The Next Chapter
By Nancy B.
The air was getting much more crisp with that feeling of autumn in the air.
It was the best time of year to come back home with family and holidays to look forward to and all of the traditions she had grown up experiencing in that big old house. After her marriage fiasco with Van, Grace had taken some time to travel as her heart had always called her to do. Actually, May Bailey had approved of her traveling, realizing Grace needed time to sort through her many anguished feelings. A great deal of soul searching had led her to be a stronger person emotionally as well as a wiser person, one that did not need anyone's approval, validation or guidance. But it would be so wonderful to see her mother, Bob, Toppy, Honey and Max, along with all the children. Little had changed in New Bedford thought Grace as she rode down Main Street. She glanced over at Ollie's old garage and thought how she would really miss seeing her old friend and his family, but they had moved away. Ollie had found a better job, after all he had a little one to take care of now.
As she pulled in the driveway, she saw her mother walking up to the house, a much older and more frail figure. Grace ran up to her mother and gave her a big hug. Mrs. Bailey was filled with emotion. Maisey had been there for Mrs. Bailey while Grace was away and had kind of filled in the void for Mrs. Bailey as well as taking good care of her. She had come to be a second daughter to May Bailey. Maisey realized how good Mrs. Bailey had been to take her into her home as well as backing her in preparing for college and a career in nursing. She had grown into a wonderful young woman with determination and purpose. Mrs. Bailey definitely had mellowed out in the past couple of years after all that had happened to her family. At least, they had survived and were stronger with family more intact than ever, at least the bonds were much stronger for those that had survived the unsettling last couple of years.
Grace got her bags out to settle into her old room for her stay. She looked around; it had only been about a year but it certainly seemed like a lifetime ago. She really tried not to dwell on Van. After all, she had loved him and in the end come to realize he really had loved her, enough to give up his former life. But it was too late. That was before the trust was broken. They had spent such happy days together; Van had given her what she longed for, the travel, excitement of living and ,yes, love and attention.
That was before...before she realized what a lie he had been living, before she realized she could not live that life nor would she. That was before he had tried to make things right the only way he could. That was before she finally realized he allowed her to be satisfied in her revenge on him. The betrayal of trust in that relationship made it hard for Grace to deal with men after that experience though. Theirs had been the classic tragedy, but she didn't want to go there right now. She had dwelled on that enough. She had longed for adventure and had certainly gotten it in that part of her life.
Mrs. Bailey had requested the family and close friends come by later in the evening to celebrate Grace's homecoming. The house was a buzz with all the preparations. The doorbell rung; it was Honey, Max and Fat. Hub wasn't able to come since he was away at college. Mrs. Bailey explained that Bob would be unable to make it. It was just as well, he didn't seem to fit in anymore at the large gatherings. The family had alot of animosity toward him, but he was still family just not close. Toppy was more like Grace's sister, and she really was closer to her than her brother now. Grace felt sad for her brother knowing what he had given up and was missing out on with his family.
How she longed to have her own family to treasure. Honey had to leave early because she was still in school pursuing her dream and had little extra time. Max was still mayor and head of the school - a very busy man. Toppy did get to come by for a short visit. Her success with her book had taken her places previously unimaginable to Toppy and opened up a new world to her with many opportunities. Toppy mentioned to Grace that she needed help running her shop and wanted to know if Grace would be interested. Grace was appreciative but reluctant since her plans were still up in the air. Of course, May Bailey brought up the mining company and how they could use some new management also. But Max had mentioned the old radio station was for sale. Memories came back to her as she remembered the hay day of the station with Grace managing it. She had so enjoyed her time there. It wasn't as if she had to work since she was financially taken care of, but she did want to do something with her life to make a difference and to have something to devote her time to and actually maybe make an investment in the community.
She was mentally excited about the prospects of actually buying the station, but she wasn't ready to discuss that possibility yet. Around ten o'clock, everyone called it a night.
The next day, Grace went to Honey's home to see if she would help do her hair. She was really ready for a different style - an update if you will. As she walked in, her jaw dropped seeing Del sitting on the sofa carrying on with Fat. She hadn't realized that Del was in town - again. She realized that nothing had changed for him; he was still on the road never settling down. He perked up and seemed very happy to see her. There were some awkward moments between the two, and he decided he should let her visit privately with Honey. He left but not before asking if he could see her while he was in town. Totally unprepared for that, she answered with some lame excuse and told him maybe next time he was in town.
Like she needed something else playing on her mind right now. How come she always seemed so weak and fragile when she saw this man. Ok, she wasn't ready to run into her first real love; she just didn't want to deal with it right now - if ever. Del had been the first to break her heart. And oh, their first kiss - that was something that she still felt on her lips whenever she saw him. That feeling would always be there.
But no, she was not opening that door again, especially after what happened with Van. She just had a knack for falling for the wrong men. The bad boy type - con artist - wow, had she been guillable, but not now. No, she would not allow herself to go down that road again. However, it didn't stop the sadness she felt in her heart that it couldn't have worked out with Del long ago.
After Honey finished Grace's new hairdo, which she loved, she got up to leave and as she got to the door she spotted Mr. Flett across the street getting into his car. Grace inquired of Honey about Mr. Flett and how he was doing these days. Honey explained that he was doing fine; he had moved up to the position of Assistant Principal at the school and had gotten a little apartment for him and his son. After he came to terms with the fact that he had not been ready for any relationship with Grace or anyone else, he had kind of withdrawn from the dating scene. Honey figured he was resigned to live a bachelor life.
A couple of months passed and Christmas Eve was around the corner. Grace walked into the living room to put the finishing touches on the tree. She noticed the first real snow beginning to come down with oh so many beautiful large flakes. The Baileys were having an early Christmas get together since each family wanted Christmas Eve on their own. Mrs. Bailey was concerned about everyone getting there safely before the weather got too bad. Toppy was to bring her famous appetizers and Mrs. Bailey was especially concerned about the food getting there. But everyone arrived safely and on time.
The room was filled with laughter and happiness with everyone enjoying Toppy's magnificent appetizers as well as the hospitality of the Baileys.
Grace could barely hear the doorbell. She went to the door and there stood Jim Flett. He stood there for a moment and then told Grace he had been invited and might he come in. Stunned, Grace apologized since she knew he must be freezing just standing there. She invited him in, took his coat, and they walked into the living room catching up on old times.
After all of the wonderful holiday evenings at Mrs. Bailey's home and great memories for Grace, the holidays were finally over. A new year was here - a new beginning Grace thought. She decided to bite the bullet and gamble on the radio station knowing it would be a boost to the small community also.
She would stay busy and hopefully make her own wise investment.
As Grace was coming out of her station after completing the deal, she stumbled and nearly fell as someone caught her. There she was with her head in the clouds again as Mother would say. She looked up to see Jim Flett. He asked if she was ok and she assured him she was. More than you know she thought. She had forgotten or maybe never realized how wonderfully strong he was, not just in strength but in character. As she looked up at him and he looked into her eyes, both had a realization that they were looking at their future - together. This time, the time was right for both.
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