by Grey, Chloe
Everything they owned that hadn’t come back home with them was in the tiny campus storage in the basement of their dorms. If they went back to San Diego with intentions of staying there year-round, they would have to find new places to live.
“I’m only going to go back to my dad’s place to sleep. I haven’t unpacked anything except a few clothes.”
She considered what to do with her things. It would be best to look through the boxes, decide what she wanted to keep, and take the most important items with her when she left. She didn’t trust Wanda around her belongings.
“When I’m not asleep, I’ll either be at work, here, or helping Jennifer pack until she leaves. So you know where to look for me.”
Around them, the bustle of the coffee shop continued. The bell on the front door jingled as customers went in and out. People ordered their coffees, chairs were pulled away from tables, and quiet conversations went on around them. Meaghan tried to tune it all out. After all, she would be spending a lot of free time here.
She only glanced up when she heard a grating voice call her name.
“So, you think you can come and go from your father’s house and talk shit about me all around town, Meaghan?” It was Wanda. She had heard everything. And she was pissed.
“I—I didn’t realize…look I’m sorry, okay?”
“You bet your ass you’re sorry. When I get home I’ll make sure your dad knows about this. And maybe you shouldn’t bother coming back at all.”
“Look Wanda,” Chase spoke up, anger rising up inside him for how she treated Meaghan. “Meaghan hasn’t done anything to you. You treat her like crap. Why would she want to be anywhere near you?”
Wanda looked at Chase in horror. “And who the fuck asked for your opinion? This isn’t your business, so back the fuck up.”
Chase stood up and took a step toward Wanda. Everyone in the coffee shop looked up. Wanda only had one volume to her voice—shrill.
“It’s my business because this is my best friend,” Chase said.
Wanda adjusted her footing. Her hand came up and pulled backward for what seemed like a backhand to Chase’s face. Before her hand made it there, he quickly grasped her forearm.
“Seriously, Wanda? You were going to slap me? For what? Telling the truth about what a nasty person you are? Come on, Meaghan, Let’s go.”
He released her and the two left, with Wanda still swearing back inside. They walked toward Meaghan’s house. It couldn’t get much worse. Jennifer was leaving; Wanda had gone off the deep end; and Chase felt he could end up hurting someone if they stuck around.
“We’re leaving town.”
“What? We just got here.”
“And if you stay, it will get worse. No lifeguard job or swim instructor job is worth that kind of abuse. She crossed the line in there, Meaghan. And now the whole town knows what a bitch she is to you.”
“So what will we do?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“I don’t think that’s good enough, Chase. We don’t have a ton of savings. We just flew here, so how will we even get back? We’re also going to be a big inconvenience if we both leave the community center jobs with little notice. And Aunt Jennifer needs us.”
Chase hesitated briefly, but within moments he had an answer. “I am going to take care of this. Go home and get your things packed. I’ll pick you up in three hours.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Just trust me. In three hours you’ll know everything.”
Chase hugged her and kissed her on her forward before they parted ways.
***
Meaghan got home soon after. Her dad was out, and thankfully, Wanda was not back yet. Instead of packing and waiting there, she gathered her things together and called a cab. She could wait at Aunt Jennifer’s. She left a note for her dad and tucked it into his favorite coffee mug. Wanda never prepared meals for him anyway, so she’d never find it.
Jennifer was also out when she got to her house. Meaghan climbed the back porch and sat in the swing set to wait. She found a romance paperback laying on the table out back—probably Jennifer had been reading it—and settled in to read as she waited.
She may have fallen asleep at some point, because she woke up to the feel of Chase’s hand on her shoulder.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
“Sorry I couldn’t wait at home. I didn’t want to bump into Wanda again.”
“That’s okay. So are you ready?”
“Ready for what?”
“You’re staying here at Jennifer’s tonight. And tomorrow, we’re leaving.”
“What? Where will we go?
“I spoke to Jennifer. She said we should go back to San Diego before Wanda does any more damage. She gave me this.”
He held up a wad of twenty dollar bills.
“How much is that?”
“It’s two thousand dollars,” Jennifer said from behind her. “It’s not much, but it will help. And it’s my gift to the two of you, so don’t you dare refuse it. Use it to get back to San Diego and get yourselves a place.”
“What about your move?”
“My move is well in hand now. I found a service that does it all. They’ll be here tomorrow. They’ll pack my things, put it into a few of those pods, ship it to Houston on the back of a trailer, and then they’ll unpack it in our new house. It’s perfect. And easy as pie. And I have Chase to thank for it. Who knew Google was so useful?”
“Aunt Jennifer, are you sure we shouldn’t stick around and try to work it out? I feel bad leaving my dad like this.” Meaghan said sadly.
“There was a time I would tell you to keep trying; that Wanda may come around. And you know what? I was wrong. Chase didn’t have to tell me what happened at the coffee shop. You know why? It’s all around town. My friend Janet was in the line and saw Wanda act the fool with her own eyes. Janet does not exaggerate. So when she called me almost in tears about how Wanda treated you and Chase, and swore up and down the place like she lost her damn mind, I didn’t have to think twice.”
“What about our jobs?”
“Don’t even think about it. There are other kids who will fill in and they live right here in town. Did you forget Janet’s husband is both of your bosses? She was sure to tell him what happened. As far as I’m concerned, you have to leave for your own health and safety.”
She held on to both our shoulders, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Believe me. If I could take you with me, I would. But you have college degrees to finish. And you’re both strong. Stick together. Have each other’s back. You can’t go wrong. When school is out, come out to see David and me in Houston before you decide on where you’ll finally settle down. We’ll only be a phone call away if you ever need us.”
She paused and looked at Chase. “And Chase? No more tattoos, okay? I know they’re art and I love them; they’re beautiful. But now you have to step up a little more. I don’t want people misjudging you, or dragging you into shady dealings, just because of what you’ve got on your arm. You’re smart, kind and handsome; and you’re a good man.”
She smiled at that last part. Chase relaxed and held her close. He wasn’t sure he could make that promise—he loved tattoos on his skin—but he knew she meant well.
“Oh! I have another gift for you two, and an idea on how you can get settled in San Diego with a lot less hassle.”
She went inside and came out with a set of keys. “We don’t have an extra car, but we have David’s old Harley. Chase, you’ll be glad you listened to David and got your motorcycle license two years ago. Now it’s yours.”
“We—I can’t—you know I can’t accept such an expensive gift,” Chase said, pushing the keys away, still in shock from the offer.
“You can and you will. David had planned on selling it last year. He just didn’t have the time to advertise, and let people test drive it. I talked to him today, and he said you can have it. David heard about Wanda’s outburst before I could even p
hone him. Can you believe one of his co-workers was there, and they phoned him all the way in Houston to tell him?
“Usually I don’t like rumors flying so fast, but what it’s told me is people in this town care about you two. They care enough to speak up and they probably all hate Wanda now. Anyway, David was mad as hell. He’ll even pay for your things to be shipped back to San Diego in a pod, with this same moving company. This means you can bike all the way back. Sounds like a fun road trip for you two!”
Meaghan and Chase stood silently. They had only been in town for four days and they were leaving again. It was unbelievable.
Jennifer continued before they could say anything. “The bike is in great shape, and all he asks is that you make sure and come visit us in Houston when things get better for you. See why I love the man and would follow him anywhere?”
Meaghan was teary eyed too. Things were happening faster than she thought possible, but it felt better than staying in town.
“And I’m going to say one more thing to you two right now before you go. I want you both to hear it so there’s no mistaking my intentions or my meaning. You two keep insisting you’re best friends and nothing more. I know somewhere deep down, that you feel something is wrong with getting together.
“Maybe you’ve both seen too many failed relationships, and you don’t want to take the next step. And you’re probably already squirming that I’m saying this, but it’s possible to be best friends and more. It’s possible and it can work. Look at David and me. Our lives aren’t perfect, but he’s my best friend, the kindest man I know, and I can’t imagine a life without him.
“So stay friends if you want. I’ll love you both, no matter what. But just so you both know, I would be just as supportive if you turned out to be more than friends. Now before I start bawling, please just take good care of each other and get out of here tomorrow as soon as dawn hits.
“If you leave by seven, you’ll make it to San Diego by just after two in the afternoon. I’ve got a map somewhere around here. I think the best two stops are Gila Bend at Highway eighty-five for the first stop, and then anywhere in Mexicali. Go on, now. Get some rest. I love you both.”
Chase and Meaghan could barely look at each other after that word of advice from Jennifer. They never expected her to be that frank, or to virtually give them her blessings to hook up as a couple. Neither of them knew how to react to it—but it was something they had both contemplated before, even if they never admitted it to each other.
Chapter 5
“Dad, I didn’t do it.” Meaghan took deep breaths to keep herself from sobbing over the phone, but it wasn’t easy. She was trembling, on the verge of a panic attack, as she sat at Jennifer’s kitchen table. She and Chase had only made it back to Jennifer’s house for two hours when the phone rang. According to her dad, Wanda said Meaghan and Chase were at the house, and now, Meaghan’s things and his jewelry were gone.
“I wouldn’t take anything from you. I have no reason to steal from you, Dad.” She shook her head, trying to figure out how she could convince him, when it was obvious he believed Wanda’s claims. “I earn my own money. There’s no point in taking your jewelry. I would never steal from you.”
“Wanda said you took it so you can move back to San Diego.” His voice was tense. He sounded furious. “The two of you would need a deposit and two months’ rent upfront, which is something I know you wouldn’t be able to earn so quickly.” The disgust in his voice was obvious. “I want to believe you, but your only alibi is Chase, and I know he’d lie for you.”
She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. “You know she doesn’t like me, Dad.”
“No, she doesn’t, but she has tried with you and you’ve never given her a chance.”
Blowing up at him wouldn’t do any good, so Meaghan did her best to ignore that, because she had given Wanda a chance. She’d given Wanda more than one chance, and nothing had worked. It was never going to, not when all she wanted was build a wedge between Meaghan and her father.
“Dad, have I ever stolen from anyone before?”
“You’ve never been caught before.”
“Can I ask what Wanda was doing in my room in the first place?” Trying to remain calm was the only way she could get through this, even though she wanted to throw up.
“Looking for something she thought she’d left in there. My jewelry was sitting on the desk. The only logical explanation is that you took it.”
“Or your wife was trying to frame me for something I didn’t do.” Another tear made its way down Meaghan’s cheek. “Why won’t you believe that’s a possibility?”
“I don’t understand why Wanda would do that. I don’t understand why you’d steal from me either, but she did make a good case for it being you. Give me one reason I should believe Wanda framed you.”
This was her chance. “Did she even tell you what happened at the coffee shop? The whole town saw it. But I’m sure she’s neglected to tell you how she behaved.”
“I haven’t heard a thing.”
“Well, you will. And if you don’t, it means people are afraid to try to talk any sense into you. Look Dad, I know this is hard to hear, but for some reason, Wanda seems to think you can’t possibly love her as much as you love me. She won’t share you with me or anyone. It’s obvious you mean the world to her, but she feels that taking it out on me—and accusing me like this, will put a wedge between us. I can’t believe you don’t want to see it for yourself. The simplest way of doing that is by making me look like a thief.”
He went silent on the phone.
“Isn’t there anything I can do to make you believe me?”
“Yes, Meaghan. You can bring back the jewelry and I’ll forgive you.”
She sunk against the hard back of the chair, defeated, as she scrubbed the tears off her cheeks with the back of her hand. She wanted to hang up, but she couldn’t.
“You’ve made up your mind. Wanda, of course, couldn’t possibly be the person I keep telling you she is. I’m the one not giving her a chance. Nothing I do is ever going to be good enough, and I think the time has come for me to leave.”
“I don’t want you to go,” he admitted, his voice losing its rough edge, “but maybe it’s for the best. You and Wanda can’t coexist as it is, and now you’ve stolen from me, Meg.”
“I didn’t steal from you!”
Jennifer took the phone from Meaghan then. It had gone too far. She turned the speakerphone volume. “Stan, this is Jennifer. Listen, I gave these kids two thousand dollars to move back to San Diego. Meaghan didn’t steal a thing from you. Your wife is a problem, and if you keep siding with her, you’ll lose your daughter. And eventually Wanda will leave you too. You’ve got blinders on and now you’re hurting your own flesh and blood.”
“Jen, you’d better stay out of it this time, I—”
Jennifer cut him off. “You’re my brother, but I’m not going to stand here and let my niece take your wife’s crap. No matter what happens, Meaghan will always love you, and you know I love you too, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna stand here and condone your actions.”
“That’s enough, Jen. I believe my wife. I love Meaghan, but I can’t believe my wife would do this. Tell Meaghan goodbye for me.”
With that, he hung up. Jennifer smacked the end call button.
“He’s so damn stubborn!” When she calmed down, she patted Meaghan on the shoulder. “He’s always been stubborn, honey. And he’ll end up paying for that with the crap karma Wanda brings him one day. He loves you; he’s just stupid right now.”
“Thanks Aunt Jennifer. I think I’ll just head to sleep now.”
She changed into her pajamas and collapsed on one of Jennifer’s sofas. Unable to take his eyes off her, Chase watched from the other couch as Meaghan settled in. He felt horrible for what she had just gone through. He fell asleep repeating the same thing in his mind—it’ll be better in San Diego. And we’ll be together.
***
Mor
ning came too soon, and it was time to leave. They had packed one large backpack of clothes and bottled water for their close to seven-hour road trip. Meaghan insisted she would carry it, so Chase could focus on riding. Jennifer had searched the garage for the helmets and riding jackets that came with the bike. It was time to go, and none of them could make the first move—not even Jennifer.
When a few minutes passed and tears had fallen, Jennifer spoke up. “For as long as I can remember, the two of you have been like my own children. David and I don’t have anyone else. Both of you have been through so much, and look at you. You’ve come through it as wonderful young people, and I know you’re going to do the best with what you have.
“I don’t have any worries at all. Things can only get better. And all I want is for the two of you to be happy somewhere. I don’t care where it is. I don’t even care if you get together, although I hope you do. Please, Meg, Chase, take care.”
Unable to stop herself, Meaghan burst into tears yet again. They streamed down her cheeks. Being given the bike, the means to move, and the money they needed to get there, and find a place—it was too much. She shook her head, doing her best to put an end to the tears. She’d cried enough, and her eyes were burning. Finally, she managed to calm down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry.”
“Oh, sweetie, you don’t need to apologize for that,” Jennifer said.
“It’s just that you’re…” She wrapped her arms around her aunt. “Thank you. You are the most wonderful person, and I just can’t believe you’ve done this for us.”
“I wish we could be together, but it’s not meant to be right now. But what I can do is make things as easy as possible for you.” She kissed Meaghan on the cheek. “Promise me you will take good care of yourself. Both of you.”
***
“How about we stop off somewhere and decide how we’re going to make this work?” Chase asked.
“Sure,” Meaghan agreed. “Not for too long, though, okay? I want to be out of this town before Wanda accuses me of anything else.”
“You’re probably right.”
