I'm here today with part two of three from Sunshine! Hope you enjoy!
Part Two: Marshmallows
When I get to Mrs. Jefferson’s, I’m as wet as a duckling. I am too tired to go any farther, so I knock, and sit down on her front step.
She opens it right away, looking out through the screen. “Who’s there?” she asks. When she talks, it makes me think of the creek in the summer.
“Me. Emma!” I say, looking up from where I sit. “I came to live with you.”
Mrs. Jefferson’s mouth drops. “Live with me?” she asks. Then she shakes her head. “You’re soaked, Emma. Come inside and have some hot chocolate.”
Thinking about hot chocolate gives me enough energy to make it into her kitchen. I sit down at the table and look back.
There are little puddle marks everywhere I stepped. Mrs. Jefferson bends over and wipes them up, laughing.
“You didn’t come alone, did you?”
I am still holding onto my suitcase handle. “Oh, but I did!”
Mrs. Jefferson glances up, one eyebrow touching her hairline. “Does your daddy know?”
My forehead wrinkles. “No. I decided to leave. I think I make him sad, and I want him to be happy, so I thought I’d come live with you.”
Mrs. Jefferson hands me a towel. “Dry off real good. You have clothes in that little suitcase?”
I nod.
“Good. Get changed into something warmer.” Then she goes and makes two cups of hot chocolate. I head to the bathroom.
When I come out, she is at the table with cookies and hot chocolate. “Come sit down.” she invites. “We can talk and have a little cozy party.” She smiles.
I like Mrs. Jefferson. Her skin is smooth and dark, like the night, when I am warm, curled up in my bed. Her eyes sparkle like the rain. Happy rain.
She plunks some marshmallows in my cup when I sit down. “You must be tired. It’s a long way for such a small girl.”
“I almost didn’t come, but I had already decided to.” I said, sipping my hot chocolate. It’s warm and creamy, and I think it smells like smiles and hugs.
“You are very committed.” Mrs. Jefferson agrees. I don’t know what that word is, and I’m curious, but there’s more important things to tell her.
“Daddy is always sad.” I say. My eyes fill with wetness. “I don’t know why, and I try to make him feel glad, but I can’t.”
“Oh, honey…” Mrs. Jefferson sighs. “It’s not your fault. It isn’t anybody’s fault. Your daddy is just missing your mummy.”
“She’s in my heart.” I whisper. “But I can share her with Daddy, so she is in his too, if he wants.”
Mrs. Jefferson suddenly blows her nose really hard. When she is done, the tip of her nose is red.
“Give your daddy a little time, Emma.” she encourages. “He loves you very much. He’ll feel better soon.”
I frown. “But he is always so sad when he sees me!”
Mrs. Jefferson hands me a cookie. “Its because he loves you so much, and he knows you miss your mummy too.”
It is silent in the room, but finally I speak. “I miss mummy, but you told me she is happy. So shouldn’t we be, too?”
Mrs. Jefferson folds her hands and looks down at them. She doesn’t answer for a while. “Honey, sometimes it takes older people longer to understand some things. Don’t worry, your daddy would never want to give you up.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, leaning forward. I hold my breath.
“Very sure. I promise, Emma.” Mrs. Jefferson reaches over and puts her hand on top of mine.
It is warm and comforting. Like hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.
I'll be posting the last installation of this later this week, so be on the look out! :)
I'm curious to hear what your favorite way to drink hot chocolate is! I like it with cinnamon, vanilla, and coconut syrup. It's so delicious and an unexpected twist on cocoa. Marshmallows are always a plus too! So let me know in the comments below how you like yours! :)
Have a lovely day!
<3
Victoria
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