Come Away.

Vacation

It was the last week of school before Christmas. Billy still hadn't left Marlowe alone cause he really wanted the pay back. This time he was going to get her good. By going to her house and helping around if they needed it. To get under her skin was the pay back. Coming from down stairs Marlow heard her granny talking.. but who?

"Hey granny I was wondering-" There's Billy sitting at the kitchen table with some tea and eating a scone. "Hello California." Then she looked over at her granny.

Her granny smiled as she got after Marlow. "Now, now Mar. His name is Billy. What where you wondering dear?"

"I was wondering when was uncle Buster was coming home to get the tree up."

Sitting down next to Billy her granny smiled. "Oh, he'll be here in an hour. Why don't you join Billy and I for a little tea time." Before Marlowe could say no. "I got your favorite type of scones dear." Now Marlow couldn't say no to that.

Nodding a bit, sitting across from Billy. Granny got back up again to warm up some scones and pouring some tea. Billy had a grin on his face. Like he's so pleased with himself. Granny could carry on a conversation with anyone.

"So what are your plans during this Christmas break Billy?"

"Oh I was planning to look for another job, to keep me busy and just to enjoy family time." Looking at Marlowe's granny with a grin.

"Well I have some small jobs around here that my sons are to busy for. If you don't mind."

This made Marlowe's skin crawl. But her granny did need some help. If Billy is willing there is nothing she was going to do to stop it.

"I'd love that. I don't care how big or small." Then Billy looked at Marlowe. "What about you Marlowe?"

Taking her tea and adding two sugar cubs into the cup. "What about me California?"

"Marlowe Catherine MacMillan." Granny got after her.

Billy laughed at himself quietly knowing that he is so winning. "It's alright. I kinda like it. I heard that she only call people by their nicknames and I kinda like it." With a sip of tea he glaced at Marlowe. "I meant while you are vacation."

"See granny." Giving Billy a greatest fakes't smile. "Well I think I'm going to catch up on reading and while it's Christmas I'm sure I'll be watching the little ones."

Placing a hand on her granddaughters lap. "You are great with the little kids."

"My sister likes Marlowe, I've been hearing good things." Billy picked up his scone and took a small bite.

"Thank you?" Wasn't sure if it was real compliment.

"You're welcome."

Granny had left the room, Marlowe leans over the table a bit. "I see that you are trying to get under my skin as a pay back from Tina." Looking up to make sure granny hasn't come back. "You win okay. You don't need to do this anymore I got the hint." Wanted this to be over. But also why was this bothering her. This shouldn't bother her too much. Leaning back realizing  what she just said, she wasn't pleased with herself. "Have a good holiday California." Getting up taking her tea and scone up to her room.

Billy smiled while Marlowe. Even if he could say anything she was gone. Of course he won. What was wrong? That's all he wanted was to win. Now it felt wrong. Granny came back as she looked for Marlowe.

"She went to her room, her stomach started to flip." Making a small white lie.

"Poor thing. I wonder if she remembers today is the anniversary."

"Anniversary?"

"Anniversary for when world was turned upside down."

Billy nods, 'she was telling the truth.' looking at the clock that's on the wall. "Thank you so much for the offer and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Of course Billy. Thank you so much for dropping by."

Billy left, Marlowe back in bed with her blankets covered up her whole body as granny came up to her room. "Alright dear, what's going on?"

"Tomorrow, is when my... Monster comes over."

Granny pulled the covers off of her head. "I know. I'm sorry darling. Your mother loved you more than life."

"Do you think that I'll go crazy like her?"

"Honey, she only went crazy after what the monster did to her." Kissed the top of her head.

"I know, just what if?"

Granny sighed. "Why don't you call your dad and talk to him. Don't listen to the rumors that are being spread. You are one of the many that knows the REAL truth." Patting her Marlowe's head. "I love you my sweet girl." Standing up. Walking towards the door. "Don't ever forget that." Shutting the door behind her.

Sitting up from her bed Marlowe sighed. Picking up the phone she called her dad, who barely ever answered the damn phone anyways. The answer machine picked up.

"Hi'ya dad. Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you. Kinda wish you are here. It's been lonely not having you, weird right? I've been thinking about visiting mom, I know she's down there somewhere." Looking down at the floor. "But you don't care right? Cause I mean why would you give... Never mind.... Forget it. Call me back..." With a sad sigh. "You won't. Bye dad." Hanging up the phone.

Sure it might be a little expensive to call a person in Mexico. But sometimes it's worth it. Granny calls her son Casey who is a pastor that travels around the world. It doesn't matter cause family is family.

Going back down stairs, her aunt and uncle's were all down stairs talking about what to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Its nice having them around, laughing, saying the weirdest shit. But it was family. Having some dinner, Marlowe sees a blue car sitting outside, glancing around to see if Billy was in the car or if he was at the front door. But no. He was no where. Marlowe found it to be odd.

"Granny?"

"Yes baby?"

"Is California- I mean Billy here?"

"No... I don't think so, why?"

"Cause Billy's car is out in the front."

Granny got up from her comfy chair. "Hmm. He must be helping your uncle in the back bringing in the Christmas gear for outside." With her pointer finger pointing up in the air. "I'll make some hot coco."

Grabbing Marlow's coat. "Okay granny. I'm going out back."

"Alrighty dear. Please don't get yourself hurt." Granny heads to the kitchen. While Marlow heads outside.