Story: Coming Home (all chapters)

I met Sarah when we were sophmores in high school. I was the quiet girl that sat in the back corner trying to blend into the wall, and she was the athletic, able to do anything, outgoing girl. We couldn't have been more different. Maybe that's what drew us together. They do say that opposites attract. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

I was reading by my favorite tree in the courtyard. I was getting to this really good part where the heroine and hero first meet, when I was interrupted by Allison and her rowdy group. They weren't meaning to be rude, but they were the ones that went and did what they pleased, as loudly as they could. You know the types. You can find them in every aspect of life. But I digress. I looked up, annoyed at having been interrupted at such an important moment, and our eyes clicked. Now, I'd been going to school with Sarah for years now, and I can't tell you why it was at this moment we made a connection, but we did. She nodded her head slightly in my direction, and then led her posse away. Confused as to what had happened, I eventually just shrugged my shoulders and went back to my story. The hero and heroine couldn't be kept waiting after all.

Ever since that day, things changed between us slowly. Little nods to each other led to stopping and saying hi. Eventually, we were eating our lunches together, and within a month of that day in the courtyard we were inseperable. People said it wouldn't last. They just assumed I was her project. You know, the nerd into the princess story. But it was never like that with us. We just...completed each other. She brought me out of my shell and into the light, and I grounded her and gave her something solid to hold onto. You see, what people never understood about Sarah was that her perfection drained her. Always being the perfect student/friend/athlete tired her to the point where she didn't even know who she really was. She told me that I was the one solid point in her life, the one place where she could find out who she really was. Me, little miss nerdy girl, being that important to someone so popular. It was mind boggling, and so infinitely refreshing.

I'm not sure when I fell in love with her. I don't even remember when I realized it. Just one random day I looked over at her and accepted that I was in love. Of course I never told her that. She was dating some boy at the time, I forget who. Besides, we lived in an area that wasn't very accepting of gay couples. I tried bringing up the subject with her once, just to see what she thought. She said that it was wrong to feel that way about someone of the same sex, and that she could never be friends with anybody in that type of relationship. So, I pushed the love I felt for her into the deepest corner of my heart, and strived to be the bestest best friend I could. I know I make it sound easy, but at first it was the most difficult thing I had ever undergone. I would just be hanging with her and then she would do something, or smile a certain way, and I would have to turn away or leave for fear of her seeing how I really felt. I grew accustomed to sealing those feelings away, and over time it did get easier, but every once in a while I'd let myself imagine what it would be like to make love with her, to go that extra step. Such thoughts usually left me in tears, 'cause I knew that it would never be.

We survived high school together, and even though she went off to a big university and I stayed at the local community college, we stayed best friends. We stayed in contact constantly, and when she came home for breaks, it was like she was never away. She kept trying to get me to come visit her up at the university, but I wasn't ready yet. In the time we'd been together, I'd come out of my shell a little bit, but was still most comfortable on familiar turf. She understood that, but it never stopped her from trying. God, I loved her for that.

I believe it was in her second year at the university when she met Adam. At first I thought he was just another nameless guy, or at least I hoped he was. But as it turned out, Sarah decided that this was the guy that she wanted for all time, and on their one year anniversary they had a small wedding ceremony for family and close friends. I was the maid of honor. I'm still trying to convince myself that my tears were ones of happiness for her.

Their son John came a year later. We all called him Sam though, because he was a perfect blend of his parents. Sarah's outgoing personality with Adam's boyish good looks. I was named the godmother of course, and even managed to let go of my familiar territory to move closer to be to him. Well, at least that's what I told Sarah. Don't get me wrong, Sam was an angel and joy to be around, and I fell in love with him as soon as I held him in my arms, but I just wanted to be a part of Sarah's life again. I know it sounds selfish of me, and it was, but I felt like I was being pushed out and replaced. I was her grounding force, and I wanted it to stay that way.

The years passed quickly, and before I knew it Sarah and I were 26. Not a great milestone by any means, but it was during our 26th year that tragedy struck. I was on the way to Adam and Sarah's for dinner. I had grown to like Adam, even though there was still some resentment for him stealing Sarah away from me. I think he was able to sense this, and I think he even knew how I really felt, but he never confronted me about it. He always treated me with the greatest respect, and eventually I realized that he was a really great guy. I finally accepted that if I couldn't have Sarah, then Adam was the next best thing. But I digress again. I was on my way to their house when I got a frantic phone call from Sarah. There was an accident, and Adam and Sam were involved. Could I please meet her at the hospital? I don't remember driving so fast in my life, and I'm amazed to this day that I didn't get in an accident myself. When I got to the hospital, I immediately found Sarah in the waiting room. She practically collapsed into my arms and sobbed out the story. I wasn't actually able to understand anything she said, though, she was so hysterical. I finally found out what happened from a police officer that was there. Adam and Sam had gone to the store because they were out of my favorite type of juice (yeah, imagine my guilt on that one.) It was on the way back that they were hit by a semi, causing them to lose control and run head-on into a light pole. The semi driver had fallen asleep after having driven longer than he should have. He was trying to get home in time for his daughter's birthday. Asshole.

We waited for what seemed like hours, but was actually only about 15 minutes. Sarah had stopped crying, but was just sitting comatose by my side. I had never seen her like this, so was kinda lost as to what to do. So I just sat there too. Eventually the doctor came out. Any hope we had felt was dashed when we saw his face. Adam had died on impact, he said, and though Sam had come in alive, he had to many internal injuries for his little body to handle, and died on the operating table. I only barely managed to catch Sarah before she hit her head on the hospital chair. The doctor's gave her a sedative, and I took her home. I held her through the night, though I didn't sleep a wink. Despite the sedative, she cried on and off throughout the night.

Things just went downhill from there. Not like I really expected them to get better, mind you, but I wasn't expecting what eventually happened. I helped with the funeral preparation, will reading, packing of stuff, everything that I could think of to help Sarah. No matter how hard I tried, though, I couldn't get her out of her semi-comatose state. In fact, if anything, the more I did caused her to draw more inside of herself. I didn't understand that until afterwards. By afterwards I mean after she disappeared.

It was about two months after the funeral that I received a very brief message saying that Sarah was leaving for an unknown time and that I shouldn't try to find her. I was crushed. I had just lost a close friend and the sweetest boy to walk the earth, and now I had to deal with the loss of my own loved one. I knew then at that time how Sarah had felt. Everything in me cried out to find her, but I did what I had done ever since I realize I loved her. Buried my feelings for her deep in my heart and let her go.

"Wow, I haven't seen you this dolled up since, well, ever," said June.

"Well, I've never had an occasion as important as this," I replied as I put in my earrings. She was right. Even on the times I went on dates (which equals about 4 in the past 6 years), I just made myself look nice. However, Sarah coming back to town merits a new outfit and a new look. I'd gotten my shoulder-length brown hair curled and nails done, which I never spend money on. New make-up, perfume, everything. And if I must say, I looked damn hot.

"I still don't understand any of this. I mean, you haven't seeen this girl for 6 years. Why all this effort for the person that left you behind?"

She does have a point, though I would never tell her so. However, the person that I've loved for more than half my life is coming back. I am above all things loyal to those that I love, and my love for Sarah never dwindled.

Don't get me wrong. There was a time right after she left that I tried to hate her. At first, when she left, I was just sad and depressed. Eventually, those feelings turned to anger. After everything that I had done for her, all of the support that I'd given her, and she leaves me during a time when I needed her the most. How could she be so selfish? I was going through the most difficult time in my life, and my best friend leaves me to deal with it by myself. How could she? What gives her the right to run away from her life and leave me to pick up her mess?

In order to deal with everything, I started drinking and going to some of the local clubs. That's actually when I met June. She started hitting on me, and in the condition I was in, I needed that. I needed to someone to want me. We started hanging out more often, and she eventually helped me recover. Despite her many attempts, though, our relationship never progressed beyond friendship. It'd feel like I was cheating on Sarah, the only person I ever wanted to be with. Anyway, June knows what Sarah leaving did to me, and therefore has not small amount of hatred toward her. That, and the fact that she's in love with me, and knows she can't have me. I feel bad that I can't return her feelings, but I strongly believe we can't help who we love. If we could, I would've moved on from Sarah.

I finally finished putting on my jewelry, fluffed my hair a bit, and spun away from the mirror to face June, who was sitting on my bed. "Well, how do I look?"

The look on her face was a mixture of desire and pain. I felt a stab of guilt for the pain I was causing her. If I was any sort of decent person, I'd tell her to leave me. However, she was an integral part of my life, and I couldn't let her go. I know it was selfish of me, but I did need her. I just hoped that it would be enough for her.

"You look awesome. She better well appreciate it, or I'll clock her one."

I laughed at that. She and I both know she wouldn't actually do it, but it made her feel better to say it.

"Well, I better be off. I'm supposed to meet Sarah at the restaraunt in 15 minutes. Who knew getting so fancied up would take so long."

June shook her head and smiled. "I could've told you that. In fact, I think I did tell you. But like usual, you didn't listen to me."

I laughed again. No matter the situation, June could always make me laugh. "I'll call you later, okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll be around. Have fun."

"Thanks June," I called as I walked out the door. June liked to portray herself as a bad girl and flirt, but underneath it all she was a softy. Especially to those she cared about.

I made good time to the restaurant. I was only a couple of minutes late. As I walked in, I spotted her immediately. Her long black hair was cut short to just past her ears. She was wearing a business suit which hugged her body like a second skin. Her make-up was lightly done, just enough to highlight her high cheekbones and green eyes. I think I fell in love with her again right then. So, it was with a big smile on my face that I went to greet her.

She looked up as I approached, and gave a polite smile as she stood. As I went to hug her, she stepped back a bit, and then offered her hand. Thrown off, and extremely confused, I shook her hand, and then took the chair opposite her own. Trying to make sense of it all, I decided that it was just jitters from meeting again after so long to make her act like that. I'd just have to give her time to become comfortable. With that thought firmly in mind, I forged ahead.

"It's so great to see you. Can you believe that it's been 6 years already? What have you been up to? Where'd you go? I want to know everything."

It was then that I noticed the expression on her face. Or rather, lack thereof. In fact, what little I could detect from her was annoyance. She calmly took a sip of her red wine and set it down before replying.

"What exactly did my assistant tell that this meeting was for?"

Confused, and not a little hurt, I answered "He just said that you were going to be in town and that you wanted to meet with me. That's it."

Her look of annoyance became more pronounced with my statement. She sighed, folded her hands in front of her as if in prayer, and leaned forward. "I'm sorry for the confusion. This is not a meeting to rehash old memories or reform our friendship. That is all in the past to me, and I've moved on. This meeting was to talk about my company's interest in this town, and since I was told that you were on the city council, I figured I'd ask you some questions before our meeting tomorrow."

I was in shock, and I'm sure she could see how much her words hurt me. However, her face never showed any emotion. She was every bit the business woman.

After a bit of recovery time, I finally said "You're with the Samson company?"

"Yes, I'm actually one of their lead negotiators. I wanted to get a feel for what the city is planning on offering my company for us to set up business here. Hence why I set up this meeting. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, but, now that you understand, perhaps we could proceed."

It was a statement more than a question, but I still nodded my head dumbly in reply. With one sharp nod from Sarah, our meeting commenced. Needless to say, that was one of the worst nights of my life.

I turned the closed sign to open on the front door of my little pottery store.  I had a city council meeting with the representatives of the Samson Company in a few hours, but until then, it was business as usual on this Wednesday.  I straightened up, tagged new items, did inventory, and helped the few customers that came in.  Unfortunately, none of this was distraction enough for me to forget the dinner with Sarah.

After dinner, I had driven to June’s place and in between bouts of weeping had told her everything that had happened.  She held me, consoled me, and started cursing Sarah up a storm.  She’d already had to bring me back from despair once from Sarah, and now I was beyond despair, wherever that might be.  Eventually, she’d calmed me down, made me a cup of tea, and then proceeded to talk some sense into me (I had been mumbling that I couldn’t go on, or something like that.  Truthfully, I can’t remember a lot of what I said).

“Listen, Allison…are you listening?”  At my nod, she continued.  “Alright, now, I want you to repeat after me.  My name is Allison Thatcher.”

“My name is Allison Thatcher.”

“I am a confident, beautiful, and successful woman.”

“I am a confident, beautiful, and successful woman,” I repeated dutifully, a blush covering my cheeks.  I always blushed when people called me beautiful.

“I have lived these past six years building a life that I am proud of.”

“I have lived these past six years building a life that I am proud of.”

“And I did all of this without Sarah.”

I looked down into my tea, a small, sad smile forming on my lips.  I knew what she was getting at, and truthfully, it did make me feel better to say it.  “And I did all of this without Sarah.”

“And because I am so grateful for June, I agree to sleep with her tonight,” she finished, a large smile forming on her face.

I just laughed and slapped her on her arm.  She knew that I would never agree to that, but it was her way of bringing me out of my doldrums.  I believe I already mentioned that no matter the situation, June could make me laugh.  However, I couldn’t miss the slight hope in her eyes that maybe, just this once, I would say yes.  She’d probably pass out if she knew that I almost did.  But as much as I was already using her, I could never cross that line, for I would only be using her more, and afterwards, I would leave.  I could never give June what she truly wanted, but sleeping with her would give her the idea that I had.  I couldn’t hurt her like that.

After we talked a bit more, I left for home, a lot more lighthearted then before.  Unfortunately, the emptiness of my apartment was an uncomfortable reminder that Sarah was still not a part of my life, and maybe never would be again.  Saddened, but still remembering June’s words to me, I fell asleep.  My dreams were confusing that night, where Sarah’s and June’s faces kept replacing each other.  I would be with one, and then the other would be there.  Needless to say, it wasn’t a very restful night.

I’m pulled out of my musings with the ringing of my alarm.  It was time for the city council meeting.

I should probably give you some background on this meeting and my involvement in it.  I am a representative of the small business owners, of which I am included.  We hold a lot of sway over the city because we attract lots of tourists, and therefore are the main source of income.  I’m still trying to find out how I got coerced into this position, in all truthfulness.  I think it was little old Ellen, the bakery owner next door.  She was plying me with some of her sweets when she brought up the fact that the old representative had stepped down and they were trying to find someone new.  After a little bit of talking, and more sweets, she somehow convinced me that I would be perfect for the job.  I’ve been on the city council now for three years, and I highly doubt that I will be let go until I’m old and senile.

The reason for this meeting is simple, yet somewhat complex.  We are considered a small, family community, with lots of small business and “mom and pop shops”.  We have a small movie theatre, an inn for the tourists, and a grade school and high school.  On a good year, our population reaches six hundred.  Most people are quite content with this, but the city council got some new blood, and it was decided that we needed to grow.  So, in an attempt to do this, we started looking at bringing larger businesses into the city to promote growth.  You can imagine the outcry this caused among the small business owners.  This is where it gets complicated, because the only way the owners were going to agree is if this larger business did not impede with theirs.  Needless to say, it’s taken a year and a half to find the appropriate company that everyone could agree on.

Enter the Samson Company.  They’re a retail store, similar to Wal-Mart, but on a smaller scale.  The owner, Robert Samson, used his family money to open a couple of stores in smaller communities.  The success was enough that he was able to build more in nearby cities.  His goal is to start with the rural areas, and then move into more populated zones when he feels he could compete more with the larger retail stores.

So, finally, we are having our first meeting face-to-face in order to hash out the final details.  I am proud to say that I have been instrumental in bringing about this meeting, and so it was with a great deal of excitement and trepidation that I took my seat.  Sarah and her group were already seated and looking over the documents we had provided.  She was the only female in her group, but was the most imposing looking, and the one most obviously in charge.  We were offering prime real estate for a reasonable price, plus we were offering to cover half of the building costs.  They in return agreed to limit the products they sold so as not to compete with the smaller businesses.  There were some other minor details, but I won’t bore you with those (you’re actually probably already asleep.  I don’t blame you.  I fell asleep during a lot of the contract negotiations as well.)

“Ummm…it looks like everyone is here, so I would like to call this meeting to order.  My name is Billy Hoyt.  To the right of me are Reverend Thomas Pugh and Allison Thatcher, and to the left is Helena Graham.  Uhh….thanks for meeting with us today.  This is a real honor to finally meet you.”  Billy was a little nervous, and I can’t say as I blame him.  He was new to the position of head of the city council, and Sarah’s group in their nice suits and dour expressions were quite imposing.  My meeting with Sarah actually helped me, it seems, because I was not as intimidated now as I might have been.  Funny how that worked out.

After staring at us a little bit longer, Sarah finally leaned forward with her hand clasped, a position I was all too familiar with from last night.  This time she was smiling, though I noticed the smile wasn’t reaching her eyes.  “Thank you for the warm reception.  We have looked over the documents, and everything seems to be in order.”

She paused for a bit, and we all breathed a sigh of relief.  If everything was in order, then the papers could be signed, and we could move on.

"However, we cannot sign this contract." 

And the relief was gone.  She looked at each one of us, starting from the left and going right, a small triumphant smile on her face at everyone’s surprise and anxiety.  I, however was more prepared then I was last night, and pasted an unconcerned and somewhat bored expression on my own face.  This got a raised eyebrow and a surprised look from Sarah.  I was not the same girl as last night, thanks to June, and if Sarah wanted to play hard ball, then so be it.  I let my own eyebrow raise and felt a smile form on my lips.  She understood the challenge, tilted her head a bit to the side and I saw a twinkle form in her eye, and in that moment, my old Sarah was back, and hope was rekindled in my heart.  The moment quickly passed, but the hope still remained.  She wasn’t dead like I had feared, just buried beneath mounds of cynicism and contempt.  This meeting all of the sudden became that much more important.

“What…what do you mean you can’t sign the contract?  Everything is as we agreed over the phone,” stuttered Billy.  Poor guy.  I really didn’t envy him his position right now.

“After looking over your offer, we decided not to accept it.”

“What’s the meaning of this?  You already agreed.  You can’t back out now.”  This came from Rev. Thomas.  It appears somebody gathered their wits about them.

“A verbal agreement in this case is not binding.  You’re tying our hands too much with the products we’re not allowed to sell.  Plus, we’ve had a chance to look at the ‘prime real estate’ you’re offering, and frankly, it’s a joke.  A patch of pasture in the middle of nowhere where the closest business we’ll get is with a bunch of sheep.  The business is on the waterfront, and the only way we’ll accept this offer is if we get a plot there.”

“That’s out of the question,” I stated.  This got another raised eyebrow, and not just from Sarah this time.

“Excuse me?” was Sarah’s reply.

“I don’t believe I stuttered, but I’ll rephrase it so you might better understand.  The waterfront has been established as a protected wildlife area, and where that area ends is already taken up by other small businesses.  There is no room on the waterfront to put you.  The land that we are offering you has not been a home to sheep for quite some time, and the amount of business in that area will increase as we expand.  You will be the center of the expansion, so you’re fears have no merit.”  I was being quite rude at this point, and undoubtedly I was channeling some of my anger from last night, but I really didn’t care.

Sarah stared at me for a minute, the twinkle gone and a sour expression on her face again.  I didn’t care.  I had seen my old friend for a minute, and I had a plan to get her back.  Now, it was time for a game of chess.

“You are basing your facts on supposition and theory, and therefore your statement has no merit.  Our studies have shown that we’d be much more successful on the waterfront, and the products that we sell are just as good if not better then what those small businesses sell.  It would be better for you as a city to take out some of those businesses and put us there instead.”

Now she was treading on personal territory.  Bad move.  “Those small businesses are the main source of income for the city.  The natural waterfront provides great hiking trails and animal watching for tourists, and the businesses provide great souvenirs and dining experiences for the whole family to enjoy.  Having a giant retail store in the area would detract from the overall feel and enjoyment that those tourists experience, and therefore decrease sales.”

“The store can be built to the same scale as the smaller businesses so that the ‘enjoyment’ is not lost.  Plus we’d offer one stop shopping with both food and souvenirs.  That would give them more time to enjoy the ‘natural waterfront’ that you’re so proud of.”

I huffed at this.  “Like people are going to buy your cheap souvenirs that are most likely made in China.  The items we offer are hand-crafted here, and are therefore part of the experience.  We offer quality products that cannot be replaced by your stuff.”

“If you are so sure of the quality of your products, then why put a clause in the contract saying we can’t sell similar items?  The fact is is that the average consumer couldn’t care less where it was made, as long as it’s cheap and it looks good.”

Oooo, my king’s in trouble here.  Going to need to move fast.  “The clause is there in order to bring the smaller businesses to the table.  Without that clause, they would never agree to this meeting.  They are the real reason you are here, as they will be paying for your building cost, not us.  Think of it as your way of saying ‘thank you.’”

Her sour expression became one of annoyance.  She didn’t have a comeback for that.  My king is safe again.  Her look turns to one of victory though, and she sees her escape route.  “Well, if the smaller businesses are so important, maybe they can help with your expansion.  Oh wait.  That’s what we’re here to help with.  It seems that without us, you remain the same small, insignificant little town that you are.”

Everyone bristled at this.  “Are you implying that if we don’t agree to your demands that you’ll walk?”  Asked Billy angrily.  He was born and raised here, so had great pride in this “insignificant little town” as she put it.

“I am implying this, yes Billy.”

The rest of the council turned to me at this, as did everyone from the Samson Company.  It was more then evident that Sarah and I were the negotiators in this, so everything was being left up to me.  What Sarah didn’t know was that she was walking into my trap.

“The answer is still no.”

A look of surprise crossed her face, before it was masked.  She shuffled the papers in front of her and went to stand.  “Well then, I guess there’s nothing more to talk about.”

“Actually, there is.”  Time for the final move.  “You see, you’re operating under the theory that we need you for expansion, when in fact we don’t.  There are other businesses that we could go with, but you were the first that we chose, out of respect for your own desire to expand.”

“That’s a lie.  I know for a fact that you haven’t contacted any other businesses.”

“I never said that we had.  You see, we wanted to go with the Samson Company because it represents the ideals that we as a city agree with.  You are looking to expand, as do we.  Your respect and treatment of your employees is excellent, and since we will be providing your labor force, that’s an extra bonus for us.  You were willing to negotiate under terms that most of the larger businesses would have laughed at.  You were the best choice, but not the only one.”

“Well, perhaps you’d like to go with one of your other businesses then?” sneered Sarah.  Apparently my compliments of her company didn’t do any good.  Okay, plan B then.

“Here’s the other fact that you seem to ignore” I continued, ignoring her own comment.  “You need us as much as we need you.”

“What do you mean by that?” one of the other company representatives asked.  They do talk, amazing.  Sarah’s expression had become guarded, so I knew I was on the right track.

“What I mean is that you have no where left to go.  That’s the only reason you agreed to meet with us.  We are the last stop for you before you can compete with the larger retail stores.  Our tourist draw and own expansion project with make you enough money so that you can expand into the larger cities.  Yes, our facts are based on theories, but these are theories that I researched heavily.  There is no reason why we can’t expand, with you at the center of it.”

Sarah was sitting with her hands clasped in front of her, a contemplative look on her face.  She was trapped, and knew it.  She wasn’t going down without a fight, which was just fine by me.

“We still can’t agree to this contract.  Our own research indicates what you are offering is just not enough.”

Almost there.  “Then I have a proposition for you.”

“What would that be?”

Checkmate.  “One month.  You stay here, as lead negotiator, for a month.  If by that time I cannot convince you that the deal we are offering is good enough, then we will renegotiate the contract, and I’ll offer up my own store as one to be torn down for you.  If, however, I can convince you, then you sign the contract as it is.  What do you say?”  I was taking a big gamble here.  I didn’t really know how I could convince her, and no matter what I did, she could still say it wasn’t good enough.  However, it was a chance I was willing to take.

She thought about my offer, a slightly confused look on her face.  I had been holding all of the cards, but with my suggestion, I had given her all of the control.  She really had nothing to lose, and everyone knew that.

“Very well.  I’ll give you one month to convince me.  I’ll have my assistant contact you with more details later.”

"Done," was all I said as I got up to shake her hand.  I watched as she and the rest of the Samson delegates left.  As she got to the door, she turned her head one last time to look at me.  Once again, in that glance, I caught a glimpse of my friend, and then she was gone.  My love for her had let her go twice already.  This time, I was going to fight to keep her around.

“And what is it you think you can do in just a month, hmm?” June asked.

“In all honesty, I have no clue” I confided.  I had called her as soon as I got back to my house after the meeting.  I was actually hoping she might be able to give me some ideas.

“So, what made you come up with this ridiculous idea in the first place?”

Rubbing my forehead as I shook my head from side to side I replied “I don’t know.  It was kinda out there on the table before I had really thought it through.”

“Sooo, you’re telling me that this entire venture, needless to say your store, is hinging on a plan that you not only made up on the spot, but have no idea how to proceed.  Am I correct on this?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“ARE YOU NUTS!!!!”  She yelled as I pulled the phone away from my ear.  “You’ve built that store up for the last 4 years from nothing.  It’s your life, and you’re throwing it all away on the slim hope that your friend, who left you 6 years ago, still likes you enough not take to your livelihood, and those around you, away.”

“It’s not like that…” I tried to deny, but she interrupted.

“NO, Allison, it is like that.  You are jeopardizing your life and the lives of your friends in an attempt to bring back a friend that doesn’t want to be your friend.  It’s stupid, and wrong, and unfair.  You’ve just given her the only chance she has at getting that property.  Do you really think she’ll let a little thing like past relationships get in the way of that?  This woman’s a shark, and she’ll eat you up and spit you out without even breaking a sweat.”

“She’s not like that.  Well, at least she wasn’t, and I’ve seen glimpses of the woman I used to know.  I know I can reach her if given the chance.  If I can reach the old Sarah, she’ll sign the contracts as they are without a second glance.”

“Are you really seeing the old Sarah, or are you only seeing what you want to see?  Allison, you’re stuck in the past right now.  People change.  There is no such thing as the old Sarah, just the Sarah of now.  Can’t you see that?  You can’t bring her back.”

I knew that a lot of what June was saying was based off anger and jealousy, but I couldn’t help but wonder if she was right.  Had it only been a figment of my imagination, my own desires that led me to this point?  Maybe it had, but I was stuck now, and therefore had to walk the path I was on, wherever it may lead me.

“You may be right, June, but I have to try.  Something in me just has to try.”

“Why!?  Why do you have to try?  Why can’t you let her go?”  This last part was said with much anguish, and it made my heart ache.

“I’m sorry, June” I said sadly.  It’s the first time I’ve ever actually said that to her concerning our relationship.

“Yeah, me too” and with that she hung up.

I wanted to call her back so badly, but knew that right now she needed to be by herself.  She didn’t need me, or Sarah, intruding on her life right now.  However, right now, Sarah was my life, and I couldn’t separate the two.  I really wish I could let her go, but I’ve been holding on since we were 16.  I wasn’t ready to give that up.

Now, I only had to figure out how I was going to save my store, and the stores around me, while at the same time reconnecting with my first best friend and my new best friend.  All while continuing to run my store and handle city council business.  This next month was going to be busy.  If only I knew where to start.

My phone ringing brought me out of my thoughts.  Hoping it was June, I answered quickly.  “June?”

“No…, is this Miss Thatcher?”

I vaguely recognized the voice, but couldn’t place it.  “Yes, this is Miss Thatcher, though I preferred to be called Allison.”

“Good evening, Miss Thatcher” the voice said, completely ignoring my request.  “I’m Jon Howard, Mrs. Kennedy’s assistant.  I was told to call you to make arrangements for the next month.”

Now I recognized the voice.  This was the guy that had arranged the dinner meeting from hell.  “Ah, yes, Mr. Howard.  What can I do for you?”

“Well, I need to arrange room and board and there seems to be very little information regarding your local hotels.  Mrs. Kennedy will need a place that offers internet service, breakfast, and preferably dinner as well.  It must be of the highest quality, and not be rowdy.  She requires quiet and solitude.  Mrs. Kennedy is also requiring you to provide a list of activities or meetings that will be held this next month.  Mrs. Kennedy is a very busy woman, so she will need certain days off this next month for more pressing manners.  Do you have a fax number so I can send you her schedule?”

Wow, this guy really needs to take that stick out of his ass, I thought.  And then, a brilliant idea popped into my head.  Well, it might be brilliant, or it might make my life even more hellish, but it was better than nothing.  “Yes, Jon, my business requires that I have a fax machine, so obtaining her schedule will not be a problem.  And, it so happens that I know the perfect place where Sar…I mean, Mrs. Kennedy can stay.  It has everything she needs.”

“Excellent.  If you can give me the information, we can proceed.”

Half an hour later, after hanging up, I was still sitting at my desk, trying to figure out if I’d done the right thing.  This could either be a really good thing, or it may bite me in the ass.

Well, whatever happens, I need to go home and straighten things up.  I have a guest coming, and she requires accommodations of the highest quality.