Forbidden (Fallen 2)

“The one and only,” she said.

“I love you,” I said running to the kitchen. I could immediately smell the heavenly scent of Gram’s own spaghetti sauce recipe. My mouth began to salivate. “Can we eat now?” I asked.

“Of course,” she said.

We sat down at the table together. Everything was just as I remembered it. From the yellow walls to the rooster salt and pepper shakers. This was the only place that ever felt like home to me. We moved around too much for me to permanently get too attached to one place. Moving never got easier but I did get used to it which helped. Whenever we moved I knew we probably wouldn’t stay for more than six months. The most we ever stayed in one place was a year. But every summer I would come and stay at Gram’s house. I looked forward to it every year. I hadn’t spent the whole summer here this year because I wanted to spend as much time as I could with my mom and dad. I probably wouldn’t get to see them again until graduation. The thought saddened me but I knew living here was for the best.

Spooning spaghetti onto my plate Gram said, “I’ll need you to work at the shop while you’re here. After school and a little on the weekends. I just really need the help and of course I’ll pay you well,” she smiled.

Gram owned her own little store not far from here. It was called Lucinda’s. Lucinda was my Gram’s first name. Her specialty was cupcakes. Gram made the best cupcakes in the world. Actually, Gram made the best of everything. But she also sold little sandwiches and had the store set up for people to sit and read or write or just hang out.

Sprinkling cheese onto my food I said, “I love working at your shop Gram. It’s so magical and special. It’s my second favorite place in the world,” I said taking a bite “Oh my God this is so good,” I moaned.

Gram laughed, “Glad you like it,” she nodded to my heaping spoon, “So what’s your favorite place?” she asked.

I shrugged, “Here of course.”

She laughed, “What’s so special about here?”

“I don’t know,” I said, “You’re here. And promise not to laugh?”

“Cross my heart,” she said.

“I just… I don’t know… I feel connected to this place. Like- like I belong here or something. I know it sounds silly but it’s the truth.”

Gram’s face became very serious as she listened. Her eyes darkened and she became grim, “There’s nothing silly about the truth, my dear.”