***
After the church service, as everyone was leaving and shaking hands, Skye excused herself from her aunt and rushed off with Todd. Sara looked after them; but Gerald interrupted her thoughts.
“Were you going to join the potluck this morning?”
“Yes I am, but I feel guilty, though. I didn’t have time to bring anything. I don’t suppose it will cause an alarm if I just sit and enjoy myself for a change.”
“Then, would you mind if I joined you? I seem to have a free Sunday myself and I’d enjoy the company.”
“That would be fine.”
They walked into the room together, as Sara felt a little uncomfortable with some of the stares they were getting. She could see Todd and Skye had joined a group of teens. Not wanting to intrude, she headed off to a more private spot across the room with Gerald.
Chris and Todd left the group and found a table for four in the back, while Cassie and Skye continued to talk to their new friends from school.
“So, have you talked to Cassie about her dinner with Josh,” Todd asked curiously.
“No! I think she’d enjoy talking about it too much,” Chris said, noticeably annoyed. “I just don’t know what to do about Cassie. I really like her, but she acts as if she could care less if I ask her out or not.”
“Hmm, now that’s a problem,” Todd teased. “I can’t imagine any girl in Parkerville not wanting to go out with the magnificent Christopher Keaton.”
“Yeah, my point exactly, and she doesn’t seem to know what she’s missing.”
Todd looked over Chris’ shoulder and interrupted, “Hey, Cassie, how’s it going?”
“It’s going alright, Todd, how about you.” She then gave Todd a little smile. “Or am I missing something?”
Chris turned around, “Oh, I doubt if you ever miss anything, Cassie.”
Todd saw the smile slip from Cassie’s face. “Well, I hear you didn’t miss that clip board Marabelle was holding. I would’ve loved to have seen that.”
“Yeah, Cassie was great.” Skye walked up and gave Cassie a little pat on the back. I can’t imagine anyone taking on Marabelle. I hope she doesn’t hurt you.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about her. She’s just a big bully, and bullies don’t like getting hurt, either. If she does anything, it will only be to try and put me down in some way. I’ve dealt with bullies before. What do you think she’ll do? Try and push me out a window or something?” Cassie laughed.
Everyone gasped at the thought, and Chris and Todd’s faces turned solemn.
“Oh, don’t even kid about things like that,” Todd pleaded wide-eyed. “You have no idea what that girl is capable of.”
The two couples went through the serving line, enjoyed their meals, and laughed through their private conversations.
Skye looked across at her aunt, who was sitting with a good looking man and totally enjoying herself. Sara happened to look over at Skye and she gave her a wink. Then the teens got up to take their trays to the counter.
Todd came up behind Skye and put his tray down. He then hesitantly put his arm around her waist, not sure what her reaction would be.
Chris walked up behind Cassie, as the pastor asked if he and Todd would help move some boxes into the storage room for him.
“Sure, Pastor Martin, we’d be glad to,” Chris answered half-heartedly. “Let me catch Todd before he runs away.”
Gerald took Sara’s tray and piled it on his, as he took them both over to the counter. Several of her friends made it a point to come over to her and ask how she was doing. Sara was coy in answering that she was just fine.
Gerald, seeing the encounter, strode over to the little group. “Hello, ladies how are all my fine customers today?”
“Oh, we’re just fine, Mr. Figg, nice to see you in church this morning. Will this be a regular occurrence?”
“Oh, to be sure, whenever time allows; otherwise, the Lord and I have our own private conversations. He turned to Sara. “So, Sara, may I walk you home?”
“I was hoping you would,” Sara said, raising an eyebrow, “we have some important things to talk about.”
Sara Davis and Gerald Figg had been friends for many years, but nothing more, unless they were on a secret mission together.
The Baker Sisters
Chris found Todd and explained their predicament, as the girls laughingly gave their condolences and decided to walk home together. Carol Jean, who had been sitting with some of her friends, asked to walk along.
“I wish I had a guy to sit with at the potluck. You two are so lucky.”
“Well, Carol Jean, it really doesn’t have anything to do with luck,” Cassie began. “You’re a pretty girl. You just have to emphasize your assets.”
Cassie and Skye continued to walk, leaving Carol Jean frozen in her tracks. “You think I’m pretty? And I have assets?” she yelled after them.
“Yes, Carol Jean,” Skye took over. “I told you that when we first met. All you need is a little help.”
“A little help? I need a miracle!”
The girls walked down the street chattering away and soon found themselves in front of the Baker house.
“Whoa,” Cassie said, staring at the house. “One of the Baker sisters is waving at us from that front window.”
“Oh, yeah, I see her, too,” Carol Jean, added. “Boy, they are really creepy.”
“Did you ask Mrs. Keaton about them?” Skye asked, “I kind of feel sorry for them. They never seem to go out.”
“No, I haven’t really had time to talk to Mrs. Keaton about them. We’ve been sort of busy discussing all of my personal issues.”
“Well, what should we do? I feel bad we just wave and then keep going,” Skye sighed.”
“Okay then,” Cassie said, starting to walk up their walkway. “Let’s just go in and meet them.”
“Oh, no,” cautioned Carol Jean, “no one ever goes up that walkway, at least anyone who can help it. I’ve watched our poor mailman run for his life, after a hand has tried to grab his from inside their mail slot.”
“Oh, come on. They’re just lonely. I can’t believe they’re all that dangerous.” Cassie took a few more steps toward their front door.
“Please, Cassie, stop!” Carol Jean whispered loudly. “Let’s just get out of here.”
Skye walked past Carol Jean and stood next to Cassie.
“Well, I’m going in, too. Aren’t you just the least bit curious?”
“No, I’m not. I haven’t even kissed a boy yet and I’m not willing to risk disappearing off the face of the earth for the sake of curiosity.” With that, Carol Jean continued down the walk without looking back.
“Well, Skye, are you sure you want to do this?” Cassie said with a sly smile on her face.
“Yeah, I’m sure, but you go first . . . I’ll cover your back.”
“Ha, ha, very funny.”
The girls stood and looked for a moment at the mansion that was the Baker’s residence. The outside of the house was resplendent with white marble columns on either side of the steps, leading up to a large veranda. White wicker settees and chairs were strewn about, making it look rather friendly and inviting.
The girls continued up the walkway and were about to knock on the door . . . when it suddenly swung open. Cassie peered inside, but didn’t see anyone. She reached back and grabbed Skye’s hand.
“We’re going in together.”
The girls cautiously walked onto a rather large black and white tiled foyer, where an immense double staircase branched off to the left and the right.
The sound of the door slamming behind them startled the girls. They slowly turned around to see a woman, who looked to be in her fifties standing in front of the door. Her bleached blond hair was hanging down to her waist, with the sides braided back and held together in the back of her head by a very large pink bow. She had a
bout a dozen strands of various beads hanging from her neck, with each one was a different length, with artificial flowers and tiny bells woven into them. She wore a long flowered skirt with a sash wrapped around her waist. It was hard to see her blouse, due to all the hair and beads, but it resembled a peasant blouse. She also had a small flower painted on her left cheek.
“I know who you are!” she shouted, pointing her finger at the girls, with a wild look in her eyes.
The girls stood frozen, not knowing what to do.
“Rosie Posie!” she suddenly shouted, causing the girls to nearly jump out of their skin. She waved her hand over her head, looking up at the ceiling.
The girls stepped back and huddled together, as Skye whispered, “Is she casting some kind of spell on us?”
“Rosie Posie!” she shouted again even louder, still waving her hand and now jumping up and down.
“I’m sorry,” Cassie said in a shaky voice, “but we’re . . .
“Skye and Cassie . . . yes, we know, and you are most welcome,” a voice echoed behind them. “I’m Rose Baker and so pleased to finally make your acquaintance.”
The girls turned around to see another Baker sister at the top of the right staircase.
She slowly glided down the staircase, and when she reached the bottom, she introduced her sister.
“And this is my dear, younger sister, Bernadette.”
The girls turned back around, as Bernadette had settled down and was now smiling at them. “I know who you are.” Bernadette said, with her eyes wide open. “Oh, Rosie, they’ve finally come for a visit.”
“Yes, Bernadette, I know. What a treat for us, what a delicious treat!”
The girls turned around again, as they were now sandwiched between the two sisters.
Rose waved her hand toward a large room, beaconing the girls to follow her. She was dressed a little more modern than her eccentric sister. She had on a pale blue, shirtwaist dress with pearls at her neck and pale blue pumps dyed to match. Her hair was dark brown, styled in a Jackie Kennedy bouffant, with a little pale blue bow pinned in the middle of her bangs. Both women had remarkably blue eyes that sparkled at this untoward visit.
As the girls followed the sisters into the large living room, Bernadette stopped short and twirled around, making her skirt flair out all around her, which she seemed to enjoy. Then she looked directly at Cassie.
“My, my, aren’t you a pretty one.” She leaned forward and said softly, “Watch out for Rosie, she’s a little crazy.” She then straightened up and looked back at her sister.
“I heard that!”
Rose let out a sigh and Bernadette did too. Now it was Skye’s turn. Bernadette stepped in front of her and touched her hair. “Oh, yours is much thicker than hers and your eyes . . . they’re so blue, no, turquoise.” She stopped short and looked back at Cassie, “are you two related?”
“No,” Cassie said cautiously.
Bernadette seemed a little confused at that moment, but gleefully shouted, “Of course you are!” She winked and then walked away and sat on a sofa in the left side of the room. Rose took a seat on the right. It was then the girls noticed the room was divided in half, each side decorated completely different from the other.
Bernadette’s side was a tribute to the roaring 20’s with lace doilies and Afghans, vases full of artificial flowers, candles and incense, with a huge tiffany lamp, with pink tassels hanging down. There was a large pendulum clock directly behind Bernadette’s sofa, flanked by a black velvet portrait of Elvis on the left and a portrait of Rudolph Valentino on the right.
“Well then, Cassandra, please join me on my couch,” Bernadette called out.
“Oh, you can call me Cassie.”
“Heavens . . . No!” Bernadette shouted from her sofa. “Why would I call you that? Your name is Cassandra, Cassandra Emerson, everyone knows that.”
“Well, no, I’m really Alison Cassandra . . . Evans,” Cassie squeezed Skye’s hand to keep her from laughing.
Rose nearly fell out of her chair waving her hands, trying to get the girl’s attention.
“Oh, my,” Bernadette said, pretending to faint. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a name . . . Alison Cassandra. It’s giving me a terrible headache.” Bernadette reached to the side table and lifted up a long cigarette holder, with a thin cigar at the end. She leaned back and closed her eyes, as the girls continued to stand in the middle of the room.
“Well, Cassie Evans, it’s nice to meet you,” Rose said from the other side, glancing at her sister. “I have so many questions I want to ask you two girls. I’m just thrilled to death you came to visit.”
Rose’s side of the room was quite elegant. She sat upon a beautiful deep blue, damask sofa with mahogany wood tones on either side of the arms. The large secretary that sat in the corner of the room was also a deep mahogany, as were the tables on either side of the sofa. Portraits of Blue Boy and Pinky were hung over a large library table; and the lamps, which sat on the end tables, looked like vases from the Ming dynasty, with lovely shades of blues and gold’s, crowned with pale blue shades with short gold tassels adorning the rims.
Rose pulled out a notebook from underneath a pair of pale blue gloves, which were lying on a little table next to her chair. “Okay now, let’s see . . .”
“Oh, you poor dear,” Bernadette said, interrupting her sister. “I’m quite sure who Cassandra is, but I’m a little confused about this Alice person. Is she someone special?”
“So, what’s Henry Dunlop doing these days?” Rose broke in, raising her voice over Bernadette’s. “I always thought red hair was so attractive on a man.”
Cassie glanced at Skye, shrugging her shoulders. “I’m not sure who that is, either, but . . .”
“Stop interrupting me, Rose, I’m trying to talk to Cassandra,” Bernadette cried out. “She’s my kindred spirit, you know. She and I are truly sisters, or cousins, or something like that.” Bernadette pretended to puff on her cigar. “Come here, my darling, we must talk.”
“Oh, give it a rest, Bernadette,” Rose broke in. “I was talking to these sweet young girls. You’re the one butting in.” Rose was looking straight at Skye. “Well now, Skye, why don’t you come over here and sit by me.”
Skye and Cassie both obeyed and sat next to their designated sister.
Bernadette waited until Cassie was seated next to her, as she began to cough. It began quietly, but soon erupted into what seemed to be the beginning of bronchitis.
“Are you alright, Bernadette?” Cassie asked, not knowing what to do. “I don’t think those cigars are very good for you.”
“She’s just fine,” Rose broke in. “It’s just a fake cigar. She just enjoys being a martyr.”
“Yes, she’s right, you know.” Bernadette put the fake cigar back on the table. “I am a martyr. Living in this house alone all these years has destroyed my spirit.”
Rose leaned over and whispered in Skye’s ear, “She’s only lonely, because her brain left the country a long time ago.”
“No whispering!” Bernadette yelled out. “You know we have rules.”
“Sorry, Bernadette, I must have forgotten.” She reached over and took Skye’s hand, “Oh, it’s so nice to have young people in the house again. It gets so lonely here.”
“Um . . . Rose,” Skye began, “Don’t you and your sister go out? I don’t believe I’ve seen you in church.”
Bernadette spoke up immediately, “Oh, we’re there . . . we’re definitely there, but no, you wouldn’t see us. Would they, Rose?”
“No, indeed, you wouldn’t see us at all,” Rose replied, with a mischievous smile.
Bernadette smiled at Cassie, as she leaned in close to stare into her eyes. “I see something familiar in there. It reminds me of someone who was my friend, my kin . . . a long, long time ago.” Bernadette leaned back and began to softly hum, as she bounced her beads to keep the beat.
Cassie was a little shaken by Bernadette’s remark,
as she felt a little chill go down her back. She searched her mind for something to say.
“I love your beads, they’re beautiful.”
Bernadette fell silent, dropping her beads into her lap. “But what about me? Don’t you love me?”
“Of course, I do,” Cassie said cautiously, “I think you’re . . . fascinating.”
“Yes, fascinating . . . I know.” Bernadette nodded, leaning forward and patted Cassie on the knee. “I’ve also been called capricious, fanatical, unconventional, and impetuous. But my favorite is chimerical . . . such a pretty word . . . chimerical. Do you know what all these words have in common, my dear?”
“Gosh, I’m not really sure,” Cassie, whispered nervously, afraid to give the wrong answer.
“They all have at least three syllables! I'm a multi-syllable person. Poor Rose, she’s usually just a one-syllable person. She's nice, she's sweet . . . she's boring.” Bernadette started to giggle. “I try so hard to give her more than two syllables, especially with her name. Don’t you think Rosie Posie is more fun? But she seems to prefer Rose . . . just plain Rose. I guess she’s happy the way she is, poor dear.”
“I understand, dear,” Rose shot back, as she smiled sweetly at her sister, “that most of the time you’re a sandwich shy of a picnic!”
She then turned back toward her guest. “Now, Skye, tell me all about yourself. We don’t get very many visitors and I want us to put our best foot forward, and make a good impression.”
“Well, I live with my Aunt Sara, um, Sara Davis that is, and I . . .”
“Oh, dear, of course we know all about that. I mean who doesn’t in this town. Why, we’ve known Sara Davis since, oh, since forever . . . I guess. We even knew you were coming here a long time ago.” Rose stopped short at this point.
Bernadette heard the last comment and threw Rose a threatening look.
“I mean, we knew Sara had a niece whom she wished could someday come and stay with her.”
“Oh, yeah, Aunt Sara had wanted me to come and live with her years ago, but my older sister, Julie, decided I should live with them. It’s kind of complicated, but I’m so glad I’m here now.”
“And I’m sure all the boys are glad you’re here now, too. Oh, what a perfect thrill to have all the boys in town groveling at your feet. I’m sure you’ll be caught up in no time,” she paused, “with all of the wonderful events our town has planned.”
“Well, uh, Rose,” Skye began a little embarrassed, “I haven’t lived here all that long yet and I’m only sixteen. So . . .”
“But, dear, sixteen is just the perfect age to fall in love. Have you ever read Pride and Prejudice? Why, Lydia was but fifteen when she fell in love with Mr. Wickham. Oh, yes, Jane Austin, now she knew how to write a love story.” Rose was lost in thought for a moment, as she sat back in her chair and sighed.
“Um, as a matter of fact, Rose. Yes, I did read Pride and Prejudice and, well, Lydia was kind of tricked into marrying Mr. Wickham. He was kind of a, rogue . . . wasn’t he?”
In this area, Skye was a bit of an expert. She thought to herself, now she had something in common with Rose.
“Well, young lady, leave it to today’s youth to absolutely ruin a wonderful love story. Innocent and pure, but Miss Skye Mackenna has to destroy it with intrigue and debauchery!”
Rose was clearly upset now. She sat back in her chair and covered her face with the back of her hand in a dramatic pose.
“Rose, I didn’t mean anything by that. I mean, don’t we sometimes fall for the bad guy in movies and books? Aren’t they sometimes more fun than the good guys?”
Slowly Rose’s hand came away and a mischievous smile swept across her face. “Oh yes, I’ve always loved the rogue in men. Just a little bit of danger, don’t you know? Yes, yes, sweet, Skye, you are clearly my kindred spirit. Now, where are my manners, would you like some tea?”
Back to her old self, she graciously rose from her chair and walked toward the kitchen.
Skye sat back, breathed a sigh of relief, and glanced over at Cassie, who was trying desperately to keep up with all Bernadette was saying to her. She was talking a mile a minute, as she twirled her beads closer and closer to Cassie’s head.
“Oh, Bernadette,” Cassie began, as she ducked a couple of times. “I see you’re still wearing your bracelet. It’s very pretty and much more interesting than mine.”
“Well, they tried to give me a plain one, but I felt the need to pretty it up at bit. You see, I’ve added beautiful beads, ribbons, and a couple of little bells,” Bernadette said, shaking her bracelet proudly. “I’ve also tried painting beautiful flowers over the boring mother of pearl, but they keep melting off”
“Well, I have to agree it’s much prettier than mine and it goes so well with your other accessories.”
“Oh, my lavaliere,” Bernadette said, bouncing them in her hand. "I love them. They make the happiest sounds.”
Rose re-entered the room, carrying a tray with tea and cookies.
“Oh my, thank you, Rose. Would you girls like some tea and perhaps some cookies? I’m surprised there are any left, though, since I thought pudgy old Rose would have eaten them all by now. But you didn’t . . . did you, dear?”
Rose glared at her sister, as she put down the tray on a lovely little table in the middle of the big bay window. “As you can see there are plenty of delectable butter cookies left, and some of us do watch our figures around here.”
“Why, of course, I’ve been watching yours grow for years,” Bernadette replied with a slight grin on her face.
“How ignominious of you, Bernadette, I’m ashamed of your acting this way in front of these girls.
Bernadette smiled at Cassie and spread out her hand toward her. “Did you hear that . . . five syllables.”
By the look on Rose’s face, it must have taken all the self-control she could muster, not to run back across the room and strangle her sister, but Rose just settled into one of the chairs, trying to calm herself.
“I’m sorry, dears, but Bernadette is not quite as well read as I am and she’s a bit dimwitted as you can see. Now Skye and Cassie please come and have tea with me.”
“But, what about me?” Bernadette said pouting.
“Oh, Bernadette, we wouldn’t forget you,” Cassie smiled. “Will you please join me at the tea party?”
“Oh, yes, I would love that. Please take my hand, dear.”
Rose looked toward Skye and waved at her to meet her at the table.
Skye walked over and took her seat, thanking Rose.
“You see how much nicer this is, Rosie Posy.”
Rose stood up and was about to pour the tea over Bernadette’s head, when Cassie spoke up.
“Wait, Ladies, I think you really need to get out more. I mean; you’re stuck inside this house all the time, and well, I think you need to get away from each other once in a while. Don’t you think?”
“And, Bernadette,” Skye tried to help, “Rose has a very slender figure. Why, you’re both very attractive. We just can’t understand why you’re hiding your beauty under a bushel?”
“Oh, my, Skye, you are such a sweet girl,” Bernadette purred. “Have you noticed I don’t use even a smidge of makeup? I never have. I’ve never needed any.”
Rose rolled her eyes and smiled condescendingly to Skye and Cassie. “You girls are newly come to this town of ours and I would not wish to excite your anticipation. You’ve hardly had time to . . . uh . . . understand our situation. There are things that are difficult to explain.”
“Oh, Rose,” Bernadette broke in, “quit with the Jane Austin small talk. Look girls, there are lecherous men out there just waiting to leap upon one of us and have their way with us!”
Bernadette seemed to be getting a bit excited, so Rose took over.
“Oh, yes, girls, we are not to be trifled with. We are not easy prey and we guard ourselves well!”
“Except, there once was a young man I…” Rose said wi
th a faraway look in her eyes.
“Enough.” Bernadette stopped her sister giving her a warning look.
Cassie gave a heavy sigh and countered with, “But ladies, you’re missing out on life. Hiding away isn’t the answer. All you have to do is be aware of the time of day.”
“Cassie’s right, ladies, I think you’d be perfectly safe to go walking in the sunlight, go to picnics and parties, and even church socials. You’re missing all of this, and it seems . . . for years. I mean; you know the safe alarms as well as we do and probably much better. You don’t need to . . .” Skye tried to continue but Rose interrupted her.
“You girls simply don’t understand. Do they, Bernadette?”
Bernadette touched a handkerchief to her eyes, “No, I don’t believe they do, and there is nothing further we can tell you . . . nothing.” Bernadette turned and winked at Rose. “Now, would you like cream or lemon in your tea?”
“Cream”, Skye and Cassie said in unison.
“And I see you’ve forgotten both, sister dear,” Bernadette berated Rose. “Well, not to worry, I will fetch them for us.”
“That’s not necessary, Bernadette, I’ll go and get them.”
“No, it’s my turn! You always get the fun stuff, Rose. It’s my turn.”
Rose stared at Bernadette for a moment, and both women bolted out of their seats, each trying to be the first one into the kitchen. Bernadette got there first, but caught her beads on the doorknob, causing her to fall down, allowing Rose to pass by with a wicked laugh. Bernadette got up and followed her sister.
“Wow, are they for real?” Skye laughed, as the kitchen door finally closed. “And is your name really Alison Cassandra?” Skye said with a little giggle.
“Yes, it is. I was named after both of my grandmothers and no one outside of this house needs to ever know that. But, they do seem to know a lot about us?”
“Doesn’t surprise me,” Skye said, shrugging her shoulders, “but she didn’t know your last name. I guess they don’t know everything.”
“Well, here we go, girls . . . cream and lemon,” Rose announced as she entered and placed a silver tray on the table. “Now where is my notebook?”
Bernadette slowly dragged in behind her, upset that she didn’t get to serve the girls.
Each girl picked up a delicate flowered teacup and a cookie.
“This tea is delicious!” Skye said as she sipped her tea.
“Wow, who made the cookies? They’re so buttery,” Cassie commented as she munched on one.
“Oh, our maid bakes every Friday and she’s very good. Mother just loves her cooking.”
Bernadette sat down with a cup of tea, holding up her little pinky. “I must teach you girls the correct way to handle a tea cup.”
Rose ran back to her couch and found her book. “Now then,” Rose said, opening her book, and sitting back down. “Now, let’s try this again. What about Billy Simpson? Is he still as amazingly handsome as I remember?”
Both girls gave Rose a confused look, as the tinkle of a bell could be heard in the distance.
“No, Mother, not now,” Rose said in a low voice, as a look of disappointment covered her face.
The bell stopped. “Shhh,” Rose whispered as she put her finger up to her lips. “Maybe she’ll go back to sleep.”
Bernadette sat down next to Cassie. “Mother needs you, Rose.”
The bell sounded again.
“You go for me this time, dear Bernadette. I promise I’ll go the next three times for you.”
Bernadette pursed her lips and rolled her eyes . . . contemplating the offer. “Nope, it’s your turn. You should have been a lot nicer to me.”
Next, a cowbell rang out.
“Now you’ve done it,” Bernadette smiled ruefully. “You girls better leave now, before mother finds out we have guests.”
Cassie and Skye stared at one another.
“Hurry . . . hurry!” Bernadette pleaded, rattling her beads. “She’ll skin us alive.”
Skye and Cassie didn’t have to be told twice. They jumped up and ran through the parlor to the front door. Rose was close behind.
“Please come back sometime during the week after 2:00 p.m., when our maid is here. We can go into the library and talk. We really do have a lot of questions for you. Don’t stay away, now. We really loved talking to you.”
The girls went down the porch steps laughing.
“Well, Skye, part of the Baker sisters’ mystery is solved. One’s a flower child and the other is a would-be Jackie Kennedy!”
“I know. I was really surprised at them . . . and their house! But I kind of feel sorry for them. Cassie, we’ve got to make it our goal to get them out of that house!”
“Yeah, okay, just one of our goals. Come on, I can’t wait to talk to Mrs. Keaton!”
The Last Days of Freedom
October was only one day away and seemed to have arrived sooner than Cassie had expected. She was a little apprehensive, but was up early helping Mrs. Keaton with breakfast. Both were laughing about Cassie’s encounter with the Baker sisters.
“I’m so sorry, Cassie, I haven’t had time to warn you about Bernadette Baker and her sister. They are well known in this town for their unusual outlook on life.” Marion walked over to the table and put down a platter of fried eggs and bacon.
“It was really a little weird at first,” Cassie related, “but they seem like really nice ladies. I kind of feel sorry for them. Don’t they ever go out?”
“Oh, no, the Baker sisters haven’t gone outside since they were young women. Their mother, Wilhelmina Clyde Baker, has frightened them to death about getting caught by some commoner. You see; the Baker family was once the most powerful and wealthy family in Parkerville. They owned most of the retail stores, and Randall Baker, Wilhelmina’s husband, was president of the Marshall City National Bank and Trust. No one in this town was good enough for the Baker sisters to marry.”
“So why did they keep them in Parkerville? Why didn’t they just send their daughters off to an expensive college back east to meet someone rich?” Cassie began to laugh as she took a seat at the table. “I can’t tell you how many girls in my school were making those plans.”
Well, they couldn’t do that, since she, wanted to control who they married. It didn’t have anything to do with money; really, it had to do with family names. The sisters kept falling in love with the wrong men. Their mother had to finally lock them up in that big house and frighten the girls enough to keep them in there. With all their money and property, you would think they would want their daughters to be happy.”
“Yeah, you would think,” Cassie, agreed a little sarcastic. “But one thing is for sure . . . they’re scared to death of their mother. She was ringing this bell for them and they both acted like they were going to jump out of their skin. Neither one wanted to go help her.”
“I know what you mean. I visit them occasionally and can see the fear in their eyes when that bell starts. Everyone in town knows Wilhelmina is a tyrant. Those poor dears can’t sneeze without her permission.”
“I think Skye and I will have to get those ladies out of that house. Wilhelmina will just have to lay there and ring her stupid cow bell.”
Marion sat down next to Cassie at the table. “After the stock market crashed, Randall suffered a massive heart attack. Their eldest daughter, Lila, went with him in the ambulance to the hospital. There was a terrible accident and neither Randall nor Lila was ever seen again.”
“Oh, that’s terrible!”
“So, Cassie, I think it would be best not to anger Wilhelmina. She has never really recovered and it’s been over 40 years.
“I didn’t know there was an older daughter. What a shame. Do you think they died or just ran away?”
Marion stared at Cassie for a moment, not knowing what to say, with her eyes wide. “My…you’re extremely perceptive. However, we’re not really supposed to discuss it,” Marion f
inally whispered.
“Cassie,” Geri sang out as she walked through the door. “Can I walk with you to school today? Amy wasn’t feeling well last night and I don’t think she’s going, and I don’t want to walk by myself.”
“Sure, sweetie,” Cassie said as she gave Marion a quizzical look.
Marion stood up and went to the counter to get the coffee pot. Justin and Chris came in and took their seats. Everyone started talking about the new shows starting on TV that week.
Cassie kept looking over at Marion, but couldn’t catch her eye. It seemed as though Marion was avoiding her. She felt a little stir of excitement, as she wondered if there might be a little mystery here to explore.
“I cannot wait to see The Wild Wild West and Hogan’s Heroes on Friday night. The previews look really cool,” Chris said, as he gazed over at his dad.
“Oh no, you don’t,” chimed in Geri. I’m not missing The Addams Family for some stupid western or army show.”
“They’re not stupid, stupid; they’re going to be great. Your shows are the lame ones,” Chris countered.
“Okay, you guys stop the fighting,” Justin interrupted. “And, Chris, your sister’s name is Geri, not Stupid. You got that?”
“Yeah, Dad, I’m sorry. It’s just that she always gets to watch what she wants on the big TV.”
“Well, Chris,” Cassie added, a little provocatively, “You and I could always go into the den and watch those shows. They look really cool to me, too.”
Chris smiled broadly. “Oh, yeah, that’s a great idea. I mean . . . I really shouldn’t be so hard on the squirt. She should have the big room, and like you said, we can go to the den. That would solve a lot of our problems.”
Marion dropped a cup into the sink and let out a sigh. “Okay, kids, it’s getting late. Don’t you think you should get going?”
Cassie and Geri gathered their things and walked to school together. It seemed odd to Cassie that the junior and senior high schools were in the same building. But then, everything in this town seemed a little odd.
“So, how do you like junior high, Geri? I know I couldn’t wait to get out of elementary school when I was your age.”
“Oh, it’s great! Positively great! Its fun walking through the halls and having more than one teacher, and I also get to meet a lot of kids I never knew before. You know the farm kids are mostly home-schooled through sixth grade, or go to the little elementary school a few miles in the next county, so you don’t really get to know them.”
“Really, I didn’t know that.”
“Yeah, a lot of the town kids make fun of them, since they wear a lot of homemade clothes and aren’t as advanced as we are. And, not all the farmers are linked to our town, you know. Some of them were asked to come here to farm the land. Most of the town kids think they’re just slow, but I don’t think so, I think they just have to catch up a little.”
“That’s a great attitude, Geri. I’m proud of you. Do you think you might make some new friends?”
“I don’t know. I’d like to, but . . . well . . . you know how hard that would be. I don’t want to lose the friends I’ve already got.”
“I know, Geri, but just being nice to someone, who’s just a little different, shouldn’t be that hard to do. Who knows, you might just change how some people think around here.”
“Yeah, like that would ever happen.”
As the girls walk on, Amy came running up behind them.
“Hey, you guys, wait up. Mom got rid of my fever and didn’t want me to miss school today.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? Shouldn’t you stay home, just in case your fever comes back?” Cassie asked, as she gave Amy a half smile. A feeling of melancholy was starting to consume her and she didn’t really want the younger girls to chatter all the way to school.
“No, silly, I’m fine. Once you zap a fever, it stays zapped and it doesn’t come back.”
“That’s great, Amy,” Cassie said, only half listening. “Maybe you two should run ahead.”
“What’s wrong, Cassie?” Geri asked, as she shared a smile with Amy. “Are you worried you only have three more days of freedom left?”
“Why, no, Geri, I’m just happy as a lark to be living here in the dark ages.”
“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” Amy piped in. “My sister, Abby, had a great time with the Chase. Well, at least up until the time she got caught, that is.”
“Very funny, but I know your sister and her boyfriend planned their little catch. Are you forgetting who I live with? Little Miss Smarty-Pants here tells me everything about everybody.”
“Oh, yeah, I almost forgot you live with Geri the mouth.”
“Hey, watch it,” Geri countered. “At least it’s better than being Amy the hideous . . . toad?”
“Toad? Who are you calling a toad?” Amy yelled as she pushed Geri and started to run ahead. “See ya, Geri the gigantic mouth!”
Geri took off after her, and the two young girls pushed and laughed at each other as they ran down Rose Street toward the town square.
Cassie was happy to walk alone for a while, grateful for the peace and quiet.
“Hold up, darlin’.”
Cassie stopped and turned around to see Joshua pulling up behind her on a bike.
“Where are you going so early this morning?” Cassie smiled, trying not to look too excited at seeing him.
“I’ve gotta open up the feed store for Mr. Marshall this morning’.” Joshua hopped off his bike. “His wife called and said he’s real sick. He must have picked up some bug, while he was in the city last week. He needs to check in at the clinic this morning.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I didn’t know you worked for Mr. Marshall.”
“Yeah, I usually work part-time, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but my dad said he’d get Uncle Bill and Billy Jr. to help out with the farm, so I could work at the feed store full-time. You know, we gotta have a feed store running or the farms will get in trouble.”
“Well, that certainly says a lot about you, if it takes two men to replace you on the farm.”
“What can I say? I believe a man is judged by the kind of work he does and the type of life he chooses to live. I work hard and I live honest. There’s not many men like me around, and darlin’, you deserve the very best.”
Cassie blushed and smiled back at him. “Oh, Joshua, you’re so sweet, I’m going to have to be extremely careful around you.”
“Why? You don’t think I’d try to take advantage of you . . . do you?”
“No, of course not, but I do think you would take advantage of this barbaric Chase, if I ever make any mistakes.”
“Well, heck yeah, I never said I was stupid.”
***
Skye and Carol Jean watched as Geri and Amy went running by.
“Is Cassie coming today?” Skye yelled after them.
“Yeah, she’s coming,” Geri yelled back. “But she’s in a terrible mood.”
Skye walked around the fountain to look down Pansy Lane. She could see Cassie and Joshua slowly making their way toward her, laughing and joking around.
“Bad mood my foot,” Skye said as she put her hands on her hips and shouted, “Excuse me, but we’re going to be late.”
“Oh, gosh, I’ve got to run.” Cassie took off running toward Skye.
“But . . . wait!” Joshua tried to get her attention. “I wanted to ask you out.”
“Call me,” Cassie yelled back, as she waved goodbye.
“Great! Someone’s always interrupting.” Joshua sighed as he got back on his bike and turned down Miller Lane.
“So . . . what was that all about?” Skye asked, impatiently tapping her foot.
“Oh, nothing, Joshua has to open the feed store this morning and he just stopped to talk to me.” Cassie gave Skye a cunning little smile. “I wonder if they sell anything in there the Keaton’s might want me to pick up after schoo
l.”
“It sounds to me like you already know what you want to pick up.” Carol Jean added with a laugh.
“I’m sorry, girls, but he is just too cute,” Cassie smiled. “I get all nervous and tingly when I’m around him.”
Well, honey, you’ll be more than tingly sitting in a dirty kitchen with six crying kids, if you don’t watch your step. Hasn’t anyone warned you about those farm boys?” Carol Jean scolded. “They’re sweet as candy, until you get married to one of them.”
“Yeah, I know, Carol Jean, I hear that same speech just about every day of my life. I don’t want to get married . . . I’m just having fun. Can’t people see that! Why can’t we just date and have fun. Why does everything have to be so serious?”
“Well, it is serious,” Skye, said. “There is nothing romantic about being married, pregnant, and no money for food. Believe me, I know, I’ve seen what it’s like to marry young and start a family. I’ve seen it too many times in Bright Springs. We have to take care of each other and make sure we don’t do anything foolish, which would jeopardize our freedom. If any of us gets into trouble, we have to promise to do whatever we can to help”
The girls hurried down School House Lane and entered the high school, just as the first bell was ringing.
“Oh, no, if I get sent to the office one more time . . . I’m going to get detention,” Cassie cried as she ran down the hall to her homeroom.
“Gee, Cassie doesn’t seem like a trouble-maker to me. Why is she always in the office?”
“Oh, come on, Carol Jean, haven’t you noticed the length of her skirts? She’s just begging for detention.”
***
There were already three trucks parked in front of the feed store when Joshua finally rode up. He got off his bike and tried to put the kickstand down, but it was rusted in the up position. He kicked it a few more times, but finally gave up and leaned it against the side of the store. The men got out of their trucks laughing and teasing him.
“That sure is one sorry piece of transportation you got there, Josh. It’s no wonder you didn’t get here on time.”
“Sorry, Mr. Bailey, but no one’s ridden this bike in about five years. It belonged to my brother, Matt, and he didn’t take care of it, but it was the fastest way I could get here. Tomorrow will be a different story . . . I promise. I’ll get her all fixed up tonight and get here bright and early in the morning.”
“That’s okay, son, we’re just pickin’ at ya.” Mr. Hardy slapped Joshua across the back, nearly knocking him down. “If it were one of my boys openin’ up, we’d be waitin’ here ‘til noon.”
Joshua opened the door and walked over to the cash register. He’d never opened the store before and was a little nervous. He watched as the men walked into the back of the store, pushing their dollies, but his mind was on Cassie.
Joshua knew Cassie’s eligibility day was coming faster than he liked and a bolt of fear rushed through him. He’d never been this scared in his entire life.
“What will I do if someone else catches her?” He said softly, as he rubbed his face to try and get these thoughts out of his mind.
“You okay, son.” Mr. Bailey interrupted. “You look like you just lost your best friend.”
“Nope, not yet, and I don’t plan on it, either.”
***
Chris and Todd were riding the bus in silence. Chris had his head against the window as he watched the trees and houses rush by. Todd had his eyes closed and his head against the back of his seat.
“Oh, Lord! I just don’t think I’m going to be able to do this.”
“Do what?” Chris asked as he straightened up in his seat.
“Leaving Skye alone all day after Sunday evening and not going to be able to concentrate, or do anything but worry about her.”
“Oh, come on, Skye and Cassie are smart girls. They’re not going to do anything stupid. Besides, there’s not a lot we can do about it.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Todd lamented.
“Okay, let’s talk about this. First of all, if they’re together, Cassie would probably karate kick anyone who even got close to them.” Chris started to laugh, “Can’t you just see her placing one of those spinning back kicks in the side of Will or Freddie’s head. They’d never go near those girls again.”
Now Todd was laughing, “What do you think the Keepers will do to her, if she attempts to pulverize all the guys who try to catch her? I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone like her in town before.”
“Well, the rules say the guy has to take off her bracelet . . . let alone catch her and kiss her. I don’t know many guys who could match up with that little dynamo.”
“Yeah, me neither,” Todd agreed, his laughter beginning to fade. “But Skye isn’t like that. She’s soft and sweet . . . innocent and delicate. She wouldn’t hurt a fly if she could help it.”
“Oh, really? What about that temper she was throwing at Mac, the farm boy?”
That was different, she knows that guy. And I also remember . . . she let him kiss her.”
The bus stopped in front of the university and the young men reluctantly departed for class.
***
Justin tried to call Marion, but no one was home to pick up. He was taking his lunch break in his office and just wanted to talk. He was beginning to wonder if he made the right decision, bringing Cassie to Parkerville.
He pulled out an old letter he’d kept from his old friend, John. He opened it carefully and read it, as he had done so many times before.