Page 50 of Unexpected Ever After

I parked the SUV and got out of the vehicle, grabbing my purse and luggage. I shielded my eyes with my empty hand to take in the house one more time before I let out the breath I’d been holding and walked up the short walk to the porch steps.

I was immediately transported back in time to the last conversation I’d had with my grandmother.

“Dancing will get you nowhere, Alora.”

I shivered at the final memory of my grandmother entering my mind.

The only thing the lady at the funeral home had instructed was that I needed to bring an outfit for my grandmother to the meeting with the funeral director today.

I dug into my purse and found my key ring.

I’d never gotten rid of the key to her home. I couldn’t just toss it away. The metal key was the only physical item I had left of this place. My heart wouldn’t allow me to take it off. No matter what was said the last time I was here, this place was always my home. Even when it wasn’t.

With shaky hands, I placed the key into the hole and turned the knob, unlocking the door and pushing it open.

I couldn’t stop shaking as I stepped across the threshold. I closed my eyes as soon as I was fully inside and took a deep breath. Somehow this place still smelled the same, like homemade cookies and home.

Using my foot, I pushed the door closed behind me.

For some reason, I couldn’t make myself open my eyes. I feared the memories I knew would consume me. It was just me now. And that thought made me sad.

I never really felt like I was missing out as a child because my grandmother made sure my days were filled with happiness and joy. Something my mother should’ve made a priority but didn’t. But I wouldn’t let the woman who threw me away like yesterday’s trash ruin this moment. The moment where I had to say goodbye.

Opening my eyes, I quickly moved throughout the house to the downstairs bedroom that my grandmother had moved into shortly before I left. Climbing the stairs got harder and harder for her due to her arthritis, so I insisted that she came downstairs so she wouldn’t hurt herself.

Her bedroom was at the end of the hallway. The short distance felt like a mile when it was maybe ten steps.

Pushing open the door, I walked inside and could’ve sworn I smelled the flowery scent of the perfume she always wore. That was impossible, though. She couldn’t have lived here in a few years. I hated that I didn’t even know she was in a nursing home. I never changed my number because I wanted her to always be able to contact me. She never did. But I never reached out to her either.

I made my way over to her walk-in closet and knew I had to get a move on if I was going to make the appointment I’d made with the funeral home.

I thought about what I’d choose for her to wear the whole plane ride and drive here. She had this favorite pant suit that she loved to wear on Sundays when we’d go to church. The pants and jacket were coral and the shirt underneath was a mixture of flowers. One thing about my grandmother was she always wore bright colors regardless of the season. She said browns and oranges and even reds made her feel sad and bright colors brought out her happiness.

I found what I was looking for quickly enough and made a dash for the door. I could reminisce later when I had more courage to let the memories flood my mind. For now, my main-focus was dropping this off to the funeral director. Later I would walk through the house I adored growing up and remember the woman who made me who I am today.

Chapter 6

Alora

The meeting with the funeral director lasted fifteen minutes. He led me into the conference room where I handed him her outfit. Mr. James explained to me that everything was already set in motion. My grandmother had made her wishes known years ago, long before I even left. She wanted to be dressed for me to view her and say my goodbyes. She didn’t want a ceremony, and she asked to be cremated.

Thelma Thompson was truly a saint.

She took this responsibility away from me because she knew that I didn’t handle loss well. I couldn’t possibly fathom putting my affairs in order while I was still alive. It was too morbid for my mind to comprehend. Maybe if I ever got married or had children I’d feel differently.

I shook his hand and left the funeral home with dread filling the pit of my stomach. Tomorrow at noon I’d have to come say goodbye. I’d have to see how much my grandmother had aged in the last ten years without me.

I needed caffeine prior to heading back to her house where I’d be surrounded by the memories.

Forgoing driving the short distance, I set off on foot to the coffee shop that was just a few blocks away. Thankfully the weather wasn’t too bad today and there was a cool breeze.

The sidewalks on either side of Main Street were filled with the hustle and bustle of people who’d just gotten off work as I took in my surroundings. Some faces I vaguely recognized and others weren’t familiar at all. Years ago, I could name just about everyone who’d walked down this street, and I’d often get stopped by people asking how I was doing or how my grandmother was. Now no one looked at me with a second glance.

I’d grown to love the busyness of Las Vegas, but a small part of me would always be that small-town girl from Sunset River.

Minutes later, I crossed the street and walked into the coffee shop. Toasted Bean. The aroma hit me as soon as the door opened. I took a moment to allow the smell to comfort me the way it always did.

Looking around, there were tables off to the left where several people sat typing away on their computers or scrolled on their cell phones. To the right there were bright covered couches that others were lounging on while they talked to their friends or loved ones. Most of the people on the right appeared to be high school or college age, while the space to the left was filled with older adults dressed in their work attire.

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