Invisible (23 page)

She looks up, smiling and waving… and she always says the same thing. “I see you, Lola.”

“
What are you painting?” I call.

She tilts the canvas my way. It’s a perfect rendering and I need no photograph to tell me who it is. It’s me in my grad dress; hair and make-up perfect, looking like I do now, twenty pounds lighter.

Whenever I have this dream, I wake up immediately. I think it’s because I’m supposed to remember it. And, of course, I do. I love that dream because it feels so real, like Gran and I are actually having a visit like we used to. Knowing that she sees me and knows what’s happening in my life, gives me great comfort.

As I sit here now, in my room, I trace the rose on my wrist. That indelible gift from Gran, but more importantly, I feel the cord made of love connecting our hearts.

I live at home and commute to school. As hard as it would have been for me to believe a year ago, I now find comfort being with my family, especially Mom. Our relationship is growing as we’re both changing. She’s gone back to school, to the Revlon School of Beauty at my urging. And I’ve never seen her happier. I even let her practice on me, and that’s something I never
ever
thought would happen.

Eva and I are also working on our relationship. At the very least, we’re friends now. Things aren’t perfect and there have been a few fights, but what’s growing between us is a healthy respect. We even hang out occasionally.

University is a big change, but a positive one. My studies are going well. Of course, I’m an English major, but the best part is that so is Jon. We’ve grown even closer over the months and he’s officially my boyfriend.

Charlie’s still with Robin and works full time, but she’s vowed that she will eventually go to college. She’s holding down two jobs so that she can save enough for the tuition. We see each other a lot and even go on double dates.

As for Nino, he didn’t come to the grad dance, after all. Tyler did, but kept his distance. Last I heard, Nino was working as a dump truck driver for his cousin’s construction company. I know it’s mean, but it gives me a little thrill thinking about him out there in the working world, his future already mapped out. Jon told me Nino had dreams of being a big-shot lawyer; probably only for the prestige and the money. But, like most bullies, he peaked in high school.

THE END

About the Author

Jeanne Bannon is a writer and freelance editor. She’s worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years. Jeanne lives in Bolton, Ontario with her husband Dave and her two daughters, Nina and Sara. She’s also the proud mother of two fur babies, Emily, a sweet Miniature Schnauzer and Spencer, a bratty Tabby with an attitude.

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family for putting up with, and understanding, my obsessive need to write. Thanks to my husband, Dave, for never complaining and encouraging me to reach my dream. Thanks to my mother, Nina Bannon, for being my biggest champion and supporter and for reading and reviewing the early phases of the book. Thank you to my Aunt Catherine (“Kitty”) Booth for believing in me. Thank you to Elena Cabral for your kindness and constant support. Jim Murini and Luigina Leonelli, I am grateful for your friendship and support.

Thank you to my publisher Solstice Publishing for liking my story enough to want to publish it and a special thank you to editors Candy Stone and Nik Morton for a job well done.

Last and certainly not least, thank you to my friends from the Next Big Writer. I could never have done this without you all. In particular Susan Stec, my BFF; Joy Campbell, my dear friend and mentor; Patti Yaeger, Alicia Perry; Wendy (WriteOn); JElizabeth and everyone else who took the time to read and review
Invisible
to help make it publishable.