She Only Speaks to Butterflies

by Appleyard, Sandy

  Sherry lay in bed, sobbing gently when Denise suddenly turned over, facing her mother. Holding her breath, Sherry felt Denise snuggle closer. Sherry exhaled slowly, relaxing. Denise wiped away a tear from her mother’s face, and then she kissed the tip of her nose.

  Sherry whispered. “I love you too, sweetheart.”

  Chapter 7

  The morning was crisp and fresh, and despite a hangover, Sherry wanted to take Kate’s offer to have Denise visit for the morning while she cleaned out the guest bedroom.

  “Where’d you end up to last night?” Leon asked, brewing a pot of coffee.

  “Denise had a nightmare.”

  “Hmm…I’m going into the store for a coupla hours this mornin’. Y’all need me to stick around for anything? I gotta head home and get ready.”

  “No, thanks.” Sherry popped a couple of Aspirin tablets into her mouth. “I’m takin’ her over to visit Kate and Ned.”

  “I can bring her home later,” Leon offered. “I’m workin’ there this afternoon.”

  Sherry washed down the Aspirin with water. “Thanks.”

  Denise stuffed Rainy Day Bear in her purse as they headed over to Baker’s Farm. Sherry pulled up to the side parcel of land, where Ned was growing corn, cabbage and various other root vegetables for sale. The other side he grew wheat, strawberries and other vine-grown fruits. The back parcel was where the cows, pigs and horses grazed, and the barn was where the butterflies were kept in the conservatory.

  Baker’s Farm was in the centre of town, and had existed for more than one hundred years on Ned’s side. It was where he grew up and married Kate thirty-five years ago. Up until eight years ago, Ned’s mother still lived with them; she passed from a stroke in her sleep.

  The girls walked up to the farmhouse as the storm door creaked open and Kate appeared with a serving platter, two teacups, milk and sugar. She’d been expecting them. Ned motioned to Denise to come out back to the conservatory. The little girl didn’t need to be asked twice.

  “Alan was by earlier; he hired a new guy to replace Nate Zimmerman,” Kate said, pouring two cups of tea.

  “So fast?”

  “That’s what Ned said.” Kate gave Sherry her tea. “He musta had a pool of applicants ready. He knew about Nate retirin’ for a while now, mind you.”

  Sherry nodded thanks. “Did he tell you anything about him?”

  Kate took a seat and sipped her tea. “He’s young; early thirties, divorced.” She shook her head distastefully and sighed. “Ned’s not pleased about that. Anyway, he’s rentin’ the Smitherman’s basement out until he finds a place.”

  “Not much available right now. I hear Greg Groves sold the Berkshire’s just the other night.”

  “Mathilda Farnsworth is getting’ ready to sell, I hear,” Kate volunteered. “Her place would suit him fine.”

  “Grace and Chuck Grey are havin’ another kid. She’s been complainin’ their house is too small for a while now,” Sherry added. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they moved soon, too.”

  “Seems Rick and Molly Berkshire sold at the right time. Market’s gonna open up good this year.”

  Sherry changed the subject. “Reverend Telly say how much the bake sale raised?”

  Kate shifted her weight on the chair. “Five hundred, I believe.”

  “I think they were aimin’ for that.” Sherry’s brow furrowed. “They should be able to get lots of new books with that amount.”

  “Red Bates over at the library says he’ll donate some, too.”

  Sherry took the last sip of her tea. “I should get goin’. I’ll peek in at Denise before I head out.” She placed her empty teacup on the serving platter. “Thanks for the tea.”

  “I’ll make her a picnic lunch in the garden; she seems to love that.”

  “Thanks, Kate.”

  Sherry walked to the side of the porch and down the steps to the stable. A couple of farm hands were working inside the stables, tending to the horses and shepherding the other animals outside for their morning feed. The conservatory was just beyond the grain silo, where the other animals wouldn’t disturb the butterflies.

  She opened the screen door and felt the temperature change. Ned created a warm, humid environment for the butterflies and the pupa to flourish. Along the sides of the room were ledges that came up to Sherry’s hip; she saw Ned and Denise placing small dishes of over-ripened citrus fruit on the ledges for the insects to eat.

  Denise stood in awe as the butterflies collected on the trays, landing on the fruit and inserting their long, straw-like tongues into it. Sherry heard Ned naming the species of a few to her as she held out half an orange, unpeeled, on her palm. Three butterflies flocked to her, landing gently on the sweet fruit.

  “See, they’re attracted to you, dear. Yer sweet just as you are.” Ned stroked her chubby cheek with his finger. He caught Sherry in the corner of his eye and offered her the other half of the orange. “You want to give it a try?”

  “No, thanks,” Sherry smiled. “I just came to say goodbye for now.” She looked at Denise, who was distracted and showed no interest in her mother. “Leon’s bringin’ ya home later, sweetie, okay?”

  Denise blinked, evidently scared to move and disturb the feeding frenzy.

  Ned beamed. “She’s no mind.”

  “Ring if ya need me,” Sherry said before heading out the door. She waved at Kate, watching from the kitchen window, and entered the Eldorado.

  Driving up her street, she heard a loud bang and slowed down as she craned her neck from side to side, looking for the cause of the noise. As she approached Mrs. Marx’s house four doors down, she saw the elderly woman lying on her back in the driveway. A garbage bin was moving back and forth on its side as the lid wound itself down, making such a racket as it finally hit the ground. Sherry pulled over quickly, slamming the car door as she raced to Mrs. Marx’s side.

  “Mrs. Marx, are ya okay?” Sherry cried. “Why didn’t you ask someone for help?”

  Jinny Marx was a small, slender woman in her seventies. Her long white hair was pulled back in a bun at the nape of her neck. Her stark blue eyes looked miles away.

  “I…I got dizzy,” she said, before closing her eyes, losing consciousness. Sherry bent down and took Jinny’s head into her hands, scanning the area for help. A small car pulled up behind Sherry’s Eldorado and she was relieved to see a familiar face: Jinny’s daughter, Mandy.

  “Mandy!” she yelled, cradling Mrs. Marx’s head in her arms. “Call 911!”

  Mandy hurried into the house, stumbling on a pile of garbage sitting on the front stoop.

  “Just hang in there, Mrs. Marx,” Sherry said, smoothing a loose strand of hair away from the old woman’s eyes. “We’re gettin’ help.”

  Moments later, Mandy joined Sherry at her mother’s side.

  “I told her to wait until I got here,” Mandy insisted. “That’s what I get for bein’ late I s’pose.”

  “Don’t blame yourself, Mandy.” Sherry was solemn. “She’s a stubborn woman. I see her doin’ stuff like this all the time.”

  “I know it.”

  Hours later, when Sherry and Denise were cleaning up the dinner dishes, the phone rang.

  It was Mandy Marx.

  “Hi, Sherry. I just wanted to thank you for being there for my mom today.” Her voice was quivering.

  “Oh, it was nothin’, darlin’, I was just passin’ through on my way home.” She hesitated, “H…how’s your mom?”

  “She had a stroke.” Mandy’s voice cracked. “I just wanted y’all to hear it from me. I know how fast news travels in this town.”

  “Good Lord.” Sherry breathed. “I’m so sorry, Mandy,” she gulped. “I really don’t know what to say.”

  She heard Mandy whimper. “Just pray for her at church.”

  “I will. With all my heart, I will.”

  “I’ll see ya there Sunday, if momma’s feelin’ better.”

  “Give her our love.”

  …

>   Sherry and Denise sat together at the table. Sherry was eating a bowl of oatmeal and Denise was devouring her cereal and milk. There was a knock at the door.

  “Yer chariot is here!” Sarah sang, pushing the door open. “You ready? Mark’s got the car runnin’.”

  “Yep. Just let me grab some change for the offerin’.” Sherry rose and placed her dirty dish in the sink. “You got yer bear?” she asked Denise.

  When they arrived at church, Sarah carried a small chesterfield pillow in with her. Sherry chuckled.

  “What’s that for?”

  “Well, no matter how much I pray for my bottom to not get sore in the Lord’s house, it still feels like someone’s kicked me in the rear. “ Sarah was adamant. “So I figure, if he wants to give me a sore behind, I’m bringin’ a pillow to the service.” She placed it under her arm forcefully. “I’ll fix his wagon.”

  Sherry smirked, taking Denise’s hand as they crossed the parking lot into the chapel. She paused, observing the lot.

  “I wonder how Mrs. Marx is doin’?”

  “I’m sure Reverend Telly’ll give a prayer for her.” Sarah patted her arm. “Come on, Mark!” She bellowed as he drove around, looking for a spot closer to the entrance. “If we don’t get a good seat, it won’t matter how close you parked!”

  “Ah, to hell with it,” Sarah huffed. “He can find his own damn seat.”

  They entered the chapel. Ned and Kate were seated up front. Ned saw Sherry and gestured for her to come sit with them. Sherry made her way to the first aisle, nodding and waving to familiar faces, including Lina and Greg Groves. Greg gave her a wink while Lina lifted a brow, placing her nose back into the church leaflet.

  Sherry sat beside Kate. “Mandy Marx show up yet?”

  “No, we ain’t seen her, love,” Kate said worriedly. “Your parents comin’ in today?”

  Sherry nodded, lifting a bible from the shelf in front of her. “They called last night. Daddy said they should be here after lunch.”

  Mark walked in briskly, looking hesitantly for Sarah. Ned motioned him over, offering the seat next to him, purposely on the opposite side of Sarah. As Mark sat Ned patted him on the back of his hand and smiled knowingly. Mark murmured.

  “Bless you, Ned.” The old man chuckled under his breath.

  Reverend Telly began the service by thanking all the participants in the bake sale, and sharing a joke about how his cloak was fitting more snugly since. After he recited the hymns and his daughter Sheila completed the reading, he proceeded to the announcements.

  “Once again I’d like to thank everyone who helped with the bake sale. Principal Martin at Cog Hill Elementary School couldn’t be here today to thank you personally, so he’s asked me to do it on his behalf.”

  The Reverend shifted his weight, removing the microphone from the podium as he walked down the middle aisle. “Normally at this time we say prayers for those of us who are sick or troubled, but most of us are fortunate enough to be healthy and at peace.” He scanned the room, removing the reading glasses he had perched on his nose.

  “We’re blessed to not have to make regretful announcements in this community very often, thanks to the wonderful team of doctors we have at our hospital.” He cleared his throat nervously. “Unfortunately, there was one member of our community they weren’t able to save.”

  Sherry felt her heart pound in her chest. Sarah gave Sherry’s hand a gentle squeeze.

  “Jinny Marx, a wonderful woman, a member of our church, and a strong part of this community, passed away early this morning.” He looked down, then back up again. “I was honored to give her her last rights late last night.”

  “God bless her,” someone said.

  “Yes, thank you,” Reverend Telly responded appreciatively. “God bless her dear soul.” Then he bowed his head and joined his hands in front. “Let us pray for Jinny Marx, Mandy Marx and the rest of the Marx family. The Lord be with them.”

  Silence enveloped the congregation as church members bowed their heads in prayer. Reverend Telly continued.

  “The funeral service will be held here the day after tomorrow, as per the family’s wishes. All are welcome to attend.”

  Reverend Telly turned on his heel, walking back up to the podium, and replaced the microphone on its stand. He cleared his throat again.

  “As with the circle of life, when one life ends, another begins. Rebecca and Leo Cunningham gave birth to a healthy baby girl yesterday. They weren’t able to join us today for obvious reasons.” The Reverend continued.

  “Alan Wilkins, our Fire Marshall, has hired a new member of the Fire Hall.” He gestured to the back row. “Lee Givens joins us today.” A gentleman close to the exit rose slightly, bowing gallantly. “He’s just arrived and I’ve had the pleasure of chattin’ with him.” Reverend Telly smiled and gave a reciprocating bow. “I’m sure we’ll all give him a warm welcome.”

  “Not too warm!” someone yelled out in jest. “Wouldn’t want to start up no fires!”

  Laughter spread throughout the chapel. Lee’s face colored as he kept his eyes fixed on the floor.

  “Lord, don’t make me dip my finger in no holy water today, I’m gonna bust!” Sarah said, thankful when the service was over.

  Sherry gestured Sarah out of the pew and led her down the aisles. She stood in the hallway, waiting for her pregnant friend to do her business. There was a goodie tray and a coffee urn on the table by the entrance, and some people were helping themselves while mingling.

  “Do you want to go grab a donut?” Sherry asked Denise.

  “I’ll take her up,” Martha said, approaching with Luke in tow.

  “Thanks. I’m gonna go check on Sarah.”

  She walked through a corridor, passing the church office and meeting room, and nearly bumped into someone coming out of the men’s washroom.

  “Excuse me, ma’am,” he said, turning sideways to give her right-of-way.

  Sherry blushed. “Sorry, I wasn’t watchin’ where I was goin’.”

  The gentleman extended his hand. “Lee Givens. Just joined the Fire Hall.” His face was smooth except for a crease between his eyebrows. He had dark brown wavy hair that curled behind his ears, and he had twinkling blue eyes. He was tall, much taller than Sherry by at least a head, and his handshake was firm. Sherry grinned.

  “Welcome to the neighborhood.” Sarah bellowed something from the bathroom about being out of toilet paper. Sherry frowned, trying to hide her smile. “I gotta go. Nice meetin’ ya.”

  “Likewise.”

  Reaching under the metal swing door, Sherry passed a roll of toilet paper to Sarah.

  “Who’s that?” Sarah asked.

  “The new fireman, Mr. Givens.”

  “He cute?”

  “I wasn’t really payin’ much attention. I nearly knocked him over.”

  Sarah exited the stall with a smirk. “Maybe next time he’ll knock you over.”

  “Shut up and wash your hands.”

  …

  Sherry drove up the gravel pathway and turned off the engine. Denise was dosing in the back seat. Kenny and Gertrude, her parents, sat on the front veranda drinking tea. Her dad rose from his chair

  “Sugarplum!” he shouted. He looked like he’d gained some weight; his belt sat tighter at his waist.

  “Daddy!” she yelped, feeling a pang of sadness for how much she’d missed her parents. “I’m so glad to see ya.” she cried, breathing into her dad’s shoulder as he embraced her.

  Sherry’s mom let Denise out of the car and squeezed her tight, asking about Rainy Day Bear.

  “I’ve heard so much about him, sweetie,” she said, looking down at the stuffed toy inside the little girl’s purse, hanging at her side. “Can I meet him?”

  Denise gently pulled him out, proudly handing her most prized possession to her granny. The twinkle in her eyes set Sherry’s heart alight, and the bright smile granny offered was contagious.

  “I’m so happy to meet ya,” Gertrude said emphat
ically to the bear. “It looks like we’re goin’ to get to know each other a lot this summer.”

  “Oh, fer lan’s sakes, Gertrude!” Kenny chuckled. “Quit hoggin’ the lass.” He lifted her up high, so her legs flailed about almost overhead. “My Lord, how much you’ve grown!” he gasped. Then he cradled her head in his hand, just like he did when she was a baby. “Oh, pumpkin, grampa’s missed you somethin’ awful.” He kissed the top of her head and rubbed it, as if to leave a permanent impression, and lowered her back down, so her feet were on the ground again.

  Sherry hugged her mom as the tears flowed. “I’m so glad yer here, momma,” she sobbed. “It’s been so hard.”

  “I know, princess,” Gertrude whispered. “But we’re here now.”

  “Mrs. Marx passed last night.” Sherry wiped a tear away with the back of her hand. “She had a stroke yesterday. I found her.”

  Gertrude’s hand went straight to her mouth. “Oh, dear. You poor thang. Let’s go in and I’ll make ya some tea,” she said as if that would take away the pain.

  “My goodness, love,” her mother complained, opening up the fridge “You been eatin’?” she looked at her daughter imploringly. “You haven’t got any food.” Kenny intervened.

  “We’ll go shoppin’ later.” He sensed his daughter’s discomfort. “I need stuff special anyway.” Kenny was the first to see Sherry’s fridge, having prepared the tea when they arrived.

  “Why don’t ya go on up and show grampa the new toys you’ve gotten since he’s been here last?” Sherry offered, while Gertrude gave her husband a knowing look.

  “Want a ride?” he offered Denise, who jumped up and ran to him. He hoisted her up onto his back and galloped up the stairs. “Be careful, for God’s sake, Kenny!” Gertrude scolded.

  When Kenny was out of earshot, Sherry sat down with her mother at the table.

  “Level with me,” Gertrude said. “You makin’ ends meet?”

  “I’m fine, momma,” Sherry insisted. “I’d planned on gettin’ the house ready for ya yesterday, but when everythin’ happened with Mrs. Marx, I got distracted.”