Chapter 1 #2
“Of course. Let me help.” She reaches into the back and pulls out the other box.
We move to the porch, and I step through the door as Mari lets out a noise, letting me know she’s awake now. I enter the spare room that will be my office and find Mari kicking and cooing.
Wrenn follows me in with the box.
“Just set it there.” I point to a group of boxes. These boxes are from South Africa and can wait. I don’t want to go through them now because the memories are still too raw.
Wrenn sets it down and then kneels next to Mari. “Oh, she is just beautiful. How old is she?”
“She’ll be four months on Monday.”
“She is just so precious. I can’t wait to have ours.” Again, her hands go to her belly.
“Can I ask you a question?” I can’t help it, I need to know. What would be the odds?
Wrenn stands up and looks at me.
“Sure, what?”
“It’s about your name. I lived here a long time ago when I was a kid. I knew a Wrenn Williamson…” I bite my lip to keep from saying more.
“Williamson is my maiden name.” She laughs, and the memories of all the times we had sleepovers or played at her parents’ house roll through me.
“I was wondering if it was you when you said your name too. I can’t believe it’s really you, Sydney.
My mom said she saw you when you came home for your grandma’s funeral, but you only stayed for a night. ”
She pulls me into her arms for a hug. I hold my body still for a moment until the memories flood me. I wrap my arms around her and hold on. I need a friend, but I can’t confide in any of them.
“Wrenn,” I say her name and the tears start. She was my best friend until I moved away before seventh grade. “I tried to stay in touch, but life happened.” I had fought the move because I was sure I wouldn’t have a friend like her again.
“I know. I got a few letters, emails, and then postcards. But they stopped about six years ago.”
“Yeah, college.” We giggle as she nods in understanding, and Mari releases a yell. “Come sit with me. I need to nurse Mari. You can tell me about your sisters and parents and husband.”
I pick up Mari and we make our way out to the living room.
I sit on the sofa and curl my legs under me to relieve some of the pressure on my ankle.
The doctors said I would always have issues with it.
They couldn’t repair every part that was destroyed.
I reach into the diaper bag and pull out a nursing cover since we have company.
Mari settles in my crossed legs, letting me know she’s hungry as I slip the cover over my head.
“Hold on, Marinda Gorata Parrish. Mommy is hurrying.” I chuckle as she reaches for my shirt and the cover.
“That’s such a pretty name.”
“Thank you. As soon as I heard it, I knew it was my baby girl. Have you picked names yet?”
Wrenn sits in the chair across from me and glances around. I can tell she’s nervous about something.
“What?” I ask, and she turns to me.
“It’s as if you never left. You know me so well,” she confides. “Yeah, we have a few, some family and some brand-new ones. Beck doesn’t care. He’s just excited that we’re pregnant.”
“It’s been a bit, but I feel like you know me too. We’ve both grown a lot. Tell me what you’ve been up to.”
She goes on to explain she’s been married for over a year and that her sister Drea moved back home last spring.
Her parents still live in the area. She tells me about her veterinary practice.
I tell her about my new job at the zoo as the zoologist for the African elephants and rhino exhibits.
She hasn’t asked me what’s really on her mind.
I think I’ve figured it out as she continues to glance around my house.
“Wrenn, you can ask me whatever you want. We once knew each other better than anyone. I’m not married, if that’s what you were wondering.”
“Yeah. I was curious why Mari’s father wasn’t here to help. And you hadn’t mentioned anyone.”
“It’s just me and Mari. My mom will be moving back next week. She had a house built on Gram’s property.”
“How is she doing?”
“My mom?”
“Yeah. My mom said that when you came back for the funeral, it was just you and your mom. That your parents are divorced now.”
“Yeah, that was a long time ago. My father lives in New Zealand with his new family. Mom and I are better than ever. This little one has brought us closer.” I nod down at Mari, who is squirming in my arms. “I’m going to need to get some more baby things for her.
We’ve been staying with a friend in Atlanta, and I didn’t want to inundate her with a baby store in her living room.
But I need a bouncy seat and a saucer for her to play in.
” I stand up. “Hey, I hope I’m not stepping on toes, but do you want to order some pizza? ”
“I wish I could, but Beckett should be home shortly. He just texted and said he was leaving the shop. Also, the best pizza is still pickup only. Maybe we can get together for a girls’ night another time?
I can’t drink much, and neither can Drea, who is also pregnant, but we would love to hang out with you. ”
“I’d love that.”
I walk her to the door as the rumble of a motorcycle approaches. This time it’s only one, and I watch as the man who waved at me earlier swings off it and takes Wrenn into his arms when she reaches him. She giggles, and I can almost feel the love coming off them both.
I close and lock the door, then head for my phone to call in a pizza order. I plan on spending the night unpacking and organizing.