Free Invisible by Jeanne Bannon

her favorite dancewear store “Step-in-Style.”
    “ I’ve got some exciting news,” I announce.
    “ What’s that, honey?” she asks as she searches the racks in the Latin dance section.
    “ I’ve got a date tonight.”
    Gran stops, smiles hugely and pulls me into an embrace. “Oh, Lola, I’m so happy for you.” Then she holds me at arm’s length. “Is he a good boy? What’s his name?”
    “ His name’s Jon, and yes, Gran, he’s a good boy.”
    She eyes me for a moment, a brow lifts and her lips purse. “You didn’t tell him about The Vanishing did you?”
    I chew my lower lip and worry creases my brow as I give a slow nod. Lying to Gran is not an option. But I didn’t think she’d ask this question. How stupid am I?
    “ Oh, Lola.” A frown sets on her lips and her face erupts in a road map of wrinkles. “Honey, you’ve got to be careful who you tell. You told me the other day Charlie knows, but no one else, okay? Only those closest to you should know.”
    A flicker of regret passes through me. “I… I’m sorry.” My gaze falls away.
    She takes my hand and pats it. “It’s all right, just don’t tell anyone else, okay?”
    I nod. I’m relieved she’s not mad. Upsetting Gran is the last thing I’d ever want to do. “So, who did you tell besides me? Do Mom, Dad and Eva know?” I ask, figuring I should know whether to keep my mouth shut around my family – not that I’d tell them anyway.
    Gran gives her head a solemn shake. “No. Your mom and Eva don’t have the ability, so there was no sense in telling them. And your dad, well it’s none of his business and besides he wouldn’t believe it, so why saddle his tiny brain with the knowledge.”
    Despite Dad saying he loved Gran this morning, I know there’s no love lost between them, although I never understood why and never asked. Some things a person’s better off not knowing.
    “ I’m pretty sure I can trust Jon and I know I can trust Charlie,” I say, trying to look confident. “I haven’t told anyone else.”
    Gran cups my face in her hands. “It’s my fault. I should have told you to keep everything quiet last week when we first talked about The Vanishing.” She cocks her head and makes a tsk sound. “This is all so new to you. I should have taken more time to explain. But, what’s done is done and there’s no use worrying about it now. Besides, I’m sure your boy’s a good fella and I know Charlie’s a true friend.” She smiles, throws her hands in the air then resumes her search for an age appropriate Cha Cha Cha costume.
    The saleswoman appears and helps Gran find the perfect ensemble with matching shoes. It’s a tasteful dark blue dress with a slit up one side, but not as high as most of the others. The shoes are navy leather with a sturdy one-inch heel. It’s the first and only dress Gran tries on.
    “ I love it,” she declares and, before I know it, we’re done.
    Shopping with Gran is a whole lot simpler than with Mom.
    “ Do ya want something new to wear for your date tonight?” Gran asks with excitement in her voice. “I’ll treat ya.”
    “ No, it’s okay. I’ve already picked out something to wear.” Gran’s always trying to give me things or buy me stuff.
    “ Ah come on, lemme do something nice for my darling granddaughter.” She pulls me into the first store she spies that looks like it’s for teenagers.
    I relent, knowing it’s a losing battle anyway and pick out a couple of tops. Not T-shirts, but real tops with buttons. I’d never really considered anything like this for myself before. Suddenly they seem pretty.
    “ Do ya want to try them on?”
    “ They’re an extra-large, they’ll fit,” I say flatly, holding one up against me.
    Gran pays and I take the bag. I’m already carrying her bags from “Step-in-Style.”
    “ I’m starvin’,” Gran says. “Let’s go to the food court.”
    “ It’s only 11:00,” I say, but realize Gran probably didn’t have breakfast. “On