Her Mother's Daughter by Lesley Crewe Page B

the wrong way, but do you think Ashley’s dress is fancy enough for the prom? Don’t young girls like sparkles and tulle?”
    Bay turned on the tap and added dish liquid to the sink. “I wondered when you were going to say that.”
    â€œThe dress you made is lovely, Bay. You know it is. But she seemed a little sad when she showed it to me.”
    Bay looked at her. “She did?”
    â€œWell, she didn’t say anything; it was more a feeling than anything else. I know you can’t afford to buy one, but would you mind if I did? It could be a graduation present.”
    â€œMust be nice to have money to throw around.”
    â€œWhen you have no one to spend it on, it adds up.”
    Bay stared off into space. Then she took her hands out of the sink and wiped them on a towel. “Do you mind washing these? I’ll be back in a little while.”
    â€œBay…”
    Bay grabbed her car keys and left out the back door. She hopped in the car and quickly waved at Ashley and Matt, who were still talking on the front step. She drove without thought until she got to the rural cemetery where her parents and husband lay. Once out of the car she headed straight for her mother’s grave.
    She sat on the grass in front of the granite stone. “Mom, I miss you. Tell me what to do. Please. I can’t think. She’s come back and I’m frightened. Ashley loves her already, but she’ll leave, like she always does, and then what will I do?”
    She listened to the evening breeze whisper though the giant fir trees that surrounded that quiet place. If she sat still long enough, her mother’s voice would come back to her.
    Eventually she kissed the grass between her mother’s and father’s graves and walked over to Bobby’s stone. “I’ll miss you forever.”
    Silence was the only sound.
    She blew a kiss and went home.
    When she got back to the house, Tansy was standing in the vegetable garden, watering the plants. As soon as she saw Bay, she dropped the hose and ran over to her, throwing herself in Bay’s arms. “I’m a creep. I never should’ve suggested such a thing. Of course she should wear your dress.”
    They held each other for a long time. Bay was the first to pull away. “I’ve been thinking. You’re right, that dress isn’t anything special. We can go together and let her pick out something beautiful.”
    Tansy clasped her hands together. “Do you mean it?”
    Bay nodded.
    Tansy jumped up and down. “Oh, I can’t wait to tell her.”
    â€œGo then.”
    Tansy ran back in the house shouting Ashley’s name. Bay walked over and picked up the hose. Two minutes later Ashley ran out of the house and across the lawn.
    â€œAre you sure, Mom? Because I’m perfectly happy with your gown.”
    The look on Ashley’s face was all Bay needed to see. “I’m sure.”
    Ashley jumped into Bay’s arms. “I love you so much.”

    When Tansy told Bay she was going into town for the evening to see the sights, Bay was relieved. She got on the phone and called Gertie.
    â€œMay I come over?”
    â€œOnly if you bring a huge chocolate bar and a bag of Doritos.”
    â€œYou’ve got it.”
    Gertie lived in the upstairs apartment of an old house on the edge of town. When Bay arrived, plastic bag of treats in hand, Gertie was on the front porch sitting on the top step.
    â€œYou sounded like you needed help instantly,” Gertie smiled.
    Bay walked up the steps and sat beside her friend. She passed her the bag. “Here ya go.”
    â€œYou’re a saint.”
    The two friends sat together and breathed in the salt air. Neither one of them spoke. It was enough to be together as they listened to the foghorn groan nearby. Gertie broke the silence. She reached in the bag and opened the Doritos, passing them to Bay.
    â€œWant some?”
    â€œNo,