Betsy returned, holding Molly's hand, sans Julie who was back at Howie's house packing her suitcase. She would drop by shortly to pick up her boarding pass for her flight to the golden west. Julie was a basket case when she learned she'd be required to transfer planes in Los Angeles. She was positive she'd be lost for life.
It was past lunch time so the three of us dropped by The Main Street Café for a late lunch. Molly held Bumpus' leash as we strolled down the wide sidewalk. I was anxious to hear about the meeting between the two women but I didn't want to ask in front of the child. While Molly was her usual quiet self, and perhaps a little nervous, it was obvious she was excited.
"Order anything you'd like, Honey," Betsy said as she snuggled next to the young lady and elicited a squeal with a tickle. "The guy is going to pay."
"Did you see the school?" I asked, trying to learn something of what transpired. Molly nodded. Betsy looked at her, as if wanting to hear more. Molly obliged.
"It's nice. It's not dumpy like where I go now." I caught a quick frown, perhaps of concern. "The kids dress a lot better here."
"You'll be right up there with them," my wife said. "Aunt Betsy will see to that!"
Was my relation-ology wrong? A few hours ago, my wife was calling Molly's mother Julie a bitch, now, with a quickly appointed kinship, she was her assigned sister!
After homemade chicken soup and a grilled cheese sandwiches we returned to the office. Julie was waiting. She was a bundle of nerves. As she'd never even visited an airport much less flown, frequent traveler Betsy carefully told her the dos and don'ts while she printed her boarding pass. Julie then hovered over Molly, instructing her daughter to mind everything we said, pick up after herself, and do everything necessary to be a perfect little house guest. I told Julie Howie would meet her flight as soon as she landed in Santa Barbara. She tried to question me on Howie's reaction to my phone call, but I remained mum. She kissed and hugged her daughter until I thought I'd have to pull them apart, but finally left in Howie's car for Boston and her flight.
Molly started to bite her lip and I thought tears would follow but Betsy grabbed her hand. Bumpus sensed a walk and joined the two.
"Come on" my wife said. "Let's go to our house and I'll show you your new bed room. Molly smiled and the pair and dog left. Once again I was on my own.