears. I can’t help it. I shouldn’t have said what I said. That woman’s attitude provoked me. Who does she think she is waltzing in here and practically asking you to bungee jump off a bridge?”

  Addy didn’t reply. She was standing by the window in the bedroom looking into the backyard with her head leaned against the window and still very mad.

  “Addy, please, say something.” Outside the locked bedroom door, Karen was a
mess.

  “I need to be alone.”

  Karen raked her hair and paced back and forth in the small upstairs hallway. Shit, shit, shit! What have I done? What a mess! How do I fix this? She turned and leaned against the wall, her eyes burned as if on fire from unshed tears. She felt like her mind was going to burst. It was then that her actions began to sink in. How could I have done that? Why didn’t I think? What came over me? I am just so afraid to lose her! Doesn’t she know she’s everything to me?

  Karen stood by the door, and after a while slid down to the floor. The afternoon gave way to the evening and as the sun set, the house turned dark. Karen still sat on the floor outside their bedroom. There was nothing else to do, but wait to mend things with Addy.

  After several hours Karen gathered the courage to knock on the door. Again, she didn’t get an answer. This time when she tried the doorknob and pushed the door in, it slowly opened. “Addy?” Still, there was no answer. Slowly, Karen continued to open the door and walked into their room. She noticed that Addy had fallen asleep on the bed fully clothed. Karen lay on her side, and watched her sleep. She was careful not to wake her. Addy felt her presence on the bed, but didn’t say a word and turned the other way.

  Karen began to sob and her tears fell on the pillow. She couldn’t bear the thought of being so close to the person she adored and not be able to touch her. Worse yet was feeling Addy’s rejection, and her inability to figure out how to make things right. If she could only turn back time! Unable to cope with her situation, she got up, went downstairs, sat on the sofa in the dark and cried in despair.

  Addy noticed Karen’s departure and when she reached for the pillow next to her, she noticed that it was wet. She sat on the bed feeling awful and wondering if her reaction had been too harsh. She was still mad, but whatever the grievance, it had to be fixed. She couldn’t stand being at odds with Karen. Just the thought was unnerving. I need to talk to her. As she went downstairs, she noticed the darkness. “Ker?” The only light came from the kitchen appliances, and it was hard to see anything.