What Was I Thinking?

What Was I Thinking? Copyright © 2009 Zora Delgado

"You're not going to waste the entire week sitting around. As long as you're visiting you'll pull your weight."

I was starting to rethink my plans of ever accepting grandma's invitation. I've forgotten how much of a grouch she is but I didn't want to share that my true reason for visiting was to see if Sarah O'Connor was still around. We went to the same high school before I moved east. Nobody knew how to brighten my day like Sarah.

I remembered how Sarah and I would sit on the hilltop and listen for the ambulance sire to come rushing into town--especially during the community parade. Someone was always being carried away to the hospital for something. Most folks blamed their sickness on a local named Erma Washington. Her blackberry pies were deadly. Some complained about severe stomach cramps but many others were carried away to Creek County Hospital.

"Are you still sitting here?" Grandma's voice breaks my concentration. "Well Josh, why don't you take this basket of bread to the Parker's residence up the street, past the windmill. I gather any minute now her old man will be home and wanting to eat. You know he's manager now, don't you?"

Sighing, "I don't really remember where he works, grandma."

"Sure you do. Remember the little tool shop where you and that girl use to steal candy from?"

"Terry's Hardware Shop," I smiled. "He had the best caramel in town."

"Well, now," she exhaled. "You do remember something."

I'll remember to stay home next time, I thought, frowning.

"There might be hope for you after all," grandma continued teasing.

I fought to ignore her little smart remark. I've always disregarded them. The only person I want to know about is Sarah and yes, we stole candy. We stole a ton of candy and ran to the fields to eat them. That was our secret. Wonder how grandma knew about it.

"So, grandma...whatever happened to the O'Connor's?" I watched while grandma placed warm bread slices neatly inside a cloth before placing them into a woven basket.

"Well, now, let me think. You know George and Mary O'Connor got a divorce right?"

I didn't know about the divorce but I said yes just so she wouldn't spend the next hour explaining what had happened. "Yes, you mentioned that earlier," I swallowed.

"Oh ok, well Mary, that old crow, she was always cheating on him anyway. The divorce was bound to happen, you know. Now, the kids all grew up and moved into the city. Mark married a cute young lady named Amanda and Brenton, well, he's always been a rebel. He's still in jail."

"What about Sarah?" I interrupted.

Where did I put the apple butter?" grandma muttered.

I rolled my eyes and kept quiet. Sometimes talking to grandma is like talking to a damn wall. I figured Sarah had probably moved on like everyone else.

I took the basket of bread and slowly walked out the door. I can see the Parker's residence as I neared the windmill. I lowered my head to the gravel road. I could feel my heart dropping as I became certain this trip was a sure waste. I kicked a few rocks and took in a deep breath.

When I finally reached my destination, I walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. Of course, no one answered, so I peeked into the living room window. I saw nothing and heard nothing--except the echoing voice of my grandma ringing in my head. There might be hope for you after all.

I took a seat on the porch swing next to a potted sunflower. I guess I'll wait, I thought, while gazing at the hilltop, smiling. Sarah and I would race to the top everyday after school and throw rocks into the town street right below, sometimes breaking windows. Poor Mr. Marks. He made the best brownie cookies in the world. Sarah would tell me it wasn't our fault for breaking his window and that his baker was just in the wrong place. It was difficult explaining to him, the first time, that were aiming for the stop sign. I'll never forget the punishment from grandma. Even though it was Sarah's rock. I took all the blame. It was worth it. She kissed me for the first time.

A voice whispered from outside of the house, "Is that for me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone was home." I couldn't see a soul I just heard a voice, so when I walked down the stairs to meet Mrs. Parker, my mouth dropped open.

"Well, don't just stand there. Give me a hug, Josh."

Sarah!" I bellowed before embracing, almost dropping the basket.

"What? I mean...my grandma told me this was..."

"Well, Josh, after the Parker's left town I bought their house."

I said nothing. I concentrated on her voice and her beautiful smile. So many memories ran through my mind while listening. She's still as beautiful as ever. Her brown hair was shorter but perfectly framed her oval face. She was a little heavier and more inviting than before.

"I always ask your grandma about you. I often give her rides into town."

"Well, I have to give my grandma some credit. She can be nerve racking but she means well." My voice crackled a bit, still spellbound by her beauty. I felt a rush running through my head and fought hard to maintain my composure.

"How long are you staying?" Sarah asked.

"For a week," I smiled, still mesmerized.

"Long enough to catch up on things," she added.

I didn't know what to say, so like an idiot I stood there grinning and staring at her dimples. We both spent most of the evening catching up while eating bread and drinking iced tea.

I had a feeling she too knew I was coming. I suppose grandma hasn't lost her touch after all. Seems as if I'll be making frequent trips to check up on her...now that I know Sarah is doing well. Thanks grandma.