Mallory stared through the window to hide her agony. The girls at her table made comments about good looking guys, and Mallory turned as a group passed. She sipped her drink. The annoying high-pitched voices of the girls elevated over one in particular.
“Look at him,” she heard one of them say.
“He’s staring at me,” another one said.
“Oh no, he’s coming over here,” someone screeched.
Which one were they fussing about? Her breath caught in her throat when he stopped in front of her.
“Hey.” His familiar voice sent a flutter of butterflies soaring through Mallory’s stomach. The other girls were silent as he crouched, coming face to face with her. “I can’t believe you’re here. I didn’t think I would see you today.”
Taking a chair from the end of the table next to them, he slid it into the spot next to hers.
“I was going to wait until tomorrow, but, you’re here now, and I can’t.”
Mallory’s gaze fell on the girls sitting at the table. They all stared at her—at him sitting beside her.
She didn’t speak as he pulled a small wrapped box from his coat and placed it in her palm, his hand brushing against hers. “I bought you a present.” He glanced at the box. “It reminded me of you. I’ve got to go. Our bus is getting ready to leave. But I’ll see you tomorrow.” He leaned closer and whispered near her ear. “Happy Birthday, Butterfly.”
Holding the present in her lap, she gently tore the paper and opened the small box …
What would he think when he found out the truth about her? Would it make a difference? Would he even remember that time so long ago? Her thoughts led to a slight shudder—thoughts of Victoria and Eric together … thoughts of Jake still searching.
Thirty-Three
A soft knock startled Mallory from her thoughts. Ms. Adams peeked in from the hallway. “Hey, sweetheart. Eric’s downstairs.”
Standing, she dropped the bag onto the bed. “He’s here?”
“You weren’t expecting him?”
Mallory shook her head.
“Do you want me to ask him to come back later?”
“No. Thank you.” Standing, she slid her things under the bed.
Her thoughts raced as she treaded the stairs slowly. Dragonfly had made her feel like a princess all those years ago. Why did he leave and never come back? Why doesn’t he recognize me now? She folded her arms. Taking several slow, deep breaths, she stepped into the living room. Eric stood near the fireplace, his back facing her.
Mallory cleared her throat. “Hey, what are you doing?”
He turned at the sound of her voice. A gentle smile creased the small lines between his eyes. “I came to see you. I was hoping you’d take a drive with me.”
Her thoughts of him earlier ... the way his eyes searched the deepest recesses of her heart, caused palpitations to triple in rhythm.
“Where are we going?” Clicking her seatbelt, she settled in the warm leather, still trying to organize her tangled emotions. She caught a glimpse of Dragonfly in his subtle movements. He had changed so much. His light brown hair was now dark, without a hint of the blond streaks that used to glimmer in the sunlight.
“I wanted to show you something.”
His teeth, no longer covered with braces, were perfectly straight. Glancing away, her gaze fell to her hands and the sparkling butterfly stared back at her. Her eyes widened. In one fluid motion, she slipped her right hand, still wearing the ring on her pinky, into her glove. He could never know. It would ruin everything.
Eric parked in Rachel and Paul’s new driveway.
“Are they meeting us here?”
“Not today.” Eric walked around the truck to help her down then led her through the first brush of trees.
They walked down a path and he twined his fingers with hers. She took slow, deep breaths as their footsteps crushed fallen branches. He pointed as a squirrel ran past them and stopped, an acorn held in its front paws. A soft laugh tumbled from her lips. He hesitated, enjoying the moment. The squirrel ran up a tree, the nut buried in the pocket of his mouth.
Eric held her gaze and gently slid his fingers between her gloved ones. “There was nothing between Victoria and me. I never touched her, Mallory.” He studied the curve of her cheek. Would she believe him? “She knew I liked you, and that I was no longer interested in her. I even slipped up and called her by your name.” He chuckled. “You should’ve seen her face.”
Mallory’s eyes brightened with a glint of laughter.
“The picture you saw … I know how it must’ve looked, but I was asleep the entire time. We had separate rooms and in the middle of the night she called and woke me up. She said she was scared and begged me to come to her room. I was wrong. I should’ve never gone. But I did, and she stayed in the bathroom until I fell asleep and that’s when she must have taken the picture.”
He squeezed her fingers, praying she’d understand.
“I’m sorry. If only I’d known, that I … that we … I would’ve never taken that trip. I didn’t want to be there.” He desperately wanted to kiss her. “You were on my mind the entire time, but you and Andrew seemed to be …” Eric shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t have gone. It was against my better judgment. And believe me I’ve paid the price for it.” He searched her face for any hint of trust.
Her tongue slipped out a fraction between her teeth, before she bit her lip. “Thank you for telling me.”
Lifting her chin with his fingers, he moved only inches from her face. “Can I kiss you?”
The subtle shift of her head gave him permission to brush his mouth across hers. Her lips were soft, wet. The taste was a blend of mint and gloss merged with his, and his breathing quickened. He pulled away with quick restraint.
His eyes searched hers. Had she felt the same desire racing through her veins?
They walked back through the woods, the chilly air turning colder with the smell of snow filtering through the clouds. They reached the pasture as a few flakes swirled around them, his chest still tight with the struggle of controlling his actions.
“Did you have plans for today?” He held her gaze, getting lost in the golden specks stretching across the deep brown of her eyes.
Mallory didn’t know what to think. Eric took her to the most beautiful place she’d ever seen and explained about Victoria. A small part of her already believed it, but hearing the truth, the sincerity in his eyes … she no longer had any doubt. She smiled tentatively, willing to let him do all the talking. Eric drove down the narrow streets of Paradise as the stereo played softly in the background.
A few minutes later, he pulled into a parking place at the National Christmas Center and walked around to open her door. The snow covered ground, tall evergreens lining the side of the building, and boot tracks leading to the front made Mallory feel she’d walked into a winter wonderland.
The long building held rows of exhibits that would take the entire day to see.
Fire crackled in the hearth, the mantle lined with stuffed stockings. The life-sized models looked real, and she stared, expecting them to move. Silver tinsel draped the booths, white lights strung from pole to pole. In front of her, a woman with curly, black hair and pudgy cheeks sold red and green train sets displayed on a circular track. The scent of cinnamon and apple pie filtered through the building.
They spent an hour walking through the museum and she enjoyed studying each feature, but her favorite was The First Christmas scene. It was different than she expected. Mary was bent on her knees next to Joseph, and baby Jesus was wrapped in cloth, lying in the wooden manger filled with hay. She imagined that starry night two thousand years ago.
“I love to picture how things must’ve been, you know, for Mary and Joseph.” Eric took her hand in his. “That … unbreakable bond led to the birth of the King of Kings.”
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He’d always been open about his faith, even as a boy. She hadn’t understood as a young girl, but now, seeing his heart, seeing how much Jesus meant to him, she paused mid-step. She was in danger of falling even harder.
The day before opening night of “Pride and Prejudice” another two inches of snow fell across Lancaster County.
Rachel’s cell phone rang and she grabbed it from her purse. “Hello. Yeah, hold on a minute.” Rachel smiled as she handed Mallory the phone. “It’s Eric.”
She beamed. “Hello.”
“Would you like to spend the afternoon with me?”
She wet her lips and attempted to control the intense quiver flooding her stomach, hearing his voice. “I would love to.”
“What time will you be free?”
She met Rachel’s gaze. “What time will we be finished.”
“We’ll have lunch and be back here by one.” Rachel whispered.
Mallory took a deep breath. “Come around one. We should be back by then.”
“Great, I’ll see you later. Have fun.” He hesitated. “Bye.”
She returned the phone to Rachel. “Eric invited me to spend the afternoon with him.”
“That’s so sweet.” Rachel flipped through the wedding magazine. “You two are so cute together.”
Mallory brushed a finger over her manicured nails. “I can’t believe you’re getting married. It’s going to be wonderful, Rachel. Your house is perfect. Eric showed me the waterfall. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Paul told me Eric planned to take you there. I didn’t want to say something in case he hadn’t yet.”
Mallory pressed her hands across her pants. “We talked. He said nothing happened between him and Victoria.”
Rachel dropped the magazine on the table. “Do you believe him?”
“I’ve always had a hard time with trust, but I think I do.” Mallory’s gaze fell to the table. “Sometimes it’s easier to believe lies, especially when there’s a picture that looks like proof. I read about that in our Bible study.” She brought her chair closer to the table. “It was like God was speaking directly to me. It was exactly what I needed to hear.” Her smile widened. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned, how much my thinking has changed.” Mallory paused, her essence churning with hope. “Anyway, I’m so excited to be here helping you with your wedding.”
“I’m so happy for you—so happy you’re back. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
“I wanted to let you know I accepted Christ as my Savior.” Mallory drew a deep breath. “I read the Book of John. Then I kept reading. I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to learn all I could about Him. I’ve been missing so much all my life. I’m beginning to understand what you mean about how Jesus is real. If it hadn’t been for you and Nancy, Mary …” A lump lodged in her throat. “Thank you so much.”
Rachel’s eyes glazed over with fresh tears, and she reached across the table, taking Mallory’s hand.
“I wish I could go to the Chamberlain’s to see her. She saved my life. I owe her so much.” Even now, Nancy wouldn’t come so she doesn’t jeopardize the chance that Jake could still be watching.
“She loves you, and it was God’s timing that put her in your path. I believe that with all my heart.”
It was just like Stephanie said.
“I don’t know how you’re handling this play and wedding preparations at the same time.”
“Girl, it has helped my nerves.”
That made sense. The practices had helped keep Mallory’s thoughts free of Jake waiting for the perfect moment to take her away.
A few minutes later, Mallory rode into town with Rachel to get one final fit for the dress. Her mother had a local seamstress design it. They walked by the shop window. An arrangement of dandelions accented a round glass table surrounded with gowns in spring colors. The doorbell announced their entrance. Racks occupied the center aisle and more samples hung on opposite walls.
Rachel moved toward the older lady standing across the room. “Miss Barbara, this is my friend, Mallory.”
“It’s nice to meet you, young lady.” The lady’s hasty smile broadened. “Let me get your gown.” She hurried through the back room and returned carrying a long plastic case on a hanger. “Go ahead and try it on, and then we’ll check for touch ups.”
Rachel followed Barbara to a dressing room. Taking the bag, she closed the door.
Mallory browsed through the formal gowns hanging directly in front of her while she waited. The silky blues and pinks shimmered beneath the fluorescent lights. When Rachel exited the dressing room a few minutes later, Mallory covered her mouth. The white, strapless, draped bodice was accentuated with beads. The skirt, gathered with sparkling appliqués, wrapped tight around her waist. Trailing behind, a train of white silk was spread across the carpeted floor.
“This is what you and the other girls will wear.” Barbara handed her the long silky material gathered in an array of silver satin.
Mallory stared mouth ajar.
“Try it on.” Rachel swept her finger across the material. “It may need a few alterations, but you’re about my size so I had Barbara use the same measurements for you.” Rachel motioned her toward the dressing room. “Come out when you’re ready so Barbara can check it.”
Mallory walked into the room and closed the door behind her, still in awe. She didn’t look into the mirror until she had it buttoned and zipped. She turned slowly and met her reflection. The sleek silhouette, staring back at her, stood with exquisite confidence. Is this really me? How had she come to this place after a lifetime of struggling to fit in—struggling to survive?
“Are you having trouble?” Rachel called to her.
“No, I’m ready.” Opening the door, she stepped out.
The two women smiled at each other when Mallory turned the corner. “Oh, Mallory.” Rachel covered both cheeks with her hands. “It’s gorgeous, like I knew it would be.”
“How does it feel?” Barbara pulled on the material starting at the top.
“It fits perfect.” Mallory turned when necessary.
Rachel sauntered forward, her gown swishing.
The seamstress moved back, still checking the dress. “It seems perfect. This one area around your waist could be taken in a half an inch, but other than that, I don’t see any problems.”
The next few minutes were a complete blur as Rachel and the seamstress fussed over how Rachel should wear her hair and what jewelry would best accentuate her gown and the bridesmaid dresses. Finally, the lady asked Mallory and Rachel to remove their gowns and sent them on their way.
Once outside, Rachel led Mallory by the arm across the street to the Good and Plenty. Snow swirled through the gray sky, the cold flakes sticking to their jackets. Horse’s hooves clicking the pavement matched the rhythm of their steps. They laughed reaching the restaurant and brushed off the wet remains as they were seated in a corner booth.
“I’ll be right back.” Rachel scooted from the seat. “I’m going to the restroom.”
As Mallory stared through the window, all the laughter and pleasure of her fun morning shriveled and plunged into terror.
Thirty-Four
Mallory shrank as Jake approached the restaurant.
Her life flashed before her eyes, every blow, every slap, every moment of shame. She pushed herself up and slammed her knee against the table, knocking her back against the seat. The waitress spoke, the garbled sound out of place in her thoughts. She searched the entrance waiting for the door to open … waiting for him to come in.
“Are you all right, Miss?”
“I need a minute,” Mallory looked ahead, her pulse racing.
There’s no time to run.
Her stomach wound in a tight knot, constricting her muscles as the door-bell jingled. She grabbed
a menu and pulled it up, hiding her face. Peering over the plastic board gave her a partial view of an older couple stepping through the entrance. Her gaze darted out the window. Where did he go?
Mallory took a deep, shaky breath, the sound of blood rushing through her ears. He hadn’t seen her earlier, or he would have followed her inside.
Rachel walked down the center aisle and slipped into their booth. “What’s wrong?”
Shaking her head, she swallowed a sob inching up her throat.
“Did something happen while I was in the restroom?”
“I feel sick.” Mallory held the menu against the table, staring hard at the blurred words. “The waitress came, but I told her we weren’t ready.” Her voice came out rough and futile, like she’d just woken. She blinked, praying tears wouldn’t escape.
Avoiding Rachel’s gaze, she looked through the window, searching for any sign of Jake.
I have to leave.
“You’re so pale. Why don’t we go?” Rachel’s calming voice brought Mallory’s gaze toward her.
“I hate to ruin our lunch.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Rachel waved the waitress over. “We’re not going to stay.”
Unable to look at either of them, Mallory placed the menu back with unsteady hands.
“All right. You ladies have a nice day.”
Cold air blasted through Mallory’s hair as Rachel pushed opened the restaurant door. Mallory pulled her dark, hooded jacket over her head, covering part of her face, before she stepped outside onto the sidewalk. “I’m so sorry.”
“Girl, don’t worry about it.”
Heaviness settled in the pit of her stomach. She’d never get away from him.
When they reached Rachel’s house, Mallory grabbed Rachel’s arm. In that brief second when Rachel met her gaze, she wanted to tell her the truth. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”
“Maybe that’ll make you feel better.”
Mallory turned to hang her jacket and cleared her throat. “I hope so.”
Broken Butterfly Page 25