WHO: Henry March and Mary Christian-Blumenkrantz WHEN: 6/7 and 6/11 WHERE: Mary's rental home. SUMMARY: Henry and Mary haven't seen each other in a long time and decide to catch up cause she's in town. WARNINGS: Infidelity.
[1] Hello, darling. [2] Hope you’re doing well. [3] What is all this hoopla I’m hearing about a missing person in Fall City? [4] I’m terribly concerned about my youngest son being in such a situation.
[1] Hello, Mary [2] Been a while [3] You’ve a kid here?
[1] Indeed. Hugh Christian. [2] He’s an actor in the movie currently filming about town. [3] Actually, I’ve also taken up residence for a while. Nice little town. Besides this whole missing persons snafu.
[1] Wait, the Danny boy? [2] He’s your son? [3] Where are you staying?
[1] David Lewis I believe is his casted name, yes. Have you the pleasure of meeting him? [2] I’ve rented a small space in the Preston neighborhoods. [3] When’s the last time you’ve stopped through? You’re welcome over for a visit.
[1] I had the pleasure of judging his terrible choice in roles [2] I live outside town, M
[1] He doesn’t know the past, H. Don’t hold it against him. [2] You two are very much alike in many respects. [3] You should meet him. [...] [4] Oh. Well. I’ll cook us dinner soon. When are you available?
[1] I did meet him [2] Briefly [3] I’m retired. So mostly always
[1] I doubt Issac will ever retire. It must be a joy for you. [2] Pick a date, a time, and a dish. I’d be happy to host you. [3] We must pick a future date to have Hugh and his delightful girlfriend join us as well. [4] I’m positive you’ll enjoy his company.
[1] Money is nice [2] So many choices [3] I know Marceline [4] She delivers things for my horses
[1] The possibilities are endless. [2] She is wonderful. [3] Hugh has never had a serious relationship that I know of. I think they’re going to get married! [4] Horses? How majestic! What a treat they must be!
[1] You want time to settle in? [2] Married? Well, I’ll make sure to send a gift [3] Sure, that’s a way to put it
[1] I’ve been here for a few weeks. I’m as settled as I’ll ever be :) [2] We shall see. He’s much like you. I do hope they make it. She’s a delight.
[1] Weeks? [2] I'm sure Isaac loves that
[1] He stays busy.
[1] I'd be worried if that changed [2] But Marce is a good kid.
[1] As I said, he’ll never retire. [2] Marceline is sweet as sugar. [3] She offered to bring me her own personal plants. [4] Certainly a keeper. [5] So, dinner plans my dear?
[1] Did she? [2] Tuesday?
[1] Yes! Something to liven up the room and feel more homely. I am thrilled. [2] Tuesday is perfect. Early or later?
[1] Yes plants do that [2] ladies choice
[1] 4 it is. [2] Menu?
[1] What’s your specialty nowadays?
[1] I’ve yet to have a complaint about my casserole, I suppose.
[1] Then let’s go with that [2] I look forward to being impressed
The few days had passed as any other during Mary’s stint so-far in Fall City. Waiting around to hear that Hugh was still alive and accounted for before beginning her day was just a new part of her routine. Finding Ms. Macteer’s body in the river - how unfortunate and tragic. Mary had talked to Hugh about moving out of that dreadful building A S A P - her son wouldn’t be the next victim; not on her watch!
Hours had passed and nearly everything was now ready and set amongst the table - including her own take on Moussaka front and center (intermingling soft baked eggplant with fresh pickled cucumbers, a truly underrated delicacy) along with a loaf of freshly baked bread and local-churned butter. She felt more and more like Martha Stewart with every day she spent in town. Ya know, pre-going to jail. Good Martha.
It seemed odd going out of his house for a social event. It wasn’t something he made much of a habit of, going over to other people’s places. But it was enough of a novelty and a surprise that Mary was in town that Henry didn’t see the harm in it. Plus he recalled that telling Mary no was not generally something that ended well for anyone.
For now he knocked on the door, the gift of a bottle of wine in hand.
Ever the overzealous woman, somehow the expectation of company ran from her mind in the whirlwind until the thumping from the front door jolted her back to real life and out of Good Housekeeping.
“Welcome, welcome darling - it’s been ages!” Her grandiose gesture came as the door swept open, motioning him to enter before all 5 feet of her height pulled him into a warm hug. Anyone entering her house got a hug, no question about it.
Clutching his arm she led him to the dining room as she started on her typical twenty questions. “How long have you been in town? How do you like it? What do you think about them finding this missing woman? What a mess, huh? Are you vegetarian by chance? Do you like butter on your bread? Let me uncork that for us, sweetheart, thank you very much. Was it a far trip across town? Will the horses be alright while you’re gone?”
Some things never change. Mary’s lust for every detail of everyone’s life was one such thing.
The hug was returned, Henry had always enjoyed physical affection even as he had mostly withdrawn from people for now. But certain people, certain people he still liked. And Mary, while unique, had been one of them once upon a time. “And you don't show a day of it.” He chuckled as he pulled back and allowed himself to be led.
Questions washed over him and a smile twitched at the edge of his lips. Ages indeed, but some things were timeless. “The horses will be fine.” He answered her final question to start with. “The barns been busy enough anyway so they're probably napping.”
It was easy enough to guide him to his seat before putzing around the kitchen for an extra couple minutes, returning to fill either of their glasses with the wine Henry had bought before taking her seat with a smile.
“Just wonderful, truly. Can’t blame them for napping on a day like this either.” A brief pause, mainly for air, and she continued. “How is it back in small town life? I’m sure a reprieve from the hustle and bustle was necessary after retiring, yes?”
He gave her a smile in return as she took her seat. The questions slowed down to a more manageable pace and included ones he was willing to answer. For now.
“It's something. I stay outside town mostly. Let the town come to me.” He took a sip of wine before setting the glass down. “I like the quiet. And it's still surprising. After all. Here you are.”
“Do you have visitors often? Townsfolk or out of towners? I’m sure you’ve still got a nice collection of friends - and, yes, horses can count.” Another smile followed by a slight flick of her glass in a toast to him. “So. My dear, my youngest son, you’ve met him yes? Subject matter aside, what do you think of him?” Never one to beat around the bush, it would be beneficial to find out what Henry thought of Hugh from the get go. There could be no friendship remaining with someone that didn’t enjoy the company of her baby boy.
He raised his glass again to meet her toast, a slight nod from him as well. And with that he settled back into his seat. “Well his girlfriend asked so now they're living in the loft of my barn. So I guess I don't hate him.”
Face fallen slightly, Mary recovered with a bright smile as quick as she could. “I thought they were looking for something closer to me. Well! I am glad they’ll have a safe place to call their own for the time being.” Taking the butt slice of bread, she tore a corner off to avert her gaze before she continued speaking. “Do keep an eye on our Hugh, please. As I mentioned, he takes after you in many regards.”
There was a certain point when she was speaking that her voice somehow just became white noise. It was the strangest sensation, a rush of static through his ears that quite nearly sounded like the ocean. Henry blinked for a moment, sitting up a bit straighter. “I'm sorry, M. What was that?”
“Hmm?” Speaking through the bread now, which as a wonderful plan, she hurried to chew behind the comfort of a hand. Repeating one’s self could be such a burden.
“Do keep an eye on our Hugh, please. As I mentioned, he takes after you in many regards.” The words came slightly slower with effort and were followed by another mound of bread to chew on. Don’t talk with your mouth full would someone save this situation.
And there was that noise again, the crinkling rush of water that might actually be blood chilling from his face. A confused, confounded frown tugged as there was a quick bit of math in his head. He hasn't ever asked the younger man's age. The very specific words chosen. Mary was chatty but he had never known her to speak without reason, just with volume. The volume was usually purposeful.
“And why would he take after me?” He asked, a curious tug at his brow.
Eyes widened as she chew-chew-chewed away. Since when did Henry ask the questions? A moment of silence, a sip of wine, a quiet clear of her throat, and then came an answer. “The Halloween party of 1989. I was still on my Elvira kick those days, not that much has changed there,” the words followed a loving couple of pats to her ever-messy hair. “Figured we could get through this lifetime without crossing paths again but alas, circumstances deem it necessary knowledge, I’d say.”
“I'm familiar with the evening.” Henry watched the woman across from him with a steady eye as the information was given. Maybe it was almost thirty years too late or maybe it was right on time. It was always her body, her marriage, her choice. But it all seemed very definitive. “As I understand though, you had a husband. Circumstances as they are there seems there would be ambiguity.”
"Stature and distinguishable traits simplify most questioning." A simple answer, though she assumed he would prefer one with a bit more meat. "Hugh towers family photos - much as you do. Ezra and Rachael share Issac's tamed brown locks, as well as his professional drive and lack of deviation from 'the norm'. I can't remember a time Hugh confided in 'the norm'. Much like you."
Shrugging the seriousness of the conversation away, Mary waved a hand lackadaisically to settle her point. "I'm not asking you to claim him. I'd prefer he not find out about this conversation anyway. Just keep an eye on him for me, please. I don't need my son to be the next person come up missing."
It wasn't the worst possible argument. And he assumed Mary would know, her being more familiar with her own family and her husbands than he would be. He leaned in, picking up his glass to spin the stem between his fingers for a moment. The weight was there, grounding into the moment while allowing something to focus on while he took the silence to think.
“I imagine not, since I've never been asked for a checkbook.” The implication was plainly stated but without actual judgement. Finally he relaxed, if just slightly, and took another sip. “He's your son.” He repeated her own phrasing, singular and specific. “You would know what's best for him.”
“What’s best for him is surviving this supposedly-cursed production. Ideally with a fiance and a new project for the summer.” A pause matched a glance over to her guest, “And not falling out of a barn loft.” Reaching to hand him the serving spoon, she revealed a coy smirk as she gestured to the meal on the table. “Now, I believe you’re here to be impressed. Dig on in.”