Page 34 of Halloween with a Daddy
“Yeah, her mom is with her now, so she’s well taken care of.” I sigh when I think about what happened. “Just a stupid driver that wasn’t watching where he was going.”
“Probably on his cell phone.” My grandfather shakes his head. “I’m glad you finally made it home. I was afraid you got lost in Grimwillow Manor like the story of those kids that were never seen again.”
“That was just a rumor.” I walk over and give him a hug. “Someone in town made it up to scare their kids away from the place.”
“You got to see inside the place and now you’re an expert, huh?” My grandfather chuckles.
“I got to do a lot more than just see it.” I look down and smile, feeling the excitement return. “The owner gave me the grand tour.”
“Really? I hope you gave him a piece of your mind for ignoring our letter.” My grandfather scowls.
“That was his dad.” I shake my head. “I don’t think Edgar would have ignored our letter.”
“Edgar?” My grandmother walks in from the kitchen. “Who’s Edgar?”
I don’t tell them everything, but I explain how I met Edgar, and talk about the tour. I probably say too much, because I can’t help but gush about the incredible man I spent the night with. If they pick up on it, they don’t let it show. I finish my story by letting them how he’s going to leave me a key so I can give them a tour. My grandfather gives me another hug when I tell him, and my grandmother seems like she’s at a loss for words. That’s pretty rare.
Then I have to break the bad news about my costume. I bring it in from the car, and show my grandmother the damage. She doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal, but is a little disappointed I didn’t get to wear it to the party.
Once we’re all caught up, I go to my room and send a text message to Amelia to check in on her.
Bethany: Has your mom driven you crazy yet?
Amelia: She drove me crazy the minute you left.
Bethany: She loves you.
Amelia: Yeah, I know. I just wish she wouldn’t treat me like a child.
Bethany: Let her baby you for a couple of days. You need to take it easy, anyway.
Amelia: I’d rather die.
Bethany: Don’t say that. The accident could have been a lot worse.
Amelia: I know. Tell me more about Edgar.
We text back and forth for an hour before my grandmother knocks on my door. I put my phone away and sit up on my bed as she walks in.
“I told you a long time ago that if you text me, you never have to explain anything.” She walks over and sits down beside me. “But I saw a sparkle in your eyes when you got home that I haven’t seen in years. I hope he’s as amazing as you say and that he understands how amazing you are as well.”
“He is.” I can’t help but smile. “And he does.”
“Good. I’ve never worried about you because you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You don’t have to hide anything from us. I understand times are different now, but if I’m being honest, they aren’t that different.” She grins. “I could tell you a few stories about your grandpa in his younger days!”
“No, please don’t.” I wince and shake my head. “I love you both, but…”
“I’m just teasing. He’d deny them all, anyway.” She laughs. “Just know that I’m here if you need to talk about it. Anytime you want.”
“Thank you.” I lean over and give her a hug.
“Dinner is ready if you’re hungry.” She squeezes me tight.
Talking to my grandmother makes me feel better. I don’t like to hide things from her, but I’ve never been one to talk about this sort of thing with anyone but Amelia. My grandmother will have better advice, especially for making a relationship work.
I take a couple of minutes to reply to Amelia and let her know I’m having dinner before I join my grandparents. We laugh and joke, just like we always do. My time with Edgar has been incredible, but I can’t give this up. I don’t know how many years I have left with them. They’re both in great health, spry for their age, and sharper than me, so it isn’t an immediate concern, but I don’t want to miss out on the last of their good years.
The conversation turns to Grimwillow Manor and I can tell both of them are excited. My grandfather may not care about the old gothic manor on the edge of town as much as my grandmother, but I’m sure he has his curiosities after hearing so many stories. I can’t wait to show it to them.
