“I feel like it should be happening now, at this point in my life, Mom. I know it sounds strange coming from a guy but I want to find my love, my forever. I want kids and grandkids. I want it all. I want what you and dad have, what grandma and grandpa have.”
“That’s what everyone wants,” she smiled. “We were just lucky enough to find it. And so will you.”
“I can tell ‘ya she’s speakin’ the truth,” said Irene in her golden dust covered aura.
“Mama Irene, you’re always certain that we’ll find love,” he laughed.
“And I’m never wrong,” she smiled. “Yours is here. Right around the corner and you don’t even know it. It won’t be easy. It’ll take some work but she’ll be worth it.”
“I don’t suppose you’ll give me a hint as to who it might be? I mean, it would speed the process up considerably.”
“It doesn’t work that way, baby. Just keep your mind, eyes, and ears open. It will always find a way to come to you.” She patted his hand and he was certain he felt a zing. Claudette, Erin, and Lauren were also now at the table, all smiling lovingly at him.
“How do I find a woman like one of you?” he smirked. “Seriously, I want a woman that’s like mom and grandma, like all of you. Strong, beautiful, funny, loyal, and loves me, for me. Is that too much to ask for?”
“No, baby. It’s exactly what you should ask for and I’m honored that you’re using us as models of what you want. You’ll find her. I promise you,” said Claudette.
The women all kissed his cheek and left him there at the table alone. He thought about moving to another table, but honestly, he was so miserable he knew that he’d ruin everyone else’s good time.
He stood to leave, then thought about turning around again but just couldn’t. Instead, he left the wedding venue and headed to his own cottage.
Alone.
CHAPTER TWO
“Marnie, don’t eat that,” said her mother. Marnie put the piece of bread back on the plate and stared at her stepfather, pleading for interference.
“Sharon, let the girl eat for God’s sake. She’s eleven. She’s got time to thin out,” said Hal.
“She doesn’t have time to thin out,” said her mother with a clenched jaw. “She’s my daughter and I’ll do what I want!”
Hal stood from the table and Marnie knew what was coming. Another argument. Her stepfather was great. It was her mother that was the nightmare. Sometimes so out of it from alcohol or drugs, she couldn’t even take Marnie to school.
No matter, she’d learned that the city bus route would take her there. She saved her nickels and dimes, just to be sure she had a ride when she needed it.
“Don’t leave,” pleaded Marnie.
“I’m sorry, kiddo. I’ve got to. She’s been drinking all day while I’ve been working. The laundry isn’t done, which means you don’t have clean clothes for school tomorrow. The house is a wreck and she doesn’t care.”
“Fuck you!” yelled her mother. Hal just shook his head.
“I’ll clean the house. I can do the laundry,” said Marnie.
“It’s not your job, sweetie. Your job is to be an eleven-year-old little girl. That’s all.”
“Then take me with you,” she pleaded.
“You’re my kid! Mine,” yelled her mother.
“You don’t care about me,” cried Marnie. “Please, Hal. Please, take me with you.”
“I wish I could, Marnie. I’ll be back when I find a place to get my things.”
He left that night in the pouring rain and Marnie knew that her life would never be the same again. Her mother barely fed her for the next week, taking food from her hands, even though she was starving. She could hardly concentrate at school and when the landlord knocked on the door for rent, Marnie knew they were in trouble.
“Sorry, Sharon. You gotta pay,” he said smirking at her. The man looked over her shoulder at Marnie and smiled. “Of course, I could let you slide this whole month if I get her.”
“Her? My fat little girl?” laughed the woman.
