Eden's Edge

Prologue Saturday, June 5th 1951 As Lisanne Walters rounded the corner onto Main Street, the warm rays of a June sunrise shimmered through the curls of her newly blonde hair. She tugged nervously at the pencil skirt that clung tightly to her hips and quickly readjusted her sweater that adhered to her like a second skin. A wave of panic shot through her, just like the one she had experienced the night before when Stella had turned the chair around and said, “Greta Garbo, eat your heart out.” Although the change was drastic, Lisanne truly loved it. Her father’s favorite pearl of wisdom had always been that there was a time and a place for everything. She was quite certain that this was the time…it was years in the making…but she wasn’t exactly sure that this was the ideal place. Knowing it was too late to second guess herself, she took a deep breath and replied “C’est la vie.” Her heels continued to click on the sidewalk as she carefully opened her makeup compact and checked her lipstick. The reflection smiling back at her gave her confidence and helped her to decide immediately that it didn’t matter if this was the place either, because she wasn’t going to be here much longer anyway. A whistle pulled Lisanne from her thoughts. “Good morning, pretty lady!” said a middle-aged man as he pulled three bottles of milk from the back of his delivery truck. “Why Charlie Butts,” said Lisanne playfully while she stopped and dropped her compact back into her purse, “you’re being awfully fresh this morning. What would your wife say if she knew you were flirting with a woman half your age? “Lisanne Walters?” he replied in disbelief. “Little Lisanne Walters?” She smiled as she continued to walk, suddenly feeling more secure about her new look. In like fashion, she also received whistles from the mail man and turned many more heads as they came onto their porches to retrieve their morning papers. As she approached Town Square, Lisanne reached into her purse and pulled out a penny. A tradition she had began as a little girl, she would always throw a penny into the fountain and make a wish. She had tossed many coins into that fountain, but, every time, her wish was the same; she wanted to become an actress and leave the confines of her small hometown. This morning would be no different. She carefully closed her eyes and, with childlike faith, tossed her penny into the fountain. Then, she opened her eyes and carefully sat on the edge of the concrete bench that lay in front of the fountain. Town Square was beautiful in the summertime. Large gardenia bushes produced a sweet perfume that Lisanne likened to the smell of Heaven itself. Each bush was neatly bordered by a bed of multicolored zinnias and red poppies, creating a scene more breathtaking than anything she had ever seen in Better Homes and Gardens. Without a doubt, this was her favorite part of town and the one thing she would miss. Lisanne breathed deeply and drank in the beauty around her before looking at her watch. It was her turn to help Betty Lou open the diner and, since Saturday mornings produced the largest breakfast crowds, she couldn’t afford to be late. She stood slowly and carefully smoothed her skirt before leaning in to pick a gardenia bloom that she nestled in the curls above her ear. As she turned to leave, something caught her eye. Amid the landscape, a bright light shone. She really had no time to investigate, but she couldn’t help herself. It was almost like history repeating itself. Once before, as a young child, Lisanne had also seen a mysterious light bursting forth from among the poppies. Upon further investigation, she had discovered a beautiful, silver charm bracelet, which she still wore to this day. Perhaps today would be another day to find some lost treasure. She carefully parted the delicate braches of the gardenia bushes and looked down, following the light to its source. For a moment, she thought her eyes might be deceiving her, but when she looked again, she was certain. There, amid the flowers, was a young man’s hand. On the ring finger was a class ring. Its large, faceted stone was causing the interesting reflection. Startled, Lisanne let go of the braches. After a moment, curiosity got the better of her and again she parted the bushes, this time looking further behind them. Laying face down in the Garden Club’s prized zinnias was a naked man. The morning sun glistened on his tanned, muscular frame. She wanted to look away, but couldn’t. “Stupid boys,” she mumbled as she knelt beside him. Since graduation, there had been several instances of boys getting drunk and being dumped naked in Town Square by their friends. Such an adolescent prank for people professing themselves to be men, she thought. Nevertheless, perhaps she could save the unfortunate boy further humiliation by getting him out of there before things got busy in town. “Pardon me,” she said shaking him slightly. No response. Again, she shook him. Still, no response. “Are you okay?” She waited for a moment. Again, no response. Without thinking, she shoved him with a more force than she had intended, causing him to roll on to his back. As she looked down, she suddenly gasped. His face was badly beaten, rendering him practically unrecognizable. Then, her eyes fell to his torso. Carved into his chest and abdomen were random scripture references. At that moment she suddenly realized that this was no adolescent prank. Her heart beat wildly and she wanted to scream out for help, but her voice failed her. Then, she saw it--the ring. She knew that ring. There was only one person in the entire Senior Class with a ring like that. She grabbed his hand and pulled it to her chest. It was cold and lifeless; even a bit stiff. Her head began to spin and she felt sick. Suddenly, she found her voice and began to scream loudly. Dropping her keys, Betty Lou quickly turned from the diner door and looked around to see who was screaming. She saw no one, but was certain that the screams were coming from Town Square. She hurried across the street and headed for the fountain. The screams were getting louder and more desperate. She carefully scanned the square. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of a black stiletto heel peeking out from between the gardenia bushes. She parted the branches and looked down at Lisanne. “What on earth is wrong with you, girl?” “Jared!” she screamed, looking up at Betty Lou. “I think he’s dead!”