Wildflower

by Prudence MacLeod

  “Abby, you have no idea what it will mean to me to have you there,” sniffed Hazel.

  “Honey, do you want me to come there now?”

  “Yes,” replied Hazel in a soft childlike voice.

  “I’ll just go pack my bags and get on the road. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”

  “Drive safely,” admonished Hazel gently.

  “I will, I promise.”

  “Say it like you mean it,” said Hazel, a small hint of a smile in her voice.

  “Cross my heart,” laughed Abby warmly. “You go back and snuggle with Tommy and I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She swiftly packed herself a travel bag with a black retro dress and pill box hat to wear at the funeral as well as a few other outfits. Back in her sweats, Abby also packed the outfit she’d originally been wearing. Within another hour she had dropped Hubby off with Edna and made her way to the apartment.

  “Abby,” cried Hazel as she opened the door and threw herself into Abby’s arms. Abby held her gently and kicked the door shut behind herself. They were alone as Tommy had been forced to go to work. He’d only agreed to go when he was sure Abby was coming to be with Hazel.

  “Gods I must look a fright,” sniffed Hazel as she gently disentangled herself from Abby’s arms.

  “Have you eaten anything today?”

  “Not hungry.”

  “Come on now sweet sister,” purred Abby as she rubbed her hip against Hazel’s, “can’t I interest you in some tea and toast?”

  “Brat,” laughed Hazel, “no fair being the sexy tease at a time like this. All right, since you put it that way, tea and toast sounds delightful.”

  “Coming right up,” smiled Abby as she took Hazel’s hand and led her to the kitchen.

  The food seemed to bring Hazel around and she sighed deeply as she finished her tea and waited while Abby poured her another. “Gods Abby, you’re a lifesaver. I just feel so lost and helpless. It isn’t as though it wasn’t expected, it’s just that I never got a chance to say goodbye I guess.” She burst into tears again and Abby swept her into loving arms and held her gently. “I just don’t know what do to now,” sniffed Hazel as her tears stopped again.

  “Come with me dear,” soothed Abby as she led Hazel to the couch and sat her there comfortably. “I’ll just bring your tea for you.” She swiftly returned, setting the mug on the end table at Hazel’s elbow.

  “So what am I supposed to do now Abby? I’m completely lost here.”

  “You were close to her at one time weren’t you sweetie?”

  “Yes, she seemed to be the only one who really understood me.”

  “So tell me about her,” smiled Abby warmly as she settled onto the couch right next to Hazel.

  Hazel began to speak of her grandmother, telling stories, funny incidents, relating all the wonderful things the old woman had tried to teach her. It was from snuggling into her grandmother as a young girl that Hazel had gotten her fondness for the retro styles that Abby always wore. She talked and talked, and as she did so, the grief seemed to pass and she began to smile again as she celebrated her grandmother’s life and shared that with her new found love. It was quite late when Tommy phoned.

  “Fillmore and Reid, Abigail MacKai speaking.”

  “Abby, thank god you’re still there.”

  “We’re fine here Tommy. Are you still at work?”

  “Yes, and I will be all night,” he sighed. “Someone didn’t show up and I can’t leave until they find a replacement for him. Can you stay with Hazel?”

  “Yes, will you be able to see us off at the airport in the morning?”

  “I’m sure going to try, but I can’t say for certain. Abby, I can’t thank you enough for being there for Hazel.”

  “You are a special and loving friend Tommy Reid; Hazel is lucky to have you. Be at peace now; I will care for her.”

  “Thank you Abby, and bless your tenacious loving heart. Good night.”

  “Good night Tommy. Stay alert.”

  “Tommy has to work through the night,” said Abby as she turned back to Hazel.

  “Abby please don’t leave me tonight,” implored Hazel, reaching out for Abby’s hand.

  “I will not leave you, Hazel my love,” smiled Abby reassuringly as she squeezed Hazel’s fingers, “I’ll just phone Edna to inform her of the change in plans. You go get in your jammies now; it’s getting late and we have to be on the go early.”

  “Yes ma’am,” smiled Hazel, the relief clear in her voice.

  Abby phoned Edna then opened her travel bag and prepared for bed herself. “Now where shall I sleep?” she asked as she came out of the bathroom.

  “With me?” asked Hazel so softly Abby barely heard her.

  Hazel’s eyes were imploring and Abby could not resist her. Slowly she reached out and lightly caressed Hazel’s face with her finger tips. “As you wish my love,” she smiled gently. “In you go now.”

  They got into the bed and Hazel tentatively snuggled over closer to Abby. “Abby.”

  “Hush now Hazel,” whispered Abby as she enfolded Hazel in loving arms, “you need to rest. I’ll hold you while you sleep so you will be safe.”

  “I love you Abby MacKai,” whispered Hazel softly as she snuggled into Abby’s embrace.

  Abby kissed the top of her head and held her close. “I love you too sweetie,” she whispered softly.

  “I really mean it,” whispered Hazel.

  “I know you do honey, so do I. Hush now and rest; we will have lots of time to speak of these things when we return.”

  “Do you really mean it Abby?”

  “Yes I really mean it,” laughed Abby. “I love you, now stop being a brat and go to sleep.”

  “Ok,” replied Hazel as she snuggled down again, “as long as you really mean it.”

  “May the gods help me, Hazel,” Abby whispered so softly Hazel could barely hear her, “I do really mean it.”

  Meet the Family

  The morning had been quite hectic until they were actually on the plane. Tommy had managed to see them off and they were already in the air before Hazel realized that she had not called her parents to let them know she was coming after all. Abby was reading some sort of business report so Hazel slipped off into her own thoughts.

  It had all been so magical. Hazel had awakened in loving arms, a mass of golden hair spilling over her breasts. Abby had sat up, tossed back her hair and smiled brightly at Hazel. “Hi there,” she’d beamed, “did you sleep well?”

  “Never better,” Hazel had replied with a warm smile of her own. “Hungry?”

  “Famished,” laughed Abby as she kissed Hazel’s hair, then rose and padded off to the bathroom. “You’re cooking.”

  “Now there’s a hint if I’ve ever heard one,” laughed Hazel as she too rose from the bed. They passed in the hallway and Abby had smiled brightly at her again. “Dear lord Abigail MacKai, you’re certainly a pleasure to wake up to,” Hazel had sighed warmly, her bright smile lighting up Abby’s world. Hazel held her eyes as she gazed lovingly at her.

  “You’re so sweet,” smiled Abby in return. She’d gazed into Hazel’s eyes for a moment longer before she reached out to lightly touch Hazel’s face with her finger tips. “Stop this now,” she admonished gently as she squeezed Hazel’s arm. “We have a plane to catch, remember?” She beamed that thousand watt smile at Hazel once again then hurried off to the bedroom to get dressed.

  Shaking her head in wonder, Hazel had continued on to the bathroom and then out to the kitchen. “However did I get so lucky?” she’d asked herself softly as she cooked a huge breakfast. “They don’t feed you on the plane,” she’d smiled at Abby’s enquiring glance about the size of the portions.

  Suddenly Hazel’s reverie was broken as the plane lurched and banked. Abby grabbed her arm tightly with a small gasp. Hazel patted Abby’s hand reassuringly and smiled. “I’m Ok,” replied Abby, “it just startled me a bit. I’d better put this report away now; we’re coming in for a landing.�
�

  “Abby, I forgot to call my parents to let them know we’re coming,” said Hazel as they made their way toward the baggage carousel. “I have to find a phone.”

  “Here sweetie,” replied Abby as she fished her cell phone out of her bag. “You go call your family while I get the luggage. If I’m not here when you finish I’ll be over there arranging for our rental car.”

  “Thanks Abby,” smiled Hazel as she took the phone and hurried out the main doors. She dialed her mother’s numbers and waited.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi Dad, it’s Hazel,” she said cheerily.

  “Hazel, the whole family is gathering and everyone has been saying as how they wish you could be here too. Would it help if I sent you some money?”

  “Actually Dad, we’re in Moncton right now. Abby is arranging for a rental car for us. We should be home in a couple of hours or so.”

  “Abby? Isn’t that the one you thought was going to be your wildflower?” he asked softly. “The one who turned out to be married?”

  “Well, actually Dad, there was a big mix up there, didn’t you get my last letter explaining all about that?”

  “The last letter I had told me about how you found out she was married and how you were hiding out with a friend,” he replied.

  “Ok Dad, there’s another letter in the mail. You may be the greatest tracker in the county, but Abigail MacKai is the greatest urban tracker ever. It took her a while, but she hunted me down and made me listen. Dad, her dog’s name is Hubby. When she said she’d left Hubby alone too long already, she was talking about the dog. The girl isn’t married and never has been. Gods Dad, it frightens me when I think how close I came to blowing the chance of a lifetime.”

  “So all is well between you?”

  “And then some. When she found out about Gran, she insisted on paying for the whole trip. She was going to send Tommy with me, but he had to work so she asked if I wanted her to come. Dad, you’re going to just love this woman.”

  “Alright Hazel,” he replied with a trace of a smile in his voice, “I’ll tell your mother to make up your room for you. She was going to put Avery in there.”

  “If he’s slept in that bed, I’ll burn it and sleep in the barn,” retorted Hazel.

  “Relax girl, he hasn’t arrived as yet,” chuckled Walton. “I’ll make sure your old room is sacred ground for you.”

  “Thanks Dad, tell Mom we’ll be home sometime this afternoon.”

  “I will, and I can’t wait to see you again daughter.”

  Hazel was just folding up the phone when Abby appeared by her side with their suitcases on a cart. She swept up her two and Hazel took the large one that was her own then followed Abby along the line of rental cars. “Ah, here we are,” smiled Abby. “Let’s put this in the trunk then go find someplace to eat. Oh by the way, you’re driving.”

  “I’m driving?” exclaimed Hazel. “Abby, I haven’t driven more than a dozen times in the last four years. Is this wise?”

  “Of course it is; you need the practice. Here’s your driver’s license; I had to give them the numbers when I registered you as the driver.”

  “How’d you get my license?”

  “Never leave your purse with a stranger dear,” grinned Abby. “I must say, that is some picture. The ring through the nose is a nice touch.”

  “Oh my god,” gasped Hazel as she looked at the license, “since I don’t have a car I forgot to get this thing changed. It’s still an Ontario license. Abby, this damn thing isn’t legal anymore.”

  “Then you’ll just have to be extra careful won’t you?”

  “Abby,”

  “Relax sweetie, I registered both of us to drive,” smiled Abby as she stopped teasing Hazel. “I just thought it would be easier since you know where we’re going. As soon as we get back to Newfoundland, I want you to renew this thing and take a refresher course.”

  “Why?” asked Hazel, a naughty grin playing at the corners of her mouth.

  “So you can drive me around like I’m a pampered princess,” laughed Abby. “Now stop this silliness and get in the car. I’m hungry as a bear and twice as mean.”

  “Yes ma’am, I heard that.” She hopped into the car, and, as soon as Abby pulled out of the parking spot, she grabbed Abby’s purse. “I think it’s only fair that since you’ve seen mine, I should see yours.”

  “My license? Sure, help yourself. It’s in the side pocket.”

  Puzzled at Abby’s reaction, Hazel fished out the license. The picture looked like a glamour queen. “How in god’s name did you manage to get a driver’s license picture this good? Abby, this is gorgeous.”

  “Thank you, thank you,” laughed Abby. “Actually, there’s a trick to it.”

  “Care to share?”

  “You keep your chin slightly down and a bit to the side. Not a lot, but just a little. It will be enough to keep the light from giving you the ex-con look.”

  “Well I’ll be darned,” breathed Hazel softly. “I’m going to try that as soon as we get home. Look Abby, that looks like a good spot to eat.”

  After a quick lunch they were on their way again. As the hills rolled by, Hazel became lost in her own thoughts again. The closer to home she got, the more her grandmother was on her mind. Just as a tear formed at the corner of her eye, Abby reached over and took her hand. Hazel squeezed Abby’s fingers and clung to her hand the rest of the way. On and on they drove, past the Nova Scotia border, through the town of Amherst and down into Cumberland County. “Well here we are,” sighed Hazel, “the thriving metropolis of Fox Point.”

  “It is so green Hazel,” exclaimed Abby as she slowed the car to get a good look all around.

  “The seasons are a few weeks ahead here Abby. See over there? That is Tommy Reid’s farm and they’re cutting the first crop of hay already. It will be another three weeks before they can do that in Newfoundland.”

  “So which farm is yours?”

  “Turn left down the next road.” Abby did so and the narrow road sloped downward toward the sea. She smiled brightly as she saw the neat little farm on the right. “That’s the one,” sighed Hazel, pointing the way. “The old homestead. The one place I swore never to return to, but here I am.”

  “Relax sweetheart, I’ll protect you,” smiled Abby as she squeezed Hazel’s finger gently once again.

  “Thank god for that,” sighed Hazel as the car worked its way slowly up the long elm lined driveway.

  There were several other cars parked in the farm yard as well, two more rentals as well as three out of province plates and several locals. As Hazel stepped out of the car a tall gangly boy in his late teens ran to her and swept her into a hug. “Hazel, you did come,” he shouted enthusiastically. “They said you weren’t going to come home, but you did.”

  “Yes I did,” smiled Hazel as she returned the hug then hugged the three other men who’d come out of the house to greet her. Suddenly all the men fell silent as a golden haired goddess, who looked like a movie star from the old movies, stepped out of the car and favored them with a dazzling smile that nearly melted their knees. “Gentlemen, put your eyes back in your heads,” laughed Hazel, “I want you to meet someone. Abby, these are my brothers, Donnie, Ralph, and Terry, and this is my dad, Walton Fillmore. Boys, this is Abigail MacKai.”

  “A pleasure to meet all of you,” said Abby with a smile for each of them as she shook their hands. “Mr. Fillmore, thank you for extending the hospitality of the house to me in this time of sorrow.”

  “It’s a pleasure, Miss MacKai,” he smiled as he shook her hand warmly.

  “Oh gods Miss MacKai,” breathed Donnie, the eldest of the boys, “please tell me you don’t have a boyfriend.” The others laughed at him, but Abby turned those crystal blue eyes on him, and he felt like she was looking right through his soul.

  “No sir,” she replied softly after a moment. She was still gazing into his eyes and he was completely mesmerized. “I have no boyfriend at all, nor do I want one.�
�� She grinned wickedly and winked at Walton. Hazel was blushing furiously, but she did not release Abby’s hand.

  Walton led them inside and Hazel introduced Abby all round. Hazel was impressed at the way Abby seemed to remember everybody’s name and their relationship to each other. Abby’s manners were impeccable and her looks seemed to grant her royalty status. Within a few moments of their arrival, Abby had the whole family worshiping at her feet.

  Sometime during the course of the day their bags had migrated to Hazel’s old bedroom. Abby had somehow managed to move herself from the center of attention to waitress as she carefully attended to many of the older women. Even though she was serving the elderly ladies, her eyes were always on Hazel, anticipating her needs and trying to meet them.

  “My god Hazel,” whispered her father as he watched Abby serving tea to the older women, “she’s amazing. I can understand why you hurt so badly when you thought you’d lost her. Is this a permanent arrangement?”

  “I don’t know Dad. Actually, Abby and I haven’t had five minutes alone to discuss where this is going or where we want it to go. I am madly in love with the woman, but...”

  “But she has not as yet declared herself?”

  “Yeah, that’s about it.”

  “I don’t think you need to worry Hazel. She went to a lot of trouble to track you down, and a lot more to bring you here. I think you’re on pretty firm ground.”

  “So, talking about me are you,” grinned Abby as she suddenly appeared and tucked her arm through his.

  “How did you know?” he asked sheepishly.

  “You kept glancing at me as you spoke; it’s a real giveaway. So what were you wanting to know?”

  “When I’ll get my picture?”

  “Dad,” hissed Hazel, “shut up.”

  “Now what picture would that be?” asked Abby, smiling with delight as Hazel blushed to her roots.

  “The one of the two of you together; Hazel promised to send me one as soon as she found her wild...”