Ad_vice

Turning the key and opening the door, Candice instantly felt better, as the familiar scent of lavender mixed with, of all things, tobacco filled the air. And not the usual pipe tobacco, more of a homemade kind. A real moist rich tobacco, mixed with dried spearmint and sage leaves. It had a uniqueness about it, and the scent always seemed to calm her.

As she enters the sparsely furnished Living room she checks the Grandfather clock that stood against the left wall. Ah great, she thinks, Ill have plenty of time its only 2:00.

Candice then looks over at her Grandmother whos sitting in her favorite chair in the corner of the living room reading the paper. She cant help but smile at her. It seemd, she always smiled around her. Hey Nanna she calls out You smoking again?

Her Grandmother barely looking up starts laughing pointing at the paper have you seen this? still laughing she puts the paper down on the coffee table that wasnt for from where she sat, points to a particular article This world is getting crazier by the minute, and your Damn! Right! Im still smoking. Im too old to be given up on something I enjoy too much, I dont care what any damn doctor says. Besides, if it hasnt hurt me before this long, why would I worry about it hurting me in the future? The future is for yall young folks. I only have time enough in one day too enjoy the day- Now come on over here and give me a kiss.

As Candice crosses the room still smiling, she shakes her head why do you always say that? You know I always give you a Kiss and Hug when I see you

Ah Baby, its more for me then you. How often do you think I can say those words? It just gives me a kick to actually hear them coming out of my mouth.

Candice laughs and as she emerges from the hug, about to pick up the paper her Grandmother pinches her chin and taps her on the head lightly. Is that why your early?

Candice now with paper in hand What?

She looks into Candices Eyes as if reading a sign That sparkle in your eyes laced with sadness. You want to talk about it?

Candice puts the paper down, not looking surprised. Her grandmother could always see right thru her. She sits on the couch next to the chair. No. Not really, at least not yet.

Not looking too concerned her Grandmother leans back in her chair Well, Im sure youll let me know, But whoever she is she stops in mid sentence looks over at Candice It is a she isnt it?
Yeah, Nanna, its a she
Just checking, you never know, that coulda been the reason for the sadness, anyway whoever she is, I hope I get a chance to meet her. Havent seen that sparkle in you eye in quite sometime now. Wouldnt mind meetin the person who put it there.

Candice still smiling with a touch of laughter in her voice Dont worry. If she meets anyone in this family it will defiantly be you. Her voice a little more serious And, speaking of family. have you heard form

Her Grandmother cuts her off Your Mother? Child! You know that women doesnt talk to me anymore then she talks to you. Why? She forget your Birthday or something?

Candice picks up the paper again flips it over as if she was actually looking at it Naw, I was just wondering. I havent heard from her in a while and..

Girl. I told you to stop fussin over her behavior, besides no news is good news when it comes to that woman.

Candice looking a little disappointed nods in agreement Yeah, youre probably right. But if she contacts you, youll let me now. Right?

Yeah, yeah, youll be the first one Id call. Somehow Candice didnt believe her. putting the paper back down she gets up from the couch and heads toward the Kitchen Well Ill have to read that article when I get back. The Grocery list is on the table right?

Yes mama, as it always is

As Candice returns from the Kitchen, list in hand she heads for the door. You need anything before I go? Naw, sweetie, Im fine.
As Candice reaches for the door Ill be back soon, then maybe we could go for a walk down at the park you like.

Candice Her Grandmother says softly. Candice stood quite, with all the names her Grandmother called her, she always knew when she heard her name, she was about to hear something important. Just remember: A broken heart that has loved, Is better then a heart that has never loved at all.

Candice smiled at her Grandmother a sweet and sad smile, she knew her Grandmother had some serious heartbreaks in her life, her own Mother included, yet she always insisted they were worth the pain.

Thanks, Nanna, Ill try to remember that.
Nanna shaking her head rocking slightly, picks up her paper as if she were going back to reading, But she had that far away look of a daydreamer just about to fall asleep. You do that she says You do that. Oh, and child, do me a favor, and add a bottle of brandy to that list.
Nanna Candice says not really shocked.
Girl. Sometimes you got to Add a little Vice to your life, to give it a some Spice She leans back in her chair now content too take a nap.

Shaking her head still smiling Candice closes the door behind her.

2004 LDS