Chasing Possibility

T W E N T Y S E V E N ~ Lana Clarke

© an affiniteas 2012-2013 ink on Wattpad

T W E N T Y S E V E N ~ Lana Clarke

 "Hi Dad and Mom. I bought your favorite flowers," I announced with a faint smile on my face.

 Admiring the vivid pink tulips and bright sunflowers, I soon knelt down and placed the flowers into the designated cups. Shifting my position so I'd be sitting down, I observed the marble gravestone that etched both my parent's name. They were together now, I would always remind myself whenever I missed them. As much as it made me sad, it also made me to feel happiness. I was positive they were happy together after being separated for so long.

 Running my hand across the gravestone, I threw on a bigger smile for them to see.

 "How are you today? I really miss you both. Don't worry about Landon and me, we're doing fine. He's starting school this fall, and he's super excited. I'm sure he already told you both. I'm so proud of him too. I know I haven't made a plan yet, but I'm doing okay. Trust me, I'll figure something out. Anyways, I should get going or else I'll be late. Don't want Maryann to stress out again, huh?" 

 I let out a short chuckle after.

 Clearing my throat, I promised, "I'm going to visit again, okay? I love, Dad. I love you, Mom."

 Taking a deep breath, I kissed my fingertips before placing them over the gravestone. It was the closet thing I could do. A mild breeze suddenly brushed past me which made me release a happy grin. I wish I was able to hug them back. 

 As I walked down the hill to my car, I felt my phone buzzing against my demin shorts. The caller ID was blinking Olette's name. Smiling, I picked it up.

 "Hey, where are you?" Olette chimed from the other line.

 "I just went to visit my parents. I have work in a few."

 "Aw, Lana! Did you forget? We were going to have lunch."

 My heart sank upon hearing that. Opening my car door, I sat in the driver's seat and let out an uncomfortable laugh.

 "I'm really sorry, Olette. I didn't mean to forget."

 "Don't beat yourself up for that. We'll have a re-do. After all, it's spring break!"

 "I'll make it up to you. Promise. I'll see you after I get off work."

 "Of course, can't wait!" 

 There was a brief pause from the other line. 

 Olette continued, "You know… Eli's in town. Well, we know he's been in and out of town every weekend, but he's staying in for the whole week."

 I wasn't expecting to hear Eli's name in our conversation. Freezing for a moment, what Olette meant by Eli being here every weekend since he started school was true. I didn't know why Eli was always here because I never bothered to ask or see him. Clutching onto my phone, my eyes wandered around the bare road.

 "Yeah, he mentioned it through text a week ago."

 "You haven't seen him since the funeral, huh?"

 "Yeah."

 Olette quietly bought up, "I understand. Lana, I can tell the guy's really trying."

 Placing the key into the ignition, I had to let those thoughts of Eli Wesley disappear. I changed the subject. 

 "Olette, I'm about to drive. I'll let you know when I get off. Maybe we can have some dinner over at my place."

 There was a hint of sadness in my best friend's voice before she lightened up the atmosphere of our conversation.