Grace for Sarah

Chapter 3 Chapter 3 All the way home in the car, Tommy kept trying to think of an excuse to come back to the city. He tried to catch another glimpse of Sarah on the way out of La'Patron but after a quick scan in the direction he had seen her earlier, he realized he'd better not risk it. After all, he wanted to have time to talk to her. He didn't want to send her running again. His planning was interrupted by his Mom talking to him from the front seat. “Are you going to quit work in July, Tommy?” “Yes, I think so, Mom. I really need to go and find a place to live before classes start.” “Well, I'll start sorting your clothes for you. You know, Frank, I really need you to make a space in the basement for winter clothes.” Tommy's mind wandered off again, as his mother directed her attention to his Dad and the new project she had for him. Moving out of the house was going to feel strange. Of course, things have been strange since Sarah left. Mom never touched Sarah's room except to vacuum the rug. She kept the door shut all the time. Tommy never understood why? His mother had shown no mercy toward Sarah when she threw her out. Yet, she couldn't change her room? It was like she wanted the memories of Sarah but not the person. Tommy could feel himself getting angry again. Then he drew his mind back to planning his visit. He was going to see his sister again and soon. They reached Elm Street and were turning into the drive when Katherine turned to her son again. “Tommy, are you taking Meredith out for her birthday tomorrow or will you be home for dinner?” “I will be home, I guess. Meredith's parents are having a family thing for her tomorrow night.” “Oh, alright then,” Katherine quipped as they pulled into the garage and she opened her door. "Interesting," Tommy thought as he opened his door, "Mom really likes Meredith more than I do." Then,having tomorrow evening free gave Tommy an idea. “On second thought, Mom, I might go over and hang out with the guys.” “Alright, I won't hold supper for you then.” His Mom continued talking as she went into the kitchen from the garage. But Tommy didn't hear anything she said. He went in the opposite direction through the living room and up the stairs. Bounding the stairs two at a time, slowing down only when he passed Sarah's closed bedroom door. As he reached his room, Tommy fell on the bed and smiled as he thought, "I'm going to see Sarah tomorrow." Sarah didn't say much as Charley turned back onto the expressway. “You said you don't have a car, do you walk to work?” “Yes,” Sarah replied then thinking fast, she added. “You can let me out at corner of La'Patron and I'll walk from there.” “That's OK, just tell me where to turn, I'll take you home.” Sarah thought to herself,"That small dingy hotel is NOT my home." She turned her head toward the window and dreaded what was about to happen. "Charley will probably never want to invite me anywhere again! Once, she sees where I live....ugh! I hate this! I finally make a friend and now I am going to lose her." Sarah's thoughts were interrupted when Charley came to stop at the end of the exit off the expressway. She turned to the right and asked, “So how far from La'Patron do you live?” Sarah bit her lip as she hesitated. “Well, I live on..on.. Market Street.” She knew that Charley knew the city and the puzzled look on Charley's face confirmed it. Sarah expected a look of disgust to follow but Charley just continued to make a few turns and was now driving north on Market. “Which place?” “On the left," Sarah said, "St. Tropez.” Charley pulled into the left lane,gave her signal and pulled into the parking lot and into a parking space. Sarah reached for the door and fumbled for her keys at the same time. Charley turned the car off and turned to speak but they both actually started talking at the same time. Sarah was saying, “I'm sorry..” Charley saying, “I don't want to pry..” They both stopped talking. Sarah looked down at her keys again. Without looking up, she said, “It is only temporary. I'm trying to get back on my feet since.....” She stopped. Charley sensed her uneasiness. Charley put her hand on Sarah's shoulder. “It's fine, and you heard Mama Rose, you are welcome to come and see us anytime you want. I really did enjoy your visit.” Sarah was starting to cry again for about the tenth time today! “Thank you,” she gasped as she grabbed the door handle and got out of the Toyota. She waved again and headed for the door to her room. Charley waved as she backed out of the parking space. Sarah was ready to burst into tears so she quickly opened her door and fell on her bed. As she lay there sobbing, she thought, "Charley truly meant what she said." Sarah now had what she had been praying for, someone she could talk to and maybe even confide in.