Page 78 of Book and Ladder
I choke back an unexpected sob.
“And …” I have to look away from Patrick. My eyes land on Winona a few rows back. “And, bringing a big box store into our town—even on the outskirts—would mean certain death to some of those shops we all love with our whole hearts.” I nearly crack. So, I just add, “That’s all. Thank you.”
I step back. My vision’s blurry and my hands are shaking like leaves. I don’t even know how I make it back to my seat,or who takes the podium next, or what they say. The only thing holding me together are Winona and Carli’s hands on my thighs.
I said my piece. The rest is up to fate and the people of Waterford.
After ten or fifteen, or who knows how many other people come to the podium, Mayor Briggs steps up. “Thank you, each one of you. And I sincerely apologize to any of you who wanted a turn at the mic. But, in the interest of time, we’re going to head into the vote. Vanessa and Sharlene will hand each row a stack of ballots. Take one, mark yes or no, sign your name, and pop it in the ballot box. Then go help yourself to some of Emberleigh and Sydney’s pumpkin sheet cake while we tally the votes.”
There’s a lot of shuffling while ballots and small pencils are handed out. Then a hush falls over the room as everyone casts their vote. I check NO and sign my slip of paper. Then I fold it over and hand it to Carli. Vanessa and Sharlene gather all the ballots in baskets and take them up front where volunteers are sitting at folding tables counting the totals.
People stand and mingle, many following the invitation of our mayor to grab a slice of soft fall cake from the back tables. I remain glued to my chair. Winona stands.
“You want a piece of cake, Daisy?”
“I don’t think I can eat. I feel like there’s a ball of lead in my stomach.”
Emberleigh leans over and says, “I’ll make you a special batch this week.”
I practically break into tears, but I bite the inside of my cheek instead and manage to eke out a “Thanks.”
My brain feels heavy, my heart even heavier. We anxiously wait for the vote to be tallied. It’s not long before Mayor Briggs steps up to the podium and asks everyone to return to their seats. Patrick and his dad stroll up the aisle like Waterfordroyalty, already taking up too much space—anticipating claiming even more.
“Well, it was a close one,” Mayor Briggs says, looking at a sheet of paper in his hand. “We did a second count just to confirm. And, I’m happy to announce …”
My head swims. I’m drowning. The Titanic is going under and I’ve got no life vest.
Mayor Briggs’ words are muffled “... approved by enough of a margin … building to begin … looks like we’re getting ourselves a Home Mart.”
My head drops.
Winona and Carli loop their arms around me and bend their heads in toward mine, forming a human cocoon.
The meeting is officially adjourned. Chairs scrape, people chatter, life resumes.
I’m still huddled in my spot, hoping this is an extremely vivid dream—or nightmare.
“I’ve gotta go,” I announce suddenly to my friends. “I have to get out of here.”
The dam of tears is about to burst and I will not cry in front of the O’Connells. They won’t see me break. Carli and Winona stand with me and flank me like my own personal bodyguards as we make our way out the doors. People say things as we go … “Nice speech,” or “Sorry, Daisy.” I nod and somehow manage a smile.
Once we’re outside, I take a breath.
“Are you okay to drive?” Winona asks.
“I’ll be okay.” I have to believe it.
Patrick strides out the doors, looking around frantically. It’s the most rattled I think I’ve ever seen him. When his eyes land on me, he walks over to where I’m standing with Winona and Carli. Bless my friends. They step in closer as he approaches.
“You don’t owe me a response,” he says, running his handthrough his hair. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how that went.”
My eyes go wide. Does he mean he wishes his dad’s construction would not have been approved? He can’t mean that.
“It is what it is,” I say, trying with all my might to keep my emotions out of my voice.
He nods one single bob of his head. I should look away, but I can’t.
Which one are you, Patrick?
