Poison Hearts

by Brenda Thomas; Shirley Dicks

  "We'd better all get our blankets and pillows and bring them in here and close off the rest of the rooms," Christina remarked casually.

  Soon they all returned, blankets and pillows in hand. The den was roomy and both the couch and love seat made out into beds so at least they could all be comfortable. But figuring out who slept where would be interesting. Christina wasn't thrilled at the prospect of sleeping with Maureen but knew that she would probably end up there anyway. Maureen pulled out the sofa bed and spread out the covers. "I'm going to get some sleep," she murmured as she slid under the covers. Christina snuggled close against Andrew as they listened to the radio and stared at the blazing fire.

  "Let's roast some marshmallows," Christina exclaimed excitedly. "I'm not a bit sleepy yet, are you?" she asked Andrew.

  Andrew looked up lazily through half closed lids. He stretched his legs briefly, then stood up and headed for the kitchen. Seconds later he was back with the marshmallows and a couple skewers to put the marshmallows on.

  "These are delicious," she whispered softly as they sat next to the hearth, toasting one after another. Rusty had since fallen asleep in the recliner. Andrew slowly reached out his finger to trace a pattern down Christina's nose and around her soft delicate lips that trembled beneath his touch. He looked at her as if he were photographing her with his eyes, his gaze dropped from her eyes to her shoulders, then to her breasts.

  She had to fight the overwhelming need she felt for him at that moment as she drank in the comfort of his nearness. Mentally she caressed his qualities, her feelings for him intensifying. She abruptly pulled away from his touch; afraid she would lose control of her emotions. This isn't right, she thought.

  He stiffened as though she had struck him; a shadow of annoyance crossed his face. It was so hard to be near her without wanting her. Up to now he had done good controlling his feelings but tonight he almost lost control. He understood what Christina had been through with losing Tyler, but soon it would be time to let her know exactly how much he loved her and wanted her for his wife. . He hoped with all his heart that she would feel the same way about him.

  "Guess I better get to bed now." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek then headed for the sofa.

  The smell of freshly perked coffee woke Christina early the next morning. "Morning sunshine," Andrew said as he handed her a cup of steaming coffee.

  "Thanks," she replied. "And to think I was going to throw that old percolator away since we didn't use it anymore. Never knew that it would come in so handy."

  "I bet a lot of people wished they had one of these this morning. They may be old fashioned and outdated but they sure do the trick, I figured this would be better than instant coffee" Andrew continued as he sat the pot back in the fireplace to keep it hot. He turned the radio up as the news bulletin came on reminding people to stay indoors. They were calling for another foot or more of snow again today with no let up in sight. Rescue workers were doing their best to try and reach some of the elderly people in need but so many of the roads were impassible, even with a four wheel drive and chains that it may be another day or more before they would reach them.

  "I wonder if Lauren and her mother are all right?" Christina asked curiously. She knew they had oil heat but wasn't sure if they had a fireplace or not. The phones were out so there was no way she could check on them.

  "Why are you always so concerned about poor Lauren?" Maureen snapped harshly. "For all you know she could be living in a fabulous apartment with all the money you pay her and with the money from a few of those figurines that turned up missing. There is something about her that I don’t trust. Who knows what she may be up to, but you act as though she was your sister or something."

  "That's enough, Maureen. I don't care what you say, I know that Lauren wouldn't steal a thing from me, not ever," Christina said, annoyed that Maureen always thought the worst of people.

  "All I know is that things are beginning to disappear around here. I guess it's none of my business but I don't think Tyler would have put up with it for one minute."

  The tension that followed was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Maureen never knew when to keep her big mouth shut and Christina's patience was running thin.

  "Great coffee," Rusty remarked trying to change the conversation. "Look at it out there. I don't ever remember a snow storm this bad growing up, do you?"

  "We had some pretty bad storms but none like this," Andrew said. "Anyone hungry? I'm good at fixing bacon and eggs over a campfire so I can do it just as good over the fireplace. Almost like camping outside, wouldn't you say?" he asked trying to be cheerful.

  "How barbaric," Maureen answered arrogantly.

  "I for one would love some," Christina replied.

  "Me to," Rusty exclaimed triumphantly. "Need some help Andrew?"

  "Yeah. How about fetching me another fry pan from the kitchen. And bring a couple of potatoes to. "

  Rusty returned within moments and helped Andrew prepare breakfast. Although it was beginning to smell good, Maureen wouldn't give them the satisfaction of letting them know that.

  "Sure you don't want any? It's really delicious," Rusty asked. Maureen just wrinkled her nose and shook her head. Rusty nodded and chuckled. He met stubborn women before, but never one like Maureen. He scratched his head briefly, then studied her face intently.

  Tilting her head to one side, she stole a slanted look at him. Why did he have to be so impossible, she thought.

  His eyes held a strange gleam of triumph as he returned her stare.

  "Could I have a cup of coffee?" she asked, struggling to maintain an even conciliatory tone. Rusty poured a cup and handed it to her, a half smile crossed his face. She managed to reply thank you through stiff lips.

  Maureen leaned back on the sofa and sipped the coffee. "It's very good," she replied trying to be a little more civil to him. She found herself responding to his harsh features despite herself.

  The tension between them began to melt as her eyes softened when she looked up at him again. "I'm sorry if I've been such a bitch," she stammered. Apologies were something she was not very good at.

  "Apology accepted," he shrugged matter of factly. He had awakened feelings and uncertainties in her that had long been forgotten. She swallowed hard, tying to think of something nice to say.

  Andrew and Christina gathered up the dishes and headed for the kitchen. "Need any help?" Maureen asked as she pushed herself up to a standing position.

  "No thanks we've got it," Andrew replied as they left the room.

  Maureen walked over to the window and peered out. Everything was so still, as if time had stopped momentarily. Rusty put his hand on her shoulder and with a deliberately casual movement she turned and faced him. She leaned lightly into him, tilting her face towards his. Her feeling for him was intensifying. He leaned down and brushed a gentle kiss across her forehead. He radiated a vitality that drew her like a magnet.

  "Opps, hope we're not interrupting anything," Andrew asked as he and Christina entered the room. Maureen quickly stepped out of his encircling arms and slid gracefully into the recliner. Rusty cleared his throat as he threw another log on the fire.

  "You didn't interrupt a thing, we were just talking," Maureen stammered after regaining her composure.

  "I think the batteries in the radio are dead. Do we have anymore?" Rusty asked , his eyes seemed to have a certain glow that wasn't apparent days ago.

  "Got one more left," Christina replied, happy that Rusty and Maureen weren't fighting anymore. Just then the lights flickered a few times, then came on.

  "Yeah, they got it fixed," Maureen shrieked excitedly as she stood up and hugged Rusty.

  His eyes twinkled with amusement. She was so unpredictable. "Oh it will feel so good to get a nice hot bath and wash my hair," she exclaimed as she headed up the stairs.

  "Well it will take a while for the water to heat up after being off for a few days," Rusty hollered to Maureen who was half way up the stai
rs by now. He shook his head and smiled.

  "Seems like you two are getting along a lot better now. What happened?" Andrew asked curiously.

  "Damned if I know," he chuckled. "I've never been able to figure women out, have you?"

  "Nope. Probably never will either."

  Christina went into the kitchen and put the dishes in the dishwasher. She checked the food in the freezer to see if any of it had thawed out. Luckily it hadn't.

  She returned to the living room where Rusty and Andrew were sitting watching the news. The scenes of the blizzard were eerie. The whole town had come to a stand still these past two days and it still was pretty bad. Some people were still without electricity and heat and Christina felt sorry for them.

  The power crews had worked round the clock trying to restore power to everyone but as soon as they fixed one place another one would break due to the heaviness of the wet snow. The news showed a helicopter view of the rural areas who would most likely be stranded the longest.

  Maureen waltzed into the room feeling refreshed from her long hot bath. "Television at last," she exclaimed as she plopped down on the sofa." I guess when you have to do without the little pleasures in life for a few days, you really appreciate them when you get them back."

  "Does that go for men to?" Rusty asked, the teasing laughter was back in his eyes.

  "Maybe," she replied non-committedly. She knew there was something special about him from the very beginning and her heart swelled with a feeling she had thought long since dead. She hugged her knees to her as she sat contently on the sofa.

  He dropped down on the sofa beside her. Stroking his chin, he regarded her carefully. He didn't want to rush into anything, as unpredictable as she was.

  She flipped the remote control several times before finding a movie she liked. It was an old Elvis movie, "Love Me Tender" and though she had seen it a thousand times she still enjoyed it.

  Maybe underneath all that stubborn exterior there was a romantic women at heart after all, Rusty thought as he moved a little closer to her.

  "Well I think I'm going to bed early tonight. I don't feel too well, maybe a virus or something," Christina replied. She did look pale tonight, Andrew thought.

  "Can I get you anything?" he asked tenderly.

  "I don't think so. I just need to lie down."

  "Think I'll turn in too," he replied leaving Rusty and Maureen alone, absorbed in the movie.

  "How about some popcorn?" "Rusty asked during the commercial.

  "Sounds good to me,"

  Rusty was amazed at the complete turn around she had made. He went to the kitchen and returned moments later with the popcorn.

  "Hope you like it with lots of butter," he sat the bowl on the coffee table in front of them.

  "Um, I love buttery popcorn. That's the only way to have it,"

  If he wasn't mistaken there was a devilish glimmer in her beautiful crystal blue eyes.

  The movie resumed as they sat there watching. From time to time he'd glance over and look at her, trying to figure her out. She was by far the most challenging woman he had ever met. She could be as cold as ice one minute, and then almost tender the next.

  She slid closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. He gently stroked her soft brown hair, and then cupped her chin tenderly, lifting her face towards his. His lips sought hers hungrily, sending shivers of delight throughout out her body. His arms encircled her, his hand locked against her spine. She relaxed sinking into his cushioning embrace. His touch, firm and persuasive, invited more. His hands began a lust-arousing exploration of her soft flesh beginning at the soft lines of her waist, then moved slowly upward until they reached her firm and waiting nipples.

  She moaned softly as she arched her body firmly against his. He unbuttoned her blouse; his hands lightly touched her hardening nipples. Slowly he slid the blouse off her shoulders as she put her arms around his neck and kissed him with a hunger that belied her outward calm. His lips then seared a path from her earlobe, gently down her neck. He undressed her slowly until they were flesh against flesh; their bodies were in exquisite harmony with one another. She moaned aloud as her body was filled with an amazing sense of completeness.

  Chapter Five

  The sun was beginning to shine through the window, its soft golden glow cast a shadow across the room. Maureen looked over at the heap of clothes on the floor and realized it hadn’t been a dream last night. She must have fallen asleep after they had made love. She looked around the room but Rusty was nowhere in sight. Why did she let down her defenses, she thought as she hurriedly put on her clothes before her sister or Andrew came waltzing down the stairs. That wasn't like her at all. There was no room for romance in her life. She had vowed that she would never marry for love again, only for money and Rusty didn't have money. But she had to admit she felt something for him but it couldn't be love, she wouldn't allow herself to love him. She could smell the aroma of freshly brewing coffee fill the air. Someone was up already.

  "Morning beautiful," Rusty replied as he sat down a delicious smelling cup of coffee. "I figured you could use a cup after last night."

  Maureen blushed like a school girl. "I hope you don't think last night meant anything... I mean, nothing serious between us," she stammered. Rusty sat back and smiled, enjoying watching her all flustered and squirming on the sofa.

  "I won't give it a second thought if you don't want me to," he replied non-chalantly.

  Maureen stiffened as if she'd been struck. Maybe it hadn't been anything other than just a fling for him to she thought sadly. Maybe he was just merely filling a moment of physical desire like she had. His eyes clung to hers, analyzing her reaction.

  "Well I just wanted to make things clear that even though I enjoyed last night, we can't get serious about each other, it just wouldn't work," she muttered impatiently, annoyed with the mischievous grin on his face. She was used to most men begging her for more, but Rusty was just the opposite, he acted as if he could care less one way or the other. This was definitely a new twist for her and she didn't seem to like it very well.

  "Enjoy your coffee," he replied as he headed out the doorway.

  "Wait, where are you going?"

  "Just out for a walk."

  "Morning Maureen," Andrew said as he poked his head into the den. "You’re up early."

  "Couldn't sleep," she mumbled wanting to be alone for a while.

  "Where's Rusty?" he asked.

  "How should I know. Do I look like his keeper for crying out loud," she said as she slammed her coffee cup down.

  "My, my aren't we touchy this morning. Sorry I asked," he answered as he headed for the kitchen.

  Men, there all alike she thought, inconsiderate and useless. Well I don't need Rusty or any man as far as that goes, she said under her breath. Her hands began to shake a little. She had run out of pills and would be needing some soon. She knew where to get them so it wouldn't be any problem. She'd just take one of those figurines and pawn it for some cash later on today.

  Christina walked slowly down the stairs, her face pale. She had dark circles under her eyes.

  "You look terrible," Maureen announced after taking one look at her sister. "Didn't you sleep last night?"

  "Off and on. I kept waking up with cold sweats and feeling sick to my stomach. Maybe I've got a virus or something," she mumbled softly. "Think I'll try some hot tea and see if that helps."

  "I'll get it for you. You sit down before you fall down," Maureen said getting up from the chair and putting her arms around her sister. She helped her to the sofa thinking how terrible she looked. “Maybe you should call a doctor and see what’s going on. You’re never sick.”

  "Thanks. I'm not sure I could make it to the kitchen or not right now. I’ll be fine once I have some tea and maybe toast to settle my stomach."

  "You lie down on the sofa and cover up," Maureen replied. “I’ll make it for you. Would you like some scrambled eggs to go along with it?”

  “No
, the toast and tea will be enough. Thanks sis.” Christina laid back on the couch and closed her eyes.

  Maureen returned with hot tea and honey to find Christina asleep already. She had never seen her look this bad. She reached down and felt her forehead. She felt warm, probably has a fever. Maureen sat in the chair across from the sofa and watched Christina sleep. She could see the beads of perspiration forming on her forehead. She wondered if she should call the doctor. Christina tossed and turned on the sofa, mumbling incoherently every now and then.

  Maureen dialed the doctors office to see if she could get an appointment for Christina. She told the nurse her symptoms.

  "There's a lot of virus's going around right now and it sounds as if your sister has one. There's really not a lot you can do for it except rest and get her to drink plenty of fluids so she doesn't dehydrate," the nurse replied. "But if she's not better in a couple of days we'll be glad to work her in, ok?"

  "OK. Thanks," Maureen answered as she hung up the phone.

  Christina's eyes opened for a moment. "Who were you talking to?" she asked.

  "I called the doctor to let him know you were sick. The nurse said there were a lot of virus's going around and it sounded like you had one. She said to just rest and drink plenty of fluids."

  Christina looked at her sister. Although she had a rough exterior at times, inside there was a part of her that was tender and caring, at least where she was concerned. Maureen didn't like to let anyone see that side of her, she always put up a tough front as if nothing could hurt her. But Christina knew otherwise.

  "Thanks," Christina managed in a weak voice. She sat up and sipped on the tea. "Um, this is delicious."

  Just then Andrew walked in. "Still feeling bad?" he asked. Maureen could see the deep concern in his eyes and knew how much he really cared for Christina. They were right for each other and she knew sooner or later Christina would stop fighting it.

  "I'm feeling a little better," she said softly. "Maureen fixed me some tea with honey and it seems to be helping my stomach."