Read Online Twelve Months by Steven Manchester - Free Book Online Page B

turned black by the end of summer and had to be cut off before school, leaving behind a white ring around the wrist where the sun hadn’t touched. I grabbed two for the kids. “Let’s pick up the rest of the souvenirs before we leave, so we don’t have to carry them around,” Bella said.
    I paid for the white bracelets and put them into my pocket. “Let’s go eat,” I said. “I’m starving.”
    We walked the two blocks to The Black Dog, the historic and legendary tavern whose world-famous ambassador represented the easy Vineyard way of life. It was a big tourist draw, but I was happy to find that the specials featured freshly caught fish and a collection of delicious desserts. After we ate our clam cakes and chowder by an empty fireplace, I ordered apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Cashing out, Bella bought us two matching sweatshirts and one bumper sticker.
    â€œThat’s going to be heavy to carry all the way back,” I teased.
    She made a funny face. “I’ll be fine.”
    As we made our way back to our room, the air temperature dropped and the streets began to fill with people coming out for the night. There were plenty of interesting characters and I’m certainly not shy, but this was a time for just Bella and me. So we kept to ourselves, held hands and walked along in comfortable silence.
    After watching a magical sunset, on bended knees I prayed. Father, bless my family – Bella, Riley, Michael and the kids – with good health, both of mind and body. Shroud them in the safety of your angels and allow them to live in a world of peace and harmony. Bless those who have passed from this world. May they live in Your pre s ence for all eternity. Forgive us of our sins and help us on our daily path back to You – Amen .
    I realized that for the first time since I’d gotten sick, I’d prayed for only those I loved and not for myself. It felt good. “Good-night,” I said.
    â€œGood-night…and don’t forget to take your medicine before you fall asleep.”
    There’s no way I could , I thought. I’ve been in pain all day.
    I grabbed an extra blanket from the closet for Bella so I could keep the screen windows open. I took my pills and turned in early for the night. I loved the smell of the ocean and its music lulled me to sleep.

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    The next morning, after two bowls of fresh melon and some wheat toast, we rented a candy-apple red convertible. It was Bella’s idea – thank God for her.
    It was still too early in the year for a ragtop, but we didn’t care. Right away, it took me back to my youth. The first car I’d owned was a ‘65 Buick Special, powder blue on blue, with a Wildcat 310 under the hood. And it was in that very car that I discovered the true sense of freedom.
    With the top down, the front seat pushed close to the windshield and the music playing a little louder than normal, my girl and I cruised the land of mopeds and bicyclists. There was nothing more exciting than the freedom of the open road without worrying about your brains being splattered in a helmet. While we stopped for the things Bella needed to fill our picnic basket – bread, cheese, a jar of mild salsa – I noticed that everyone was looking. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Bella got back in the car and looked at me. “What?” she asked.
    â€œNo apple pie?”
    â€œThere’s a little bakery on the way,” she said and grinned. “And we should also pick up some fruit and vegetables.”
    I never replied. Leaning back on my headrest, my face pitched to the sun, I pointed the car north.
    On one of the back shady roads, I pressed the accelerator to the floor and could hear the four-barrel open up and guzzle down a gallon of gas. The exhaust was throaty and sounded mean. I looked over at Bella. With her hair whipping around in the wind, she shook her head and