“This is what you want, am I correct, Papa? And what Mother and…Clarence want? So why are you questioning me?” Her voice came out shrill.
He shook his head. “No reason. Don’t upset yourself.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Papa.” She touched his cheek briefly with her fingers, and entered the house. Her anger with her papa drained away. She had to remember who the enemy was here, and it wasn’t him.
What she wouldn’t give to be a little girl again, when Papa could solve all her problems with a kiss on the forehead.
Heidi hung her coat on the hook by the door, and followed the sound of Mrs. Wilson moving around in the kitchen. The red and white striped wallpaper, wooden cabinets and small ice box alongside the large cook stove greeted her, calming her with its familiar warmth.
Her landlady smiled at her as she placed a plate with a piece of apple pie on the table, and took a seat.
“Hello Heidi.” She motioned to the table. “This is wonderful pie, would you like a piece?”
Heidi pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “No thank you. I need to speak with you about something.”
Mrs. Wilson rolled her eyes with pleasure and swallowed. “You look so solemn, is everything all right?”
Heidi attempted a smile. “Yes. Fine. In fact I’m very happy.”
Mrs. Wilson raised her eyebrows. “What are you so happy about?”
“I’m getting married.” She winced. Her statement came out flat, as if she announced someone’s funeral. If she intended to convince people, she’d have to do better.
“Oh that’s wonderful! Very good news.” She rose from her seat and hugged Heidi. “I knew when I saw you and Michael together you were meant for each other.” She lowered her voice, and clasped her hands. “He had a bad time years ago, I understand, but now he has you, and…” She stopped as she stared at Heidi’s trembling lips, and tear filled eyes.
“No, Mrs. Wilson. I’m not marrying Michael Henderson.”
The woman’s jaw droppe
d and she sat down as if struck. “You’re not marrying Michael?” She studied her for a moment. “But…but I thought…Who? Who are you marrying?”
“Clarence Manfred. My fiancé from Oklahoma City.”
Mrs. Wilson’s eyes narrowed, her lips pursed. “You don’t mean the young man who came visiting here?”
Heidi nodded.
“Well.” She leaned back in her chair. “That’s very nice. I suppose.” She dragged the words out as she continued to watch her carefully. “Not Michael?”
Heidi shook her head. “No.”
She tsked and rose to set the plate and fork in the sink. “You surprise me.”
When Heidi didn’t respond, she continued. “I really did think you and Michael had something special.” She shrugged, and rinsed off the plate. “I guess this old lady doesn’t recognize love after all.”
Heidi couldn’t take anymore. If she sat here any longer, she would begin to wail and not stop until she became a shriveled up old lady. “I think I’ll retire now. I’m pretty tired.” As she reached the kitchen door, she turned. “I’ll be packing up tonight, and leaving in the morning. I hope my quick exit won’t cause any financial problems for you. My papa can pay you for another couple of weeks.”
“You’re so anxious to marry this Clarence?”
Heidi blinked to keep the tears from falling. “Yes. It’s…better.”
Mrs. Wilson sighed and patted her hand. “Don’t worry, missy. My cousin’s girl is looking to move to Guthrie, so I’ll have her move into your room.”
Heidi nodded and left the kitchen. She ran her hand over the smooth wood of the bannister as she climbed the stairs, then opened the door to her room. Almost a full month had passed since she’d moved into this space, and then walked into the drugstore carrying the ‘help wanted’ sign. Her eyes filled again.
Instead of wallowing in pain, she pulled her suitcase from the closet floor, and began stuffing things into it. Halfway through, she sat on the edge of the bed, and removed the paper Clarence had handed her, then read the damaging words once more.
How could she even be sure the letter wasn’t a pack of lies? Her shoulders slumped. Even if he’d made the entire thing up, it made no difference. Gloria would speak with the newspapers. By the time anyone bothered to check on the story’s truthfulness, all the damage would have been done to Senator Cochran’s name. And that wonderful family of loving people she’d spent the day with.