The Mentor – Part 2

“Mom!  Oh my gosh.  What time is it?”

            “Almost 4:30.”

            “I’m late!”

            “Tell her that you missed the bus.”

            Allyson dialed her cell phone.

            “Allyson, where have you been?  I’ve tried to call you several times.”

            “Sorry Mom, I had my phone off.”

            “What is the use of carrying a phone if you have it turned off?  Where are you?”

            “I’m in a bookstore on the square.  I stopped here to get out of the rain.  It’s two doors down from the diner.”

            “Well I suppose I will have to come and get you.  Why you didn’t take the bus.  I never have to make an unscheduled trip for your sister.  I’ll be there in ten minutes.  What’s the name of that place?”

            “Petersen’s Rare Books and Curiosities.”

            “Fine, wait for me outside.  Don’t impose on the owner any longer.”

            Allyson clapped her phone shut and took a couple of swipes at her sweater with Mac’s brush.  The mud disolved into dust.

            “Thank you for helping me.  My mother will be here in a few minutes and she wants me to wait outside.  She thinks I’m imposing.”

            “Nonsense, it’s cold and wet out there.  Besides, you haven’t finished your tea.  I tell you what, stay in here.  I’m enjoying the company.”

            “Thanks, I will.  A few minutes later the bell on the front door clanged and Mrs. Richards walked in.

            “Allyson, let’s go.  Thank this nice lady for taking up her time.”

            “I enjoyed it,” said Mac.  “Feel free to come back any time Allyson.”

            Mrs. Richards, lips pursed into a thin smile, ushered her daughter through the front door.

            To Allyson’s relief, the topic of conversation at dinner centered on the high school Homecoming Dance.  Donna, her older sister, babbled on about being the Junior Princess.  She had found the perfect dress at Speidwell’s Department store.  She and Tim Petersen, her date, would wear color coordinated outfits to the dance.  The night would be perfect especially if they were chosen Queen and King.    

The following Saturday, while Mom took Donna dress shopping, Allyson rode her bike to the bookstore.  Mackenzie stood on a ladder in front of the store hanging a banner announcing a Grand Opening Sale.

            “Well, hi there.  It’s Allyson isn’t it?”

            “You remembered.”
            “Hey, redheads have to stick together.”  Mac pushed an auburn wisp behind her ear.  “So did you get into trouble?”

            “Mom didn’t say much on the drive home then my sister hogged most of the conversation.  She’s the Junior Prom Princess and so everything is about her.”

“Hum that sounds like my sister.  Your teenage years are a time of great change.  When I was your age I even started going by my middle name.  It has a bit more pizzazz.  Funny how life works though; one day you will be the one to make the folks proud, not Donna.  So what’s going on with you?”

            “Well, I came back to get another look at your shop.  This time I brought money.”

            “Great, come on in.”