Life, Etc. -- Thirty-seven

Megan awoke with sunshine streaming in her window.  Wow--a beautiful day ahead!

The last few weeks had been a flurry of activity—scrubbing, sanding, and painting Isabelle’s bakery.  Christopher and Rachel had worked like Trojans—even Emily had done her share.  Megan made soup and other one-dish meals to feed the crew at the end of most workdays.  And besides all the work in the new store, Isabelle had kept up with her daily baking contracts.

 

Ovens were being installed today, then another inspection.   Open House was planned for June 1.  Isabelle still hadn’t finalized on a name—Hot Cross Buns, Rachel’s favorite; but The Village Bakery being the top contender. 

Megan had worked in the Book ‘n Brew alone the last few days because Isabelle needed Christopher.  When she walked into the bakery, she couldn’t believe the progress.  A beautiful tan taupe covered the walls with small tan metal tables and chairs scattered about the room.  The old wooden floors had been sanded and polished.  Chloe was in the process of hanging more of her beautiful paintings that brought life to the walls.  The transformation was unbelievable.  

June 1—the big opening for Hot Cross Buns--Isabelle said that with all Rachel's hard work that she could choose the name.  Megan and Emily didn’t get home until nearly 9 after helping clean up after the Open House. 

 

Emily sighed as they walked up the steps into their apartment, “Mom, I just want to go to bed!”

 

 “Sweetie, I’ll be right behind you.  But first I’m taking a nice, long hot bath.”

As Megan walked into the bathroom to start her water, her phone rang.  She answered with a tired “hello" and immediately recognized her sister’s voice. 

“Megan, Mother’s had a stroke.  I’ve been trying to call you for several hours.  I couldn’t find your cell phone number, and I didn’t want to leave a message on your home phone.”

“O, no!  How is she?  Will she live?”  Megan felt off kilter.  Although she and her mother weren’t close, they usually talked once a week.  And during the last conversation, they were preparing for a cruise.

“To be perfectly honest, the doctor isn’t sure.  The stroke was serious.  Can you come down?” 

“Of course, but I’ll have to make some arrangements.  I’ll call and let you know when I can get a flight.”  Megan hung up after hearing more details on her mother's condition, then realized Emily was standing at her side.

“Has something happened to Grandma?”  Emily took her mother’s hand. 

“Yes, Honey, she’s had a stroke, and I need to make arrangements to go down.  I think you should probably go as well.”

“Will it be really sad?  Is Grandma going to die?”

“Honestly, Em, I don’t know.  I need to make arrangements for the shop and get airline tickets.”

Megan called Christopher.  After she told him what happened, he offered to make arrangements with his teachers to miss the last few days of school.  Megan felt reluctant to allow that, but at that moment she couldn't think clearly.

“Talk it over with your parents, and call me in the morning.  I’m going to try the internet to see about flights.  I don’t know if I’ll have to drive to Portland or Medford.”

                       

The next morning as Megan entered the shop, Chloe was about to knock.  “Megan, I’m glad I’ve not come too early.”

“No, of course not, Chloe.  I usually spend an hour or so in the shop before I open.  Come on in.”

“Megan, you look exhausted.  Didn’t you sleep well last night?”

“Actually, no, my sister called to say our mother has had a stroke.  I had to find a flight for Em and me, and I still have to make arrangements for the shop.”

“Can I help with anything?  I’ve never run a bookshop, but my aunt had a shop in Sorrento when I was a teenager and I worked in it.”

Megan smiled at her friend.  Chloe had the intuitive ability to show up at just the times.  “Chloe, I really could use your help.  Em and I fly out tomorrow morning and Christopher said he would take off school, but I’m don't want that.  He could show you the ropes—at least enough until I get back.  I will certainly pay you.”

“Megan, I’d love to be here for you.  I have two art classes starting, but not until June 15.  I wanted to give the kids a break before they begin.  Just tell me what I need to know.”

Megan spent most of the morning showing Chloe around the shop and procedures for making sales.  Christopher came in at noon and he and Chloe worked out times they could cover the shop.  With Chloe’s help, he would not have to miss classes at school.

To be continued...