A Summer In Cardinal Rock

Julia

I finished clearing the two tables closest to the door while Abigail waited on two fishermen. Derek and Taylor, our other cook, baked fresh goods and prepared the orders that came in. The whole room smelled of cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs. I picked up the tray with dirty dishes on it and took it into the kitchen, preparing to wash them. Abigail came in right behind me, filling up coffee mugs for the customers. 

"Hey Jules. Do you remember Owen Carrol?" She asked as she put cream and sugar into a red mug. The question caught me off guard. Owen and I were good friends until he left to work for the FBI. We had constantly talked for a while, but eventually, we lost touch.

"Of course. I get a text every now and then. He's busy and always traveling. Why do you ask?" I set some clean dishes to dry on the rack. Abigail touched my arm to get my attention.

"Julia, he's coming home." She was frowning as she stirred the cream and sugar. Home? 

"What do you mean? He lives in California." 

"His mom is still my neighbor. She got a call saying that he was injured and that he was coming home, here,  until further notice. Be right back." She loaded the mugs onto a tray and carried them out to her customers. I leaned back against the sink. Injured? How bad could he have been hurt? I closed my eyes and prayed silently. I prayed for healing and safe travels from California. The bell on the door rang so I dried my hands and walked into the dining area. There was Jamie and right behind him his sister, Alyssa. I walked over and greeted them both with a hug. 

"Hey you two. Are you here to drop off the application?" I turned to Alyssa. She kept her gaze on the floor. 

"No ma'am. Dad says I'm not allowed to work here," She gave me the application. It was filled out except for her parents' signatures. "And I came by to tell you that Jamie won't be allowed to attend VBS." She grabbed Jamie's hand and held it. His eyes were filled with tears. I felt my face get hot. I was trying everything possible to get the kids to be in a stable environment but their parents wouldn't allow it. I took a deep breath and tried to smile.

"I see," I put my hand on Jamie's shoulder. "It's okay. I can give you a rundown of all the lessons whenever you come in. Would you guys like a soda? Or a cinnamon roll? Freshly baked by Derek." Both kids nodded.

"Yes, please." They said at the same time. I grabbed two plates and set a warm cinnamon roll on each one. I gave Jamie a cup of milk and asked Alyssa if she wanted coffee. As I got their drinks, I peeked through the door. Alyssa had slight discoloring under her right eye. It was most likely a bruise covered with make-up like her mom used to wear before she passed away last fall. A sick feeling formed in my stomach. He never used to physically abuse the kids but more and more I kept seeing bruising. I carried out the milk and coffee and set the drinks in front of the kids. Both kids had devoured the cinnamon rolls. I gave them both some leftover eggs too.

"Alyssa, can I talk to you?" I whispered to her as I slid her a plate of eggs. Her eyes grew wide, frightened almost, but she nodded. I told Derek to watch Jamie for me as I took Alyssa into the kitchen. 

"Is something wrong?" She murmured as she clutched her coffee mug. I looked her over. Her hair was in a messy bun, her sweater hung loosely on her like she'd lost weight. Her leggings even looked a little baggy. She was pretty, just like her mama was, but something was definitely wrong. I could see the bruising better now.

"Where did the bruise come from?" I asked in a low voice. Alyssa's eyes flashed with fear. 

"I fell." She replied, eyes downcast. I lifted her face to look at me.

"I know you didn't fall. I need the truth. I saw bruises on Jamie's arm the other day too. Now you can't work here and Jamie can't attend VBS. Is your dad abusing you physically?" I was straightforward and tried to keep eye contact with her. Alyssa quickly set her mug on the counter.

"I can't tell you anything. If Dad even finds out I was talking to you.." Her voice trailed off. She shook her head and looked me in the eye. "I can't talk about this right now. I have to get home. Thanks for giving us something to eat." She left, grabbing Jamie and trailing him behind her, before I could say anything else. I stood in the kitchen doorway, watching them get into their car and drive away.

Later that night I sat in my parent's living room talking about Owen coming home. I was excited. I hadn't seen him for years and I hoped we could catch up. But soon, my thoughts traveled to Alyssa and Jamie. What could they be going through right now? I shuddered at the thoughts that ran through my mind.

"Julia, is everything okay?" My dad asked, looking up from the sermon he was working on. I shook my head.

"It's Alyssa and Jamie Cleary. I think their dad is physically abuse them. And quite possibly starving them. They were so hungry when they came into the diner this afternoon. Then I noticed bruising under Alyssa's eye and I took her aside and asked her about it. But she said she couldn't talk about it and left. Before that she said her dad told her she couldn't work at the diner. And Jamie isn't allowed to attend VBS." I let it all out in one breath. My parents exchanged glances. 

"Julia, you should talk to the sheriff. Mr. Cleary has a history of abuse. You need to be careful, and we understand you want to help them. We do too." Mama squeezed my hand. My dad nodded in agreement. The rest of the evening was spent drinking coffee and bringing up Owen again. My thoughts were elsewhere though. I'd talk to the sheriff as soon as possible.