I didn't realize that I was blankly staring outside my window until I heard some kid freaking out from across the park. . .
"Hey it's now my turn!" He said or rather 'yelled' at 'someone' dangling on the monkey bars.
"5 more minutes!" Was the reply of that 'someone'.
"But that's what you said 5 minutes ago!"
"Oh did I? I don't remember. . ."
"Arrggghh! You're crazy!"
"Well, thank you!"
"Mommy! I wanna swing on the monkey bars!"
That 'someone' immediately jumped down, hands up in the air, laughing. . .
"Sorry Mrs.Parker! I'm just messin' with Davey. . ."
She's a girl? Oh. Kinda hard to see what's beneath that oversized hoodie.
"That's okay sweetie, Davey's been throwing extra tantrums lately 'coz he hasn't played out here for a while, been sick and all - he's also acting like that 'coz he misses you. . ."
"No I don't!" Then the bickering starts. Funny.
So the kid has a crush on her? Oh.
Maybe she's pretty. . .
Under all the layers of 'cloth' I mean. I still can't see her face tho - blame the hoodie.
Makes me wonder even more what she looks like - because that boy, sure looks smitten. . .
[DOORBELL RINGS]
"Could you get the door Jace?! I'm on the phone. . ."
"Sure Dad!"
I was greeted with the most savory smell when I opened the door. . .
"Good morning young man! Oh don't you look charming. You must be Robert's son. . ."
"Yes I am Ma'am, and you are?"
I hear Dad shuffling out of his office. . .
"Mrs.Bailey? Is that you? Please come in!"
"Robert dear, it's good to see you again."
"Still as lovely as ever, why it seems you never aged at all. . ."
"And you're still a sweet-talker, here. . ."
"Oh my, is this what I think it is?"
"It is - I never forgot your favorite."
"Bless your superb cooking skills Mrs.Bailey! Jace! You've gotta try this, it's her specialty. . ."
"Actually Dad, I've been wanting to try it since I smelled it. . .may I?"
"Well of course dear boy, take it and enjoy."
"Just make sure to leave some for me son. . ."
"Sorry Dad, I can't promise that!"
I could hear Dad semi-swearing as I dash my way to the kitchen.
Then laughter. Good. Hope they didn't notice that I just wanted an excuse to leave. I got a feeling they'd be talking about mom anytime soon - and I don't wanna be near proximity when they do.
"He's one good-looking boy Robert, took after Marcia, God bless her soul. . ."
"Yes, he inherited his mom's gorgeous genes."
"So, are you staying here for good now? How are you holding up?"
"That's the plan. . .*sighs*. . .I'm not gonna lie to you Mrs.Bailey - I don't think I'll ever get used to it, her not being around, but I'm coping - we both are."
"I still call out Harold's name when I get home and he's been gone 8 years; you never get used to these things Robert - you just learn to live with it."
"I can do that, but I'm worried about Jace - he keeps to himself most of the time, doesn't want to talk about it. . ."
"We have different ways of coping with loss, maybe he's still looking for his?"
"But it's almost a year, I hope he finds it soon, or he might just blow up."
"Well, when that time comes, make sure you're there to guide him okay?"
"I will be Mrs Bailey, I will be. . ."
"I've always known you'll be a great father one day - my bestfriend taught you well."
"She did, and so did you. . ."
"Oh come here and give your ol' aunt a hug. . ."
[DOORBELL RINGS - AGAIN]
"That's probably my grandchild, here to pick me up. . ."
"Grandchild? But you don't have. . ."
"Indeed I don't *laughs* she's an orphan I fostered a year after Harold passed, wonderful kid, took to my liking, been with me eversince, I am now, legally, her guardian."
"That's wonderful - wait I'll call Jace so they could meet. . ."
I heard Dad mention my name - that's my cue.
"Meet who Mrs.B?"
"My grandaughter *calls outside* come in here child, there's someone I'd like you to meet. . ."
Wait. . .Hoodie girl!?
"Hey Gammy. . .*casually slides hoodie off head*"
Oh. I'm right. . .she is pretty.
"This is Mr.Foster. . .
"Nice to meet you Mr.Foster."
". . .and his son Jace."
"Hello Jace. . .*smiles*. . .I'm Hope."
I extended my hand to meet hers.
It felt. . .warm.
Funny.
Because I'm completely frozen where I stand.
***tbc***
YOU ARE READING
FINDING HOPE
Romance"HOPE is not pretending that suffering don't exist. It is believing that they won't last forever; That the hurt will be healed and hurdles will be overcomed; That we will be led out of the darkness and bask in the sun." -unknown
