I rolled my eyes at him. Jenson slapped the table once. My sister glanced from us to my father and just shook her head. We watched him depart.
“That’s dad, for ya. He’s trying to be ‘the bomb’,” giggled Megan.
“Certainly is,” I answered, twisting back to Jenson.
“Do you think Molly will still want to move out?” Jenson asked.
“Maybe. If not, perhaps I could get a place of my own.”
“Yeah, like mom would let you do that. We're finally all under one roof again,” scoffed Megan.
“You’re probably right,” I added.
Jenson left after dinner. We’d mostly just devoured our food. Normally, Megan would try to embarrass me in front of him. I sprawled out on my bed surrounded by magazines.
I’d cut out several nature scenes, animals, and foxes. I selected a picture of a pine tree, placing it on the blank paper.
“Starla, get down here. Molly’s on the phone! She says it’s urgent.”
I must have forgotten my cell phone downstairs.
“Mom, I’m coming,” I hollered pushing aside my art. I rushed out of my room trying not to trip on the stairs. My dad was heading out of the kitchen when I bumped into him.
“Be careful. Molly isn’t going anywhere.”
“Sorry dad, so my phone is?”
“On the counter. Don’t stay up all night.”
“I won’t,” I replied, hurrying into the kitchen.
My mom leaned against the counter reading notes. She must not have heard me come in. I stood patiently. She glanced up at me and promptly set them down. Then picked up my phone beside her on the counter. “It sounds urgent. I heard your dad. Let me know if you need anything, OK?”
“Sure, Mom,” I answered, taking the phone from her. I put it to my ear. “Hey, Moll. Give me a minute. I’m heading to my room. I’m in the kitchen with Mom right now,” I stated.
“OK,” she stammered.
I walked into the hallway towards our front entrance. Then turned right heading up the stairs to my room. I pushed the door opened, shutting it behind me practically diving onto my bed. “What’s going on?” I asked almost out of breath. She wasn’t sobbing, but I could tell she was crying. She sniffled. Then blew her nose rather loudly. I pulled the phone away from my ear to put it on speaker, making sure the volume was low enough so only I could hear her.
“Today I overheard my mom and dad fighting. They’ve been arguing a lot since I came out. I feel partly responsible. I don’t know if I can do this. I mean, I don’t think I can be straight. Starla, I don’t want them to get a divorce because of me,” she said.
“If your parents are having problems it’s probably more than that. I.. Have you seen your mom and dad hug, kiss, or be affectionate in the last few months, or has it been years?” I asked.
“It’s an on and off affair with them. To top it all off Maine and I had our first fight. It’s like everything is collapsing around me,” she cried.
“Do you want to come over?”
“No, it’s ten O’clock. My mom would never let me.”
“What did you and Maine fight about,” I asked, pulling at a loose string on my comforter.
Molly let out a sigh. I wondered if she had one of her hands on her forehead. She usually did when she was upset about something.
“I wasn’t ready,” she whispered.
“Molly, is this about sex? If it is, then you know you need to be clear about boundaries. You’ve only been dating, for what less than a week?”
“I know, but I really, like her. Most people our age, have already done it. I still plan on....- waiting you know?”
“You mean til you’re married?” I asked.
“Maybe, if...”
“If what? No matter what you need to be true to yourself,” I said, trying not to scream into the phone. I waited anxiously for her response. Molly remained silent on the other end. I sat for a minute thinking about all the years Molly had talked about waiting till she found the right person. I’d always thought I’d find someone like Jenson. That it wouldn’t be a question of if I waited, but if I loved him, then it would happen. “Are you still there?”
“Yeah.”
“If Maine cares for you, she’ll get over it. Oh, so did you stop her or?”
“I pushed her away. She asked me why I didn’t want to. Honestly, I didn't know what to say. My body wanted to, but my head told me no.”
“Where were you? She didn’t try to break up with you, did she?”
“No, simply that she wanted to show me how much she cares. That this would bring us closer,” Molly murmured.
“Be careful Moll. I don’t want you getting hurt. It’s hard to say if you guys will be together for the long haul.”
“I know, It’s why I'm scared, giving a part of yourself away. You can never forget it happened. It’s a part of you forever, even if that person isn’t.”
I wanted to hug Molly her words were wise and true. Most of the people I'd known in high school gave themselves away hastily. How many times had I thought about it? Once almost did. Gah, George. So glad that didn’t happen.
“Are you OK?” asked Molly.
“Yeah, I was just pondering about the past. Nothing had happened. Good thing too,” I answered.
“L.A. George?”
“Yeah, that was a total foul,” I admitted.
“Molly, you need to get off the phone!” Mrs. Fretner yelled.
“Sorry I should go, it’s getting late,” Molly said.
“Ok, I’ll see ya tomorrow, then. We’ll meet at the college Cafe after I get out of work.
“Sounds good, Bye, and thanks.”
“Bye,” I answered, hanging up the phone.
Crap! I was supposed to tell Molly about the apartment. Oh well, she has a lot on her mind. I hopped off of the bed and stretched out my arms. Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the tarot cards. Curious, I opened up the deck thumbing through them. The first cards to appear as I turned them over were: The Star, Empress, and death. I shivered, turning around. Then pulled open the drawer of my nightstand dropping them inside.
Chapter 40
(Dan)
I shifted back and forth on the couch attempting to follow the game, but couldn’t concentrate. Jones hadn’t contacted me yet about the trial. I looked up at the clock on the wall. It was getting late. Starla had recently bumped into me in the hall. I’d heard her race back upstairs. She’d taken her phone from Tri. Hopefully, everything was all right with Molly.
I decided to stand up to stretch my legs. Then picked the remote up off the table and turned off the T.V. Why bother? If I couldn’t focus, on the game. I’d find out if Illinois won against Ohio later.
“Hey, are you done watching television already?” asked Tri, peeking into the living room.
I sighed and ambled over to her. “I can’t focus on it. My minds on the trial. I can't believe Jones hasn't contacted me. I’d call him, but I bet he’s either fast asleep in bed or working on an assignment for his class.”
“Well, does that mean we get our alone time?” she asked.
I took a deep breath in and exhaled, “I should call him. I won’t sleep a wink tonight, if I don’t,” I answered.
“You’re right. You won’t. I’m going to do some light reading. When you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”
I chuckled, “Do you know where I left my phone?”
“It’s beside the television controller, silly man,” she replied, ruffling my hair. I watched her spin out of the room like a teenager. Afterward, I grabbed the phone off of the table. Adjusting myself back onto the couch, I dialed his number. It rang, a few times, then someone picked up.
“What? Who’s calling me? What time is it?” Jones stammered.
“Hey, it’s Dan. Sorry if I woke you up. I hadn’t heard from you regarding the trial. Ranger Mike, said you’d been keeping an eye on the bandits. We only have one day, til you have to be in our court. Why weren’t you at the meet
ing?”
“Cavin told me, my cross-examination would be brief. I’ll be direct and to the point. Lance will step in if needed. Is Starla there? I hope she’s been preparing for her assignment,” he said changing the subject.
“There’s no reason to worry. You'll see Starla in class tomorrow. She has it in her head you’re psychic when it comes to knowing what’s happening with the clan.”
Jones chuckled, “I am pretty receptive. I wouldn’t say I’m psychic. What’s up?”
“Since Starla began her training a black wolf has been appearing to her. Mike mentioned an adult Snowshoeing class was startled by one. They observed it running in the forest.”
“Ah, I guess she wants to write a report on the Windigo Myth, concerning the black beast,” Jones added.
“It's a possibility. She hasn't said anything to me. Jenson's eager to find out what it wants. I advised him not to go snooping around searching for the scientists.
“Let me guess. The black wolf told you not to?” he asked.
“Right. I’m trying to believe this spirit is trustworthy. It’s only protected Starla, so far. That’s what it’s claiming.”
“Cavin, is he concerned?” asked Jones.
“He’s leery, but not off the wall,” I answered.
“I’m free after class, do you want to meet, then?”
“Ah, around four?”
“Sure, that’s when I let them loose!” he exclaimed.
I laughed, “OK, then. I’ll catch you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” he responded and hung up.
I pushed myself up off the couch and strolled out of the living room. What was Tri planning? One minute she was warding me off and the next pulling me into her arms. It wasn’t unusual. Human nature I guess. I peeked my head into our bedroom. She was lying on the bed with a coy smile. My wife in her flannel jammies. I leaned against the door frame.
“Well? Come on,” she pressed.
I took off my shoes setting them inside of the doorway. Then off came the socks. My eyes lingered on my wife watching me. It shouldn’t have felt so strange. Earlier I’d been ready for this. I was the guy after all. I coughed to clear my throat.
“Are you getting shy all of a sudden?” she asked, bringing her knees up to her chest. She wrapped her arms around them, then looked up at me.
Those eyes. The ones I fell for.
I joined her in bed, and we pulled the covers over us.
Chapter 41
(Thursday, April 1st)
(Starla)
Disaster! That’s what Denny’s had been this morning. First, I clocked in late for work. Then Marla had called off, and the new guy never showed. Thank goodness I’d remembered my change of clothes. I hated my Denny’s uniform with a passion. Leaning against the building, I waited for Jenson to pick me up. He’d called at the crack of dawn to ask if I needed a ride. I suppose I should have been more appreciative. I looked around hoping he’d be here soon shielding my eyes from the shining sun. I tried to see a crossed the street.
“Hey, do you need a lift?”
“What, uh.” It sounded like Maine. I turned around to the diner entrance. Maine held the door half opened.
“Jenson’s picking me up? Don’t you have class today?”
“Yeah,” she answered shutting the diner door behind her. She drew her coat around her for warmth.
“Do you always come here to eat breakfast?”
“Molly was going to meet me. She didn’t show,” answered Maine.
I looked away from her at the oncoming traffic from the street. Should I bring up what Molly had discussed with me? Was it my business to defend my friend? I felt like I should say something.
“Um, ah, yeah, she called me, last night. Maine, she seemed awfully upset. I don’t know how you deal with things where you’re from, but Molly is a pretty conservative girl.”
“She told you!”
“She’s my best friend. I've known her for several years now. You've been dating for, what? A week, a month! Of course, she’s going to talk to me,” I responded, throwing up my hands. I pushed my backpack up higher on my shoulder.
Maine glared at me then turned her eyes to the ground. She kicked at the cement beneath the snow.
“What did you do?”
“You said she told you,” replied Maine, shrugging.
“Yes, but how did you leave it? Did she storm out, after? Did you talk to her about it? Did she tell you how she feels emotionally?” I demanded.
“What are you my new psychologist?” she spat.
“No, I’m Molly’s friend. I was hoping to be your’s too.” I turned away Jenson was just pulling in. I twisted back to Maine. “You need to work things out with her. Don’t push her. She’s been through, a lot. You were there when her dad and Mom were arguing. Has she told you what’s going on with her folks?”
Maine took a deep breath, ignoring the question. Then left walking towards the diner. She pulled the door opened, but before entering glanced back. “He’s waiting for you,” she said, pointing to Jenson's car.
“I know. Are you going to be at the Cafe? What should I tell Molly?”
“I’ll call her. I should meet with her alone. I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to see her right now.”
“Better sooner than later, she could crawl back into her shell.” I wasn’t joking either. How long had it taken for her to admit the truth to herself? Maine nodded at me. I turned back and hurried to Jenson’s car. I opened the passenger’s door, then got in.
“What was that about?” he asked.
I rubbed my hands on my jeans. Then put on my seat belt. Leaning over I hugged him.
“What’s that for?”
“Because, you get me,” I said, then pulled away. I sat up straight.
“You're not going to tell me what’s going on?”
“Maine and Molly are having troubles. It’s mostly Maine’s issue,” I said.
“Girl on girl problems,” joked Jenson.
“Don’t, just drive, okay?”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to hit a nerve.”
“I love Molly. You know that. She’s my sister.”
“Not biological,” he argued, pulling out of the parking lot.
“No, but we’re tight, it took her a long time to come out. Now Maine’s pressuring her to have sex outside of marriage. Religion is important to her, Jenson! It’s the one thing she’s held on to for so long. Then finally accepting herself, loving herself even though the church might shun her?” Tears formed in my eyes. “Yeah, I’m emotional. I don’t want to see her go back into her shell. I want her to be happy. Maine needs to get her shiznit together.”
“She sure does, or you’ll go all Buffy on her won’t you?”
“You can bet your bottom dollar on that!” I answered.
I stood outside the Cafe wrapping my arms around Jenson’s waist. I pulled him close to me.
“I know you're concerned with Molly. What I want to know is how you’re doing?” he asked, pushing a stray piece of hair behind my ear. His hand rested on my shoulder.
“Things are a bit confusing. Cal and I are developing the knack for linking. I 'm worried. It could be more than that,” I said, leaning into him.
“How so? Like Molly and Maine?”
I shrugged, not wanting to answer him. I’d never thought of Cal that way. Not even during our sessions, I was just freaked. Why? That was the question I wish I knew. “I don’t know. I haven’t had any of those thoughts if that’s what you mean,” I answered.
He touched his forehead to mine. Reaching out my hand, I stroked his cheek. Then tugged him closer until there was no space between us. Gently I kissed his top lip, then the bottom one.
“Ah hem,” said Molly.
Jenson and I untangled ourselves from one another.
“Eh, hey. I thought maybe you were already in the Cafe waiting for us,”I said, fixing my backpack on my shoulder.
“No, I’m right here! We should get coffee bef
ore class starts.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I needed my caffeine fix. It was going to be a long day.
Molly looked at Jenson, “Can I borrow her for a bit? You don’t mind ordering us our drinks do you?” she asked, handing him a ten dollar bill.
“I guess. I’ll meet you girls wherever you sit.”
“Sure. That works,” said Molly grabbing my hand. She guided me over to a table near the window, pulling out two chairs.
“Thanks,” I said, sitting down. “There’s something I need to tell you. I forgot last night. My dad mentioned, there’s an apartment for rent near here. Are you still considering moving out?”
“I’m not sure yet. Um, did you see Maine today? I was supposed to meet her at Denny’s. Then mom and dad got into this screaming match. I was right there in the middle of it. I don’t want to take anyone side on these issues. It worries me. One of them had to do with money. Before, it was all about me. My mom doesn’t spend a lot. He insists she has a problem.”
“He sounds controlling,” I remarked.
“A smidgen, yes,” she admitted.
I glanced over at Jenson, who was ordering our drinks and then turned back to focus on Molly. “About Maine. Since I worked today, yeah. I didn't’ wait on her or see her come in. She offered to give me a ride home. Then we argued a bit. I was trying to give her advice on how to work things out with you. I don’t want to see you recoil into your shell. As far as your mom and dad’s troubles, you'll have to let them work out their problems. There's not a lot you can do.”
“I’m aware of that,” Molly answered.
Jenson shuffled over carrying the drinks in his hands. He set them down beside us on the table. Molly took hers, sipped the hot liquid and then pushed it aside.
“Thanks,” I stated, grabbing my drink.
“Did I get it right?” he asked us.
“Yeah, thank you,” I managed.
“Thanks, Jenson,” said Molly.
“I’ll leave you girls to chat. Um, see you in class?”
I nodded, he planted a kiss on my head.
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 19