*~*Summary~*~
The characters are a little "out of character" {in some parts} being as I started this as an original story. Also in this story Serena doesn't have a brother but a sister. And instead of being set in California or Japan it is set in Georgia.
Things happened during their high school years that changed them some and well. you'll have to read it to find out. The scouts have graduated from high school and have gone their separate ways "following their own wind." Well most of them that is. Serena's sister marries and becomes pregnant and Serena comes back. The same moth there is the 10-year high school reunion.
Also you might want to know that Serena is also called Sere. And I will be using the dubbed names, except for Setsuna. The General's will have "original" names, and play a role in the story later on.
~*~ Disclaimer~*~
I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON, OR ANY OF THE OTHER SHOWS OR BOOKS THAT I LIKE. But that is my loss.
After high school we split up, all of us going our separate ways. A promise to stay in touch through the years, a last hug and a few tears where shed before we got into our own separate cars and drove away. I leaned against the hood of my car as I watched them drive away, when they where out of sight I got into my car and drove off.
Before I left town, I drove past the houses where my friends used to live, the park where we had fun, the school we attended, and the church where we had swung on the swings the night of a birthday. A sad smile crept onto my face when I finally reached the highway.
Of all the things I remember from that day, a few things stick out, and stand clear in my head, the town was as if the whole population had left, the first song on the radio was Restless Heart "I'll Still Be Loving You" followed by Linkin Park's "In The End." Once I boarded the highway I remember nothing but following the wind. And follow it I did for a long time.
Looking back on the music it seems strange the order and the style of songs that where played, a promise of everlasting love and one of things coming to an end. I can't tell you how long or how far I drove on that May night. All I remember about it was stopping for gas, food and sometime to stretch.
As I have said I followed that wind, it eventually led me to the other side of the continent. I'm not even sure how long it took me. I stopped in a small town in Northern Oregon, the people there where nice and accepting right away. I began teaching at the local elementary school. I have always loved children and it just seemed natural. But that is another story in itself and so must wait its turn.
I never called any of my friends, they never called me, I know it is because we all followed our own wind and it led us far away from the others. And to be honest everything from their names to what they looked like slipped from my mind and I never knew it. In a way I was glad that we didn't stay in contact. It gave us all a chance to start over, to live the life that we wanted and never had a chance to get until now. It gave us a chance to make the decisions that would shape our future, not the future that had been planned for us. It seemed as if they had all dropped off the face of the Earth. I know this will sound mean but I couldn't have been happier.
I never married, I didn't want too. I later found out that the others had met up with their high school sweethearts and married, but we'll come to that later.
My youngest sister stayed in the town that we had grew up in. We would sometimes right back and forth. The last letter that I received was about three years old. So it was shocking to find a letter waiting in my mailbox from my sister, Elizabeth, after work one day. I wasn't sure what to think when I saw it, so I hurried into the house, threw my things on the couch, and went into the kitchen. There I made me something to eat and fixed something to drink. Once I had that done, I sat down to eat and read the letter.
Dear Sere,
I'm not sure if you are still at this address or not, but I had to try. How have you been? I really wish you could have made it for the wedding but don't worry I have all the pictures waiting for you. //"Wedding? What wedding?"//
Well there are a couple of other things I wanted to tell you. But where to start?
You are going to be an aunt. That seems like a good place, don't you think? The baby is due in May.
I checked the postage date. It read April 20. And it was now April 25. "Next month?!"
I don't know what it is, didn't want to know. I hope you can be here but if you can't I will understand. I could imagine Elizabeth's face as she wrote this. //"I will be there." //
Oh wait a minute I have to answer the phone.
I smiled at this; it was just like my sister to put that.
Ok, well I'm back. In case you are wondering, it was Mr. Anderson. You do remember him don't you? He was trying to find you. He wanted to let you know about the reunion that is coming up in May. I told him that I would let you know. He asked how you where and what have you been doing.
I hope this letter reaches you in time to come for either one of the two. I'm starting to get tired so I'm going to go lie down. I'll hopefully see you next month. Until then.
Elizabeth
I folded the letter back up and stared at off into space for a while, thinking. Elizabeth was married, and I missed it, heck I didn't even know about it, and now she is going to have a baby. Then there was the reunion. Ten years? Has it really been that long? I decided then that I would go back home, for Elizabeth, nothing else.
I started packing that night and was ready to leave in the morning. I went to the school long enough to explain to the administrators and my students what was going on and why I would be gone. I left right afterwards, once again I only know I stopped for gas, food, and a break, well besides the stops to sleep.
This time during one of the breaks I went shopping. I had to find Elizabeth something along with the new baby. Oh, I was going to be an aunt, I was so excited. For the baby I picked out a pale yellow outfit that would go for either a boy or a girl. I wasn't sure what to get for my sister, so I decided to take her shopping when I got there.
I don't remember how long it took me to reach Columbus. But then I never remember how long it takes me to get anywhere. I stayed outside Columbus in Peachtree City, planning to go the rest of the way the next morning.
May first. That was the next day. I woke up early and dressed in a white tank top with a pair of army green shorts and white tennis shoes. "Georgia. I will always be used to the weather here." I said aloud as I was getting into my Camero, and making sure the top shields where out. My dream car, my baby, I had finally managed to get it. It was a light silver t-top Camero, with built in CD player. I rolled the windows down as I pulled on to the highway.
The wind blew my long silver blonde hair back from my face as I drove. I like the music that was "in" when I was growing up so when O-Towns "All or Nothing" came on I turned it up and sang along, what can I say, when it is a song I like I'm going to sing. The song finished an was followed directly by Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now." I know that wasn't when I was growing up, but still she has a great voice, and since I like that song I sang along.
I wouldn't realize the significance of those songs until later, a song of hope and one of finding. The roads were once again deserted as I pulled off of the highway ramp, well I say deserted, but there were a few other cars. It had been ten years since I was last here, things could change. I let the car go where it wanted.
I first wound up at my old high school. It was obvious that it wasn't used anymore, and looked as if it hadn't been used for a while. The windows were broken in a number of places, some doors were busted open, and bricks where crumbling in a number of places as well. I vaguely remembered Elizabeth telling me about a new and improved high school being built. Maybe while I was here I may try to find it, but not now.
"Things change." I told myself, I kept repeating it as if it was a lifeline as I drove out of the parking lot. The next song on the CD player was Richard Marx "Right Here Waiting." While I listened to the song I somehow found myself at the building where my first and only boyfriend used to live. I could remember him leaving either right before I did or right after. I didn't pay attention to where I was going as the song went off and soon found myself driving through different neighborhoods. "Would he recognize me anymore?" I wondered as I drove through the fifth neighborhood. Soon afterwards I came to the park where he and I had spent our last night together. Something seemed to be tugging at the back of my mind but every time I tried to look closer it vanished.
The playground was no longer there; in its place was a picnic area. I sighed and repeated what had become a lament for me. "Things change. So much can happen in ten years. I stayed in the car instead of getting out like I did at the school. If the truth was to be told I didn't want to see how much things had changed. I checked the clock as I drove off; it read 3:45 pm.
"Well, I guess it's time I went to see Elizabeth." I pulled over so that I could check the address on the letter. "Good I know exactly where St. Mary's Road is. If they haven't changed the names of the streets." I laughed a little not knowing what to expect as I pulled back on to the road.
The drive to St. Mary's didn't take long, and I soon realized that the housing in the area had changed from apartments to houses, really nice houses. I had to slow down so that I could find the house. It took me a few minutes but I soon found it. "There it is." I said out loud. House number six sat on the left side of the road and beside a lake. My sister had done well for herself.
My camero pulled slowly into the circular driveway of a three-story house. The house was beautiful from the outside; I could only imagine what it looked like in the inside.
As I turned the car off the French style doors opened and out stepped a man. I closed the door to my car as he came down the steps; when I saw his face my breath caught. He looked so familiar but I couldn't place him.
"Who are you?" He asked stopping beside my car. With those words I remembered him. The quarter back of the high school that Elizabeth had attended. They had dated off and on for a while. "So" I thought "they finally got married."
"I'm here to see Elizabeth." I didn't mention my name; we had only gotten along when it was absolutely necessary, but I would be nice until he did something stupid.
"I didn't ask why you were here, I asked who you where." He was starting to get angry I could tell, and boy I had to admit I was enjoying it.
"Eric?" A voice called from the house. "Who is it?" A young woman asked from the open doorway. All she could see was the car and was curious.
"I don't know, she won't answer my question. She says she is here to see you." It was amazing how gentle his voice turned when he spoke to her.
"Well then let her come in." She said going back into the house. I had watched the whole thing from a place behind Eric.
I could hardly hide the smile that crossed me face as he turned around to face me. "Why didn't you say something? Follow me." He growled as he started up the steps.
"I didn't want Elizabeth to fall down the steps." I answered his question as I followed him and the smile was back on my face. We eventually came to what had to be the living room. Elizabeth was in a rocking chair with her back to the door. Eric motioned me into the room and then closed the door behind me. He didn't follow which surprised me, but it suited my purposes.
"I apologize for Eric's behavior. He is a little touchy right now, and you would think that I would be the touchy one." She said not bothering to turn around.
I thought for moment she I accept or get right on to the visit. " It's quite alright, he has always been that way. How much longer before the baby is due?" It seemed right that I say that rather than "Hi" or "Hello" or something of that nature. I don't think I have ever seen a pregnant woman faster. She was out of the chair and hugging me before I knew what had happened.
She called out as she was reached me and the doors flew open to show Eric two girls engaged in a hug. I wish I could have seen his face. Oh well there will be other times. We hugged for a few moments and then the "older sister protectiveness" kicked in. I gave her a squeeze before saying anything. "Ok, we'll talk in a minute, but now sit."
"Oh, come on Serena." She said as she went back to her abandoned chair. I turned around and held my hand out to Eric. "Hello, Eric. Nice to see you again." I said pleasantly, knowing good and well that he was still confused by what he had just seen.
"Serena." He said accepting my hand. "I'll be in the study if you need me, Elizabeth." He said as he walked out of the room. I shrugged as I turned around. "I guess he is still mad at me."
"Come on, Sere. Sit down. Why didn't you tell me that you were coming? I would have had something to eat ready." She said a bit annoyed.
"Well I didn't know that I was coming until after I read your letter. And since I knew you where pregnant I didn't want to you worrying. Good enough?" I asked taking a chair across from her.
"I'll let it slide this time. Tell me, how have you been? I see that there is no ring, can't find the right person?"
I knew where this was going and was going to stop it before it could get any further. "I've been fine. I'm teaching at an elementary school. The kids are so sweet. No ring, no boyfriend, no fiancée, no more, and never again." I knew that Elizabeth would know what I meant by that.
"Ok, OK I get the picture."
"When is the baby due?"
"Sometime this month. The doctor said between the 15-20. And your birthday is the 17th. I can't wait until I can hold him or her in my arms." I serene smile crossed her face. "Will you be staying?"
"I wouldn't miss it."
"Great. Where are you staying?"
"At a hotel. I know that I missed the baby shower, but I wanted to get something for the baby anyway. I don't know what you already have but oh well. And when you feel up to it, we are going shopping."
"You didn't have to get anything for the baby."
"I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I'll go and get it." I got up and started for the door, only to be stopped by Elizabeth.
"Did you say something about shopping?"
"I think I might have. Why?"
"Let's go!" she grabbed my hand and started towards the front doors, pulling me behind her. When she reached the doors she called out "Eric, we are going shopping. Be back later!" With that we were through the doors and down the steps. "Oooo.is this your car?"
"Yeah, it's my baby."
"Can we take your car?" she sounded like a little girl. I couldn't help but laugh. "Of course." With that I opened the door for her and went around to get in myself. Our doors closed at the same time. As we pulled out of the driveway she started messing with the radio. She must have found the station that she was looking for because she sat back and sang along.
The song was "She Took The Moon Over Georgia" by Shenandoah. Her voice blended perfectly with the bands. She could have sung professionally but decided early on that she didn't ant that type of life or all the attention. I couldn't really blame her. "Where is the best place to go shopping?" I asked once the song was over.
"Downtown. The malls aren't there anymore so downtown is the best."
We drove on and I was quiet as she told me about all that had happened in the last ten years to Columbus. I was really shocked to hear just how much everything had changed. Every now and then she would tell me where to turn and where to go.
The malls where tore down about three years after I left, and the stores moved downtown to separate buildings. It reminded me of New York. Once there Elizabeth showed me where to park and where the car would be safe. By this time it was five o'clock.
I don't think I have ever seen a pregnant woman with as much energy as she had. There were so many stores for everything; I didn't think it was possible to have so many stores in one place. But I should have known that anything was possible all I had to do was to look at my past to tell that.
"Where should we go first?" I asked coming down the ramp.
"Books? No I might not get you out of there. You are going to the reunion, aren't you? What are you going to wear?"
"I don't know if I am going to the reunion yet or not. I'm here for you not the reunion. And if, IF I decided to go then I will find something."
"Nonsense Sere. You will go to that reunion. And don't try to argue with a pregnant woman it will get you nowhere, ask Eric. So the first stop will be to find you something to where." With that she started towards a store that read "For All Occasions" there was nothing to do but follow her.
We spent four hours in that store, before I decided on a cerulean blue pants suit, and a nice dress. By then it was nine o'clock and dark, so we headed home.
Once in the car "Where are you staying again?"
"At a hotel."
"Not anymore." She said as we pulled in the driveway. "You're staying with me. Don't argue, we have more than enough room, plus I want you close in case anything happens. And that way we can catch up easier you do know it has been ten years." "And" she added silently "there is a surprise for you coming up." We got out of the car and I went to get my luggage. Let's see the last time Eric and I was in the same house for long, well we won't go there. It's better to leave the past behind us. Elizabeth said something to him and he came down to get my luggage out of the car. I could tell that he wanted to ask something. "What is it?" I asked pleasantly, I was determined to be nice until he proved other wise.
"Why did you come back?" he asked gruffly.
"Umm.could it be, my sister is pregnant, married, and I didn't know about the wedding? We have always been close. Is that enough or would like some others?" Eric had always managed to bring out the worse in me.
"SO she doesn't know what Elizabeth is up too. This is going to be good." He thought as he opened the door to her room and set the suitcases down. "While you bare here do not upset Elizabeth." He said then turned a left t he room.
My room was on the third floor with a wonderful view of the lake, and a balcony. That night I slept the best that I had in ten years. I didn't wake once. The next few days I didn't see much of Eric, but Elizabeth and I spent a bunch of time together, doing just about everything.
Hey guys, some of you guys may recognize this story as being the same on that was posted under a different name. True I did post this under a different name but I'm having trouble with that account, and even the e- mail account, I couldn't post anything but I was able to remove everything. With that done I decided to edit the story and repost it. Please review. It would really help. Thanks.
~Silvra
The characters are a little "out of character" {in some parts} being as I started this as an original story. Also in this story Serena doesn't have a brother but a sister. And instead of being set in California or Japan it is set in Georgia.
Things happened during their high school years that changed them some and well. you'll have to read it to find out. The scouts have graduated from high school and have gone their separate ways "following their own wind." Well most of them that is. Serena's sister marries and becomes pregnant and Serena comes back. The same moth there is the 10-year high school reunion.
Also you might want to know that Serena is also called Sere. And I will be using the dubbed names, except for Setsuna. The General's will have "original" names, and play a role in the story later on.
~*~ Disclaimer~*~
I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON, OR ANY OF THE OTHER SHOWS OR BOOKS THAT I LIKE. But that is my loss.
After high school we split up, all of us going our separate ways. A promise to stay in touch through the years, a last hug and a few tears where shed before we got into our own separate cars and drove away. I leaned against the hood of my car as I watched them drive away, when they where out of sight I got into my car and drove off.
Before I left town, I drove past the houses where my friends used to live, the park where we had fun, the school we attended, and the church where we had swung on the swings the night of a birthday. A sad smile crept onto my face when I finally reached the highway.
Of all the things I remember from that day, a few things stick out, and stand clear in my head, the town was as if the whole population had left, the first song on the radio was Restless Heart "I'll Still Be Loving You" followed by Linkin Park's "In The End." Once I boarded the highway I remember nothing but following the wind. And follow it I did for a long time.
Looking back on the music it seems strange the order and the style of songs that where played, a promise of everlasting love and one of things coming to an end. I can't tell you how long or how far I drove on that May night. All I remember about it was stopping for gas, food and sometime to stretch.
As I have said I followed that wind, it eventually led me to the other side of the continent. I'm not even sure how long it took me. I stopped in a small town in Northern Oregon, the people there where nice and accepting right away. I began teaching at the local elementary school. I have always loved children and it just seemed natural. But that is another story in itself and so must wait its turn.
I never called any of my friends, they never called me, I know it is because we all followed our own wind and it led us far away from the others. And to be honest everything from their names to what they looked like slipped from my mind and I never knew it. In a way I was glad that we didn't stay in contact. It gave us all a chance to start over, to live the life that we wanted and never had a chance to get until now. It gave us a chance to make the decisions that would shape our future, not the future that had been planned for us. It seemed as if they had all dropped off the face of the Earth. I know this will sound mean but I couldn't have been happier.
I never married, I didn't want too. I later found out that the others had met up with their high school sweethearts and married, but we'll come to that later.
My youngest sister stayed in the town that we had grew up in. We would sometimes right back and forth. The last letter that I received was about three years old. So it was shocking to find a letter waiting in my mailbox from my sister, Elizabeth, after work one day. I wasn't sure what to think when I saw it, so I hurried into the house, threw my things on the couch, and went into the kitchen. There I made me something to eat and fixed something to drink. Once I had that done, I sat down to eat and read the letter.
Dear Sere,
I'm not sure if you are still at this address or not, but I had to try. How have you been? I really wish you could have made it for the wedding but don't worry I have all the pictures waiting for you. //"Wedding? What wedding?"//
Well there are a couple of other things I wanted to tell you. But where to start?
You are going to be an aunt. That seems like a good place, don't you think? The baby is due in May.
I checked the postage date. It read April 20. And it was now April 25. "Next month?!"
I don't know what it is, didn't want to know. I hope you can be here but if you can't I will understand. I could imagine Elizabeth's face as she wrote this. //"I will be there." //
Oh wait a minute I have to answer the phone.
I smiled at this; it was just like my sister to put that.
Ok, well I'm back. In case you are wondering, it was Mr. Anderson. You do remember him don't you? He was trying to find you. He wanted to let you know about the reunion that is coming up in May. I told him that I would let you know. He asked how you where and what have you been doing.
I hope this letter reaches you in time to come for either one of the two. I'm starting to get tired so I'm going to go lie down. I'll hopefully see you next month. Until then.
Elizabeth
I folded the letter back up and stared at off into space for a while, thinking. Elizabeth was married, and I missed it, heck I didn't even know about it, and now she is going to have a baby. Then there was the reunion. Ten years? Has it really been that long? I decided then that I would go back home, for Elizabeth, nothing else.
I started packing that night and was ready to leave in the morning. I went to the school long enough to explain to the administrators and my students what was going on and why I would be gone. I left right afterwards, once again I only know I stopped for gas, food, and a break, well besides the stops to sleep.
This time during one of the breaks I went shopping. I had to find Elizabeth something along with the new baby. Oh, I was going to be an aunt, I was so excited. For the baby I picked out a pale yellow outfit that would go for either a boy or a girl. I wasn't sure what to get for my sister, so I decided to take her shopping when I got there.
I don't remember how long it took me to reach Columbus. But then I never remember how long it takes me to get anywhere. I stayed outside Columbus in Peachtree City, planning to go the rest of the way the next morning.
May first. That was the next day. I woke up early and dressed in a white tank top with a pair of army green shorts and white tennis shoes. "Georgia. I will always be used to the weather here." I said aloud as I was getting into my Camero, and making sure the top shields where out. My dream car, my baby, I had finally managed to get it. It was a light silver t-top Camero, with built in CD player. I rolled the windows down as I pulled on to the highway.
The wind blew my long silver blonde hair back from my face as I drove. I like the music that was "in" when I was growing up so when O-Towns "All or Nothing" came on I turned it up and sang along, what can I say, when it is a song I like I'm going to sing. The song finished an was followed directly by Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back To Me Now." I know that wasn't when I was growing up, but still she has a great voice, and since I like that song I sang along.
I wouldn't realize the significance of those songs until later, a song of hope and one of finding. The roads were once again deserted as I pulled off of the highway ramp, well I say deserted, but there were a few other cars. It had been ten years since I was last here, things could change. I let the car go where it wanted.
I first wound up at my old high school. It was obvious that it wasn't used anymore, and looked as if it hadn't been used for a while. The windows were broken in a number of places, some doors were busted open, and bricks where crumbling in a number of places as well. I vaguely remembered Elizabeth telling me about a new and improved high school being built. Maybe while I was here I may try to find it, but not now.
"Things change." I told myself, I kept repeating it as if it was a lifeline as I drove out of the parking lot. The next song on the CD player was Richard Marx "Right Here Waiting." While I listened to the song I somehow found myself at the building where my first and only boyfriend used to live. I could remember him leaving either right before I did or right after. I didn't pay attention to where I was going as the song went off and soon found myself driving through different neighborhoods. "Would he recognize me anymore?" I wondered as I drove through the fifth neighborhood. Soon afterwards I came to the park where he and I had spent our last night together. Something seemed to be tugging at the back of my mind but every time I tried to look closer it vanished.
The playground was no longer there; in its place was a picnic area. I sighed and repeated what had become a lament for me. "Things change. So much can happen in ten years. I stayed in the car instead of getting out like I did at the school. If the truth was to be told I didn't want to see how much things had changed. I checked the clock as I drove off; it read 3:45 pm.
"Well, I guess it's time I went to see Elizabeth." I pulled over so that I could check the address on the letter. "Good I know exactly where St. Mary's Road is. If they haven't changed the names of the streets." I laughed a little not knowing what to expect as I pulled back on to the road.
The drive to St. Mary's didn't take long, and I soon realized that the housing in the area had changed from apartments to houses, really nice houses. I had to slow down so that I could find the house. It took me a few minutes but I soon found it. "There it is." I said out loud. House number six sat on the left side of the road and beside a lake. My sister had done well for herself.
My camero pulled slowly into the circular driveway of a three-story house. The house was beautiful from the outside; I could only imagine what it looked like in the inside.
As I turned the car off the French style doors opened and out stepped a man. I closed the door to my car as he came down the steps; when I saw his face my breath caught. He looked so familiar but I couldn't place him.
"Who are you?" He asked stopping beside my car. With those words I remembered him. The quarter back of the high school that Elizabeth had attended. They had dated off and on for a while. "So" I thought "they finally got married."
"I'm here to see Elizabeth." I didn't mention my name; we had only gotten along when it was absolutely necessary, but I would be nice until he did something stupid.
"I didn't ask why you were here, I asked who you where." He was starting to get angry I could tell, and boy I had to admit I was enjoying it.
"Eric?" A voice called from the house. "Who is it?" A young woman asked from the open doorway. All she could see was the car and was curious.
"I don't know, she won't answer my question. She says she is here to see you." It was amazing how gentle his voice turned when he spoke to her.
"Well then let her come in." She said going back into the house. I had watched the whole thing from a place behind Eric.
I could hardly hide the smile that crossed me face as he turned around to face me. "Why didn't you say something? Follow me." He growled as he started up the steps.
"I didn't want Elizabeth to fall down the steps." I answered his question as I followed him and the smile was back on my face. We eventually came to what had to be the living room. Elizabeth was in a rocking chair with her back to the door. Eric motioned me into the room and then closed the door behind me. He didn't follow which surprised me, but it suited my purposes.
"I apologize for Eric's behavior. He is a little touchy right now, and you would think that I would be the touchy one." She said not bothering to turn around.
I thought for moment she I accept or get right on to the visit. " It's quite alright, he has always been that way. How much longer before the baby is due?" It seemed right that I say that rather than "Hi" or "Hello" or something of that nature. I don't think I have ever seen a pregnant woman faster. She was out of the chair and hugging me before I knew what had happened.
She called out as she was reached me and the doors flew open to show Eric two girls engaged in a hug. I wish I could have seen his face. Oh well there will be other times. We hugged for a few moments and then the "older sister protectiveness" kicked in. I gave her a squeeze before saying anything. "Ok, we'll talk in a minute, but now sit."
"Oh, come on Serena." She said as she went back to her abandoned chair. I turned around and held my hand out to Eric. "Hello, Eric. Nice to see you again." I said pleasantly, knowing good and well that he was still confused by what he had just seen.
"Serena." He said accepting my hand. "I'll be in the study if you need me, Elizabeth." He said as he walked out of the room. I shrugged as I turned around. "I guess he is still mad at me."
"Come on, Sere. Sit down. Why didn't you tell me that you were coming? I would have had something to eat ready." She said a bit annoyed.
"Well I didn't know that I was coming until after I read your letter. And since I knew you where pregnant I didn't want to you worrying. Good enough?" I asked taking a chair across from her.
"I'll let it slide this time. Tell me, how have you been? I see that there is no ring, can't find the right person?"
I knew where this was going and was going to stop it before it could get any further. "I've been fine. I'm teaching at an elementary school. The kids are so sweet. No ring, no boyfriend, no fiancée, no more, and never again." I knew that Elizabeth would know what I meant by that.
"Ok, OK I get the picture."
"When is the baby due?"
"Sometime this month. The doctor said between the 15-20. And your birthday is the 17th. I can't wait until I can hold him or her in my arms." I serene smile crossed her face. "Will you be staying?"
"I wouldn't miss it."
"Great. Where are you staying?"
"At a hotel. I know that I missed the baby shower, but I wanted to get something for the baby anyway. I don't know what you already have but oh well. And when you feel up to it, we are going shopping."
"You didn't have to get anything for the baby."
"I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I'll go and get it." I got up and started for the door, only to be stopped by Elizabeth.
"Did you say something about shopping?"
"I think I might have. Why?"
"Let's go!" she grabbed my hand and started towards the front doors, pulling me behind her. When she reached the doors she called out "Eric, we are going shopping. Be back later!" With that we were through the doors and down the steps. "Oooo.is this your car?"
"Yeah, it's my baby."
"Can we take your car?" she sounded like a little girl. I couldn't help but laugh. "Of course." With that I opened the door for her and went around to get in myself. Our doors closed at the same time. As we pulled out of the driveway she started messing with the radio. She must have found the station that she was looking for because she sat back and sang along.
The song was "She Took The Moon Over Georgia" by Shenandoah. Her voice blended perfectly with the bands. She could have sung professionally but decided early on that she didn't ant that type of life or all the attention. I couldn't really blame her. "Where is the best place to go shopping?" I asked once the song was over.
"Downtown. The malls aren't there anymore so downtown is the best."
We drove on and I was quiet as she told me about all that had happened in the last ten years to Columbus. I was really shocked to hear just how much everything had changed. Every now and then she would tell me where to turn and where to go.
The malls where tore down about three years after I left, and the stores moved downtown to separate buildings. It reminded me of New York. Once there Elizabeth showed me where to park and where the car would be safe. By this time it was five o'clock.
I don't think I have ever seen a pregnant woman with as much energy as she had. There were so many stores for everything; I didn't think it was possible to have so many stores in one place. But I should have known that anything was possible all I had to do was to look at my past to tell that.
"Where should we go first?" I asked coming down the ramp.
"Books? No I might not get you out of there. You are going to the reunion, aren't you? What are you going to wear?"
"I don't know if I am going to the reunion yet or not. I'm here for you not the reunion. And if, IF I decided to go then I will find something."
"Nonsense Sere. You will go to that reunion. And don't try to argue with a pregnant woman it will get you nowhere, ask Eric. So the first stop will be to find you something to where." With that she started towards a store that read "For All Occasions" there was nothing to do but follow her.
We spent four hours in that store, before I decided on a cerulean blue pants suit, and a nice dress. By then it was nine o'clock and dark, so we headed home.
Once in the car "Where are you staying again?"
"At a hotel."
"Not anymore." She said as we pulled in the driveway. "You're staying with me. Don't argue, we have more than enough room, plus I want you close in case anything happens. And that way we can catch up easier you do know it has been ten years." "And" she added silently "there is a surprise for you coming up." We got out of the car and I went to get my luggage. Let's see the last time Eric and I was in the same house for long, well we won't go there. It's better to leave the past behind us. Elizabeth said something to him and he came down to get my luggage out of the car. I could tell that he wanted to ask something. "What is it?" I asked pleasantly, I was determined to be nice until he proved other wise.
"Why did you come back?" he asked gruffly.
"Umm.could it be, my sister is pregnant, married, and I didn't know about the wedding? We have always been close. Is that enough or would like some others?" Eric had always managed to bring out the worse in me.
"SO she doesn't know what Elizabeth is up too. This is going to be good." He thought as he opened the door to her room and set the suitcases down. "While you bare here do not upset Elizabeth." He said then turned a left t he room.
My room was on the third floor with a wonderful view of the lake, and a balcony. That night I slept the best that I had in ten years. I didn't wake once. The next few days I didn't see much of Eric, but Elizabeth and I spent a bunch of time together, doing just about everything.
Hey guys, some of you guys may recognize this story as being the same on that was posted under a different name. True I did post this under a different name but I'm having trouble with that account, and even the e- mail account, I couldn't post anything but I was able to remove everything. With that done I decided to edit the story and repost it. Please review. It would really help. Thanks.
~Silvra