“I’ve only been a phone call away. I didn’t think you cared,” Sabrina choked out.
“Not care?” her mom croaked. “I am your mother and I love you. I’ve tried my darndest to respect your wishes for space and privacy until you were ready to speak with me. I’ve thought about you every single day. Every time I open my phone, my fingers have hovered over your name and number, tempted to call you.”
“Then why didn’t you?” Sabrina inclined her head. The waterworks began to flow once more. “I have wanted to hear your voice for so long.”
“Because I was afraid that if I called you, it would confirm my worst fears, that I’d failed as a mother.” Her mom inhaled sharply. “The most important thing to me is that you know I love you. I want you to know that everything I have asked you to do has been with your best interest at heart, because I wanted to give you all the chances in life. Your dad and I never grew up in the lap of luxury. We’ve had to hustle to be able to get where we are.” Her mother breathed deeply. “Sabrina, I’ve always been extra tough on you because you are so much like me.”
“What do you mean?” Sabrina’s legs shook. Slowly, she sank down onto the bench.
“You have a strong personality. You are driven and independent. You have been able to take my challenges and rise to the occasion each time. You are very much the opposite of your sister. Maggie has always had a much more fragile, emotional side than you.”
Sabrina sniffled.
I’ve never ever thought about Maggie as being delicate.
Her mother’s voice broke. She cried into the phone. “Sabrina, I am human, too, and I’ve clearly made many egregious errors. While I will never be parent of the year, I want you to know that starting now, I don’t want anything to ever come between us again. I want you to tell me what is on your mind. Miscommunication has nearly cost me my most valuable asset of all—you.”
For the first time, Sabrina felt as if she was finally being heard by her mother. While there was still a long, bumpy road ahead to healing, the first strides had been made. After a long, dark winter, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Fourteen
The Language of Flowers
Dear Mags,
By now, I’m willing to wager that you must have spoken to Mom and learned that last week, we made strides toward a reconciliation. For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like the black sheep of the family.
In our long overdue chat, Mom and I both came to the realization that our tenuous relationship has been built upon one misunderstanding after another. There is a lot that I have chosen to be blind to. Having my eyes opened from my narrow point of view, I can see that I am guilty of always assuming the worst about Mom.
Physically, I am the same person I have always been, but mentally and emotionally, I am finally at the point in my life where I am becoming an adult. With this newfound perspective, I realize I’ve been neglecting you as of late. I’m sorry. I promise to try and do better. How are you, the boys, and Brian doing? I also intend to reach out to Dad. Can you send me his email? He never picks up his phone.
Mags, I have one more thing to ask?.?.?. I’m trying to stop myself from cringing as I type this, but?.?.?. it’s come to the point where I am down to my last hundred dollars. May I borrow some money from you? I haven’t been able to find any side or off jobs yet, and I promise as soon as I do, I’ll pay you back with interest. Shall we say six percent?
All my love, Brina
* * *
Dear Brina,
It’s about time! While I’ve always been more than happy to lend you an ear, admittedly, it’s been slowly wearing on me. I’m a worrywart. Now, I can breathe a big sigh of relief.
Don’t worry about contacting me if you’re busy. I knew you would to send your favorite sister a message at one point or another. I’m not sure if you remember, but I was a terrible correspondent with you when I was abroad. Time slips away when you’re in such an awe-inspiring locale. I hope you’re making new friends and are thoroughly enjoying yourself.
The boys, Brian included, are doing well. Ben and Liam have both managed to lose a tooth in the last two weeks. Did you know that the going rate from the Tooth Fairy these days is five dollars? The boys have been conspiring as to how they can “trick” her to earn more cash. Brian and I have been trying to persuade them that the Tooth Fairy is immune to their tricks.
If you want to contact Dad, his e-mail is [email protected]. Dad, like many engineers, is horrible at returning phone calls. Emails are indeed the way to go. When you get a response, know that he means well, but his messages to everyone are always short and clipped.
I’ve taken the initiative and placed some money in your bank account. The funds should be available to you by the time you get this message. Don’t you dare even think about paying me back. This is a gift to you. Enjoy Europe! I don’t want you to stress about money. You have shown me that you’re resilient and you’ll have a job lined up when the right one comes your way.
With a few clicks of her mouse, Sabrina opened her bank account. Her eyes bulged. Her generous sister had given her five thousand dollars! That would last her until at least the beginning of June and through her attendance at the Jane Austen Festival.
She returned to the message.
I wish you had told me years ago how miserable you were. I would’ve tried to help you get out of Graves and Associates long ago. I’ve always kept quiet about this, but my junior year of college, I interned at Mom’s firm too. I didn’t last two days. I hated it! Did you ever wonder why I switched from being a pre-law major to engineering?
