Mirror Me

12: Knocking on the Door- MAGGIE

Abuelita Maggie rocked quietly back and forth in her rocking chair. She barely listened to the news as it blared from the television. Instead the old woman stared at the front door waiting for her granddaughter to come home after school. It was nearly seven in the evening. Usually Hope got home well before four o'clock.

"This just in," said the news reporter. "It seems a possible bomb went off today off the corner of Pennington Ave and Halbert Street. Officials say they received a call around 3:45 PM from residents nearby complaining about an explosion of the former Francis and Kyle Law firm offices. No one was hurt in the blast, but residents are shaken. Bomb squad reported that the explosion may not have been caused by a bomb at all as there was no sign of damage to the building's interior or structural integrity and no sign of bomb fragments or equipment. Strangely it seems only the windows of the building were damaged. Glass as you can see behind me was blown passed the sidewalk and even into neighbors' yards. This is truly bizarre, as one homeowner put it. No word yet on possible suspects or motives. Officials are urging residents of Orange County to not see this as a terrorist threat until further investigation can be done. Neighbors say they are just glad that no one was hurt. We hope to have more on this story later on. Back to you, Bill."

"Mi abuelita," cried Laura as she skipped into the living room. The young girl grabbed hold of her grandmother's rocking chair and smiled revealing a small set of missing teeth.

"Hush your Spanish, Laura. You know your mother hates it."

"Sorry, abuelita— I mean grandma," said Laura crossing her legs.
"Oh, your abuela can't be mad at you. Not with that face." She pinched Laura's cheeks. "Qué guapo eres."

"Grandma! You spoke Spanish."

"Oh, so I did." Maggie laughed bringing her finger to her lips. "Shhhhh. Now what is it, dear?"

"Grandma Maggie, look what I drew." Laura waved a sheet of paper into the air. Maggie giggled, grabbing her granddaughter's drawing.

"Oh me oh my. You know I can't see this without my glasses, Laura," said Maggie pointing to her eyes. "It seems I have misplaced them. Can you help me find my missing glasses?"

"Yeah, and then you'll look at my drawing? I've gotten quite good."

"Of course, Laura dear."

Barbara stomped into the room with a flustered face and frizzled dark hair as young Laura zoomed passed her. "Mother, have you heard from Hope today? Did she call home?"

"I am afraid I have not," said Maggie. "Is something the matter, Barbara? Work got you stressed again?"

"No it's not that." Barbara pointed to the empty coat rack knob labeled HOPE. "School let out about three hours ago, and Hope has not gotten back yet. I saw the bus pass by, but it did not stop."

"She is probably out playing with her friends," said Maggie with a smile. "I am sure she will be home before supper."

"Mother, we both know Hope doesn't have any friends. She is what these kids call today a loser. Keeps her head in her books just like her dad."