Chapter 344: Bobbi-Lee's Cottage
Wednesday, February 1st, Afternoon (Eastern Standard Time)
The cold snap had finally broken, or so it seems, as the temperature had steadily climbed into the normal ranges over the last week. The cold spell had started right after Christmas, and there were a few days that it even snowed. It was a strange winter so far. Also, the snow never stayed long, but it snowed none the last.
Bobbi-Lee nodded as she walked out to get her mail. So, instead of being dressed for an arctic expedition, she could wear typical attire, in this case, runners, yoga pants, and one of her battered Wake Forest University sweatshirts. Her ginger red hair was worn in a high ponytail, and she also had a headband around her head.
About halfway down her front walk, she looked over to her neighbor's house. Mrs. Ivanova's Place had been empty for a few weeks now, ever since she was taken away to the hospital. Rather sad, Bobbi-Lee reflected.
A young brunette woman waved to Bobbi-Lee. Bobbi-Lee smiled and waved back. The brunette started to walk over to the white picket fence that separated the two properties. Bobbi-Lee walked over to meet her.
"Hi Bobbi," The Brunette said and smiled.
"Hi Ally," Bobbi-Lee said, to Allyson Ivanova, Mrs. Ivanova's granddaughter.
"I'd like to thank you for all your help with my Gram," Allyson said.
"It was no big deal, just being a good neighbor," Bobbi-Lee said.
"No, no, it's a big deal. She could've died, and well, it still doesn't look too good," Allyson said.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Ally, your Gram was a nice lady, and this is unfortunate news, really," Bobbi-Lee said, herself no stranger to tragedy.
Allyson nodded, "Even if she pulls through, she'll have to be in assisted living from now on," she said.
"Oh, that's terrible," Bobbi-Lee said, "If you want, I could get you information where we kept Carson."
"Thanks, that would be helpful," Allyson said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "So, what brings you to this neck of the woods?" she asked.
"I'm meeting the movers to go over my Gram's stuff and get quotes and shit," Allyson said.
"What's up?" Bobbi-Lee asked.
Allyson shook her head, "We're selling the cottage and most of her stuff to pay for her care," she said.
"I'm sorry," Bobbi-Lee said, "I didn't know."
"No problem, Bobbi," Allyson said, "She needs the money, and no one can take over this place. Also, Gram's care is more important than stuff."
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "You're right," she said.
"One thing I do have to know, though, Bobbi," Allyson said.
"That would be?" Bobbi-Lee asked.
"How are you home all the time; don't you have some high-power fashion job?" Allyson said.
Bobbi-Lee smiled, "I'm able to work from home most days. I head into work every so often," she said.
"So, that's how you were able to check on My Grams," Allyson said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "Yeah, pretty much," she said.
Allyson nodded, "I see, so, you won't mind," she said.
"Won't mind what per se?" Bobbi-Lee asked.
"Well…" Allyson said.
"Um, Ally, just spit it out already," Bobbi-Lee said.
"Could you keep an eye on my Gram's place? Well, since it will be empty and all," Allyson said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "Yeah, I'll keep an eye on the place," she said.
Allyson smiled, "Thanks, Bobbi, I really appreciate it," she said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "No problem, it's the least I could do," she said.
Allyson nodded and looked back at the cottage. Bobbi-Lee could read her body language; Allyson was starting to drift off.
"It sucks watching her drift away," Allyson said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "I understand," she said.
Allyson turned back to Bobbi-Lee. "You do?" Allyson asked.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, and her face became a cold mask, "I watched my mom drift away; I was just a child," she said.
Allyson nodded, "How do you get over it? How do you cope?" she asked.
"Get over?" Bobbi-Lee asked, "I don't think you ever truly get over a big loss like that."
"Really?" Allyson asked.
Bobbi-Lee nodded, "Yeah, but coping is just a matter of time, and keep moving forward," she said.
Allyson nodded, "So, how do you move on?" she asked.
"At first, not very well; after a while, I focused on work and my remaining family and friends," Bobbi-Lee said.
Allyson nodded, "Thanks for everything you've done, again, Bobbi," she said.
"Again, you're welcome," Bobbi-Lee said.
Allyson nodded, "Well, it looks like the first person is here," she said, "I'll check in later."
"No problem, and I'll keep an eye on the place for Y'all," Bobbi-Lee said.
"My Gram gave you a key to the place?" Allyson asked.
"Yes, she did," Bobbi-Lee said, "Do you want it back?"
Allyson shook her head, "No, not yet," she said, "Keep it so that you can check in on the house."
"Sure, whenever you want it back, let me know," Bobbi-Lee said.
Allyson nodded, "Will do," she said and walked away.
Bobbi-Lee smirked, shook her head, and turned away from the fence. Now, she was back onto her original task, getting her mail. Shaking her head, Bobbi-Lee now had a new job in her life.
"I guess no good deed goes unpunished," Bobbi-Lee said.
