Getting Back to Normal Page 9

  “Yippee!” I shout.

  “Vannie, we’re brainstorming. Tossing ideas about,” Daddy cautions me. “Nothing’s settled.”

  Aunt Mayda obviously considers the matter settled because she moves on. “Now to come up with a more exciting meat selection than prime rib, our old standby.”

  “How about Beef Wellington?” Daddy asks.

  “Or rack of baby lamb chops?” I suggest.

  Daddy, Aunt Mayda, and I toss possible meat entrees across the table.

  Robby pounds the table with his fist. “No business talk at the table!”

  Aunt Mayda and I laugh.

  “Fair enough,” Daddy agrees. His glance falls on Robby’s plate. “What’s that pile-up of chicken? I thought you liked your sister’s cooking. “

  “I do,” Robby squeals. “So does Theodore.”

  “Theodore!” Daddy barks. “Didn’t I buy that wild creature enough food to last through the winter?”

  “But Daddy,” Robby says, “that’s only cat food.”

  “Only cat food? I’ll have you know that cat food costs money.”

  “I know, but Theodore needs variety. Miss Noolan says everyone needs variety in their diet.”

  “Robert.” Daddy shows his bottom teeth, which means he’s really angry. “Miss Noolan is talking about human beings. Your Theodore is a cat. A wild animal that hunts for his own food.”

  “He is not wild.”

  Aunt Mayda and I look at each other. “Roger, it’s time Vannie and I left for the mall,” she says. We gather up the dirty dishes and put them in the sink.

  “Fine, sure. I’ll go get my credit card. Just be a minute.” Daddy’s distracted from scolding Robby as we intended. He pats my shoulder. “Good dinner, Vannie. Robby and I will do the dishes.”

  I suddenly feel guilty about leaving them. “But you did them last night.”

  “Then you can do them two nights in a row,” Daddy answers. “Go on. Before the stores close.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Aunt Mayda and I dash out to her rented car, laughing like two teenagers.

  “That was fun, Vannie. Thanks for a terrific dinner.”

  “You’re welcome. Come any time, now that I’m an official MG caterer.”

  I expect Aunt Mayda to crack a joke back, but she starts the car without saying a word. She’s still quiet after we’ve turned onto the main road. I’m beginning to wonder if she took what I said the wrong way, when she sighs.

  “Sorry, Vannie, I was reminiscing. Being with you guys reminds me of my own family.”

  “It does?” I ask, amazed. “Don’t tell me your family used to bicker all the time.”

  “I didn’t notice a whole lot of bickering.”

  I think a bit. “Maybe not. Just when Daddy came down hard on Robby. As usual.”

  We stop at a red light. Aunt Mayda turns to look at me. “It strikes me that Robby breaks an awful lot of rules for his precious Theodore.”

  Her words sting me. I rush to defend my brother. “Theodore’s very important to Robby. For lots of reasons.”

  “And your father knows it,” Aunt Mayda says, her voice gentle. “He’s letting Robby keep him, isn’t he?”

  I think for a minute, then ask, “Is that what you advised Daddy to do?”

  She shrugs. “He asked if I’d object to having a cat on the premises. Theodore received my wholehearted endorsement.”

  I reach over to hug her. “Thanks, Aunt Mayda. You sure have been a big help.”

  She smiles at me. “I’m glad you think so.” The light changes and we drive on. “Your mom asked me to keep an eye on you guys. I told her I didn’t have much experience with children and husbands, but I’d do my best.”

  “Mom did?” I ask, surprised.

  “Uh-huh. Sydelle worried about all of you, especially Roger.”

  I feel a pang of jealousy. “Daddy? But Robby and I are her children.”

  “Of course your mother worried about you and Robby. But you might not have realized how much your father depended on your mother. Frankly, she was afraid he’d fall apart and leave you kids with no one at all.”

  Deep down, where thoughts aren’t even words, I know all this. Still, hearing it shocks me to the core. Now Aunt Mayda is upset for having upset me.

  “Me and my big mouth! I never should have told you! You’re grown up in so many ways, Vannie, I sometimes forget you’re a child.”

  “But Daddy is better,” I insist. “And it’s because you’ve been a good friend.”

  Aunt Mayda squeezes my hand. “It’s the least I can do.”

  Still dazed, I say, “It’s as if Mommy’s still taking care of us through you. Kind of,” I quickly add when I realize what I’ve just said.

  “Oh, Vannie, your mother will always live in your thoughts and your heart.” It’s Archie I’m thinking of as I blink back tears. Because now I understand that he cares about Mayda the way Mommy cares about Robby, Daddy, and me.

  We ride the rest of the way to the mall without speaking. By the time we park, my sad mood has slipped away.

  “Where to first?” Aunt Mayda asks.

  I name my favorite department store, and we head for the nearest entrance.

  “When Tammy and I were here last week, I checked everything out and picked out what I need.”

  Aunt Mayda sighs. “That’s a relief. I hate shopping for clothes.”

  “How come?”

  Aunt Mayda looks embarrassed. “I never know what to buy, so I end up getting a duplicate of what I already own. Lately, things are so hectic, I haven’t bought anything new in ages.”

  I eye her baggy gray slacks, the fading pattern on her blouse. I guess they looked okay—once. “Maybe we’ll find something nice for you, too.”

  Aunt Mayda pulls open the door to the department store. “Let’s concentrate on you tonight.”

  I grin. “I won’t argue with that!”

  It doesn’t take us long to gather up all the clothes I picked out Sunday plus many more items. Aunt Mayda may not have great taste, but she’s thought of everything I need, including underwear and nightgowns. We’re standing in line to pay when butterflies start to flit around in my stomach.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t be buying so many clothes.”

  Aunt Mayda waves Daddy’s charge card in the air. “Don’t worry, Vannie. Your father gave me carte blanche.”

  I giggle. “In that case, let’s hurry to the costume store before it closes.”

  “Your costume, madame, is on me!”

  I’m about to say something polite—that she’s given me enough by taking me shopping—but Aunt Mayda’s happy face shows how much she’s enjoyed our shopping spree.

  “Sure, Aunt Mayda. Thanks.”

  Aunt Mayda hugs me. “It’s my pleasure, Vannie. Really mine.”

  I know she means it has nothing to do with her promise to Mommy. I hug her back.

  We take the escalator down and pass through the women’s section on our way to the exit. There’s a display of long-sleeved silk pullovers in pastel shades. I stop and hold up a violet pullover.

  “This color would look great on you,” I tell Aunt Mayda. “And it goes well with all your grey pants and suits.”

  “Do you think?” Aunt Mayda eyes the pullover as if it might stretch out its sleeves and strangle her.

  “Of course.” I hold it up to her face. “Go see for yourself.”

  Aunt Mayda holds the pullover against her chest, frowning as she studies herself in the mirror.

  “I don’t know, Vannie. I’ve never worn this color. It’s so bold.”

  Violet bold? I bite my lips to hold back my giggles. “Trust me,” I say. “Mom always said I know about color. Go and try it on.”

  Aunt Mayda needs some coaxing, but I finally get her to try on the violet pullover in her size. She comes out of the dressing room beaming.

  “It looks pretty good, doesn’t it?”

  “Terrific!” I tell her. “Buy it!”

&nb
sp; “I will!”

  She returns to the dressing room to change. Her hair, I can’t help noticing, sticks up like straw in all directions. She’s way overdue for a good cut. Next, I’ll do something about that.

  Buying the pullover puts Aunt Mayda in a good mood. She hums as we peer into windows on our way to the costume store.

  “You should go shopping more often,” I say.

  “I never seem to have the time.” She points to a bright orange dress on a model. “What do you think of that?”

  I shake my head. “It’s not you.”

  “No,” she agrees, sounding sad. “See, I have no clothes sense.”

  “If you went shopping more, I bet it would develop,” I say, mainly to be polite.

  “I suppose I never developed clothes sense because my mother always chose what I wore.”

  I stare at her. “She did?”

  “Sure. Didn’t Sydelle pick out your clothes?”

  I shake my head. “Not since I’ve been five years old.”

  “Oh,” Aunt Mayda says, as if I’ve just told her the facts of life. “I guess I’ve lots of catching up to do.”

  I slip my arm through hers. “That’s for sure, but you can count on my help.”

  The costume store is crowded with kids of all ages.

  “I think I want to be a witch,” I tell the young salesman at the door.

  “Witch costumes this way.” He points me in the right direction.

  I take my time making my selection. When I’ve found the scariest, ugliest witch make-up to go with the longest, shiniest black dress and pointy hat, I search for Aunt Mayda. She’s in the back of the store, looking at the more expensive costumes.

  “What do you think of this, Vannie?”

  I gulp. She’s holding a tuxedo on a hanger, practically a double of the one Archie wears.

  “What do you need it for?”

  Aunt Mayda laughs. “Since I’m the hostess of the Halloween party, I thought I’d get something new. And I don’t want to wear anything too gross.”

  When I don’t speak, she purses her lips. “If you don’t think it’s nice—”

  “No, it’s fine,” I make myself say. “Why don’t you try it on?”

  “No need. I can tell it will fit all right.”

  I’m relieved Aunt Mayda isn’t trying it on. With her long legs and slender figure, she’ll look just like Archie.

  “Would you like to stop for ice cream?” she asks on the way to the car.

  “No thanks,” I say, and yawn.

  “Oh, Vannie. I should have noticed you’re tired,” she says, sounding worried. “You have school tomorrow.”

  “And you have a long ride back to the city.”

  “I’m staying over at Greystone. I don’t have to be in the office till eleven, so I can sleep till nine. A true luxury.”

  I ask Aunt Mayda about her job, and she tells me about some of her more interesting cases. We’re practically at the cottage when I suddenly remember Daddy’s invitation.

  “Aunt Mayda, Daddy wants to take you out for dinner with us to thank you.”

  “Thank me? For what?”

  “For taking Robby and me shopping and everything.”

  Aunt Mayda thinks a minute. “That’s silly, Vannie. I should be thanking you—for the wonderful dinner and being my personal dresser.”

  I feel a stab of disappointment. “You mean you won’t come?”

  Aunt Mayda throws back her head and laughs as if I’ve said the funniest thing. “Are you kidding? I’d love to eat out with you guys.”

  “Great! Daddy wondered if you were free this weekend. How about this Saturday night?”

  Aunt Mayda looks up and rolls her eyes. I know she’s running through her calendar. “That would be fine. I’ve no commitments this weekend.”

  “Great! We have a date!” I say. Then I want to kick myself for using the D word.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Friday afternoon Tammy comes home with me on the bus. She plops down in the seat beside me. “At last I’m getting to check out MG!”

  I make a face at her. “I’m not the one with lessons every day of the week.”

  “Not every day.” Tammy’s quiet for a minute, then she leans over to whisper in my ear. “Do you think I’ll get to see Archie? He knows I know all about him.”

  “Don’t count on it, Tam. He shows up at twilight or later. And he might find the two of us too much to handle.”

  Tammy shivers. “Just knowing he’s lurking around MG sends thrills up and down my back.”

  I laugh. “I keep telling you—he’s not the scary kind of you-know-what.”

  “Still, he’s a ghost.” Tammy croons the last word the same way she utters Len Wicket’s name.

  “I’ll show you my new witch costume,” I say to change the subject. “And all the things I bought with Aunt Mayda.”

  Tammy rolls her eyes. “Well? Do you think she’s got the hots for your father?”

  “Aunt Mayda?” I shake my head. “Definitely not. But frankly, I can’t imagine anyone having the hots for my father, including my mother.”

  Tammy gets a thoughtful expression on her face. “Maybe it’s different for older people. Maybe they don’t get all emotional over heart throbs like we do.”

  “You mean the way you do.”

  “Anyway,” Tammy continues, “tell Archie that Mayda’s not interested in your father, and that’s the end of it.”

  “I guess,” I say as the bus driver shifts gear and we start for home.

  Tammy flashes me a sharp glance. “You sound totally disappointed, Vanessa Taylor. Don’t tell me you want your father and Mayda to get involved.”

  “Of course I don’t!” I say it so loudly, the girls in front of us turn around to stare at us. I lower my voice. “I’m just glad Dad has her for a friend. He’s less frantic when Aunt Mayda’s around.”

  *

  Daddy comes in while we’re having milk and cookies. He squeezes my shoulder as he goes by for a glass of water. “Hi, honey, hi, Tammy. How was school today?”

  “Awful!” we say at the same time, then start to giggle.

  “Where’s Robby?” I ask as Daddy heads for his office.

  “Out searching for his precious Theodore.”

  “He still hasn’t come back?”

  Daddy shakes his head. “No. I told him not to worry. That wild animals like going off on their own.”

  “Daddy!” I scold him. “That’s the worst thing you could have said.”

  “Well, it’s true,” Daddy tosses over his shoulder as he leaves the kitchen.

  “You didn’t tell me Theodore disappeared,” Tammy says.

  “I didn’t get a chance,” I say. “Besides, he’s only been gone since yesterday. Probably off exploring.”

  We go up to my bedroom. Tammy oohs and ahs over everything she sees.

  “Vannie, this room is the coolest! A rocking chair! And all those windows with your very own tree growing right outside! I bet you could step out onto a branch and sneak out at night.”

  I make a face. “Why on earth would I want to sneak out at night?”

  Tammy puts her hand on her heart. “If you were in love, you would.”

  “When I’m in love, I hope I won’t be living in this cottage.”

  Tammy drops into the rocker and rocks back and forth. “I can’t wait to stay over for Halloween!”

  “Me, neither. The party should be fun.”

  Robby stomps up the stairs and throws himself down on my bed. “Theodore’s still lost, Vannie. Do you think something bad’s happened to him?”

  “Nope. His wounds have healed and now he’s having fun, checking out his new territory.”

  “Once my cat, Max, was gone for three whole days,” Tammy says.

  “How did you find him?” Robby asks.

  “He came meowing at the back door, wanting his dinner.”

  “Really?”

  “It’s the truth.”

  Robby slaps
his hands on his thighs. “I don’t understand why Theodore doesn’t want to hang out right here. I give him lots of food and attention.”

  Tammy tousles his hair. “Don’t you like having adventures without some adult keeping tabs on you all the time?”

  Robby’s skinny shoulders ride up and down. “I guess.”

  “I’m going to show Tammy around MG,” I tell Robby. “Want to come with us?”

  Robby shakes his head. “I’ll stay here. In case Theodore comes back.”

  At the duck pond, Tammy looks carefully around. Then she sits down on the bench. “I can’t believe Archie actually sat here.”

  “Many times. I think it’s his favorite spot. Mine too.”

  Tammy points toward the water. “Could be he comes here because this is where he died.”

  I stare at her. “Of course! You’re absolutely brilliant, Tam! The newspaper article said ‘body of water’ so I assumed it meant one of the pools behind Greystone.”

  Tammy grins. “I suppose I have been a good detective, finding out stuff about Archie.”

  “And you’re the only person I can talk to about him.”

  “Really, Vannie? You don’t plan to tell Mayda some day?”

  I shake my head. “She’s not the type that believes in ghosts. If Archie hasn’t been able to make her see him by now, then it’s not my place to tell her about him.”

  Tammy jumps up. “Let’s go see Greystone! I want to check out every nook and cranny.”

  “We can poke around downstairs and go into the shop, of course, but upstairs is locked up.”

  “Oh.”

  “But there are flowers blooming in the greenhouses. And I’ll show you the twin pools behind Greystone, and The Shed and The Carriage House. There’s lots to see!”

  Tammy falls in love with the twin pools. She gazes, hands clasped over her heart, at the beautiful mosaic scene of mermaids between them, and ignores the stagnant water.

  “I can imagine an elegant summer ball in olden times. A live band playing. People in tuxes and gowns dancing around the pools.”

  “And being fished out with long nets when they fall in,” I joke.

  Tammy gives me a stricken look. “That’s not very funny, Vannie, considering how Archie died.”

  “Sorry.” I point to the right. “Anyway, the green houses are over there. Let’s go inside.”