Tangled Fury

Six Months Later-2

“We do!”

“Well, there you go. Let’s see if we can sweet-talk them into it.”

“Okay!”

When we arrived at the diner, I sighed in relief when I noticed my mother’s Ford Focus behind the building. I pointed to her car as we turned toward the front entrance. “Look who’s here, Emma.”

Her eyes lit up. “Yaay! Can we sit in her section?”

“Of course,” I answered, parking in front of the restaurant. I got out, unbuckled Emma, and we hurried into the diner with her skipping beside me.

“Grandma!” called Emma, waving at my mother, who was standing next to a booth in the back of the diner. Her silvery-blonde hair was pulled back into a hairnet and she had more makeup on than usual, which made me think that Sam was also working, or she had plans with him for later.

Mom waved back, smiling, and then finished taking her customer’s order, while we waited by the register.

“Mommy, look at that pie,” said Emma, staring into the glass enclosure of the bakery goods. There were pies, cookies, muffins, and scones. My own stomach growled from looking at the tantalizing treats.

“That’s a cheesecake,” I answered, noticing the cherry drizzled confection on the top shelf. It looked so thick and decadent. Almost too pretty to eat.

“Cake? It looks like a pie.”

“I know. It also looks delicious, doesn’t it?”

She licked her lips. “It does. Can I have a piece?”

“We’ll see.”

I turned as mom approached.

“Surprise!” yelled Emma, smiling.

“Emma, not so loud,” I said, touching her shoulder.

“It’s fine,” laughed my mother, bending down to hug her. “You have to yell when you’re trying to surprise someone, don’t you Emmy?”

“Yes,” she replied. “That’s why I did it, mommy. To surprise her.”

I shook my head, smiling. “I think you surprised everyone in here.” I looked back at my mom. “Isn’t it your day off?”

“Gina called in sick, and I figured I could use the extra money.”

“I don’t blame you. Is Sam working in back?” I asked, trying to peer into the kitchen.

She pulled a strand of silver hair behind her ear and secured it with a bobby pin. “No, he’s working later this evening.”

Emma’s eyes became round. “Wow, your nails are so pretty, grandma.”

My mother smiled down at her new bubblegum-pink-colored manicure. “Aren’t they, though? I went over to Raina’s Hair Salon and had them done.” She looked back at me. “Which reminds me – Sera, didn’t you tell me that you used to be a nail technician, back in Amery?”

I shrugged. “Yes. Ray made me quit after I became pregnant.”

“He made you quit? Why, because of the chemicals?”

“That, and he just didn’t want me working, which was fine. I was able to stay home with Emma,” I answered, smiling down at my daughter.

“Were you licensed?”

“Yes. I went to school for it.” I sighed. “I guess it was a waste of time and money.”

Mom smiled. “Maybe not, Sera. I spoke to Raina and she said that their nail technician is leaving, and they need someone to replace her. She said that if you’re interested, you should stop in and talk to her.”

“Well, I’d have to get my license renewed,” I answered, feeling uncertain about even getting back into it. “Like I said, it’s been a few years. I’m sure I’d have to get additional training.”

“It might be worth looking into. The place is always busy,” mom replied. “She said that Mandy, the nail technician who’s leaving, has made a decent living. You should really think about it. I’m sure you’d make more than what you’re making at the drugstore as a clerk.”

As I was about to answer, the phone in the diner began to ring. For some reason, I felt another jolt of anxiety, this time so intense that I started to break out into a cold sweat.

“I’ll get it,” called one of the other waitresses.

“Are you okay?” asked Mom, studying my face.

Feeling a wave of dread, I looked toward the parking lot and saw Ray’s truck pull into it. “No,” I whispered in disbelief.

“What is it?” she asked, following my gaze. “Do you know that person?”

I felt like all of the air had been sucked out of my body and could barely breathe as I watched him drive slowly through the lot and then park his rig next to my car. Seeing the truck up close, there was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t being paranoid and that it really was Ray. Although the windows were tinted, and the license plate had been changed, there was the same decal of a florescent green skull near the window.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” asked Emma.

Trying to remain calm, I grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the break room. “Nothing, honey. Uh, Mom, we have to leave. Is it okay if we go out the back door?”

“I suppose. What’s going on?” she asked following me quickly.

I looked back at her. “I’ll explain later.”

“But, I don’t want to leave,” whined Emma, pulling at my hand. “You said that I could have a strawberry shake with a bunch of cherries on the top. You promised!”

“I’m sorry, honey, I’ll get you one later.”

“Sera, what’s going on?” repeated my mother.

I lowered my voice. “Ray is here. We have to go. He must have found out where you lived.”

“Daddy’s here?” asked Emma, looking back over her shoulder.

“For Heaven’s sake... why don’t you just talk to him?” replied my mother, as I opened the break room door. “You can’t keep avoiding the man, and he is Emma’s father. He probably misses her like crazy.”

I shook my head vehemently. “No, I can’t talk to him and I doubt he just wants to talk. At least not rationally.”

Her eyes bore into mine. “Are you frightened of your husband, Sera?”

Feeling my throat tighten, I nodded.

Her eyes softened. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Look, we’re in a public place. What could he really do?”

Besides take my daughter away or try killing me?

She just didn’t get it and that was my fault. I hadn’t confided in her. “Mom, listen to me – if he comes inside and starts asking questions about us, just tell him that we were passing through town, or something. That we’ve already left. Tell him you have no idea where we’re even headed.”

She raised her hands. “Sweetie, why don’t you just calm down and wait back here until he leaves. I’ll tell you when he’s gone.”

“You don’t understand. He’s not just going to leave. He obviously saw my car parked in front, so if anything, he’ll just go back out and wait.”

“Oh.”

I chewed on my lip. “Okay... this is what we’re going to do. We’re going to sneak back around the building. As soon as he walks into the diner, we’ll jump into the car and take off.”

“Then he’ll just chase you around town, and that’s dangerous,” she answered. “The best thing that you can do, right now is to stay back here until I find a way to get rid of him.”

“Can we switch vehicles then?” I asked, feeling like a trapped animal. “Because, truthfully, you’re not going to be able to do that and you really don’t want him to cause a scene.”

“Fine,” she answered, stepping over to one of the lockers on the back wall. She opened it up and pulled out her purse.

“Thanks, mom,” I answered as she handed me her car keys. “I’m sorry to put you through this.”

“Nonsense. Don’t apologize. So, where are you going to go?” she asked, as I handed her my set.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Not home, though. I’m pretty certain he already knows where that is.”

“I’m scared,” said Emma, her eyes full of tears. She hugged my waist, burying her face in my stomach.

I held her tight and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t be, baby. Everything is going to be all right. Nothing bad will happen to you.”

“Promise?” she whispered, looking up at me.

“I promise,” I replied, hoping that it was the truth. I repeated the words, needing to believe in them myself. “Nothing bad is going to happen to you.”

“I’m not worried about me.”

The way she stared at me gave me goose-bumps. It was as if she knew something bad was really going to happen. Knew and believed in it without a doubt. I was reminded of the time when Mom had told me that my grandmother had been a powerful clairvoyant, which I’d originally brushed off as nonsense. After the past few months, however, I was no longer a disbeliever. Not after seeing so many of my own strong feelings or intuitions become a reality. It was beyond coincidental. And now, I was beginning to wonder if Emma was also cursed with these gifts.

“Nothing bad will happen,” I said firmly.

“That’s right, Emma. Nothing bad will happen to either of you. Look, I have an idea –

why don’t you go over to Sam’s place?” suggested my mother. “In fact, I’ll meet you there in an hour, and then we’ll talk about this. Okay?”

“Okay,” I replied, feeling a sense of relief now that we had somewhere safe to go and a ride to get us there. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I’ll let Sam know you’re coming.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Come here, now.” She bent down, and gave Emma a big bear-hug. “Grandma will see you later, my little Emmy. Be good and listen to your mommy.”

“I will,” she answered, still looking pale and frightened.

My mother kissed her cheek. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”

Emma’s lip trembled. “I can’t help it.”

“Oh, honey.” Mom looked at me sadly. “Is it really that bad between the two of you?”

I nodded.

“Maybe you could try counseling?”

“Right,” I said, smiling grimly. I doubted even a counselor could undo all of the nastiness that was now inside of Ray.

“It couldn’t hurt,” she said. “Everyone has their share of problems.”

“You don’t know him, Mom.”

“Well, something has to be done. You can’t keep avoiding him.”

“We’ll talk about it, later.” I grabbed Emma’s hand again and walked to the back exit. “Now, remember, if he asks about us, tell him we left and you don’t know where I’m staying.”

“Don’t worry, honey. I’m sure I can handle him.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I replied, glancing back at her one last time. Her smile was reassuring, but my stomach quivered in fear as my doubts resurfaced.

“Relax,” she said, her greenish-blue eyes softening. “I’ve got this. Like I said, you’ll hear from me soon. I’ll call Sam’s place as soon as Ray leaves the diner. Let you know what happened.”

Don’t leave her, warned a voice in the back of my head.

I frowned. “Mom, maybe you should come with us now. I think –”

April, one of the other waitresses, walked into the room. “Doreen, there’s a gentleman out here asking for you.” She grinned. “Kind of cute, too. Oh, hey, Sera. Hi, Emma.”

“Hi,” I answered, forcing a smile. Knowing that he was now less than one-hundred feet away, I felt like picking up Emma and making a run for it.

Emma stared over her April’s shoulder with wide eyes, watching for her dad to appear. “Hi, April,” she answered softly.

“Go on, get,” said mom, shooing us away. “Like I said, I’ll handle him and will see the both of you shortly.”

“Bye, Grandma,” said Emma, waving frantically as I pulled her out of the back door.

“Bye, hon. Don’t be worried. I love you,” she answered, blowing Emma a reassuring kiss.

“I love you, too.”

“Mom, be careful,” I said, still uncertain. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

“I can’t just walk out of here. I have to finish my shift anyway. Now, don’t go worrying about me. I’m pretty sure I’ve encountered people much more difficult than Ray.”

I couldn’t help but be concerned. However, I also knew that I had Emma to worry about. If he got his hands on her, I knew I’d never get to see her again. I really had no other choice but to leave her here. “Okay, mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Sera. Both of you. Now, you’d better get out of here and I’ll do my best to distract him.”

Smiling in gratitude, we left.