Chaos Before Freedom

Chapter 10 - The fire is more inviting than HELL

Chapter 10 - The fire is more inviting than HELL

In Arthur's Narrative

Going to Oak Street, I was only expecting to leave a note in the dead flowerpot for Vira to find later. I didn't see this one coming. Flames reaching skyward from a home just down the way from Vira's. The letter would have to wait. Taking precautions, I parked on the block behind the burning house, and I ran to their aid. Covering my face with a bandana so no one would recognize me. Making myself useful by handing off buckets of water down the line. That is when I saw her, Vira trying to console the mother then making her way to the shed. When the shed started to collapse around her and the little girl. I saw the closest gentleman run over trying to get both females out, but only able to get the child. I was already on the move to the back of the shed, leaving my position to another. I found a back door, trying to swing it open, getting it so it was not latched I put some shoulder into it. Pushing it at first, I ended up having to slam my shoulder into it to loosen its hold to the ground. I called out to her Vira, unsure if she heard me as I offered my hand to her. She at least seen my silhouette and grabbed my extended hand. Pulling her out of the shed and into the dark behind the fire, I could feel she was growing weak, so I lifted her up in my arms. Her head against my chest and arms around my neck encouraged me to move faster to my car.

I don't think she even realized that I took off her dress and shoes, leaving her in her slip before tucking her under the covers. I couldn't help but chuckle when she mumbled "You got me a bed?" She was in for more surprises when she woke up. It was really late, and it would be hours before the stores would open up. Laying down on the couch for a nap, my alarm was the morning sun cascading light through the windows I was up before Vira and out of the cottage door soon after, hoping to return quickly.

I headed to the local grocery store to pick up perishables and other items that may be needed. I also decided I would make dinner for the two of us or at least help with it. She was up by the time I got back and talking on the phone. Her demeanor already seemed to be improving. However, I did make her jump when I came in. I apologized as I felt horrible knowing what hell she had just got out of. I don't know if she read my train of thoughts or had the same thoughts, but as we were taking care of the groceries together, she asked "Arthur, I don't mean to put you out or anything, but do you think you could stay here with me? At least until I get settled, I would really appreciate it as it would give me a peace of mind."

"I was actually going to ask you the same thing over lunch", I responded with a light chuckle in my voice. She started to laugh. Boy, I missed that laugh as smooth as honey just like her sweet voice. And there was that dazzling smile to go with it, making my heart skip a beat. She didn't know how much she could melt me down to my very core with that smile and her beautiful eyes. Her eyes reminded me of a mix of blues and greens you would see in a painting for a stormy sky. Her soft long blond hair, I know it was best described as dishwater in color, but it was of a warmer goldish tone than many others considered to have the same shade. Especially when the sun hits it just right, that is when the shade appears much brighter. I must have spent too much time taking in her beauty that she brought me out of thought when she asked "Is everything okay? You are staring."

"Oh, I am sorry... It has been so long since I saw you smile, and it makes me happy to see it again. To see you safe." In reality, I wanted to take her in my arms just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I wanted to confess everything to her right then and there, but I felt it was the wrong time to do so.

Over lunch she told me about what Doris was planning for the weekend after next. She also asked me many questions about my tour of duty and after. We were just getting to know each other again; she really didn't want to talk too much about the last two years on her side.

I woke up to her making breakfast and the smell of coffee. She seems chipper this morning, but as I imagine, last night was probably the most restful sleep she has gotten in years. As I cleaned the sleep from my eyes, I wished her "Good morning."

She turned her head to me, responding "Good morning, I hope sleeping on the couch was okay."

"Yeah, it was fine, I expected this space any way."

"I do feel bad for putting you out." She said with a frown.

I took her hands into mine, trying to reassure her. "No, don't feel bad in the least, if it gets unbearable, I will find something for the other bedroom... I promise." In truth, I could always bring the one from the apartment, but I wasn't going to worry about it. The couch was fine for me. She gave me a tiny smile before directing my attention to breakfast sitting on the table. I joined her at the table to eat and enjoy our coffee with a nice conversation. This became the norm over the week and so did her nightmares. She would cry or scream and almost always thrash about a bit, in these dreams. I didn't ask her what they were about, I didn't need to. I only went to her aid, comforting her back to sleep, then returning to my spot on the couch.

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Vira’s Narrative

Another night, another nightmare I could feel Arthur comforting me. I never woke completely due to his presents. In the morning he was back on the couch sleeping, to thank him I quietly made him a huge breakfast. I still hadn’t thanked him for the bed, I remember the day he brought me here after the fire, that I mumbled "You got me a bed?" As he tenderly put me down on it.

He let out a chuckle "Yes. Just lay here and get some rest, for now I will be right back. I am going to go get some things okay. I will lock the door behind me so you can feel safe. The phone works and is under my name, if you want to let Doris know you are alive. I will call your father and let them know you are okay when I stop by my apartment."

"Alright." I replied almost in a whisper before falling into a deep restful sleep. It must have been hours before I opened my eyes again, but Arthur was nowhere to be seen. He left me a note on the kitchen counter.

Vira,

Just as a reminder, I went to go get supplies for the cottage. There are already some toiletries in the bathroom if you would like to clean up. I will be back soon.

Arthur

That sounded like a great idea. When I went into the bathroom, I saw so many things I used to get often. He remembered. I couldn't believe he actually remembered. Even the perfume I used to wear. The bath felt absolutely wonderful, I soaked in it until the water was cool. On the back side of the door, I found a blue silk robe and put it on. Going back to the room, I found a whole closet full of women's clothing and shoes. I thought he was only planning on a couple of dresses and maybe a pair of shoes. What a sweetheart making sure I had anything I could need. After dressing, I went out to the phone and called Doris it was educational to learn that I am currently considered dead. Arthur walked in at the tail end of it with full arms of groceries, it caused me to jump a little.

The first week had many nights where I could sense that he was there when I needed him. During the days he would help me around the cottage, even helping with meals. I couldn’t believe it for once I actually had a man helping me cook. If he has a lady, I sure hope he treats her this week, for sure she is one lucky lady. It made me happy that he hopefully was happy, but deep down I wished it was me who made him happy. Every day I spent in my own personal hell I wished I had just left everything behind that day at the train station. That I would have gotten on that train with Arthur and mailed the damn annulment papers to that monster right along with the damn ring. The same damn ring I left in that fire, as I took it off, I didn’t want to die wearing that cursed thing.

When Doris and Tom came for a visit on the sixteenth, it was uplifting. I was really excited to see them again; they were the only good things to come from knowing Freddie. Doris didn’t just walk up to the door she ran, pulling me into the tightest bear hug I have ever gotten from a woman. Oh hell even from a man. I couldn’t make out a word she was squealing, but she dragged me down the hall to the bathroom for my makeover.

Once in there I ended up spinning around from the speed she had built up. Closing the door behind me she wasted no breath before she asked “So?”

“So… what?” I know I had to look like a deer caught in the headlights, I really had no clue what so was.

“Arthur! Is he single and have you rekindled your love with him? How has it been living here so far? Has he been staying here with you? If so, where has he been sleeping?” She said that last part with her brows dancing up and down before picking right back up “Details… Details Vira, I need them.”

“Slow down Doris… How much coffee did you have this morning?”

“Two cups less than normal.”

“Well I think you might want to cut that down to one cup or cut out the sugar.” I chuckled. She put her hands on her hips tilted her head and gave me a “You can’t be serious” look the whole time tapping her toes with inpatients.

“Alright… alright.” Still chuckling I motioned my arms and hands in a cross waving them. “I don’t know if Arthur is single, nothing is going on here other than nightmares at night. And on the couch.”

She let down her shoulders as if she was disappointed, but got over it quickly as she prepared her makeshift work station to dye my hair. She had chosen a bright blond, the kind that you see on toe headed little children. My eyes got a little to big and she must have noticed as she stated “It will be alright, you will look GREAT!” She emphasized the importance of great in that sentence. It was just general talk after that not only about Arthur, but also about Freddie and the mess he was making back in Omaha. Not to mention that even with me missing or presumed dead did he delayed his trip to Chicago. I was grateful that he was distracted enough that he wasn’t looking for me. We were not sure what the men folk were talking about but could hear them laughing every so often. It sounds like they hit it off well. It was silent when we reappeared from the bathroom after Doris was finished with her art project called my hair duo.

With the drastic change to my hair color, the guys were almost speechless. That was a new one, Tom was speechless. He was always a talker in a good way, the perfect match for Doris in every way.

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Doris’s Narrative

We arrived at the cottage just as planned. I didn’t take too much off from Vira’s hair length, but I did lighten it quite a few shades of blond. While we were in the back Arthur and Tom got to know each other over a card game. Only joining them after the hair styling was finished, both men looked with their jaws gapping open.

“Well stop gawking, what do you think?” I chimed proud of my work.

Tom responded, “Vira you look like the bees’ knees, Honey you did a great job.” Arthur seemed to be at a loss for words. He could not deny she looked great and only nodded in agreement muttering the word wow.

“Thank you” we said simultaneously.

“Ladies I think you both look great too good to just stay here for lunch, I hear the movie theater is showing Speedy this afternoon it is supposed to be a comedy. We can eat at the dinner and head over how does that sound?” Arthur asked.

“Really I haven’t been to the movies…” Vira sounded excited but then a sudden sadness came over her when she said, “Since we last went.”

I could tell this tugged at Arthur’s heart going over to her putting his hands on her shoulders “I am here now, I promise we will be going to the movies at least a couple of times a month, okay?” she nodded, giving him a hug.

“Alright let’s go this sounds like some well-deserved fun.” Tom intersected.

It was a beautiful spring day the month of April could still be brutal in Nebraska, but today was jacket weather. Lunch kind of tripped up Vira, looking at the specials out of habit she was about to pick meatloaf from the board when Arthur stopped her. “Sweetheart order whatever you may like, I won’t limit you to just the specials.” She liked meatloaf but what she ordered was a porterhouse steak with mushrooms and onions. I could tell she was more embarrassed that she was still thinking within Freddie’s limits when it came to food. When the waitress came up to the table Arthur asked her what she would like first. With her response he said, “that sounds delicious we will take two of those.” We all decided that stake was the way to go with.

The movie after was as advertised, the audience’s laughter filled the room. I could tell for just a moment Vira was able to pretend the last two years didn’t happen. That Freddie was not a part of her life, well now this new life he was not and would not be.

The dinner and a movie was so fun, and happened like one would expect for a normal couples double date. However, I know it wasn't an actual date, only an outing. I was glad the movie we went to see was a comedy. In truth, we needed some laughter because of the recent events.

Now there was a question if Arthur did have a lady friend or wife there was no ring on his finger indicating it. Knowing Vira, she hoped he wasn’t in the stew pot of a special lady’s anger. Vira didn’t want to wreck a loving home for her own self-pity or battle for that matter. I don’t know how Vira didn’t pick up on it, but every time he looked at her all I could see is the love he held for her. After the movie we went back to the cottage just for a little bit before leaving. Promising that we would not be strangers and would come back to visit.

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Arthur’s Narrative

I hoped that the visit of her friends would help. She told me the night before their arrival of a dream that Freddie followed them here. He then killed me followed by beating and r****g her until she was dead also. The feeling for her appeared as it lingered into her waking that morning, keeping herself busy by making a finger food snack platter. Even baking a red velvet cake for after lunch, I tried to help by cutting things, as she seemed distracted. I was afraid she might cut herself by accident, so whatever she needed me to do, I did. She was nervous up until they pulled up in the drive. Doris was so excited she ran to give Vira a hug, Tom followed behind her to shake my hand. After the formal introductions, the ladies went into the back, leaving us men in the living room.

"So how is she doing?" Tom inquired.

"Mostly good during waking hours, but she still has some nightmares to be honest."

Nodding his head in understanding, "That does not surprise me, we have been keeping up with appearances back home. Doris does the best she can to stay out of Freddie's sight. Which I cannot blame her, it is hard not to call out that bastard so not to raise suspicion."

Picking up my cup of coffee and taking a sip as he said that I retorted "well, I bet you are doing far better than I would have. I think I probably would have beat the living daylights out of him." Our conversation then moved to a lighter note of hobbies, interests, sports and, of course, the two lovely ladies in the bathroom doing their own things. Tom was a really nice guy, and we quickly became friends. I told him thank you for taking Vira to the doctors when I was not able to. He may not know it, but I felt horrible I was not there for her at that moment, but I would have been rash and just taken her away right then. Freddie would probably be close on our heels and as soon as I left the cottage. Even with all the precautions I would take and those who would be involved, there is not much the law can do in keeping a man away from a wife. And sadly, that is actually what they would tell us, tell her she should go back to her husband.

When the ladies came out the change of Vira's hair was shocking. I loved her normal hair color, but I will admit this lighter blond fit her along with. Tom's and my jaw must have been on the floor, because Doris called our attention to speak. They looked too good just to have a light sandwich lunch, so Tom and I took them out for lunch and a movie. The comedy movie was a good choice as I could hear her laugh again. They stayed long enough to enjoy the cake and coffee over cards and a fun conversation. Vira was happy I could see it in her eyes. She was unleashed in her mind today.

After they left, we went for a walk, just a lite conversation. She acted as if she had something on her mind but was not ready to say anything. I didn't push it. I would just have to be patient with her, she would tell me if she wanted and when. It was over dinner that she finally asked what was burning in her mind. I was a bit surprised that she actually thought she was interrupting my life. In fairness, I wasn't talking about my life during the last few weeks, only focusing on trying to get her out of there.

But by the end of the night, she was curled up by my side sobbing into my chest. I wrapped her in a blanket, my arm resting on her shoulder down to her waist. I loosened her simple bun, freeing her hair so I could run my fingers through it, giving her comfort as she let me in on every detail. I could feel my anger rise within me, I wanted to kill that son of a b***h. Okay, not just kill, I wanted to tear him apart like a wild beast would. My heart rate raised, but I kept my calm, she needed this off her chest.

In a quivering voice she confessed "Arthur, I know that this is improper, but I want you to know... When Freddie and I were first married, every time he took me to bed, I envisioned you, never him. As the beating increased, he took me less, but when he did, I would just go limp until he was finished. I tried to take my mind to any place, but where I really was, I stopped thinking of you during it so not to taint the memories of you and better times."

Wrinkling my brows together, I stated as calmly as possible "not improper at all, it is okay to confess to me. I will help you the best I can to heal and move on from that dark place." Rubbing her arm with the hand that was resting on her side. "It will be alright." I let my emotions get the better of me, and kissed the top of her head. Resting my face there for a moment, taking in her perfumed scent, trying to restrain my own emotions. Her tears stopped falling and a calm came over her, still cuddled by my side. She fell asleep in my arms, not really wanting to move, but knew that she would be more comfortable in bed. I carried her back to the bedroom and carefully covered her with blankets before going back to the couch. Being a man, I tried not to cry, but with all that she just laid out I began to. Covering my face with my hands to hide it. Eventually, lying down to sleep still with a tear or two rolling down my cheeks into my beard stubble.

For bedtime, everything like it has been me on the couch and her in the bed. This time we both had an uneasy night. This time when I went in to comfort her back to sleep, she asked me to stay. I am sure she didn't realize how much her invitation meant to me. Just holding her in my arms was just as much comfort to her as it was to me.

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In Vira's Narrative

I was back in Freddie’s living room on that faithful night before Thanksgiving. Bringing in Freddie's plate as usual. When we noticed an odd glow coming from outside the window. "Well don't just stand there doll, open the window!" Freddie demanded. The bay window framed the fiery scene as if it was a painting. Several people ran out of their homes to help try to control the blaze until the fire and rescue appeared. We ran down the street. Freddie went to help the men as I went over to the screaming mother. In a flash I was back in front of the shed. It was already covered in flames, and within them I could see a shadow of a man. His eyes glowed red, he was terrifying to see. Shivers were running up my spine, it was as if it was the devil himself running his claws gently down my body. Urging me to join him in Hell, I could hear the toddler screaming in horror as he held her by her wrist. “Come Vira, you belong to me.” The devil said and it sounded like Freddie’s voice only more menacing, my heart racing. I had to save the little girl she was so scared. I looked around and there was no one to help, I was now surrounded by dancing flames. I could feel the heat on my skin and smell the burning smell of flesh. The devil before me tossed his head back and let out a tyrannical laugh. I could feel my blood drain from my face and the sweat beading on my forehead. It was now or never I rushed to the figure to free the little one. But once I reached them, he tossed her out of the shed with one swift hard throw. Forcing me to face him a mere inch away from his, I was not able to look where she landed. He held me in place tightly with one arm, while ripping my clothing with his clawed hand on the other. Before pulling my head back by grabbing my hair, bringing his lips closer to mine to claim me. “No… Don’t, let me go! I don’t want to be with you!” I screamed repeatedly.

But somewhere I could hear a soothing voice “It will be alright Vira; you are not there anymore you are here with me. Come back to me, it is only a dream.” I knew that voice, it was Arthur’s. It seems that Arthur was reaching out for me and pulling me out of the fire once more. I could feel him tucking some of my hair behind my ear and wrapping his arm around me pulling me into a comforting embrace. Repeating the words to me “Its okay you are free now.” Until my crying subsided, by now I was more aware of my surroundings. I could feel him trying to get out of bed without disturbing my slumber. But before he could take his arm fully from my reach, I held his arm tightly against me. “Stay” I sleepy mumbled and stayed he did throughout the night.

I was still in his arms when the morning arrived, being so comfortable in the warmth of the bed and Arthur I did not want to move. Selfishly I wanted to savor this moment, taking everything he was offering to me at this moment his sent and his touch. I dare not to ask for more than that even this was way over the boundaries that could ruin his personal life. With that thought I decided to distance myself from his body out of respect for an possible unknown lady in his life.

That is when he suddenly said with the crackle of tiredness in his voice “Stop moving Vira, I am comfortable.” He then pulled me closer, so my back touching his chest once more. Again he is not acting like a taken man, and the Arthur I knew was an honorable man and would never cheat. Unless his time in the military changed him but I highly doubted that.

It’s about damn time I just straight out asked him, with determination I started to ask “Arthur…”

Interrupting me “No” Arthur then nuzzled his face closer to my neck.

“No what?” I sighed.

“No I am not married, or even seeing any one. Vira my dear, I chose this. Do you not see how I feel about you?”

“Umm...” Vira was struggling for words “I thought maybe since with the confusion, and me marrying Freddie you probably moved on with your life. I don’t want to cause you someone you love in the least.”

He let out a chuckle “No nothing like that, after I lost you, I didn’t exactly become a monk, but I could not find a lady that could compare with the way I feel… I mean felt for you. I know that you didn’t marry Freddie to get back at me, and after speaking with your father I could understand why fell for his tactics. It has been my experience no matter how wise a person is they can still step in shit.”

She let out a little giggle at that last line and asked him to confirm “So you have no romantic lady friend then?”

“No, well there is one I would like to have” he answered.

“Oh?”

“Yes indeed, you my dear. I would wa… let me rephrase that I have and would again walk-through fire for you. I love you and I am willing to wait here with you until you decide to move on or love me in return. Don’t worry about giving me a answer now you have time, I am not going anywhere.” Giving me a squeeze and kissing my neck where his lips were. “I love you, and there isn’t anything going to change that. Ever since that last kiss at the train station I was going to find you if not to take you home to at least make sure you were happy.”