Surrogate - Chapter 6
Title: Surrogate - Chapter 6
Author: Christine Collins
Genre: Supernatural Romance
Rating: PG
Word Count: 3567
Comments: Unedited
Chapter 6
Marie woke up the next day disoriented and confused. How did I get into bed, she thought, I must have been really tired to forget that. She noticed that she was still in her sweater from the day before but saw that she managed to get her jeans off. Weird. I had the most wonderful dream about Jack at least. Reflexively she glanced over at his side of the bed and noticed that his pillow was indented. Hmm, I must have been cuddling up with it last night, she mused, that would explain the dream I guess.
It was the best dream she'd had since he died. He carried her upstairs and tucked her into bed. Then he cuddled with her until she warmed up and fell asleep. I wish it could be like that every night. Marie lay in bed relishing the sweet memory a bit longer. But then she decided that she better get up before her happiness degenerated into her usual melancholy.
Avoiding the pile of clean laundry at the foot of her bed she padded into the bathroom and took off her sweater and bra. Clad only in her cotton panties she used the toilet and brushed her teeth. Afterwards she stood in her closet frowning as she decided what she was going to wear. She usually just stayed in her pajamas all day but since she hadn't started in them for once it's seemed extremely lazy to put them on in the morning.
Ah screw it, she decided, I'm freezing and I have absolutely nothing to do today, as usual - who am I trying to kid? She fished her flannel pajamas out of the pile on the floor and sniffed them cautiously. Frowning at the stale smell she let them fall back into the mess and went to check the clean laundry at the foot of her bed. She'd found her top and was searching for the bottoms when the phone rang.
Marie ignored it and continued looking. It rang 14 times before the person gave up. She found her bottoms, shimmied into them and began buttoning up the top. The phone rang again. Marie groaned. She knew it was Spencer and she knew that her friend would call and call until she answered. Marie toyed with the idea of taking it off the hook but knew that Spenc would probably just come over. She no doubt wanted to know every sordid detail about Nathaniel.
Marie picked up the phone and said, “What do you want you nosy bitch?”
There was silence over the phone for several seconds and then a rather cautious very male voice said, “Hello, Marie?”
Oh shit, Marie thought franticly, it's Him!
“Oh Nathaniel. Sorry about that. I thought you were Spencer.”
His warm chuckled caressed her ears across the phone waves. “I thought it was something like that,” he said. “So how are you doing. You seemed upset last night and I wanted to check on you.”
“Yah, I'm fine. I didn't mean to startled you. This is hard for me. I just had a weak moment. If we continue with this there will be a lot of those. I hope you're up for it.”
“I think I'll survive.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a beep. Marie tried to ignore it but when it beeped again Nathaniel said,
“Is that another call? You can answer it if you want.”
“No it's ok, I bet it's *beep* just Spencer.”
“You better get it then. She's probably worried that we killed you and buried you under my sister's house.”
“Yah, that sounds like Spencer I guess I'll call *beep* you later.”
“Oh, I'll wait.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
Maire clicked over to the other line and said, “Hello?”
“Hey Mar! Tell me every detail. Did he kiss you? When's your next date? Has he called yet?”
“Hi Spenc. No. I don't know. And I am talking to him on the other line so...”
“Oh you are! Great! Call me as soon as you are...”
“Bye Spencer.”
“Bye Mar. Don't forget...”
Marie clicked back over to Nathaniel. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
“Sorry about that. She's something else.”
“That's ok. I'm glad you have such a great friend.”
Marie laughed suddenly.
“What?” asked Nathaniel.
“Spencer is going to bust a nut after you 'knock me up' - hehe.”
“I guess so. She won't be mad at me will she? I'd hate to get on her bad side.”
“Naw. She''ll think it's great. She'd like nothing better than for me to...forget and move on.”
“I don't think you should forget anyone Marie. And I am sure you will move on when you are ready.”
“Thanks Nathaniel.”
“For what?”
“For being so easy to talk to.”
“Well why don't we continue this conversation over lunch?”
Good Marie balked at the direction this conversation was taking and as she paused Bad Marie jumped to the fore.
“Will this be our first date? I'll expect it to live up to everything you'd promised,” she said in a decidedly flirtatious voice.
“Well no,” answered Nathaniel responding to her new tone, “Just a casual meal together. Even I may need a day or two to put together our first date.”
“I guess I'll wait then.”
“All right. Day after tomorrow sound good?”
“Sure. What time. What should I wear?”
“I'll let you know. Well I guess I better go and get planning.”
Marie tried to hide the disappointment in her voice as she said, “Alright. See you soon.”
“I can't wait.”
“Bye Nathaniel.”
“Bye.”
~*~
The next day Marie regretted her moment of flirting. God he must think I am such a needy whore, she thought angrily to herself. Bad Marie was much easier to keep at bay without Nathaniel's enticing voice around. And the longer she was away from him the easier it was to forget how wonderfully good looking and fun to be around he was. Well at least that's what she told herself.
She puttered around her house doing odd chores disconsolately, never really finishing anything. She half expected Nathaniel to call or send flowers or something - he seemed the type, but nothing happened. Bad Marie was disappointed by his apparent lack of interested but Good Marie was relieved. The day passed uneventfully and she went to bed early hoping to dream of Jack again but she didn't.
The morning of the date broke clear and warm for January. Marie debated whether or not she should call Nathaniel but decided against it. She couldn't even pretend to do chores today - she just moped. She kept waiting for the phone to ring all morning, she even checked it once to make sure it was working. Damn, thought Marie, I wish I could go back to being happy with my regular boring, pitiful life!
By 11:00, even though it was relatively early, Marie began to hope that he changed his mind or forgot. By 11:30 she quashed any disappointment she felt and began to feel optimistic about the canceled date. Then the doorbell rang. Oh my God - it's him, she panicked looking down at the rumpled flannel pajamas she'd worn for the last 2 days, and I haven't showered since Saturday!
She hurried to answer the door, determined to put him off until a future date - like next year sometime - and opened it to find a strange woman.
“May I help you?” Marie asked.
“Are you Ms. Maher?”
“Yes, I am Mrs. Maher.”
“Hi, I'm Bridgett and I am here for our appointment.”
“I'm sorry, you must be mistaken I didn't call for any...”
“Mobile Beautician Service.”
Marie, frowned and said, “I definitely didn't call for any Mobile Beautician Service.”
“Mr. Waters sent me.”
“Mr. Who?”
“Mr. Nathaniel Waters.”
Marie groaned. Well it's certainly more elaborate than flowers, she thought.
“Listen, Bridgett, I'm very flattered that Mr. Waters sent you but I'm afraid I have to decline.”
“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But since I get paid either way I guess it doesn't matter. Have a great date.” She turned to leave but Marie stopped her.
“Wait, you've been paid already?”
“Yes.”
“I suppose this type of service is expensive.”
“Very expensive. It's a shame to let it go to waste.”
Marie sighed as she contemplated the situation. Even though she'd received more money from Jack's life insurance settlement than she knew what to do with, she'd struggled with making ends meet for so long she hated to waste anything.
“OK, what next?”
“Let me get set up while you take a shower. I have all my credentials right here. I'm perfectly safe.”
“I bet you are,” muttered Marie, “But apparently Mr. Waters isn't.”
Marie showed her to her great room next to the kitchen. The floor in here was tiled and the sink was nearby so Bridgett could have water. Bridget loaded her down with various hair and skin products that Marie didn't want to use and gave her instructions which Marie promptly forgot and turned to set up as Marie went to shower.
While she showered Marie entertained the faint hope that she would return downstairs to find that this was all an elaborate scam and Bridgett had run off with her TV set, but somehow she knew that that was not going to happen. She grudgingly looked at the shampoo that Bridgett had given her. It contained peppermint and tea tree oil. Doesn't sound too bad, Marie mused, I do like the smell of peppermint. She decided to make the best of the situation as she washed, rinsed and conditioned her hair. The face wash was peppermint scented also and she used it willingly.
It wasn't until she was shaving her legs that she remembered that she was mad at Nathaniel. His 'gift' was completely inappropriate. He had sent a mobile beautician to her house like she was some kind of dog. Bridgett's Mobile Grooming Service - specializing in disgruntled widows and toy poodles. Marie gritted her teeth at the unwelcome analogy.
She got out of the shower and angrily toweled herself off. The she threw on a clean sweatshirt and pants and marched downstairs determined to dismiss the unwanted 'mobile beautician.' I don't care how much money she costs. He can eat it! She came downstairs in a huff and turned the corner ready to tell the poor woman off and then she stopped short.
Her kitchen great room combo had been transformed. Bridgett had gotten rid of the clutter that was all over ever available surface and wiped them down until they gleamed. In place of all the old food containers, empty chip bags, and piles of unopened mail were lace doilies and pretty containers filled with candles. Marie was worried at first when she saw them burning - strong perfumy smells gave her a headache. But they were peppermint scented, same as her bath care products had been. Peppermint is my favorite but how would Bridgett know that, unless Nathaniel told her, although how would he know? One of them must have made a lucky guess.
In the center of the available space between her counter tops and dining table was a beautician's chair. It was obviously a portable one but it looked nice and comfy with a reclining back and armrests. It also had a whirlpool basin at the bottom for the pedicure. Marie was impressed in spite of herself.
Bridgett must have sensed her moment of weakness because she said, “ Great isn't it? Come and sit down. I have warm water all ready for you in the basin. Why don't you soak your feet while I take a look at your hair. I hope the candles are ok, Mr. Waters said you like peppermint.”
So it was Nathaniel who told her that. I wonder how he knew? But Maire didn't let herself get bogged down in little mysteries. She went over to the chair and sat down.
Bridgett immediately took over. She was tiny, blond, and talked non stop. Within minutes she had Marie all sorted out and her plan of attack ready to be implemented. First she ran her fingers through Marie's damp hair muttering to herself and planning what she was going to do. Then she started on the pedicure. She trimmed Marie's toenails, filed off her callouses (a process which took an embarrassing amount of time in Marie's opinion) and was about to polish them when she jumped up off her stool and exclaimed, “I almost forgot!”
She rested Marie's foot on the edge of the basin and scurried off. Then she came back with a tape measure and what looked like a photo album or catalog under her arm. She handed Marie the book and said, “What size are you?”
“Mm in what?”
“Dress.”
“ I could probably squeeze into a 6. Why?”
“I'm supposed to provide you with an outfit as well.”
“A what?”
“An outfit. Flip though the cataloger please. I have most of those items in my van but if you need something special I'll have to have a courier bring it over from our main office.”
“You're joking.”
“Nope, I'm quite serious. Dresses are in the back. Look for the blue tab.”
“I'm not wearing a dress, it's January!”
“Suit yourself. But I don't know if I have time to tailor slacks to fit you. We'll need to hurry. Stand up for a minute let me take your measurements.”
Marie was so nonplussed by this turn of events she stood and let Bridgett measure her. A dress? Slacks? Where the hell are we going? A nice night out with Jack usually consisted of Olive Garden and a movie. I usually wore jeans in the winter and shorts in the summer. What have I gotten myself into?
Bridgett grumbled when Marie hadn't picked out anything to wear by the time she was ready to paint her nails. She ended up painting them a deep purple color called Blackberry Bliss. When Marie muttered that it didn't matter what color her toenails were since she would most likely be wearing close toed shoes Bridgett just said cryptically, “You never know.”
Marie frowned. Any doubts as to what type of man engaged a Mobile Beautician Service and what type of relationship he had with the woman he got it for disappeared. Damn that man, she simmered.
Despite her increasing misgiving about the situation Marie was soon primped and ready. Her 20 toenails and fingernails were painted 4 coats of Blackberry Bliss. Bridgett tried to get her to used gel overlays on her fingernails but Marie declined firmly. She hated the way gel and acrylic overlays made her fingernails all chunky. Her hair was trimmed into long layers that stopped just below her shoulder blades. Bridgett wanted to color the silver strands that peeked out beneath her hair at the back and sides but again Marie insisted that she let them be. She let Bridgett wax her lip and eyebrows but drew the line at makeup. Marie never wore makeup.
Soon all the 'beautifying' was complete and Marie was clothed in a long sweater dress in a wine color 2 shades lighter than her nails. It was clingy but not tight, had ¾ sleeves and came halfway down her calves. She had on knee high black leather boots. The heels looked too high when Bridgett first showed them to her but they were surprisingly comfy.
Marie thought she was all done but there was one last battle to fight. Bridgett sat her down and brought out a squat, fat, gunlike device.
“Wait a minute,” exclaimed Marie, “What do you think you are doing with that?”
“I'm going to pierce your ears.”
“The hell you are!”
“Mr. Waters said...”
“Mr. Waters can go fuck himself! It's time for you to leave. Now.”
“Suit yourself. Enjoy your evening.”
Maire glowered at Bridgett the whole time she packed up but as the other woman was leaving she softened. She wasn't mad at her after all. It wasn't her fault that Nathaniel was making her feel frustrated.
“Hey Bridgett,” she said as the other woman was leaving, “I'm sorry that I was rude to you. I'm just feeling nervous and out of place.”
“It's ok, I get that a lot,” Bridgett grinned, “Here's my card. If you ever need me for anything else just call me. I'll give you a discount.”
“Sure.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
Bridgett plopped her last bag on the passenger's seat and climbed into her van. Then with a final wave she pulled out of the driveway and drove away. Marie watched her leave, unsure what to do next. She frowned at the sun which was low on the horizon. It was almost 4pm - Bridget had taken a while to get her ready. A gust of wind blew against her and she shivered. I better get back inside before I freeze. Marie rubbed her hands against her arms to warm them and hurried back into the house.
I'll need to find a jacket to match this she thought as she opened her coat closet. Unfortunately I don't have anything this dressy. As a matter of fact Marie's didn't have much outerwear at all. Even the winter weather in San Diego was usually mild and when she was cold she just threw on a heavy sweater or snagged Jack's jean jacket. As she sorted through her limited selection her door bell rang.
Marie's heart immediately jumped into her throat and she began to panic. Oh shit! What do I do? She contemplated not answering it and pretending she wasn't home. Or running upstairs and hiding under her bed. Or even escaping out the back door and run screaming into the Cleveland National Forest. But she took a deep breath and answered the door.
Nathaniel stood grinning on her front porch. As soon as she saw him her face lit up in a smile. She forgot her nervousness, forgot she was mad at him. She just stood there and took in the sight of him.
He was dressed in charcoal gray slacks and white button up shirt that had the top three buttons undone. Over that he had a black hoodie with a dark pewter corduroy blazer over that. Over his arm he held a black leather coat.
“Hey there,” he said.
“Hey.”
“Ready to go?”
“Just a sec. I'm trying to find a jacket.”
“Here,” he said holding out the leather jacket. “I brought this for you.
“Oh, thanks.”
“No problem.” He reached over and helped her in the jacket. For a moment she was worried that he'd bought her yet another present but the coat was a bit too large to fit her perfectly. She suspected it was one of his. Aww Yah, if we were still in high school, Good Marie spat back. Marie shook her head against her internal bickering and turned to lock the door. Then she followed Nathaniel to his car.
They got in and she asked, “Where are we going?”
“It's a surprise.”
The mention of another surprise brought to mind the unwanted ones he'd already given her.
“About your surprises...”
“You didn't like it did you?”
“Well it was a nice thought but...”
“It was over the top wasn't it?”
“Yah, it was a bit much. Especially the clothes and the attempted ear piercing. What was that all about?”
“Oh that, well I had another gift for you but I realize now that I need to cool it a bit. I'm sorry if I offend you Marie. I just thought you could us a bit of pampering.”
And just like that any residual anger Marie felt faded away. Damn, she grumbled to herself, he's no fun to be mad at. You can't even pick a fight with him he's so agreeable and sweet. “It's ok. I don't mean to be a bitch about it. It really was a very nice gift. Thanks Nathaniel.”
“I'm glad you managed to enjoy it. I'll try to keep my desire to pamper you in check.”
“Why are you so sweet? You don't have to do this you know. I'm sure we can convince people we're a couple without you showering me with extravagant gifts.”
“You've obviously never met any of my old girlfriends,” Nathaniel laughed, “But seriously Marie. I'm not just doing this for our cover. I truly like you.”
“You don't even know me.”
“But I'd love to get to know you better and I plan on enjoying ever bit.” He looked at her longingly.
Marie blushed at his frank gaze and looked down.
They drove in silence for awhile but after a bit they resumed their conversation, sticking to safer topics this time. They had been driving west for about an hour. Marie looked out the window trying to place where they were. They passed a sign that said Tecate Canyon. A few moments later they crested the hill they were climbing and the beautiful sight of the sun setting off San Diego Bay was spread out before them.
“How lovely,” Marie breathed
“Yes - very,” said Nathaniel but when Marie looked at him she found him looking at her, not the sunset. She looked away again, nonplussed. They drove a few more blocks and stopped in front of a pretty Spanish style building. It's whitewashed walls were festooned with brightly colored lights. Music and conversation flowed out of it. The sign in front said, The Tin Coyote.