by C. L. Quinn
Endless
Days…
By C.L.Quinn
Peace is all I ask…give me a moment of silence so I can hear the world. Give me a moment of clarity so I can see the world. Give them time enough, and they will bring us to our knees and have us beg the stars for light…
Peace is all I ask…but you give me guns and draw blood.
I will walk away until I can hear the rain again without the storm. Until I see the sun without the splash of blood. Until I can dream again and wake knowing that the world is safe for gentle beings to walk.
That…is all I ask.
…Cherise Devereaux
Chapter one
Winds had picked up and pushed her precious flowers over, breaking stems and blooms, rearranged lawn furniture, and sent Cherise’s favorite bird statue to statue heaven. She sighed as she surveyed the damage, then walked out onto the flagstone patio and bent to pick up the shards of concrete strewn about. The capriciousness of nature had no concern for the prized possessions of humans.
She was sorry to see it shattered, but it didn’t upset her. She’d lost so much more than this in her life…people who she could barely stand to remember, it hurt so much. Family who threw her away because she was too gentle to live amongst the chaos and death that had been normal in her life then. So…these small replaceable things…it was okay. A few minutes work put things mostly right again, and she went back into her tiny house, poured a hot cup of organic herbal tea, and came back out to sip it on the previously upturned wicker rocking chair she had to admit she really did love. She was grateful it had survived the wind’s wrath. The wicker seat was a little worse for the wear as it tugged gently on the light peach colored satin robe she wore. She was naked beneath it, but her garden was private and she loved the touch of the air against her bare skin.
The birds and squirrels returned and she smiled, set the tea aside and went in to canisters that sat just inside a small shed, then came back out with several large scoops full of birdseed, black oil sunflower seeds, and shelled peanuts. Many sets of eyes watched her impatiently as she poured it all around a cleared area in front of the patio. The feeders had blown down, but the animals adapted easily to grazing on the hard solid surface. They were of course, by nature, excellent foragers. Nothing made Cherise happier here in her new life. Just…serenity. What she needed desperately at this point in her life. She was so grateful to have finally found it.
Two little squirrels ran up to her, chattered, shook their tails, and then moved closer yet. Ahh. They wanted the special food. Walnut pieces she kept for the brave who would come up and ask for them. Animals were not afraid of Cherise. They sensed her…they knew her…as they knew she knew them. She had been born with it…the affinity for all life forms…a gift of empathy, of connection to all life. It was her gift that had become a curse. Which is why she was here, alone and unknown, in this small American town. It had been heaven…and she had needed it for so long.
She could breathe again. Pressure in her mind and in her heart…gone, replaced with calm she had thought she would never know again. She was happy…and that was all that mattered…for now. The future would come and it would bring many things, but for now…it was enough. She was right where she needed to be.
Her telephone chimed…a landline with a cordless phone she could carry with her from her house to her garden. She no longer had a mobile…uh, cell phone. Every element of her life was simplified…and that included receiving calls only when she wanted to. Low tech life. With limitations. A small tablet computer lay tucked on a shelf for the few times she needed one.
The squirrels chattered again, the phone still chimed, and she decided to see to the squirrels first. Most phone conversations were essentially unnecessary. These two adorable fuzzy tailed imps were not. After they scampered off with their special treats, she finished off her tea. Time to dress for work. And although she knew her body was quite nice, she’d make the proper concession to clothes out on the streets of her adopted town. She was pretty sure the citizens would appreciate it. Especially the local women who were still getting used to the beautiful petite brunette who arrived mysteriously in town about a year ago and opened a little patisserie. She knew women…they thought of her as a threat to their small male population, but mon Dieu, they could stop worrying. The last thing Cherise wanted was a romantic relationship. With her gifts, she would transfer things to a man he would never understand. No. Their men were safe.
Cherise usually arrived at her little café earlier than either of her two part time employees, but today she’d needed to…linger. Today, particularly, for some reason she did not know, she felt an overwhelming need to feel the sun on her skin and just be calm. No complications, no expectations, nothing to excite. Just her and the sound of the birds and the wind. It was a very good morning. The small niggling sense that something was coming, she tried to ignore. Sometimes, sometimes, it worked.
But it was getting late and the lunch crowd would show up soon, she knew Margaret needed her there, so she slipped into her work dress and her work persona, and walked through the little town on her way to the café. This time of morning, no one was out, but she only passed four homes on the way in, since she’d bought a little cottage just outside the village proper, and had no neighbors other than the small beasts that inhabited the woods behind her home, and the fields across the street. She had been so lucky to find this place. Different, in every way, from her home in the French Alps.
Walking to work was cathartic, enjoyable. She loved it, loved that everything about this place was exactly what she wanted…normal. Even the women who had been suspicious of her at first were now friends. Her little shop La Petite Patisserie, was doing well and gave her all she needed, enough earnings so she could be comfortable financially with no struggle. Her family had been shocked that she left their opulent life for one of very basic living, but they didn’t understand her reasons. They knew her reasons, they just didn’t want to accept them. It was okay. She was alone here in this foreign land, but she was happy.
Hung over the door of her little café tucked between a bookstore and a dress shop, an ornately painted, faux icing- covered sign promised many goodies inside. And when you opened the door, the scent of sugar and spice that wrapped around you was magnifique. Ah. She was trying very hard to not pepper her language with her native French. She’d practiced a lot, and had her language down to just a slight accent, and if her English was not perfect, it was good enough for the locals. It had been fun to see if she could pull it off, and she had.
As Cherise came through the back door into the café’s little kitchen, a slightly overweight woman with her long bright auburn hair pulled up into a loose bun, looked up from the counter. Her smile was soft and warm. Cherise thought she was so pretty, her rounded cheeks always a little rosy.
“Oh,hey, Cheri. I tried to call you a little while ago.”
“I know. I’m sorry, I didn’t get to it in time. Do you still need something?”
“Nah. I couldn’t find the royal icing. Little Dicky stopped in…you know he loves a ball of that on his cookie.”
Cherise smiled. “I do. He is an imp and worse a sugar addict than me. Did you find it?”
“Yeah, it got pushed behind some new stock. He’s good. Got a nice lunch crowd started today. Weather’s too pretty to stay home, right?”
“Oh, yes. Early autumn sunshine with a late summer breeze. I love it. Could barely stand to steal myself away. But I am here, so I will see to the ones in front if you want to cook. Or other way, Margaret, whatever you wish.”
“Well, I tell you what. I’ll stay out front and you get the food prep. That way, you can keep the back door open and enjoy the day.” She paused. �
��You look tired, Cheri. You gettin’ enough sleep?”
Cherise tilted her head. “Ah, yes. Enough, anyway. Not any extra. Perhaps I will take a day off in a week or two.”
Margaret looked hard at Cherise, her sharp eyes missing nothing…the slimness of her face, the large blue eyes that seemed to see your soul, the shadows under them. “Maybe a couple. I can handle all but the lunch rush, and Chelsea can help me with that.”
Smiling, Cherise tied her apron around her waist. “Perhaps. There is another diner out front.”
Margaret grabbed a menu and went out to welcome the man who had just entered. Cherise turned away and began lining up the ingredients she would need most for the next hour or so. A few days off would not help. She was dreaming again, and that disturbed her sleep so much, she often just got out of the bed and went out to the garden, where, amazingly, the dark was reassuring. A large bench with puffy cushions was so comfortable, that there, with the brilliant diamonds in the sky shining down on her, both her black cats (brothers), pressed against her, she would sleep again, dreamlessly, for a little while. But morning always came too soon, and she awoke tired and off-balance most days. Something, something, something…was coming.
No time to worry about it now. Now was scrumptious croissant sandwiches, beautiful French breads with fresh salads, and pastries that defied any diet. She had to admit, her food was extraordinaire. She’d learned from the best, and as usual, when she thought of her dear friend Eugene, who was no longer with the living, she bowed her head and kissed her fingertips to him. She’d loved the man, a huge black bear of a man who was as fierce as a lion, when needed, or gentle as a lamb. And, sacre bleu, the man could cook. He had been as a brother to her and she missed him daily.
The orders starting coming as more people arrived for their little piece of French heaven. The welcome in this town had been so warm when she opened the patisserie, she’d become almost a local celebrity. People here really like their pastries. She had to get accustomed to their desire for larger portions, but she knew…she baked for her clients, so if they wanted enormous, they got it. It reminded her, against her will, of the portions Eugene had prepared for his diners. The vampires. Well, they ate a lot. And he could satisfy them all. So, she did the same for her lovely customers. No one left unsatisfied.
Except for, perhaps, Johnny Smith. While she kneaded the bread, she rolled her eyes. Thank god he hadn’t been in lately. He was truly obnoxious. So certain he was irresistible to women, and particularly to Cherise. She thought of his hands pawing at her the few times he’d tried, until she had pushed a thought to him that he was repelled by brunettes. It had worked, but she did not know for how long. He was handsome, of that she did not doubt, but she could see his aura…and it was dark and dangerous. He was not a good man. She didn’t even want him in this town, but he had been here longer than she, and was likely to stay. She did not suffer bad people. He had better stay out of her way, lest he find how much power she really had. Beyond what he would understand. It was best left bound and unused, though, so she hoped he was done with her for always.
Lunchtime went quickly, everything going smoothly as usual, and after the final lunch customer had left, Cherise removed her apron to wander out front and help Margaret straighten up the small dining area. Through the rest of the day, they may see occasional food orders, but mostly people would be stopping in after work or school for pastries.
“Did you see that gorgeous guy? Came in here about an hour ago?” Margaret asked.
“Umm. Missed him. Out of towner? Interested?”
“Me? No, no, I’m too ancient for the likes of him. But now you…you would be his type.”
Cherise stopped cleaning her tabletop. Leaned on it and crossed her arms. “And what would you be knowing of what he might like?”
Margaret continued busily filling the case with fresh tarts that had come out of the oven moments earlier.
“Well, now, he looked like he’d like hot brunettes with a sweet disposition, and well, let’s face it, great ta ta’s.”
Cherise was glad she had her arms crossed. “You set him up, didn’t you? Answer me, madame. You had him come in here to see me.”
“Okay, okay, I did. I was in Colorado Springs last week, he’s the son of a friend, and I told him he should come get a look at you.” She paused dramatically. “He was not disappointed.”
“Oh, Margaret, what am I going to do with you? I cannot date. I told you that. Not now. Maybe not for a long time.” Try never. Her gift did not play well with humans.
“I just can’t imagine a gorgeous thing like you spending all your nights alone. I wish you’d give him a try. He’s really handsome and a professional. Lawyer, I think.”
Mon Dieu! An analytical, sharp eyed, cynical profession. Oh, no….
“And he plans to be back. He’s really interested, Cheri.”
“Well, he’s just going to have to be satisfied with baguettes.”
Cherise threw down her towel as she entered the kitchen and grabbed a carrot stick, gave it a nasty bite.
Margaret followed her. “I’m sorry, honey. But, seriously, you’ve been here a year and turned down everyone.”
With a sigh, turning slowly to face her friend, Cherise killed the carrot. “I know. Please, though, know that I have my reasons. I’m okay, my friend. Really. I’m perfectly happy with my new female friends…” Margaret started to protest, but Cherise held up her hand. “Listen to me. I do not need male companionship. It will come when it comes, alright?”
Margaret knew the topic was closed.
“Well, okay. But I still think you two could have some beautiful children.”
Cherise strangled a cry and threw a towel at Margaret. “He is all yours, if you think he is so great.”
“No, I had my great love. I’ll wait until I see him again.”
The bell tinkled above the door alerting them someone had come in. Cherise touched Margaret on her arm lightly as she went out of the kitchen. She knew her husband had been gone years, yet she knew Margaret still missed him deeply. Time does not always heal wounds. Yeah, she understood that completely.
The man at the counter gave her a stunning smile. Even white teeth, deep blue eyes, nicely coiffed light brown hair, expensive cut…handsome, dressed in a nice suit. She’d never seen him before. Crap. The lawyer.
She hoped the sigh wasn’t obvious. “May I help you, sir?”
He hesitated, seemed to be lost in staring at her.
“Sir? What would you like?” Loaded question. Wrong one. She saw his mind wrap around the implications. Then he seemed to come out of it.
“Uh, yeah, just two of the cherry popovers, please.” He paused as she started to open the glass door that kept them corralled. “Um, I was wondering…would you be interested in joining me for dinner sometime? Tonight, maybe? I’ve been told the Golden Lamb on Main Street has really nice steaks. I’d like to get to know you.”
Here it goes…
He put out his hand. “I’m James, by the way. James Chadwick.”
She stared at him, now. He did seem nice and he was handsome. Nervous, but that was usual for men who tried to ask her out. She knew she was attractive, but it was more than that. Something in them knew she was different…they were not the same. Their spirits recognized it even if their minds didn’t. Not that the message reached a certain part of their anatomy that could care less about spirits. But…he couldn’t handle the closeness with one of her kind. No, she couldn’t…
“That’s nice, but I really cannot. Other commitments, you understand.”
“But… I’m sorry, but I was invited here by someone you know. She believes you are single, unattached. That isn’t true?”
“It’s complicated, but no, I am not available.”
He stared back at her, paused, started to say something, then pulled a card out of his pocket.
“Well, if you were to change your mind, I would love to treat you to a really nice dinner and just…talk. That’
s all. We could take it from there. I want you to know, I’m really very interested. But, I won’t push. Would you mind if I called back perhaps in a few weeks or so, if I haven’t heard from you before then?”
How sweet. No. But…
“That’s kind of you. I…will consider your invitation. Thank you. James.”
He nodded, smiled again, great smile, paid for his items and left. When she turned around, Margaret was smiling.
Cherise picked up another towel and pitched it to her. “Wipe that smile, matchmaker, it didn’t work. But you’re right, he seems like a nice man.”
“Just think about it, honey. Well, you need me to stick around for closing?”
“No, you may go. Thank you for opening. I will do so tomorrow and you may sleep in a little bit.”
“Sounds good. See ya, Cheri.”
After Margaret left, Cherise busied herself zoning the café to be sure everything was tidy and pristine, then began preparations for all the pastries for the next day’s business. She would be in at five o’clock to begin baking for the morning crowd and lunch. The evening went well, she moved another sixty pastries and various bread items, took special orders for three parties, and then closed up. It took another twenty minutes to finish the final cleanup, balance the till, and prepare for final lockup. As she picked up her shoulder satchel to go, there was a light knock on the back door. Who in the world…
She opened the door without worrying about who was there. The town just didn’t have problems with crime…well, anything serious. Besides, she could easily defend herself.
A small man came in, limping slightly. “Cherise, mademoiselle, pardon, j’vais aid.”
“English only, mon ami. See, I am still struggling to be an American, too. What is it you have need of?”
Leo had a noticeable stutter.
“I…I th…think you need to ch…check on the resident of the old m…mansion outside of town.”