Page 60 of Mariposa
“I knew it! He promised we would dance again. He promised me a day on the beach.”
“Is that your guys’ song? ‘We Belong Together’?” I grab her teddy bear and tuck it onto her lap as her panic attack slowly subsides with each heavy breath.
“Yes. He’s coming to dance with me, right? He said he would.”
“Yes. Just lie down, please,” I beg.
“Okay,mija. I’ll lie down. If I fall asleep, please wake me. I don’t want to miss this.”
“Yes, Grandma.”
She slides back down into her bed fully, after letting me take her cane away. I hadn’t noticed my eyes were overflowing with tears until one falls onto the hospital bed. I run the white blankets over her and stop at her abdomen. The nurse gives me a reassuring look with a warm curve of his lips.
God, I hate that these moments are full of pain. I wish whoever the hell Graham is, and if the man is still alive somewhere, he could give my grandma that one last dance she’s asking for. I’d do anything to make her happy before she passes.
I need to find out how their relationship ended and why she chose my grandpa. The temptation to break my promise to her and read past her wishes is raging at me, but I can’t do it.
I must wait. There are only a few letters left.
22
VIOLET
“Hello!” I cheerfully greet my ex-boyfriend’s mother.
When Penny opens the door, she’s grinning ear to ear and opens her arms to embrace me. Her muted purple cardigan hugs her thin arms. She’s wearing Christmas wreath earrings decorated with mini ornaments. I notice her bright red lipstick matches her shining brown eyes, which have flecks of red when the sunset hits them just right.
Tears prick my eyes. A motherly hug is something I can use right now. I haven’t had one since I buried my father.
Her warmth comes over me in a wave. I can feel her love through it as she rubs my back up and down as I rest my chin on her shoulder.
“You’re back. It feels like forever since I’ve seen you,” she breathes, giving me one last squeeze. She backs up and rubs my arms as she looks me up and down with pride glinting in her cheerful radiance.
“The year flew by for me,” I joke half-heartedly, which earns me another chuckle from Penny. She puckers her lips with a teasing, genuine smile.
“I can only imagine! How’s your mom? How are your grandparents? They must be so proud of you, Violet!” she exclaims as she opens the door wider, waving me inside.
She doesn’t know how the wheels turned in my mother’s and my relationship. There hasn’t been one text, letter, phone call, or word. She really meant it when she said joining the military was the last straw for her and that she disowned me.
“They’re all good. Grandma is being as strong as she can be with her condition. I haven’t seen my grandpa yet, but I’m going to stop by their house tomorrow. I’m only home for two weeks before I report to my group.”
I’m not entirely lying, but I’d rather keep a positive mindset, so the holiday spirit isn’t tainted with the family drama. Bringing up those details would mean I’d have to talk, which leads to me fighting back the anger, resentment, and grief I fight daily.
I follow after her, greeted by the aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and wood, most likely coming from the candle that’s burning on her white coffee table. Christmas music continues to sync with the fire crackling from her living room. Penny always decorates for every season—something I also like to do.
I look forward to the day I buy my first house, when I can decorate it for each holiday and bake pies accordingly.
“Which group are you going to?” she asks over her shoulder as she enters the kitchen. “I’m just finishing up a ham, come over and give me a hand. You must be hungry.” Her distant, soft southern tone trickles into my ears over “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé.
I enter the kitchen but stop walking as my heart sinks when I see a familiar face.
Adam.
“Yeah, Violet. Which group are you going to?” Adam sits on a golden barstool by the kitchen island. He throws a pecan in his mouth and chews it while a coy grin plays at his lips. Hisbrow dances as he taunts me for an answer. His light brown hair is chopped into a buzz cut. He wears an all-green and red Christmas sweater over his dark brown slacks.
I didn’t know he was going to be here. Penny left that part out when we were making plans. I thought it was naturally implied that Adam and I were over and most likely aren’t ready to be just friends yet. I didn’t see his car parked out front when I drove in.
Mixed feelings bubble into my veins, and I flutter my gaze to Penny, who pulls out a bright yellow birthday cake from the fridge. She closes it and whips around and slightly hops.
