Erin scooped the supplies and loaded them into her car. A light drizzle started as soon as she approached the school. It had to have been one of the wettest autumns on record. She drove into the parking lot and looked around. First one to arrive. It no longer even phased her. It was her life. Not some bar owner who said he loved her.
Her hands shook slightly as she lifted the supplies and schoolbag out of the car. Damn him, anyway. Telling her to think of him. She could hardly think of anything else. Arrogant man. Erin stomped her feet on the rug outside the school and sighed.
She deactivated the alarm and switched on the lights. The halls shone brightly in the light, and she grinned. One hell of a janitor they had now. The last one seemed content to do his level least.
Erin walked down to her classroom and flicked those lights on, too. Her classroom at least filled her with a measure of peace. The certainty of it. The normalcy.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
Erin spun and clutched her hand to her chest.
The janitor stood there with a bag full of doughnuts. “I brought some if you’d like a couple.”
“Maybe the sugar will offset the heart attack you almost gave me.” Erin grinned at the other woman’s laugh and moved forward. “What kind do you have in there?”
“Maple, plain, and chocolate.” Tempest licked her fingers. “My three favorite food groups.”
Erin looked at her slim figure in the janitor’s uniform. “I should be so lucky.” She smiled. “I’ll take a maple, please.”
Tempest opened the bag and held it out to her. “Help yourself.” As soon as Erin grabbed hers, Tempest grabbed another one. “Mmmm, heaven.”
“Close to being on a cloud, isn’t it?”
Both women swung their heads toward the sound of the third voice in the doorway. Kendra scowled at the janitor and shook her head. “If I’ve told you once…”
“…You’ve told me a thousand times.”
Erin cocked her head and looked at the pair. The shock of recognition rendered her speechless. Then she gasped.
“You’re sisters!”
Both heads turned toward her with smiles.
“Of course we are.” Kendra snagged a doughnut and took a healthy bite. “No one can drive me more insane than her.”
“Flatterer.” Tempest licked her fingers and smiled.
“I thought your sisters were far away.” Erin frowned.
“They are. They were.” Kendra snorted. “It’s what I get for being the youngest.” She motioned to Tempest. “Nothing like having my every moment monitored for God knows what.”
“We worry for you.”
Kendra arched an eyebrow. “Paybacks, sister. Keep that in mind.”
Erin watched the conversation with fascination. “Wow. Will I get to meet the other two?”
Kendra groaned in pain. “Only if I’ve been really, really bad, and someone is pissed off at me.”
Erin threw back her head and laughed. “You’re too funny.”
“If I were kidding.” Kendra winked at her and looked at the clock. “Run along, Tempest. You have a job to do. As have I.”
Tempest nodded. “Pleased to see you again, Erin.” She stuck her tongue out at her sister and left.
“She’s the picture of maturity, isn’t she?” Kendra snorted and took another bite of her doughnut. “Though she has great taste in sugar, I have to admit.”
Erin chuckled. “Are all of you so gorgeous?” She shook her head. “I feel like someone should take your likeness and make you into a sculpture or something.”
Kendra blushed. “Hush, child.” She cleared her throat. “So. How is Daniel?”
“Nice segue.” Erin shook her head. “It’s that Mack truck mentality, isn’t it?”
“I’m cursed with it.” Kendra put her things down and pulled the shades open. “So?”
“He’s great.” Erin took another bite of her doughnut. “He thinks he’s in love with me. So obviously he’s delusional.”
“Oh my God!” Kendra spun around so quick her blonde hair whipped against her cheek. “He told you that?”
Erin sighed, her blue eyes sad. “He did. Now I just have to convince him he’s not.”
Kendra opened her mouth, but Erin held up her hand. “I can’t take another talk right now. I’m sorry. I’m on overload, and it’s simply a matter of will that keeps me from curling into the fetal position and sucking my thumb. Okay?”
“Understood.” Kendra nodded. Then she moved closer and pulled Erin to her. “You can find your balance, child. Even as off-kilter as you feel now. Find your anchor, and all will be well.”
“I hope so,” Erin whispered. She pulled back and smiled shakily. “I must be the poster child for ‘I need a hug’. Is there a sign on my forehead?”
“No.” Kendra’s lips twitched. “But some things don’t need signs.” She turned and looked at the sky as the first raindrops fell. “Probably another inside day. What do we have planned?”
Erin polished off the last of her doughnut and smiled. “I happen to have lots and lots of paper in my car for anxious little children to write, glue, and color on.”
“Do I need to ask where it’s from?”
“Probably not.” Erin picked up her car keys, and Kendra followed her outside.
* * * *
The light drizzle continued throughout the day. The kids enjoyed walking from the main building to the music room. Small drops of moisture clung to their heads, and they laughed with the joy of it.
Erin tipped her head up and laughed. She could fix her makeup when the kids were at lunch. Right now, she would simply enjoy. The bell rang, and the children dragged their feet until the last possible moment. When they were finally inside, Erin turned and walked back to her classroom. Her blonde hair hung limply by her face, and her makeup was nonexistent.
She grabbed her purse and walked into the bathroom. All the children were in class so she took her time retouching her face. Daniel’s words moved through her. His complete acceptance of her and her life. Her hands shook as the emotion flooded her.
Mary walked into the bathroom and hurried over. She frowned as she looked at Erin. “What’s wrong? Are you ill?”
“No,” Erin whispered. “Just a bit of a headache. It’ll pass.” She clutched the small sink with both hands. She met Mary’s concerned eyes in the mirror and tried to smile. “I’m fine. Really.”
Mary didn’t look convinced. “If you’re sure…” She trailed off.
“I’m sure. But thanks for asking.” Erin smiled weakly as Mary turned and left.
It was like being on a roller coaster where she couldn’t see the twists and turns. She would zip along just fine until another dip shocked her. She breathed deeply and centered herself with a great deal of effort.
Erin opened her eyes and looked at herself. She was fine for the moment. Her blue eyes were clear. Her pulse had slowed to normal. She wasn’t going to have a panic attack in the girl’s bathroom.
She opened the door and walked back down the hall slowly. Kendra seemed to be taking an early lunch with Tempest. Erin grinned. More alike than either would care to admit. It must be in turns nice and maddening to have a sister. Much less three.
They could talk to each other. About anything. Erin stopped in her tracks. That bond. That’s what Erica needed. She hurried to her classroom and waited for Kendra to come back from lunch.
* * * *
The final bell had rung, and the kids hurried off into their separate lines to play outside in all the drizzle before their parents made them go home and play inside.
Erin put her papers in her black schoolbag and looked at Kendra. Her assistant tidied the room quickly and efficiently. She glanced out the nearest window once and smiled. Then she went back to work.
“Can I ask you something?”
Kendra’s head came up, and she nodded. “Anything.”
“Daniel’s niece is having problems right now. She doesn’t know who to trust. Her mot
her is dead, and her father is away.” It seemed like the easiest explanation. “I would like to get her to open up about what she’s feeling.” Erin paused. “The bond between you and your sisters is a strong one. And you have a way with children. Would you consider going with me to visit Erica?”
“If that would be okay with her family, I would love to.”
“Thank you.” Erin’s breath came out in a rush. “I’m in a little over my head with this. I want to help, but I have no idea where to start.”
“Listen.”
Erin stopped and cocked her head.
Kendra walked toward her. “When all the words are gone, and there is nothing left to say, listen. You are drawn to this girl. Why? What does she say without words? How does she act? What do you feel when you look at her? That is the key, Erin.”
Erin nodded slowly. “I’m going to call Maria, her grandmother, in a few minutes. Are you free this evening? I realize it’s short notice, but this has been bothering me.”
“I would be glad to.” Kendra straightened another pile of papers.
Erin finished stuffing her book bag. “I’ll be in the office.”
“Okay.”
Erin walked out of the classroom and down the hall to the office. Something niggled at the back of her brain. It was almost maddening. There was something she wasn’t seeing, and it bothered her.
She walked into the office and grinned at the emptiness. Even the secretary had left. She picked up the phone and dialed Maria’s house.
“Hello!”
“Hi, Maria! This is Erin.”
“Hello, Erin. What can I do for you, mija?”
“I wanted to visit Erica today after school, but I would like to bring a friend. My teaching assistant, Kendra. Do you think that would be all right?”
“That will be fine, child.” Maria sighed. “Erica is having a bad day. She came home from school and went directly to her room. She won’t come down. I think now would be a perfect time. We’ll be here when you’re ready.”
“Give us half an hour.” Erin looked at the clock. “That should be plenty of time.” She hung up and left the office.
The next thought stopped her in her tracks. The shame. The hurt. Oh, Jesus. Erin pressed her hand to her mouth so she didn’t throw up. She knew those feelings too well. The knowledge slammed into her. The certainty. Erica had been abused. That precious little girl had been hurt in the basest way.
Erin’s hands shook as she stood there. Fury ripped through her quickly, and she clenched her fists. She had her family around her. Who could have done such a thing? Someone at school? She simply couldn’t see anybody in her family touching the girl. Not her uncles. Not any of the other kids.
The thoughts went round and round in her head. She stood in the hallway and tried to regain her composure. All she had right now was a feeling. She needed the truth. It was the only way she could help the little girl.
* * * *
The ride over to Maria’s house was silent. Erin’s thoughts were a million miles away, and Kendra simply sat silently and watched the scenery roll by. When they reached the driveway, Daniel stood on the front porch. He leaned casually against one of the white posts at the front. He wore blue jeans and a plain blue T-shirt. His hair fell loosely to brush the top of his shoulders. His booted feet were crossed at the ankles.
Kendra chuckled. “I assume that is Daniel.”
Erin glanced at her and shook her head. “That’s him.”
“I like how he waits for you to arrive. It speaks well of him.” She looked at Erin with laughter in her blue eyes.
“You. Are. Bad.” Erin bit her lip to keep from laughing. “Get out. Right now. And behave yourself.” She turned the engine off and stepped out.
The drizzle had stopped about ten minutes before, and the moisture still clung to the pieces of grass in the lawn. It was still overcast and a bit chilly. Erin watched Daniel as he shifted his position to see the both of them. And his body stiffened.
Ah. Erin glanced at Kendra. Their likeness surprised him. That could work for her. Maybe she could push Kendra in his general direction. The pain bit into her, but she pushed it aside. She had years of practice.
“Hi, Daniel!” Erin moved closer and waited for Kendra to catch up. When she did, Erin turned to her and smiled. “This is Kendra.”
Daniel moved forward and down the steps. He bowed low and straightened. “My pleasure, Kendra.”
She smiled back at him. “As it is mine, Daniel.” She motioned to the house. “This is beautiful. Your home?”
“My mama’s.” Daniel patted the post nearest to him. “I live a bit out of town. But Mama called and told me that Erin was coming over today to see Erica. I rearranged my schedule to be here.”
“Good idea.” Kendra and Daniel shared a look which made Erin’s teeth clench. They were conspiring against her. There was a look of understanding and just the barest inclination of Daniel’s head toward her. She would set that straight after her visit with Erica. That precious little girl was the most important part of this trip.
“Where’s Erica?”
“In her room.” Daniel frowned. “She has had a bad day.” He looked apologetically at Kendra. “I don’t know how she will take to someone else visiting.”
“I promise that I will not upset her.” Kendra smiled reassuringly. “Erin thinks that since I have three annoying sisters I might have some insight.”
Erin moved forward. “If you’ll tell us where Erica’s room is, we’ll go now.”
“As you wish.” Daniel moved aside and ushered both women inside. “At the top of the stairs. You go left. It’s the first door on your right. It is closed now. Please knock. Erica values her privacy. I will be in the dining room when you have finished.”
Erin moved forward with Kendra right behind her. She didn’t look back once but felt Daniel’s eyes on her the entire time. When they reached the door, Erin tapped lightly and waited for a response.
“I’m busy.”
Erin glanced at Kendra and shook her head.
“It’s me. Erin. And I’ve brought a friend with me. Is it okay if we come in?”
There was silence. And then the door opened just a crack. Erica’s wide eyes looked out. Then she yanked the door open.
“It’s you!” She looked at Kendra in awe.
Erin frowned and looked from child to friend. Kendra’s face glowed. Erica’s face was pleased.
“I didn’t think you’d ever come.” She took Erin and Kendra both by the hand and pulled them inside her room. She shut the door with a small kick and looked at them both.
Erin didn’t immediately ask the several questions floating around in her head. Instead, she took in Erica’s bedroom with something akin to awe.
The child was an artist. There were lines strung from one corner to another with picture after picture pinned on them. And every inch of the wall seemed to be wallpapered with more artwork.
There were animals and people. Flowers and houses. Erica had a gift that shone brightly on every piece of paper. Even her bedspread showed a kaleidoscope of colors that bled together and swirled. Her pillowcase matched. And the small dresser by her bed had been painted to match the bedspread.
One small desk sat up against the wall with a pile of papers on top. There were dozens of colored pencils and crayons scattered across them. An unfinished portrait lay on top. Erin caught her breath as she could see yesterday’s picnic unfolding before her.
“Your pictures are beautiful,” she whispered.
Erica turned dark eyes on her and smiled shyly. “I like to draw. Grandma Maria keeps buying my paper and colors. So I draw.” She looked at Kendra. “I knew you’d come.”
Erin frowned in puzzlement. Her blue eyes moved from one to the other. “Do you know each other?”
“No.” Erica pushed her dark hair back and moved toward the desk. “But I’ve seen her.” She shuffled the papers around until she found what she was looking for. There were perhaps five sheets
in her hand. She looked nervous.
Kendra spoke for the first time. “You honor me, small one.” She brushed her hand over the girl’s hair and smiled. “I would be proud to see your work.” She bent down and looked Erica in the eye. “I am Kendra.”
“These are for you.” Erica’s hands shook a bit as she handed the stack to Kendra. She bit her lip as she watched Kendra take her papers and straighten.
Erin moved closer, and her jaw dropped. The first picture showed Kendra in a light blue gown with her blonde hair blowing about her face. The likeness was unmistakable.
“Wow.” Erin shook her head.
“I thought you were her.” Erica tapped the paper. “But when I met you, I knew you weren’t. But now she’s here.” She stepped back. “Do you like them?”
Kendra spent several minutes on each picture. Four were of her simply standing in different clothes. But the fifth one shook Erin to the core.
There were four of them. Kendra and her sisters. They had their arms around each other and stood in a garden with flowers spilling along the ground. She could practically smell the irises and honeysuckle. The women faced her, and she could see the beauty glowing from all of them. It took her breath away.
There was Tempest. And the one with the red hair must be Wilda. The oldest sister, Eden, stood on the end. Kendra stood next to Wilda, beside Tempest. Even though Erica drew in colored pencil, the colors seemed so vibrant on the page. She could see each woman’s eyes looking at her. Their hair appeared to move as if a slight breeze blew.
Kendra glanced at Erin and then back down at Erica. “You are a true artist, little one.” She took the last picture and handed it to Erica. “Will you sign this for me?”
“Sure.” The little girl blushed and took it to her desk. She signed her name and handed it back.
“I don’t understand,” Erin said faintly.
“I dreamed her.” Erica blinked. “And when I woke up, I drew her.” She smiled at Kendra. “You’re beautiful.”
Kendra’s lips twitched. “Thank you.” She handed the picture to Erin. “Your picture is rather flattering.”
“Who are the others?” Erica asked.
Water Goddess Page 11