Affinity House

by Ruth Hay

  It was a great relief to be out of the house for so many hours and able to concentrate on her own life for a change. Not that there was anything wrong at the Ridleys’ place.

  Mavis spent time there every day, especially while Dennis had to be at work. The two little kids played in Mavis’s garden and had occasional visits with Vilma’s two dogs. There was a new swing set installed at the Ridley’s and Dennis had created a maze structure from large foam panels which he rearranged every day to provide new challenges and reveal unexpected treats or surprises. Ty loved this, but Betsy enjoyed most just sitting in the safe chair swing and rocking back and forth.

  Louise gave Shania a full report of their activities every day after school and Shania was pleased to hear how well they were doing. She no longer felt like their mother. That task she relinquished into the capable hands of the adults around her. For now, she was simply relishing being a kid; a kid who had a best friend in Faith Jeffries. Faith was someone who really understood what Shania had been subjected to for months and months while her mother and stepdad lurched from one disaster to another and finally, through their neglect, caused the death of the tiny baby they had created and who was never to make it to his first birthday.

  When Ty screamed with nightmares or Betsy refused to be soothed, Shania knew exactly what they were remembering. At least, now, she had the compensation of having a part of her life totally removed from all of that horror. School, for all its challenges, was a place that required all her attention. During those hours she was safe from the bad memories. Over time, the effect of school was making the bad stuff fade, just a little. For this she was grateful. Faith said it would get easier. Shania hoped she was as right about this as she was about everything else.

  Of course, in the back of her mind lurked the fear that the Ridley situation was only temporary and the whole settling-in business might have to start all over again. Even worse was the prospect of being separated from the little ones; never to know how they were coping or who was looking after them and trying to understanding their specific needs. No one could do this like she could. She coached Louise about how to soothe Ty’s skin rash when he was stressed, and about Betsy’s hatred of any foods that were red in colour. Louise assured her she was invaluable in helping the children adjust to their new circumstances.

  For these reasons, Shania tried to be as helpful as possible to Louise and Dennis. She ate whatever was put in front of her without complaint and took delight in keeping her lilac room spotless. She never asked for school supplies or rides, or clothes. Faith supplied all she needed before she could even ask.

  Faith was her confidante. Faith was her security. Faith was the big sister she had never had. Faith was the mother she should have had. Knowing Faith was there in the background allowed Shania to become a teenager who looked like she fit in. She knew she never would actually fit in, but as long as the other kids around her believed she did, she could fake it.

  The day Faith told her about the scholarships, was Shania’s darkest day since her baby brother died.

  She was with Jo and two other boys from the J.J. group. They were having milkshakes after school at Tim’s in the mall when Faith dropped the bomb.

  No one noticed that Shania felt like fainting at the news. Jo was dancing up and down in delight, the guys wanted to see the actual offers on her phone and Faith was answering five questions at once.

  Shania’s brain shut down completely. This was her worst nightmare. If Faith left London for one of these colleges out of town, she would be bereft of all help.

  Faith finally noticed how pale Shania had become. She reached across the table and stopped Shania from falling off her seat in a dead faint.

  Josh ran to the mall offices to get help. Jo held Shania upright and talked to her while Faith phoned the school and explained the situation. The reply she received was not satisfactory. As Shania was no longer on school property she was not their responsibility. Fortunately, the mall security people quickly responded and Shania was taken to the offices where first aid was administered.

  Shania was embarrassed to have caused a fuss but Faith quickly figured out the reason and assured the mall staff that she was capable of taking Shania home to get adult help if they would go outside and find a cab for them in the taxi rank.

  She bid a fast farewell to Jo and said she would talk later then the two girls got into the cab and headed for Harmony House. Faith encouraged Shania to close her eyes and rest while she called ahead to alert Mavis.

  A tray of strong tea and sweet snacks awaited the pair’s arrival. Faith gave Mavis a quick summary of events before leaving them to talk over matters together.

  “So what got you so upset, Shania?”

  Shania blushed and sipped more of the strong, sweet tea.

  “It was nothing really. I feel fine now. I’m not sick or anything. I’ll go home now.”

  “I am sure you are fine but I think you had a shock at the mall when Faith told you about her future plans. Before you deny it, Shania, please know that Faith will not desert you. I will be here and Louise and Dennis are on your side. We are all so proud of the way you are facing the difficulties caused by so much change in your life. You are stronger than you think, my dear. When school finishes at the end of June you will have friends to see you through grades seven and eight and a whole summer ahead in which to relax.”

  “Thank you, Mavis. I know you are right. It’s just worrying every time I feel settled and something else happens to throw me off. It’s the uncertainty.”

  Mavis sucked on her back teeth as she mentally composed her next words. She was aware of recent court events which she had discussed with Louise. They decided to delay informing Shania but Mavis could now see the girl was more mature than they had given her credit for.

  “Look, Shania! I realize you are in a difficult position. Louise will tell you more about this, but just know that you will be with the Ridleys for quite some time. The court case about the baby’s death has been postponed until more information can be gathered. It’s a matter of deciding who was the more responsible party.

  For now, your mother is receiving help and your stepfather is being held in a separate location under supervision. They are forbidden to communicate with you as you will be a witness when the case finally comes to trial. Louise and Dennis are sending regular, very positive reports, about your progress and about how helpful you are with the little ones.

  I can see no reason for any immediate changes to this situation, so please do not worry. Faith will be here all most of the summer with you and I believe she has a part-time job arranged for you.”

  Shania felt a wash of relief that started in her brain and sped through her entire body. She stood upright and the faintness had gone.

  “Thank you, Mavis. I’ll go on home now. Thank you again for treating me like a grown-up. I really do appreciate being here. I will stop worrying about the future and do my part to help Tyrone and Betsy. Thanks for the tea.”

  She turned and ran off like the child she still was.

  Mavis sighed deeply. This was an interim period in Shania’s life but one that could have a huge effect on her future. While the little ones would soon forget their troubled beginnings, Shania was the one who would carry the memories and the effects into her adult existence. Without very careful handling, Shania could become one of those lost souls seen on big city streets existing on the fringes of society with no support system and no prospects. Education was the key to her survival just as it had been with Faith.

  Mavis decided to have a talk with Hilary. It looked like she would be required to take on another pupil this summer. Shania’s confidence would grow as her competence in school subjects was improved. This time, Hilary would have the assistance of Faith. Just knowing how Faith had succeeded was the best possible predictor of Shania’s success.

  Ah, Hilary! When we began this co-housing project we could never have known we would be heading up a school for troubled youth, among other t
hings. I suppose it’s good to know we are still useful at our age. Life is full of surprises and, on the whole, that is a good thing all round.

  Faith Jeffries left Shania in Mavis’s capable hands and headed straight for her aunt Honor. There was a lot to discuss among herself, Honor and Hilary. Which of the three scholarships would best suit Faith’s goals and which provided the best financial advantage?

  It was enormously exciting to have these choices. Research was required to compare the options but the final decision must belong to Faith.

  Honor would not attempt to persuade her niece in any direction but in her heart of hearts she felt Kingston or a college near that location, would be Faith’s choice. Honor took this as a sign that the girl had learned the benefit of having someone within reach who knew her background story and who could keep her on track when the inevitable stresses of higher education brought problems.

  Honor knew the Jeffries’ filled that bill for Faith. Melvin was already a fan and his mother was a steadying influence on all the children. Mason Jeffries felt an obligation to Faith and he was capable of taking the place of the missing male figure in her life.

  A pang of regret swept through her as these thoughts coalesced in her mind but she dismissed that weakness. She had played her part in Faith’s resurrection by supplying the missing information about her twin’s early life. The bond between them might well be stretched in the coming years but it could never be severed.

  Honor walked out to the stone patio and took a moment to let her mind venture into the unknown future. Perhaps, Faith would return here to Harmony House and make her life in London.

  Perhaps, she would find a partner in her college years, and marry and raise children in another town. Perhaps, in time, Faith and Honor would find themselves back together again in different roles.

  The future was unknowable. The present was full of promise and that was sufficient for now.

  Vilma noticed Braden pushing the lawn mower around the grass areas and immediately wondered why.

  She wasted no time in finding the answer. As soon as he had finished raking the excess grass and bagging the pile for Mavis’s compost bin, she was ready with a cool drink and several questions.

  “Andy did not tell me to keep any secrets. Mandy and I had a chat with him a few days ago. Mandy was annoyed with his behaviour toward you and she showed it. Andy took off in a hurry after agreeing I could take over this job until he gets someone to replace him on a permanent basis. That’s all I know.”

  Vilma shifted on the wicker seat and pulled a cushion into place to protect her bare back from the sharper sections of the chair. June weather had finally arrived and a sundress with a short skirt was the required attire when out of doors.

  “So Braden, what do you think about this situation? You and Andy grew close in Jamaica.”

  Braden Santiago was conscious of the obligation he owed to Vilma Smith. She had made it possible for him and Mandy to be nearby during this vital phase of Mandy’s mother’s breast cancer treatment.

  Privately, he agreed with Mandy that Andy Patterson had behaved badly but there was the unspoken rule among guys to protect each other, especially when one of them was in the wrong.

  Vilma recognized, as the pause grew longer, that Braden was in the midst of a dilemma. He was wiping sweat off his brow with a cotton scarf from around his neck. A typical male delaying tactic.

  She was not about to let him off the hook. He could squirm there as long as he liked. She could wait him out.

  “Look, Vilma! It’s none of my business. You two need to get together and set things right. Obviously, Andy is removing himself from Harmony House but I think he owes you some kind of explanation before he vanishes completely. That’s all I’m saying.

  Thanks for the drink.”

  He marched away with the lawnmower in front of him and she knew she would get nothing more from him. He was right and Vilma knew it. This situation was untenable. Andy was taking the coward’s way out. She was the mature one and she would write him a letter in preference to turning up at his place of business and risking a rebuke. Whatever Andy decided to do after this, the ball was firmly in his court.

  She was the injured party. Her conscience was clear. She was content with her present circumstances so it was up to him to demonstrate what he was made of.

  No time like the present.

  She rose to her feet and went upstairs, but she had to admit there was a lingering sense of regret that the dream had died in this way. It was her very last attempt to replace her beloved husband, Nolan, in her life. From now on, she would rely on no man.

  * * *

  Dear Andy,

  We are drifting further apart with each day that passes.

  I know you are now totally involved with your new career and I am happy for you, as you must know.

  I believe our relationship has come to an end.

  We had some amazing moments together but isolated moments were all we had.

  Fate was against us in some ways.

  I wish you only the best.

  Astrid and Oscar are a daily reminder for me of your love of dogs and your generosity of heart.

  Be well. Move on. Know that I bear you no ill will.

  Vilma.

  * * *

  She read the letter over once with a tear forming in her eye, but she did not change anything.

  She placed the page in an envelope, addressed it and summoned the dogs for a walk to the nearest post box.

  Overall, she felt a sense of release. It was done. Andy might not even feel a reply was needed. If that was what he thought, it was acceptable to her.

  Either way, it was over.

  Chapter 22

  It was one of those spectacular summers, when rain fell only when needed and clouds formed at nightfall, leaving the skies clear and blue during the long lazy days and well into the fall.

  Mavis’s garden bloomed like never before. The roses in June were remarkable and when they reappeared in August, they were even more prolific, to her great delight. She supplied bowls of roses to Louise and all the others on the crescent and her admirers begged for a garden tour to see if they could discern how Mavis made the magic.

  She allowed them to believe magic was involved but she knew sheer hard work and good fertilizer was nearer the truth. Mother Nature always responded to a willing pair of hands, good secateurs, great garden stock and an eye for delightful juxtapositions of colours.

  Mavis was increasingly grateful for the raised flower beds as her knees would not tolerate the constant bending to reach ground level. She could manage to get down all right, but getting up again was neither easy nor painless despite occasional yoga sessions with Honor. She could see the benefits of the exercises but privately she agreed with Hilary that they should have started decades before to get the maximum advantages of flexibility and balance.

  Most of the heavy garden work was accomplished in the cool air very early in the morning or just before dark, promoting the illusion that the entire garden was self-sustaining. Hilary knew better and watched over her friend to ensure she did not overextend herself.

  “Do you miss Andy’s help, Mavis?”

  “Not really. The new young man is very willing. It’s Andy himself I miss. I guess he is gone forever.”

  “It looks that way. Vilma never mentions him. She takes the dogs out to parks and nature areas for exercise but as far as I know she goes on her own.”

  “I suppose it’s possible she could meet another dog lover somewhere on one of these jaunts and start up a nice relationship.”

  “I doubt it. I think the whole Andy episode has wounded her deeply. She’s not likely to risk another disappointment.”

  “It’s altogether too bad! Andy was nice to have around and very pleasant to look at.”

  “I agree.

  So, is Vilma happy? Or should I ask if she is content?”

  Hilary hesitated. The women were sitting in the shade on the side porch with gin a
nd tonic in a tall glass jug to share, and the leisure to talk quietly unobserved. Marble, who had taken to following Mavis around since the departure of Faith to college, was curled up asleep on her mistress’s knees.

  It seemed like a good opportunity for the two who were responsible for the co-housing project to do a look back at the year so far. So much had happened that waiting until year’s end seemed impossible.

  “It’s hard to tell about Vilma. She is the same vibrant and positive person but a little of the shine has gone. Not that she doubts herself. That could never happen. She knows who she is and she seems content or perhaps what I sense is more like resignation.”

  “I do hope she’s content. She has been such a force for good at Harmony House and that continues on. It was her idea to switch things around to allow Maureen to move in with Mandy while she recovers from the cancer treatment. Faith was in Kingston with the Jeffries for several weeks and Brandon loves being in her suite. I suspect he also loves nipping along the porch here to see Honor without anyone knowing about it.”

  “Mavis! Are you saying there’s something going on between those two?”

  “Well, what would you think? Haven’t you heard them practising their music in the garden? I believe when two instruments blend together that well, it says something about the two players.”

  “Really? I just thought it was a good thing that Brandon got Honor out of the house once in a while and into the fresh air. I never thought further than that.”

  “Oh, there have been several dates in town. Mandy is responsible for encouraging Honor to buy new clothes. She and Vilma went shopping with her in Masonville with some success.”

  “I see. Mavis, will this bring disappointment to Honor when the trio eventually goes back west?”

  “Who knows? At the very least, the time with Brandon must give Honor the confidence that she can be more than a workaholic. Now that Faith is ready to try her wings, Honor’s job is done, in large part.