Rusty seemed like a very nice man, and she wished Maureen would let herself get to know him. She sighed as she sipped her coffee knowing that Maureen wanted money more than she cared who the man was.
"Anyone want to go skating today?" she asked looking outside at the snow covered ground. She loved snow and especially during the Christmas holidays. Everything was so clean and white, with most houses decorated in brightly colored lights. Sometimes they'd just drive around looking at how beautiful the homes were. It seemed to be quiet with a coat of snow over the ground, the trees and houses. The sounds of kids sliding on their sleds, or ice-skating at the park were a part of winter in New England and she loved it.
"White's park has a nice skating pond and probably won't be crowded this early in the day."
"Sounds like fun to me," Andrew replied. "But I haven't skated in years. You going to give me lessons?" he asked looking directly at Christina.
Christina smiled. She loved the way she felt whenever Andrew was near. “I guess I can do that although I’m not such a great skater myself. I love to skate and have done it for years, but teaching is another thing.”
"You going to put on those tacky long johns like you did when we were kids?" Maureen asked laughing. She certainly hoped so because she knew how good she would look in her little skirt and if Christina loaded herself down with clothes, she would outshine her.
Christina gave Maureen a look as she left the room to get ready. "Probably will," Christina laughed. "I don't want my legs to get cold. As I've gotten older, I can't take the cold like I used to when we were kids.”
“Is everyone ready?" Christina asked putting on her red parker and mittens.
"Just about," Maureen replied as she returned from changing. She knew she looked good and felt as if all eyes would be on her at the rink.
"You’re going to freeze dressed like that," Christina replied looking at her sister dressed in pantyhose and a skimpy skater's skirt just like she did when they were younger. Her long hair hung down, her eyes sparkling this morning. She looked beautiful Christina thought looking at her sister.
"You sure look good though," Rusty said as he looked appreciatively at Maureen's legs.
She loved the way the men looked at her when she wore her skating outfit.
"I have to admit that you look pretty sharp," Andrew said smiling at Maureen. He felt sorry at times for her. He knew about her failed marriages and the fact she'd lost custody of her son. Christina had told him how she had gone on a long drug and alcohol binge when she lost him, but she had this demon on her back and could not give up the drugs, not even for her son.
"Why thank you Andrew," Maureen gushed. She seemed pleased that Andrew had noticed how good she looked. Rusty was all right, but he'd never be her type of man. She had gotten along with him since he'd come with the exception of when they were arguing over some silly thing or other. However, for some strange reason, she felt comfortable with him, like a brother.
They all headed towards the park. "Let's walk instead of taking the car," Christina announced, the fresh air exuviated her. She hadn't gone skating for a long time now and the prospect of it made her happy. She used to skate every winter until last year. For some reason they'd been too busy to get out in the park and skate.
Rusty and Andrew went inside and rented a pair of skates while Christina and Maureen sat on the bench lacing theirs up. Maureen finished first and went out on the ice to begin showing off for Andrew. She knew she was a good skater, even after all these years. Christina waited for Andrew, then went out to join Maureen. Andrew was a little unsteady as he stepped out on the ice. It had been years since he skated but he was willing to give it a try again. The cool crisp air felt refreshing to his skin as he began to pick up speed. He caught up with Christina and grabbed her hand, squeezing it firmly.
The music was playing as they skated round and round the pond. Rusty sat on the bench and watched everyone else. He wasn’t as enthused as they were about skating although he was a pretty good skater himself. Maureen skated up to him and laughingly said.
"What's the matter, afraid of the ice?".
Rusty just smiled at her. "Well, I haven’t been skating for a long time. I’m not sure I can even stand up on them. I'll give it a try though, can't let a woman show me up now can I? Perhaps you could show me how as you seem to be doing quite well?"
“Well, all right, take my hand, and don’t you dare knock me down on that cold ice.” She grabbed his hand and off they went, slowly skating. He wobbled a few times and grabbed on to her tight taking her off balance for a minute.
“I said don’t make me fall. Take it easy, put one foot out and let it glide, then put the other foot out. That’s right, you’re doing good now.” Maureen laughed as she tried to help Rusty, and felt like a little girl again.
Rusty was laughing as he held her hand tightly and it felt good. For a minute she forgot it was Rusty who was holding on. Just then, Rusty stumbled and down they went, with Rusty on top of her. He was laughing and then Andrew came by and stopped to see if he could help them.
“Yes, you can help me up. I told Rusty not to make me fall, but he did anyway. Now my legs are freezing cold.” Andrew pulled Maureen up and brushed her off.
“Guess you should have worn something a little warmer,” Andrew laughed. She began saying something but stopped as she saw Rusty get up and then to her surprise he took off skating around the pond, just like a professional.
"So you can skate after all.” Her face turned red as she stood there watching him go round the pond and come to a stop in front of her.
“I used to skate as a kid, but hadn't done it in years. It's something you never forget though, like riding a bicycle. Once you learn how, it's there forever. How about going around once with me?" He skated over and took her hand.
"Looks like Christina and Andrew are having a good time, look at them." Rusty laughed as Andrew went down on the ice taking Christina down with him. They didn’t seem to mind the fall as they both were laughing.
"Yeah, guess they are. Andrew can't skate a lick can he?" Maureen had to laugh in spite of herself. It was the first time she'd seen her sister laughing like that since the day Tyler died.
"Guess we'll be going to the big party tomorrow night.” Rusty didn't really care for parties and the likes, but he'd promised to go so he couldn't very well back out now.
"Yes as a matter of fact I found a beautiful new gown. In addition, it's really sexy, wait until you see it. This is the biggest party this year at the Governor’s mansion, and to think we were invited. Christina and Tyler were always going to parties like that, and one time they invited me along. It was wonderful. Why I'll bet they'll be plenty of eligible rich and handsome young men there, just ripe for the picking." Maureen laughed at the look on Rusty’s face. She loved to shock him.
"Why is it so important to you to get a rich husband? Don't you believe in love?"
"I did. I loved my first husband, Jerry,” her eyes softened for a moment, “but then I found out he was having an affair with my best friend and I left him. The only good thing to come out of that marriage was my little boy.”
Rusty saw the sadness in her eyes as she continued on. “My second husband got me hooked on drugs and my life went downhill fast after that. So now I’m not settling for love. I’ll marry for money. Then, if the marriage doesn't work, I'll at least have the money and can live the lifestyle I deserve. Look at Christina. She has so much money she won't ever have to worry. I want the life she lives, and I'm going to get it."
"Well, it's your life I suppose. I just wouldn’t let those men ruin my whole life. You’re too good for that Maureen. I really mean that."
“You don’t know me. Believe me I’m not a nice person Rusty.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. I know more than you think and I believe underneath all that anger and hurt is a loving and caring young woman. You have been hurt too much in your life to realize it.” Rusty looked at Maureen and saw her bl
ush. He knew she was special, if he could just get her to believe in it too.
“There’s Christina and Andrew, let’s go over and sit with them.” Maureen changed the subject. She wasn’t comfortable when someone was saying something nice to her. It was easier to be a bitch. She didn’t’ care what anyone thought of her anyway.
“I’d rather skate a bit more,” he said as he guided her on. Rusty smiled as they passed Christina and Andrew. They were sitting on the bench talking very intently.
"You do know that the Governor’s ball is a black tie event. Did you bring a tux? You can't go dressed in just any old thing.”
Rusty ignored her last comment and took off around the rink before he said something he’d regret.
"I'm getting tired," Maureen called out to Christina as she skated by her. "Think I'll go inside and get some hot chocolate."
"We'll be in in a few minutes," Christina replied holding tightly onto Andrew's hand.
Maureen was envious of Christina's obvious happiness with Andrew. Why was she always so lucky with men she wondered as she skated off the ice. She glanced around to see if Rusty was near, but he wasn’t paying any attention to her
"I'm ready to leave now," she shouted over to Christina as she came to where they were still sitting.
"Where’s Rusty?" Andrew asked as she sat down on the bench.
“I don’t know I’m not his keeper,” she scowled.
She knew her sister and Rusty evidently meant more to her than she was letting on. Maybe things weren’t lost after all. She knew Rusty would be good for her and it was clear that Maureen wouldn’t be able to train him like a dog.
"Well, I'll go find him.”
"Ok. We'll take our skates off and be ready by the time you get back," Maureen said.
Soon Rusty and Andrew came back and they headed back to the house.
As much as Maureen hated to admit it she found herself attracted to Rusty. He was sort of like a teddy bear, maybe even as cuddly.
The sky was beginning to get overcast, the weatherman had predicted a few more inches of snow would fall and it sure looked like it would be coming down soon.
"Guess we'd better head home," Christina replied as she finished unlacing her skates and began putting on her boots. "I think the weather man hit it right this time. Look, it's starting to flurry a little now."
Andrew and Christina walked hand in hand in front of Rusty and Maureen. The snowflakes were getting larger the closer they got to the house. Maureen glanced over at Rusty, his rugged features were appealing, somewhat sexy and she felt slightly attracted physically to him, drawn by a force almost impossible to resist. Yet she wouldn't let her feelings show.
Suddenly she slipped on an icy patch and Rusty caught her before she reached the ground. She gasped with pure delight at the touch of his strong arms. He had a peculiar amused twist to his thin lips that alerted her to beware.
Chapter Four
Lauren finished fixing supper for her mother. The snow was falling lightly outside the kitchen window as she turned on the coffee maker. Her mother always liked a cup of coffee after supper each evening, then a cup of tea at bedtime. She fixed the tray and took it to her bedroom.
She walked in the bedroom and saw her mother looking out the window, her breathing labored. More and more she needed oxygen to breathe and the sounds of her struggling to catch her breath made Lauren want to cry. Why did these things happen to good people? Her mother had been a hard working woman all her life, never hurt anyone and she gets a disease like that. Life sure wasn't fair at all. Lauren brushed a tear off her face. She hated for her mother to see her upset, but it was so hard to pretend all the time that everything was all right. How she wished a miracle would happen. The emphysema was getting worse and she was afraid of losing her but knew it wouldn’t be long before it would be all over. Then, she'd be alone in the world.
Forcing a smile on her face, Lauren called out, "Supper's served. Fresh clam chowder, cornbread and a tossed salad."
"Honey I wish you'd stop catering to me. You should be out with your friends instead of taking care of me every night. I'm feeling fine now, really," Carol replied. She wanted Lauren to have a normal life, go out with her friends and enjoy life and prayed that Lauren would fall in love and get married so she could die in peace. All her time was spent at home when she wasn't working. How she wished she hadn't been such a burden to her daughter, but she couldn't go now, not and leave Lauren all alone in this world.
Lauren came home every day after work and fixed supper and cleaned house. She looked so tired sometimes. Lauren never complained, but she could see the sagging of her shoulders, hear the crying late at night when she thought her mother was sleeping. Lauren had changed after finding out her fathers’ identity and Carol wished she'd forget her father and his money. He had made it clear that he wasn't going to admit to having a child. Carol had loved him, he had been sweet and kind to her, given her extra money and they had even gone on one trip together to Florida.
It was there that Lauren was conceived. Things changed fast after she told him she was pregnant. He had been afraid his wife would find out, and he did love his wife, that was clear. Carol never tried to make herself believe any different. He liked her, and treated her good, and that was good enough for her at the time although she used to dream that he would leave his wife for her. Carol sighed as she took a bite of the soup.
“That tastes great Lauren. You are getting better all the time at cooking. You need a man now to enjoy that great cooking.”
“I don’t need a man mama, I’m doing just fine as I am. I have a good job that I really enjoy, and I go out on dates once in awhile. And I have you, what more could I ask for.”
“Well, a home of your own, kids, and a lot of friends. That’s what I want for you dear. I hate to see you waste your life taking care of me. I can do just fine at a nursing home you know. And you could come and visit with me when you have time.”
“I won’t hear you talking like that mama,” Lauren said as sternly as she could muster. “You are my life and I don’t find it a burden to care for you. You cared for me all those years and I had a great time growing up. Now it’s my turn to take care of you. Since my so called father will not help us.”
“I wish you would forget your father. He has his life and we are not part of it.” Carol knew he was never going to acknowledge his daughter and the sooner Lauren could accept that fact, the sooner she'd be happy again.
"Mom I see my friends on the weekends. Besides, your health is more important than anything else. I don't like leaving you alone for a long period of time. If only we had money so I wouldn't have to work and could take care of you all the time." Lauren's misery was so acute that it was a physical pain. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat, and smiled at her mother.
Carole leaned back against the headboard and shook her head. She knew how stubborn and strong willed Lauren was and that is was useless to argue with her. She'd let it drop for tonight.
"Did you look out the window?" Lauren asked opening the blind.
"Why it's snowing again. It always looks so pretty when it starts to snow. I remember when you were a little girl, how you liked to roll around in the snow and you'd come in soaking wet all over, shivering until I'd fix you a big cup of hot cocoa. Then we’d sit by the fire and have cocoa and cookies. Remember when we used to go to the park and ice skate. You were the prettiest little girl there."
Lauren had heard these stories over and over but sat there and listened patiently while her mother reminisced. She pulled a strand of hair out of her mother’s eyes, and tried to remember how it was when she would take Lauren places like Clarks Trading Post in the White Mountains. She loved watching the trained bears up on the poles performing for the eager kids below. It was such a treat to spend a day in the mountains.
She also loved to ice skate and remembered those days. Carol had never gotten on the skates herself but she was always watching Lauren going round and round the pon
d, showing off for her mother. But those days were gone now and Lauren felt a terrible sense of bitterness.
“When you're as old as I am, you'll find out what matters in life. It’s what you do with your life that’s important."
"All right mother. I don't want to argue with you. Someday I won’t be just someone’s maid, I’ll have money and a beautiful home and plenty of money."
"And how do you propose to become rich. Rob a bank or something." Carol laughed, but stopped as she saw the look on Lauren’s face.
"No mother, but one day I'll be rich, wait and see. Then you can have all the nice things you want in life. We can take a trip, perhaps to Florida so you can lay on the beach. You always said you'd love to see the ocean before anything happened to you. My father could have made that possible, but no....you were good enough to sleep with, but it was his wife who got the money, the clothes, the trips...."
"I have all I want dear. I have a wonderful daughter that I love very much. I never wanted his money, or what it could buy. I loved him, but he didn't return the love. He couldn't help it if he didn't fall in love with me. Lauren, I knew he was married when I got involved. It's my fault as much as his. I'm happy just having you. What more could I ask for?"
Lauren smiled then went to get the coffee. She knew it was useless to argue with her mother. Carol would never say a bad word about her father, always stood up for his behavior. Well, she could do that if she wanted, but Lauren knew better. She would never tell her mother that she finally met her real father. He had never known it was her, but she knew who he was.
In addition, she hated him for what he did to her mother. But he would pay and he would pay dearly. Lauren had just finished pouring two cups when the phone rang.
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