(Don't Mess With) Clear Lake Women

by Linda Hadaway

  Sunday whispered, “We all deal with grief in different ways.”

  “I suppose so.” Her attention went back to Mr. Jones, and she patted the corner of her eyes with her hankie.

  * * * *

  “I will not go back in there and listen to that crap! It’s...sinful! He was a...monster!” Roxy seethed.

  Madison held Roxy, entwined with Jacki. “You don’t have to. Where would you like to go?”

  “I don’t know...just...anywhere.” Her entire body trembled from her anger. She felt trapped; unable to breathe.

  “Come on, then.” Madison led the way to her car. A few minutes later they were heading towards the freeway. “Which way?”

  “North. Let’s go to Canada!”

  Madison took the ramp to the right. She stomped on the gas, merging with the traffic.

  “Can you go faster?”

  Madison pushed the speedometer to eighty.

  Roxy rolled down her passenger window. Her trembling evolved into nervous energy. Her fingers tingled. Roxy felt it come from deep inside her, down to the tiny strands of fibers that made up her muscles. Like mini electric jolts, making her want to climb out of her skin. Free! She needed to be free! She stuck her head out of the car window as far as she could. The wind whipped through her hair and tried to take her voice, but she screamed out anyway, “I hate uncle Ned. He was a bastard!”

  From inside the car, Jacki broke into laughter. Madison giggled.

  “A cock-sucking bastard!”

  They sped past an elderly woman driving a Honda Civic. She turned towards them, her mouth wide in surprise. They raced past her. Her face stuck in Roxy’s mind, the surprised look, a hint of fear. Roxy pulled her head in and sat back against the seat.

  She turned to Madison. “I didn’t mean to scare that old lady.”

  When both of her friends burst into wild laughter, she joined in. Roxy laughed until tears ran down her face. Everything seemed unusually funny and the laughter continued although she wanted to stop. Madison glanced at her with a look of concern.

  The light feeling of happiness from laughing moved quickly into an overwhelming sadness. It came on like a tsunami. Roxy began to cry. She wrapped her arms around herself, rocking quietly. The car slowed to the speed limit. Inside the vehicle, the sound of laughter no longer echoed, only a soft quiet sobbing remained.

  Several miles down the road, Roxy’s sobs subsided. Minutes later she wiped her eyes and sat up. “We can go back now.” She inhaled deeply, letting her breath exhale slowly. “Let’s go to Mom’s.”

  “You don’t have to do this,” Jacki noted.

  “It’s all right. I need to be there for my mom.”

  “Roxy...” Madison began.

  Roxy placed her hand upon Madison’s shoulder. “I need to do this for myself.”

  * * * *

  It wasn’t long before they pulled into Madeline’s. Cars filled the driveway and overflowed into her yard. The grass that had been kept so manicured by Uncle Ned now grew freely, with no restraints. Blackberry vines had snuck around the corner of the house. Now, with no one to cut them to the quick or spray pesticides on them, a few vines trailed to the garage. Soon, the wild things would burst forth, taking over everything in their path.

  Madison took in her surroundings. “The yard looks like crap.”

  Roxy looked about, nodding. “I guess I never paid any attention. Guess he was good for a few things besides molesting little girls.”

  Madison nodded and cocked her head to one side. “Glad you can always find something positive to say about someone.”

  “Right,” Roxy said and stomped into the house. She looked about until she eyed her mother. She stopped short and Madison, who was directly behind her, nearly ran her over.

  “What up, girl?”

  “It’s Mom...she’s sitting in Uncle Ned’s recliner.”

  Madeline sat back in the chair, a tight smile on her lips. Her small hands were clasped together on her lap. Her dark skirt ended somewhere below her knees, and her white legs rested on the foot stool. Two older women, neighbors Roxy knew well, surrounded her. Each held a linen hankie in their hands and daubed their eyes. The taller one, Maureen, placed her hand on Madeline’s shoulder.

  “You’ve been so strong through this, Madeline.”

  “I know Ned would expect that of me.” She shuddered slightly.

  Madison whispered to Roxy, “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Roxy smiled. “It will only get worse.”

  Madison groaned audibly.

  “Roxy!” Madeline called. “Where have you been?”

  Madison stepped in front of Roxy and walked quickly to Madeline, leaned down and gave her a tight hug. “I’m sorry, Madeline. My claustrophobia got to me in the church and combined with my OCD, I was afraid I’d just stand up and start screaming until I couldn’t stop. Roxy took me for a drive before I could cause a scene! Last time it happened, I started taking off my clothes.”

  “Oh, my,” replied the neighbor ladies in unison.

  Madison blinked twice. She hoped she hadn’t gone too far. Gulping, she stared at the elderly lady. It dawned on her that the room was ever so quiet. She felt all eyes on her.

  Madeline seemed to notice it too. Her eyes looked slowly around the room before they met Madison’s. The head nodded once. “Roxy’s always been good at taking care of people.”

  It felt like the entire room sighed. Madison piped up, “She certainly does, Madeline.”

  She turned to face Roxy’s look of disbelief. “Enjoy it while ya can,” she whispered.

  Roxy did a double take before she nodded.

  “Get your mother a cup of tea, will you, Roxy?” her mother asked politely.

  “Yes, Momma.”

  She walked into the kitchen to fix the tea. Jacki stood next to the counter, cutting a cake and visiting with Cory. The counter and table overflowed with food the neighbors and friends had brought. Roxy slid her finger along side of the frosting on the cake. After she licked it off she offered, “You and Mom won’t have to go to the store for a week.”

  Cory leaned against the stove, crossed his arms in front of him, and nodded. “That’s all I’m staying too. One week.”

  Roxy only nodded and smiled.

  Jacki put the last slice of cake on a plate. Reaching up, she adjusted the collar on Cory’s shirt. “If I wasn’t so gay, I may try to take you to my bed.”

  Cory laughed. “If you weren’t so old...and gay...I might let you.”

  He ducked just in time to not be hit by Jacki’s swinging arm.

  Roxy grabbed the coffee pot and refilled a few cups. The front door opened and in walked Sunday with Duffy close behind. She watched her cousin bend down and kiss her mother’s cheek. Duffy followed suit then stood, clasping his hands together.

  Looks like he’s trying to impersonate an FBI agent or “Men In Black.”

  Roxy, already agitated and looking for a fight, walked up to Sunday. “Don’t allow any dogs in here, Sunday.”

  Sunday tilted her head and frowned. Duffy’s face reddened. His eyes sparked.

  “What’s that?” Madeline asked, her eyes wide, looking around on the floor. “Roxy, there aint’ no dogs in here! What are you talking about?”

  “My mistake, Momma,” Roxy stated, all the while staring at Duffy. She allowed a long moment to pass before she returned to the kitchen. During that moment the room seemed to quiet. Many pairs of eyes remained on Duffy, even after Roxy had left.

  Chapter 12

  The drive home was quiet, except for the hum of the car motor. Madison glanced at Roxy. She, in turn, looked out the passenger window, deep in her own thoughts. Her emotions, were still on edge, and left her feeling off balance, her stomach queasy from the day’s events.

  They entered the house to be met with Princess yipping away at their reunion. Madison’s cell rang. While she talked, Roxy popped two cups of water in the microwave. She changed her clothes while the water heated. Madis
on sat on the couch and took off her shoes. Princess happily attacked her feet. Madison laughed and pulled the little dog onto her lap. A few minutes later, a hot cup of tea sat in front of her. Madison closed her phone.

  Roxy spoke up. “Hey there, Little Missy, you look like you’re blushing!”

  Madison waved at her. “It was Justin. He wants me to come to a picnic-barbeque at his folks place this weekend.”

  “No shit?”

  Madison shook her head. “He asked how you were doing.”

  “Why?”

  “To be kind, I guess.”

  Roxy’s eye narrowed. She pursed her lips. “Are you sure he has a penis? He sounds a little ill up here.” She pointed to her own head.

  “Some guys can actually be supportive.” Madison spoke slowly as if talking to a toddler.

  “Right,” Roxy replied, rolling her eyes.

  They both sipped their tea, quiet for a few minutes. Roxy broke the silence. “Meeting his family, huh?”

  Madison nodded in response. She lifted up Princess to eye level. “Think they will like us?”

  Princess gave a little whine in response, leaned forward and licked her master’s cheek.

  * * * *

  It took a while before Madison was able to leave the house for the barbeque. Her anxiety about meeting Justin’s family kicked her OCD up a notch. Her first attempt to leave ended at the end of her driveway, unable to pull out on the main road before she had to back up, turn the car off and enter her house, checking her stove for anything that possibly could have been left on; her coffee pot, and her bathroom light.

  Her second try she had actually got to the intersection before she gave in.

  The bedroom light is on. It’s on. Go back and turn it off.

  I turned it off. I know I did.

  No. You only thought you did. It’s on. Go back and check.

  No, I’m driving to Justin’s. I don’t care if it’s on.

  You have to go back. The house is old. The wires could catch on fire while you’re gone.

  Dammit!! The second time, she went through each room, checking carefully.

  She got back into the car and glanced at Princess who sat patiently.

  “I know. I can’t help it.”

  Princess whined before she lay down on her little bed in the front seat.

  The bathroom cabinet is open.

  Madison slid a CD into the player and cranked the music up high. She sang along and blotted out the unwelcomed voice in her head.

  Less than twenty minutes later she drove up the long gravel driveway towards the back of the older two-story house. There was plenty of parking space by the shed in back. Madison pulled along side of Justin’s truck. She picked up Princess along with her leash and got out. Off to her right and behind the house sat a large field, perhaps five acres. An electric fence lined the perimeter where three horses grazed.

  She walked around the back of her car and took out the large bowl of pasta salad.

  “Hey, Beautiful!”

  Madison turned and met Justin’s wide smile. Her stomach felt as though it took a somersault while sexual energy riveted through her veins. Madison could feel heat spreading quickly throughout her body. Her cheeks took on the warmth and Madison, knowing her body was letting the world know how she felt about Justin, suddenly felt self-conscious. Should I really be here?

  Justin reached out and took the bowl from her. “Sorry, Princess,” he said, reaching out to give the little dog a pat on her head. “My stomach comes first.”

  Madison laughed and followed behind him, through the gate, and into the back yard. She could hear laughter and chatter before she actually saw anyone. Justin led her around the corner of the house where everyone suddenly came into view. A high-pitched scream that could only come from a toddler caused Madison’s hair to rise on the back of her neck. The screech was coming from a dark haired little girl who was running towards Madison as fast as her little legs could go. She held out her chubby arms, screaming, “A puppy! A puppy!”

  Princess drew her little dog’s body back against Madison’s chest. The large-eyed little girl giggled and clapped her hands. She now stood in front of Madison, her face full of delight. Madison knew there was only one thing she could do.

  She knelt down. “Be easy.”

  The little hand reached out for the dog.

  Princess glanced at her master, her eyes large; her little body quivering with fear. The small hand touched the soft fur.

  “Ohhh.” She carefully patted the top of Princesses’ head. Madison laughed and even Princess seemed more relaxed.

  Justin’s voice interrupted the three-some. “I see you’ve met Ann Marie.”

  Madison met his eyes and smiled. She stood up and held out her hand to the girl. “Hello, Ann Marie, I’m Madison.”

  Ann Marie stomped her feet, gave another high pitched giggle, and ran towards a sand box. Toy trucks, a miniature bull dozer, and a few other toys littered the sand.

  Madison glanced at the group of people she was about to meet. She put Princess down on the ground, keeping a firm hold on her leash.

  They won’t like me. They will think I’m too fat for Justin. Not pretty enough. I should have done something different with my hair. Damn. I shouldn’t have come.

  Justin took her hand and led her to an older, but still beautiful woman. A little gray weaved through her jet-black hair. Her face, even with fine lines of wrinkles, held a look of wisdom and poise.

  “Mom, this is Madison.”

  Madison reached out, taking the smaller brown hand in hers. “So nice to meet you, Mrs. Kim.”

  “Please call me Lily.” Her voice was soft and demure.

  Madison nodded and smiled in response.

  “I’ll take you to meet the rest of the family,” Justin stated as he led Madison to the picnic table. He began the introductions when his older sister, Marie, interrupted by holding out a very small wrapped bundle to him.

  “Take her please. I’ve got to change Ann Marie.”

  “Sure,” he responded, taking the baby.

  Marie grasped the small hand of the toddler and led her into the house. The back of the little’s girl’s shorts were obviously wet.

  “I guess potty training takes quite a while,” Justin remarked.

  Madison remembered it taking a while with Princess. The puppy didn’t like having her nose pushed on the damp spot she had made on the floor, much less a scolding all the way outside. Kids were probably more work.

  “Justin,” one of his brother-in-laws called out. “Come help me with the grill for a minute.”

  “Sure, Chad.”

  Justin held out the bundle to Madison. Her eyes grew large. “It’s okay. She won’t bite. No teeth.” He smiled broadly.

  Before she was ready for the baby, Madison glanced behind her, checking out the wooden bench. Princess was already napping under the table. Justin laid the flannel-wrapped baby in her arms. She glanced up quickly, meeting Justin’s eyes.

  His eyes twinkled. “It’s okay. I’ll be right back.”

  Her eyes followed him for a moment. At least the baby hadn’t started to cry...yet. She looked at the closed eyes, watching the baby’s chest rise and fall with every breath. The small head was covered with thick, dark hair. Madison lifted her hand and gently touched the soft hair; her fingers caressed the baby’s cheek. The baby’s eyes opened. Madison froze. What do I do now?

  The eyes seemed to focus on Madison. They were the deepest blue Madison had ever seen. She stared, mesmerized. “What are you thinking, little one?”

  A few minutes later Justin sat down beside her. “Want me to take her now?”

  “No, she’s fine.”

  Justin placed his arm around her.

  Madison asked, “Will her eyes stay that blue?”

  “Maybe. Her father’s eyes are blue, but brown is the dominate color, so it’s hard to know. I don’t know how long it takes. A few months, I think.” Justin chuckled.

  �
�What?”

  “You got the baby bug. I shouldn’t have brought you over.”

  “Nonsense. Three’s a crowd.” Madison leaned down. “Huh, Princess? We couldn’t have anymore in our household.”

  Justin slapped his hand to his chest. “What am I? Chopped liver?”

  Madison grinned, still peering at the infant; she cooed. “He is only a guest so he doesn’t count.”

  Chapter 13

  Elvira answered the knock on the door. Seeing who it was, she pulled her inside, slammed the door, and held her captive against the entryway wall. Her lips caressed the surprised face.

  “I thought you’d never get here.”

  “Me neither.”

  Elvira’s hands pulled at Jacki’s t-shirt, sliding both hands underneath, quickly to the back, unclasping the bra strap. Now, hands moved to the front, under the bra that was now free. Jacki moaned in pleasure by the touch of her lover. She leaned into Elvira’s neck, biting softly while Elvira’s fingers knowingly squeezed her nipples. The sexual heat swept through her like fire.

  Elvira grabbed the bottom of the t-shirt and pulled it up. “Help me.”

  Jacki finished pulling off her shirt. Elvira pushed her against the wall again; her lips brushed against the erect nipples, her tongue licked and teased until Jacki pressed her face against her. Elvira took the hot tasty nipple in her mouth.

  “Right here?” Jacki panted.

  Elvira nodded.

  “I thought you were going to fix me lunch.” Her hands disappeared under Elvira’s loose blouse. No binding bra there.

  “I have something special for you. Don’t worry.”

  Jacki moaned at the thought.

  * * * *

  Later that afternoon, Jacki and Elvira sat beside her pond in the back yard. Jacki leaned down and rearranged a couple of the stones.

  “How was the funeral?” Elvira inquired.

  Jacki shrugged her shoulders. “It was a rough day for Roxy. She’s still got a lot of emotional work she needs to go through, from...her uncle’s abuse.”

  Elvira nodded in response.

  Jacki reached into the waterfall, playing in the cold flowing water. “I’m hoping she can let it go now, maybe move on.”