The Art of Mending Memories

The Art of Mending Memories 11

The Art Of Mending Memories

Chapter 11

"Spill."

I sighed. "You just had me over for super ice cream sundaes so you could find out what's the scoop--no pun intended--on Aaron and I, didn't you?" I accused jokingly, trying not to show her how troubled I really was.

Kara smiled next to me across the couch, her mouth full of chocolate ice cream and whoop cream. She nodded her head.

After Aaron showed up at my house this morning, Aunt Jane and I got into a fight. Aunt Jane and I never fight. In all my eight years living with her, we have never gotten into arguments that either aren't frivolous or don't end after a few minutes. And I hated fighting with her. I hated being angry at my own family, especially because she is my only family. I, of course, blamed Aaron for our truculence toward each other.

The environment at home had finally gotten so hostile that I had to leave. Kara graciously invited me over for ice cream sundaes. On the other hand, I now had to explain why I hated Aaron without the werewolf factor.

Kara has been patient, though. She waited the whole week, and upon seeing my distressed state at my arrival, she seated me on the couch and made me a super large, three flavor, whoop cream and cherry topped, ice cream sundae, before pestering me on the Aaron situation.

I sighed. Kara deserved to know, and I was going to tell her ̶ excluding the werewolf part, of course.

"I met Aaron last Saturday; one week ago. I was painting a sunset of the lake ̶ from the beach. Aaron was with some other people, and as I was leaving he came up to talk to me. He wasn't very friendly, though. I went home, hoping I wouldn't ever see him again." I paused. By omitting the werewolf factor, the story didn't make much sense. "He's pretty much been stalking me ̶ and pissing me off ̶ ever since."

Kara nodded. "Okay" she said slowly, drawing out the vowels. "But that still doesn't explain why you dislike him so much."

"He's part of a big group that moved here from Colorado. Some of the people in that group are part of the cause of my parents' and sister's deaths."

"I thought your parents were killed by a bear."

"Technically, the animal was unknown. But they were the ones who let the beast free. If it weren't for them, my parents and sister would be alive right now."

Kara looked down at the melting ice cream in her bowl. "Oh" she mumbled.

I nodded we sat in silence for a few minutes. Finally I said, "Let's move onto a more pleasant topic, and refrain from mentioning this one."

"Yes," Kara agreed. "The Princess Bride is on HBO in two minutes, and I haven't seen that in forever. What do you say? You up for a bit of adventure?"

"As you wish," I replied with we slight smile, as I tried to cheer myself back up and away from my daunting memories. I love The Princess Bride.

ʘ ʘ ʘ ʘ ʘ

"Good morning!"

I jumped at the sound of Cassy's voice. She sat in the seat next to me, a smile on her face, and excitement radiating off her.

"And a good morning it is," I said with a smile of my own. "You're allowed to talk to me now?"

"Yup" she responded, emphasizing the p. "Aaron told me I can talk to you now! I just hope he doesn't change his mind."

"He won't," I assured her. He's trying to get on my good side, and he has a lot longer to go; he's not about to worsen the situation.

"I hope so. It's been pretty lonely. I mean, it's not that bad but..." her voice trailed off. I looked at the girl who I knew could turn into a monstrous wolf, and oddly felt a need to stand with her. Like she needed my support and protection. I couldn't explain it. It was like she needed me for a shield.