She Only Speaks to Butterflies Read Online Free PDF Page B

you? Do you have any idea?” Her voice was firm, like she was trying to win an argument she felt really strongly about. A vein popped out of her neck as she clenched her teeth.
    Martha sensed Sherry’s need to vent. “As a matter of fact I do, but go on.”
    “God!” Sherry hissed, her hands balled into fists. “You know what the worst part of it is?” She looked down at her hands and released her fingers. Red half-moons remained from digging her fingernails into her palms. “Chris. Chris talks to me in my dreams.”
    Martha waited. “I hear my dead husband’s voice more than I hear my own daughter’s.” A line of spittle had escaped her lips as she felt her face flush. “And you know what he asks me? Do you?” she urged. “He asks me if she talks about him. How am I supposed to answer that? Huh? How? Does she remember him? Does she wonder where he is? Does she even understand that he’s never coming back? That he’s not some butterfly pupa waiting to hatch and come to life again!”
    Martha rubbed Sherry’s back. “Calm down,” Martha soothed, watching from behind her dark sunglasses as people looked their way. “You wanna go get a drink or something?”
    “No, I’m fine.” She emphasized the word ‘fine’. “I just sometimes think my daughter is crazy. Do you ever wonder that? Do you think anyone else ever wonders? You know? What’s wrong with Sherry’s daughter? You know? The one that doesn’t talk? The one who only speaks to butterflies?”
    Martha shook her head, massaging Sherry’s shoulders as she continued her rant.
    “How do you think people are goin’ to talk about her when she’s older, huh? Sometimes I think we need to get the hell out of this town and start a new life. That’s what she needs.”
    “You need a break,” Martha advised. “Why don’t you come away with me for the weekend? We’ll drive up the coast and sip margaritas on the beach.”
    Sherry scoffed. “I have my parents comin’ in a week. My place is a disaster. I can’t go anywhere.”
    “I’ll come over tomorrow and help ya tidy up, okay? Sarah and I will take ya shoppin’ and get ya a new dress and you’ll be good as new.”
    “I work in a clothin’ boutique,” Sherry reminded.
    “So we’ll take ya outta town.”
    Sherry looked over at her daughter, playing with the Reverend, Kate, and a bunch of their church friends and the tears began to flow. Martha felt Sherry’s shoulders heave and brought her closer.
    “Come on now, you’ll be fine.  I’m comin’ by later and we’re havin’ a stiff drink.  No arguments.”
    “The town meetin’s tonight.” Sherry sobbed. “Ned asked me to come.”
    “Ah, what’s one more drunk to add to the mix?” Martha said.
    Suddenly Sherry felt guilty for ever thinking of leaving.
     
    Chapter 6
     
    Ned stood like a soldier in the front entrance while people filed into the town hall. Grace, the church secretary, was handing out pamphlets outlining the order of business. As familiar faces passed, Ned nodded hello or shook hands. Alan, the fire Marshall, was on the town committee. He was sitting inside the hall at the middle table, surrounded by two other tables on either side of him. Facing him was five rows of wooden, steel legged chairs.
    Bob Greensman was the Chairman of the town committee, and his brother, William, was the executive chairman. Robert Decker was the Head chairman, acting as the judge or gatekeeper for all the meetings. Cynthia Moore sat in the front row, off to the side, taking minutes for the meeting. When Bob, William and Robert entered the hall, Alan shifted over, sitting beside Bob.
    Sherry approached the front door with Martha. Ned smiled when he saw them.
    “Sarah with Denise tonight?” he asked.
    “Yeah. She’ll be asleep when I get home I’m sure.”
    “Won’t be a long one,” Ned assured. “A couple things came down the pipeline this afternoon.”
    “I’ll see ya inside.” Ned winked, tipping his head to Martha