Shooting Star and Swallow's Song

Getting Ready

As they started walking down the main boulevard, the pair saw Eleanor come out of her shop to greet them. The older woman smiled as she approached and said, "Good evening ladies. Alex, how are you feeling?"

"I'm doing okay. Steph has been taking care of me."

"Yes, I heard. How sweet of her," she said, smiling at Steph.

'I heard?' Does everyone know? Oh wait. I bet Steph told Riley or someone who told her and then she told Eleanor. It's like they say in a small town. Everybody knows everybody's business. I guess that's fine...not like I can change that. Hmm...this was right by where we talked with Gabe.

She felt a little emotional recalling the experience that was not so long ago and grew quiet. Luckily the older woman moved her out of the moment with her next question.

Eleanor said, "So I hear all you guys are getting together tonight?"

Steph nodded and said, "Yeah, nothing too crazy. Just the usual."

"I know you all's usual," Eleanor said with a knowing smile.

"We're all still pretty responsible," Steph said looking aside as she scrunched her lips to a corner of her mouth.

"Yeah, pretty good is a fair estimate. Just take care of my Riley over there."

"We always do," Steph reassured.

"Yes, you do. I know it. I just like to do my part and remind you."

"Like the perfect grandmother you are," Steph complimented.

"I'm hardly perfect. She's lucky I look the other way with the drinking, but even with that, your evenings are like a tea party compared to the fun we had back in the day." She suddenly raised a pointed finger and added, "Now that's not a challenge to top us," speaking with a show of friendly caution.

"No problem Eleanor. We'll be safe," Steph assured her.

"If they have to have their fun at my current pace, I think we'll be just fine," Alex added in, holding out a crutch.

Eleanor gave a restrained smile, partially tempered by the solemness of the last events that led Alex to her current state and said, "I'm sure you will."

"Well, we have to get going and clean up before people start arriving."

"You're making this one help you clean?" Eleanor said almost frowning and putting a gentle hand on Alex's shoulder.

"Okay, I have to get going to clean up, but Alex is coming with me."

"Ah, good then. I'll let you go then," Eleanor said with a nod.

She turned to give Alex a careful hug, and added quietly, "If you ever need anything, just let me know. You'll probably be doing this old lonely lady a favor."

"You're so sweet Eleanor. And not so old at all," Alex said, warmly.

The flower shop owner smiled back at her.

"Keep this one around, Steph. I could use the compliments."

This one? Wait, what does she mean by that...

Steph didn't appear to respond though and just said, "Not to worry; She's already part of the group, so you'll be seeing a lot of Alex, I'm sure."

Alex at least felt reassured by Steph's statement. She was still not used to having a group of friends and every time she thought of it, she felt doubts that she was really accepted as one of them already.

"Okay then, I'll let Riley go soon so she can join you. Take care ladies."

"Bye, Eleanor," Alex said smiling with a little wave.