Earnest Bliss

Chapter 2

"I don't have a grandmother."

The woman sighs. "Everybody has a grandmother, dear."

Eleanor doesn't know what to say. There was a period, after watching the Princess Diaries too many times, where she'd dreamt of having a surprise relative show up unannounced and whisk her away in some grand adventure. It had always felt like an idle fantasy, based in too much young adult fiction, and Eleanor had given up on the idea after she'd turned 16.

Having it happen now, well, it leaves Eleanor floored.

On the other end of the line, there is another sigh; heavier, this time, almost disapproving. "So I see your parents forgot to mention me. I'd - your mother and I - we'd been estranged for some time, but I'm sorry. She was such a bright young woman." The woman, Eleanor's grandmother, pauses for a moment before politely coughing. "I was heartbroken to learn of her passing. I received a call from her lawyer, and someone with his office provided your contact information. I presume it's alright that I've contacted, it's always nice to hear from family during trying times."

"I. Yeah. That's cool," Eleanor manages faintly. She slumps down against her kitchen wall, staring at the fridge door.

"If I'd known I'd had a granddaughter I would have reached out sooner," she continues. "But this is the situation we find ourselves in."

"Yeah." Eleanor's vague feelings of surprise bubble over into a nervous laugh. "I'm not sure what to say."

"I can imagine how overwhelming this whole situation must be," she says. "What with you being so suddenly alone, so there's no need to say anything at the moment. Actually, in fact, there's something I'd rather you consider instead: we have, if my math is correct, a great deal of lost time to make up for."

"I'll say."

"So, provided you're amenable, I'd like to invite you to come stay with me for a time. That is, if you'd like."

Eleanor tries to say something, but what comes out is a prolonged "uh."

"There's no need to answer now," she carries on. "Just, promise you'll consider it."

"Okay." Eleanor picks at a loose piece of the vinyl flooring. "I'll..I'll think it over."

"Excellent. I'm sure you've got quite a lot going on at the moment, so I won't take up any more of your time, unless you've got any questions for me."

"Actually," Eleanor says, "Before you go, uh, Shaun - my mother's lawyer- he mentioned something about a Whitmore Manor? Do you know anything about it?"

"Oh, that old place?" She sounds surprised. "I suppose your mother didn't have the heart to sell it. Yes, I know all about Whitmore, my husband - your grandfather - bought it many years ago. I can send someone by to look at the old place, perhaps we could have it fixed up for your stay."

"Cool," Eleanor says lamely, feeling as if things have already been decided for her. This whole situation feels so surreal she is having a difficult time coming up questions, questions she should surely have after hearing from her estranged grandmother after over 23 years. Yet she thinks of nothing, and instead says, "I'll, uh, I'll think about it. I guess I'll talk to you soon."

After she hangs up, Eleanor sits and stares at her phone and tries to process what just happened.

"I didn't think you had a grandma!" Kaitlyn yells over the noise in in O'Flannagans. They're the only table in the bar not decked out in jersey's, mostly because they'd all forgotten it was hockey night. Luckily, Ruth had arrived early from work with Jason and Diggy, friends from her office, and claimed a comfortable corner booth. With the Toronto Maple Leaf's not only playing, but winning, the atmosphere is getting rowdier by the minute. Eleanor's never been a big hockey fan, but despite herself she cranes her neck to watch the game at the T.V. above the bar.