CHAPTER 4

Short Ride

The birds were nestled above the branches and the wind gracefully blew away the old leaves of ashes. Mountains were purely seen in the distance.

A figure of a slender dame beside the pastel road made her into an innocent rosy being. She was sitting at the bus stop, waiting for James' car to appear soon. He promised Lena that he would pick her up last time. With the beautiful scenery around her, the distant memory slapped her mind so suddenly, almost back in time again. White as a flushed ghost, a cold chill crept up in Lena's spine, and the bell from under the trees sounded eerie until her mind was mingled in thoughts and memories about her mother.

It was long ago when she remembered her mother who had a fine voice and gleaming eyes that were filled with pure blissful goodness. Goodness, that could bring the world humanity again. She pictured her mother in the back of her mind and recollected every little detail Mrs. Foster would used to wear. That one particular night in her memory, Mrs. Foster gently knocked on the door that was ajar. There in her room, Lena was busy at her desk. She turned to look at her mother who was in her floral nightgown. To this day, she remembered her mother's floral nightgown was kept safe in the garret back at home. It reminded her of lavenders, made in fine cotton and trimmed in lovely lace.

"Why are you here, mom?"

"I'd like to see what you are doing."

Lena produced a bubble gum from her mouth, popped it and chewed audibly. "Not really your business, mom."

Mrs. Foster blinked and pestered again. "What are you doing?"

"I'm writing a letter to someone."

"Who is this special someone?"

"No one." Lena retorted, stuck the gum out and threw it in the empty bin. "I'm off to bed."

"Want me to sing before you sleep?"

Lena threw a queer look, raising her brows. "N-no, mom. You know I'm too old for that." The fourteen year old girl averted her eyes.

"Fine, but you are never too old to kiss your mother." Mrs. Foster said rather airily.

Lena sighed, bounced from her chair and went over to kiss her mother on the cheek.

As soon as she drew back, Mrs. Foster sat on the foot of the bed and her gaze wandered around the room. Inside, she caught her daughter's golden locket in the red box, the flower in a vase by the window and posters of old singers hung on the wall. "You know what I like about you?"

Lena groaned and found herself slightly miffed at her mother's presence. "What do you like about me, mom?"

"You're a clean girl, I think I taught you well enough."

"Yes, you did." Lena admitted as she laid the pillows on the bed, crept inside and buried herself under the covers. Her mother leaned closer and brushed back her daughter's hair which framed her rosy face and emerald eyes.

"Mom," Lena began and there was a scarlet blush deepened yet hidden from her mother's sight. "I want to tell you something about a boy who goes to the same school as I do," Something made her open her mouth and say it after bottling it all in. "I like him. We've known each other for about a while now. He-he said I was the prettiest girl in class and confessed his love to me—and—well—"

"Well?" Mrs. Foster persisted.

"After school, we—we kissed each other." Lena breathed dreamily as she bit her lower lip when the thought floated again.

Mrs. Foster's mouth formed a frown and she scowled at Lena. "You shouldn't do that at your age." She admonished her.

"Imagine a guy had a pluck to say 'I love you' don't you think it's romantic, mom?"

"If only you knew what love is, Lena. He only loves you because of your looks."

Now this reply didn't suit Lena's ears. She sat up in bed and felt as if her mother had spoiled the day. Instead of being proud, she was disappointed. "I think you're just jealous."

Mrs. Foster chuckled. "Why would I be jealous?"

"Because I know dad never says the word to you. He only says it to me in the house."

"Because you're his daughter—Anyways, he doesn't have to say it, he just shows it." was her mother's reply that stung Lena for a long time. The answer still rang in her ears and sighing heavily as she blinked, it dawned upon her to think the future would never remain the same again.

Suddenly, her memory was cut off when a shadow of a car came and honked in front of her.

A bright smile of James' grandmother appeared as she pulled down the window pane. "Hello, dear." She grasped the handle and opened the door. "Come on in." The old lady scooted aside from her seat and held Lena's hand to welcome her in the car. "Have you eaten anything yet? James and I can buy you something to eat."

"Oh, no. You don't need to worry, ma'am. I just ate breakfast today." Lena answered smilingly in this lovely daylight.

"You've already eaten breakfast this morning? Why, did your mother cook it for you?" and as she heard the old lady mentioned her mother, Lena's smile faded and replied almost candidly, "Oh, no. I cook it myself. After my mother passed away, I'm usually the one who cooks in the house."

She half-expected that James' grandmother would throw a face of pity, for the folks in town always had a way of exaggerating things over someone's loss, especially the recent loss of her mother. But instead of pitying the girl, his grandmother's face grew tender and said,

"What a tough young lady you are. How old are you, my dear?"

"Sixteen."

"Same age as James here. But he will turn seventeen next month. If I am not mistaken right, James?" The grandmother prodded her little fingers at his cardigan.

"Yea, I kind of forgot my birthday is soon. I guess I'll have to prepare for a party." He said absently while he was driving.

"You should invite Lena too." His grandmother suggested.

"I'm inviting my friends so of course, Lena will be there, gran." He threw a sunny grin and went to check the viewfinder to see Lena. "What'd ya say, Lena?"

It was a longtime ago when Lena had been invited to a party with a group of teenagers her age. All she could ever recollect was back in a time when she was invited to a school party with a bunch of her peers and seniors altogether.

"Yes. I mean It is your birthday party after all." She managed to approve the invitation with a little stammer.

During the middle of break time, Lena found Olivia in front of the library, standing there and waving her arms. She had been waiting for her just to give the official schedule since this was Lena's first meet up with the members. Soon enough, they made their way inside and there in the corner, she saw several students who were gathering around the marbled table. The two girls walked over and there was relief when her pair of eyes fell upon the beaming faces. Lena realized that none of her peers joined and because of this, her fear vanished.

"Right, guys. I'd like to introduce you to a new member of our book club. Her name is Lena Foster," Olivia introduced Lena while she was using sign language at the same time. "She's also a new student in this school, so if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask."

The members brightened up like a bulb and were pleased when they heard this. All of them reached over to give a warm handshake to the new member. After she had encountered their hospitality, Lena felt that she was not a stranger and sensed no bitterness or hatred in them. There was something promising at the prospect of getting to know these students whom she never met before, but desired to get a bond with them.

"Do you think they'll be able to understand what I'm saying even if I can't do the signing?" Lena asked after school in the hall.

"They can, but it is better to use sign language with them just to avoid any misunderstandings. You always want to get your message across clearly, you know."

Lena shrugged as she placed the books in her locker. "Well, I suppose you are right." She sighed.

In that moment, a wave of students flooded out the building in a tick. The girls walked after these students and bid a farewell to each other. When she found herself alone, Lena carefully came down the steps, and slid her hands gracefully on the rail. Immediately, her attention was fixated upon the figure in the distance who was leaning against his car. She could easily spot James with his arms crossed over his chest in the parking lot. To this, the light in her eyes glinted.

He must be waiting for me.

Without a doubt, he was waiting for her just when he realized she was in his sight. He opened the door for her in a gentlemanly way, started the car and drove off.

"I didn't know you were that serious," Lena spoke at last. "I thought you were just doing it in order to please your grandmother."

"So, you think I wouldn't pick you up if gran wasn't here?" He inquired but didn't look hurt. She only nodded. "I am a man of my word, you know."

"I know." She admitted, ashamed of herself to ask or even assume about it in the first place. "Are we going to do this on a daily basis?"

"Yup, didn't I tell you that yesterday?" He switched on the radio.

"You did." She said, then turned to look through the window. By now, she fell into a deep melancholy reverie and pressed her palm against her chin. None of them uttered a word until Lena broke the silence. "So, did you like my cookies yesterday?"

James took a quick glance. "I did. Bless your hands, Lena. The cookies were great."

"Oh, really?" She stared at him and there was something hopeful in her voice.

"Yes, I gave some of it to my parents." He nodded, and a pause followed until he heard her yawn for the first time. "Tired?" He couldn't help but escape a chuckle and glanced over at her again.

"A little," Lena admitted drowsily. "I don't think I can cook supper today." She wondered if Betty would stay a little longer at home. If only she could handle the fatigue. Lena stretched her eyes widely as if it was taped to open them for the whole time.

Finally, the car parked outside the Foster's gate.

"We're here."

When she got out of the car, she waved at James and he returned the wave as he mouthed, "See you tomorrow" until his car was gone.