"Well you still look as pale as a ghost. Can I get you anything else?" he asked.
"No, really I'll be fine. I'm just real tired now." She closed her eyes and drifted back off to sleep.
"Are you going to be here with her for a while?" Maureen asked. "I have a few errands I need to do if you are."
"Sure take your time."
Maureen went into the parlor and eyed one of the hummel figurines. I hate to take any more figurines, she thought guiltily. It was the first time she had felt guilt at what she was doing, always thinking that Christina had more than enough money and would never miss it, but lately she felt guilty when she stole things to sell. This will be the last time I steal off my sister. I will get off the drugs she vowed. Quietly Maureen picked the figurine up and put it in her purse.
"You’re in a hurry," Rusty said.
Maureen had turned around to leave and almost dropped her purse as she faced Rusty, her face flushed. She wondered how long he'd been there or if he'd seen her pick up the statue. She stared directly into his eyes. He didn’t look like he had seen her, or if he had, he covered it very well.
"Going somewhere?" he asked.
"Not that it's any of your business what I do, but yes I have some errands to run. See ya." Turning, she hurried out of the door before he had time to say anything else.
Rusty shook his head in dismay as he picked a book off the shelf and sat down to read. He loved reading but never had much time to at home. He had seen Maureen pick up the figurine and place it in her purse just as he entered the room. He had heard Lauren yelling at Maureen one time about stealing something or other...and had wondered at the time what it was all about, but he figured it was none of his business so he hadn't said anything. But this time he had seen with his own eyes. He wondered why she would steal from her own sister. Rusty shook his head and went to sit down with a good book. He thought it must have something to do with drugs. Rusty had been around enough people on drugs to spot someone who was using.
It was still cold and snowy outside but at least people were able to get out and about now if they wanted to, but Rusty liked sitting by the fire, drinking hot chocolate and reading.
Andrew came in and sat down next to the fire. "I'm sure going to hate leaving here but I know I've got a lot of work piled up when I get back home. How about you?"
"Well it's been real interesting here, that's for sure. Never a dull moment with Maureen around though. She really is a challenge," Rusty said with a twinkle in his eye.
"I don't know about the two of you. One minute you two are at each other's throat, the next minute you're lovey dovey. What gives with you two anyway?" Andrew asked bluntly. "You’re not falling for her are you?"
"Now Andrew I'm a big guy now so you don't have to worry about me you know. I can handle myself just fine even with Maureen. I find her enchanting in a way." Rusty looked out the window, his face flushed as he had indeed fallen very hard for Maureen. He knew it was useless as she was just interested in money and finding a rich husband. Still he thought, she had responded to him and he knew she hadn’t been acting. She felt something for him but he knew she would never admit to it.
"Just as long as you’re not falling in love with her that's fine with me. But we will have to be leaving day after tomorrow if Christina's better by then. She has me worried, it's not like her to get sick so much."
"Well did you get around to telling her you love her?" Rusty asked curiously.
"Almost. The other night when we were all stuck in the den together. But I'll try again when the time is right. I want to marry her but I don't know if she feels the same way about me."
"Anyone can see that look in her eye when she looks at you, and it most definitely is a look of love to me," Rusty replied with a wink.
"Well I hope you're right," Andrew remarked as he stood up to leave. "I'm going back to check on Christina."
Rusty nodded, then turned back to his book.
"Well don't just sit there, give me a hand," Maureen demanded as she burst through the door with her hands full of groceries, "these are heavy."
Rusty slowly got up and took the bags from Maureen. He carried the bags to the kitchen and set them on the counter.
"I'll put those up," Lauren replied, startling Rusty. He thought she had left earlier. There was something about her that he felt uncomfortable with, but he couldn't put his finger on it. She seemed like a sweet young girl and he knew how she worried about her mother, calling her every so often to make sure she was all right. But, still...there was something that bothered him.
"You know it's snowing pretty good outside. Maybe you should get on home before the roads get bad again," Rusty said. He knew Christina wouldn't mind her leaving early especially in bad weather.
"I will. But first I want to finish fixing supper." Lauren smiled as she began putting away the groceries, then put on some fresh coffee.
"Would you like a cup?" she asked.
"I'd love one. I can see why Christina thinks so highly of you." He smiled as she poured his coffee.
"Do you need cream or sugar?" she asked softly.
"Just black. Thanks."
Lauren poured herself a cup and sat down.
Maureen walked in and gave her a disgusting look. "Seems as if you’re always on break," she said to Lauren. She felt a pang of jealousy that Rusty was spending his time talking to Lauren. No maid was going to horn in on her territory, even if he didn't have money, he was still hers to play with.
"Lay off Maureen," Rusty said sharply. "She's worked hard around here today in case you haven't noticed and deserves a break. Why do you have to be so hateful anyway?"
"My, my defending the little lady are we?" she replied indignantly waiting for his response.
Rusty didn't bother to reply, he just shot her an icy look.
"Well I'll just leave you to alone to finish what ever it is you were doing before I interrupted," Maureen replied as she stomped out of the kitchen. This had to stop one way or another Maureen thought. That little bitch is going to get what's coming to her. She wondered why no one but her could see Lauren for what she was. There was something about Lauren that bothered Maureen.
"I'm sorry for the way she treated you," Rusty answered as he saw a glimmer of hurt in Lauren's black eyes. "Don't take it personal, she's treated me that way ever since I got here. I don't know how Christina puts up with her."
"Don't worry about me, I'm use to it," Lauren replied. "In fact if she were to say anything nice to me I would think she was sick. For some reason she hates me and I guess it hurts more than I thought it did."
"Is she always like this? Did you two ever have a fight over anything?" he asked curiously.
"Ever since I've known her she's hated me. I guess she's afraid that Christina would like me better or something. I don't know, it's as if she's jealous of me. Most of the time Christina over looks her and so do I. She's got a lot of problems, you know with drugs and all and I don't think she ever got clean at that last rehab she went to. It must be sad to be so lonely and unhappy that you lash out at everyone around you."
"Yeah, but everyone has problems. She doesn't need to take it out on everyone else. I can see why she isn't married, the way she acts. What makes you think she has a drug problem?"
"Partly the way she acts and then she steals things when she doesn't have the money to pay for the drugs." Lauren suddenly felt she had said too much and backed away. "I'm sorry Rusty, really, I shouldn't have said that. It isn't my business what she does and I had no right to tell you."
"That's all right Lauren. I'll never say anything that you said, but it makes sense now." He looked away for a few minutes lost in thought as Lauren wiped her eyes.
Maureen continued listening from the hallway. How dare Lauren say that to Rusty, she seethed. Quietly, Maureen tiptoed to her room. She opened her purse and took out her little white bag. Taking the white powder out, she placed it on a mirror, then inhaled the mixture. Within a few seconds she felt refre
shed and didn't have a care in the world. She'd gotten enough to last her a week this time. Turning on the stereo Maureen put in her Barbara Striestand tape, then laid down on the bed, lost in her own little world. Here she was the star and everyone catered to her every little need.
"Hey, suppers ready. You going to join us?" Andrew called out bringing Maureen back to reality.
"I'll be down in a minute," she replied gruffly. "Go ahead and start with out me."
She listened as Andrew's footsteps became distant. Why should they care if I join them for supper anyway. No one cares about me they only worry about precious little Christina, Maureen said out loud as she looked at herself in the mirror. That's how it's always been and always will be. But I am getting a little hungry she thought as she headed down to the dining room.
"Did you rest ok?" Christina asked gently.
"What do you care?" snapped Maureen harshly as she sat down next to Andrew. She could feel herself coming down off her cloud and didn't like the feeling one bit. It seemed to leave her feeling more and more depressed and down lately. The drugs were not working like they used to and she needed more and more to keep her high. She hated that she said such mean things to everyone, but she could not help herself. It was no wonder everyone hated her the way she talked to them. She felt tears welling up behind her eyelids and shrugged them off. There was no way anyone would see her cry.
"Why Maureen, what's gotten into you lately?" Christina asked looking hurt and bewildered. "If there's something on your mind then maybe we should talk about it and get it out in the open."
"You just wouldn't understand. You never do. No one does," Maureen exclaimed anxiously. "Just forget it, o.k." Maureen felt guilty again. She loved Christina and she knew it was only the damn drugs making her act this way, and it was getting worse. She knew the signs, her best friend had gone that route, and eventually died from an overdose. She had to find a way to get off it, one way or another.
"Well not to change the subject or anything but Rusty and I will have to be leaving tomorrow," Andrew replied, his eyes searched Christina's face intently.
"Oh Andrew, must you," she asked softly. "It's been great with you here." He could see the disappointment in her eyes.
"My works piling up since I've been gone. But I could come back in a couple of weeks and stay the weekend if you'd like." "I'd like that very much," Christina replied.
"Christina you've been a gracious hostess and I appreciate your hospitality having me as a guest," Rusty exclaimed. "This has been truly one of the best Christmas's I've ever had."
"Well I hope it won't be the last time I see you. Come back anytime," she replied graciously.
As they finished eating, Maureen stared at Rusty with a mischievous look. She hated to admit that she cared somewhat for him and would possibly miss him a little to. He was definitely a challenge, unlike most men she knew. She wondered if he would miss her at all. He acted so cool and aloof that she couldn't tell his true feelings. She knew he couldn't be bullied like all the other men she had known, and he wasn't after just the sex either. In fact she conceded, he was really a very nice guy. It was too bad he didn't have money, she could have fallen in love very quickly she thought.
Christina and Maureen cleared the table while Rusty and Andrew went into the living room and fixed a drink.
"You've been kind of quiet this evening," Andrew remarked as he threw another log on the fire.
"I'm just a little tired this evening, that's all," Rusty replied.
But Andrew knew different. He could tell that Rusty cared more for Maureen than he let on. He wished Maureen were more like Christina. Rusty deserved to find happiness but Andrew knew he would never be happy with the likes of Maureen. But then, perhaps he had judged her too harshly he thought. She wasn't all bad, and they had a lot of fun together, the four of them during their stay.
"Do you believe that a person can change?" Rusty asked out of the blue.
"Depends on the person I guess. Wait a minute, old friend. You’re not talking about just anybody are you? You’re talking about Maureen."
Rusty looked away from Andrew and began fiddling with the fire.
"Look pal, you know I never interfere in your decisions. But believe me you'd be making a big mistake if you fall for Maureen. She's just not wife material. I don't think she'll ever change, not for you, not for anyone. She told you herself that she was looking for a rich man, she's after money and she don't care who it is, as long as he can put her up in the custom of the rich and famous."
Rusty leaned forward, his feet wide apart, hands clasped between his knees. He knew what Andrew was saying was probably true but he still believed that people could change if they wanted to. And maybe one day Maureen would change. Only time would tell. She could be so sweet one minute, then a totally different person the next. If only she would confide in him, perhaps he could help her break the habit.
"Why so glum?" Maureen asked as she entered the room. The tight fitting green dress was a knockout and she knew it. Her long brown hair glistened with touches of red, her blue eyes were shining as she stared at Rusty.
Rusty just looked at her and shook his head. She was in a flirtatious mood he thought. Why won't she trust me to talk to he muttered. "You wouldn't understand," he replied. "Think I'll go for a walk."
"Want some company?" Maureen asked.
"If you want to," he replied getting up and headed for the door. He was falling for her. He'd never felt the passion of love like he was feeling now, or had never met a woman who made him so happy one minute, then so angry the next, but that was Maureen. That was what he loved so about her.
Alone at last Andrew pulled Christina into his arms and held her tight. He wanted this night to last forever. There was so much he wanted to say to her but didn't know if the time was right yet. He wasn't sure she was completely over Tyler's death or even ready for another relationship.
He turned her head gently to face his, their eyes locked for a moment, her lips only inches away from his. He reached out his finger to trace a pattern down her nose and around her soft parted lips that seemed to tremble beneath his touch. He felt her body molding closer with his as he eased her down onto the sofa. Their lips met passionately as he unlocked her heart and soul for a brief moment.
Suddenly she pulled away, confused. Her feelings for him were intensifying as she drank in the comfort of his nearness. But she felt torn between her love for Tyler and the feelings she had for Andrew. Tyler was gone now but she still felt as if she were betraying him whenever Andrew held her this way. Yet she found that she could no longer deny herself his touch. Why did life have to be so complicated anyway?
"What's wrong?" Andrew asked tenderly.
"I don't know how to explain it," she replied as the tears welled in her luscious green eyes. "I think I ah ah love you," she murmured softly. "But I shouldn't feel this way so soon after Tyler's death."
Andrew took a deep breath before answering. "It's okay. to love someone else besides Tyler. That doesn't mean you loved Tyler any less but he's gone now and he would want you to find happiness just as if it were you that had died. You'd want him to find someone to love and care for, wouldn't you?"
"Well yes, but that's different."
"No Christina, it's not different. You wouldn't want him to spend his life alone, now would you?"
"No, but it's just so confusing to me. I hope you understand. I'm just not ready."
Andrew looked a little disappointed. He had intended to ask Christina to marry him tonight. How much more time would she need. Would she ever really be over Tyler. Did he even stand a chance?
"Please don't be mad Andrew," Christina begged.
"It's o.k. Christina. Really I understand," Andrew tried to reassure her. "Well I guess I better finish packing so I can get an early start tomorrow. Besides you still look like you could use some rest. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight," she replied as he kissed her gently on the cheek and headed for the st
airs. Christina stared at the glowing fire, trying to pull her thoughts together. She allowed her subconscious thoughts to surface, wishing her feelings of guilt would go away. She hadn't done anything to be guilty of anyway. She drifted off to sleep on the sofa as the crackling of the fire soothed her withered nerves.
Rusty and Maureen returned a short while later and found Christina sound asleep.
"Let's not wake her," Rusty whispered as he picked up the grey afghan and covered her. "She looks so peaceful asleep like that, doesn't she?"
Maureen felt a twinge of jealousy go through her body for a brief moment. She wondered if Rusty, like everyone else had fallen in love with Christina. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Rusty," Maureen stammered softly, "would you like some hot chocolate?"
"I'd love some," he replied. His eyes followed her as she left the room. Maybe she does have a heart after all, he thought as he smiled contentedly. Maureen returned with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. She seemed much more pleasant tonight, not as cold and hard as she usually did.
"Thanks," he replied as she sat down beside him. "I've really enjoyed these two weeks."
"Me to," she replied sincerely. They leaned back on the sofa and stared into the fire. He had a feeling he would miss her more than she knew.
Chapter Six
"Well looks like we're about ready," Andrew announced as they finished the last cup of coffee. "Lauren that was a fantastic breakfast. I'm going to miss your cooking." Lauren blushed as she finished clearing the table.
Christina sat somberly at the end of the table. She was at lost for words. She sensed a tension between her and Andrew after last night.
"I'm ready any time you are," Rusty replied as he swallowed the last of his coffee.
Christina walked them to the door. "I hope you'll come back soon," she said nervously as she hugged Andrew briefly.
"We'll see," he answered almost distantly and then they were gone.
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