Aunt Carrie had to run some errands in town once Friday afternoon came around and she said I could go along with her if I’d like. When I’d asked if I could pay Opal a visit, she told me she thought that was fine, just so long as it was okay with Opal.
I knew it would be.
She gave me a nickel and told me I could get a bottle of Coca-Cola to share with Opal. I made sure to tell her thank you three times so she’d know how I did appreciate it.
Opal’s eyes sparkled as she popped open that bottle, pouring half into a tin cup for me and taking a swig out of the bottle.
“It’s been too long,” she said. “I hadn’t remembered how good it was.”
“I like it,” I told her.
“Me too.” She winked at me and tipped back the bottle for another sip. “Want to see what Lenny gave me?”
I nodded and watched her stride the few steps it took to get across the room. She tugged open the top drawer of her dresser and took out a small box. Holding it like it might crumble if she wasn’t careful enough, she knelt in front of me, then lifted the hinged lid. Earrings made of blue stones sat on a tiny velvet cushion.
“Aren’t they pretty?” she asked.
“Yes,” I answered. “How’s he got money for them?”
“They were his mother’s,” she said. “He said she doesn’t wear them anymore. She told him I could have them. Can you imagine it?”
“Are you going to marry him?” I asked.
I nodded.
“I don’t know about that.” She shrugged and closed the small box. “They’re just earrings.”
“Do you love him?”
“Love’s not the word for it, I don’t think.” She turned to the radio and flicked it on. “He’s fun to be around and easy to look at, but I don’t love him.”
Kneeling on the floor, she eased the dial until she found a sound that she liked. My cup of soda pop in my hand still, I went and sat on the floor beside her.
“I paid your mama a visit yesterday,” she told me.
“Is she all right?” I asked. “Daddy didn’t think I should see her yet.”
“She’s healing up. It might take a while.”
“Did she say anything about me?”
“Baby, she’s not saying much of anything right now.” Opal leaned close to me and plucked a loose eyelash from my cheek. She held it, balancing on her fingertip, in front of my lips. “Make a wish.”
I wanted to tell her I didn’t believe in such things anymore. Shooting stars and birthday candles and wishbones didn’t hold any kind of magic that could make even the simplest of wishes come true. It was all bunk, hooey, and nonsense. Instead, I just blew the eyelash off her fingertip.
We sat and listened to the radio. A week before I’d have asked if she could teach me a new dance step and she’d have agreed. That day, though, I was worn out. If I could’ve, I’d have laid down right there on the floor and slept until Aunt Carrie came looking for me.
I finished up my Coca-Cola and told Opal thanks for letting me visit with her. It sure had done me good. And I told her I thought the earrings were sure pretty, whether she loved Lenny or not.
“He’s just a silly old boy,” she said. She put a hand on my cheek. “You’ll take care, will you? If you need anything at all, you come see me.”
“Would you look in on my mama every now and again?” I asked. “Make sure she’s eating?”
“I’ll do that, Pearl,” she answered. “I’ll do that for you.”
I found Aunt Carrie walking out of Wheeler’s general store. She didn’t have anything in her arms but a stack of mail and a book from the library.
“Did you have a nice visit?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” I answered.
“I’m glad.” She pushed her lips together. “You know what I think would be good today?”
“What?”
“A little dish of ice cream,” she said. “Do you think you’d like one?”
“Yes, please.”
She took my hand and we crossed the street to get to Shirley’s diner. I could’ve crossed on my own. I did it plenty of times without holding anybody’s hand. Still, I didn’t tell Aunt Carrie that.
It felt good to have her take care of me.