Lori’s tiny hand held onto her grandmother’s index finger, never letting it go. Lawrence cried to be carried; the nurse in the room suggested that I breast fed him.I took Lawrence in my hands; his tiny eyes were the same as Henry’s – beautiful and heavenly.I breastfed Lawrence while Lori seemed to be enjoying her grandmother’s company.
There was laughter, kisses, giggling, and happiness.This was what happiness felt like.
****
Today, we gathered in Mrs. Robinson’s beautiful mansion. The kids were cooing in their strollers, while Mrs. Robinson’s elderly maid was tending to them. Today was Mrs. Robinson’s last day in Richmond. She was moving to Lake Tahoe with her husband. She’d exchange the vows with Robin Waters two days ago, and they’d spent the past two days packing for their relocation.
Mrs. Robinson gave a little goodbye speech. She was leaving the town she’d built an empire in. But now, she trusted her children to run it.She also trusted us to pass the legacy down to our children, and our children’s children.Mrs. Robinson’s work in Richmond was done, and she only wanted to spend the rest of her life in a quiet town where she’d grow plants.She wanted a place where she’d spend the rest of her life with her lover and husband.
Troy had accepted his mother’s request. Now, Mrs. Robinson slowly hugged us as she said her goodbyes.
“What happens to your mansion?” Everyone seemed to forget about the mansion until I asked.
Mrs. Robinson shrugged. “It’s part of the legacy I’m leaving behind.” She continued, “I think you both should live here.”
“Your kids can grow up together,” Mrs. Robinson said as her eyes rested on Camille’s bulging stomach, “as a family. One I didn’t have.”
Camille and Troy were expecting their first child in a few months. Camille looked at me from across the room.I thought it would be bliss to live in this mansion with my best friend; we’d live like one big family.
Mrs. Robinson kissed Camille on her cheek. “Never lose your strength, Camille.”
She walked up to me, kissing me in the same manner. “Don’t lose your light, Amelia,” she whispered. “ You light up this room.”
We walked behind her as she strode out of the house. Her driver held the door open, and Mrs. Robinson and Robin Waters waved as they got in the car.We stood by her porch and watched her car drive out of the gate.We turned to each other with the realization that the past year was the best we might ever have.
The End
