A ROMANTIC IDEA

“I made this,” Rachel said, smiling.

Melissa and Luke leaned forward on the couch and studied the painting Rachel held up in front of her. “A snowman—right?” Melissa guessed.

“Right!” Rachel said, laughing gleefully. “It’s a snowman.”

Mrs. McClain watched from near the den doorway, leaning against the wall, a pleased smile on her face.

“Well, that’s a good painting,” Luke told Rachel.

“I paint a lot at school,” Rachel said, lowering the painting to her lap. As she started to roll it up, her smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. “I wish I could show it to Erica,” she said wistfully.

“Yes,” Melissa said awkwardly, glancing at Luke. Luke was staring at his watch.

“I miss my sister,” Rachel said, rolling up the painting. “But I’m going to get better. I’m going to get better and go outside by myself.”

“Yes, you are,” Mrs. McClain said with forced enthusiasm. She crossed the room and stepped up behind the couch, placing her hands on Rachel’s shoulders. “But I think Melissa and Luke want to leave now.”

“Yes, we’re late,” Luke said, jumping to his feet.

Melissa bent over Rachel and hugged her. “I’ll come visit you soon.”

“I’m going to paint another snowman,” Rachel told her.

Melissa and Luke said goodbye to Mrs. McClain and showed themselves out. They stepped into a blustery March day, a thin layer of snow on the ground, high white clouds floating in a blue sky.

“That was a good visit,” Melissa said, taking Luke’s hand as they made their way down the driveway and headed across the street to her house. “I haven’t seen Rachel since—since Valentine’s Day, I guess. Three weeks.”

“Don’t mention Valentines’ Day,” Luke muttered. “What a horrible holiday.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Melissa agreed wistfully. A gust of wind ruffled her hair. She leaned against Luke as they walked. “You know what? Next year let’s forget about Valentine’s Day and send each other Groundhog’s Day cards.”

Luke stopped at the bottom of the driveway and kissed her. “Groundhog’s Day cards,” he repeated. “What a romantic idea...”

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20