August 2004
Only two months had passed when he got a call. He was at work for the day, and it was on his answering machine when he returned.
"Hi Schemer. I just wanted to see if you were free. I'll be in town in two days and if you're willing I'd like to talk. I can come by your place in the evening around 7 pm if that's okay."
He felt the hope spread through his chest despite himself. Her voice was very hard to read, but she sounded what he thought to be happy. However, he was dreadfully nervous, and was trying to assume the worst because he didn't want to be let down. But still, it was hard to not feel hopeful.
Two days passed quickly, and he found that his nervousness only grew. The thought of seeing her again brought him anxiety and happiness at the same time. He spent most of the day running around, trying to keep his mind occupied with some work, and picking up some of the things that she liked. He realized that he had forgotten his phone so he hoped she wasn't trying to get ahold of him. His errands took a little bit longer than anticipated and it was nearly 6:30 pm by the time he got home.
He walked in with a bouquet of her favourite flowers and was surprised to see Schemee sitting in his living room.
"Schemee? What're you doing here?" He asked curiously, still holding the flowers.
But the look in Schemee's eyes when he lifted his head to meet his Uncle's gaze chilled Schemer immediately to the bone.
"What's wrong?" Schemer asked worriedly. "Are you okay?"
"I've been trying to get ahold of you all afternoon, you haven't talked to anyone else today have you?" Schemee asked with a raspy voice.
"No, I've been out." Schemer felt his heart tighten. "What's wrong?"
Schemee walked up and placed his hands on his Uncle's shoulders. Schemer barely heard anything that he said, only registering the key words like 'Stacy' and 'car crash' and 'I'm so sorry'.
The flowers hit the floor with a unceremonious thud.
Mary Jane's Last Dance - Tom Petty