A short story by Hannah Hood Lucero
Laurelin Dedeaux pulled her sun-bleached hair into a bun as she surveyed the vast room of cutthroats and cads with a lump in her throat. She’d put off this archaic display of phony pageantry as long as she could without being disinherited entirely. The beauty of the couples dancing stood in stark contrast to the uncharitable nature of their conversations as they breezed by her. Beatrix LaBlanc raised an eyebrow at Laurelin with a cruel smirk on her face.
“Great.” She lost hope that her late entrance into the final dance lesson would go unnoticed. Her favorite smiling face blocked out Beatrix’s dark eyes as Davis Bradford appeared in front of her.
“You’re late, babe. Come on.” Her boyfriend wasted no time in seamlessly integrating them into the flow of twirling bodies. “Good thing you can do these steps in your sleep.”
“It doesn’t hurt I’ve got the most handsome and well-bred escort south of the Mason-Dixon.” She grinned at him with mischief in her eyes.
“Don’t distract me, Lar. I don’t wanna face the wrath of Woodhouse by putting one foot out of line.” He shivered and nodded toward their dance instructor. The regal woman had a menacing temperament. She shot a disparaging glare at Laurelin as they passed near her on the dancefloor. Her pale face and flat black hair reminded Laurelin of the Addams Family matriarch from the macabre 1960s sitcom.
“Ugh. I’ll be so glad when this circus show is over, Davie.”
“Lar, why do you hate this stuff so much? It’s tradition. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up and dance the night away with you in my arms.” Davis’s blonde hair fell into his face as he gazed down at her. “You’ll be the belle of the ball.”
“Yeah, yeah. You better get a haircut before Saturday, or your mom is gonna tan your hide.” She brushed the unruly lock away with her newly manicured fingers. “Can we go get a coffee after this? I need to talk to you about something.”
Davis pursed his lips. “Yeah. Is it about Ole Miss? You’re gonna go in January.”
“We are going to talk about whether I should or shouldn’t. I haven’t decided yet. I’m not going to leave you out of my decision.”
“I appreciate that.” Davis gave her a half smile and continued to lead her in silence. He didn’t speak the rest of the class or during the short walk to the Screaming Peach coffee shop. After they ordered their coffee and found a cozy seat in the back corner, Davis finally met her eyes.
“Okay. Lay it on me.”
“Pros and cons. Help me brainstorm. Volleyball is over; I have more than enough credits . . . but I’ll be missing the milestones, prom and senior prank day.” She chuckled.
“Will be missing. It sounds like you already know what you want to do, Lar.” His eyes dropped to the floor. “I want you to stay, but I don’t want to hold you back. You’ve got to make the best decision for you. When do you have to let them know?”
“Monday.”
“How about this? Let’s not think about it for a few days. We will enjoy Thanksgiving tomorrow, make the best of the deb ball on Saturday, and then let’s talk on Sunday night and see how you’re feeling.”
“Okay, that sounds like a stellar plan. I love you, Davie. You know that, right? I’m not going to stop loving you, whether I leave in January or August. We have a plan. We’re in this together.”
“I know, babe. Love you too.” He leaned in and gently kissed her. “Let’s get outta here.”
**
“Ouch!” Laurelin glared at her mom in the mirror of the debutante dressing room.
“I told you not to have so much cornbread dressing. It’s your own fault.” Her mom laughed as she finished zipping Laurelin’s too-snug white gown. The bustling of mothers and daughters all around them put Laurelin’s nerves on edge. “Go for a stroll. Maybe it will loosen up, but so help me, Laurelin Bethany Dedeaux, if you’re a millisecond late to descend those steps . . .”
“I get it, Momma. I’m here, I’ve put in the work, and I’m doing the thing. Calm down.” She rolled her eyes.
“Do you know what my mother would have done if I ever rolled my eyes and told her to calm down? I’m going to let it slide, because I just got your hair perfect.” Her mom glared back at her with an exasperated sigh.
“Sorry, Momma. Really. I’ve got a lot on my mind, but it’s no excuse. I think I’ll go for that walk.”
“Ten minutes. Then get back here before the girls start lining up.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Lord, help me through this ridiculous night.
The hallway of the old mansion was filled with bustling wait staff and the boisterous laughing of debutante escorts. Laurelin escaped through the first exterior door she found and took a deep breath of salty gulf air. A shiver ran through her as the cool night air hit her bare arms and shoulders. It was an unusually cold fall for south Mississippi. A playful laugh sounded from nearby, causing her to jump.
“You’re so bad, Theo!” a female voice rang out. Curiosity got the better of Laurelin and she peered around the corner. An older couple was in a romantic embrace. She was about to slip back out of sight when she caught a glimpse of the man’s face and gasped. Theodore Bradford, Davis’s father, locked eyes with her in the next instance.
“Lar.” He stepped away from the woman that wasn’t his wife. “It’s—please don’t say anything to my son.”
She was paralyzed by shock as she processed what she’d witnessed. Why had she come out that door? Why had she looked around the corner? She suddenly wished she’d never seen anything at all.
“Laurelin?” Theodore took a step toward her. She stepped back in response and turned without a word. Returning to the gathering inside the house had a new appeal. She wrenched on the door handle. Locked. She knocked hard as footsteps approached from behind her.
“Laurelin, please.” Theodore reached for her arm and grabbed it too hard. She was about to scream when the door flew open and he released her.
“There you are. Your mom is looking for you.” Beatrix LaBlanc eyed her suspiciously when she saw the man behind her. “It’s too bad I opened the door. I’d have loved to see your mom’s face if you missed your descent.”
Laurelin shoved past the crass teen and wiped at the tears now threatening to leave streaks down her face. She turned a corner and nearly slammed into the last person she wanted to see in that instant. Eleanor Bradford gasped and clutched at her chest.
“Laurelin Dedeaux, honestly.” Eleanor looked at her face and then over her shoulder. Laurelin followed her gaze to see that the woman’s husband had followed. Her stomach lurched. Eleanor took a deep breath. “What have you done now, Theodore? What did the girl see?”
He didn’t respond. Laurelin made a move to walk around Eleanor. The woman blocked her way. “What did you see, Laurelin?”
“He was with a woman . . . romantically.” She didn’t know what else to say. “I need to get up the stairs. It’s almost time— “
“You’re not going anywhere until you swear to me that you’ll never speak a word of this to my son or anyone else, you petulant child.” Eleanor’s eyes bore into Laurelin like she was staring down the devil himself. Laurelin’s breath caught in her throat. She had expected the woman to be shocked or angry with her husband. She opened her mouth to respond, but couldn’t find words.
“Well?”
“I don’t understand. Why are you angry with me? I wasn’t the one tangled up in adultery. Aren’t you going to say something to Mr. Bradford?”
“I don’t care about that. For heaven’s sake. I care that you saw, and that you’re refusing to assure me you will keep it to yourself.” Eleanor grabbed Laurelin by both shoulders. “So help me, Laurelin Dedeaux, if you ever speak a word of this to anyone, I will destroy everything you hold dear, starting with your mother. You can forget about any plans you have with my son. That’s over. You’re not good enough for him, and I’ve wanted you gone for a long time. It ends tonight. Do you understand?”
“No.”
“No, you don’t understand? Or no, you don’t agree?” Eleanor’s face filled with rage.
“No, I won’t walk away from your son. I’ll keep my mouth shut about your pathetic excuse for a marriage, because I don’t want to see Davis hurt or embarrassed. But I’m not afraid of you, Eleanor. I’m a Dedeaux. I’m good enough for anyone, and I’d sooner walk through hell than cower to the likes of you. Do your worst.” She slammed her shoulder into the woman’s as she stalked away. Hot tears pooled in her eyes. With every step, she felt more disgusted and less in control of her emotions. The tears spilled over as she entered the deserted dressing room. She sat against the door and listened as the debutantes were introduced. There was a knock on the door. She reluctantly stood to crack it open.
“Daddy.” She looked at her father’s sympathetic eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He pushed the door open and wrapped her in a hug.
“I can’t go out there. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t understand. Laurelin, if you don’t go down those stairs, your mother will be humiliated.” He held her out and looked at her tear-soaked cheeks. A sob escaped her lips.
“All right.” He pulled her back in. “Let’s get you out of here.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” She let him escort her out of the mansion as her heart filled with bitter regret. Her mom wasn't the only one waiting for her. Davis would be embarrassed and disappointed. How would she explain her disappearance?
**
The Sunday morning sun beaming through her window assaulted her puffy eyes. Laurelin’s head was throbbing from crying half the night. Her mother had been devastated and disgraced in front of every high society family on the Coast. Instead of being angry, she had looked at Laurelin with disappointment and pain and had gone to bed without speaking a word. A light tap on her bedroom door pulled Laurelin from the tormenting images plaguing her mind.
“Come in.” Her voice was barely audible to her own ears. Davis opened her door and sat on the edge of her bed.
“Where were you, Lar? What happened?” He didn’t meet her eyes.
“I just couldn’t do it. I’m sorry, Davie.” She moved her hand to his arm. He pulled it out of reach and stood.
“Lar, you’ve got to give me more than that. What you did was selfish and inexcusable. How could you do that to your parents? To me? I was standing there waiting for you like an idiot.” His face flushed.
“I don’t have a reason to give you, Davis. I’m sorry. All I have to offer is my apology.”
“I think you should go. I think you should tell Ole Miss you’re coming in January.” He finally looked her in the eyes.
“Davie. Why?” His words hit like a knife to her heart. She had been leaning toward this outcome on her own, but having Davis suggest it like he did made the choice suddenly more bitter than sweet.
“We need some time apart to think and figure out what’s best.”
“Think about what? Best for who?” Laurelin narrowed her eyes at him.
“The future. Our future.” He didn’t look her in the eyes when he said it.
“Our future. Do we still have one, Davis?” She crossed her arms. He didn’t answer. “This isn’t you talking. It’s Eleanor Bradford.”
“Leave my mom out of it, Lar.”
“Why? You’re not. One night. It only took her one night to break you. Pathetic.”
“It only took you one night to humiliate everyone that loves you, Lar. And you don’t even have an excuse. You can’t put all of this on me.” He bristled at her words.
“You’re right, Davie. It’s not on you. I’m sorry you were embarrassed. And I’m sorry for having wasted two years of your life.” She could feel the inevitable depression creeping toward her heart. He deserved someone that would tell him the truth, and she deserved someone that would stand up for her.
“It wasn’t wasted. And this isn’t goodbye, Lar. We just need some time to figure this out, and . . . to fix things.” He got an alarmed look on his face.
“No, Davie. You’re wrong. This is goodbye. I’m done with this world. I’m done with people like your mom. She won the minute you didn’t stand up for us. You know I’m right.”
“Lar.” He stepped closer.
“Go home, Davis. Don’t come back.” She turned away to look out her window at the too-bright light in the sky. Davis left without another word.
**
A depressing cloud hung over the Dedeaux estate for six full weeks. Laurelin’s mother barely looked at her anymore, and her father seemed at a loss as to how to help them reconcile. Her departure for college was a mercy to them all.
“You have everything?” Her dad stood in the doorway of her dorm with an apprehensive look on his face. The small room was cluttered with boxes and the vibrant décor of her roommate’s side of the dwelling.
“Yes, Daddy. And if I don’t . . . I know how to use my debit card.” She offered him a reassuring smile.
“Excuse me, sir.” A fiery redhead with freckles stepped into the room when Laurelin’s dad jumped out of her way. She beelined for Laurelin and stuck out her hand. “I’m Cynthia. Your roommate. You must be Laurelin. I’m so glad I’m not the only weirdo starting in the middle of the year. Is this your dad?” She gestured toward the door.
“Yep.” Laurelin smiled at the vivacious girl.
“John Dedeaux.” Her dad stepped toward them and shook Cynthia’s hand.
“Very nice to meet you, John. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure your daughter focuses on studying and doesn’t get into trouble.” There was mischief in her bright green eyes.
“Uh-huh. Thanks, Cynthia. You do that. All right, I’ll leave you girls to it. Hotty Toddy!” Her dad grinned as he said their school’s slogan and the battle cry of his alma mater. He glanced back at Laurelin before he walked out of the dorm.
“Hang on, Cynthia. I’d better hug him one more time.” Laurelin ran after her dad. “Daddy, wait. I love you. Tell Mom I love her, too.” She hugged him tightly.
“I will, baby. I know she wanted to be here, in her heart.”
“I’ll see you soon.” She let go of him and watched as he walked away. She returned to her new home to find Cynthia snacking on her dried mangos.
“Hope you don’t mind. I’m starving.” The girl smiled sheepishly.
“Not at all. I’m an only child. I’ve waited my whole life to have a college roommate that will steal my food and borrow my clothes without asking. You’re making my dreams come true.” Laurelin chuckled as she sat beaming at the girl across the room.
“Oh, man. That would be awesome. An only child. I’ve got three sisters. Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. You ready to go party?”
“Party?” Laurelin was amused by Cynthia’s personality. She acted as if they were already friends. It was oddly comforting.
“I mean, only if you want this college experience to actually be fun. I was joking about making you study and keeping you out of trouble. Trouble is my middle name.”
“Um, sure. I’ll go. But I have to warn you, I’m not much of a party girl.” Laurelin’s phone buzzed on her desk. She sent the call to voicemail and sighed deeply.
“Boyfriend?” Cynthia guessed.
“Ex.”
“Ah. He’ll get the hint. Eventually.”
“Where is this party?”
“Oh, it’s at one of those frat houses. Alpha or Beta something or other. A guy handed me a paper with the address on it earlier.” She shrugged.
“Are you sure it’s safe? Yikes.”
“Oh, I think so. He was at an official-looking table and handing them to a lot of people. It’s not like he met me in a dark alley.”
Laurelin let Cynthia lead the way to a massive antebellum-style house. Loud music came from inside. Cynthia immediately took to the crowd in the yard and treated everyone the same as she had Laurelin, like they were old friends. The number of people was daunting and gave Laurelin an edge of anxiety. She slipped away to the far corner of the yard and sat on a bench to people watch.
A throat cleared behind her and made Laurelin jump. She glanced over her shoulder to a guy with an amused expression on his face. Dark hair fell over his brow. He pushed off the tree he’d been leaning on and sat beside her on the bench.
“Not your scene?”
“How’d you guess?” Butterflies filled her stomach.
“Kindred spirit. I hate these things.” He met her incredulous stare.
“Then . . . why are you here?”
“Same reason as you, I assume. My roommate insisted. Your friend looks to be in her element.” He nodded toward Cynthia.
“How do you know she’s my friend?”
“I’ve been watching you since you got here. You stand out.”
“Thanks?” Laurelin laughed.
“I’m Ethan. Ethan Holt.” He stuck out his hand. Laurelin shook it with a grin.
“Laurelin Dedeaux. Nice to meet you, Ethan Holt.” Maybe college parties aren’t so bad after all . . .
**
(Not) THE END
Laurelin, Davis, and Ethan will return with a vengeance in BEAU ON THE BAYOU.
Copyedited by Heather Wood