When I get upstairs I immediately hop into the shower and let the hot water cleanse my skin before quickly drying my hair and throwing on an outfit that was semi-formal. I study my features in the mirror and make sure my stomach isn't prominent before slipping on my shoes and grabbing my phone and money. I walk downstairs and tell my dad and Lesley that I'm going out for coffee to find that they are still in an embrace and talking deeply about what will happen to the baby. I smile and give Lesley a sly thumbs up before hugging the pair of them and walking out the front door. I slide in my car, turn on the ignition and turn out of the drive, heading for the shop.
As I turn into the car park, I see the shop with bright lights in pure daylight and park close to the shop. I sit for a moment before pulling my key out of the car and opening my door. The air is cold and sharp but I pull my jacket around me a bit tighter and lock my car. I look forwards at the shop and look at the time on my phone. 2.57pm. Perfect.
A warm breeze flows through me as I walk through the automatic doors. I quickly scan the shop for any sign of the white haired lady but I can't see her. I decide to pace the long isles before finally seeing her stack small tins of paint onto the shelf. I quickly pick up the cans off of the floor and help her finish the job.
"Oh, dear. Thank you ever so much, this work has been doing my back in but I could never part with it. Thank you for not forgetting me and remembering today. I have some very special news. Now, let me go get my coat and get changed and then we can go for a little chat. How about that?" Her smile is enough to make me forget about the mean words Taylor said to me and just think about how there is really lovely people in the world.
"Oh, of course! I've been looking forward to it all week!" I smile as she totters off towards the staff room. I scan the paints and look at the pretty names. The colors all magnificently placed in order.
I must've been caught in a daze as the next thing I remember is Effie grabbing me by the lower arm gently and asking me if I was ready for out little adventure. I nod and lead her to my car outside. After I know she is comfortable in her seat, I put my key in the ignition again and begin to reverse out of the car park. The coffee shop isn't far away but it's a long enough journey to have to speak about something or things get awkward. Luckily Effie is the one to start the conversation.
"You had a smile when you walked in today, what's got you in a good mood?" She smiles. She reminds me of a lovely grandma who jut wants to be in the gossip. She was so sweet.
"I was very excited to see you again," I smile but I see her eyebrows rise in the corner of my eye and I smile. "Fine, I just found out my sister is pregnant!" I smile and Effie does too.
"Honey, that's amazing! I really wish the best! I wish my daughter could've had a baby but she got sick. She is in a much better place now, with my dear husband. I'm living out my time before I join them." I suddenly am stuck for words but Effie just carries on. "It's okay, though, working takes my mind off of things and you are such a sweet soul to come and take me out for a small part of the afternoon." I smile as we pull into the small car park. I pull my key out of the ignition and turn to her.
"You're a very brave woman, Effie. I wish the best for you." I smile and get out the car before heading around to her side to help her.
Inside the coffee shop, I order me a caramelized latte and Effie an unsweetened cappuccino before taking a seat by a small radiator, opposite her.
"So, I bet you're itching for the news?" She smiles and I nod taking a small sip of my still hot drink.
"Of course, I am!" I giggle and let Effie proceed.
"Well, I spoke to his mother about childhood friends and she said she didn't approve of Layton's so I decided to leave speaking to her about it since I knew it would be a dead end." I nod and agree since I knew she never liked me much. "However, Layton came in the next day and I decided to speak to him about it. He said he remembered you." I immediately feel tears coming to my eyes and I smile so big it hurts. "But he said he couldn't contact you because he wasn't allowed privacy and his mother would find it. She seems to be very strict, you know. Anyways, I had him scribble this letter and he said he hoped you'd write one back and give it to me and maybe it could carry on like that. I don't mind of course, as long as you guys are happy."
Suddenly I can't take it and the tears are spilling down my cheeks. I'm happy. Of course, I'm happy but I'm also disappointed. I'm not able to see him. I can't see him.
"No. I am not allowing this silly business. Stop that. You haven't even read the letter." She pulls out a neatly folded sheet of paper and places it in front of me. She sips down the rest of her coffee but I just stare at he paper for a few minuets.
"Dear, I don't expect you to read it now, read it when you're at home and can read it when it's just you. Stop this crying at once. Come on, finish your coffee and drive me back to the shop, I have my carer to take me home at 5." She smiles and I look up to her and nod. I take a few deep breaths before putting the letter into my pocket and finishing my drink. When we are done, I pay the casheir and guide Effie back to the car. On the journey back, all i can think about is what's in my pocket and what it will mean. Effie blabbers away about her job and I feel awful for not listening but when I drop her off and give her a big hug, I rush home.
Will he rememebrr me?
YOU ARE READING
Freckles and Constellations
Novela Juvenil"Promise me, when we are 18 and cool enough to do anything we want, you will come back to this tree and see me again?" "Zoe, I promise." "I'm going to miss you, Layton" "I'll miss you and your freckles too." Zoe and Layton have been friends for the...
