“Now don’t look at me all upset or nothing. Sue, me, and Jake will always be here and in your life. Wild horses couldn’t keep us away,” she smiles. “But, Sugar, you’re stagnant here. I see how sad you are, even when you’re smiling. You’re so young and have a whole life yet to live. You can have a fresh start somewhere. Reinvent yourself. I think it’ll be amazing for you.”
“It doesn’t feel amazing right now,” Imutter.
“Of course not, but that doesn’t mean it won’t turn out that way. Now tell me what you need from me to make your life easier.”
I hand Mal her list before signing in.
“Well, this is easy as pie, Sugar. I’m here almost every day. You can talk to Jake whenever you want. I’ll put you on video so you can see his handsome face. We’ll get a fancy phone holder with a long arm to clip onto the bed. You can see Jake during your private time, just like you do now, and I’ll text you with as many updates as you want. You know Jake’s family to me. Don’t you give any of this a second thought.”
“Thank you, Mal. I’m also gonna come visit as often as I can. According to Mary, my father will fly me down here as often as I want.”
“There you go. It’ll be like old times around here. Let’s get you back for your visit while Sue and I gossip and eat some delicious cookies.”
I smile at her gratefully. “Okay, Mal.”
I get comfortable in the armchair and stare at Jake, memorizing everything about him. It’s silly. It’s not like I won’t see him all the time through video calls, but I can’t help it. I always thought he was cute growing up, especially with those bright blue eyes. The depth of the color has changed over the years, sometimes getting lighter, and other times he has a navy ring around the outer edge of the iris, but his eyes are always solid blue. There are no other flecks of color to be found. Both his parents have hazel eyes, so I’m not sure where he gets his from.
Standing, I lean over and run my fingers through his soft hair, then get on the bed and wrap my arm around his waist, breathing in his spicy cologne. I tell him about everything that’s happened since Thursday. All my fears and worries. I shed a few tears but, like always, I feel lighter and calmer when I’m done. I’ve always been able to tell Jake everything, and he’s always been a balm to my soul.
Mal and Sue stick their heads in after a while, so I give Jake a kiss on the cheek and tell him I love him, moving out with them to the front desk.
“Will I see your lovely face again on Tuesday, Sugar?” Mal asks me.
“Yeah, I’ll be here at the usual time, Mal. Thank you,” I smile.
“Nothing to thank me for, honey. I’ll see you on Tuesday. You both enjoy the rest of your day now.”
Sue and I go to the car and head home. When we get there, I grab a bottle of water. “Sue, I’m gonna catch up on some homework.”
“Okay sweetheart. I messaged the school on Thursday evening, so all your assignments should be in your email from Friday. They wanted me to remind you it was the last day of school you can miss this year.” Concern swathes her face.
“I know Sue. It’s ok.”
She nods in acknowledgment. “I’m going to change the knobs on the cupboards today. I’m excited to see how they look.” Sue is really into this kitchen renovation.
Picking up my laptop and backpack, I settle on my bed to get some work done. I’ve got chemistry homework, some reading in biology, and a few questions in English. It takes the entire day to finish everything. My motivation and focus certainly haven’t improved with all the stress I’m experiencing. I miss how easy school used to be. This would have taken me under 2 hours before…everything.One moment at atime, Summer.Luckily, Sue brought me some dinner, so I could keep working.
Once I’m done, I get up and stretch my muscles. My back is stiff from sitting in one place for too long. As I’m about to head downstairs, my laptop rings. Grabbing it, I see Sarah is video calling. “Hey Sarah, it’s been too long,” I joke.
Sarah chuckles, “I know it’s been forever! Sorry to interrupt your evening, but I just got an email from Mary. Your father has already responded to your list. I’ve emailed you the attachments she sent.”
“Attachments, as in plural?” I question.
“Yes, Mary forwarded his entire email to me with his permission. Apparently, he wrote you a letter and provided you with a bunch of information. I haven’t opened the letter or any of the attachments. I forwarded them straight to your email.”
“Why didn’t Mary send me his stuff herself?” I ask curiously. It would have been more efficient.
“She’s feeling awkward after how your meeting on Thursday went. Since I was the one to send her your list, she thought it would be best to send his response to me. You should have her responses as well when you check your email.”
“Okay, I’ll check Sarah. Thank you.” Sarah offers to remain on the call with me as I read the info, but I’m trying to be brave, so I tell her I’d like to do this part myself. She reminds me of my breathing exercises before we say goodbye.
Placing the laptop back on the oak desk, I jog downstairs. Sue is sitting in the living room watching The Food Network. “Sue, I’ve finished my schoolwork, but I got a call from Sarah. I’ve gotten responses from Mary and my father. I’m going to read through the emails in my room.”
“Okay sweetheart. That was a fast response. Do you want me to come upstairs with you?”
“No thanks. I think I want to read them alone. Can I tell you about them afterwards?”
“That would be great, Summer. You holler if you need me. I’m going to keep watching the Spring Baking Championship. The contestant is making a fruit tart that I want to try baking soon.”
