Pins and Needles

Chapter 26

I was the last up to the booth, everyone else leaving to find a table as I ordered.

"Could I have one scoop of vanilla in a cup, please?"

The worker scooped up a chunk of vanilla and shook his head in the affirmative, "Of course. Your total is $2.59."

I handed him $3.00 which, in exchange, he gave back 41 cents. I grabbed my ice cream, thanked the man, and headed over to the table where Maeve, Jess, and Simon sat.

"Well, I was wondering if y'all have heard from either of them?" Jess's voice carried as I got closer and joined the group.

"Nope, still totally in the dark. Clark's parents have only announced that Clark is in a coma and Dean has officially dropped off the face of the Earth. I went to his house, but his dad says he hasn't come home yet and that he was beginning to get worried," Simon spoke.

Jess sighed in frustration, "Maybe he went to his Mom's? That's, like, the only place he could go."

Maeve began to get squeamish beside me, so I shook my head at the pair, hoping they picked up on what I was trying to convey. They did, and immediately changed the subject to something else.

"Uh, what are y'all doing over break? I'm going to Louisiana to meet family," Jess coughed.

Simon interjected, "I'm going to Utah. The mountains are supposed to be in great condition for skiing this year, so my Dad, of course, jumped at the chance."

I was next to speak, "My mom has a big conference to go to during Christmas, so I'll be staying behind."

"Yes, and I am as well to keep Angel company. We are gonna go to Disney World and hang around there for a bit, then stick around for the Christmas Day Parade," Maeve smiled.

Jess and Simon both ogled and chirped their enthusiasm for us.

"How long have you been planning it for?" Simon asked.

"Since mom told me she wouldn't be here for Christmas, so since the beginning of October," I responded.

Maeve squirmed in her seat, "I've been so excited for it since and have even been counting down the days 'till Christmas."

"Same, I've been keeping close watch on my calendar for it," I added.

Jess questioned us next, "Do you think it'll be crowded?"

I jeered, "Crowded is an understatement. It's going to be packed."

"Are your parents going too, Maeve?" said Simon.

"Nope, it'll just be the two of us."

"Are they mad that you're spending Christmas with Angel instead of them?"

"Nah, I'm going to be with them in the morning and the late afternoon. Besides, they understand Angel's situation and are happy for me to go."

I rolled my eyes, "Y'all make me sound like a charity case."

Maeve frowned, "We mean well, so don't spoil the occasion before it even comes."

I nagged her, but evidently didn't disagree with her statement as the conversation carried on.

...

I got home about an hour later, taking off my shoes and coat at the door. I noticed that Mom was dragging a few suitcases to the front door, and once she saw me as well, she stopped.

"How'd your date go?" Mom sighed, putting her hands on her hips in the process.

"It was good, nothing special."

"That's nice," she hummed. "Well, my taxi will be here any moment to take me to the airport, so I better get this stuff ready. Mind lending a hand?"

I nodded and looked down. There was a bug next to my foot, so I swung it back to kick the insect away.

My mom sighed again and held out her hands towards me, "I know, I know. I wish I could stay here too, but this meeting is crucial if I want a chance at a promotion. You understand, right?"

I hugged her back, "Yeah, I do. I'm not mad."

Mom squeezed my shoulders, then positioned me so we were looking at each other, "That's good. And, besides, you'll probably have a better time with Maeve than you ever would with dear old Mom."

I nodded, opting to not speak on that matter. A car horn outside alerted both of us that it was time for Mom to go, so she quickly grabbed all of her bags after hugging me one last time.

"Bye, sweetie! Don't eat too much junk food while I'm gone. I love you!" Mom called out from beside the taxi.

I waved and watched as she loaded everything into the car and pulled away. I closed the door, walked to my room, and flopped down onto my bed. My heart was pumping and I had to remind it that we'd be fine.

It was only a few more days, I could handle the wait.