Chapter Five
Deondra knocked on the third door on her floor and waited patiently until Polly Chrysler opened up to her.
"Dee! So good to see you after so long!" Polly greeted her as she pulled her into a warm hug. Dee smiled.
"Yes, it's almost been a whole month," Dee reminded Polly.
"I just finished making some cake for Sonnet and a new friend of hers, Silas," Polly said as she stepped aside for Dee to make her way into her home.
"That couldn't be the Silas that just accompanied my new costumer to her dress appointment, could it?" Dee asked as she looked in the living room. Sure enough, the young man was sitting close to her friend's daughter, enjoying a piece of cake and watching a movie. Dee gave a little smirk and shook her head, amazed at how closely related the people on this apartment floor were. Polly and Dee sat at the table and drank their tea in contentment as they talked about the girl and boy that owned the apartment in between theirs.
"I hear she's due around Christmas. What a lovely present!" Polly smiled and took a sip from her glass. Dee grinned as well, remembering when her own daughter had been born to her.
"I was thinking that we could have a small baby shower for her," Polly suggested. Dee looked at her.
"But we hardly know her!" Dee exclaimed. Polly shrugged.
"I talked to her only once and she explained that she was turned out of the house and abandoned by most of her friends. I don't know, her being Sonnet's age and everything, I think she could use a motherly figure and a few people she can trust. I know Donald from next door will attend the party."
"So we're inviting men?" Dee asked.
"And why not?" Polly retorted. Dee shrugged and set her glass down.
"So what do you say? Will you help me set up?" Polly asked.
"Well, it is very kind of you to think of her. Sure, I will help you," Deondra grinned. Polly thanked her and poured both of them some more tea.
*****
Ryan got a call that day at work.
"Ariel! Everything ok, babe?"
"It's the book."
Ryan stared at the wall with a confused look, his back turned to any customers. "What book? The one I brought home for you?"
"Yes, Ryan. A Story To Be Read by this Darin Bloom character."
"Well, what about it?"
"It tells the future. It's different for everyone who reads it."
Ryan was quiet for a little while, and then he burst into laughter. "Ariel, are you sure you're ok? That is absurd!"
"No, Ryan. No it is not. All the reviews are different. You'll notice that there is no back. I talked to my librarian about the book, too just to make sure. Everyone says that it is similar to their own life." Ryan stopped laughing, but kept smiling.
"Ok, ok, sure. But you're going to have to give me more proof than that," he said, still doubting.
"Just ask Ty what the book was about and then don't tell me what he says. I'll tell you what the book said to me and then I want you to read it. Don't tell Ty about the experiment. Trust me, Ryan. I'm not crazy."
"Alright, alright. If I have time, I will. Get some sleep. I love you, beautiful."
"I don't need sleep! I'm not crazy!"
