Page 4 of Bring me Back
“I just want to have a look at them,” a voice called off stage as I trotted down, my boots heavy on the floor. “It’s ok if I make them here?”
“Of course, Hallie. Whatever you need.”
The sound of my arrival finally took Helen away from the conversation, as she turned to me with a smile. “Oh Daniel, I’m glad you’re here!”
“Hey, there, Helen. I just wanted to have a chat before classes start.”
“Sure, sure… come up, I want you to meet someone…”
I went up the steps by the side, my eyes scanning to see if I could spot who Helen was talking with, but whoever was, it was well hidden between the curtains.
“Hallie, this is Daniel,” Helen called, turning her face upstage. If I hadn’t heard the voice replying to Helen, I’d have guessed we had a theater ghost on our hands.
Before I could wonder any longer, the owner of the feminine voice stepped from backstage, arms full of old costumes. I sucked in air when she came closer, blinking up at me with those intense dark eyes. I spotted the same reluctancy stamped in her expression as the first time I saw her a couple of weeks ago. I couldn’t hide my satisfied smile, the silent girl was back.
“Dan is the woodwork teacher. He’s helping me with my crazy ideas.”
I almost missed the affectionate smile Helen threw my way. My eyes were fixed on the silent girl, hating myself for not paying enough attention when Helen said her name.
Without breaking eye contact, I extended my hand. “Daniel Miller.”
She was a foot smaller, her long neck craned up to face me. A second passed and she looked down at her arms; they were full of clothes. I chuckled at my mistake, putting my hand away since she couldn’t shake it.
“I’m Hallie…” a gulp, “Delos Santos.”
I nodded, stuffing my hand into my pockets. I savored her name in my tongue, dying to repeat it out loud.
“Hallie is Preston White’s kid,” Helen interrupted my thoughts. “She’s back in town and offered to help. Isn’t she darling?”
I looked back at Hallie, trying to find her dad in her. Preston White was the hardware store owner, so of course I knew him. Good guy, honest businessman, and a chatterbox if I ever met one. Preston was tall, blond, and full of smiles. I couldn’t think of anyone more different from the woman in front of me. And while I was sure she wasn’t a student, my suspicions about her age only grew. Preston wasn’t old enough to have an adult daughter. At least I didn’t think so.
“Mrs. Carr told me you’ll most likely to be around here building the set.” Hallie’s voice was only a volume up from murmur.
I brought my hands to my waist, dipping my chin down.
“Hallie will work here too,” Helen told me.
“It will make more sense than working from the shed,” Hallie offered apologetically.
“The shed?”
Her mouth closed, her eyes diverted, and I knew she was done talking. I fought back a smile. Wasn’t she weird?
Hallie said little, and still, I couldn’t stop myself from being fascinated. Normally, I’d tell her I’ll be coming and going, since a lot could be accomplished from my workshop. But suddenly my plans had changed, and I wasn’t interested in working alone anymore.
“You can work here as much as you want.” I told her, not asking about the shed again.
“I won’t be in your way,” she promised.
“No, you won’t.” I assured her. I wasn’t trying to be rude. It was just a fact and something told me Hallie appreciated being talked to directly.
“Do you want to bring those with you?” Helen cut the silence after my statement.
Hallie looked down at the clothes she had with her. A little frown formed as she thought about it, and I wondered why everything looked like a struggle to her. Finally, she shook her head.
“No. I’ll be back tomorrow with some drawings and I’ll see how much fabric we’ll need.”
“That’s great, Hallie.” Helen smiled like Hallie hung the damn moon.