Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 17)

 Chapter sixteen: Aster envisioned Kenneth James waiting expectantly at the ferry. The ferry docked, and Kenneth James wasn't there. What had happened to him?  

photo by ldyck

Chapter seventeen

Occasionally, a car or a truck would drive passed the bench. Most swished by, but some drivers did stop to ask if Aster would like a ride.

“No, thank you,” she called from the bench and waved the drivers away. The waiting time increased, the traffic dwindled, and anxiety's grip tightened.

Aster tried her husband's cell phone again but was forced to leave yet another message. “Kenneth James, where are you? You told me you would be here to receive me, but you’re nowhere to be seen. I’m waiting and growing a little worried. When you get this message, which I hope will be soon, please contact me and tell me you’re on your way. It will bring me some peace of mind. I’m counting on you. I know you won’t disappoint me. Hurry, my love. Do hurry.”

Minutes stretched into hours, hours stretched into days, days stretched into weeks, weeks stretched into—. Or at least that was what it felt like to Aster. Vehicles had stopped driving down that desolated road. Her husband had abandoned her. She would have to live out the rest of her days on that park bench. Alone. Completely and utterly a—.

A white four-door hybrid Honda glided up beside the bench. The driver had replaced her BC Ferries uniform with jeans and a tee, but Aster quickly identified her. “Would you like a ride?”

“I believe my husband has been unavoidably detained.” Aster sunk into the cushy red-cloth passenger seat.

“That’s just island time.” The woman climbed out of the car, retrieved Aster’s luggage, and—.

“Do be careful with my suitcases. They’re rather expensive.”

Fitting all of Aster's suitcases into the car’s trunk was a challenge but the woman enjoyed playing Tetris. She quickly solved the puzzle and returned to the steering wheel. “Save and sound, without a mark. Now, where can I take you?”

The address...? Aster may have had that information once but she had long since replaced it with something more important. Her lack of knowledge embarrassed her so she changed the subject. “Do you like residing on Mayne Island?” When Aster thought of island life, the words that came swiftly to her mind were boring and depressing and—.

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

“And why is that?”

“What do I like about Mayne Island? Huh?”

Aster felt sorry for the woman—self-imprisoned on this remote island for the crime of poor judgment. Clearly, her life here was an empty existence—bereft of cultural enrichment or anything that would bring fulfillment or value. But somehow the woman had convinced herself that she enjoyed this prison. Aster was interested to hear what foolishness she had fed herself.

“I could make one of those travel commercials. I’d include the golden orange sunsets. The wild deer prancing around the island like royalty. Seals sunning themselves on rocks like movie stars with cocktails. And the soundtrack... Tree frogs sweetly serenading. An eagle’s cry. The sound of a wing moving through air. And the people. I can’t forget the people. Do you know that many island seniors still cut and stack their own firewood? And the children...” 

As the woman went on and on, Aster unzipped all the compartments on her purse and then re-zipped them.

 “Do you know that after every performance at the Ag Hall we all help put the chairs away? It doesn’t matter who we are or once were. We all help.”

“How long have you lived like this?”

“Twenty years.” The woman smiled. “Watch out.” The woman swept a hand over her face. “This could happen to you.” She laughed. “Where would you like to go?”

Go? Aster saw herself sipping wine in Paris or applauding as a curtain opened in a London theatre or carrying an armful of clothes to a New York cashier or riding the elevator in Toronto’s CN tower or—.

“Your husband’s address?” The comment brought Aster back to reality.

Aster sighed. “I always regarded that information as extraneous.”

“Oh, well, don’t worry. We’ll find him.”

“Why? Why would I worry?” Aster adjusted her glasses and straightened her back. “Please take me to Professor Kenneth James Steven’s residence.”

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter eighteen

Aster waits and waits for her husband at the ferry terminal. Finally, a Mayne Islander stops and offers Aster a ride. But Aster doesn't know the address of her husband's house. How will she find him?

April 30 to May 6 Canadian Children's Book Week

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 16)

Chapter fifteen: Aster takes her worried self to the ferry and sails to Mayne Island.

photo by ldyck

Chapter sixteen

Aster followed a white-haired couple with bikes, a teenager with a backpack, and a woman with a small dog from the ferry to the ramp. She pushed two suitcases forward and returned for the third—forward, back, forward, back. Her progress was made a little easier because the suitcases had wheels but it could have been a lot easier if—. 

The woman with the dog was greeted by a man with a peaked cap who gave her a hug and a kiss. The dog jumped into the man's arms and the three of them carried on together. 

Where was Kenneth James?

“Please keep to your right.” A navy-uniformed woman directed the group.

All compiled but Aster. She didn’t budge. She just stared up the steep hill that was her next challenge after she had gained victory over the ramp. A challenge Aster refused to accept.

“Please keep to your right,” the woman repeated.

Still, Aster didn’t move.

So the woman rolled two of the trunk-sized suitcases to a corner of the covered walkway.

Aster followed with the third.

“Thank you. I—?” Before Aster could finish her sentence the woman returned to direct the ferry traffic up the hill.

It was pleasant enough under the covered walkway for Aster to be content to remain there until Kenneth James came to collect her. She looked from the cloudless sky to the rippling sea. She watched cars and trucks drive off the ferry and others drive on. Soon those passengers would sail away. She watched cars and trucks drive up the steep hill and out of the terminal. Soon only the BC Ferries workers would be left behind and then they would end their shifts and go home. Soon Aster would be alone. She didn’t mind. But—. What if—? Wild animals? Drug addicts? Vagrants? Soon Aster would be alone. And she did mind, in fact. It unnerved her. But with those trunk-sized suitcases, she couldn’t move. She was stuck which made her vulnerable. And what if—? She grew more and more concerned.

The uniformed woman came back. “Come with me,” she told Aster. “I’ll take you up the hill.” She wheeled two of Aster’s suitcases to a white truck with ‘BC Ferries’ on the door.

“My husband was supposed to be here to collect me.” Aster pulled the other suitcase behind her.

“He may be waiting for you in the parking lot.”

“The...parking...lot?”

What if Kenneth James had been waiting but because she hadn’t walked up the hill he had thought...? And now he was... What if she were...? Now...

No, for her, he would have waited. He would have. He was waiting. He was in the parking lot.

“Yes, that’s where he must be. He’s waiting in the parking lot,” Aster told the woman and climbed into the truck.

The woman loaded Aster’s suitcases into the truck bed and drove Aster to a row of three trucks and two cars parked in front of a fence—the parking lot. Kenneth James’ truck wasn’t waiting there.

The woman unloaded Aster’s luggage and carried them across the street and up a small grassy hill to a bench under a tree. “There’s no way your husband can miss you. And if he does, I’ll tell him where you are. Don’t worry.”

“Worry? Why would I worry?” Aster pulled a hanky from a side pocket of her oversized purse and dusted a corner of the bench.

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter seventeen

Aster expected Kenneth James to be eagerly waiting for her at the ferry--but he wasn't. Where was he? When would he come to collect? Had he forgotten about her? Or had something happened to him?

Saturday, April 29th is Canada Indie Bookstore Day

April 30 at 1 PM

Agricultural Society Hall on Mayne Island, BC

National Geographic Explorer and author Erica Gies reads 

from her non-fiction book: Water Always Wins 

(University of Chicago Press)

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 15)

 Chapter fourteen: Desperate to escape her old life, Aster decides to join her husband on Mayne Island.

photo by ldyck

Chapter fifteen

Aster took her worried self onto the ferry to a blue vinyl bench. Did it overlook the ocean? Her mind was too full to care.  Had she remembered her sunglasses? Had she brought her chequebook? She opened her oversized patent leather purse and examined the contents. She didn’t trust her eyes. She had to touch everything--wallet and debit card and credit card and driver's license and SIN card and library card and... Handling her possessions brought her a small degree of comfort. Was her skirt creased? She had to look her best. She stood and ran a hand down her skirt, smoothing it.

How would she retrieve her luggage? Was it safe? Did they ask for ID before relinquishing the luggage? What was stopping someone else from stealing her luggage? Or from planting something in it—drugs or a bomb? She could carry a bomb onto the island and not even know it. What would happen then? Would they put her in jail? What if she got off at the wrong island? How would she get back to Mayne Island? No one knew her on any of those other islands. She could be kidnapped, raped, and left for dead. Oh, she had to stop thinking like that. She was driving herself insane. She should talk to the chief steward. She was so nice, so calming.

The top half of the Dutch door was open; Aster peered in.

The chief steward was hunched over some paperwork, but she looked up.

“I have a few questions that I know you won’t mind answering because as you’ve pointed out the previous times, serving your customers is your number one concern. Now, you’ve assured me that everything will be fine but...”

When Aster finished speaking, the chief steward looked at her with soft eyes. “I assure you, you will arrive safe and sound on Mayne Island. We will dock and you will know we have docked because we will announce that we have docked. Your luggage is safe. It is in the van. It can remain there until we dock. Of course, you may obtain it at any time during your voyage, if you wish. However, I assure you it is safe. If you choose to leave your luggage with us, a crew member will be happy to assist you to obtain it when we dock. The cafeteria and gift shop are open. May I suggest that you spend some time there? I hope you have a pleasant voyage.”

Aster returned to her bench feeling lighter with the peace of mind gained from sharing concerns with someone who cared.

She imagined Kenneth James waiting at the dock, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Upon seeing her, his body would sing with joy. He would run to her with open arms, wanting, demanding a hug. His behaviour would embarrass Aster, but unable to deny him, they would hug. Kenneth James would declare his love for her—loud enough for others to hear. “I love you,” he would say.

Aster would whisper, “I love you too.”

But, of course, they would wait until they reached his truck to kiss. He would drive her to a small yellow house with white trim. Flower beds rich with colour. The sea. A porch swing--her knitting haven. She wouldn't be alone. Others wishing to learn would find her there.

Continuing to teach willing students, the wish was there but it cut too deep. It cut her heart. She had to let it go. It cost too much to claim.

Fifteen minutes later a disembodied voice filled the ferry, “This is Mayne Island transfer point for...”

Mayne Island those words were like a firing pistol to Aster. She grabbed her purse and on unsteady feet, raced to the stairs. She deceased—slowly and carefully so as not to fall. She led a long line of passengers. All were eager to reach the car deck.

***

Row after row of vehicles and finally, there was the van. Surprisingly, there was no one there to help her. No matter, Aster tugged on the back door and it opened. Inside luggage was everywhere.

“This would be so much easier if things were properly organized,” Aster muttered under her breath. “People. No one even took the time to tag their bags.” She heard car doors close. “I need to hurry.” She tossed suitcases out of the van.

Someone giggled. Aster turned around and discovered that she had attracted an audience—a man, a woman, and a few children.

The woman nudged the man, and he spoke up, “Can I help you?”

“No, I’m fine.” He didn’t wear a uniform or anything that identified him as a BC Ferries worker and she certainly wouldn’t accept help from a complete stranger. Maybe he was in a hurry but so was she. And he could simply wait his turn. “I’ll find my suitcases. I tagged them." 

“Why would your suitcases be in our van?” The woman asked.

Aster heaved a large suitcase out of the van. “This. Is. The BC Ferries van.”

“Hmm. No, it’s not.” The man’s voice wavered like he was trying to contain a laugh. “The BC Ferries van is at the front of the ferry.”

The next piece of luggage Aster evicted from the van was a long orange duffel.

“Hey, that’s my pup tent!” One of the children, a preteen boy, tore the bag out of Aster’s hand.

“Young man that’s not the way a young gentleman should conduct himself.”

“Look.” The woman squared her shoulders and barked at Aster. “Stop pawing through our stuff. The front of the ferry is that way.” She pointed with her entire arm at the other end of the ferry.

Bow doors slowly opened to a blue sea and a distant island. Aster made her way to the van. She tugged on the side door, but it didn’t budge.

“Hey, stop pulling on that handle,” a man in a beige uniform scolded. “You’ll dislocate your shoulder. The door’s locked. I’ll open it once I find that darn key.” He darted from one side of the ferry to the other searching and searching until. The key was found. The van was unlocked and Aster easily located her three trunk-sized suitcases.

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter sixteen

Aster takes her worried self to the ferry and sails to Mayne Island. 

Monday, April 17th is BC Book Day

Author Readings on Mayne Island, BC

April 23 at 1:30 PM

Books on Mayne 

Author Geoff Inverarity reads from his book of poetry 

All the Broken Things (Anvil Press)

Author Hilary Peach reads from her memoir 

Thick Skin (Anvil Press)

April 30 at 1 PM

Agricultural Society Hall on Mayne Island 

National Geographic Explorer and author Erica Gies reads 

from her non-fiction book: Water Always Wins 

(University of Chicago Press)

photo by ldyck

About the photo: Abby noticed that I had a camera in my hands so she decided to pose for me. Eat your heart out show dogs.

Thoughts...

As a child, I was educated to believe that the challenges I faced were due to my dyslexia--my disability. This had the effect of silencing and diminishing me. And it made it hard for

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 14)

 Chapter thirteen: Aster is trying to live through the aftermath of her actions but isn't doing a very good job. A worried Bunny finds Aster still asleep in the middle of the day. Bunny offers friendship but Aster rejects her. Needing to get away, Aster decides to go shopping but everything she finds in the mall only reinforces how she feels about herself. And so she...

photo by ldyck

Chapter fourteen

Aster pulled open the fridge and stared at the food. She removed sliced ham, mayonnaise, lettuce, bread. The lettuce was crisp, the ham lean, the bread moist. Halfway to the table, she threw the sandwich in the garbage can. It joined her half-eaten breakfast.

Without being fully aware of how she’d arrived there, Aster found herself in her bedroom, standing in front of her mirrored closet doors, staring at her reflection. Oh, how she hated the person she saw in that glass. She jerked open the closet door. Among the clothes hanging there, Aster found one of Kenneth James’ shirts. She pulled it off the hanger, placed one sleeve on her shoulder and the other around her waist. Imagining herself in his arms, she swayed back and forth—dancing to music that existed only in her head. She needed to hear his voice.

She dialed his number but the person who answered wasn’t Kenneth James. It was a woman’s voice.

“Kenneth James, who was that?”

“She was um, ah... She was... Just one of my research assistants.”

“I had to phone you. I had to because... because... Something horrible has happened.”

“What?”

How to explain? How to confess? The words just won’t come.

“Aster, are you still there?”

“Yes, I—.”

“Listen, I’m very busy. Phone b—.”

“I’ve been forced to take early retirement,” she whispered.

“You’ve been what?”

“I’ve been fired. Okay? I’ve been fired.” The words exploded from her mouth. “Oh, please, don’t make me elaborate further on the phone.”

“No, of course not.”

“This entire mess wasn’t my fault. I had to act to save my student. Without education, without discipline, he’ll fall through the cracks. And then who knows what could happen. He’s headed for a life of crime. I had to provide guidance. No one else is. But instead of praise...they...they. Just didn’t understand. And now every time I step out of our house there they all are judging me. I simply can’t stay here one second longer.”

“You could join me on Mayne Island but I’m sure you won’t. You made that clear so many times. What is it you said, it’ll be a cold day in—.”

“Oh, I was hoping you’d say that,” Aster sang into the phone.

Stomp!

“What was that?”

“Oh, nothing. A spider hit the floor,” Kenneth James explained.

“Spiders are that—?”

“Big. About the size of my hand. But they’re small compared to slugs. I saw one yesterday that was as long as my arm. But they just leave a slimy trail. They’re not vicious.”

“Well, that’s g—.”

“Now raccoons, they’re nasty. But you’ll soon learn not to go out at night. And you’ll get used to the isolation, the boredom, and the—.”

“But the ferry.”

“If there's enough staff. If there are no mechanical problems.”

“Will take me to the island this coming Monday. I wish I could leave sooner but I need time to—.”

“I’ll be there to pick you up.”

“See you soon. I love you.”

“Ah, yeah. Bye.”

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter fifteen

Desperate to escape from her old life, Aster decides to join her husband on Mayne Island.

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 13)

 Chapter twelve: Aster's toxic relationship with Devin continued until Aster lost control of her classroom and herself and--and now she must deal with the aftermath. 

photo by ldyck

Chapter thirteen

Periodic pounding disrupted Aster's sleep. She opened one eye. "Too bright!” She spat at the light pouring through the window. Forcing open her other eye, she brought the fuzzy digits on the alarm clock into focus. 1 PM. 1 PM? Aster was still in bed in the middle of the day. Humiliation prompted her to move. Pushing herself to rest on her elbows, she swung her legs off the bed and lowered her feet to the floor. Everything—from the part in her hair to the toenail on her big toes—hurt.

The knocking continued.

She shoved her feet into her slippers and threw her robe over her nightgown. She walked past the bathroom without stopping to brush her hair or teeth. Good grooming mattered to A— But not today.

Bunny grinned awkwardly through the window in the back door. Bunny—of all people.

Aster unlocked the door and pulled it open a few inches.

“Aster, I've been so...” Bunny stepped into the gap. “We've been so worried about—.” 

Aster placed an arm on the door frame and held onto the doorknob. “I’m not accepting visitors.”

“Oh, I understand. It's just that you left a few things behind. And I thought you might want them.” Bunny tried to push a cardboard box through the gap. Aster's 'World's Best Teacher' mug rested on top of the pile in the open box.

“You can leave that box over there on the porch.” Aster pointed with her chin at the Deacon’s bench.

“Aster, would you like to ta—.”

Aster closed and locked the door. She walked over to a chair, wrapped her arms around her torso, and lowered her gaze to the floor. Footfalls crossed the porch and went down the stairs. A car door closed. A car engine started.

Aster raised her head, looked out the window, and watched the car drive away. She continued to watch until Bunny was out of sight. 

She sat there, only breathing, trying not to think until she realized she had to get away. She had to go somewhere, do something—anything. But what? 

“I’m going shopping,” Aster announced to the walls.

***

Eton Garden Mall pulsed with the ebb and flow of shoppers. Knit brows, hard eyes, frowning lips were all that Aster saw. Did they know what she’d done? Did they judge her, hate her?

Aster sped through the mall, passing store after store until she stood at the threshold of her favourite shop. She breathed in deeply. Dresses fashioned by British designer Daphne Wenworth beckoned to her. Aster stepped into the shop, picked up the hem of a dress in a spring flower print, and ran the fabric between her fingers.

“What about this necklace, Mama?”

A familiar voice... Elizabeth Joy? Aster’s mood lifted.

The girl stood beside her mother a few feet away. Their backs were to Aster.

“Hello, Elizabeth J—.”

Without a word or even a nod, Victoria grabbed Elizabeth Joy’s hand and they left the shop. 

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter fourteen

Aster is trying to live through the aftermath of her actions but isn't doing a very good job. A worried Bunny finds Aster still asleep in the middle of the day. Bunny offers friendship but Aster rejects her. Needing to get away, Aster decides to go shopping but everything she finds in the mall only reinforces how she feels about herself.