Gaia rose. She reached for Gabriella’s hands. Gabriella immediately placed her hands in the goddess’s and rose. Gaia smiled. “Thank you, Gabriella. Thank you for a very important, very confusing, but very smart lesson. I will remember the main points. I may forget some of the bizarre ways you got there.”
Gabriella giggled. “I wish you would. Hey, why don’t you and Aaron come to Luca and Dawn’s wedding? The officiant usually has some words of wisdom for the couple, and he will be much more well-spoken than I am. Plus a wedding usually brings out the romance in attending couples.”
“Really? They won’t mind?”
Gabriella smiled. “They’d be honored. Besides, Antonio and I were told we could invite whomever we want. It’s an outdoor wedding, so size doesn’t matter.”
“That’s another saying I’ve heard regarding couples…”
Gabriella smirked. “Oh, that. Well, you love him, so I think you’re beyond that part. Besides, if you don’t like the size you gave him, that’s on you.”
Mother Nature scratched her head. “I really don’t understand what you’re saying sometimes, but I think you’re telling me not to worry about it. Okay. I’d better go now.”
Gabriella blew out what sounded like a breath of relief.
* * *
Dawn had landed at Logan Airport and was taking the subway to her mother’s halfway house in Brighton, Massachusetts. Lissie had been sprung from prison early for good behavior. Dawn had mixed feelings. She knew her mother was clean and sober and really wanted to stay that way. Still, Dawn had heard it before and couldn’t help worrying.
She arrived at the large, three-story brick house. It was several miles from the place she grew up. That took care of a major worry. Her mother got in trouble by being part of the neighborhood gang. Dawn had managed to extricate herself but not without difficulties. She knew how hard it was. When the gang felt they had you, they thought they owned you. That wasnotgoing to happen to her mother again if she could do anything about it.
Dawn strode up the old, faded brick steps and rang the doorbell. Lissie was the one to open the door, and she practically threw herself at Dawn, squeezing her tight.
“Oh, my beautiful Dawnie. Thank you so much for coming all the way from Puerto Rico to see me. I can’t wait to spend some quality time with you. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too, Mom. I want to tell you something right up front.”
Lissie’s eyes widened. “Oh no. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. In fact, something is very right. I can’t stay in Boston long because I have a wedding to go back to. Mine! I’m getting married!”
“Oh! Dawn, that’s wonderful. Come in, come in. We don’t need to stand on the stoop all day.”
Dawn followed her into the big home’s foyer and wondered how she was managing the challenge of living with other addicts. “How are you doing, Mom? Really.”
Her mother threw an arm around her and gave her a squeeze, then escorted her to a living room. “Sit down, hon. I’m doing great. Can I get you something?”
“I don’t suppose you have beer here?”
Lissie laughed. “Honey, this is a sober house. No alcohol allowed.”
Dawn almost sagged in relief. “That’s good. In fact, that’s great. I’d just like an ice water, please.”
“Are you sure? We have Pepsi, juice, milk…”
“Water is good. I need to drink more water anyway,” Dawn said. “I forget to rehydrate in a hot climate. It’s not as hot here, but establishing a good habit takes practice.” She hoped she wasn’t being too transparent or too preachy.
“You got it, hon.” Lissie hurried off to another room, and Dawn figured it must be the kitchen. She looked around. There was a bookshelf with loads of AA and NA books. Two full-size couches and a loveseat were grouped around a large coffee table which displayed numerous pamphlets. The only decorations on the walls were banners proclaimingOne day at a time.Live and let live, andBut for the grace of God. It seemed as if Lissie had landed in a good place.
She wondered how some of the people she knew in the old neighborhood were doing, but she thought better of going to call on them. Most of the people she knew there had drug and/or alcohol problems and/or mental imbalances.
Her mother hurried back with her ice water and another glass filled with what looked like soda.
“So tell me about this wedding, and more important, the groom!” Lissie said.
“Oh, Mom, he’s my dream come true. Luca Fierro is the most wonderful, smart, handsome guy ever. I feel incredibly lucky.”
“And his family?”
