Page 109 of Mountain Pine
“Everyone knows that,” she says and I swear she just rolled her eyes. I can feel it.
“A tattered white sundress and my black boots. To dinner. In a restaurant.”
“If you haven’t learned that being yourself is the only way to live, then I can’t help you, girl.”
She’s right. I feel best in my favorite things. And when I feel my best, I’m happy. If Conner loves it too, then it’s a win-win. “Okay. I’ll wear it.”
My cell beeps with another call. “Shit, my mom’s calling. Hold on a sec.”
“I gotta get back to work anyway. Have fun at dinner! Love you!”
“Love you!” I switch callers. “Hey mom, what’s up?”
“Hi honey. Do you have any free time today?”
Not really. “Um. Why? Are you okay?” I clutch my cell harder. “Is dad alright? He’s not trying to get on the roof to repair those loose shingles, is he?”
“No, no. He hired Nick for that last week.”
Phew. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to give you something I found. Can you meet me at the park in town? I’m running errands all day.”
I check the time. “Um. Sure. Yeah. Now?”
“Now works.”
“Okay, see you soon.”
My gut twists as I put on my black boots and leave the house.
I park on the side of the road in front of the playground and easily spot my mother on a bench. “Hey.”
“Hi.” She looks like she’s been crying.Oh no. “Here. I found this for you.” Mom holds out an old Larson Landscaping bucket.
I take it, and now I’m more confused than ever. “Are you okay? What’s going on?”
“Look inside.”
There’s a folded piece of paper in it that says, “Magic Potion.”
My hands shake when I pull it out because it’s in Conner’s handwriting. Unfolding it, my breath catches when I read,Do you remember how to make it?
Mom’s eyes are bright with unshed tears and she’s got this big warm smile on her face. The kind that would also shoot right into mine and make it calm.
Exhaling a shaky breath, I turn and look around the park. It’s packed with kids playing and families picnicking. But then I spot my dad standing at the corner where the slides are. He’s patiently waiting with his hands clasped in front of him.
I walk over and see his chin quivering.
“Sticks only as big as this,” he says, holding up his pinky finger.
At his feet there are a pile of twigs waiting for me. I scoop them up and drop them into my bucket. Then I frantically look around for Conner and spotDean instead. Heading over to him, I can’t stop myself from shaking.
“Berries.” He holds out a little basket. “Any you can find.”
Grace stands next to him and winks as she keeps her cell phone steady. I think she’s recording this.
Sniffling, I scoop the berries into my hands and sprinkle them in the bucket. Then I wipe the berry juice all over my dress as the first tear slides down my face.
