About Tomorrow - Abbi Glines Page 0,21

resigned myself to the fact this was going to happen. He was in medical school. “When do you think you can come?” I asked him.

“Next weekend. I promise. I’ll be sure to have it all done and I will be free to spend every minute with you.”

“Next weekend,” I agreed.

We said our I love yous and byes then hung up. I started to put the candy apple down but decided I needed it. Grabbing a fleece throw from the sofa, I headed outside to sit and try and get back in the Halloween spirit.

I had just gotten wrapped up and seated when I saw the neighbors’ front door across the street open. Six years ago, the Thompsons lived there, but I wasn’t sure if they still did. Then I watched as Margie Thompson walked down the front three steps of her Greek Revival home, similar to Gran’s in everything but color, proving that they were, indeed, still living there.

I watched Margie cross the road, carrying something in her hands, and realized then she was headed for me. Gran had been friends with the Thompsons. Their sons were about ten or more years older than me. I barely remember seeing them when I was growing up. When Margie was close enough, I could see she had a pie in her hands and a big smile on her face. I stood up as she walked down my driveway.

“It is so good to see this house lit up and alive again,” she said as she reached the bottom of my stoop.

“Hello Mrs. Thompson,” I said. It was nice to see they were still there. At least that hadn’t changed.

“It’s Margie. You’re all grown up now. Here, I made you a Marlborough Pie. Now it isn’t vegan like your Gran made, but it is delicious. I promise.”

I took the pie and thanked her. She then waved a hand at the decorations. “Bee would be so proud of this. Just seeing the smoke coming from the chimney makes my days brighter. It is good to have you back, Sailor.”

“Thank you, Margie,” I said. “It’s good to be back. It’s not the same without Gran, but it still feels like home.”

Margie nodded her head. “And it is! This is your home. This house has belonged to a Hobbs since it was built in 1856. The bloodline must live on here.”

“Thank you,” I said, not sure what else to say to that.

“Henry is coming over to wrap your outdoor faucets later and he’s called Mike at the tire shop to come get your car and get snow tires put on. When Creed called Henry yesterday to ask him to help you get those things done, I thought how kind that boy still is. We are happy to help. Henry is retired now and he has nothing to do unless Dan brings his kids over for us to watch.”

Creed again. The warmth in my chest came as if on command.

“Creed asked you?” I had heard her but I wanted to clarify.

She nodded. “Of course he did. Fine young man he’s become. Now, I have to get back home and prepare for my two grandbabies to visit before they go trick-or-treating. You call if you need anything. Come on over and knock whatever.”

“Thank you, I will,” I told her.

I watched her leave while holding the pie in one hand and my candy apple in the other, trying not to feel anything where Creed was concerned. Why was he doing this? Was this his attempt at trying to mend our past and be friends.

If only it were possible to just be friends with Creed Sullivan.

nine

November 3, 2019

Last night had felt several hours longer than just the extra hour that Daylight Savings Time added. The weekend itself had been tedious and lonely. I’d started out by going out to find trees still full of color and take photos, but they were all looking more bare than beautiful. I had given up and moved back indoors.

I worked on getting Gran’s clothing boxed up, well most of it. I kept a few warm sweaters to use. They reminded me of Gran and this weekend, I had needed the comfort. My clothing was now all put away in its new home. I had also managed to unpack some of my picture frames and set them about. I put the photos of myself that Gran had sitting all over the place away and replaced them with pictures I had framed. Those of me and Griff,