Nicholas is just a fun short story, so please enjoy and if you like it please send me an email at [email protected]
Ellie soaked in the morning sounds with the water softly slapping along the shore line, while a crow called down at the only other person out walking her dog through the park, on the other side of the marina. The crisp smells of autumn awoke her senses as a slight breeze carried the right amount of coolness in the air, forcing summer out for the new season to take over. In approximately an hour, the pier would be buzzing with locals from the town, but for now, this time belonged to her and Mark, even though he chose to pick up his tackle box and move further down. She only recently held a rod for the first time, with Mark’s persistence. She was glad he talked her into it because it only took a few times for her to appreciate the serene feeling that standing at the water’s edge, with the early morning sun creeping up the horizon while casting a line, gave her. She smiled over at Mark, who waved his first catch for her to see. She quivered as he gripped the small fish and unhooked his line from its mouth before tossing it back into the water, causing a ripple effect. If by some miracle she happened to catch something, he would have to deal with removing it. As of now, she was content to pull in an empty line because she hadn’t quite mastered the idea of touching any kind of slimy fish, let alone actually doing it. She flicked her rod back over her head and was about to toss it towards the water when a slight tremor shook under her feet and fish started jumping out of the water. Immediately, she let everything drop and fell to the ground. “Mark.” Ellie hollered, but he was too far up the pier to hear her. This is crazy she thought, especially since what was happening didn’t have the same effect on her husband who continued standing, as though nothing was going on. Confused she sat on the ground until the rumbling subsided. In only seconds everything went back to normal. She looked around but to no purpose. No one else was there to confirm the wild tale she intended to fill Mark’s ears with. Before she talked herself into thinking she was going mad she decided to grab her gear and move closer to him. “Excuse me Miss, but can you help me?” Ellie nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of a small voice behind her. Shaken she looked down and locked eyes with the sweetest little face. “Where did you come from?” Ellie had been positive she had done a thorough scan of the area and definitely would have noticed this young boy. “I was sitting down on the ledge near the water.” He smiled up at her. “Did you feel the ground shake and see all the fish flopping out of the water?” Ellie was glad she had someone who could testify to the freak event. “Yeah, that happens sometimes when big boats come through the canal. After awhile you get use to it.” Ellie let out a sigh and felt a little embarrassed that a little boy of about eight with a head full of blond hair blown all about solved her mystery in less than a minute. “Am I ever silly,” she couldn’t resist the urge to ruffle his hair. When she did he laughed and looked up at her with the bluest eyes. “I don’t think so,” he offered. Ellie had just met this sweet little boy and already she was falling in love with him. “Aren’t you the sweetest little man? What is your name?” Ellie asked. “Nicholas Charles Snowden the third.” He rhymed off as though it had been branded on his brain. “Isn’t that a nice name and I’d guess you’re about eight.” Ellie smiled at how he remembered to attach his generation. “I’m older than I look you know.” He didn’t confirm her guess at his age and Ellie couldn’t imagine him being past nine. Maybe he didn’t want her thinking he was a baby so she let the issue drop. She remembered he had a reason for approaching her in the first place. “What can I help you with Mr. Nicholas Charles Snowden the third?” She let his name roll of her tongue.” With pride clearly shown on his face he pushed his dangling trophy out in front of her. The minute he did Ellie didn’t need to hear the words to know what he wanted. “Can you please, take my fish off for me?” Ellie’s eyes widen as she looked over her shoulder to where Mark had been only moments before. He was no where to be seen and she wondered if he had crawled down the rocks to the shoreline or headed back to the boat. Of all the time for him to disappear, she thought as a mild panic washed through her, this kid was asking her to do what she had been dreading since Mark first put a rod in her hands. In order to do that, she had to touch it along with the worm that hung lifelessly down the side of its mouth. Her first instinct was to tell him to wait until she found her husband, but she couldn’t bring herself to disappoint him. He stood staring up at her with big trusting eyes as though he knew she wouldn’t let him down. There was something very different about this boy. At first, she thought it might have been his innocence but realized that there was more to it, almost like he was lonely. “Are you out here by yourself?” She asked hoping he had a parent hiding somewhere who could take care of him. She didn’t think so. “I always come here on my own.” He said with his little chest pushed out. He chuckled when Ellie reached for the fish with two fingers and pulled back once they touch the slippery surface. “I don’t like how they feel either.” “You’re lucky you are so sweet because this is my first time ever touching a fish.” Ellie smiled down at him. She quickly clasped the object and yanked the hook out then tossed it into the water again. She ran her fingers along her jeans more to get the feel of the denim on her flesh again. “That wasn’t so bad,” Ellie smiled at the little thing and was tempted to wipe the dirt streak on his cheek away. “I could have done it, you know.” He looked at her with serious eyes. “Then why did you ask me to do it.” Ellie ask gently. “Because you are nice and I wanted to talk to you.” He grinned up at her. “It’s six thirty in the morning. Does your mother allow you to come out here alone?” Ellie wondered how a mother wouldn’t be concerned if she woke up and found her small boy wasn’t tucked away in his bed. “She doesn’t care.” He grimaced. Ellie had to step back and fight the urge to gasp at the though of someone so young thinking his mother wasn’t concerned about his whereabouts. “Aren’t you afraid to be out here by yourself?” Many times Ellie heard on the news about how a youth had been nabbed and each time it sent fear through her. It was one of the reasons her and Mark had decided to wait to have children. The responsibility was tremendous, and the world was too full of people who didn’t think twice about hurting others, especially innocent children. With the dreaded task completed she decided she had enough of her fishing expedition for the day. “This is my favorite place in the world.” He stated and looked out at as a small fishing boat passed by. "You don’t get scared when you’re by yourself?” She question thinking how cute he was. “When I was real small I did, but not anymore.” He smiled up at her. “Even big boys need to be careful about strangers.” Ellie cautioned. “It’s okay no one is going to hurt me.” He sounded so sure. His confidence worried Ellie but she didn’t want to frighten the little guy. Right now she wanted to go back to the boat for some breakfast. Looking at him she doubted he ate before heading out this morning. “Can I talk a very brave little boy into a cheese omelet and sausages?” Ellie offered thinking she might be able to find out more about this intriguing little person. He stayed quiet and rocked his body back and forth for a few seconds before he looked up at her. “No thank you.” He surprised Ellie by declining her invitation. Maybe he was heeding her warning. After all, he didn’t know her any better then the next person. “Sometimes you have to be careful of people in your house too.” He almost whispered, but it was clear enough to Ellie. “Is someone hurting you Nicholas?” Ellie turned to him and spoke as gentle as she possible could. If someone from his own house was causing him harm she would have to be very careful in order to draw him out. “Ellie, Ellie, she turned to see Mark coming up the pier towards them waving his cell. “What could be the matter.” She took a few steps towards him then turned back to Nicholas. She didn’t want him to think she had forgotten about him just because Mark had showed up. Somehow he had slipped away because when she turned he was gone. He couldn’t have gotten very far. She walked to the edge and looked along the rocks to see if he went back to his fishing spot. When she didn’t see him she peered across to the other side of the marina and thought she caught a glimpse of him going through the trees. It bothered her that he left before finishing their conversation. She turned back to Mark, a little frustrated by his poor timing. “Did you see a little boy?” Ellie asked thinking she may have been too side track by Mark’s yelling at her that she didn’t notice Nicholas sneak past him. “What?” He gave her a confused look. “No, I didn’t see anyone.” “What’s going on Mark?” He was scaring her. “John just called. I have to hop a plane to New Jersey.” “You’re on your holidays, why can’t he get someone else to go?” It upset Ellie that they expected so much from him. “Mark, what about our plans to sail to Ottawa tomorrow?” “I know babe, but they had a fire at the New Jersey plant.” “Can’t John or Julian go instead of you?” She could tell the news had shaken him, but what about her. This was their first holiday in two years and she was looking forward to their time alone. “Julian left this morning and John is on his way to the airport.” "How long will you be gone?” “A week tops and John promised to give me two weeks when I get back.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Honey he wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important.” He kissed her forehead. “I know, and you better keep you cell at home when you get back.” She had no choice but to give in to him. “I won’t even charge it.” He smiled at her and kissed her lips. “I’m going to hold you to that.” She poked him in the side. “Why don’t I drop you off at home and you can come back after I’m gone to close the boat up?” He suggested. “You go ahead. I spent all that time shoving food into the fridge and cupboards on the boat I might as well spend a few nights on board.” “You sure?” “Yes, just get back quickly.” “I will.” He kissed her and started running down the pier while she looked around to see if Nicholas would come back. Ellie waited around until a group came along and pitched a small tent with all their gear. Nicholas must have decided to go home, so she gave up and went back to the boat where she decided to catch up on some reading. ################### After a light breakfast, Ellie tried to get comfortable with a book but couldn’t get into it. Her thoughts kept drifting to Nicholas, it worried her that someone from his own household might be doing him harm. She put her book down and wandered along the pier then went around the park hoping she might be able to catch a glimpse of him. She wouldn’t give up until she found him and if his parents were hurting him she would do everything she could to get him out of that house. She envisioned her and Mark adopting him and giving him a happy home. Disappointed, she headed back to the boat and tried to call Mark but his plane hadn’t landed yet. Picking up her book again she stretched out on the bed, but after a few minutes she jumped up and ran to the kitchen. She flipped up the cupboard and pulled down the phone book. “Snowden,” she said as she leafed through the pages. “It’s not a poplar name.” Ellie said as she ran her finger down the list of “S” Snow was the closes. “Darn.” She clicked her thumb nail on her front tooth for a minute then slapped the book shut. “What am I doing? How can I help someone I can’t even find?” Forget it.” She threw the book back up in the cupboard and headed down town to check out the street sale going on. She already wasted the morning and part of the afternoon chasing a child she didn’t even know. By the time Ellie got back the sun had already set and she was ready to sit and relax. Flicking on the radio she poured herself a glass of wine and took it to the deck. “This is nice.” Ellie said as the first stars appeared in the sky. “The only thing that would have made the night perfect would be if Mark was there.” She thought missing him. A news bulletin came across that caused Ellie to sit up and take notice. “We need to interrupt the show to make an announcement that there has been a prison escape from the Teango penitentiary. This man is very dangerous he is charged with raping and murdering three women. He is six feet two inches and has a large scar on his left arm. It is believed that he is making his way out West where he has family. The air went silent for a few seconds before it went back to the regular show. “This guy sounds very scary ladies so please be careful and stay behind locked doors.” The announcer stated before playing a song. Ellie slid out of her chair and looked around the docks to see if there was anyone out. She considered calling a cab and heading home but didn’t think she would be any safer there. At least at the boat the docks were caged in. She looked down the end of the dock and saw the Wilson approaching her. “Did you hear the news?” Janet asked looking frazzled. “Just now, are you two staying the night?” She would feel better knowing they were close. “Yes we are.” David said, so if you need anything just run down our way. “I appreciate that.” I was going to call a cab and go home but I think sitting alone at home without Mark gone would be worse. “You’re welcome to come and sit with us for awhile.” Janet invited. Ellie looked at her watch. “It almost ten, so I’m going to try to call Mark then retire for the night, but thank you.” Ellie said. They waited until she went inside and lock the door, before going back to their boat. After flicking on the air conditioner she slipped into her pajamas then flopped on the bed after turning out all the lights. Hopefully, the boat sitting in the dark would deter a killer. Picking up the phone she tried Mark again but hung up when his answering machine kick in. She threw the phone on Mark’s side of the bed then crawled under the covers and drifted off to sleep. At three twenty, Ellie jolted awake and sat up in her bed. She though she was having a nightmare until she heard a scream coming from the park. “Oh my god. Someone is being attacked.” She slapped around on the bed looking for the cell but couldn’t find it. She didn’t turn the light on to avoid drawing attention but cracked the window opened to see if she could see anything. She strained her eyes when a small figure ran under the street light. “Nicholas,” she called out and ran to the door. What kind of parent would allow a child to be out at this hour? Determined Ellie quickly grabbed the gate key and slipped her slippers on. “Nicholas,” She whispered as she ran for the gate. “You need to come here where it’s safe.” She stood outside the protection of the marina unsure of what to do. She contemplated going back but couldn’t leave an eight year boy to run around in the dark. She turned to the showers where it sounded like the door opened. “Why are you playing games with me?” Ellie ran down the path and pulled on the door and cursed when she had to use the key to open it. Light flooded the area. “Nicholas, what are you doing out here at this hour?” She tried not to sound upset because she didn’t want to scare him. She walked into the women’s washroom and didn’t see him. She pushed the doors to each stall but they were all empty. She turned when something fell behind her. “Nicholas, please.” She slapped her arms at her sides and ran for the doors. “You better not leave without me.” “Oh don’t worry, sweetness, I aint going nowhere without you.” Ellie ran right into the arms of the guy she was sure the radio issued a warning about. “Let me go.” Ellie screamed and tried to twist her wrists from his grips. “Don’t worry sweet thing. I’m going to take good care of you.” He smiled and yanked her closer to him. His breath smelled of old tobacco making her stomach wretch. “Please.” She whispered and tears streamed down her cheeks when he started to kiss her face. Ellie didn’t intend to give in because of his size. She would fight to her death if she had to because there was no way she would willing let this guy have his way with her. He laughed when she lifted her foot and kicked at him to no avail. She was loosing her strength and felt him dragging her to the floor. “No. I can’t let this happen.” She cried out helplessly, feeling totally out of control. This guy was going to defile her and then take her life. She was about to lose consciousness when his grip loosen and he fell to his knees and toppled over. She pushed him off her and saw a trickle of blood run down from his head. When she looked up the tiny body of Nicholas stood over them with a spade in his hand. “Nicholas you saved me.” She ran and hugged him tight. “He was hurting you so I killed him.” Tears stained his small face. “Its okay honey, he was a very bad man.” Ellie rushed him away from the scene to her boat and wrapped him in a blanket. “You stay here while I call the police.” She said then went to the bedroom where she found her cell on the floor. When she went back into the kitchen Nicholas was gone. “Nicholas.” She called out as she ran to the end of the dock where the Wilson’s were staying. Janet and David came rushing out. “Ellie what’s going on?” They ran to her when they noticed how stressed she was. “Did you see a little boy?” She wiped the tears from her face and told them everything. By the time she finished the police pulled up and David took them over to the showers. Within moments an ambulance and fire truck arrived and two officers had Ellie sitting. “Tell us about the little boy again.” They asked and Ellie got the impression they though she was making up the story. “His name is Nicholas Charles Snowden the third.” She added remembering how proud Nicholas had been about adding it. “I just met him this morning.” It frightened her when they both looked at each other before speaking. “The only Snowden in the area lived on Muscot Rd across town.” The older officer stated. “We’ll drive out and check it out. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a child running around the streets at this hour. An hour later Ellie found herself in a hospital bed dozing off. Her last thought was about Nicholas. #################### The Wilson’s met her at the hospital the next morning and waited until the doctor released Ellie. They told her that Mark was catching the first flight back and drove her home. Janet offered to stay with her until he arrived but Ellie wanted to be alone. When they left she got in the car and drove to Muscot Rd. It was run down and she had to get out so she could get to the end of the street. She would have never found the home if the officer hadn’t told her it was there. Large cast iron gates were hidden beneath overgrown vines and brushes. The name Snowden could still be read although most of the gate was rusted out. Ellie gently pushed on the metal and the chain dropped to the ground allowing her entrance into the place. Before her stood a run down mansion that must have been beautiful in it day. A broken window allowed her to reach in and unlatch the door. Some of the furniture still sat in the place, covered in dust. She made her way up the open stair case to where a small bedroom at the top stood opened. She felt like an intruder as she stood by the window looking down at the bay. She moved over to a small bed where a picture of Nicholas lay on the floor near an old toy box. She sat down on her knees and picked it up. His face was so innocent and he deserved more than this she though as she peered around his room. Is this run down place what he calls home? Something hung out from behind the box and Ellie felt impelled to see what it was. Reaching, she pulled out a few yellowed pages of an old newspaper. Nineteen twelve was the date Ellie saw printed across the top. What an old thing for a boy to have around. Ellie though as she folded the pages back to view the front page. Displayed on the page was the same picture of Nicholas that she now cradled. In large bold print, the headline screamed out at her. ‘BOY DROWNED IN BAY. MOTHER SUSPECTED.’