DISCERN Read online

  The plane began its’ departure as the wheels began speeding down the runway. I gripped the armrests and braced myself for liftoff. Next to landing, it was one of the most difficult parts of flying for me. The plane glided smoothly through the dark, cloudless night. I looked out the window, watching the bright lights of Richmond slowly shrink to nothing but small specs. I sighed heavily. There was no turning back now.

  “Where are you headed?” The absolutely gorgeous man sitting beside me asked, shaking me from my dismal thoughts.

  “Colorado,” I said softly, clearing my throat as I glanced back in his direction.

  “Where in Colorado?”

  “Boulder,” I sighed.

  “What a coincidence, I’m headed there, too,” he smiled. His teeth were bright white and impeccably straight and perfect.

  “Why would you go there?”

  “Not a good place to settle down?” he asked surprised and a little disappointed.

  “It’s a safe place and a really nice town, but not a place to be excited about.”

  “Well, I was looking forward to it, but I guess I’ll just have to deal.”

  Immediately, I regretted my comment. “Don’t listen to me. I’m not in the right state of mind to be offering such criticism about my hometown,” I apologized quickly. I didn’t want to depress another person with my current gloomy outlook.

  “Not a happy return?” His stare was penetrating as he waited for my reply.

  “Not really, but I’ll get over it,” I said casually, trying to mask my sorrow.

  “You know, talking about things usually helps.”

  “Talking about it only makes it worse. Staying hidden and quiet seems ideal right now.”

  “Well, when you’re ready to talk about it and rejoin the rest of civilization, then maybe you can show me around town sometime,” he suggested, smiling.

  I wasn’t sure why this charming man was interested in spending time with someone like me—who was obviously an emotional wreck. “I don’t think I’d be much fun.”

  “I understand,” he nodded.

  There was an awkward moment of silence. “I apologize if I’m being rude, but I don’t really feel like myself at the moment,” I admitted, although I wasn’t sure why I was telling this to a total stranger.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said sympathetically. “Sometimes change can be a good thing,” he said, offering a small piece of advice.

  “Not this change,” I muttered.

  “You never know,” he half-smiled.

  His hand reached in my direction and the lights flickered. We seemed to be experiencing some turbulence as the plane shook. My stomach dropped. Immediately, I clenched the armrests—I hated flying. He quickly retracted his hand, and his face appeared shocked. The lights instantly stopped flashing and the plane steadied.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “I’m fine,” I said, really just trying to reassure myself.

  “That was odd,” he said, barely audible.

  “I guess you don’t fly much,” I said, trying to act casual, even though I was terribly frightened.

  “Not really.”

  “Well, no matter how many times it happens, it’s a feeling you never get used to,” I smiled.

  “Unusual timing,” he said, lost in thought.

  Before I could speak again, he reached in my direction and the lights began to flicker once more. The plane once again began shaking. His hand retracted. The shaking and flickering stopped. We both looked over at each other. His expression was strange, and I assumed mine was, too.

  “Wow, I just wanted a magazine. I didn’t realize it would cause the plane to shake,” he joked uncomfortably.

  “I’ll hand one to you,” I swallowed hard, wearily reaching for a couple magazines.

  “No, don’t worry about it. I’m fine,” he smiled uneasily.

  “They’re mainly shopping ones anyway,” I said, inhaling and exhaling still attempting to calm myself.

  “Well, then I definitely don’t want one now.” His smile was a little more natural and relaxed now.

  I momentarily closed my eyes, searching my mind for a topic that would continue our conversation. After that incident, I did not want to be left alone with my thoughts.

  “I’m assuming you aren’t a traveling business man, if you’re looking for a place to settle down?” I asked.

  “No, I’m not one of these guys,” he grinned, looking around at the other passengers on the plane.

  “Are you still in college?” I asked curiously. He was obviously young enough looking to be.

  “Oh, god, no,” he said. “Are you?”

  “Yes, but I’m not quite sure if I’ll be returning to my previous school in California,” I sighed heavily.

  “So are you staying in Boulder for awhile?”

  “Probably.”

  “I actually have an interview at the local university, but I’m unsure if teaching is the right career path for me.”

  “Oh, you don’t look old enough,” I complemented.

  “I am,” he assured. “I’m sorry I just realized I’ve been so rude. My name is Andrew.”

  “Nice to meet you, Andrew. I’m Haley.”

  “Haley is a beautiful name,” he said smiling.

  “Nothing special about it.”

  “That isn’t true at all,” he challenged.

  I was honestly intrigued about how he was going to turn an ordinary name in to something special. “How so?”

  “I believe it means a true heroine. Who knows, you might save the world someday.”

  “That doesn’t really reflect my personality very accurately.”

  “Saving the world doesn’t mean taking on its problems. Maybe your love could change someone’s path, which means you have saved the world from their gloom and unhappiness.”

  “That’s an interesting way of looking at things,” I half-smiled. His view was admirable, but absurd.

  “I try,” he winked. “Time will heal your wounds,” he comforted.

  “I hope.” My eyes dropped as I thought back to those horrible images of Braden’s betrayal.

  “It will happen.”

  I hadn’t mentioned change or spoken of healing any wounds. His insight was baffling—it seemed as if he could see straight in to my soul.

  Suddenly the pilot’s voice came over the intercom. We were only ten minutes from the Denver airport. The long, boring flight I had expected turned out to be quite different.

  “I hate the landing part.” My voice choked.

  He reached in my direction, but immediately retracted his hand. He casually tapped the armrest. “Everything will be fine.”

  I inhaled deeply to absorb the feeling of falling. With one hard slam of the plane’s wheels, we had landed. I glanced in his direction to find him scribbling something down on a piece of paper.

  “Here’s my cell phone number, if you happen to change your mind about showing me around town.”

  I hesitantly took the paper. “Thanks, maybe when I’m ready, I’ll give you a call.” No matter how alluring this man was; I needed time to heal. And he probably wouldn’t be available when I was ready.

  We walked side by side out of the jet bridge. We both stopped as we reached the gate.

  “I’ll see you around,” I said to Andrew, casually.

  “I hope to hear from you, Haley,” he smiled, vanishing into the distance. Our moment was over.

  He and I would probably never see one another again. I planned on staying hidden for as long as possible, and my father’s large house in the country was the perfect place.

  I was instantly relieved to see my father. He was slumped over asleep in a chair. His hair was grayer than it had been when I left home. He had always been short and stocky, but he looked like he might have lost a few pounds. My mother had been tall and slender, making them a little bit of a mismatched couple to outsiders, but they truly loved each other and that was all that mattered.

&n
bsp; I leaned over and gently shook my father’s shoulder. “Daddy.”

  His eyes slowly opened. “Hi, sweetie,” he said almost incoherently.

  “Hi, Daddy,” I responded, wiping away a single tear.

  “Don’t cry, sweetie. I’m here now, and everything will be fine.” His voice comforted.

  He threw his arms around me, hugging me tightly. Inside my father’s embrace, I felt protected.

  “It’s over, I caught Braden cheating.” I burst in to the tears. The words burned my throat as they came out.

  “No need to explain. You’ve been through enough, let’s get you home,” he said, gently kissing my forehead.

  I was relieved he wasn’t full of questions, as he had been earlier. “Thanks, Daddy,” I sighed.

  ~~~*~~~

  Three weeks passed as I moped around, barely leaving the house. My father’s attempts to brighten my spirits had failed. A bright, shiny red sports car had appeared in the garage two days after my arrival. The odometer read fifteen miles when he delivered it. It hadn’t changed since. There was no place I wanted to go.

  Braden called and texted every morning and evening, but I refused to answer back. If I had picked up the phone or responded, I was afraid of the possibility of falling victim to his lies once more.

  My father eventually forced me to rejoin society by taking me out to dinner. There wasn’t a chance for us not to be noticed. His popularity in town was due to his cheesy cable television commercials and even worse billboard ads for the car dealership he owned. I had spent many embarrassing years in front of the camera with him, helping make some of those commercials.

  Our meal was interrupted several times. Some were his poker buddies, but most were just random people commenting on his latest commercial. I rolled my eyes. It was ridiculous. This town needed other celebrities besides my father.

  “I’ll be right back,” I said irritated.

  My father didn’t acknowledge my departure as his focus was elsewhere. I sighed heavily as I made my way to the restroom. My necklace suddenly snapped, sending the beads scattering everywhere. I quickly leaned down and began scooping them up.

  “Would you like some help?” A somewhat familiar voice asked.

  I looked up. There he stood, the drop dead gorgeous man from the airplane.

  “Thanks.” My face reddened.

  “Haley, correct?” He flashed a wide smile.

  “Y-yes,” I said, nodding my head up and down, like a complete moron.

  “How has your visit back home been?” he asked casually, recalling our conversation.

  “Nothing bad has happened until this moment,” I frowned.

  He scooped up the last of the beads and carefully handed them to me. “Well, the request to show me around town still stands, whenever you’re feeling up to it,” he half-smiled and turned away.

  I searched my memory for his name. It didn’t take long to remember, as I hadn’t met anyone else in the past few weeks. “Andrew,” I blurted out.

  He instantly turned around. “You remembered my name.” He seemed surprised, but pleased.

  “Yes, I’m sorry I haven’t called yet…” I paused. “But I’m still not back to my old self.”

  “I totally understand. And once again, whenever you feel up to it, just give me a call,” he smiled. “You still have my number, right?”

  “Yes,” I lied. I wasn’t sure if I was saving him from being hurt or saving myself from getting involved.

  “Talk to you soon.” He turned and walked away.

  I felt ashamed for lying, but there hadn’t been enough time. My wound was still fresh. More time was needed before I could consider letting anyone else in to my life.

  When I returned to the table, my father was still engaged in a conversation. I took my seat, trying carefully not to interrupt. My attempt failed.

  “Everything all right, sweetie?” he asked concerned.

  “I’m fine dad.”

  “Ready to go?”

  “Yes, anytime you are,” I responded, returning my gaze to the safety of the table. I was pretty sure the table couldn’t read my face like most people could, so I took solace in that.

  The car ride home was silent except for a few stories about the locals that my father decided to share. He gossiped worse than a teenage girl sometimes.

  “Will you be all right if I go play poker tonight?”

  “Poker again?” I asked slightly irritated.

  It was impossible to play poker seven nights a week. My father would be completely penniless if that were the case. He was a smart, successful businessman, but a lousy gambler. He, of course, would have contested to my observation.

  “Yes, playing poker is a good way to pick up the local rumors, which also helps business.”

  “Okay,” I responded. “I’ll be fine just like every other night.”

  “I know, but tomorrow is your first day at a new school, so I wanted to make sure you were comfortable with being alone.”

  “I’ll be just fine, Dad,” I sighed. I wasn’t that fragile.

  Starting a new school in the middle of my college experience wasn’t exactly a comforting thought, but it was my reality now.

  “Call me if you need anything.”

  “I will. Have fun.” I faked a smile and slid out of the car.

  His car sped out of the drive. Retrieving my keys, the memories of my mother suddenly came flooding back as I noticed the brass nameplate on the front door for the first time since returning home. I ran my fingers across the engraving, remembering the day it was placed there. It was the final touch my father insisted on after having this house built for my mother.

  Life had never been the same since her death. If my mother were only here today, the pain I felt would be tolerable. Only her love and wisdom could help heal my wounded heart.

  Looking at the clock over the fireplace, I realized it was only eight-thirty. Pictures of a once happy family lined the mantel. It felt like another lifetime when those pictures had been taken.

  My father’s need to keep reminders around was unhealthy. This house was enough of a reminder, why did he have to keep every little detail the same. By all appearances, it seemed like he hadn’t moved on with his life.

  Grabbing every last one of those reminders, I placed the picture frames in my arms and headed to the garage. I pulled out an empty box from the shelves above my father’s tool bench, carefully placing each picture inside. I sighed heavily before closing the lid and sliding the box onto the shelf. I purposely left it unmarked.

  My actions were selfish and had nothing to do with my father, but it saddened me to have to look at her picture knowing she was no longer in my life, which now seemed like an endless darkness without her light to guide the way.

  I headed upstairs to my room, which hadn’t changed since I was thirteen. The bubblegum pink walls and white trim were reminiscent of my childhood—happy and carefree. The ivory bedroom set with crystal knobs was every little princess’s dream. How I longed for those simpler times.

  As I lay in bed, tossing and turning, I found my thoughts reluctantly drifting back to Braden again, still wondering how I could have been so naïve as to trust someone with his reputation. Although he had pledged his love to me, everyone in Boulder knew about his many past indiscretions. There would be much gossip around the college campus, adding humiliation to my return home.

  I had to shake those thoughts, so I pressed the power button on the television remote and began flipping through the channels. Every show seemed to revolve around weddings and every commercial was an irritating dating website that promised to find the person that was made just for you. It was hard now to imagine there was anyone made just for me out there as I had once believed that Braden was that person. With nothing but reminders about what I had lost, I turned off the television.

  Continuing to revisit Braden’s betrayal wasn’t helping me heal. As I lay in the quiet house, I became determined to focus on more pleasant things. Reflecting
on the evening, I thought about how Andrew looked just as appealing as he did the night we met on the plane. I wondered if he and I would ever cross paths again.

  Glancing at the clock, it was hard to believe it was already 1:00 a.m. I thought about school and my late registration, pleased because there had only been evening classes available, which suited my current case of insomnia.

  The sound of the garage door opening disrupted my thoughts and sent me flying to my feet. I pushed back the pink, translucent curtain and peeked through the blinds. I saw my father’s truck slowly pulling up the drive. His late night excursions were becoming suspicious.

  I wondered if he had met someone and my return had put a damper on things. It had been almost three years since my mother’s passing. My emotional state was fragile, but I just wished he felt the ability to be honest with me.

  I decided to greet my father at the door, thinking this might give him the opportunity to open up to me about where he had really been going. I flew down the stairs and stood patiently waiting at the door connected to the garage. The door swung open.

  “Hi, Daddy.”

  “Oh my goodness, you almost gave me a heart attack!” he said, grabbing his chest.

  “Sorry.”

  “Did I wake you?” he asked, lightly leaning against the counter.

  “No, I couldn’t sleep again,” I admitted, fetching a glass from the cabinet and slowly filling it with water.

  “Sweetie, it’s been three weeks. It’s time to stop dwelling on people that aren’t worth it.”

  “I know, Dad. I know,” I muttered.

  “You do realize that all men aren’t bad, don’t you?”

  “Dad, I don’t think all men are bad. I had my heart broken and it takes time to heal. It’s only been a few weeks, it hasn’t been months,” I said angrily.

  “Don’t let it take much more of your time. You’re much too young and beautiful to be stuck in this house depressed.”