Page 65 of The Leaves In Autumn
“Get in.”
We climb into the car, and she gets to it without me asking.
“You know I can see things sometimes, right?”
“Yes. Layla told me.”
“I saw something for you.”
“Was it bad?”
“No. Not sad. Poignant. What I saw was a full, long life.”
“I have goose bumps.”
“You were old. Really old, Barbra. And you were sitting on a hill overlooking a ruin. Maybe Roman or Greek. Somewhere far from here.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.”
“That doesn’t sound too good.”
“But it was what you were doing that touched me.”
“What?”
“You were scattering ashes.”
My hand covers my mouth.
“Of someone you adored.”
Shivers run up my spine.
CHAPTER 21
Aargon
The warm August night is ideal for playing games. Darkness is still an hour away, but the pale shadow of the full moon is already visible. I’m feet up, on a chaise. Most of the rest of us sit at the big rectangular table in the middle of the patio.
Scarlett and Parrish have made an inviting cocoon of the backyard. I like the look. A neat garden and well-kept lawn with kids’ toys scattered across it. Poppy’s playground. For being a man past any inclination to have more children, I can be contradictory in my tastes. I like to be around it. Not of it.
Images of the five of us playing in our backyard play in my mind. The different ages and games that changed as quickly as we did.
Mom’s voice breaks my silence.
“Barbra! Sit next to Aargon. We can see each other from there. It’s my favorite seat.”
Not once has she said that. Never. Thanks, Mom.
“Sure you don’t want it? We could trade.”
“My husband is rubbing my feet. I’m staying put.”
Barbra claims the other lounge, kicking off her shoes. Toes wiggle and stretch. Hmm. White polish. Looks good. Why do I pay attention to every detail, when all it does is make me miss her. Not that I ever had her. One night can feel like forever. Besides, she’s here. Next to me. Not the woman I got a glimpse of, but this friend version I am so familiar with. I know too much.
Scarlett’s laugh interrupts my inner therapist. Parrish must have said something she finds hysterical. He looks at her like a guy, balls deep in love. Good for you, Sister. That relationship was hard fought. They made lemonade out of shit. Think I would have bet against them.
