In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

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My hair was sweaty, fly aways going in every direction, my face shiny and red. "Ugh," I said, curling my lip at my reflection. I took my hair down out of it's pony and ran the brush that was on the counter through it. The fly aways were still just too bad, so I decided to clip it down. Only I didn't bring anything but my scrunchie with me. I opened the cabinet to see if Mrs. Gail had any clips in there. I spotted a few on the top shelf, so I reached to get them. I knocked a bottle down into the sink, my hand accidentally brushing it. I grabbed the clips and set them to the side, then reached down and picked up the bottle. The name on the bottle caught my eye. Amber. Anti-depressants. I knew because I used to be on the same kind. Tears sprang to my eyes, catching me off guard, as I put the bottle back up and closed the cabinet.  I decided to go ahead and wash my face while I was in here. I found some pink grapefruit scented face scrub in the shower, and again, Amber forced herself to the front of my mind. This belonged to her. I knew it did because she had been using the same brand for years now. The fact that she hadn't lived with her grandmother for a long time now, but Mrs. Gail hadn't removed any of her things. She left it here, waiting for when she would come home or come to visit. My heart started aching. I rubbed my chest, then forced those thoughts out of my mind. When I was finished, and looked the best that I could under the circumstances, I pulled my black skirt, with the silver zippers on each side, down, making sure it wouldn't be considered too risque for a wake. I analyzed my appearance in the mirror, smoothed my hair, straightened my white button up shirt, made a face at my reflection, then walked out the door. This would have to do. I found Mrs. Gail and Colby in the living room, going over the books that were on her shelf. "Here, take this. I think you'll like it," Mrs. Gail said, passing him a thick hardback. "The poetry in this one is a little dark, but you can feel it if you've ever had your heart broken, or lost someone." He nodded, opened the book, and started thumbing through it. "I'll definitely read some of it. I doubt I'll be about to finish it before we leave, but I'll make sure to bring it by on Monday." "No, no honey, keep it. I have so many books. I actually think I have another copy of that one. Yep, it's right here. So you keep that one. A gift of gratitude for all of your help," Mrs. Gail said, patting his hand. "Are you sure?" Colby asked, looking uneasy. "Of course. I won't take no for an answer," she said. I cleared my throat to get their attention. "Oh Terra, don't you look nice," she exclaimed putting her hands together. "I just brushed my hair Mrs. Gail. Nothing big," I said, ducking my head in embarrassment. "She always looks beautiful," Colby said, holding his hand out to me. I went to him and took his hand in mine. "You two are so sweet together. I'm so happy you found someone that treats you so well Terra. And quite nice to look at, I have to admit," she said, winking at Colby. I grinned as his own cheeks got a little redder and his eyes widened. "You know, I never cared much for that Leeson, Larry, whatever his name was." "Levi, Ma," I said, almost laughing. She waved her hand in a dismissive manner. "Doesn't matter. He was no good for you. But this one. This one makes you happy, and helps you stay grounded and sober. I can just see how happy he makes you. You glow when you're around him." "Okay, thank you, but that's enough. My face is going to be permanently red if you don't stop," I said, glancing up at Colby with a small grin. He looked like he was enjoying the conversation, that big smile on his face. "She does the same for me ma'am. I'll always look out for her. You don't need to worry," he said, pulling me close. Jesus Christ, my heart. These two were going to be the death of me. I was going to be so soft, I was just going to melt into a puddle on the floor. "I'm not worried honey. I can see it in you too. You're good for each other," she replied. A knock sounded on her front door just then. She glanced at it, then back to us. "I guess the guests are arriving. Time to greet the masses," she said nervously. I knew she was worried about people talking about how Amber had died, how troubled she was, and the kind of life she led. I let go of Colby and followed her to the door. She took a deep breath, as I took her hand in support, then opened the door. "Hey y'all, thank you for coming," she said to the older ladies that were standing on her porch. She seemed okay now, so I walked back over to Colby, who was now sitting on the couch. More and more people started arriving, blowing my mind really, because I hadn't expected many people to show. I guess word travels fast in a small town. Most of them I knew, but I didn't go speak to them, because I didn't know them well enough. A few of them made their way over to me, the elderly of the town, who had watched me grow up. "Terra honey, is that you?" A wrinkled old lady came over, and squinted at me through her glasses. "Yes ma'am," I answered, standing up. "Well, I'll be damned, you're all grown up. I saw your mom at the grocery store just the other day. She didn't say anything about you coming down. I suppose I should've known though. You and poor Amber were friends, weren't you?" I nodded. "Yes ma'am, we were. My mother didn't know that I was coming. Mrs. Thomas, have you met Colby?" I asked, effectively changing the subject.