Copyright © 2011 Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows
All rights reserved, Wild Child Publishing.
Even though Alexander rarely saw her, he felt an unspoken connection with her. His father always relaxed a bit in her presence as well. To Alexander, she was a breath of fresh air.
“My goodness, Alexander—where has the time gone? My dear boy, look at how you've grown! You are turning into a young gentleman like your father.” She paused for a moment to get a good look at the two of them standing on her porch. “Come inside, my dears; I made your favorite lunch, vegetable stew, and some chocolate cake for dessert.”
A sense of peace flowed though Alexander as he walked through the front door. The inside of the cottage was cozy with quaint antique furnishings and hand-sewn quilts draped over comfy chairs. The enchanting smell of fresh baked chocolate cake coming from the kitchen gave him a momentary lapse of memory.
“Okay, son, I must go. I am already behind schedule.”
Alexander held back his tears to show his father he really was a young man and gave him the tightest hug his thin arms would allow.
“Be good for your grandmother, as I know you will.” His father studied Alexander, taking a lasting mental picture. “Be responsible, young man. Make wise choices.” His tone was more serious than usual, and his voice even cracked a little, showing that he was actually sad. “Keep my young man out of trouble; he has a bit of an adventurous side to him.”
“Uh huh, well, that sounds like someone else I know,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
He shook his head and frowned as if it were all nonsense and headed for the car.
As he drove off, Alexander chased his car down the driveway. “Bring me something from your expedition!”
His father’s arm appeared with an acknowledging wave out the driver side window. Alexander watched the car get smaller and smaller until it disappeared around the corner. The tender hand of his grandmother brushed his shoulder.
“Come, sweetheart, let’s get you settled in. You will stay in your father’s old room. Everything in that room has remained exactly as it was when he was there. I never changed anything.”
With each passing moment, his connection to his grandmother grew stronger. He knew she was someone he truly loved. What he did not know was just how significant their relationship was. Alexander grabbed her hand and grinned.
“Oh, I'm glad you're here, Alexander. In fact, now is the perfect time for you to be here. I've been waiting for this day,” she whispered with a wise smile and a wink.