Darkness of Light

by Gina Kincade

  “I’m sorry I snapped at you, Grandma.”

  “I know you are. You’re a good girl, Rev. Now go have some fun.”

  “Thank you.”

  Not sure where either Kerwin or Lucius would be on a Saturday night, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. There weren’t many in Littleton and in no time, she was on Main Street in front of the Golden Palace. A long, sinewy dragon stretched the length of the sign with smoke curling from its nostrils.

  Still not hungry, Rev remained on the steps wondering why she had stopped here? Were Kerwin or Lucius inside?

  She reached for the door just as it opened, nearly hitting her in the face.

  “Oh my God! I’m so sorry. I’ve told Mom to ditch that curtain.”

  Rev touched her nose and lips. “No, I’m okay. You just missed me.”

  “Good. Hey, you’re new here. Penny’s daughter, right?”

  “Granddaughter. I’m Reverie, or Rev.”

  “Yeah. I’m Mai.” The woman held out a thin hand with long fingers and Rev took it in hers. Her palm was warm and her grip firm. “I’m running delivery or I’d stay and talk.”

  Everything Lucius and Flo had told her about Mai ran through her head and she made a quick decision. “Can I go with you? I mean, if you’re walking.” She wasn’t going to try hitching a ride.

  “Sure, and yeah, I’m walking. Town ain't that big.” Despite her decidedly Asian features— almond shaped eyes, straight black hair, and a faintly yellow complexion—Mai’s accent was one hundred percent local.

  “I’d noticed. How long have you lived here?”

  “All my life. Mom and Dad moved in right after they got married. They’d been on the west coast, but they didn’t fit in the city.”

  “Aren’t you the only Asians in town? Doesn’t that make it harder to fit in here.”

  Mai shook her head, black hair shimmering in the lowering rays from the sun. “Nope. These are our people.” Her smile revealed bright white teeth with a slight gap between the two in front. “You’ve only been here a week, right?”

  “About that.”

  “And you’re already a hit.” Mai pointed with her chin to a pair of women whispering on their porch.

  Rev found it hard not to grumble and growl. “I am. I don’t get it. I’m just here to help out Grandma. What did I do to them?”

  Mai patted Rev’s shoulder with her free hand. “Don’t sweat it. They’ll come around. Like everyone in Littleton, they hate change. Part of the reason I’m getting out of here when I can.”

  Rev followed Mai’s hand from her shoulder to the bracelet on the wrist of the hand holding the takeout bag. It was green, jade, and the part she could see looked like the head of the dragon on the sign. “Wow, that’s really nice. I know Grandma has a couple jade pendants, but nothing like that. Can I see it?”

  Although she’d been feeling warm and welcome with Mai, a cold, hard wall snapped between them. “No.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I was just curious. It’s really pretty.”

  Mai stopped and took a deep breath. Shifting the bag to her other hand, she held out her wrist, long fingers curled into a fist. “Don’t touch it.”

  “I won’t!” Rev promised, turning her head to see more of the intricate carving. “It’s really amazing. It looks old. I’m guessing that’s why you don’t let people touch it?”

  Mai relaxed when she dropped her hand. “Yeah, something like that.”

  “Grandma told me not to touch this too much, but I don’t know why.” She picked up the pendant from her chest and held it out where she could see it. It must have been a trick of the light, the setting sun, but for a second the deer seemed to be running.

  “Is that yours?”

  “Yeah. Grandma has one just like it. We thought this was hers, actually, but yesterday we found hers in her jewelry box. We’re not sure how this one ended up in her shop.”

  Mai nodded, “Shit, I need to get going.” She took up walking at twice the speed. Rev stretched her stride to try and keep up.

  “Yeah, sorry, didn’t mean to stall you.”

  “No biggie. I’m sure Kristen won’t mind heating it up.”

  Rev stopped this time, but Mai didn’t stop or look back. Giving herself a shake, she hurried to catch up. She reached the path to the house just as Mai handed over the bag to the smiling lady of the house. That smile twisted into an angry sneer when she caught sight of Rev.

  “Thanks.” Kristen turned and tried to slam the door, but Mai caught it, her foot on the mat inside.

  “Whoa now. What’s got into you?” She turned to look in same direction as Kristen and spied Rev at the bottom of the steps. “Oh. You know you’re being a bitch, right?”

  Rev gasped. Even though she’d thought it many times, she would never have called her a bitch to her face like that.

  “Yeah, well, I do that sometimes. She isn’t welcome here.”

  “Who isn’t?” Lucius appeared in the doorway. “Hey, Rev! I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight. I just got home. Oh, food, awesome. Join us? You’re welcome too, Mai.”

  “No, I need to get back to the shop.” Mai turned and descended.

  “I’m going to bow out this time, Lucius. But thank you.” Rev didn’t come any closer, waving instead.

  “Okay. Call me.”

  Rev had turned away but looked back over her shoulder when she heard an “Oof” in the same voice. Kristen’s black tail swung as she left her cousin in the doorway.

  “You following me back?” Mai arched her eyebrows and she slowed her pace. “You don’t have to.”

  “I know, but I’m curious about you.”

  “Why?” Her brow creased and she frowned. Rev wasn’t sure if she were defensive or just puzzled.

  “Flo told me about you. And then Lucius talked about how smart you are. And, well, you and Flo are the only women around who haven’t turned away as soon as I enter the room.” She rubbed her thumb over the golden deer hanging from her neck. “As I’m planning on staying for the summer, it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”

  “Besides Lucius and Kerwin.” Mai grinned and nudged Rev with her elbow.

  “Does everyone know about that? I mean, I am still overwhelmed to have two hot guys interested in me, but I didn’t expect the entire town to notice, or care.”

  Mai slowed down further as they got closer to the restaurant. “They’re kinda important. Blood lines and all that. Plus...well, no one thought they would both be taken with the same girl.”

  Rev nodded and dragged her feet. “I know everyone would be happier if I just picked one of them, but I barely know Kerwin, quiet as he is, and I don’t want to pick Lucius just because he’s the more social of the two, y’know?”

  “Not at all, but I think I can follow. I have zero guys interested in me and it’s better this way.”

  Rev gritted her teeth, fighting frustration and envy. “Yeah, it probably is.” They stood in front of the restaurant again.

  “Come in. We can have some tea until my Mom puts me to work.”

  “That will be sooner than you think, young lady.” Mai’s mother had a thick Chinese accent. Several inches shorter than both Rev and Mai, she seemed a foot taller when she crossed her arms and glared at the pair. Rev couldn’t help but notice she wore a bracelet similar to Mai’s, but hers was red.

  Mai sighed. “Mom, meet Rev. She’s Penny’s granddaughter. Can I at least get her a tea?”

  “You go, help your father. I will get her tea.” She waited until Mai had left and offered Rev her hand. “I am Jiao. I was at the bakery and saw how hard it is for you here. We are good friends with Penny and want you to feel welcome here. We do not agree with some of the others. You bring discord, but you also bring hope.”

  Rev blinked. “I do? I mean, what?”

  Jiao’s hard exterior softened slightly. “I can see things. Here, sit. I be right back.”

  When she returned, Jiao had two cups and a small pot of tea. She also had a
brown paper bag, which she set on the table between them. “This is for Penny, to help her heal. It is muscle medicine. She takes twice, morning and night.”

  Rev pulled the bag closer and peered inside. Whatever it was, Jiao had portioned it into tiny paper pouches. “Does she do anything? Hot water?”

  “Chew it, and drink after. Hot or cold, doesn’t matter.”

  Rev nodded and rolled the top of the bag up. “Thank you.”

  Jiao poured faintly green liquid into each cup. “Thank you for helping her. Penny is strong and wouldn’t take help from anyone else.”

  Nodding, Rev had to agree.

  “Have you chosen one?”

  Sitting straighter, her hand flew to the pendant. “What do you mean?”

  “Discord. You bring fighting between cousins, but there is hope to follow, rebirth. Day or night, Sun or Moon, you will mend what you tear. You look afraid. Don’t worry. You will mend.” Jiao patted the hand holding the teacup. “Drink. It will make you feel better.”

  Rev lifted the cup to her lips and peered at the contents before sipping. Was it something more than tea. It tasted like tea, like the jasmine tea she’d had in other Chinese restaurants. “Is there something in it?”

  Jiao chuckled. “No, it is only tea, but it warms the soul as well as the body.” She sipped from her own cup.

  “Okay, Mom. Dad says I can go now.” Mai announced as she slipped up to the table on stealthy feet. She looked at the pot on the table and turned to get herself a cup, and then slid into the booth beside Rev. “So? What do you think of her?”

  “Your mom is nice.”

  “She will do.” Jiao answered at the same time and Rev realized it wasn’t clear who Mai had asked.

  “She better,” Mai muttered, filling her cup. “And Mom is a grumpy old dragon.”

  “You respect your elders.” Jiao pointed a long finger at her daughter.

  “Dragon,” Rev murmured. She looked at their bracelets again and touched her deer pendant. What did they mean?

  “I don’t think we’re getting any more tonight.” Rev turned to look at the man coming from the kitchen. He had no more accent than Mai although he had the same eyes and coloring as the women. “You will take this one, Mai?” He pushed the takeout bag on the table toward her.

  She sighed and rose. “Yeah, I’ve got it.”

  The man didn’t take her place and he didn’t return to the kitchen either. “Unless you have an order?”

  “No, thank you. I need to get back. Grandma’s probably trying to cook dinner or wash the floors or something.”

  “Yes, hurry.” Jiao nudged the bag again. “Don’t forget.”

  “I’ll give it to her. Thank you. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Chow.” She offered her hand and he took it, bowing his head as well.

  “Call me Ling. A pleasure.”

  “Ling. Good night.”

  Grandma was cooking, but it was just reheating another frozen meal. She had oven mitts on and was trying to pull the pan out. Every time she pulled it, though, she had to stop and lean on her walker.

  “Grandma! Let me get that.” Rev hurried to her, grabbing a tea towel so she didn’t have to wait for Grandma to take off her mitts. Once she'd slipped the pan onto the stove top, she pushed the oven door closed with her hip and gave her arm to Grandma to lean on. “I shouldn’t have gone.”

  “Nonsense. I just should have turned it off and waited for you to come back. I was sure I could do it. It’s just a pan.” Grandma’s voice, always strong, was strained, as though she choked on tears.

  “I have something that will make you feel better. I ran into Mai from the Golden Palace.” She slipped off her sandals and picked up the paper bag she’d dropped at the door. “I’m supposed to give you this and tell you to take one twice a day, morning and night.” She pulled out one of the paper packets and set on the table where Grandma would sit when she made the distance between. Reverie longed to help her get there, but instead carried the casserole and set the table. Grandma might have snapped at her for helping her physically, but getting everything ready wouldn’t make her feel incapacitated.

  “Thank you, Rev.” She sighed as she eased herself in her chair. “Would you get the pill jar on my nightstand? And pour me some water.”

  “Of course.” Rev popped into the bedroom first and read the pill bottle. Pain killers. If Grandma was asking for them, she must be in a lot of pain. Hurrying back, Rev brought the water to the table. Grandma had opened the packet and looked quizzically at the brown lump.

  “Do you know what it is?”

  “Nope. She said to chew it.”

  “Of course she did. Well, here we go.” Grandma squeezed her eyes shut and popped the wrinkly, chocolate-colored thing in her mouth. The tightness around her mouth eased as she chewed. “It’s not so bad. Nutty. Thank you, dear.” She pulled out one of the pills and swallowed it and what was left of the Chinese medicine. “Aren’t you hungry?”

  Rev brought a second plate for herself and took a small spoon of the casserole. The pan was small, probably only meant for one.

  “You ran into Mai, but did you see the boys?”

  Rev paused with her fork halfway to her mouth. A noodle slipped off it and into her lap. “Shit.”

  “Language! Didn’t you put a napkin in your lap? Reverie, look what you’ve done to your shorts.” Grandma reached over to paw at the stain.

  “It’ll wash out.” At least she’d managed to change the subject.

  “I don’t know how you still haven’t learned to eat without wearing it.”

  Reverie’s cheeks burned in shame. “I try! It just feels like my spoon or fork is full of holes.” She refused to look at Grandma and pulled herself even closer to the table, breasts pressed up over it. Nothing could fall into her lap from there. It was just as well she hadn’t taken much of the dish, her appetite was gone.

  “Rev? Will you help me back to my room?”

  She looked up in surprise. Even though her purpose here was to help Grandma, it was so strange to hear her ask for assistance. “Sure.”

  “Thank you. That pill has left me woozy.” She waited for Rev to push her chair back, stand, and offer her arm. Stepping even closer, Grandma wrapped an arm around Rev’s waist and she hugged Grandma’s shoulders in return. “Don’t stumble, don’t stumble.” Grandma whispered to herself.

  “I’ve got you Grandma. You’re going to be okay.”

  Despite Rev’s assurance, Grandma didn’t relax until she was sitting on her bed. Digging in a drawer, Rev pulled out a light nightgown and set it on the nightstand just in case.

  “You’re a good girl, Rev. I hope those boys know that.”

  “I’m sure you’ll tell them if they don’t.”

  “That’s right.” She stretched out atop her covers and closed her eyes. “Turn off the light, would you?”

  “Sweet dreams, Grandma.”

  “Sweet Reverie.”

  Chapter Four

  REV TUCKED AWAY HER tablet at the sound of chimes, wondering who was paying her a visit.

  The three men who entered were unfamiliar to her.

  “I told you the old hag wasn’t here. Hello.”

  The leader of the three had a puckered scar over the left side of his face. He loomed tall and muscular in a black leather jacket. His leering made Rev back up a step.

  All three had the same rough, tanned skin, and scraggly brown hair. They also wore matching jackets. The two flanking the leader didn’t have enough neck between them for a tie.

  “Can I help you?” Rev remained a step back from the counter.

  “I hope so. The old lady that worked here never did.”

  Rev stiffened. “That’s my grandmother.”

  “Yeah? Well I prefer the next gen model.” His gaze raked over her arms and chest. “Maybe you’ll do business with us.” He let a tiny plastic bag of white powder fall onto the counter. “You can test it first. I’ve been trying to find someone to supply this place. It’s a bit
out of my way.”

  Rev stared at the drugs on the counter, dumbstruck. She’d shared a joint once, but this was obviously something more potent than that. Her hand went to her throat and she clutched the pendant around her neck. “I don’t think your product fits with our clientele.”

  The scarred man snickered. “Clientele. You mean backwater hicks. They might like it more than you know. It’s good money. Stupid good. More in a week than this place nets in a year.”

  Rev knew Grandma wasn’t the most successful businesswoman, and without donations from relatives, she’d have gone into the red several times. But drugs? “No, thank you. We will manage without.”

  “Come on. Let me give you a hit. I bet you change your mind.”

  The door chimed again and Rev sighed in relief.

  “Fresh blood?” It was another leather-clad man.

  “Yeah, we’re going to give her a taste.”

  “A taste of what?” The deep baritone thundered through the shop. Lucius came around the men and the counter to stand beside Rev. She grasped his hand and squeezed.

  “I hope you have a reason for being here.”

  That voice didn’t belong to Lucius. The scarred man snatched up his packet before turning to face the giant standing in the doorway and effectively blocking out the sun. Ben.

  “We came to shop.” He reached for the china cat that sat next to the till.

  Rev stepped up to the counter, braver with Lucius' support and Ben's presence. “That’s not for sale.”

  Sneering, he set it down none too gently on the polished surface.

  Rev flinched, hoping the knick-knack hadn't sustained any damage with the man's rough handling, wishing these men would just turn around and leave.

  “Vinyl.” The man who came in last started rifling through the crate full of 45 rpms.

  “There, Gentle Ben, no worries.”

  “I’ll stay and see them out.” Lucius moved to Rev’s side again, slipping his hand from hers to the opposite hip, pulling her closer.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “Very good. I trust you won’t linger in Littleton.”

  The scarred man gave Ben a mock bow. “We wouldn’t overstay our welcome. I will be making a stop at your daughter’s bakery.” He licked his lips and Ben growled, a deep rumble.