Pearl Valley

by Felicia Rogers

  Plodding downstairs in her robe, she poured a cup of coffee and perused yesterday’s paper. The news reported that Miss Jane Dossett of Pearl Valley had survived the attack on her person and regretted the loss of life that occurred. From her comment, it jumped to the lack of new information released by the fire department.

  It seemed her fears of ridicule had been unfounded. Of course this hadn’t stopped Doc Giles from pressuring her to seek counseling. This wasn’t the first time the man had pressured her. The first time had been when she was eighteen and fresh out of high school.

  The water in the pearl pond had disappeared, but strangers still blew into town to search for themselves. They hoped to find a pearl and possibly get a chance to laugh at the local freaks.

  Janie had been accosted in the street by a vile gentleman. When the incident was over, she had sought help from the town’s new miracle doctor…

  “Thanks for seeing me, Doc.”

  “My pleasure. I’ve been hoping you would stop by.”

  Shamelessly, he leaned too close and made inappropriate comments. “You look nice today. What is that fragrance you’re wearing?”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. “Nothing special.”

  “Oh, I disagree. Everything about you is special.”

  She gulped but didn’t move to leave. Instead she voiced her concerns. ”I’m worried about all the newcomers.”

  In a gentle manner he asked, “How come?”

  She studied her gloved hands. A tear escaped and she swiped it away. “B-because, I’m afraid.” She stood and paced, anger exuding from her tone. “Why can’t they stay away? Haven’t I suffered enough? Wasn’t it enough to be forever marred? Why do I have to listen to them ridicule me, heckle me, stare at me like I’m subhuman?”

  She dropped into a chair and he patted her hand. She added, “I just want things to be normal again.”

  “It is just a phase. People will tire of making fun and eventually go back to their own lives.” He drew back his hand and clenched his fist, his gaze narrowing. “I promise, there is no need for you to worry.”

  The creepy way he acted lingered with her, and Janie stayed away.

  Janie sipped at her coffee and laid the paper on the counter. Over time, she’d tried to forget his odd behavior. He had been correct. Overnight, the trickle of water that allowed the oysters to continue with life dried up as well as the interest in the father-and-daughter freak show.

  Janie stood and stretched. Upstairs, she pulled a yellow polka-dotted sundress over her head. White sandals completed the outfit and complimented her tan. Using the mirror to arrange her hair, she noted the black circles under her eyes. She dotted the area with make-up.

  Worn. That’s how she felt. Everyone constantly wanting something from her had worn her to a frazzle. She found herself wishing for simpler times.

  She took a seat on the commode lid and palmed her chin. Images of her first high school dance seemed to float across the tub’s tile…

  “Martin, I refuse to work on the house today. I’m helping Janie prepare for her first dance.”

  Dressed in a pink crème puff, Jamie modeled for her father. He laughed and shook his head. On the way to the dance, he gave her a speech about how boys felt, and what they expected, and how she was supposed to react. Janie nodded, blushed, and tried not to listen. Her mother played with her hair until she stepped from the car…

  The trill of the doorbell broke her reverie. Janie sighed and rose from her perch. She grinned, double-checked the expression in the mirror, and bounded down the stairs. Trevor’s cowboy hat peeked through the part in the curtains.

  “Hey there, Tex,” she said as she pulled the door open.

  He groaned. “Don’t tell me you’re going to start using that ridiculous nickname, too?”

  She placed her hand on her hip and thrust it out. “And why is it ridiculous? You wear that hat everywhere.”

  “Have to.”

  “I know you aren’t bald, so why do you have to wear it?”

  “Because I promised. Now are you ready for the dance?”

  She allowed him to change the subject. “Just let me grab my clutch purse.” She pulled the door closed, faced the street, and let out a whoosh of air between her teeth. “A limo?”

  “Sure, why not?’

  Janie couldn’t wipe the smug look off her face as they pulled up to the gym doors. The driver opened her door, and she stepped out like a movie star hitting the red carpet. Trevor was behind her, his hand on the small of her back, urging her forward.

  Chaperones introduced themselves to Trevor, and Janie left to find a table. Hot air hit her neck, and she turned.

  “You look nice,” said Doc, his face split in a wide grin.

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s a pity your date won’t be able to twirl you around in your party dress.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Put simply, Trevor’s prosthesis hinders him. Dancing,” Doc shrugged, “would most likely embarrass him.”

  Doc left her and spoke with a couple at another table. Janie glanced at Trevor as he worked his way toward their table. She lifted her hand in a wave, and he returned the action. He reached her side. “These people are really friendly.”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you want something to drink?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Be right back.”

  He limped to the punch table. The more she was around him, the less she noticed his infirmity. As he walked, his jeans pulled taut over his knee, and a faint outline of the prosthesis showed. She gnawed on her lip, and Doc leaned over her again, his hot breath grazing her bare shoulder.

  “See? Perhaps you shouldn’t ask him to dance.” Someone called him, and he patted her arm, promising to meet up with her later.

  Trevor returned. “What did he want?”

  “Nothing.” She paused before adding, “Thanks for the drink.” She sipped the punch and eyed the dance floor. Trevor pulled out a seat and sat. Several townspeople came by and welcomed her. Even Sally stopped by.

  “It’s g-good to see you, Miss Janie.”

  “Good to see you as well, Sally. I’m glad your father let you come.”

  “Yeah, he d-did once I told him you were all b-better and would be able to make it. Then he was easy to c-convince.”

  “Glad I could assist.”

  The girl held the back of one of the chairs and kicked her foot against the hardwood floor. “Guess I b-better get b-back to B-bobby Joe.”

  Sally danced away, and a boy half a foot shorter than she waltzed forward and ushered her onto the dance floor. Trevor moved. He snapped his fingers, shook his head, tapped his foot, and mumbled the song’s words. Janie pretended to ignore him and forced her body to remain still. As the music grew peppier, she felt like biting her tongue in two. If she didn’t dance soon, she was going to explode.

  Mrs. Purvis came over. “The decorations are exquisite.”

  “Thank you. I had lots of help.”

  Mrs. Purvis waved at Chloe Hawkins and walked away without another word.

  Old Jim sauntered forward. “How are you, Janie?”

  “Good.”

  “I’m so sorry about what happened to you.”

  “Jim, it wasn’t your fault.” Janie prayed Jim would be distracted and was rewarded when Morgan called to him.

  “I thought this dance was for the teenagers,” said Trevor.

  “Normally it is. This is the most chaperones I’ve ever seen at one dance.”

  “Do you think they’ve heightened security because of the fire?’

  “Probably.” Janie slurped as her cup emptied.

  “Need more to drink?”

  “Sure you don’t mind?”

  “No, I don’t mind. At least it gives me something to do.” His voice sounded bitter, and Janie felt guilty. She should never have asked him to bring her to the dance. Trevor left, and Janie played with her hands.

  “Having a good
time?” whispered Doc.

  “Yes,” she said loudly.

  “You lie.”

  “How—“

  “Because I know what you look like when you’re happy.”

  Doc was so strange. One minute affectionate and normal, the next coming on too strong. It was as if he had multiply personalities.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Let me have this dance.”

  A slow ballad played, and couples clasped each other tightly and moved in a languid fashion. For a moment Janie contemplated saying yes, but as she looked at the couples on the floor, she knew Doc wasn’t that kind of person to her.

  “I think I’ll pass. Thank you for the offer.”

  He shrugged and walked away. Trevor returned. He placed his hands flat on the table, his face close to hers. “Can I have this dance?”

  She stuttered, “I–I don’t know. I–I thought…” She stopped talking and studied the glossy sheen of the tablecloth.

  He walked to her side, took her hand in his, and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s dance.”

  She didn’t protest as he led her onto the floor. The last ballad was followed by another, and Trevor pulled her close. Movement with his false leg wasn’t as difficult as she’d imagined and they slid across the dance floor without stumbling.

  “This is nice,” she said, moving a stray hair away from her face.

  “I thought it might be.”

  “Sorry I didn’t ask you to dance earlier, but I was just afraid that with your leg, it might be a bit awkward.”

  He stopped in mid-waltz. His eyes widened, and he clenched his teeth. His arms fell to his sides, and he turned and walked off the dance floor.

  All she could do was gawk at his retreating form.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Trevor paced angrily, running his hand over and over through his hair. Under his breath, he muttered, “What was I thinking? Just once to have someone think of me as whole. I must be crazy. No, Rory is crazy. This is all his fault.”

  A figure moved from the shadows, and Trevor fisted his hands.

  “Whoa there, fellow, it’s just me.” Doc Giles Robinson stared at him.

  “What are you doing here?” asked Trevor.

  “I saw you come out, and I wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

  Trevor opened his mouth to share his woes but closed it just as quick. Something was up with this guy.

  “If you don’t want to talk here, I understand. All these people being about can make a person nervous. But maybe later, at my office, if you feel the need to chat, my door is always open.”

  “Thanks.”

  “And if you don’t know the way, just asked Janie. She visits me quite often.”

  Trevor narrowed his eyes. A tingle wafted along his spine. “I think I better get back inside.”

  “Sure.”

  Trevor left the Doc standing in the parking lot; a wide grin lifted one side of Doc’s lips.

  Inside, Trevor found Janie. She had made it back to their table and was cradling her head in her hands. When he sat down, she jumped. Tears had coursed her cheeks and cleaned off her make-up, giving him a clear view of the black circles underneath.

  “How about we try that dance again?” he asked.

  She stood and walked into his arms. The beat of the song increased as they strode onto the floor. The multi-colored lights flashed as couples gyrated. Trevor was determined to keep up. When the song ended, they struggled to catch their breath.

  For the rest of the night, Trevor didn’t allow Janie out of his sight. Several times, Doc eyed them from the corner of the room. When Trevor caught him staring, he lifted his hand in a wave, and the man looked away like he’d never been staring in the first place.

  “All right, guys and gals, we’ve had a rip-roaring time, but I’m afraid all good things must come to an end. So grab your partners and hold them close as the table plays the last smooth sounds of the night.”

  Trevor led Janie onto the dance floor. Her head rested directly under his chin. The sweet smell of her hair wafted up his nose, and he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. The dance reminded him of his last dance before being shipped out on tour…

  Girls from the local neighborhood, determined to get a military boyfriend, came to the dance hall. Each man was blessed with several females waiting in anticipation for the next dance. His partner was a girl about the same height and build as Janie. She looked up at him with soulful brown eyes and said, “I’ll see you on the other side, won’t I?”

  He bent forward and kissed her until neither one of them could breathe. When he drew his head upward, her cheeks were flushed, and the song had ended. He left her there with his mailing address, and a sense of melancholy wafted over him as he headed back to the barracks with his fellow soldiers…

  “Penny for your thoughts?” asked Janie, interrupting his reverie.

  “I was just remembering the last dance I had with both my legs.”

  “So you’re comparing me to another girl, are you? Should I have my feelings hurt, because I’m thinking I should.”

  He smiled lightheartedly. The jealousy she displayed caused him to forget his sadness. Sure, he’d lost his leg, but he’d gained so much. The outlook he had on life now was completely different than before. Now he sought God’s guidance instead of doing things on his own.

  The song ended, and kids filed out of the gym, leaving the adults to clean up. Janie jumped in and pulled down streamers, folded tablecloths, and packed table decorations. Others cleared tables and swept the floors. Trevor waited for direction. The janitor handed him a broom.

  “Can’t stand around young man, or we’ll never get out of here.”

  With everyone working, it still took two hours to put everything back to normal. They were two of the last ones to walk out of the gym.

  The light of a full moon highlighted the sidewalk. Halfway between the truck and the gym, Janie stopped and sat on a bench. Her legs swung back and forth. She didn’t appear to be getting up anytime soon, so Trevor took a seat beside her.

  “So what are we doing?” he asked.

  “You know, I just realized something.”

  “What?”

  “Well, I’ve known you for a week now. We’ve hung out, you’ve rescued me, we’ve been to church, and we’ve even been to a dance, but other than the fact that you were in military service and lost a leg, I know nothing about you.”

  He looked forward. Holding his hands clenched together in his lap, he said, “You know that I need you.”

  Cool night air wafted around them. The only noise he heard after his statement was her teeth clacking together as she shivered. Removing his jacket, he placed it around her shoulders.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She continued, sitting and swinging her legs. At first Trevor was inclined to give her the time, but as the minutes ticked by his concern mounted, and he wanted to know what she was thinking. He opened his mouth to speak, but she beat him to it.

  “Are you going to tell me about yourself, or am I going to have to drag it out of you?”

  He stifled a laugh. “Not one to mince words, huh?”

  “Don’t have time.”

  He faced her. “You know there are better times and places to talk about these things.”

  “Haven’t you ever heard there’s no time like the present?”

  He shrugged. “Okay, if you want it now, then you can have it now.” He placed his hands on either side of himself, clutching the bench for stability. “I’m thirty-two. You already know I’m an ex-SEAL and that I was wounded and lost my leg. What you don’t know is that when I returned home, I had some trouble adjusting.”

  “Well, I wasn’t sure about that but I kind of guessed. You did say you punched a guy out.”

  “True. I did say that. Anyway, I joined a support group that helped me. And after things calmed down, the media circus and the family who just won’t let you get on with yo
ur life, I decided I needed a new focus. I had some money from my grandfather who’d passed away unexpectedly, and I used it to buy a small construction company. Nothing fancy, but it was well-established.”

  “And you can afford to just leave this construction company and search the country for Jane Dossett?”

  “I had to. Jane Dossett is the only one who can help me.”

  She sighed. “Back to your business, I guess someone is helping to run it while you’re away.”

  “Yup. The original owner was a great manager of men but not of money. I manage the money end, and he manages the manpower. We have a beautiful relationship.”

  “And a successful one if you are able to just travel around the country, renting limos and taking strange girls to high school dances.”

  He snickered. “Yeah, successful.”

  “Anything else?” she asked.

  “Let’s see. I’ve never been married, although I’ve had a few girlfriends. I’m extremely patriotic, I’m an only child, and I have tons of cousins. What about you?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you. Since we are telling secrets and finding out about each other, I assumed you might need to tell me some things about who I’ve been hanging out with.” She bristled at the question and started to rise, but he placed a hand on her arm. “Perhaps this is a conversation for another day.”

  “No, it’s okay. Might as well get it over with.” She released a pent-up breath. “You already know I’m twenty-five, I’m a burn victim, and I volunteer around town. There is not much else to tell.”

  “No job?”

  “No job. My dad,” she scratched her head, “well, he doesn’t really want me to have a job. So he gives me part of his salary because he says I’m doing part of his work.”

  “Oh.”

  “Like I said, I was fifteen when the accident happened, and I haven’t left town since then so it is kind of hard to do things if you stay around here.”

  “From what I see, you do plenty.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You planned this dance, helped with library funding, worked to get the locals onboard with the Quilter’s projects, and who knows what else.”

  She placed her hand atop his and looked at him. “Thanks.”