Back to You

by Annie Brewer

  “I’m sorry. We do have some time before I leave. I still have to check the internet for apartments.” She smiles and grabs my hand. “No, actually I was coming in here to tell you that your father arranged a place for you to stay.”

  I draw my eyebrows up in surprise. “Really? How? Where?” I was lost for words. Getting to know my father has been pretty great. We’ve gone out to dinner a few times since the family gathering. He told me he would try to help me find an affordable place to stay. But I did not expect him to go off and find a place for me to stay all on his own. I smile. “Well that was kind of him.” My mother smoothes my hair away from my face, tenderly. I really wish she had moved on and found someone by now. I hate that I am leaving her all alone. I lay my head on her shoulder.

  “Yes, he’s really trying and it’s pretty obvious he wants to be more involved in your life. Oh and by the way, he wants you to come over. He’s got a surprise for you or something.” Then she is lost in thought but quickly changes her expression. “I want you to know Abby; I don’t want you to worry about me.”

  “What do you mean?” I know what she means, but I am feigning innocence.

  “I mean with you leaving. I know you’re upset that I haven’t been dating since your father. But really, I will be fine.” I lift my head up to meet her eyes. “Well, now you can date. With me gone, you can bring guys home and not worry about me being in the way or act all judgmental.” I tease, then point in warning. “But don’t bring any losers home. You need a good man who will take care of you and one that I will have to approve of.”

  “Oh I’m sure Sarah will make sure he’s a good man. You know her, she’s got to have a say in everything.”

  “I’m going to miss everyone. I’ll miss home too. Being on my own is not something I am used to and I gotta say, it’s a little scary.” She wraps her arms around my shoulders. My mind wanders off to what it will be like living in New York. It’s such a big place for someone like me.

  “You’re going to be fine. Everyone has those feelings of intimidation and overwhelm when they first live on their own. But if I know one thing for sure, you’re a strong person. You can overcome the impossibilities. You just have to believe in yourself.” She kisses me on the forehead and gets up. I follow suit.

  “Okay, well then I am off to see dad now. Be back later.” Brooke and I say goodbye and I leave for my father’s house.

  My phone buzzes while driving and I carefully fish it out of my purse.

  “Hey, I just wanted to be sure that you knew to text me later and let me know all about your surprise.”

  “Okay, cool. I won’t forget. Later.” I flick my phone up as I pull up to my father’s house. Even though he said I could just walk in any time I come over, I still ring the door bell. To me it just doesn’t feel right walking into someone’s house when you’ve just recently met them, even if they are family.

  “Hey Abby.” Sarah says as she opens the door. “Welcome to mi casa.” I step in. “Hi Sarah, I didn’t know you spoke Spanish.” I tease.

  “Oh please, I mastered in Spanish. Okay, maybe just the curse words. But still, it’s pretty obvious that ‘mi’ is my and ‘casa’ is house.” We sit in the living room, on the loveseat. “Maybe, to those who actually pay attention during class.” I reply sarcastically.

  “Hey, I pay attention in class. I can’t help it if my teacher is hot and I forget everything and anyone around me. Sheesh, you try participating when this handsome creature, that is standing in front of you oozes sex appeal. You’ll understand.” I shake my head in disbelief at her dramatic take on Mr. Ramirez. He is pretty sexy, so I understand where she is coming from.

  “Hello Abby, great to see you.” Jaclyn saunters into the room with coffee in hand. She sits in the recliner on the other side of the room. “Hi, it’s great to be here.” I say politely.

  “Would you like anything to drink?” I shake my head and smile. “I’m good, thanks.” Then I remember why I’m here.

  “Is dad around?” I ask looking from Sarah to my step mother then back at Sarah again.

  “Yeah, he’s outside.” She points to the opposite side. Assuming he’s in the backyard, I make my way out of the living room.

  I go out the back door and don’t see anything until I hear a hose running by the driveway. I head towards the sound. As I open the gate, I see him standing in the driveway, washing his car. A sweet ride, I might add. He looks up when he hears the gate close and locks. “Hey, I was told you were out here.”

  “And here you found me.” He smiles as he washes the car with soapy water. He likes to get down and dirty, who’d have thought. I walk around and examine the vehicle. “This is a bad ass car.” I admit, checking out the rims and tires. Brady taught me a lot about cars and the maintenance that goes with it. I inspect it thoroughly and notice how new the car looks, or maybe it’s just being washed that makes it look that way. “By the way, mom says you found me a place in New York?” He stands up and throws the sponge in the bucket of water.

  “Yeah, I will give you all of that information later. Want to give me a hand here?” I take the sponge and start washing the other side of the car. “Do you know much about cars?” He asks fascinated by my enthusiasm to wash the car.

  “Brady had taught me some about cars and I used to watch Lucas’s brother wash his truck all the time.” He seems pleased and goes back to scrubbing. “Do you know what type of car this is?” He gestures to the one in front of me. I smile and stand up rinsing the dirt off the sponge and then start to wash the tires.

  “It’s a Honda Civic LX.” He beams, happy with my answer.

  “Yes, you’re right. It’s a 2010, with only 22,000 miles on it. And it’s yours.” Taken by surprise, I look up at him puzzled.

  “Mine?”

  “Yes, I bought it for you, as a graduation gift. And I figure since you’re moving to New York you need a good car with low miles on it.”

  “What’s wrong with my Mustang?” I love my black Mustang. I got it for my sixteenth birthday from my mom. It’s less than two years old, well for me anyway. It’s actually an eighty nine model. Maybe it is time for a new car. Shelby was good to me. But it’s time to let her go. Yeah, I named my car Shelby, even though she’s not a Shelby Mustang. After I watched Gone in Sixty Seconds, I was in love with that car. I told myself when I got my own car I would name it Shelby. Coincidence? I think not. I stand up and assess the situation.

  “So let me get this straight, you got me a place to stay and got me a new car? Or old car, but a new old car as a graduation present?”

  “Is it too much?” He asks eyeing me casually.

  “Is it?” I ask in disbelief.

  “No, it’s not a problem. I have connections. I got a good deal on this car and the apartment is actually an old client that moved there a few years ago. They are moving to Denver so when they mentioned that they were leaving but couldn’t break their lease, we got to talking and they said you could take over the rent for them until you decide future plans.”

  “I don’t know what to say. Are you sure it’s no trouble?” He puts the sponge down and moves to sit beside me.

  “You are my daughter. It’s time I start acting like a father to you. I’ll help you anyway I can.”

  “Thank you. I’m flabbergasted and quite speechless to say the least.” His smile is genuine. “Well, you don’t get it yet. I want to take it into the mechanics and get everything checked out first. Then, once it’s waxed and polished, it is all yours. You can still drive your Mustang for now.”

  We finish washing the car. To say I am dumbfounded would be an understatement of the year. But I can’t hide my excitement, as I work side by side with my father, cleaning and waxing my graduation present.

  Chapter 27

  Prom night is finally upon us. I can't believe how fast it’s crept up. After having dinner with my father, he comes home with me, to see me off to the prom. It’s his daughter’s last high school dance and he wants to be a part of
it. That’s what he says.

  “Oh honey, you’re gonna do great. It’s going to be a fun night.” My mother stands in the hall by the bathroom door. “You’re going to kill him, sweetie. He’ll be begging to come back when he sees you.” I brush my hair and look at her reflection in the mirror. “Mom, I’m the one that would do the begging. Or groveling. I just don’t feel confident right now.” I hold my stomach for a moment.

  “Are you okay?” She bends over and rubs my back. “Do you need some medicine?” I shake my head no. “I just need to lie down for a minute.”

  “No time for that dear.” Sarah’s voice echoes and I look up to see her standing in the doorway smiling. “Hey Sarah.”

  “Are you okay? You need a punch to the gut to feel better?” I laugh and straighten up, brushing my hair again. “I think you’re just nervous. You should be fine once the night starts.” My dad walks in and looks from me to Sarah to my mom. “What are we doing in the bathroom?”

  “We’re having a party, duh! And you’re totally ruining it.” We all laugh. “Well, I’m leaving then.” He turns and heads out the door. My mother follows suit. Sarah sets her bag down on the floor. “Okay, I’m going to be doing your make up and hair. By the way, that dress is smokin’ hot. When Lucas sees you, he’s going to flip.” She starts brushing my hair, and blow dries it. “I hope so.” I reply. “I’m not even sure if he’s really going. He won’t return my calls or texts. God Sarah, I fucked up.”

  She stops mid stroke and turns me around to face her. “Abby, you need to stop. All this ‘pity me, I fucked up’ shit is making you look pathetic. What’s done is done. Now you just need to fix it. Show him that you love him and will do anything to work it out.”

  “How did you get so wise? I’m glad you’re here. How’s it going at dads?” I ask. She turns me back around and continues with my hair.

  “It’s going well. I love Christopher; he’s such a cool kid. And Jaclyn is really nice. She gives me my space. Not that I need a lot. I’m really glad you and dad are getting along. Thanks for you know, being cool.” I smile at her in the mirror.

  After she fixes my hair in a bun, she moves onto my make up. I feel like I’m at a salon getting all fixed up by a professional. Sarah is good at applying my make up. She doesn’t overdo it. Thank God. I’d hate to look like a clown at my prom. Once she finishes my face she says, “Okay done. Now the last thing is the dress.”

  “Oh you look beautiful Abby.” Brooke’s voice appears from the hall. She walks into the bathroom, mouth open in astonishment.

  “This aint nothing yet. She’s got the dress to put on yet. Once that’s on, then she’s going to look like Cinderella.” Feeling truly blessed to have my sister and my best friend together and helping me look my best for prom, my eyes start to water. “Oh shit, not the water works. You’ll ruin your face.” Sarah hands me a Kleenex and I dab it on my eyes gently. “Sorry, I’m just emotional right now. I must be due for my period.”

  Brooke holds my hand and smiles. “No sweetie, you’re just emotional because it’s going to be a great night. Whether or not Lucas is there, you’re going to have fun with me.” I look behind her for Brady but don’t see him anywhere. “Is Brady coming with us?”

  “No, he’s meeting us there. I thought you could use a friend so I told him I would ride with you.” She looks sympathetic for some reason but she still smiles. “Any word on whether or not Lucas is coming tonight?” She looks down, almost sad then looks me in the eye. “I’m sorry sweetie, he’s not coming. That’s another reason why I wanted to come with you. I’m sorry Abby.” She pats my hand. “Oh,” is all I can say. A part of me wants to forget the whole dance and stay in bed all night, but after all my sister has done, and with Brooke being here with me, it wouldn’t be right. I just sigh in defeat and accept the fact that it may be over between us.

  “Abby, you’re going to be fine. We’ll get through this.” Brooke follows me and sits on my bed.

  “I want to kill that bastard. I thought he would have gotten over his shit by now. God, guys are such pricks.” Yeah, my sister is right about that.

  “Sarah, I’m fine. Let’s just get my dress on and get this dance thing started.” I say as I take the dress off the hanger. After carefully getting myself into the dress, everyone “oohs” and “ahhs” at the sight of me.

  “How does it fit?” Brooke asks.

  “Perfect.” I smile, smoothing out the material. I feel like Cinderella, only without a prince to whisk me away to paradise. “Oh my goodness, shoes!” I slap my forehead, forgetful and try to hide my pain. I completely forgot about shoes. Since the dress is pretty long, I could wear slippers and it wouldn’t matter.

  “Gotcha covered babe.” Brooke runs out of the room and comes back a minute later with some silver and black strap high heels. I put them on my feet. “Oh Brooke, you really didn’t have to. I could have worn my ballet flats or Hello Kitty slippers and no one would notice. The dress is pretty long.” She waves her hand back and forth to silence me, shaking her head. “Nonsense. I’m not going to let my best friend wear the hottest dress to prom and not have the perfect shoes to go with them.”

  “Thank you. You’re the best!” I hug her and head into the bathroom to check myself out in the mirror. I almost don’t recognize my reflection. My makeup, my hair and my dress, it’s all too perfect for words. I put on my diamond earrings, which I got for my birthday a year from my mother along with a nice bracelet.

  “Oh Abby, you look stunning.” I smile at my dad and turn around to face him. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

  “You can. Just have fun with your friends.” I try to smile but it turns into a frown. I solemnly walk out to the living room where my mother is sitting on the sofa. She sees me and darts out of the chair. She grabs my shoulders and looks me up and down, assessing me.

  “Wow, what a transformation. You look beyond gorgeous! Lucas is going to –“ I shake my head, cutting her off. She drops her arms to her sides. “Oh sweetheart, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” No, but I have to be for tonight at least. I plaster a fake small, smile and nod. I am holding back the tears; afraid I’d break down and ruin all the hard work Sarah did. I turn to Brooke. “My dad got me a new car.” She raises her brows in excitement. “Really?” I shake my head.

  “Yes, well that will be given to you for graduation. So don’t get any ideas ladies.” My dad puts his hand on my back. “I need pictures. Go and stand over there and pose for me.” I stand over by the front door and try feigning a sexy pose. It puts me in a better mood. Then Brooke joins me. Her dress is red and short, showing off her long legs. Her hair is curled and up in a pony tail. She looks glamorous. We pose together for a few more pictures. “Beautiful. You both are stunning.” My dad puts the camera down and puts his hands on my shoulders. “You’re going to have a fabulous time. Promise me you’ll try.”

  “I promise.” And I mean it. I feel like Cinderella so I will go and play the part, at least for a little while.

  “What are you going to do tonight?” I ask Sarah.

  “Oh the usual, stir up some trouble.” I give her a skeptical look.

  “Just kidding. I’m going to stay the night with Haley. But knowing us, we’ll probably stir up trouble anyway.” I give her a hug and whisper, “thank you,” in her ear. She pulls back and looks in my eyes. “Have fun. Forget Lucas. You deserve to have a night of fun. You can deal with him later.” I hug my mother tightly. “Have a great night baby. Should I expect you home tonight?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ll let you know. I love you.” We walk out the door.

  On the way, my stomach is in knots. I feel nauseous. I want to go back home but I know I can’t. I turn on the radio and try to drown out all of my miserable thoughts. Brooke turns down the music and looks at me.

  “Are you okay Abby?”

  “Yeah, yeah I’m fine.” I lie. She doesn’t buy it.

  “I know it’s hard. I’m sorry Lucas is being unfair. I’ll make sure that Br
ady and I aren’t all mushy during the dance. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” I shake my head. “No, that’s crazy. Don’t do that. I’ll be fine.”

  We pull up to the parking lot of Falcon High. The lot is full of students milling around.

  “Hey guys! Whoa, you ladies look hot!” Brady greets us at my car, opening the door for Brooke. He gives her a kiss and I pretend not to look. I’m not going to cry. My heart constricts and I wish Lucas was here with me.

  “You look handsome, Brady.” I tell him. And he does. He’s wearing a black tux with a white dress shirt and a silk tie. He gives Brooke a pink corsage. Oh how I wish Lucas was here. I went to prom with Brady last year and it was a blast. But I know I will have ten times as much fun with Lucas. I look away from them and hear Brooke whispering to Brady.

  He looks at me apologetically. Then he gives me a hug. “I’m sorry Lucas isn’t coming. But I think he still loves you. It’s probably just hard for him to see you right now. And if he were to see you looking like that, oh my he’d probably take you into the bathroom and have his way.” Brooke smacks him in the chest. “That’s enough. And don’t you take his side. He’s being a real jerk.” He shuts up and we all quietly walk inside.

  “Damn, this place is amazing.” We are all amazed by the gym and how it’s decorated. The committee really went all out this year. The theme is Starry Night. There are twinkling lights everywhere. There are full and crescent-shaped moons. Strands of white lights are strewn all across the floor and against the baseboards, with streamers, bows and ribbons. There are silver, black, gold and blue stars hanging from the ceiling. There’s also a mirror ball. It’s almost magical. Music is blaring and people are dancing.

  “Hey, let’s take our picture.” Brooke says to Brady. They walk over to the backdrop of a moon with stars surrounding them and pose for a picture. I watch them in awe. They both smile and I can’t help but smile with them. I take my phone out of my purse and stupidly text Lucas. Please talk to me.