Page 29 of Tides and Tidings

I always rode around in that pink car up and down my driveway. The one time that my uncle sat in the passenger side and we laughed until our sides hurt. The times that being an only child felt so …lonely. When it’s just you, all eyes fall on you—all day and all night. You’re held to a standard that kept getting higher. The expectation grew each and every year. I felt that loneliness bubble back up.

That’s why Charlie has been such a blessing. He makes me feel seen, heard, loved…

He makes me feel enough.

Charlie

“So is this the one?” I finally made eye contact with Bee. Every fiber of my being hoped she hadn’t heard my slip earlier. It’s Freudian, right?

She beamed up at me; her eyes were twinkling. “Exactly as I remember.”

I’m not entirely sure if I’m buying this for Blythe or Wren at this point.

On our few steps to the cash register, I realized I never asked how much this thing was.

“Did you drive here?” the owner asked, the question directed at me.

“We’re from outta town. My truck is at the hotel. We can run there and be back in fifteen minutes.” I offered up.

“When are you kids leavin’?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Why don’t you just pick it up on your way home? It’s not botherin’ anyone here.”

“Are you sure? We don’t wanna imposition you.” I hated nothing more than having people go out of their way for me.

He placed a hand on my arm, “Happy to do it for you both.” The owner turned to look at Blythe, “Your daughter is going to love it.”

She nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in her throat, “I’d be lying if I wasn’t a little excited too.”

“You have fond memories of one of these?” He nodded towards the pink car.

“Yeah,” A small smile spread on her lips. “I spent lots of time in mine. I ran it until it wouldn’t go anymore. I also had a life-size plastic Barbie house in my backyard, so I had the whole deal.”

“Sounds like you had a good childhood.”

A knot formed in my stomach and I looked at Blythe to see her nod softly. I wanted to grab her and hold her tight. Her childhood was … complicated.

I spoke up to break the sudden silence, “How much do we owe ya, sir?”

A grin broke out on his face, “For y’all, no charge. Merry Christmas to little...”

“Wren.” Blythe and I said in sync.

“Merry Christmas to little Wren.” He turned towards Blythe and winked, “And to you too, miss.”

At that moment, I could tell he could see right through her faint head nod a moment ago.

“We couldn’t just take this. Please, just tell us how much it is.” Blythe tried.

“For you kids, it’s free. It’s been sittin’ here for over a year. Wouldn’t you know there’s no demand for these things anymore?” He placed his hand over his heart. “Trust me, the best gift you could give me would be knowin’ that this was getting used. I put so much time into restoring it.”

I was at a loss for words.

“Consider it a small Christmas gift.”

I looked over at Blythe as she wiped a tear away. “Thank you, sir. That’s very kind of you.”