Secrets of Innocence

by V.

  “It’s the way you talk. You bewitched me.”

  She giggled. “And then you kissed me.”

  “I couldn’t stop myself. The way your hair blew in the wind and glistened in the sun. The way your eyes sparkled and looked as blue as the sky, you were irresistible.”

  “For being a whole year younger than me, you have a flair for words.” With a coquettish giggle she pulled him close and kissed him. “That reeled me in.”

  “It’s all because you’re so much older and experienced that you knew you shouldn’t push me away. That was the key.”

  “The key is that you’re a good kisser.”

  “You taught me.”

  “Nah.. .We learned together.”

  “What am I going to do without you for a week when you go visit your granny?

  “Oh, you’ll manage. You’ll go to that secret place you go to and be with your secret friend and forget all about me.”

  “Never,” he whispered earnestly.

  They kissed one more time.

  The image faded to black.

  Sarah kneaded the dough for some baguettes while a couple of pie shells cooled off on a rack. “Alright, puppeteer—whoever you are—we’ll do it your way. I suppose that writing a movie is similar to baking; you patiently add one ingredient at a time until it all comes together in one stunning masterpiece. But I wish you’d hurry up so we can help Daniel.”

  “Talking to yourself?” Conrad kissed his wife on the neck and wrapped his hands around her waist. “Mrs. Thompson, this kitchen smells delicious.” Sarah turned and kissed her husband, gently nibbling on his lips. “But the taste of one of your kisses is much, much better.”

  “I’ll buy that. Mm.I taste cherries.”

  “Cherry pie.”

  “Oho, I love it.”

  Sarah placed the dough in the fridge, covered it, and rinsed her hands. Conrad handed her a towel. “How come you’re baking all by yourself? Where’s your sidekick?”

  “She’s taking Daniel to his appointment with Doc.”

  “Those two are up to no good.”

  “They’ll be careful. I’m sure. What are you doing here at this time of the day?”

  “I forgot the checkbook and was going to run in, grab it, and get back to the store. But now that I’m here, I’ve got a better idea.” He took her hand and pulled her up the stairs to their bedroom.

  “I don’t like the idea of sneaking behind Conrad’s back,” Daniel told Elisabeth.

  “We’re not sneaking. He’s okay with me taking you to your appointment with Doc.” Elisabeth smiled at Daniel before returning her attention to the road. They were in her car headed north on a two-lane road.

  “Yeah, but that’s two hours from now,” Daniel said pointedly.

  “Listen, it’s a beautiful early spring morning, the sun is shining, all the black ice is gone, the roads are safe, and it’s a perfect time for the two of us to do a little exploring.”

  “I should’ve told him what we were planning to do.”

  “You were in the dark about what I planned to do.”

  “Then you should’ve told him.”

  “Okay, next time, I will. But imagine how surprised everyone will be if you do end up remembering something.”

  Daniel sighed and gazed out the window.

  “Why so blue?” Elisabeth asked after a long pause.

  Without turning to her, Daniel answered. “What if I never recover my past? It’s been so long since the accident and I still have no idea who I am.” “You took a severe beating. You’re lucky to be alive.”

  Daniel sighed, turned to her, and smiled. “You’re such an optimist. What would I have done without you and the Thompsons?”

  “I learned the hard way to look for the best in life. No point in doing otherwise. And that’s what we all wish for you. So c’mon, cheer up.” She peered intently up the road. “We’re almost there. Anything look familiar?”

  Daniel didn’t react.

  “Okay. We’ll keep trying. Hey, what do you say we invite Doc to have dinner with us next weekend and you fix the meal?”

  “That’s a tall order. What do you propose?”

  “He likes Italian. Can you make osso buco? He loves that. I made it for him once, but it didn’t turn out that well. Maybe Sarah’s mom’s cookbook has a good recipe.”

  “I can give it a try if Doc would like to come all that way for dinner. Winthrop is more than an hour from Okanogan.”

  “I’m aware of that. I drove it every day.”

  “I forgot. Of course you did.”

  “Believe me, it’s really not that bad, and the roads are good now. Besides, it’s a beautiful drive in the spring with all the wildflowers in bloom. Anyway, he can stay at my house overnight. He used to do it all the time when Anthony got sick and we couldn’t go to him.”

  “What was wrong with him?”

  “MS.”

  Daniel looked puzzled.

  “Multiple Sclerosis. His body gave up on him and his immune system slowly died. Ultimately his brain stopped communicating with his body. It was a long, mean illness that took away the person he’d once been.”

  “I’m sorry. It must’ve been so difficult for you.”

  “Difficult for everyone, really. Doc was wonderful, though. Always supportive, always encouraging, always there for us. When we could no longer drive north, he’d drive down to our house. He loved to visit Anthony and stuck by him till the end. We all became good friends.”

  “Tell me about Anthony. Were you happy?”

  “Yes, a good man and a good marriage. No fireworks, but a nice, comfortable life.”

  “You wanted fireworks?”

  A melancholic smile crossed her lips. “I had fireworks once with someone else.”

  “What happened?”

  “He dumped me.”

  “How could anyone dump you?”

  Elisabeth’s eyes watered. “That’s very sweet. Thanks, Daniel.”

  She stretched her hand out to him. Hesitantly, he reached over and took it. They both knew they shouldn’t, but for that brief moment, they allowed the sensation of their mutual attraction to express itself. Then, with a shy smile, Elisabeth slid her hand away and returned her full attention to the road.

  “I believe we’re almost there. From what Sarah said it’s right around the next curve—we can see if anything looks familiar.”

  “Okay. Let’s give it a try.”

  “That’s the spirit,” she said cheerfully. She slowly pulled off the road and rolled to a stop.

  They left the car and walked along the side of the road in silence. After half a mile, Elisabeth finally spoke.

  “Anything?”

  Dejected, Daniel shook his head. “Nothing. I’m sorry.”

  She slid her hand into his. “Don’t worry, it’ll come back. I’m sure of it.” He turned toward her, and without hesitation, drew her to him and kissed her. And then, just as abruptly, he pushed her away. “I’m sorry Elisabeth, I shouldn’t have done that. I don’t know what came over me. You looked so earnest, and you’re so beautiful...”

  Softly she placed her fingers on his lips. “It’s all right. Please, don’t worry.” He turned away and bowed his head in shame. “No, it’s not all right. This is exactly what Conrad worries about, what he cautioned me about. I’ve let him down. I let myself down.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  He turned to face her. “Elisabeth, what if I’m married? What if I have a family that’s looking for me? What if I’m not free?”

  “Yes, I’ve worried about that. Is that what has Conrad so worked up?” “He’s concerned we’re going to do something we’ll regret.”

  “Ah.I get it now.”

  “He’s right, of course.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  They made their way back to the car in silence. When Daniel opened the door for Elisabeth, she looked at him and smiled, her eyes filled with affection. He nodded, closed the car door, made his wa
y to the passenger side, and got in.

  Elisabeth turned the car around and merged onto the two-lane road. They drove in silence for several minutes until she found the courage to speak.

  “Do you have a sense of being in love with someone? Of having a wife and a family?”

  “No, the opposite. I’m utterly alone. But—”

  “What?”

  “I do have the sense that I’ve been looking for someone.. .for someone I loved and lost.”

  “You haven’t forgotten that? Doc said in time that notion would fade.”

  “Well, it hasn’t.”

  “You still believe Sarah is the one?”

  “I’m convinced she’s the one who will help me. Yes.”

  “How’s she doing so far?”

  Daniel shook his head. “She’s pulled away from me.”

  “She has been a bit distant lately, hasn’t she?”

  “It’s like she’s afraid.”

  “Yeah,” Elisabeth sighed. “We’re all afraid.”

  CHAPTER 10

  The image faded in to reveal a pastel-colored living room right out of a 1970s issue of Better Homes and Gardens. The plush white carpet was covered in tiny divots left behind by Mrs. Foster’s high heels as she paced up and down.

  She sported a very tight yellow dress with a zipper down the entire front. She nervously zipped it up and down, revealing glimpses of her shapely bosom each time.

  The doorbell rang and she stopped pacing. With a wide smile she walked to the foyer, glanced at her reflection in the mirror, fluffed her hair, and opened the door.

  Danny’s smile greeted her. “I made it. Got wet, though. Started to pour down as I left.”

  She grabbed his hand and pulled him in, slamming the door. “I’m so glad you could come on this rainy morning. But look at you. You’re drenched.”

  “I’m okay, don’t worry.”

  “Take off your shoes and socks.”

  “Oh, yeah they’re soaked. Shouldn’t mess up your house.”

  Danny plopped down on the floor and removed his shoes and socks, pushing them to one side of the door. When he stood, his wet clothes clung to his body and water puddled on the tiles.

  “Come on, let’s get you out of those wet clothes.”

  “I’m okay, really.”

  “Nonsense.” She took his hand and dragged him up the stairs.

  “I’m sorry about my dad.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, that he wasn’t there to take your call and come help. He’ll be back this afternoon, unless Mrs. West is too distraught. Sometimes widows, or their kids, need his company till they sort things out.”

  “Oh. That’s nice. But I’m glad you could come.”

  Once upstairs, she ushered him into her bedroom—also decorated in pastels, with the same luxuriant white carpet. The king-size bed was wrapped in a quilted silk bedspread and covered with sumptuous cushions. A huge armoire nearly covered one wall.

  “Do you like it?”

  Confused by her question, he glanced about. “You mean your bedroom?”

  She nodded with pride.

  “Uh.. .it’s nice. So what can I do for you, Mrs. Foster?”

  “The first thing you can do is get out of those wet clothes. I’ll bring you some towels.”

  “No really, I’m okay.”

  “But I’m not. I won’t have wet clothes in my house. Do as I say.” She pushed him in the direction of the bathroom.

  Danny remained motionless, unsure whether he should obey or not.

  “Okay,” she said, “have it your way.”

  She trotted off to the bathroom and returned with several plush rose-colored towels. “Take off those clothes this instant, young man.”

  Danny hesitated for a moment before he finally grabbed a towel with one hand, and struggled to remove his wet pants and shirt with the other. He wrapped the towel around his waist over his underwear.

  Mrs. Foster eyed him, amused.

  Once his wet clothes were off, he carefully placed them on the back of a nearby chair.

  Mrs. Foster reached for another towel and placed it over Danny’s head and shoulders. Without hesitation she dried his hair, then brought the towel down rubbing his back and chest. When she reached his waist, she unceremoniously pulled his underwear down to his ankles.

  “Oh, no.” He stepped back in alarm.

  “Oh, yes.” She yanked him forward. “Step out.”

  He wriggled his feet out of his underpants.

  Without missing a beat she continued patting him dry. “You’re delicious,” she said softly.

  Alarmed by this unexpected turn of events, Danny froze and held his breath.

  She dropped the towel used to dry his hair and chest, and then slid her left arm around his waist. With her right hand, she caressed his cheek.

  Danny attempted to step back but she held fast.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I—”

  “Don’t worry, you’re not to do a thing. I’ll do everything. Let me teach you.”

  “Teach me? What?”

  “Hush.”

  Wrapping both arms around his waist she tightened her embrace and kissed him. As her lips shifted, her tongue searched deep for his.

  Danny remained petrified, eyes wide with apprehension. “Mrs. Foster, I.. .I’m only fifteen.. .you’re married.. .and I.. .this is.. .a sin and—”

  She placed a finger upon his lips. “Shush.”

  The image went black. A moment later it revealed Alexander’s cabin.

  With only a small lamp to illuminate the cabin, Alexander stood at the easel and painted Danny’s portrait while he listened to Ella Fitzgerald sing Someone to Watch Over Me and hummed along.

  The door to the cabin burst open and Danny stormed through it, startling Alexander.

  “I did it! I did it!” the boy yelled, attempting to catch his breath.

  “What? What?”

  “Mrs. Foster,” he said, beaming with satisfaction.

  Alexander dropped his brush and palate and grabbed Danny by the shoulders. He started to jump up and down holding Danny at arm’s length.

  “Good old Mrs. Foster. Was I right or was I right?”

  “She’s incredible. We did it three times this afternoon!”

  “Three times! Man...what a first. This calls for a celebration. Hell, it screams for a celebration.” He rushed to the table, grabbed his keys and tossed them to Danny. “Drive us to the store. This deserves champagne.”

  “I can’t drive.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m only fifteen.”

  “That didn’t stop you from banging a married woman. C’mon.” Alexander threw his arm around Danny’s neck and wrestled him out the door and toward the Jeep. He pushed Danny into the driver’s seat, raced around the car and jumped in.

  “Let’s haul ass.”

  “But—”

  “Put the key in the ignition, start the damn car, turn on the headlights, and push on the accelerator. How hard can that be? Do it.”

  Danny did as he was told, and the Jeep lurched forward as he released the clutch. He clenched the steering wheel for dear life as he hesitantly pressed on the accelerator with his right foot and the brake with his left.

  A few feet later, the vehicle stalled.

  Alexander sighed and shook his head. “Did I tell you to step on the brake?” “No,” Danny managed to say through his embarrassment.

  “Then stop doing it. If you need to stop, take your right foot off the accelerator and then press on the brake with that same right foot. Use your left foot only to operate the clutch. Got it? There’s nothing to it.”

  Danny swallowed hard and nodded. “Okay, I’ll try again.”

  “Put the gear shift in neutral.”

  Danny obeyed. “Now what?”

  “Pump the accelerator a couple of times, and then start the ignition.” Danni followed orders and the engine revved up.

  “Okay, pres
s the clutch, and then shift into first.”

  The gears began to grind savagely as Danny wrestled with the shift. Amused, Alexander smiled to himself and shook his head. The grinding stopped as the gears engaged.

  “Ease off the clutch and press the gas pedal slowly.”

  The car lurched forward several times until it finally rolled smoothly onto the dirt road.

  “I’ve never driven before. This is fun.”

  Alexander howled with delight. “You never screwed before either, and that’s even more fun.”

  The two laughed in unison. Moments later the Jeep chugged to an abrupt stop as the engine died again.

  Alexander’s laugh echoed through the forest as the scene faded out.

  The image returned to reveal the Jeep, no longer lurching, as it cautiously advanced down a dirt road through the woods surrounding the lake.

  It meandered into a clearing, then pulled onto a small beach facing a formidable waterfall that plunged into the lake.

  Overcome with enthusiasm at the sight of the place, Alexander leaped from the car before it came to a full stop and raced to the edge of the water. “This is awesome.”

  Danny shut off the headlights and the engine, climbed out of the Jeep, grabbed a grocery bag, and joined Alexander at the water’s edge.

  “Exhilarating. There’s a special.. .smell and taste in raw nature.” Alexander spoke softly as he ripped off his clothes. “Isn’t it grand how much light the moon and the stars produce when unencumbered by civilization? It’s divine.” He plunged in, and swam toward the waterfall.

  Danny set down the grocery bag and quickly followed suit. They dove repeatedly under the waterfall and laughed as the powerful currents tossed them about.

  After a while, Alexander swam to shore to catch his breath while Danny, the expert swimmer, put on a dazzling display of his abilities.

  Having finally recovered, Alexander removed the champagne from the grocery bag, popped it open, grabbed a couple of cigars and lit them. With bottle and cigars held high above the water, he waded, not without some difficulty, to a large rock that protruded from the lake. He placed the bottle in a secure spot and hopped onto the water-worn surface.

  As soon as the boy joined him on the rock, Alexander proffered a cigar to Danny, who, after a single puff, began to cough ferociously.