Page 32 of Anytime I Want

“Hi, Miss Mabel. How are you?”

“Oh, I'm fine, just a boring old lady that would love to hear some music.”

“Hmm.” I hum noncommittally. “What have you been up to today?”

“Just sitting around, waiting for you to text me back. That's all I’ve been doing for days.” She gives me a sly look. Clearly, this isn’t her first guilt trip. I laugh.

“Okay. Let’s give it a shot. I’ll put my headphones in and look that way. I’ll try to pretend you aren’t there.”

“We could do that. Or you could face your fear?”

“Next time.” I put my earbuds in. She’s not actually my grandma. She can only boss me so far. I scroll through my music before I reach one from an old musical I think she might enjoy. I take a deep breath and start singing. Before long, my eyes are closed and I’ve entirely lost myself in the music. I am no longer awkwardly standing there. I spin around a few times, expressing myself with my arms as well as my voice. I sing two more songs after the first one ends before an alarm rings in my ears. I startle from the extreme change in sound and drop my phone. I open my eyes and see that I am facing Mabel, and my phone landed right at her feet.

“And who is this dreamboat?” Mabel asks, looking at the picture of me, Graham, and Nathan on my phone.

“That’s Graham. He’s my next-door neighbor and my brother’s best friend.” I go to take the phone to figure out what the alarm was set for.

“Hmm. Interesting that you knew which one I meant,” Mabel muses.

“What?”

“Never mind. So, is his personality as great as his face?” Mabel asks. I feel my face flush again. Seriously. There is a lotof blushing going on here. Those blood vessels are getting an intense workout these days.

“Probably better actually. He’s funny and goofy, and everyone loves him. He makes people feel included and heard. He is a pretty big flirt, but when he is focused on you, it feels like there is nowhere else he’d rather be. It’s all about you, ya know?”

“Hmm.”

“Is that your catchphrase?” I ask, with a slight laugh. “It was great to see you today, but I should probably call him back and get back to my house.”

“Will you come again?” Mabel asks, looking almost vulnerable.

“Of course! I’m always looking for a good excuse to run more. I can meet you here tomorrow if you’d like?”

“Let’s go to my house. I’ll make cookies.”

“Sounds amazing. I love cookies. Text me your house number? Thanks, Miss Mabel.” I wave before taking off towards the security gate.

***

I run to Mabel’s house every day for the next few days, trying to fill the time. Graham has been sick, and I’m not entirely sure what Chloe has been busy with. I could see if Josie wants to hang out, but I’ve noticed she’s been spending a lot of time with Nathan, and I’m not interested in getting in the middle of whatever that is. Besides, spending time with Mabel is awesome. Today, I knock on her door, and it takes a bit longer than usual for her to answer.

“Julia! Come in.” Mabel gives me a tight hug before pulling me into the house. “Let’s make cookies.” She spreads her arms towards the kitchen counter, showing me all the supplies and ingredients we need.

“Yes. I love cookies.” I clap my hands, ready to get to work. I unwrap the butter and drop it into the bowl.

“So, tell me. You are sixteen, go to Desert Valley High School. What else should I know about you?” Mabel asks, making herself comfortable on a stool at the counter.

“I’m not that interesting, really. I like to run and sing, but I’m too scared to do that. I have a twin brother, but you know that. My best friend lives across the street from me, and my brother’s best friend lives next door.” I dump in the brown sugar and grab a small container of granulated sugar to add next. Mabel gasps and grabs it out of my hand.

“That’s salt.” She tsks and shakes her head. “What a terrible waste that would be. Are you always a menace in the kitchen?” Her eyes twinkle, and I know that she’s not upset.

“Actually, yes, I kind of am. I normally am pretty good at cookies, but the salt and sugar situation has definitely come up before.” We laugh and Mabel stands next to me, policing my every move. After a few minutes of random baking talk, I slide the cookies into the oven.

Mabel walks into the living room and gestures to the shelf. “Julia, grab those photo albums, will you?” I grab three fake leather-covered books and sit next to Mabel. She clutches them on her lap. “Now, we could sing, or you could learn a little about my life?”

“Your life. Absolutely.” I tuck my hands under my chin and lean forward, ready to take in everything she says.

“Did you know I was a voice teacher? I taught lessons out of my home. I always wanted to be a professional singer, but after I had my first child, I stayed home. It was how things worked back then. Luckily, my husband was supportive of my teaching.” She raises an eyebrow at me. “Is Graham supportive? If not, drop him now. Well, soon. Have a good time first, but don’t expect itto last forever if he won’t support you in what you want to do.” She wiggles her shoulders and winks.

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