Magnolia by Kristi Cook

steps back, wiping her eyes with the back of one hand. “Lou said she’d drop by and check on you every once in a while, but if you need anything, you know you can call me or Daddy anytime—day or night.”
    I just nod.
    â€œAnd if there’s a problem here at the house, call Ryder right away. He’ll come over and—”
    â€œBut you said no boys,” I argue stubbornly.
    She gives me a pointed look. “ Except for Ryder. Nan!” she calls out. “C’mon, Daddy’s back. It’s time to go.”
    â€œComing!” Nan clatters down the stairs, her suitcase in tow. Looking at her, you’d never know she’s headed to the hospitalto deal with a brain tumor. She looks all bright and cheery and healthy, her hair pulled back into a ponytail.
    Tears well in my eyes, and I fight to keep them from falling.
    Nan shoots me a stern look. “Do not start crying, Jemma. Seriously, if you do, I’m going to lose my shit.”
    â€œWatch your language,” Mama admonishes from the doorway where she’s wrestling her bag out.
    Nan rolls her eyes. “Just come over here and give me a hug, okay? No good-byes. I mean it.”
    I have to rise up on tiptoe to hug her. Her quick, staccato heartbeat belies her calm demeanor as she squeezes me tightly, then releases me. “Now, you listen to me,” she says as soon as Mama’s through the door and out of earshot. “I’ll kill you if you don’t apply to NYU, if that’s what you really want to do.”
    We’d had a long talk on Saturday morning, and I’d told her everything—about Patrick, about film school and Mama’s and Daddy’s reluctance to let me apply.
    â€œDon’t you worry about me,” she continues. “Be the person you want to be, Jemma. Don’t let Mama and Daddy make all your decisions for you, okay?”
    I nod, my throat aching as I continue to fight back tears.
    â€œPinkie swear?” She holds out one hand, pinkie extended.
    I loop my little finger around hers and squeeze. “Pinkie swear.”
    I follow her out onto the front porch and lean against therailing, watching them load their luggage into the back of the rental SUV. I’d offered to drive them to the airport in Memphis, but Daddy didn’t want me driving back alone. He’d ultimately decided that renting a car made the most sense. After all, they have no idea how long they’ll be gone. No point in leaving one of our cars in the airport lot, racking up fees.
    Sadie and Beau lope up the porch stairs and sit on either side of me, their tongues lolling as I reach down and stroke their fur.
    â€œOkay, I think that’s it.” Daddy slams shut the back hatch and hurries over to me. He bends down and gives me a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. “Love you, half-pint. We’re just a phone call away.”
    â€œI know,” I say, sniffling now. “Love you too.”
    Laura Grace waves from the backseat beside Nan. “You take care, sugar! Call that boy of mine if you need anything, you hear?”
    â€œI will.” I wave back as Daddy gets in the driver’s side and closes the door.
    The engine starts up, and off they go in a cloud of dust. I just stand there watching until the car disappears over the rise. “Well, I guess it’s just you and me now,” I say to the dogs. “Plus the cats,” I add as Kirk struts up to the porch in a way that would make his namesake proud. “Where’s the rest of your crew?”
    Kirk just meows, stopping to arch his back.
    Not a care in the world. Must be nice.
    With nothing left to do, I head back inside and retrieve my video camera. The sun will be setting in an hour or so, and I figure I might as well film some sunset footage for my application project. Maybe I’ll drive over to the old covered bridge and film there. If nothing else, it’ll take my mind off the fact that my