by Claire Fogel
“Let’s take our coffee out on the porch. Your parents will sleep longer if the house is quiet.”
Outside the air was cool and crisp. It was beginning to feel like autumn, a time of year I loved. The landscape was so colorful as the leaves began to fall. It was a wonderful time for an artist. Sadly, I wondered if I’d have any opportunity for drawing and painting in the forest before winter set in.
Adam’s voice was soft. “You wish you were out there drawing those trees you love, don’t you?”
I smiled at him. “Yeah, some trees and maybe an Elf or two.”
It wasn’t long before my phone began to ring.
“Hi, beautiful, how’s your mom?”
“She’s still asleep, but she seemed all right when the Chief brought her home last night. A little shaky, but all right.”
“Ah, that’s a relief. The Chief called us when she’d been located. We were still knocking on doors at our end of town. How are you feeling? It must have been an awful night for you.”
“I’m okay, just tired. We didn’t get much sleep.”
There was a slight hesitation before Sean said, “We?”
“Adam stayed here with me. Everyone else was out searching.”
“I wanted to stay with you, but your father and mine both thought I’d be more use outside, knocking on doors.” I heard a deep sigh. “I’m glad you weren’t alone, even if it wasn’t with me.”
“Well, I’m glad you were here earlier.”
I’d been speaking very softly, but Adam looked over at me with a wry smile. I would have to speak to him about minding his own business when it came to my relationship with Sean.
Once I was off the phone, I turned around and faced him. “Remember, you’re the one who encouraged me to accept Sean’s apology last summer. As far as my relationship with him is concerned, you can butt out now.”
He had that amused look on his face, the one that had always irritated me. “Does that mean you’ll be kissing Sean whenever you think you need ‘comforting?’”
Now he was pissing me off. “Yes. I like kissing Sean. And it’s none of your business.”
Still looking amused, he said, “Have you ever kissed anyone else? So that you’d have some basis for comparison, I mean.”
It was time for me to be somewhere else, somewhere I wouldn’t be tempted to dump my coffee over his head. I got up and went into the kitchen and began taking down plates, cups and silverware. Kevin wouldn’t be here with brunch for another hour and a half, but I needed to keep my hands busy and my mouth shut.
I heard him say, “I think I just got my answer to that question.”
A few minutes later there was a soft knock on the back door. I swung it open, prepared to tell Adam what he could do with his questions, but Arlynn was standing there, an unsure smile on her beautiful face. On her arm was a big basket of muffins. I looked over her shoulder and saw Adam striding through the yard into the woods. He waved a muffin at me.
Arlynn said, “Did I come at a bad time? I’m sorry. I just wanted to find out how your mother is feeling. Uh, I can leave if this isn’t a good time.”
I pulled her into the kitchen. “I’m sorry. It’s not a bad time. I was just irritated with Adam. Come on in. I know Mom will be glad to see you. She and my father aren’t up yet. They got home very late last night.”
She handed me the basket of muffins she’d probably just made this morning.
“I brought your favorites, apple cinnamon. I hope Alicia likes them.”
“I’m sure she’ll love them. They might even inspire her to start baking. Mom loves to cook, but baking isn’t one of her favorite things.”
We heard Mom’s voice from the top of the stairs. “I love baked goods. But I knew if I started baking my own, I’d just end up wearing them around my hips.” She walked into the kitchen, smiling when she saw Arlynn. She looked a lot better this morning, which was a relief. In faded jeans and a pink t-shirt, she didn’t look much older than I did.
She gave us both hugs and sat down at the table. “Cara, please pour me a cup of coffee to go with these beautiful muffins. Arlynn, it was sweet of you to bring them. I don’t think I have the energy to make our usual Sunday brunch, so your muffins are a welcome treat.”
I handed her the coffee, poured another cup for Arlynn, and sat down next to her. “Kevin’s bringing brunch today. He told me not to let you do anything.”
She actually laughed. “I didn’t know Kevin could cook.”
“He can’t. He’s raiding the deli downtown. He’ll be here around eleven.”
She was smiling. “I can’t wait to see what he brings us. The deli has the best bagels and lox, and the most delicious homemade dill pickles.” It was such a relief to see her smiling. My dad must have worked his magic last night.
“Is Dad still sleeping?” I asked.
“No, he’s enjoying a hot shower, a real treat since he tells me they only have cold showers in Elvenwood.”
“Yeah. It was fine when the weather was hot, but cold showers in the winter aren’t something I’d want to live with.”
Arlynn smiled. “Believe it or not, you get used to it. By the way, Cara, what kind of tea is this? It’s, uh, quite strong.”
I felt like an idiot. “Oh, I’m sorry! That’s not tea. I gave you coffee. If you add cream and sugar, you might like it better. But I can make tea, if you’d like.”
She added the cream and sugar, took a sip, and smiled. “This is really good.” Another coffee convert.
I heard my father’s footsteps on the stairs and looked up to see him wearing what Mom called his “street clothes,” gray slacks and a button-down shirt.
He looked embarrassed, putting his hands in the pockets of his slacks. “I don’t have any other clean clothes here.”
I thought he looked fantastic. And a hundred percent better than he’d looked the night before. Maybe Mom was the one with the magic.
Mom looked up, obviously pleased. “You look fine, Brian.”
I grinned at him. “Better than fine, Dad. You look very handsome. I like your street clothes.”
His face was slightly pink. “Thank you, dear.”
Looking thoughtful, Mom said, “You should probably bring a few changes of clothes to keep here.”
Eyebrows raised, he said, “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not.” The look on her face said a lot more.
Arlynn looked at me and we both smiled. She knew how much I wanted my parents together.
We nibbled on muffins and drank coffee until we heard the doorbell ring. I opened the door. Kevin held three large deli bags and wore a big smile. Right behind him was a grinning Amy who was carrying a huge bouquet of Chrysanthemums, gold, white, and bronze, all the autumn colors I loved.
“Hope you don’t mind me tagging along. I just want to give your mom a big hug and these flowers.” She whispered, “I didn’t know what had happened until Sean and his dad rang our bell last night. Is she okay?”
“I think she’s all right, but we haven’t really had a chance to talk about it. Kevin, bring all that food in. Amy, you have to stay for brunch. And say hello to Arlynn.”
They followed me into the kitchen, where Amy practically tackled Mom, hugging her and half-crushing the flowers she carried.
“These are for you, Mrs. C. I hope you don’t mind me crashing your Sunday brunch. Kevin brought enough food for an army.”
Mom gave Amy an equally warm hug, thanked her for the flowers, and stood to take a look into Kevin’s bags from the deli while I put the colorful mums in water.
Amy’s eyes were riveted on Arlynn, who smiled. “Hi, Amy, it’s lovely to meet you.”
Kevin pulled out a big bag of fresh bagels, a tub of cream cheese, a package of lox, and a plastic bag full of their homemade dill pickles. That was just the first bag he was carrying. The second bag contained a fresh loaf of rye bread, a package of rare roast beef, a block of Colby cheddar, and a jar of spicy mustard. The third and final
bag held an entire sour cream cheesecake. Kevin folded up his bags with a happy smile. “Let’s eat!”
“Kevin, you’ve really outdone yourself.” Mom dropped a kiss on his cheek. “You didn’t have to do all this, dear.”
Kevin looked down at her, affection clear on his face. “After all the meals I’m bummed from you, it’s the least I could do. I’m just glad you’re home and in one piece, Mrs. C.”
He looked down, his face pink.
Mom squeezed his arm and whispered, “I love you too, Kevin.”
I couldn’t help noticing that Amy kept staring at Arlynn, as though she wasn’t quite sure the beautiful Elf was real.
I put all the food Kevin had brought on plates, put the fresh orange juice on the table and invited everyone to help themselves. And they did; the bagels and lox disappeared first. Next, Kevin and my father made themselves thick roast beef sandwiches and I made another pot of coffee.
Amy seemed surprised to see Arlynn eating a bagel and obviously enjoying it. She said, “Arlynn, you eat bagels like we do?”
Arlynn laughed. “What did you think I ate?”
In a dreamy voice, Amy said, “I don’t know. Moonbeams maybe?”
I saw Mom struggling to keep a straight face as Arlynn blushed a deep pink.
Mom turned to Kevin. “Thank you so much, Kevin. Everything was delicious.”
Kevin grinned, his eyes going to the cheesecake that was still sitting on the breakfast bar. “There’s more, Mrs. C.”
We decided to save the cheesecake for later, and Amy helped me clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher.
Amy kissed Mom on the cheek. “I’ve got to run. My mother had an urge for Apple Cobbler this morning. I promised to give her a hand.”
Kevin said, “Apple Cobbler . . . hey, Amy, can I come over later?”
Amy looked at Arlynn. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I’ve really enjoyed meeting you. It’s just that you kind of take people by surprise.”
Arlynn smiled and blushed again. I was used to her, but I understood why her silvery hair and crystal blue eyes had taken Amy by surprise. She could have been one of those gorgeous Elves in “Lord of the Rings.”
I walked Amy to the door. “So where’s your studly bodyguard this morning?” she asked with a grin.
I just shook my head. “He was here earlier, but I got annoyed with him, and he left.”
Amy looked amazed. “Cara, how can you get annoyed with a guy who looks like Adam and who’s totally devoted to you?”
“Adam needs to butt out of my relationship with Sean. Who I kiss is totally my business, not Adam’s!”
“Ooh, we have to talk. Call me later?”
I said I would, hugged her and she went out the door where Neal was waiting for her on the porch.
When I got back in the kitchen, Kevin was eyeing the cheesecake.
Mom said, “It was so nice of Amy to bring my favorite fall flowers, wasn’t it? I’m going to keep them right here in the kitchen and enjoy them. Having your friends here this morning was good for all of us, I think.”
Kevin asked, “Does anyone else have room for cheesecake?”
I rolled my eyes. Arlynn nodded with a smile.
I was surprised when Mom said she’d have a small piece. Dad smiled his approval and said he’d like a piece too.
Half an hour later, there was only half a cheesecake left.
Mom said, “Kevin, you really should take the rest of the cake home, along with the rest of the roast beef. I know how hungry you are all the time. I enjoyed it all immensely.”
“My pleasure, Mrs. C.” He chuckled. “After all, you’ve been feeding me since I was five.”
Mom stood. “I think it’s time for a nap. All that good food made me drowsy. Thanks again, Kevin. I’ll see you later. Arlynn, dear, thank you for bringing those wonderful muffins. Please stay as long as you like.” After hugging each of us, she left to go upstairs. My father got up, whispering, “I don’t want her to be alone.” He followed Mom upstairs.
When we heard her bedroom door close, Kevin said, “I couldn’t help noticing that your dad was very quiet today. He hardly took his eyes off her.”
I nodded. “I noticed too. He’s worried about her. I am too.”
“Has she said anything about what she went through?”
“Not yet. Mom has always kept the big things to herself. I don’t know whether she’ll want to talk about it or not. But I heard her crying last night.”
Looking troubled, Kevin shook his head. “The Chief captured both men, didn’t he?”
I shrugged. “I think so, but I don’t know any more than you do. I haven’t spoken to the Chief. He just dropped off Mom and Dad last night and left. I think he knew that Mom wanted to be home with her family.”
Kevin nodded. “I think that’s what she needed to feel safe again. To be home and to be with your dad.”
I nodded. “One good thing that’s come out of all these threats and stress, my parents have gotten a lot closer. My independent mother finally realizes she needs my father, which, in my opinion, is a very good thing.”
Arlynn added, “The love between your parents is obvious, just in the way they look at each other. But I do hope what she experienced won’t have any lasting effects. She does seem a little shaky, not quite herself.”
Kevin and I looked at each other. We knew Arlynn was right.
She said, “It’s time for me to be going. I have to meet Conor at your father’s camp. He’ll be riding back to Elvenwood with me. He’s also kind of running things while your father is taking care of your mother.”
After promising to give Conor a hug for me, she dropped a kiss on my cheek and left through the backyard.
After another piece of cheesecake, Kevin said, “We’re back to school in the morning, short stuff. It seems like this weekend has been a month long. It’s hard to remember that David Somers was killed Friday night, not even forty-eight hours ago.”
I’d almost forgotten how this awful weekend started. I sighed. “I wonder how everyone else in school is handling it.”
“I won’t be surprised if there are counselors at school this week to help any of the kids who are still shell-shocked by David’s death.” Kevin shook his head. “I really regret that I never had a chance to get to know him.”
After we talked a while longer, I helped Kevin pack up the leftovers so he could take them home. “I think I can see what you’ll be having for dinner, Kev.”
He grinned. “Yeah. Roast beef sandwiches and cheesecake. But for now, I’ve got to work on my newest game. I think I’m going to call it Dragon Wars.”
I snorted. “Gee, I wonder where you got that idea.”
“Don’t forget, babe, you have to tell me more about your newest friend. Springing her on me like that last night was a major shock. I’m surprised my hair didn’t turn gray!”
“Well, you’re driving to school next week, so we can talk in the car. By now, I’m sure all of the Elves know about her. My father wanted to keep her existence a secret, but that idea’s shot now. I’m sure the Elves who were in the woods last night got a good look at my amazing new friend.”
Kevin still looked a little awed. “She’s magnificent. I’m still waiting to find out how she managed to find your mom last night, and I’m dying to know what she did to those kidnappers.”
“I’m really curious myself.” I could have asked Rowenna, but at the time, I was more concerned about my mother.
After Kevin went home with his leftovers, I made myself a pot of tea and ran upstairs to get my English books. I’d already fallen behind with homework. With the house so quiet, this was a good time to catch up.
I was deep into Macbeth when there was a soft knock on the back door. Pushing my books aside, I got up to answer the door and was surprised to find Adam on the porch.
“What do you want?” I wasn’t feeling polite.
“You’re still mad at me.”
Crossing my arms over my chest,
I said, “Yep.”
He sighed. “The weekend is almost over, so I won’t see you again until next weekend. I didn’t want to wait that long to apologize. You were right. Your relationship with your friends is none of my business.” One eyebrow shot up. “As long as none of them are hurting you, that is.”
“None of my friends are going to hurt me, Adam.”
“One already did, not long before I met you.”
Of course he was referring to Sean and the painful break-up we’d had in June.
“I think I can safely say that won’t happen again. Sean doesn’t want to lose me again.”
“So you are his ‘girlfriend’ again.”
“No, Adam, I’m no one’s girlfriend. I don’t want another boyfriend. I don’t think I want to depend on anyone that much again.”
He nodded, but he wasn’t smiling. “Well then, I guess you’re free to kiss anyone you like. I won’t interfere.”
“Does that include you, Adam?” Why on earth did I say that?
He laughed softly, pinning me with those dark blue eyes. “That would be playing with fire, love.”
Still chuckling, he walked down the steps and headed for the woods. I watched until he disappeared in the trees.
I was just putting away my English homework when Mom and Dad came downstairs around suppertime. They helped themselves to coffee and sat down with me.
“Got all your homework done?” Mom asked.
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, but I’m not a fan of Macbeth.” I waved my book in the air. “Wish my teacher had chosen one of Shakespeare’s more lighthearted plays.”
She nodded. “I think we’ve had enough tragedy.” My father put his arm around her. He was still watching her closely.
When I admitted I was a little hungry, Mom heated up soup and we made sandwiches for supper.
After we’d eaten, there were things I wanted to ask Mom, but something told me to wait. Maybe it was the careful way my father was watching her, the way you’d watch a bomb you thought might go off. She had said all the right things today when Kevin, Amy, and Arlynn visited. But she seemed brittle, not at all like the self-confident Alicia Connelly I’d always known.