HARMONY

Part 40 "Home is where?"

Michelle stared at the ceiling and tried desperately to drown out the sounds of her mother's snores. As promised, Russ had bought twin beds for his guest room and rented a storage unit for the items Michelle salvaged. It was an eclectic collection that had no rhythm, just things stuffed into a dusty rectangle and slammed behind a rolling metal door. Michelle took a deep sigh. Maybe it's a blessing the kids weren't around to see it.

She rolled to her left, then to her right, then back to the left. Thoughts of Drew haunted her. Shoving her head under her pillow had muffled the snores, but the warm breath-air soon became unbearable. Back to ceiling staring, she took some comfort in knowing Claire was safe.

Thank God for Peter and Jim. They had stayed to help her finish packing and straighten up the remaining bones of the house—they insisted in having her over for a 'decent meal' which was only decent when served with a 'good bottle of strong wine.' And it was all Michelle could do not to fall into their arms and sob. They were adamant to take in Claire while everything "unwinds." Michelle remembered their words "anything we can do."

But every thought she had crashed back into Drew. When was the last time he had a decent meal? Less and less she thought of Steve. He became a hovering phantom—a Christmas ghost.

"Michelle?"

Good God, she's up. Please don't want to talk. Michelle didn't move, or even breathe.

"Oh, I thought maybe you were having trouble sleeping," her mother said as she swung her legs over the side of the little bed. "I find a cup of warm milk, slow deep breaths and opening and closing my toes helps."

Still no movement from Michelle.

Audra gave a little sigh. "I'm very excited about tomorrow. It's going to be just lovely and full of new souls."

Michelle rolled to her mother. "Yes and you will make new friends."

"You don't have soul, you are a soul. You have a body." She wiggled her feet into her fuzzy slippers. "I'm going to get a little milk, maybe step outside and visit with the stars."

Michelle took a slow deep breath. "You might wanta lay off that stuff until, they a, they get to know you."

"They will know my heart," she said. "And I do enjoy dark chocolate."

"Well, there you go," Michelle said. She flipped her pillow to the cold side. And she thought about Drew.

****** 

Michelle continually twisted and shifted in the passenger seat of Russ's Mercedes. She glanced in the rear view to see Claire hold her grandmother's hand. She attempted for eye contact and a smile, but both seemed terribly interested in the trees passing by. Occasionally, she heard Claire make a comment to Audra and the two would share a laugh, but Michelle wouldn't be included in the joke.

Russ stopped in front of the arched entrance to the assisted living facility and turned to Audra with a warm smile. "Your palace, madam."

Claire squeezed Audra's hand. "You're so going to rock this place Nana."

"Yes Mom," Michelle quickly chimed in. "It will be wonderful for you."

Audra chuckled and exited the car. She smoothed her crimson blazer and tucked a few strands of her soft moonlight hair behind her ear. Claire stood by her side and again took her hand. "I'm just totally fine," Audra said. "This will be sooo cool." She and Claire shared a laugh as Michelle trailed behind. Russ went to park the car.

Michelle surveyed the front. Good God. They couldn't put on a fresh coat of paint and stick in a few living plants? She walked inside and huffed. This place says come here and die. Like a couple of school girls, Claire and Audra had already scooted inside and disappeared down a hallway.