Chapter 19 - Final Arrangements

Heather lived in upstate New York with her mother in a relatively luxurious apartment. Since it was the

summer, she would probably be at home. At least, that's what I was hoping. I got out of the yellow cab

and strolled up the stone steps into the apartment. I asked the manager what room she was, and he

directed me to 204. I hesitated, then knocked three times on the white wooden door. I only had to wait

three seconds for Heather to open the door. She looked surprised, but then she smiled and invited me in. “I

wasn't really expecting anyone, but I'm glad you came!” she said. I took off my shoes at the front door and

followed her through the room. “I have something to tell you” I said as we headed into her kitchen. She

opened the fridge and took out a pitcher of lemonade. I sat down at the high marble counter, watching and

waiting as she took out two glasses and began pouring the drinks. When she was finished, she handed one of

the cups to me. “Thanks” I said. “So, what did you want to tell me?” she asked from across the counter. I

took a small sip and then cleared my throat. “Well, since I'll be leaving soon, I wanted to do something

special for you.” She leaned in closer, her eyes peaked with intrigue. “So, I got you a first class limo-drive

to the ABBA tournament tomorrow.” She nearly knocked her glass off the counter as she jumped back in

joyful shock. “Are you serious?” she gasped. I looked at her, a little unsure. “Is that okay?” She began

talking faster and faster. “Okay?! That's- That's fantastic! I couldn't ask for anything more! Oh my- I've got to tell my mom of course, but I still can't believe…” She was going hysterical. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought she'd have had a heart attack about now. “Um, yeah. You'll be sitting with Mr. Dickinson. Do you know who he is?” I asked her. Her eyes went wide with disbelief. “Honestly, Mason. You don't think I'm that clueless do you? Mr. Dickinson is the head chairman of the BBA!” She stopped, still trying to grasp all this at once. “I've never been to a tournament before. I mean, I always read about them on try and keep track on the news, but I've never actually been to one!” She ran around and hugged me so hard I almost fell out of my chair. “Thank you so much!” While I was happy for her, I couldn't hide a sadness that had been growing ever since that morning when uncle's doctor called. I wrapped my arms around, gently, but did not smile; just gazed lifelessly at the hardwood floor, lost in two different worlds.



Heather thanked me again for the tenth time before we said goody-bye and I headed out the door and

down the hallway for the stairs. I was glad that she had been so excited. Now, however, I had to make

last arrangements for tomorrow; my last day in America.

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