Dancing in the Oaks

Mortuary

I had woken up to the roosters crowing off in the distance. It's always a beautiful sound to hear everyday. It's an ear piercing noise, but it keeps me on my toes. It provides a nice aesthetic to a background. I saw Nick's Silverado out in my driveway. After he left last night he probably went home to milk the cows, sleep, then go to work early in the day. He had just gotten here because I had every single door shut.  I walked into the kitchen to steep some lavender and peppermint herbal tea. I still struggled to hobble around on the crutches. I could hear Nick playing the guitar out on the porch again. This time he brought his own guitar. He had a nice Taylor guitar. I thought nothing of it, but some of the best country singers use the brand Taylor. After waking over and listening through the opened window, the timer finally ticked. I retrieved my tea from the stovetop and walked outside.

"Let's make each tomorrow be the best it can be..." Nick sang as I walked out. "You scared me!  I literally just got here. I figured I would bring my guitar and sit out on your porch. "

"You scared me! Hmm what song is that?" I asked respectfully because the song sounded very familiar, but I couldn't figure it out.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you yet. I thought about it last night. I think it was my father that did it. I hate to say it, but I think that's the truth." His voice shook.

I sat down across from him again. "Your father is an interesting man indeed." My eyes couldn't help but watch the birds perch themselves in the trees. It was almost as if they knew what I needed to stay happy. I hardly ever show a perfect array of emotions that I'm actually feeling. Not a minute goes by that I don't think about my family. I just wish they were still here even though I'd have to care for them and be ordered to do tasks. It's really sad to know what it's like to go from having 4 people in your life that care to only one. Yes, that one person is Nick. He cares for me and I care for him.

The phone had rang. The ring is a very annoying chirping noise. That noise has bothered me forever now. The only way I was able to tell was because the window was opened. I hobbled on the crutches in, and over to the phone. Nicholas followed me inside. I didn't recognize the number on the landline. Nick gave me a nod signaling me to answer. "Hello, this is Norah Jean speaking." I was so scared talking over the phone, as it was all my mother taking care of it. The anxiety peaked when I picked up the phone. I guess that I can say that talking on the phone can be easier because no one can see my facial expressions.

I found Nick leaning closely towards me as I listened to the guy on the other line. "Hey, Ms. Jean, this is Tom from the Coroner's office. We are calling to confirm an appointment. Actually... one hasn't been made yet. We will be going over the verdict, plans, and criminal evidence. We are open from 6:00 to 3:00. Any hours after will have to be privately arranged." The man had a stern, but kind tone of voice. He sounded sophisticated. Obviously the man cared for my whole situation. I actually felt really comfortable talking with him. I could picture Tom as being a tall, black haired man that wore tan slacks.

I whispered to Nick asking about his work schedule. "You've got work today!"

He shook his head no. "I can clock in as sick leave with the store. We will be back by the time I need to go work at the milk stand. It'll be good. I'm taking you and I'm here for you." His voice tried to whisper.

My head shook yes ever so slightly. "Uhm we will actually come down right now. Do I need to bring anything?" I attempted to act like I knew what I was doing over the phone. This was all new to me because I had never dealt with death before!

"Yes, birth certificates or another method of ID. We never received these from y'all. Also, do you have someone coming with you? Do you have a good, honest relationship with someone? This means do you have someone that you trust?" The man seemed like a person who just wanted answers just like us. These answers no one had, but everyone yearned for.

"Yeah, I do have someone that I trust. He's a really close friend. I trust him one hundred percent." I looked over into Nick's eyes. "He will be there with me."

Nick slyly nudged my arm as I waited in between the man's long pause of words. "I'm not your friend." Nick whispered in my left ear. I gave him a surprised look. If he's not my friend, then what is happening?

"What? What could you possibly be talking about?" I said very quietly.

The man on the phone rattled off more information, "Come on down and we will review what we have found and rule out the cause of death. Funeral plans will be put into place. We are here for y'all and we are willing to help." Tom's voice had changed a little bit. It was ever so slightly noticeable.

I accidentally let out a sigh while thinking. "Yes sir, we'll be down in an hour or so." They had hung up and I was so excited to get off the phone. My heartbeat immensely calmed down after I pressed the 'end call' button on the left side of the phone.

I found myself scratching my eyes due to the seasonal allergies. Every year I have to deal with bouts of allergies. It drives me crazy, but it's been a long time occurrence, so have just come to accept it. "Ugh we're gonna have to venture to the basement again. I hate that place." I found myself hobbling over and sitting on the bar stool. Of course, Nicholas came and sat next to me. I hit his arm just about as hard as I could. "I'm not your friend! What in the world has gotten into you?" My voice was stern as I stood my ground with him.

He laughed. "That's not what I meant. I mean that you are my best friend."

"Aah, Nick, alright. I believe you now. I got confused. I am sorry." I hung my head in shame for throwing daggers at him that were not supposed to be thrown.

He smiled. "No, it is okay Norah. I understand that you took that differently. You are my best friend and we will solve this dadgum mystery." Would we solve this? How would we solve this?