by Sable Hunter
Footsteps scurried ahead of her and another bout of giggles. Glory found herself laughing in response. She so wanted to be happy. To have hope. “Wait! What’s your name?”
“Matilda.” A faint voice drifted toward her on the rising wind.
Matilda. What a beautiful name. Glory called again. “Why are you running away?” She followed as closely as she could, becoming winded. “Stop. I can’t keep up.”
Coming to a stop, Glory held her chest, feeling a bit nauseous. Bending over, she rested her hands on her knees, trying to keep her breath.
“Glory.”
Glory jerked up, shocked to hear her name called. And when she did, the girl was standing right in front of her. Cornsilk blonde hair in big sausage curls, light blue eyes, an old-fashioned dress with a hoop skirt. In a flash, she tried to absorb all the details – the smile, the dimples, the fact that Glory could see right through her…
And then Matilda disappeared, just faded from sight.
“Oh, my God!” Glory whispered, wheeling around and running as hard as she could back to the porch. Her adrenaline was running so high and her heart beating so fast that when she came to the porch, all she could do was collapse on the steps. When she could, Glory scrambled to look behind her, fearing Matilda had followed her.
Confusion, fascination, and dread warred for supreme position in her emotions. She’d seen a ghost! Reaching for her backpack, Glory jumped again when a tapping sound came from one of the windows. With a gasp, she jerked around expecting to see a specter at the window, instead she saw a black crow, standing on the sill, and pecking at its own reflection. “Good grief!” she exclaimed.
As soon as she was able, Glory left the grounds. She managed to get a short distance down the road before she stopped to catch her breath, leaning against a large pine tree. She’d left Melancholy behind and she could see a road sign stating that she was only two miles from New Iberia. Could she make it? Glory pushed away from the tree. “Yea, I sure don’t intend to stay here with Matilda.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Afternoon, Princess.”
The words caused T to stir on the couch. He opened his eyes and saw Danny sitting across from him in a wingback chair. The sun was beating in through an open curtain and T instantly felt like someone had driven an axe through his head.
“Bright, isn’t it?”
T shielded his eyes from the sun. “It sure as hell is.” His mouth felt like it’d been packed with cotton. “Can you close the curtains?”
Danny placed a cup of coffee on the table in front of T. “I could. But I’m not going to.” He’d been sober for almost twenty years, but he would always remember how awful the hangovers used to be and he didn’t envy his friend at all. “I want you to suffer. Hopefully, you’ll remember this feeling next time you want a drink. Now, get up.”
T sat up and sipped the coffee. “Oh, my god. My head is killing me.” He took the three Tylenols on the table and closed his eyes. “What time is it?”
“Almost three in the afternoon. You slept all day. Now get up and shower.”
It dawned on T that he wasn’t at his place. He’d spent the night at Danny’s and he didn’t have a change of clothes.
When he rose to go to the washroom, T noticed the bandage around his hand. “Oh, yeah. That.” He looked over at Danny in the chair and held his hand up. “You do this?”
“I can’t take credit for the cut. That was all you it appears. When I got to the bar, you had a dirty, old dishrag wrapped around it. Your hand is probably going to fall off tomorrow. Who the hell knows what kind of infection you might have caught off that thing. I stitched it up and dressed it. I was a medic in the army years back. Simple procedure really, but I bet you’re gonna feel it today, the cut was deep.”
As if the hangover wasn’t bad enough, Danny insisted that T tie a plastic bag around his injured hand before getting in the shower.
“I’m proud of those stitches,” Danny had gushed. “Don’t go fucking them up.”
The hot water was a welcome respite from the pounding in T’s head and he just leaned on the wall, enjoying it beating down on his back. But no matter how much his brain hurt or how good the shower felt, he couldn’t get Glory out of his head.
What was he going to do about her?
About the child she carried?
Danny was at the door putting his coat on when T came out of the washroom. “I have to go out for a while. You are coming to a meeting with me tonight.”
“Really. It was a one-time thing. I just needed it last night.”
“I’ve heard that story before, bud. Told it a few times myself and I’d feel better if you spent the day here resting. You made me promise not to take you home last night and I’m gonna keep that promise again tonight, because I can tell you aren’t in the right state of mind to be having any life-changing discussions. So, grab a bite to eat from the fridge and park your ass on the couch. I’ll be back in a few hours and when I do, we’re going to a meeting.”
T considered putting up a fight, but he knew it was useless. Danny was right, he was in no state of mind to see Glory right now, his head was still swimming with everything that had gone on yesterday and even the idea of eating made him nauseous. No, he’d do as Danny said, T needed guidance right now and he knew it. If he had to, he’d stay here for a few days until he figured out what to do about Glory.
The hours spent alone at Danny’s place didn’t go by quickly and T found himself unable to concentrate on the television or find something that could keep his mind off Glory for longer than five minutes.
Out of desperation, he looked through Danny’s closet, hoping to find something to wear. Packing a bag isn’t something one does when they storm out of their own home after a fight and T didn’t feel like going to a meeting with the smell of a bender on him. Unfortunately, Danny was barely five and a half feet tall and T knew his search wasn’t going to bear fruit and there weren’t any shops nearby, so he resigned himself to the fact that he’d have to just stink for the rest of the night. Tomorrow he’d go shopping for some stuff to wear temporarily. Yea, he was a coward, but the thought of returning home to face Glory wasn’t one he could handle at the moment.
*
Pacing herself, Glory managed to make it into town. Her mind was whirling with questions as she found her way to the shelter. How did Matilda know her name? Glory had no answers. The fear was gone, and now she just felt homesick. She wanted to feel T’s arms around her. Stopping at a red light, Glory leaned on the electrical post until it was time to cross. By this time, she was exhausted, just putting one foot ahead of the other took all her strength and determination. When she saw the sign for the shelter, Glory wanted to cry. She was beginning to doubt the wisdom of her walkabout. But what choice did she have?
“Glory?”
Hearing her name called for the second time, she froze, her body shaking. It took her a few seconds to realize this time the woman who summoned her was living – it was Lauren Middleton.
“Glory, are you all right?”
Brushing her hair from her face, she nodded, and smiled. “Yes, I have something for you.” By the time Lauren reached her, Glory had gotten her bearings, managing to walk normally.
“What are you doing on foot?” The older woman looked all around. “Did T drop you off on his way somewhere else?”
Glory considered lying, but the untruth stuck in her throat. “No.” She shook her head. “It’s just me.” Trying to evade the question, she tried a distraction. Digging in her backpack, she took out the plastic bag. “Mrs. Watson from Loreauville sent money her church group raised for you.”
Lauren took the sack, peering inside. “Great! This will buy a lot of toys. Thank you for bringing it.”
“You’re welcome.” She debated what to say next. “Could I come in and rest for a little while?”
“Yes, of course.”
Lauren led her in and Glory was met by several of the women and children who remembere
d her from the visit she’d made with T. Since then, the damage had been fully and professionally prepared. Without asking, Lauren directed her to sit on the couch and brought her a cup of ice tea and a bowl of soup. “Thanks, this looks delicious.”
“Are you sick? Do you need me to take you to the doctor?”
Dangerous ground. Glory shook her head. “I don’t need to go to the doctor.” She’d already been.
“Okay. Do you want to tell me what you’re doing on foot, walking around looking like death warmed over?”
Glory frowned at her less than complimentary description. “I love to walk. I’ve done this all my life, just taken off on walkabouts, I call them. It’s my way of exploring America.”
Lauren gave her a long, disbelieving stare. “Does T-Rex know you’re doing this?”
Glory didn’t answer. She ate a few bites of soup and tried to think of what to say. The truth was all she could think of. “T and I broke up.”
Lauren sat beside her. “I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
Glory sighed, losing her appetite. “No. Irreconcilable differences.”
“I can’t believe this. You two are perfect for one another.” Lauren took Glory’s hand. “T-Rex is a different person when you’re around. I’ve never seen him so happy.”
Glory didn’t know if it was thinking of T, the soup, or what – but a sudden bout of sickness had her springing to her feet and heading to the bathroom at breakneck speed.
“Glory!”
Making it just in time, Glory knelt at the toilet and lost all she’d eaten during the day. “Oh, gee-whilikers,” she moaned.
“That settles it, you’re going to the doctor. You’ve got a virus. You’re probably contagious.” Lauren handed her a wet paper towel to wipe her mouth and face. “Come on, I’ll drive you to the clinic.”
Glory didn’t budge. “I told you I don’t need to go to the clinic.”
“I think you do.” Lauren grabbed her hand and tried to tug her up.
“I just need to rest a bit.” She bit her lip, contemplating her next move. They did say confession was good for the soul. “I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant!” Lauren’s voice exploded with wonder and joy. “How wondrous!” No sooner did she say this that the connection hit her and her face clouded. “T-Rex isn’t the father.”
Glory stood. “No! I mean, yes! T-Rex is the father.”
“But how can that be? It was against my advice, but I’m aware he had a vasectomy years ago.” Glory swayed, making a grab for the sink and Lauren rushed to steady her. “You need to sit down.”
“I don’t know how it can be, I guess the vasectomy didn’t take.” Glory leaned over the sink and turned on the water to rinse her face. “All I know is that I’m pregnant and I haven’t been with anyone else.” Glory felt weary, a weariness that went beyond her physical limitations.
“Come on, you need to rest and get some food in you if you can keep it down.”
Glory felt uncomfortable. First T and now Lauren questioned her story. She let herself be led back to the couch, aware that she was being watched by the other ladies staying there. When she’d been here before, Glory had felt so much sympathy for them. Ironically, now she was here in the same predicament as some – needing help and nowhere to go. “I know what I’m saying sounds unlikely…” she began as she edged into a corner of the couch and picked up the soup to continue eating. Lauren was T’s friend, it made sense she’d question Glory’s claim.
Lauren spoke over her. “I believe you.”
“You do?”
“I could see the way you looked at Rex Allen when he was here.” She joined Glory on the comfortable sofa. “This is exactly what he needs, what he deserves. A family.”
Glory busied herself eating the soup. She didn’t know how much to say.
“He pushed you away, didn’t he?”
Glory let the spoon clatter back inside the dish, splashing vegetable broth on her pants. “He was shocked.” By way of explanation, it wasn’t much but Lauren seemed to read between the lines.
“Does he know where you are?”
“No!” Glory realized she’d said too much, the last thing she needed was Lauren calling T and trying to coerce him to take her back. “And I don’t want him to. Please don’t contact him. Promise me.”
“All right,” Lauren reluctantly agreed. “I don’t like it, though.”
Glory searched for something to say that would pacify Lauren Middleton. “I’ll contact him when the time is right. Right now, we just need some distance.”
“Where are you going? And how are you getting there?”
Glory refused to give Lauren more ammunition. “I’m weighing my options. I have a friend I might go stay with.” She said the words before she backed them up with thought. What friend?
“I don’t like this, Glory. I know what can happen to women on their own. You aren’t hitchhiking, are you?”
This she could answer for certain. “No, I’m not. There’s always the bus, you know.” She hadn’t taken the bus in the past, but if she grew too tired to walk, riding the Greyhound could be something she’d consider – if she made a little cash along the way. But first, she needed to figure out which direction she was heading and what she was going to do when she got there.
“You could stay here,” Lauren offered. “Until you know what your plans are. We’d love to have you.”
The generosity and friendship that the older woman was offering warmed Glory’s heart, but she couldn’t do it. The proximity to T was still too close. “Thank you, I appreciate it. But…I need to get away for a while.”
Even though Lauren still frowned at her, as if she was pondering a solution, she nodded to Glory. “All right. I can’t force you. But you are staying the night. I won’t take no for an answer on that point.”
“Okay.” Glory was relieved. She was tired and she needed to rest before continuing her journey.
Lauren stepped away to see to the needs of a young woman who’d just arrived. Glory couldn’t help but notice that she was bruised and crying. Her heart went out to the lady.
“Hey, will you wead to me?”
Glory’s attention was immediately drawn to a small voice at her side. A little girl was doing her best to get on the couch, holding a book. “Dis is so high.” Holding up her arms, she met Glory’s eyes. “Will you hep me?”
Longing and wonder blossomed in Glory. “Sure, I’d love to.”
“Tilly, you shouldn’t bother the lady.” A harried looking woman started to reach for her daughter. She held a broom in her hand.
“No, please,” Glory held up her hand. “I don’t mind at all.”
The little girl gave Glory a big smile, a smile missing two front teeth. Glory smiled back. “You’re so cute, Tilly.”
Seeing Tilly wasn’t bothering Glory, the mother returned to the task she’d been performing, sweeping the kitchen floor.
“Tanks. Dis is bout a monkey.” She put the book in Glory’s lap.
“Curious George. I remember this.” Soon the pair were deeply engrossed in the tale of an inquisitive brown monkey. Glory ended up reading the story twice to the small child, her heart aching at the longing to do this with her own baby someday.
“Tilly, come on, it’s bedtime for you.”
Glory earned a hug for her trouble. “Sleep well, Tilly,” she whispered, relishing the feel of the small arms holding her tightly.
“Why don’t you sleep in my quarters tonight?” Lauren offered, motioning for Glory to follow.
“Oh, I can’t take your bed,” she protested.
“I’m not staying, I have to go to home to Teagan and my husband. I don’t sleep here unless there’s something unusual going on.”
“Did they ever find the man who drove into the wall?”
“Yes. He was arrested and going through some needed treatment for alcoholism. Once he’s sober, he’ll be a different man.”
As Glory accompanied Lauren down the
hall to her office and small bedroom, Glory couldn’t help but think of T-Rex. “I’m so glad you were there to help him when he needed it. I don’t know if it’s my place, but I’m grateful you did it.”
“Rex Allen is a good man. And I’m sure he’ll come to terms with your pregnancy, just give him a little time.”
Glory couldn’t put her hope into words. She set her backpack on the floor next to the twin-size bed. Everything was neat, but nothing was fancy. The coverlet was a pleasing light yellow, but the color zinged straight to Glory’s memory, giving her an uneasy tingle down her spine. “Lauren, could I ask you something?”
Lauren pulled the curtains shut on the windows. “Of course. Is it about the baby? Have you had any other problems besides morning sickness?”
“My morning sickness isn’t relegated to mornings, unfortunately.”
Lauren laughed. “Mine wasn’t either, so I can sympathize.”
“No, I wanted to ask you about a house I stopped at today. Melancholy. Just outside of town. Have you ever been there?”
Lauren studied her face. “Melancholy is closed. It has been for years. My aunt owned it. I used to go there with my mother, back when my Aunt was still alive. It’s a beautiful old home, but I’m sure it’s falling down now. I’ve thought about restoring it, but there always seems to be more pressing matters.”
“The shelter is more important, of course. Melancholy is still impressive,” Glory said, but she wasn’t concerned with the home’s upkeep. “Did you ever hear of anyone named Matilda?”
A look of surprise came over Lauren’s face. “Matilda was my aunt’s grandmother.” She paused, as if unsure she should go on. “Why?”
Glory didn’t want to say. This was her second paranormal experience, if you could call it that. The first one, at Wildwood, she hadn’t even realized the person was a ghost. Matilda, on the other hand, couldn’t be denied. Unless…she was going crazy. “No reason, just something I read.”