Fallen Crest Public

chapter two

CHAPTER TWO

                “Malinda Decraw?” I blinked in shock. Mark’s mother stood on my doorstep with a covered casserole in her arms. She wore a red coat with a red scarf draped and knotted in a fashionable way. She had her long brown mane of hair with gentle curls swept over one shoulder. And as she stood there a moment, she rubbed at one of her jean-clad legs and stomped her feet in black boots.

                “Hi, Samantha!” She held out a hand with a warm smile and brushed some of her long brown locks over her shoulder. “Could I come in?”

                “Uh, sure.” I took two steps back, still dazed.

                She came inside and rubbed her arms over her coat. “Oh, hello, Rebecca. How are you dear?”

                Becky came forward with strained features. As Malinda kissed her on the cheek, she looked at the floor. “I’m good, Ms. Decraw. How are you?”

                “This is quite chilly, even for January. Don’t you think, Rebecca? I have to say, I’ve gotten to know your mother a bit more from the Country Club and I find her delightful. You must tell her.” The warmth Malinda oozed made me take a step back. It was immediate and seemed heartfelt. Her eyes twinkled a bit as she spoke to Becky, who seemed shy all the sudden.

                 “I will. I know she really likes you too.”

                Malinda’s cheeks were pink and she pressed a hand to her neck as a gushing laugh bubbled forth. “Oh dear. Have I overwhelmed you? Laura told me that can happen sometimes. And how is your friendship with Adam going along? He comes over all the time now for dinner. He’s such a charming young man. I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.”

                “Wait—what?” I turned to Becky and lifted an eyebrow. “Are you and Adam dating?”

                She stood frozen. The blood drained from her cheeks.

                “Goodness, no.” Malinda laughed again and placed a gentle hand to my arm. “Laura and I have grown quite close. She’s told me all about Rebecca’s feelings for Adam. And I approve, whole-heartedly. But I’ve never been a fan of some of Mark’s friends. Some of those girls are so aggressive and provocative. I say a girl should remain a girl, at least while in high school. She can go crazy in college. That’s the time to find herself. Though, Rebecca sweetheart, word’s the mum with me if you do have a few wild nights in college. I won’t tell a soul.”

                I swung between the two and knew I must’ve looked as a scarecrow. “Huh? The two of you are close?”

                “Oh, heavens, Samantha. I completely forgot why I came over.” She chuckled again and the sound filled the air. Dimples appeared in her flushed cheeks. “I live across the street. I wasn’t sure if you knew that. I’m so glad you and Mark have become friends, but I wasn’t sure if you were aware of where we lived. And I know David hasn’t wanted to bother you with that information yet. You know how he is; he doesn’t want to put too much pressure on you. He thinks you’ve been through so much, but I keep telling him that you seem like a tough girl. You’ve got a clear head on your shoulders and you’ve got oomph, if you know what I mean.”

                Becky giggled behind her hands. When she saw my glare, she turned away. The laughter didn’t stop.

                Malinda’s hand fluttered through the air, as if she were drawing a picture. “I’ve been so curious to see the inside of this home. An artist owned it before your father bought it and I heard he renovated some of the rooms. I’ve been bursting at the seams for any little excuse to come over and when David told me you’d be my neighbor, I was tickled with gravy.”