The Secret Billionaire At The Commune

Chapter 5

When Alexis returned to Nana’s trailer, she was surprised to see that Amber hadn’t gone through anything yet and that her sister wasn’t home. Her husband, Brandon, was passed out on the couch and their three children were running amok in Nana’s gardens, trampling her delicate plants.

“Hey guys, stop it,” Alexis yelled at them, too tired to really chastise them. It wasn’t their fault they had awful parents who didn’t provide any good examples or guidance. She sighed and thought about what Nana would do. “Are you guys hungry?” The three, grimy children nodded and Alexis led them inside to fix them plates of leftovers. Alexis double checked the fridge for dessert; she could have sworn that there was leftover chocolate cream pie. Had Jason fled, leaving his phone and keys but had taken the pie? Alexis chuckled to herself and began to wonder where Jason went. She had to find him, somehow.

Amber still hadn’t returned to put her children to bed so Alexis ran a bath for them and piled Jason’s bed with soft, clean blankets. She tucked them in, read them a story and all three went down quickly and easily. Alexis remembered Amber complaining about them throwing fits at bedtime; maybe a full stomach and a warm bath did the trick. Alexis was staggering from mental and physical exhaustion and crawled into her own bed and fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

When she woke early the next morning, Alexis figured the one thing she had to do that day was make a few phone calls, inviting Nana’s friends to celebrate her life the following day and procure Nana’s special commune flowers. Alexis was looking forward to the drive, it would be good to be by herself and clear her head anyway. Amber had gotten back at some point last night and slept in Nana’s bed. It bothered Alexis but she decided to let that one slide, to keep the peace for now. Amber said she wouldn’t go through Nana’s things without her so Alexis didn’t want to stir the pot over something as seemingly miniscule as tainting the last sheets Nana had slept in.

She went to shower and found herself glancing at the door, hoping to see Jason, even though she had closed and locked it to avoid any accidental run-ins with Brandon. It felt lonely; although Jason was her little peeping tom, they also chatted while she bathed. She missed the company. After her shower, Alexis changed into jeans and one of Jason’s tee shirts he had left behind and piled her long, strawberry blonde hair into a messy bun. Before she left, she left out bowls and cereal for the kids. Nana would never have let them go hungry on her watch, Alexis thought. She put on Nana’s funky gas station sunglasses and set out to find Nana’s special commune flowers.

***

A long drive on country roads in an old truck with the windows down and classic rock on the radio was exactly what Alexis needed to clear her head. She felt guilty for thinking less about Nana and more about finding Jason, wondering where he was, wondering if he too had driven down the same roads she was currently driving and in what direction. Without his phone, she had no way to get in touch with him and she was mad at herself for not knowing his boss’s address or phone number. Dave had been talking about a job on a farm, maybe that’s where Jason had gone. Her GPS let her know that she was getting close and she turned down the radio so she could see better.

The farmstand looked like it was an old service station, with three garage bays wide open and tables topped with overflowing baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables. The overhang where the pumps once were was a patio space that had picnic tables and the small area where the store had been looked like it served refreshments and sandwiches. The entire building was covered in colorful murals, scrawled with hearts, peace signs and flowers. One side of the building had “Welcome to Anavrin” written on the side, with an arrow pointing up a tree lined drive that was so long, the house wasn’t within eyesight. Hanging baskets of flowers cluttered the patio in a cheerful, chaotic way and a few people hustled about, either sweeping or organizing their wares. Alexis parked opposite the driveway, by the patio and cut the engine of the old truck. This place seemed like Nana’s style, she thought. An older woman Nana’s age began to approach her as she was getting out of the car.

“Hello, friend. I’m Sasha, can I help you find anything today?” Sasha wrapped Alexis in a hug without hesitation and something about her incredibly genuine demeanor made Alexis feel immediately at ease.

“I…” Alexis began, “I need to buy some flowers for my grandmother’s funeral.” Alexis suddenly burst into tears. The gravity of Nana dying felt like it hadn’t hit her yet and all of the feelings decided right now was the most opportune time to bubble to the surface.

“There, there,” Sasha held her tightly, “I am so sorry your grandmother is no longer Earthside.” She didn’t offer to sell Alexis flowers, she just simply stood there, comforting her in silence, a complete stranger. Alexis took a few deep breaths and tried to compose herself.

“I’m so sorry,” she started and Sasha held up her hand.

“Don’t apologize for feeling feelings, lovebug,” she said kindly. “Would you like to go look at some flowers?” Alexis nodded as Sasha took her by the hand and guided her inside the garage bays. The sheer assortment was astounding; no wonder Nana had wanted Alexis to see this place.

“Ohh,” Alexis sighed, regaining better command of her thoughts, “Nana said this place was amazing.”

“Had she visited us before?” Sasha asked.

“She said that she lived here in the 1960’s,” Alexis replied.

“Oh my goddess, I have too! What’s her name?” Sasha exclaimed excitedly.

“Elenor Kelley,” Alexis answered. Sasha gasped.

“I remember dear Elenor,” she said, her eyes beginning to tear. “May I ask how she passed?”

“She was unloading her produce at the farmer’s market,” Alexis said, “The paramedics did say it happened quickly.” Alexis had at least been grateful that Nana wasn’t in pain for long. Sasha clucked and nodded, rubbing Alexis’ shoulder, just as Nana used to.

“She did have quite the green thumb,” Sasha remembered. “Some of these flowers were originally planted to her,” she continued, gesturing at the vast display of colorful blooms before them. Alexis was so glad she had remembered that tidbit of their conversation just the other night; these were special flowers indeed.

Sasha kept chatting with Alexis, reminiscing about her and Nana’s days on the commune. “It’s called an intentional community now,” Sasha explained, “But the same basic tenets apply. Be kind, everyone contributes towards the common good, judgment-free zone, free love, all that jazz.” Alexis did have to admit she was intrigued. If the people working at the farmstand were indicative of the type of people living in Anavrin, it did sound like a peaceful existence. “We do have a few rules,” Sasha continued, “No cell phones, no internet, no social media. Not being constantly bombarded by news and entertainment makes for a more peaceful existence. If someone needs to reach us, there’s still a landline in the main house for emergencies.” Anavrin was sounding better and better; the time when Alexis went on a f*******: break, she read 6 books, started journaling and walking everyday.

“That sounds absolutely lovely,” Alexis said, looking sad. The flowers had been selected and arranged and wrapped up, she’d already had two lemonades and knew it was time to get back on the road, back to Nana’s trailer that had been invaded by her sister, her brother in law and nieces and nephew. She was dreading what situation she’d be walking into. “Nana’s service is tomorrow, it’s more of a celebration of life, a small ceremony on the bluff at Big Little Meadow Park. It’s at noon, you’re welcome to join us.” Sasha smiled back at her.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she replied.