Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  The coffee had freely flown this morning. It seemed everyone had needed an extra shot of caffeine. Thelma couldn’t blame her boarders as the stress of the previous day had to be high for everyone.

  For Thelma, she had dealt with so many things over the years. Some were because she was a businesswoman. Some were because she was a lesbian. There was always something someone had against one, it seemed.

  Thelma was sitting on the front porch. Waiting. She wanted to scold Jessie but knew she would merely shake her head when she saw the lanky woman. It would be enough for Jessie to know how disappointed Thelma was.

  The sound of a car surprised Thelma. She’d already checked. Her better half had taken the cherished Black Panther. They didn’t get to enjoy the beast as often as either liked. It was something on her to do list.

  After the previous day’s event, Thelma instinctively began dialing nine-one-one. Her thumb hovered over the send button. The dark, SUV parked next to the pink convertible. Thelma held her breath as she waited for whoever to exit the vehicle.

  Thelma nearly did a doubletake when the tall, raven haired woman exited the driver’s side. She was slightly older than Kathy, but the woman could have been her twin. In fact, there could be triplets running around the bed and breakfast.

  Another doubletake as the passenger stretched. Thelma would have sworn it was Candy. Thelma hastily stood. This was to be an interesting initial meeting. She had to wait as something was retrieved from the back of the SUV.

  The child was beautiful. She was a perfect combination of the two women slowly approaching. Thelma cleared her cellphone and placed it in her pocket. Just in case, as looks could very well be deceiving.

  Sam noticed the way the familiar looking woman had her hand in her pocket. As they approached, the raven-haired woman had her hands in the air. Her wife, Abby, held their daughter. “I see you are cautious.”

  Thelma appeared confused. “My name is Samantha Walker, Sam for short. I believe my mother is staying here and causing trouble.” Thelma relaxed a bit. “This is my wife, Abby and our daughter, Alex. It was wise to keep your hand on your cellphone.”

  For a moment, Thelma allowed herself to relax. “My name is Thelma. My wife is off somewhere. I think you were the one Kathy spoke to.” Sam nodded. She remained a woman of few words. Thelma held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. You’ve had quite a long trip. Would you like some coffee or something else before I get you checked in?”

  “I’d love a cup.” Abby was struggling with her daughter. She would be two in about a week and a half. Alex was a handful. The never-ending supply of energy was something else. “If you have any juice, this one could use some.”

  “Of course!” Thelma led the way to the kitchen. Geraldine was sitting on the bench by the window. Thelma wasn’t certain if it was good she was in public or if it was her waiting for a ride to the bus station.

  There were only four chairs around the kitchen table. It was enough as Miss Alex was held by Sam. “What brings you to the South? I know your mother is here and you were helping Kathy with something. No offense, but we’ve just opened for business so…”

  “So what would bring two Northerners to The South? What would bring a Northern woman like yourself to the South?” Emerald eyes blinked several times. Sam knew she had caught Thelma off guard.

  “No, it wasn’t from your website. I’m a former SVU detective. I now own my own security/private investigation business. Many of my friends work with me.” Sam took a sip of her coffee, making certain Alex didn’t spill her juice.

  “So, you know all about me.” Thelma had her arms across her chest. She didn’t like the fact some stranger could so easily know anything about her. Then again, it was the technological age.

  “I know what your electronic trail says about you.” Sam had to strengthen her grasp on her daughter. Alex had slept the entire time on the plane. She was ready to run. Literally. “And while I’m a very good judge of reading people, it doesn’t mean I know you at all.”

  Thelma relaxed, only slightly. She turned towards her lookalike. “I have to ask. Is she always like this? So direct and not forgiving?”

  Abby couldn’t help laughing. “Miss Kitty can be abrupt. But I assure you, she is anything but unforgiving. We just know what happened. My mother-in-law called. She thought you could use our help. When we realized what you are attempting to do here, we knew we had to come.”

  “Plus, this one can use a break. She’s almost always working.” Sam rolled her eyes at her wife’s statement. It was true Sam was always working. But there was a very good reason for that. It wasn’t for the money. It was in an attempt to secure the safety of her family.

  “I understand. My Jessie works from sunrise to sunset, unless I distract her.” Sam couldn’t help choking on her coffee. “I see Sam is embarrassed as easily as Kathy. I think you will get along very well.”

  Sam cleared her throat. At one time, she would be the one making such remarks. But since meeting Abby, everything had changed. “After you assign us a room, I’d like to take a look around the grounds. With your permission, I’d like a briefing on the software you use.”

  “And you change the subject as well.” Thelma was joined in her laughter by Abby. “Jessie will hopefully be back soon. She can show you the grounds. I can help where I can. I have to ask. What do you want in return?”

  Abby leaned forward. “We don’t expect anything. We just want to see what we can do to help. And maybe have a few days of relaxation. We have two boys about to enter their teens back home. There’s always something happening.”

  Thelma couldn’t even begin to know what a family like that entailed. She and Jessie had never discussed children. Maybe one day. “You are a rare breed of people. More coffee while we wait?”

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Dallas remained in shock. Lucy was an interesting breed of woman. One minute she was terrified of the world and taking a chance. The next, she had kissed the truckdriver. Not that Dallas minded the kiss.

  As Dallas sat in her cab, she wondered where Dina had run off to. She’d asked Thelma if the woman had checked out. For privacy reasons, Thelma had only hinted she had not. What if Dina was stalking her and made her presence known while she and Lucy were on a date?

  The coffee Dallas was nursing was now lukewarm. The heat was already making itself known. It was to be a scorcher. Probably because they had missed out on the storm Dallas could have sworn was coming.

  “Fancy meeting you here.” Dallas groaned outwardly at the sound of the familiar voice. “Don’t go sounding like you don’t want to see me. Or better yet, make love to me.”

  “Number one, I don’t even like you, so there couldn’t be any making love.” Dallas placed her travel mug in its holder. It was now sour tasting. “Number two, I don’t even want to see you when I have to make a delivery. In fact, I think I’ll be informing your daddy that he can find himself another independent driver. And I’ll make certain to tell him why.”

  All the color drained from Dina’s face. There was something in her right hand that wasn’t there before. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Dallas had been about to jump from her cab but was now frozen. “Or would you like that Lucy bitch cut to little shreds.”

  “I knew you were a crazy bitch.” Dallas slid easily from the cab of her truck. She had been in situations like this before from other women that could not take no for an answer. “But this is even more than I expected from you.”

  “That’s because you don’t know me. You don’t know what I can be like.” The jackknife was now ready to use. Dina casually placed a stray hair behind her ear. She winked at Dallas. How could anyone turn her down?

  “I know exactly who you are and what you are capable of.” Dallas wanted to reach for her cellphone, in case the confrontation turned deadly. “And that’s why what you are holding in your hand needs to go.”

  Dina held the jackknife to her face. Her wild eyes reflected from the shiny
blade. The image caused her smile to grow. “It’s my best friend. It isn’t going anywhere. And neither am I.”

  “Ok. That’s it.” Dallas shoved past the deranged woman. “Either you leave me alone or I will take out a restraining order. I know they don’t mean anything, but it’ll be public. And it will hurt your families’ business. Once again, either leave me alone or I’ll be following through on my threats.”

  “Fine.” Dina slowly folded the blade back into its case. “You win this round. But you haven’t seen the last of me.” Dina slowly made her way past Dallas.

  The truckdriver held her breath until she heard the vehicle turn over. There was the sound of stones being sprayed as the vehicle bolted from the driveway. Dallas slowly made her way to the end of her cab so she could see the dust left behind.

  “Is everything all right?” Dallas jumped at the unfamiliar voice. When she turned, she found herself staring into emerald eyes. Dallas had to shake her head. She was seeing triplets. “Sorry to startle you. My name is Abby. My daughter was restless so we decided to explore the grounds.”

  Dallas saw the streak from the corner of her eye. “Her name is Alex. She’s a handful. I arrived this morning with my wife, Sam. Sorry if I’m rambling. I overheard a little and saw the car take off.” Abby was staring at where the car had been. “I’ve experienced enough to know things are a little strained for you.”

  Another new guest. One that had a young child. It was a family bed and breakfast, but it wasn’t what Dallas had expected. “My name is Dallas. The little lady is a little unhinged. Nothing I haven’t dealt with before. But there’s a little lady here that I don’t want harmed and…”

  “And why are you telling me this?” Abby heard the laughter. Her eyes were instantly on her daughter. It seemed Miss Alex had discovered a puppy. “A lot of people have told me I’m easy to talk to. We can continue this, after I’ve corralled my daughter.”

  “You go ahead. Perhaps we can chat later, if you haven’t left before I do.” Abby nodded before taking off at full speed. Dallas watched the petite blonde. She easily scooped up her daughter. Out of the shadows emerged the second of the triplets.

  It was interesting watching Abby and Candy become acquainted. It was odd how three women could look so alike and not be related. Or were they? Dallas couldn’t help smiling as the energetic Rocket became timid with the sight of the toddler.

  “It’s becoming a full house around here.” Dallas once again found herself jumping. “Sorry, Dallas. Didn’t mean to startle you.” Lucy actually enjoyed surprising the normally confident truckdriver.

  “It’s all right, Lucy. It’s just that the woman who has been harassing me was still here.” Dallas sighed heavily. “She threatened me with a knife. She took off.”

  “I hope for good.” Lucy shivered. There had once been a robbery at her store. The man had had a gun. It had taken her weeks to not dread entering her own store. Every so often, she would have a panic attack.

  “I hope so. Either way, I will protect you.” Dallas’ eyes immediately closed. “I didn’t mean to sound condescending or that you can’t take care of yourself. I’ve just been so independent for so long and am used to taking care of myself, it comes naturally.”

  “I don’t mind you protecting me.” Lucy placed a hand gently upon Dallas’ cheek. “Just as long as, if it should arise, you allow me the same courtesy. Now, let’s head to lunch and a movie. Still going Dutch, if you don’t mind.”

  Dallas took the keys offered her. It was better than having Penny play chauffer, even though that was her job. “I don’t mind at all. A partnership sounds amazing right about now. You choose the movie. I’ll choose the dining experience.”

  “Deal.” Lucy, though still a bit scared from the prior day’s events, was determined more than ever to live life to the fullest. That had started with the spontaneous kiss. Who knew where it would lead.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Allison was pacing back and forth. She’d fortified herself with breakfast but was unsure of how to proceed. After her talk with Jackeline, Allison knew she had to, at the very least, attempt to be a friend for Geraldine.

  How did Allison go about that? She hated herself for asking the question. Geraldine was a human being, first and foremost. Why should the fact she was trans complicate things so much?

  A heavy sigh escaped Allison. She knew why. Being different in this day and age could be hazardous to one’s health. Sadly, those in the trans community were at greater risk. So if she were to associate with Geraldine…

  “Argh!” Allison hoped she didn’t disturb any of the other boarders. She was so frustrated with herself. At one time, she would have thought she could be a friend to anyone. Even if she chose a solitary life.

  Allison made her way to the window. She took in the scene playing out before her. Not only was Candy there, another petite blonde had arrived. They were chasing a toddler and Rocket.

  It made Allison yearn for a life like that. Even if it was friends running after a toddler and their furbaby. Isolated was the best way to describe Allison’s life. Especially if the only true friend she had was her boss. Who wanted more from her than she was capable of giving.

  Was it a sign? Allison watched for a few more moments. The two blondes were joined by a third blonde and a formidable appearing raven haired beauty. Allison shook her head. Even from her distance, she could see the resemblance of the blondes and the raven-haired woman to others.

  Family, friends and love. It’s what she was witnessing. Even if they had been strangers at one point, they were now family. Allison knew what she had to do. Now, she had to find Geraldine’s location.

  Not forgetting her past faux pas, Allison made certain her small purse was stocked with a couple of granola bars. They traveled well, which was a good thing when she wasn’t always certain when she would receive a break at work.

  The only other thing Allison should gather was something to drink. Jackeline was standing at the foot of the stairs. Allison didn’t hesitate in joining her. “Have you seen Geraldine?”

  Jackeline had attempted to speak to Geraldine after breakfast, but the young woman had bolted. She hoped it wasn’t for the wide-open spaces of Oklahoma. “Not since just after breakfast, I’m afraid.”

  The disappointment was instantly on Allison’s face. “I knew I shouldn’t have left her alone this morning. I hope she hasn’t left. I’m going to get some water. Then I’ll scour the grounds.”

  “Perhaps when you do find Geraldine you ask her for her phone number.” Allison halted for a moment. Jackeline remembered a day when phone numbers were exchanged immediately. She hadn’t dated in a while. Was she out of touch or was Allison?

  “I’ll do that.” Allison inwardly was chastising herself. Though they hadn’t spent much time together, shouldn’t she have asked Geraldine for contact information? She could have, sadly, deleted it at a later time.

  It wasn’t long before Allison had filled one of the reusable cups with water and was headed towards the stables. There was still the sound of laughter and the barking of a dog in the distance.

  There wasn’t much sound coming from the stables. Already, Allison was perspiring. The heat was nearly oppressing when she entered the stables. She’d never experienced anything quite like it, not even in the hottest of summers.

  To her dismay, Allison only found the man who tended the stables. The young man was kind. He even asked how she was doing. He’d been the one to call the main house when she had fallen from the horse.

  Where to look now? Allison wasn’t certain. If one of the horses had been missing, she would have known Geraldine was enjoying a ride. Frustrated, Allison made her way back to the bed and breakfast.

  Once again, Allison made her way into the kitchen. She hadn’t drunk much of her water but decided to refill it. Also, in the kitchen was the young woman who did a little of everything, but mostly was the driver. “Have you seen Geraldine?”

  Penny had been readying t
o help water the roses that were planted outside the gazebo. If it had rained, she wouldn’t have to. Not that she was complaining. It was a way to pass time and earn her wages. “Unfortunately, Miss Geraldine asked me to drive her to the bus station.”

  “Take me.” Allison was already heading to the door. She didn’t wait for a response. If she wasn’t able to make it to the bus station, she might never know what happened to Geraldine. It was something she would never forgive herself for.

  Penny wanted to say something but decided the best course of action was to retrieve her keys. It was a quiet ride to the bus station. Penny wanted to say something but was afraid Allison wouldn’t react well.

  After they found a parking spot, Allison took the time to do what she should have during the trip. “Thank you. I’m sorry I’ve been so distant. I was thinking of what I wanted to say to Geraldine.”

  “I think I understand. Go. I hope you find her.” Penny waited until Allison was out of the car. “I’ll wait here until you return. I promise.”

  “Thanks again.” Allison didn’t know where to begin. The bus station was nearly as big as the store she worked in. It seemed never ending. Thankfully, there was an area to purchase tickets.

  Just above the ticket booths was the terminals. Listed were all the final destinations. There were two places heading to somewhere in Oklahoma. She only hoped she chose the right one.

  By the time Allison made it to the first gate, the bus had already left. She could feel a panic attack about to take place. It took a moment for her ability to breathe to return. As soon as she was able, she was on the move again.

  Allison wasn’t watching where she was going. She managed to trip over the duffle bag. “I’m sorry. I’m looking for…” She trailed off when she realized just who’s duffle she had tripped over. “You.”

  Geraldine was stunned when she realized it was Allison. Her waffling had turned into running, even though she knew her mother would be disappointed in her. Even though she knew she would hate herself for being so weak.

  “You were looking for me?” Geraldine felt a little warmth flow through her when she saw the timid nodding. “Why?” It was a genuine question. They had a little time together, but had they become friends?