Mary looks at us and presses the accept button. Zander’s face pops up on a split screen with Sarah. He locks onto me, a smile breaking across his face as tears gather in his eyes. “Summer,” he whispers. “You’re so beautiful.”
Sue squeezes my hand as I breathe out slowly and stare at my father for the first time. He looks just like his picture. It’s surreal to comprehend that this man is half of me. I never gave much thought to who my father was growing up. Now he’s smiling at me in wonder.
I must have zoned out for a minute because Sarah calls out to me. “Summer, breathe for me.”
I gaze over at her and let go of the breath I was unconsciously holding. “Sorry.” I duck my head in embarrassment. Great first impression, Summer.
“I’m glad I’m not the only nervous one here,” Zander laughs. His voice is crisp and mild.
When I look up, I see the same crinkles around his eyes as in his picture, and he’s wiping tears from his cheeks. “I’m so happy tomeet you, Summer. Thank you for letting me video call you this morning.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I manage to get out. This is an out-of-body experience. My heart is booming like thunder in my chest, and an involuntary tremble comes over my cold body. Despite my clammy hand, Sue is still holding strong.
“Would you introduce me to everyone?” Zander asks, which I nearly miss.
“Of course, sure. Sorry,” I stumble. “I’m a bit overwhelmed.” I lean my body towards Sue first. “This is Sue, who I live with.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Zander.” Sue gives him a bright smile.
“Likewise, Miss Sue. Thank you for taking in and caring for Summer.” There’s sincerity in his voice as he replies to her.
“Sarah is the woman on the screen with you and my therapist,” I point out next.
“Hello Zander. Nice to meet you,” Sarah replies, very businesslike. Her voice is always kind, but there’s more of a detached nuisance to it. Not cool, like when she speaks to Mary, but it’s different from how she interacts with Sue and me.
“Hi Sarah. I’m happy to meet you,” Zander gives her a big wave.
“And this is Mary, my caseworker.” I point to my right.
“Nice to put a face to the name, Mary.” Zander sounds similar to Sarah’s with her. Huh, seems Mary leaves the same impression on us all.
“Nice to see you as well, Zander. This initial contact is simply a meet and greet. There are no set rules here. It’s just a chance for everyone to communicate.”
We all look around at each other as Zander chuckles, “awkward.”
I can’t help but smile a little; some nerves easing at his easygoing manner. Sue and Sarah laugh with him.
“Okay, I’ll start,” Zander offers, rubbing his hands together. “Summer, did you have time to review everything I sent you?”
“I did with Sue last night. Thank you for sending all the info.”
Hescrunches up his nose. “Was it too much? I got a little overexcited when I got your list.”
I shake my head. “No, it wasn’t. I have a lot to learn about you.”
“Okay good. I have a tendency to go a little overboard sometimes, or so I’ve been told.” He puts his hand beside his mouth, pretending to tell a secret.
Sue laughs at him. Zander is a bit of a goofball, I think.
“So, do you have questions for me, Summer? Or Sue? Sarah?” he asks.
There’s one big question I need him to reaffirm for me, so I speak up before anyone else can. “Were you serious when you said I could come back and visit whenever I want?”
“Absolutely, I was. As often as you can. Remember, I’m a pilot. That makes traveling easier,” he winks.
“You’re getting precious cargo here, Zander. But I have a sense you are already aware of that,” Sue comments, giving him her serious face.
“I certainly am, Sue. And I hope you know I expect you to come visit as often as you can. I’ve got a guest room with your name on it.”
