Page 6 of Campfires & Canines
Sable’s keen gaze appraises Hazel. She looks like a hippie with her silver hair in a loose braid and her shoulders draped in crocheted shawls, but her expression is severe.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Hazel responds, shrinking slightly like a wildflower suddenly covered in frost. But she must meet Sable’s requisites because the older woman gives her a curt nod of approval and moves her attention to her dinner.
Marigold is more than happy to seize Hazel’s focus.
“I’m so excited you’re here!” Marigold is sunshine incarnate. She’s wearing a Hungry Caterpillar t-shirt with daisy-print bellbottoms. Feathered eyeliner outlines her doe eyes.
“Thanks, it’s really lovely up here,” Hazel says. “So you’re the teacher for all the kids here? That sounds like a lot to manage, teaching so many different grades at the same time.”
“It’s kind of a one-room schoolhouse situation. I only have to worry about the younger kids, ‘cause the teens do online classes on their own. I’ve got six students right now. It’s busy, but the kids are really sweet. I love it.”
Marigold’s grin reaches high-beam intensity, and I see Hazel’s shoulders start to relax. It makes sense another girl our age would help her feel more comfortable. Marigold is thrilled to have a new friend, especially a girl, because she’s always been stuck with us boys.
“That sounds fun, and I bet you’re an amazing teacher. They’re lucky to have you,” Hazel says.
Marigold cocks her head. "You're from Los Angeles, right?"
"Yeah, but I grew up closer to San Bernadino. Not nearly as green there. A lot more concrete."
"Have you ever been to a movie premiere? Or a talk show?" The eager questions tumble out of Marigold's mouth.
Hazel laughs into her corn on the cob. She sets it down and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. “No, I’ve never even been to Hollywood. Any time friends were going during college, I just couldn’t make it. It’s mostly traffic.”
“What about the beach?” Marigold asks, her eyes widening until she looks like a burrowing owl.
Hazel bobs her head. “Yeah, a few times. I’m not sure I’m a beach girl. I think I like it up here better.”
Marigold looks over her shoulder and locks eyes with me. One of her eyebrows raises in suspicion. I refuse to be the one to break eye contact and let on how much I am hanging on every word said at this table. She can already read me too well, so I narrow my eyes into a glare until she turns away.
"How long are you visiting for?" Sable asks.
Hazel’s eyes dart to Heath. "About a week, I think." She sounds hesitant like she isn’t sure if she wants to stay, or maybe she isn’t happy with the limits Heath has tried to push onto her. Every day she spends here is a risk, so I should be happy for her to leave soon, but the idea of her getting into her car and driving away feels sour in my stomach.
"Do you have other destinations planned for your trip?" Sable sips her water.
“Maybe, I haven’t figured it out yet. I’ve got a few friends in Oregon I could visit before heading back to California.”
Hazel's tone is reluctant and she didn’t sayheading home, she saidheading back to California. I shouldn’t read into it, but I can’t help it.
"Sounds like a nice vacation,” Sable says.
“What do you want to do while you’re here?” Marigold asks brightly.
“Just relax, I think. Catch up with Uncle Heath. See the scenery.” She worries her bottom lip between her teeth like she has more to add but is nervous. “I need to be applying for jobs while I’m here, so I mighttake some time to do that.”
“What kind of jobs?” Marigold asks.
“Hazel has a degree in business,” Heath says proudly.
“What types of positions are you looking at?” I can’t help but ask.
“I’m not sure. I didn’t really like my last job. I need to see what’s available.” She trails off. I want to press my thumb between her brows and smooth out that line.
“I’m sure you’ll find something amazing!” Marigold affirms.
Fisher appears at Heath’s shoulder, leaning down and speaking low. Heath glances over at Hawthorne, standing a few yards away, and he grabs his plate and stands.
“Hazel, I need to go handle something. Are you okay here?”
