At the Mall(Marla) Summer, 1987

Nikki Pearson (single, age thirty-two) was at the mall, looking at a blue and white dress when she heard “Aunt Kayla! That’s a pretty dress! I’m so glad that you let me come with you today!”

Nikki Pearson was nobody’s aunt. She had been an only child and had quite enjoyed it. She’d already decided that if she did marry, she’d marry a man who also had no siblings. She wasn’t going to babysit nieces or nephews. She turned to see a blonde girl who looked to be twelve or thirteen years old. Her eyes held the unmistakable look of fear, and Nikki immediately knew that something was very wrong. Nikki didn’t know what the trouble was, but she could sense that the girl was asking for help. Well, okay, in an emergency, she’d help a kid.

“Oh! Yes, it is pretty, isn’t it? I might try it on. Let’s see if we can find my size.” Together, they pretended to focus on the dresses. Nikki picked one up and then turned to a display of shirts. “Let’s see if we can find a shirt for you.” Both of them started looking at and picking up the shirts, trying to appear as though they were shopping for a suitable one. Nikki saw the girl glance over her shoulder. The girl gave a sigh and appeared less afraid.

Nikki whispered, “Okay, what’s wrong?”

“I’m here shopping with my friends. They went into Hot Topic, but my mom doesn’t let me shop there. I was waiting outside the store and a weird guy started watching me. Then he started walking toward me. I freaked out a little and went to one of the gumball machines and he followed me! And then I saw this store and got in as fast as I could. I saw you and thought that maybe if he saw me with you that he’d think we knew each other and leave me alone.”

Her words spilled out rapidly and as she spoke, tears formed in her eyes. “I was so scared!”

“It’s going to be okay. I’m Nikki. What’s your name?”

“Alice.”

“Okay, Alice, she said. “Let’s ask to use the phone. You can call your mom.” They went to the cashier and in a low voice Nikki explained what was wrong.

“Yes, of course you may use the phone.” She led them to the small office in the back of the store.

…………….

Four months later, a family was gathered around a large table set for Thanksgiving. “And I am very thankful for Aunt Nikki, who very possibly saved my life at the mall.” Alice Anderson had just finished announcing her list of things that she was thankful for.

Everyone raised their glasses in agreement and Nikki felt gratitude for this family that had, since that day at the mall, become quite close to her. She’d even accepted the title that she had thought she didn’t want - Aunt Nikki.

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