The Office (Part 2)

New Hampshire Circle appeared on my right and I swung the car around the corner, bumping the curb, the tires flattening an ant hill. Number 175 was just ahead. It's blue shutters were closed against the blue sky. A green shrub grew wild under the window, it's branches spread wide as if it wanted to hug every passer-by. I eased the car into the driveway. "Look Maggie. I have to go. Maybe I will call you later tonight, if I am able to."

I could hear her blow out. I imagined her foot hoisted in the air, the phone tucked tightly between her ear and shoulder, as she blew the polish dry. A moment went by before she responded. "I have something I have to take care of this afternoon and dinner plans with my parents tonight. Why don't you come over around 7:30 or 8 tonight and we can talk then." Tears sprang to my eyes. It would be great to see her, but the resignation in her voice dug in deeper than the kindness she was showing.

"I'll think about it," I said, my voice betraying my hurt. I hung up before she could respond. My phone slid easily into the pocket of my green purse as I climbed out of the car. I didn't see the little girl chasing butterflies off to the side of the house, her yellow-white braids bouncing off her back with each gleeful step. Instead, I forced my legs to walk the narrow path to the front stoop and climb the meager step required to ring the doorbell. My knees ached from the activity. I kept my fingers crossed that I would be seated during our little chat.

The wind fluttered the leaves, a small rustling sound filled the cul de sac. I glanced at my phone: 10:24. I was six minutes early. Still, no one answered the door. Ringing the bell again, I blew the hair out of my eyes and replaced the phone in the side pocket. I glanced around. Nothing of interest caught my eye so I shifted my weight and reached for the doorbell again. Shuffling feet behind the door stopped me from pressing it.

*** Continuation from earlier prompt originally provided by Daily Writing Practice***