by Sarah Gay
The swirling mist from the waterfall dances in the air. Whining emanates from a Jurassic sized fern. She lifts the fronds to find a shivering puppy.
“That’s it! That’s my story, Mr. Famous,” Annie said, causing Mr. Famous to stir from his sleep, and slowly inch his way to the pillow beside her. “Set on a remote Polynesian island, my heroine will train the abandoned puppy, while she trains her unsuspecting boyfriend. Money.”
Annie’s fingers pitter-pattered for hours. Finally, at 2:30a.m, she looked over at her clock. Every hour or two she would sit back and feel the breeze on her face, or the touch of his finger on her shoulder, or the razor-sharp teeth of the puppy cutting into her wrist.
The vexatious chime of her phone alarm sounded at exactly 7:30a.m. “Time for a shower, but I’ll forego the yoga session. I’m on a roll, Mr. Famous,” she said massaging him awake. “Time for you to go out back while I’m freshening up. I’m so glad I have you to talk to. I’m no longer constantly talking to myself. No one in this town thinks I’m crazy at all.” Annie smiled.
When Annie returned to her computer, she examined her word count, 10,558. “Not bad at all. I may have misspelled half of you, but not bad.”
Annie threw the scenes in her head at the bright screen as her fingers typed. The words transformed into film in her mind. It was more sensual and acute than watching a movie at the theatre, because in this film, she could feel the ocean lapping her leg, and smell the evergreen musk of her hero. Paxton proved to be a steamy hero.
She had closed her eyes only momentary before drifting off. Annie fell into a serene world, apart from her two other worlds. She drifted far from the place where she held the story she had created in her mind and drifted even farther from the world where she was a flowering author. She remained in this sedated state, seated upright with her laptop open against her chest until a familiar ringtone interrupted her deep slumber.
“Morning, Dad,” she said, her voice rattling with phlegm.
“Annie, how’s my pumpkin? Did I wake you?” he said, sounding concerned.
“In a manner of speaking. What time is it?”
“Noon your time. Are you sick?”
“No, just up all night writing.”
“I raised a work horse.”
“Are you talking about me, or Stardust?”
“I named Stardust after you, so I guess you could say both.”
“Is she getting too old to ride?”
“I think that she would like nothing more than to stretch her legs with you on her back. A horse never forgets her first love. Talking about first loves, have you met anyone new?”
“Maybe.” Annie contemplated the idea. It seemed presumptuous to introduce Kai to her family at this point.
“Well, I sure hope Maybe likes steak and is all about winter sports.”
“It may be too soon to bring him home, Daddy.”
“Think about it. You sound happy, Annie. That’s all I want for my little girl. Couldn’t hurt for him to be well-established, and respect the military.”
“Military? Where did that come from? You think that I’m dating someone in the military?”
“Considering that Harry, your great-grandfather, served this country in World War II, I see that as a great quality in a man.”
“You’re right. But I thought Granddaddy refused to ever talk about the war. And, unfortunately, I never knew him. He passed away when I was five.”
“I should talk about him more. We all need to have a little more perspective, and appreciation. Love you, Pumpkin.”
“Love you too.”
“And remember, Maybe is welcome here for Christmas. Or if you can make it here by Thanksgiving, even better.”
Annie wrestled to strip off her duvet bed cover. It had been a chilly morning. But now, at the hottest time of the day, the heat from the sunrays streaming in through her bedroom window was causing the down blanket covering her legs to transform into a lava pad.
She was at 12,000 words. This was an epic writing day. She was almost a quarter of the way through her novel, in just one night and a half. She would need to stop writing in two hours to prepare for her date with Kai. Should she kiss him tonight?
The screen on Annie’s phone lit up and began vibrating. After speaking with her dad, she had silenced and moved to the other side of the room. She was much more productive when her phone was far from reach, and set to vibrate. She glanced at the screen. It was Melanie.
“Hottest night, right?” Annie questioned.
“Yes, and it got the ball rolling.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just had the baby.”
“Oh my gosh! That’s amazing. Are you okay?”
“Great, actually. Even with the initial drugs, I was in serious pain. Twelve hours of labor, and then I tore up like no other. They finally gave me just the right cocktail. Come down.”
“Be right there. I just need to see if I can pick up Mr. Famous’ therapy card from his trainer.” Annie wished that his current service card would be sufficient, but it wasn’t a bona fide hospital therapy card. “I’ll stop by there and be on my way. Okay?”
“Sure, sounds great,” Melanie said, giggling.
Is that normal to laugh after having a baby? Annie wondered.
Kate looked Annie up and down. “You want a therapy card? Right now?”
“Please. You said it yourself that Mr. Famous is a star pupil. And I’m going to see a friend who just had her baby who really needs some comfort right now.”
“We have not finished our training on heeling. But, Mr. Famous has worked extremely hard this past month. If you can prove to me that he will walk beside you correctly and pay attention, then I’ll give it to you right now. It’s imperative in a medical environment that he watches and obeys your every command. Can you imagine if something were to drop on the hospital floor, and Mr. Famous were to run over and gobble it up. Could be dangerous for him.”
Annie scratched her cheek while nodding her head. “Yes, I can see where that could be a problem. I assure you, Mr. Famous has better manners than running over and eating up a regurgitated jicama,” Annie said with anticipation.
“Jicama? Quite an imagination you have, Annie.”
“Helps with my writing.”
“I see. Now walk him around the room, please.”
After several walks around the room, followed by the rules and etiquette to observe in a medical environment, Mr. Famous was legit.
Annie sprinted into the hospital. Kai would be there shortly. She needed to start introducing him to her friends, if she were serious about making him a part of her life.
With the blinds closed, Melanie’s hospital room was cloaked in darkness. The sounds of an ocean surf splashed somewhere in the distance, most likely originating from Greg’s cell phone. Annie found Melanie swaying back and forth in her bed. She sported a thin, yellow polka-dotted hospital gown.
“Melanie, you look really…happy?”
“I feel amazing. I just had a baby,” she said, pointing to Greg on the couch.”
“Where is the baby? I want to see her. Have you decided on a name?”
“I’m thinking Flutter-bug,” she said in a slurred voice.
“I understand. Greg.” Annie said his name in an accusatory tone. “What do they have her on?”
“Sh. It’s so peaceful and quiet. I haven’t slept in over twenty-four hours. I have no idea how I made it through residency.”
“What did they give her?” Annie said with more authority.
“Don’t worry. Just a little something to ease her pain. And a little something else to calm her nerves. It’ll wear off shortly. You have no idea the profanities that were coming out of her mouth. I thought she was going to kill me. But look at her now. So peaceful.”
“Peaceful. Yeah, she looks like a May Day protestor, a hippie that just walked off the Mall in DC after a peace demonstration. I hope she won’t have any permanent brain damage.”
�
�I administer drugs, remember? Got it covered. No need to worry. I don’t mean to be rude, but do you mind if I just doze off for a few minutes.”
“Sorry. I’ll try to be quiet. You must have had a rough night,” she said sarcastically, looking over at Melanie, the poor thing.
“You have no idea,” he responded with complete sincerity.
Maybe Melanie had been difficult, but seriously? Who wouldn’t, under those circumstances?
Annie tried to keep her voice down. “Look who I brought,” Annie said, walking to Melanie’s side as she pulled Mr. Famous from her shoulder bag.
“I love it! Is he mine?”
“It’s Mr. Famous. He wanted to congratulate, and comfort you. He is a certified therapy dog now.”
“Oh. He is hot,” she said, pointing to the open doorway. If my therapy with your dog doesn’t work, can I have him?”
Kai’s face opened into a broad smile, accentuating his dimple.
Annie’s eyes lit up. Kai really was adorable. Maybe his kisses would send her to the moon.
“She’s a little loopy. My guess is she’ll not remember this tomorrow,” Annie said, turning from Kai to Melanie, “This is Kai. The guy I told you about.”
“Kiss him already,” Melanie slurred.
Kai opened his arms, welcoming Annie to appease her friend.
“Our first kiss is not going to be in a hospital room reeking of alcohol, in front of my inebriated friend.”
“Why would you say such a thing?” Melanie said, barely coherent through her elephant tears. “Haven’t I been through enough today?”
“I have to agree with her. Think of what she’s been through today, Annie,” Kai said, puckering his lips.
Annie sighed. He was humorous. Her friend would probably never remember, and Greg was out like a light. At least she would never forget this kiss, that was for sure.
Melanie started clapping her hands as Annie moved into position for Kai to lay one on her.
He wasn’t shy, but a bit sloppy. Their kiss was almost too moist to feel, like they were kissing in a rainstorm. Annie pulled away disappointed, with Kai slightly embarrassed.
“Annie, I’m not sure I can do this?”
“Date me? Or kiss me?”
“Kiss you like I’ve never kissed before. I think that was it,” he said, looking at the ceiling. “Tell me this. Can you see us together? Or is this just a story for you? You know, for one of your books.”
“I was thinking long term. What were you thinking?” Annie asked, confused by his question.
“I was hoping you would say that.” Kai’s arms encircled her and he released a kiss that would have put Gone With the Wind, The Notebook, The Lord of the Rings, and even the montage from Cinema Paradiso on screen kisses to shame.
He slowly pulled away, leaving Annie slightly dizzy.
“Better?” he said.
“Incredible,” she sighed. Although, not transporting incredible, she thought.
“Annie,” Melanie said, while swooping her arms. “That was beautiful. I wish Paxton would have stayed till the end. What a finish!”
“Paxton?” Annie questioned.
“He walked in, took one look at the two of you. Handed me these flowers. Said something about you training a mutt, then stomped out. Annie are you training him like a little puppy?” she said in an infantile voice, followed with a clicking of her tongue.
“Annie, are you just training me like a mutt?” Kai said, wilting like the pages of her father’s book.
“It sounds a lot worse when you say it like that.”
“And how, exactly, should I say it?” Kai’s voice raised in volume.
“What’s going on? Have mercy.” Greg sat up. “I just want to sleep for an hour. I’m wrecked now though,” he said with a slight Irish accent, as he wrestled with the doll sized hospital blanket.
Annie was confused why Greg was still an Irishman, but first needed to address Kai’s concerns.
“Kai, I’m sorry.” She grabbed him by the arm, preventing him from leaving.
“Don’t touch me,” he said, like a hurt child.
“Never again is he touching me. Do you understand?” Melanie said, motioning to her exasperated husband. “Never again are you touching me.”
Greg squinted his eyes. “Believe me, I have no intenti—”
“Good evening,” interrupted the nurse. “Time to feed your baby. Everyone else but dad, out please.”
The nurse was holding a plump, pink little morsel.
“She’s adorable. Are you sure I can’t hold her for a minute?” Annie begged.
The nurse held up a hand. “Sorry. She needs maternal bonding right now. Unless you would like to stand in. I could observe how well she latches on to you.”
Annie pointed at the nurse. “Brazen and feisty. Got to admire that. I’ll be by tomorrow. Love you guys. Get some sleep.”
“Right,” Greg said sarcastically.
Silence accompanied Annie and Kai as they walked out to the parking lot.
“I want to make this work, Kai.”
“Do you feel anything for me?”
Annie paused, crinkling her face. “I do,” she said with effort, sounding more like a question, than a definitive statement. She suddenly realized how guarded and manipulative she had been. “I did mean for this to work out.”
“I tried to act the part.” Kai got into his car and sped away.
Annie stood in the parking lot. She had lost both her suitors, only minutes apart. She needed her daddy, and a long bath to melt away the bitter evening.
Chapter 12
Annie tapped her toes against the powder blue, porcelain coated, cast iron tub to the beat of Cyndi Lauper’s Girl’s Just Want to Have Fun. It was the only song that cheered her spirits during her most melancholy days. The tea kettle’s whistle interrupted her jarring rendition of the popular tune. She slid from her bubbly thermal reprieve into the microfleece robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door.
The tea bags sputtered as Annie poured the scalding water into the two oversized coffee mugs. She placed her face over the steam and breathed in the sweet smell of cinnamon and cloves. The signature knock drummed against the front door. Tanya bustled in, unwrapping a box of chocolate covered strawberries from their favorite local chocolatier.
“You’re too good to me,” Annie said, taking a strawberry out of the box, and eating it whole.
“Why the emergency?” Tanya said, reaching for a strawberry.
“Not that I’m saying that you were right,” Annie hesitated. “I finished my research, but am stuck on the manuscript. I had this epiphany, this momentary inspiration. But it’s gone, and all I’m left with is this replay in my mind of him running away from me.”
“Running away? Someone else running away from you? When did Kai leave?”
“Two days ago. He and Paxton.”
“Paxton?”
“I keep wondering what Paxton must think of me. I haven’t been sleeping. I take a guy’s honest attention and train him like a…like a mutt.”
“So, you’re worried what Paxton thinks of you?”
“Doesn’t make sense,” Annie said, waving her hands in the air. “Chocolate strawberries fix everything. At least they will tonight. I’m going home tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“I rescheduled my trip. I can write anywhere. It’s imperative that I find my inspiration again.”
“There’s a reason why you live here, and not in Wisconsin. You’ve never had one good thing to say about the dairy farm. Are you sure that’s where you’ll find your inspiration? Maybe you need to call Kai, or this Paxton guy, and explain that you made a mistake.”
“I’d be stumbling over my words. You know how I get.”
“Okay, accomplished author. How about you put your writing skills to the test. Write them both a love letter, and see who responds.”
“Your last idea is what got me into trouble in the first place.”
“Oh, no
. You can’t blame that one on me. That was all you.”
Annie smiled. “I know. I enjoy your reactions.”
“And what I wouldn’t give to see their reactions.” Tanya jumped up and down. Her speech quickened as she became more animated. “Oh, oh, oh…I got it. Let me be cupid. Let me deliver the love letters to them in person. Then, I’ll witness their reactions first hand, and report back to you.”
“Not a bad idea. Hey, do you want to help me make a batch of caramels? I’ll give them each a package with the apology letters, then take the rest home to my folks.”
“What’s my cut?”
“A quarter.”
“A third.”
“You drive a hard bargain, but you got it. A third of the tastiest treats, this side of the Mississippi.”
Annie turned the watermarked envelope over and slowly melted the red wax. She pressed down her monogramed seal lightly over the warm surface. It had been months since she had doodled with her quill and ink. Calligraphy had been a type of art form for Annie a few years back. It felt good to feel the wooden quill in her fingers again, the metal tip scratching at the heavy paper. Hopefully they read cursive. It was a dying style of penmanship.
The signature knock sent flitters of excitement up Annie’s spine.
“Are they ready?” Tanya questioned.
“Right here,” Annie said, handing the elegant cards over to her friend.
“No addresses for these guys? How is it that you dated both of them, but have no idea where they live?”
“Unnecessary details. Or so I thought.”
“I’ll ask around. Shouldn’t be too hard to find them. I’ll start with your dog trainer lady.”
“Good idea. Thanks for doing this,” Annie said, throwing her bag in the back seat of her car, and giving a backward wave.
“You know it’s twenty-five degrees in Wisconsin today? I’m expecting you back here in one week.”
“Actually, one month. After the holidays. And after I finish my manuscript.”
“You’ll never last.”
“I have to. See you in a month. Come on, Mr. Famous,” Annie said, picking him up from the sidewalk and placing him in the passenger seat. He would eventually make his way to her lap and start licking her window, but he was happy for now on his sheepskin covered pillow.