by Leesa Birch
“What do you want from me? Leave me alone!” There was a short pause before the voice spoke again.
“What's wrong with you? It's me, Sylvia. Look at me. No, don't go!” I had already turned and was halfway out of the bathroom before I stopped. This was silly - there's no such thing as ghosts, I thought. I turned round to find there was no one there. The voice had gone too.
Sitting on the bed with the television on low, I put more cream and a clean bandage on. It wasn't as neat as Beth's but she did use two hands. Were there such things as haunted bathrooms, I thought? I got into bed, leaving the bathroom light on. I just knew I wasn't going to sleep well tonight.
Sitting by the lake, I straightened out my summer dress in my lap. The sun hadn't quite set yet and I was waiting for someone. A slight humming was emanating from the lake in front of me. It wasn't so much of a sound as a feeling.
The water rippled slightly then slender threads of lake water rose out of the depths. They swayed back and forth as if blowing in the breeze. The threads became longer and wider; tendrils shaped like arms but opaque. They stopped swaying as if they had just noticed me sitting on the embankment.
A feeling of unease rose within me. I slowly tried to scoot back out of reach. The arm-shaped tendrils shot forward, grabbing my ankles. They were ice cold and the pressure hurt. A sharp, sudden movement and I was being dragged forward forcefully. It was so strong.
Falling backwards, I was pulled again. My legs were being wrenched slowly apart the closer I got to the lake. More snake-like vines shot out of the lake in front of me, flicking side to side, violently whipping the air. My ankles buckled under the pressure of the attack. Horror, and a realisation of what was about to happen, set in. I tried to scream for help as I frantically pushed my dress down to cover myself. Nothing came out. All I could hear was the sound of this thing splashing down in front of me. I struggled against the assault as my feet entered the lake but my legs were pulled straight. Cold, slimy, water-like fingers ran up my thighs, tearing my skin as they went. The watery vines hesitated for just a moment then came at me all at once. A cold, hard pain shot straight up inside of me.
I woke, kicking and screaming. A rumbling noise was coming from the bathroom. I sat up, realising that it was just a dream but it was too late. Covering my mouth, I ran into the bathroom and was violently sick. I wasn't sure how long I threw up for.
When the feeling of disgust subsided a little, I leant back against the cold wall next to the toilet. Hugging my knees, I just kept repeating to myself, “It was just a dream. It was just a dream.”
I woke a while later with my head leant on the toilet seat. Pretty sure I was too old to be doing that, I dragged my weary body back towards the bed. Still a little disturbed by my nightmare, I sat nervously playing with my hands. A knock at the door was followed by Beth singing, “Good morning!”
“Morning, Debbie. Are you awake?” It wasn't really a question as she was knocking quite hard. Readjusting my robe, I opened the door.
“Morning, Beth.” She waltzed inside.
“I figured after your little problem with the salt we'd try you on pies.” That sounded more like me. I looked at my bandage, wondering if was going to be a problem.
“Here, let me take a look, hon’.” Beth led me into the bathroom and removed the dressing. She carefully wiped away any residual cream.
“Doesn't look too bad this morning.” It looked bad to me, still hurt too. After re-dressing it, she gave me a reassuring look. “You'll be wearing gloves anyway. Are you looking forward to the fair? I am. Remember, it's a secret that I'm meeting Wade.” I nodded.
“Quick shower and I'll be right there, Beth.”
The shower washed away any icky feelings from last night. Steam filled the room. Leaning back against the tiles, sighing, I could swear that the steam wasn't moving normally; swirling around the cubicle, brushing my skin gently. I needed some decent sleep.
Dressed in my pink and blue, very short, waitress dress, I stood next to the bed, willing the phone to ring. What if Wade never finds out who I am? What if no one was coming for me?
Marie was watering the few plants that were surviving the heat. She greeted me as I wondered past and into the diner. Walking as quickly as I could past Lester, I squeezed round the counter, ready to work. Joe showed me where all the ingredients were and set me up on the counter to his right.
“So I can keep an eye on you. Try not to damage yourself any more today.” I agreed and set about making pies.
It turned out that I was actually not too bad at it. The gloves made my burn warm which stung but I managed nonetheless.
Time was flying by. Cherry pies. Peach pies. Blueberry pies and a cake that was similar to an English bakewell tart. The evening was drawing in and Beth was fidgety - eager to get out to the fair. I was just hoping Wade had some news for me.
“You two clocking off early tonight?” Beth almost burst with enthusiasm. She really needed to work on her poker face. “Okay then, have fun - but don't be out all night or tomorrow’s shift will bite you in the butt.” Joe waved a spatula at us.
Another quick shower and into my own clothes for the evening. Beth arrived, in what could only be considered as half an outfit.
“Wow, I hope you're not wearing that on my account.” She wasn't sure what to say then realised I was joking. Nudging me, she giggled.
“I'm so glad you ended up here and not just because I can sneak out with Wade. You're just different, is all.”
Pulling me by my arm we exited out into the night. “That's my car over there.” Beth pointed at the only pink car there. We buckled up and she put her foot down. We didn't really talk much on the way to the fair. I guess we both had other things on our minds.
We headed through town and out the other side. We passed the sheriff's office - it looked empty. As I guessed, it was a small town; more like a long road with buildings either side. Once we had cleared town we could see lights in the distance. It was a good 15 minutes’ drive before we pulled up in the car park.
Stepping out into the cool night’s air the smell hit us. Hot dogs, candy floss, fried onions and the fairground engines. We made our way through the noise of the crowds.
I wasn't expecting this many people, considering where we were. They had a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and some very high rides.
“We're meeting Wade by the hot dog stand.” Stopping in her tracks she turned to face me. “Please don't be mad, Debbie, Caleb really wanted to come after I said I'd be bringing you. I think he likes you.” My protests were cut short. “I think you suit each another. You with your ghosts, Caleb with his U.F.Os. It's just for the evening. I didn't want you to be on your own if Wade and I wander off.”
The guys were where they said they'd be, hot dogs in hand. I even think Caleb had brushed his hair. This was going to be awkward. Whether I had someone waiting for me or not, I didn't think of him that way.
Wade handed Beth one of the hot dogs that he was holding. I politely refused mine. It didn't seem to bother Caleb - I think he enjoyed having one for each hand. I was also glad his hands were otherwise occupied. After remarking on Beth's dress - or lack of - Wade turned to me.
“We may have news, I'm not sure yet. We had a call about a lady fitting your description this afternoon. Don't get your hopes up though. When I started asking for more details, he was cagey at best. He sounded like a local so it might have been a prank. You never know, he might call back.” I was excited at the prospect.
“Did he leave a name or who he was to me? Anything at all?” I pleaded.
We started to wander through the crowds while the others ate their hot dogs. Once we reached the rifle target practice area, Wade squeezed Beth playfully.
“I'll tell you what, Debbie, for each target you hit I'll give you what I have. Bear in mind, it’s not much.” I was getting annoyed - I wanted to know now. What if I didn't hit anything?
Wade handed me the rifle and pellets. A row of ducks and other farm-type
animals started moving along. Lining the rifle up, I squeezed the trigger. The pellet made a ‘chink’ noise as it hit a duck. Yes!
“Well, like I said, he sounded southern alright but said he was ringing from Iowa.” Lifting the rifle I knocked down a duck and a cow. “He said the girl he was looking for had been missing for two weeks.”
Two weeks? I've only been here a few days, I thought. Knocking down a small tractor with my last shot, I handed back the rifle. It looked as if pie making wasn't the only thing I was good at.
“Anything else?” I asked. I desperately wanted to know more.
“I think he said his name was Kane. Does that ring a bell?” It didn't. Maybe he was looking for someone else. If it was for me, where had I been before waking up in the Arizona desert?
The others took their turn with the rifles. Wade was obviously very good with the gun. I think Beth was pretending that she couldn't do it just so that Wade would put his arm around her to pretend to help. I couldn't help but notice that Caleb had been staring at me the entire time. I felt a little uneasy. He said that shooting wasn't his thing.
We pooled our winning tickets together and let Beth pick the prize - an oversized elephant. I wasn't sure how it was going to fit in her car though. We wandered through the bright lights of some of the faster rides, opting to head for the Ferris wheel. This part of the fairground was packed; I was barged several times. I started to feel a little ill. One too many cherries, probably.
Reaching the bottom of the wheel, I looked straight up. That made me feel worse.
“Look guys, I don't think I can get on that. Would you mind if I waited down here?” Caleb offered to stay with me. I told him that I was fine but he insisted. Beth's eyes glistened with joy.
“Great, just the two of us then.” Whether Wade was afraid of heights or not, I'll never know. Beth took her opportunity to be alone with him and dragged him onto one of the seats. The bar shut with a loud crunch and the wheel started.
“Shall we walk?” Caleb asked, motioning for me to start moving. I smiled awkwardly at him. We shoved our way through the growing crowds until we reached a fence. Finding a space, we turned and watched the wheel from an acceptable distance. A few minutes had passed when I noticed someone watching me - a tall, thin man, 30 yards or so away. He had a mean look on his face - almost angry. Caleb stepped in front of my view. I hadn't noticed him speaking. I very rudely leant to look around him. He turned to see what had caught my interest. The man had gone. I searched the crowds for the angry man but I'd lost him.
“You okay, Debbie? I looked back at him. He was standing a little too close for my liking.
“I'm fine. I thought I saw someone watching me.” I lifted my hand to point and Caleb took it. It didn't feel right. I felt a heavy sensation. I didn't like it. I pulled my hand away and he stepped closer. He leant towards me but I stopped him.
“What are you doing?” He smiled. “I thought that was obvious. No one ever tried to kiss you before?” God, I really hoped so, I thought. It wasn't the point though. He tried again.
“Stop it Caleb!” He looked hurt at my rejection. “I don't want you to kiss me. For a start, you're too young for me. I've only known you for a few days and there may be someone back home waiting, looking for me. Besides, I don't think of you that way.” That did it. He lost his temper a little.
“The problem with you is you don't know a good thing when you see one. I doubt that you have anyone back home waiting for you.” He was about to go on but changed his mind and walked off in a huff. I just knew this was going to end badly.
The Ferris wheel was slowing down in the distance. How was I going to explain this to Beth? Someone blocked my light.
“I see you're still wrecking people’s lives.” The angry man was right in front of me. I went to speak. He grabbed me by my throat, pushing me up against the fence. I grabbed his wrist with both hands trying to loosen his hold. He just squeezed tighter.
“I lost my job because of you. My home, my wife. All gone because I couldn't link you to the shootings.” Shootings? Was he a cop? I couldn't breathe and my head was getting heavy. I tried to shake my head. I didn't know what he was talking about.
“Ex-Detective Roberts will be the last thing you'll hear.” His other hand joined in with squeezing the life out of me. I was gasping for each breath.
I was about to pass out when Wade grabbed him from behind. He let go of me and I fell to the floor, choking. They started to scuffle. Several punches were thrown before he knocked my attacker to the ground, a little too close to where I sat holding my neck. I brought my knees in close in case he grabbed for me. Whilst on the ground the angry man knocked Wade's legs out from under him and ran off through the crowd of bystanders.
“Are you okay, Debbie? Of course you’re not. Somebody fetch some water!” Beth tried to inspect the damage. I was dizzy from lack of oxygen. Someone handed me some water which I was very grateful for.
“What happened? Do you know that man?” I shook my head very slightly and choked on the water. “Drink it slowly, hon’. And where were you?” She left me on the floor to chastise her brother. He could offer no explanation without looking stupid so he just stood there and took the lecture.
Wade helped me up from the floor. “I thought the evening was good up until then. I'll put a description out in the morning. Maybe we should call it a night. If you remember anything he said, let me know.”
I wasn't sure if I'd ruined Beth's big night or if she was still angry at her brother. “Come on,” she said to me as we headed back to the car park. “You can take your own car back and don't think for a second mom and dad won't find out about this.” Caleb tried to plead with his sister but she wasn't having any of it.
We separated from the boys after they made sure we had reached the car alright. I waited while Beth said her very passionate goodnight to Wade. Then she drove us back to the motel.
Joe was waiting by the entrance doors as we pulled up. “Wade must have called ahead.” He didn't look happy. As we stepped out of the car he said sternly, “Inside. Now!” I looked at Beth then we both headed into the diner.
“Just got a call from Wade. Apparently he bumped into you at the fair.” He was pacing up and down in front of us. “He told me that Debbie was attacked.” He looked directly at my neck. I guessed I had another bruise. “It's lucky you ran into him, wasn't it?” That one was aimed at Beth. “Your mother will talk to you in the morning. Where is your brother? I want to talk to him as soon as he gets back.” Beth was about to speak but he held up his hand and shook his head. “Off to bed now. Both of you.”
Pulling me out of the diner’s chair, we wearily wandered out of the diner and across to the motel. I felt bad for the trouble I'd caused.
“Sorry, Beth. I didn't mean to ruin your big night.” Turning to face me, she broke into a huge grin.
“You didn't. The Ferris wheel was fun and we made new plans - plans that might allow us to be together. Besides, it's not like you planned to get yourself strangled, now was it.” I supposed not. “Night,” was the last thing I heard as she headed to her room.
Locking the door to my motel room, I put the bedside lamp on and headed into the bathroom.
Standing in front of the mirror, checking out my latest bruise, I wondered if Beth had something I could cover it up with. I figured it would look worse in the morning, but it did make my cheek bruise look almost unnoticeable.
No dreams to speak of; I stretched in my warm bed thankfully. Stared at the phone as usual but nothing. Wandering into the bathroom I turned on the shower and surveyed my neck. It wasn't pretty - sore when I turned my head too. I still couldn't get used to my face. Jaw length black hair and overly green eyes. After I finished poking my new bruise, I showered and changed for my shift.
Marie had leant me a scarf to cover my neck and Joe gave me a more fiddly pie to try my hand with. I thought I was doing alright with it. I handed the finished product to Joe, he seemed pleased.
B
eth came and stood by me while I cleared the counter down ready for the next pie. She wasn't her usual smiley self today. She seemed mischievous.
“How much trouble did I get you in?” I asked meekly. Tapping her teeth with a candy cane, she said, “Some. Nothing I can't handle and not as much as Caleb for storming off like that. Besides, your day is looking up. That guy out there has been staring at you since he came in with that FBI-looking man.”
Intrigued, I leant out a little to see. I stepped back from the counter, shocked.
“What's wrong, honey? I thought he was hot,” she said, surprised at my reaction. No kidding.
“He is. My dream guy. Literally.” Beth looked confused and carefully checked to see if he was still looking.
“Really. I had this dream a few nights ago. He was in it.” There was no wiping the smile off her face.
“Seriously. Was it a good dream?” She raised her eyebrows at me.