The Black and White of It All -- Chapter 12

            The summer months went quickly.  Millie hosted friends from university years who loved the plays and musical productions in Southern Oregon.  September brought new classes which she enjoyed taking--an opportunity to meet people and keep her brain alive.  Being a teacher for so long, Millie always combined fall with new beginnings.

            One Thursday afternoon in late October, Sara called.  “A bit of a surprise for you, Millie.  This morning, a couple invited me to join them while they ate breakfast.  I asked questions, as I always do, about their careers.  The man said he’d been with the Southern Poverty Law Center before he retired.  Of course, I asked him if he knew a Robert Robbins, and he said he did.  He told me the last information he had was that Robbie had purchased property on Orcas Island.”

            “You mean, Sara, that Robbie could be just hours north of me?”

            “I know it seems incredible!  I’ve done a bit of research on the internet, but so far can’t find out anything more.”  They chatted for another 10 minutes and hung up.

            Millie was determined she would not get excited.  She’d lost sleep on numerous nights over the last few months and that didn't play well with her moods or energy. 

            Warm autumn weather lasted through the middle of November.  Millie was beginning to put together her Thanksgiving menu—inviting friends was something she looked forward to each year.  She was also expecting Sara later in the day.  Better get some last minute tasks done.

            An hour later, with a glass of wine in hand, Millie sat down to await Sara.  Just then Gilly began his usual bark-greeting.  Millie’s reprimand couldn’t be heard over the noise of the dog.  She stepped to the front door to yell for him to be quiet, when she saw a car she didn’t recognize.  Just then she noticed movement coming from around a tree.  She saw a man, but because of the sun, his face was hidden.  Then all at once Millie knew.  “Robbie?”   

            A deep voice came from a distinguished looking man, “Maybe I should have called,” followed by a big grin—the same beautiful smile.

            All Millie could get from her mouth was, “Oh Robbie…” as she walked over and put her arms around him.  “I can’t believe it—after all these years.”  They just stood there each looking into eyes that brimmed with tears—yet neither were embarrassed. 

            “So Sara must have located you.   I can’t believe it.  I just can’t believe it.”

            “Yes, I’m thinking you have a really persistent friend.   When I first talked with her, I couldn’t imagine that you were so close!  And then she thought we needed to surprise you.  And that’s about it.”

            Millie figured the story was much more complicated than that, but it could wait.  They had so much to catch up on.  So much time had passed.  So much had happened in each of their lives….    At that moment, she thought of Price Pritchett's words, "Change always comes bearing gifts."   Yes,  we can be friends now--openly, publicly--no longer hiding, no longer Black and White.

                                     The End -- Or Not...