A Hidden Truth

Madeline Shaw

[Juniper]

    I watched Jaxon and my mother head into the market. He looked back and I was happy he worried about me. When those men had started coming on to me, I’d been scared. Jaxon gave me the strength to fight back. I was still feeling giddy from the adrenaline.

    Hank shifted and drew my attention. I hated the idea of being alone with him, but we had to make sure the fight was addressed. If we pretended like it didn’t happen, someone might think we were meeting just to throw people off the scent of an affair. That couldn’t happen.

    “I heard about the fight, kiddo.” He started.

    “Pretty much everyone heard about it.” I snorted.

    “You doin’ okay? I remember how much that rumor hurt you last year.”

    I sighed. “It wasn’t even the fact that she started the rumor up again. Anyone who knows us, knows you and I barely tolerate each other. During the morning break, I heard her gloating about cheating on Clayton. Then she comes up and tells me the only reason I’m with Jaxon is that I was getting over Clayton by getting under his uncle.”

    “You aren’t sleepin’ with him, are you? Sorry, that’s not my business. It’s just, you were doin’ so well at keepin’ focused on your studies, then you start datin’ him and you’re gettin’ in fights. I wondered how much you changed.” Hank said.

    I blushed. “I promised I wouldn’t date until I was eighteen. Because you wanted me to be successful and not end up giving up my life for some boy. I made a promise to God that I wouldn’t sleep with anyone until I was married, or engaged. And not a ‘we should get married’ thing but ‘ring, on one knee, wedding planning started, deposits made’ engaged. Mama says, ‘a man’ll promise anythin’ when he’s wantin’ to rut’ and I believe that. Men can make up the most believable lies to get what they want.” I replied pointedly.

    “That’s true. I’m glad you’re smart enough to see through that. How are things with Jaxon?” He asked.

    “He’s sweet. He holds my hand and gives me hugs a lot. And he’s really supportive of my goals and decisions. No pressure, no second-guessing, just suggestions based on his experience, and love. You were right. Waiting for the right person was well worth it. He’s taking me to prom. Clayton gave up his ticket since he got banned for the fight.” I smiled.

    “You deserve to have fun. You worked really hard these last few years. Is Red lettin’ you ride or do you have to pay?” He shifted the conversation easily. It showed this was a passing subject to us and didn’t need any more hashing than it already had.

    I shook my head. “I haven’t talked to him about it. Remy loved seeing the horses, maybe I should take it up again so I can take him out on one sometime. I’ll talk to Mr. Reed about it.”

    He took a drink of his iced tea and looked around. The planned conversation was working well. I could see some of the ladies nodding and whispering to each other as we talked. I knew most people would side with me in the fight if they thought I was defending Clayton and my boyfriend.

    We especially wanted to nail down the fact that Jaxon was Clayton’s uncle. That would make more sense for why I’d be upset. Especially if I was serious enough about Jaxon that I saw Clayton as my family. Everyone knows how my mother and I are when it comes to our family.

    “Are you excited to go to Idaho with him?” Hank asked with a sigh.

    That was off script. I had no idea what he was talking about. Was Jaxon planning to take me to meet his parents? It was probably something he was going to talk with me about later. I wondered how Hank knew.

    “You know I’ve never been there so it could be fun. I’m looking forward to meeting his parents. I’ve heard all the rumors, but you and I both know gossip can’t always be trusted.” I chuckled.

    “Just be safe when you go. And make sure to call your mama so she doesn’t worry.”

    He picked at something on the table. It was getting uncomfortable again. I could tell he was angry that I was going with Jaxon. Panic started rising in me. I cursed myself for letting it build, but there was nothing I could seem to do.

    “Well, isn’t this a cozy scene.” A sharp voice said from behind me.

    I thanked God for whoever it was. I didn’t even care if some s**t was about to start. Anything to keep the panic away and change Hank’s focus from me.

    Turning, I saw Becca’s mother, Madeline Shaw, standing behind me. She moved behind the empty chair Jaxon had been in and glared down at me.

    “My daughter is banned from the prom and ridin’, but here you are, havin’ lunch with your lover… I mean, stepfather.” She sneered. “After all you’ve done you’re just rubbin’ this affair in. Why don’t you think of your poor, shut-in mama? But, I guess you have, there’s no way she’d know about this, since she don’t leave the house.”

    The woman was an older, heavier version of Becca. Bleach blonde hair, hazel eyes, button nose, and thin lips. I felt a little bad if that was Becca’s future. You could tell she’d been pretty once, but everything about her was cruel and selfish. Hank looked a little disgusted. If nothing else, that would sell it.

    “Mrs. Shaw. My life is none of your business. You and your family seem to like making things up about me and mine, so I’m not even going to start responding to your disgusting accusations. None of you are worth it.” I dismissed her out of hand. It was something that riled Becca, so I was pretty sure it would get her mama going.

    She was incensed. “How dare you! You little slut! Did you move to the Reed’s ranch so you could have a go at someone else’s husband? Your mama’s wasn’t enough for you? And you, Hank Merritt! How could you cheat on someone as sweet and beautiful as Marie-Rose with her short, ugly daughter!?”

    Mrs. Shaw was turning purple. She’d been a little bit of a sycophant to my mother when they were young. I wasn’t used to being called ugly. I knew I wasn’t as beautiful as my mother, but I was pretty enough.

    “If anyone is ugly right now, Mrs. Shaw, it’s you. And I’m not talking about the unfortunate disaster you’re wearing or your bleach burned hair. I have a boyfriend. He isn’t married. I’m not interested in married men or old men. You need to stop spreading lies.” I scoffed.

    “Madeline Shaw? What are you doing yellin’ at my daughter and my husband?” My mother scolded as she strode over to the table. I looked for Jaxon, but he wasn’t there.

    “Marie-Rose?! What are you doin’ here? You never go out.” Mrs. Shaw looked shocked.

    Jaxon jogged in from the market entrance with a bag. Someone must have gone to get my mother. He slowed, but still walked quickly. I felt a lot better just seeing him.

    “I go out; I just keep to myself. Maybe you should try it. I was just shoppin’ with Jaxon and someone came runnin’ to tell me you’re harrassin’ my child and my husband. Accusin’ them of the most terrible things. I thought you were better than that, Madeline.” My mother tsked with disappointment.

    Jaxon crouched down next to my seat, putting himself between Mrs. Shaw and me. “Are you okay, sweet? I came as fast as I could.” He murmured breathlessly.

    “She called me ugly, Jaxon. Am I ugly?” I said just loud enough for my mother to hear.

    Almost everyone pointed out that I looked a lot like Marie-Rose. Teddy looked more like her than I did, but he had our daddy’s eyes and I had hers. My mother may not love me, but she wasn’t going to let someone insult her. I watched them as Jaxon cuddled me and cooed that I was beautiful.

    “You called my daughter ugly, Madeline? Tell me, how is she ugly? Is it something that can be fixed like Rebecca’s unfortunate nose was?” Marie-Rose spoke coolly and looked down her own, stately nose at the woman. There was a hiss from the women who were watching the situation.

    “She’s havin’ an affair with your husband. Everyone knows. My nephew saw it! He was kissin’ her in the office of his dealership! You’re just too blind to see it!” Mrs. Shaw shouted.

    “I’m not blind to anythin’. Your nephew asked my daughter out by tellin’ her he would take her on a drive and she could ‘show him what that mouth can do’. I have that on tape. Durin’ his interview with my husband, he said he left his last job because he had a disagreement with the manager and had to ‘lay him out’ as a point of pride. I have that on tape, too.

Obviously, he didn’t get a date or a job. He’s lucky I convinced my husband to go easy on him and not file suit, with these videos as evidence, because of our past friendship. The sheriff verified my husband was helpin’ Juniper with an eyelash that’d gotten in her eye. He even had eye drops in his hand. My daughter may not look like me at her age, but she is definitely NOT ugly.” My mother lectured the rotund woman.

    She was acting like herself. Like my mother. I could see the disappointment in Mrs. Shaw’s eyes. She’d set up the perfect chance for us to make sure everyone knew how credible the ‘witness’ from last summer was.

    I almost laughed.

    I’d wondered if Hank had kept those videos and why he didn’t do anything legally. Warren could have gotten him killed with that lie. Not that I would’ve been terribly upset if he had, but I still wondered.

    “My daughter worked hard, yours gave up. They were supposed to be best friends, like we were. Instead, Juni leaves ridin’ and starts hangin’ out with lesbians and goth kids. Becca stayed on track with what she was doin’, but Juni just ruined everything. She tried to steal Becca’s boyfriend, then she decided to wreck their relationship. Now my daughter has nothin’ because of Juni.” She cried.

    “Juniper realized she’d only end up married to someone and dependent on him if she followed that path. She focused on her education, instead. She saw how my ‘best friend’ abandoned me when I had trouble goin’ out after bein’ on bed rest for so long after havin’ Remy. Becca was the one who ended their friendship, just like you did with me.

As for the lesbians, Teddy is gay and we’re proud of him. Juni loves her brother and isn’t as bigoted as you and your daughter. She made friends who support her and she supports them. They’re all good girls.

Finally, Juniper’s too smart for Clayton Reed. And your daughter was too stupid to keep him. Now, you leave my family alone, Madeline Shaw, or I will do everything in my power to destroy you even further than you’ve already destroyed yourself.” Mother glowered.

    Hank stood and wrapped his arms around her waist. She was beautiful and fierce, like a vengeful goddess. Jaxon, got up and held his hand out to me. I took it and he pulled me from my seat.

    “Mr. and Mrs. Merritt, thank you for lunch. We’ll talk to you later. I’m taking Juniper home. She has tutoring sessions to prepare for. This has been an unfortunate end to a pleasant meal.” Jaxon told them.

    “Maybe you two can come over for supper on Sunday. Bring Teddy and Gary. I know Remy would love to have everyone over.” Marie-Rose offered.

    “We’ll talk to Teddy and Gary, then give you a call. Thanks for the invite.” He smiled and guided me past Mrs. Shaw.

    She looked like she was trying to figure out how to regain the power in the argument, but it was totally over. Everyone in the restaurant was looking at her like she was a half squished bug, a little sad, but also disgusted. It couldn’t have worked out better if I had planned it. She’d gotten mama’s hackles raised and everyone knows that Marie-Rose Clements always goes for the throat of her enemies.