by Gray, Meg
“Well, he sounds perfect then.” Seth smiled back at her. “Have fun tonight, okay?”
“I will.” She picked up her clutch bag and peered out the window. The cab she called earlier was waiting by the curb. She gripped the handrail tightly as she wobbled down the stairs and out into the dark and chilly night.
The Brewery was new to her and nowhere near as upscale and trendy as she imagined it would be for a place downtown. The brick building, sandwiched between a flower shop and shoe store—both closed at this hour—had a large window in front painted with the words: The Brewery on Fifth, in rustic gold. Inside, the place was narrow. A few occupied tables lined one brick wall and the bar was against the other. In the back were six more tables and a stage. The lights were dim, except for the spotlights blinding the performers, and it was loud. Emma pushed through the people and found an empty stool at the bar.
She ordered a rum and coke, which the bartender produced quickly and she picked it up turning away from the creepy single guy next to her that kept trying to catch her eye. Alec was up on stage, beating out the rhythm on his drums. He made eye contact and smiled. Emma beamed back at him thrilled he had noticed her. The band transitioned from one loud song to the next. When Emma finished her first drink, she ordered another.
The bar continued to grow more crowded and Emma’s view of the band was cut off again and again as patrons leaned in front of her to order drinks. Emma wanted to move, but there were no other empty tables or seats anywhere. Between the thick congestion of people and the loud pulsing of the band’s music Emma began to feel claustrophobic. She didn’t know how much longer she’d last in this jam-packed place. Finally, the band took a break and Emma watched as Alec walked toward her. A fuzzy feeling came over her—delight coupled with the happy relaxed buzz her second drink had given her.
“Hey, glad you could make it,” Alec said and leaned in to give her a sweaty hug, which she didn’t mind. She was overwhelmed with the pleasure his touch brought. He leaned on the bar, reached for a handful of peanuts on the counter, and asked the bartender for a bottle of water. Emma remained fixed in place. She didn’t lean back, she didn’t shift in her seat, she welcomed his proximity and she hoped this was showing Alec Martin just how interested she was. After twisting off the top of his bottled water Alec tipped his head back. Emma watched that small bump in his throat bob as he drank half the bottle.
“Aaaah.” He came up for air and wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand.
Emma felt the blush rush into her cheeks at the sight of him.
“So,” he said. “Are you enjoying it?”
“Yeah, you guys are really good,” Emma said and nodded, even though she hadn’t understood a single word the lead singer said, the music in general was a bit louder and more rock’n’roll-like than she preferred.
“Well, I’m glad you could make it.”
“Me too,” Emma agreed when a woman with long straw-colored hair sidled up to Alec. Her black crocheted vest hung over a tight t-shirt and jeans. Her round ruddy face scrunched into a smile meant only for Alec.
“Hey,” he said and threw his arm around her shoulder. Emma sipped from her glass as the woman kept her smiling face on Alec. “This is my fiancée, Brittney,” Alec said, introducing her. Emma felt the sensation of fizz bubbling in her nose as she choked on her drink. She smiled, suffering a mild case of sputtering, as the woman held out a glitzy diamond ring.
“Oh,” Emma said blind-sided. “That’s great, congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Brittney said and pulled her hand away.
“It’s about time for us to go back on,” Alec said and Emma forced herself to look at him. “Why don’t you join the group at the table over there? We’re all going to go out after this, you should come along.”
“I wish I could,” Emma said, feigning regret. “But I’ve got to get going in a few minutes. I’m meeting my roommate, Seth.” She threw out his name, hoping to see a spark of jealousy or resentment on Alec’s face that she had plans with another guy, but of course that didn’t happen.
“That’s too bad,” Alec said instead. “Maybe another time, then.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Emma said as he and Brittney walked off.
Emma took the final swig of her rum and coke and then against her better judgment ordered a shot. She threw it back, feeling it burn all the way to her stomach and paid her tab. As she hopped from the barstool, she stumbled slightly and grasped the tall counter for support.
“Need some help there?” the creepy loner asked.
“Not at all,” she said, straightening and stalked out of the bar trying not to look like a newborn lamb testing its legs for the first time.
Emma found the bus line that would drop her off a block from her apartment building. Slouching down in the old worn seat, she felt the tears brimming in her eyes as she relived the shock of learning about Alec’s fiancée. It was awful to be dumped especially from someone that didn’t even know he was dumping you. Where had she gone so wrong in believing that Alec was interested in her? Better yet what was so wrong with her that he wasn’t interested in her?
At her stop, Emma stood and felt the effects of the shot she drank. Her head spun, making her want to sit back down. She reached for the seatback in front of her and pulled herself along the aisle, stepping off onto the deserted street. As she walked, rain trickled down her face, mixing with the tears that sprang from her eyes.
Her feet ached with the burn of new blisters as she climbed the stairs to her apartment. Fumbling with the key she finally wiggled the right one into the lock and turned the knob. Voices came from the kitchen. Two voices. Was someone here with Seth? His deep voice became subdued and she heard him say, “I love you too.”
Emma stepped inside and shed her coat and boots, leaving everything—including her keys— in a pile at the door. She found Seth at the table closing down his laptop.
“Were you talking to someone?” she asked, stopping in the doorway and leaning against the wall for support.
“Yeah,” he replied as he closed the top to his computer. “I was skyping with Kelly.” He turned to face her. “Oh my God Emma, what’s wrong?” Her face broke and more tears fell.
“He’s getting married,” she wailed and Seth stepped in to hold her.
“What? Who’s getting married?”
“Alec,” she sobbed into his shirt.
“Oh, wow,” Seth said and tightened his hold on her. Emma melted into the comfort of his hug. Seth guided her to the couch and reached for the box of tissues.
“Why does this always have to happen to me?” Emma asked, wiping at her tears.
“What always happens to you?” Seth asked as he gently pushed her plastered bangs from her forehead. She shivered at his touch.
“I don’t know. Not ever finding the right guy. Or finding the right guy but then having him not want to be with me.”
“Was he really the right guy for you? How well do really know him? I mean you didn’t even know he had a fiancée did you?”
“Well, no I guess not. It was just nice thinking that someone was interested in me. Did you know I’ve never dumped anybody, always been the one to get dumped? Just once it would be nice to make the decision for myself and not have it made for me.”
“Oh Emma, you’re just so pure of heart, my girl. Guys can see that from a mile away and no one’s going to mess with that unless they know they’re worthy. You aren’t like most other girls and not just any guy is going to be good enough for you. Trust me your prince charming is out there, he just hasn’t figured it out yet, so be patient and what’s yours is coming. You’re going to make some guy very happy someday.”
Emma let out a shaky breath, her sobs subsiding. “But I’m still your queen, aren’t I?” she asked and felt the rise of his chest when he chuckled.
“Of course you are,” he replied and rested his chin on the top of her head. Emma sighed, pressing her head into Seth’s chest. On the coffee table was another n
ew picture of Seth and Kelly together, it must be his newest addition to the Kelly Shrine. The shelf in the living room was filling up fast with new pictures of the two of them. Seeing the frame reminded her that her reign would end sooner or later, she just hoped it was later.
“Kelly’s awfully lucky to have landed a great guy like you. It must be true what they say; all the good ones are either already taken or gay, aren’t they?”
“I guess so,” Seth said, rubbing his hand down her arm.
Chapter Nineteen
Emma avoided Alec like the plague on Monday. Tuesday, at the staff meeting, he sat near her and they exchanged pleasantries just like before. She was relieved to see he didn’t treat her any differently, but then again why would he, he wasn’t the one who’d secretly been fancying her. For the first time Emma noticed his friendly manner with everyone. She hadn’t been special—she’d only wanted to be special.
A nasty flu bug was circulating through the building. As the week dragged on Emma’s absent list grew. Mrs. Wolf preached good hygiene and hand washing each day at the end of the morning announcements. Susan, six months pregnant, had been out the last two days with the bug and Mary Ellen was dropping immune boosting meds in her water bottle at lunch. One more day, Emma told herself as she locked her door on Thursday evening. After tomorrow, the entire district would be on Spring Break for a whole week.
The next morning Emma awoke to the classic tone of a telephone ringing. It was Audrey and Emma fumbled with the touch screen to answer it.
“Hello,” her sleep heavy voice croaked out.
“Emma, it’s Audrey. Can you come over? I need your help.” Audrey’s voice sounded desperate and choked with tears.
Emma sat up in bed feeling her stomach flip with panic. “Of course, what is it? What’s happening?” Emma braced herself, prepared to hear about some tragedy that had befallen one of the members of her sister’s family. She could hear Lauren crying in the background.
“I’ve been up all night with the girls. They’re sick and Finn’s gone on his golfing trip. I’m desperate, Em, please can you come over?”
Emma felt the sudden impact of relief and then began to think about what she needed to do to set up for a substitute. It wasn’t a simple matter to call in sick for the day, it was like arranging for a babysitter times twenty-eight, but the desperation in her sister’s voice easily won out.
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll come. I’ve got to get things ready for a sub and swing by the school, so I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Okay,” Audrey breathed into the phone.
Emma immediately dialed the automated substitute request line and punched the buttons to request a substitute for the day. In a few minutes, someone else’s phone would be ringing and the automated voice would greet them with a request to work in her classroom. Next, Emma dialed for a cab.
Emma didn’t take time for a shower or make up. She threw on a pair of yoga pants, a t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt. The cab waited for her downstairs and she jumped in giving the driver the address to Fitzpatrick Elementary. The driver waited for her while she ran into the building, disarmed the alarm, and raced to her classroom. She didn’t know if it was her sister’s desperate plea for help or the thought of the time running up on the cab’s clock that inspired her quick movements.
She pulled out the work projects and lesson plans for the day laying them neatly in the center of her desk before racing back down the hall, punching in the alarm code and slipping back into the cab. At Audrey’s she paid the cab driver and raced to the front door. Her haggard looking sister opened it. The haphazard ponytail she wore had slipped to the nape of her neck. Loose strands fell at her chin. Her skin was pale, eyes bloodshot and teary.
Without a word, she heaved a sleeping Lauren into Emma’s arms and motioned for her to follow her into the kitchen. Two pieces of paper ripped from a yellow legal pad sat on the counter. Chelsea’s name was at the top of one and Lauren’s on the other. A list was made out tracking each one’s temperature and medications administered through the night. A forehead thermometer was also on the counter and Audrey gave a brief, yet silent demonstration of how to use it. A children’s chewable acetaminophen bottle was next to Chelsea’s paper and a liquid dropper bottle with fever reducing medication was next to Lauren’s. Again, in silence Audrey pointed out the correct dosing for each child on the back of the bottles. Emma nodded showing she understood as she bounced and swayed the sleeping baby.
“Neither of them has thrown up in the last two hours, so when they wake up you can try giving them some mashed banana or applesauce and little sips of water, but not too much or it might all come up again.” Audrey’s voice was barely above a whisper and Emma nodded again.
Pointing to Lauren, Audrey continued her whispered instructions. “She’s only been asleep for about fifteen minutes and anytime I try to put her in her crib she wakes up. Chelsea’s asleep in her bed. Any questions?”
Emma shook her head. Audrey reached into a cupboard above the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of cough syrup before walking up the stairs. Emma followed slowly behind her and watched her sister shut the bedroom door behind her. She carried the baby into the pink princess room where she found Chelsea sleeping peacefully. The bedroom window was cracked, letting a cool morning breeze waft away the lingering smells of vomit.
Emma pressed her hand to Chelsea’s forehead and felt the warmth of her fever. On a shelf in the closet, Emma found a small blanket and carried it with her to the rocking chair next to Chelsea’s bed. She settled into the rocking chair and nestled Lauren’s head into the crook of her arm. Covering her niece Emma relaxed her shoulders and let her head fall back against the upholstered seat, closing her eyes.
* * *
Emma drifted in and out of sleep. She forced her eyes open and the glowing red numbers of the princess clock told her an hour had passed. Emma looked down at Lauren who was still peacefully resting in her arms, her lips parted as she breathed in and out. Chelsea was in the same position as when Emma first came into the room.
Sounds came from outside as the neighborhood woke up and people left for work. Emma listened for any sounds coming from Audrey’s room, but there were none. She hoped her poor sister was getting the rest she needed.
It was seven-thirty and Emma wondered if her substitute had arrived yet. Was she reading over the lesson plans now? Did everything make sense? Emma left her cell phone number, but her phone was downstairs in her purse, so she wouldn’t be able to help if the sub did call. Oh well, Emma told herself, its only one day. They’ll make it.
The girls finally roused and they all went downstairs dragging blankets and teddy bears behind them. Emma fed the girls banana slices and three sips of water before tucking them onto the couch and turning on Sesame Street. On the yellow papers, Emma jotted down what each girl ate and then went to take their temperatures. She dutifully recorded Chelsea’s 99.5 and Lauren’s 101.2 on their pages. Every hour on the hour, Emma fed them, and took their temperatures. She ushered Chelsea to and from the bathroom and changed Lauren’s diarrhea filled diapers.
By mid-afternoon, the girl’s temperatures were hovering around 99 degrees and they were all sitting at the dining room table coloring pictures when the front door burst open. Finn’s dark curls fell over his green eyes as he shot a fierce look around the empty living room.
“Audrey,” he called. His brusque voice boomed and both girls looked at Emma. She slid Lauren off her lap and walked to the living room where Finn had dropped his golf bag and suitcase at the foot of the stairs. His footsteps were heavy as he rushed up the stairs, pounded through the rooms, and raced back down.
He stopped when he saw Emma and slowed to a walk. The color slowly returned to his face, he dropped his arms around her shoulders and fell into her. Emma stumbled backwards against his weight.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said. “Where are the girls?”
“They’re in the dining room. We’re coloring pictures. I
s everything okay? I didn’t think you were coming back until tonight.”
“I wasn’t, but then I had three messages from Audrey about some emergency and then she wouldn’t answer her damn phone, so I caught an earlier flight.”
“I’m so sorry,” Emma said. “Audrey called me too, and I called in a sub so I could help out. I’m sorry you had to cut your trip short.”
He shook his head.
“How’s Audrey? Is she awake yet?” Emma glanced up the stairs. “I’ve been down here with the girls, but haven’t heard her make a sound up there.”
“She’s out cold,” he said tersely and glanced at his hand. The cough syrup bottle he held was nearly empty. Emma tried to recall how much was in the bottle when she first arrived. She thought it was full, brand new with the seal still wrapped around the cap, but she couldn’t be sure.
Finn pushed past her and into the dining room where he placed a firm kiss atop each of his daughters’ heads. Emma followed him into the kitchen where she watched him pour the rest of the cough syrup down the drain. She showed him each girl’s page.
“Is there anything else you need from me?” Emma asked.
“No,” Finn said. “Just thanks again.”
“No problem,” Emma said and dialed for a cab. She kissed her nieces good-bye and met her cab in the driveway.
The green and yellow car dropped her in front of Fitzpatrick Elementary. The halls were deserted. Emma was glad to be alone. She had a lot of work to do and wanted to get it all done tonight instead of spending time over Spring Break in the classroom.
First, she picked up the substitute’s report recounting the day’s activities. The fluent and neat cursive handwriting was a little shaky, but the obvious mark of a former teacher. Emma quickly glanced at the name at the bottom of the page, Mrs. Rodriguez. Yep, she was a retired teacher that often subbed in the building. She was good, a little frail, but stuck to the lesson plans and kept the children’s behavior in check. The note was brief stating how the children were helpful. The only names listed were Ivan and Marriah, because they didn’t finish the art project, but not Brayden’s name as she’d expected. Emma checked the attendance sheet, thinking maybe he had been absent, but he was listed as present and his name was also on the cold lunch list. Six other children were absent, probably sick with the same bug that was traveling through the classroom.