"I was there." Jake whispered loudly. "When I went there Hamilton had already been there, but he wasn't around. So, I waited...then Ryder showed up and was being...well, Ryder. Jake explained to Bella, Will and Scout as the four huddled at their usual table.
"What do you mean?" Will asked.
"He was giving me hard time about..." She hesitated a little and lowered her voice even more. "I guess he heard about the kiss..."
"Yeah well, good news travels fast." Bella added.
Jake smiled. "I didn't want Ryder to see Hamilton arrive and look like he was showing up to meet me...so we argued for a minute...and then I left. I thought I'd go back to my room and call Hamilton, maybe meet somewhere else."
"Did you call him?" Will asked with a serious tone in his voice.
"Am I on trial here Krudski?" Jake questioned sarcastically.
"Of course not. I'm sorry...I meant have you talked to Hamilton since all of this happened?" Will corrected.
"Not yet...but he is coming here...right?"
"Jake..." Scout said. "This whole thing really did a number on him...just so you know. He was really freaked out"
Jake looked confused and slightly apprehensive. Having heard only bits and pieces of the story...she wasn't sure what to expect. All four heads turned toward the door as the heard the jingle announcing another customer.
It was a busy night at the diner, especially for the hour. A bigger crowd than Hamilton had expected. He walked over to the familiar table in the corner. "Hey." He said to all but, stared at Jake.
"Hi Hamilton." Bella said.
"Buddy...how's it going?" Scout chimed in slapping a less than enthusiastic high-five with Hamilton. Jake returned Hamilton's stare. She wished she could jump up and throw her arms around him. She had the instinct to want to comfort him right now...and it frustrated her to know that she couldn't. Hamilton's stare continued to burn through her.
"Ham...you Ok?" Will asked.
"I need to go to the bathroom." Hamilton said. He turned and walked toward the restrooms at the back of the restaurant. Will, Bella and Scout looked sympathetically at Jake.
"Guess that's my cue" She said. Scout stood at the end of the booth and allowed Bella to scoot sideways giving Jake the room she needed leave the table.
Jake walked to the men's room and hesitated briefly at the door. She usually avoided these kinds of situations. She hated this part of her self-made charade but, she needed to be with Hamilton now. She took in a deep breath and pushed the door open. A large man stood with his back to her using the urinal. Jake pulled her bangs down over her eyes in an effort to shield her view. She turned away quickly and went to stand in front of the sinks. She washed her hands needlessly and watched mesmerized as the soapy water swirled down the drain. The man had finished his business and stood at the adjacent sink. "Hi." She said remembering to keep her voice low. The gentlemen looked over at her and nodded. Jake washed her hands continuously until the man left the bathroom.
Jake bent over and looked for feet beneath the two stalls. Only one set...she thought relieved...and she recognized them. "Hamilton?" She said softly. Hamilton opened the door to the stall and offered her entry. She stepped in to the confined space and said nothing. She put her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. He responded by encircling her waist with his arms and squeezing her tightly. His head sank into the crook of her neck. She closed her eyes. She held him. He held her and they remained silent. There was nothing that either of them had to say out loud.
Minutes later Jake turned her head and whispered into Hamilton's ear. "Bad night...huh?" Jake relaxed into him.
Hamilton squeezed her tighter. The outside door of the bathroom banged open loudly startling them both. Jake's eyes opened widely. "Shhh" Hamilton mouthed as he put his finger to his lips. Another Friendly's patron entered. The dark haired man walked toward the urinal. Jake looked down embarrassedly even though Hamilton was shielding her view. The sound of the stranger relieving himself coupled with the oddness of the situation at hand made Jake begin to giggle behind the walls of the bathroom stall. The giggling soon set Hamilton off as well quietly releiving some of the tension.
The door suddenly banged open a second time. "We may never get out of here." Jake whispered almost silently in Hamilton's ear.
"Good...you're safe here." He whispered back.
Scout entered the men's room and looked around. Seeing only the one man he exhaled and looked slightly relieved.
"Hey." Scout said to the stranger zipping up his pants. The man proceeded to the sinks looking at Scout once and then looking away. Jake recognized Scout's voice. The man left quickly looking back over his shoulder and taking Scout fully into view.
"Fleming?" Scout said. Hamilton opened the door and he and Jake exited the bathroom stall. "I was coming in to tell you that some other guy looked like he was heading for the bathroom...well...moot point now. Scout stood looking at them. "You coming back out to the table?" He asked
"Yeah." Hamilton said as headed for the door with Jake following close behind. Just before Hamilton opened the door he stopped and looked at Jake. "By the way, BOY TIP: men don't talk to other men in the bathroom."
"Oh..." Jake nodded.
"It's kind of an unwritten rule." He smiled for the first time that night.
"Gotcha." She winked.
"You coming Calhoun?" Hamilton said to Scout who was still standing at the sink.
"Actually...I gotta..." He hesitated as he looked at Jake.
"I'm outta here." Jake laughed.
******************************
Jake and Hamilton walked through the slightly thinner crowd. "Are they giving stuff away tonight?" Hamilton asked surprised by the amount of customers.
"Well...this is New Rawleys hot spot...sad but true." Will answered.
"My Dad came home just before I left." Hamilton said instantly grabbing their attention.
"Ryder's going to be Ok. I guess they thought that was drunk and then passed out. But, some blood test they do proved that he hadn't been drinking at all."
"So, what happened?" Bella asked.
"Maybe he just got sick." Scout suggested.
"Their going to keep him in the emergency room for the rest of the night and they'll probably move him to the school infirmary tomorrow. Hamilton added.
"I hope Ryder knows just how lucky he was that you were there Hamilton. " Bella said.
"He looked perfectly fine to me...he was his usual annoying self." Jake said still having trouble comprehending the nights events.
"Wait...when did you see him?" Hamilton asked.
"When I went to the lake to meet you." She said.
"But when I got there...you weren't there. You weren't anywhere around." Hamilton recalled the scene in his head.
"I didn't want Ryder to see you coming back...so I left." Jake said.
"Coming back?" Hamilton questioned. "What do you mean coming back?"
"I saw the rose Hamilton...and the juice." She said smiling at the sweetness of the gesture.
"What rose?" Hamilton looked puzzled.
Scout joined them at the table. "What did I miss?" He asked.
"A lot...apparently." Bella replied.
Will attempted to moderate. "Ok...let's start over. We were all together for the ...ah...computer incident..." He lowered his voice. "After that...you two split up and Hamilton went home...and Jake, you went to your room. Scout and I saw you."
"Right..." Jake said, "Then I went down to take a shower and I planned on meeting Hamilton at the dock later."
"Ok Hamilton...what about you?" Will questioned him.
"I went home...had dinner with my folks...then I left to meet Jake at the docks."
"And that's when you saw Ryder?" Will asked.
"Yeah... I guess." He answered.
"When did you leave the rose?" Jake looked at Hamilton.
"What rose?" Hamilton queried.
"There was no one by the lake when I got there. So I went down to the dock and planned to sit in the row boat and wait for you. In the boat...right where I was sitting the night before...there was a yellow rose, with a note and a bottle of Snapple." Jake explained.
"Snapple?" Bella smiled
"Strawberry/Kiwi, my favorite...he knows that. The night before we were supposed to share a bottle...and Hamilton drank the whole thing..." Jake smiled.
"Jake...I didn't leave you any Snapple." Hamilton sounded as though he wished he had.
"But it was there...I swear." Jake protested. She held up her finger. "Look...I even pricked myself on the thorn."
"We believe you. "Scout said.
"But how did it get there?" Will asked.
"Maybe someone else was planing on meeting there tonight. Maybe it was just a coincidence." Bella suggested.
"What did the note say?" Hamilton asked. "You said there was a note."
"This one's for you." Jake replied slowly. There was silence for a moment as each member of the group processed their thoughts.
"Why were you late?" Jake asked Hamilton accusatorily.
"I wasn't late. I knew that you were going to be late...so I took my time. Oh yeah...and I walked the dogs first...before I left. I just remembered that. When I got back inside...my mother said that you'd called and that you were going to be late." Hamilton said.
"I didn't call your house." Jake said.
"This is weird." Will said.
"So weird." Scout added. Again the group fell silent.
Bella yawned. "It's really late for me. I have to open the station early in the morning."
Bella said as she stood. "I'm glad everything is all right. I'm glad you're both all right."
"It has been kind of a draining evening." Will said. "Maybe we should all get a good nights sleep and maybe things will seem clearer in the morning."
"Yeah...come on Bella, I'll walk you home." Scout offered.
"I only live across the street." Bella replied smiling.
"Then we'll have to walk really slow..." Scout said.
Bella and Scout left the restaurant. Will, Jake and Hamilton followed them out the door. Unconsciously Hamilton reached out to take Jake's hand. Jake brushed his hand away. She looked at him, apologizing with her eyes.
"Let's go." Jake said.
The brief walk back to school was quiet. Jake broke the silence first. "I hope Ryder's going to be Ok." She said.
"Yeah...he'll be fine. Only the good die young." Hamilton laughed.
The three walked up the steps of Rawley Academy. No invitation was necessary, Hamilton intended on seeing Jake safely tucked in. "I'll catch you guys tomorrow." Will said. He did the buddy slap high five with Hamilton and waved to Jake.
"Night man...Hey Will." Hamilton called out. Will stopped and turned around. "Thanks...really. Thanks a lot." Will waved again
.
Jake and Hamilton walked to the door of Jake's dorm room. Jake reached up and ran her hand over the door jam as was her routine. She removed the key, unlocked the door and replaced the key.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Hamilton said concerned.
"What?"
"Leaving your key out in the open like that." Hamilton said.
"It's not out in the open...it's up there." Jake pointed up.
"It might be safer if..."Jake cut him off.
"I won't do it anymore...Ok?" She said.
"Ok." He smiled. Jake shut the door behind them and turned to look at Hamilton.
"Are you Ok?" She asked. He remained quiet. He looked down at the floor.
"Yeah..." He said softly. She went to him. She wrapped her arms around him and held him for a moment. "I don't know what to tell you Jake...I thought...I thought that maybe you were...I was so scared...." He stuttered.
"I'm Ok." Jake reassured him and tightened her grip on him.
"I don't know what I'd do...if you weren't here." He whispered.
"I am here Hamilton. I'm Ok. I'm not going anywhere." She stated.
"Promise?" He said with a slight smile.
"Promise." She answered.
"I'm not going anywhere either...." He smiled.
"Yes Hamilton...you are...you're going home and going to bed. You look exhausted.
"Yeah..." Hamilton turned toward the door. He looked back at her. "Good night."
"Night Hamilton...I love you." She planted a small kiss on his lips.
"Me too." He smiled and kissed her back. "I'll see you in the morning.
"OK" She said.
Hamilton left. Jake sighed out loud. She hoped everything would work itself out in the morning. A knock on her door startled her thoughts.
Jake opened the door. Hamilton was standing there...holding her key in his hand.
"You're supposed to ask, who is it?" He said.
Jake took the key...kissed him quickly again and said, "Good night Hamilton."
Jake closed the door. Another knock sounded on the door.
Jake exhaled...Hamilton, she thought to herself with a smile. She cleared her throat and lowered her voice dramatically. "Who's there? I'm built like a football player. I have a gun and I know how to use it!!" She giggled.
"Ok...Ok...good night. " Hamilton said through the door.
Jake's face floated just under the surface of the water. Her pasty flesh rippled in time with the waves. Her eyes widened in an unnatural stare. Her mouth gaped opened grotesquely with each attempt to scream. "Hamilton!!!"
Hamilton's eyes flew open. He sat up in bed and scanned the room. His thudding heart pounded loudly in his ears. His breathing slowed slightly as his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he recognized the familiar surroundings. Beads of sweat glistened across his forehead. He exhaled loudly and lay back on his pillow to rest. He glanced at the illuminated numbers of his alarm clock, 3:10am. This was the second time that Jake's voice had woken him from his fitful slumber. He threw back the blankets and got out of bed. What was the point? He couldn't sleep. He paced aimlessly and stopped to stare out of the second story window. The stillness of New Rawley Lake offered him no relief from the memories of last night. Finally he bent to put on his jeans. He grabbed a sweatshirt from the chair and pulled it on over his head as he reached for the bedroom door. He stretched his arms through the sleeves as he descended the stairs. He let himself out the front door and pulled it closed quietly behind him. He was careful not to wake his parents or the sleeping creatures that lay oblivious at the back door. As his feet hit the familiar path it became painfully obvious that he had forgotten his sneakers. He shook his head realizing how clouded his thoughts had become...but he kept moving toward the dorms.
Hamilton entered through the glass door in the Dining Hall. He assumed that the front entrances would be securely locked at this hour, he knew from past experience that the kitchen door was the only one "pickable." He entered the dorm area and crept through the Common Room stubbing his toe in passing. He walked quickly up the staircase and headed to the door of Jake's room. Hamilton ran his hand over the top of the door jam and was relieved in some small way that the key had not been replaced. He took the knife from his pocket and bent toward the door knob. Hamilton let himself in to Jake's room unannounced. He walked toward the bed in the dark following only the sounds of her breathing. The moonlight through the bedroom window allowed just enough light for him to gaze at her clearly. Hamilton kneeled on the floor next to her bed and watched her as she slept.
He was so confused. He envied her peacefulness. He felt better just being in the same room with her now. He knew she was Ok...that she was safe. He felt the need to protect her. He wanted to keep her from hurting and from being hurt. He briefly relived the thoughts that his mind allowed him to remember. He remembered how he felt when he thought he might have lost her, how he felt when he thought that he might never see her again...that she could be out of his life. Hamilton had told Jake that he loved her. He knew that he meant it...it's just that now...he really felt it.
Jake stirred in the bed. He was afraid of frightening her. He debated whether to wake her or sneak out the way he had come in...never letting her know that he was there. He knew the second choice was better but his conscience wouldn't allow it. "Jake?" He whispered as he reached out to touch her face. "Jake."
Jake was sure she was dreaming. "Hamilton..." She smiled.
"Jake." Hamilton shook her arm and Jake's eyes flew open. "Shhhh....it's me."
"Hamilton? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" She asked still groggy with sleep.
Hamilton ignored the entry questions. "Hi." He smiled. "I'm sorry I woke you...I couldn't sleep...and...I just..." Hamilton stuttered. He looked up at her. "I just had to see you...that's all."
"Hamilton? Are you all right?" She asked.
"Yeah...I am now. I'm sorry...really...." Hamilton rested his head on the edge of her bed. Jake reached out and ran her delicate hand through his hair. She could feel his body tremble.
"Hamilton..." She whispered. "I'm Ok...Everything is fine now."
"I couldn't sleep...I kept dreaming about you." Hamilton said keeping his head down.
"You were?" She smiled.
"Yeah, but they were not good dreams. I kept dreaming about last night...the things that I thought could have happened." He tried to explain but his voice began to crack. "I don't know what I would have done..." He stopped and Jake could see the mist forming in his eyes. "I should go...I'm sorry that I woke you." Hamilton started to stand.
Jake reached out for Hamilton's hand. "You don't have to go." She said. They both were silent for a minute considering their options. Jake held open the covers and beckoned him into her bed. Without hesitation Hamilton crawled into the bed and curled up beside her. Hamilton reached out and wrapped his arms lovingly and protectively around her and pulled her body into his. Sex was the furthest thing from either of their minds tonight. "I love you" He whispered.
"I know." Jake sighed in response. Hamilton closed his eyes and for the first time that night...he fell blissfully asleep.
******************************
Will and Scout walked into Bank's Service Station. "Hey lady" Will said.
"Hi Will" Bella answered. "Hello Scout."
Scout nodded, "Hi Bella." The sound of Bella's voice still made Scout blush a little.
"What's up?" Will asked.
"Nothing," Bella answered as she put her hand to her face to stifle a yawn. "I couldn't get to sleep last night."
"I know...neither could we." Will said as he motioned to Scout. "Hey Bella...who do you think lives in the big brown house at the corner now?"
Bella shrugged. "I don't know."
"What would you say...if I said lets go find out?" Will suggested.
"I'd say...lead the way." Bella smiled.
*******************************************
The sunlight burned through Jake's eyelids. She awoke squinting into the morning sunshine. Hamilton still lay on his side with his arms curled around her. He looked as though he hadn't budged. She reached out and grabbed her watch from the night stand. She listened to the sounds of Hamilton's rhythmic breathing. She reveled in the feel of his arms around her.
"Hamilton?" She shook him gently.
"Mmmm" He moaned as he tightened his grip on her.
"Hamilton." She repeated. "Hey...sleeping beauty, it's almost ten o'clock. What about your parents?" She asked.
"It's Saturday. They'll sleep in and I'll tell them I got up early and went out." Hamilton closed his eyes again. Jake settled back down in bed.
"Did you sleep Ok?" She asked.
"I think I could get used to this, " He smiled, eyes still shut.
"Well, don't" She reminded him.
Hamilton opened his eyes to face her. "You know you could rethink the idea of me moving into the dorms with you." He looked slightly hopeful.
"And you could rethink my original answer." She smiled.
******************************
"Wow, I haven't been down here in a long time." Bella smiled as she looked at the elementary school playground. "It seems so much smaller than I remember."
"Yeah, it does." Will answered.
"Thanks for the memories." Scout said feeling somewhat left out. "Where's the house?"
That one." Bella pointed to a dilapidated old colonial that sat perched on the corner of Chestnut and Oak Grove.
"I'm surprised it's still brown." Will said.
"I'm surprised it's still standing." Scout remarked. The fence in front was missing and the two sides were in bad need of repair or removal. An old mailbox sat tilted in a poorly cemented cinder block. Bella, Will and Scout crossed the street for a closer look
.
"What is it exactly you're hoping to find" Bella asked Will.
"I'm not sure. Maybe the people that bought the house from Melanie's parents will remember her." Will said.
"And if they do?" Scout questioned.
"I don't know. It's just a feeling." The three stood in front of the mailbox and looked up at the house from the street. The small red flag was in the air signaling that the mailman had come and gone. Will opened the mailbox and extracted the few letters housed inside.
"Will! What are you doing? That's like a felony." Bella said looking nervous.
"It's only a felony if I open it." Will answered. "Just looking is only a misdemeanor." He smiled as he replaced the mail into the silver box. "Follow me." He said as he opened the gate and followed the flagstone path to the front door. Scout and Bella followed like lemmings.
Will knocked on the door and waited a minute. Slowly, an elderly woman approached and opened the door a few inches. " Hello," She smiled "Can I help you?"
"Good morning Mrs. Kolopoolius." Will struggled with the name.
"Kolopolus." The old woman corrected him, smiling at his attempt. "It's Greek" She said proudly.
"Hello," Will said again. "We're here collecting returnable bottles and cans for the High School marching band's can drive. Can you help us out?" He asked.
"How nice" She said. opening the door wider now. Bella saw the walker that she was leaning on. "Yes, I have a few things for you. I was waiting for the boy scouts to come around...but I guess you kids need a turn too." The old woman carefully turned the walker away from the door. "Come in children." She said.
Will, Scout and Bella entered the woman's home. "Can I help you, Mrs. Kolopolus?" Will offered.
"That's Ok. I have them right here...wait just a minute." The woman limped out of sight.
"What are you doing?" Scout whispered.
"I'm not sure." Will said.
'Oh my God, Will...look." Bella pointed to an ancient console television set in the corner of the vacant living room.
"Wow...that is old." Scout said. "I bet she bought it brand new."
"No...look at the picture on top of it." Scout and Will were speechless. An eight by ten framed portrait of a happily posed family adorned the top of the set. A man, a woman. a pretty little girl with long blonde hair, and darker haired girl seated beside her. Melanie Manos smiled out from behind the glass.
The sounds of the walker clicking back from the kitchen shook the three back into reality.
"Here you go kids." Mrs. Kolopolus said. "Marching band...how nice. And what instruments do you play?" She asked.
"Uh--I play the saxophone." Will said as he looked at Bella.
"Flute?" Bella said trying to think quickly.
The older woman looked to Scout who stood next in line. "Piano" He said.
Will exhaled, rolling his eyes and tried not to laugh. Bella chuckled. Fortunately for them Mrs. Kolopolus' hearing was as bad as her arthritic knees. "That's just lovely." She said.
Bella stepped forward. "Mrs. Kolopolus, do you have any grandchildren that go to school here in town?"
The old woman looked down. "Not anymore." She said sadly. "My children are all grown and gone now."
"What about grandchildren?" Bella repeated louder this time. The woman looked sad but more...she looked nervous.
"Well, just one. She attends that big expensive girls school on the hill." She said.
"Rawley Academy?" Scout asked already knowing the answer. The woman simply nodded.
"That must be nice for you...does she come to visit you?" Bella asked.
"You kids ask a lot of questions." She said as she slowly moved to the door.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Kolopolus. We'll leave now, we have a bunch more houses still to collect from." Will said as he motioned to the door.
"I was noticing the picture on top of the TV." Bella said, not wanting to leave before they got the information they came for. The woman looked past her and to the picture in the living room.
"Yes, that's my daughter and her husband and their two children." She said quietly.
"And the older girl...she's the one that goes to school at Rawley?" Bella questioned.
"Melanie. Yes, do you know her?" Mrs. Kolopolus asked.
"Mmmm she looks very familiar, but I don't think so." Bella said.
"You look to be about her age." The woman said.
"I don't go to Rawley Girls." Bella said sounding slightly disappointed.
"What about the other girl?" Scout asked. "Does she go to school here too?"
The old woman took a Kleenex from the inside of her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. "No dear. I'm afraid she doesn't." It was obvious that the mention of the younger girl was upsetting to her.
"What's her name?" Bella asked.
"That was my little Phoebe." Mrs. Kolopolus said wiping at her face again. The three stood silent for a moment.
"Was?" Will asked. The woman remained silent.
"You must have a lot of work ahead of you." She said.
"We do. Thank you Mrs. Kolopolus." Will said holding up the bag of cans. "This was really helpful." Will walked toward the door. Scout followed Will but Bella held her ground.
"Does Phoebe go to school here too?" She asked. Mrs. Kolopolus shook her head.
"I need to sit down." She said. "You kids won't mind letting yourselves out."
Bella took the lead and guided the old woman to the overly stuffed chair in the living room. "Are you Ok?" She asked.
"Yes." She nodded. She put the Kleenex to use again. "I miss her terribly."
"She doesn't come to visit you?" Bella asked.
The old woman smiled a little. "No, but I go to visit her as often as I can." She said.
Bella had a knot in the pit of her stomach. She was sure now that she knew the answer but, she asked the question anyway.
"Where do you go to visit her?" Bella asked.
"Snowberry Lane." She answered.
Bella and Will knew instantly that there were only three things on Snowberry Lane. The public works department, the fire station, and the cemetery. The silence was deafening. "I'm so sorry." Bella said her own eyes becoming misty. "We didn't mean to bring up such sad memories for you." Bella said feeling very guilty.
"Oh honey, that's Ok. Not a day passes that I don't think about her." She said. "She was just a ray of sunshine. Such a happy girl." Mrs. Kolopolus smiled through her tears. "Did you know that Phoebe means 'light' in Greek?"
"No, I didn't." Bella answered.
"She had bright blonde hair when she came to us. That girl's smile could light up a room. She was the light in my life."
"I can see she was." Bella wiped a tear from her own eye. "Did she get sick?" Bella asked.
"It was such a tragedy. Such a shame." The woman shook her head again as the tears fell more freely now.
"An accident?" Will asked, still standing in the foyer.
"It was a fire. The poor little thing was trapped in her bedroom on the second floor."
"I'm sorry" Bella said as she reached out for the old woman's wrinkled hand. "I'm very sorry.
"It must be comforting to have Melanie living so close to you."
"It scares me to have her living so close to me." Mrs. Kolopolus said under her breath, although Bella clearly heard the words. "Look, I'm very tired now, you kids should be on your way.
"Yes," Bella said standing. "We'll go and we'll lock the door behind us. "Take care, Mrs. Kolopolus, it was nice meeting you."
"And you too dear, good luck with the band." The old woman waved from her chair.
They banged the door shut and walked away carrying a black plastic trash bag full of cans and heads filled with new unanswered questions.
"What do you mean?" Will asked.
"He was giving me hard time about..." She hesitated a little and lowered her voice even more. "I guess he heard about the kiss..."
"Yeah well, good news travels fast." Bella added.
Jake smiled. "I didn't want Ryder to see Hamilton arrive and look like he was showing up to meet me...so we argued for a minute...and then I left. I thought I'd go back to my room and call Hamilton, maybe meet somewhere else."
"Did you call him?" Will asked with a serious tone in his voice.
"Am I on trial here Krudski?" Jake questioned sarcastically.
"Of course not. I'm sorry...I meant have you talked to Hamilton since all of this happened?" Will corrected.
"Not yet...but he is coming here...right?"
"Jake..." Scout said. "This whole thing really did a number on him...just so you know. He was really freaked out"
Jake looked confused and slightly apprehensive. Having heard only bits and pieces of the story...she wasn't sure what to expect. All four heads turned toward the door as the heard the jingle announcing another customer.
It was a busy night at the diner, especially for the hour. A bigger crowd than Hamilton had expected. He walked over to the familiar table in the corner. "Hey." He said to all but, stared at Jake.
"Hi Hamilton." Bella said.
"Buddy...how's it going?" Scout chimed in slapping a less than enthusiastic high-five with Hamilton. Jake returned Hamilton's stare. She wished she could jump up and throw her arms around him. She had the instinct to want to comfort him right now...and it frustrated her to know that she couldn't. Hamilton's stare continued to burn through her.
"Ham...you Ok?" Will asked.
"I need to go to the bathroom." Hamilton said. He turned and walked toward the restrooms at the back of the restaurant. Will, Bella and Scout looked sympathetically at Jake.
"Guess that's my cue" She said. Scout stood at the end of the booth and allowed Bella to scoot sideways giving Jake the room she needed leave the table.
Jake walked to the men's room and hesitated briefly at the door. She usually avoided these kinds of situations. She hated this part of her self-made charade but, she needed to be with Hamilton now. She took in a deep breath and pushed the door open. A large man stood with his back to her using the urinal. Jake pulled her bangs down over her eyes in an effort to shield her view. She turned away quickly and went to stand in front of the sinks. She washed her hands needlessly and watched mesmerized as the soapy water swirled down the drain. The man had finished his business and stood at the adjacent sink. "Hi." She said remembering to keep her voice low. The gentlemen looked over at her and nodded. Jake washed her hands continuously until the man left the bathroom.
Jake bent over and looked for feet beneath the two stalls. Only one set...she thought relieved...and she recognized them. "Hamilton?" She said softly. Hamilton opened the door to the stall and offered her entry. She stepped in to the confined space and said nothing. She put her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her. He responded by encircling her waist with his arms and squeezing her tightly. His head sank into the crook of her neck. She closed her eyes. She held him. He held her and they remained silent. There was nothing that either of them had to say out loud.
Minutes later Jake turned her head and whispered into Hamilton's ear. "Bad night...huh?" Jake relaxed into him.
Hamilton squeezed her tighter. The outside door of the bathroom banged open loudly startling them both. Jake's eyes opened widely. "Shhh" Hamilton mouthed as he put his finger to his lips. Another Friendly's patron entered. The dark haired man walked toward the urinal. Jake looked down embarrassedly even though Hamilton was shielding her view. The sound of the stranger relieving himself coupled with the oddness of the situation at hand made Jake begin to giggle behind the walls of the bathroom stall. The giggling soon set Hamilton off as well quietly releiving some of the tension.
The door suddenly banged open a second time. "We may never get out of here." Jake whispered almost silently in Hamilton's ear.
"Good...you're safe here." He whispered back.
Scout entered the men's room and looked around. Seeing only the one man he exhaled and looked slightly relieved.
"Hey." Scout said to the stranger zipping up his pants. The man proceeded to the sinks looking at Scout once and then looking away. Jake recognized Scout's voice. The man left quickly looking back over his shoulder and taking Scout fully into view.
"Fleming?" Scout said. Hamilton opened the door and he and Jake exited the bathroom stall. "I was coming in to tell you that some other guy looked like he was heading for the bathroom...well...moot point now. Scout stood looking at them. "You coming back out to the table?" He asked
"Yeah." Hamilton said as headed for the door with Jake following close behind. Just before Hamilton opened the door he stopped and looked at Jake. "By the way, BOY TIP: men don't talk to other men in the bathroom."
"Oh..." Jake nodded.
"It's kind of an unwritten rule." He smiled for the first time that night.
"Gotcha." She winked.
"You coming Calhoun?" Hamilton said to Scout who was still standing at the sink.
"Actually...I gotta..." He hesitated as he looked at Jake.
"I'm outta here." Jake laughed.
******************************
Jake and Hamilton walked through the slightly thinner crowd. "Are they giving stuff away tonight?" Hamilton asked surprised by the amount of customers.
"Well...this is New Rawleys hot spot...sad but true." Will answered.
"My Dad came home just before I left." Hamilton said instantly grabbing their attention.
"Ryder's going to be Ok. I guess they thought that was drunk and then passed out. But, some blood test they do proved that he hadn't been drinking at all."
"So, what happened?" Bella asked.
"Maybe he just got sick." Scout suggested.
"Their going to keep him in the emergency room for the rest of the night and they'll probably move him to the school infirmary tomorrow. Hamilton added.
"I hope Ryder knows just how lucky he was that you were there Hamilton. " Bella said.
"He looked perfectly fine to me...he was his usual annoying self." Jake said still having trouble comprehending the nights events.
"Wait...when did you see him?" Hamilton asked.
"When I went to the lake to meet you." She said.
"But when I got there...you weren't there. You weren't anywhere around." Hamilton recalled the scene in his head.
"I didn't want Ryder to see you coming back...so I left." Jake said.
"Coming back?" Hamilton questioned. "What do you mean coming back?"
"I saw the rose Hamilton...and the juice." She said smiling at the sweetness of the gesture.
"What rose?" Hamilton looked puzzled.
Scout joined them at the table. "What did I miss?" He asked.
"A lot...apparently." Bella replied.
Will attempted to moderate. "Ok...let's start over. We were all together for the ...ah...computer incident..." He lowered his voice. "After that...you two split up and Hamilton went home...and Jake, you went to your room. Scout and I saw you."
"Right..." Jake said, "Then I went down to take a shower and I planned on meeting Hamilton at the dock later."
"Ok Hamilton...what about you?" Will questioned him.
"I went home...had dinner with my folks...then I left to meet Jake at the docks."
"And that's when you saw Ryder?" Will asked.
"Yeah... I guess." He answered.
"When did you leave the rose?" Jake looked at Hamilton.
"What rose?" Hamilton queried.
"There was no one by the lake when I got there. So I went down to the dock and planned to sit in the row boat and wait for you. In the boat...right where I was sitting the night before...there was a yellow rose, with a note and a bottle of Snapple." Jake explained.
"Snapple?" Bella smiled
"Strawberry/Kiwi, my favorite...he knows that. The night before we were supposed to share a bottle...and Hamilton drank the whole thing..." Jake smiled.
"Jake...I didn't leave you any Snapple." Hamilton sounded as though he wished he had.
"But it was there...I swear." Jake protested. She held up her finger. "Look...I even pricked myself on the thorn."
"We believe you. "Scout said.
"But how did it get there?" Will asked.
"Maybe someone else was planing on meeting there tonight. Maybe it was just a coincidence." Bella suggested.
"What did the note say?" Hamilton asked. "You said there was a note."
"This one's for you." Jake replied slowly. There was silence for a moment as each member of the group processed their thoughts.
"Why were you late?" Jake asked Hamilton accusatorily.
"I wasn't late. I knew that you were going to be late...so I took my time. Oh yeah...and I walked the dogs first...before I left. I just remembered that. When I got back inside...my mother said that you'd called and that you were going to be late." Hamilton said.
"I didn't call your house." Jake said.
"This is weird." Will said.
"So weird." Scout added. Again the group fell silent.
Bella yawned. "It's really late for me. I have to open the station early in the morning."
Bella said as she stood. "I'm glad everything is all right. I'm glad you're both all right."
"It has been kind of a draining evening." Will said. "Maybe we should all get a good nights sleep and maybe things will seem clearer in the morning."
"Yeah...come on Bella, I'll walk you home." Scout offered.
"I only live across the street." Bella replied smiling.
"Then we'll have to walk really slow..." Scout said.
Bella and Scout left the restaurant. Will, Jake and Hamilton followed them out the door. Unconsciously Hamilton reached out to take Jake's hand. Jake brushed his hand away. She looked at him, apologizing with her eyes.
"Let's go." Jake said.
The brief walk back to school was quiet. Jake broke the silence first. "I hope Ryder's going to be Ok." She said.
"Yeah...he'll be fine. Only the good die young." Hamilton laughed.
The three walked up the steps of Rawley Academy. No invitation was necessary, Hamilton intended on seeing Jake safely tucked in. "I'll catch you guys tomorrow." Will said. He did the buddy slap high five with Hamilton and waved to Jake.
"Night man...Hey Will." Hamilton called out. Will stopped and turned around. "Thanks...really. Thanks a lot." Will waved again
.
Jake and Hamilton walked to the door of Jake's dorm room. Jake reached up and ran her hand over the door jam as was her routine. She removed the key, unlocked the door and replaced the key.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Hamilton said concerned.
"What?"
"Leaving your key out in the open like that." Hamilton said.
"It's not out in the open...it's up there." Jake pointed up.
"It might be safer if..."Jake cut him off.
"I won't do it anymore...Ok?" She said.
"Ok." He smiled. Jake shut the door behind them and turned to look at Hamilton.
"Are you Ok?" She asked. He remained quiet. He looked down at the floor.
"Yeah..." He said softly. She went to him. She wrapped her arms around him and held him for a moment. "I don't know what to tell you Jake...I thought...I thought that maybe you were...I was so scared...." He stuttered.
"I'm Ok." Jake reassured him and tightened her grip on him.
"I don't know what I'd do...if you weren't here." He whispered.
"I am here Hamilton. I'm Ok. I'm not going anywhere." She stated.
"Promise?" He said with a slight smile.
"Promise." She answered.
"I'm not going anywhere either...." He smiled.
"Yes Hamilton...you are...you're going home and going to bed. You look exhausted.
"Yeah..." Hamilton turned toward the door. He looked back at her. "Good night."
"Night Hamilton...I love you." She planted a small kiss on his lips.
"Me too." He smiled and kissed her back. "I'll see you in the morning.
"OK" She said.
Hamilton left. Jake sighed out loud. She hoped everything would work itself out in the morning. A knock on her door startled her thoughts.
Jake opened the door. Hamilton was standing there...holding her key in his hand.
"You're supposed to ask, who is it?" He said.
Jake took the key...kissed him quickly again and said, "Good night Hamilton."
Jake closed the door. Another knock sounded on the door.
Jake exhaled...Hamilton, she thought to herself with a smile. She cleared her throat and lowered her voice dramatically. "Who's there? I'm built like a football player. I have a gun and I know how to use it!!" She giggled.
"Ok...Ok...good night. " Hamilton said through the door.
Jake's face floated just under the surface of the water. Her pasty flesh rippled in time with the waves. Her eyes widened in an unnatural stare. Her mouth gaped opened grotesquely with each attempt to scream. "Hamilton!!!"
Hamilton's eyes flew open. He sat up in bed and scanned the room. His thudding heart pounded loudly in his ears. His breathing slowed slightly as his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he recognized the familiar surroundings. Beads of sweat glistened across his forehead. He exhaled loudly and lay back on his pillow to rest. He glanced at the illuminated numbers of his alarm clock, 3:10am. This was the second time that Jake's voice had woken him from his fitful slumber. He threw back the blankets and got out of bed. What was the point? He couldn't sleep. He paced aimlessly and stopped to stare out of the second story window. The stillness of New Rawley Lake offered him no relief from the memories of last night. Finally he bent to put on his jeans. He grabbed a sweatshirt from the chair and pulled it on over his head as he reached for the bedroom door. He stretched his arms through the sleeves as he descended the stairs. He let himself out the front door and pulled it closed quietly behind him. He was careful not to wake his parents or the sleeping creatures that lay oblivious at the back door. As his feet hit the familiar path it became painfully obvious that he had forgotten his sneakers. He shook his head realizing how clouded his thoughts had become...but he kept moving toward the dorms.
Hamilton entered through the glass door in the Dining Hall. He assumed that the front entrances would be securely locked at this hour, he knew from past experience that the kitchen door was the only one "pickable." He entered the dorm area and crept through the Common Room stubbing his toe in passing. He walked quickly up the staircase and headed to the door of Jake's room. Hamilton ran his hand over the top of the door jam and was relieved in some small way that the key had not been replaced. He took the knife from his pocket and bent toward the door knob. Hamilton let himself in to Jake's room unannounced. He walked toward the bed in the dark following only the sounds of her breathing. The moonlight through the bedroom window allowed just enough light for him to gaze at her clearly. Hamilton kneeled on the floor next to her bed and watched her as she slept.
He was so confused. He envied her peacefulness. He felt better just being in the same room with her now. He knew she was Ok...that she was safe. He felt the need to protect her. He wanted to keep her from hurting and from being hurt. He briefly relived the thoughts that his mind allowed him to remember. He remembered how he felt when he thought he might have lost her, how he felt when he thought that he might never see her again...that she could be out of his life. Hamilton had told Jake that he loved her. He knew that he meant it...it's just that now...he really felt it.
Jake stirred in the bed. He was afraid of frightening her. He debated whether to wake her or sneak out the way he had come in...never letting her know that he was there. He knew the second choice was better but his conscience wouldn't allow it. "Jake?" He whispered as he reached out to touch her face. "Jake."
Jake was sure she was dreaming. "Hamilton..." She smiled.
"Jake." Hamilton shook her arm and Jake's eyes flew open. "Shhhh....it's me."
"Hamilton? What are you doing here? How did you get in?" She asked still groggy with sleep.
Hamilton ignored the entry questions. "Hi." He smiled. "I'm sorry I woke you...I couldn't sleep...and...I just..." Hamilton stuttered. He looked up at her. "I just had to see you...that's all."
"Hamilton? Are you all right?" She asked.
"Yeah...I am now. I'm sorry...really...." Hamilton rested his head on the edge of her bed. Jake reached out and ran her delicate hand through his hair. She could feel his body tremble.
"Hamilton..." She whispered. "I'm Ok...Everything is fine now."
"I couldn't sleep...I kept dreaming about you." Hamilton said keeping his head down.
"You were?" She smiled.
"Yeah, but they were not good dreams. I kept dreaming about last night...the things that I thought could have happened." He tried to explain but his voice began to crack. "I don't know what I would have done..." He stopped and Jake could see the mist forming in his eyes. "I should go...I'm sorry that I woke you." Hamilton started to stand.
Jake reached out for Hamilton's hand. "You don't have to go." She said. They both were silent for a minute considering their options. Jake held open the covers and beckoned him into her bed. Without hesitation Hamilton crawled into the bed and curled up beside her. Hamilton reached out and wrapped his arms lovingly and protectively around her and pulled her body into his. Sex was the furthest thing from either of their minds tonight. "I love you" He whispered.
"I know." Jake sighed in response. Hamilton closed his eyes and for the first time that night...he fell blissfully asleep.
******************************
Will and Scout walked into Bank's Service Station. "Hey lady" Will said.
"Hi Will" Bella answered. "Hello Scout."
Scout nodded, "Hi Bella." The sound of Bella's voice still made Scout blush a little.
"What's up?" Will asked.
"Nothing," Bella answered as she put her hand to her face to stifle a yawn. "I couldn't get to sleep last night."
"I know...neither could we." Will said as he motioned to Scout. "Hey Bella...who do you think lives in the big brown house at the corner now?"
Bella shrugged. "I don't know."
"What would you say...if I said lets go find out?" Will suggested.
"I'd say...lead the way." Bella smiled.
*******************************************
The sunlight burned through Jake's eyelids. She awoke squinting into the morning sunshine. Hamilton still lay on his side with his arms curled around her. He looked as though he hadn't budged. She reached out and grabbed her watch from the night stand. She listened to the sounds of Hamilton's rhythmic breathing. She reveled in the feel of his arms around her.
"Hamilton?" She shook him gently.
"Mmmm" He moaned as he tightened his grip on her.
"Hamilton." She repeated. "Hey...sleeping beauty, it's almost ten o'clock. What about your parents?" She asked.
"It's Saturday. They'll sleep in and I'll tell them I got up early and went out." Hamilton closed his eyes again. Jake settled back down in bed.
"Did you sleep Ok?" She asked.
"I think I could get used to this, " He smiled, eyes still shut.
"Well, don't" She reminded him.
Hamilton opened his eyes to face her. "You know you could rethink the idea of me moving into the dorms with you." He looked slightly hopeful.
"And you could rethink my original answer." She smiled.
******************************
"Wow, I haven't been down here in a long time." Bella smiled as she looked at the elementary school playground. "It seems so much smaller than I remember."
"Yeah, it does." Will answered.
"Thanks for the memories." Scout said feeling somewhat left out. "Where's the house?"
That one." Bella pointed to a dilapidated old colonial that sat perched on the corner of Chestnut and Oak Grove.
"I'm surprised it's still brown." Will said.
"I'm surprised it's still standing." Scout remarked. The fence in front was missing and the two sides were in bad need of repair or removal. An old mailbox sat tilted in a poorly cemented cinder block. Bella, Will and Scout crossed the street for a closer look
.
"What is it exactly you're hoping to find" Bella asked Will.
"I'm not sure. Maybe the people that bought the house from Melanie's parents will remember her." Will said.
"And if they do?" Scout questioned.
"I don't know. It's just a feeling." The three stood in front of the mailbox and looked up at the house from the street. The small red flag was in the air signaling that the mailman had come and gone. Will opened the mailbox and extracted the few letters housed inside.
"Will! What are you doing? That's like a felony." Bella said looking nervous.
"It's only a felony if I open it." Will answered. "Just looking is only a misdemeanor." He smiled as he replaced the mail into the silver box. "Follow me." He said as he opened the gate and followed the flagstone path to the front door. Scout and Bella followed like lemmings.
Will knocked on the door and waited a minute. Slowly, an elderly woman approached and opened the door a few inches. " Hello," She smiled "Can I help you?"
"Good morning Mrs. Kolopoolius." Will struggled with the name.
"Kolopolus." The old woman corrected him, smiling at his attempt. "It's Greek" She said proudly.
"Hello," Will said again. "We're here collecting returnable bottles and cans for the High School marching band's can drive. Can you help us out?" He asked.
"How nice" She said. opening the door wider now. Bella saw the walker that she was leaning on. "Yes, I have a few things for you. I was waiting for the boy scouts to come around...but I guess you kids need a turn too." The old woman carefully turned the walker away from the door. "Come in children." She said.
Will, Scout and Bella entered the woman's home. "Can I help you, Mrs. Kolopolus?" Will offered.
"That's Ok. I have them right here...wait just a minute." The woman limped out of sight.
"What are you doing?" Scout whispered.
"I'm not sure." Will said.
'Oh my God, Will...look." Bella pointed to an ancient console television set in the corner of the vacant living room.
"Wow...that is old." Scout said. "I bet she bought it brand new."
"No...look at the picture on top of it." Scout and Will were speechless. An eight by ten framed portrait of a happily posed family adorned the top of the set. A man, a woman. a pretty little girl with long blonde hair, and darker haired girl seated beside her. Melanie Manos smiled out from behind the glass.
The sounds of the walker clicking back from the kitchen shook the three back into reality.
"Here you go kids." Mrs. Kolopolus said. "Marching band...how nice. And what instruments do you play?" She asked.
"Uh--I play the saxophone." Will said as he looked at Bella.
"Flute?" Bella said trying to think quickly.
The older woman looked to Scout who stood next in line. "Piano" He said.
Will exhaled, rolling his eyes and tried not to laugh. Bella chuckled. Fortunately for them Mrs. Kolopolus' hearing was as bad as her arthritic knees. "That's just lovely." She said.
Bella stepped forward. "Mrs. Kolopolus, do you have any grandchildren that go to school here in town?"
The old woman looked down. "Not anymore." She said sadly. "My children are all grown and gone now."
"What about grandchildren?" Bella repeated louder this time. The woman looked sad but more...she looked nervous.
"Well, just one. She attends that big expensive girls school on the hill." She said.
"Rawley Academy?" Scout asked already knowing the answer. The woman simply nodded.
"That must be nice for you...does she come to visit you?" Bella asked.
"You kids ask a lot of questions." She said as she slowly moved to the door.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Kolopolus. We'll leave now, we have a bunch more houses still to collect from." Will said as he motioned to the door.
"I was noticing the picture on top of the TV." Bella said, not wanting to leave before they got the information they came for. The woman looked past her and to the picture in the living room.
"Yes, that's my daughter and her husband and their two children." She said quietly.
"And the older girl...she's the one that goes to school at Rawley?" Bella questioned.
"Melanie. Yes, do you know her?" Mrs. Kolopolus asked.
"Mmmm she looks very familiar, but I don't think so." Bella said.
"You look to be about her age." The woman said.
"I don't go to Rawley Girls." Bella said sounding slightly disappointed.
"What about the other girl?" Scout asked. "Does she go to school here too?"
The old woman took a Kleenex from the inside of her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. "No dear. I'm afraid she doesn't." It was obvious that the mention of the younger girl was upsetting to her.
"What's her name?" Bella asked.
"That was my little Phoebe." Mrs. Kolopolus said wiping at her face again. The three stood silent for a moment.
"Was?" Will asked. The woman remained silent.
"You must have a lot of work ahead of you." She said.
"We do. Thank you Mrs. Kolopolus." Will said holding up the bag of cans. "This was really helpful." Will walked toward the door. Scout followed Will but Bella held her ground.
"Does Phoebe go to school here too?" She asked. Mrs. Kolopolus shook her head.
"I need to sit down." She said. "You kids won't mind letting yourselves out."
Bella took the lead and guided the old woman to the overly stuffed chair in the living room. "Are you Ok?" She asked.
"Yes." She nodded. She put the Kleenex to use again. "I miss her terribly."
"She doesn't come to visit you?" Bella asked.
The old woman smiled a little. "No, but I go to visit her as often as I can." She said.
Bella had a knot in the pit of her stomach. She was sure now that she knew the answer but, she asked the question anyway.
"Where do you go to visit her?" Bella asked.
"Snowberry Lane." She answered.
Bella and Will knew instantly that there were only three things on Snowberry Lane. The public works department, the fire station, and the cemetery. The silence was deafening. "I'm so sorry." Bella said her own eyes becoming misty. "We didn't mean to bring up such sad memories for you." Bella said feeling very guilty.
"Oh honey, that's Ok. Not a day passes that I don't think about her." She said. "She was just a ray of sunshine. Such a happy girl." Mrs. Kolopolus smiled through her tears. "Did you know that Phoebe means 'light' in Greek?"
"No, I didn't." Bella answered.
"She had bright blonde hair when she came to us. That girl's smile could light up a room. She was the light in my life."
"I can see she was." Bella wiped a tear from her own eye. "Did she get sick?" Bella asked.
"It was such a tragedy. Such a shame." The woman shook her head again as the tears fell more freely now.
"An accident?" Will asked, still standing in the foyer.
"It was a fire. The poor little thing was trapped in her bedroom on the second floor."
"I'm sorry" Bella said as she reached out for the old woman's wrinkled hand. "I'm very sorry.
"It must be comforting to have Melanie living so close to you."
"It scares me to have her living so close to me." Mrs. Kolopolus said under her breath, although Bella clearly heard the words. "Look, I'm very tired now, you kids should be on your way.
"Yes," Bella said standing. "We'll go and we'll lock the door behind us. "Take care, Mrs. Kolopolus, it was nice meeting you."
"And you too dear, good luck with the band." The old woman waved from her chair.
They banged the door shut and walked away carrying a black plastic trash bag full of cans and heads filled with new unanswered questions.