Page 8 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Family Dollar. Robin’s the manager, and she’ll be happy to help.” I pause. “Do you happen to know the school we’ll be attending?”

“Well, we live on the border of North and South Carolina, so it’ll be North Myrtle Beach for you and Ocean Drive for Theo.” He comes to a stop at the light. I can feel him watching me, but I turn my attention out the window.

“I’m gonna be a beach bunny, good deal.” I giggle.

He laughs with me. “I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”

After a quick stop, we get home just in time for Theo to come in. He watches as Uncle Bill carries the boxes in, turning to me with a puzzled look. “What’s the boxes for, Charlee?”

“Mom’s thinking we need a fresh start.” I pull out the chair across from me and open the cookies. I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or me. “So we’re gonna move to the beach. That way, every Saturday and Sunday we can build sandcastles and play in the ocean all day.”

“We are?” His eyes are round. “When?”

“As soon as Mom can travel.” I take the milk from the refrigerator and join him.

“YES! I’m so excited to tell everyone.” He gobbles down two cookies without breathing. Boys.

Uncle Bill sits beside him. “What about you, Charlee? Anyone in particular you’re gonna tell?”

“Nope.” I can’t help the pang in my gut at the thought of not getting to see Alden. “But that reminds me, I need to run over to Amy’s and get my homework from today.”

“Oh, okay. We’ll be here going through toys or something.” Uncle Bill smiles as I stand and walk toward the door.

“Good luck with that. Mom’s always trying to get him to throw some away.”

Theo frowns. “I’ve gotta get rid of my toys?”

I slip out the back door, making my getaway, so they can argue that out. Walking a few houses down, I check my surroundings before ducking down the little known path behind my neighbor’s house.

It’s overgrown, but I don’t mind; it’s the fastest way to Alden. I need to see him one more time, the way only he and I share before I tell anyone we’re leaving. My stomach knots at the thought of never seeing him again.

I begin to fight the tears building, knowing it won’t help. It never does. I’ve cried many nights after my dad left, hoping he would come back. I want what’s best for Mom, and I know that means sacrifices we may not think is best.

I fight the weeds and bugs as I sneak down to the river’s edge. I stay just behind the overgrown bushes and trees, so I can listen to him play. He comes down here to practice and he has no clue I’m here.

Sure enough, I soon hear an acoustic medley echoing over the water. He’s been working on this piece for a while. It’s soothing, yet haunting as it speaks to my forlorn soul.

I peek around the bush I’m sitting behind. The sun beats down on him, making his blond mop of hair sparkle. I can barely make out the fact that he’s singing, pausing to write something down now and then.

“I wish we lived in a different place, in a different time. I would tell you how much I love you. I wouldn’t be afraid to speak to you, to open my heart to you,” I whisper as tears fill my eyes, fearful I’ll be overheard.

“I love your music, it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard.” A knot forms in my throat. “I have to leave soon. I haven’t told many people but, my mom, she’s sick. Most of the time, I think if I don’t say it out loud, it’ll go away.

“But you, Alden, you know everything so I’m gonna say my goodbye’s here. She’s finished her first round of treatments, but I know things aren’t going well. By next week, I’ll be gone.”

I want you to know, I love you. No high school crush love or even puppy love. What I feel for you, I feel deeply to my core. I’ll never forget you. I love…”

“Alden? Alden!” a male voice rings out, sending chills down my spine. “ALDEN!”

“Yeah!” Alden twists on the rock to the path behind him.

Gavin, one of his best friends, walks into the clearing. “Man, you need to get home. Now.”

“What is it?” He stands, putting his guitar in its case.

Gavin fists his hair as a cool breeze washes over me. “Your parents, dude. Go, Cid needs you.”

Not another word is exchanged and from here, I can’t see Gavin’s face, but the tremble in his words has chilled me to the bone. I watch as they run up the river bank and out of sight. My chest is heavy with dread.