Upon Awakening: The Keyhaw Saga, #1

CHAPTER ONE

Maribel brushed a strand of hair from her face. A single tear flowed down her cheek and fell silently. How could I have been so stupid, she thought. Rubbing her hands together for warmth, she surveyed the park. The remnants of a beautiful summer lay on the ground crunching beneath the feet of passersby. The breeze tousled a few dead leaves and pulled at her jacket threatening to press its chill against her skin. Fall was never her favorite season and for good reason. It was fall four and a half years prior that her father had suffered a massive heart attack and died. She blamed herself.

Maribel chastised herself silently as she walked. Kal was so upset with her.  I should have known better. It has happened so often now I should have learned. A fresh wave of emotion crashed over her and she could no longer hold back the tears. She cupped her face and cried. Turning against the wind she began to walk toward a bench nearby, her footsteps uncertain. Despite her less than amicable feelings towards this particular season of the year, Maribel did enjoy her walks in the park. They were a respite from the chaos surrounding her at all times in her home.

When you are in the park you can be free to imagine all the possibilities of life. You can be magically transformed into a powerful business executive taking his dinner after work. Or you could be a child again wondering at the beauty of nature. Today, Maribel could not fathom any such imagination. No, today she was simply Maribel, a sad post-graduate in a broken relationship hundreds of miles from her family. The park’s magic was not bringing her any comfort or solace this evening. The crashing of the waves in the distance did not woo her towards the shore as they normally did.

Maribel collapsed onto the bench with a sob. The make-up she had so carefully put on only a few hours before was now a mess of colors on her jacket sleeve. She looked down at her feet which were turned inward, toes touching. She always did that when she was sad or afraid, even as a small child. It was her way of building an impenetrable wall between her and the sadness. A smile threatened to cross her lips before another cry escaped. Oh, the innocence of her childhood and what she wouldn’t give to trade all this adventurous life to be a child again, free.

Another gust of wind forced Maribel to her feet. The evening was growing old, and her responsibilities beckoned her. She knew that a return to her apartment meant a return to her chaos, but she had little choice. Kal would be expecting dinner when he returned from work, and he was never pleasant when she failed to meet his expectations. One foot fell in front of the other as she made her way through the winding sandy paths. The last traces of sunlight gave way to darkness, and the overhead streetlights directed Maribel towards the park exit.

Maribel turned her key in the deadbolt and used her shoulder to ram the door open as was normal. The moist ocean air wreaked havoc on the old wooden door, causing it to stick now and then. She had to push twice as hard to shut it. Her bag landed on the reclining chair with a thud, her keys on the kitchen counter. It wasn’t long before the smell of garlic and olive oil filled the air. A nice dish of Kal’s favorite garlic green beans might be just the thing for a peace offering. He had left for work in a very foul mood, and as always, Maribel had taken the brunt of his frustration. This evening, however, she would try to help him feel rested instead of causing him the stress she normally caused.

While letting the green beans sizzle on the stove, Maribel tossed a load of laundry into the washer, her jacket amongst the colors. The more things she could do to remove any trace of her emotions the better. The tear stains and makeup smears on her jacket sleeve would only remind Kal of the interchange they had had earlier, and she wanted to erase that moment altogether. Actually, she wanted to erase every such interaction. They seemed to come more frequently lately, and they were growing in intensity.

Maribel blamed herself. She was always saying or doing things that caused Kal to become irritated with her and lash out. She really loved Kal. They were about to celebrate their fourth anniversary together, and she wanted nothing more than to be happy and at peace like it was in the beginning. Maribel even hoped that this year, perhaps, Kal would propose to her.

Pausing her laundry task for a moment, Maribel got lost in thought. She had been secretly dream-planning their sandy beach wedding down at the park. She imagined a sunrise service with a hint of the park magic bringing to the shore a pod of dolphins, which would of course be caught on film. There would be the most beautiful hibiscus and the largest peonies she could find. Of course, she would don flip flops instead of the traditional formal wedding shoes, and her dress would be short. They would eat the finest scones they could find, and a mariachi band would serenade the beach goers as the sun rose over the ocean.

A smile crossed Maribel’s face. She lost herself in the moment, and her heart felt light, even for just a minute. She just leaned against the washing machine as it roared to life enjoying the moment. A click in the lock at the front door brought Maribel instantly back to the present, and her smile immediately vanished. She rushed back into the kitchen just in time to see the front door explode open and a boisterous Kal burst through soaking wet.

Maribel was frozen in place, one hand on the green bean pan, one hand mid-reach towards the spoon. Her eyes surveyed the sight before her. Kal was dripping wet and completely drunk. His heavy overcoat seemed to add an extra 30 pounds to his already large frame. He stumbled forward a few steps and let out a belly laugh as he shed his overcoat and dropped a brown paper bag onto the table. His boots squeaked on the linoleum as he went. A stench of whiskey and wet earth filled the room, competing with the scent of the warm dinner Maribel had been preparing. It was not entirely uncommon for Kal to come home from work with a drink, but he had never arrived home fully intoxicated.

He collapsed with a sigh onto a nearby chair, his hair dripping down his face. One shoe was untied, and the top three buttons of his work uniform were unfastened. His large belly protruded over his belt. Kal was a sight to behold, and Maribel’s startled gaze was locked on him. She didn’t even notice when a second person entered the apartment. The stranger, a woman, stood tentatively by the door with a timid look on her face. Her chocolate skin covered in beads of water.

Uh... Hello, she stuttered out. Her eyes immediately dropped to the floor, then to Kal, then to her hands. She was holding a few bags of groceries; the reusable cloth bags dripped the remnants of a shower the two had taken on their walk there. The stranger had a kind, pretty face. Her eyes were large and shaped like two perfectly symmetrical almonds.

Maribel inspected the woman with curiosity. Her tiny frame was hidden beneath a large bulky trench coat. She wore designer shoes and an expensive handbag was draped across her shoulder. She smelled of floral perfume and cosmetics in spite of her soaking. Her open toed shoes revealed that a professional pedicure had recently been performed on her almost model-like feet. This woman was not the kind of person Kal and Maribel usually interacted with, which made Maribel all the more confused. Once again, Maribel was lost in thought until Kal’s voice thundered through to her ears, causing her heart to jump up to her throat.

Well woman, what are you going to do, stand there all day? Kal glared at Maribel for a moment then turned to the woman, and a cheeky smile rolled across his face. You’ll have to excuse her Lily. Sometimes she is completely useless and inept.

Maribel approached the woman, her face low and her shoulders heavy with shame. She felt her cheeks warm as they flushed with embarrassment. Without a word, Maribel retrieved the bags of groceries and carried them to the kitchen counter. The open lay out of the apartment meant that every action Maribel made was viewed as if she were on a stage performing in a play. She could feel Kal’s disapproving eyes follow her every move as she gave the items a home in the cupboard and refrigerator. She wanted so badly to ask Kal about this strange woman in their home, but she didn’t dare. After this morning’s outburst, Maribel knew Kal would not be pleased with her curiosity. She simply finished putting the groceries away and threw the bags into a laundry basket around the corner.

Set a place for Lily to eat, Mar. She will be joining us for dinner. I am sure you made enough. You always make enough to feed an entire orphanage and then the shit sits in the fridge for a week before you throw it away. Kal knew exactly how to push Maribel’s buttons.

If it weren’t for growing up in a large family, Maribel wouldn’t even know how to cook. The middle child of 7, Maribel learned early on that every family member must pull their own weight. She and her sister, Tabitha, were responsible at the young age of 10 and 12 for cooking all the family meals. The rest of the chores were divided among her siblings. For that reason, she wasn’t very skilled at removing stains from laundry or keeping the house clean, but she could definitely cook.

Silently, Maribel shuffled things around on the table to fit another plate. She moved with stealth and expertise as she dished up the food and lit a candle to mask the scent of what smelled like wet dog.  

It was raining tonight I guess. Maribel made an observation, hoping to start conversation with Kal. Maybe if she could get him talking, he would reveal who his mystery guest was and why she was in their home. Maribel was not insecure in her relationship with Kal, but he had never brought a friend home from work. He also had never had he mentioned a woman friend. Maribel gave good effort attempting to serve the two with kindness. She was raised to always give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and she would continue with what her mother had taught.

A tiny voice sung out over the sound of Kal slurping his food. At least he was enjoying the food.

Yeah. It rained really hard for a few minutes. I am soaked to the bone. Lily answered the question that Kal seemed to ignore.

Kal grumbled a little and rolled his eyes as his teeth tore through the buttered pork chop. Isn’t it obvious that it was raining Mar? I mean, it’s not like we look like we just came from the beauty salon. He laughed mockingly and elbowed Lily as if to prompt her to join in. I swear, woman, sometimes you are so stupid. You say the stupidest things.

Maribel’s gaze once again dropped. She didn’t know why she couldn’t control her mouth. She knew that when she spoke, she would often annoy and irritate Kal, but she just couldn’t stop herself. She chewed slowly as Lily and Kal exchanged words. Their conversation sounded as if they had been friends for a long time. They shared memories and stories from high school. Lily seemed thoughtful and kind. Kal, as usual, seemed a little overbearing, a quality which originally drew Maribel to him. His way of strong arming her had initially made her feel as if she would be protected and guarded.

Maribel reminisced. The first time she met Kal, she was in a bar, a little on the tipsy side, and feeling slightly uneasy. She had just arrived in Keyhaw Heights, and she knew no one. The bar was full of men and there she was a young woman with no clue what she was doing. A man had approached her and wanted to buy her a drink, but knowing her limits, Maribel had politely declined. The man was not taking no for an answer and just kept following her around the bar. Kal came up behind Maribel, standing directly behind her. His sheer size a formidable tower for her to hide in, he firmly informed the man that she was already accompanied by someone else and that they would be going.

Maribel had felt like a princess being rescued by a royal prince. She was instantly swept off her feet and mesmerized by Kal. They didn’t begin dating right away, but week by week Maribel returned to that same little dive, hoping to catch the eye of the giant who had been her protector. It took about three months, but one evening, it happened. Maribel had drunk beyond her limits and sat at the bar alone and quite frankly, depressed. She was still without a job or a place to live. She had been staying in a hotel and her funds were running out. She was about to fill her gas tank, drink the last of her money, and return home to Ohio where she would hopefully find a job she could at least endure for a while.

Kal sat down beside Maribel and asked if everything was okay. Maribel, being intoxicated and not having her wits about her, bubbled over. Her frustration came out in between belches and hiccups. Kal could barely understand what she was communicating due to her slurred words and the squirrel-like way she was darting from topic to topic. Her point came across loud and clear, however, and Kal rode with her in a taxi back to her hotel room. He walked her to her room, tucked her into bed, and then sat beside her as she slept. When morning began to dawn over the ocean, Kal left a short note, placed it on her bedside table, and left silently, assured that she was safe.

Maribel’s heart sank a little as her present collided with her daydream. She didn’t know what had changed between her and Kal, but something definitely had. He just wasn't the same Kal that she had met back then. She wasn’t going to give up hope that she could find that Kal inside of this beast.

The clatter of dishes and water running was just enough to cover over the conversation that was being had at the table. Lily and Kal kept on with their comradery as Maribel cleaned the mess from the table. Her romantic anniversary meal had become an unwelcome and mysterious threesome. She finished her task as quickly as she could, hoping to learn more about the stranger before Kal deteriorated into a drunken fury like he would when he drank whiskey. That would only spell disaster.

The conversation from the adjoining room faded out and the only sounds left in the apartment were those coming from the kitchen as Maribel put the last few dishes away. Lily padded softly across the room to the bar that divided the kitchen from the dining area. The stool made a scraping sound as she drew it close to the bar so she could sit down. Her perfume forced its way into Maribel’s nose, causing her to turn towards the woman.

I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to be formally introduced. Kal sometimes doesn’t remember that I exist. Maribel dried her hands on a dish towel before thrusting one forward towards Lily. My name is not Mar. It is Maribel. Kal knows I don't like that nickname. My mother would call me that when I was insolent as a child because Mar means bitter. I prefer to be called Maribel.

Lily timidly reached for Maribel’s hand, offering only the tips of her fingers to the embrace. I understand. Kal likes to be the man in every conversation, doesn’t he? A thin smile stretched from one eye to the other.

That he does, Lily’s response drew a chuckle from Maribel. Remind me. How do you know Kal? It’s really not like him to bring friends home.

I’m surprised he has never spoken of me. Lily looked a bit discouraged. Kal and I grew up in the foster system. We were in the same home a couple different times. He was the only one I really trusted. When the older kids would pick on me and threaten to hurt me, Kal would come in and stand up for me. He was always the largest kid in the home even if he wasn’t the oldest. He’s like my big brother.

And here you are being his protector on a rainy night when he’s had a little too much to drink. A feeling of relief swept over Maribel as she let out a nervous laugh. Thank you for helping him home this evening. He’s not usually like this. We had an argument this morning, which I’m sure contributed to his mood.

It’s no problem, really. I am in town to visit an old friend, and we met up at the tavern. When I was paying, I recognized Kal and sat down by him. We had a few drinks and I could tell he was in no shape to walk home alone. I offered to carry his groceries, and we chatted the whole way home. He never mentioned that he had a roommate. Lily was testing the waters and Maribel knew it.

Today is our four-year anniversary. We met at the tavern too. Maribel made it very clear the nature of her relationship with Kal. She didn’t want to play the jealous girlfriend, it was not her style, but she didn’t want Lily getting the idea that her childhood hero was on the market. I made him his favorite dinner this evening to celebrate. Thankfully, I made enough for the three of us. It’s so nice to have one of Kal’s old friends around. Maribel placed an emphasis on the word old. She didn’t like that she was suddenly feeling insecure.

You will likely see more of me in the future. The friend I came to visit is going through a rough patch and has asked me to stay on around here and help out. I have agreed to help, so I will be looking for a job and an apartment soon. I am looking forward to getting to know you better Mar. The name stung like a smack on the cheek. Maribel had misread Lily from the minute she walked through the door.

Maribel turned to hang the dish towel on the countertop. She could feel anger at her own misjudgment begin to bubble up inside of her. Why did she use the nickname Mar for me? I thought I made it clear that I don't like that name and that Kal uses it only when he wants to push my buttons. Her frustration must have slipped past her normally composed exterior because she thought she saw a smirk cross Lily’s face.

Well I should probably be going. I have a few job interviews in the morning and I need my beauty rest. Lily stood up from the bar stool and began collecting her belongings. When Kal gets out of the bathroom, please tell him I will call him tomorrow afternoon and let him know how everything went. Hopefully this time tomorrow I will have a job and I can start looking for a place to stay.

Of course, Maribel choked out the words with a tight smile on her face.

Lily reached for the door and tugged but it was stuck shut. The humidity had made it next to impossible to unstick it. Maribel moaned silently and advanced towards the door. Using the only method she knew, she pushed on the door while grabbing the door knob and lifting. Then she yanked as hard as she could and stumbled backward as the door broke loose. With one swift movement Lily was out the door and had disappeared into the black night. Maribel looked after her and watched her silhouette fade. A fog was settling in and it appeared as if the rain was finished.

The chill in the air stung Maribel’s cheeks; her arms displayed a nice patch of goose bumps. She stood in the open doorway as much in shock over the evening's proceedings as she was homesick. By this time of the year, her hometown would be preparing for its fall festival. Pumpkins would be lining the sidewalks in the community square, and street lights would be decorated with banners and scarecrows. Maribel missed the feeling of community that she had when she was back home. Living in Keyhaw Heights was like living on another planet. No one ever waved as they pass by on the street. No one smiled or called to check up on you. And it always seemed to be gloomy and overcast, almost as if the sun never shined. Night time never ended here.

Maribel rested her head on the open door. The memories of home caused a fresh wave of heaviness. Maribel was normally a take charge, get what you want kind of girl. She had a track record for never backing down and taking challenges head on. Lately, however, it seemed as if it didn't matter how hard she fought, she couldn’t win. Kal seemed to be going through something, and Maribel wasn’t making anything better for him. Her job wasn’t working out the way she had hoped either, and when it came to friendships Maribel was completely alone. Many times, she had strengthened her resolve to continue trying, but her resolve was beginning to wane. She had even toyed with the idea of returning home to Ohio but had dismissed it. She could never admit that she had failed at something she had so indignantly fought for. Her mother would never let her live it down.

Maribel heard an owl hoot off in the distance somewhere and remembered that it was getting late. She reluctantly retreated from the open door, forcing it closed. The deadlock turned hard and squeaked into place. There had been no noise from the bathroom for a while, so Maribel approached the door and knocked gently.

Kal, she called quietly.

There was no answer from the other side of the door. Maribel put her head to the door, pressing her ear against the cold panel tightly. The smell of whiskey and vomit wafted out from the crack at the top of the door. The bathroom vent fan created a hum and vibrated the door and Maribel’s cheek. Still, Maribel could hear nothing from beyond the door. She waited a few seconds and then called out to Kal again.

Kal, can I come in?

After several minutes of waiting Maribel tried to enter, but the door was locked. She turned her forehead against the door and leaned on its frame. Great. Now he’s passed out in the bathroom, and I haven’t even had a shower yet. Maribel lurched away from the wall and towards the bedroom door. She made no effort to be quiet. If Kal was passed out, he wouldn’t even hear a thing anyway. As she entered the bedroom, she flipped on the light and plopped down on the end of the bed. Her hips ached from the long day, and the cold weather caused her back to ache as well.

Maribel put her elbows on her knees and rested her head in her hands. She rubbed her temples as if she had a headache. Her head may not have had pain, but her mind was too full of all the worry and stress of life. She rolled her neck around a few times before reaching down to remove her boots. They slid off easily, and she tossed them to the corner of the room. A pile of laundry by the end of her dresser caught her eye and she remembered the load of laundry in the washing machine. Her jacket, which she took special care to conceal from Kal, was in that load and she would need it for the morning. With frustration, she flung herself back onto the bed, her feet still draped over the edge. She would have to get that laundry into the dryer before turning in.

Maribel laid there for a while thinking about the strange interaction with Lily after dinner. She wondered if Lily was truthful about how she knew Kal. Maribel knew that Kal was a former foster child. He didn’t know his parents. He and his younger sister were removed from the custody of his parents before they were old enough to make memories. For about 7 years, they were kept together until a family came along that wanted to adopt Penny but couldn’t handle the emotional issues that Kal had. Kal was sent away to live in a different foster family when Penny was only 9. Kal, being 12 years old by then, felt responsible that he couldn’t protect his little sister and had carried that weight his whole life.

Very early on in their relationship, Kal had confided in Maribel his fears about Penny and her whereabouts. He felt to blame for their separation and wondered if he would ever see her again. When they had those conversations, Maribel was so happy that Kal felt comfortable opening up to her. They had a connection and she felt secure in that. Now, after meeting a mysterious supposed foster sibling, Maribel questioned that security. Kal had never mentioned her once. He had talked about other foster siblings before, but he had never brought up Lily.

Maribel rubbed her face hard as if to remove the worry and frustration from her wrinkled forehead. This is not going to help you Maribel, she told herself. And with that, she rolled off the bed and stripped out of her work clothes. The change in temperature sent her digging to the bottom of her dresser to find her flannel pajamas. She donned them faster than an elf makes a pair of shoes and slipped her fuzzy socks over her bare feet. Still feeling a chill, she grabbed her housecoat and threw it around her shoulders, shoving her arms into the sleeves.

The washer at the other end of the house called out to her with chimes, reminding her that it had finished its cycle. Across the bedroom, the pile of