Where the Tracks Go

Chapter Seven

Ann was up bright and early.  She loved this time of the year. It had started cooling down and the leaves were changing colors.  She loved the warm oranges and bright reds that showed themselves this time of year.

She looked through her pictures as her coffee was perking. The smell of the fresh roasted coffee reminded her of her Great Uncle Phil.  He used to sit at the kitchen table to drink his morning coffee. The smell of coffee and morning breakfast used to spread throughout the entire house each morning. As she looked through the pictures, she came across a picture of Great Uncle Phil in his little red convertible with her sitting on his lap.  She had loved sitting on his lap and driving down the road.

She sat there thinking of her Great Uncle Phil.  She missed him so much.  She remembered one morning he had told her they were going for a ride up the road in the little red car.  Ann had sat on his lap so she could steer the wheel.  It was a tiny car with a convertible top that was down.  As they approached another car Uncle Phil stopped and greeted the people in the car.  It was William and Emma.  

Uncle Phil turned the car around and they drove back home.  They all stood outside.  Great Aunt Flora had not invited them in.  Something was wrong. Great Aunt Flora told Betty and Ellen to go get Ann's things ready.  Ann was leaving.  Ann grabbed Great Uncle Phil's leg and cried, "don't let them take me daddy".  She screamed and cried.  Emma leaned over and said something to William.  William looked shocked and exclaimed "You do not want her?"  Then they got in the car and left. That was the last time Ann saw Emma until she was eleven years old. Ann could feel a tear roll down her face as she recalled the trauma of that day. Even so, she was happy and content living with her Great Aunt Flora and Great Uncle Phil. There was another picture of her and Great Uncle Phil. This time they were eating ice cream.

 Ann took her coffee to the sunporch and pulled a lap blanket over her legs. She liked the morning silence.  She looked out the windows at the leaves.  She missed the little mountain town that she had grown up in.  The leaves would have already changed colors there. The mountains were so beautiful no matter what time of year you visited but fall was the most beautiful.  She thought that was probably why she looked forward to fall so much.   

She thought of the picture of her and her Great Uncle Phil eating ice cream. She had been five years old when she had to have her tonsils removed.  Her Great Uncle Phil had given her ice cream and read Peter Rabbit to her. She had a nightmare that night. Great Aunt Flora said she could not sleep with them because she would kick them all night.  She remembered Great Uncle Phil making a pallet on the floor in her bedroom and sleeping there so she would not be scared. He was always a good daddy! 

She decided to get dressed and go play bingo with her new friends.  She was glad that she had made some friends and could get out of her apartment some.  She headed out to the clubhouse.  She was glad it was not too far away.  The short walk was enough to tire her.  She sat down with the ladies and played a few rounds of bingo. She even managed to win a game.  She finally told them she had to leave.  Her grandson would be coming to visit her soon.  She looked forward to his daily visits.  They were the highlight of her day.

She had just settled in when she heard Davey come in.  Grandma, you did not lock the door.  I know, I know.  I just got back from bingo. He smiled and gave her a kiss on her cheek.  I have a surprise for you. Oh, my goodness, what kind of surprise?  In walked Matthew.  Hey momma.  She could not believe her eyes.  Even though they talked on the phone she had missed seeing him.  She hugged him tightly.  Oh son, I am so glad you came for a visit.  Well, I had to come see this scrapbook Davey said you are putting together.  Well, let’s go into the kitchen.  I am nowhere close to finished.  How many pages did you get done today Grandma?  I got two completed.  Well that is good.  You seem to be averaging two a day.

Matthew looked at the pages and read each story.  He had heard a few of the stories over the years but it was hard to read about them.  Mom why are you putting the bad stories in your scrapbook.  Son, my memories are not all good, but they made me who I am today.  I wanted to document every memory while I can still remember things. Mom, you are amazing.  That is why we love you.

Well the time had come for Matthew and Davey to leave.  Ann had enjoyed their visit.  Mom, I will be back soon to see you.  Thanks son.  I love you.  You all be careful going home.  Davey leaned over and kissed her cheek.  Bye grandma.  I will see you tomorrow.