Chapter 2
August 1998
“But I don’t want Grantie to go!” I yell and run up the stairs. Grant leaves tomorrow for New York City, and I hate it. I hate New York, and I hate cities. It’s not fair. Soon, I start school, and now I will be starting without my best friend. We are supposed to be in Mrs. Lawler’s class together, and we are supposed to be best friends forever. This isn’t fair.
I feel my tears falling down my cheeks and sadness in my heart. I run into my room and fall onto my bed. I love my Grantie, and he isn’t supposed to go. I asked Mama why we can’t keep him, but Grant’s mama said we can’t do that. Why? I need him with me. She can go with Becca. I want Grantie here.
The tears won’t stop now. I can’t control them falling down my cheeks. I’m lying face down on my bed, so sad that things will never be the same. I hear the footsteps coming up the stairs, and I know one of my parents is coming down the hall to talk to me.
Knock, knock.
I hear someone’s knuckles against my door.
Looking in that direction, I see my bedroom door begin to open slowly, and my sister’s head pops in. I guess someone drew straws because Ellie is the unlucky one to deal with me right now. Nothing she says will change how much my heart hurts right now.
“May I sit down?” My sister speaks softly to me.
She’s always been so sweet with me. Having her be thirteen years older than me really does make us feel like we’ve both been raised as only children in the house. Not once has she been mean to me. She’s always treated me more like she raised me than a little sister. Not counting Grant, Ellie is my best friend, and the way her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, I know she’s sad too. Grant isn’t the only friend leaving; Becca is her best friend, and she’s moving away too.
I nod at her because the tears have caused a frog to live in my throat.
“I’m so sorry you’re sad.” She pushes some strands of my hair away from my face. “I’m sad too. But you know what?” I shake my head in response. “This isn’t the end of your friendship with Grant. I know Becca will be visiting, and we can always go to them too. When I go visit, if Mom lets us, I’ll have you tag along. Becca’s baby will need lots of love.” My sister keeps stroking my hair, one of my favorite things she does to make me feel better.
I lean my head against her shoulder, “But what if Grantie makes a new friend and forgets about me?”
I hear my sister let out a breath. “I know what that fear feels like. Have you thought about how Grant feels, though? He might be scared, just like you. You’re his best friend too. He might think you’ll forget about him.”
“I would never! He’s my bestest friend, Ellie. I love him like I love my peonies. Having him around is like having all of my favorite flowers in a field.”
I hear my sister chuckle. “So if your friendship is really that strong, it will last, even beyond Saddle Ridge. Does that make sense?”
I nod, but I still feel scared. I don’t know life here without my Grantie. I don’t know how to play in the yard or the playground without him giggling with me.
“What about this? How about you draw Grant a picture and then have that ready for him before he leaves tomorrow. And after that, you can send him notes and pictures. I bet he’d love to receive some mail while he’s starting a new life in New York. How does that sound?”
It’s not a solution, but it’s something I can do to feel close to him.
“But I don’t know how to send anything in the UPSP.” I look up at my sister and realize how different we are in looks. She’s got dark blue eyes, blonde hair, and clear skin along her beautiful face. I have red hair with green eyes and freckles along my nose and cheeks.
“That’s where I come in, silly.” She tickles me, and I can’t help the giggle that comes out, even though I’m sad. “And it’s USPS. I will help you address the envelope and put a stamp on the outside. Does that sound like a fun thing to do together?” I feel a smile move across my face, and I feel a little lighter. Maybe everything will be okay.
I stand up and go to my little desk, which has paper and some crayons. I begin to draw my picture for Grant, with fields of green and with pink peonies all along the bottom. I draw him and me holding hands, a playground, and a sun shining brightly. Grantie always says I remind him of the warm feeling he gets when he steps outside into the sun. Something about me making everything better when he feels sad. As I keep drawing, I hear Ellie moving around my room, grabbing my clothes from the basket, and putting everything away.
Soon, my eyes feel heavy, and my sister helps me get ready for bed. The sun has set, and I can see the darkness when I look out the window. I see the stars shining bright as I lay my head on my pillow, and I feel myself wishing to the stars to keep Grant close to my heart, no matter how far away he is in this world.