Before Time Runs Out

Chapter 6

Carmelita had helped Ethel into her car, driving along through the woods, the bitter wind of winter, whipping around them. She had given her a new pair of gloves, but she had still held onto her old fur coat that she had a strange attachment to.

Ethel's hair was in two Dutch braids, the skirt of her indigo-colored dress showing where the buttons of her long fur coat ended. Her cheeks were glowing from the cold, the herbal cigarette in her hand occasionally coming up to her lips so that she could take a draw of it, blowing the warm smoke into the wind along with her breath coming out in powdery puffs from the chilly air. Carmelita kept her eyes on the road, occasionally glancing over at Ethel, a smile forming on her lips.

"I'm visiting family once summer comes," Ethel broke the silence in the car, and Carmelita quickly divided her attention. "Any requests for items from Wales?"

Carmelita looked over at her, making sure to slow down.

"Maybe some Welsh cakes? Of course those only last about a day," Carmelita paused, pondering over her options. "How about some apples?"

"I'm going to Wales, and you want apples?" Ethel could not help but smile at that. "All alright then, I'll bring you back some apples." Carmelita smiled at her response, focusing back on the road in front of them. She was not used to driving a different car, well she was not used to driving at all, she usually never left her home, and always held meetings and gatherings at her home. She could not help but remember Ethel at the party where she had followed her to try and keep her safe. Her hair had been so beautifully done, her lips painted a deep shade of currant red, the way her eyes sparkled when she saw someone she enjoyed the company of. She was shaken from her thoughts by Ethel tapping her on the shoulder.

"We're almost to the town," She smiled at her. "Maybe we should go get a tea or something? There isn't very much at my father's house." She recognized that Ethel was simply trying to prolong their trip, a slight tint of dread in her voice at the thought of going home. Carmelita simply grinned in agreement, and Ethel slid over closer to her, Carmelita resting one of her hands on the seat and driving with the other. Ethel slowly intertwined her fingers in Carmelita's, Carmelita feeling Ethel's warmth through both of their gloves. They got into the town finally, the streets of Linz being busy today, with people walking along the sidewalks. The stores were warmly lit, their windows beckoning people inside with the warmth offered. The many shades of colored coats and diverse types, everyone trying to keep warm in the bitter winter, scarves wrapped around their necks, their noses and cheeks glowing from the frigid air. The steam and smoke from the chimneys billowed up into the air, reaching towards the winter sky. They came to a stop outside a warmly lit cafe, the scent of fresh baked goods wafting simply from the opening and closing of the doors from the people coming and going. Carmelita climbed out, tucking her warm coat around her, before leaning over the edge of the door.

"I'll get you a tea, how about you do a little bit of shopping? Beautiful women shouldn't have to wait in a line." She took a wallet out of the pocket of her ivory-colored coat, handing Ethel a handful of money, her slipping it quickly into the pocket of her fur coat. Carmelita reached out and drew Ethel towards her, placing a small kiss on her cheek, leaving her speechless.

"Don't get too cold my darling."

She walked into the cafe, leaving Ethel behind in the car, still in shock at her gesture, her cheeks slowly heating up. She shook her head and calmed herself down, climbing from the car and closing the door, before crossing the street and taking a step up onto the sidewalk. The poor jasmine trees that had been occasionally planted along the street and sidewalk were currently asleep from the frost, and Ethel could not help but sigh as she stared up at the barren branches. They had been planted to help relieve the heat during summer, but also provided a sweet fragrance that filled the streets as the summer wind rustled their branches. Her mother had loved those trees.