The Healer | Part 3: The Survivors

Normal Things

Edith

The following Saturday morning, George and I had just finished breakfast when my mobile began to ring.

'Hello?' I answered it. I had just begun sorting through my books and notes to study for the day.

'Hiya, Edith,' it was Bonnie and she sounded much more cheerful then she had the week before.

'Hi, Bonnie,' I said, somewhat distracted by my Herbology notes. 'What's up?'

'I need to borrow you,' she answered.

'Sorry?' I dropped the put the parchment down on the dining room table.

'Just for an hour,' she added. 'I know you're busy, but I promise it'll be quick.'

'How?' I asked. George had tuned in to the conversation now. He could likely hear Bonnie's voice through the small speaker.

'It's sort of a surprise,' she said. 'Please?'

I looked up at George.

'Does she want to steal you from me?' He frowned.

'Just for an hour!' I heard Bonnie shout from the other end of the line. 'I'll have her back to you the moment I'm through with her! And you'll have her all to yourself forever this time next week!'

'Go on,' he was grinning now.

'Bonnie, what is this about?' I asked.

'It's a surprise!' She insisted. 'Just trust me.'

'Alright...' I told her hesitantly.

'Meet me at the train station in five minutes,' she said.

'What? Are you already there?' I asked incredulously. 'Is everything alright?'

'Aye, it's fine, and of course I am,' she scoffed. I can't travel near as easily as you can.'

'Alright, I'll see you in five minutes.'

I hung up the phone and looked back over at George.

'Did she say what that was all about it?' He asked.

'No, I haven't a clue,' I answered. 'I should get dressed.'

I was still in my pyjamas, as was he. I hadn't planned on getting dressed that day. I hadn't planned on leaving the house at all until Sunday night.

I hurried back upstairs to put some clothes on, kissed George goodbye and then set off for Edinburgh.

Bonnie was easy enough to find. I'd met her at the train station before and found her at our usual spot.

'Alright,' I grinned when I saw her. 'I'm here, what's the surprise?'

'I'm taking you shopping,' she told me, taking me hand and leading me into the busy streets full of both locals and tourists doing their Christmas shopping.

I'd always tried to avoid big cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and even Inverness this close to Christmas. I didn't care much for crowds even when it wasn't the holidays. Shopping was the last thing I wanted to be doing at the moment.

'Shopping?' I repeated. 'Bonnie, I've loads of studying to do!'

'Aye, but you're getting married on Friday and you need a new dress,' she told me.

'Do I?' I couldn't help but grin. 'I was just going to wear one of my old ones.'

'Nonsense,' she scoffed as we carried on down the road.

'It's only going to be George and I there, with a couple of witnesses,' I reminded her.

'But it'll still be your wedding day,' she insisted.