Art of Escape: The Barber Chair series

By Kathy Rae

What would you paint if every stroke of the brush came to life? Lily created only good things, so why was everything going so wrong?

 

Lost in the world of Foster care, Lily was searching for a forever home. When she asked, "how high does this chair go?" to barber Logan Payne, she is sent to a world of an artist's dream come true.

 

Lily paints pirates, Kings, Queens, pirates and a dragon who together help Lily discover how special she is to the God she hates since her parents died.

 

Join the adventure in Art of Escape.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathy Rae
• Release date: Jan 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201279448

Kathy Rae

Kathy Rae lives in Spokane Valley, WA and enjoys gardening, landscaping, singing, reading, biking, hiking, and of course, writing. Kathy has owned a Barber Business for thirty-five years, worked as a Transportation Assistant for Special Needs students and a few other odd jobs where she gleamed many ideas for future books. Wherever she goes, there's always inspiration lurking around the corner.

Book preview

Prologue

Logan? A voice whispered in the darkness. Lo-gan..."

Logan’s head slumped to his chest then snapped upright with eyes wide open. He didn’t remember falling asleep. The uneasiness of the dream lingered as Logan tried to remember what it was about. His wet palms skidded across the brown leather on his barber chair. His pulse was slowing with the comfort of his surroundings.

Then a commanding voice spoke. Logan.

He turned to the waiting room and hurdled out of the chair onto his knees.

Light overwhelmed every inch of the barbershop. An Angel was cloaked in the purest white, almost diamond-like. His head touched the nine-foot ceiling. A gentle smile appeared, which accentuated the love permeating his eyes. Rise, Logan. I am a mere messenger of the Lord.

Why are you here? Logan stood.

The Lord God knows of your servant’s heart. He desires to send children who need help with difficulties they face.

Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.

When a child comes for a haircut and asks, ‘How high does this chair go?’ it will be a sign they need help.

What should I do?

Step on your hydraulic lift, and do not stop the barber chair until you no longer see the child.

Um. Logan hesitated as he looked at the barber chair. I don’t understand. He returned his gaze to the Angel, but he was gone.

Logan stepped to the area where the Heavenly being had been and started to doubt his encounter, except for feeling of peace that lingered.

A snore escaped Logan’s lips, rousting him from his slumber. The Bible he had been reading was on his chest. He closed it and set it on the end table before he raised the recliner. Logan ran his fingers through his slightly graying hair, then looked heavenward as he pondered the dream.

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Chapter 1

New Girl In School

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Being shuffled from one foster home to another was the pits, but this new situation was more than Lily could handle. Logan Payne looked so much like her deceased father she instantly bonded. He invited her into his barbershop when she walked by his business crying.

Lily was the one who wanted to sit in the barber chair, or had he lured her there without her knowing?

Mr. Logan?

Yes, Aprilily.

Would you show me how high this chair goes?

Logan dropped the comb as his eyes raised to the ceiling. Oh.

What is this? Lily wondered about his reaction.

Logan cleared his voice, which quivered when he said. Sure. He slowly moved his foot to engage the hydraulic lever. Please God, he whispered. Not Lily.

The chair paused at its standard limitation of height then continued. Lily couldn’t understand the concerned expression from Logan. She wildly tapped her foot then stopped when she realized the chair was going further than she expected.

A swooshing sound made Lily look at the ceiling. Her mouth dropped as she watched a translucent vortex open. She slid as the chair rose higher.

Mr. Logan, stop now! Why do such a thing?

Forgive me, Lily. Just listen for God’s voice and obey.

Lily didn’t want to see what was next, so she squeezed her eyes. Thoughts flashed of her first day at Shelley High School to this moment, trying to make sense of what was happening.

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Another school, another town. How long before these people tire of me? Lily peeked through her overgrown bangs trying to keep her head lowered.

Sheryl, her new foster mom, hurried to finalize the Shelley High School paperwork so she could go to work at Dillards in Idaho Falls.

I’ll be late from work tonight, and so will Wes. You have a key to our house. I’ve asked Heather to keep you company until we get home. Remember her? She’s my oldest daughter. She won’t get off work until 6, so you’ll be alone for a while. Make yourself at home. It is your home now. Check out our entertainment center and computer if you want to, Sheryl said, then lowered herself to catch Lily’s brown eyes. When she wouldn’t look up, Sheryl placed her fingers under her chin.

The blue in Sheryl’s eyes lightened with tears when she saw no sparkle reflecting from Lily. Hey, this is going to be a good fit, Lily. There’s always an awkward period getting to know each other, but we are thrilled to have you, okay?

Lily nodded, and Sheryl wrapped her arms around Lily. We’ll see you tonight at about seven.

With Sheryl gone, Principal Foster rose from his chair and extended his hand, Welcome to Shelley High School, Lily.

Lily's eyes traveled the height of the six-four man till she connected with his weary eyes. She reached for his hand and limply placed it there.

I’ve asked Carla to show you where your classes are, then escort you to your first class.

A girl about five feet four came into the office with a friendly smile.

This is Lily, Carla. Here’s her schedule. Thank you for making her feel welcome.

Come with me. Carla stepped into the hallway. I love the color of your hair! She reached to touch Lily’s hair. It’s such a deep auburn. Do you color it?

Lily blushed and shook her head.

My hair seems to get darker each year, so I bleach it blonde. Carla chattered on since Lily didn’t join in the conversation. I see you’re living with Mr. and Mrs. Shigh? You’ll love it there. They are sweet peeps.

Lily walked with her head down, only daring to look at Carla from the corner of her eyes. She didn’t say a word through Carla’s tour of the school.

I’m going to walk you to your second class because the first session is almost over. You’ll love the Nutrition and Foods class because Miss Osborne is one of the favorite teachers here. You’re lucky to be a sophomore. I’m only a freshman and can’t go to that class till next year. They stood at the classroom’s closed door. I’d like to walk you home after school if you would let me.

Lily looked at Carla for the first time and softly smiled as she nodded.

Carla beamed at her reaction. Oh, good. I’ll meet you right outside your last class.

The end bell rang for the first period so, Lily stepped out of the stream of children leaving the classroom.

Lily tried to find a place in the shadows as she heard the comments.

Check out the new girl. One boy pointed. Alright new blood.

You freak, you’ve got lots of girls to choose from. The girl next to him shoved him.

Not when you’ve known them since first grade.

Who’s the new girl?

Jeremy better not get ideas about her.

Even though the school's enrollment was close to one thousand students, Lily wondered if most of them had grown up together. In her experience of being relocated many times, it usually meant it would be hard to blend.

When no one else came through the door, Lily stuck her head into the classroom and found five cooking areas designated by color. None of the stations provided a haven for hiding, so she opted to stand in the blue area since that was her favorite color.

A petite woman with dark blonde hair was quickly typing on a computer. Lily kicked the leg of a chair and sent it into a table. She rolled her eyes as she foiled her chance not to be noticed.

Oh. The teacher turned. You must be Lily. She moved toward her.

I’m sorry, Lily spoke softly.

I’m Miss Osborne. She extended her hand.

Once Lily dared to look up, the warmth of her bluish-gray eyes drew Lily in. She took Miss Osborne’s hand.

I don’t recognize that accent. Miss Osborne placed her other hand on top of Lily’s slightly trembling one.

I am from Romania.

Miss Osborne released Lily’s hand and smiled. Oh, that’s wonderful! Maybe you can bring some recipes your mom makes from Romania.

Lily broke her gaze from the teacher and nodded. May I work here? She pointed to the blue area.

That would be perfect. Welcome to Shelley High. Class will start shortly.

Children began to funnel in and go directly to their workstations.

Would you mind moving? This is my area. A tall girl furrowed her brows as she looked down on Lily. Lily's face reddened.

You can find another place today, Tara, Miss Osborne said.

Lily swore she would be dead if Tara’s eyes were weapons. Why did my parents have to die? It would have been good to live with my aunt and uncle in London. Then they, too, were killed. Why am I alone? I just want to hide. She fought her tears.

Our new student is Lily Aprilie, and she is originally from Romania. Miss Osborne moved to the center of the kitchen.

All eyes turned to Lily, and her face reddened as she tried to hide.

Miss Osborne continued, Please make her feel welcome when you see her. Now, may I have all eyes forward? Today we are going to bake the molasses cookies we refrigerated on Friday.

Lily smiled to herself when she realized Miss Osborne could see the attention was making her uncomfortable. She liked this teacher. Maybe things would be all right in this small town.

When the class had ended, Miss Osborne bagged up a dozen cookies and handed them to Lily. This was my mother’s recipe. Did you like them?

Oh, yes. Lily clutched the bag. Mami’s recipes are always the best.

You can share these with your new family.

You are kind, Miss Osborne. Thank you muchly.

We say, ‘thank you very much or just thank you.’

Oh, this language. Lily bowed. I must go to the next class.

The classes went quickly, but the lunch break went on forever. Why did teenagers leave such a vast space at the lunch table when someone new appeared in school?

Carla came up behind her and said, If I don’t get to your class before mine gets out, just wait for me, okay?

Yes, Lily said with a slight smile.

Alrighty then? Carla said.

Alrighty then, Lily nodded. Carla rejoined a group of her friends.

Yes, maybe this could be my new home.

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It had been five minutes since the last bell rang, and there was still no sign of Carla. When Lily saw Miss Osborne walking down the hall, she looked down, hoping to avoid interaction.

Hi, Lily. She stepped in front. Are you waiting for someone?

Yes, Carla. Lily dared to look into her eyes.

Oh, she is a sweet girl. Miss Osborne shuffled papers to her other arm. She should be here soon. What did you think of your first day in school?

Good. She twirled the zipper on her jacket.

Hi, Lily. I’m sorry I’m late. Carla rushed to her side. Hey, Miss Osborne.

I’m glad you are making Lily’s transition easier, Carla.

I remember when I came to Shelley last year, I can’t imagine coming here while in high school. I want to help. Carla pulled at Lily’s arm. Are you ready to go?

Bye. Lily waved.

Have fun, and I’ll see you two tomorrow.

I just live down the street from where you live. Carla shifted her book bag. If you want, we can walk to school in the morning until you get to know other kids.

Oh, tons of hugs.

I’m happy to be your friend. I heard that you are from Romania. I love your accent.

Lily blushed. I am trying to smooth it out.

Why? Once those Shelley boys hear that accent, they’ll be standing in line to get to know you. I might try to learn your accent so I can get more dates.

Lily put her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.

So, how did you end up in Shelley, Idaho?

If you don’t mind. Lily’s smile disappeared. I am not ready to tell such.

Oh, I’m sorry, Lily. Carla put her hand on her arm. I didn’t mean to pry. I guess I thought you are a relative of Mrs. Shigh.

No, I am a ward of the state.

Oh my. Carla's eyes shifted to the road.

A carload of girls drove by, honking. Carla waved enthusiastically.

So, do you participate in any sports?

I love to draw and paint, well, any art.

Did they have any sport in your school in Romania? Carla asked.

Yes, football or what you call soccer, wrestling, team handball, and cycling, Lily answered. I tried out for wrestling, but they pushed me out when I took first place.

Really? Carla looked Lily up and down.

No. Lily’s eyes twinkled. I make a tease.

I’m going to have to watch out for you, girlfriend! Carla chuckled. You had me going for a second. It was the first time Lily had given a full smile.

I learned archery and judo. I have not done either for a long time.

So, are you teasing me again? Carla narrowed her eyes.

No. I may be small, but I protect myself.

Alrighty then, I will be extra nice to you.

Lily laughed as she fell into a relaxed pace with Carla.

As they approached the Shigh’s house on Byron Avenue, Carla became serious. Hey Lily, if you need someone to talk to, you can come to me anytime. I won’t share what you tell me with anyone.

Lily liked the sincerity in Carla’s brown eyes.

Thank you, Carla. I hope you are good friend.

You’ve got it. I want to invite you to church Wednesday night. It would be a great way to meet some kids from school.

Can I think? Lily wobbled her hand in the air. I am not sure.

Absolutely. I’ll be here at 7:15 tomorrow morning to walk with you to school.

Many hugs, Carla. Lily watched as Carla walked around the house on the corner of Center Street.

Chapter 2

Youth Group

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Lily didn’t have to think about going to church