Lady Luck
Finding Allie all curled up on the couch with her book discarded on the floor, where I’m assuming it fell when she dozed off, made part of me melt. She looked so peaceful, and I didn’t want to wake her.
Making sure all the candles were blown out and doors were locked, I crept back to the bedroom, carefully climbing into bed with her to not wake her.
Slowly, over the last month, the house started to look more blended.
It would always be filled with her touches since this was hers, but she did everything to include my things and asked my opinion.
Her bed, which always smelled of her coconut scent, had transformed into smelling like us.
A tangle of sweetness and outdoors. Of long summer evenings transforming into early fall mornings.
Gently pulling her into me, her soft curves molding beneath my hands and against my body. Every inch of her was soft and pliable; no matter where I wandered, I would be able to find purchase to hold her. Her body was truly statuesque. It was as if the universe made her specifically for me.
She let out a soft content hum and lay her head on my chest. Flipping the small lamp off, I held her tighter, thanking whoever I made happy up there for this beautiful angel in my arms.
The following morning, after we both got up and ready for the day, we sat at the island together eating our breakfast. Both going over our schedules for the day and what the rest of the week looked like as well.
A simple domestic task that I looked forward to every day.
I also learned that we’d be putting all the Christmas decor up this week and that you could, in fact, put them up before Thanksgiving. Contrary to popular belief.
“I also wanted to get your thoughts on something too. Just about Thanksgiving coming up and all.” Allie said between sips of her coffee.
“What about it?”
“Well, I know the holidays are harder for you, but I wanted to see what you thought about maybe hosting it here at our house… ya know, together and all.” She fidgeted with the handle of her mug, putting all her focus into it.
“I think that would be nice. It would be great to be surrounded by people who care. Besides, wasn't I promised happy replacement memories?” Allie let out a deep breath and looked up at me, smiling. Her round, freckled cheeks caused her eyes to squint and crease at the edges. The truth is, I would walk through fire for her. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this beautiful girl.
If she asked me to jump, I’d ask how high.
Streak through the neighborhood? Done. My love stretched across galaxies for her.
“It’ll be us, my mom, sister, and then Emma. I know we haven’t gotten into it much, but when she isn’t working on the holidays, she spends them with us.”
“Sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun, baby. Are you excited to do your interview prep for later this week?” Pushing the bar stool back, I gathered our dirty dishes and went to tidy up.
“I am, but I’m also nervous. This is such a big step, and what if I fail?”
“But what if you don’t? What if you succeed?”
“I guess you’re right.” She hopped off the stool and padded over to me. “Always coming in with some sound logic. Let a girl be dramatic for once, why don’t ya?” Lord help this woman and her attitude.
“You’ll be alright, I promise. Now go on and get to your desk.” I swatted her on her ass, and she let out a shriek. I was testing my limits with this grumpy girl first thing in the morning, but sometimes I liked riling her up.
With some time left before I had to leave for work to be in the office, I quickly made Allie a lunch for later, and then made her another cup of hot coffee to take to her. Stashing the container in the fridge, I quickly gave her the steaming vanilla latte and then headed out.
The day was filled with small, tedious tasks like catching up on tickets, making sure the new software we launched didn’t need any updates, and then random meetings. I hardly had time for breaks or to text and check in on Allie.
Once five o’clock hit, I quickly clocked out and gathered my stuff so I could rush out. I wanted to beat traffic and still have time to go to the store for dinner. Mondays for her were stressful, so if I could take a little of that stress away, I would.
Using social media was never my strong suit, but Allie was a pro at it since it was her job.
I’d tried my best to use it more, but I still kept most of it private.
Surprisingly, one I loved learning was Pinterest to find new recipes I could try out.
For tonight, I wanted to do some simple steaks, roasted veggies, and potatoes.
Simple but delicious. I also wanted to make some cupcakes to celebrate her getting this interview, but those would be box mixes.
Already knowing she was on the fence about even applying, but getting the interview is a huge step that deserves to be celebrated.
Lady Luck seemed to be in my favor today as there was minimal traffic, and I got to the store at that sweet time where people who were getting off work hadn’t quite shown up yet, so there wasn’t a major crowd.
Wasting no time, I hustled down each aisle, grabbing all the ingredients I needed, and made my way to the self-checkout.
Quickly bagging my groceries and heading out to the car, not paying much attention to my surroundings, I accidentally ran into someone.
“Oh shit, I’m sorry,” I said as I tightened my grip on the bags so I didn’t drop anything.
“Why don’t you fucking watch where you’re going, you fucking idiot.”
My spine locked. That voice. No, no, no. It seemed my luck ran out. I tried to turn away and bolt, but that old bastard shot out and grabbed hold of my arm before I could.
“Well, look who it is. If it ain’t the little piece of shit that ran off cause he thinks he’s better than us.
What brought you back, hmm? Crawling back for money or a free place to live so you can mooch off us again?
” The smell of alcohol and stale cigarettes on his breath filled my nostrils, choking me, making it impossible to take a deep breath.
Glad to see dear old Dad hadn’t changed a single bit.
“Hello, George. It’s never a pleasure to see you, so please release my arm so I can leave.
” He tried to sneer at me, but he was too drunk, so he looked more confused than anything.
I yanked my arm free, which sent him stumbling back.
I didn’t want to deal with him. Especially not in front of the god damn grocery store.
“You always were an ungrateful little shit. I gave you everything you could need. Food, a roof over your head, clothes, and video games to keep you quiet. What more did you fucking want from us?” Did he?
Oh, this piece of work. My breathing was erratic, and I could feel my heart pounding; my skin felt like it was on fire. I needed out.
Turning to try and leave, again, that's when I saw my mom running up to us, yelling something I couldn’t make out yet. Looks like it’s a family reunion.
I can’t do this.
“Debbie, what in the hell are you doing, woman? Go get your ass back in the car.” Greg’s words were slurring some more, and it looked like he might tip over. Debbie was trying to get my attention, waving her arms, and tears were starting to flow.
“Son, please! Talk to me!” She grabbed hold of my arm, and I stopped.
“I have to go.” I was doing the best I could to slow my breathing, but I had to get the fuck out of there. I knew I eventually would run into them, since Maplewood was still on the smaller scale, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be so soon.
“I don’t know why you’re doing this to your own mother. You’re killing me, son, don’t you see that! I never did anything to you! We’re your blood, damn it.”
“EXACTLY!” I screamed, startling both her and myself.
Several onlookers stood around, probably hoping for some gossip to pass along.
“You did nothing. Nothing to stop him. Nothing to help me. You. did. Nothing. I do not owe you any explanation to protect my peace. It’s taken me a long time to forgive ya’ll for what you did, but I will never forget.
” Shaking her hand off my arm, I took a step away from them.
“I will never talk to any of you again. I already told Jason this, but clearly that wasn’t passed along.
If you ever see me in public again, I ask you to have enough respect for me to pretend you don’t see me, and I’ll do the same if I see you. Goodbye, Debbie.”
Turning and practically running to the car, I threw the groceries into the back seat.
Quickly buckling and flinging the car into drive, I peeled out of the parking lot.
I took one glance into my rearview mirror and saw Greg trying to pull her back to the car.
My heart was still pounding, and a sob broke free.
A deep body-shuddering sob that would not be contained.
I needed to get to Allie. I just needed home.
Allie. I needed Allie.
Finally pulling into the driveway, I snatched the bags from the back and ran into the house, throwing them onto the counter.
“Allie!” I choked out between sobs. I wasn’t sure exactly why I was crying, but it wouldn’t stop. My throat was tight, and I couldn’t breathe.
“Out here!” Her voice rang out from the back patio. “I was starting to wonder where you were—baby? What’s wrong? What happened?” She was stepping inside as I was headed to her. Confusion and worry were etched on her face. I fell to my knees in front of her, pulling her close to me.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay, I’m here for you, my love. I’m right here.” She softly ran her fingers through my hair while I knelt there crying against her legs.
“Take a deep breath for me.” My body shook as sobs racked through me. No matter what I did, breathing was impossible. Allie stepped back from me, sat down on the floor, and cradled my head in her hands.