Wish Upon A Sunset

This Ferris Wheel Is How High?

Emma

The day of the parade had arrived sooner than I wanted.

I had hoped the rainy weather would continue so I could cancel my plans with Molly, but unfortunately, nature had other ideas. The clouds broke for the first time since I'd been home, and the sun shone brightly with higher than average temperatures for early spring. I grumbled at my bad luck as I got dressed.

Pulling on a long-sleeved black sweater, blue jeans, white sneakers, and a white and tan striped headband, I fluffed my hair and gave myself a once-over in the bathroom mirror. The dark circles from lack of sleep weren't as noticeable today, and my complexion had a slight glow I hadn't seen in a while. Almost satisfied with my appearance, I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.

As I drove towards Main Street, where the parade was supposed to take place that morning, I noticed it was quieter here than it was in my part of town. The constant rumble of traffic outside of my apartment sure didn't help with my beauty rest, that was for sure.

I enjoyed the breeze blowing into the car as I rolled the window down. In the distance, I could hear a dog bark as I drove past a fenced-in front yard and the far off rumble of an airplane flew overhead. It was so peaceful that a sense of optimism enveloped me-something I hadn't felt in a long time.

When I pulled out of Seventh Street, I could see a crowd gathered on Main. I hadn't realized there would be so many people there.

I chewed my lip as I pulled into a parking spot next to the park across the street and shut off the engine. For a second, I contemplated heading back home, but I had told Molly I would be there and I kept my promises.

While skirting around people and avoiding eye contact, I made my way up the sidewalk in search of her. Everyone was laughing and chatting while waiting for the parade to start, lawn chairs being set up almost every foot along the street. Some had umbrellas attached to the back, others ice coolers sitting next to them. Kids were running around, laughing and playing while parents yelled at them to stay out of the road.

As I looked up, I made eye contact with a man walking past and anticipated his face scrunching in disgust, but to my surprise, he only nodded his head and offered me a smile as he passed. The tension drained from my shoulders as I exhaled. Maybe today will be a good day after all. A small thrill of excitement shot through me at the idea and I realized I was actually looking forward to hanging with Molly.

Until I couldn't find her anywhere.

This was where she said we were supposed to meet and yet I didn't see her. Granted, there were many people milling about, and she could blend in with the crowd. I quickly discounted that idea, though. Molly didn't blend in anywhere.

For a second, the conversation I had with Arlo the other day flitted through my mind and my stomach clenched in worry. He hadn't done something to my friend out of jealousy, had he?

But just as my panic built, my phone vibrated inside my purse and I pulled it out. Molly's profile picture greeted me, and I swiped the green button to answer my phone. "Hey, where are you?"

Molly's voice sounded strained when she answered back, "I'm so sorry, Emma. I wanted to call you earlier, but I hadn't had a chance yet. I woke up this morning with really severe cramping and had to go to the hospital. They don't know if this is early or false labor yet and they want me to stay and be observed for a little longer. And then I'm supposed to go home and rest. I'm so sorry. I really wanted to be there with you today and have fun, but I have to be careful."

Concerned, I asked her, "Do you want me to come be with you at the hospital?"

"No, girl, you stay there and have fun. Live a little. Let me live vicariously through you."