I didn’t see Reed that day. Or the next. I had myself holed up in my room, contemplating my existence. I mentally said my goodbyes to Haylie. I knew that the drugs would stop my vivid encounters with her. Mum was right. It wasn’t normal. Maybe if I went back on the medication long enough this time, it might stop the dreams forever. I did text Reed. Just to let him know that there was just a few things happening, that it had nothing to do with him. I told him I looked forward to seeing him again, perhaps in a few days. But I guess he thought otherwise.
TAP.TAP.TAP.
I opened my curtain and standing at eye level with me was Reed.
“Reed, what are you doing? You’ll break your neck.”
“Nah, I’m up and down ladders all day for a living, remember? It’s you I’ll be worried about.”
“Huh?”
“Jailbreak.” He smiled mischievously.
“Oh no, I’m not going down that.”
“You got a better idea?” Hmm. He did have a point.
Once we were in the clear, I let out a laugh.
“You had that planned the whole time.” I accused.
“Guilty. We never leave equipment at a work site, but under the circumstances…I was worried about you.” He said.
“Here, jump in. Warm up.” Oh, the trusty 4x4. His partner in crime. I was relieved to see her though. It was a cold night and I had no intentions of braving it.
“Good heaters.”
“I told you, she never lets me down.” Reed reached for my hand as he began to drive from the scrub he had parked in. He kissed the top of it like I was royalty.
“So, you ok? Pretty intense time hey?”
“It’s such a long story, Reed…”
“I have all the time for you. Remember, I’m not jet setting off around the world now you’re here. How about a cup of hot chocolate on the rug in front of the fire? If you want to talk, I’m here, if you don’t, I’m here. We can watch the fire and cuddle. I’m open arms.”
“At the risk of sounding cliché, where on earth have you been all my life?”
“Right here babe, wishing on that moon.”
He did as he said. He listened. He held me. He even cried with me. It was such a release to talk to him about Haylie. He understood my pain. To lose your life source. Even though his was his father, Reed lost his other half, the one he was dependant on. He had empathy that no one else around me could contemplate. I told him about my relationship with Haylie. The big sister who always looked out for me. I told him how I missed her and how at times I couldn’t function without her by my side. I also told him that sometimes I couldn’t breathe, the trauma was so overpowering. I didn’t tell him about the nightmares. But then I didn’t have to. I woke with arms clenched on my shoulders. Shouting. Frantic, panic shouting.
“Jayde!”
Dazed and confused, I blinked furiously.
“Jayde. My God.” His arms wrapped around me. His heart was beating like a jack hammer. Reed held me so tight, I thought his heart had pounded straight through me.
“What the fuck?” He was petrified. I gasped for air. He held me tighter.
“I have these dreams. These nightmares.”
“Nightmares? Jayde you were virtually catatonic. You were saying stuff. Over and over. Are you ok? What is going on?”
“What stuff? What stuff, Reed?”
“You just kept repeating it over and over again.”
“What was I saying Reed?” I demanded. I never said things in my nightmares. Screaming, yelling sure, but mum and dad never made sense of anything.
“You kept saying, Look. Listen. Trust. Hope. Look. Listen. Trust. Hope.”
I couldn’t tell if he was frightened for me or if he was frightened of me.
“Babe, please let me help you.”
“It just doesn’t make any sense, Reed. I’m trying. I’m really trying to make sense out of all of this.” I sobbed.
“Perhaps that’s the problem,” he stroked the side of my face. “Stop trying so hard and things might just figure themselves out.”
I gazed up at him. “They sound like words of wisdom?”
“Just speaking from experience.”
* * *
The medication was sitting on my bedside table. It wasn’t there when I returned home from Reed’s place. Either Mum or Dad placed it there in the early hours of the morning. I stared at it for a long time. I knew it was my only answer to end this madness, this craziness that I was going through. My parents are far from perfect, although my mother might say otherwise, so my erratic behaviour around them was not too left of field, but Reed, well I hated the fact that he saw me in my after dark hypnosis. I curled in on myself at the thought of his terrified face. I was the cause of that alarm for him. It was such a tiny little pill. White, small, yet it held so many hopes and expectations. I placed it on the tip of my tongue. Reaching for the tall glass of room temperature water that had been sitting next to the drug, I gulped it into my mouth and let it flush the remedy down my throat. Was it a remedy? I know mum hoped it would be. Dad certainly did. Reed was following the line of sanguinity and I admit, I think now I was too.
“Morning.”
Mum appeared at my bedroom door.
“I took the tablet Mum.”
“Sure honey. I’m not checking up on you. Your dad and I are going to spend the day at the Salamanca markets. Did you have any plans? You can join us if you’d like.” Mum fiddled with her hair. She flattened it, she tucked it behind her ears, flattened it again. Her gaze averted mine. She was looking beyond me. The bedside table? Yes the tablet was gone. Yes I took it.
“I took the tablet Mum.” I repeated.
“I know how hard that must have been for you…”
“It was, but it wasn’t.” I thought of Reed. “I’m open to the possibility that it might help me.” Mum smiled at me. “We’re leaving in half hour, but we can wait if you want to come.”
“Thanks, but I think I might see what Grace is up to.” I lied. I really wanted to see Reed. Half hour was too long.
“What about Reed? Have you gone off him?” Gone off Reed? I can’t wait to see him again. It was awkward for us last night. I needed to see him again. I needed reassurance from him that we were ok, that I hadn’t freaked him out too much. Too much that he didn’t want to see me again.
“Just playing it cool, Mum.” She smiled at me. Perfectly painted lips in a shimmer pink. She was attractive, in a unique way. A structured way. All the pieces put together. I felt like a train wreck next to her sometimes. We had a lot of similar characteristics, but I just didn’t seem to have the same finesse as her. I did envy her poise, her outward confidence that she radiated, all the while though, she seemed to display an inner nervousness or restlessness perhaps that just never seemed to fit with her facade. I never did completely understand my mother. It was an hour and ten minutes before my parents drove down our cobble stone drive. One hour and ten minutes before I could allow my mind to replay last night. One hour and ten minutes before I called Reed.
“Hello…?”
“Reed..?”
“Jayde? Is that you?”
“Hey, yeah, it’s me…”
“Baby girl… you ok? I wanted to call you. I was so hoping you would call me.”
“Really? I, I thought for sure you would think I’m a freak, that you wouldn’t want to see me again. I was so worried-”
“I was so worried about you Jayde. I didn’t sleep a wink last night.” And there was silence.
“Jayde?”
“I’m still here.” I thought for a moment. “Can I see you, Reed?”
“I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”
It only took him ten minutes to arrive to my quaint abode. I am sure it took a lot longer to arrive to his house at other times. ‘Emergency.’ He stated when he did push open the rusty gate. Great, now I was not only the freak case, but I was also the mentally insane. That all washed away with one giant embrace. His arms encircled my being. I melted into his security. He didn’t dis-own me, he wasn’t going to turn his back on me. He was 100% concerned about me.
“Jayde…” He began.
“Look Reed…”
He cut me off. “Jayde, stop. I don’t know what you’re going to say, but I can certainly fathom a guess and that’s why I have stopped you. Last night meant the world to me. You, mean the world to me. I know that you are going through some crazy shit at the moment, but with every good bloody reason. I am not about to turn my back on the best thing that has happened in my life other that my father. Don’t think for a moment Jayde that I won’t stand by you. I’m in this, Jayde. I’m here for you.” He cupped my hands in his.
“I took the meds, Reed.” I spoke softly.
“I know how hard that must have been for you, but maybe it’s just what you need right now. Don’t try to over analyse things. Give yourself permission to just be. You know, just go through the motions. Things will work themselves out, Jayde. They always do, even if we can’t see any rhyme or reason at the time.”
I knew he was right. However, I just couldn’t seem to shake this fear of the unknown. Something was holding me back. Or holding Haylie back.
“How come you’re so smart?”
“I don’t have all the answers, Jayde. Trust me, when my dad died, I threw myself into alcohol. I was a menace. But that’s what I needed to do at the time. Probably burnt a few bridges doing so…”
Grace.
“Look, deep down, I don’t think this is the answer, but I am willing to try. I have to try. I owe it to my parents and I owe it to you.”
“No, you owe yourself a chance to be happy. Don’t do this for me or for your parents. This has to be your decision.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying, Reed, but Haylie took that decision away from me the day she committed suicide. As if it wasn’t hard enough dealing with that, now I feel like I’m losing my mind. You know, sometimes I can still feel her.” I looked up at Reed, looking at him now was like looking at a double sided mirror. Nothing projecting but pain.
“Sometimes, I think I can still hear her heart beating. Next to mine, in rhythm with mine. Aaah! I need a break from thinking.” I injected my last spurt of energy. Defeated, throwing my hands in the air. He reached for them. Picking them up in his and drawing them up to his face, he closed his eyes and caressed the back of my hands with his lips. Left to right and back again.
“Time is the only thing that can lessen the pain. Believe me, it never goes away. But it does get a little easier.”
“You are so calm about it all. I feel so alone at times, but then other times, I feel totally suffocated.”
“That is the process of grief. Disbelief, confusion, anger. It’s all there. Just don’t analyse yourself too much, Jayde. It is what it is. Sometimes you just have to ride it out. You know?” He questioned, not really waiting for a reply. “Hey, I was thinking about going away for the weekend. In a couple of weeks. If you’re up for it? It might help take your mind off things for a while. You want to cancel any plans so we can spend some time alone?”
“I’m the new girl remember? If I had any plans, I think you would more than likely already be involved.” I smiled.
“I am involved, Jayde. More than you realise.” He leaned into me and kissed my forehead. It was a soft, lingering kiss that stayed with me long after his lips had moved down to my cheek. There was comfort in his warmth. Reed’s full lips made their way to mine, gently parting them to make way for our urgent need. Five minutes ago I had been at my most vulnerable, most insecure and scared, yet now I was feeling the extreme opposite. Reed lifted me up to dizzy heights. I felt like I was floating when he encompassed me. I couldn’t make out whether it was the world spinning around us or if we were spinning around in our own world together. The kitchen bench was the perfect height for Reed. He lifted me up as my legs wrapped around his muscular lower back. My arms clung tightly as we rocked back and forth. I can’t believe we were having sex on my family kitchen bench. This is where we chop our vegetables! But right now, this is where I’m having the most exciting sex of my life. He grabbed me from underneath my bottom with his forearms, drawing me in harder to him, almost forcibly, but with such sensuality, I felt like bursting with desire. Each thrust and pull drove me higher up onto him. Reed groaned and his body shivered with ecstasy, tiny beads of sweat had formed on his forehead and shimmered in the light. He looked at me with his warm brown eyes. They looked both relaxed and alive. He was truly stunning.
“You’re so beautiful, Jayde.” He whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I simply held him. I wanted to freeze this moment and store it in my mind forever. His words, his warmth, the smell, the feeling. The passion was intense, I think highlighted by my emotional sensitivity. It was by far the best sex I have ever had.
It was 5 o’clock before my parents silver Toyota sedan rolled into our cobble stone driveway. Dark was encroaching quickly on our little cottage, hidden behind the natural foliage of evergreens. Hues of orange, yellow and reds scattered the ground, letting me know that autumn was well and truly in effect. The empty, sad looking twigs that remained attached to the once full and bountiful trees, were also a sure sign that Winter was about to take over. I shuddered at the thought. How on earth will I survive? I’m already freezing!
“So glad you kept the fire going honey. What a day! It was lovely down there.” Dad said.
“You really should have come.” He added.
“It’s just such a long drive though, Thom, don’t you agree?”
“Not when you have great company.” Oh! Gross, why do parents think that it’s acceptable to talk like that in front of their kids?
“Thom.” Mum motioned toward me.
“Don’t worry, Mum. Just glad you had a nice day.”
“What about you sweetie? Did you have a nice day?”
“Yup.” I nodded.
“Caught up with Grace?” Mum continued.
“Jayde, don’t tell me you lifted all these logs by yourself? Honey you’ll break your back. Don’t think I can even lift them into the fire.” Dad rambled from the lounge room.
Mum looked at me and cocked one eyebrow.
“So how is Grace doing anyway?” Sprung!
“Well, actually we didn’t catch up…”
“Huh? What’s happening?” Dad said entering the kitchen.
“Jayde was just telling me how her day went. What did you get up to honey?” My blood began to boil.
“Well, actually, Reed came over. I hope you don’t mind, but he was really interested in seeing some of my other work, in particular my photography.” I said only to my father.
“Yes, he did mention that the other day. Bit of an eye for talent.” Dad mused. “Indeed.” Mum quipped.
“Talent! My God, do you know who his father was?” I asked, now directing myself to mum, knowing full well that I had deflected any spite she may have been trying to tarnish me with. With a wry smile, I turned on my heels and faced dad, who was and always will be my greatest supporter and also an avid lover of the arts himself. He was eager to hear my reply.
“Rosco Aldino!” I said matter-of-fact.
“No. Really?”
“Really. Well, actually that’s not his real name. That’s Alan Harper. But Rosco Aldino was his professional name, derived from family names, Al for Alan, dino for his youngest brother, Dean and Rosco for Ross. Pretty simple, but I never would’ve known. I mean I didn’t know and I studied him forever.” I gushed.
“Wow, honey. That’s amazing. Who would’ve thought that coming all this way you would come across your greatest influence? Isn’t it funny how things work out?” Dad said as he led me into ‘our display room’.
“Tell me more. Does Reed have any unseen or unfinished works of his father’s?”
And so the night went. My mother’s plan to paint me as a naughty teenage daughter went straight out the window (for now anyway). She started preparing dinner in the kitchen while dad and I bonded over our love of skilled craftsmanship. I giggled to myself as I curled my knees up and watched the fire burn, taking sneaky looks towards the kitchen island bench.
* * *
The morning felt warmer than usual. And brighter. And for that fact, perhaps a little noisier. Not that country living is noisy, it just seemed to have more bustle and movement than previous days. I reached for my phone to check the time but all I came up with was one little white pill and one glass of room temperature water. It was when I threw my head back to take my dose of sanity that I realised that I had slept through the night. My throat was not sore from screaming, my hair was not matted. My pillow had no residue stains from tears and even my bed sheets still looked tucked in. I was still tucked into my bed like a bug in a rug, as mum used to say. Although I preferred it went she used the phrase ‘two peas in a pod’
“I still love you Hay.” I whispered.
“Morning sleepyhead.” I was greeted by Grace.
“What are you doing in my house?” I asked bewildered.
“Your mum called me. Actually she called Reed too.”
And sure enough, out in my back yard, standing at the BBQ with my dad was Reed. And Lucas. And I could also see Megs and Andrea sitting at the old wooden bench table that the previous owners had left behind. It was clearly too heavy to remove from its resting place and I’m glad too because it looked like the original masterpiece, that the rest of the whole house had been designed on.
“I’ve just finished the salad. You coming out? Think the boys have already started the barbie.” Grace smiled.
“Ah, yeah.” I managed to say, still half asleep. What time was it anyway?
“Hi babe.” Reed rushed up to me when he saw me step out into the day.
“You had a good sleep?”
“Reed, I didn’t dream.” I said excitedly.
“I know. Louise told me. She’s really proud of you.”
“Louise? You call her Louise?” I asked.
“Sure.”
“Sweetheart,” mum said wrapping her arm around my shoulders.
“Didn’t think to brush your hair? Oh, never mind now. Thought we would have a little party. Your friends are all lovely.”
“You didn’t think to wake me a little earlier?” I said with a hint of sarcasm.
“And disturb your first real night sleep? Of course not, honey.” Mum laughed me off. Then why the hell organise a damn party while I’m asleep!?
“Jayde, you needed that rest. Your mum was only trying to surprise you.” Reed said. I frowned like a toddler who had their toy taken from them.
“Surprise, Miss Queensland!” Lucas jumped in front of me. I couldn’t help but laugh at his goofiness.
“Hi Lucas.” I smiled.
“Off your feet. C’mon, come down here and chill me with me.” He said, looping his arm through mine.
“Lucas, I’m fine.” What has she told them? It was too late to protest. He was already dragging me down to the table bench. I looked back to find Reed’s face to motion for help but he was disappearing through the back door with mum.
“Hi Megs.” I smiled. I glanced in Andrea’s direction. I wished it had been Rachel over her. We just didn’t click. Maybe I could use today to try and change that though. I decided to give her a second chance.
“Hi Andrea. It’s nice to see you again.” I offered.
“What’s up?” She said, not even looking at me. She held up an empty glass. “Your mum has good taste in wine. Grab me another can you?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“This one’s empty.”
“Get up off your fat arse Andrea.” Lucas scolded.
“Well, it’s her party, she’s meant to be the host and she’s been snoozing all morning. I’m thirsty and I’m hungry.”
I looked at Lucas. “What is the time?”
“It’s one o’clock.” One o’clock? In the afternoon?
“Yes sleeping beauty. One o’clock. That’s why your stomach is grumbling.” Andrea rolled her eyes. “Drink?” She held up her glass again. “Ah, yeah, sure.” I mumbled. I began the walk back to the house. I wonder if everyone else thought I was as vague as I felt right now. This is just the beginning, though, I know it. It’s a different medication this time, but it is having the same effect. Disoriented, lax, slightly confused. All the reasons I didn’t want to be medicated. All the reasons I probably should be medicated.
I heard laughing coming from the stairs before I had even entered the house. Reed and my mother were sitting and giggling, stopping abruptly when I came into view.
“Hi.” Reed jumped up to greet me. My mother patted down her beige suede skirt and began to fiddle with its hem.
“I was just asking Reed to fix that annoying squeak in the steps. Your father flies out on Wednesday and probably won’t get a chance to get around to it. You have been so pre-occupied though lately, you probably didn’t even notice it.” Really? Pretty sure I’ve mentioned it like 50 bloody times!
“Oh Mum, can you stop with the sarcasm? I am not pre-occupied, I have noticed it and I have mentioned it.” I spat. Reed put his hand on mine. “It’s ok. Your mum just asked me to help. C’mon, let’s go eat.”
“I can’t. I have to get ‘Miss bush pig princess’ out there a drink.”
Reed laughed. “I like your description of her. Fits her like a glove. I personally wouldn’t go as far as having princess in the same sentence though.”
I smiled as he wrapped his arm around my waist and led me outside to our first cold outdoor BBQ in Tasmania. Despite the fact that it is Tasmania and it is almost Winter, the days have been beautiful. After around 10 or eleven o’clock, once the frost has disappeared, that is. Perhaps that’s the secret. Not venturing out until then.
* * *
I woke with a bit of a headache on Monday morning. No nightmares, though. Two days in a row. The dull head sensation must’ve been from the beer I had at the BBQ. I’m not meant to drink alcohol on the medication, but I figured two beers would’ve been okay. I guess I know now why they warn against it. What started as I mild thud across the front of my head soon turned into an explosive time bomb, threatening to erupt at any time. I wish it had detonated, maybe then it would’ve released some of the pressure in my head, but no. Instead, it just tightened its clutches and forced me to bury myself deep into the hole I called bed.
That day rolled around in a blur for me. I was in and out of consciousness for most of it. The pain I experienced was only dealt with by sleeping. I can honestly say that I will never drink again. At least while I’m on meds anyway.
The next day was Tuesday and I was keen to spend some time with dad before he flew out on Wednesday. I missed him when he goes to the mines. We decided on a day trip out to a place called Oakhampton. Tasmania has some beautiful beaches, but it’s just so damn cold. At least we had it all to ourselves though. If this beach was in Queensland, it would be overcrowded and over developed. That’s one thing I will give credit to how untouched nature is here. As much as I wanted to spend time with Dad, he could see how eager I was to work. I’m really going to have to put Mr. Harper’s blue room to good use. I already have a tonne of film to develop, I’m sure today’s adventure will only add to that. I should call Daniel. I will call Daniel. I know he’s been busy with his new clients, but I’m sure he will be stoked to know that my creativity block has been lifted.
I waited until Dad had left for work on Wednesday morning before I called Daniel’s office.
“Hi Janine…it’s Jayde…I need to speak to Daniel, is he around?”
“Jayde. How are you going, honey?”
“Yeah good thanks. Great, actually I’ve been working. That’s why I’m calling. I haven’t been able to reach Daniel on his mobile. I wanted to send up some samples. I think I could get a collection together from what I have here, perhaps ready for a show?”
“Oh, sure. Look he’s been busy. Things are really going off for him here. I’m sure he will return your calls when he gets a chance.”
“Well that’s just the thing. I’ve left messages on his voicemail already.”
“Ok sweetie. Listen I have got another call coming in, but I will let him know you called and you take care now. Ok? Bye Jayde.”
“Ah…um…yeah, ok. Bye Janine.”
Wow, that was pretty obvious. Great, first Haylie, then my friends, even dad for three weeks and now my agent has deserted me, too. I grabbed the bag of camera rolls from my chest of drawers. There is an inconvenience of still using old school equipment, compared to digital, but the prints were so much more alive, more thought out. Authentic. Then again, there really wasn’t that much inconvenience of developing the film at Reed’s house, quite the opposite, actually. I walked downstairs with my rolls of film. There was laughter coming from the kitchen. “I thought I heard voices.” I said.
“Hey babe.” Reed said, leaning in for a kiss.
“I was just on my way over to your house. Got some film.” I said holding up the small bag of film rolls. “Not that I’m in any mad dash for them, though.”
“Why honey?” Mum asked, pouring me a fresh cup of coffee.
“It seems these days Mr. Roseland is too busy for the crazy chick’s work. He won’t answer my calls or return them.”
“Do you think you might be over reacting? Why don’t you call the office?”
“Just did that. Janine did her best to soften the blow. But I guess this artist is on the lookout for a new agent.”
“Well, let’s look at this in a different light. Perhaps it’s meant to be. How about you go develop some of those reels and I will fix up these stairs as promised and I will help you out in regards to an agent. Maybe.” Reed handed me his house keys.
“Really?” I asked. Could this guy get any better?
“Sure. I will need some samples though. Head over to my house now and I will swing by after I have finished here.”
It’s all too easy. Meds are working, nightmares have ceased, awesome boyfriend, is he my boyfriend? Can I call him my boyfriend? Life is going ok for me, yet I still have this dark shadow over my head. It’s not threatening, but it is sitting and waiting patiently, which is worse. I took mum’s car over today. It turned up last week from the delivery company. The last of our things to arrive. It was too far to run to Reed’s house. Achievable, but still too far. Mum didn’t mind because she wasn’t really going anywhere today. Dad had taken his car to the airport early this morning. It pretty much works out to be the same cost if he leaves his car in the airport car park for the days he’ll be away as to what the cost of petrol for mum to drive dad down and back. Normally she likes to drive him, but his was flight was too early for her. I guess she is still getting use to the cold mornings, too. As I don’t have a major use for a car, considering my busy life and all, mum’s Subaru Forester was fine for the both of us.
The sleek black secure gates were open when I reached the start of Reed’s driveway. Ross was in the yard trimming the bottoms of some native trees. The electric saw was loud and crackling as it dove into the trees like a hot knife into butter. He made it look effortless, but I could see sweat soaking through his green shirt. No one perspires in 10 degree weather unless they’re working hard. He motioned to me, but I didn’t want to interrupt his momentum. I nodded and smiled, but kept on the long drive. Besides, I still hadn’t worked up the courage to face the harsh cold outside the heated seat warmers of Mum’s car interior. Unfortunately, I didn’t come here to sit in the driveway. I had photos to develop and braving the cold was the first process of that. I took a deep breath in and grabbed the keys Reed had leant me. I leaped from the driver’s side like a cat on a hot tin roof-Ha! If only… I parked as close to the front door as possible. It really was a particularly cold day, especially for this Queenslander. I wonder when I will stop being a Queenslander? Perhaps when this weather is no longer an issue for me. Will the weather ever not be an issue for me? The icy winds. The dark clouds. Hmmm.
“Damn it.” I said out loud as I fumbled with the door keys. Were my hands that cold that they weren’t working properly? Nope. The keys weren’t working because they were the wrong ones!
“Reed.” I scolded loudly. A quick glance around saw that my best chances were to run to Vi’s cottage instead of making a run for Ross. Sure I could go to him in the car, however, I would then have to conjure up more courage to depart the warmth of the car to go to him, then considering he is a gentlemen, he wouldn’t think of hoping into the car with his dirty work clothes on, so I would only have to wait longer and have to find the courage again to exit the car for the last and final time. Perhaps he wouldn’t have the keys on him and only end up having to go to Vi anyway. All this time, I’m still standing in the cold, icy wind. Run to Vi! Like the thought just occurred to me. Brilliant, Jayde.
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
“Jayde, honey. Whatever are you doing out in the cold? Come in, come in. You know I keep telling Ross, you shouldn’t be out in this weather. He should be in here with me, right by the fire. But I guess he doesn’t want to listen to two old women ramble on about things.” What was that about ramble?
“Oh listen to you Vi, you are rambling.” Another elderly lady chuckled as she winked at me. She looked like Vi, but a smaller version. Her grey, wiry hair was half over her face, half tucked behind her left ear. It had a natural wave that descended over her left eye.
“Rose, this is Reed’s friend, Jayde.” Vi announced me.
“This is my sister, Rose.” Rose swung her hair back from her face and extended her hand out to me. “Hi, nice to meet you.” I said politely. Rose stared at me, holding my hand, for what seemed to be too long. I gently tugged my hand back to its rightful owner. She glared at me, without blinking. “Dear child, so much pain.”
“I beg your pardon?” I asked a little bewilded.
“Rose.” Vi commanded.
“You must face your demons, Jayde. Overcome your fears.”
“Excuse me? What are you talking about? Vi?” I looked to Vi for clarification.
“Rose, that’s enough. What can I do you for Jayde?” Vi asked, steering me away from her sister.
“Ah, Reed said I could use the dark room and he gave me some keys, but obviously not the right ones.”
“Let me see. No they are the ones to the dark room, but I guess he forgot to give you the front door key.” She laughed.
“It kind of helps.” I added.
“Sure, here, use mine.”
“What was that in there with your sister?”
“Oh, don’t worry about Rose, she’s getting a little senile in her old age.” Vi said, hurrying me along.
“Old age? I heard that Vi. You are only two years younger than me, but I am two years wiser than you.” She said coming back into view.
“Don’t be alarmed Jayde. The bond between sisters is very strong. We only want the truth to be told.” Rose glared at me once again, almost trance like. “You make me nervous Rose.” I said out loud.
“Nervous, no, you’re much stronger than that. I’m just a crazy old women.” She said smiling.
“Here’s the keys sweetie. Give me a yell if you need anything else.” Vi said closing the door behind me. I stepped back out into the cold, but it felt more normal than inside the cottage with Rose. Weird, weird, weird. Just plain weird.
Rosco Aldino’s work room. It was such a bizarre and exhilarating feeling. I am standing here, in his house, in his blue room. My blue room. I don’t know how long I worked for, once I began, it just flowed. I don’t even remember closing my eyes.
“Jayde,” I heard Reed whisper softly. “Jayde.”
“Huh?” I yawned.
“Hi sleepyhead. You felt like a nanna nap?”
“Hmmm. Pretty tired these days.” I yawned.
“I blame the Antarctic temperatures.”
“Or maybe it’s just your body getting used to a peaceful, restful night’s sleep again. You owe your body lots of payback.” He said carefully placing his backpack in the corner of the darkroom.
“Maybe it’s the meds…” I said trailing off.
“Hey, these are really good…awesome.” Reed looked up at me, but I was still thinking of the medication that my mum routinely left on my bedside table.
“You need those at the moment Jayde.” He said gently.
“Perhaps, but I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that something’s missing.”
Reed walked over to focus on me. He lifted his manly hands from his side to rest on my shoulders. He squeezed them just as softly as he spoke. “Jayde, Haylie is missing. She’s gone. It’s just going to take a while for you to adjust.”
“The bond between sisters is very strong. We only want the truth to be told.” I felt myself reciting what crazy old Rose had said earlier.
“Yeah, what? Perhaps too much sleep.” Reed said laughing as he playfully wrestled with me.