Rebirthing in your arms

by Pilar Lepe

  “Evelyn?”

  “Mom? How was your trip? Did you get home OK?”

  “Yes sweetie, I’m with your father.”

  “How is he?”

  “Good love, he’s happy that we’re talking again.”

  “OK mom, one step at a time.”

  “Do you want to talk to dad?”

  “Not today, maybe some other day.”

  “Alright, I’ll tell him.”

  “I just want to tell you to call me whatever you need. Don’t mind the time.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m fine. The only thing I want to say to you is to live your life. I’ll let you go now, give Mark a hug for me.”

  “I will mom. Goodbye, take care.”

  “Thank you sweetie. Bye.”

  After hanging up, she thought she had done wrong when she didn’t want to talk to her father, but she wasn’t ready, she had too many emotions mixed up together right now in so little time. She shook her head to shake her sad thought away and dressed quickly to go with Sarah. When she was going down, she was thinking on what to tell her when she saw something on the corner of her eye that caught her attention and made her go back. On top on the table by the kitchen door, there was an envelope that looked familiar to her; it was the plastic envelope with the plane tickets. She took it with the intention of putting it away to give it back to her mother, but she was sure she had done that already, she opened it to make sure the tickets were still there, and she was surprised to see a pink paper that was not there before, she remembered her mother used to write her notes on a paper with the same color. She opened it knowing she should, but she was curious.

  Sweetie:

  I insist you take this trip, dad and I would be happy if you accept the gift. Please don’t take it as a bribe, just take it as it is, a gift with love. Don’t worry about us, we will be fine. Who knows if your destiny is out there in that faraway land.

  With love,

  Mom.

  Evelyn was looking at the plane tickets feeling perplexed. It was a round-way trip to Greece, fifteen days all expenses paid at a hotel at Mykonos. She read them twice and she put them back in the envelope to put in in her night stand. After making sure the envelope was safe, she headed to the door and went downstairs.

  “Oh Sarah! Please forgive me, it wasn’t my intention to fall asleep, but it happened and when I woke up, I realized how long I left you alone. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t mention it. You have nothing to worry about. Truth is it has been slow, besides Mark is here and he has been helping me out.”

  “Already? I didn’t even hear him come in.”

  “He hasn’t gone upstairs, when I told him you were resting, he thought it would be a good idea to stay here. He left his things behind the counter.”

  “Where is he now? Did he go out?”

  “He left to make an important deliver for a funeral. Were you able to rest?”

  “Yes, I was really stressed out and I hadn’t even noticed it.”

  “Sarah, she left it again.”

  “What? Who?”

  “Sorry, the envelope with the plane tickets in it for Greece, from my mother.”

  “What are you talking about, I don’t understand.”

  “Maybe I didn’t tell you, I don’t remember. The thing is on my birthday, Mark gave me an envelope and there were plane tickets in it to Greece, it was from my mother and I didn’t want them. Well, now that she was here I gave them back, but just right now before coming down, I saw the envelope again, I thought she had forgotten them, but when I opened the envelope again I realized she didn’t, and there was even a note on a pink paper, and now the trip is for fifteen days instead of a week at a hotel in Mykonos.

  “Wow!”

  “That’s the same thing I thought.”

  “Are you going?”

  “I’d like to, but I shouldn’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “After all we’ve been through, I know we’ll try to understand each other, but accepting a gift this big, maybe it will make me look like a gold digger.”

  “Do you think she’s trying to bribe you?”

  “At first I thought she did, but my mom is so proud. I never saw her give in for anyone, ever.”

  “Maybe old age and her health are making her think things through.”

  “I don’t know, it could be. I see she has gotten softer.”

  “If you don’t accept the gift, you might be acting the same way, don’t you think?”

  “You think?”

  “In some ways you act more like her than you think, I figured from what I know about your life. Make that trip, think you’d be making someone happy.”

  “OK, I’ll think about it, but could you manage on your own for fifteen days?”

  “We’ll figure something out, there are always options.”

  “OK. Now tell me, now that you have been alone all day, do you want to leave early?”

  “You don’t even have to tell me twice. I’ll finish cleaning the preservative and I’ll leave.”

  “That’s the attitude. Tell Jimmy to come and see me one of these days.”

  “I will, if he gets away from his videogames for a second.”

  Sarah left and Evelyn started to daydream about her trip. They said Mykonos was really pretty, she would look for information on the internet later on, since the only thing she knew was that it was an island surrounded by beautiful beaches. She imagined getting waking up covered by a white quilt, having breakfast at the terrace and looking over at the room beside her, probably a rich business guy names Stavros or something like that. She laughed shaking her head. A rich business guy would not be at a hotel, probably at his own yacht somewhere.

  “Mom!”

  “Hi son, come give me a hug.”

  “Are you daydreaming, or you’re at the moon?”

  “Fantasizing the truth.”

  “With what?”

  “Greece.”

  “Did you change your mind?”

  “I think so, I still haven’t decided yet, but I think I’ll do it.”

  “Great, go and enjoy.”

  “You’re not against it?”

  “Have fun mom, you should do it now, not when you have an oxygen tank beside you.” Mark laughed at the image.

  “Are you saying I’m old?”

  “No, I’m just saying...”

  “Wait,” she interrupted laughing, “It’s the phone.”

  She took out the phone that was vibrating in her jeans, when she saw who it was she stopped laughing.

  “Sam?”

  Chapter 14

  “How are you?”

  “Good, how about you?”

  “I started off with a lot of work.”

  “Is it what you hoped for?”

  “Yes, and a lot more. It is a real challenge. What about you?”

  “Mom left today in the morning. She has cancer, which was the real reason why she came.”

  “Cancer?”

  “Yes. She came to San Francisco because the General Hospital has a new medicine, still under experimentation.”

  “Yes I’ve heard of it, it’s German.”

  “She didn’t give me the name, she just said it was an aggressive cancer according to the doctor that’s treating her in Michigan.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Later give me the name of the doctor that’s treating her over at Michigan to see if I could contact him.”

  “Alright, truth is I didn’t even ask his name, I just know that the old doctor was Harris and he’s dead. He was our doctor.”

  “Have you missed me?” He asked changing the subject rapidly.

  “Impossible not to, we’ve been together a long time and I got used to having you around.”

  “I’d love for you to tell me some other way, but what are we going to do.”

  “Sam...”

  “No, it’s not my intention to pressure you, I was just thinking out l
oud.”

  “We agreed to visit each other, remember?”

  “The wait will feel like forever.”

  “You had the option to choose. I think you lost your patience.”

  “Maybe I chose wrong because I thought that if I moved away, you’d realize that you love me. But I think I was wrong.”

  “I never promised you I would, I could sound selfish, but it would be more selfish to have you by my side without loving you back the way you want to and deserve to.”

  “I know and I understand. I’m thinking I could go in two weeks.”

  “I won’t be here, I’m going to Greece.” There was a long silence from the other side of the line. “Sam?”

  “Well call me when you return.” He said and hung up.

  Evelyn wasn’t sure why Sam was upset about her trip. Was it because she was going alone, without him? He had left, he abandoned the ship. Though she had not promised to love him, maybe it could’ve happened with time but he gave up too soon.

  “Sam didn’t like the idea of the trip.” She told Mark.

  “He is in love mom.”

  “I never promised him anything, beside he was the one who left.”

  “He left for work.”

  “You’re a guy and that’s why it makes sense to you. The man that truly loves me would not ask me to leave everything the next day just to go with me. I’m not fifteen anymore, I deserve some respect!”

  “Sorry, you’re also right. You both are, you’re just not meant for each other.”

  “I told you once; it is very different to be dating than it is to live together as a couple.”

  “Can we change the subject?”

  “I think we should.”

  “Well, Deb’s parents are inviting us for a BBQ next Sunday.”

  “A BBQ? At their house? I thought things were going slow between you two.”

  “I told you.”

  “True. Informal?”

  “Very informal, you could bring your bathing suit if you want.”

  “Why didn’t they have a dinner party instead?”

  “Because Deb’s father loves BBQ’s and family gatherings, he never makes dinner parties with an elegant tablecloth.”

  “We haven’t been introduced and now I have to meet her whole family.” She said annoyed.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll do great.”

  The next days were hectic for Evelyn since she had to leave everything ready for the days she was not going to be there; she left Sarah in charge and Mark managing the costs to buy the flowers and everything they needed, and one of Sarah’s niece would come to help her out. Sarah would help with the deliveries. She trusted her friend completely, she didn’t doubt her responsibility.

  Saturday afternoon, she went to buy a new dress, something casual for the BBQ. Though Mark had told her it was informal, she wouldn’t wear jeans she would use every day. She bought a dress printed with flowers, comfortable sandals and a big bag matching her dress to carry her bathing suit. She was just hoping to blend in since she knew nothing about Deb’s family, especially her mom. She didn’t know if she was older or one of those moms trying to compete with her daughter looking ridiculous. Even though she had a great body, Evelyn’s preferences were more conservative, her style was accordingly to her age.

  Sunday at lunch, Evelyn was very nervous; she had not gone to an event like this since the fatal birthday party. She had always declined every invitation making up excuses, but she couldn’t do this to Mark.

  “Mom, are you feeling OK?”

  “Why do you ask?” Evelyn was brushing her hair with the bathroom door opened.

  “You’re nervous...Ah! It’s because of the BBQ. We can cancel if you want.”

  “No way, I’ll get over it, it’s just silly. Are you ready?”

  “It’s only noon. It’s too early.”

  “Well, if we get there before it starts, I can help preparing a salad or something. Did you get wine?”

  “Yes, I bought some Cabernet bottles, though I think most of them are going to lean towards the beer, it’s the most common drink in these events.”

  “Doesn’t matter, if they don’t drink it, they could save it for another time. You haven’t told me what they do for a living, I have to know what to talk about.”

  “Ralph is a lawyer.” Mark said with half of smile. “And Amy works in landscaping.”

  “Landscaping? I suppose we’ll have something to talk about.”

  “I’m sure you will. Should we go then?”

  “Did you feed Simba?”

  “Yes, food and water.”

  “By the way, we’ll take a cab.”

  “No, we’ll take the van.”

  “You’ll be able to drink beer.”

  “You know I don’t drink and I will never drink!”

  “Sorry. But not everyone turns into an alcoholic.”

  “I know, but I never will. I’ve seen a lot of men ruining their lives because of the alcohol.”

  “We won’t talk about this again. Friends?”

  “Friends, I can’t get mad at you. OK Madame, take my arm and let’s go. Are you taking your bikini?” He asked laughing.

  “No, I don’t want to give anyone a heart attack.” She answered winking at him.

  Chapter 15

  The house of Deb’s parents was located in a modern sub-division area with Mediterranean style at one of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento. It was a white concrete building with two floors. At the front there was a canopy holding a purple climbing plant. Evelyn identified as bougainvillea.

  “You didn’t tell me they were rich.” She said annoyed.

  “Does it matter?”

  “You don’t have this kind of money.”

  “Deb doesn’t either; his parents have money, not her. They have the policy in which their kids have to make their own money.”

  “I hope so.”

  They both remained silent when they head footsteps approaching from inside. The door opened silently and a lady who was smiling and had rosy cheeks greeted them excitedly.

  “Mark!” The lady hugged him affectionately. “Finally we meet.” She said looking at Evelyn.

  “Evelyn Thomas, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Eve said serious.

  “Don’t be so proper, you can call me Amy.” She said with a big smile on her face while taking the wine bottles from Mark.

  “Well then, you can call me Eve.” Evelyn responded with relief.

  “Mark, could you take Eve to the guest room to leave her stuff there? We’re at the pool.”

  “Of course Amy, we’ll be there in a second.”

  “Guest room?” she murmured.

  “They’re hospitable.” He responded the same way.

  When they went out the garden, Evelyn was speechless admiring all the space. The pool at the side and the BBQ had a semi-circle leaving a wonderful view of a waterfall around three meters high, with huge plants surrounding it; it looked like a rain forest.

  “Wow!” It was all she could say. Mark looked at her and shrugged.

  “You’re shocked.” Said the owner of the house with a big smile on his face showing his white teeth contrasting his tanned skin. “Ralph Hamilton, nice to meet you, sorry if I don’t shake your hand, but they’re kind of dirty.”

  “Don’t worry about it. You’re right, I’m speechless.”

  “We went on a trip years ago and included an excursion to the Amazon river and Amy fell in love with a lagoon that we saw where they let us swim, so I had to make her one.”

  “I’ve only seen pictures, but the back looks really good, it looks natural.”

  “It was a lot of work finding that shade of green, but it was worth it. In winter we put in warm water, but not too much since in here it is not really necessary.”

  “That’s what I love about California, it’s not as cold as...”

  “Michigan? Mark told us you’re from there.”

  “It’s true. Where is Amy? She’s not around.�
�� Evelyn asked to change the subject.

  “She went to the supermarket with Deb, we hadn’t realized that we were missing some stuff. Do you want something to drink, a beer?”

  “Just juice, please.”

  “You take care of yourself huh? Mark didn’t tell us his mother was very young.”

  “You’re wrong, I turned forty months ago.”

  “You look like thirty.”

  Evelyn was starting to feel uncomfortable when Deb and her mother appeared.

  “Good you’re here.” The girl said hugging her. “Don’t mind dad, he always has to seem like a suitor.”

  “We were talking about the garden.” Eve said giving Ralph a warning look.

  “Soon other guests will arrive, just family.” Amy said looking at Evelyn.

  “What can I help you with?”

  “You could come with me to the kitchen, that way we can still chat.”

  “You just have to give me an apron.” Evelyn said as they walked towards the kitchen.

  “No need, Carmen has almost everything ready. We just need dessert and it’s prepared, we just have to serve it. I bought raspberry pie, Mark told us it was your favorite.”

  “But you didn’t have to bother.”

  “You are our special guest today, I don’t understand why we didn’t meet sooner.”

  “I didn’t know the kids were serious. Mark doesn’t talk much.”

  “Total opposite from my husband.” Amy said laughing. “But I love him.”

  “Mark told me you work in landscaping.”

  “Yes, although I haven’t worked in the field for a while, Ralph doesn’t want me to work, he says if there’s no need, why do it at all?”

  “Your husband has a good job then.”

  “It wasn’t always like that, he spent many years at the Public Defender’s office. He was tired of working too much for too little. Once he got a private case, they wanted him because he had great credentials. At first he didn’t want to, he wasn’t sure whether to defend an actor, but he won the case and the pay was great. Now all his clients are in show business: divorces, pensions, car crashes, whatever except for crime.