Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Thirty-Five: Homecoming

     "Ow, Grandma!" you whined, sitting on the floor in front of your grandmother's favorite chair. "You're pulling my hair too hard! That hurts!"

"Oh, quit your complaining," your grandmother chuckled as she twisted the sections of your hair into two tight French braids. "I'm almost done, dear."

You nodded, grimacing as she continued to try to rip your scalp from your body.

Silence fell over the two of you once more. You were happy to be back at your grandparent's cottage, but the circumstances that led to your arrival were different than usual.

You didn't always get to spend spring break in the valley. This time, though, you'd be finishing out the school year here. After an explosive argument between your parents, they opted to leave you here while they sorted through the remnants of their marriage - or soon-to-be lack thereof. You had witnessed the unthinkable - the final nail in the coffin of your parents' relationship. You hadn't been able to sleep until your grandmother picked you up to bring you to your safe haven.

After a hot meal and a good night's sleep at your home-away-from-home, your only solace was knowing your friends lived just down the road.

Your grandmother wasn't oblivious to your turmoil. She did her best to take your mind off of your racing thoughts. "Besides, you haven't seen that boy, Samson, in almost a year! Don't you want to look beautiful for him?"

You felt the apples of your cheeks heat up. "Sammy is my friend. He doesn't care what I look like."

Upon hearing that you were going to be in town for an extended visit, Jodi had phoned the cottage to invite you over for dinner. Getting to see Sam again sparked a flicker of hope in your heart.

Grandma wrapped the ends of your hair in an elastic to tie off the braid. She leaned down to kiss the top of your head. "There, all done!"

You stood to wrap your arms around your grandma's shoulder. "Thanks, Grandma. I'm happy to be back. I missed you."

She squeezes you back. "I missed you, dear. I'm happy you're home."

You moved to the bathroom to admire your grandmother's painstaking work on your hair. The braids turned out beautifully, and small strands of hair fell around your temples and ears to frame your face. You giggled as you twisted your head back and forth quickly, the braids wrapping around your face with each turn. Finally, now I can go see Sam!

You ran out of the bathroom with a massive grin on your face. "It looks so pretty, Grandma! Thank you!"

Your grandma chuckled, her face looking peaceful. "Tell Mr. Kent and Mrs. Jodi that I say hello. Have fun, sweet girl."

"I will!" you exclaimed as you tightened the laces of your old Chuck Taylor high tops.

You took off out the door to find your grandfather tending to his hot pepper seedlings.

"I'll see you tonight, Grandpa!" you called across the yard.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry, kiddo?" he yelled after you.

You redirected your trajectory to run off towards him. "I thought I told you that I was going to have supper with Sam and his family?"

Grandpa knitted his eyebrows together with the slightest hint of sarcasm. "Hmm, Sam? That name doesn't ring a bell."

You laughed at his playful teasing. "Grandpa, I'm gonna be late! We are gonna ride his skateboard before dinner!"

Grandpa let out a wheezy chuckle. "Alright, dear girl. Have fun with your little boyfriend."