~ One ~
Peyton Montgomery hadn't noticed that it was nearly five o'clock and that the post office would be closing shortly. She was too preoccupied thinking of all the things left on her list to do before she left town. Truth be told, Peyton was anxious about packing up and leaving her small town, of Middleburg, a small suburb outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a matter of six weeks, she had cancelled her wedding, sent back the gifts and applied for college. Now it was almost time to put the past behind her. She had no idea what lie ahead for her, or whom she would meet, which was troubling for her. The "known" was something she could take hold of and understand something that was definite and somehow calming. Peyton had experienced a lot of unknowns in her life up to this point and was only looking for a life that was more conventional and steady.
Peyton arrived at the post office with only five minutes to spare, but Rebecca met her with a smile as she ushered simultaneously as she twirled the open sign to closed.
"Thanks Rebecca for letting me in, I need to overnight this package." Peyton said as she struggled to lay the oversized brown paper covered box onto the scale.
"No problem Sweetie." Rebecca replied, "Where's this headed to?" She asked.
Peyton fumbled in her purse for the address of the recipient whom had won her on-line auction of her wedding dress. Whoever they were they were getting a bargain, but she didn't care, she was just glad to be rid of it. She handed over the address, and thought to herself, "Okay, this is one more thing to cross of my list." Rebecca went through the numerous options for sending the package, with or without insurance, returns signature, etc., and waited for Peyton to respond. Peyton was still thinking of the numerous things left to do before she would be leaving town in two days, when she heard Rebecca clearing her throat, subtly trying to get her attention.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Rebecca. My mind is going in a hundred different directions lately." Peyton apologized.
"I understand I'm just sorry for what that son of a bitch did to you" she said no longer able to hold back.
"Thank you, it has been difficult." Peyton admitted as she paid for the shipping, and ran her hand alongside the box one last time, while letting out an enormous sigh.
"Thanks again!" she said as she pushed the door open to leave.
"Man I have to pull it together" she whispered with an additional sigh as she pulled her keys out of her jean pocket and checking her cell phone for any messages.
She let herself into her car and crossed this task off of her list. As she started the engine, she looked up at the sky and noticed the threatening clouds rolling in. She hadn't noticed the murky sky earlier and wondered if it was because her mind was so preoccupied. The wind had started to pick up as she drove down the windy country roads back to her Grandmother's home, the only real home she had ever known.
As she parked in the driveway she noticed her Grandmother, Vivian Parker, clutching her oversized straw hat on to her head, in a futile attempt to keep it still as the winds picked up even more. Peyton grabbed for her camera bag which was always close by and got out of the car and started taking some candid shots of Vivian. The sky cracked with lightening at the precise moment Peyton captured the photo. Vivian then turned to move toward safety and the front porch. Peyton smiled to herself, as she climbed back in the car to gather her purse and camera bag, watching Vivian as she marched up the flight of steps. She thought how fortunate she was to have this woman in her life. Her life could have been so very different if her Grandmother hadn't stepped up to raise her after her Mother and Father had been killed in a car accident when she was just five years old. Her Parents had been high school sweethearts and had gotten married right after graduation. Peyton had been born a year later.
Vivian was a remarkably strong, caring and devoted Grandmother whom had always loved Peyton unconditionally and created such a secure and stable environment for her in a time which could have been very difficult for her. They actually were able to help each other through that tragic and devastating time, which created such an enormous bond between them. They never took for granted how blessed they both were to have each other. Peyton by no means took for granted how blessed she was to have had such a magnificent woman to raise and nurture her.
The thunderstorm was moving in rapidly now, Peyton could hear as the wind was picking up and beginning to howl. She was in the progress of swinging her car door open, but at that moment the heavens decided to open up and let loose. The rain came down with such massive force that Peyton knew she must get back in the car and let the volatile weather subside. Her list would just have to wait. Lightening cracked again nearby and she listened to the loud rumble of the thunder not far-off. She sank back down into the driver's seat and turned off the car's engine. She pulled out her list once more to review the remaining chores, and as she did so, she began to reflect on what had brought her to this crossroads in her life.
