When We Were Wildflowers

Chapter 26 - The Celebration

Mom is checking her phone most of the day at the mall, texting somebody. I worry it is Mrs. Overton and she's negotiating an offer on our house, but I don't ask Mom about it. Part of me doesn't want to know. If I can just have a few more hours of hope we won't be leaving anytime soon, it might help soothe my nerves and maybe the ease the tension deep inside my belly. I'm exhausted from walking around the mall and practically starving, but I pick at my lunch from the food court. Teddy is on his phone a lot too, doom scrolling like I do at night to take my mind off of the unfortunate changes our life. When we finally lock eyes at the table, Teddy flashes me a sympathetic smile. He knows my secret. Mom told him my big news in the car and it made me want to crawl into the trunk.

"How are you feeling?"

I shrug. "Okay. I guess I don't feel any different, but I'm worried when we get home they'll be an 'under contract' sign out front."

"Yeah, me too, but I guess we can't postpone the inevitable. It's going to happen whether we like it or not." He shakes his head and eyes mom, pacing up and down the food court aisle talking to someone on the phone. "I think Mom's talking to the realtor now."

My gaze is fixed on my half eaten burger as I blink away tears. "Teddy, I can't leave Poppy. She's the best friend I've ever had and, even with everything going on, I'm so happy when I'm with her."

Teddy reaches for my hand under the table. ""I know, Violet. This move is brutal on top of the split and everything else. I'm going to help you get through this and, you never know, you may love Chicago and make some new friends there."

"Maybe, but none of them will be Poppy."

"I know." Teddy looks so pained I wonder if he's just sympathetic or if he truly is sad to see her go.

"Well, kids, where should we go next?" Mom returns to the table and sits down in front of her chicken salad. "I need to run by the grocery store before we go home."

"Yeah, okay," I murmur. "Can I get some ice cream?"

"Of course, sweetheart." Mom puts her arm around my shoulders and pulls me toward her. "You can get whatever you want. Today is your special day."

I wish she's quit saying that like I did something wonderful. I didn't do anything: it just happened. Why it is so special to her?

Mom pokes at her healthy lunch with a plastic fork and smiles, which takes me by surprise. Lately she has been so lifeless, I didn't expect the sudden joy in her eyes."Listen, guys. I know our lives are really different lately, and it's been a very difficult time for our family, but today is a good day. We have something happy to celebrate."

I shoot her an angry look, but when Mom's smile droops at the corners and her eyes lose their luster, I change my mind and smile back. Her grin reappears and she winks at me, reminding me of Poppy and her mom, so I wink back. Mom's smile grows wider, and I decide I like her better when she's smiling (especially lately, since there hasn't been much to smile about). Getting my period is a bright spot in her dreary life and maybe even a bonding opportunity to repair our strained relationship. 

I guess I'm okay with that.

"Let's head out." Mom scoops up our trays and walks them over to the trash can. "We have a lot to do."

When we park in the garage after our trip to the grocery store, Teddy grabs most of the bags in a show of strength, which leaves only two left for me. Mom holds the door for us and walks into the kitchen. In silence, we put away the groceries and I wonder how many more times we will do this ritual before we move out of our house.

"Violet, will you cut up some cucumbers, carrots and tomatoes for me?"

"Now?" I shake my head, confused. It's 3:45PM, not dinner time.