She Only Speaks to Butterflies

by Appleyard, Sandy

Heather looked at Denise and grinned while walking away. “Bless her.”

  “She is blessed,” Sherry said to herself. “So am I.”

  …

  “Y’all ready to go up there?” Kenny hollered from the main floor. “We’re gonna be late, ladies.”

  “Momma, I wanna wear the butterfly dress today,” Denise argued, after changing for the tenth time.

  “Darlin’ that dress barely fits ya. Tell ya what, you wear the pretty yella one today and gramma and grampa’ll take ya out right after church and get ya a new one, ‘kay?” Gertrude offered while Sherry worked the yellow sundress over her daughter’s head.

  “But I don’t like the yella one!” Denise shouted, hands tense at her sides. “It makes me look like a big ol’ lemon drop!”

  Sherry burst out laughing. Hearing her daughter talk, no matter what words or tone she used, was so delightful it was music to her ears.

  Denise grew frustrated. “Stop laughin’ at me, momma!”

  “Alright darlin’,” Gertrude chuckled, fastening the spaghetti straps. “Let’s get ya out the door before Reverend Telly starts the service without us.”

  Sarah and Mark saved them a seat up front. Taking their places, Reverend Telly smiled before beginning the service. The congregation prayed for Kate, Ned and the farm as they took up a collection for the Bakers, which Doug accepted gratefully.

  “How’s the farm look?” Sherry asked Doug after the service.

  “Well, the good news is the crops wasn’t disturbed, nor was the brush in the back, which is a miracle seein’ as it’s fire season,” Doug explained, sipping a coffee. “The conservatory and the barn need guttin’ and rebuildin’, and we’ll have to have a builder assess if the barn can be saved or not.”

  “Should be okay,” Alan said. “I’ve seen a lot worse. Not to be disrespectful.”

  Doug raised his hand, indicating there no offense was taken. “So long as the Lord brings momma and daddy home safe and healthy, the rest is replaceable.”

  “That’s right.” Lee joined the conversation. “I know lots a people in construction that could help ya out if ya like.”

  “I appreciate that,” Doug nodded.

  “They’d do it for free, too. Labor anyways, as they owe me a few favors.”

  “That’s awful kind of ya Lee, thanks.”

  “Kate comin’ home tomorrow?” Sherry asked Doug.

  “That’s right. She’s gonna need me to stick around for a while and keep an eye on that concussion, but otherwise she’s gonna be fine.”

  “Me and Gertie can stay with ya if ya like,” Kenny offered. “She ain’t gonna be able to cook or tend house much with that busted arm.”

  “That’s awful kind of ya Kenny, but we’ll manage. But please feel free to come on over and bring food as often as ya like.”

  “Ya needn’t worry ‘bout any food. We’ll make rounds; all of us,” Gertrude added.

  Sarah snaked her arm around Gertrude’s waist. “Y’all make sure yer sharin’ some a this food yer all talkin’ ‘bout here, eh Gertie?”

  “How’re ya doin’?” Gertrude beamed. “Haven’t seen ya in a while.”

  “Doctor’s orders.” Sarah glared jokingly at Doug.

  Denise tugged at Sherry’s dress. “Momma, can I have another cookie?”

  “Well sure, hunny. Help yerself.”

  Suddenly jaws dropped. Sarah, Doug and Alan stared at Denise as she scurried to the snack table. “D…did she just talk? I ain’t hearin’ things, am I?” Sarah whispered.

  Sherry had an ear-to-ear smile. “She did.”

  “Well I’ll be damned.” Doug shook his head. “I’ve heard that children just one day start talkin’ after…well…after that, but…well, I thought it was just a theory.”

  “Ain’t no theory, Doug.” Kenny patted Doug on the shoulder. “It’s a miracle.”

  Lee smiled at Sherry as he changed the subject. “So I guess that barbecue’s been cancelled.”

  “Yeah. We thought we’d postpone it for now. At least until Ned’s feelin’ better. Won’t be the same without him.”

  Lee nodded assent. “Denise okay?.I mean, after the fire ‘n all?”

  Sherry gestured to her daughter, running around the organ playing tag with Luke. “You tell me.”

  Lee tipped his head. “I best be goin’ and gettin’ some rest. On duty tonight.”

  “I’ll see ya later.” Sherry watched him walk away. Surprising her, he turned and winked.

  Sarah caught the look. “He makin’ moves on ya? Ya need me to kick him in the rear?”

  “Why would ya need to?” Sherry chuckled.

  Sarah leaned in. “Just be careful. Word’s gettin’ ‘round town about you two.”

  “I’ll be careful,” Sherry promised. Involuntary smile muscles were still expanded fully as she watched Lee climb into his car.

  “Be careful,” Sarah warned. “But be happy, too.”

  …

  Gertrude carried a large plastic bag into the house.

  “What’s that, mamma?” Sherry asked.

  “Some a Gertie’s clothes need mendin’.”

  “How’s she doin’?”

  “Good. Stubborn as a mule, but I got her to eat and helped her get a proper bath. Martha’s over there sittin’ with her now while Doug’s at the hospital doin’ rounds.”

  Kenny walked in with groceries in hand. “You takin’ Denise over to see Ned, love? I left the car closer to the street for ya.”

  “Yeah, daddy. I was just gonna leave now. Gertie got food for tonight?”

  “I’m makin’ pot roast,” Kenny answered. “Momma’ll take some over for her later.”

  Denise strolled down the stairs, carrying a book. “Ya ready to go, darlin’?” Sherry asked.

  “Yep. Can I bring Rainy Day bear?”

  “Sure can.”

  Ned had more color, plus he had been shaved and sponge-bathed. The gash on his head was still covered in a thick bandage, but the cloth piece was smaller.

  “How’s he doin’?” Sherry asked Heather.

  “Not much change.” She marked something off in a file.

  “Do ya live here?” Sherry chuckled.

  “Short-staffed right now. I’m goin’ home in an hour.”

  “Good. Ya look tired.”

  Heather guffawed, waving her hand in front of her. “Honey, I’ve got three children and a lazy husband. I’m always tired.”

  Sherry laughed, watching Denise walk over to sit beside Ned’s bed. Denise smiled at him, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

  “Hi, Ned,” she whispered. “I brought another book to read ya. Since I know how much ya love ‘em, I thought I’d bring ya a story ‘bout butterflies.”

  Taking a seat next to her daughter, Sherry put her hand in front of her mouth, trying to stifle a gasp.

  Denise began reading, the words flowed like caramel on a sundae from her mouth. Sherry was enthralled by her daughter’s progress in a few short days. When she finished, Denise closed the book and placed it on Ned’s chest, looking downward, as though praying.

  The little girl’s lip quivered. “D…did ya know the butterflies…th…they didn’t make it,” she choked. Sherry rubbed her arm as the little girl lowered her chin, as if ashamed. “I was t…too scared…t…to save ‘em.”

  Sobbing quietly, afraid to wake Ned, a tear drop fell from Denise’s face and landed on the back of the old man’s hand. As it slowly ran down the side of his palm, his hand turned over. Denise didn’t notice.

  “I…I saw one yesterday,” Denise’s voice cracked. “It reminded me of the pretty purple one that always used to land on my nose.”

  Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, she added. “I miss ya, Ned. I hope yer feelin’ better soon so’s I can show ya the new bracelet I made for Rainy Day bear.”

  Leaning down to the chair to lift up her bear, Denise’s hand inadvertently touched Ned’s hand. He grasped it gently as she lifted her head in surprise. Sherry noticed
movement and rose quickly.

  Denise waited. She held his hand and watched his eyes, like she knew instinctively that he would awaken. Nurse Heather took notice and came to Ned’s side.

  When Ned turned his head, he slowly fluttered his eyes open, looking at Denise. Smiling, she said, “Hi, Ned. I’m glad yer awake. I missed ya a lot.”

  Leaning over, she placed her little fingers around his neck gently, lying on his chest. His hands rose as he awkwardly grasped her body as well as he could with the wires and intravenous line. When he was satisfied with his position, he closed his eyes again, freeing a tear down the side of his face.

  “I love ya more ‘n the moon and the stars, darlin’,” he said, his voice a gravelly whisper.

  “I love you too, Ned,” she sniffled.

  Chapter 20

  Ned was moved to the recovery ward and suddenly Cog Hill townspeople began visiting in droves. Doctors would release him in about a week, but the farmer was so badly missed, people couldn’t wait that long to see him. The whole clan had come to bring him flowers, and Ned called Denise over, proudly pulling her into his arms. “Come on over here, darlin’. Show me that new sweater for the bear you’ve been tellin’ me about.”

  Denise beamed as Ned examined it closely. He winked at Gertrude. “Ya did a fine job, Gertie.”

  “She fixed up my clothes real nice, too,” Kate added.

  Ned invited Denise to sit up on the bed next to him. She climbed up willingly when there was a knock at the door. Lee entered, carrying a potted plant. “Hope I’m not disturbin’ anything.” He blushed at the full room of people, and placed the plant in the only square inch of room on the window sill.

  “Not at all, son. Come on in,” Ned gestured warmly.

  “I can’t stay, anyhow. Been on call all night, need to get home and rest up,” Lee explained. “I was just droppin’ off the flowers and leavin’.”

  Lee offered Ned a handshake. “Glad to see you’re healin’ well.”

  “Thanks, son.” Ned winced as he raised his voice, addressing the room. “Do y’all mind givin’ me a moment? I want to have a quick word with Lee here.”

  “Sure, Ned.” Ned waited for the others to leave before speaking.

  Lee’s heart began to pound. Well aware of the rumors, the fireman worried Ned was about to threaten him like he did the night of the dance. The words the Lord is always watchin’ her. You’d be wise to remember that, came to mind.

  Ned offered Lee the seat by the bed as he began his speech. “Now, I don’t normally say things like this, because it don’t always happen. But I need to say this so hear me out.”

  Lee nodded slowly, feeling his heart pump hard in his chest.

  “I heard about what you did…the night of the fire.” Ned looked directly at Lee. “Now I know yer a fireman and that’s yer job and all, but you savin’ that precious angel’s life…well, it ain’t no wonder she’s talkin’ again.”

  Lee looked down at his hands. He was caught off guard and was unsure how to respond.

  Ned took Lee’s hand in his. “What I’m tryin’ to say, son, is I’m sorry.” He paused. “I had ya all wrong.”

  Lee nodded thank you respectfully.

  “Sherry cares a lot about ya, son. She told me you’ve had yer own heapin’ a troubles.” He raised his hand defensively. “And she didn’t tell me what kind of troubles, ‘cause it’s not my business and all, but,” He lowered his hand back on to Lee’s. “Yer a good man, and I thank ya fer keepin’ that youngin’ safe.”

  Lee was silent. Lifting his head he said solemnly, “I’d a died before seein’ her get hurt.”

  “I believe ya.” Ned patted Lee’s hand. “Now you get on home and get some sleep.”

  “I will. Take care, Mr. Baker.”

  “You too, son.”

  …

  Sitting in Kate’s kitchen, Sarah and Sherry chatted quietly as Doug slept on the couch after being on rounds all night. It was mid-morning and the farm hands were out working the fields. Sherry brought a chair over so Sarah could prop her feet up. “Here. Doctor’s orders,” Sherry chided, lifting Sarah’s feet onto the chair. “Don’t think because Doug’s sleepin’ he ain’t watchin’ ya.”

  Sarah rolled her eyes as there was a knock at the door. Sherry looked out the half-window and smiled, opening the door for Lee. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “I wanted to talk to Kate about the barn,” Lee explained.

  “Hi, Lee.” Both Kate and Sarah greeted.

  “How y’all doin’,” Lee said gallantly.

  “What can I do for ya, son?” Kate asked.

  “It’s just as well to come out with it,” He frowned. “I wanted to offer to rebuild the barn for ya.” He paused. “I used to work in construction, and it wouldn’t take more ‘n a few days with some help from the farm hands.”

  “Well, I don’t see Ned havin’ a problem with it. That’s real nice of ya to offer.” Kate tipped her head graciously.

  “All I ask in return is for you to let me take some fresh eggs home every now ‘n again, and maybe let me ride the horses sometime,” Lee added kindly.

  “Well, ya don’t have to rebuild my barn or anything like that, all ya gotta do is ask,” Kate giggled.

  “I’m happy to do it,” Lee grinned. “Like I said before, I’ve got some friends who owe me a favor and I ain’t got any other way of havin’ ‘em pay up, seein’ as my house is settled.”

  “That’s true, darlin’. Well thank you so much.”

  “Say, if ya know how to build a barn, do ya happen to know anything ‘bout buildin’ a goddamn crib?” Sarah interrupted. “Mark ain’t had any luck puttin’ the thing together and he won’t ask for help…stubborn mule.”

  “Why didn’t ya say so?” Sherry interjected. “I coulda helped, ya know.”

  Sarah guffawed. “Hell, if Mark found out a woman put it together and he couldn’t figure it out…well…” She waved her hand. “Let me tell y’all how he’d suffer.” Suddenly Sarah inadvertently let out a huge fart. The sound reverberated off the wooden chair, like she was bubbling over.

  “That bad, huh?” Lee joked, covering his reddened face trying to stifle a laugh. A snorting sound came from his throat as he burst out laughing.

  Kate was next and then Sherry began laughing. They all chuckled hysterically, one prompting the other to start again. Suddenly Sarah’s face turned serious. Sherry glanced over as the room quieted.

  “Oh, Lord.” Sarah looked down. A gush of fluid escaped down her leg and puddled on the floor below her. Lee took a step back, holding his hands up as if in surrender. “Oh geez…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t a made a joke.” His face paled.

  “It wan’t your fault, sweetie,” Sarah explained. “When he’s ready he’s ready.”

  “But yer not due for a month!” Sherry squealed in panic.

  “Ya wanna tell that to him?” Sarah argued, pointing at her swollen belly. “I don’t think he cares and frankly I’ve been wantin’ to evict the little heffer for months now.”

  Sherry tried not to smile.

  “Well don’t just stand there!” Sarah yelled. “I need to change my clothes and get to the goddamn hospital!”

  Kate rose. “I’ll go wake Doug.”

  “I’ll call Mark,” Sherry offered.

  “Um…I’ll…boil some water?” Lee added hesitantly.

  “Never mind that.” Sarah was irritated. “Get me somethin’ ta eat. The damn hospital won’t feed me until after this minion comes out and I’m damn well starved.”

  …

  Reverend Telly stood at the pulpit, making announcements.

  “Ned Baker has been released from hospital. He’s resting comfortably at home in the care of his son, Doug.” He glanced over at a smiling Kate. “Sarah and Mark Rothman are happy to welcome Jason William Rothman to the world. He was born yesterday afternoon. Mom and baby are healthy.”

  Sherry beamed, remembering the experience, as quick as it was. Baby Jason literally c
ame out an hour after her water broke. Dr. Baker said she’d apparently been in labor a day or so and didn’t know it. Lee came to the hospital; driving Sarah, Sherry, Kate and Doug while Mark met them at the hospital. Thankfully Kate had a pair of maternity pants that fit Sarah from a bag of donated clothes she was going to sell at the next church bazaar.

  “Remember that the Lord is always with us,” Reverend Telly continued. “And those of us who pray and serve God will be blessed.” He grinned at the room. “We’ve all been touched by God recently and owe him deep gratitude for the miracles; both small and large, that have happened.”

  “Amen.”

  After the service, Lee approached Sherry, pouring her a cup of tea from the snack table. “Ya know anything ‘bout settin’ up a VCR?” he asked.

  “I set up my own if that’s what yer askin’.”

  “I just bought one of ‘em new ones…err…before the fire. Got a movie for the night of the fire, actually. But never got to watch it.”

  “My folks are takin’ Denise out after the service. Ya want me to come by then?”

  “Sure.” Lee gazed at her a moment too long. “Lookin’ forward to it.”

  Denise came to her side with two cookies on her plate. She gave her daughter a knowing look. “I told ya one, sweetie.”

  “This one’s for Lee,” the blushing girl said.

  Lee bent down to her level. “Why thank ya, darlin’. Them’s my fav’rit.”

  “Ya think you can take me for a tour of a fire truck sometime?”

  “Well sure, darlin’. Anytime ya want.” Lee feigned stealing her nose with his index finger and thumb. Denise giggled, running away to play with Luke.

  …

  “Hey there pretty lady.” Lee opened the door for Sherry. “I’ve got a pot a tea on, ya want some?”

  “Sure. Where’s this VCR that’s givin’ ya trouble?”

  Lee tilted his chin, gesturing to the living room, where the large machine sat atop a small television.

  “Yer gonna have an avalanche ya leave it on there. We should put it on the floor; it’ll be safer.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”