Hurricanes & Halloween (Out of the Ashes)
Prologue
Today is the last day I can respond. Yes or no…
There aren’t any other surfaces for me to clean. The freezer is stocked and there isn’t really a reason for me to be here. It’s only an excuse so I don’t have to answer my friends back home. They haven’t stopped texting, and calling, since the invites were sent out.
“Why are you staring at your phone like it’s a bomb about to blow up in your face?” Eric asks from the kitchen door.
I didn’t even hear it open. Or, he’s just that sneaky. He really needs a bell around his neck so we know when he’s coming.
“I have to RSVP for my high school reunion.” It’s the one thing that’s been plaguing my mind for months. I haven’t been home in years, and the only thing keeping me away is my own fear. Fear of seeing her again. It’s my own fault, but that’s beside the point.
“That doesn’t seem like a difficult decision.” He is right behind me now. “You either want to, or you don’t.”
“Why are you even here?” He never comes back here unless he wants me to make him something to go, or watch me over my shoulder.
It’s only now that I've noticed the bar is quiet. “We’re done with the cleanup, and ready to lock everything down. I didn’t see you leave, and assumed you were still in here.”
“Sorry, I’m ready to go.” I glance toward the freezer I was looking in a few moments ago. “Just making sure I have everything I need for the next couple of days.”
“Is this reunion the reason you’ve been staying late? And helping clean up?”
Always trying to get to the bottom of things, this one. There’s no use avoiding the question, he’ll keep pestering. “Yeah.”
“If it’s causing you this much stress, I say don’t go. But you could always flip a coin and leave it to fate.” He turns toward the door and walks out. Guess I’m locking up tonight. He does have a point though.
Digging around in my pocket, I listen for everyone to leave. The bar is quiet and I take a deep breath. At least nobody will be around to see me do this. Finally, a coin slips through the keys in my pocket, and I pull it out. This small piece of silver will decide if I go to the reunion, or not. Placing it on my thumb, I flick it into the air.