Page 10 of The Perils of Pretending
One can only handle so much judgment in a day, and I’m goingto get enough of that when I see Grandma.
I roll my shoulders, trying to shake off my annoyance. I just need to focus on my list from Dad and feeling closer to him as I complete the activities he wanted us to experience together.
Chapter 4
Sadie
Thelinedwindles,andeventually it’s just the four of us standing across the counter from Poppy.
“Thank you for stopping by!” Poppy smiles wide, overly excited to see us. “I’m the tiniest bit sad I’m not going just because I want to hang out with you all.”
“It’s not too late,” I say, wiggling my brows up and down. “Call the owner, tell them you’re sick, and book a flight.”
Poppy shakes her head. “I’m not even responding to that. We’ve hashed this out already.” Poppy pulls a box out from under the counter. “Who’s ready for their gifts?”
“I am.” Mom sets her candy on the counter.
Poppy opens a cardboard box, pulling out a necklace. A purple oblique hangs on a silver chain. A charm with a set of angel wings rests atop the stone.
Mom picks it up, examining the jewelry. “Oh, Poppy, it’s beautiful. Thank you so much!” Mom takes hold of Poppy’s hand, giving it a squeeze.
“Amethyst will protect you, soothe any anxiety you have, and transform negative energy into love. The angel wings are to remind you Dad is watching over you.”
Mom grabs both of Poppy’s hands. “Thank you, Poppy.” Mom’s voice is tight, clogged with emotion.
Tears burn my eyes and nose.
I miss Dad so much. He was taken away tragically, senselessly in a school shooting twelve years ago. Sniffling, I nudge my way in front of Max and Brody, shielding the items I’m holding with my arms.
“Do I get angel wings too?” I want a reminder that Dad is with me as well while doing my bucket list.
Poppy gives me that knowing smile of hers that says I’m beyond help, but she’s done her best to aid me. She pulls another cardboard box out from under the counter. This one is double the size of Mom’s.
She pulls the top off. “It looks like a lot, but I promise this is what you need.”
Nestled inside are dozens of little stones connected together on a string. It looks like Poppy got every imaginable color of rock to give me.
Am I that hopeless?
She clears her throat. “Um, can you three give us some privacy for a moment?”
If she can’t say what the stones are for in front of the others, this really can’t be good. I suck in a deep breath and hold it for a count of five as the others retreat a few steps into a huddle. Letting it go in a whoosh, I prepare myself for Poppy’s gift. “Lay it on me.”
Poppy holds up a bracelet. White, aqua, and light-green round gemstones fill the circlet. “This is your travel protection bracelet. Wear it at all times to keep yourself safe.”
The colors are pretty. It won’t match every outfit I packed, but enough that I feel comfortable telling Poppy, “Done. What’s next?”
Poppy picks up a necklace with three pink-and-gold stones on it. “You need to wear this anytime you’ll be around the aunties. It will cleanse your negative thoughts, protect your aura, and repel unwanted energy.”
This one better work. The aunties leaving me alone is a gift from above. “Gotit.”
Poppy hands me another bracelet. Red and yellow stones alternate to create a cute pattern. “This is to prevent you from feeling tired, stressed, or sick.”
I hope I don’t get sick or miss any of the activities we have planned, but knowing who I have to spend my time with, it’s almost a guarantee I’ll at least need a mental and emotional health break at some point. “Thank you, Pops. You covered everything.”
Poppy smiles, her teeth showing. “I did.” She takes the last bracelet out. Light pink, dark purple, tan, and dark brown stones encircle the gold chain. “This one is just pretty. Wear it.”
I wag my finger in her face. “Nice try. You don’t give anyone gifts without special meaning behind it. What’s it supposed to be for?”
