Page 10 of A Legacy of the Light

“I’m glad you went out and had a good time. It’s about time someone swept that girl off her feet. She deserves to be happy.”

He’s always had a soft spot for Rach. Being the only friend who stood by me automatically meant she had Grandpa’s seal of approval. She even joins us for dinner sometimes, and always makes Grandpa laugh until his stomach hurts.

“I’m glad, too. I’ll be sure to let him know that you’ll be after him if he doesn’t look after her,” I tease.

“Damn straight—she’s family!” Grandpa proclaims. I’ll text Rach that later, it will make her smile.

The waiter comes over to take our order, and we settle into normal conversation about our week. Apparently, there’s been some drama at the bowling club Grandpa goes to on a Monday.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like the old me. The smile on my face is genuine and not carrying the weight of pain and hollowness. Sitting listening to him talk about the club arguments as if they were a court room drama, I’m glad he has some happiness in his life after everything. Maybe I’m starting to come out of this black cloud of grief.

We share a delicious mango and passionfruit cheesecake and a triple chocolate cheesecake, then Grandpa’s mood suddenly shifts, turning sad and solemn.

“Twenty-five is a big deal you know, sweetheart.” Grandpa is the only person I allow to use pet names for me, ‘sweetheart’ and ‘Elsie-Pelsie’ are the only two he uses.

“It’s not that big, Grandpa. Don’t make me feel old, please,” I laugh.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I just want you to know how proud I am of you.”

My throat thickens. His tone is off. He always tells me he’s proud of me, but this has a deeper meaning. I just don’t know what.

Why is he being so mysterious?

I swallow a mouthful of food and murmur, “I know, Grandpa.”

He stays silent for another few moments then says, “Shall we get the bill? My treat since you’re the birthday girl?”

“Hmm, okay, but I’m paying next time. Thank you.” I reach over and squeeze his hand and he summons the waiter to settle the tab.

Since I drove tonight, I take Grandpa home and we sit idling on the street outside his house.

“Grandpa, are you okay?” I ask, concerned. He’s been quiet on the drive, and I’m worrying something is wrong.

“I’m fine, sweetheart. Just tired and a bit sad that my baby girl is all grown up.” He reaches over to cup my cheek and drops a kiss on my forehead. “I love you, Elsie. More than you’ll ever know.”

The emotion in his voice tugs on my heart. There’s a sadness to it, much like his sadness when he talks about Mom or Granny.

“I love you, too. Do you need me to help you up the steps? It’s icy tonight.”

“No, I’ve got it. Get yourself home and get some rest. You’ll need it.”

I pause. I haven’t told him much about what’s going on at work, so why would he say that? He glances at me before opening the door, a soft, sorrowful smile on his face.

“I’ll call you tomorrow!” I shout after him.

His only response is a small wave over his shoulder, as if he doesn’t want to look back. I stay to make sure he gets through the door before setting off home.

In bed later that night, I lie awake staring at the ceiling, replaying that final conversation with Grandpa over and over again.

I absently rub the pendant on my chest, electricity zinging through my fingers as they trace over the stone in the centre.

Weird.

This thing has a mind of its own at times.

My phone buzzes on my night stand. A message from Elliot.

Elliot: I hope you had a good time with your grandfather. Happy birthday xx