Leaving Tracks Read online

  Hadley shook her head and her smile stayed in place. “I think it’s nice. Y’all should get started if you want to get all of this junk out before suppertime. It’s good to be around people that are comfortable with each other.”

  “She’s right on both accounts.” Wesley slung an arm over my shoulders as he returned from the back. “I’m pretty sure we can get the majority of this big stuff on Morgaine’s truck if we take it down in the right order.”

  Since Hadley couldn’t lift, let alone carry any of the heavy stuff, she sat in the window seat with her legs pulled up, so not to be in the way. She wasn’t physically in the way, but I felt her eyes every time I was in the room with her. I didn’t look at her in case I was being an idiot and she wasn’t looking at me.

  It didn’t take long to get most of the junk out and Wesley had been right about Avala. She not only brought her truck but Thierry too. Her truck was just as full as Morgaine’s by the time Thierry and Avala were carrying out the remaining stands.

  Hadley followed us down the stairs and tugged my arm as we came to the bottom. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”

  I glanced around and noted Avala was already outside with Thierry and Morgaine was still upstairs with Wesley doing a final run through. We were virtually alone already but she seemed to want a little more security than that.

  “Sure,” I stepped away from the door angling closer to the skating rink. “What’s up?”

  Hadley gestured with an arm to the skating rink. “I won’t be using the rink for the foreseeable future, but it shouldn’t just sit there.”

  I watched as pain and sorrow flickered through her eyes before it was shoved back but what replaced it still wasn’t happiness. It was a neutral almost apathetic emotion; she was trying to accept the situation and having a hard time with it. In her place, I would too.

  “Anyway,” Hadley continued after clearing her throat, “I want you to know any time you want to skate you can come over here and do it. The lake’s not really trustworthy and it’s not all year round anyway. So–” she faltered and swallowed again. “You’re welcome to skate here. Whenever you want.” The last few words came out in a rush almost as if she was ripping out a splinter.

  Without thinking about it, I bent my head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Thanks, Hadley.” I smiled trying to relieve some of her tension with it when I stepped back, “I really appreciate it.”

  Hadley

  It had been nice. I decided as I curled up on the lounge chair in front of the fireplace in the library. Wesley and North worked well together, and when Thierry came in with Avala, the brothers worked in a tandem that any synchronized skating team would envy.

  There was some tension between Thierry and North. I had seen it in North’s hesitation or resignation to his brother. I wondered what that was about but I wouldn’t ask. It was none of my business.

  North’s simple kiss had…disarmed me. It certainly hadn’t been expected, but it had been simple enough that it had come off comforting and understanding. I wasn’t sure how much he knew, but it still felt good someone had cared enough to try for comfort. My father certainly hadn’t and that was why I had made arrangements to come home anyway.

  I still wanted no part of being interested in him, but the easy manner he had with my sisters had softened my heart a little. He was a good person or they would not treat him the way they did. The Gratons were more than just neighbors to my sisters. They were family too. It was something I’d have to get used to.

  I yawned and studied the fire. Thanks to the Gratons, the apartment was empty. Someone from the tribe was coming tomorrow morning to bless the apartment and then furniture would be moved in. Avala had fretted some but I thought Morgaine had soothed most of her anxiety or it could have been a lot worse.

  “You’re supposed to fall asleep in bed.”

  I jerked awake, not realizing I had fallen asleep. Glory sat next me staring down. I sniffed and wrinkled my nose as her scent hit me.

  “It’s been a long day. You haven’t washed yet.” I accused and slightly shifted away. “You smell like wet dog.”

  “We’ve got some people coming in tomorrow to look at some of the younger dogs. I went through their commands this afternoon when you went for your walk and I think they’re doing fine. Ma made the right decision when she decided to be a registered breeder for Danes and Belgians. Smart as retrievers they are.” Glory answered smiling. “I tried to talk Avala into letting me go to the school within the community but she’s not having it. Based on the township lines etcetera, I’ll be going to the high school in Browns Valley.”

  “North’s younger brother Rhett will probably be going to school there too if you are; Wesley mentioned he was in high school. Since I think North is around my age, I would guess Rhett is a junior or senior in high school.” I provided, “You won’t be alone. And perhaps if you ask nicely, and if Rhett drives himself, maybe you can car pool.”

  Glory shrugged. “I’m graduating early anyway. I know Avala’s against it, but I can’t see the point when I’m a head of the game anyway.”

  “That’s up to you of course.” I yawned. “The only thing I’d like to express is that you do try and pick out a career future for college.”

  “I’m thinking veterinary science and taking extra courses for dog training, though I do already have several certificates.” Glory smiled and stood, holding out her hands. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

  “Yeah, got a long day tomorrow.” I took my sister’s hands and stood. “I need to figure out what I’m going to do and I’m hoping to catch Ma before she leaves for work.”

  Glory’s hands clenched around mine for a second and her smile faltered for half a second. “Well, even if you don’t, I’m sure Avala or Morgaine would be more than happy to help you with whatever.”

  I tilted my head and studied Glory. She had never kept secrets before, but something felt off. When Glory stared back and raised a brow, I dismissed the strange behavior as fatigue on my part. I was over analyzing.

  Even without an alarm set, I rolled over, wide awake at five am. I had a couple of choices. I could try and go back to sleep. It probably wouldn’t work but I could try, or I should just get out of bed and start my day. I snuggled under the covers a moment longer before sighing and climbing out of bed.

  Washing wasn’t as much of a chore as it had been when I had first woken from the medically induced coma. The waterproof leg I had purchased just for that act allowed me to stand instead of sit in that granny seat that always made me feel old and broken. I made a mental note that it needed cleaned tomorrow; I did that every Sunday.

  I yawned through the rest of my shower and wondered briefly if I’d be able to use Avala’s coffee pot. As hot water pounded over my tired skin, I mentally went through the day’s plan. I’d gotten used to living one day at a time. It prevented me from spiraling into depression and madness. But it was time, wasn’t it, to look a little into the future. Not just live day by day.

  The Gratons weren’t scheduled until two, but the man from the Community should arrive in a couple of hours. Avala and Morgaine wouldn’t rise for another hour at least. Glory wouldn’t rise until she was rolled out of bed. Mornings weren’t her friends. For the moment, I was alone in the waking world.

  With that thought in mind, I nearly screamed when I stepped into the kitchen and Avala came up behind me.

  “Good morning.” Avala chuckled quietly when I jumped and clutched at my chest.

  “A knife would be kinder.” I murmured as I leaned heavily against the counter.

  “I wasn’t expecting you to be up so early.” Avala studied my face a moment. “You could use more sleep.” Avala rolled her shoulders as she moved through the kitchen in her familiar habit. “I should have thought it considering, but… Well, it doesn’t matter. There should be coffee in the pot already. Morgaine and Glory were up earlier; one of the dogs went into labor.”

  “Oh,” I poured a cup of coffee an
d then hesitated. “Should I take them some coffee?”

  Avala looked thoughtful for a moment then shook her head. “No, they should be in for breakfast. The last I knew eight of the assumed ten pups were already birthed.”

  “Dane or Belgian?” I asked sipping my cup and sitting at the bar to watch my sister.

  “Dane,” Avala began gathering items for breakfast. “How do you want your eggs?”

  “In waffles.” I grinned when Avala shook her head and turned on the waffle iron.

  “Still your favorite breakfast food I see,” Avala easily diced potatoes while dumping items in the mixer for the waffle batter. She made the kitchen work seem effortless.

  “I can cook a little,” I stated slowly, “if you’d like to take a break once and a while. And I was thinking that maybe you could teach me a little. After, well, after Boston, I started clipping recipes and stuff so I could depend on myself. I’m pretty good with a lasagna. Glory always makes a pig of herself when I make it. So I think it’s good.”

  “You’re more than welcome to watch, and I have a recipe box myself. It’s sitting there,” she gestured with the spoon she was using to turn the potatoes. “Most of what I cook is there. I’ve just done it so often I don’t need the recipes anymore. I’d be more than happy to try your lasagna. It’s one of Morgaine’s favorite dishes as well.”

  I followed the spoon to a stack of index card boxes on the counter. “Can I try to make one, maybe once a week?”

  Avala shrugged. “I don’t see why not. I usually go out to the greenhouses to get what I need, so you should ask Morgaine to show you what’s what. The plants are her babies.”

  “Sure. I still remember a little.”

  The knock on the door startled me enough that I jumped again. “I must not be awake yet.” I muttered to myself.

  “Can you get that?” Avala glanced at the clock. “He’s early but that’s not unusual.”

  “Sure,” I slid off my stool and went to the door.

  “Little Rabbit,” the weathered leather face smiled serenely, “I knew I would see you again. The Great Spirit deemed it so.”

  My smile was wide and generous, “Mahkah, it is good to see you. Come on in. We have coffee and we’re about to have waffles.”

  He still looked as my childhood memory rendered him. His long hair was braided and though now accented with some gray, still held onto the dense black of the tribe. There may have been more wrinkles in his face but it accented rather than flawed. Even in simple jeans, boots, and a tanned jacket, he looked, and felt, respected and wise. I could almost feel the strength coming off of him. It made me want to hug and hold on, like I had as a child–in hope that some of the strength would be absorbed by me.

  “You have not changed. Ehawee has given me a gift to give you. She says only that you need it.” Mahkah replied stepping into the house and walking through to the kitchen. “I have a gift for Quiet Mouse too but that is from Mapiya.” His daughters, I knew. I remembered them both vaguely from times I went with Ma to the community and got to play with the other kids.

  Mahkah settled himself on a stool next to mine. “You’re phone message wasn’t very clear, Avala. You ask to have an apartment cleansed?”

  “The place in the skating rink,” I told him. “The apartment above the offices.”

  “The land was cleansed before the ground was broken. No evil can inhabit there.” Mahkah commented and automatically doctored the coffee Avala set in front of him.

  “It doesn’t feel healthy,” Avala replied and set a plate of potatoes and scrambled eggs in front of Mahkah. “It feels angry and well, heavy.” Avala set another plate in front of me, complete with waffles.

  Mahkah contemplated silently while eating. When his plate was mostly clear, he leaned against the back of the stool and sipped his coffee. “Bad energy can be just as harmful as bad spirits. I will take a look.”

  The front door opened and closed and feet could be heard jogging up the stairs. “Going to clean up!” Glory shouted.

  “I will give you Ehawee’s gift now,” Mahkah reached into the satchel he had slung cross wise over his shoulders. He pulled a wrapped leather pouch out and handed it to me. “Only you should touch it. Wear it always. It will survive water and soap for washing but like Morgaine and Avala, if you chose you can take it off to wash as long as you remember to put it back on.”

  Curiously, I unwrapped the treated cloth. Folded neatly in the center was a necklace. There was a stone in the center that reminded me of ice–white with blue streaks and an occasional blue speck. Dropping down from the center stone was a white stone carved in the shape of a rabbit. There were long stones–could have been bones–in four strands coming out at the center with small spacers between the long white stones. There was something that could have been claw or tooth hanging down from the spacers. Four strands shrunk to three then to two then to one where it tied around the neck. Small spacer beads hung on the end of the tying strings. It was beautiful. I knew each of the stones had some significance as did each of the symbols that hung from it, but I didn’t know what they were.

  I lifted it out to study it closer before tying it on. “Thank you.”

  “I will let Ehawee know you wear her gift.” Mahkah nodded studying the necklace without touching it.

  “Mahkah, welcome.” Morgaine came into the room and kissed his cheek before making her own plate.

  Glory walked behind her and studied the old man but said nothing as she made her plate.

  “The Quiet Mouse does not remember me.” Mahkah chuckled. “It has been a long time since we’ve seen each other. Mapiya sends a gift. You will not remember her either I think but she insists on giving you a gift.” He reached into his satchel again and pulled out another wrapped package. “Only you may touch and only you should wear it.”

  It wasn’t a necklace but a pair of intricate metal cuff bracelets. One to be worn on each arm. Glory stroked a finger over the colorful mosaic pattern created by the stones before sliding them in place. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

  Mahkah nodded. “They will be good for your spirit. It will help tame the anger and hate that poisons you.”

  Glory blinked in surprise at him but said nothing. She only studied the bracelets again and nodded to herself.

  “Now, that that’s been completed, let’s see this unhealthy space you speak of.” Mahkah stood from the bar.

  “I’ll take him over,” I jumped up glad to be able to do something. “You should finish breakfast, and Avala hasn’t eaten yet.”

  North

  There were times I hated having brothers. And there were times, like this one, when I thought having brothers was certainly useful, but still annoying. And though I didn’t have any sisters, I imagined if I did, I’d probably feel the same way.

  Rhett had complained from the time he got home all through attempting to load the truck. He had just gotten home; he was tired. There were three of us why did we need him?

  I had primarily ignored him. Rhett wasn’t complaining loud enough, yet, for Thierry to hear and he probably wouldn’t. But Wesley was nearly as formidable as Thierry when it came to scolding's. I just waited for it.

  “I just got home. There are three of you. You don’t need me.” Rhett trudged down the stairs into the basement storage for the next load. It was a sentiment he had repeated in variation for the last half an hour with little response from Wesley or I. We were mostly used to his bitching.

  We had already carried out the fainting couch and two of the chairs. The ends tables, the sofa, and the coffee table were all that was left. Rhett sat on the coffee table only to have Wesley smack him in the back of his head.

  “That is a table not a chair. I know Ma taught you the difference.” Wesley began. “Stop your bitching. Those women put food in your mouth and the mouth of your horses. They barely ask for anything in return so when they do need something it’s only polite to reciprocate. The more you bitch the longer this will take.”

&
nbsp; “I still don’t see what the b.f.d. is. Hell, you and North can get this stuff no problem.” Rhett clomped over to an end table. “Even the women folk can lift and carry this shit around.”

  “She doesn’t have a real fucking leg,” I growled and shot Rhett a dirty look. I had reached my limit if Wesley hadn’t and I wasn’t listening to his shit anymore. “I imagine Hadley would love to carry her stuff up and down the stairs her damn self, but she can’t. Her right leg isn’t real. So shut your fucking mouth and be grateful you still have the ability to move furniture around. And if I hear one damn complaint from you in her presence that could even marginally upset her; I’ll beat you bloody.” I picked up the opposite end table and stormed up the stairs, disgusted with my brother. I heard Rhett’s quiet “shit” before I made it all the way up.

  Rhett, wisely, kept his mouth shut the rest of the time as we pulled the remaining items up from the basement. Thierry had stayed topside to organize and cover the furniture properly as it was loaded on to the truck. When it was done we had a nicely, tightly packed truck with furniture covered properly so nothing would ding or scratch.

  I sat in the back with the furniture as my brothers crammed into the cab. Usually I’d fight for my place in the middle but I wanted the air. I needed to cool off before seeing Hadley. I didn’t want her to know I was upset. My problems were fractional in comparison.

  Morgaine and the other sister I’d yet to meet stood at the side door when the truck pulled in. I smiled at them both as I hopped down. Then stepped aside and allowed Thierry to unlatch and begin uncovering the furniture.

  “I’m North.” I held out my hand to the seemingly quieter version of Hadley.

  “Glory.” Glory shook my hand briskly then gestured to the truck. “Morgaine and I can carry some of the lighter stuff to help y’all out. Hadley and Avala are upstairs putting together the bedroom furniture we brought in.”