Broken Butterfly

by Cindy Patterson

  The service started with a drama. Andrew stepped onto the stage with another guy. They both wore plaid shirts with suspenders and broken glasses, tape holding them together.

  Andrew was so believable Mallory nearly forgot it was him.

  The drama ended and, as the actors left the stage, music streamed through the speakers and everyone stood to their feet. The words to the song flashed on the screen and people all around her started to sing. She tried to follow along, but struggled to follow the notes. Rachel told her after several songs had played that she’d be back in a little bit.

  Moments later, Rachel stepped onto the stage and sang into the microphone. Mallory listened to the words carefully. The song was about orphans … orphans of God. The words seemed to speak directly to her. There were no strangers, no outcasts. She’d felt like an outcast her entire life. Could this God she’d been learning about really want her? She could almost feel him calling to her. Rachel sang the words, Father, look down upon us, and Mallory closed her eyes imagining the hands of Jesus reaching down from heaven wrapping around her. She fixed her eyes on the picture of him in the center of the stained glass at the front of the church. He held a child in his arms. A small girl, just like her ... Seek your face to rise above … Mallory wanted to see him, to know him. She grew breathless as the music swelled within her.

  Eric slipped in the back a few minutes after the service had started. He returned from Philadelphia later than he’d hoped. He thought about staying home, but needed to be here this morning. Things were happening he felt uncertain about. There was no better place to feel God’s presence than in church.

  He stood in the back as the congregation sang praise and worship. His gaze was drawn to the dark color of Mallory’s hair. He wanted to move forward and take his usual seat beside Paul. But he stopped himself. He would wait, but only until the welcome song.

  The greeting song played and everyone moved around, but only Mallory held his attention. She kept wiping her eyes, and Andrew stayed by her side. The reaction of seeing Andrew drape his arm around Mallory came over him gradually like a budding seed, but it was growing faster than a wildflower.

  Eric was lost in thought when someone grabbed his shoulder.

  “Hey, man.” Paul shook his hand. “Why aren’t you sitting up there with us?”

  How did Paul come all the way back here without me noticing?

  “I … uh, came in late.”

  “Well, come on. We’ve got plenty of room for you. Mallory’s here.” Paul smiled.

  “Yeah, I saw her. But I’m going to stay back here. I might have to sneak out early.” Eric hoped to settle Paul’s determination.

  “Okay ... well, I’ll see you later.” Paul slapped his back before he walked away.

  This morning had turned out nothing like he’d planned. But he hadn’t anticipated seeing Mallory Scott or his unexpected reaction just being in the same building with her.

  Thirteen

  Mallory pushed through the brush of trees.

  Dragonfly stood at the edge, waiting, his ocean blue eyes intense, his dark hair disheveled. His white, hooded sweatshirt hung loose over his shoulders and down to his blue jeans. “There you are. You’re late.” He moved to sit on the log.

  She joined him. “Sorry, I was held after school. My teacher was asking a bunch of questions.” She glanced at his clothes. “Where’s your uniform?”

  “Teacher work day.”

  Mallory’s toes poked through the top of her shoes. She slipped her feet under the bench. “You didn’t have to come, I mean, since you didn’t have school.”

  “I wanted to. I wish I could take you away from all this. I wish you could come live with me.” A rumble of thunder sounded overhead and Dragonfly shifted. “One day I’m going to take you away from here and take care of you forever. I’ll never let anyone hurt you ever again.”

  She picked at her pinky nail. Looking at him gave her too much hope. “There’s nothing you can do. I’m stuck here.”

  “We could run away.”

  For one split-second she saw herself running away and being free from the endless chores, the screaming, and dreading her next beating. But the fear of being caught and sent back to a children’s home outweighed all her other fears. “They would only find us and bring us back. Then I would get a real whipping.”

  “Here we are,” Mr. Chamberlain announced when they reached the Community College parking lot—yanking her from the memories. “I thought you may want to sign up for fall classes after your test. Have you had a chance to look at the list?”

  Mallory reached into her bag and held up the highlighted pamphlet. “At least a hundred times. There are so many to choose from.”

  “They have counselors that can help. Make sure you speak with someone before you leave.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Chamberlain, for everything. I wouldn’t be here today without your help. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

  He wrapped his arms around her shoulders as they approached the glass double doors. She would never forget the love this man had shown her.

  The test was easy and she walked away from the college feeling like a new person. Mallory strolled to the car with her fall schedule and Mr. Chamberlain by her side.

  “I’m so happy for you, Mallory. No one deserves this more.”

  Mallory wasn’t sure how to respond. He couldn’t know what she deserved. He knew nothing about her. Would he have given her this opportunity had he known about her past? What would her new friends think if they found out how she’d spent the last few years of her life? Mallory thrust her negative thoughts away. She wanted nothing to ruin this moment … a moment that could change the course of her life.

  Mallory entered the kitchen on Friday morning, and the aroma of coffee filled the large space. She took a mini-cheese Danish and popped it into her mouth.

  “Are you excited about the party tonight for Miss Victoria?” Sebastian took the spot next to her.

  Mallory giggled. “Actually, I was thinking of leaving the country.”

  “Oh, but no my dear, you couldn’t do that.” Sebastian bowed and Mallory giggled even harder. This would be a normal work day, the same as any other. She didn’t intend to let Victoria’s day ruin her mood.

  “We’ll have a uniform to wear tonight in honor of the occasion,” Marla added.

  “How wonderful! I’ll be a stylish servant to Miss Victoria.”

  “And you will have a new hairstyle too.”

  Mallory spun around to find Rachel standing in the kitchen doorway. “What’re you doing here?”

  “You’re taking the day off. I called ahead to make sure they could do without you this morning. I’m doing your hair today. You’re going to look perfect tonight.”

  Sebastian, Marla, and Nancy all smiled and nodded at her to go on.

  Marla handed her a container filled with crème Danishes. “Go ahead now. You’re wasting time standing here.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll cover for you.” Nancy patted her arm.

  Mallory looked over her shoulder. “But what about …”

  “This was Mr. Chamberlain’s idea.” Sebastian put his arm through hers and led her to the door. “Rachel spoke to him directly so run along now.”

  They arrived at Rachel’s house ten minutes later, and she led Mallory to the kitchen.

  “Are you going to do it here?”

  “I need the sink, and the lights are better here. We could go to the salon if you’d rather.”

  “No, this is fine. I’m just nervous.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve done this to plenty of Barbie dolls.” Rachel laughed.

  “Very funny.”

  A memory of a group of girls laughing at her rushed back, their sly expressions, the dark brooding stares, the hushed whispers, but Rachel’s was different. It was gentle
.

  Mallory brushed her hands against her jeans, wiping away the grime of thoughts threatening to steal her joy.

  Rachel started the process of stripping her hair. The high fumes saturating the kitchen burned Mallory’s nose.

  “Try to relax. This is your day off.”

  Mallory settled against the hard-backed chair as Rachel weaved in the chemicals.

  They talked twenty minutes about her test and college classes she planned to take until she made the mistake of changing the subject. “Are you and Paul excited about the party?”

  “It’ll be fun, but we’re only coming for Eric.”

  Annoying wing-like flutters that always appeared at the mention of his name took flight. Eric coming had been the first thing she’d thought of, and she hated that most of all. She forced her attention back to the conversation, though the dread of seeing him with Victoria lingered on the edge of her consciousness.

  Rachel’s comment didn’t make sense. “Why?” Mallory’s emotions caught in her throat.

  “He’s not looking forward to it.” Rachel couldn’t know the effect talking about him was having on her. “I don’t believe Eric cares for Victoria the same way she cares for him. I could never picture them together anyway. She’s not his type.”

  A warm feeling consumed her. But just as quickly she remembered why it didn’t matter. They were engaged.

  Rachel lowered her comb and faced Mallory. “How do you like Eric?”

  Mallory straightened. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, what do you think of him?”

  “I don’t know. He seems nice enough. Victoria … she’s well, I don’t know her well enough to have an opinion I guess.”

  Rachel’s loud, boisterous laughter echoed through the kitchen. “You’re one of a kind.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You’re very special. I’m so glad we’re friends.” Rachel squeezed her shoulder.

  It was a moment when something she’d always wanted was happening, something real, and this was the same path that was leading her to freedom, and there was no going back. It took all her restraint not to break down and cry, like the eight year old girl losing her mama all over again.

  Rachel spun the chair around, and Mallory gasped at her reflection in the mirror.

  Eric hadn’t had a chance to talk to Victoria since their trip. He’d fallen asleep while she was in the bathroom and woke several hours later covered with blankets, while she remained in the bathroom.

  She’d walked into the main room shortly after he’d awoken, dressed to perfection. He didn’t want to ruin their long drive home by saying something to upset her, so he waited. As he entered the Chamberlain mansion, he made his decision. Tomorrow, he’d settle things.

  Victoria’s mother and the waiters stood by the stairs greeting everyone. He searched for Mallory. She had to be working tonight, though she wasn’t among everyone else. Maybe she was coming with Rachel.

  “Hi, Eric.” Paul grabbed his shoulder.

  “Has Victoria come down yet?” Rachel took the place next to him.

  Rachel’s words were garbled into a sea of nothingness as Mallory walked through the dining room door. The crisp, white blouse, unbuttoned to her collar bone, sparkled against her tanned skin. Her sleeves cut quarter way up her slender arms were stretched beneath a tray. It couldn’t be her. But it was. Her hair was different … very different. The color of espresso with streaks of honey.

  Eric followed Paul and Rachel in her direction when they were abruptly stopped.

  “I’ve been looking all over for you,” Victoria said, shattering his trance.

  When he glanced toward the dining room door, Mallory had moved across the room.

  The rest of the evening, Victoria talked with Paul and Rachel, but he couldn’t concentrate. His thoughts were centered on the maid serving only a few yards from him.

  Her radiant smile as she spoke to each guest filled the room. He tried to get her attention several times, but she appeared to ignore him.

  It would be out of place to make an excuse to speak to her. If only he could get close enough. Every time he tried to head in her direction, she moved.

  She stood in the shadows talking to Andrew, who had stayed near her. Eric frowned.

  Victoria’s whiny voice startled him from his thoughts. “Are you listening to me?”

  He pressed his lips in a thin line. “I’m sorry, what were you saying?”

  In the next instant his eyes met Mallory’s and the music, the sounds of laughter, the chattering became silent as her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink. No one else existed.

  “Never mind, I’ll be right back. There’s something I have to do.” Victoria’s voice broke the moment, and Mallory turned to walk away.

  Victoria moved toward where Mallory and Andrew stood talking.

  Eric crammed his hands in his pockets. “I’ll be right back. I think I made her mad.”

  Rachel smiled. “Yeah, you go ahead.”

  He was getting ready to find out why Andrew approached their table Saturday morning. Mallory’s expression was the same as always, uncertain. He wanted to make her feel better ... to take away her doubt.

  As Eric approached them, his breath quickened. He’d been waiting for this moment all night, yet he’d hoped to speak to Mallory alone.

  They didn’t notice him approaching. Andrew’s eyes narrowed. Mallory’s cheeks glistened with tears, and she spun around and disappeared down the dark hall.

  “Why don’t you leave her alone? What’re you so worried about? She’s no threat to you. She’s only doing her job.” Andrew jerked around and nearly ran into him. “Well here’s lover boy now. I’ll leave you two to your happiness, your highness,” he spat the words and turned down the same hall Mallory had disappeared.

  Victoria brushed her hands against her dress, her composure stilled as if nothing had happened. “Eric, let’s get a drink.”

  He bit his lip in an effort to gain control. “Wait!” He took Victoria’s arm causing her to tilt in her heels. “What was that about?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What did I miss with Andrew and Mallory? Why was he so angry?”

  “It doesn’t matter. They’re not important.” She tried to turn again, avoiding his gaze.

  His jaw clenched. “How can you say he doesn’t matter? He’s your brother.”

  “Step-brother, but I wouldn’t claim him hanging around with that … that girl.”

  “What’s wrong with her?” He could feel the veins in his neck protruding.

  “Well, look at her. She’s the hired help. The nerve of her trying to make me look bad in front of my friends.” Victoria leaned closer.

  He stepped back. “What did she do?”

  “She’s a servant, a maid. She shouldn’t be hanging around with my brother at my party with all my friends to witness it.”

  “Why not?”

  “Andrew shouldn’t be friends with someone like her. She acts like she’s a guest. Your friends are just as bad, especially Rachel.”

  “Someone like her?” Fire flamed within him. “You’re wrong about Mallory.”

  Victoria rolled her eyes. “Of course you would say that, you would take up for anybody. But it’s not your fault. I wish she’d go back to wherever she came from. She’s not welcomed here.” The guests gathered around had turned to stare.

  Eric edged close to her ear. “Well, neither am I.”

  Muscles taut, Eric turned and found himself face to face with Mr. Chamberlain. It took every ounce of restraint to keep from telling Victoria’s uncle what he thought of her.

  “Good night, Mr. Chamberlain, thank you for your hospitality.

  Fourteen

  Mallory walked through the back door, hot tears threatening to spill over.
She should’ve known this night would end in disaster.

  Andrew followed her, but she wanted to be alone. Quickening her step, she hurried around the front, avoiding him as he checked the apartment. Stepping into the woods, she felt guilty for hiding, but couldn’t talk to him right now.

  Once Andrew drove away, Mallory headed down the road in the opposite direction. The woods mocked her and she moved quickly. She forced herself to keep going until she stopped at a bridge deep in Amish country. A buggy approached, and Mallory moved closer to the ditch. The buggy stopped and an Amish girl climbed out.

  “Mallory, is that you?”

  She froze, eyes wide. “Mary Yoder?”

  “I almost didn’t recognize you. Your hair’s lighter. What are you doing way out here?”

  “I was taking a walk.” Mallory looked over her shoulder. “I lost track of time.”

  “Would you like a ride?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  She climbed into the tight area of the buggy sensing Mary’s eyes watching her every move. Purple fabric lined the interior and it surprised her to find switches on the dash. Mallory’s body moved to the steady rhythm of the trotting horse. The slow, bumpy ride soothed her. They rode over the bridge leading her farther away from the house … farther away from Victoria.

  “I have some perishables I need to drop off.” Mary glanced at her. “They might spoil in this hot weather if I drive you all the way home first.”

  “Yes, of course. I don’t know what I was thinking coming this far.”

  “Well, sometimes it’s in those times God can speak to us more freely.” Mary turned the buggy on a long, dirt road. She stopped the horse at the end of the path. “Here we are.”

  Mallory followed Mary inside and the plain brown walls brought back a rush of memories of her old life. She stumbled backward, her thoughts spiraling against her broken will.

  “Ach, Mallory. Don’t mind all the dust. I meant to take out the rug earlier. I wasn’t expecting company.” Mary’s sympathetic smile cleared the strangling thoughts.