Redemption

~2~

Issy Petersen shivered; The narrow alley behind the building where she had parked became a vortex of wind pushing over her. She rounded the corner and found sanctuary from the unseasonal chill.

June was looking well and alive back home in upstate New York, about four hours true north from where she currently stood. Stepping inside the foyer of her daughter Sally's new apartment complex the chill abated Issy took off her heavy jacket.

She didn't particularly like the city anymore she felt as though her lungs were on the brink of collapse from being denied fresh mountain air.

It was quite strange really, she was well versed in all things NYC having lived in the city during her only daughters' childhood right up until her life spiralled off kilter and out of her own control.

She knew the best streets to use when traffic was strangling tight.
Enjoyed friendships with many chefs and owners of restaurants she was a frequent visitor/ sometime helper at. And could tell you the history of Central parks many sculptures and statues, Cleopatra's Needle being her favourite.

On the other hand, Sally was well and truly a New Yorker, the city was ingrained in her. She much preferred the hustle and bustle that she grew up  in compared with the quiet solitude her mother had disappeared to.

Situated overlooking Peck Lake a few minutes north of Gloversville, Issy's own slice of heaven on earth was a sanctuary of peace and beauty that always made her feel alive, revitalised. The limited road access to outsiders equalled seclusion and peace. Nearby waterfalls, secluded beaches, private swimming spots all hers for the taking.

Standing outside the apartment, hand hovering to knock, Issy contemplated Sally's worried telephone call from five hours prior, mentally recalling the conversation of teary worries floating down the line.

Not really sure if she could help Issy still travelled hours to give Sally and Sally's fiancé, Julian, support. Julian was a wonderful boy; barely twenty one but so very conscientious and an wonderful father to Ivy, Issy's first granddaughter.

"Mum!" Sally opened the door and hugged her mum tight. Sally looked tired. Taking care of her baby daughter and the added stressful troubles occuring with her father in law to be was wearing her down no end. Her clothes were wrinkled, a good nights sleep was required. Maybe it was a good idea to come.

"Thanks for coming mum, it's so good to see you"

"Oh darling I'm just sorry it's been so long since I've been down... I get so caught up in my writing and forget myself. Forgive me" Sally's hugs did just that.

Issy crept over to the bassinette that was placed beside the lounge suite "Hello my gorgeous little munchkin. You've gotten so big!" Placing a light butterfly kiss on the little ones' forehead Issy then laid a hand softly over her little tummy, feeling the warmth and sweetness of the sleeping infant.

"She has grown, hasn't she. I can't believe how fast time flies when all I want to do is sit and cuddle her" Sally led her mum into the kitchen "Come on, I'll fix you a cuppa, do you want some toast or bikkies with it? How was the trip?"

"No thank-you sweetheart" Issy sank into the kitchen chair and rubbed her eyes. "There were a few moose on the road about three clicks out of Gloversville, slammed on the brakes and missed thankfully. Very lucky it wasn't in the sixty mile zone. I would have had moose seat covers" Issy laughed but Sally didn't miss the slight shudder from her mum's thoughts of being in another auto accident.

"You bloody went hiking too, didn't you?! You worry me out there all by yourself. You could get eaten by a bear! Or fall and break a leg mum" Sally grimaced as she refilled the sugar bowl "I hope you're still taking the phone with you"