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Book for the contest entries |
| Chapter 7 Monica stood outside the small white house, the sound of soft rock filling her ears. She stared at the front window, watching as people moved about inside. Suddenly she felt as though she’d made a huge mistake in agreeing to come here. She hadn’t spent one on one time with people, and the thought of being in a room surrounded by strangers made her stomach churn. A reassuring hand on her shoulder snapped her head to the man at her side. “No worries, Monica. If you’re not enjoying yourself we can leave and go get that coffee you promised me,” Jake said. “Thanks. I don’t know what I was thinking.” “Sure you do. This is your chance at a new life, to leave the lonely old one behind.” He was right. Taking in a deep, steadying breath, she moved toward the front door. She nervously rapped on the door, hoping that Valerie would be the one to let them inside the house. Instead, the smiling face Scott greeted them. He opened the door with a bright smile on his handsome face. “Glad you both made it.” “Thanks,” Monica said, stepped across the threshold and into the cozy home. Jake was close behind, and his presence made this venture into the unknown less intimidating. Scott led them from the small beige entryway into the living room where people mingled. Valerie sat in a high back chair, with an audience surrounding her as she told a story, her hands flailing about and an infectious smile on her animated face. Monica couldn’t move from her spot, mesmerized by her old friend. Val’s movements were familiar, tugging at distant memories. In a flash, Monica remembered. As if an old movie played on the wall behind Valerie, she saw the two of them as young girls, wearing oversized fancy dresses and high heels. Each wore a big hat, with long colored beads hanging around their necks. More images flooded her mind, and she could even remember the flowery perfume they sprayed in Valerie’s bedroom. Valerie laughed a bubbly and loud laugh that reminded Monica of much more. A child’s laughter echoed in her ears. Her giggles, mixed with those of Valerie’s as the two posed in front of a full-length mirror, pretending to be all grown up. “Are you alright?” Jake whispered. Yanked back to the present, the laughter in the room drowned out the bittersweet memory. “Yes, sorry. I must have zoned out for a minute.” Jake smiled and squeezed her forearm. “You were smiling, so whatever you were thinking about couldn’t have been bad.” Valerie stood up and came towards them. Monica expected a friendly greeting, but what she got was completely different. Valerie hugged her, wrapped her arms around Monica and held her as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. At that moment, Monica felt as if she truly belonged here, that Valerie, who she hadn’t seen in years, was still her friend and the time and distant had not changed that. “I’m so happy you came. I will admit I was worried you’d be a no show.” She turned to Jake and smiled. “Hello again, thanks for bringing Mon by.” Monica couldn’t help but glow from the use of the nickname. ~~~ “So how did you two meet?” Scott asked. Monica clasped her hands together on her lap and stared at the burgundy carpet. She knew it was only a matter of time before the question came up. “Mon?” Valarie said her soft voice filled with worry. “Well, you know I’ve had a heart condition, and had a transplant.” Valerie slid to the edge of her seat. “Do you need another one?” Monica smiled, “Not any more. I just had my third. Jake works at the hospital and was kind enough to take pity on me.” Jake laughed and shook his head. “I wouldn’t call it pity. You asked me out, I accepted, plain as that.” “I’m so sorry, Mon. Who’s been taking care of you?” Val asked. “No one.” “Well, my friend, that’s all about to change.” “Here we go,” Scott chimed in. “Look out, Monica, my sister is about to invade your life in a very dramatic way.” Valerie slapped her brother’s thigh and gave him her back. “Tell me what I can do for you.” “You’re already doing it. After I learned I would need another surgery, I began to sever all ties to people, no more friends, and since my family was distant, I didn’t feel as if it were a big loss if they were no longer a part of my life.” Monica fidgeted with her hands again before meeting Valerie’s brilliant green eyes. “Tonight I’ve come to realize how much I’ve missed having people in my life. So thank you.” This was her chance at a well-rounded life, and all Monica had to do was embrace it, and embrace it she would. WC:838 Total:4016 ** Image ID #1591886 Unavailable ** |
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