Parties, Protests and Poses: Last Chapter Novellas 2, #2

By Barbara Laughlin

In this delightful novella, the second in the Last Chapter Living series, Camille and her friend Sarah continue to not let age define their spirit. From smiling at the birthday party hosted for her great grandson, to laughing out loud at their 'almost arrest' while protesting for a more accessible historic City Hall, you'll fall in love with these two seventy-three year old women who prove we can find our own unique voice at any age.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Last Chapter Publishing
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223142843

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sarah pushed her second suitcase over the threshold of the door to the kitchen, saying, I told you I wouldn’t be bringing much, Camille. If I forget things, I can go back home and get them. Sarah’s son has tried to get her to update her home for some time now and the day has arrived. We have been friends for decades. While Sarah’s house was undergoing renovation, I invited her to move in for the duration.

I don’t feel right taking over the best bedroom in the house. You sure that’s what you want? I could take the smaller one, the one Pyke will use if he comes to visit.

Pyke has never visited. However, he knows his room is always ready. He is only eight years old, I answer. Pyke is my Great Grandson, my son Brian’s grandson. I think I’ll wait until he is around eleven years old before he visits alone. I love him, but I’m just more of the structured type of Grandma. Great Grandma, I should say. I’d plan each day out for us. You know what I mean, craft stuff, library trips, restaurant meals. He’ll be ready for that when he is a little older.

I get that, but I feel guilty with all the natural light I’ll have, along with lots of windows to watch the wildlife.

Okay, stop there, I say. Wild life? There is no wild life around here. I have lived in this neighborhood for many years, and it has remained stable. They are all old, like me.

Le gasp! Sarah responds. You think I mean the neighbors? Oh, Camille. Dear Camille. Do I look like a wild thing to you? How long have we known each other? I mean, with the empty lots next to and behind you, there might be some wildlife visits that I can see. You know, deer, rabbits, lots of birds. Smoothing her blouse for a prim and proper appearance, she continues, All these years, and you think I have a wild side? Going to the hardware store to pick out the new hammer you needed for that construction class you took was about as wild as I get. We both laugh.

Le gasp, indeed! I see you are still practicing the French we learned when we took French Cooking last Fall. Ms. Angier would be proud! I always have my hammer ready we bought just in case the guys working on your house need back up. And I still think of Grumpy Guy, my construction partner in that class. When George dumped the paste on Amy, I will never forget the look on our faces. I bet the teacher, Tim the tool guy, won’t forget it either. Another thing he won’t forget is having a seventy three year old woman who uses a walker in his class. I give my constant companion, Amy, my rollator, a little pat.

Sarah, why don’t you put your stuff away in your room? I’ll make lunch.

Whatcha making, souffle for two?

You going to keep rubbing that in? It was all Amy’s fault! I point an accusing finger at my rollator. My rollator, Amy, caused the perfect souffle to fall in French cooking class by nudging and making the oven door slam. Sarah and I took that class together.

Okay, I’ll hurry so I can help you with lunch.

Sarah finds all the drawers empty in her bedroom and thinks to herself, The adventure begins!

Chapter 2

Sitting across the table from Sarah the next morning, I say to her, This doesn’t feel much different from any other time we’re together. We are at the same table, albeit at an earlier hour than usual, enjoying the conversation.

We’ve had enough adventure from the last few months to keep conversing forever! I won’t have much to contribute about my home renovations being done, though. My son and I agreed everything, all of it, is going to be handled through him. I’ll have choices of colors, bathroom fixtures, etc., but that’s as far as it goes. I was happy just the way it was. You, Camille, were the biggest factor in changing my mind. You’ve taken me away from the noise and mess I’d have to cope with. Once my son and I began discussing things instead of arguing over everything, the pieces all fell into place, Sarah says.

So, I guess we will pass our time reminiscing, gossiping and ...

My phone jingles. Hello, I say without checking caller ID.

Hi Mom, it’s Brian. I hope I’m not calling too early. I’ve got a serious question for you. First, how are you? Pyke keeps showing the picture he has on his phone of that way cool countertop you made in your construction class. I still can’t believe you did all that. Pyke is enjoying having the coolest Great Grandma ever.

So I achieved my goal! My entire purpose was to impress Pyke. I hope you now realize that I’m perfectly fine living half a country away from you. I held my own in that construction class, especially with the building partner I ended up with. You probably didn’t call to sing my praises of my accomplishments in construction class. What’s up? I ask.

An enormous opportunity has come up for me and Pyke’s mom and dad. You know the company we work for has that pilot project over in Europe, right?

Okay, stop there. I can’t go. I have company, I joke.

Funny Mom, always the comedian. Let me finish. The company offered all of us, me, Jeff and Madeline, the opportunity to go over there for fourteen days, all expenses paid. The trouble is, there is a problem. There are two problems. First is Pyke. We will be busy in Europe going here and there during the day, tending to business and seeing if we can determine how it can improve. We will spend nights with the management of the new plant. Getting to know the European company better and those involved with it will lead to better relationships as we work with them in the future. So, Pyke needs to be somewhere he is safe and happy for fourteen days. Problem number two is that Pyke’s birthday falls during this time. Pyke seems to think that his ninth birthday is a milestone between babyhood and being a big kid and is hoping for a party to match. So, that’s the issue. You got any ideas?

I’ve got to admit, there were several moments of silence before I spoke. The only solution is for him to come here. I wouldn’t think twice, but Sarah is spending the time here while her home is being renovated. That is no problem, but I need to ask her first. I’ll call you back in ten minutes. Before I do, when would you be bringing Pyke?

Well, Mom, here’s the thing, Brian said. "He is going to have to make the trip by himself. I’ve checked the airline and we can arrange for a flight attendant to be with him every step of the way. The only thing is, I’ve got to ask you to pick him up at the