The Secrets of Moonshine

by Denise Daisy

  Bronwyn felt a tinge of jealousy, which she immediately attempted to suppress, and scolded herself, knowing she was not that type of person. She should be pleased to see a family so close-knit, and a husband who continued to love his wife despite what fate had done. She wondered why Mavis had never replaced the missing tooth. She could understand the scars, and even the limp, but a tooth could be replaced. She reprimanded herself again. Isn’t this what her script was about?

  She turned her straying attention back to the computer screen and began typing randomly:

  Does Travis love you, Mavis, because you are beautiful? Hardly, look what tragedy hath wrought. You are now a small resemblance of the girl you once were, the girl that stole his heart. Or my dear Mavis, are you a beauty to Travis because he loves you? Does Travis’s heart not see your scars or the gaping hole in your mouth? Does he not see your body lean to one side, swaggering as you pull yourself along? Do they tell of a story deep inside of a woman that only Travis knows? Is it a story full of secrets revealed only to the one that holds your heart? Are they secrets that will not allow Travis to judge this beautifully written book by its cover?

  With a sigh, she highlighted the entire paragraph and deleted it. Her thoughts wandered to Ryan, wondering again why he had so easily stopped loving her and quickly replaced her with someone else. Thinking of him, she clicked on her e-mail. A window immediately popped up on her screen informing her that internet was not available. Figures. “I’m cut off from the entire world here. I might as well be on the moon.” She laughed at the thought. Moonshine, pretty close.

  Her eyes noticed her deleted files. Maybe she could dig up an old idea and run with that. Frustrated that she had resorted to rooting though the trash, she scrolled down a list of her many failed attempts at stories. She clicked on the first.

  My Better Half

  This might have something she could rebirth. She opened the file and read the synopsis:

  A story of fraternal twins. “A prince and princess, separated at birth for political reasons. Both taken by different families after their parents’ sudden assassination. The two adoptive families fled the country to protect the children, who were the heirs to the throne. These two children were raised in secrecy thousands of miles away from each other, neither knowing the other existed. Until one day….”

  Bronwyn stopped reading and closed the file. No help there. She returned to the list of titles. Another caught her eye:

  Birds of Prey. A group of top secret agents, all possessing bird names, known as “The N.E.S.S.T”

  She immediately closed the file. “Stupid, no wonder you were deleted.” She scrolled the titles again, biting the fingernails on her left hand, stopping at, The Eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, as the world sits in darkness, a warrior who is an extra-dimensional being comes to earth as the gatekeeper. Guarding and keeping watch of the forbidden portal….”

  “Creepy,” she muttered with a shiver as she closed the file. She scrolled the list before clicking again: My Brother’s Keeper.

  After a tragic accident takes the life of her beloved, a woman finds herself raising her children alone in the new world, facing much more than the severe storms that took her husband’s life.

  Bronwyn sighed, closing the file. Nothing. She ran her hands through her dark hair, twisting it and pulling it off her neck. She held her hair atop her head for a few minutes, letting the breeze cool her before allowing it to cascade down over her shoulders. Closing the computer, she sat back against the tree feeling somewhat hopeless. She knew Marcus would expect a re-write by the night’s rehearsal. Her attempts for the past couple of hours had produced nothing.

  She turned her attention back to the happy swimmers. Everyone was out of the water, eating Mavis’s lunch. She longed to join her friends at their festive picnic, but certainly Marcus would inquire about the script. She had no desire to tell him she had nothing. Instead, she opted for an endeavor she had not attempted since she was a little girl. Earlier, she had noticed a perfect tree for climbing. Its branches were thick and low, and circled the tree like a spiral staircase. She decided to climb. Leaving her computer on her makeshift rock desk, she entered the edge of the forest and approached the tree, grabbing the lowest branch and pulling herself up. Within seconds, she found herself climbing effortlessly like a young child playfully swinging across the monkey bars at recess. She climbed a bit higher before stopping.

  The view of the river was spectacular. Stretching her neck, she could see some of the many gardens. She wondered if she would be able to peer into the secret garden at this height. She pulled herself up one more branch, but her efforts were futile. The garden was much too far away. She rested herself on a wide, sturdy branch, straddling it, allowing her legs to dangle on either side. She leaned herself against the large trunk. An occasional burst of laughter from Mavis or one of the children would fill the air.

  She watched her friends, yet found herself focused on Travis and Mavis. Travis was sitting across the cloth from her, with Molly close beside him, leaning against his sturdy chest. She noticed he kept his arm wrapped around her as she ate. Mavis was sitting near Walt. Bronwyn could tell by Walt’s gesturing that he was no doubted re-telling his legendary story. Mavis seemed intrigued and soon took over the conversation. Bronwyn wondered if she was telling the others about her injuries as well. She hoped so, Bethany would be sure to relay the information. Instead, whatever Mavis said caused the whole group to erupt in laughter. Even Wilbur was red-faced, choking as he laughed.

  Bronwyn watched Travis’s expression as Mavis continued talking. He focused on her every word, paying careful attention to what she was saying, just as he had done with Bronwyn in the cabin. Her heart ached even more. “Where were you Travis, when Mavis was injured?” She whispered to herself. “Why weren’t you there to protect her as you were me? Do you stay faithful to her out of guilt? Or are you faithful because you have never known anything other than Mavis and this small town? Has there never been anyone else to steal your heart?”

  The snapping of branches and heavy footsteps, behind her, interrupted her daydreams. Someone was there! Could it be the cloaked figure from the woods? Her mind raced forward, along with her pulse. She could attempt to climb down. No, that would draw attention to her. She could remain quiet, hoping the figure wouldn’t notice her so high up in the tree. She could scream for help, but if her friends did not hear her, she would only be revealing herself.

  Quietly, she leaned away from the tree trunk to possibly catch a true glimpse of whomever had been stalking her. The heavy footsteps drew closer, the rustling louder. She leaned forward, clutching the branch above her, steadying herself. A dark-hooded figure moved through the trees, the hood obscuring the persons face. What could possibly be going on in this secluded town?

  She swallowed a scream that desperately wanted to escape her lungs. Brawny, dark hands parted the tree branches, clearing a view of the river. She breathed a small sigh of relief. The shadowy figure was not aware she was in the tree. The figure’s attention was fixed on the picnic by the river. She leaned back against the trunk, trying to control her breathing, while collecting her thoughts. Was this man out to harm them?

  She had no desire of finding out. She would quietly climb down and make a mad dash for the inn.

  Time to take her chances. She stretched out once more to make sure the figure was preoccupied watching her friends before she attempted her self-rescue. Shakily, she rose to her feet, again balancing herself by holding onto the branch directly above her head. She leaned forward.

  The cloaked figure was gone! How could it have left without her hearing? She scanned the surrounding area quickly - no sign of him. She leaned as far away from the tree as her body would allow. Nothing.

  She sat back down against the tree trunk. The hooded figure was gone. As to where, she had no clue. Still, it was time to descend the tree and get out of the woods. Pulling herself up, she glanced above before grabbing the lofty branch of the tree. />
  Ebony eyes starred at her from amongst the leaves. Sitting camouflaged on the branch directly above her was another hooded creature! His eyes pierced hers; his face was stoic, stern. Fear overwhelmed her. She let out a powerful piercing scream as her body went limp, causing her grip to slip. She clawed for the other branches, but instead felt herself falling from the tree, plummeting into total darkness.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  The sandwiches disappeared, along with the soft, warm chocolate chip cookies that Mavis had removed from the oven only minutes before serving them. She laid out a spread of egg salad sandwiches, fresh tomatoes, slices of melon, and a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade to wash it all down. The troupe had eaten well, and was now relaxing while listening to Mavis’ comical stories. The afternoon sun was at its peak, even making the shade of the massive oaks quite warm. As soon as Mavis finished her tale, several members of the troupe planned on returning to the swing and inner tubes and playfully work off any accumulated calories gained by the delicious lunch. Despite Wilbur’s earlier warnings that their stay in Moonshine not turn into a paid vacation, the entire troupe, including Wilbur, took advantage of the rest and relaxing activities offered at Sandalwood Inn. A better vacation spot would be hard to find. Moonshine was proving to be one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

  A bloodcurdling scream from the edge of the woods pierced through the serenity of their afternoon. The unexpectedness of the scream startled the relaxed group. Travis was the first to leap to his feet. Without hesitation, he sprinted across the grounds towards the edge of the forest. The rest of the group sprung to their feet and followed. Even Mavis ran surprisingly fast on her crippled leg. None was able to keep up with Travis, though. When he arrived, he noticed the abandoned laptop lying on the large rock. He quickly charged into the woods, glancing to his right and then to his left. He spotted Bronwyn’s body lying on the ground underneath a large oak tree. He sprinted over to where she lay, placed his fingers on the side of her neck, feeling for a pulse.

  Bethany made her way to the opposite side of Bronwyn, kneeling on the ground.

  “My God, is she okay?”

  Travis gave no answer. He lifted her eyelids, checked her breathing, and felt down each arm and leg. Mavis caught up with the group, joining in the circle that now surrounded Bronwyn. She watched intently as Travis examined her.

  Within seconds, Bronwyn began to stir. A sigh of relief passed through the group as she opened her eyes. The darkness cleared as she focused on a face leaning over her, then remembering the cloaked man, she gasped, attempting to sit, but a firm hand on her shoulder prevented her, pushing her back to the ground. She fought against it, slapping the man who had a hold of her.

  “Relax, Bronwyn, you’re alright.” She heard Travis’ voice instructing her. She focused in on his face, giving into his command and allowing him to gently ease her back to a lying position.

  She nervously looked around her. “Where is he?”

  “Where is who?” Bethany asked, puzzled.

  “The man in the tree?”

  “You okay, hon?”

  She attempted to sit up again, but Travis prevented it. She lay back on the ground but continued to look for the man. She knew he had been there. She had seen his face and locked eyes with him right before she fell.

  Trent knelt beside Bronwyn. “What happened, love?”

  “I saw something and fell out of the tree.”

  “Were you climbing it?” He asked, a bit of laughter in his voice.

  Bronwyn offered a crooked smile and nodded her head.

  “Girl, you are crazy!” Karley said.

  “Is she okay?” Bethany asked Travis. “I think she might have hit her head. She seems delirious.”

  “Are you in any pain?” Travis asked.

  She shook her head again. “No, actually I don’t feel anything.”

  “My God, she’s paralyzed!” Lillian gasped, grabbing Trent’s arm.

  “No Lil,” Bronwyn said, attempting to sit once again. “I mean, I have no pain. I’m sure I’m not hurt, just a little stunned, maybe.”

  Her last words trailed off as she visualized the hooded man. She glanced cautiously around her.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Bethany asked again, curious about her odd behavior. “Who are you looking-?”

  “She’s okay.” Travis said, and his interruption to Bethany’s questioning seemed somewhat threatening. “There’s no broken bones, no head trauma. She more than likely stunned herself when she fell.”

  Although Travis answered Bethany’s question, his eyes stayed fixed upon Bronwyn. There was something in his face that confirmed her suspicion: he knew of the goings on in the woods. His expression made clear he did not want her to inform her friends of the cloaked man. Reluctantly, she obeyed his stern gaze - but she’d question him later.

  “We really need to have a serious talk, love, about the extreme measures you seem to be taking to get attention.” Trent said, winking, as he knelt beside her, placing his hand on her knee. “Good God, is this going to be an everyday event?” She smiled at Trent, who turned to Bethany, mouthing the words, “Stage two.”

  “Glad you’re okay, love.” Trent gave Bronwyn’s knee a final pat as he stood.

  She was glad her friends were there with her. She turned away from Travis, purposely refraining from looking in his direction, and leaned towards Bethany and Trent.

  “Enough of this standing around. I’m fine. You guys can go back to your picnic; I’m not going to climb any more trees. I’m just going to finish my re-write.”

  “If you’re sure you’re okay, love.” Trent said, offering her his hand.

  She eagerly grabbed it and allowed him to pull her up. An openly touching person, Trent immediately began brushing the dirt from her clothes and plucking a few bits of grass from her hair as well. “You need me to carry you back, love?”

  She laughed. “I’m fine Trent. Really, I am.”

  Realizing that she was indeed alright, the group dispersed and casually walked back to the river. Travis stood to his feet and said nothing. He allowed Mavis to grab hold of his strong arm for support.

  Bronwyn retrieved her computer, taking her time to place it into her backpack. She had made eye contact with Bethany, signaling her to loiter a bit. Bronwyn waited until the others were out of earshot before she spoke.

  “How did you guys find me?” Bronwyn asked.

  “Heard you scream. Pretty chilling, if you ask me.”

  Bronwyn slung the backpack over her shoulder, “Where was I when you found me?”

  Bethany looked at Bronwyn puzzled. “Under the tree.” She spoke slowly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Did you see anything else?”

  “No. Actually, Travis got to you first.” Bethany said, giving Bronwyn a nudge. “He took off running like a wild animal. His muscles pulsing, his hair flying in the wind. You should have seen that man run. I didn‘t know a person could run that fast.”

  “Stop it!”

  “But seriously, you should have seen his reaction when he heard you scream. He didn’t hesitate one second. He jumped to his feet and bolted. He left us all in his dust. I have this sixth sense, Bronwyn, I can tell when there’s an attraction between two people.”

  Bronwyn remained quiet. It was no use to continue. Bethany was not quiet long enough to listen to anything she had to say.

  Bronwyn lounged by the river the rest of the afternoon, staying close to the rest of the group. The rewrites would have to wait. Travis did not return to the river, and was mysteriously absent at dinner.

  Marcus cancelled rehearsal once again, completely understanding why the re-write had not been completed. As twilight set, everyone was free to participate in whatever activity they chose.

  Bronwyn decided to stay close to the inn and visit her favorite garden, figuring it would be more enticing during the evening hours.

  The night was warm as she stepped off the porch and onto the cobbleston
e path. Opening the gate, she pushed her way through the hanging vines. The romantic scent of night-blooming jasmine filled her nostrils. The garden was even more enchanting in the moonlight. Fireflies swarmed around the low-hanging branches of the weeping willow tree, displaying their tiny glowing lights. The moon shone down upon the pond, its reflection casting the garden in a deep gray-silver. The quiet rushing of the waterfall, accompanied by the croaking frogs and the chirping crickets, provided the night‘s sounds. She sat in a soft patch of clover growing near the water. She moved her hand gracefully over the leaves, reflecting on how, as a child, she would spend countless hours searching for a four leafed one. She laid back and gazed at the night sky. It was teeming with millions of stars, more than she had ever seen at one time. The higher elevation made it seem as if she could almost reach out and grab a few.

  Moments like this seemed so futile and empty without someone to share them with. Her mind turned to Ryan. Literally no day had passed since their break-up that she had not thought of him, dreamed of him, pictured his face, and heard his voice. She imagined him in the clover, lying next to her, gazing at the stars. There was a time when she could slide her hand over and reach out and touch him, feel him lying next to her.

  She passed her hands across the clover once again. The emptiness was so real. Her body longed for him. She wondered if missing Ryan was the reason she was drawn to Travis.

  Somewhere in the distance, the faint music of a dulcimer wafted through the trees. The music was beautiful, although she did not recognize the song. Probably some old mountain ballad. She continued staring at the stars, hoping to see a shooting one, on which she could make a wish. The night was peaceful, serene… lonely.

  She rose from the clover patch and walked to the pond. She sat on its bank, placing her feet in the shallow waters. She cupped the water with one hand and splashed it further across the pond.

  The garden gate swung open. There was not enough light for her to see who entered. Maybe it was Bethany and Lillian, she hoped. Girl talk would be therapeutic right now.