Leaving

Dr. and Mrs. Parker sat in the kitchen, flirting quite outrageously over something absolutely ridiculous. Aunt Catherine sat and looked on, amused, idly stirring a spoon in a cup of tea. When the twins entered the room, all three adults looked up in excitement. Aunt Catherine flew out of her chair, waving her hands in the air, and with frantic delight she embraced her niece and her nephew. “Mygoodnessgracious how much you’ve grown!” she laughed at her own joke just as she did each time she saw them. “How have you both been? I hear you are just leaving for school! What a shame! – that is, what a shame we couldn’t have more time together. But that’s alright; I planned my visit badly. I always plan my visits badly, it seems,” and she shook her head at herself reproachfully. “But never mind! I am glad to see you for as much time as I am able, and I can pester your parents all week long, and I brought cookies!” And she brought forth a large tin, her massive poof of hair bobbed around energetically as she handed it to the twins. Eddie’s eyes lit up, and Alice thanked their aunt with a happy bounce and a hug.

“We’re sorry to be leaving too, since you’re here now,” Alice replied.

Aunt Catherine laughed. “Silly, you don’t need to flatter me. I’m sure you have many more interesting people to talk to at college. All your friends will be waiting to see you, and tell you all about their exciting summer adventures, and hear yours; and you’ll want to hear all about their summers, and tell about yours. That’s how it works. But that’s perfectly fine; I will have some time to talk to Rose and Jerry, and hear all about their summer adventures. Even us old people have our adventures …” and she turned to smile at her sister.

“Speak for yourself, Catherine,” Mrs. Parker replied, “age is relative.”

“Yes it is, isn’t that an amazing coincidence? And beauty, and time, and the color of roses, and everything else that seems to really matter. But you need to leave now,” she turned to the twins and gave them a serious look, “so your parents and I can talk about you behind your back. Oh, and so you can get to school, too.”

With hugs and kisses all around, Eddie and Alice said their goodbyes to both parents and their aunt. The car had been packed for hours, if not days already (Alice had seen to that), and so it was only a matter of minutes before the two of them were ready to drive away in their little green Saab. Alice went to the kitchen drawer to look for the keys, but she couldn’t find them. Eddie raised an eyebrow. “I have them.”

Alice made a face. “I thought it was my turn to drive.”

“No, it’s mine.”

“Are you sure?” Alice knew he was sure.

Mrs. Parker spoke up. “I’m sure he’s sure, Alice.”

“I’m sure.”

“Alright then.”

“Now you two be good,” Mrs. Parker warned, “Be sure to let us know if you need anything.  And take care of each other.”

“Study hard,” said Dr. Parker. “Drive carefully.  Don’t accept food from strangers.”

“Have lots of fun, and tell me all about it,” Aunt Catherine called. “Take photos of everything!”

“We will,” Alice replied cheerfully. With one more wave, she skipped out the door, Eddie following close behind with his guitar. The car sat waiting for them, filled to the brim with suitcases, bedding, books, and all the necessary accessories of two well-prepared college students. With a whir and a vroom, the car came alive, panting for action. As they pulled out of the driveway of their Richmond home, Alice took one last look back, then turned and nestled against the car door. “Do you suppose she’ll stay long? I wish she would have come when we could spend time with her.”

“I’m sure we’ll see her again soon. She’ll probably be back again for Thanksgiving.”

“No, you’re right,” Alice sighed. “Goodness, I’m looking forward to a calm semester.”

Her brother agreed. “But I wouldn’t worry about it; I think a visit from Aunt Catherine should be about the biggest event all winter long. I don’t expect to have anything else to worry about for a long time.”

“Good. Then I’ll be able to catch up on my reading. I’m reading Les Miserables, you know. I’m so far behind; I have another hundred pages to read by next month if I’m going to get it done by Christmas …” Alice closed her eyes, thinking of the lovely relaxing semester ahead.