Cry, my beloved people

Jessica Part 70

Linette walked Gregory to a small toy shop down the road:  "My mom and aunt used to take my cousin and me here when we were small.  We used to have three choices of what we liked most. We got the first one for Christmas and the second one for our birthdays."

Gregory smiled at her:  "That's a sweet memory, it reminds me of my secret garden.  Which one would you choose?"  He saw her eyes soften as he showed her a cute little soft pink pony.  "Well, then this one it will be and he took another similar one and a gift bag with a card.

"Let me walk you home."  He said after he paid for the items.  "He gave one pony to Linette, This is for you when you need a little cuddling and I'm not near."

She managed a sad smile and asked:  "Thank you, how did you know that's just what I needed?"

"Just seeing that smile of you, made it worthwhile, as I said I know the pain."  He said and gave her a sideways hug as they stopped at her aunt's door.  "I'll see you then tomorrow." He kissed her on the head and waved as he skipped away, a little embarrassed, wondering what made him do that.  In a strange way, it seemed the right thing to do.

The next morning he met Linette in front of the church, she was dressed in a dark blue dress, with black heels and had a black clutch bag in her one hand.  Her dark brown hair encircled her pale face and except for a light pink lip gloss, she didn't wear any makeup.  He smiled at her, they both said, "Hello," then he took her hand and led her to a bench inside.

After the service they went to the house to get Jessica's present, then they were stopped by Tracey.  "Gregory! It's so nice to see you," she cried as she gave him an up and down.   "You've grown into a real man the last few months."

"Hi Tracey, how are you and the others?"  He asked quickly to hide his embarrassment.  "Oh and please meet my new friend, Linette."

"Hi Linette, pleased to meet you,"  Tracey said with a warm smile.  Would you like to bring her with you to visit the others at the end of the month?  That will make us a nice crowd."

"Yes, we'll discuss it, and I'll let you know," he said as Jessica threw her little arms around his legs with a cry: "Gregory, I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too cupcake."  He said in a thick voice, as he picked her up.  "Jessica, meet my friend, Linette."

"Hi, Jessie - please to meet you," Linette said and gave Jessica's arm a soft squeeze.

"Are you Gregory's girlfriend?" She inquired with a raised brow.

"Hmm - at the moment you can call him my best friend."  She smiled as her face turned red.

"Well, we can work on it, if we have your consent."  Gregory winked at Linette, who turned red for the second time.  "Let's go and get that ice cream, do you mind Linette joining us?"

"Nope," Jessica answered excitedly.