Amy Lynn, page 4
“What did the story mean to you?”
Amy thought for a moment. “Rikki fought for the people he cared about. I guess it means you should protect the people you love?”
Carla smiled, reached over, grabbed her hand. “That’s good enough. Would you like to read more?”
“Yes, ma’am. I think I would.”
“Great.” She reached into a little case and pulled out a CD, slid it into a slot in the dash and hit a button. Carla smiled, glanced at Amy, and said, “This is one of my favorite songs and I think you’ll like it.”
The One Thing by INXS blasted from the speakers. It was not the kind of music Amy listened to, but the beat felt strangely good. It made her feel like moving. Carla Jo really liked it. Amy watched her tapping on the steering wheel and dancing in the seat. Amy mused to herself I think my aunt has a wild streak.
The skyline off in the distance began to come into view. She had only been past Lewistown once that she could remember. The city looked much different in person than it did on TV. It was bigger. Way, way bigger. They got off the highway and drove down a busy street. There were so many cars and people. The buildings were ten times bigger than her school. Carla Jo stopped the car and a handsome man in a red jacket opened the door. He offered his hand to Amy, but she jumped and backed away. Carla Jo touched Amy’s arm. “It’s okay, you can get out. He wants to help you out of the car.”
“I can get out on my own just fine, thank you,”
The man in the red jacket smiled warmly and stepped aside. Amy got out and looked around. It was so noisy and what was that smell? The city smelled like she was standing next to the exhaust pipe on her daddy’s tractor. Carla Jo walked around to Amy’s side of the car and held her hand as they walked toward the nearest building. It had two huge white pillars and the whole front of the building was made of glass. The doors were as big as barn doors and above them a name was written in big gold letters. Carla Jo looked down at Amy and said, “Welcome to Francois.”
The doors seemed to open by magic. They walked in and the smell was very different. It smelled wonderful, like the smell of every flower she had ever known combined with the sweetest perfumes. The ceiling was high and the room was huge. The white marble floor seemed to go on and on. Around the edge of the room were shiny chrome chairs and mirrors. There were beautiful women and handsome men everywhere. The walls were trimmed with gold and hung with bright, colorful paintings. Music played in the background. Amy’s eyes kept going from one thing to the next. The closest thing she could compare it to was how Brother Taylor described heaven.
From across the room Amy heard, “Carla Jo! Carla Jo!”
A man started walking toward them. Amy thought he walked liked the women at church only faster. He had white hair with a pink stripe down the side. He was wearing a pink shirt with white pants, white sandals, and gold earrings.
“Carla Jo, how are you? Kiss, kiss!” The man said as he took Carla Jo’s hands and kissed both her cheeks.
“Fabulous, Jean Paul, and you?”
Amy thought he sounded like Cruella Deville.
“And this must be Amy!” Jean Paul said. He bent down and looked into Amy’s eyes. “Oh my!” Jean Paul gazed with wonder. “You told me, but I was just not prepared. Those eyes!” He kept staring, Amy thought for a little to long. He reached out to touch her hair and Amy flinched and backed up. Carla Jo put her hand in the center of Amy’s back to stop her.
Jean Paul smiled an understanding smile. “Do not fear Jean Paul. Jean Paul is your newest friend.” Jean Paul looked adoringly at her hair and said, “So thick, so long, and the color! Is that its natural color?”
Amy looked confused and Carla Jo answered, “Yes, it is.”
“Such a beautiful, light strawberry blonde; I have never seen anything this lovely. Jean Paul will make it even better,” He then looked at Amy and asked, “Who cuts your hair, darling?”
Amy replied timidly. “Granny Patches.”
“Well, let’s just see if we can help,” Jean Paul paused. “Granny Patches.”
He stood up quickly, turned around, clapped his hands, and loudly announced to his assistant, “Ralphie, wash on one and two!” He look back at them and said, “I will see you two lovely ladies a little later, ciao.”
The next three hours were a whirlwind. A beautiful woman washed her hair with shampoo that smelled wonderful. The shampoo tingled her head and the woman was so gentle and friendly. Lotions and creams were rubbed on her face, hands, arms, legs, and feet. Her fingernails and toenails were trimmed, buffed, and painted with a beautiful pink color. They brought her hot, sweet tea with honey and lemon along with a funny shaped cookie. A little later, a woman brought Amy a fizzy cherry drink with a real cherry on top in the most fancy glass she had ever seen. Another man brought her a small plate with the most delicious creamy chocolates. And everyone kept telling her how pretty, gorgeous, or lovely she was. It was like a dream, except for when the woman trimmed and waxed her eyebrows; that kind of hurt. Carla Jo said a little pain is the price of beauty.
Amy and Carla Jo sat in comfortable chairs next to each other. There was aluminum foil folded up in Amy’s hair and she was told that she had to sit for a while. Aunt Carla Jo said it was highlights. As they were waiting, someone brought her another cherry drink.
“So, what do you think of all this so far?”
“This is so much fun!”
“Yes, it is,” replied Carla Jo. She looked at Amy and waved her hand as if she was gently casting a spell and asked, “What do you see?”
Amy thought for a moment and said, “Beauty. It’s all so beautiful. The people, the tables and chairs, every little thing.”
“What else do you see?”
Amy thought for a moment and asked, “What do you mean?”
“Tell me what else you see.”
“Well, uh, nothin’.”
Carla Jo smiled with approval. “Very good Amy, you are exactly right, nothing. You see, Amy, none of this is real. This is all about making you look and feel good. They’re good at it, aren’t they?”
“Well, yes, I suppose.”
“You see, Amy, Francois focuses on changing the outside of people. They don’t care about what’s on the inside. Many of these people live their entire lives worrying about how other people see them. When we were having lunch the other day you were worried that I didn’t like you the way you are. I want you to listen carefully. You have a big heart and a soul that is full of life. Most of these people would kill to have what you have. They sold their hearts and souls a long time ago. You are probably the only real thing in this room. Do you understand?”
“I think so.”
Carla Jo thought she might have to slow down. This was all a bit much for a twelve year old.
“Aunt Carla Jo!” Amy said excitedly while pointing. “That’s Melissa Bean, the TV news lady! She’s so smart and sooo beautiful!”
Carla Jo smiled mischievously, waved across the room, and called out “Melissa.”
Melissa Bean waved and began to walk over to Carla Jo. It seemed that she and Melissa always had appointments on the same day. More than once Carla Jo was exposed to the vapid babblings of the former beauty queen.
Amy’s mouth fell open and her eyes were wide. “Do you know her?”
“Oh yes, we’ve met.”
“She comin’ over here.” Amy whispered excitedly to Carla Jo.
Melissa sauntered up to Amy and Carla Jo. She held out a limp hand to shake. “Well, hello, Carla Jo, you look lovely as usual.”
Carla Jo shook her hand. “It’s so good to see you. I would like you to meet my niece, Amy.”
“Well, hello, my dear,” said Melissa while offering a handshake.
Amy was a bit star struck and froze, so Carla Jo nudged her.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” Amy said and shook her hand.
Melissa turned her attention back to Carla Jo and quipped with a little chuckle. “I wonder what the poor people are doing today?”
The smile began to leave Amy’s face.
Carla Jo became serious. “That was a really frightening report you did on the possibility of Iraq getting nuclear weapons.”
“What?” Melissa looked confused. “I don’t pay attention to all that.”
“What about the report of the Congress passing a bill to raise income taxes? You must have an opinion?”
“Yeah, well, I don’t concern myself with those things.” Melissa started to appear agitated.
“I love your hair.”
That comment perked Mellissa up. “Isn’t Jean Paul a magician? Just look at these highlights. They’ll be spectacular on camera!”
“Yes, they will. It was so nice to see you again.”
Melissa did the dumb blonde head tilt. “You too, Carla Jo; it was nice to meet you, Angie.”
“Amy. My name is Amy.”
“Okay, bye.” Melissa turned and strolled away. She was scanning the salon, looking for her next ego stroke.
Carla Jo studied Amy as she watched Melissa walk away and wondered how she would react to being disappointed by someone she had thought was talented and special. “Sooo, Amy.” Amy turned and looked at Carla Jo. “What do you think about Melissa?”
“She’s not what you see on TV. She ain’t smart at all. She’s not even nice. She’s not real is she?”
Now she’s getting it thought Carla Jo. “No, she’s not. She’s not real. She’s a fraud, a fake; she’s dumb as a brick. When you start junior high you will meet people like this. Do not be drawn into their fake world. Stay true to yourself and be who you are. You wanna know something else?” Carla Jo whispered.
Amy leaned close. “What?”
“She’s got fake boobies.”
“Those ain’t even real?”
“Shhhh, not so loud.” They both giggled.
Ralphie came over then and escorted Carla Jo and Amy to the salon chair where Jean Paul was waiting. Amy sat down in the chair and Carla Jo motioned Jean Paul to her side. She whispered in Jean Paul’s ear. “Jean Paul, she is straight out of the woods. This is her first style and she has to take care of it herself. Keep it simple.”
Jean Paul’s chin fell to his chest, and then he whispered back, “You put limitations on Jean Paul, you bring Jean Paul a perfect blank canvas on which to practice his art, and then you take away his favorite colors? You are killing Jean Paul.”
Carla Jo gave him a peck on the cheek. “I knew you would understand.”
Jean Paul went to work, almost dancing around the chair as he cut and trimmed. Thirty minutes later he turned Amy back toward the mirror. Amy stared at herself and barely recognized what she saw. For the first time in her life she saw a girl, a girly girl, and she liked it.
Jean Paul brought Amy a bag with shampoo, conditioner, and a new hairbrush. He spoke to Amy about the importance of hair care and how she could keep it looking ‘Jean Paul fabulous.’ Jean Paul kissed her on both cheeks like he had Carla Jo and said goodbye. Carla Jo and Amy walked out the big front doors to Carla Jo’s waiting car. The man in the red jacket opened her door and put out his hand. This time, Amy took it.
Carla Jo looked over at Amy as she put the car in drive and said, “Before we go to the mall, how about some lunch?” Amy smiled and mimicked Jean Paul. “That would be fabulous.” Carla Jo had to force a smile.
Chapter 5
Carla Jo tried not to show any of the emotions she was feeling. There was a dull ache in her chest. Carla Jo had been having a conversation with Cindy Peterson. Cindy’s daughter, Candice, would also be attending Lewistown Jr. High. When Jean Paul turned Amy toward the mirror, the shock of Amy’s new look made Carla Jo freeze. It was Katherine, only prettier. Emotions flooded through her like they hadn’t in a long time. Katherine had been her best friend. Guilt fell over Carla Jo like a wet blanket. Katherine had never asked Carla Jo to look after Amy. She shouldn’t have had to. Katherine was the only person in the world that Carla Jo had trusted with her past. All Katherine had ever said to Carla Jo was, “It’s never too late to do the right thing.” You’re right, Katherine, Carla Jo thought it’s never too late.
“Aunt Carla Jo, what’s wrong?”
“I was thinking about how much you look like your mom.”
“Momma liked you a lot. It was never just Carla Jo. It was always, my best friend Carla Jo.” Amy said with a singsong animated voice.
Carla Jo thought to herself thanks, Amy, that didn’t help.
After pulling into the valet parking spot at the restaurant, another man opened Amy’s door. This time he was wearing a blue jacket and Amy knew exactly what to do.
They walked in the front door of the restaurant and Amy could smell the food. Smells good, she thought. A pretty girl greeted them at the door.
“Welcome to Chez Geraud, two for lunch?”
“Yes, please,” Carla Jo replied.
As they followed the hostess through the restaurant, Amy looked around at all the people. The men were wearing suits and the women were dressed like Carla Jo. Amy saw white tablecloths with candles and flowers on every table. Big chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Polished wooden walls adorned with big paintings of flowers. As she walked by the people at the tables, they looked at her and smiled. For the first time she began to feel self conscious about her faded dress and worn shoes, even though she had no reason to feel that way; anyone that looked at her never got much past those beautiful green eyes.
When they arrived at their table, a handsome young man pulled out Amy’s chair. Amy stopped and looked at Carla Jo. Carla Jo motioned to the chair. “It’s okay, sit.”
Amy sat down while the man gently pushed in her chair. He went around to the other side of the table and did the same thing for Carla Jo. He took their drink order, smiled and walked away.
“So, Amy, what do you think?”
“It’s a lot nicer than the Bluebird Café.”
Carla Jo laughed. “Yes, it is. Look around and tell me what you see.”
Amy sighed. “Don’t tell me, these people ain’t real, either.”
“No, no, no, not that, not that at all. This is different,” Carla Jo assured her through a stifled laugh.
“They’re eating?” Amy guessed.
“Look closer; how are they eating?” Carla Jo hinted.
“They eat like you.”
Okay, this is not working thought Carla Jo.
Carla Jo leaned across the table and whispered. “Does your daddy fart in the house?”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“Oh, yeah. Daddy and my brothers are awful. That’s okay; I give it right back to ‘em.”
Carla Jo laughed again. “Did your daddy ever do that at a restaurant?”
“No, never, that would be rude.”
“Exactly. That would be called manners.”
“I know what that is. My mom would always say, ‘Amy, sit up straight. Amy, don’t talk with your mouth full. Amy, don’t slurp,’ and on and on.”
Carla Jo nodded and said, “Yes, your mother was very much a lady. That’s what she expected from you. I would like to help you finish what your mother started.”
Amy looked around the room and began to feel a little overwhelmed by all the attention. All the new places and faces were beginning to wear on her. Carla Jo noticed her growing discomfort. “Are you okay honey?”
Amy wasn’t sure what to say. She was grateful for the attention, but she wasn’t used to any of it. She didn’t want to hurt Carla Jo’s feelings but she thought it was more important to be honest. “It’s just that, well, this is all so new. I don’t feel like I fit here. Like I shouldn’t be here.”
Carla Jo understood what it was like to feel out of place and nodded. “If you want to go home, I’ll understand. Just know this. You are my family. Any place I am welcome, you are welcome. I just want to show you how other people live. It’s not good or bad. It’s just different. What do you say we have lunch and talk a little about manners? Then when we are done, if you still want to go home, we’ll go.
“Okay, thank you. I’m sorry.”
“Again, never apologize to me. I’m on your side. I’m always going to be on your side. Understand?”
Amy stopped and stared into her eyes. She was unconsciously looking for something. Then she saw it. She saw what she had seen years earlier in her mother’s eyes. She saw love.
Carla Jo was pleasantly surprised by how quickly Amy picked up on her gentle promptings. By the time lunch was over, Amy seemed almost stately. This is almost too good to be true Carla Jo thought. The waiter brought the check and Carla Jo handed him the American Express Black Card. Just then, Amy let out a loud “BUUURRRRRRP.”
The waiter chuckled and Carla Jo shook her head. Amy looked a little embarrassed and mumbled, “Excuse me.” Carla Jo smiled and let out a little sigh.
They walked from the restaurant to where the car was waiting by the curb. They climbed in, buckled up, and Carla Jo grinned at Amy. “Do you still want to go home?”
“Um, well, where you wanna go now?”
“I was thinking we should go have some fun.”
“I thought we were havin’ fun, sorta.”
“Oh no honey. Now the fun begins. What do you say we do a little shopping?”
Carla Jo pulled into the parking lot of the mall and found a parking space. Amy had never seen so many cars. The buildings just seemed to go on forever. Once inside the building Amy looked around in amazement. “Whoa.”
Carla Jo looked at her. “So what do you think?”
“Wow. Kerry came here with some friends once. He told me about it, but I never imagined this.”
Amy walked up to the giant fountain in the center of the entrance. She looked into the water and asked, “Why is there money in here?”
“It’s a wishing fountain.” Carla Jo reached into her purse and pulled out a nickel and handed it to Amy. “Go ahead, make a wish and toss it in.”
Amy thought for a second and then threw the nickel in the water. She was sure her momma and Kerry were watching over her but adding the wish made her doubly sure.
