Prologue
Today isthe last day I can respond. Yes or no…
There aren’t any other surfaces for me to clean. The freezer is stocked and there isn’t really a reason for me to be here. It’s only an excuse so I don’t have to answer my friends back home. They haven’t stopped texting, and calling, since the invites were sent out.
“Why are you staring at your phone like it’s a bomb about to blow up in your face?” Eric asks from the kitchen door.
I didn’t even hear it open. Or, he’s just that sneaky. He really needs a bell around his neck so we know when he’s coming.
“I have to RSVP for my high school reunion.” It’s the one thing that’s been plaguing my mind for months. I haven’t been home in years, and the only thing keeping me away is my own fear. Fear of seeing her again. It’s my own fault, but that’s beside the point.
“That doesn’t seem like a difficult decision.” He is right behind me now. “You either want to, or you don’t.”
“Why are you even here?” He never comes back here unless he wants me to make him something to go, or watch me over my shoulder.
It’s only now that I've noticed the bar is quiet. “We’re done with the cleanup, and ready to lock everything down. I didn’t see you leave, and assumed you were still in here.”
“Sorry, I’m ready to go.” I glance toward the freezer I was looking in a few moments ago. “Just making sure I have everything I need for the next couple of days.”
“Is this reunion the reason you’ve been staying late? And helping clean up?”
Always trying to get to the bottom of things, this one. There’s no use avoiding the question, he’ll keep pestering. “Yeah.”
“If it’s causing you this much stress, I say don’t go. But you could always flip a coin and leave it to fate.” He turns toward the door and walks out. Guess I’m locking up tonight. He does have a point though.
Digging around in my pocket, I listen for everyone to leave. The bar is quiet and I take a deep breath. At least nobody will be around to see me do this. Finally, a coin slips through the keys in my pocket, and I pull it out. This small piece of silver will decide if I go to the reunion, or not. Placing it on my thumb, I flick it into the air.
1
Patrick
Home looksa lot different than it did when I was eighteen years old. The houses seem smaller, and more worn down. Maybe it's just because I've been gone for ten years.
Mom and Dad are sitting on the porch when I pull into the drive. Mom jumps out of her chair and rushes down the stairs. I barely have the truck door open before her arms are around me. "You made it."
Pushing the door back with my foot, I hug her. "I did. How long have y'all been waiting out here for me?"
"Oh, not long at all."
Dad moves beside her and waits until she lets me go. "Don't let her lie to you. It's been about an hour, and that's only because I made her wait that long."
"I bet."
Mom moves aside, and my dad wraps me in a tight hug. He must have really missed me because when I left all those years ago, all I got was a handshake. Even when they visit me in Asheville, he never puts this much emotion into our greetings or farewells.
"It's good to have you home, Son." Dad's voice is gruff as he pulls away. I guess I never realized just how much they missed having me around, despite coming to visit me in Texas.
"Thanks." I glance around the yard. The grass is a little tall, and there are things that need to be put away. A quick glance at my watch. I should have time to handle that before I head to the reunion. "It's okay that I stay here, right?"
"Don't be silly," Mom waves me away, "I'd be offended if you stayed in a hotel. Besides, the closest good ones are almost an hour away."
"You're right."
I grab my bag from the truck bed and follow them inside. Mom's cooking hits me as soon as I open the door. The herbs waft through the air, and her cooking is what made me want to be a chef.
"I hope you're hungry. It'll be ready in about an hour," she glances at the clock, "will you have time to eat before you meet your friends at the reunion?"
"There's always time for your cooking," I stop to kiss her on top of the head, "I'm going to put this in my room and go clean up the yard a bit for y'all."
