Southern Comfort_Chandler's Story

by Shelley Stringer

  “Goodnight, Everett.” I snapped my cell shut and shook my head.

  Just when I was drifting off to sleep, I heard my door ease open. I opened my eyes just as Beau stuck his nose right on my face, resting his head on the mattress. I rubbed his ears and he plopped down on the rug by my bed. It wasn’t Banton beside me, but I guess Beau was the next best thing.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The next morning, I woke early and bounded out of bed. I was amazed at how one date could change my whole outlook on life. I dressed in my usual jeans and t-shirt, pulled my hair back in the obligatory pony tail, and bounced down stairs. As usual, John was already gone for the day. Some days, he had already worked three hours before he got to his first class. He was amazing. I rounded the bottom of the stairs and skipped down the hallway.

  “Good morning, Andie,” Banton greeted me with a cup of coffee and a hug.

  “Good morning.” I smiled at him shyly. This was all still so new. I sat down at the high breakfast bar and stools John had brought from their apartment. It fit nicely into an empty corner of the kitchen.

  I glanced up at the cabinets across the room, and wondered out loud, “When did that happen?” Under the raw cabinets John had scored from his connection, there were freshly-installed copper ceiling tiles, making the perfect backsplash. And sometime during the last two days while I was not paying attention, he had installed glass in the upper doors of the cabinets. They were beautiful.

  “John is obsessed. I think he would go nuts if he didn’t have a project. I hope you like it – I told him to ask you before he switched the doors to glass,” Banton smiled lopsidedly, raising his coffee mug toward the cabinets.

  “I love it! I’m beginning to think he needs a diversion, though, like a girlfriend,” I said, shaking my head.

  “That might not be a bad idea. He and Everett have been spending a lot of time together.”

  “Ha!”

  I gazed at him across the table as I sipped my coffee. “I feel guilty. I haven’t cooked in a week. John is going to start repossessing his handiwork if I don’t pay up.”

  “You have cooked for us plenty, Andie. Don’t worry about it. He’s got enough food in the fridge to last a month.”

  “I know…but there was the thing with Beau Tuesday, and we ate out last night. I’m going out tonight, and we’re leaving in the morning for New Orleans…” I trailed off. Banton frowned at the comment about my going out.

  “About that,” he started. “I’m okay with it. I don’t want you to think I’m getting all possessive. I’m not like that, Andie. I’m just disappointed I can’t spend tonight with you.”

  “You know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

  “I think that is impossible. If I grow any fonder I will be obsessed.”

  I laughed at his last comment, and my heart soared at the thought. “Well, I guess I’d better get to campus. I wanted to go by the library and do more research before class.”

  “What are you working on now? I thought you were almost through with your paper.”

  “I am. But I’m curious about some things I couldn’t clear up on the internet.”

  “Meet me for lunch under our tree?” He said our tree! “I’ll bring the food.” His dimple sealed the deal for me.

  “It’s a date. See you around 12:30.” We stood, and he pulled me in for a quick goodbye kiss. It wasn’t so quick. His hands splayed across my ribcage, holding me as he caressed me with his thumbs. He tasted like mint and carmel-flavored coffee, and I could have devoured him. We lingered and I sighed, finally pulling away after a few minutes. Boy, this was going to be hard, I wanted to just skip class so badly and return to that kiss…

  “Goodbye.” He smiled knowingly.

  * * *

  I worked on some more research in the library. Now that I knew exactly what I was looking for, I zeroed in on a couple of books on African voodoo, vampire lore in the African culture, vampires in Louisiana – I found a wealth of information. How could there be so much written about legend and folklore? It’s not like they are real, I thought. I also checked out a book on ghosts – the most reputable investigating and scientific research I could find. I had so many books checked out, I made a trip to my car to deposit them before I headed over to our tree at lunch. Banton waved to me. I put the books in the back seat and I trotted over to the spot he had chosen on the ground. He had a small tablecloth spread out, etouffee in take-out bowls, iced tea, and French bread.

  “Where did all this come from?” I asked as he helped me to the ground.

  “A little hole-in-the wall lunch place downtown. It’s in a bad neighborhood, but they have the best etouffee in the city. It’s my favorite food in the world, next to crawfish bisque.”

  “I guess I’m going to have to buy a Cajun cookbook.” I smiled at him.

  Banton flashed his adorable grin. “You already cook so much good food! I swear I’ve gained weight since I’ve known you. Hey, what were all those books you piled in your car just now?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “More research. You and Mr. Jackson have me so intrigued with the dead-ones green eyed danger-in-the-night thing, so I just wanted to see if I could find any connection with local voodoo or folklore about vampires.” I said the last part quietly, because I was embarrassed my mind had gone there.

  “Vampires? How on earth did you make that connection?” He didn’t laugh when he said it like I thought he would.

  “Well, Mr. Jackson kept calling them the dead ones, the Loogaroon. And there is a lot of folklore about vampires in New Orleans and Louisiana. Madame Laveau was accused of drinking vampire blood to stay young and beautiful. It is tied in with the yellow fever plague, and Voodoo…” I trailed off. “I just wanted to see what there was in the library. And then, what you said about the victims on the yacht…”

  “I probably should not have told you about that. Do you really believe in vampires?” he asked me, searching my face. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t laughing at me at this point.

  “No, of course not. But like you said, there are things we can’t explain, and I’m not sure I don’t believe in ghosts – I’ve changed my mind on that subject, too,” I sighed. My voice became wistful as I continued, “Maybe it’s the desire to believe I can have a connection to my mother and father. When you are really grieving, you want to believe anything.”

  Banton’s expression softened and he pulled me over to him. “I understand. What you’ve seen in the house…was it like a small sphere of mist or a small cloud?”

  “Yes,” I looked up at him and whispered.

  “Did you hear anything?” he continued his line of questioning.

  “Yes. I’ve heard someone call my name in a whisper, although I’m not sure I didn’t dream that. It was like it woke me from a dream. Then the night after I met you, I heard footsteps on the stairs.”

  “You must have been affected as much as I was by our first meeting.” He laughed and pressed his lips to my hair.

  “Why all the questions?” I asked curiously.

  “Because I’ve heard it too. And I’ve seen a white cloud-like spot – like it was coming down the stairs, and I’ve smelled flowers.”

  The hair stood up on the back of my neck again. He’d seen it too. I wasn’t crazy. “Banton, I checked out a book on ghosts – a really scientific and psychological study done by the university here. I’m bringing it with us on our road trip.”

  Banton started picking up our containers and tea glasses, and collected everything in a bag, and grabbed up the cloth from the ground as he spoke.

  “Great. I’m interested too. You can read to me, I’ll drive. We ought to really be worked up for our cemetery tours by the time we get there!” he exclaimed as we both laughed.

  He kissed me quickly, and pulled me to my feet. “I have some errands to run this afternoon, but I’ll be home in time to check out that friend of yours. What time is he picking you up?”

  I blushed. “Seven o’
clock.”

  “Okay – have a good afternoon!” He kissed me on the top of the head, and then disappeared across campus.

  * * *

  When I got home, Beau was dancing at the front door to go outside. I let him out in the backyard, and when I returned to the hallway, I noticed the light blinking on the answering machine. I hit the button and listened as I went through the mail.

  Hey, this is Andie, Banton and John. Leave us a message. …Beeeeeeeep.

  Andie, this is Constance. Your cell is dead again! Call me! You sure got their names on the machine quickly! What’s going on with the tall guy? Mom says he’s really cute. And have you seen Chase? Call me! Beeeeeeeeep.

  Chandler Ann Collins. This is Aunt Sue. Your cell is dead, did you know that? What good is a cell phone if I can’t call you? We miss you…If we haven’t heard from you by 10:00 p.m. tonight, Uncle Lon said we are driving down there. We love you…Beeeeeeeeep

  Andie, Laurilee. Who in the heck are Banton and John! Those are sure funny names for girls. For the last time, please charge your cell! I haven’t talked to you in weeks! Dan is bugging me to set a date, I’ve got to talk to you…Call me!...Beeeeeeeep

  Lieutenant Gastaneau, this is Commander Andrew Singleton of the United States Navy. We need for you to contact my office immediately. We were given this number as an alternate to your cell. We need for you to call in the next 48 hours, as it is urgent. Thank you.

  What the heck? Why was the Navy calling Banton? He was inactive now. I erased the first three messages, and left the last one for Banton. I quickly returned my three calls after I plugged my cell in to the power cord to charge. Then it occurred to me, He’s still technically in the military for four more years. They’re calling him up. Apprehension washed over me.

  I spent the rest of the afternoon cooking a pork tenderloin, potatoes and fresh green beans for Banton and John. I didn’t want to leave town without a few leftovers in the fridge for John, and I felt guilty about my date. I even baked a pound cake, my mother’s recipe, for some extra points. But my worries about the message and how it might affect Banton kept creeping back into my thoughts. After everything was ready and keeping warm on the stove, I ran to the bathroom to get ready. Thank goodness it was still daylight, I could manage being in there alone if I had Beau with me. As I soaked in the tub full of bubbles, I thought about my date with Banton last night and sighed, wishing I was spending the evening with him instead of Jamie. I rose from the water and dried off, reluctant to leave my daydreams and my cozy tub.

  Upstairs, I stood in front of my closet full of clothes in my bathrobe, wondering what the heck to wear. Jamie hadn’t given me a clue about where we were going, so I opted for a new pair of whitewash jeans and a dressy crocheted sweater. I dug in the back of my closet and found a pair of black boots, since the weather was cooler now at night, and sandals had been chilly last night.

  I ran a brush through my hair and just left it loose. I wasn’t going to the trouble of re-curling it, I wasn’t trying to impress Jamie, anyway. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Opening the door, I found Banton smiling at me.

  “A guy pulled up in a black SUV right after I came in the house. I think it might be your friend. Now that I see how you look tonight, I don’t think I want to share.” He put his arms around me and pressed his lips to my collarbone. I leaned my head back, and moaned softly.

  “Ten more seconds of this, and you can just lock the door and everyone else out,” I muttered as I pulled away and straightened up. “Now be good – the sooner I get down there, the sooner I get back. Will you wait up for me?” I asked sheepishly.

  “What do you think? I’ve already got my rocker staked out on the front porch, and John’s gun is propped by it for good measure.”

  “Ha ha. Really funny.” I smiled at him.

  “Seriously, Chandler. Please be careful. Do you have your cell phone?” he asked.

  “Oh, cell phone. I’ll get it. It’s on the table in the foyer. And I forgot… you have a message on the answering machine downstairs. A Commander Singleton with the Navy?” I queried as I watched him intently.

  His brow creased, and then recovered when he saw my concern. Smiling, he responded, “Oh, I know what that’s about. I’ll call him back.”

  “He said it was urgent,” I continued.

  “They always do. Don’t worry.” He smiled at me again and kissed the top of my head.

  Somewhat relieved by his nonchalance, I ran down the stairs to get my phone and my purse. John had already let Jamie in the front door. They were having an awkward moment, as John grilled Jamie about who he was, where we were going, and what time we would be back. I cringed and then I made introductions.

  “Hi, Jamie! Banton, this is Jamie, Constance’s friend I was telling you about. Jamie, Banton Gastaneau, my roommate. And you’ve already met John, my other roommate.”

  Banton smiled stiffly and reached to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, Jamie.”

  “Uh, you too.” Jamie looked questioningly back and forth at my two male roommates. Then he seemed to recover, and looked at me. “Hey. You look great! Are you ready to hit the town, Tex?” He smiled as he asked me.

  “Yep. Let’s go.” I smiled back, and nervously started out the door. Banton was right behind us.

  “Andie, be careful, and have a good evening,” he said in a quiet tone.

  “I’ll see you soon.” I glanced longingly back at him as I descended the steps.

  We were barely in his SUV and around the corner at the end of the street when Jamie asked, “So, you room with two guys?”

  “Yeah, I guess that seems strange. They lived down the street in an apartment, and John was helping me renovate, and it just kind of worked out this way. I needed roommates, and my place was nicer than theirs.”

  “Hey, I’m not judging. I just wish you’d given me a shot, first.” He grinned over at me.

  “Well, if it doesn’t work out, I can always call,” I joked.

  “They sure are protective. I don’t think they liked me,” he shot back.

  “Oh, they are just looking out for me. Where are we going?”

  He glanced at me while he drove on. “Well, I thought I’d take you to a place on the river. My fraternity is having a sort of get together there, and they have a live band tonight. The food is pretty good, too. Does that sound all right?”

  “Sure. I’m game.” I smiled at him.

  We visited about Constance, her brothers and some of the other people I met at the club back in August, although I didn’t think I was putting the right faces with the names he was calling out. We’d just entered the world of Tiger football when we pulled up to the club. We weren’t two feet inside the door before I realized we were way behind in the drinking department. I wasn’t sure this was the kind of thing I was going to enjoy, but he wanted me to meet his friends. Two fights had already broken out, and a big, burly football-player type frat brother was filling Jamie in on the details. A boy smiled and waved at me. I recognized him as the boy who had asked me to dance in August, but Jamie had headed off at the pass. He walked over and re-introduced himself.

  “Hey, you’re Chandler, Constance’s cousin, right?”

  “Yes, you remembered. I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name.”

  “Tyson. Tyson Bryant.”

  “It’s nice to see you again, Tyson.”

  “Would you like to dance?” he asked.

  “Sure.”

  He swung me out on the dance floor full of people. Struggling to two-step to the Cajun music, I spotted Mandy the she-devil who had claws bared last time. She had them unsheathed again tonight, evidently, shooting flaming arrows at me this time. I seemed to bring out the worst in her, for some reason, and I began to feel uncomfortable. As the dance ended, she made her way over to where Tyson and I were exiting the dance floor.

  “Well, if it isn’t little Miss Texas, isn’t that nice,” she said with her voice dripping honey.

  “Hello�
� Mandy, isn’t it?”

  “Why yes, how nice of you to remember. What are you doing here at a fraternity function?” she asked, as if I had leprosy or something. A group of girls began to form around her, backing her up. Her sorority sisters, I was sure.

  “Jamie invited me. I came here with him.” I smiled sweetly. I wasn’t backing down from her. They were all dressed in outfits that looked like they came out of Vogue magazine. A lot of them sported designer jeans, a few were in dresses, and all had on designer shoes. I was definitely under-dressed. They were looking my vintage outfit up and down. In high school, this would have sent me running to the bathroom in a panic attack, but thank goodness, I was a bit older and wiser now.

  “Why don’t you introduce me to some of your friends?” I smiled sweetly.

  “Why would you want to know them? They will certainly forget your name about two minutes after I introduce you. These guys are our brother fraternity. You’re just arm candy. I’ve seen Jamie do this before.”

  “Oh, really.” I smiled, and remained congenial like I didn’t understand her insult. “Well, you certainly remembered my name from way back in August. I just thought your friends would be as nice as you are.”

  Jamie appeared with two drinks in his hand. “Mandy, are you here alone? I felt sure someone in our fraternity would feel sorry for you and ask you to this one so you wouldn’t have to come solo. Oh, well, there’s always next time.” He smirked at me as she whirled around and stalked off, taking her entourage with her. A petite redhead with deep blue eyes remained close by, watching them go.

  She walked over to us. “I’m sorry. Mandy is the leader of our little band. Not everyone acts like her, they just go along to get along. I’m Gabriella, my friends call me Brie. You are Constance’s cousin, right? I remember you from the club this summer, but I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself.”

  I knew I’d seen her somewhere before, and then it dawned on me. “You’re in my English class, right?