Heritage Crossing–Chapter 17

Author’s Notation: David finds out that his mom lied to him. His dad wanted them to come see him in San Antonio. He was there for a week before he was to go back to Afghanistan. After finding out, he ran out of the house. Prudy also heard what her dad had said and went to find David.

David sat on the stone wall that ran the length of the driveway and ended just before the Douglas fir. Although still way off Prudy cast a shadow that made her look a hundred feet tall.,  Her head crossed at his feet as he sat there looking down at a few small rocks. He picked one up and threw it toward a stand of birch.

“Mom lied.” Prudy said as she sat down next to him. “I didn’t know.”

“I know, P.” David said. “I just wanted to see dad.” He got up and picked up another rock. He threw it as far into the woods as he could throw it. It went beyond the reach of the flood light. “I should’ve known it was all about her.”

“Grandpa didn’t know either,” she said as she stood on the wall.

“I know that. But you wanted to see dad too didn’t you? Wouldn’t you have wanted to go?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know.” She walked along the wall, staying within the light.

David was surprised by Prudy’s response. “What?”

“I’m glad I’m here.” She stopped and turned around to face him. She pretended to be walking a tight rope. “You’re having fun aren’t you?”

“Yeah. He sure knows a lot. He’s right though. History is different when the people you’re talking about are your relatives. It’s just that mom lied, and we could be with dad right now. We could have gone to San Antonio.”

“I’m scared for Grandpa,” Prudy whispered.

“Come on, P. Why? Don’t know why you’re whispering.”

“You see him. I think he was dying—like grandma. He’s skinny.” She jumped off the wall and picked up a rock and threw it at the same stand of birch. “He’s all alone, and Grandma isn’t here to take care of him.” She sat down on the wall beside him. “I think we’ve saved his life.”

“You think so?”

“I know it.” She got back on top of the stone wall and started to walk toward the county road.

David stood up and followed her but walked on the driveway.

She stopped, looking left then right.

“What are you doing P?” David finally asked. “You are so dramatic at times,” he said and laughed. “The way you were looking at the wall.”

“I’m a fence watcher.”

“What a job huh? That, and chimney’s.”

“He called me darling.”

“Who?”

“Grandpa.”

“No big deal—everybody says stuff like that.”

“Grandpa doesn’t—didn’t—not until just now in the house.” She sat back down. “Hey! You okay?”

“You tell me—you’re the fence watcher,” he said and laughed. “Yeah, I’m okay.”