by Barrett
Chapter Forty-three
KIRIN WAS ON her third cup of coffee since jumping out of bed at five forty-seven. Her legal-size list of “to do” items lay on the kitchen counter covered with check marks, notes, and highlighting. She had rearranged her clothing twice. Almost every item in the dresser had been in and out of drawers. A canvas briefcase held her laptop, notebook, pens, tape recorder, a CD case, extra glasses, a small atlas, a plastic bag with chargers for her phone, computer, and a camera.
Her carry-on stood by the door with her prized Belize ball cap, keys, and sunglasses. She watered her one houseplant, a philodendron, and wiped down the kitchen counters—for the second time. It was still before seven but she decided to leave anyway. By the time she topped off the gas tank and washed the car windows, she’d still have to deal with morning rush hour.
At exactly seven forty-five, Kirin pulled up in front of Silke’s house. She flipped down the vanity mirror and fussed with her hair. Probably should’ve had it cut. It was still early . . . she looked out the passenger window. Silke was seated on her top step, grinning. Kirin felt a flush of embarrassment rising up her neck. Shit.
“Good morning,” Kirin croaked as she got out of the car.
“How long have you been parked out here?” Silke stood.
“Just a couple minutes. I was worried that I was too early. Is that all you’re taking?” Kirin pointed to the duffel bag in front of the door.
“Yes. I’m all set—raring to go.” Silke unfolded her cane as Kirin picked up the duffel bag.
SILKE DAYDREAMED OFF and on while Kirin regaled her with stories of how she and Melissa had gotten together. She loved listening to Kirin tell funny stories because she seemed to enjoy them so much. Although they were both Midwesterners, Kirin’s voice held a soft melodious quality and her ability to describe people and places was wonderfully evocative. Silke could just close her eyes and visualize the stories.
They’d driven for almost an hour when Kirin interrupted her bliss. “How about stopping before we get into Fond du Lac? I could use a quick break and something to eat.”
Silke nodded. “Works for me.”
As Kirin slowed the car she let go of Silke’s hand for the first time in over half an hour. Kirin had never been especially demonstrative, but since the night of their picnic at the lighthouse, she’d changed. They both had. Silke had not noticed how careful Kirin had been about showing any overt interest. She found it an admirable quality and very respectful. Her chest swelled a little as she glanced at Kirin’s serious expression.
“How does IHOP sound?”
Silke covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “You have no idea how much I love pancakes.”
Kirin grinned as she pulled into the IHOP parking lot. The place was busy but they were seated relatively fast.
The waitress poured them each coffee and took their orders.
“Can you tell me a little about this resort we’re going to and maybe a little history?” Silke held the cup in both hands as she sipped the hot coffee.
“If I remember correctly, my parents went up there with another couple shortly after they got married,” Kirin said. “The resort has been around since the early 1900s. Originally owned by a Polish family, their son became a well-known boat builder then he and his wife continued to run it until the eighties. It changed hands a couple of times before a company bought it to add to their string of resorts. Fortunately, they left most of it unchanged, but upgraded the utilities and amenities.”
The waitress arrived with their delicious-smelling order.
“Can you see which syrup is boysenberry?” Silke asked.
Kirin handed her the right bottle.
The first bite was divine. Silke enjoyed pancakes but they never had them at home. She stopped chewing. “You think I can have pancakes every day?”
Kirin choked on the water she was drinking. “You can have them every meal if you really want them. But you might want to reconsider if we catch some good fish.”
Fresh caught fish. Silke never even thought of that. “Good point. Go on with your story.”
“I think the first time I was allowed up there, I was four years old. My brother is four years older than I am, and I think that was too much for my mom to handle in a rather primitive cottage. So I stayed with grandma.” Kirin gave her a wry look and sighed. “Anyway, we went up there every summer for two weeks. Some years, my dad would drive back to work and return on the weekends. When I was old enough to remember things, I began to look forward to it. It was usually two weeks in July, before school started, when it was really hot. By the time I was six, my brother and I both had swimming lessons, and we lived in our bathing suits there. Our cottage was on the shoreline so my mom kept a close eye on us.”
Kirin picked up a piece of bacon and gazed out the window. “I really loved it up there, but for some weird reason I quit going when I got to high school. Too many social activities I guess. Plus, my brother had gone to college.”
“It sounds great,” Silke said. “I can’t wait to see it, knowing how much it meant to you.”
“What about you? What did you guys do in the summer?”
Silke laughed. “Are you kidding? Summer school. My dad was a workaholic, probably why he died so young. We took some fun trips to Disney World, Washington DC, and a road trip out west to the Grand Canyon. I attended Girl Scout camp for two years, so I did get a taste of the north woods.”
The waitress brought the bill.
Silke grabbed it. “Let me get this.”
ONCE THEY WERE back on the road, Kirin began to relax after her big breakfast and the realization that there was no turning back. She glanced at Silke who looked comfortable with her knees crossed and her eyes closed. A pleasant glow enveloped her.
She left the radio off, opened the two rear windows to let in the fresh scent of sunshine and newly cut hay. As they passed out of Wausau, the rural countryside transformed—patchworked with groves of old growth trees. Glacial movements had created a sculpted landscape of kettles and moraines covered with rich soil. Hay, corn, and soybeans spread over large swaths of farmland. The remaining acreage contained dairy farms.
The farms grew sparse the closer they got to their destination. A staggering number of lakes and rivers surrounded Woodruff. Kirin had read that Northern Wisconsin contained over thirty-two hundred lakes interspersed with forests. Small wonder fishing was a state pastime.
Kirin slowed the car as she looked for her turn off.
Silke stirred. “I can’t believe I fell asleep. How long have I been out?”
“I’m not sure.” Kirin shrugged. “About an hour I guess.”
“Where are we?” Silke sat up and stretched.
“We’re south of Woodruff, and I think County Road D is up here somewhere.” Kirin peered out the windshield, looking for familiar landmarks. “I forgot the GPS. So I have to depend on my acute navigational skills. Either that or hope my mom has her cell phone turned on. Yup, there it is.”
“Oh, then we’re almost there.” Silke sounded alarmed.
“Well, not quite.” Kirin flashed her a curious look. “There’re a lot of back roads before we get to the cottage. Why, are you all right?”
Silke laughed nervously. “Yes I’m fine. I guess I’m a little nervous about meeting your family. I hadn’t given it much thought, but aren’t they going to be curious about why you brought me?”
Kirin took Silke’s hand. “I asked my mom if I could bring a friend, and you are the friend I met on the way to Belize. I don’t think it’s a problem unless you’re worried?”
Silke squeezed her hand. “I suppose not. I still feel a little raw and vulnerable, that’s all.”
“I can understand that.” Kirin nodded. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry because of the number of people they invited. It’ll be a lot of small talk and socializing.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll try to behave.”
“Don’t worry,” Kirin said. “They’ll
think you’re as wonderful as I do.” She slowed as they crossed a small wooden bridge. “We didn’t really talk about what happened with Rachel . . .”
Silke squeezed her hand tightly. “I know. I’d rather not talk about it just yet, if that’s okay.”
FOR THE NEXT half hour, they meandered through back roads, sparsely populated and increasingly shadowed. The bright August sun that accompanied them for most of the day danced through the densely leaved canopy.
Silke was enchanted by the filaments of sunlight filtering through the birch trees that surrounded them. The curling white bark was in bright contrast to the dark brown and gray trunks of the larger trees. Patches of sunlight held bouquets of wildflowers.
She opened her window to breathe in the aromas of the primeval forest, the rich loamy scent of the decay, and pungent pine. This kind of immersion aromatherapy released a rush of endorphins.
She closed her eyes and inhaled peace. “I’m so glad you invited me. This is like a magic forest and it evokes the same kind of joy I feel in Belize.”
Kirin took her hand. “Then I’m happy. I’ll bet it’s been four years since I was up here, but the minute I get off the highway, the pitiful details and concerns seem to slip off me like scales. Some of my happiest memories have been early morning walks in the woods. You know, when it’s still cool and a little foggy.”
“That’s my favorite time to be on the beach.” Silke smiled and felt another tether connect their lives.
Kirin slowed the car and pointed to a sunny clearing just to the right of them. “Look.”
Silke stared and narrowed her eyes to focus and finally spotted a doe with two yearlings grazing at the edge of the clearing. Behind them, maybe ten yards, stood a majestic buck. He watched them carefully, and Kirin slowly edged the car past them.
Another ten minutes on a two-track dirt path, barely wide enough for the car, and the dark forest gave way to blue sky and the sparkling blue water of the lake.
“Is that it?” Silke realized she sounded like she an eight year old.
“Yup. Sunflower Lodge awaits us.”
A dark brown two-story log building stood on a hill near the water, surrounded by a grassy area dotted with antique lawn chairs, a badminton net, and near the driveway, a horseshoe pit. At least a dozen cottages were visible as they neared the building.
Kirin turned down another driveway that took them closer to the water. She parked in front of a more modern-looking wooden cabin with the front door open.
Chapter Forty-four
KIRIN READ THE note on the kitchen counter. “My folks are out fishing, but Mom got us the Traveler’s cottage. Great. We only stayed there once but it’s my favorite.” She picked up the key attached to a red-and-white bobber. She scribbled a note to her mom. “Let’s go get unpacked, and we might have time to look around before they get back.”
With bags in hand, they followed the wood chip path around the cottage to the smaller one next to the pier.
Silke stopped. “Is that ours? It’s beautiful.”
Kirin smiled at the inclusive language and unlocked the door. “Welcome to my secret hideaway. It isn’t large, but it’s very comfortable.” She looked around at the familiar and very rustic accommodations. Most of it was 1950s universal north woods lodge. Electricity and hot water were the conveniences. A small bedroom had twin beds, a dresser, and a nightstand. The living room held traditional log cabin furniture, the same stuff from thirty years ago. The faint scent from the fireplace combined with the musty scent from years of wet towels and bathing suits and touched a place deep in Kirin’s heart.
Silke tossed her bag on one of the beds and stood with her hands on her hips. “I like it. Although I’ve never been here before, it feels like home. Can we explore a little bit before I meet your folks?”
“Absolutely. I’d like to say hello to the lake myself.”
The left the cottage and went the short distance to the pier. Kirin took Silke’s arm as they walked on the uneven and widely spaced boards. Funny, how she and her brother had run up and down this pier when they were young, and now it seemed like an obstacle course.
“On the left is the lodge and the driveway where we came in. Beyond that are older cottages that were also a part of the original resort. The pier in front of the main building is where most of the boating activity takes place. The building beyond it is the boathouse. Originally, the family’s primary focus was boat building, but for the last twenty years, it just houses rentals or private craft. If people bring their own boats, they have to put in from the public boat launch on the other side of the lake.”
Silke held on to Kirin’s arm as small waves buffeted the old pier. “Does your family have a boat?”
“My dad always rents the same outboard every year. After all these years, he probably should own it. But since this is the only time he uses it, he isn’t one to bother with the upkeep. Speaking of . . .” She pointed to a boat coming toward them. “I’ll bet that’s them now.”
Kirin kneeled down and grabbed the side of the boat before it scraped the pier. Her mother handed her the stern line while her dad climbed over the windshield to grab the bowline.
“Hi, folks, perfect timing, we just arrived.”
Kirin’s dad helped her mom climb ashore and followed her. Her mom accosted them with enthusiastic greetings and a hug.
“This is my friend, Silke Dyson,” Kirin said.
“I’m so glad you could come with Kirin. She speaks very highly of you.” Kirin’s mom beamed.
“Thank you for including me,” Silke said. “This is such a beautiful place.”
They continued the small talk as they walked up to her parent’s cottage. Kirin was happy that Silke had come with her and even happier that she continued to hold on to her arm.
SILKE CLUNG TO Kirin’s arm as they walked down the uneven path to their cottage after having a delightful and fairly comfortable chat with Kirin’s parents.
“Do we need to dress up for dinner at the lodge?” Silke regretted not bringing a dressier outfit.
“No, it’s really casual here.” Kirin waved her hand. “Almost everyone spends their days in shorts and bathing suits. There are few older couples locked in their own special dress code, but it’s not expected. My folks won’t dress up.” She stopped. “You’re not uncomfortable are you?”
Silke loved how her well-being mattered to Kirin. She didn’t hover, but seemed aware. “Not really. Your parents were lovely and gracious to me. It’s just that . . . well, whenever I’m in new surroundings or with new people, I get a little self-conscious and afraid I’ll trip or knock something over. As I get my bearings, I’m sure I’ll feel a little more confident.” She smiled at Kirin. “Besides you’re here. That makes me feel safe.”
Kirin wrapped an arm around Silke’s waist. “Good. I promise to keep you safe.”
They unpacked and freshened up. Silke pinned her hair up, applied a modest amount of makeup, changed into a loose-fitting cotton blouse, and as an afterthought, put in some sterling turquoise earrings.
Kirin stepped out of the bathroom, stopped, and broke into a wide smile. “You look beautiful. It reminds me of the first day on Ambergris Caye when you changed into the pareo.”
Silke smiled at the color rising in Kirin’s cheeks. She cocked her head. Why hadn’t she noticed that before? “You never said anything. I never imagined you even noticed.”
“I noticed everything. I just didn’t want to be inappropriate, and I didn’t know anything about you.”
“It seems like we both have a lot to learn,” Silke said. “Thank you for being so patient and for understanding how a difficult this time has been for me.”
Kirin put out her hand and pulled Silke into her arms. “This is going to be a fun getaway, but a word of advice.” She held Silke at arm’s length. “When my father says he’s going to pick up the check, please don’t argue with him.”
Silke laughed and wrapped her arms around Kirin’s neck. “I promise.
” Then she kissed her.
AFTER A WONDERFUL home-cooked meal and after dinner drink, they ambled back to their small cottage. Kirin peeled out of her clothes and pulled on a soft tee shirt to sleep in. Nightfall brought cooler temperatures, making the cottage more comfortable. She sat on the side of her twin bed, feeling a little nervous. After all, Silke might very well appear naked at the door. She had the first night they met. Silke hummed in the bathroom.
A light breeze caused her to shiver, and she lay back on the bed. All evening she felt mixed signals from Silke. An occasional glance or touch could have been flirting or just her normal familiarity.
Not surprisingly, Silke had charmed her parents. They had expressed a genuine interest in her careers as a teacher and an artist. In return, Silke exuded grace and gratitude to her hosts. Kirin not only felt pride but also the burgeoning attraction. In these surroundings, she saw Silke with new eyes. Without carving tools and the strong physicality of her work, she saw a sophisticated, gentle woman.