Mom turns, slowly shutting the door behind her as she exits the room. I roll over in bed, reaching out to turn off the lamp that sits on my bedside table. Just as the light clicks off my phone buzzes. The screen creates a soft blue glow that illuminates the room. Another buzz comes through, right as the clock on the screen hits One AM.
I prop myself up on the pillows and grab the device.
Two messages.
One name.
Luke: Saint needs you
Luke: He’s went somewhere dark
Play Stuck with Me by The Neighbourhood
Dad comes home tomorrow, but today is the start of the annual fall festival Melrose holds. The first weekend of every September everyone gathers at the largest park in town. Vendors file in between the trees, live music plays, and the town hall holds a raffle of some sort. Mom and I had made sure everything was ready for his return this morning to allow us to go.
When I was a little girl, the festival used to be my favorite time of the year. I could shove my face full of warm apple cider and various pumpkin flavored goodies. Mom had always enjoyed the live music, pulling me out onto the dance floor and swinging me around. Even dad seemed to always be more joyful on these days. It was like stepping into an alternate universe.
I tug my burnt orange sweater over my head. The cable knit feels fuzzy against my arms and I rejoice in the feeling. I finish up by sliding on some jeans and a pair of brown boots. They have a slight heel to them, and they pull my outfit together so well. I glance in the floor length mirror, twisting myself to the side tosee how the clothes fit me. Once satisfied, I give myself a bright smile. “Today is going to be a good day.”
I skip down the hall to find mom in the living room. She has on a long, dull red, skirt with a ruffled white top. Her hair is pulled up into a bun, showing off her beautiful cheek bones. I can’t help but stare in awe. The sunlight creeps in through the blinds, highlighting the blonder spots in her hair, giving her an almost halo-like effect.
My lip tugs upwards as I watch her.
“What’s got you smiling?”
“I’m just happy to be home.”
She gives me a light chuckle, reaching out to take my hand. Arm in arm, we walk out the door. The weather has finally begun to ease up, settling over us with a cool breeze. Our steps bounce against the gravel outside, filling the quiet morning with footsteps of excitement.
We pile into her car and I rest my head back on the seat. A quiet tune sneaks out of the speakers, making me feel at ease. The drive there goes by fairly quick. Mom talks up a storm about all the treats she plans to bring home, and she doesn’t fail to mention how excited she is for dad to try them tomorrow. I smile and chat along with her.
We pull up the park, fighting to find a parking spot. This town might be small, but the community has always been strong. There's an event? You can expect ninety percent of the population to be there.
“There’s a spot!” I call out, pointing to the right of us. Mom slams on her brakes and the car behind us blares their horn.
“Sorry!” Mom laughs out as she waves to them. Her dainty fingers wrap around the peeling leather of the steering wheel, turning it to make the car fit in the spot.
“Good job, mom.” I tease.
She attempts to give me a stern look but almost immediately breaks, spitting out another bout of laughter. “If you don’t like my driving, you’re more than welcome to take over.”
I raise my hands as though they’re a white flag. “I won’t say another word.”
We step out of the car, walking down the block to cross at the crossing walk. An older gentleman stands with us as we wait for the light to turn. He’s dressed so properly, with a nice tie and a matching flat cap.
“Are you two lovely ladies headed to the festival?” He asks, intertwining his frail hands in front of him. His Irish accent sneaks up on his words, but is unable to stay hidden.
“We are!” I beam.
“Well, I hope you both have a wonderful time. And while you’re there,” he starts off as he shifts his weight, “you should check out my shop!”
My heart swells with how proud he looks. “Absolutely! What do you sell?”
“Little trinkets, mainly. I carve wood. So we’ll have keychains, shelf decor, and well.. the works.”
“You’ll see us there!”
He gives us a happy nod, almost surprised that it worked. The three of us cross as the light switches to red.
