Now Arriving

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The two women stood in front of the red building that was their future for the next six months with feelings as different as black-and-white. A small smile lingered on Rebecca's face as she looked at the building, thinking of the possibilities. Once the girls had decided to accept their grandmother’s offer, Rebecca had begun to anticipate the change in her life along with the new ideas and new environments ahead of her. Paige, on the other hand, was almost overwhelmed by the feeling of entrapment that overcame her. She had agreed to the proposition her grandmother had set before her, but only to help her grandmother out. She had no plans of making a future in upstate New York. As far she was concerned, she would see it through for the six months and then turn over the operation to her sister, who seem to be excited about the proposition. She would do her best, but she would not sign her life away to this location.

Rebecca glanced over at her sister and saw her expression. Reaching across, she gave her a tight hug and whispered, "We can do this, and everything will be all right, just have faith.

“Oh, Rebecca, I wish I had your enthusiasm, but I just can't get into this. First, we’re in the cold. I hate the cold. Why did I ever agree to this?

“You agreed to this because Nana asked for help and you're a good person. There's a reason this is happening, Paige. We're meant to be here right now, so let's just roll up our sleeves, get to work, and make the best of it."

"You're right, sitting here sulking won’t get anything done or help anybody. It’s just going to make me more miserable. I still can't get over how easily they let me go at work. They didn't even put up a fight, almost like they were happy to see me leave." Paige was referring to how her resignation had gone. She’d thought for sure they would put up a fuss about her leaving since she had given so much of her life to the company, but they just shrugged their shoulders, wished her the best, and didn't even let her finish her two weeks’ notice. Paige had planned on training her replacement, but they’d said they would not replace her. With reflection, she should be flattered that nobody could take her place, but she simply felt empty.

Rebecca had most of her things packed from leaving her boyfriend of three years so there was nothing major for her to accomplish except to ship her belongings to Skipton. She’d jumped in and helped Paige sort out her apartment, get things packed up, and decide what would come with them and what would go in storage. The quiet little sister had been Paige’s rock during this time. The role reversal had made her grandmother smile. Changes were already happening with the girls and she was looking forward to seeing what else would come from this move.

Rebecca held up a set of keys and dangled them in front of her sister’s face, letting her smile breakthrough.

“Come on, Paige, nobody's here. Let's explore before Nana and Dad get here. Aren't you the least bit curious? At least about where we’re going to be sleeping?"

Rebecca grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her up the stairs to the red building’s front entry. Paige smiled at her sister’s enthusiasm. Realizing that her sister was excited, and she was holding her back, Paige vowed to get into the swing of things, to enjoy her new adventure and quit sulking.

"Okay Rebecca, hurry and open that door. Let's see what we're in for. Do you remember the fun times we had playing in the store when we were little? Mom and Dad would be at the register, Nana would be in the back room sorting out new goods to put on the shelves, and we would get into any kind of trouble we could think of."

Rebecca smiled back at her sister, glad to see the change of attitude. "Yes, I remember Nana would pretend to be stern and keep us in our place and Mom would slip us candy or a special treat every chance she got. Dad just looked lost in a world full of women."

"But nowhere near as lost as he did after Mom died. I think it was the best thing he could've done was to leave this area. It may have been hard for Nana, but it was harder for Dad to stay here. He grew up in this town and he met Mom here. He did the right thing for him. And now we’re back."

The girl stepped into the main room of the store, closing the door behind them and locking it. They took a deep breath and the memories of their childhood came rushing back. As they closed their eyes, they could remember what it was like to spend their hours after school in the store. They were happy memories, and both girls could feel a sense of contentment and peace washing over them as they absorb the atmosphere of their past.

Before Paige could open her eyes, Rebecca was already heading to the stairs and apartments over the store. She was excited to see the changes her grandmother had made over the last two years during all the renovations.

Realizing her sister was already moving up the stairs ahead of her, Paige followed fast on her heels. Together they opened the door at the top landing, using the key their grandmother had given them ahead of time and opened the door. The sight that greeted them took their breath away. There was a large living area, cleverly decorated with a mix of items both girls had shipped from their southern apartments. On either side of the main room were private doorways that led into the small apartments their grandmother had designed for each of them, reflecting their individual taste and style. Originally, the upper floors had consisted of four small apartments. Sarah had converted them into two larger apartments and one living area. She'd always hoped her granddaughters would come back and stay. Even if they didn't, the remodeling had created two apartments to rent out.

"All right, Becca, you pick out which door we open first."

Excitement dance in her sister's eyes as she looked from one to the other, choosing the door on the left. With the brass key she opened the door, thrilled to find her own apartment; it was clearly Rebecca’s domain. Her personal items were scattered around, and the new furnishings and decorating her grandmother had done was designed with her in mind. Rebecca handed her sister the other key as she motioned for Paige to open her own door. Turning to the door on her right, Paige slid the key in the lock and turned it, opening the door. Again, her grandmother had outdone herself. This apartment reflected Paige’s personality, with a little whimsy thrown in, and Paige found she rather liked it.

The girls put their purses down in each of their apartments and then went back out in the community room settling themselves in what would become their favorite chair. The room was comfortable and would be a great place for entertaining. The girls took advantage of the few minutes they had before the others arrived, putting their feet up on the footstool and giving big sighs of contentment.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Before they started talking they heard a noise downstairs and then the call of their father, letting them know that they had arrived. Jumping to their feet, the girls hurried back downstairs to greet their family with warm hugs.