There's the phone. Its early - who could it be? Crawling out of my nice warm bed - I stumble to the phone rubbing my eyes and clearing my throat - hoping I won't sound like I just got up! "Hello" - it didn't work! I sound like I have gravel in my throat! It's Aunt Esther. (What a dear sweet lady - and my favorite Aunt. She always sees the very best in everyone. It's no wonder she is everyone's favorite relative!) I always feel better after talking to her. She's calling to invite me to dinner. That sounds great! (I can change the plans I had with my friends, nothing would stop me from spending time with Aunt Esther.) After a brief chat I assure her I will be there and I hang up the phone looking forward to the evening visit. I've been thinking about dinner with Aunt Ester a lot today. I am excited about it and know that I will have a wonderful time. When I talked to her did I remember to thank her for inviting me? I was still sleepy and, no doubt, I forgot! I really want her to know how much I am looking forward to seeing her - well, I will make it up tonight. You know - I probably should have asked if I could bring something. She didn't say anything - but - I should have asked. Maybe I should just bring something anyway. What if I offend her. I don't want her to think that I don't like her cooking. I wonder if anyone else will be there tonight? Should I have offered to come early to help out? Why didn't I ask? What should I wear? I'd like to just wear my jeans and be comfortable. I should have asked her the best way to get to her house. I haven't been there very often and don't want to get lost - and I hate to be late! I love Aunt Ester and want to please her - I want her to love me too. I keep thinking about what I should do. I have finally decided to wear my jeans, assuming that if others were coming she would have told me. I am not going to take anything - I don't want to hurt her feelings in any way. And - I will get there right on time. she didn't say that she needed any help. Finally - I'm on my way! I have chosen a route that is familiar to me and I've given myself about 10 minutes extra. It seems as though everyone in the city is out tonight! Traffic is unusually slow and to make matters worse every light - at every corner - turns red as soon as I get there! Oh - my stomach is getting upset. Now what, construction up ahead. I am gripping the wheel tighter! I should have brought something to give Aunt Ester, some candy, flowers. Why didn't I bring something? Now it's too late to stop. The upset stomach turns to knots. The line of traffic is moving slowly through the construction area. I should have left earlier. I knew I would be late. Why didn't I just go early - I'm sure I could have helped out somehow. I shouldn't have waited to be asked! At least the traffic is moving! What time is it? Oh - good - the end of construction - I'm on my way again. Maybe I should have changed my clothes. Will she think I was too lazy to put on something nicer? Do I look sloppy? The shirt is new. It looks nice. She won't mind - I hope. Look - what's that flashing ahead? A detour sign! Just what I need! How will I ever find my way? I don't know this part of town - if I get off the main road I am sure to get lost! I'll never get there. Maybe I should just turn around and go back home. I can tell Aunt Ester that I got lost - I really wanted to come - but I got lost! Hey - there's another sign - it points the way to the main road. Ah - relief - I guess I will get there after all. There's Aunt Ester's street - that's her house over there - the big white one. No other cars, I guess I am the only one coming to dinner tonight. The front door is open - I can hear music as I walk up the steps. A wonderful smell greets me as I knock on the screen door. I hear Aunt Ester's footsteps slowly shuffling across the soft carpet. What time is it? I quickly glance at my watch. Right on time! by PJ Pettit 2/98
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