Page 6 of Beneath the Flames
“Come on, come on,” I muttered.It figured that when I was anxious to leave somewhere that my old car wouldn’t cooperate.My wrist ached as I turned the key over and over.Finally, after trying at least five times, the engine started with a loudvroom, and I let out a relieved sigh.Out of instinct, I checked the rearview mirror to make sure grocery store guy wasn’t behind me, before squealing out of the parking lot.Thankfully, it was Davie, and there was absolutely no one around to witness my ungraceful skid onto the main road.
The air conditioning in my car wasn’t working again—thanks, old car—and the heat inside was unbearable, forcing me to roll the windows down.I made it a half mile down the road when I spotted the small bakery on the corner with a bright neon sign taunting fresh donuts.
Davie was your typical small Minnesota town, boasting the two things found in most small towns across the state: a bar and a gun shop.We were lucky enough to have a bakery too.
I really should have gone straight home, especially knowing my father was in one of his moods, but after that strange encounter and the heat in my car, I needed a second to myself.There were a few dollars left in my purse that my mom had given me for the movie last night, so I swung into a spot on the side of the street, justifying that I’d only be a few minutes and the cold groceries would survive.
Yanking the keys out of the ignition, I slung my purse over my shoulder and hopped out of the car.I sent a quick text to my mom letting her know I’d gotten everything she needed and would be home soon, then hurried through the bright pink door.
Sweet, cold air enveloped me as I walked into the bakery,a bell chiming overhead.Cinnamon and vanilla mixed with a yeasty smell filled my nostrils, and my shoulders relaxed—just for the moment.
“I’ll be right there,” a voice called from behind a swinging door.
I made for the brightly lit display case with all sorts of desserts and pastries that had my mouth instantly watering.Sugar was my weakness—especially donuts.
I was still trying to decide between the little chocolate caramel tarts or the chocolate glazed donuts with coconut creme filling when the door swung open, revealing Hannah, the owner and baker of the store.She was my age and had taken over her grandparents’ bakery when they retired last year.I didn’t know her super well, but we’d bonded a time or two over our mutual love for anything chocolate.
“Howdy, Maren,” she said, her southern drawl revealing that she was not a native Minnesotan.She tucked a stray piece of blonde hair behind her ear, then tightened her ponytail.“Back for more, are ya?”I didn’t come into town often, but I had treated myself last night when I went out on my own.More than one donut in twenty-four hours was perfectly acceptable, right?
“You know I could never stay away from your donuts, Han.They are life-giving.”If I had a mirror, I was certain I’d have seen hearts where my eyes used to be.
Hannah laughed.“What’ll it be today?”
Perusing the display once more, I had a difficult time narrowing down my selection, but in the end went with my usual.
“Two chocolate-coconut donuts and a mini lemon creme pie.”The pie was a last-minute thought, but I figured mom, Lila, and Joey might appreciate it.
Maybe that’ll make the day a little less miserable.
Hannah nodded and bustled behind the counter, wrapping each delectable item and putting them in a paper bag.She handed me the bag, placing an extra donut in my other hand.She gave me a wink.
With a shake of my head, I playfully sighed.There was no use arguing when Hannah gave you free food.It was in her roots.And who was I to turn down a free donut anyway?
“Thanks, Han.”
“You bet.How’s everyone up at that farm of yours?”
My answer took a moment too long to form, the truth wanting to burst from my tongue like it always did.I wished someone would see, would look past the surface and not turn up their noses in favor of being ignorant.I wished someone would help us when we didn’t know how to help ourselves.But I couldn’t say that.
I couldn’t say anything at all.Not when my father could take his anger out on the others in retaliation for speaking up.
I pasted a fake smile on my face.“Doing great.”
A crease formed between her brows as they furrowed.Could she tell I was lying?With slow movements, I had tucked my wrist behind my back, not wanting to risk her seeing the bruises.
“You be sure to let me know if y’all need anything.Anything at all.”
I gripped the bag tighter, the paper crinkling softly.She always said the same thing before I left her shop, so why did this time have my pulse ratcheting up?
My father had hammered it into all of us: the Thornwoods didn’t rely on anyone but themselves.
And no one knew the kind of man my father was.
Ignorance truly was bliss, and shame was a smotheringcloth shoved in our mouths.
I struggled to keep my smile in place.“Thanks Han.See you next time!”
With a wave over my shoulder, I took a step out of the bakery and headed back to the car.I had just taken a large bite of donut, mouth thoroughly full, when I noticed a strange gray van parked behind mine.While I couldn’t claim to know every car in the town of Davie, I knew what most of the townies drove, and this was one I’d never seen before.That creeping gut feeling returned.
