Wildflower

by Prudence MacLeod

  “Give yourself two days to sober up and call again please,” replied Hazel her best mechanical phone machine voice, “and be very sure to be sober when you do phone. Thank you for your call and have a nice day.” Grinning broadly, Hazel reached over and unplugged the phone just as it started to ring again.

  “He’ll probably come over here and start banging on the door,” sighed Tommy.

  “Fine, we’ll go to a hotel for the night,” declared Hazel decisively as she rose to her feet. “First thing tomorrow, I’ll ask the landlord to help me move into a one bedroom on the top floor. By the time Jack figures it all out it will be old news and he should have himself under control. In the meantime, he will wake the neighbors and they will call the police to cart him off to the drunk tank where he can sober up without causing any more trouble.”

  “Honey, you don’t have to change apartments. I do need to rest tonight, and it would serve him right to be hauled off to the tank, but I will straighten him out in the morning. He won’t cause you any trouble, I promise.”

  “We’re still going to a hotel for the night,” Hazel declared firmly as she pulled out her back pack and started to jam a few essentials into it. “Come on, let’s go.” They hurried down the stairs and climbed into his car. Tommy drove swiftly to the Holiday Inn where they took a room for the night.

  “One bed,” sighed Tommy as they entered the room he had insisted on paying for. “Oh well, the chair looks comfy.”

  “So does the bed. It’s plenty big enough for two, besides, this way I can officially say I have slept with a strange man in a hotel.”

  “Right, but only as long as you promise to behave yourself, I’m very vulnerable right now and someone could easily take advantage of me.”

  “I make no promises at all,” she replied tartly as she walked saucily toward the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

  Grinning ruefully, Tommy flicked on the television while he waited his turn. Hazel was a strikingly beautiful woman and Tommy could appreciate just how much other men would like to trade places with him right now. Alas, he had no sexual interest in her at all. In spite of that, Tommy could truthfully say he loved her dearly and would go to the ends of the earth for her.

  “What are you grinning at?” asked Hazel as she returned to the room in a long flowing nightgown.

  “I was just gloating a bit,” he replied saucily. “I’ll be the envy of all the guys when I tell then I finally got you into bed.”

  “Jerk,” she laughed as she playfully swatted his arm. “Just you behave yourself or I’ll tell your mother. Go on now, it’s late and I have an early appointment in the morning.”

  “Yes dear,” he grinned as he headed for the bathroom.

  Hazel was already in bed when he returned. Tommy got in, keeping as far to his own side as he could. A few short minutes later she felt the tiny tremor in his body as the tears returned, and she reached for him. A moment later his head was buried between her breasts and he released all his pain there. Not since he was a small boy had Tommy Reid been held so gently and lovingly while he sobbed away his sorrow.

  Tommy awakened slowly, somewhat disoriented. He was still cradled in loving arms and the sweet scent of Hazel’s perfume was in his nostrils. Suddenly the memory of the past night came flooding back and he sighed deeply. When the chips had fallen, it had become clear to him that Hazel Fillmore was the only person who truly loved him completely for who and what he was. Perhaps spending a lifetime with Hazel would not be so bad a thing after all.

  A soft kiss brushed his hair and loving arms gently squeezed him tighter. “Thank you sweetie, I know what you’re thinking, but you can get that idea out of your head this instant,” she whispered softly.

  “What???”

  “You’re nice and comfortable down there right now,” she whispered softly, “and I am truly enjoying holding you, but you and I both know it would never work.”

  “Are you so sure Hazel?” he asked softly. “Would it truly be so bad?”

  “Oh no Tommy, it would never be bad. I know I could search a lifetime and not find anyone who would be as good to me as you would be, but the sad truth is, you are gay and I am lesbian. Sooner or later I would lose you to a tall handsome stranger.”

  “Or you would find your wildflower and die of heartbreak,” he sighed. “What is going to become of us Hazel?”

  “We’re going to stop cuddling in this bed and go get some breakfast before we go back to my apartment,” she grinned. “I have a hair appointment to get to and you need to spend a day by yourself getting your thoughts in order.”

  “Hazel, no more kidding around,” he whispered softly as he rose up on one elbow to gaze into her eyes. “Will you marry me?”

  Hazel met his gaze for a long moment before she replied. “Ask me again in one year’s time and I’ll give you an answer.”

  “Hazel....”

  “No Tommy, you’re hurting and I make you feel safe; right now that’s all you want from life. If you really want to do this we’ll discuss it one year from now and no sooner, Ok?”

  “As you say my wise one,” he sighed as he reluctantly rose from the bed as well as the closeness and warmth of her body. “I do love you Hazel.”

  “I know Tommy,” she replied gently, “and I do love you too.”

  “Thanks for not saying ‘no’,” he smiled weakly.

  “Aw Tommy, how could I say no to a face like that, especially after you have given me another thing I did not ever expect have.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Not only have I now officially spent the night with a man,” she replied with a saucy grin, “but now I have been proposed to, and I have been allowed to keep my options open. Life is good.”

  “Brat,” he laughed, “just for that I get first dibs on the bathroom.”

  Hazel relaxed back into the pillows as she turned on the television. She could hear the shower running and the faint sounds of Tommy singing softly. “There’s nothing quite like running water to wash away the blues,” she smiled as she flicked through the channels.

  Hazel gave Tommy a quick peck on the cheek as she jumped from the car and ran into the hair salon. Tommy was going to be Ok, she was sure of it now. She smiled and waved when he honked the horn and drove away.

  Coming Home

  “Are you alright Miss MacKai?” asked Billy as Abby climbed slowly out of Mark’s car and walked toward the house. “Can I help you inside?”

  “Thank you Billy,” Abby smiled weakly as she leaned on his arm and allowed him to guide her up the steps.

  Billy gently deposited Abby in the big over stuffed chair then called softly to his grandmother. Edna took one glance at Abby and vanished back into the kitchen without a word.

  “Is there anything else I can do for you Miss MacKai?” he asked softly.

  “Yes there is,” she smiled up into his eyes. “You can call me Abby, we’re friends now Billy. Tell me, when is your next day off?”

  “Here now, you just sip away at this and you’ll feel a lot better in no time,” Edna directed gently as she appeared from the kitchen and pressed a steaming mug into Abby’s hand. Abby took a sip and smiled her thanks. It was hot chicken soup.

  “I’m off on Thursday,” said Billy. “What happened to you Miss Abby?”

  “I’ve been very ill Billy,” she replied weakly. “One week ago I lost a lot of blood and was told by my doctor I had to have three weeks of total rest. Instead I was forced to leave the US and fly back to Canada. I am afraid I’ve not been getting the rest I need and it is starting to show. Edna, I’d like to stay another two weeks and just be a lazy lout if I may.”

  “Of course you may,” replied Edna gently as she lowered herself onto the couch, “but there will be no more crawling around old houses until you are well again. You lost a child didn’t you?”

  The deep concern in both their faces kept Abby from being deeply offended by this. Instead she decided to confide in them. Abby was determined to remain sing
le, and yet to build a vast network of good and true friends to brighten her life. She would start right here. “Yes,” she sighed as she met Edna’s eyes squarely. “I lost both the pregnancy and the man who gave it to me all in the same morning. That afternoon I lost my job and was ordered to leave the US immediately, and here I am one week later.” Tears leaked from her eyes as she allowed the emotion to claim her at last.

  “Oh my god Abby, you poor dear,” soothed Edna as she slipped into the chair beside Abby and put her arms around the girl protectively. “You poor dear soul, Billy, you are never to speak a single word of this to a living soul, do you hear me?”

  “Yes ma’am,” he replied softly. “I won’t breathe a word, I promise. Miss Abby is there anything I can do for you.”

  “Yes there is actually,” sniffed Abby as she dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. She gave Edna a gentle hug and a weak smile. Edna patted her shoulder then retreated to her own chair. “You can stop calling me Miss Abby and start calling me Abby. You are making me feel old.” Billy blushed softly and gave her a shy grin. “You can also come to Halifax with me on Thursday.”

  “Excuse me?” exclaimed Edna. “You’re staying right here and resting young miss.”

  “Thank you Edna. I will I promise. I do need to go to Halifax soon though and I am not strong enough yet to do what I must there. I will need Billy’s muscles to help me.”

  “Sure I’ll go, but what’s up Abby?”

  “When I was forced to leave San Francisco in such a hurry I had no time to make proper arrangements. I mailed most of my personal things to myself at my mother’s address in Halifax. We have to go get them and mail them to me here. Is that alright to do? I have nowhere else to send them right now. I did buy that house today, but it will be a week or more before I take possession, and I do have to deal with this immediately.”

  “I don’t understand Abby; can’t your mother mail them on to you?”

  “My mother is an alcoholic Edna, if I send her money she’ll just drink it up. If I wait too long, she’ll open the boxes to see if there is anything she can sell. I’ll call her tonight and stall a bit.”

  “Wow,” Billy whistled softly, “that’s tough. What’s the plan?”

  “With luck she will be at work on Thursday. I know where she keeps her spare key hidden. We fly down, rent a small van, drive to her place, pick up my things, drive to a post office and mail them on to me here, and then we return the van and fly back. Can you do it Billy? Will you help me?”

  “I would be honored,” he smiled warmly, lost in those crystal blue eyes again.

  Suddenly Abby leaned forward and reached for his hand. Gripping it tightly she gazed deeply into his eyes. “Billy, I have just been through hell and am still trying to claw my way back. I am in desperate need of allies and friends.”

  “I know, I know,” he sighed elaborately. “I’ve heard it all before, ‘I’m sorry Billy, but I just want to be friends.”

  “Lovers come and go Billy, but good friends are forever.” Abby was squeezing his hand tightly now, imploring him with those hypnotic eyes.

  “Relax my golden one,” he smiled easily, “I’m only teasing. After what you have shared with us today I wouldn’t dream of making a pass at you. I’ll give you one year, and if you’re still single, all bets are off. Until then you’re completely safe with me.”

  “Alright mister, I’ll let you off the hook this time,” she grinned as she squeezed his hand again and released it, “but if you ever tease me again while I’m weak I’ll tell your grandmother and she’ll thrash you soundly.”

  “Best behavior, I swear it,” he pleaded, holding his hands out protectively.

  “So are we on for Thursday?”

  “Since this is the only date I’ll ever get with you, how could I refuse?” he asked with a saucy grin.

  “Thank you Billy,” smiled Abby warmly, relaxing back in the chair, “now behave or I’ll tell your grandmother.”

  “Oops, time for me to go back to work,” he laughed as he rose and headed for the door. She smiled again as he exited the house then she sank back into her chair and took another sip of the delicious broth.

  “Billy’s a good boy Abby,” said Edna softly. “He’ll behave himself.”

  “I know Edna. I made some mistakes with Randy; actually I made assumptions that I had no right to make. I didn’t read the signs as well as I should have and I paid the price for it. I have sworn to be far more careful from now on, and I have sworn that I will not allow anyone else to make assumptions about me the way I did about him. I fully intend to be very open with everyone from now on, no guessing games; that’s why I told Billy what I did. I do like him and would enjoy his friendship, but it will be a very long time indeed before I ever let another man get close to me again and Billy needed to know that right up front.”

  “He appreciates that Abby, and so do I. That boy has a huge crush on you and it would be very easy for you to take advantage of that. You have a lot of class my dear.”

  “Thank you Edna,” smiled Abby weakly. “I think I’ll go up for that nap now.”

  “Proper thing, I’ll call you for supper.”

  Abigail MacKai slept through much of the next two days, coming down only to eat and to book the two return flights to Halifax. Thursday morning she was feeling much more rested and ready to go when Billy picked her up and drove to the airport. It was an uneventful flight down and they chatted easily through the journey. Abby rented a minivan and they drove straight to her mother’s house in Lower Sackville.

  “Ok, we’re in luck,” breathed Abby as she searched under the huge flower pot for the spare key and found it. “She’s not home to make a scene and I have the key. You wait here while I bring the boxes to you Billy. They’re probably in the garage.”

  “I should carry those for you Abby,” he said as he started into the house.

  Abby put out her hand and stopped him. “No Billy, if she raises a fuss and calls the police, we can honestly say that you did not enter her house,” Abby stated firmly. She disappeared into the house and a moment later the garage door swung open. “As I suspected, right here in the garage.”

  Billy peeked into the garage as she passed the first box to him. It was completely empty except for a stack of boxes in the very middle. Abby was taking another box from the stack. In very short order they had the boxes loaded in the van and Abby had left a note for her mother.

  “Dear Mom, I was in town after all so I thought I would pick up my stuff to save you the trouble of mailing it. You must have been at work, sorry I missed you. See you next time. Abby.”

  “Ok Billy, let’s go,” she said as she climbed back into the van. He sped away and drove straight to the nearest post office where Abby re-labeled the boxes and mailed them off to herself at Edna’s. In less time than one might suspect they had returned the van and were back in the air. Edna was just starting to cook supper when they came through the door.

  “Well?” she asked as they breezed into the kitchen.

  “Smooth as silk,” smiled Abby as she bent over a steaming pot on the stove for a sniff of whatever Edna was cooking. “I promise Billy, the next time I take you to Halifax I will give you time to look around a bit.”

  “Hey, I saw it from the air before we landed,” he laughed as he dropped into a chair. “You’ve seen one city, you’ve seen them all. At least now I can say I ran off to Halifax with the world’s most beautiful woman.”

  “Yes you can, and thank you for the compliment.”

  “Sit down here now and rest,” admonished Edna as she guided Abby to a chair. “You’re supposed to be resting and all you do is race around all over the planet.”

  “Well there’s nothing more for me to do until the paperwork clears on the house. I think I’ll just hang out here and take it easy for a few days.”

  “Now that’s a wonderful idea. When those boxes get here Billy can go to the post office and get them for you.”

  “Absolutely,” agreed Bil
ly. “So what are we going to do for our next date Abby?”

  “Oh my, the next one will be so much more exciting Billy,” Abby exclaimed in an exaggeratedly breathless voice. “We’re going car shopping. I will need a car if I am going to live way out in Jamaica Point, and I am not going onto a used car lot without a man on my arm.”

  “You know Miss MacKai, I am starting to suspect I am being used here,” mused Billy, a grin firmly place on his face.

  “Of course you’re being used Billy,” replied Abby, matching his grin, “and shamelessly so I might add. Can you live with it?”

  “Live with it and enjoy it to the hilt,” he laughed. “I’m not off again until next Wednesday, will that be soon enough?”

  “That would be fine Billy. I’ll rest up from this little adventure while I wait.”

  “I’ll poke around a bit and see what’s available out there.”

  “And I’ll keep an eye on the both of you,” admonished Edna as she served the meal. She smiled warmly to see that Abby and Billy had become friends and he seemed to have lost his awe of Abby. Edna really liked Abby and secretly wished that Billy could win her affections, but knowing what Abby had just gone through, Edna doubted that Abby would ever give her heart to a man again, at least not for a very long time.

  A week later Abby smiled as she put her new hunter green Subaru Outback through its paces on the way to her new house. Abby herself would not have thought of buying a lease return, but Billy had scouted out this one for her. It had really low miles on it and it almost seemed like new. The salesman had actually cringed when he’d realized that a cabbie was going to test drive it. Billy had liked the car and Abby had liked the price. She paid cash for it and bought some extended warranties then they took it home to Edna’s and loaded all the boxes as well as her suitcases into it. She had actually been amazed that it all fit in one load. In the middle of a sunny Thursday afternoon, Abby set out for her new home.