Transcending Queen (5 page)

“Such customer service, no wonder I only see
the same guys here over and over!” I bawled out.

Tony held speechless until he decided to let
me have it, “Look, I’m here now, what do you want?”

“My food would be nice!”

“I’m cooking it!”

“Fine!” I shouted at him.

The other patrons stopped what they were
doing when they turned to see what all the commotion was about. It
was like a train wreck they couldn’t look away from as Tony and I
stared each other down.

“Look, what do you want on your burger?” Tony
asked.

“Options would be nice.”

“Ketchup, mustard, mayo, tomato, onion,
pickle, lettuce…. this list could go on all day. What do you
personally like on your patty of cow, lady?!”

“Cheese, tomato, bacon and mustard sounds
great!”

“Do you want fries with that?”

“Did I say I wanted fries?!”

“Fine, I’ll run you a tab, give me ten more
minutes on that!”

“Splendid. Oh and something to drink, don’t
forget.”

He slid the beer down the wood promptly
before heading back to the flattop to finish my order. The others
shook their heads and sneered at the show as they found themselves
in the middle of this storm that arose much to their dismay.

“Am I disturbing your peaceful drunkenness?”
I asked noticing their woolly beards and red eyes. They had no
interest in conversing with me which frustrated me even more. “This
godforsaken town is going to drive me batty yet.” I murmured. I
sipped my beer out of the bottle while dwelling on things I had no
business worrying about as time slipped away. I had two beers down
before Tony brought my food.

“You want another?”

“Yep, keep them coming.” I said knowing full
well I’m not a drinker, but something had to give. My mind wondered
to Jack but then switched to the time I spent with John wishing I
could stop all these bad habits. Some people say nothing happens by
accident and there’s a reason for this madness even if we can’t see
what it is. I had no idea if that was true.

“So, what’s the deal between you and Father
Clayton?”

I took a bite of burger as that question flew
out of Tony’s mouth figuring it gave me time to think of an answer.
The slower I chewed, the faster my mind raced.

“Look, people are talking that’s all. You
wander into town and he becomes your long, lost buddy except he’s a
priest and the last I checked you’re anything but a nun.”

“He’s helping me through a tough time.”

“You had better be careful, trusting
him.”

“Why?”

“Let’s say, he’s not exactly who he seems to
be.”

I glanced down the bar noticing the other men
had disappeared. Only Tony and I were left, my stomach turned
flips, “What did you mean by that comment?”

With a hint of ghoulishness in his voice he
admitted, “He might be into some pretty bad shit.”

My eyes popped as my mind stopped, “Whatever,
you’re all the same.”

“Nobody’s been able to catch his hand in the
cookie jar, so to speak.”

“Shut up, I think you’re full of shit. You
guys live in a bubble and unless I see for myself I can’t believe
it.” I stated trying to lure him in hoping he’d tell me why I was
wrong.

“Suit yourself little girl, but you had
better watch yourself with him, just saying.”

“A little advise for you, the last man that
called me “little girl” is no longer living.” As those last words
flew out of my mouth I was up off the stool throwing my burger down
and out the door. That first step is always a doozy and when I
entered back out into the middle of the day my eyes were dazed
after being in that dark hole. I immediately squinted and began
cussing while giving them time to adjust when I saw a blobby figure
of some sort waving me down. Once the blob got closer, I was able
to recognize it was that Joseph character coming at me fast and
loud.

“Melissa, Father Clayton’s asking to see you
again, he has some time now.” Deacon Joseph uttered.

I scratched my head not sure if this was a
good time for me, “This really isn’t...”

“When Father Clayton asks to see you, let’s
just say people don’t tell him no.” he advised.

I gasped a breath before mumbling, “Lead the
way.”

“I have other business to attend to, you can
find him.”

I was forced to go back to his house feeling
the rest of the beers kick in to remind me why this is an awful
notion.

“Father Clayton.” I yelled while banging on
the screen door probably making a spectacle of myself as my
patience gave out.

It wasn’t long before he opened it with a
bewildered look on his face while letting me in, “Are you ok?”

“Never better, saw Joseph on the street. I’m
sure you know the rest of the story.”

“Yeah”, he acknowledged as he swung a kitchen
towel over his shoulder when I noticed his shirt sleeves rolled
halfway up his forearms.

“You don’t look ready.”

“I decided to make myself some lunch, would
you like to join me?”

“I guess.”

Confusion washed over him as he considered my
change in demeanor but couldn’t quite put his finger on the problem
yet. “Let’s go to the kitchen, we can talk in there.”

“What’s on the menu tonight?” I asked.

“It’s called Toad in the Hole, an English
dish. I have a decent portion for lunch and then this will last me
for days rationing. Being a bachelor of sorts, I don’t have a lot
of time to be in the kitchen. But when I am it’s my getaway, I can
teach you a thing or two.”

“Are you implying I don’t know how to
cook?”

He laughed it off before saying, “How am I to
know? I’ve never had your cooking. I’ve just had enough practice of
my own over the years.”

“Then teach me, it’s crucial to get an escape
these days.”

“We’re still talking about cooking,
right?”

A slight smirk crept over my face as I said,
“You tell me.”

With that, he cleared his throat as he began
teaching and together we both found ourselves blocking out the
world. He believed in demonstrating proper techniques by gently
holding my hand or brushing past my shoulder now and again. I saw
the man Colin truly is, letting go of his priest persona for the
first time in front of me. His words were intimate and they
initiated the tumbling of walls between us while leaving behind
titles, baggage and nagging responsibilities. Captivated, I watched
as he flowed around the kitchen so effortlessly being in a
different frame of mind with no weight on his shoulders. There, no
longer exhausted by his craft and without effort, freedom enters
our surroundings with no expectations. He finally had someone to
share this with and I was elated to be that person.

All at once, a burst came in unannounced, a
rude awakening when I felt as though those beers were catching up.
I ignored the warning signs not wanting to ruin this for either of
us. It sadly wouldn’t let go of me with a combination of alcohol
and not getting enough sleep, I might lose whatever was left in my
stomach. Forces beyond us were working together to stop this
bliss.

“Colin, I’m dizzy.” I whispered.

“Here, sit down.” He grabbed a chair and slid
it under me.

“I don’t know what happened. All of a sudden
it hit me.”

He went to the bathroom for a washcloth,
rinsed it in cool water before ringing it out and laying it upon
the back of my neck. “You didn’t really seem your usual self today.
Want to tell me where you were before you came here?”

“I might’ve stopped by Tony’s for a couple of
beers and a burger.”

“How many beers?” he asked in a fatherly
voice.

“I think two?”

“How many did you say?”

“I don’t know.” I honestly answered.

“Alright then, relax. If you need anything
else, the bathroom is down the hall.” He pointed off to his
right.

As I took a breather focusing on the floor, I
realized I was more than a little disappointed that in such a
slight wisp of time our fantasy was gone. “Will it return later?” I
asked myself secretly praying it would.

“Everything is in the oven, why don’t I
assist you to my bed so you can lie down a bit.”

I wasn’t in any shape to be in such a
predicament. “Nonsense, I’ll get out of your way. You shouldn’t
have to take care of me. I’ll make my way back to the motel.”

“I’m afraid you won’t make it in your
condition. I don’t have a guest room, this house has one bedroom,
so you’re stuck using my bed. Please let me do this for you.”

I had no other excuses, “I appreciate it,
really thanks for the hospitality.”

He nodded as we made our way down the hall,
back to the entryway of his room and across to his bed. He
persisted in helping any way he could making sure I was
comfortable. As he bent down on one knee our gaze met when he
flashed an innocent smile before taking off my shoes. That smile
melted away any concern I might’ve had as he laid me down gently
while pulling the covers over my body as unobtrusively as possible.
He dimmed the lights to create a soft glow and brought in a glass
of water to assure I wouldn’t have to get up.

“I should go check on the food before it
burns and sets off any smoke alarms.”

“I understand, go ahead.”

The entrance to the bedroom was left wide
open so he could come back every so often to check my progress.
Feeling uncomfortably safe I wondered, “If we had met under better
circumstances in an altered life, could we have been together or am
I just merely a fool conjuring up such fantastical thoughts wanting
someone who is unattainable?”

By myself, I gently turned to my side as I
recognized a cologne fragrance embedded into the pillow. Even
though my head spun and my stomach was still upset, it smelled very
pleasing and inviting unlike Max’s scent. And then I was reminded
of John, who didn’t wear cologne for he had a scent all his own
that captivated for some unknown reason. I drifted off to sleep
surrounded by warm sensations all over my body as his scent wafted
from the sheets enveloping me as its victim.

Chapter 6 – The Dream is But a Dream

I awoke from a deep sleep by the gentle
nudge of a hand.

“How are you feeling, any better?”

“I think so.”

“I have to leave soon, but you can stay if
you want.”

“I’ll go.” I said before I thought better of
it. He was handing over the opportunity I’ve been anticipating, the
opportunity to find answers. I decided to get up with a little
theatrics so again he would insist I need more time before
leaving.

“I’ll be back in a little while, please I
think you really need to stay and rest.”

“I think you’re right after all.”

I tentatively listened for the door to slam
distinctly marking time for a good ten minutes to make sure he
wasn’t coming back. It clearly became the longest ten minutes when
my imagination started to wonder as I pictured him coming back upon
remembering he left something behind, only to find me scrambling
through his personals upon his return. I cringed at the thought as
I shook it off and moved forward to get the job done. This was it,
the little bit of evidence we needed to break this case wide open.
I played it safe carefully rummaging through his stuff and
respecting his possessions, no need to set off any alarms. My mind
then flashed back to last night confirming why I’m so enamored as I
actually witnessed his compassion and heart. It took a while to
shuffle through his belongings as my interest kept peaking to learn
more about him. However, my so-called big investigation turned up
squat. Not one thing could be construed or misrepresented, which
means he’s clean or the evidence is hidden somewhere else. I
flopped on the couch unsure how to take the results. Most people
have something to hide, but then I remembered he knew of an
investigation already in progress. Of course, he wouldn’t leave
anything here in case a search warrant was obtained later.

John sat beside me looking disappointed,
“He’s always several steps ahead of you. Be careful, he’s not to be
toyed with.”

“Yeah, I figured.”

“Your emotions are getting the best of you. I
don’t like this guy.”

“You don’t have a say any longer. It’s my
life and my decisions.”

Sadness filled his eyes making me think twice
about my insulting comments before he stated something I had
overlooked, “The windows.”

“What?” I glanced over to see the blinds wide
open. “Anyone can see in.” I told myself under my breath. A strange
dark feeling overwhelmed the surroundings and a creepy suspicion
slithered into my space which concluded my reckoning, “someone is
watching me.” I peeked back and John was gone as dread quickly
followed. I unassumingly made my way over to the edge of the window
pane hoping to be out of sight as I surveyed the area. I couldn’t
spot anyone in my line of vision when I scanned the parked cars,
they sat empty as far as I could tell. It was so bright outside
surely it would be hard for someone to see in, if indeed they were
spying. I kept peering out the window holding still, waiting for
movement in the neighborhood before slowly stepping away. I felt as
if I needed proof or it would be chalked up to nothing more than
mere paranoia. I spun to make a beeline to the back of the house
when I slammed hard into something or someone. Immediately, I let
out a shrill scream and jerked back trying to gather my scruples
when I realized it was him. “You scared me!” I swung back and
smacked his arm still disoriented.

“Hey, it’s ok.” He said when I felt the heat
of his body against mine.

Outside Father Clayton’s house, down the
street and across in an alleyway Joseph hid in his car with
binoculars. They could trust no one, especially not some sweet,
young girl that had dropped out of the clear blue sky and into
Father Clayton’s lap. Joseph took his responsibility seriously
protecting him and the church at all cost knowing what he had to
do.