by Diane Weiner
Finally, Becky announced, “Here we are.” She pulled into a parking space and turned off the key. Carolina practically ran to the elevator. Javier was dressed and waiting in his room with several suitcases. The rest were still in the trunk of his car.
“Mi hija, I’m so glad to see you. You too, Becky.” Javier hugged them both.
“I can’t wait to have you back home,” said Carolina. They walked to the elevator and then out to the parking lot where they found Javier’s car. Carolina slid into the passenger seat.
“Oh, no, hija.” Javier tossed the keys to Carolina. “You’ve been sitting on that learner’s permit for months now. It’s about time you learned how to drive.”
Chapter 62
Birthdays sure go by faster the older you get, thought Susan. What a year it’s been. Last year at her birthday dinner she had to worry about getting home early enough to prepare for work the next day. No worries this year, she thought.
Susan made a wish and blew out the 61 candles on top of the cream cheese frosted carrot cake. Dozens of balloons were taped to the wall of Lynette and Jason’s dining room. Colorful streamers hung from the chandelier. Mike took out his camera.
“I was thinking about funfetti but decided against it,” said Lynette. She put her arm around Susan and gave her a hug. Then she cut the cake and began serving it. Jason took the Moose Tracks ice cream out of the freezer. It was Susan’s favorite.
“This is divine,” said Susan. “Since it’s my birthday, calories don’t count, right? I’ll have another piece with extra ice cream.”
“Well, this has been quite a year,” said Mike. “I think you’ve found new hobby––solving mysteries.”
“Please don’t encourage her,” said Lynette. After they finished their cake, Lynette said, “Come on, let’s open presents.” They went into the living room.
“This one’s from me,” said Mike. Susan tore open the paper and opened the black velvet box. Inside was a Pandora bracelet. “Oh, my God, this is beautiful,” she said. She gave Mike a kiss.
“Look at the charms. The first is a heart. Self explanatory. And the other one is a spyglass,” said Mike.
“I love it,” said Susan.
“Here’s one from us,” said Lynette. She handed Susan a shirt box wrapped in pastel birthday paper. “Open it.”
Susan tore open the paper. She never was one of those people who opened the paper delicately and folded it to reuse. She opened the box, which Lynette had taped shut, and pushed aside the tissue paper. “Oh, my God!” She lifted the t-shirt out of the box. It said: World’s Best Grandma.
“Is this for real? Are you going to have a baby?” asked Susan.
“Yes, Mom. You and Dad are going to be grandparents.”
“This must be what an out of body experience feels like,” said Susan. She hugged Lynette and Jason.
“And you’re going to be a grandpa,” said Lynette to Mike.
“I’m the happiest man in the world right now.” Mike hugged his daughter.
“No, I think I’m the happiest,” said Jason.
Susan had a feeling that this was going to be a fantastic year.
The End
About the Author
Diane Weiner is a mother of four and a veteran public school teacher with a broad range of teaching experience. She has previously published several music education articles as well as a doctoral dissertation but finds writing fiction to be much more fun. Westbrook, NY, the fictional setting of the Susan Wiles School House Mysteries, bears remarkable similarities to the small town in upstate NY where Diane grew up. She currently resides in South Florida with her husband of many years, their youngest daughter, two cats, and a bisch-a-poo. When not writing, Diane enjoys long distance running and spending time with her family.
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