Who Loves Her? Page 7

  Nina looked at her friend in curiosity. What the hell was Susan talking about?

  “We all left the house at ten in the morning. Reached here at almost eleven a.m., and now it’s almost five. I think you disappeared for three to four hours, I suppose. Your parents have called the police, too, as you’re missing,” Nina replied. Her voice was clipped and tired as if she was reporting to a doctor or the police for a little kid who was lost in the neighborhood.

  “Well, it seemed to be happening so quickly. I mean, since the time I lost you, I just fainted for a while, but seems like the time is two times faster than usual. I just lost track. First there was Anna and there wasn’t Anna, and my purse was here and I couldn’t get through. I tried to call, honest, I did. But my phone didn’t work, and then I lost my purse and my phone…it was just awful,” Susan shot back, trying to stay calm. She didn’t want to get agitated again.

  “Fainted? You fainted? For what? Why? Where?” Nina asked, pausing a bit before continuing.

  “You saw Anna today?” Nina kept her eyes glued firmly to the road, holding her breath as she waited for the answer.

  Susan swiped one long curl from her face. She was sharp as she answered Nina.

  “Don’t hound me. I’ll tell you.”

  The conversation stopped. The yellow lines kept clipping by, but Susan could tell her friend was holding something back.

  “There’s more to it than you know. Well, what is it? Spill it, tell me,” Susan pried.

  “I don’t know your side of the story, but before I listen to that, I have something to tell you.”

  “Yeah, go on, I can take anything after what has happened to me today. Well, you know, I might be a little superstitious or over-reactive, all I can say is that I lost you guys, fainted in a restaurant, and got some help, that’s all. I probably am not used to being alone. I guess I panicked and got terrified. Even if Anna is in the car, next time, no way I am driving alone to a new place. I was afraid there could be something happening that is terribly wrong; today is my wedding day. I should have been careful and shouldn’t have been over-reactive, and God knows what would happen with the police, shoplifting, and that parked car of mine behind us.”

  “Yeah, I know. I was about to tell you about that,” Nina replied.

  “About what? My car?” Susan questioned.

  “Yes,” Nina confirmed, and started telling her what she could not believe.

  “Susan, soon after you went missing, I got a call from Bob. I just couldn’t believe it after everything you told me about the hardware store. I mean, really, you know it was Bob. Anyway he said it was weird, but that he thought he saw your car being driven by a couple somewhere in town, and you know Bob.

  I asked him if he was sure because there are a lot of Hondas on the road. He said he was sure because it had that faded bumper sticker: “My kid is on the honor roll at Leif Erickson Middle School.” The way he said it he was so concerned. I mean, honestly, you guys could have made a wonderful pair. Maybe you could just give him one more try before the big day. You know a wedding is the biggest day of your life?” Nina didn’t know why she was filling her head with all of this. Susan needed to calm down right now. Not get more and more confused about a decision. When it boiled down, it was always just safest to report the facts of the day to Susan as they occurred and let the chips fall where they may. Or in Susan’s case where the shrapnel may hit from the bomb she lit off in somebody’s little life.

  Susan was shocked. “But my car was parked right in front of me.”

  “Then I left it at the Bistro? I was having that nice Jim guy look into it when the band showed up.”

  Nina looked at Susan,” Tell me about the band, Susan.”

  “Well the fools just showed up out of nowhere! I mean they blew the whole story out of the water.”

  “Did the band say they know Bob? Or maybe Harris?” asked Nina.

  “What the hell Nina! Now you are you talking crazier than me! What are you talking about? And out of all the people--Bob?” Susan looked at Nina as the pain pounded hard behind her eyes.

  “Nina, I am exhausted and frightened,” Susan took a long slow drink of cold water.

  “Bob was here? Here in this town? What’s he doing here anyway?”

  “Calm down,” Nina admonished Susan.

  “The poor boy is jaded and he was probably drooling here for a last glimpse of the bride.” Nina got passionate again, “Besides, he sounded like he was more than just a little concerned,” Nina mocked.

  “Anyway, you must have lost track of time. It happens.”

  “No it doesn’t,” Susan said, crossing her arms in a huff.

  Nina slammed on the brakes. Bouncing Susan against the tight part of the seatbelt. She was pissed. “Can you just shut up and listen to me? Because I am not taking you back to the church. Not now. Not after seeing Bob today.” Susan sat in utter silence for only a moment. Suddenly all she wanted was the familiar comfort and safety she had come to know with Harris. How dare Nina talk to Bob on her wedding. She turned to Nina and screamed: “Today is mine and Harris’ wedding day! How dare you bring Bob into my life on a day like today. Bob had his chance and he is either too shy or too dumb to want to fight for me. Harris loves me. That is final. Harris loves me and we are going to marry. Bob loves only his boats and those icky little worms so leave me alone, Nina! You are no longer allowed to use Bob’s name when I am in the room.” Susan shouted with vehemence, but still there was shame. Shame that she had yelled at her friend, the person she trusted and knew better than anyone else on this planet.

  “I think Bob loves you. And I think he was the only one looking for you because Harris surely did not,” Nina answered quietly to Susan’s crazy tirade.

  With incredulity, Susan whispered, “What?”

  “You can’t be serious!” Susan curiously replied.

  Nina answered, “I am serious! Honey, that is why I am telling you to PLEASE LISTEN TO ME.”

  “OK,” Susan looked at Nina, “go on. Is he okay? Where is my car?”

  “You say a word and I am going to drop you off right here on this deserted road!” Nina threatened. She just snapped. She wasn’t Susan’s private bodyguard. Just because she had worn out her parents. She certainly had lost all her points with Anna. Anna couldn’t care less if Susan walked off a cliff or into the middle of a bank robbery where everyone was shooting machine guns.

  “No, you won’t, and this is NOT a deserted road.” Susan was back again to her bright mood.

  Nina took three deep breathes and continued through the green light. She kept on going with her side of the story. “Yeah, when Bob called me and told me about the old couple in the car, I probably thought you had been kidnapped, or your car had been stolen, so we called the police. In the meantime, Bob asked me to meet him at a place near the church, so I went to see him, and he told me that he wants to get married to you. So you, Queen Apple Fest, should think for one last time before settling down to this. I can’t even believe I’m telling you this. You’re just a mess. Today is just the tip of the iceberg for whomever you choose. I just mean…” but Nina had to stop her tirade. Susan’s smile was like the sun parting a raincloud.

  “Bob actually told you that? Wow, I mean it is shitty timing, but wow!” Susan had a broad smile and a twinkle in her eyes. As Nina looked at her in surprise, Susan answered.

  “But seriously, I would love to. I mean, I’m not sure, since Harris is there.”

  Nina interjected, “That is right, and all those plans have been made. How much money did you guys spend, anyway?”

  Suddenly Susan straightened, “Hey! Where is my car?”

  “Yes, I was about to tell you that. Bob followed that couple to an old store house and called the police. That is what started the big search for you. After Bob told them about your car and that weird couple driving, you and your car have been on every radio in the state.”

  Susan added, “But I don’t see any police out here Nina. What’s wit
h that?”

  Nina squirmed in her seat and bit her pinky nail, confirming Susan’s suspicion. “I don’t know. That is strange, all right.” Nina’s brow thickened as she surveyed the area, even stopping to check behind. Well, the cops have been alerted, and they are looking. Thank God I found you when I did. “Look,” said Nina, “for now, let’s just go find Bob so we can find out where everything stands. Maybe he has seen Harris, too. In fact, I bet Harris is fine, and they are all now looking and waiting for us.” What a strange town, Susan thought.

  “I know where he is. I met with him four hours ago.”

  “Four hours ago? You didn’t mention that you met him at all. You just said you got a call from him. What’s going on?” Susan inquired. “I just saw my car four hours ago and you hadn’t given me a chance to give you the entire story. I gave it to Donna and Jim back there, but then they all thought I was crazy! Nina, you’re supposed to be my friend. I can’t believe you would lie to me about meeting Bob. I bet he doesn’t want to even get married to me!”

  “Calm down. I’m not sure about all the details, but I know he wants to marry you. I’m not trying to lie to you, Susan. It’s just been a crazy day.” In her mind Nina said a BSSCD! It stood for Bat-Shit-Susan-Crazy-Day which hovered somewhere just under the Twilight Zone and above getting tossed into jail because your evil twin sister shoplifted something at Tiffany’s. Susan looked at Nina in silent amazement. Suddenly, the joy of knowing Bob wanted her was replaced by the stark realization that she was, in fact, marrying Harris. What right did Nina have to confuse an already confusing day? And what was this foolishness she had met with Bob only four hours prior? Has the whole world gone mad?

  “What makes you think that would be okay?” Susan turned angrily on her best friend,

  “Am I not already late for my wedding? Has the whole church resigned itself to a lost wedding, or are they sitting around waiting for the bride to arrive? And what about Harris? Either he is there waiting for me or he is out looking for me. Which is it Nina? Has Harris cared enough for me that he is now out with the police searching for my body?” Susan demanded. “My body? Did I actually say Harris should be looking for my body? Oh well, okay, so maybe someone is going to try and kill Susan the Bride.” Susan waited.

  “He didn’t come in.” said Nina. With a sidelong glance, her hands tightened, “He is missing too.” Susan felt like a wall of hot air had just slammed her in the face; she listened as Nina spoke. I lied on the phone because I didn’t want you to panic.” Here we go, she thought. “BSSCD squared,” Nina spoke to herself outloud.

  Susan yelled, “What?” She tensed up both her arms and kicked and pulled at the seatbelt, banging on the glove box. She screeched, “This can’t be happening to me! Please tell me you guys contacted him? Where is he? Where is his family?”

  Susan’s mind was a jumbled mess. Of all the strange occurrences of the day, she was having a hard time keeping them separate. No, Harris too, is missing? And why did she keep seeing the familiar, unusual ring. Susan thought back to the dress shop, had the older clerk also had a similar ring? Susan had not noticed because it did not seem to mean anything at the time. Now? After so many of the strange situations had involved several people with the exact same ring. Why would the dress clerk have the same ring hanging from a chain around her neck? Nina’s far off chattering voice pulled Susan back to the present.

  Nina sighed and knew there was no way to get out of this shit storm except wade all the way through it. At least Susan was in the car and in a seatbelt. There was once when it happened around Lake Carlos during a school field trip and they all had to leave the beach early while the bus drivers, teachers, and Nina tried to talk Susan off the boat launch where she was sure they had stolen her father’s boat. Nina felt important back then, because she was the only kid they let off of the bus, and they knew she could get Susan to get back onto shore. She felt so proud that day when none of the adults could coax Susan back. She was the only one that could take her friend’s hand and get her back to the bus. The kids just all stared and glared since Susan was the reason they spent the field trip on the bus eating their lunches. Bob was the only one who didn’t treat her badly. The principal gave Nina a special gold star pin that she could put on her dress because all the adults thought she was a hero. A girl in the second recess knocked her down and ripped it off her dress, calling Susan the crazy bitch that ruined the trip. They should give you a medal for being stupid enough to be her friend.

  Susan asked Nina what happened to her dress and even got the teacher involved. Nina just adjusted the dress and quietly denied anything had taken place on the playground. “I’m fine,” she whispered over and over. Nina was whispering it to herself now.

  “Everyone is at the church setting up. You and Harris have been missing for about the same amount of time, more or less.” Nina added, “I remember what you used to tell me about fate. You believed in it, didn’t you? Now I am, too. Now tell me, who is worrying more, you, Bob or Harris? Huh?” She tried to laugh and nudge Susan with her elbow to lighten the mood.

  Susan was breathing heavy after her fit. Her arms were at her side and she was picking at the cuticle of her thumb nail trying to gather her thoughts. As she scratched the place behind her ear, she spoke.

  “You know, Nina. I know you put up with a lot trying to be my friend. I’m not deaf. I know they’ve all called me Crazy Bitch and Bat Shit Susan since we were in school. Nobody thought I could hear them.” A tear ran down Susan’s face.

  “Honey, don’t,” Nina said.

  “No, really. I know I’m a screw-up. I just lose it and all of you have to follow around behind me trying to explain to the world that I’m this Apple Fest Queen dressed up for the loonie bin. I get it. I’m sorry.”

  “No Susan, you really don’t get it at all. We love you so much. You are so full of life, and while the rest of us just accept living in our sleepy little town, you had the courage to dream of bigger things.”

  “Well, I am not dreaming big things now, am I? I have just ruined my wedding day with more of my drama queen antics, and to top it all off it sounds like Harris may have had enough of me and just left town.”

  “Listen Susan,” Nina turned to face her friend as they came to a stop at a red light.

  “If we manage to pull this off today, there will be nothing you can’t do with your life. You and Bob will be able to do anything you guys want. If you marry Harris you will be doomed to live in this town forever and become Mr. and Mrs. Strawberry Bill Chevrolet.”

  Susan smiled and thanked her friend. She did not seem to notice that Nina knew about the strawberry people even though she thought that only existed in her mind.

  There was another long pause and a trucker’s compression brakes could be heard hissing in the distance. Susan continued. “Fate is powerful, but something is off. Something is just wrong. If I let it be fate, I believe it means that Harris too, has gone missing. I am so worried. Fate is one thing, and everyone thinks I’m crazy, but I’m scared. Harris is normal. He doesn’t lose the keys or drop his cellphone calls because he tried to shoplift a wedding dress.”

  Nina snorted and laughed, “Well if Harris is trying on wedding dresses, then you two might be just right for each other. Either that or you have a bigger problem than we anticipated with this whole wedding fiasco.” Susan wiped her eyes from the tears that had been forming. Nina handed her a tissue from the glove box and then pulled two of them to wipe her own tears. They both chuckled, gently.

  “Do you remember the last time you stayed over at my house, Nina? Susan looked at her friend.

  “Of course I do. We called Bob and Larry to tell them we were having a girls’ night in, and they should leave us be.” Nina smiled at the memory before remembering.

  “And after telling the guys, what did we do?” Susan waited for the realization on Nina’s face.

  Susan and Nina had spent the night drinking wine and trading Bob stories. When they had gotten buzzed and hungry, t
hey decided to walk to the corner store for some snacks. As they rounded the corner they stopped dead in the tracks as Bob’s old truck pulled into the parking lot. The girls giggled and hid in the bushes for no reason at all.

  “This is so stupid,” she laughted, then covered her mouth.

  “We should go talk to him!” Nina whispered.

  Susan pinched Nina on the arm and hissed, “Absolutely not! That is all we need! We give Harris the slip tonight then I end up drooling all over Mr. Wonderpants instead?”

  Nina fell to the ground laughing. “Mr. Wonderpants! I can’t believe you said that, Susan. You always get so irritated when I say it.”

  Susan giggled and pulled her friend up by the arm. “Listen, just act normal and follow me!”

  With that, the two drunken girls emerged from the shrubs and entered the store.

  Bob was paying for his snacks and cola as the girls came walking in. At first he looked relaxed and nonchalant, but at the first sight of Susan his sweet face flushed bright red.

  “Uhm, oh, hey ya’ll. Susan. Nina. How are you guys?”

  Susan answered with an overtly serious face common to drunks who are trying desperately to hide the fact that they are in fact intoxicated.

  “Well, Bob,” Nina giggled behind Susan but she continued in her too-serious manner, “We, me and Nina, we are having a lovely evening. And how are you?” she blinked.