Raine's Salvation

This is my fourth town in three years. It’s not bad, actually. Quiet, beautiful, peaceful. I could get used to this place. But I won’t. It’s never a good idea to get too comfortable. Don’t let my guard down. Stick to the plan. Keep her safe. That’s all that matters. But this town somehow feels like we belong here. I hope this place is safe for a while. Mom would love to make friends somewhere, real friends who she could one day confide in and feel safe around. But I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Letting people in could get us killed.

We have only been here in Big Sur a couple of days, but Mom wants to head over to a coffee shop she found on the Internet that is attached to an art gallery. I guess this town is full of artists and musicians. That might be what I like about it. Even the school here encourages self-expression. Since I have never been in a formal classroom, I guess this will be easier than I thought. Small classes with lots of kids who love music as much as I do. But at least I have a month of summer left before the big day.

“Don’t forget your guitar, Raine,” Mom says as we walk out the door to head to town. I jump in her truck after running back inside for my guitar. She told me this place also has local musicians who sometimes like to hang out and play together a couple times a week. I may enjoy that. I haven’t often played in front of strangers, only for my family back at the compound. They all seemed to love it. But that doesn’t mean I’m actually any good.

“You look nervous, son,” she says with a sly smile on her face. She knows I hate for her to think there is anything I can’t handle.

“No, just considering how safe it may be. We can’t really know what this place is like until we get there.”

The truth is, I am totally freaking out. What if people start asking a lot of questions about us? That’s the last thing I want. No drawing unwanted attention to ourselves. But Mom seems to think it’s time for me to make some friends.

As we pull up to the place, I notice that it’s pretty big. I didn’t anticipate that at all. I thought we might see five or six people in a coffee shop. But this is more like a tourist attraction with lots of families with strollers and bags of gifts and trinkets on their arms. They all seem to be pretty happy. No one looks at all suspicious yet. And there appears to be a front and back entrance that are easily accessible in case we need to made a quick getaway. There is even a rooftop seating area where people are mingling and looking out at the beautiful Pacific. I wouldn’t mind spending a few hours writing a song here and drinking some good coffee.

As soon as we enter, the smell makes my stomach growl. It’s just like back home. Fresh cooked muffins and pastries. Okay, this might just be my spot. Mom gives me the “I told you so” look,so I give her my smile of consent. I guess I should start trusting her judgment a bit more. The smile on her face, though, is what really seals the deal. I love it when she seems content and in her element. It’s worth having to deal with all of these people to get one of those smiles.

I survey the room quickly and decide on a spot in the back that is in the corner but still close to the other exit. The big comfortable-looking chairs look inviting. The fireplace will be a great spot in the winter to drink some hot chocolate and play for a while. It looks like someone’s living room. I immediately start to feel myself relax. Mom heads over to the line. She knows exactly what I want; I never have to tell her. She does most of the talking in our relationship, but she can read me like a book.

I notice there is an empty easel in the room. I wonder if they have art showings. But before I spend too much time thinking about that, someone has placed a blank canvas on it. I see the girl’s back at first. Her blondish-brown hair shines down her back. She stares at the canvas like it holds the answers to all the world’s problems and tilts her head from one side to the other, trying to decide what she will create, I believe. Then, she quickly heads out the door as if inspiration has struck. She returns moments later with arms full of art supplies.

“Glad you could make it, Jade. It’s been crazy boring here today,” yells the bubbly girl from behind the counter. The girl simply gives her a glance over her shoulder and giggles a little. “I’m sure you could find plenty to do without me, Skye,” she replies.

Her voice does something to me. It’s so melodic. It sweeps over me like a touch. And then she turns toward me to look out the window behind my head. Her eyes scan the parking lot. That’s when I see them—the most beautiful green I have ever seen, shining bright like precious stones. Jade. That explains the name.

Only a couple seconds later, she senses my stare. Her eyes meet mine and a full smile spreads across her face as she takes me in and glances at my guitar.

“Oh good, I will have some music after all. I asked my dad to drop off my iPod. But live music is so much better. You must be new. I’m Jade.” She reaches her small hand out to take mine.

I actually don’t even know what to do. I push up my glasses to give myself a second before I touch her.

“Raine,” I say as I clear my throat. Why do I sound so nervous? Sweet little girls aren’t a threat to me or my mother. I think it’s her touch that must be making me feel unsettled like this. She is so soft and dainty. She is my complete opposite. Small where I am big; open and outgoing where I am guarded and reclusive.

“What are you going to play?” she asks as my mom comes back with a blueberry muffin and hot chocolate for me. Mom has that big grin on her face that she gets when she wants me to do something. I ignore that for now and think about the question. “Um, maybe some Ed Sheeran if you like him.” Why did I just ask her opinion? I usually just play whatever I feel like playing. I’m not really here to entertain everyone.

“Oh, I love him! I went to his concert last month in San Francisco. That man is talented. He’s like a whole band wrapped up in one cute little ginger. Do you know ‘Thinking Out Loud’?”

Of course, it’s one of my favorites too. But I'm not telling her that. I just look down at my guitar and start to strum the chords that I have played hundreds of times over the last year. It’s one of the songs I play when I start feeling anxious or worried that he will find us again. But this time, I am playing for her. The beautiful girl with the beautiful voice and the green eyes. I see her smile and turn back toward her canvas.

While I play, I notice more about her. How she sways to the music and hums to herself as she begins to paint, always with that slight smile on her face. Everything about her tells me that she is free to be herself. She was put in this world to make others happy. A few people walk in and smile at her as they go to get in line. Many of them know her by name and take a peek over her shoulder at what she is painting. The whole room almost seems to gravitate toward her.

The door jingles once again and a nice-looking man with a gracious smile on his face pulls up a chair and sets it down next to Mom. I inspect him with interest. But it seems his position is non-threatening. It’s just to be close to the girl with the canvas. He puts his foot over his other knee and leans back admiring her work. Or her. I'm not quite sure. Soon after, the barista—Skye, I believe—comes over and hands him a piece of lemon pound cake. The huge smile he has is almost as welcoming as this whole town seems to be.

“Thank you Skye, you spoil me.”

So, I guess everyone in this town is on a first name basis. Maybe this place isn’t ideal to be hiding out in.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Monroe. My mom would have my tail if she knew you were in here without your favorite dessert. I think she makes it just for you.”

Interesting. Maybe it’s not so bad when everyone knows all of your business. But still, that is not going to work for me and Mom. It just can’t. After eating the lemon cake, he looks at me and says that I can really play and that I should come sometime in the evening and meet the guys who have a little band in town. I see Jade’s smile widen and her cheeks turn a little pink. She goes back to her canvas and continues to paint.

“How about some Sam Smith?” she asks without even turning around when I finish my last song.

“Sure.” Mom gives me another smile as I start playing 'Stay With Me.'

“I’m Jonah,” the man says as he shakes my hand and then Mom’s.

“Hope,” my Mom tells him sweetly. “And this is my son, Raine.”

I see Jade look over her shoulder at the mention of my name. I really can’t read her expression, though.

“I have never seen you guys here before. Are you new here or just visiting?” he asks.

“Oh, we are new. Just got here a few days ago. Lovely town. I just adore the ocean. The waves are so soothing. I fell asleep listening to them last night.”

I see her pull a piece of hair behind her ear and then look down at the floor. Is that a blush on my mother’s cheeks? It can’t be. I have never seen her blush before. Something must be wrong. Maybe she is uncomfortable.

“Can I buy you both a cup of coffee and a snack?” he asks with another huge smile.

“I would love that,” my mom says with a grin as wide as his.

I just smile, shake my head and nod toward my now cold “hot” chocolate. No, not uncomfortable, I guess. Is my mom actually flirting? Not possible. This has never happened before in the three years we have been running.

I'm just going to keep looking at my canvas. No need to freak out. My dad is just being nice. He can’t be hitting on the mother of the beautiful boy who can play the guitar like Ed Sheeran. I mean, I saw him first right? I guess that’s a little immature. My Dad has been alone for 4 years since Mom died. He deserves to be happy. Just not with the woman who gave birth to the sweet boy who looks like Clark Kent. What am I saying? I have always wanted my Dad to find the right woman who will be a partner for him. Maybe this is nothing. He will give me my iPod and leave, and they will never see each other again.

I keep seeing Raine out of the corner of my eye. Very quiet. And he seems to be keeping close tabs on his Mom. That’s sweet. He glances at her and smiles every now and then. Leans in close and speaks to her when he is between songs. He even laughs when she says something cute or funny. But he does seem to be keeping a close eye on my Dad as well. He seems a little leery, or protective.

I am not paying very much attention to this art piece today. I'm trying too hard to keep up with the conversation going on over my shoulder as well as take little looks at Raine. The little curl of black hair that keeps getting in his eyes is adorable. And those piercing sapphire blue eyes. I don’t think I have even been so intrigued by a person that I am not currently painting. I notice a scar that runs just above his eye and a little bit into his eyebrow. An imperfection that makes him human like the rest of us. The little dimple in his chin is just as distracting as the eyes.

His Mom said they just moved here. I wonder if he will go to my high school. He has to since it’s the only one in town. This is a big city, but not a lot of kids live here. It’s more of a retirement area for rich artists. We do get an awful lot of tourists in the summer months. But in the fall, it will go back to just the regulars. I like it like that. Everyone knows me and Dad. They already know I lost my Mom at thirteen. So, I don’t have to answer a lot of questions about my past. They all seemed to have a respect for my Mom and a genuine love of her artwork. That’s probably why everyone loves to come see me paint. I really wish I could say it was just because I'm talented. But I can never be sure about that one.

But he does look a little older than me. Maybe 18 or 19. He also seems wiser than his years somehow. It’s in the way he looks over the room as though he is searching for something. Maybe he is waiting for someone. But its more than that. It’s like he’s evaluating everything. I wish those blue eyes were back on me again like they were when I first saw him. Talk about powerful. I thought maybe he was reading my mind the way he looked so deeply into my eyes. Maybe I will test his musical talent a little more. See if he likes the same music as me. “Maroon 5”, I say as I look over my shoulder at him. As soon as he finishes the last song, he starts in playing Sugar. Nice. He gives me just a little shy grin. Then his eyes dart away like he’s embarrassed.

I could get used to being serenaded at the coffee house as I work. I only have two more pieces to complete for the auction next month. I have 5 total that will be auctioned to raise money for the women’s shelter in Monterey. I volunteer there 2 days a week during the summer. I wish I could do more. Those women and children really don’t deserve to be treated the way they have. How a man can put his hands on a woman or his own flesh and blood, I will never understand. The fact that they leave everything behind to save them and their family just amazes me. Would I be that strong? I really don’t know the answer to that. After hearing some of their stories, I can see how they could get stuck in a dangerous situation and feel that there is no hope. I wish I could just adopt all of their kids and hide them away. But the world doesn’t work like that. There are laws and rules in place for a reason, and we have to follow them.

“So maybe I can show you guys around tonight. You will love the waterfall. It’s gorgeous. Have you been there yet?” my Dad asks. “No, we haven’t. Just mostly been unpacking. We would love that. Right?” she says looking straight at Raine. He nods his head slightly with just a little hesitance. “Oh, sweetie, here’s your iPod.” My dad says as he hands it to me. I turn around to see Raine’s eyes go big with surprise. He looks straight at me like I am supposed to somehow fix it. I’m right there with you I think to myself. I take the iPod and nod slightly as I say, “Thanks Dad”. Raine’s eyes go back to his guitar, and I see just a slight tightening of his jaw. I guess he hadn’t realized that little tidbit of information.

“So, Jade and I can meet you somewhere or pick you both up later tonight when I get off work. How does that work for you?” His Mom looks at Raine again and hesitates just a second before nodding her head at my Dad and agreeing on meeting us someplace. They both exchange numbers and make their polite goodbyes. Wow, that just happened. So much for our parents never seeing each other again. I try to look busy while I file all of this information in my head. I look over at Skye who is mindlessly cleaning the counters but is obviously listening closely to everything that went down over here. She raises her shoulders as if to say, “Oh well, what are you gonna do?” But I can see in her eyes that she has something up her sleeve, as usual.

I take a little break and go over to the register as Raine begins to play a couple of older Maroon 5 songs. Skye runs over and starts to talk immediately. “What was that all about? Your Dad never looks twice at a woman and then Clark Kent walks in and he wants to date his Mother. How is that even fair? He has been looking at you all morning. I know that look. You can’t just let this go. You have to do something. Things might not work out between your parents. And I know what you are thinking. Your Dad deserves to be happy. And yes, I agree. But so do you.” She finally takes a breath of air. “Look Skye, I realize he’s cute, and can play the guitar, but that doesn’t mean anything. I don’t even know him. He could be a psycho killer for all we know.” I tell her exasperated. “Oh, right, a psycho killer who takes good care of his mother and makes sure to play every request you come up with. Give me a break. He’s polite and doesn’t think he’s hot stuff. I could totally go for the shy kinda guy myself. But I’m going to leave this one for you since you have never had a real boyfriend.”

I think I am going to smack her. But I don’t because she is my best friend. And she didn’t say it to hurt my feelings. But it is kind of true that I don’t date guys like my other friends. I guess I just have more important things to do. Or maybe no one really seemed to interest me before. “Well, they seem to have a date tonight and they are bringing us with them. So, we will just see what happens. Who knows, maybe they won’t like each other. Or maybe this Raine guy is just as arrogant as all the others. Even with those gorgeous blue eyes. If he’s conceited, I'm out.”

Sky pats me on the head like she doesn’t believe me and turns to a customer to take their order. I walk slowly back to my canvas while checking out the shy boy just a little. I say “Jason Mraz” as I pass him and before I know it, he is playing “I’m Yours”. He still looks a little flustered. But his Mom keeps talking quietly in his ear as he plays. She seems very sweet. And kind of young. Maybe 35 at the most. She is petite like me and has long black hair as dark and shiny as his. Tan skin just a little darker than mine. I think she could have a little Native American in her. Maybe that’s where he gets his name.

“So Jade,” I hear her ask. “Do you go to school around here? What grade are you in?” I decide that I want to actually have a conversation with them. So, I sit in Dad’s vacant chair and give her my full attention. “I will be a senior when the summer is over. I go to the charter school. It focuses on the arts. That’s why I really love it. What about you?” I ask turning to Raine. He stops strumming and looks right at me. A chill runs up my spine. Okay, that’s new. “I will be a senior too. I missed a year. So, I’m 18 already. But I’m looking forward to being able to improve my music and meet other like-minded people.” His eyes look all over my face for a reaction. I go ahead and let him see the smile that bursts through. He seems to relax when he realizes that I am indeed happy with that answer.

We chit chat some more about where they can get good Italian food. And the house that they are renting. It’s not far from us. I try to seem interested without showing how attracted I am to him. That would make things very awkward between our parents I believe. He seems to listen intently to every word I say. Hmm. Maybe it’s not just me. As his Mom tells me things about him that she is proud of, he fidgets a little and blushes every now and then. He seems to try to hide his scar with his hair. I think its endearing. I actually like Hope a lot. She probably would be someone good for my Dad. Turns out she is an aspiring author. So, she is in good company here in Big Sur. It’s a great place to spread your artistic wings.

It’s getting late, so I reluctantly pack up my art supplies. Skye waves and gives me a wink. Raine helps me to my Jeep with everything. I can see some muscles under his T shirt now that he has taken his flannel off. The day has gotten warmer. I notice appreciatively his broad shoulders as he walks in front of me. His Mom gives me a little mischievous smile. Oh, that is embarrassing. She caught me checking out her son. I guess that’s it until tonight.