“You might be right.” Betty put the footrest down and sat up straight. “So, tell me, how did the decorating go?”
Avery’s eyes lit up. “It was awesome, Grandma. It looks really, really cool.”
“Cool?” Betty nodded, taking this in.
“Way better than I expected. No one will even remember they’re in the church basement. It’s like another world down there now.”
“Another world?” Betty wasn’t sure what to make of that. Was it another world like Mexico, or a pirate’s cove, or Mars perhaps? Still, she was determined not to show the slightest sign of distrust.
“Where’s Ralph?” Avery asked.
Betty stood slowly.
“Grandma?” Avery’s voice sounded worried now. “Where is he? Did you find him? Is he okay?”
“Avery . . .” Betty looked into her granddaughter’s eyes. “I have something to tell you.”
“Has he been hurt?” Avery looked truly upset now.
“No, he’s perfectly fine.”
Avery looked relieved. “Oh, good. But where is he? Outside?”
“He’s not here.”
Avery frowned. “Where is he, Grandma?”
Betty walked into the kitchen. She knew she was stalling, but she just hadn’t thought this through properly. How was she going to explain to Avery what she’d done? How was she going to make her understand?
“Grandma?” Avery followed her.
“The dog had run away again,” Betty began. “I looked all over the neighborhood for him, Avery. I was quite worried.
Finally, I found him. It turned out he was with Jack, in his truck.”
“Did Jack take Ralph?”
“No.”
“Then what?” Avery said. “Where is Ralph?”
“I knew that you were considering going home for Christmas, Avery. In fact, I think that’s probably just what you need to do, and—”
“What does that have to do with Ralph?”
“Well, as you know, I can’t keep a dog. I’ll be going to Susan’s in January. And I may even sell my—”
“Please, Grandma, just cut to the chase. Where is Ralph?”
“I took him to the animal shelter.”
“To the pound? You took him to the pound?”
“It’s an animal shelter,” Betty corrected. “They’ll take good care of him and find him a home or perhaps his original own—”
“Unless the pound is overcrowded,” Avery snapped. “And then they might just kill him.”
“Oh, no,” Betty said quickly. “They are good people. And I gave them money for dog food. They won’t hurt him.” But even as she said this, she didn’t know it for certain. And the idea of those people hurting that dog, or that Betty was responsible, cut through her like a knife.
Avery was crying now. She sank down into a kitchen chair, holding her head in her hands and sobbing. “I love that dog, Grandma. I needed him.”
Betty didn’t know what to say. And when the phone rang, she was relieved for the distraction. Until she realized it was Avery’s mother on the other end. She’d completely forgotten about Avery’s promise to make a decision by tonight.
“Hello, Stephanie.” Betty’s voice was flat.
“May I speak to Avery, please?”
Betty glanced to where Avery was still sobbing at the kitchen table. “Avery is, uh, well, she’s unable to come to the phone right now.”
“Unable? Or unwilling?”
“She’s a bit upset,” Betty said.
“Upset? Why? What’s going on there, Betty?”
“She’s sad that I took a stray dog to the animal shelter.”
“Is that all? Well, put her on the line, please. I need to speak to her.”
Betty stretched the cord of the phone over to where Avery was sitting. Covering the mouthpiece, Betty said quietly, “It’s your mother, dear. She wants to speak to you.”
Avery looked up with watery eyes. “I don’t want to speak to her.” Then she stood, but before she left the room, she added, “Or you either.”
Betty felt a lump in her throat as she put the phone back to her ear. “I’m sorry, Stephanie, but Avery really doesn’t want to talk right now.”
“Well, when does Avery want to talk?”
“I really can’t say, dear.” Betty heard the front door open and close.
“Because we need to figure this out. Gary just found an airline ticket online. It’s not cheap, but it’s better than we expected.”
“That’s good.”
“That’s only good if Avery is coming home.”
“Yes, that’s true.” Betty looked out the kitchen window, peering out into the darkness and worrying about her granddaughter being out on the streets alone on a cold winter night.
“And we don’t know if Avery is coming home. There is no point in wasting good money on air fare if Avery has no intention of coming home. Do you understand what I’m saying to you, Betty?” Stephanie said as if she were speaking to a child.
“Of course.”
“So, can you tell me what we should do? Should I tell Gary to get the ticket?”
“I really don’t know.”
“Can you promise me that you’ll see to it that Avery gets to the airport and gets on the plane? It’s a red-eye flight.”
“A red-eye flight?”
“Yes. The plane leaves at 10:15 p.m. your time.”
“At night?”
“P.m. means night, Betty.”
“Yes, I know that.” She imagined herself driving Avery to the airport at night. Betty did not see well after dark. And the airport was nearly an hour away.
“So, do we book the flight or not, Betty?” Stephanie’s voice was sounding more and more impatient. She reminded Betty of a rubber band that was stretched too tightly.
“I just don’t see how I can possibly make that decision,” Betty said.
“Well, someone needs to.”
“And I believe that someone is Avery.”
“Then put Avery on the phone!”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because she’s not here.”
“But you said—”
“She stepped out.”
“But it’s nighttime. Even in your time zone it must be dark out.”
“Yes, it is. I’m sorry, Stephanie, but I really don’t see how I can help you. You and Gary will have to make your own decision about the plane ticket.”
Somehow Betty managed to extract herself from the phone conversation, then she hurriedly put on her coat and went outside to see if she could find Avery. She went up and down the street, looking this way and that, feeling foolish, old, and tired. Really, what chance did she have of catching up with a young girl?
Finally, she returned home in defeat. Out of curiosity, she checked Avery’s room. It was something of a relief to see that Avery had taken nothing with her. Not even her purse. Perhaps she was just taking a walk to cool off. But with temperatures dropping below freezing tonight, she would cool off quickly.
It was nearly eight when Betty finally made some oatmeal for her dinner, but even then she didn’t feel hungry. Where was Avery? Was she okay? Should Betty call the police and report her as missing? Would they even be concerned? Wasn’t there some kind of rule about a person being missing more than one day before they would search? But perhaps Betty could explain that her granddaughter was distraught, possibly even depressed. Would they go and look for her then? If Marsha and Jim weren’t busy packing and preparing for their big day tomorrow as well as their anniversary cruise, Betty would call them and ask for help.
After only a few bites, Betty dumped her oatmeal and began to clean the kitchen. By nine, she decided to call the local police. Really, what could it hurt? But as she expected, they did not want to file a missing persons report yet.
“Most cases like this resolve themselves,” the woman told her. “Your granddaughter is probably on her way home right now.”
“But—
”
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll let our patrolmen know that she’s out there.”
“Oh, yes, I would appreciate that.” Betty gave her a description of Avery, thanked her again, and hung up. She looked out the living room window, staring out into the darkened street and hoping that, like the policewoman had assured her, Avery would suddenly show up at the door.
Finally, Betty attempted to watch some TV. And eventually she just went to bed, but she was too worried to sleep. And so she prayed. She prayed that somehow God would unravel this tangled mess that she felt responsible for creating. She prayed that God would somehow take what appeared to be evil and transform it into good.
At just a few minutes past eleven, Betty heard the front door open and close. She’d purposely left it unlocked in the hopes that Avery would return. But now she was worried. What if a perfect stranger had just walked into her home? Perhaps her strange neighbor Jack?
Betty remained motionless, almost afraid to breathe as she listened to quiet footsteps. Then she heard someone using the bathroom. And then going into Avery’s room and closing the door. Of course, it had to be Avery. But just to be sure, Betty slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the living room. Hanging limply over the back of an armchair was Avery’s parka and bright red scarf. She was safe.
12
Betty slept in later than usual on Saturday morning. Probably due to her late night and worries about her granddaughter. Still, she felt hopeful as she got out of bed. She was optimistic as she did her morning stretches, then pulled on her thick, quilted robe. Avery was home, and this morning they would talk. Betty would apologize for taking Ralph (yes, she was calling the dog by his name now) to the shelter. And perhaps she and Avery could figure this whole thing out together. Maybe there was a way that Avery could keep the dog. Even if it meant Betty had to use some of her savings to pay for the dog to fly to Atlanta with Avery. Oh, some might think it foolish on Betty’s part, but maybe it was just what the girl needed.
Avery’s bedroom door was open, but Avery was not in her room. Her bed was neatly made, and some of her clothes were folded and sitting at the foot of it.
“Avery?” Betty tapped lightly on the partially opened bathroom door. But Avery wasn’t in there. Betty continued to look through the house, only to discover that Avery wasn’t there at all. But where could she be? Suddenly Betty realized that she’d never gotten her car keys back from Avery last night. But when she hurried out to the garage, she found the car parked there as usual.
As Betty made coffee—a full pot since she told herself that Avery had simply taken a morning stroll—the phone rang again. This time it was Gary, and all Betty could tell him was that Avery had come home safely last night but had gone out again this morning.
“This isn’t helpful, Mother.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s all I know.”
“Steph is really bugging me to get that ticket.”
“Like I told her yesterday, that is up to you. I don’t know how to advise you.”
“Well, when Avery comes in, please ask her to call.”
She promised to do that and hung up. A part of her was tempted to jerk the cord out of the wall, but she knew that wasn’t a very responsible thing to do. Instead, she sat down and drank her coffee and prayed that Avery would come home soon. Surely she’d want to go to Jim and Marsha’s anniversary celebration this afternoon. She had worked so hard on those decorations and had been so excited about everything. Betty remembered how her face had lit up while she was talking about it yesterday. Yes, Avery would certainly want to go to the party.
But at one twenty, Avery was still not back. The party was supposed to start at two, but Betty had planned to get there early to check on things. So she left Avery a note along with bus fare, saying that she looked forward to seeing her at the celebration.
Betty grew increasingly nervous as she drove toward the church. Suddenly she was remembering those gaudy flowers again, those mysterious bags, and how Avery had holed up in her room. What if she’d actually created a monstrosity? What if Avery was too embarrassed to show her face at the church now? How would Betty explain it? How could she possibly apologize or make it up to her good friends?
Betty parked in the back, thankful that no other cars were there yet. It was barely one thirty now. If the decorations were truly a disaster, Betty might have enough time to make changes, to cover up for her granddaughter’s lack of discretion.
She entered the church and headed straight down the stairs, bracing herself. She was about to turn on the lights when she realized there was already some light down there. Not bright, but enough to see.
Betty entered the room and was stunned to find that the basement had been transformed into a gold and white fairyland. So pretty it literally took her breath away. How was it possible that Avery had done this? And on such a frugal budget? It seemed nothing short of miraculous.
Betty walked through the room, admiring a concoction of gauzy white fabric that was hung like an arbor over the main table. The folds of fabric were sprinkled with gold sparkles and tiny stars and intertwined with small white Christmas lights. There were pearly white and gold balloons here and there, and an abundance of gold and white flowers artfully arranged. Upon closer investigation, Betty discovered that spray paint had been involved—Avery had used metallic gold and white spray paint to transform the previously brightcolored artificial blooms into something much more dignified and fitting for a golden anniversary.
Paper doilies were painted gold, arranged beautifully beneath small stacks of white paper plates and embossed napkins. If Avery had told Betty she was using plain paper plates, Betty would’ve been concerned. But the way Avery had placed and arranged everything—it was all perfectly elegant. It was truly a work of art. Betty wished she’d thought to bring a camera. But surely someone would have one.
Now Betty noticed a number of white candles that had touches of gold spray paint, like gilt, to make them lovelier. And nearby was a box of matches and what appeared to be a folded note with “Betty Kowalski” written on it.
Dear Grandma,
I came by and turned the light strings on. All you need to do is light the candles and it should be all set for Jim and Marsha. I’m sorry to miss it. And I’m sorry I’ve been so much trouble for you. I know I need to figure out my own life, and that’s what I plan to do. Thank you for putting up with me.
Love,
Avery
Betty refolded the note and slipped it into her purse. Avery must’ve stopped by here sometime earlier. Perhaps just to make sure that everything was still okay. But why hadn’t she stayed for the party? What difference would a few more hours make? Why had Avery been in such a hurry?
Of course, Betty knew why. It was because of her . . . and what she’d done to Ralph.
Betty put her coat and purse in the closet and slowly went about the room, lighting the various candles and pausing to admire the beauty of her granddaughter’s handiwork.
The flickering candlelight, which was reflected on surfaces of metallic gold, made the room even more magical than it had been before. It was a masterpiece. And Betty knew that Marsha and Jim would appreciate it.
As she stood off to one side, looking at the scene from a distance, she realized that once again she was crying. She went into the bathroom, blew her nose, and dried her tears, telling herself that she was too old for such melodrama.
And, really, shouldn’t she be happy for her granddaughter? Avery’s note had actually sounded very mature. As if she had finally decided to take responsibility for her own life. To stand on her own two feet. Yet Betty couldn’t help but wonder how Avery would accomplish this with little or no money. How could Avery possibly take care of herself? What would she eat? Where would she sleep? How would she manage to get by?
Betty heard some young-sounding voices outside of the bathroom and suddenly felt hopeful. Perhaps Avery had changed her mind and come back. Maybe she’d give Betty a chance to start over ag
ain after all. Eagerly, Betty went out into the room to discover Jim and Marsha and their children and grandchildren. They were going around the room oohing and aahing, obviously pleased with Avery’s creation. Betty forced a smile to cover her disappointment as she said, “Happy anniversary!”
“Oh, Betty,” Marsha gushed, “it’s so beautiful!”
“Did you do this?” asked Marsha’s younger daughter, Lynn.
“No, not me,” Betty said quickly.
“It was Betty’s granddaughter, Avery,” Marsha said.
“Well, it’s incredible,” Lynn said.
“Is your granddaughter an artist?” one of the grandchildren asked. Betty didn’t recall the little girl’s name.
Betty nodded proudly. “Yes, I think she is.”
“Is she here?” she asked eagerly.
Betty sighed. “No, unfortunately, she had to leave.”
“I want to get photos of this before anything gets messed up,” Lynn said. “Mom and Dad, you go stand over there beneath that arbor thing, and let’s get some shots.”
Soon the cake arrived, and although Betty wasn’t on the refreshment committee or the cleanup committee, she spent most of her time helping in the kitchen. Oh, she made an appearance now and then, smiling and visiting congenially, but mostly she wanted to remain behind the scenes, alone with her thoughts. She didn’t wish to spoil her friends’ fun, so she hid her broken heart behind busyness.
Finally, the party was winding down. Jim and Marsha came into the kitchen and thanked Betty again. “It was so beautiful,” Marsha said. “I wish Avery had been able to come. I would’ve loved to tell her in person how brilliant I think she is.”
“I’m sure Betty will pass that along,” Jim said.
“Of course.” Betty nodded.
“Will you join us for dinner?” Marsha asked. “Lynn surprised us by having it all catered at our house, and I know there’s plenty for—”
“No thank you,” Betty said quickly.
“Avery could come too,” Jim said.
“Thanks, but we have other plans.”
“Are you sure?” Marsha looked disappointed.
“Yes.” Betty forced a smile.
The Christmas Dog Page 10
