Page 36

"When?" I asked, astounded at how much had really been done already.

"Um, just now. Aunt Sara found out what had to be done. She's very excited about having you."

Archie got into the car and started the engine. My heart began to beat wildly like a jungle drum. "Mommy?"

"Now don't make this any harder than it has to be, honey. I'll be calling you in a few days to tell you where I am and what I've been doing, and before you know it, I'll be coming back for you."

"Time ticks," Archie called.

"Can't you stay a little longer?" I pleaded. My heart was doing flip-flops.

"A little longer isn't going to make any difference to you, but it will make a lot of difference to us because we have to drive so far, honey. Please."

She hugged me, but I kept my arms at my sides. Then she kissed me quickly on the forehead.

"I don't have to tell you to be a good girl. I know you will be. See you soon," she added and turned toward the car.

"Mommy!"

I ran to her and hugged her tightly, clinging to her, clinging to the only life I had known, clinging to the memories of our laughter and tears. Maybe she wasn't the best of all mothers, but she was the only mother I had, and there were nice times, too. There were the picnics and the dinners, the Christmases and birthdays. All I could remember now was being a little girl and clinging to her hand as we walked through the streets of Sewell. Everyone looked at us; Mommy was so beautiful and I was so proud.

"Melody," she whispered. "Please, honey."

I let her go and backed away.

She smiled. "I'll call you soon." She walked quickly around the car to get in.

Archie smiled at me. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, kid," he said and winked.

"There's not much you wouldn't do," I replied. He laughed.

"Going to miss you, princess. I got no one to be my gopher." He laughed and backed the car out of the driveway. I took a step forward.

Mommy turned as they pulled away, waving.

Another picture to press down into my memory. I watched as the car disappeared down the street. I stood there, still in disbelief.

Then I heard the door open behind me and I turned to see Aunt Sara nervously wiping her hands on her apron. "Laura always liked to help set the table. Would you like to help?"

I nodded and she smiled.

"I thought so."

She went back inside. I lowered my head and followed. I felt like someone who'd been cast off a boat. I was searching desperately for a lifesaving raft.

6

Laura's Things

.

Aunt Sara had the dinner dishes on the kitchen

counter and the silverware piled next to them. She folded linen napkins. The kitchen was as long as it was wide, with pots and pang hanging on the wall, two metal sinks side by side, a large cast-iron stove, and a refrigerator. There was a pantry off to the left. The late-afternoon sunlight poured through the large window on the west end, providing the only light.

"I'm putting out my better china tonight," she said smiling as she meticulously folded the napkins. "Your arrival is a special occasion. Set out five places," she told me. "You'll sit directly across from May and next to me. That's where Laura used to sit."

"Where is May?" I asked.