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She nods and stands from the steps. "Just so I'm sure, Ben has on a real smile in that picture, right?"
I look down at it, even though I already know the answer. "Yes. That's his real smile.
She nods, seemingly more to herself than me. "Yeah. Then I have seen it a few times. That will have to be enough for me. Thank you, Elijah. For what you said at the dinner. For speaking the truth I was too afraid to." She looks me in the eyes. "For being the truest friend Ben had. I think we wouldn't have had him as long as we did without you."
The bridge of my nose tingles with the beginning of tears. She just smiles and walks down the remaining steps. I watch her through blurred eyes as she walks up identical steps and into her own house. I stay on the porch for a while, looking at the picture of two young kids who didn't know what life had in store for them. The highs, the lows, the happiness, the immense pain, the smiles, and the cries. I wouldn't trade any of it. It was our journey, me and him. Even if I would have liked his to be much longer, it ended where it did, and I must continue on without him, but always with the memory of him.
When it gets too cold, I rise and go back into the house, not surprised to find my grandma sitting in her usual seat by the window.
"That was sweet of her," she says, not even attempting to hide the fact she was snooping.
"It was."
She nods towards the picture frame. "Let me see."
I walk over and hand the frame to her. She smiles, looking down at it fondly.
"I did love that boy," she says, handing it back to me. "Even if I hated the positions he put you in, don't ever think I didn't love him deeply."
"I know you did Grandma. And so did he."
Her eyes getting a little misty, she nods and asks. "When are you going over to Jolie's to get the rest of her things?”
"On Friday."
After telling Jolie my grandma had waved me off, confused why I was even asking her if Jolie could move in, we'd gotten a few boxes to take over there on Friday to pack up her things. When her parents expect her to come to the therapy session. Even though they've left her phone on and continued to text her throughout the week, she hasn't responded to any of them. They've all just been demands for her to be at the session anyway. It doesn't seem like they need a response because they assume she will be there.
"I was thinking we can get her a dresser or something for your room," my grandma suggests. "Something to make her feel more at home."
"I think she would love that. I'll get one but keep it in another room until we get back with her things on Friday."
"Good. I'll watch you put it together. You know, moral support."
"Gee thanks."
"What are grandmas for?" She grins.
"Well, I don't know about other grandmas, but you've been everything for me."
She tucks her lips in, clearly holding back tears. Waving me off, she turns towards the TV. "Oh, get outta here with your smooth talk."
I smile before walking back down the hallway. Taking off my T-shirt, I put the frame on my dresser and climb back into bed with Jolie. I don't think I've ever not smile at the way she moves closer to me, even seeking me out in her sleep. I wrap my arms around her and drift off.
"Alright you ready for Mission Move-out?" Jolie asks after we're done with breakfast Friday morning.
I chuckle. "Is that what we're calling it?"
"I figured since we're sneaking to do it, it should at least have a cool name."
"Should we wear all black?" I tease.
"Hmm, I'll take it under consideration."
"Have your parents texted this morning?"
She rolls her eyes. "Only about five times. Reminding me of the session, making sure I know the time I must be there. Telling me there will be repercussions should I not attend. You know, the usual."
"Well, I guess we can expect your phone to be shut off again after they realize your stuff is gone."
