Beautiful Dreamer

Chapter Four

My Mom and I were the only people at the square dining table. As we sat across from each other, we felt the now familiar feeling of Grandma's absence that we had been dealing with for the past two weeks. But it was a little better now— just a little. Her death had been heavy on us, especially because we had no other family to share our grief with.

Uncle Rob and my Dad had still not contacted us. Mom was sure that Dad would not show his face anytime soon, as he had a long history of never being at home for any occasions, and had just abandoned us unannounced one day. He had never come back home. Uncle Rob, on the other hand, usually showed up on random holidays and birthdays and such. But even he had not so much as called us to talk about his and Mom's mother.

The only people who had been there for us, were our neighbours. They consisted of my best friend Pamela, or Pam, her older brother Calvin, and their parents. Pam and I had been BFFs since we were babies. We had been almost as close as sisters. She was also homeschooled, so we often had collaborated classes, and both our mothers and her father would teach. Her brother Cal, as we called him, was only a year older than Pam and I, and often hung out with us. He was pretty cute, but I didn't really think of him in that way.

Mom looked at me with a frown and said, "I don't want to ruin our dinner time, but I got a call today, saying that Rob has gone missing."

I looked at her, returning her frown. "That's odd. He's really famous, right? I don't know for what, but I don't think he would just disappear unnoticed. There must be some sort of news or something somewhere, or some paparazzi would have found him walking down some alleyway." I said.

She gave me a sad smile. "I don't think he is famous in that way. He's some kind of popular businessman among businesspeople, or something like that. So it is possible he has gone off the grid unnoticed."

I looked back down at my pasta. I wasn't super worried about my Uncle. He was a determined soul who loved to achieve more than he is capable of. He didn't need any help, but if he did.. I didn't want to think about it. I didn't think I could handle the thought.

"But that is not an issue dear. What bothers me is that he still has not so much as called to talk about Mom yet." Her voice caught on the last part, but she quickly tried to mask it with a light cough.

I knew this was a sensitive topic for Mom, and even though she appeared to be all strong, she was really not. She could break if you touched a tender part of her. She was exactly what I always was; a dam waiting to burst.

"Mom," I said gently, "you don't have to pretend. You can cry if you want to. You know I won't mind."

At that instant, a tear escaped her eyes. She looked at me with gratitude as she teared up completely. "I can't believe it. You are just like her. I am so proud of you."

I blushed. "Mom, what are you saying?"

"No, really. You are a very understanding person. I love you for that." She smiled. She gazed at me fondly as she weeped silently, while I went slightly pink.

"S-So why do you think Uncle Rob is incognito?" I asked, anxious to change the subject.

"I think he had some argument with his boss, and is hiding from them."

"Oh. Well, I hope he is okay. Let's pray he doesn't get killed."
I said jokingly. I hoped so.

Mom laughed. "Alright. Let's finish eating our fabulous dinner."

I nodded and obliged.