by Ali Spooner
Terri looked up at Cadin when they reached the car and the light of the moon sparkled in her eyes. “You know, for the first time in forever, I feel like I’ve found home.”
“You are home,” Cadin said. She held the door open for Terri to place Lexie across the backseat. “Be careful and I will see you later.”
Terri hugged Cadin close. “Thank you for everything. Somehow I don’t think things would have turned out like they have if you hadn’t arrived.”
“Sure they would have. Maybe I just sped them up a bit,” Cadin said and kissed the top of Terri’s head. Terri climbed into the car and Cadin closed the door behind her.
When she returned to the table, Miss Betty and Sister Frances were mixing themselves a drink. “One more and then I think we’ll be ready to head home if you are,” Miss Betty said. “You have a Corona left,” she said, handing the icy beer to Cadin.
“Do you have any idea when you will be headed back to Atlanta?” Renee asked.
“No, not as of yet, but I’d like to call you while I’m gone.”
“I would like that too,” she said as the first of a string of fireworks exploded in the night sky.
Chapter Five
Sunday morning arrived all too soon for Cadin’s taste. She woke with the bitter aftertaste of beer in her mouth and went straight to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She had left the party within an hour of Terri and Lexie, but it felt like she had just drifted off to sleep when Roscoe started crowing. She rinsed her face with cold water, then dressed before going to the house for coffee.
“Good morning,” Lexie said cheerfully when she saw Cadin come through the door.
“Good morning. Are those pancakes I smell cooking?”
“Yes, Mommy is cooking this morning.”
“Hey Cadin, you look like you could use some coffee,” Terri said as she poured a cup.
“At least a pot,” Cadin said with a grin as Miss Betty and Sister Frances entered at the same time.
“Better make that a couple pots,” Sister Frances said.
Terri poured them all cups and carried them to the table. “Who else besides my little one wants pancakes?”
“I’ll take a short stack,” Cadin said.
“I think I’ll stick to coffee for now,” Sister Frances said.
“Me too,” moaned Miss Betty. “I’m glad the hunt is only once a year.” She took a sip of the strong coffee.
“I wish it was every weekend,” Lexie said.
“Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of friends. Brittany, one of the girls you were playing with, only lives a block away from our home,” Miss Betty told her.
“Cool,” she answered and walked into the kitchen to take a plate of pancakes from her mom. “Are we still going to work on the garden this morning, Cadin?”
“Yes, ma’am, we are. With your mom’s help we should finish in no time.”
“A group of men from the church are coming by after lunch, and with their trucks we should get everything moved back to the house today,” Miss Betty told them. “I’m so excited to be home again.”
“Two new beds and some other furniture will be delivered tomorrow,” Cadin said. “That should have you all set.”
“Thank you again for everything,” Miss Betty said with tears threatening to fall.
“You are very welcome and I know these two will be good company for you,” Cadin said as Terri brought her a plate of pancakes.
“Yes, we will,” she answered.
“I’ll admit, I’m going to miss your help in the kitchen once you’re gone,” Sister Frances said.
“The other women will pitch in to help you out until another poor soul comes along,” Miss Betty said. “If you get in a bind and need my help though, remember I’m just a call away.”
“I will,” she answered.
The conversation around the table that morning was filled with excitement as the time drew near for them to move home. Only Cadin felt the tug of sadness as she realized it would soon be time to move on to her next adventure. She had decided to leave on Tuesday, after the move was done. She smiled as she listened to the friendly banter around the table and knew she would miss the dear friends she had grown to love.
†
Cadin rode behind Terri and Lexie to Miss Betty’s house and their new home. With the added help from Terri, the irrigation project was finished quickly. They were sitting on the wooden swing enjoying the late morning when Sister Frances pulled up in her car. Terri looked at her watch, fearing she was running late for work, but saw that it was just eleven.
“You’re earlier than planned,” Cadin said as Sister Frances approached.
“The pastor was so excited about the news of Miss Betty going home, he cut his sermon short so the men could get her moved in,” she answered. “The first truck is only minutes behind me.”
“I guess we had better get the house opened up then. Did you bring your key?” Cadin asked Lexie.
“Are you kidding, she’s had it in her pocket since the moment you gave her a copy,” Terri said.
“We’ll let you do the honors then. Run and open the front and back doors for the movers,” Cadin said.
Lexie flew off the swing and ran to the back door. She unlocked the door and carefully propped it open before dashing through the house to repeat the process with the front door. Slightly winded when she returned, she climbed back in the swing. “All set.” She grinned.
†
When the trucks started rolling in the house began to take shape as a home. Terri helped Miss Betty unpack dishes in the kitchen while Lexie and Cadin carried in smaller boxes. The men from the church did the heavy lifting and assembled Miss Betty’s bed before heading for home. When Terri left to get ready for work, the living room was a mound of boxes.
“I really hate to leave, but I’ll be late for work if I don’t go soon.”
“No worries, we will unpack what we can tonight and start on it again tomorrow,” Miss Betty said. “It’s just good to be home.”
“I will see you all later tonight then.”
“Have a great day at work, Mommy,” Lexie said as she walked her to the door.
“I love you, baby,” she said.
“I love you too, Mommy.”
†
Later that afternoon, Cadin ordered pizza delivered, and they added the empty boxes to the growing pile on the front porch. They had made a sizeable dent in the mound of boxes, but there was still plenty work to be completed.
As the afternoon burned away, Miss Betty announced, “I think we have done enough for one day. I thank you all for your help.”
Cadin and Lexie locked the doors after taking the last of the empty boxes to the porch. “May I ride home with you?” Lexie asked.
“Not this time, kiddo. You still have a cake to bake and I have an errand to run. Ride back with Miss Betty and I will see you soon.”
Cadin rode to the department store on the edge of town where she bought a gift card. Cadin had purchased beds, but never gave thought to linens. With a gift card Terri could buy the linens of their choosing. As an afterthought, Cadin walked into the electronics department and bought two simple point-and-shoot digital cameras, one for her and one for Lexie. She would take pictures before she left to remind her of all the wonderful memories she had shared with her new friends and would show Lexie how to use the camera to make memories of her own.
†
Miss Betty and Lexie were putting the finishing touches to the birthday cake when Cadin arrived. “That turned out really well,” she commented.
“Miss Betty will take it to the house in the morning so we can have a party for Mommy, when she gets home from work,” Lexie told her.
“Do you have a grill, Miss Betty?”
“Yes, there’s one in the shed. Are you planning a dinner?”
Cadin looked at Lexie. “I thought it might be nice to have a cookout, some burgers, and hot dogs. What do you think, Lexie?”
“That would b
e awesome.”
“I will make some baked beans and we can cook some french fries,” Sister Frances added.
Cadin pulled out her wallet and took out two twenty-dollar bills. “Will this cover the groceries?”
“With money left over,” Sister Frances said. “I’ll go first thing in the morning.”
Cadin smiled at Lexie. “Are you done helping Miss Betty?”
Lexie looked up at Miss Betty who smiled and nodded to the young girl.
“Come then, we still have something to do,” Cadin said, holding out her hand.
†
Cadin removed the two cameras and handed one to Lexie. “I wanted to show you how to use this so you can take pictures tomorrow at your mom’s party. After that, I want you to keep the camera so you can send me pictures from time to time of what you’ve been up to,” she added.
“You mean this is mine?”
“All yours and I got one just like it for me. Are you ready to learn how to use it?”
Within the hour, Lexie had learned how to use the camera. Cadin was amazed how quickly Lexie learned and how good her first shots turned out. They snuck back into the kitchen and took shots of Miss Betty and Sister Frances as they shelled pecans.
“Those came out great. You didn’t even cut off a head like I usually do,” Cadin teased.
She sat with the women and joined in on the shelling as Lexie practiced with her camera. She would take several shots and then rush back to show Cadin.
“I do believe we will need to buy some photo albums soon,” Miss Betty said as Lexie rushed outside to take more pictures.
She had just returned inside to show off her sunset pictures when Terri arrived home from work. “Mommy,” Lexie yelled, “look what Cadin bought for me,” she said, holding the camera up for her to see.
Terri smiled at Cadin. “You are spoiling her rotten.”
“Yeah, I am,” Cadin said. “It’s selfish of me though, because I can see what she’s been doing after I leave.”
Terri frowned. “Are you planning to leave soon?”
“I’m going to start out Tuesday morning.”
“That’s only a day away. We are going to miss you.”
A smile crossed Cadin’s face. “I’m going to miss you all too, but I’ll be back. That’s a promise.”
The room fell quiet for a few minutes until Cadin broke the silence. “Dang, I almost forgot,” she said as she pulled the gift card from her pocket and handed it to Terri. “The beds for you and Lexie will be delivered and set up tomorrow, but I didn’t think to get linens. Maybe you and Lexie can go and pick some out.”
Terri took the card and noted the amount written on the back of the card. “That’s a lot of linens.”
“Get several sets, some towels, and other items you might need. I’d also suggest a couple of memory cards and some photo albums for our aspiring photographer,” she said, nodding toward Lexie.
Terri looked at Lexie. “Do you want to get up early in the morning to go or would you like to go tonight?”
“Are you too tired to go tonight?”
“No, honey, I’m good. Just let me change clothes.” Terri turned to Cadin. “Would you like to join us?”
“I think I’ll stay and chat with Sister Frances and Miss Betty,” Cadin said.
“We’ll see you later then,” Terri said. “Let’s go, honey,” she said and left the room.
†
Miss Betty handed Cadin a basket of pecans. “Do you really have to leave so soon?”
“I think I’ve done what I came to do here,” she answered.
“We can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for us, but we will hate to see you leave.”
Cadin cracked a nut. “It won’t be easy to leave. I feel like I’ve made some great friends here.”
“You have,” Sister Frances agreed. “I have a feeling there will be many others on your journey before you make it home.”
“None will be as special as this group,” Cadin said. “You’ve made me feel like family.”
“That’s because you are family to us,” Miss Betty said.
She looked up from the nut she was shelling. “Thank you for that, but you better stop before you make me cry.”
Miss Betty chuckled. “All right, but remember sometimes it’s good to cry.”
“Your advice is noted,” Cadin said and cracked another nut.
†
The conversation turned lighter as they shelled the nuts. When the door burst open and Lexie rushed back inside, she caught them all by surprise. She was carrying a bag nearly as big as she was. Terri followed closely behind her. “You should see what all we got,” Lexie announced.
“I think we are about to get a show,” Sister Frances said as Terri set the bags down and started placing the items on the table.
They made a big production of reviewing the purchases and Lexie’s eyes were alight with excitement. “I can’t wait to set up my room tomorrow.”
“You will need a good night’s sleep for that,” Terri said. “Tell everyone goodnight and let’s go.”
“Yes, Mommy,” Lexie answered then went around the table and gave them each a hug. “Are you coming too, Cadin?”
Cadin returned her smile. “Yes, I think I’ll turn in too. Tomorrow will be a busy day for all of us. Goodnight ladies,” she said and helped Terri carry the bags to Miss Betty’s car.
†
By midmorning, the trucks had arrived and delivered the beds. When the driver had packed up the last of the boxes from the delivery and set up, Cadin, and Lexie went to work making the beds.
“Let’s do Mommy’s first,” she said.
They worked together to place the linens on the bed and once the pillows were tucked into place Miss Betty called out, “Time for lunch, you two.”
“On our way,” Cadin called back.
Miss Betty had made fresh chicken salad. A plate of cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit sat in the middle of the kitchen table. They had just begun eating when Sister Frances arrived. “I’ll be right back,” Cadin said and went out to carry the bags of groceries for Sister Frances.
“Thanks for the help.”
“Thanks for going shopping. That’s never been one of my favorite activities.”
Sister Frances smiled at her. “My pleasure.”
“You arrived just in time to join us for lunch. We’re having a light meal and a break from setting up house.”
“How’s it looking?”
“Pretty good. We have Terri’s bed made and will work on Lexie’s after lunch.”
“This place is looking great,” Sister Frances said as she looked around.
Cadin put the groceries in the refrigerator and stored the dry goods in the pantry before returning to the kitchen table.
“Grab a drink and come join us,” Miss Betty said.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Sister Frances said as she walked into the kitchen. “What do you need my help with?”
“You can help me set up my bedroom when we finish lunch,” Miss Betty said. “Cadin and Lexie will work on her room and by that time I would expect Terri will be on her way home and we can unpack her car.
“We don’t have much,” Lexie said.
“You have plenty to get you started. Once you’re settled, you and your mom will start adding items you need,” Cadin said. “I imagine you will need to do some clothes shopping soon to get ready for school.”
“I can’t wait for school to start.”
“Next week will be here before you know it,” Miss Betty said.
“Then we will blink and it will be Christmas,” Sister Frances added.
Cadin chuckled. “Time does seem to fly by these days.”
They went back to work after lunch and didn’t break again until they heard Terri’s car arrive. Cadin and Lexie went out to greet her.
“Happy birthday, Mommy!” Lexie said as she rushed over to hug and kiss her mother.
“Yes, happy birthday.”
>
“Thanks you two. How are things coming along in the house?”
“Things are looking great. Lexie and I thought we’d help you unload the car and then you can relax for a little while. You must be tired after working.”
“I was so excited about moving in today, the day flew by for me,” Terri said.
“Let’s get cracking then,” Cadin said and opened the back door. Cadin handed several small bags to Lexie, lifting several of the larger bags, while Terri brought others inside.
“Those are Lexie’s,” Terri said and Cadin carried them into the room. After several trips, the car was unloaded and they began to unpack. “You two did a great job on the beds.”
“Thanks,” Cadin said. “Did you think to pick up clothes hangers last night?”
“Yes, I bought plenty. They are in those bags,” she said, pointing to several large bags.
“We’ll get her clothes put away and hung up, then help you if you’d like.”
“That would be great,” Terri answered and walked into her room.
†
Once the clothes were properly stored, Cadin and Lexie went outside to set up the grill. The other women and kids from the shelter were starting to arrive and Miss Betty was shouting directions in the kitchen. Hamburgers molded into patties, onions and tomatoes were sliced, and lettuce washed to prepare for dinner. Cadin soaked the charcoal with lighter fluid, started the fire, and joined Lexie on the swing. “Welcome home,” she said to the smiling child.
“Are you sure you can’t stay longer, Cadin?”
“The sooner I get on my way, the sooner I can go home,” she answered.
Lexie grinned. “This could be your home too.”
She chuckled. “Nice try, kiddo, but I have to go back to Atlanta. I have a business to run and a home to care for there.”
“I know,” Lexie said with a frown.
“I’ll be back and maybe you and your mom can come for a visit.”
Lexie’s head flew up. “I’d really like that.”
“I’d like it too. When do you plan to give your mom her present?”
“After we eat, before we have cake.”
“That sounds like the perfect time.”