AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The boardwalk groaned ever so slightly under our footsteps. I gave her a smile. “You can complain around me. I’m a good listener.”
“I’ve noticed that about you. Thank you for that.”
Dez’s house loomed large next to the boardwalk. I automatically looked toward the attic in search of any strange lights or odd butterflies. I didn’t see any, but I knew the butterfly with the white wing was nearby. I could hear it.
Which immediately started me thinking about Alexander, even if he wasn’t the butterfly after all.
Since the last time I’d seen Estrelle, it had been impossible not to think about her sayingif, if, if. What if Ihadopened the door to Alexander the night he’d died and agreed to go with him? Would it have been thetwoof us stepping in front of that car?
If.
I sighed.
The guilt that I’d hidden in my room when he knocked remained, but it didn’t feel as powerful as it had. It had loosened its grip on my heart. I had become determined not to linger on regrets, instead choosing to focus on the good times we’d shared, his easy laugh and his kindness.
I was still puzzled by the butterfly not being Alexander. I’d been sosure.Perhaps it was my grandmother Bunny? Was she the one guiding me along on this trip out of my comfort zone?She’d always thought I’d been too sheltered and had argued with my mom about it more than once. Although she’d been gone a long time now, nearly ten years, I was starting to believe in the impossible, so why not her?
I’d ask Estrelle the next time I saw her. Whether she’d actually answer and not mysteriously disappear remained to be seen.
As we reached the end of the boardwalk, Gracie smiled. “Will you be coming out with us tomorrow morning? The storm is probably going to uncover all kinds of goodies.”
Oh, how I wanted to. I’d love to find sea glass of my very own. “I work tomorrow at the coffee shop.”
“Well, consider it a standing invitation. You know where to find us. I have the feeling you’ll be an official Mermaid soon enough. See you later!”
I liked the sound of becoming an official Mermaid. Very much so.
I waved goodbye as she headed off, and as I turned toward Dez’s, I spotted Sam and Norman coming down his front steps.
I met them in the middle of the street and automatically dropped down to give love to Norman. He wiggled and jiggled and licked my chin.
I said, “I liked the xylophone. It was unexpected. Was that ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’?”
Sam dropped his head back and laughed.
For the past few nights, he’d been playing a different instrument and song. It had become a game for me to identify both.
“My xylophone skills are rusty.”
“I thought it was a decent effort.”
He nodded toward the mesh bag. “Did you score any good finds this morning?”
“Some shells.” I glanced down the street, seeing Gracie turning toward the square. “And maybe a friend.”
“The best find of all.”
I glanced up at him, met his gaze, and nodded.
“Hey, Norman and I were just about to go for a walk on the trail. Did you want to come with us?”
I pointed toward the trees. “That trail?”
“The very same.”
As I wavered, I heard Estrelle’s voice in my ear.
If continuously looking behind, you risk missing the possibilities that lie ahead.
