Blood of the Rainbow

by Shelia Chapman

  “How long ago did you find her?”

  “A couple of months. Her pups will be… judging by their size, and how long I’ve been coming here, about two, maybe three months old now.”

  “And you’ve been sketching them all this time?”

  Jared smiled. “Yeah. I didn’t show you the sketches with the other ones?” He acted as though it had slipped his mind.

  “No,” Sara replied. Should I ask? “I’d like to see them. If you still have them.”

  “Oh, I’ve still got them all right. They’re among my favorites. I kept them close to the ones of you. I honestly thought I had shown them to you. They must be in the other portfolio with the other….” Jared stopped midsentence and quickly changed his mind. “Older ones I have in the attic. Cassie is always moving things around without telling me,” he smiled, trying to complete the distraction, hoping Sara hadn’t caught on – but she had. Jared was keeping something from her. A secret so guarded, and maybe so crucial that he felt he had to lie to her. What, she wondered. Sara didn’t like secrets. They usually led to tears, and some even to goodbye.

  “Jared?” she said, making his name a question as she carefully approached the subject. “All these, secret little hideaways you’ve found,” she said, turning to face him, so she could see his eyes. Jared might say one thing, but if she happened to be looking at him, he couldn’t lie to her, he’d look away. He waited for Sara to finish. “Have you always come here, alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’ve never brought another girl to any of these hideaways?”

  He studied her eyes, afraid that she might wander through his closet of secrets. “No – just you….”

  “Why?”

  “These places are secret, special, mine. I’ve never had anyone I wanted to share them with – till you,” he smiled and ran his finger along the side of her neck. Sara softly laughed. “You’ve walked where angels fear to tread. You know me – all of me. You’ve seen in the dark abyss of my worst parts. I’ve hidden nothing from you Sara.”

  Sara stared into his eyes for a few seconds, trying to judge what he was saying. Either he was telling her the truth, or he was getting better at lying. He seemed sincere. “Nothing?” Then Jared failed the test. He shut his eyes for a split second, breaking Sara’s gaze before opening them and looking back at her.

  Jared lifted her chin and moved his face closer. “Nothing,” he breathed against her lips and kissed her. His plan had worked. He’d successfully managed to confound Sara’s head. He’d made her forget how to breathe. No matter how many times he kissed her, Sara knew she would never get past this effect he had on her.

  Chapter 22

  Sara paced the room like a caged animal. Sat in the big armchair, Jared watched her with wary eyes. He had tolerated Sara’s behavior, but after an hour or so, it became unbearable. As she walked past him, he reached out with the speed of a rattlesnake, grabbed her, and pulled her to his lap. He was getting exasperated. “Stop! Honey, Angel, it’s your parents, not a lynching party. Calm down.” He laid his ear against her chest. “Your heart is racing Sara. If you don’t settle down, I’m going to give you a tranquilizer!”

  “I’m sorry. I’m just so keyed up. I’m not sure I can do this Jared. It feels like I’ve got ants crawling through my veins.”

  “You’re just nervous, and afraid your parents aren’t going to accept me.”

  Sara laughed sarcastically and got back up. “That’s an understatement. It’s hard enough, knowing I’ve got to get up in front of all those strangers tonight. Now, thanks to your casual invite, my parents are going to be staying with my Navajo fiancé and me, for the entire weekend. I’m a nervous wreck!”

  Jared got up, grabbed her again, and kissed her passionately. Sara fought him for a few seconds, knowing what he was trying to do. But Jared was relentless. He knew she couldn’t resist him long – he was right. After another few seconds, and then four little words breathed in her ear, Sara’s head was fuzzy. He could have done anything to her he wanted to.

  Jared pulled away and studied Sara’s eyes, smiling as he stroked the side of her head. “Better?” Sara nodded, and he pulled her into another embrace. “Sara, Angel, you’re getting all upset for nothing. It doesn’t matter to me if you’re family accepts me or not. There’s nothing on this Earth that will ever make me give you up. Ok?”

  The doorbell rang, and Sara jumped, tensed again and ready to run. Jared held her as she automatically started for the door. “Gerald will get that. Come on,” he said, leading her by the hand. “Sit with me on the couch and wait.”

  “Your guests have arrived, Sir.” Gerald quickly disappeared.

  Jared and Sara stood. Sara hugged Kaye. “Hi Mom.”

  “Hi Honey. I’m so glad to see you. I’ve been so worried,” she said, glancing at Jared.

  James held out his arms and wrapped Sara in them like a warm blanket. “Hi Precious,” he said and kissed her cheek.

  “I love you Dad,” she whispered. Sara stood between her parents, resting her arm on their shoulders. “Jared, this is my mother, Kaye, and my father, James. Mom, Dad, this is Jared.”

  Jared shook Kaye’s hand and smiled. “Pleased to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Foster.”

  Kaye acknowledged him curtly, scrutinizing him with her suspicious glare. “Jared….” It didn’t seem to bother Jared.

  James gave Jared a firm handshake. “Jared, it’s nice to meet you at last.”

  “Likewise Sir. Please,” he motioned with his hand, “have a seat. I’ll have Gerald get you something to drink. What would you like?”

  James glanced at Kaye. “Coffee would be nice.”

  “Mrs. Foster?”

  “No thank you,” she answered in her most polite, rude tone.

  Sara drew in a deep breath. At least, it appeared James accepted Jared. It was obvious, Kaye wanted Jared to disappear. Jared had assured Sara that would never happen. He and Sara were together now, forever. Kaye would have to get used to the idea.

  ------------

  The rest of the morning passed quickly. Jared and James talked about sports, the weather, politics and even religion while Sara was grilled by Kaye out in the back yard. “Sara, does this man plan on marrying you? Is that blue thing on your finger – an engagement ring?”

  Sara’s eyes widened. She’d forgotten all about Mikah’s ring. “Oh, mother, please,” Sara said, rolling her eyes toward the sky. “Yes Mother – it’s an engagement ring, and yes, he’s going to marry me.”

  “When?”

  “I don’t know! We’re not in a rush!”

  “Oh, I see… so you think because you’re engaged you can just sleep with him now? Sara… the way you’re living is not right. It was not the way I raised you; shacking up with a perfect stranger like this, running off to Arizona – what’s wrong with you?”

  “Mother, can’t we just have a nice weekend without all this? Can’t you just, for once, realize I’m not a little girl anymore, and trust that I know what I want, and I know what I’m doing?” Sara’s tone was harsher than she’d intended it to be, but Kaye was getting on Sara’s nerves. She did most of the time.

  Kaye threw her hands up. “Sure Sara, I can leave you alone. I can let you do whatever you want to. Do you have no more respect for me or your father than to rebel against everything we’ve ever taught you?”

  Sara was near tears, she turned away. “I’m not doing this with you Mother! I’ve got too much on my mind right now. I have a performance tonight, in a strange place that could house up to ten thousand people, and I’m so nervous I could throw up. I don’t need this! Jared and the rest of the band are counting on me, and I can’t – no – I won’t let them down. So, could we just postpone the grilling until after the concert, or better still, after the weekend?”

  Kaye stared at Sara over the top of her glasses with foreign eyes. Sara met her gaze with confidence she wasn’t aware she possessed. For a long time, they stared each other down. Finally, Kaye sighed. “
All right Sara. Have it your way. It’s your life, but until you either leave, or marry this man, don’t expect my blessing. Do not bring him to my house until he’s changed your last name – understood?”

  Kaye’s tone was venomous, and her words cut like a knife. She was forcing Sara to choose between her and Jared. The man she loved. Sara’s eyes filled with tears. How dare she force me to choose between them? It’s not fair. Sara knelt in front of Kaye and took both her hands. “Mother, don’t do this, please. I love Jared, more than you could ever know.”

  “Good, I’m happy for you,” Kaye replied curtly. Sara knew Kaye’s words weren’t sincere, she was mocking Sara. She wasn’t going to budge, but neither was Sara. For once, she was as determined as Kaye was!

  “Well, can we at least get through this weekend?”

  “Of course…your father and I will be going back to our hotel shortly, and as soon as the performance is over – we’ll go away, and leave you to get on with your sinful ways. After all, it is your choice.” Kaye stood, and went back inside.

  ------------

  “James – we’re leaving!”

  James and Jared stood. Jared was staggered. “Leaving? I thought you were spending the weekend with us….”

  Kaye glowered at Jared. “I wouldn’t stay with you if the world was ending, and this house was the last safe place on Earth. Don’t think because you’ve put a ring on her finger, that excuses you from normal Christian behavior! I did not raise my daughter to shack up with a savage!”

  James gasped. “Kaye!”

  Kaye turned her murderous stare on James. “You do not want to go there! I’ll wait for you in the car. If you’re not there in five minutes, I’m leaving without you!”

  Jared took Kaye’s wrist. Kaye glanced down at it and back into Jared’s eyes. Jared felt his anger rising. He quickly let go of her hand, and shut his eyes. “Leave Mrs. Foster – leave now!”

  “I don’t need you to tell me!” She spat at him. “Two minutes now James! Be there or walk!” She stormed toward the door. Out of nowhere, Gerald appeared, and held it open. He bowed slightly. Kaye brushed past him and went straight to the car.

  James stood with his mouth gaped. “You and Sara are getting married?”

  Jared took a deep breath and turned – his eyes now their normal color. “Yes Sir, Mr. Foster, but if you feel the same way as Mrs.....”

  James sighed and held out his hand. “No Son – I don’t. I don’t feel the same, and I don’t understand this hatred Kaye has for all Native Americans – especially Navajo. My daughter seems happy. If she’s happy with you, that’s good enough for me. I trust my daughter’s judgment – I always have. Kaye thinks she’s too immature – but she’s not.”

  Jared sighed and smiled. “No Sir – she’s not. Tonight was very important to her, and she had hoped her mother would be there.”

  James drew in a deep sigh and forced it out. “I doubt she will, Jared. Sometimes I wonder why I put up with it – especially now that Sara’s all grown up.”

  Jared chuckled. “Probably the same reason I deal with Sara’s mood swings and temper. Because you love her.”

  James smiled. “Yeah – I guess you’re right. But sometimes… it still makes me wonder. Look, I’d better go before she carries out her threat, and I have to call a taxi. Welcome to the family Jared – such as it is,” he chuckled. “Kaye may not come to the performance tonight – but I will, unless I end up in a pine box before it starts.”

  Jared sat back on the couch, exasperated. Trying to figure out how he was going to break the news to Sara. Between now and curtain time, he had to find a way to calm her. He decided he wouldn’t jump to conclusions, and hope James managed to convince Kaye to come. It would be a miracle if he did, but if he told Sara now….

  ------------

  Sara stood there for a few minutes, fighting angry tears. Kaye was being unreasonable as usual. Scared of what Kaye might say to Jared, she hurried inside. Fearful, despite what he said about not needing Kaye’s acceptance; that she might say something to offend him. Jared may come to realize Sara wasn’t worth the drama. Sara couldn’t live with that, not even if it meant never seeing her mother or her father again.

  When Sara got back in the lounge, Jared was sitting alone. Sara was half expecting this, but she was still disappointed. “Where are Mom and Dad?”

  Jared’s tone was dry. “Gone. I was wrong about your mother. Please forgive me for saying this, but she is a bitch.”

  Sara smiled. “I tried to tell you.”

  “I can’t understand how she can be so callous and so… so…,” he groaned as he ran his hand through his dark hair. “I’ve never come across anybody with such a closed mind.”

  Sara sat on the couch beside him. “Well, at least your parents accept me.”

  Jared slid closer, and gathered her in his arms, kissing her. “What did you and she talk about?”

  “We didn’t. She yelled. I listened.”

  “She wasn’t even glad to see you or anything? She seemed so much nicer when they first got here.”

  “That was to your face. She was just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on me. You’ll never believe what she told me.”

  Jared kissed her hair. “What’s that?”

  “She said, until you either married me or I left... she said I couldn’t bring you to her house. She called me a harlot. She was so mean and hateful. I knew bringing her here was a mistake. She never planned to stay with us.”

  “I know. She said they had a hotel room.”

  “Did she say whether or not they were coming to the concert?”

  “I gave them the tickets and told them how to get to the coliseum. At least I’ve done my part. Your father is ok. I think he and I could get along quite well, your mother… that’s a different story.”

  He took Sara’s hand and stood, “Let’s go upstairs and take a nap. We’ll need to start getting ready for the gig, soon. I think a nap will do us both good….”

  ------------

  Sara and Jared took a hot shower and slept for a couple of hours. Sara felt better when they got up; apart from the fact the butterflies in her stomach were back, and they’d brought company.

  Steve and Carl came over and brought Lucy with them. But, for some reason, Steve and Lucy weren’t as chummy. They hardly looked at each other, and when they spoke it was short and sweet. Jared and Sara couldn’t help but notice.

  After the performance, Jared had planned on taking everyone out to celebrate, but now it looked like Kaye and James might not be there. Thanks to Kaye’s stubborn and prejudiced ways, James would be lucky if he convinced her to come to the concert – let along having a meal with them.

  Jared decided before leaving for the coliseum, they’d get in one last practice session. Time ticked on. The closer to time to leave, the more nervous Sara got. She was up on her feet and pacing again. Lucy followed her with her eyes. “I heard things didn’t go well with your mother….”

  “Did you expect it to?”

  Lucy laughed. “Not really. I hope you prepped Jared.”

  Sara sighed. “I tried. He believes me now. I’m just afraid it’s going to become more than he’s willing to bear Luce.”

  Lucy laughed again. “Are you kidding me Sara? Jared loves you. Nothing Kaye or James could say can change that!”

  “Thanks Luce….”

  “He could still lose you, though.”

  Sara was shocked. “What – how?”

  Lucy stood up, grabbed Sara by the shoulders and sat her down on the couch beside her. “Because, if you don’t stop pacing, I’m going to have to kill you myself,” she joked. They laughed.

  “Lucy, why couldn’t Mother be more like you?”

  Lucy smiled. “Because your Aunt Lucy is one-of-a-kind, Kiddo, and my stubborn, old worn-out, old-fashioned sister can’t stand it!”

  Sara smiled and hugged Lucy. “Don’t I know it!”

  “There’s just one thing that’s bothering me….�
�

  “What’s that?

  “What’s going on with you and Steve?”

  Lucy turned. “Nothing Sara – why do you ask?”

  Sara chuckled. “You can’t seem to stand to be next to each other. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Jared, Carl, Steve, and the rest of the band entered the room. “Ok, let’s go,” Jared said. “Everything is locked up.”

  ------------

  If Sara thought she was nervous before, this would have to mean she had gone insane now. They were all dressed, sitting in the dressing room, waiting for their turn to go on stage.

  The crowd outside were extremely active and judgmental. They cheered for their favorite bands, but weren’t hesitant to scream shouts of criticism for their not-so favorite bands. Sara hoped she didn’t fall in the last category. If she did badly, it would reflect on the entire band, and Sara didn’t want to let them down.

  Some of the other bands that had performed before them were good, although they hadn’t been together quite as long as ‘Raging Storm’, excluding Sara, of course. Sara was the newbie here, and the person walking around with jelly for legs. She was certain she was going to mess everything up. She was so afraid she was going to get out there and forget the lyrics, she couldn’t think straight. Sara knew the rest of the band was trying to cut her some slack, but even Jared was getting edgy from Sara’s constant pacing.

  “Could somebody see if they can find me a bottle of ginger ale or something? I feel like I’m going to hurl,” Sara said.

  Steve jumped to his feet. “I’ll get it,” he volunteered. “It will give me a chance to get my wits together.” For more than one reason.

  There was a knock on the dressing room door. Considering the coke machine was in the front lobby, it seemed a little fast for Steve. Sara’s fears took over when she saw who it was.

  Andrea was at the door, clipboard in hand and a broad smile on her face. She looked at Jared. “So, is ‘Raging Storm’ all ready to bring down the house?”