The Weird Travels of Aimee Schmidt: Seeking Others

by J. A. Schreckenbach

  Jill jumped in, “Aimee, why didn't you two tell us?”

  She shrugged. “Dylan was concerned what you would think, I guess.”

  “Does your father know you two are going to live together?” Jill asked.

  “Yes, ma'am,” she answered peering around the table at the tense faces. She tried to assess what they were thinking. Dylan, where the hell are you when I need you? she thought. Aimee glanced up at Greg. He looked like he was ready to explode, but he sat back down with Gretchen's insistence, although he didn't pull back to the table.

  Paul finally said something. “Well, Dylan's really focused on football and school. And I know just how crazy he is about Aimee. I imagine this will be a good thing for him. He'll have his cake and eat it, too.” Jill jabbed his arm and fired a dirty look at him. “What?” he asked. “I'm just saying it like it is. Kids nowadays usually live together first instead of jumping into marriage. I think that's a good thing. Divorce can be a hard thing to go through, as you and I both know.”

  Jill and Greg stared at Paul. All three were silent for a long time. Gretchen awkwardly watched Greg and Jill as they dealt with this unexpected news involving their son.

  “Well,” Jill started first, “I guess I have to agree with Paul. Divorce is hard on those it affects...” She glanced at Greg, who still wasn't thawing to the idea, then she looked at Aimee and continued, “...and I know just how much Dylan loves you. He's made it clear he plans on spending the rest of his life with you. I guess if you two are set on doing this, it'll work out.” Jill smiled at Aimee, who managed to return a slight smile.

  But Greg's façade hadn't softened. He had been quiet for the past few minutes. Now it was his turn. He stood up and stared dolefully at Aimee. Their eyes interlocked. He couldn't hold it in any longer. He stated, “Since Dylan was a little boy, all he wanted to be was a pro football player. He's worked his ass off getting to where he is, despite all of the interference he's encountered.” He paused briefly, still staring Aimee down. “All I can see is everything going to hell if he does this. I, for one, won't support it. If he moves out of the dorm, and in with you, I'll not give him another cent.”

  “Greg!” Jill and Gretchen exclaimed together. Greg gestured he was through with them and dinner. He stormed out of the dining room. Gretchen looked at everyone with tears in her eyes, and said quietly, “I'm so sorry. Let me go talk to him. You all please continue with dinner.” She got up and hurried after Greg.

  Paul looked at Jill. Jill looked at Paul, then both looked at Aimee. She swallowed hard. Her stomach sat in her throat. She couldn't talk, much less continue dinner. She shrugged, then softly said through the lump in her throat, “I'm so sorry for ruining dinner.” The tears wouldn't stay behind the lids. She jumped up and quickly ran out the front door, down the driveway, then out into the street.

  Aimee walked, and walked, and walked until she thought she had worn blisters on the bottom of both feet. The boots weren't made for walking, obviously, but she couldn't go back, at least not until she calmed down and quit crying. She had made a mess of dinner, and worse, Dylan's relationship with his dad, not that it was great, but at least until tonight the two were on speaking terms. Aimee didn't want to be the one to tell Dylan that instead of charming his old man, she destroyed the relationship between the three of them. At least Jill seemed to accept the idea after Paul spoke his peace.

  Aimee didn't know how long she had been gone, but things didn't look familiar any longer. At least she could rest at the park ahead on the next block. It looked empty for the moment. Aimee walked over to the swings and sat down in the rubber seat and wrapped her arms around the thick chains. She left her cell phone in Paul's car in her hasty exodus so she couldn't even call Dylan or James or Sacha or Chels, not that she really felt like talking. But she really wanted to hear a friendly voice. Aimee sat there dragging her boots through the sand under the swing. She felt numb. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She knew Greg didn't like her, but she never thought he would threaten to cut his son off if he moved in with her. She sighed one very long sigh. Life really sucked at the moment.

  The sun was getting low in the sky when Paul's SUV slowly crept by. Paul spotted her and quickly detoured into the parking lot. A couple kids and their parents were still playing at the other side of the playground. Paul got out of the vehicle and slowly started her way. She looked up and noticed him. In a few seconds, he reached her.

  He asked, “Can I join you?”

  Aimee nodded.

  Paul squeezed his body into the small, rubber seat, then said, “I haven't sat in one of these since I was a kid. It feels a lot smaller than it used to.”

  A chuckle bubbled up and out of Aimee. “Well, they’re not made for big people like us.”

  “You don't look like you're having a problem,” he commented.

  Aimee smiled, then looked down at her boots poking at the sand underneath her. They sat quietly as the sun started to set and the park lights began to come on.

  Finally Paul interrupted the peace. “You okay?” he asked.

  “Not really.”

  He cleared his throat, then said, “Dylan tried calling you after you left, and when he couldn’t get you on your phone, he called his mom. Jill talked to him about what happened.”

  Aimee moaned. Dylan's relationship with his dad was tenuous. And she had screwed up and caused World War III between Greg and him. There wasn't any way she could go through with moving in with Dylan now. She couldn't live with herself being the cause of this kind of friction.

  “He must hate me,” she said deflated.

  “No, he doesn't, Aimee. Actually, just the opposite. He's so proud that you held your ground with Greg. Trust me, we may be good friends, but I know just how he works. Greg's always had a need to be in control of everything, and Dylan hasn't always done what he wanted in the way he wanted. And that's okay. Dylan has a good head on his shoulders. No matter what he decides to do, with or without his dad's help, he'll do okay as long as he has your support.”

  Aimee glanced over at Paul. He sounded like a man who understood just how determined his stepson was. He didn't plan on squashing Dylan's fierce determination, and, he knew how much his stepson loved her.

  “I'll let you in on a little secret. Greg and Jill lived together in college...”

  “What!” she exclaimed. “Dylan never told me that.”

  “Yeah, well, I don't think his parents ever shared that with him. Greg's father was so opposed with them living together that he cut Greg off, and that only made Greg work harder to prove to his father he didn't need his money, or his blessing. Not only did he pay his way through school, he also started up his business on his own dime. And look what he's done. It hasn't been easy, but he's fought his way to the top, even though it cost him his marriage...” Paul stopped for a second, snickered, then continued, “...which I am thankful for every day.”

  Aimee shook her head. “I didn't know any of this.”

  “And you wouldn't have, because no one's ever shared this story with Dylan.”

  “Why?” she asked. “It doesn't make sense parents not telling their kids experiences like this.” Suddenly she stopped and realized what she had just said. Her own father covered up the truth about her mother. Maybe all parents kept secrets from their kids because they thought they were protecting them, even if it didn't. “But...” Aimee stopped to be sure what she wanted to say, “...well, what I mean is Mr. Townsend seems to be repeating the same mistake that his father made with him. No one wins when only one person gets to have their way.”

  Paul smiled. “You know, Dylan is one lucky guy. He has a very smart girlfriend.”

  She smiled back. After a few seconds Aimee asked, “So how does Jill feel about her son moving in with me?”

  “Well, of course it was a surprise since Dylan hadn't said a word to her, and she always thought Dylan could tell her anything. She knows how much Dylan loves you. And she knows just how hard-headed he is when he
makes up his mind to do something. It's not worth creating a divide between the two of them. She doesn't agree with Greg. She feels Dylan and you will be just fine, and it won't change anything with Dylan continuing football after college, if that's what he's destined to do. So, he has her support, our support, emotionally and financially.”

  “Oh wow!” Aimee exclaimed. “That's so wonderful.” Paul got out of the swing and held out his hand to Aimee. Aimee took it and he pulled her out of the swing. She hugged Paul and said softly, “Thank you.”

  He leaned back and answered, “You're family, Aimee, and family helps family.”

  They walked slowly through the dark park only lit now by the street lamps. After reaching the SUV, Paul opened the passenger door. Aimee climbed in and secured her seat belt. Her cell phone was in the console. She had three calls and a text from Dylan. Paul got in just then and started the vehicle. Aimee tapped the message and it opened.

  I love you...all my heart...call me when you get this message

  Aimee waited until they pulled into the driveway. Her ragged nerves took over. This was Greg's house, and the last time she saw him, he made it very clear he didn't approve of his son's relationship with her.

  Aimee said, “I'm not sure I'm really welcome here.”

  Paul shifted the Lexus into Park, then turned off the engine. “Well, I've known Greg for a long time. He acts like a hard-nose. He blows up, and then later he realizes what an ass he is, and he feels remorse, and usually makes amends, especially when it comes to his son. It may take some time for him to resolve this conflict within himself, but I think he'll behave while we're here...or Gretchen will make his life hell.” He grinned, then opened his door and said, “Come on in. Jill and Gretchen have a dinner plate for you in the frig. And we're waiting for you before the pies are cut.”

  She managed a smile. “Thanks, Paul, for coming after me. Let them know I'll be in, in a minute. I wanna call Dylan first.”

  Paul said, “Okay. Take your time.” He shut his door and walked up the steps and into the house.

  She grabbed the phone and hit Dylan's number. On the first ring he answered.

  “Hey, babe,” he greeted.

  “Hi.”

  “Listen, Aimee, I'm so sorry about Dad. I shouldn't have been so insistent about you going today.”

  She quickly responded, “No, Dylan, it's okay. You know, out of something bad comes something good. I don't think your dad will like me any better after today, but at least I know where I stand with him. And we'll be okay if we live together. I'm just sorry I was the one who caused the storm.”

  Dylan said, “I'm sorry. I should have told them all before now.” After a few seconds, Dylan added, “I love you, Miss Schmidt.”

  “I love you, Mr. Townsend, with all my heart.”

  “I'll call you in the morning, but I don't think I'll get to see you all day.”

  “Darn,” she answered. “Well, just keep your mind in the game. Not one thought about today, or your dad. I'm a big girl. I'll be okay, and at some point you and your father can mend fences, if not for yourself, for me, all right?”

  She could hear Dylan gritting his teeth through the phone.

  “Dylan, please.”

  He sighed. “I'll be focused one hundred percent tomorrow. But I'm not sure about mending fences.”

  There wasn't any point in pushing Dylan any more tonight about his dad. “I miss you, sweetheart.”

  “Oh man, you don't know how much I miss you.”

  “Remember, you have to win tomorrow because I'll there cheering for the Bears. Get a good night sleep.”

  Dylan said, “I will. Love you and sleep tight. I'll call you in the morning.”

  “Love you, too.” She hung up and inhaled deeply. Aimee didn't know what waited for her in the house, but they had Paul and Jill's support, and even Gretchen's, so she could handle anything Mr. Greg Townsend dished out.

  After a few minutes she decided she better not make them wait on her any longer. She eased out of the SUV and crept up the sidewalk, then the steps, and finally opened the front door. Paul was walking through the entry on the way to the entertainment room with a big slice of mince meat pie. He held the plate up and said with a grin, “Sorry, but we couldn't wait any longer.”

  “That's all right. I'm not sure I feel like eating anything.”

  Next Jill started through, also with a plate full of pie. Aimee's pie. She had her mouth full, but stopped when she saw her and remarked, “Wow, Aimee, this is the best apple pie I've ever eaten. I want your recipe.”

  “Thanks,” she smiled. “I'll get it to you.”

  Jill walked back into the dining room and put down her plate on the table. Aimee followed her into the dining room. Jill turned around and asked, “How are you holding up?” She gestured for her to take a seat. Jill pulled out the chair and Aimee sat down, then Jill sat in her chair.

  Tears started to bubble up, even though Aimee promised herself she wouldn't get emotional. Jill got up and stepped to the buffet where the pies had been moved, and grabbed a paper napkin.

  “Here,” she said and handed it to Aimee.

  “Thanks,” said Aimee. She dabbed at her eyes, then wiped her nose. Aimee waited until she could speak without falling apart. Jill waited patiently, her hand placed tenderly over Aimee's on the table. Finally Aimee could feel the water start to turn off and she began, “Jill, I'm sooo sorry for ruining dinner today.” She could feel the moisture start to well up again. Aimee stopped and wiped at her eyes.

  Jill just smiled and shook her head. “Oh, Aimee, you didn't ruin anything. I'm sorry you had to endure Greg's wrath. Now you can see why we're divorced,” she consoled while she eased back into her chair and crossed her legs. “I have to admit, it was a surprise, but not an earth shattering one. The biggest shock was that Dylan didn't discuss it with me. He's always been so good about sharing big decisions with me, but I guess we were so insistent that he stay in the dorm when he first started school, that he didn't feel like he had any control in this decision. If you haven't noticed, he and his father don't always communicate very well, so I might have expected him not to tell his dad the two of you were gonna live together, but then again, Greg's paying for what his scholarship doesn't cover. Anyway, Paul and I have actually thought the two of you might just bypass getting engaged, and surprise us with an announcement that you got married. So, I was somewhat relieved that you were just going to live together. Dylan's my only child, and when the two of you get married, I hope you'll have a special wedding.”

  “Wow,” Aimee replied. “Thanks for sharing this with me. It really helps. So, how do I get Mr. Townsend to like me, or at least accept that Dylan and I plan on spending our lives together, and I don't plan on interfering with his football career, or law school, or whatever he decides to do?”

  “Hmmm,” Jill started, “that's a good question. Short of you two doing everything he thinks you should do, which you shouldn't, I would say just keep proving to him that Dylan will continue to stay focused with football and school, and nothing changes until he's reached his goals, even if they’re not what his dad thinks he should achieve. Greg will just have to come to terms it's Dylan's life, not his.” She stopped when she saw the worried look on Aimee's face and reached out and touched her arm, then continued, “Aimee, I know, without a doubt, that Dylan loves you with all his heart, and I also know he plans on spending his life with you. He's told me so. But the best thing you two can do is to stay on track and finish school, and support each other while you move along, despite what challenges lie ahead. And trust me, Greg loves his son, but he'll always be a pain. He doesn't compromise very well.”

  Aimee pondered Jill's advice. After a long moment she said, “Well, maybe we shouldn't move in together...”

  Jill interrupted, “No, don't change your plans because of Greg. Dylan will dig his feet even further in the sand and it will create even a deeper divide between the two. Paul and I certainly have the resources. We don't thin
k its in his best interest to worry about working while he's in school, especially since so much of his time is spent with football. We'll cover everything for Dylan, and if the two of you are living together, you don't have to worry about the apartment, the utilities, the food, any of that cost.”

  “Oh my,” Aimee said with tears clouding her eyes, “thank you.”

  Jill smiled at her, “Well, enough about all this. Are you hungry?”

  “Yeah, I am a little.”

  “Why don't you go into the kitchen and get the plate in the refrigerator Gretchen fixed and heat it in the microwave, then come join us with a piece of pie and coffee. We're watching football in the entertainment room.”

  “Mr. Townsend's in there?” Aimee asked.

  “Yep, but trust me, he'll behave or Gretchen and I both will make his life hell.”

  Aimee sucked in a deep breath and managed a limp smile. “Thanks, Jill. I appreciate your help. I'm just sorry I created so much chaos today.”

  “No apologies, dear. You didn't do anything except be honest with us. Now go get something to eat.”

  After scarfing down her plate of food, Aimee grabbed a piece of pie and a cup of coffee and went searching for the entertainment room. It looked like a small theater with a mammoth flat screen on the wall and eight plush recliners with drink holders and a side table. Everyone looked up when she came in. And everyone, but Greg, greeted her. He at least nodded. She nodded back and took the chair behind Jill and sat down. Obviously a football game was on, but she wasn't sure who was playing because her mind was stuck in the earlier events of the day. She couldn't believe how messed up it had been, and yet how it turned out. Of course, Greg wasn't giving in, but at least they had Paul and Jill's support. She really felt bad Dylan and his father were on the outs with each other, especially since Aimee was the reason. She just had to prove to Greg, somehow, that she wasn't going to cause his son to get off course.

  The next day started a bit better. She managed to get a run in. Aimee waited until Greg returned from his, then she took off. After returning, Aimee showered, made up her bed, and repacked. They took off in a convoy of two vehicles headed for the stadium around noon for the tailgate party. The game was exciting. And despite doing her best at shouting them on to victory, the Bears lost, which blew Dylan's theory that they always won when Aimee was in the stands. Greg gloated after his alma mater won. Even though Aimee knew he was upset with his son, he still wanted him to do well on the field despite playing for the rival team. Dylan didn't even get to play today. Aimee figured Greg blamed her for Dylan not getting on the field. After the game, they didn't get to see Dylan. He had to stay with the team. But they hung around for a while visiting with a bunch of people who Greg, Gretchen, Jill and even Paul knew from the years Greg had spent going to WC games. Aimee hung in the background and visited with a couple who worked for Greg. They seemed really nice. Finally Paul signaled they needed to leave and everyone bid good-byes. The women hugged. Paul and Greg shook hands. Then was Aimee's time with Mr. Townsend. No way would she leave holding a grudge.