This is a fictional account with everyone over eighteen. Special thanks to my editor.
*
"What? Why?"
"Dave, I can't see you this weekend. My Mom needs me right now. Ellen too; she's totally unglued," Megan argued, trying to control her emotions.
"What about you? I'd like to be there for you," I objected.
"That would be nice, but we have so many plans to make and relatives coming into town. It won't be much fun."
"Well, how can I help? You need me to pick up people at the airport, or at least drive you there?"
"That's sweet of you, but I just don't know anything yet. We're still recovering from the shock," she said, her voice breaking as she fought back more tears.
"Babe...let me see you, please. I want to hold you and be there for you."
"I'll let you know, sweetie, but I've got to go now. Too much to do, and I need to get back to Ellen and Mom."
"I'm coming home. I just want you to know I'm there for you," I said.
"Ok, babe...thanks," Megan agreed.
I hung up with Megan, but felt lost. She seemed to be pushing me away and all I wanted to do was hold her.
Chris and I left as planned after classes. We met with Jennifer in Phillipsburg and she kissed me on the cheek as we greeted. She gave me a sympathy card for Megan before she left with Chris.
I wanted to go directly to Megan to give her the card and see her, but thought better. Under the circumstances, I didn't want to arrive unannounced. Instead, I headed home and planned to call Megan to see if I could come by. Darci and Katie were already at our house and eating a late lunch. They apparently had just beaten me home.
After hugs and kisses hello, Darci said, "Hey, mom went shopping with her car. Can you give us a ride to Ellen's?"
"Sure, but they don't want to be disturbed. They have relatives coming into town and..."
"Fuck that," Darci exclaimed. "We talked to Ellen and insisted we come see her. We're going."
"Ok, but I'm only telling you what Megan told me."
"Ellen is our dear friend, "Katie declared.
"She needs us now," Darci insisted.
"Well, when do you want to go?"
"Give us ten minutes to finish and clean up," Darci replied.
I unpacked for the weekend and said hello to my Dad, who was working in the basement on a house project. Then I checked on Pete and Zach to see who was home. Pete was, but not Zach. I was still on the phone planning a get together with Pete when Darci called to let me know they were ready to go.
Darci got in the front seat with me and Katie sat behind her. When I turned around to back out Katie winked at me and blew me a kiss. I almost drove off the driveway looking at her.
"David...what the hell are you doing?" Darci asked.
"Sorry."
For the rest of the drive to Megan's house, I managed to drive safely. All the way Darci tried to convince me to come to the door with them, but I refused until I could speak to Megan and get her okay. I pulled in front of the house and did get out of the car as Darci and Katie walked up the stairs. I just leaned against the front fender of my car as they rang the doorbell. Megan answered it.
"Hi, Katie and Darci," Megan said and spotted me behind them on the street.
"Hi...Where's Ellen?" Darci asked.
"Up in her room, but she is taking my dad's death hard," Megan stated.
"We know, that's why we came to console her," Darci said, as she actually stepped around Megan, into the house. Katie followed her, leaving Megan turning to look in consternation. She seemed about to say something, but Darci and Katie were already charging upstairs. She turned to me and our eyes met. I stood up off the fender, but just looked.
Megan jumped down the steps and ran to me. I just got a few steps forward when she was in my arms. Her tears were already flowing and she sobbed uncontrollably against my neck as we hugged. I could feel the trembles in her lithe body as we embraced. We stayed that way for what seemed a long time.
Eventually, Megan stopped crying and leaned back to look at my face. Her face was streaked with make-up and drying tears. She kissed me before speaking.
"I'm so sorry I didn't call you to come over," she cried.
"I understand, and I'm so sorry about your dad."
"It's the worst pain I hope I ever feel."
"I'm sure it is. I can't even imagine it."
"Thanks," Megan whispered. "Come on in, please."
"Ok."
I followed Megan into her house and up to her room. As we entered her room and closed the door, I could hear voices from Ellen's room, but couldn't make out the words. Megan lay down on her bed and indicated for me to join her. The TV in her room was on and we just leaned back against the headboard and watched. Megan reached for and held my hand.
We stayed that way for about an hour with little conversation. Megan snuggled against me with my hand in her lap. Occasionally, I'd turn and kiss her cheek or hair. She'd snuggle closer and tighten her grip on my hand. It was getting dark outside when Megan's mom knocked on her door. Megan answered it and her mom wanted to know if she wanted pizza for dinner. Darci and Katie were staying and I was welcome too.