AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sammy rolled her eyes. "Mal, you're always invited. You're Frankie's sister. Plus, you're pretty much best friends with all of them now and potentially dating all of them. Not to mention, I bought a new bathing suit that needs an excuse to be worn."
I laughed at her shopping habits. The girl knew how to spend money. "Yeah, but I don't know. I don't want to be a burden or anything."
Sammy shook her head. "You're not going to be a burden. Look, we will go. It'll be great."
I nodded, feeling a little better about the idea of going. "Okay, I'll think about it."
Sammy grinned. "Good. Now, let's talk about something else. Have you been reading anything interesting lately?"
I smiled, grateful for the change in topic. "Actually, I just started reading 'Unhinged Witch' by Melody Caraballo. It's really interesting so far."
Sammy's eyes lit up. "Oh, I love that book! It's so spicy. Have you read any other books by her?"
I shook my head. "No, this is my first one. But I'm definitely going to check out more of her work."
We spent the rest of the night discussing books, movies, and our possible plans for the weekend. By the time I got home, I was exhausted.
I woke up early and got ready to head out. Before I made a final decision, there was someone I wanted to visit. There were only a few hours before my shift. Barb really had me on the schedule a lot this week. That wasn't a complaint. I needed the money.
Frankie tried to stop me on the way out the door. I didn't feel like talking to him. Every year around the anniversary, my presence made him edgy and even more bothersome. As far as older brothers went, he was great when necessary.
When I was twelve, a boy at school, Dan West, kept picking on me. My parents said that was how boys act when they really liked you. I thought it was bullshit. If someone liked you, they shouldn't call you 'book girl' and knock all your books out of your hands every chance they got.
In a fit of tears, I told Frankie. He skipped school that day, along with Jake, Matty, and Rex. They made the kid piss himself. That was six years ago, and every time I passed Dan on the streets, he put his head down and went in the opposite direction.
Just because Frankie had his moments didn't mean he didn't make me angry. He shouldn't even attempt to be okay with leaving me alone during the anniversary. I ground my teeth and started the car.
After stopping at the grocery store for flowers, I headed to see my mom. Maybe she would have answers for me. I drove up close to her plot, and walked over to her headstone.
I kneeled down and placed the flowers in front of her gravestone. "Hey, Mom. It's been a while since I've visited. Things have been crazy lately."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "I don't know what to do about the lake house. The guys invited me, but I don't want to be a burden. And it's been hard lately, with the anniversary of your death coming up. Well, I need your advice. I don't know if I should go with the guys this weekend. I'm scared, Mom. Scared of what might happen. Scared of what might not happen. I don't know if I'm ready."
Tears started to well up in my eyes. "I wish you were here. You always knew what to say. I just feel like I'm lost without you."
A gust of wind blew past me, rustling the leaves on the trees. It was almost as if she told me she was always there, even if I couldn't see her.
I sat there for a while longer, talking to my mom about everything that had been going on. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. When I finally got up to leave, a person a few headstones away was sitting in the grass. I recognized the silhouette of his side view, Rex Wilson.
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should go up to him or not. But then, I figured he could use the company. So, I took a deep breath and walked towards him.
Three years ago, Rex's oldest brother took his own life. I never asked why. It didn't matter. It happened during Rex's senior year as a starting linebacker. Rex got injured shortly after, tore a ligament in his knee.
"Hey," I said softly, trying not to startle him.
Rex turned his head to look at me. "Hey," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
I sat next to him and squeezed his hand. The leaves rustled again, blowing across the cemetery.
"The night before he died, he came into my room. He gave me his class ring and told me I would make it to the pros one day." He twisted the gold ring on his hand. "I should have known. Did you know that when people are ready to take their life, they give away their possessions?"
I shook my head. "No, I didn't know that."
Rex sighed heavily. "Neither did I. I just wish I could have done something to stop him."
I didn't know what to say. What could I say? There was nothing that could bring his brother back. No words could ease his pain. I rubbed his back in comforting circles, hoping it could provide some small solace.
We sat there in silence for a while, the wind blowing the leaves around us. It was peaceful, in a melancholic kind of way.
