Page 49 of Perfect Tragedy
“No doubt,” I murmur. The antics of her drinking never faded over the years. Sadly I think people just became used to hearing about it. She’d lived alone for years now. Mandy long since left Mason Creek and I lost track of her and Blake… well Blake has never come home that I’ve heard.
“I just wanted to tell you because your dad may mention it and well because-”
“Because?” I ask when she stops mid-sentence.
“Well, do you think Blake will come home?”
My hands tighten on the steering wheel at the thought, “I don’t know. I suppose it’s possible. I certainly hope he gets to pay his respects. It would be the right thing, but who knows.”
I hear her sliding glass door open and she says something to Sam about building a sand castle in his sand box before she asks, “How does that make you feel?”
“I have no idea,” I admit. “I want to say it has no impact but in truth, I need time to process.”
“That’s understandable. I still can’t believe he didn’t come back when your mom passed.”
“Yeah well, it’s not always easy to just take leave when you want, you know that. He did send a beautiful floral arrangement which was nice.”
“I remember, but I stand by what I said.”
I chuckle at my loyal friend, “I appreciate the heads up. Now when my dad or someone else mentions it I’ll be prepared.”
“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. Sam! No! What did mommy tell you about eating grass?” I hear the phone fumble around and maybe hit the ground and her voice rings out, “I’ll call you later! Sorry! Sam!”
I laugh and hang up the phone.
Pulling into the parking lot to a restaurant that my dad loves in the town next to ours, I hurriedly make my way to the entrance. When I walk inside I’m instantly greeted, “Hello, love.”
“Jesse, hi. How was your day?”
Jesse, yesthatJesse, and I have been dating for a year. We ran into each other at the market and got to talking. Next thing I know he asked me to dinner and I accepted. I was nervous after what happened between us years before, as some memories linger longer than others, but once I got past that, we actually had a good time together. He’s been asking me for months to move in with him and I keep finding a reason as to why it’s just not the right time yet. I haven’t really taken the time to explore why I’m so hesitant but he’s been patient, even if persistent.
“It was good,” he smiles before putting his arm around me and leading me through the restaurant. “They’re already seated, I said I wanted to wait for you to arrive.”
“Thank you, that was kind of you.”
He pulls me close and kisses me on the head, “Of course.”
When we arrive at the table, my dad stands and hugs me. “Hi honey.”
“Hi, dad. Hi Meghan.”
“Hello, dear. How are you?”
I smile and nod. I usually meet my dad for dinner or lunch or something every couple of weeks as I can. Work keeps me pretty busy but we meet and I go by the house periodically.
We’ve barely ordered and already the news Vanessa warned me about gets brought up by Meghan.
“It’s just so sad. I really hope that I don’t die alone. That’s awful. Just awful.”
“You should probably call and let Jack know, dad,” I tell him.
“Why would he want to know?” Jesse asks curiously.
“Because Blake is his best friend and his mother just died,” my dad replies.
“Oh that’s right. I guess I didn’t realize Jack and Blake still talk, let alone are still best friends.”
“Why wouldn’t they?” I ask.
