Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  “Thank you.” Geraldine took several swallows, before continuing. “I know you both know. I was born into the wrong body. My mother talks like you do, Melissa. But my two brothers and father hate me. Hate the fact I’m different. I haven’t even begun to take the hormones. I just don’t have the money. Nor are there any clinics near me that help in such matters.”

  “I’ll tell you what.” Melissa had to stand. She also should be eating something. It was something she had noticed since her diagnosis of signs of diabetes. Her blood sugar could spike, either way, if she wasn’t eating regularly.

  “My friend Jackeline will be here in a couple days. She can give you some advice.” Geraldine didn’t know what to say so she merely nodded. “And no one needs to know mother nature was cruel to you. As far as everyone here is concerned, you are Geraldine. An amazing young cowgirl.”

  Geraldine couldn’t help but laugh. The stress was releasing from her body. “If I could be shown to my room, I’d appreciate freshening up. Whatever is for lunch smells amazing. My appetite is coming back.”

  “Good. I’ll be happy to show you to your room.” Jessie already had taken Geraldine’s luggage to her room. “If you’ll follow me, Miss Geraldine.” Jessie couldn’t help winking. It wasn’t back to her days as a womanizer. Instead, she had discovered flirting sometimes lightened the mood.

  Melissa watched the two young women make their way up the stairs. She knew Geraldine had a long road ahead. It wasn’t all the young woman would have to endure from the medical profession. It was what the world would bestow upon her.

  “We’ve only two other guests, besides Melissa and her husband, at the moment.” Jessie halted outside the door opposite. Allison’s room. “You’ll meet them sometime throughout the week, I’m certain. Perhaps over lunch. You take your time. We’ll keep the lemonade nice and cold for you.”

  “Thank you.” Geraldine took the key from Jessie. She hesitated a moment before unlocking the door. The room was bigger than the loft she used for a room, most of the time. She’d never seen anything like it.

  For a long time, Geraldine stood in the doorway, taking in all her room. The door across from her opened. It was the woman she had nervously waved to. “Hi. My name is Allison. I saw you a few minutes ago.”

  Geraldine swallowed. The woman was even more beautiful up close. “My name is Geraldine. Looks like we’ll be neighbors.” Geraldine cursed. She wasn’t accustomed to speaking to strangers. She definitely wasn’t accustomed to speaking to someone so beautiful.

  “Looks like. If you are heading down for lunch, I’ll save you a spot.” Allison beamed at the tall stranger. There was something about her. It wasn’t the height or the eyes. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

  “Thanks. I’ll be down in just a few. Need to freshen up after the long bus ride.” Geraldine’s mouth was so dry, she was nearly incapable of speech. What was happening to her? Nothing like this ever before, that was for certain.

  “I understand that. I drove from Michigan. Two long days.” Allison didn’t know what else to say. She wanted to engage more but was used to her boss and a select other few. Even working with the public didn’t broaden her horizons as much as she’d like.

  Geraldine watched as the young woman descended the stairs. Once again, she was wondering if she had made a mistake. Perhaps it would be best just to remain on the ranch. All she had to deal with there was hate. Acceptance might be too much.

  Allison hated to leave the young woman. She would love to get to know Geraldine better. For now, she would leave the stranger alone so she could begin to relax, as she had managed to do.

  The scent of something amazing lured Allison to the dining room. There had been a pamphlet in her room that included a map of the bed and breakfast. After lunch, she wanted to walk the grounds. While she wanted to meet new people, she also wanted to explore the land.

  When Allison finally made it to the dining room, the woman who had entered just after her was already seated. “Hello.” Allison’s cheeks turned a nice shade of pink. Normally, she wasn’t this shy. “I’m Allison.”

  “The name is Dallas.” The truckdriver rose from her seat. She placed both hands upon a chair that was directly across from the seat she had vacated. For a moment, the redhead hesitated before taking the offered seat. “What brings you to this fine establishment?”

  Allison poured herself a glass of lemonade before beginning to take a little of everything. There was salad, but also something she’d never had before. “I’ve never had a true vacation before. Usually just hang around town or go to a sporting event. I decided it was time.”

  “I hear you on that. I’m a truckdriver. One would think I could take time off whenever I want.” The lemon salmon was something Dallas had had, but not in the incarnation she was enjoying.

  “Hello everyone.” Thelma was followed by Jessie. “I’m sorry to disturb your lunch. We thought we’d make certain everyone was doing all right. If ever anything isn’t to your liking, just let one of us know.”

  “Hello.” Geraldine was wearing black jeans and a bright purple button cotton shirt. Her mother always said she had a style all her own. It was a compliment. The cowboy hat was left in her room, for now.

  “Geraldine, welcome!” Jessie made her way to the young woman. “I’m glad you were able to join us. I don’t mean to presume, but after lunch, would you do me a favor and help me in the stables?”

  “Jessie!” Thelma knew exactly what her wife was up to. Still, she had to act as if it were spur of the moment. It was a way to include Geraldine and make her feel useful. “Geraldine is our guest. She’s on vacation.”

  “I don’t mind.” Geraldine was beaming. The only other thing that would have been better would have been if Allison would be joining them. “I love horses. I wish I could have brought my Izzy.”

  “Sit down and have some lunch. We can visit the horses afterwards.” Jessie took the head of the table. Thelma sat to her right. Melissa entered and took the end opposite of Jessie, her husband on her right. Geraldine was bold and took a seat next to Allison. Unfortunately, Kathy and Candy had returned to the city. Some things owners have to be there for.

  The lunch was a somewhat quiet affair. Each vacationer told of their name and where they were from. But the bunch, outside of Dallas, was reserved. Melissa watched each of the boarders. Already, her mind was at work. She could hear her Sam’s voice about attempting to meddle in other’s lives. A gleeful smile was upon her face.

  Hours passed by. In fact, it was nearing midnight. Thelma wasn’t able to sleep for some reason. Perhaps it was worry over how her boarders would enjoy their time. Perhaps it was the fact she had so many close successes with businesses, but all were ultimately closed down that had her worried.

  Thelma was sitting on the front steps with a glass of water in her hands. She was craving coffee but knew it would keep her up even longer. The night air was humid, but the stars were out and made up for the stickiness.

  The lights at the end of the long drive didn’t exactly surprise Thelma. There had been one other who had had a reservation. She wondered if it was the one who hadn’t shown up. There was also the possibility it was Jackeline, though her friend hated to drive at night.

  Waiting until the car was parked next to the others, Thelma hastily made her way towards the car. Instead of the door opening immediately, it remained closed. When Thelma reached the car, she knew why. The driver was slumped over the steering wheel.

  Not hesitating a moment, Thelma opened the driver’s door. Luckily, the sandy blonde didn’t fall out. Cautiously, Thelma checked the woman’s pulse. There was a strong one. Perhaps it was too strong.

  There was no sign of bruising or bleeding, but the light, even with the stars, wasn’t the best. The woman was breathing, as well as the strong pulse. Thelma retrieved her cellphone. Jessie knew all sorts of first aid.

  It was only five minutes later that Jessie was checking on the status of the mystery woman. “There�
�s a bruise on her temple, but no laceration. I think, whatever happened, is a delayed reaction to being hit. We might want to call the police.”

  The body stirred. Jessie immediately knelt beside her. “No police. Please.” Lucy’s azure eyes were glazed. “I’ll be all right. I just need to rest.” When the stranger hesitated, Lucy continued. “I banged my head getting in the car after filling up in Albany. I didn’t think it was that bad until I parked. Honestly.”

  Jessie was hesitant to believe her. Though young, Jessie had witnessed quite a bit in her time as a womanizer. Too many women were abused. It was part of the reason she had been so successful. Some women wanted to feel special. “At least let me help you into the bed and breakfast.”

  Lucy managed to nod, tentatively. She would have to call her mother, even if it was late. Otherwise, her mother might just call the police. “I’d appreciate it. I can get my luggage in the morning.”

  “Nonsense.” Lucy hadn’t noticed the other woman. She was petite, but there was a strength radiating from her. “Jessie can help you while I carry the luggage. My name is Thelma. Welcome to The Loweridge Bed and Breakfast. If you need anything, let us know. The kitchen is never closed.”

  “Just a soft bed.” Lucy was grateful for the support the rather tall woman gave her. The trek to her room was immediate, skipping the check-in process. It wasn’t long before she was in a room by herself.

  After a rather lengthy cellphone conversation with her mother, Lucy plugged in her cellphone. She undressed and entered the bathroom. She was surprised her room had its own bathroom. Most bed and breakfasts she’d researched had bathrooms that required to be shared.

  The water spray felt therapeutic. Lucy enjoyed a lengthy shower before coming to stand before the full-length mirror. It wasn’t only the head that had been harmed. She’d also received a punch to the gut.

  After her experience at the restaurant, Lucy would have thought she’d be more careful. Once again, she’d found herself surrounded by homophobic people. If it hadn’t been a woman attacking her, she might not be here.

  The fist to her head had been nearly too great to handle. The punch to her stomach had her nearly unable to defend herself. Luckily, Lucy had had her pepper spray and not all of her hot coffee had spilled.

  It had allowed Lucy to escape. Her stomach was aching. Her head was pounding. Slowly, Lucy made her way to the bed. She didn’t bother changing into her night clothes. Instead, she remained wrapped in her towel. Wondering if this vacation had been the biggest mistake of her life. The tears stung as she managed to fall into a fitful sleep.

  Chapter 4

  Lucy couldn’t help the scream. She was in an unfamiliar room. The noises and scents were different than she’d ever experienced. It took several moments for her heart to return to a normal speed.

  Cautiously, Lucy sat up. Her stomach wasn’t as sore as she thought it would be. Her headache was only slight. She glanced at the clock. Breakfast was still being served. But was her stomach up for eating?

  Instead of focusing on food, Lucy allowed the towel to remain on the bed. She glanced at her cellphone. She’d turned off the volume. Her mother had sent her three texts. Lucy couldn’t help shaking her head.

  Before returning the texts, Lucy decided to dress. It was casual here in The South. She was always one to have shorts on, even before the snow fully melted, so why not don a pair, along with her soft short sleeved blouse.

  The material felt wonderful on her abused body. Lucy allowed for it to comfort her before she once again was holding her cellphone in her hand. Call or text? She decided on texting, as she was afraid her voice would give her away.

  It was no surprise her mother was already awake. Lucy attempted to reassure her mother that everything was all right. She also had to ask how things at the store were. Though she was on vacation, her store was never far from her mind.

  After reassuring her mother, for the fifth time, that she was having fun, Lucy made her way to the door. Her pepper spray was gone. She would, if she traveled to town, have to find somewhere to replace it.

  The scent of coffee assaulted Lucy. Even on the second floor to the rear of the bed and breakfast, the amazing scents of breakfast teased her. As she made it to the top of the stairs, the door beside her room opened.

  The woman wore a cowboy hat. Her body was covered in a blue jean shirt, as well as blue jean pants. Hazel eyes looked her up and down. Lucy swallowed before making a dash down the steps.

  Unsure of where to go, Lucy followed her nose. She’d forgotten the folder she’d spotted in her room. The door was wide open, yet Lucy hesitated in entering. “This is where the eats are, Lil Lady.”

  Lucy found herself staring up into hazel eyes. There was twinkling in them. Even though she sensed the woman was kind, she couldn’t help backing away from her. “Forgive me, Lil Lady. I should have introduced myself. I’m Dallas. I’m a truckdriver from Montana.”

  A hand was held out. Lucy took a deep breath. She needed to relax. If the advertisements were true, she was in a safe environment. Still, she had found trouble twice in her travels, already. “My name is Lucy.” She took Dallas’ hand. “I’m from Michigan. I own my own grocery store.”

  “Michigan?” Lucy nodded. “You’ll have to meet Allison. I didn’t catch her occupation, but we did tell where everyone was from last night. She hails from your state. Not sure what town. She seemed a might bit skittish.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Lucy’s stomach was churning. Part of it was because she’d skipped dinner the night before. Partly it was because a stranger was being so bold. “It was nice to meet you.” She didn’t want to be rude but felt uneasy and wanted caffeine.

  “Hello.” Thelma entered from the main entrance. “I’m glad you two are ready for breakfast. Instead of my cooking, you get to have Miss Elvira’s. She can make anything wonderful. We have fresh fruit and coffee. Tea, if you drink the poison.”

  Lucy couldn’t help the laughter. She remembered Thelma, vaguely, from the previous night. When the petite blonde passed her with only a passing glance, she realized the proprietor was respecting her privacy. “Coffee and lots of it, please.”

  The table was set so that one could sit anywhere and have access to the food and beverages. Lucy couldn’t believe all the food. How many people was she to be subjected to? From the online page, it seemed like there were only eight or so rooms.

  As Lucy slowly consumed the grits, strawberries and pancakes, others slowly made their way into the dining room. There was another cowgirl, though she seemed reserved. The redhead from Michigan seemed nearly as nervous as Lucy.

  There was an older couple. Melissa did a great deal of talking, but it was comforting. Her husband remained stoic. That would be the best word to describe him. Jessie also joined them. Lucy had suspected Thelma and Jessie were together. There was another woman. Penny was the one you wanted to speak to if you wanted to be driven to town.

  It seemed the others already knew one another. Lucy felt a little out of place. Grateful the bed and breakfast offered the use of a travel mug, the sandy blonde took the mug before beginning to explore the grounds.

  The others remained speaking as Lucy made her way out the front door. She made her way to her car. She’d forgotten to lock it. After making certain it was secured, she decided to roam the grounds.

  Instead of heading to the back where the orchard was, she chose to make her way to a small, wooded area. The closer she came; black iron fencing came into view. It wasn’t until she was only a few feet away that she realized this was a family cemetery.

  “Kinda spooky, huh?” Lucy nearly used the heel of her hand upon the stranger. “Whoa! I’m sorry I startled you, Lucy. I should have asked if you wanted some company.” Dallas bowed her head. She was known for acting, instead of thinking things through.

  “I’m sorry, too.” Lucy turned away from the woman. If she were honest with herself, she would admit the woman intrigued her. There was definitely sexual tension
between them. “I’ve already had a few bumps in my vacation.”

  For some reason, Dallas wanted to growl. While she was always a protective individual, she felt a connection to the young lady. “If you care to share your experiences, perhaps I can be of service. And I can share my own tales.”

  Lucy chanced a glance at the woman. She was slightly older. Before saying anything, the sandy blonde made her way to the gate. Above the gate was the name Loweridge. She wondered if either Thelma or Jessie were related to the former owners.

  “It was growing late my first night of traveling.” Lucy opened the gate. It made an awful wailing sound, as if someone was being disturbed. She made her way to the tallest of the markers. There was crunching of twigs as Dallas silently followed her.

  The marker was nearly impossible to read. The year was before The Civil War. The only lettering that could be read was the same as the name above the gate. “I chose the wrong restaurant. I was propositioned. The gentleman couldn’t understand how I wasn’t inclined to accept his offer.”

  There was a strength emanating from the woman standing beside her. Lucy could feel herself returning to her old self. It wasn’t so much she was self-confident as it was she was a fighter and survivor.

  “He especially didn’t take kindly when I instinctively defended myself, after he’d spilled my drink on me. I was arrested.” Lucy remembered well sitting for how long in the back of a cruiser.

  “That son of a…” Dallas trailed off. Not because she was afraid of offending the young lady, though she didn’t want to do that. It was because of where they were. In fact, she remembered to remove her cowboy hat.

  The fallen rested here. While some might have practiced an archaic institution, aka slavery, Dallas had a great respect for those that had come before her. It was something her mother had engrained in her, as had her momma.

  “I tried putting it behind me.” Lucy had slowly moved to one of the smaller markers. It was of a child. It broke her heart to think of all the little ones who might have lived had there been availability to modern medicine.