by SK Thomas
Upon entering the bar again, no one uttered a word. As I slowly sauntered over to find a seat, I felt not welcomed as I ordered really not caring if Tony would oblige. He acknowledged me as he made his way towards the grill mumbling something to the effect that he’d get it on the flattop. No eye contact deemed necessary as I glanced around, the others kept talking amongst themselves acting as if I wasn’t there.
“Such customer service, no wonder I only see the same guys here over and over!” I bawled out.
Tony held speechless until he decided to let me have it, “Look, I’m here now, what do you want?”
“My food would be nice!”
“I’m cooking it!”
“Fine!” I shouted at him.
The other patrons stopped what they were doing when they turned to see what all the commotion was about. It was like a train wreck they couldn’t look away from as Tony and I stared each other down.
“Look, what do you want on your burger?” Tony asked.
“Options would be nice.”
“Ketchup, mustard, mayo, tomato, onion, pickle, lettuce…. this list could go on all day. What do you personally like on your patty of cow, lady?!”
“Cheese, tomato, bacon and mustard sounds great!”
“Do you want fries with that?”
“Did I say I wanted fries?!”
“Fine, I’ll run you a tab, give me ten more minutes on that!”
“Splendid. Oh and something to drink, don’t forget.”
He slid the beer down the wood promptly before heading back to the flattop to finish my order. The others shook their heads and sneered at the show as they found themselves in the middle of this storm that arose much to their dismay.
“Am I disturbing your peaceful drunkenness?” I asked noticing their woolly beards and red eyes. They had no interest in conversing with me which frustrated me even more. “This godforsaken town is going to drive me batty yet.” I murmured. I sipped my beer out of the bottle while dwelling on things I had no business worrying about as time slipped away. I had two beers down before Tony brought my food.
“You want another?”
“Yep, keep them coming.” I said knowing full well I’m not a drinker, but something had to give. My mind wondered to Jack but then switched to the time I spent with John wishing I could stop all these bad habits. Some people say nothing happens by accident and there’s a reason for this madness even if we can’t see what it is. I had no idea if that was true.
“So, what’s the deal between you and Father Clayton?”
I took a bite of burger as that question flew out of Tony’s mouth figuring it gave me time to think of an answer. The slower I chewed, the faster my mind raced.
“Look, people are talking that’s all. You wander into town and he becomes your long, lost buddy except he’s a priest and the last I checked you’re anything but a nun.”
“He’s helping me through a tough time.”
“You had better be careful, trusting him.”
“Why?”
“Let’s say, he’s not exactly who he seems to be.”
I glanced down the bar noticing the other men had disappeared. Only Tony and I were left, my stomach turned flips, “What did you mean by that comment?”
With a hint of ghoulishness in his voice he admitted, “He might be into some pretty bad shit.”
My eyes popped as my mind stopped, “Whatever, you’re all the same.”
“Nobody’s been able to catch his hand in the cookie jar, so to speak.”
“Shut up, I think you’re full of shit. You guys live in a bubble and unless I see for myself I can’t believe it.” I stated trying to lure him in hoping he’d tell me why I was wrong.
“Suit yourself little girl, but you had better watch yourself with him, just saying.”
“A little advise for you, the last man that called me “little girl” is no longer living.” As those last words flew out of my mouth I was up off the stool throwing my burger down and out the door. That first step is always a doozy and when I entered back out into the middle of the day my eyes were dazed after being in that dark hole. I immediately squinted and began cussing while giving them time to adjust when I saw a blobby figure of some sort waving me down. Once the blob got closer, I was able to recognize it was that Joseph character coming at me fast and loud.
“Melissa, Father Clayton’s asking to see you again, he has some time now.” Deacon Joseph uttered.
I scratched my head not sure if this was a good time for me, “This really isn’t...”
“When Father Clayton asks to see you, let’s just say people don’t tell him no.” he advised.
I gasped a breath before mumbling, “Lead the way.”
“I have other business to attend to, you can find him.”
I was forced to go back to his house feeling the rest of the beers kick in to remind me why this is an awful notion.
“Father Clayton.” I yelled while banging on the screen door probably making a spectacle of myself as my patience gave out.
It wasn’t long before he opened it with a bewildered look on his face while letting me in, “Are you ok?”
“Never better, saw Joseph on the street. I’m sure you know the rest of the story.”
“Yeah”, he acknowledged as he swung a kitchen towel over his shoulder when I noticed his shirt sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms.
“You don’t look ready.”
“I decided to make myself some lunch, would you like to join me?”
“I guess.”
Confusion washed over him as he considered my change in demeanor but couldn’t quite put his finger on the problem yet. “Let’s go to the kitchen, we can talk in there.”
“What’s on the menu tonight?” I asked.
“It’s called Toad in the Hole, an English dish. I have a decent portion for lunch and then this will last me for days rationing. Being a bachelor of sorts, I don’t have a lot of time to be in the kitchen. But when I am it’s my getaway, I can teach you a thing or two.”
“Are you implying I don’t know how to cook?”
He laughed it off before saying, “How am I to know? I’ve never had your cooking. I’ve just had enough practice of my own over the years.”
“Then teach me, it’s crucial to get an escape these days.”
“We’re still talking about cooking, right?”
A slight smirk crept over my face as I said, “You tell me.”
With that, he cleared his throat as he began teaching and together we both found ourselves blocking out the world. He believed in demonstrating proper techniques by gently holding my hand or brushing past my shoulder now and again. I saw the man Colin truly is, letting go of his priest persona for the first time in front of me. His words were intimate and they initiated the tumbling of walls between us while leaving behind titles, baggage and nagging responsibilities. Captivated, I watched as he flowed around the kitchen so effortlessly being in a different frame of mind with no weight on his shoulders. There, no longer exhausted by his craft and without effort, freedom enters our surroundings with no expectations. He finally had someone to share this with and I was elated to be that person.
All at once, a burst came in unannounced, a rude awakening when I felt as though those beers were catching up. I ignored the warning signs not wanting to ruin this for either of us. It sadly wouldn’t let go of me with a combination of alcohol and not getting enough sleep, I might lose whatever was left in my stomach. Forces beyond us were working together to stop this bliss.
“Colin, I’m dizzy.” I whispered.
“Here, sit down.” He grabbed a chair and slid it under me.
“I don’t know what happened. All of a sudden it hit me.”
He went to the bathroom for a washcloth, rinsed it in cool water before ringing it out and laying it upon the back of my neck. “You didn’t really seem your usual self today. Want to tell me where you were before you came here?”
“I might’ve
stopped by Tony’s for a couple of beers and a burger.”
“How many beers?” he asked in a fatherly voice.
“I think two?”
“How many did you say?”
“I don’t know.” I honestly answered.
“Alright then, relax. If you need anything else, the bathroom is down the hall.” He pointed off to his right.
As I took a breather focusing on the floor, I realized I was more than a little disappointed that in such a slight wisp of time our fantasy was gone. “Will it return later?” I asked myself secretly praying it would.
“Everything is in the oven, why don’t I assist you to my bed so you can lie down a bit.”
I wasn’t in any shape to be in such a predicament. “Nonsense, I’ll get out of your way. You shouldn’t have to take care of me. I’ll make my way back to the motel.”
“I’m afraid you won’t make it in your condition. I don’t have a guest room, this house has one bedroom, so you’re stuck using my bed. Please let me do this for you.”
I had no other excuses, “I appreciate it, really thanks for the hospitality.”
He nodded as we made our way down the hall, back to the entryway of his room and across to his bed. He persisted in helping any way he could making sure I was comfortable. As he bent down on one knee our gaze met when he flashed an innocent smile before taking off my shoes. That smile melted away any concern I might’ve had as he laid me down gently while pulling the covers over my body as unobtrusively as possible. He dimmed the lights to create a soft glow and brought in a glass of water to assure I wouldn’t have to get up.
“I should go check on the food before it burns and sets off any smoke alarms.”
“I understand, go ahead.”
The entrance to the bedroom was left wide open so he could come back every so often to check my progress. Feeling uncomfortably safe I wondered, “If we had met under better circumstances in an altered life, could we have been together or am I just merely a fool conjuring up such fantastical thoughts wanting someone who is unattainable?”
By myself, I gently turned to my side as I recognized a cologne fragrance embedded into the pillow. Even though my head spun and my stomach was still upset, it smelled very pleasing and inviting unlike Max’s scent. And then I was reminded of John, who didn’t wear cologne for he had a scent all his own that captivated for some unknown reason. I drifted off to sleep surrounded by warm sensations all over my body as his scent wafted from the sheets enveloping me as its victim.
Chapter 6 – The Dream is But a Dream
I awoke from a deep sleep by the gentle nudge of a hand.
“How are you feeling, any better?”
“I think so.”
“I have to leave soon, but you can stay if you want.”
“I’ll go.” I said before I thought better of it. He was handing over the opportunity I’ve been anticipating, the opportunity to find answers. I decided to get up with a little theatrics so again he would insist I need more time before leaving.
“I’ll be back in a little while, please I think you really need to stay and rest.”
“I think you’re right after all.”
I tentatively listened for the door to slam distinctly marking time for a good ten minutes to make sure he wasn’t coming back. It clearly became the longest ten minutes when my imagination started to wonder as I pictured him coming back upon remembering he left something behind, only to find me scrambling through his personals upon his return. I cringed at the thought as I shook it off and moved forward to get the job done. This was it, the little bit of evidence we needed to break this case wide open. I played it safe carefully rummaging through his stuff and respecting his possessions, no need to set off any alarms. My mind then flashed back to last night confirming why I’m so enamored as I actually witnessed his compassion and heart. It took a while to shuffle through his belongings as my interest kept peaking to learn more about him. However, my so-called big investigation turned up squat. Not one thing could be construed or misrepresented, which means he’s clean or the evidence is hidden somewhere else. I flopped on the couch unsure how to take the results. Most people have something to hide, but then I remembered he knew of an investigation already in progress. Of course, he wouldn’t leave anything here in case a search warrant was obtained later.
John sat beside me looking disappointed, “He’s always several steps ahead of you. Be careful, he’s not to be toyed with.”
“Yeah, I figured.”
“Your emotions are getting the best of you. I don’t like this guy.”
“You don’t have a say any longer. It’s my life and my decisions.”
Sadness filled his eyes making me think twice about my insulting comments before he stated something I had overlooked, “The windows.”
“What?” I glanced over to see the blinds wide open. “Anyone can see in.” I told myself under my breath. A strange dark feeling overwhelmed the surroundings and a creepy suspicion slithered into my space which concluded my reckoning, “someone is watching me.” I peeked back and John was gone as dread quickly followed. I unassumingly made my way over to the edge of the window pane hoping to be out of sight as I surveyed the area. I couldn’t spot anyone in my line of vision when I scanned the parked cars, they sat empty as far as I could tell. It was so bright outside surely it would be hard for someone to see in, if indeed they were spying. I kept peering out the window holding still, waiting for movement in the neighborhood before slowly stepping away. I felt as if I needed proof or it would be chalked up to nothing more than mere paranoia. I spun to make a beeline to the back of the house when I slammed hard into something or someone. Immediately, I let out a shrill scream and jerked back trying to gather my scruples when I realized it was him. “You scared me!” I swung back and smacked his arm still disoriented.
“Hey, it’s ok.” He said when I felt the heat of his body against mine.
Outside Father Clayton’s house, down the street and across in an alleyway Joseph hid in his car with binoculars. They could trust no one, especially not some sweet, young girl that had dropped out of the clear blue sky and into Father Clayton’s lap. Joseph took his responsibility seriously protecting him and the church at all cost knowing what he had to do.
Beyond Joseph, there was Jack hidden in thorny rose bushes cussing in pain but still undertaking the duty to keep Melissa safe. After following Joseph for a while, it was clear he was tracking whoever posed a threat to Clayton. Joseph follows Melissa and Jack now trails him, suddenly he felt like he’s been on a merry-go-round a little too long. It didn’t seem right, but round and around they all went. “Shit, what now?” he said when he saw Joseph perk up. He peered through his binoculars to see Father Clayton inside again with Melissa.
“Crap, I got to get her out of there.”
Back at the house, Colin released his grip sensing I had calmed down.
“I wasn’t even trying to scare you.”
“It was a misunderstanding. We’ll work it out, but for now I really have to go.”
“Whoa wait, sometime this week you’re going to have to help me eat some of this food we made last night.”
I hastily agreed as I turned heading towards the front of the house when he caught up reaching out seemingly to open the door. But in the blink of an eye, he leaned against it blocking my exit strategy. Baffled, I rapidly grew concerned as the situation seemed out of control. He made it known he was in charge as I feared what he had in store for me next. Just then, I caught something move out of the corner of my eye, it was Jack heading straight for us as Colin leaned in towards me.
Fear set in as I blurted out, “I can’t! Jack is coming up the walk.”
Colin glanced out to confirm what I had said to be true. A disheartened look came over his face when he opened the door and moved out of the way to let me go. I went without another word. I needed to say so much, but it all happened so fast my mind drew a blank.
“We’re out of here, Meliss
a.” Jack insisted. “Don’t say anything.” We walked back to the motel in silence while I wasn’t sure what was going on. My brain was still processing all the events and once inside our motel room we would be able to hash it all out.
“Do you know what just happened out there?”
“Not really.”
“Joseph’s tailing you, I’m assuming for Father Clayton.”
I didn’t say a word as he confirmed what I already knew to be true ending my paranoia. A picture of John flashed before my eyes, but just as rapidly I rejected it.
“That’s it, no response? Aren’t you a little shocked?” Jack quizzed.
“I am, I just need time to process it all.”
“Well, I can sure as hell give it to you straight. Everyone is watching everybody else, we’re on his radar. This changes everything.” Jack attested.
A knock came at the door unexpected, as it opened Joseph stood on the other side. “I didn’t expect you here now.”
“Yeah, well I’m here.” Joseph attested.
“What brings you?”
“The truth, are you going to let me in?” Joseph asked.
“Of course, come in.” He stated as he scanned the neighborhood making sure no one else is lurking about.
“They’re searching.” Joseph stated.
“I was afraid of that.”
“They’re not to be trusted.” He acknowledged.
“Who is really?”
“What is going on with you? It’s like this information doesn’t faze you. What gives?” Joseph asked at a loss.
He stared out the window turning his mind off and tuning out the world. It’s tragic really, the feelings that are surfacing and the thoughts that are abundant in his mind. “I’m falling in love with her.” Father Clayton solemnly stated.
Chapter 7 – The Truth
I immersed myself in the dream of what could be when Jack snapped me from it.
“Hello? Are you even paying attention? Where did you go just now?”
“Never mind, what now Jack?! What do you want to do? Everyone is watching each other and they want to know why we’re here. Somehow, I know this isn’t news to you.”