Page 2 of Baking With A Ghost
This is my new beginning.
Taking a few moments alone, I gaze out the window in what's going to be my new home. I felt a comfort and peace wash over me as soon as I stepped through the door here. One I hadn't felt in years. I wanted to stay right this second, throw a blanket and pillow on the floor and stay. I was meant to be here. At this moment, I'd never felt more pulled to a location. So meant to be in a single space, my whole body sang with how right it felt.
But first, I have to finalize a purchase, arrange for contractors to start remodeling the kitchen and squirrel up some more living expenses before finally making the move. I had my aunt's inheritance and a small savings account, but those weren't going to last long. The business plan needed dusting off and a meeting with the bank lined up. I would make this happen.
This was meant to be, and who knows, maybe I could even find love again here.
After all, the town was named Hope, so why not?
John
Moving On
ThreeMonthsLater
"I'm going to miss you so much."
Ivy's slender arms squeeze me tight. Her head rests on my chest as her tears seep through my thin t-shirt. I squeeze her back extra hard. Best friend hugs need to come prepackaged so you can unwrap one when you need it.
"Me too, girl. Who's going to come and taste test all my recipes at 2 A.M when I can't sleep and I’ve baked too much?"
Pulling away, she dries her eyes with a small smile.
"My wardrobe will be thankful. You make too many yummy things. Kyle even said he'll miss you, but not all the late night snacking."
Laughing, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Kyle will love you no matter what you look like. Don't you worry about that. I'll miss you both, but I'm not that far away, really."
Her lower lip quivers as she fights back the tears a second time. I turn away, before any more come from me as well.
Slamming the tail gate closed on my tiny Ford Ranger pick up, the realization that today has finally come plows into me with the force of a Mack truck. Finally, after three long years of being stuck with my ex and his mind games, I'm free. No more insults or cold shoulders. No more taking all my wages to pay for my so-called part of the living expenses, while he used his own money to buy fancy clothes and dinners with other men.
A small hand on my arm brings me back to the present.
"Hey, where'd you go? You okay?"
Staring up at me, Ivy's red rimmed blue eyes fill up with unconditional love I've only been able to experience with her and my family.
"Ya, I was… I just realized I'm finally doing this."
Her smile returns. "You are! And you're going to be amazing." She hugs me again and this time tears of my own do sneak out.
"I'll call you when I get there."
"You'd better. If you don't I'll think the worst happened." She sniffles.
With another lingering squeeze, I kiss the top of her head and slide behind the wheel. Backing out of her driveway, I blow my best friend another kiss and pull away. I’m leaving the best memories I have here, waving madly in my rearview mirror.
When I round the corner, I know it’s time to only look ahead.
WhenIfinallyrollinto my new town of Hope, I'm exhausted. The road trip was snarled with traffic clogging the main highways at every passing lane, as construction season has started as well.
I'm hungry, thirsty and sweaty. I need a hot shower, good food and a comfortable bed, preferably in that order.
My GPS signals my arrival at the bed and breakfast I'm staying at tonight, until my new furniture is delivered to my new home, the old Mill House. I wanted to rush right there, but I needed a bed to sleep in, as I left everything with Carl. I didn't want to bother splitting anything we had jointly. I wanted no reminder of him, whatsoever.
I ordered my own furniture to start fresh on that account too. The boxes in the back of my truck were my clothes and personal belongings, along with my prized cookbook collection and the baking tins my grandma used to have hanging in her kitchen.
