Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Dear Mrs. Meyers,

I hate to say this and inflate your already large ego, but I'm having such a great time! Thank you for making me go. That was clever of you to persuade us both before we thought it through. I might not have come then.

I feel this abnormal and new comfort with Serena. She's such a wonderful person with a giving heart. I just wished it worked better. Remember that strange feeling in my chest when she walked into the diner? Well, it's because she's sick. Her doctors say she doesn't have much time left. I look at her sometimes and try to will some of my strength into her. I know that sounds silly.

I talked to her brother Austin on the phone tonight and he's real nice. It's so strange to me how close they are, and all the love they share. But I'm learning. You should hear the way she talks about Grams' house. I can't wait to see it.

We've seen such great things on the way. I sent copies of the pictures I took. There's a lot, but I couldn't help it. Share them with Dr. Maynard, please. Tell him hello for me.

Do you think there's such a thing as angels? I know this sounds odd, but when we were in this cave in Las Cruces there was this sunlight coming down from the ceiling. There's a picture of it in your package I sent you. I felt as if it was heaven. I often wonder if Serena is an angel. But then why would she be sent to me?

I hope all is well there. I don't know how long I'll stay with the Edwards', but I'll let you know. We should be in Georgia by Saturday.

Love and miss you,

Courtney

Edith carefully slipped the note back into the envelope and fought back tears. She did do the right thing after all. The girl needed to get out, see other things, and meet new people. She had a whole other life waiting for her somewhere, she just needed to find it. She would have to say a prayer for Serena, and hope she gets well. And if not, at least find peace.

So Serena had a brother, huh? Well, well, things were sounding better already. Edith cackled and then peered at the door when Richard strolled in. She slammed her fist down on the counter. "Ha. I was right!"

Richard sat on one of the stools by the counter and chuckled. He rubbed his beard. "And what were you right about this time?"

By midday, Austin and Jake had the shelves for Austin's coffee-slash-bookstore stained and the coffee counter installed. Austin was pleased to discover he'd probably be ready to reopen by the end of next week. When he decided to close the store completely, he had to assure his regulars that he wouldn't be closed longer than a month. It looked as if he would be able to deliver that promise. Willowsby, though close to bigger cities, was a small community without a library. His was also the only bookstore.

He looked around with satisfaction and pride, plopping next to Jake on the hardwood floor. "It looks good, huh."

Jake tipped back his beer and nodded. "That it does, my friend."

"They assured me the cappuccino machine will be here today. Other than that, I think it's just painting that's left to do."

Jake leaned back on his elbows and stretched out his long jean-clad legs before him. "What color did you decide on?"

"This section for the bookstore will be dark blue, the gift shop yellow, and the cafe in olive green with the mural Serena is doing." If she was well enough to paint.

"What about these divider things?" Jake asked, referring to the half-walls they crafted in the large space to make it seem as if it were three separate rooms.

"A heavy cream color. Too distracting otherwise." He chuckled. "Or so Grams says."

Jake nodded and straightened. "I always said she was a wise woman." He took another swig of beer. "Serena still getting in tomorrow?"

Austin sighed, wanting her home more every minute. "Yeah." He rubbed his eyes and dropped his hands to his knees. "I hope all this traveling hasn't worn her out." He said the comment before he could take it back. The ease he felt with Jake through the years was being compromised by his loyalty to a promise to let Serena tell Jake she was...sick. A promise that was getting harder to keep.

"Well, she's made the drive before. I'm sure she'll be all right." Jake wasn't certain he was ready to see her again. For the first few months after she left three years ago, he'd spent the lonely nights awake, hoping for her fragrance to stop lingering. He would spend hours away from Brown Eyes. The hurt of being with his beloved horse, named after her, was too much. Even the field, the acres he bought from Grams, couldn't be strolled through in early evening. His favorite time of day.

She was everywhere and nowhere. Still.

Jake never saw Serena again. Not since she'd walked away from him, tears streaming down her face as if she was actually sorry. Three years. He'd asked Austin how she was doing occasionally, and his friend told him about art shows she'd attended, or a painting she'd sold, but never anything personal. Once that line crossed, there'd be no going back. No moving on. And that's exactly what he had tried to do. After three years, he almost had himself fooled that he was over Serena. Almost.

And now she was coming back, dramatic laugh and all. He missed her laugh most of all. And coming back for good, Austin had said. Jake didn't know why, but he had a sinking suspicion it wasn't because she missed home. Something was wrong. Knowing she wanted to talk with him on Sunday offered no help for his crazed imagination.

Brooding over the hurt and the bruise to his ego when she'd left had done no good after the anger subsided. He could never stay mad at her. She was like a disease with no cure. With miles of symptoms.

"I talked last night with that woman Serena's bringing home."

Austin's voice was a welcomed distraction from his thoughts. "Oh, yeah? What's she like?"

Austin laughed and shook his head. "Like innocence and a fantasy all at once." He stood up to pace, flinging his arm out in a rare helpless gesture. "It's irritating as hell. I talked with her for like five minutes, and I heard her voice in my sleep."

Jake scratched the back of his head and tried not to grin. He stuck his tongue in his cheek instead. "Interesting."

"Shut-up," he said in a half-hearted scold. "Anyway, I think it's because Serena's become so close to her. Our twin connection is in overdrive."

Jake smiled, meaning it. "That's good. We could always stand more good friends." He rose to gather his tool belt. "Besides, you said this woman may have been hurt before, so it sounds as if she needs a friend too." He left out the part where he thought it was impossible not to love Serena.

"Yeah, you're right." Austin helped to gather the rest of the equipment and took a last look around until he would be able to come back on Monday. "Well." He sighed. "Let's be off, then."

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