CHAPTER TWO
794 Words
The next morning, Melissa sat on the edge of her bed with her phone in her hand.
She dialed the number.
It rang a few times before someone picked up.
"Melissa? Well, look who finally remembered us!"
She smiled.
"Hi, Uncle Joe."
"How are you? How's your mother? And that little rascal, Kenny?"
"We're fine, Uncle. Kenny is still being Kenny."
Joe laughed.
"That boy will never change. How's Carmen?"
"She's fine too, thank you."
"Good, good. So, what can I do for you?"
"Actually, I wanted to speak with Aunt Martha. Is she around?"
"Of course. Hold on a minute."
Melissa heard him move away from the phone.
"Honey! Your niece is on the phone!"
There was a muffled response, followed by footsteps.
Melissa adjusted her position on the bed.
"Here she is," Joe said.
A moment later, Martha took the call.
"What?"
Melissa blinked.
"Hello, Aunt Martha."
A brief silence followed.
Martha glanced at her husband, who was still standing nearby.
"Hello, dear. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Aunt. How are you?"
"Fine."
Melissa pressed her lips together.
"I wanted to discuss something with you."
"Go ahead."
"I'm planning to move to the city next weekend. I finished college some time ago, and I want to look for a better job. I was wondering if I could stay with you for a little while."
Martha went quiet.
"Stay with us?"
"Yes, Aunt. Just until I find a job and get myself settled. I won't be there for long."
Martha looked at Joe.
He raised his eyebrows at her.
"Well..." she began.
Melissa waited.
"All right. You can come."
"Really?"
"Yes, Melissa. You can stay."
A smile spread across Melissa's face.
"Thank you so much, Aunt. I really appreciate it."
"When are you arriving?"
"Next weekend. I'll send you the details once I've sorted everything out."
"Fine. I'll pick you up at the station."
"Thank you, Aunt."
"All right. Goodbye."
The call ended.
Melissa stared at her phone for a moment before putting it down.
"She agreed," she whispered to herself.
She couldn't help smiling.
At least that part was settled.
---
Martha placed the phone on the table.
Joe was still watching her.
"What?" she asked.
"That wasn't very welcoming."
"I said she could come, didn't I?"
"After making it sound like she was asking for your kidney."
Martha shot him a look.
"Joseph."
He chuckled.
"All right. I'll leave it."
She picked up her glass.
"She'll only be staying temporarily, I hope."
Joe pulled out a chair.
"She's looking for a job. What do you expect her to do?"
"Find one quickly."
"She'll need time."
Martha said nothing.
Joe watched her for a moment.
"What's really bothering you?"
"Nothing is bothering me."
"Then why do you look like someone just told you we're adopting another child?"
Martha put down her glass.
"Joe, I already have enough to deal with in this house. Now Melissa wants to come and stay. What if she doesn't find a job immediately? What if she decides she likes it here and refuses to leave?"
"She's your niece, Martha."
"I know who she is."
"Then treat her like one."
Martha rolled her eyes.
Joe sighed and got up.
---
Over the next few days, Melissa began getting things ready.
There wasn't much to pack. She had her clothes, a few personal belongings and the documents she would need when applying for jobs.
She also made sure Kenny didn't feel left out whenever she discussed the move.
"Are you bringing me something?" he asked one afternoon.
"From where?"
"The city."
Melissa laughed.
"What do you want?"
He thought about it.
"A toy car."
"That's all?"
"And chocolate."
"Now you're getting expensive."
Kenny grinned.
"Please?"
"We'll see."
He wasn't satisfied with that answer, but he let it go.
Carmen, meanwhile, had started reminding Melissa about everything she needed to remember.
"Don't forget your certificates."
"I won't, Mama."
"And keep your money somewhere safe."
"I know."
"Also, don't go around telling strangers where you're staying."
Melissa laughed.
"Mama, I'm only going to Aunt Martha's."
"That doesn't mean you should stop being careful."
"All right."
Carmen shook her head.
There was no shortage of advice whenever her daughter was about to leave the house.
Melissa didn't mind. She knew her mother worried.
She was nervous herself, although she would never admit just how much.
The thought of leaving Burlington, finding work and starting over somewhere unfamiliar was exciting. For once, she would have the opportunity to do something for herself.
She could help her mother financially, get her own apartment and perhaps build a life she had only imagined until now.
---
"Don't forget your certificates," Carmen reminded her again.
"I won't, Mama."
Melissa picked up her bag and checked inside.
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