Black Adagio (16 page)

“You can't leave! You can't! You need to rest!” Brandi sniffed, trying to catch the girl that slipped out the door.

Spinning around, Melissa confronted her in the long narrow passageway.

“Don't you fucking tell me what I can and cannot do, you stupid bitch!”

“Melissa, please! Please come back! We need to talk about this! I didn't want anything to happen! I just thought that ...”

“You never think, that's the problem! You have stuffing for brains!”

“I can understand why you're angry, but I didn't do anything! I didn't do what you said!”

“I HATE YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME? I SAID I HATE YOU AND WISH YOU WERE DEAD! NOW SHUT THE FUCK UP BEFORE I DO THE WORLD A FAVOR AND GET RID OF YOU MYSELF!” 

Seeing the shock register on Brandi's face was the trigger Melissa needed to put the brakes on her torrent of hateful words. The click of locks and creaking of hinges told her some had opened their doors to investigate the heated exchange. Let them see. Let them hear. She didn't care. It wasn't against the law to get mad and she had every right to be furious. She didn't care what that fucking numbskull had to say.

Sneaking into the annex, she crept up the stairs and past the office where she’d made the phone call home. Successfully reaching her destination, once in the empty studio, she threw her belongings on the floor. Turning up the heat, she flung herself next to her bag. Taking out her pillow, she wrapped her comforter around her.

Uncontrollably weeping, she had a lot to think over—most especially the man she had seen dancing in the woods. Seeming so real, she tried to separate fantasy from reality. Wondering why she hadn't told Todd about him, there was no rationale. Debating whether she should, the young police officer seemed like a genuinely nice guy. Positive that he’d listen to her, he wasn't like certain spoiled, rich little assholes that got their way by using their parent's money.

Her tears subsided. Brushing them away with her sleeve, her eyelids were already closing. She was so tired. Not wanting any dinner, she just wanted to sleep ... and have a nice, long talk with Todd … tomorrow.

Chapter
Sixteen

The first rays of dawn broke through the window dappling Melissa's face with a splatter of light. Although the wake-up call was softer than a kitten's purr, it struck an alarm in her. It meant that she’d spent the entire night in the studio. The first time that she'd ever done that, despite the enormity of the argument, she'd intended to sneak back to her room after Brandi was asleep.

Hurriedly collecting her belongings, she dashed down the stairs and across the lawn. Slipping through the back door, she made it up to the third floor without being seen. Ducking back into the stairwell to avoid two dancers walking to the communal bathroom for their morning shower, the minute they disappeared, she ran full force down the hall. Key in hand, she first tried the door, finding it open. Bracing for the inevitable confrontation, she found the room empty.

Brandi’s bed was made; a note pinned to the pillow. Assuming that it was left for her, her roomie had probably left early to avoid contact. Goddamn her for not being able to resist writing down a few choice words. 

Missy dropped everything on her bed. Kicking off her boots she sat for a moment debating on whether she wanted to read anything that little bitch had to say. Probably another weak denial of any wrongdoing in divulging Missy's secret, she hoped she hadn’t tried flipping the script. Last night would be nothing compared to what she'd say if she saw even one word about how it was Missy causing problems for poor little Zoe.

Rubbing her eyes, she took down her hair. Brushing it a few times before satisfied that all tangles were removed, she stared at her reflection. Steadying herself, she was as ready as she was ever going to be. Marching over to the pillow, she discovered that she'd been wrong. The message was for the school.

Dear Madam Velofsky -

Thanks so much for the great opportunity, but I've decided dancing isn't

for me so I'm going home.

Bye,

Brandi

Not comprehending how this could be possible, Brandi loved dancing more than anything and was super excited about the upcoming performances. She’d never throw that out the window, but she had.

Slumping on her bed, she was now about ten times angrier with Brandi than last night. She hated the fact that Brandi had just tossed away what she would give her eye teeth to achieve, and for what? Capricious youth? God, how she hated her, but was she really gone?

Having serious doubts that her roommate would be that dumb, she pushed herself up, checking the dresser drawers that should have been chockfull of expensive dance clothing. Pulling out the first one, it was empty
.
The second.
Empty
. The third.
Empty
. All her roommate’s drawers emptied, the closet space was as well. Even the top of the bureau was cleared of Brandi's toiletries. Not stopping to figure out why she didn't notice that when she walked in, people saw what they expected to see, and not necessarily what was there.

Giving herself a minute to collect her thoughts, there was just one thing left to do, and that was bring the letter down to the office. After all, Madam Velofsky was the true recipient and not her. She was only the messenger.

Leaving the note where it was, she decided to shower first and then make a phone call. Not all bad, with Brandi gone, she was now off the hook about where she was all night. And the prospect of having the room all to herself sweetened the pot, in spite of the tumultuous start, things were working out okay.

Chapter
Seventeen

“Hey, sweetie! How are you doing?”

Greeting the next customer, Bonnie was happy to see the young dancer. Taking an instant liking to her, there was a sadness about her that brought out the waitress’ protective side.  

“Will it just be you, Melissa?”

“Hi, and no, I'm actually meeting somebody,” she responded, surprised that anyone remembered her name.

“Well, then sit right down and take a load off. Although in your case, it's not that much of one! Nothing like the one I get to haul around all day,” she joked, patting the hips that had way more padding than the lithe creature in front of her.

“Oh, stop! You look fine!” Melissa snapped, dismissive of the claim. Putting her parka on the hook, she stroked her arms rapidly. Growing even colder, winter was in the air—no doubt about that.

She sat down at the same booth she had used the previous night, glancing casually out the window for Todd. Not able to rely on any of her friends to give good counsel, she needed to talk to someone about what had happened in the woods. She’d needed somebody exactly like him in her life. Supportive and kind, he wouldn’t divulge things that she didn’t want repeated.

“You want a menu, sweetie? Or do you want to wait for your friend?”

“Actually,” Missy said, looking around the empty restaurant. “I'd like to talk with you. Can you sit down for a minute? I don't want to get you in any trouble or anything.”

Bonnie looked over at the hulking, t-shirted man at the grill.

“I'm taking five, Manny,” she yelled, easing in next to Melissa. Kicking off her shoes, she relaxed against the padded back of the booth. “God, this feels good. Caught me at a good time. After school crowd just cleared out, and the dinner crowd hasn't descended. I haven’t had a break all afternoon. Oh, and before I forget, we’re now serving those frou-frou latte drinks. Then there's this hot chocolate with peppermint that Manny serves at holiday time. It’ll knock your socks off. Now what's on your mind, hon?”

“I was just wondering about how long have you lived in Holybrook?”

“My whole life. That would be all of forty-two years. Oh, hey! Is this just an elaborate scheme to wiggle my age out of me? It's a state secret, you know!” she teased, her eyes crinkling from her engaging grin.

“No, I definitely don’t have any subversive agenda. I was just curious if you ever heard of a girl named Barbara Moore.” A flash of recognition flared in Bonita's light brown eyes. The waitress’ body stiffened, as she sat forward, her arms on the table. “She was supposed to have ...”

“Disappeared. Yeah, yeah, I know, honey. I'm just surprised that you do. Second time this week somebody asked me about her.”

Zoe. She was talking about Zoe.

“Somebody from my school?”

“Think so. Didn't think to ask. I just assumed.”

“And what did you say?”

“Same thing I'm telling you. That she left with her boyfriend. That’s it. From what I understand, she wasn't happy in Holybrook. She's not the first kid that’s left a small city in search of bright lights. Add in young love, and you got somebody that's going to hightail it out of here in hopes of starting a new life.”

“So there wasn't a cult?”

Bonnie shook her head, massaging her eyes. Stopping, she fixed the salt and pepper shakers as she talked.

“Yup, you're asking exactly the same questions! Nope, it wasn't a cult. They were kids that wanted to add a little excitement to their dull lives. I hate to say this, but I dated a member of that ‘
cult’
. Actually, they had a lot in common with Barbara, didn't they?”

“Then they didn't worship the Devil?”

Bonnie laughed, an edginess attesting to the fact she was being put on the spot.

“I don't know about that. I hear they did wear skulls and they sure talked a good game. Whether it went that far, I really don't know, sweetie. Think it was more that they were exploring the dark side. None of them so much as jaywalked as far as I know. And they all grew up to be accountants, and doctors, and diner owners,” she said nodding towards Manny. “That's one of your cult members right now. Grilling up a hamburger for his empty stomach. He works harder than anyone in this town. Pays taxes and is a good citizen. Can't see where he'd be like that if he really were worshipping Satan.”

“I see,” Missy said, putting the pieces in place. Zoe had come here and found out the basic facts. Wrapping the bare bones in a whopper of a story, it was mostly fantasy.

“Well, I gotta cut this short. See that unruly bunch crossing the street? They’re heading here—the same as they do every night. They're good customers, and Manny would not appreciate me ignoring them to chew the fat with you. No offense or anything. Say, who's the person you're waiting for?”

“Todd … Cavanaugh.”

“Oh, honey! Todd Cavanaugh is just a doll baby, he is! Knew him since he was this high. I thought I saw him giving you the old eagle eye, but didn't know if he was interested in you or had seen your face on a Wanted poster.”

The bell tinkling, the man herd stampeded in.

“Hey Bonnie, Manny! What? You don't have our vittles served yet?”

“Yeah, wise guy. You want the Psychic Manny's Diner. That would be down the street and to the left!” Bonita turned to Melissa, keeping her voice low. “You could do a lot worse than get involved with that one. Everybody in town loves him. And he's easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean.”

“I do. And thanks for talking to me. Oh, and telling me about the other girl asking questions. It helps a lot.”

“Sorry, sweetie, but when did I say it was a girl that was asking questions?”

“You mean, it wasn't? Thin, dark-haired with light blue eyes?”

“Nope, it was a guy. Actually, he looked a bit like my ex. Dated him in high school. God, Derrick was cute! Almost as cute as Todd,” she winked. 

“Bonnie! You gonna take our orders, or just let us starve to death?”

“By the look of your gut, that'd take a few years! Now hold up and give me a minute or I'll come over there and marry you. That should shut you up!”

The man groaned, throwing his arms up towards heaven.

“Anything but that! Please!” he prayed, his buddies laughing uproariously as they hummed the
Wedding March
.

Missy spotted Todd crossing the street. Casually dressed in a pair of jeans and a thermal jacket, he was carrying a bouquet of flowers. Her heart melted. No one had ever bought her flowers before. Entering, an ear-to-ear smile was splashed over his boyish face. Acknowledging Bonnie, the waitress caught Missy’s eye, mouthing,
“He's a keeper
.”

Unzipping his jacket, he slid into the booth next to her.

“These are for you.”

Taking the handful of daisies, she thanked him by planting a kiss on his cheek. The five men at the counter oohed, causing Todd to blush. He scratched the side of his face, “Guess I'm being razzed. I've got to say I don't care.” He touched her hand. “I was happy you called, Missy.”

“I'm glad. I should have before but ...”

“Yeah, ballet before boys. I get it.”

“Now for the important question, do you really have a thing for dancers?” she asked, wrinkling her nose in mock disgust.

“Who told you that?”

“Your dad,” she said smiling, and putting her chin in the palm of her hand. Her elbow rested on the table, her eyes half-closing in feigned disdain.

“Oh, him again!” he joked. Tugging off his jacket, he placed it on the hook to the side. Tucking his shirt in his waistband, he sat back down. “That man does talk too much. What else did he say?”

“Absolutely nothing,” she teased, playing with her ponytail.

“Good!”

“It's just I need to know these things. I mean, what if you're one of those awful men who just date the same kind of girl over and over again. It would mean that I'm just one more dance student that got caught up in your mad obsession. I might even end up in your basement with the other girls you keep there to dance only for you!”

“So that's what you think of me? And it's all cause of my dear old dad, huh? I'll have to thank the old man when I see him.”

“You need these?” Bonnie interrupted, holding up two menus.

Todd took one in his hand, “I think we'll only need this. Okay?”

“I'll say!” she retorted, rushing over to greet more customers.

He held the menu, making Melissa lean in to read it. He placed his other hand over hers.

“The old menu trick?” she quipped, eyeing him suspiciously. “I'll have to watch out for you.”

“Not as much as I'll be watching you. You look nice, Melissa. Fresh. Just like those daisies.”

“Thank you, I think,” she said putting the sweet bouquet down to the side. “It was nice of you to do that.”

“I'm glad you like them.”

“You two gonna order or what?” Bonnie asked, standing ready to write down their choices.

“I'll have the tuna melt and that hot chocolate and peppermint you mentioned.”

“And I'll have the grilled chicken on whole wheat,” he said, handing the menu back. More customers entering, the noise was becoming raucous with good humor.

“I like it here,” Melissa said sipping some water.

“Yeah, Manny's has good people.”

“I was talking about Holybrook. There's a nice feel to your town.”

“Is it very different from where you live?”

“Yes. I was just never very comfortable there, but then ...”

What was she saying? It wasn’t her hometown that was the problem, it was her mother, but she wasn't ready to go there. Not with someone she’d just met.

“Then ...?” he asked politely, curious as to how she was going to end the sentence.

“Never mind. I really wanted to talk about something else.”

“Really? You mean my good looks aren’t the reason I’m here?”

“To be honest ... no,” she replied, becoming serious. “Look, I needed to talk, and you said that if I needed anything that ...”

He took his hand off hers, edging further away.

“Yeah, I know what I said and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed that you were calling because ...”

“Wait,” she interrupted, putting her hands up in the air. “This is coming out all wrong. It's not that I'm not interested in you, it's that I don't know yet.”

“I see. Look, you don't have to say these things if you don't mean them. I was way too forward and I ...”

“No, really you weren't. It's me. I've never had a boyfriend and ...”

“You're kidding, right?”

“No, I'm not. I've had a few dates, but nothing more. I, I'm just real careful about opening up to people is all. And, and, I don't know. With everything that’s happened ... I'm confused and ... a mess,” she confessed, her face tightening and fighting back tears.

“Melissa, you're anything but. And that was a real ordeal you went through. I doubt very many could have held up as well as you did. And if you're a little confused, it's understandable,” he said, catching a tear with a finger. “Now please, just relax. I won't press you. I promise. I'm just here to listen and help. No judgments. No criticism, okay?” he asked, staring into her hypnotic eyes.