Signed, SEALed, Delivered

by Jaime Russell

  “We try to have a standing dinner date, so we’re not eating alone all the time.” I remind her.

  “Are you sure that you don’t mind if Joshua comes over tonight?” She asks, seeming a bit unsure.

  “Do you want me to tell you no, so it will make it easier for you? I feel like you don’t want him to be there.”

  “I do want him there, but…” she sighs, biting her lip. “I’m worried about being alone with him.” I smile at her. My older sister with the man problem.

  “Why don’t I stay out in the kitchen working, since I just got another assignment that needs done ASAP? You’ll have a chaperone, but also, you’ll have the privacy, so you’re not uncomfortable.”

  “Am I stupid for feeling like this?” She asks me.

  “Ruthie, you’re in love with this man and want to spend time with him. You need to date him, too, but you are also a woman, who is attracted to the man she’s going to marry. It’s normal. I would act on those feelings, but you’re waiting for your wedding night, which isn’t bad. I’m almost jealous of you.”

  “I’m almost jealous of you, too, because you’re not afraid of relationships. I can’t wait, until Christmas Eve to get married. We’re going to be married, and then in June, we’re going to get ordained. How exciting is that?” She smiles so hard, when talking about her future plans.

  “I can’t wait, and we have my dress fitting this weekend, too! Mom is excited about it, and now that you’re here, you get to see me in it, too. I also am finalizing the flowers for you to approve. We can get that done this week as well.”

  “Wedding plans are so much fun. I can’t wait to show you more of what I thought of for the reception.” I yell for Annie to come on, as Ruth holds the leash to Annie, and we walk back, talking about how much this area has changed, since she moved away for seminary school. Once back in the apartment, she plays with Annie, while watching soap operas. It’s her guilty little pleasure that my gram and her used to do.

  I get back to work and finish the project within an hour of Mr. Harris’s deadline. Ruth leaves to go pick up Dad, when there’s a knock on the door, so I open it to Joshua standing there.

  “Hello, stranger.” I say to him, as I welcome him into my apartment. “Ruth just dropped Dad off.”

  “How’s it going, kiddo? Ruth tells me that you’re excited about the wedding and have some appointments this weekend.” He messes up my brown hair, as I push him away from me laughing. “Hello, Annie.” He says in a baby voice, as I roll my eyes. He picks her up, rubbing her belly, which is something she loves, so she’s in heaven.

  “How was the seminar today?” I ask him, handing him a can of Coke.

  “It was boring, but it’s something that I’ve already study in seminary school. This afternoon, I met up with some guys from my old Bible study group and played basketball. It was nice to reconnect with everyone. Ruth will be happy, because the pastor of that church, which is in Knoxville, is retiring. He wants Ruth and I to attend this weekend to meet the congregation. He wanted it to be the end of the year, but he’s willing to wait, until we’re ordained.”

  “That’s great.” I say, hugging him. “I can deal with you two being that close. I was thinking it might be further away, since you’re in Kentucky studying.”

  “Ruth seems excited about it, and it’s the same denomination as your dad’s church, so we might be able to plan trips together, too.” He tells me, as he sits down on the couch, and I sit on my recliner. I always tell everyone that this is my chair, and no one is allowed to sit in it.

  “I like that idea.”

  “Do you want to come with us this weekend?”

  “You two need a babysitter?” I laugh, and he looks serious.

  “I just need to let Mr. Richmond know that Dad needs to pick him up, but yeah. You want me to book a hotel room for just Ruth and me? I assume that you’d be staying with the pastor.”

  “No, there is a family that’s going to take Ruth and you in for the weekend.” I give him a dirty look. “I knew that you couldn’t say no to us.” I shake my head.

  “Y’all drive me crazy. So, does that mean I’m going out to dinner with you two?” I smirk, as my door swings open, and it’s Ruth.

  “Dad is mad that we’re taking you with us this weekend. He’s on his way over here.” Ruth huffs. “I was talking to him about this weekend, since he wants to do dinner with all of us, after fittings. I told him about this amazing opportunity.” She hugs Joshua, and then collapses on the couch in his arms.

  “If Dad is coming over, then separate from each other, before he walks in.” I tell them, and they both slide down on the end of the couches. “Remember, you need to keep Jesus between you two at all times.” I imitate Dad, as he walks in.

  “Gabriele Marie.” His booming voice comes in, as Ruth, Joshua, and I all bust out laughing.

  “Hi, Daddy.” I get up and hug him. “I’ll be in the kitchen, but try to speak up, so I can hear the conversation.” He swats at me, as I walk into the other room.

  “Come on, Annie. Let’s get you some dinner.” I say, as I try to ignore their conversation, as I put on Christmas music to start my next campaign.

  My dad comes in, kissing the top of my head, as he waves bye, heading out the door. He was only here for an hour. I take my ear buds out and walk into the living room.

  “What happened?” I ask, as they stare at the wall.

  “I better go,” Joshua stands.

  “Wait, stop.” I say, blocking the door. “What happened?”

  “Dad said that you and I can’t go on an overnight trip with him,” Ruth cries.

  “That’s bullshit. Dad can’t tell us what we can and cannot do. We’re staying in the home of family members of the church. Would it feel better if I got a hotel room for us Ruth?”

  “I suggested that, but he says what would it look like, if Joshua comes out of our room?”

  “He wouldn’t be at the hotel, and we would keep the car. Ruth, Joshua. We need to do this, and he can’t control us. We know that we’re not going to have an orgy. You’re both responsible, and I’m going to be by your side the entire time. I’m going whether anyone likes it or not.” I move out of the way, as Joshua looks to Ruth.

  “What do you say? I’m already going this weekend. We’re thirty-years-old, engaged, in seminary school, and about to be married in three and a half months. We’re adults.” Ruth says to him, and I smile. “He needs to stop looking at me like I’m a little girl. I’m about to be a wife.”

  “I’m game.” He smiles, as she runs to hug him.

  “Don’t get the hotel room. We’re staying with a family.” Ruth tells me.

  “Go get some food, and then have a nice date. The movie will be here, when you get back.” I tell them, as there’s a knock on my door. It’s the local pizza place delivery guy with the pizza I ordered earlier. “Thank you.” I say, handing him a ten for delivery. They leave, as I sit at the kitchen table, and then check my email, seeing another one from Zack with a picture of pizza. I laugh, as I send him a picture of my dinner.

  Dear fellow pizza eater,

  There’s a great local shop here in my small town that has a kickass Chicago style pizza. I’m in love with it, and I get it every time I want pizza. I think mine looks and tastes better than yours.

  Have you landed? Sorry, my promise of a couple of emails didn’t happen. My sister came home from her training early, I had a new project assigned, which needs to be done by Thursday, and then there was some drama with my dad. He’s upset that we’re going to Knoxville this weekend to spend time with a church, who is looking into hiring my sister and future brother-in-law.

  He thinks that with my influence that my sister is going to lose her virginity in a house of strangers. Insert eye roll here. When have I ever been a bad influence? Never, that I can recall. I could be wrong, though. Ha.

  I hope you landed safely and are having fun with Alec. Signing off for now.

  Non-troublemaker Ella />
  Since the house is quiet, I unplug my earbuds from my laptop, blasting some Christmas music. “I wonder what my neighbors think of me.” I laugh, as I start this new perfume ad. A little later, I hear keys jingle, as giggles come through the door.

  “Ella, we had so much fun.” Ruth twirls around the room, as I look at Joshua for an answer.

  “She had a glass of wine with her dinner.” He winks.

  “So, you had a good time? I’m glad.” I stand up and walk to the couch, where she’s laying down. “She’s going to be out.”

  “Yep, I was just bringing her home. I figure that we can just get together later on this week for a movie night. Do you think we could get an action one, too?” Joshua begs.

  “Comics?” I ask with a smile. We share a love of being a geek. He nods, as he leans down to kiss a snoring Ruth good night.

  “Thanks, kiddo.” Joshua says, poking my nose. He’s always treated me like a kid sister, since he’s always had brothers growing up. He walks out of the apartment, as I look to see that the time is ten o'clock. I leave a note for Ruth that I have to run out for something, and then I drive over to my parent’s house. The porch light is still on, so I know they’re awake. I knock on the door, before walking in. I yell hello, and my mom comes from the kitchen.

  “Gabriele, what’s the matter?” She seems concerned.

  “Is Dad home? I didn’t see his car.” I ask, and she sighs. I’m guessing she knows why I’m here. She points to the study, and I walk that way, as she follows. “Dad?” I say, knocking on the open door, as he looks up in surprise.

  “What’s the matter?” He stands up, as I motion for him to sit down.

  “Nothing is wrong. I just need to talk to you. Ruth, Joshua, and I are headed to that church this weekend. They’re both excited about it, and I don’t think it’s fair that you told your thirty-year-old daughter that she couldn’t go. I know I’m not perfect, like your precious Ruth, but instead, a big disappointment to you.”

  He hates my tattoos, and I also have my tongue, nose, and lip pierced, which he forbid me to do, when I was younger. So, when I turned eighteen, I got them anyway. My hair also has different colors in it constantly.

  “I would never leave Joshua and Ruth alone together in a hotel room. Ruth is at my apartment this week because we needed some sister bonding time. Once the wedding gets closer, we might not be seeing each other as much. This is a good potential job for them. Why would you keep them from it? You’re not retiring anytime soon, and this would bring them closer to us, instead of staying in Kentucky. Isn’t that what we want? Ruth and Joshua are doing everything right, so is it me? Wouldn’t it be better to have someone with them, instead of no one at all? You trust Ruth, but it’s me that you don’t, and I get that. I’m never going to be Ruth, and I’m the wild-child demon. I hear the whispers.” I tell him, when he looks shocked. “So, we are going, and please, don’t make her choose between you or Joshua, because you may not like the outcome.” I state, as I start to leave.

  “I never said that you were a disappointment.” He tells me.

  “You didn’t have to, but your sermons are a good indication.” I walk out of the room, kissing my mom good night, and then head back to my place. I sit in my car a few minutes, before finally heading upstairs. I sigh, as I trek up the long stairs. I wish this building had an elevator some days, but these stairs work wonders on my legs and ass. I sneak into the house and notice that Ruth is now wearing her pajamas.

  “I grabbed a piece of pizza.” She tells me, as she snuggles in with Annie. “Shut up.”

  “I didn’t think you liked her that close to you.” I laugh, flopping down into the recliner.

  “She’s a good little cuddler, until she starts snoring. I see Joshua left in a hurry. Sorry, wine is not my friend.”

  “You never drink. Are you stressed out?” Ruth’s phone starts to ring, and from her smile, it’s Joshua. I get up to shut down my laptop, as I hear her laughing, and the tone in her voice is nothing but love. I feel a ping of jealousy. I want that.

  I tell her goodnight and get ready for bed. When I get to my room, I open my laptop to a message from Zack.

  Zachary Sanders

  After Kelly picks me up, we head straight to the church. I can’t wait to see Alec. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. They’re all inside doing their program, and Kelly has me follow her, since she knows her way into the church without Alec seeing me. Once we’re at the door where he’s at, Kelly opens it quietly. The pastor is the one teaching the class, and he’s the only one to notices us.

  “You know what guys. I think it’s time we say a prayer. Close your eyes and bow your head.” The pastor starts a prayer, but motions for me to come to the front. Once he says Amen, everyone lifts their head.

  “Dad!” I hear Alec’s voice loudly, as he gets out of his chair, leaping into my arms. We’re both crying at this point. “You’re home.” He cries into my neck, as I hear lots of applause, and then hear the pastor dismiss the class to the chapel. I put Alec down to look at him, as I wipe my tears.

  “You’ve grown up so much. Let me look at you.” I look at him, as I see those beautiful hazel eyes, shimmering back at me, as he blinks, trying to wipe the tears away. “After you called me, I got the news that I was coming home. I wanted to surprise you.”

  “I’m so excited that you did. What are we going to do now?” He asks.

  “Well, you need to finish church, and then we’re going out to dinner.” He locks onto me and doesn’t let go. We sit in the back of the church, and he clutches me, as I kiss the top of his head. His brown hair tickles my nose. This is what I’ve been missing. I love this kid. He’s my reason for breathing. Once the church ends, Alec’s trying to drag me away from everyone that’s talking to me.

  “I’ll see you on Sunday. I have a kid wanting some attention.” I laugh, as I almost fall down the stairs. “Slow down, kid.” Kelly, Alec, and I get into my truck, as I drive through town. Alec wants Golden Corral, and I’m not about to say no to him. We sit down, and Alec’s telling everyone that his dad just got home. I try not to blush, but it’s hard not to, because there’s so much attention on us.

  “Dad, what are we doing this weekend?” He asks, talking in between mouthfuls of food.

  “You have a birthday party, and I’m going to go see your grandmother.”

  “I don’t have to go.” He whines.

  “It’s either your slumber party, or you come with me.” I can tell his choice quickly, as he starts telling me about the birthday party. My phone dings, letting me know that I have a new email. I smile that dorky smile that I get, when I see her name, and Kelly notices. “What song are you learning for the Veteran’s Day Parade?”

  “God Bless the U.S.A” by Lee Greenwood. It’s a cool song. Will you be here for Veteran’s Day? You can come to the special presentation.”

  “I’ll try buddy, but I don’t know when I’ll be called away.” He looks sad now. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I know you have a lot of people that need to be saved. You’re a superhero.”

  “I’m no superhero. I’m just your dad.” He smiles at me.

  We end up getting ice cream at Dairy Queen, before heading home. He’s completely bouncing off the walls, and I’m okay with that.

  “Alright, Alec. It’s time for your shower and nighttime routine,” Kelly tells him, and he starts to whine, as she looks to me.

  “Listen to your Aunt Kelly. Nothing changes now that I’m home.” I remind him.

  We always go through a couple of rough days by pushing the limits, when I first get home. I made a promise to Kelly that I’ll try to keep her schedule.

  “Can I sleep with you, though?” Kelly laughs, as I nod my head. He hugs us both, and then heads upstairs.

  “He’s never going to sleep tonight.” She tells me.

  “I know, but it’s my first night back, so it’s routine,” I tell her, as I walk around my house. I’ve missed being here. It’s
my place of comfort. My home. I sigh, as I get to the kitchen, and Kelly is sitting at the table with a stack of envelopes. “What’s all this?”

  “Bills. It’s my nightly routine, after church night. You don’t know how long you’ll be home for?” She asks me, as I grab a beer from the fridge.

  “No clue. I’m hoping for a while, but I’ve been thinking about retirement. I can’t keep doing this to him and you.”

  “We’re fine as long as you keep coming home.” She smiles at me.

  “But don’t you want to get married? I know I do. I want a family with Alec and more kids running around here. I miss him so much, when I’m not here. Skype just isn’t enough.”

  “What has gotten into you?” She laughs.

  “Can I tell you something?” I lean forward on the table. “I signed up for the Outreach Program with the church, and I’ve been emailing this woman from Nashville. She’s funny, smart, and has an old soul, like me. We’ve been talking nonstop, since I sent her my initial letter.”

  “She’s why you were smiling like a dork at supper.” She laughs out loud.

  “Yes.” Alec comes running down the stairs.

  “Aunt Kelly, I forgot I have that project due tomorrow.” He looks at her sheepishly.

  “All of the supplies are on the counter. Get to it.” She tells him, and he jumps to it.

  “Kelly, thank you for doing this for him. Well, for us actually. I don’t know how I would do it without you being here.” I tell her, and now, it’s her turn to smile like a dork and blush.

  “I’m going to get a shower. I’ve been through so many airports today.” I kiss both of them on the top of the head, as I grab my bags and carry them upstairs. I did all of the repairs in my aunt and uncle’s house. We wanted to make sure that Alec has a good childhood. My best memories are in this house. There are four bedrooms upstairs and a bathroom. I made my bedroom the master, so I have my own bathroom, and I don’t have to share. Kelly sleeps downstairs, which also has a full bathroom.